24-Hour Getaway to Winters, Ca (for small town lovers) 

Need a quick getaway about an hour from San Francisco? Here’s the perfect Winters itinerary for a day exploring one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets.

Sometimes the best getaways from San Francisco are the places you’ve barely heard of. That was exactly the case when I celebrated my anniversary in Winters. I expected some good food and wine, but somewhere between wandering the historic downtown, browsing charming local shops, and enjoying one memorable meal after another, my expectations were exceeded.

If you’re searching for relaxing things to do in Winters, you’ll quickly discover that this small Northern California town packs a surprising amount into just a few walkable blocks. From locally owned restaurants and wineries to beautiful countryside views and boutique shopping, it’s an easy escape without the crowds or traffic you’ll find in Napa. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip or a peaceful overnight getaway, here’s exactly how I’d spend 24 hours in Winters.

Winters, California Itinerary Details

Breakfast at Putah Creek Cafe 

Whenever I’m visiting a new town, I always look for the place where the locals are eating. In Winters, that’s Putah Creek Cafe. It has the kind of welcoming atmosphere where servers greet regulars by name and coffee refills seem to appear before you even realize your mug is getting low.

I ordered the Greek yogurt parfait that was loaded with lots of fruit and granola, while Pete went with the ginormous huevos rancheros. Everything tasted fresh, homemade, and exactly what we needed before a full day of exploring. If you arrive during the weekend rush, don’t be surprised if there’s a wait. It’s popular for good reason. If you’re short on time, Steady Eddy’s across the street is another great choice with more of a coffee shop feel.

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Roam Park Winters Flower Farm

One of my favorite stops wasn’t actually in downtown Winters. Just a few minutes outside town, Park Winters feels like a peaceful escape surrounded by farmland and wide-open countryside.

We happened to visit on a day when the property was closed, but even seeing the gardens from the public areas made the short drive worthwhile. If you can plan your visit when they’re open, the seasonal U-Pick Flower Farm lets you wander through colorful rows of blooms and create your own bouquet to take home. The estate also hosts brunches, afternoon teas, and seasonal workshops throughout the year. Even if you don’t stay overnight in the beautifully restored Victorian farmhouse, it’s worth stopping to enjoy the gardens and browse the charming Cottage Shop.

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Grab Lunch at Preserve

By lunchtime, I was ready for something light. That plan lasted about thirty seconds after I spotted the Fried Chicken Bánh Mì on the Preserve menu.

The downtown restaurant has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of greenery, natural wood, and large windows that brighten the entire space. I ordered the sandwich, and it didn’t disappoint. The crispy chicken paired perfectly with the fresh vegetables and soft baguette, making every bite better than the last. The house salad was just as memorable, loaded with crisp greens, apples, feta, radishes, and a fresh vinaigrette. Since the menu changes with the seasons, every visit offers something a little different while showcasing ingredients grown throughout the surrounding farmland.

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Walk the Trestle Bridge

After lunch, take a few minutes to walk across the Historic Trestle Bridge — it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Winter. Originally built in 1906, the steel bridge once carried trains across Putah Creek before being converted into a pedestrian bridge decades later. As you walk across, look down and you’ll notice thin red strips embedded in the concrete. They mark where the original railroad tracks once ran, preserving a small piece of the bridge’s past. From the middle, you’ll have peaceful views of the creek and mature trees.

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Shop & Stroll Downtown

One of the things I loved most about Winters was how easy it was to explore. If navigating busy cities or searching endlessly for parking makes you anxious, this little town is a breath of fresh air. We parked once and spent the rest of the afternoon wandering on foot, which made the whole day feel wonderfully relaxed.

Downtown is only a few blocks long, but every shop feels thoughtfully chosen. My favorite was Winter Collective, where I happily browsed home décor, plants, clothing, skincare products, and gifts from local makers. I had to talk myself out of buying another candle, which seems to happen on every trip I take. Just around the corner, The Shoppe is another boutique filled with unique gifts and home goods that are hard to leave behind.

As you wander, don’t forget to look beyond the storefronts. Colorful murals are tucked throughout downtown, and spotting them became a fun little challenge for us. My favorite was the heart mural, which is the perfect backdrop for a quick photo before continuing your stroll.

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Wine Tasting at Turkovich Family Wines

I’ll admit it. I’m a little picky when it comes to wine tasting. I love red wine, but sparkling, white, and rosé have never really been my thing. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when Turkovich Family Wines let us build our own tasting flight.

For just $15, we each chose five wines we actually wanted to try. After visiting wineries where tastings can cost several times that amount, it almost felt too good to be true. I filled my flight with reds, and every pour was one I’d happily order again. We ended up bringing home a bottle of their Reserve Cabernet, which is usually my sign that a winery is worth remembering.

The downtown tasting room is welcoming and refreshingly unpretentious, but you could also seasonally visit their winery just a few miles away. 

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Dinner at Buckhorn Steakhouse

By dinnertime, we’d eaten our way through most of Winters, but there was no way we were leaving without trying Buckhorn Steakhouse. Located inside the historic DeVilbiss Hotel on Main Street, it has the warm, rustic atmosphere you’d hope for in a classic steakhouse, with oak furnishings, antler chandeliers, and plenty of character.

Normally I’d tell you to order one of their famous aged steaks, but after a full day of eating, Pete and I decided to share a few dishes instead. The Steakhouse Chopped Salad was generously topped with char-roasted tri-tip, crisp greens, tomatoes, cheese, and crispy fried onions that added the perfect crunch. We also ordered the Beef Carpaccio that was made with thinly sliced filet mignon. Both were great choices, and so were the brussel sprouts!

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See the Cute (& Quirky) Homes  

After an incredibledinner, an evening walk felt like the perfect way to walk off some calories. One of my favorite discoveries was how quickly the scenery changes once you leave Main Street. Within a block or two, you’ll find yourself wandering peaceful residential streets lined with beautiful historic homes, many of them dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.

What I loved most was the mix of elegance and personality. Some homes looked straight out of a storybook, while others embraced colorful paint, whimsical yard art, and vintage touches that made each property feel unique.

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Overnight at Hotel Winters

It’s easy to turn you trip into an overnight getaway at Hotel Winters — it makes an excellent home base. Its biggest advantage is its location. Once you’ve checked in, you can easily walk to the restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops throughout downtown without needing to move your car again.

From the moment we arrived, the hotel felt warm and inviting rather than overly formal. I especially appreciated the complimentary cucumber water and freshly brewed iced tea waiting in the lobby. Our room was clean, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious with everything we needed for a relaxing night’s sleep.

One of my favorite spots on the property was the peaceful courtyard, where the fountain creates a calming place to unwind with a glass of wine before dinner. The hotel is also home to Carboni’s Ristorante, making it easy to enjoy handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, or seasonal dishes without leaving the property. 

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