This California Getaway is a budget-friendly alternative to San Francisco.

Forbes

2 days ago

Yolo County California is a tranquil respite from city life. Now's the time to visit for the best of summer harvest and a peak into fall. getty
The word 'YOLO' is an acronym for 'You Only Live Once' and is best visualized as a bungee-jumping teenager screaming as he takes the leap. But adults who are just looking to live their best lives might find a better interpretation by checking out Yolo County, California.
This pocket of the Golden State is just 90 minutes from San Francisco, an hour from the extraordinary wine of Napa, and 20 minutes from UC Davis. It's an easy flight into Sacramento International Airport followed by a 40 min drive to the heart of the county. And it lives up to its name with some of the healthiest and most budget-friendly farm-to-table offerings in the country.
It makes sense—California is the largest producer of organic food in the nation, and neighboring San Francisco has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in California. Most of that award-winning food originates in Yolo County, arguably the beating heart of the state's organic food scene.
What this means for travelers is that you can enjoy top-notch cuisine at a fraction of the price, capture the California vibe without the crowds, and enjoy a wellness getaway that is more about great food, delicious wines, and the Northern California lifestyle than it is about spa treatments and gyms.
The Davis Farmers Market in Yolo County, California, draws summer crowds seeking fresh produce and artisan wares. Visit Yolo
Summer's bounty is at its height and fall produce will soon be making an appearance. Davis Farmers Market is the place to find the best of it, to connect with the locals, and to enjoy hours of family entertainment.
Here's what to expect through September: two city blocks of vendor stands, including 70 farmers, three local wineries, four breweries, 15 restaurants, and a number of community artisans. There's a carousel and a new splash pad, and on any given Saturday, you might find as many as 10,000 people enjoying the festivities.
In 2026, Davis Farmers Market turns 50 years old, so expect some extra fun if you travel to Yolo next year. Located near UC Davis, the farmers market is the perfect place to round out a day. From there, you can walk to the arboretum or up and down the eclectic streets of this college town for hours. Dine On Locally Sourced California Fare
The asparagus at Lucy's Cafe & Farm Pantry is almost too pretty to eat, and it's grown just down the street at the family farm. Rebecca Deurlein
In downtown Winters, you'll discover everything from casual cafes where farmers gather to trade secrets, to fine dining that could have been lifted straight from the streets of New York City.
Putah Creek Café is a great place to grab a hearty sandwich and a table outside for some serious people-watching. Across the street, the Buckhorn Grill, helmed by the same owners, makes you feel like you're in Texas—this is the place to nosh on a filet with your happy hour old-fashioned.
And then there's Preserve, a delight for the taste buds where food preservation is central to the dining experience. Yes, it's great to eat everything in season, but it's also commendable to preserve Yolo's overabundance of produce so it's never thrown away. That's where this restaurant earns its moniker—think lemons and jalapenos saved for future dishes and tasting exactly like they were just picked. Chef's selections rely on availability, like the locally farmed trout that fills a delectable agnolotti and is topped with roe.
In the tiny town of Esparto, you'll find Lucy's Café & Farm Pantry, where ingredients are sourced from the third-generation Cadena Farm, owned by the same family. The asparagus here is too beautiful to be real, and nearly everything at this café is grown just down the street, including all the vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Even the tonic is homemade with mandarins and blood oranges, so stopping in for a refreshing drink is well worth it.
Another small town in Yolo County, Woodland, is a great place to sit down to a delicious breakfast. Don't miss Savory Café, where Chef Pedro Lopez sources ingredients from Durst Organic Growers. Enjoy organic free range eggs with Bloomsdale spinach and Village Bakery brioche (yes, everything has a name so you know exactly where your food came from) for less than $20. Wander A Lavender Farm In Beautiful Yolo
Entrepreneur Sherri Wood bought land and grew a lavender farm in Yolo County, California. She's never looked back. Visit Yolo
A drive through the Capay Valley is a must when in Yolo. The rolling hills are so green you'll think you're in Ireland, and they're dotted with grazing cattle and idyllic farms that make you take a deep breath and instantly relax.
Your goal destination is Capay Valley Lavender, where owner Sherri Wood will personally welcome you to her farm and tell you a story that highlights just how entrepreneurial she is. But you've come for the lavender, and you shall have it. Snap purple-hued photos in the fields, learn how to make oils in one of Wood's onsite classes, and take home lavender in a variety of forms, so you'll always remember the bounty of Yolo.
If you're looking for a California getaway that is budget-friendly, food-focused, and filled with small-town charm, you only live once, so get to Yolo.