I finally made my first foray into Northern California last month, and it was for a very good reason. I was invited to attend the She Leads California prayer event, “Jesus Reigns,” in Sacramento with other women from across California. It was held on September 9, 2023, California’s anniversary for becoming a State. She Leads California is a chapter of She Leads America, a community of Christian women who unite together around God’s Word.
We were asked to make an investment of our time and money to unite in our “call on the Lord” and to “look to Him as our only source of hope and truth that will bring healing, revival, and wholeness to California and its people.” I was happy to make this investment! Some of the ladies that I know from L.A. who were also attending the prayer event decided that we should go together and make it a road trip. This post is about our epic adventure!
Day One: Getting to Sacramento
From Los Angeles, Sacramento is about a five and a half hour drive north along Interstate 5. We decided, however, to take the scenic route along the Pacific Coast Highway. The plan was to pass through Malibu, Oxnard, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo on our way to Big Sur… but we missed an exit and our route didn’t get us to the Pacific Coast Highway until Santa Barbara. It was worth the wait as the views were beautiful! And that was just the beginning. Turns out, we stumbled upon one of the most scenic road trips in California without even realizing it, Highway 101 from Malibu to Lompoc.
Once we arrived at Big Sur, our views were not just of the ocean but of the ocean from a cliff. We had to turn around and head south to make our way to McWay Falls as a rockslide had closed the northbound route. I wasn’t mad, though, because the detour meant I had an amazing view right outside my window. We witnessed a very stunning sunset during this drive.
If you don’t want to or cannot drive to Sacramento but still want to enjoy the scenery, you can take the train. Amtrak has two scenic routes to Sacramento, the Coast Starlight with stops also in Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles. And the California Zephyr, which passes through Sacramento on its way to San Francisco from Chicago. You can also take a plane and fly right into Sacramento International Airport, if time is a factor.
Where to Stay
We considered staying at an Airbnb until we learned that a group rate was being provided at the Hyatt Regency. Ultimately, we decided to stay at the Marriott SpringHill Suites because it was spacious and easily accommodated all four of us. Plus, it was just a short drive to the Capitol. More importantly, it saved us a decent amount that we could then put toward our day trip! Plus it included breakfast, which was a nice convenience.
Day Two: Destination Sacramento
Sacramento is historically known for California’s gold rush as masses flocked there in search of gold. It has been the capital of California since 1854 and is now considered America’s Farm-to-Fork capital. I was excited to see all that Sacramento had to offer! But my first impression of Sacramento had to wait until the next morning because we did not arrive until well after midnight. I was looking forward to experiencing Sacramento’s restaurant scene, but our late arrival meant we had to shift our dinner plans to Nepenthe in Big Sur.
My first real view of Sacramento was of The Tower Bridge. Although I saw it from the back seat of our rental, I could instantly tell why it is considered insta-worthy; it is bright and cheery! As we crossed it, I could see the capitol building come into view as it was straight ahead. And as we got closer, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Capitol Building is on a quiet tree-lined street, where we easily found a close parking spot. Maybe that was because it was 9 o’clock on a Saturday morning.
My first up close view of the Capitol Building was awe-inspiring. God Himself seemed to be announcing His presence at our prayer event as the sunlight streaming through the windows of the Capitol’s dome seemed to create a halo around it. We were greeted by a praise and worship service that was interspersed with prayer for everyone, from our government leaders to school children and everyone in between. After the three beautiful hours of prayer, the event concluded when we were all handed bells tied with purple ribbons to ring together.
After the prayer, we headed to Cafeteria 15L for brunch. Everything looked delicious. I was considering two things. But since our waiter said, portion wise, the chicken and waffles was too much, I settled for the chocolate waffle with a side of candied bacon. 🤷🏽♀️
Day Trip: San Francisco
After the prayer event, we decided to head to the city to do some sightseeing and to have dinner at Pier 39. During this excursion, we were truly excited to see the Golden Gate Bridge, some of us for the first time!
We stopped to enjoy the scenery and capture memories at the Golden Gate Overlook, Baker Beach, and on the cable cars before settling down at a cozy restaurant with a roaring fireplace, Fog Harbour Fish House.
We cut our sightseeing short because it was freezing! It was like a winter storm rolled in right in the middle of summer. That fireplace was a welcome sight. We made sure to warm up in front of it before heading back out into the whipping winds.
The route back to the hotel took us over the Bay Bridge. It was after dark, so it was all lit up. Though it was not as exciting as the Golden Gate, it was dazzling with all of its lights. One of our travel companions made up a ‘Name That Tune’ game for us to play on the way. Instead of naming that tune, though, we had to name the movie or TV show it was featured in. It was a fun way to pass the time on our hour and a half drive.
Day Three: Jesus Culture Sacramento
Our last day of the trip was a Sunday, so of course we made plans to go to Sunday service. We had the privilege of joining Jesus Culture for worship on their 9th anniversary. Afterward, I made sure I stopped to sign the gigantic ‘Jesus’ sign that greets worshipers just inside the entrance. They gave us very nice stainless steel Jesus Culture tumblers as a gift for visiting. Then we grabbed lunch from the food trucks that were there after service before getting back on the road.
We took Interstate 5 home, and it turns out that way is pretty scenic too, with its own beautiful sunset.
I was so thankful to be a part of this call to prayer and to do so with likeminded women while enjoying new sights on a fun adventure! Have you ever taken a road trip to Sacramento? If so, please share what your experience was like in the comments below.
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” – Jeremiah 29:12
Until next time, stay beautiful! 💖
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