Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, spend a day at a spa, go biking, kayaking, whale watching or wine tasting, there is plenty to choose from near San Francisco. Check into a family-friendly resort that offers activities for all ages, escape to a quiet inn on the Mendocino Coast that caters to adults, find great places to visit in the Bay Area, get pampered in a luxury suite in Monterey, Big Sur, Napa or Carmel, or plan an affordable vacation in Lake Tahoe or Point Reyes.
The Mendocino Coast - 2 hours and 45 minutes from San Francisco
Vacationers enjoy a combination of amazing ocean views, art galleries, hiking and whale watching on The Mendocino Coast, less than three hours' drive from the city. The town of Mendocino offers a selection of sandy beaches, gardens and romantic sunsets. The Brewery Gulch Inn is a great place to stay for couples, offering luxury guest rooms, scenic ocean views and a great base for exploring the Mendocino Coast.
In Fort Bragg, you will find scenic beaches, redwood forests and charming boutiques. If you are looking for last minute getaways from San Francisco, Elk Cove Inn & Spa offers stunning ocean views from its 16 suites, cottages and rooms.
Monterey & Carmel - 1 hour and 50 minutes
Monterey is home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, wineries, and scenic oceanview trails perfect for whale-watching. If you are looking for ideas within a two hour's drive from San Francisco, Monterey is a great choice. Old Monterey Inn is located right in the heart of Monterey, offering 10 rooms and suites with terry-lined silky bathrobes, aromatic candles, and either King or Queen featherbeds.
The Monterey Bay Inn is located on historic Cannery Row, near the Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf and downtown. Activities include wine tasting tours, kayaking , shopping, fishing, golf and whale watching. The inn has 47 guest rooms and suites with scenic views and luxury amenities.
There is a selection of fine restaurants nearby. Fly to the Monterey Peninsula Airport, serviced by daily flights from San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles. San Francisco International Airport is 120 miles north of Monterey. Couples will love L'Auberge Carmel, a Relais & Châteaux property in Carmel, which offers elegant guest rooms and great food.
Sausalito - 25 minutes from San Francisco
Go on a day trip to Sausalito, just a ferry ride across the bay, where you will find spectacular views, unique boutiques and a selection of activities, such as kayaking, sailing and hiking. If you want to stay overnight, check into the Inn Above Tide which offers stylish accommodations right on the water. Ask for a view of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island or the city skyline. Although Sausalito is perfect for Bay Area day trips, staying overnight can help you relax and unwind in a beautiful setting.
Weekend Getaways from San Francisco: Yountville - 1 hour
Yountville is a quiet country spot where you can rest your body and mind surrounded by natural sights and sounds of geese, pheasants and coyotes in the hills. You will be surrounded by home to world-class wineries, so wine tasting is a must on this romantic getaway in Northern California. Bardessono is an eco-friendly romantic getaway where you will find organic linens, organic food and luxury suites with massage tables.
Just south of Yountville lies Senza Hotel, a quiet retreat on two acres of oaks, redwoods and fragrant gardens. The inn offers a selection of 26 rooms and suites, in-room spa treatments, complimentary wine country breakfast and evening wine and cheese reception.
Weekend in Napa - 1 hour from San Francisco
The picturesque Napa Valley is home to world-famous wineries, hotels and restaurants. Stay at the stylish Auberge du Soleil (Video) which offers amazing views and luxury accommodations. Get your bearings from the air by going on a morning hot air balloon ride. Most tour operators offer a Champagne breakfast after the flight which lasts about an hour.
If you want to be close to the shops, restaurants and attractions of Downtown Napa, check into the Blackbird Inn which offers 8 plush rooms, many with a fireplace, jetted spa tub and a private deck. Milliken Creek Inn offers stylish rooms with fireplaces and outdoor patios. A visit to the inn spa is a must at this scenic inn. The spa offers services that range from relaxing massages to rejuvenating facials.
Napa River Inn is another good option in Downtown Napa. The inn is located in the Historic Napa Mill, a National Registered Landmark built in 1884. Napa River Inn provides a complimentary town car available for complimentary transportation within the city of Napa. The inn concierge is expert at assisting vacationers with their Wine Country tours and exploration.
Chateau du Sureau - 3 hours 30 minutes
Chateau du Sureau is a romantic hotel built in a converted home spanning 9,000 square feet, complete with wrought iron gates, fountains, and walking paths. The Chateau features ten rooms total, five on each floor, as well as the Villa Sureau, which is 2,000 square feet with 14-foot ceilings and a private butler. The suites feature period furniture, tapestries, 19th century art, and antiques to add to the aesthetic appeal.
Guests have access to the Grand Salon with a fireplace spanning from the floor to the ceiling, the Breakfast Room, and the Music Room with frescoes. There is also a life-size chess set, bocce court, and swimming pool. The Spa du Sureau offers massages, European Kurs, signature Elderberry Footbath, and other spa services. The on-site restaurant, Erna’s Elderberry House Restaurant showcases Chef de Cuisine Jonathon Perkin’s culinary talents in the atmosphere of a European country estate with a terrace for outdoor dining.
48688 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst , CA 93644, Phone: 559-683-6860
Lake Tahoe - 3 hours and 20 minutes Getaway from San Francisco
A getaway in Lake Tahoe means fresh cool mountain air, great views and a selection of hotels that range from luxury to inexpensive. Head to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on the south shore of Lake Tahoe for a map of the most scenic trails in the area. The Stream Profile Chamber, just a quarter mile down the Rainbow Trail, gives you a 180 degree view of life above and below the water through a curved diorama.
If you are vacationing with kids, book a room at the Basecamp Hotel which has playful, affordable rooms. Both the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe and Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe offer outdoor firepits for s'mores. Everline Resort & Spa offers stunning mountain views from its restaurant. Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe is another affordable option in Lake Tahoe.
MacArthur Place in Sonoma, a Romantic Getaway - 1 hour
Just an hour from San Francisco, Sonoma combines country relaxation with great food, many outdoor events (especially in the summer) and excellent spas. MacArthur Place is a luxury hotel with a spa and beautiful gardens in Sonoma.
29 East MacArthur Street, Sonoma, CA 95476, Phone: 707-938-2929
Historic Healdsburg – 1 hour and 15 minutes
Located on Healdsburg's historic Town Plaza, Hotel Healdsburg is home to a full service spa, pool, country gardens, and Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen.
112 Matheson St., Healdsburg, CA 95448, Phone: 800-431-8663
Little River Inn - 3 hours
Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens to create a nature lover’s paradise, the Little River Inn is a romantic hotel on the tranquil west shore of the Pacific Ocean where the coast’s history and natural beauty meet. Perched on the ocean’s edge, the Little River Inn has graciously greeted guests for five generations. The establishment boasts beautiful Victorian architecture, charming guest rooms, and breathtaking views.
Rooms feature elegant décor, romantic fireplaces, steam showers, luxurious whirlpool tubs, and private furnished decks. Dining is a delight at the Little River Inn, where award-winning Executive Chef Marc Dym presents a creative menu of classic American-regional cuisine with a twist. Indulge in a range of spa treatments and massages at the exclusive day spa, play a round of golf or a game of tennis, or go hiking in the pristine natural woods around the property.
7751 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456, Phone: 707-937-5942
Wilbur Hot Springs - 1 hour 50 minutes
Wilbur Hot Springs, a romantic resort nestled in the heart of a pristine reserve with naturally occurring hot mineral springs, offers guests a tranquil escape from their daily lives.
3375 Wilbur Springs Rd, Williams, CA 95987, Phone: 530-473-2306
Nick’s Cove - 90 minutes
Tucked away in a sheltered cove in Tamales Bay (shown in the photo) on the Pacific Coast, Nick's Cove offers tranquil coastal charm in a spectacular setting. Located close to Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park, cozy accommodations, warm hospitality and an array of outdoor activities promise an unforgettable romantic getaway. Rustic charm meets stylish comfort in a range of beautiful guest rooms, each of which is elegantly furnished with modern amenities and breathtaking views. Plush down bed linens, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and spacious en-suite bathrooms with underfloor heating will keep you snug, while private patios and balconies overlooking the water are perfect places to unwind.
Enjoy award-winning cuisine at Nick's Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar where you can dine on fresh seafood and hearty, farm-to-table California cuisine in a magnificent coastal setting. A paradise for outdoor-lovers, Tomales Bay offers a variety of fun activities. You can fish, kayak, hike or bike along the coastline or explore the secluded coves, and beautiful beaches.
23240 Highway 1, Marshall, CA 94940, Phone: 415-663-1033
Juniper Hotel Cupertino in Silicon Valley - 45 minutes
Juniper Hotel Cupertino is a boutique getaway located in the heart of Cupertino, near Silicon Valley. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness room, and complimentary Internet access. All of the rooms feature high-speed Internet access via T1 lines and Wi_Fi, mini-bar, luxurious bath products and cable television. The pet-friendly package includes a dog bowl, biscuits, bottled water, chew toys, and a dog bed.
10050 S. De Anza Boulevard, Cupertino, CA 95014, Phone: 408-253-8900
Affordable and Stylish Riviera Beach House in Santa Barbara
Riviera Beach House is a stylish affordable hotel with decor inspired by the art in Santa Barbara. Admire diverse paintings, sculpture and murals as you walk to your room. All the art on display in the common areas as well as in the rooms is curated by the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara. The most romantic rooms have private gardens, perfect for enjoying ocean air on your weekend trip. In the morning, head to one of the local beaches for relaxing and sunbathing.
121 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Phone: 805-966-6586
Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley – 2 hours from SF
Situated in the beautiful Carmel Valley, surrounded by vineyards, Quail Lodge Resort offers its guests championship golf and stylish accommodations. There are 97 guest rooms and suites with scenic views of the valley. Play championship golf and soothe your sore muscles at the spa on your trip from San Francisco. The golf club offers the latest technology and professional instruction to help you improve your game.
Choose from individual lessons, clinics and schools. The Welness Center has a fitness room and a variety of classes, such as yoga, meditation and aquatics in the pool. The Stress Management Meditation is a great way to relax and unwind.
8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel, CA 93923, hone: 831-624-2888
Brewery Gulch Inn in Mendocino - 2 hours and 45 minutes
Unique architectural design at the Brewery Gulch Inn incorporates ancient virgin redwood timbers eco-salvaged from the Big River. The inn has ten guest rooms, each with a fireplace and scenic ocean views. If you are planning a romantic getaway, ask for one of the rooms with a private redwood deck and a soaking tub for two. A daily gourmet country breakfast is included in the room rate. For lunch and dinner, visit one of the restaurants in Mendocino; ask the inn's concierge for suggestions.
9401 North Highway One, Mendocino, CA 95460, Phone: 707-937-4752
Hotel Les Mars, Healdsburg
Hotel Les Mars is a stylish hideaway in Healdsburg. The hotel has just 16 individually decorated rooms with 17th and 18th century antiques and four-poster beds. This European-style hotel is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux and has Swiss-trained staff.Visit the Northern California wine country and spend a weekend tasting wine, dining out, getting spa treatments in your room and relaxing by the pool. The hotel has partnered with several wineries in the area to offer its guests special benefits, including complimentary tours and tastings. Visit the 1,477 acre Chalk Hill estate made up of 60 different small vineyards.
27 North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448, Phone: 707 433 4211
Spindrift Inn in Monterey
The Spindrift Inn is a romantic hotel in Monterey and offers an ideal setting for a relaxing getaway from San Francisco. Enjoy the romantic rooms, stroll through town, or head to the nearby Aquarium.There are 42 European-style accommodations with traditional furnishings, hardwood floors, original art, a marble bath and a goose down feather bed, comforter and pillows.
652 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, Phone: 831-646-8900
Hotel Valencia Santana Row in Silicon Valley
Hotel Valencia Santana Row is a Silicon Valley getaway with luxury accommodations and central location near shopping and dining. The hotel has an outdoor year-round swimming pool and a fitness center. Have dinner at Oveja Negra restaurant serving steaks, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Stop for drinks at Vbar, an ultra hip lounge with a view. There are 215 guest rooms and 16 luxury suites featuring custom designed beds with 300-thread-count designer Egyptian cotton linens. Guest rooms were designed by Lauren Rottet of Houston, Texas, featuring custom made beds, elegant plantation shutters, a leather down-stuffed club chair with ottoman and a 16-foot ebony solid wood credenza. Some of the rooms have a balcony.
355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128, Phone: 855-596-3396
Harris Ranch Inn and Restaurant
Located half-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Harris Ranch Inn and Restaurant is a popular weekend getaway destination.
Harris Ranch Inn and Restaurant, 24505 W. Dorris Avenue, Coalinga, CA 93201, 559 935 0717
Feather Falls Casino and Lodge, Oroville
If your idea of the perfect weekend getaway includes great food, great beers and great entertainment, Feather Falls Casino and Lodge is sure to be a good bet. Visitors can choose from a variety of rooms and suites suitable for couples or families or you can bring along your RV and enjoy a camping getaway. The casino is very popular, boasting more than 800 slot machines and 12 Blackjack tables. There are three options for dining including the popular Feather Falls Brewery, the Corner Deli and the Dream-catcher Custom Grill, where you design your meal. The resort hosts regular music concerts – you can check their website to see what’s on.
Feather Falls Casino and Lodge, 3 Alverda Drive, Oroville, CA 95966, 877 652 4646
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is a relaxing family-friendly getaway in Palm Springs, California. There is a 425-foot Lazy River, luxurious spa and four dining venues. For the active-minded traveler, the hotel offers state-of-the-art tennis courts and 27 holes of scenic desert golf. Choose from 444 Spanish Colonial-inspired style guest rooms and 22 suites with French doors leading out on the private patio or balcony.
41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, Phone: 760-568-2727
Palihouse Santa Barbara
Palihouse Santa Barbara is steps from the historic 1782 Presidio District of downtown Santa Barbara, close to fine dining, shopping, museums, art galleries and theaters.
915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Phone: 805-564-4700
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel
This unique hotel is based in the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, a 115-foot historic lighthouse perched high on a cliff on the central California coast that has guided mariners for more than 140 years. The hostel offers home-away-from-home comforts for solo and group travelers with comfortable, affordable lodgings in four houses situated next to the lighthouse.
210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, Phone: 650-879-0633
Monterey
An active and functioning fishing village and former center of the canning industry in the area, Monterey is today taken over by the tourists. Join the crowds and stroll through the colorful, vibrant Fisherman's Wharf with gift shops, seafood restaurants and clam bars. A visit to the Monterey Museum of Art , with the permanent collection of more than 14,000 art pieces, is a must for the art lovers.
