2-day Romantic Getaway near San Francisco
Jun 11th, 2010, 07:29 AM
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2-day Romantic Getaway near San Francisco
Hello my Fodor Friends!
My sister is getting married in Sonoma on Aug 7, but my boyfriend and I decided to leave a few days early for some together-time. But where do we go?? And on a moderate budget??
I don't want to go to Napa or Sonoma since we'll be spending the majority of time in those places. I was thinking of camping in Yosemite but I haven't a clue as to where to go. Monterray seems nice, but expensive.
Where does the Fodor World suggest? Any itineraries for a short 2-day trip?
Thanks!
My sister is getting married in Sonoma on Aug 7, but my boyfriend and I decided to leave a few days early for some together-time. But where do we go?? And on a moderate budget??
I don't want to go to Napa or Sonoma since we'll be spending the majority of time in those places. I was thinking of camping in Yosemite but I haven't a clue as to where to go. Monterray seems nice, but expensive.
Where does the Fodor World suggest? Any itineraries for a short 2-day trip?
Thanks!
Jun 11th, 2010, 07:58 AM
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Two days isn't much time.
Which airport are you leaving from? Is the time needed to get to the airport included in the two days or are these two whole days of leisure?
If you go to Yosemite, there are places immediately outside of Yosemite where you could find less expensive lodging. You could, however, run into quite a bit of traffic getting back to a Bay Area airport.
The other option is to go westward towards the coast. With two days, I'd suggest staying north of San Francisco and either find some lodging near Point Reyes and hike Point Reyes, or - if you don't like hiking - then just drive north along the coast and visit coastal communities like Mendocino and historical places like Fort Ross.
Which airport are you leaving from? Is the time needed to get to the airport included in the two days or are these two whole days of leisure?
If you go to Yosemite, there are places immediately outside of Yosemite where you could find less expensive lodging. You could, however, run into quite a bit of traffic getting back to a Bay Area airport.
The other option is to go westward towards the coast. With two days, I'd suggest staying north of San Francisco and either find some lodging near Point Reyes and hike Point Reyes, or - if you don't like hiking - then just drive north along the coast and visit coastal communities like Mendocino and historical places like Fort Ross.
Jun 11th, 2010, 09:14 AM
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i think san francisco itself is a romantic spot since it provides access to so many different activities but if you're trying to get away from the city might I suggest Sea Ranch.
It's about a 2.5 hour drive from SFO or Oakland airport and about 2 hours from there to Sonoma. It's beautiful and romantic if you're into ocean cliff landscapes. you can likely rent a house for a decent price for a couple of days. food at the sea ranch inn is excellent and there are a couple of other little decent spots.
It's about a 2.5 hour drive from SFO or Oakland airport and about 2 hours from there to Sonoma. It's beautiful and romantic if you're into ocean cliff landscapes. you can likely rent a house for a decent price for a couple of days. food at the sea ranch inn is excellent and there are a couple of other little decent spots.
Jun 11th, 2010, 09:20 AM
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This is a great start!
I'll already have been in San Fran for 2 days before embarking on my journey, and have another 3 days in San Fran before heading up to Sonoma. It's really just a Sat morning to Monday evening type of deal. You know, away from the wedding maddness, before the hoards of family comes to town.
I'll check out Sea Ranch but I'm also intrigued by the places in Yosemite. Camping can be romantic too??
I'll already have been in San Fran for 2 days before embarking on my journey, and have another 3 days in San Fran before heading up to Sonoma. It's really just a Sat morning to Monday evening type of deal. You know, away from the wedding maddness, before the hoards of family comes to town.
I'll check out Sea Ranch but I'm also intrigued by the places in Yosemite. Camping can be romantic too??
Jun 11th, 2010, 09:47 AM
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you may be on the wrong board for that question...try the thorn tree at Lonely Planet perhaps. i've gone camping at Big Basin and Portola Valley parks and it's been nice...I hear there is good stuff in Marin as well.
Big Sur is beautiful and has some parts that would be fun and affordable (one place i think rents yurts as an example) but you would be going 2.5 hours south and then driving for 4 hours from there to get to Sonoma. if that's ok, check out that area.
Big Sur is beautiful and has some parts that would be fun and affordable (one place i think rents yurts as an example) but you would be going 2.5 hours south and then driving for 4 hours from there to get to Sonoma. if that's ok, check out that area.
Jun 11th, 2010, 10:03 AM
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I think camping can be romantic - the issue is just the gear you need, and if you are flying, that can be an issue. Lots of great camping within a couple hours of SF though.
Treebones in Big Sur does have yurts, so you could "camp" without gear - check out their site, see if it is in your budget. It is beyond ours, so we've never stayed there.
Another choice is Costanoa, which is in between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay
http://www.costanoa.com/site.php - they have some tent cabins where you don't need to bring any gear.
I can't really think of any lakes within a couple hours of SF except Clear Lake - I am not familiar with it though, so I don't know if it is what you are looking for. There are other lakes, but I can't think of any with lodging.
Another place in Big Sur you might look at is Ripplewood http://www.ripplewoodresort.com/
They have fairly rustic cabins at good rates.
Treebones in Big Sur does have yurts, so you could "camp" without gear - check out their site, see if it is in your budget. It is beyond ours, so we've never stayed there.
Another choice is Costanoa, which is in between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay
http://www.costanoa.com/site.php - they have some tent cabins where you don't need to bring any gear.
I can't really think of any lakes within a couple hours of SF except Clear Lake - I am not familiar with it though, so I don't know if it is what you are looking for. There are other lakes, but I can't think of any with lodging.
Another place in Big Sur you might look at is Ripplewood http://www.ripplewoodresort.com/
They have fairly rustic cabins at good rates.
Jun 11th, 2010, 10:21 AM
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If you would consider a hostel, there is one south of San Francisco at the Pigeon Point lighthouse. http://www.norcalhostels.org/pigeon/ I don't know if they have private rooms, though.
Lee Ann
Lee Ann
Jun 11th, 2010, 11:26 AM
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These are great options! The Ripplewood Resort is holding a room for me but they only have one night! Where else could I stay either nearby Big Sur or on the road to/from San Fran. Looks like Pigeon Point might be booked up 
Jun 11th, 2010, 11:32 AM
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When we lived in the Bay Area, I used to love to stay in Point Reyes (one of my favorite places on the planet!) or Mendocino. It's been so long I don't have any specific rec's although a co-worker stayed at the Whale Watch Inn (Gualala?) last year and LOVED it.
Jun 11th, 2010, 12:03 PM
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I would recommend Point Reyes also--it would give you more time to spend in a lovely place than driving to Yosemite. Check out lodging options here:http://www.ptreyes.com/ You could also camp if that is what you desire, but Point Reyes itself is strictly hike-in camping.
Jun 11th, 2010, 12:21 PM
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I was just going to suggest Glen Oaks in Big Sur. Very nice.
Closer to SF might be Big Basin State Park. They have cabins/tent cabins (or they used to) that come with bedding. Love those redwoods! Nice walking trails, too. And you are close enough to civilization that you could have dinner in town.
Closer to SF might be Big Basin State Park. They have cabins/tent cabins (or they used to) that come with bedding. Love those redwoods! Nice walking trails, too. And you are close enough to civilization that you could have dinner in town.
Jun 11th, 2010, 12:27 PM
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Here's a link for Big Basin tent cabins.
Also, I think Yosemite is doable, but it is about a 4+ hr. drive from SF. If you go via Hwy 108 toward Sonora, and then take the Hwy that goes through Groveland, you could stay at the old Groveland Hotel and/or stay just outside Yosemite Park at Evergreen Lodge. My cousins really liked Evergreen. They have cabins and tents available and also have a restaurant and bar.
Also, I think Yosemite is doable, but it is about a 4+ hr. drive from SF. If you go via Hwy 108 toward Sonora, and then take the Hwy that goes through Groveland, you could stay at the old Groveland Hotel and/or stay just outside Yosemite Park at Evergreen Lodge. My cousins really liked Evergreen. They have cabins and tents available and also have a restaurant and bar.
