Hello all-
I am planning a surprise long weekend away for my boyfriend and myself for sometime in mid feb to mid march.

A little about us: We are mid 20's, love to travel, love food/wine, museums, anything outdoors, shopping...(there really isn't much we don't like!) I live in San Francisco, he currently lives in Ireland... (he will be visiting sometime in the above time frame)

I would love some suggestions for romantic getaways in California, preferably no further away than 4 hrs by car (from SF)

rayanne, what is your budget? My son (also mid-20s) recently went to the Mendocino area with his girlfriend and her family (2 20-something couples and a late 40s couple). They stayed at the Albion River Inn and loved it. Views of the ocean, fireplaces in the cottages, Mendocino nearby, etc.

There are just tons of options. Yes, Mendocino and then the northern Redwoods would be good. But we do need your budget.

Hmm... Hadn't really thought about a budget... I guess I am going for something mid ranged (up to 200/night?) We are trying to do a lot of these little trips (when he visits SF, and also when I go visit Ireland) so keeping it on the lower end makes it so we can do it more often

Have you been to Healdsburg? A tour of the wine country might be an interesting mini vacation. Sonoma over Napa. Check out www.sonomacountyvacations.com for romantic vacation rentals rather than hotel stays. Probably cheaper and more fun.
Healdsburg is only 1 1/2 hrs N. of SF. Plenty of shopping, wine tasting and great restaurants up here.

Thank you for the suggestions... I actually grew up in Windsor, so we went to Healdsburg all the time. It is still funny to me that it is "posh" to go there

What about Carmel? It's downright dreamy, 2.5 hours from SF, and you can see museums, eat great food, take in amazing view of the Pacific!

ckc

Oh, and not to mention the drive to Carmel down Hwy 1 is incredible.

ckc

I love the Carmel idea! i've always wanted to go there! Thank you for reminding me!

at one point dh and I were going to do a Northern California trip and go to Mendocino area - I think it sounded wonderful.