By Kate Washington

Winding levees, birds wheeling over marshland, the misty Sacramento River—these are some pleasures of a late fall drive through California’s delta region. Start on Highway 12, then head north on Highway 160 toward Freeport, crisscrossing the river on historic drawbridges. The drive is just 57 miles, but allow most of a day. Pick up the AAA Central California map.

1. SUISUN CITY Stroll along the trim marina before starting the day right with plate-size blueberry pancakes at cheery Babs Delta Diner, which has such loyal regulars it keeps a cabinet full of mugs emblazoned with their names. (707) 421-1926.

2. RUSH RANCH OPEN SPACE A two-mile side trip on Grizzly Island Road lets you stretch your legs as you spot burrowing owls, pintail ducks, and soaring raptors on trails that wind through this 2,070-acre tidal marsh. www.rushranch.org.

3. WESTERN RAILWAY MUSEUM Ride restored electric trains along the old tracks of the Sacramento Northern line at this "moving history" museum that houses 100 colorful trains. (707) 374-2978, www.wrm.org.

4. FOSTER’S BIGHORN Bootlegger and big-game hunter Bill Foster hung his trophies at this Rio Vista lunch spot. Munch your sandwich under the glassy eyes of hundreds of animals, from a full-grown African elephant to a willowy giraffe. (707) 374-2511, www.fostersbighorn.com.

5. LOCKE At Walnut Grove, traverse the river (from Highway 160) for a detour to Locke, established in 1915 by Chinese laborers. Today you’ll find creaky houses, galleries, and the Dai Loy gambling museum with its fan-tan tables. www.locketown.com.

6. OLD SUGAR MILL Cross the river again to Clarksburg, where boutique wineries occupy a former sugar beet refinery. (916) 744-1615, www.oldsugarmill.com.