Best Weekend Getaways from San Francisco
San Francisco is any body’s dream city. But local’s dream could be to get out of the brouhaha of day to day routine for a while. So what could be the best to recharge your body and soul? Planning your weekend getaway could be the best answer. Here are some comely locations for your perfect weekend getaway.
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Monterey, Carmel- by- the- sea and Asilomar
Distance- 121 miles
Best time- Peak-July to mid October (November to March – rainfalls and colder conditions)
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small beach city on California’s Monterey Peninsula. Its museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission and the exotic cottages and art galleries make visiting there worthwhile. Carmel River State Beach with a scuba entry point, the sea animals and whaling museum of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are unforgettable destinations. Walk or bike on miles of long trails besides the sea. Carmel-by-the-sea is a quaint looking town with many cool restaurants, lodges and shopping places. Asilomar is about 6 miles from Caramel. The part of Pacific groves Asilomar is famous for its conference grounds.
Lake Tahoe
Distance- 191 Miles
Best time- April to November
Tahoe Lake is famous for skiing resorts around this alpine lake. Now all the year round activities can be seen here. Warm weather sports, hiking, biking, trekking, boating and skiing are very popular for the visitors. High profile restaurants with delectable food, wine and food festivals makes it a happening place. For skiing Squaw Valley is favorite spot for ski lovers. If you love scenic beauty, adventure sports, walks, laid back atmosphere, good food, then Tahoe Lake is just for you.
Sonoma
Distance- 45 miles
Best time- April to November
Sonoma is California’s foremost wine making county. The wine is made in 16 of its popular places. Its restaurants are award winning for their food. It is one of the largest growers of Hop, grapes, prunes in California. Places for site seeing include Fort Ross a Russian Fur trade outpost, Quarryhill Botanic Garden, Lake Sonoma and many wineries. Healdsburg is its important and lovable town. Sonoma is the best for outdoor activities. You can spend your weekend days in a total bliss.
Santa Cruz
Distance- 73 miles
Best time- March to October (all the year round fun goes on)
Santa Cruz is great for surfing, beach activities, vintage shopping and old carnival rides. Seabright sea beach provides relaxation, leisure and unsurpassable view of the sea. The area of Monterey is a wine country, so visit Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard that produces English style wines. Santa Cruz is home to renowned Sea Beaches and State Parks such as Lighthouse Field State Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and Twin lakes State Beach. There are few golf courses too for Golf lovers, Board walks at seaside, water sports like sailing, diving, swimming, stand up paddle boating and paddling etc. For surfers this place is no less than heaven.
Mendocino
Distance- 155miles
Best time- April to December
A historic town Mendocino stands for culture and scenic spectacle. Mendocino is pilgrimage for artists and art lovers who flock here till late at night. The scenic colors of sea and beaches inspire the artists who like to paint scenario in multiple colors. Vertical cliffs have sea waves crashing on them and forming a spectacular view and an unforgettable phenomenon. There are local parks such as Mendocino Headlands State Park, Mendocino Woodlands State Park, Russian Gulch State Park and Point Cabrillo Light station etc. Annual music fair is its highlighted activity.
Wilbur Hot Springs
Distance- 121 miles
Best time- April to October
Wilbur Hot Springs is a romantic place right in the lap of nature reserve. The natural hot springs which believed to have healing powers gave this place its name. It’s tranquil and peaceful aura bring many tourist here. There springs have been channelized to swimming pool and many springs. It’s famous for hydrotherapy spa also. Located in Bear Creek, this place is very good getaway choice.
Paso Robles
Distance- 205 miles
Best time- March to November
Paso Robles may be an underestimated place to visit but it’s a package of many surprises. From funky artists dens to its cowboy bars, in addition to wine making facilities. Located right between Los Angeles and San Francisco this town is unique in many ways. The city is famous for its hot springs, olive oil production, wineries, almond orchards and a Californian Mid-state fair. Paso Robles is certainly a weekend surprise and a prize for under estimators.
Big Sur
Distance- 141 miles
Best time- March to December
Big Sur is lightly populated region of central coast of California; there Santa Lucia Mountains seem to appear suddenly from nowhere. Big Sur is fascinating area of many parks such as Carmel River State Beach, Point lobos State Natural Reserve, Garrapata State Park, Point Sur Sun State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, John Little State Natural Reserve, and Limekiln State Park. These nine state parks have many attractions like woods, waterfalls falling right into ocean, scenic beaches for long walks, swimming, hiking, and outdoor activities. Big Sur has various accommodations available from rustic cabin to five star hotels to stay overnight.
Sausalito
Distance- 10 miles
Best time- March to December
Sausalito is just a jump away on ferry from San Francisco. 30 minutes ferry is an exciting experience. Here nature’s bounty is spectacular. Lots of water sports and other activities are available there such as Kayaking, sailing, hiking and swimming etc. World famous art & music festivals are organized here. There you can have a unique experience of house boats too. At Fishermen Wharf you can hire bicycles for unforgettable cycling rides. There are some other places to explore, such as Fort Baker which is rich in Indian and Military history. Also Bay Area Discovery Museum which kids can enjoy. For remarkable views Hawk Hill is known for Golden Gate’s views from top. Tiburon is about 15 minutes away from Sausalito, a small town with beautiful outdoor scenes, small restaurants and cafes.