14 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways From San Francisco Bay Area

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The Bay Area is one of the best home bases in the country for romantic weekend getaways. In a few hours, you and your partner can be sipping chardonnay in Napa, walking a windswept beach in Half Moon Bay, get lost in the Redwoods or watching the sun set over the Pacific from a cliff in Big Sur.

I still remember the first time I drove out of San Francisco and felt my shoulders drop. I have been making these trips for over 15 years – first as someone still discovering California and now as a seasoned world traveler and certified sommelier who has spent a lot of quality time in the state.

My husband and I have celebrated anniversaries in Big Sur and Napa, done more weekend trips than I can count and found new favorites along the way. While I love all kinds of trips, romantic couples’ getaways with my husband are some of my favorite trips out of the city.

This list covers 14 of the best romantic weekend getaways from the San Francisco Bay Area – from short overnight escapes under two hours away to longer drives worth every mile.

14 Romantic Weekend Getaways From SF Bay Area

SANTA CRUZ

Drive from San Francisco: Under 1.5hrs

I consider anywhere with water and views as a romantic weekend getaway. And Santa Cruz is one such perfect getaway with a beautiful boardwalk, coastal trails and sunset views.

Santa Cruz is the closest thing the Bay Area has to a Southern California beach town and is a must visit from Bay Area. To avoid traffic, either go early in the morning on a Saturday or late in the afternoon.

Pro Tip: Advice from someone who has visited Santa Cruz more times than I can count: start early, especially on weekends. Head out Friday evening or start by 7am Saturday.

If you start after 8am, you will surely be stuck in hours of traffic.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz?

Chaminade Resort and Spa

Chaminade is the most romantic hotel in Santa Cruz, sitting on a hill above the city with views, a spa to unwind and relax.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

This hotel is right on the beach, steps from the boardwalk and perfect place to stay if you want to wake up to ocean views.

Things to do in Santa Cruz

• Spend a morning at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California’s oldest surviving amusement park.
• Walk along W Cliff Drive at golden hour for some of the best coastal views in Northern California. This is the kind of spot only locals know about and I found it randomly while exploring one weekend.
• One of my favorites is hiking the coastal trails at Wilder Ranch State Park with sweeping Pacific Ocean views.
• Explore the redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, less than 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz.
• Visit Natural Bridges State Beach, especially October through February for the monarch butterfly migration.

Where to eat in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz also has a surprisingly great food scene that often gets overlooked.

Shadowbrook in Capitola is a perfect dinner spot for couples and one of the most romantic restaurants in the area. Make the reservation early.

Vino by the sea is perfect for a wine and tapas night and Crow’s Nest is another great brunch and dinner option.

HALF MOON BAY

Drive from San Francisco: Under 1 hour

Half Moon Bay might be the most underrated romantic getaway on this entire list. Half Moon Bay is less than an hour from San Francisco Bay Area and yet it feels like a completely different world.

You will be welcomed by dramatic cliffs, quiet beaches, farm stands and one of the most romantic hotels in California sitting right on the cliff.

Half Moon Bay is one of the romantic getaways you can visit any time of the year. Fall is my favorite time to visit. The pumpkin patches along Highway 92 are genuinely one of the best fall experiences in Northern California.

Spring in Half Moon Bay is equally special for a different reason. The wildflower hikes along the coastal bluffs are spectacular. If you want to plan your trip around peak bloom, you will find the best wildflowers in the Bay Area here.

Pro Tip: Always dress in layers, even in summer. The wind and fog here are no joke and this is coming from years of personal experience. I have shown up in a sundress more than once and deeply regretted it. Pack a jacket no matter what the forecast says.

Where to Stay in Half Moon Bay

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is THE place to stay and it earns every bit of its reputation. It is perched on a clifftop overlooking the Pacific with a world-class spa and ocean views.

Half Moon Bay Lodge is another good alternative for with easy beach access.

Things to do in Half Moon Bay

• Explore the tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve at low tide, one of the best on the California coast. Also check out the dramatic cypress tree tunnel, one of my favorites in trails.
• Hike the Coastal Trail along the bluffs for dramatic Pacific Ocean views year round.
• Visit the pumpkin patches along Highway 92 in October for a classic fall experience.
• And my favorite is to shop for fresh produce and flowers at the farm stands and exploring the wildflowers.

Where to eat in Half Moon Bay

• The Terrace at Ritz-Carlton for a special occasion dinner or Sunday brunch with ocean views
• Pasta Moon for a reliably romantic Italian dinner in downtown Half Moon Bay
• San Benito House for a cozy farm-to-table meal with local ingredients

NAPA & SONOMA WINE COUNTRY

Drive from San Francisco: Under 1.5hrs

The wine country of Napa and Sonoma are the epitome of a romantic weekend getaway. As a certified sommelier, Napa Valley and Sonoma hold a very special place for me. This is where my wine journey began and where I have returned religiously for years.

Napa is polished and grand, home to some of the most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignons in the world.

Sonoma is more laid back, with family-owned wineries tucked into rolling hills and some of the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir you will find anywhere. Together, they cover everything from full-bodied Cabs to crisp whites and everything in between.

Some romantic activities to do with your significant other are wine tasting in the beautiful wineries of Napa, Napa riverwalk, brunch in downtown Sonoma and a stroll around Yountville.

For the ultimate romantic getaway in Napa

Start your day with a hot air balloon ride in Napa, take the Napa Valley Wine Train and end with a romantic dinner at the Michelin starred restaurant, The French Laundry.

Not a wine drinker? Napa and Sonoma both have excellent olive oil tasting rooms that are genuinely worth a visit. Check out one of Napa Valley’s olive oil tastings for something different and unique.

Pro Tip: I wish someone had told me this early on but pack snacks or a sandwich when you are doing a full day of wine tasting. I have lost count of the number of times I found myself hungry after a few wine tastings. Most tasting rooms do not serve food and you might find it hard to find a restaurant nearby.

Where to stay in Napa Valley?

The Meritage Resort and Spa – a beautiful full-service resort with a cave spa and vineyard views.

Hotel Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn – a classic Sonoma hotel with a legendary spa and thermal pools.

For something more intimate, Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford is one of the most romantic hotels in all of California with sweeping valley views and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Things to do in Napa Valley

• Enjoy a bubbles tasting at the famous Chateau Domaine Carneros.
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley at sunrise, one of the most romantic experiences in Northern California.
• Visit the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards or Benziger Family Winery in Sonoma for a more intimate tasting experience.
• Explore Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa for local food, wine and artisan products.
• Explore the beautiful V Market in Yountville and enjoy dinner at The French Laundry or Bottega.
• Do an olive oil tasting at one of the many family-owned estates in Sonoma.

Where to Eat in Napa Valley & Sonoma Wine Country

There are so many amazing options in the wine country that it is hard to choose honestly. Here are some of my favorites.

• The French Laundry, Yountville for a world-class Michelin-starred tasting menu, book months ahead.
• Bottega Yountville for a beautiful Italian dinner in the heart of wine country.
• The Girl and the Fig in Sonoma for a relaxed farm-to-table lunch or dinner on the Sonoma Plaza.
• Angele Restaurant and Bar in downtown Napa for a romantic riverside dinner with a French twist.

BIG SUR

Drive from San Francisco: Under 2.5hrs

Big Sur is a California bucket list destination and is one of the most beautiful stretches of land in the USA. There is no place in California that combines stunning coastal cliffs, ancient redwood forests and total sensory escape quite like this stretch of Highway 1.

My husband and I celebrated our special anniversary (and baby moon) at Post Ranch Inn and it remains one of the most memorable trips of our lives.

If you are looking for a place to mark a milestone, a birthday, an anniversary or just a moment you want to remember, Big Sur is it. It is my favorite romantic weekend getaways from SF after Napa and Sonoma.

Spring is an amazing time to visit Big Sur. The wildflower season along the coastal trails and hillsides is genuinely breathtaking.

There is something undeniably romantic about hiking through fields of blooming poppies and Calla Lillies with the Pacific in the background. What is more romantic than being surrounded by flowers with a view like that?

The drive itself is part of the experience. Highway 1 drive through Big Sur is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Take it slow, stop at the vistas and take it all in.

Where to stay in Big Sur?

Post Ranch Inn is the ultimate romantic hotel in Big Sur and honestly one of the most special places to stay in all of California.

Perched on a cliff above the Pacific with private treehouse and cliff house rooms, it is worth every penny for a milestone occasion.

Ventana Big Sur is another stunning option set among the redwoods with beautiful outdoor pools and a more boho luxury feel.

Things to Do in Big Sur

• Take the short hike to the waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, one of the most iconic views in California.
• Walk the coastal trails in spring for spectacular wildflower displays along the bluffs. My favorite is the Garrapata State Park.
• Visit Pfeiffer Beach at sunset.
• Hike through redwoods at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
• Stop at Nepenthe restaurant for a drink and one of the most dramatic views on the California coast.
• Drive the full stretch of Highway 1 slowly and stop at every viewpoint you find.

Where to Eat in Big Sur

• Nepenthe for sunset cocktails and dinner with jaw-dropping Pacific views.
• The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur for a beautiful dinner in the redwoods.
• Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn is an amazing farm to table restaurant with incredible views of the ocean.

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

Drive from San Francisco: Under 2.5 hours

Carmel-by-the-Sea feels more like a European village than a California town. It is unlike any other town in California. There are no chain restaurants, no neon signs, no generic malls.

What you get instead is a perfectly curated village of storybook cottages, independent boutiques, art galleries, excellent wine tasting rooms and one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the California coast.

I started visiting Carmel before it became as widely discovered as it is now and my love for it has only grown. It is one of my favorite romantic getaways from both SF and LA.

Whether you are looking for a boutique shop to find something special for your partner, an afternoon of wine tasting in Carmel Valley or a long walk on the beach at sunset, Carmel is the place to be.

Where to Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

L’Auberge Carmel An incredible boutique hotel in the heart of the village and highly rated for a couples getaway.

La Playa Carmel is a historic boutique hotel just steps from Carmel Beach with beautiful gardens and an elegant coastal feel.

Carmel Valley Ranch is a stunning resort option if you want more space, outdoor activities and an amazing golf course set in the hills above town.

Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea

• Walk Carmel Beach at sunset, one of the most romantic beaches in all of California.
• Browse the art galleries and independent boutiques along Ocean Avenue and the side streets.
• Spend an afternoon wine tasting in Carmel Valley. It is quieter than Napa with more dramatic views.
• This is something unique but we did a segway tour and loved it!
• Drive the 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach for iconic Pacific Grove coastal views.
• Visit nearby town of Monterey and its famous Cannery Row and Aquarium.

Where to Eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea

• Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel for one of the best fine dining experiences on the Central Coast.
• Cultura Comida y Bebida for outstanding modern Mexican food in a beautiful space.
• Vesuvio for a romantic rooftop dinner with Carmel village views.
• L’Escargot Carmel for delicious Spanish tapas.

HEALDSBURG & RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Drive from San Francisco: Under 2hrs

Healdsburg and Dry Creek Valley are genuinely underrated with some of the best wineries. While everyone chooses Napa or Downtown Sonoma, this corner of the wine country is quieter and more intimate.

The wineries here are smaller and the Zinfandels are some of the best you will find in California. I once explored this area on a solo trip and it turned out to be one of my favorite California experiences.

There is something special about Dry Creek Valley in particular. The vineyard views and the family run wineries feel so special. For couples looking for a romantic wine country getaway without the price tag of Napa, this is the answer.

Healdsburg is a beautiful small town built around a plaza lined with wine tasting rooms, boutique shops and excellent restaurants. You can spend an entire afternoon just walking around Downtown without getting in the car.

From there, Russian River Valley is a short drive and the towering redwoods along the river are stunning any time of year.

If you want to make it a long weekend trip, Bodega Bay is about 45 minutes from Healdsburg and makes a perfect addition, with dramatic coastal views and fresh seafood.

Where to stay in Healdsburg?

Hotel Healdsburg is right in the plaza and is a beautifully designed boutique stay within walking distance of everything.

Farmhouse Inn in the Russian River Valley is one of the best boutique hotels in California, with a Michelin-starred restaurant, a spa and private cottage rooms with hot tubs.

Things to do in Healdsburg & Russian River

• Explore the best of Dry Creek Valley’s wineries and taste some of California’s best Zinfandels at small family-owned wineries.
• Take a stroll in Healdsburg Plaza and spend an afternoon hopping between tasting rooms and boutique shops.
• Drive through the Russian River Valley redwoods, especially beautiful in fall when the leaves turn golden.
• Head to Bodega Bay for fresh Dungeness crab and coastal walks.
• Kayak or canoe on the Russian River, a perfect lazy afternoon activity for couples.

Where to Eat in Healdsburg

• Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg for a farm-to-table dinner from one of Sonoma’s best kitchens.
• Spoonbar at H2hotel for a fancy cocktail and dinner in the heart of Healdsburg.
• The Tides Wharf and Restaurant in Bodega Bay for fresh seafood right on the water.

MENDOCINO COAST

Drive from San Francisco: Under 3 hrs

Mendocino is probably the most romantic of all the listed couples’ weekend getaways from San Francisco Bay Area. It is a charming little town in the Northern coast of California.

The air here genuinely feels cleaner and crisper and the combination of ocean views and towering redwoods is such a vibe. If you and your partner need to truly disconnect, this is where you go.

It is quiet and peaceful with sweeping coastal views at the Mendocino Headlands State Park, old Victorian B&B’s and beautiful botanical gardens.

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite spots along this entire stretch of coast. It sits right on the ocean and walking through it feels like discovering a secret. 

For more on exploring this stretch of coastline, my guide to Mendocino and beyond has everything you need to plan the trip.

Where to stay in Mendocino?

Stanford Inn by the Sea is one of the most unique hotels on the Mendocino Coast, a certified organic resort with gardens, llamas, canoes and an exceptional vegan restaurant.

Brewery Gulch Inn is a beautiful redwood inn with fireplaces, ocean views and a genuinely warm atmosphere.

Little River Inn is another cute little inn by the coast with amazing views.

Things to Do in Mendocino

• Walk the coastal headlands trail around the Mendocino village for sweeping ocean views in every direction. It is one of my absolute favorite coastal walks in California.
• Visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, one of the only gardens in the country that sits directly on the ocean. Wandering in these gardens with dahlias and oceans views is pure bliss.
• Explore Glass Beach in Fort Bragg for a truly unique coastal experience. Fort Bragg is only 10 minutes away from Mendocino.
• Hike through the redwood canopy at Russian Gulch State Park and find the stunning waterfall inland.
• Browse the independent art galleries and boutiques along Mendocino’s main street.

Where to Eat in Mendocino

955 Ukiah Street for a special occasion dinner with locally sourced ingredients.

The Ravens Restaurant at Stanford Inn for one of the best farm-to-table dining experiences on the North Coast. Even though it is vegan, the food here is incredible.

Cafe Beaujolais in Mendocino village for a romantic dinner in a beautiful historic cottage setting.

LAKE TAHOE

Drive from San Francisco: 3.5 to 4 hours

Lake Tahoe is another one of my favorite places to just getaway from the chaos of San Francisco Bay Area. It is so serene and peaceful that you will forget all your worries and would want to stay there forever with your SO.

Lake Tahoe is one of the best trips to take all year round. South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding lakes offer plenty of activities to do in winter like skiing and snowboarding.

Summer is one of the best times to visit Lake Tahoe. There are so many things do to in the summer in Lake Tahoe like kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting and hiking I cannot think of a more romantic way than spending a weekend by the water.

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe

For the ultimate romantic Lake Tahoe experience, Edgewood Tahoe Resort is exceptional. Sitting right on the South Shore with direct lake access, a world-class spa and stunning mountain views, it is truly amazing.

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in Truckee is a luxury option with ski-in ski-out access in winter and beautiful alpine surroundings year round.

Pro Tip: When it comes to Lake Tahoe, you will find many casino resorts on the Nevada border that are not very romantic. For the truly romantic experience, choose your hotel stay wisely.

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

• Kayak or paddleboard on the impossibly clear blue water of Lake Tahoe in summer.
• Hike the Emerald Bay Trail for one of the most photographed views in all of California.
• Ski or snowboard at Palisades Tahoe or Heavenly Mountain Resort in winter.
• Go on a hike to watch the best sunsets over Lake Tahoe.
• Drive the scenic Lake Tahoe loop for mountain and lake views at every turn.
• Visit Vikingsholm Castle at Emerald Bay, a stunning Scandinavian-style mansion with a fascinating history.

Where to Eat in Lake Tahoe

• Edgewood Restaurant for a special occasion dinner right on the lake with mountain views. This is my favorite.
• Lone Eagle Grille at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe for lakefront dining and excellent cocktails.
• Cafe Fiore in South Lake Tahoe for a cozy and romantic Italian dinner.

POINT REYES & TOMALES BAY

Drive from San Francisco: Under 1.5 hours

Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay are two of the more pristine places near Bay Area. This area offers some unique and interesting things to do like safaris, Elk tours, oyster shucking and perfect couples’ photography at Cypress Tunnel.

The Cypress Tunnel is one of the most photographed spots in Northern California. Go early in the morning before the crowds arrive and you will practically have it to yourselves.

Quick update for anyone planning a visit:

The famous shipwreck (pictured above) that used to be a popular photo stop is no longer accessible.

Where to Stay in Point Reyes & Tomales Bay

The Lodge at Bodega Bay with stunning ocean views is the most romantic option here.

The Quails Nest Cottage is a charming and cozy retreat if you want something more private and tucked away.

Things to Do in Point Reyes & Tomales Bay

• Walk the Point Reyes Lighthouse trail for sweeping coastal views. It is especially stunning during whale migration season December through April.
• Shuck oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company or Saltwater Oyster Depot on Tomales Bay.
• Stop at the Cypress Tunnel early morning for the best photoshoot and fewest crowds.
• Kayak or paddleboard on the calm waters of Tomales Bay State Park.
• For something unique, go on a wildlife safari and photography tour.

Where to Eat in Point Reyes & Tomales Bay

• Hog Island Oyster Company for the freshest oysters on the bay.
• Saltwater Oyster Depot for a more sit-down oyster and seafood experience.
• Nick’s Cove Restaurant for a romantic waterfront dinner.

PASO ROBLES

Drive from San Francisco: Under 4 hours

Do you see a theme here? Some of my favorite romantic couples getaways from SF Bay Area are wine retreats. As a sommelier, I have a particular soft spot for Paso Robles.

What I love most about Paso is the intimacy of the wine experience. The tasting rooms here are personal, the winemakers are often pouring their own wine and the conversations you have over a glass feel genuine rather than transactional.

The best wineries in Paso Robles area are equally spectacular and make a perfect couples’ getaway from SF Bay Area. In addition to wine tasting, you can also check out the incredible Field of Light display called Sensorio by Bruce Munro.

Downtown Paso Robles is very charming. The town square is lined with wine tasting rooms, excellent restaurants and boutique shops and you can spend a full day just wandering between them.

During the pandemic we stayed in Paso Robles for a full week and it turned out to be one of our most memorable California experiences. We made friends we still keep in touch with. That says everything about the kind of place Paso Robles is.

Things to Do in Paso Robles

• Explore the wine trail for some of the most intimate and personal tasting room experiences in California. I love Tablas Creek and Niner.
• Walk the Paso Robles Downtown City Park and browse the wine tasting rooms and boutiques around the square.
• Visit the olive groves and oil tasting rooms, Paso Robles produces outstanding California olive oil alongside its wines.
• Check out the incredible festival of light display called sensation by Bruce Munro.
• Drive the Adelaida Road wine trail through rolling hills for some of the most scenic vineyard landscapes in Central California.

Where to Stay in Paso Robles

Hotel Cheval is an exceptional boutique equestrian-themed hotel right on the Paso Robles town square, perfect for exploring downtown on foot.

Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a stunning Tuscan-inspired property set among its own vineyards with a full spa, excellent restaurant and some of the most beautiful grounds of any hotel in Central California.

Where to Eat in Paso Robles

My personal favorite restaurant is Thomas Hill Organics, a beautiful farm-to-table spot that sources almost everything locally.

Il Cortile for outstanding Italian food in a beautiful setting right on the town square.

Cello Winery and Restaurant at Allegretto for a romantic vineyard dinner with exceptional wine pairings.

SANTA BARBARA

Drive from San Francisco: Under 5 hours

I cannot say enough things about how incredibly romantic Santa Barbara is. It is easily one of my favorite cities in California. Santa Barbara has always held a special place for me.

I started visiting long before it became the go-to California getaway it is now, back when the drive up from LA or down from SF felt like discovering a secret. My husband and I have always taken the Hwy 101 rather than the I-5 when traveling between SF and LA specifically so we can stop here.

Some of my favorite things about Santa Barbara are its long beaches, Colonial Spanish architecture, the beautiful courthouse and its bell tower, its Mexican heritage and the surrounding wine trails. Even if you don’t make it a weekend trip, I highly recommend spending a day in Santa Barbara on your way to or from SF Bay Area.

Whether you are wandering State Street, wine tasting in the Funk Zone, or sitting on the beach watching the sun go down over the Channel Islands, the city has a warmth and beauty that is hard to shake.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito is exceptional and one of my personal favorites. The property sits directly on the beach with beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture, a stunning pool and one of the best restaurant experiences in Santa Barbara.

For something more boutique, El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, sits on a hillside above the city with gorgeous gardens and a romantic terrace pool. You can’t go wrong with a Belmond property.

Things to Do in Santa Barbara

• Visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse for panoramic views of the city and the mountains.
• Walk the historic Santa Barbara Mission for a beautiful introduction to the city.
• Spend an afternoon in the Funk Zone, Santa Barbara’s urban winery district steps from the beach.
• Stroll Stearns Wharf and watch the sun set over the Pacific and the Channel Islands
• For something off beat, take a trip to the Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park.
• Visit the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens for beautiful native California plantings and peaceful walking trails.
• Visit the Danish town of Solvang for a romantic European style weekend.
• Check out the wineries of Santa Ynez Valley or take a trip to the bougie town of Ojai.

Where to Eat in Santa Barbara

There are so many romantic dining options in Santa Barbara that it is hard to choose only a few but here are some of my favorites.

• Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar for a stunning beachfront dinner, one of the best restaurant settings in California.
• The Lark in the Funk Zone for creative California cuisine in a beautifully designed space.
• Santo Mezcal on State Street is my absolute favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner.

SAN SIMEON & MORRO BAY

Drive from San Francisco: Under 4 hours

I will be honest with you. Morro Bay and San Simeon are not among the first places that come to mind when you think of romantic getaways near SF Bay Area. And they surprised me the first time I visited.

I expected something more polished and what I found was rustic, unpretentious and truly beautiful in a completely different way to the other destinations on this list. The towns here are small and unhurried and the whole area has a rugged charm that is hard to find elsewhere in California.

This stretch of the Central Coast consisting of the towns of San Simeon, Cambria and Morro Bay, is best suited to couples who love the outdoors and do not need a Michelin-starred restaurant to have a great time.

The elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences in California and genuinely unlike anything else on this list.

Morro Bay with its iconic volcanic rock rising out of the water is stunning for kayaking, birdwatching and coastal walks.

And then there is Hearst Castle. Whatever your expectations are, they will be exceeded. William Randolph Hearst’s hilltop estate is one of the most extraordinary buildings in California and the tours are fascinating.

Where to Stay in San Simeon & Morro Bay

San Simeon Lodge is a simple and comfortable stay right on the coast, perfect for this area’s more relaxed vibe.

In Cambria, Hotel White Water offers a cozy wooded setting with fireplaces and amazing ocean views.

Things to Do in San Simeon & Morro Bay

• Tour Hearst Castle, one of the most impressive and unique historic estates in all of California.
• Visit the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas, especially spectacular during pupping season in winter.
• Kayak around Morro Rock in Morro Bay for up-close views of the iconic volcanic landmark.
• Walk the Moonstone Beach boardwalk in Cambria for a peaceful coastal stroll.
• Birdwatch at Morro Bay State Park, one of the best birding destinations on the West Coast.

Where to Eat in San Simeon & Morro Bay

Visit Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria for a charming and eclectic farm-to-table dinner in a beautiful cottage setting.

The Sea Chest Oyster Bar in Cambria for fresh seafood is amazing.

Dine at Windows on the Water in Morro Bay for a romantic dinner with direct views of the bay and Morro Rock.

CALISTOGA

Drive from San Francisco: Under 1.5 hours

Calistoga sits at the northern tip of Napa Valley and it operates at a completely different frequency to the rest of wine country. While Napa is about the wine, Calistoga is about slowing down, soaking in and genuinely switching off.

If you and your partner are looking for a couples wellness getaway rather than another tasting room itinerary, this is your spot.

The volcanic mud baths here are very popular and for a good reason. The mineral-rich mud is naturally heated by the geothermal activity beneath the valley and soaking in it is as relaxing as it sounds.

Indian Springs has been doing this since 1860 and the experience feels timeless. Pair a mud bath with a massage, an afternoon by the thermal pool and dinner at a good restaurant and you have one of the most restorative weekends possible without getting on a plane.

Where to Stay in Calistoga

Indian Springs Calistoga is the place to stay here. It is one of the oldest and most beloved spa resorts in California, with natural volcanic ash mud baths and thermal mineral pools.

Solage Calistoga, an Auberge Resorts property, is the more luxury option with a stunning pool, two excellent restaurants and a full spa. It is one of my favorite hotels in the area.

Things to Do in Calistoga

• Book a volcanic mud bath and mineral soak at Indian Springs or one of the historic bath houses on Lincoln Avenue.
• Spend an afternoon at the thermal mineral pool at Indian Springs, open to guests year round.
• Visit Old Faithful Geyser of California, one of only three regularly erupting geysers in the world.
• Explore the Calistoga wine tasting rooms on Lincoln Avenue for a more intimate Napa Valley experience.
• Take a couples massage at Solage spa, one of the best wellness facilities in Northern California.

Where to Eat in Calistoga

• Solbar at Solage for a beautiful farm-to-table dinner with vineyard views.
• Evangeline for a New Orleans-inspired dinner in a gorgeous historic space in downtown Calistoga.
• Hydro Bar and Grill at Indian Springs for a casual and relaxed meal after your spa treatment.

SAN DIEGO

Drive from San Francisco: 7-8 hour drive/1.5hr flight

If you have an extra day or are willing to fly, San Diego is a great weekend escape for couples. Yes, San Diego is a big city but the vibe is totally different and laidback.

If there is one city in California I could live in without hesitation, it is San Diego. I have been visiting for years, a mix of business trips and personal escapes and every single time I find something new to love about it. 

For couples, San Diego works on every level. With some of the best restaurants and bars, the food scene is exceptional and continues to get better every year.

Balboa Park is one of the great urban parks in America with world-class museums, beautiful gardens and the San Diego Zoo. And the weather is almost always perfect.

I explore a different neighborhood every time I visit and I have never run out of new things to discover. A 3 day weekend itinerary is perfect to explore San Diego.

Where to Stay in San Diego

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of the most beautiful hotels in San Diego, a stunning Arts and Crafts style property perched above the Torrey Pines cliffs with direct access to the reserve trails and sweeping ocean views.

Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island is an iconic Victorian beach resort and one of California’s most storied hotels.

For a truly romantic vibe, stay at my favorite Fairmont Del Mar that is tucked away in the hills.

Things to Do in San Diego

• Spend a morning at La Jolla Cove watching the sea lions and snorkeling in the clear water.
• Explore Balboa Park including the art museums and beautiful Spanish Colonial gardens.
• Walk or bike to Coronado Island and spend the afternoon on Coronado Beach.
• Visit the Gaslamp Quarter for dinner, cocktails and the best of San Diego’s nightlife.
• Explore the craft brewery scene in North Park, one of the best beer neighborhoods in the country.
• Watch the sunset from Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in Ocean Beach, one of the most romantic spots in the city.

Where to Eat in San Diego

San Diego has one of the best food scenes in California. I tried to include my favorite spots but check out best places to eat in San Diego for the full list of my favorites.

• Addison in Carmel Valley for San Diego’s only Forbes Five Star restaurant and a truly exceptional tasting menu.
• Check out C-Level near airport for restaurant with amazing ocean views.
• Ironside Fish and Oyster in Little Italy for outstanding seafood in a stunning space, a personal favorite.
• For something casual with ocean views, I love George’s at the cove in La Jolla.

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoy living in the Bay Area and so grateful that there are many beautiful and romantic weekend getaways within driving distance. In a few hours you can be in wine country, on a dramatic coastal cliff, soaking in a hot spring or wandering a sun-drenched Spanish village. 

Whether it is the coastal views of Big Sur, rolling vineyards of Napa, quiet of Mendocino or the water adventures in Lake Tahoe, SF Bay Area is one of the best places for romantic getaways.

These are places I have been going to for over 15 years and they have never let me down. I hope you get to visit at least one of these and have a lovely romantic weekend with your partner.

If you are into flowers, then check out all the amazing flower fields in California. From Almond blossoms, lavender fields, sunflower fields to amazing poppies, you will find incredible flower fields all over California.

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