Hi Fodorites!

I stay in Bay area(new to the area),CA and I am looking for some place to celebrate our anniversary in the first week of may.

We had been to places like BigSur and carmel,Yosemite and Lake Tahoe recently and we really liked those places.So looking for something similar where we can relax and enjoy nature beauty.

Since we don't have much time,looking for something which can be enjoyed in 2-3 days and not very far(doable by car).

Also,any pointers for good hotels are most welcome!

Thanks,
P.

Since you've been to Big Sur, Tahoe and Yosemite, I assume you are looking for someplace "new"?

If so, I'd go up the coast north of San Francisco. Pt. Reyes, Bodega Bay, Jenner, Salt Point, Sea Ranch, Little River, Mendocino, Ft. Bragg etc. all have great places to stay.

The weather in early May is usually great and it's only a few hours by car to most of the places.

There are hotels and inns in all price ranges. There's also camping.

If you like horses, at Pt Reyes, you can take a ride out to a deserted beach with a waterfall where you can renew your vows.

http://www.fivebrooks.com/

Hi Otis_B_Driftwood!

Thank you for the prompt post.

I will definitely consider options suggested by you.

P.

Mendocino is quite a lovely little town with a great location. The walk along the Mendocino Headlands is about as romantic as it get.

However, since your talking May, you might want to consider Cambria--just south of San Simeon and the Hearst "Castle." Book a room on Moonstone Drive.

While in Cambria, take CA 46 East--a beautiful drive to wine country near Paso Robles. Moro Bay and San Luis Obispo would make another delightful day trip.

Happy anniversary!

What about Santa Barbara or the Ritz Carlton Laguna Nigal?

I loved the Biltmore in Santa Barbara.The weather should be nice in May with very little rain and plenty of sunshine.

I'd personally go north like Otis and htty recommended. Mendocino, Little River, Sea Ranch and the others would all be easily reachable from SF and in some ways have even better scenery and more to do than Big Sur and south.

What is your budget.

I agree about going NORTH. Love the scenery north of the GGB.

Anywhere north along the coast, all the way to the redwoods near the Oregon border is perfect for what you seek!

I would also recommend heading north to Mendocino. For somethng very different just north of Mendocino/ Fort Bragg, check out Howard Creek Ranch.

Hi Fodorites!

We are just back from a wonderful trip to San Simeon,Cambria,Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

Special thanks to happytrailstoyou .

It really turned out perfect for us as we went there to celebrate our anniversary!
We stayed at "Best Western" at San Simeon in a room with a fantastic sea view.

We went a couple of times to Cambria(main street and downtime) for lunch/dinner etc.We found Cambria really a quiet and very scenic place with lush green hills.

We also visited Hearst Castle near San Simeon.

We went to Morro Bay and Mission San Luis Obispo as well.Everything was fantastic!We really liked the area nr the Mission San Luis Obispo.

While returning home,we drove on to 46E(A road to green valley,as it was mentioned on the road)and tasted wines at "Peachy Canyon"(It was very cheap $3 for 6 wines)" and "Summer Wood" winery.

Overall,we found all these places less crowdy and peaceful and relaxing!

The green valley was really lush green and turned out as one of the highlights of our trip!

With Best Regards,
P.