25 Best Weekend Getaways from San Francisco

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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. One of the best California weekend getaways, 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. The Oceanfront Junior Suites are the most luxurious, complete with a tub with jets and dramatic views of an offshore rock.

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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 Garden Cottage has an in-room whirlpool and a sitting room with a fireplace. Have breakfast in bed, in the garden or in the dining area. The breakfast menu varies daily. Homemade cookies are available in the afternoon, and wine and appetizers are served in the evening.

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, which offers elegant guest rooms and great food. Things to do in Monterey

© The Inn Above Tide

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. Day trips from San Francisco

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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. Things to Do in Yountville

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© Auberge du Soleil

The picturesque Napa Valley is home to world-famous wineries, hotels and restaurants. Stay at the stylish Auberge du Soleil 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. Prices start around $200 per person.

If you want to be close to the shops, restaurants and attractions of Downtown Napa, check into the Blackbird Inn (from $225 per night) which offers 8 plush rooms, many with a fireplace, jetted spa tub and a private deck.

Complimentary amenities include buffet breakfast, afternoon wine, tea, cookies, toiletry items and a knowledgeable concierge concierge to help you plan your trip.

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.

Guests get a personalized California breakfast delivered to their room each morning and the inn welcomes small size pets.

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. California wineries

© Chateau du Sureau

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. Things to Do in Oakhurst

48688 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst, CA 93644, Phone: 559-683-6860, (website link)

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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. Things to do in Lake Tahoe

© MacArthur Place

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. The hotel's gardens feature 100 species of trees, some of which were planted more than a century ago. Stroll through the orchard which has 12 different kinds of fruit trees, and view original sculptures and fountains that decorate the gardens. No trip to Sonoma would be complete without a wine tasting and tour of at least one of the local wineries.

There are many wineries just a short drive away and some offer shuttle rides to and from the Plaza. The hotel is four blocks from Sonoma's historic plaza, home to fine restaurants and shops. The Garden Spa is the perfect complement to the gardens that surround it. For guests who are on a romantic weekend getaway or anyone who wants to indulge in a relaxing massage, the Garden Spa offers rejuvenating body treatments. After a visit to the spa, couples can relax in the outdoor whirlpool tub and lounge by the pool.

All of the 64 guest rooms, suites and cottages are individually designed. Saddles, an authentic steakhouse, is the main restaurant, located in a century-old barn on the estate. In season, the restaurant serves deserts from fruit grown in the hotel's gardens. Complimentary continental breakfast is served for guests every morning. There is a complimentary nightly wine and cheese reception in the library. The hotel is 45 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge and approximately one and a half hours from the San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento airports. Things to Do in Sonoma

29 East MacArthur Street, Sonoma, CA 95476, Phone: 707-938-2929, (website link)

© Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza

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. Sign up for one of the spa packages and get pampered from head to toe during your stay. The Couples Suite has a private garden and a soaking tub for two.

The historic Healdsburg Inn, built in 1901, is another great option. Downtown shops, summer concerts, galleries and restaurants are literally at your doorstep. This wine country getaway has 12 stylish accommodations close to tasting rooms, shops, restaurants, summer concerts and antique fairs. You'll love romantic gas fireplaces, king beds and bathrooms with spa bathtubs and separate showers. Things to Do in Healdsburg

112 Matheson St., Healdsburg, CA 95448, Phone: 800-431-8663

© Little River Inn

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

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© Wilbur Hot Springs

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. Founded in 1865, the resort features modern and comfortable accommodations and an array of excellent facilities, including as a hydrotherapy spa.

Accommodations range from cozy self-catering cabins that overlook the creek to the popular bedrooms in the historic hotel, and a rustic six-bedroom lodge built into the hillside. The healing waters of the springs are nestled under a Japanese-style “Fluminarium” where water feeds a variety of hot spring pools and one large outdoor swimming pool. The resort has a sauna and several wooden decks with loungers for relaxing.

3375 Wilbur Springs Rd, Williams, CA 95987, Phone: 530-473-2306

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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

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© Juniper Hotel Cupertino

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.

Guests can dine at the comfortable Park Place restaurant which has views of the adjacent park and serves contemporary seafood and steak dishes.

The hotel is conveniently located within the Cupertino City Center in the heart of Silicon Valley, and is near many businesses including Apple Computer, Hewlett Packard and Symantec. The hotel is an easy drive from San Jose International Airport or San Francisco Airport. Rates are quite cheap.

10050 S. De Anza Boulevard, Cupertino, CA 95014, Phone: 408-253-8900, (website link)

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© Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo 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.

If you like green hotels, the Indigo is a great choice since it offers a plant-filled living wall, green cleaning products and energy-saving features.

The filtered water bottle refilling station makes it easy to stay hydrated. If you arrive without a car, you will receive $10 off your room rate.

This is the closest hotel to the Amtrak train station, so it's easy to travel by train, bus or trolley. Explore Santa Barbara on foot or rent a bike. In the afternoon, visit the Art Library for a quiet read in one of the comfy chairs. Guest amenities include Free WIFI, Flat screen HD TVs and Hypo-allergenic bedding. If you are looking for inexpensive yet elegant getaways, rooms are quite affordable. Things to Do in Santa Barbara

121 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Phone: 805-966-6586

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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. Romantic Getaways in Carmel

8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel, CA 93923, hone: 831-624-2888

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Unique architectural design at the Brewery Gulch Inn incorporates ancient virgin redwood timbers eco-salvaged from the Big River. Whether you are interested in art galleries, historic attractions or outdoor sports, the area offers an array of vacation activities and romantic ideas. Stroll through the inn's gardens featuring groves of rhododendrons of every color, and look for a variety of birds and butterflies attracted by the plants. 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. Things to do on the Mendocino Coast

9401 North Highway One, Mendocino, CA 95460, Phone: 707-937-4752

© Hotel Les Mars

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.

The estate hand harvests its grapes and ferments them in small lots. Once you are done touring the wineries, have a romantic dinner at Chalkboard restaurant serving a seasonally changing menu featuring the freshest local ingredients. The restaurant has its own 3-acre garden which produces delicious vegetables for the hotel kitchen. You will be able to sample of the best local wine at Chalkboard, including ten local wine flights and wine by the glass. Couples can indulge in site-by-side massages and other treatments in the privacy of their own room or suite.

27 North Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448, Phone: 707 433 4211, (website link)

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© Spindrift Inn

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.

Rates include a continental breakfast delivered in the morning. There are many romantic restaurants in town open for lunch and dinner. The property is located within walking distance of the Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf and downtown. The closest airport is the Monterey Peninsula Airport which is only six miles from the inn. There are direct flights from San Francisco (120 miles away), Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

652 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, Phone: 831-646-8900

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© Hotel Valencia Santana Row

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. Things to Do in San Jose

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 is a popular weekend getaway destination. As one of the country’s very first “farm-to-fork” restaurants, the Harris Inn Restaurant has a reputation for serving delicious cuisine prepared using many of their own farm products including beef, fruit, vegetables and more. The Inn carefully combines rustic charm with modern conveniences and on-site amenities include a huge outdoor swimming pool, three hot tubs and an airport. There is also a fitness room, should you need to work off some calories. The rooms come in all shapes and sizes and boast cable TV, entertainment systems and Keurig Coffee Makers.

Harris Ranch Inn and Restaurant, 24505 W. Dorris Avenue, Coalinga, CA 93201, 559 935 0717

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© Feather Falls Casino and Lodge

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, (website link)

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© 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.

Take advantage of Splashtopia, a new water feature encompassing almost two acres, including two 100 foot long water slides and a sandy beach. There are also water-play zones with fountains and sprinklers, a waterfall, mountains, a mountainside whirlpool and a large swimming pool. Rates start at $450 per night.

41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, Phone: 760-568-2727, (website link)

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© 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. The inn features Spanish-Mediterranean inspired design, landscaped courtyards, fountains and gardens. Guests can work our in the fitness center and swim in the pool. You will receive complimentary continental breakfast and covered parking. All of the 23 guest rooms and suites have a gas fireplace, deep water soaking tubs, and either a private balcony or garden patio. The property is 90 miles up the coast from Los Angeles and 335 miles south of San Francisco. The hotel is easily accessible via car on coastal U.S. Highway 101, by train, or by commercial jet and private aircraft at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. Free Things to Do in Santa Barbara

915 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, Phone: 805-564-4700

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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.

The hostel features fully equipped kitchens, cozy lounges, and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and free parking. Guests can enjoy hikes along the oceanfront boardwalk around the hostel and explore secluded cove beaches and tidal pools along the coast. Free docent-led walks are offered by State Park Rangers on weekends and the Lighthouse is a popular venue for whale watching. Guests can also explore the nearby ancient redwood forests of Butano State Park, the bird sanctuary of Pescadero Marsh, and the Ano Nuevo State Reserve.

210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, Phone: 650-879-0633

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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. Explore the historic Cannery Row immortalized by John Steinbeck and let yourself get enthralled by all the wonderful underwater creatures at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Monterey State Historic Park tells the story of California and its history with 12 well-preserved historic buildings such as the Custom House, one of the oldest structures in California. Stretch your legs or bike the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail that meanders along the coast, or rent a kayak from the Adventures by the Sea and explore the area from the water. Antique hunters should not miss the Cannery Row Antique Mall, one of the largest on the Central Coast. 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.