Living in California is like living in a vacationland of natural beauty. California offers mountains, lakes, stunning beaches, wine, history, and even snow. Fortunately, San Francisco is not too far from some incredible weekend getaways. The range of options for weekend getaways will amaze you between popular spots like Lake Tahoe to overlooked spots like Paso Robles. Let’s learn more about some weekend getaways that are worth your time even from San Francisco.
1. Carmel-by-the-Sea (Monterey Peninsula)
California beauty, European charm, and proximity to wine and Big Sur makes Carmel a perfect place to escape. There are white sand beaches that are unique for California to the European-style village and everything in between that will keep most visitors entertained. Some of the activities you can enjoy here include antique shopping in downtown Carmel, wine tasting in the wine rooms, hiking nearby at Big Sur, and enjoying gourmet food at every corner.
2. Napa Valley (Napa, Sonoma, Calistoga, & More)
Don't make a day trip, instead stay for the weekend. There are endless (and plenty of alcohol-induced) opportunities: Make your way up through the wine country of Napa and Sonoma, where you’ll find hundreds of wineries to visit and quaint towns to pass through, all with incredible scenery and food (we suggest stops in Sebastopol, Calistoga, and/or St. Helena, too).
3. Nevada City, CA (Nevada County)
Visit this historical town for the weekend and explore the area. Nevada City is a charming town with Gold Rush history. This is a popular weekend getaway for outdoor recreation, history, and art!
4. Ferndale (Humboldt County)
Ferndale is in "proper" northern California in Humboldt County. This is regal small town with a sophisticated feel. Ferndale contains dozens of Victorian storefronts and homes. Also, Ferndale is the northern gateway to California's Lost Coast if you're interested in hiking and nature.
5. Mendocino (Mendocino County)
This is a weekend getaway full of the best of California with spectacular ocean views, food, wine, and even dramatic coastal fog. Mendocino is home to a large number of bed and breakfasts. Mendocino has a small downtown with a number of art shops and small restaurants.
6. Sea Ranch, CA (Sonoma County)
Sea Ranch is over 100 miles south of San Francisco. This is the ideal place for a taste of the outdoors. You can hike through the redwoods or bluff trails with the Pacific Ocean crashing below. The main town is small, intimate, and unforgettable.
7. Squaw Valley (Placer County)
Not just a winter getaway, but the skiing season is longer this year if you're interested. Also, Squaw Valley shopping is fun and scenic within the central part of Squaw Valley. The Village of Squaw Valley will warm you and charm you with lots of stores and restaurants. Learn more about
Squaw Valley here .
8. Lake Tahoe, CA ( Sierra Nevada)
This is a spot full of everything whether it is either cold or warm. Lake Tahoe is filled with scenic landmarks and original things to do. Where else can you go on an underground tunnel tour where Frank Sinatra used to roam, or hop on the lake for a sunset paddlewheel cruise.
9. Paso Robles (San Luis Obispo County)
Check out the Central Cost north of San Luis Obispo. Paso Robles the city is known for its hot springs, its abundance of wineries, almond orchards, and for the California Mid-State Fair.
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