We will be celebrating our 20-year anniversary in September. We live in California and are looking for a 3-day weekend getaway-someplace in the Western U.S. that would be romantic, scenic and very memorable. ...Ruling out places we've been, including Napa, Mendocino, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Yosemite. Does that leave any other ideas?

How about Lake Tahoe?

I know that you said West Coast, but since that you have already seen much of it, there are not many other places to consider. You also may want to look into the Big Sur area or further south in Santa Barbara.

How about Ashland, Oregon? It's a lovely little town not too far over the border, there's a top-notch Shakespeare festival that runs through October (I think), there's a lot of wine tasting around there, and there's just the right amount of stuff to do for a three-day weekend, with a good balance of relaxation thrown in. A little off the beaten track for most Californians, probably, but a lovely spot nonetheless.

coronado island - san diego
laguna beach, ca
lake tahoe

A stay in Ojai at a spa would be a good match for your requirements. Beautiful scenic town.

A weekend at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna would also be great.

Carmel would be a great idea..It is romantic,and with a lot to do.The Bernardus Lodge is a wonderful new resort,or there is the Carmel Garden Court Inn,a very small hotel,12 rooms,where each has their own private varandas and foreplaces.And it is 2 blocks from downtown.
If you would like any more information about carmel,let me know.We live here,and will be happy to help.

Don't people read? They included Carmel as a place they've already been to. Ojai is a good suggestion.

How about a quick flight up to Seattle or Vancouver or Victoria BC?

I know this sounds strange....but you need to go to Long Beach! The "Queen Mary" an original White Star oceanliner is docked there, and it's not only a floating museum, it's also a floating hotel/B&B! Stroll the wooden decks, tour the innermost areas, including the original pool (no longer in use), imagine what it was like to be on the Titanic! Nearby is the Long Beach Aquarium, and in about 1 hr. you can be on Catalina Island...a garden treasure in and of itself! We did this for one of our Anniversaries, and it's one of my favorite memories!

A great place to visit in September is the San Juan Islands. Fabulous scenery, very memorable. Check out places like the Rosario Resort on Orcas Island.

Yes, we live in the Bay area and Rosario Resort is on our future "must go for short trip list" you take a float plane into it from Seattle. Another place might be Sedona which we keep going back to via SWA. Closer and in state are Coronado at the Hotel Del, Big Bear Lake or Lake Arrowhead. Another of our must visits is Santa Fe--our son has been though we haven't.

Good ideas! I am going to look into these suggestions and I'll let you know if I have more questions. thanks!

Congratulations on 20 years. We celebrated ours last Sept. Because it was our 20th we went to Kauai but we almost always go to Tahoe to celebrate and get away. It is so beautiful in Tahoe in Sept. We have stayed at the following places and had a great time each time:

Tahoe Seasons
Embassy Suites
Black Bear Inn
Sunnyside Resort

We have dined at some pretty good places but these are our faves:

Cafe Fiore (only 6 or 7 tables very romantic)
Evans American Gourmet (no words can describe how yummy)

We don't gamble so hiking, fishing, reading outside, going for a sail, a wet woody at Riva Grill....

I could go on!

Definitely the San Juan Islands. If you haven't been there, they are beautiful and very romantic. September would be perfect. You can get there by ferry, air, or seaplane.