Overnight trip from San Francisco
 

Hi, I am trying to give my niece and her husband an overnight trip for their 2nd anniversary - first weekend in May, but seem to have run out of ideas. They enjoy traveling so have been to most of the areas around - Monterey/Carmel, Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, wine country etc. They just stayed at the Treebone yurts a couple of weeks ago which I had never heard of! I am trying to find something different/more luxurious accommodations perhaps? They enjoy nature and are very active. An amazing hotel/place/view within 2-3 hours of SF for about $300 would be great. Fodorites always come with with great suggestions, any ideas would be appreciated. I tried the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay but besides being a bit over my budget, they are sold out for that weekend. Thanks.

The only direction you haven't mentioned is north to Mendocino. How about something like the Sea Ranch?

Or maybe a weekend cruise out of LA? That'll probably be more than you're willing to spend, but they run these three/four day cruises down to Ensenada and up sailing almost ot Santa Barbara and back again to LA?San Pedro. Some of these cruises include airfare.

It's in Pacific Grove, so not a new spot for them, but Seven Gables Inn is wonderful and would be very romantic.

The rooms are so romantic and the views are amazing. They have free wine tasting from 5-6 pm with an array of appetizers; then they have fresh baked cookies, milk later in the evenings. The breakfast was very impressive as well.

For pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/PacificGroveCA2008

Deb

I have a special fondness for Safari West, but it's not for everyone. The cabins are artistically hand-crafted, and quite luxurious. It's less than 2 hours from San Francisco just past Santa Rosa.

http://www.safariwest.com/

There are excellent wineries near by, and Calistoga is a fun city to stroll about.

Inn at Occidental in Occidental, CA is a wondeful B & B. Short drive to the ocean.

Gee this sure is nice..is it possible to be adopted?? :-)

How about Marina Dunes (Beachfront) Resort on (south) Monterey Bay? Ratged #1 on TripAdvisor

I think Trump is opening something new in near Monterey???

Four Sisters Inns Seal Cove Inn on at Half Moon Bay
www.foursisters.com
Teddy Bear in every room, nice wine & cheese at night, cookies and great breakfasts

Or like alot of people who never stay in a great hotel in their home city, why not one of the nice hotels on Union Square with spa, dinner and theater tickets (money)

Would Santa BArbara be too far? Four Seasons or Bacara are nice..

Thanks for all the suggestions, they were exactly what I was looking for. And 1JAR, its actually a joint present from my sister and myself, wish I could afford to be that generous! I did check with my niece, told her we were thinking of a trip and she said she did not know much about Mendocino or Pacific Grove or Half Moon Bay since they had never been there so I guess I have a few options now, thanks to Fodorites coming through again. What is particularly nice about Half Moon Bay, is it just the hotels? I know they like to do things, I like the idea of Safari West too but just not sure if they will. Another option would be a spa package, again, I welcome any suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Half Moon Bay actually has a very nice little downtown, with some outstanding restaurants. It's also on the ocean, which means walks on the beach (although it's not often "beach weather"). It's a nice place, especially for just an overnight.

Both the Ritz & the Four Sisters Inn (Half Moon Bay)are fully booked that weekend so I am leaning towards Mendocino. Has anyone stayed at the Brewery Gulch Inn or is the Sea Ranch much better?

Just called the Sea Ranch, they have a 2 night minimum, now I'm nervous that will be the case with most of the other hotels too.

I'm not finding anything worthy of an anniversary trip without a 2 night minimum. Just in case I have to abandon this idea, I need suggestions for a great spa/couples massage and/or a gift certificate for dinner. The restaurants would have to have some vegetarian choices as well, if not for that I would have gone with the Cliff House as suggested on other posts.