Knight's Ferry Covered Bridge

A historic settlement about a 20-minute drive from Riverbank, centered on the Knight's Ferry Covered Bridge, a 330-foot 1863 Howe truss bridge over the Stanislaus River designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 2012. The surrounding recreation area adds an old flour mill, hiking, and whitewater rafting. The bridge itself is one of the longest covered bridges west of the Mississippi River, and walking across it is a genuinely memorable experience distinct from anything else on this list. The surrounding area stays cooler than the open Central Valley thanks to the tree cover and river, making it a pleasant escape during summer heat.