With a population of over seven million people, San Francisco Bay Area prides itself on having pristine beaches, modern architectural designs, bustling towns, fun outdoor activities, and a rich culinary experience. Whether you’re in the area as a solo traveler, couple, or family, you can have numerous things to do and amazing attraction sites to explore. Some of the region’s top tourist spots include Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Union Square, and The Palace Of Fine Arts. To familiarize yourself with the region, you can take part in weekend getaways with your lover and create fun unforgettable memories. Read on for more details about the best romantic weekend getaways in and near San Francisco Bay Area.
Getting around
- According to San Francisco Travel, one of the best ways to explore the San Francisco Bay Area and the nearby areas is by purchasing the Clipper Card. It offers access to various public transportation, including BART, Muni buses, Metro, and cable cars. The best part is that you can even access it from your phone, as the service is compatible with Apply Pay and Google Pay.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 02, 2024.
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1. Truckee
Truckee is renowned as a great romantic weekend getaway for couples who are into outdoor adventures. Donner Lake is a must-visit if you want to try waterskiing with your significant other. Together, you can also conquer the Mount Judah Loop Trail, a hiking trail that stretches to 5.10 miles (8.2 kilometers).
The area is also home to its Outdoor 20 Mile Museum, a wondrous spot along Old Highway 40. From the name itself, this picturesque point of interest stretches to 20 miles (32.19 kilometers) and depicts the history of the area. You can learn about how skiing and ice harvesting blossomed in this humble town.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Truckee This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 10640 East Jibboom Street
215.38 km (133.9 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
2. Sausalito
Blessed with world-famous attraction sites such as Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito has positioned itself as an ideal romantic destination. It can take you approximately 26 minutes from San Francisco Bay Area to cover the 24.4 miles (39.3 kilometers) by car. You can have Muir Woods National Monument at your disposal for engaging in a scenic hike with your better half. Rodeo Beach is a perfect spot for picnicking, surfing, and sunbathing.
Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa
Address: 801 Bridgeway
52.45 km (32.6 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
3. Bodega Bay
With Bodega Bay’s quirky oceanside shops, numerous seafood restaurants, pristine beaches, and art galleries, you and your partner can enjoy a nice location and endless activities for couples. Top attraction sites in the area include Bodega Head, Doran Regional Park, and Pinnacle Gulch Trail. You are free to engage in leisure activities such as whale watching, kayaking, and horse riding. From San Francisco Bay Area, it can take you approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes by car on the 67.3-mile (108.3-kilometer) road.
The Inn at the Tides
Address: 800 Highway One
66.4 km (41.3 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
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4. Half Moon Bay
Although small, this city has an array of fantastic places of interest to visit and things to do for lovebirds. With its sandy beaches, well-maintained hiking trails, modern shopping centers, and numerous restaurants, you can enjoy a romantic weekend getaway that’s second to none. Among the many attractions in this city, popular beaches such as Half Moon Bay State Beach, Mavericks Beach, and Poplar Beach are frequented by lovebirds looking to have a good time. A 34-minute drive from San Francisco Bay Area can get you to this charming destination, having covered 37 miles (60 kilometers). Whether you want to go sunbathing, fishing, or lazing around a clean and safe beach, you can be well taken care of in Half Moon Bay.
Aristocrat Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Address: 1400 Cabrillo Hwy
95.96 km (59.7 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
5. Palo Alto
Palo Alto, though sparsely populated, continues to welcome lovebirds from far and wide each passing day. With its attraction sites such as Castle Rock State Park, Hoover Tower, Rancho San Antonio Preserve, and Shoreline Lake Park, there are numerous places to engage in recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and camping with your lover. Among the exciting places of interest in the area are hidden gems such as Stevens Creek, Monte Bello Preserve, and Picchetti Winery that are worth exploring as well. The distance from San Francisco Bay Area to Palo Alto is roughly 38.1 miles (61.3 kilometers), and it can take you 37 minutes by car to reach the destination.
The Clement Hotel - All Inclusive Urban Resort
Address: 711 El Camino Real
96.46 km (60.0 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
6. Fremont
Fremont has plenty in store for lovers seeking to reconnect with nature or wanting to discover its attractions. A trip to this region would be incomplete without touring places of interest such as Coyote Hills Regional Park, Sunol Regional Wilderness, and Mission Peak Regional Preserve. It’ll take you about 39 minutes to arrive here from San Francisco Bay Area, having driven 29.3 miles (47.2 kilometers). Some romantic leisure activities to do in the area include mountain climbing, stargazing, and paddle boating. Additionally, modern spas such as Ariba Medical Spa and RenewMD Beauty and Wellness can leave your body feeling relaxed.
Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 46100 Landing Parkway
95.18 km (59.2 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
7. Gilroy
This adorable city is famous for two things; its yearly Gilroy Garlic Festival and its garlic crop that’s produced in plenty in the region. A trip to this area can expose you to numerous entertainment joints with live music, plenty of food, and unique historical sites. Enjoy a lovely date with your better half and visit the top sightseeing spots such as Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, Jason-Stephens Winery, and Christmas Hill Park. To arrive here from San Francisco Bay Area, you will cover a distance of 79.8 miles (128.4 kilometers) in about 1 hour and 17 minutes by car.
Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn
Address: 375 Leavesley Road
155.66 km (96.8 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
8. San Rafael
With historical sites, fun outdoor activities, welcoming locals, and world-class accommodation facilities, you can have more than one reason to visit San Rafael with your loved one. From San Francisco Bay Area, it can take you less than half an hour to reach this beautiful town, having traveled for about 18.3 miles (29.5 kilometers) by car. Your arrival in the town can make it easier for you to explore magnificent places of interest such as Marin Art and Garden Center, McNears Beach County Park, and China Camp State Park. For more insights about San Rafael’s exceptional culinary experience, you can join a cooking class with your better half.
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 101 McInnis Parkway
39.66 km (24.7 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
9. Santa Rosa
Some of the best wineries and vineyards in California can be found in Santa Rosa. For that reason, couples can have a wide range of wines to sample and vineyards to visit. Apart from Santa Rosa’s cool vibe and numerous wineries, it’s home to amazing tourist spots such as Safari West, Trione-Annadel State Park, and Spring Lake Park. Being 29.3 miles (47.2 kilometers) away from San Francisco Bay Area, you can reach Santa Rosa in about an hour.
Vintners Resort
Address: 4350 Barnes Road
46.65 km (29.0 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
10. Pescadero
The town can be reached in about an hour’s drive from San Francisco as it is just 76.12 km (47.3 miles) away. Pescadero is a great place to visit if you want to spend a relaxing weekend on the beach. Pescadero State Beach, Bean Hollow State Beach, and Pomponio State Beach are just some of the beaches in the area where you can chill, enjoy a picnic, or go fishing. While in Pescadero, you can also visit Pigeon Point Light Station, which is about 8 km (5 miles) away. The iconic historic landmark was built in 1871, and it is the perfect photo backdrop during sunrise or sunset.
Tip from Content Creator
Pescadero is somewhere along Highway 1, so easy to miss! Just an hour‘s drive from San Francisco, a great day trip or weekend getaway
Sure there are beaches and all, but did you know about downtown Pescadero and the local farms around the area? It's a quaint small town with vintage accents everywhere - rich in historical significance. Most of all, it made me feel like this place was unreal, something that was put together by the folks at Universal Studios.
While you're here, you can’t say no to a lemon+berry pie! Especially not at the famous Pie Ranch. You can also visit Pigeon Point Lighthouse and have lunch at Duarte’s Tavern, a 4th generation family business ever since they operated as a Saloon. Check out their Soup Latte and artichoke+green chili half and half.
Visiting Pescadero? Check out Janice's suggested itinerary here: https://wheresjanice.com/pescadero-weekend-itinerary/
11. Mendocino
Situated 157 miles (252.67 kilometers) from San Francisco Bay Area, Mendocino is a humble town that offers a plethora of romantic spots for lovers. You can bring your partner over to a fun adventure at Mendocino Headlands State Park and Van Damme State Park.
If you want somewhere more tranquil, you can visit Kelley House Museum or Temple of Kwan Tai with your significant other. And to make the most out of this coastal-designated place, have fun under the sun and enjoy the pristine waters of Van Damme Beach.
Sweetwater Inn and Spa
Address: 44840 Main Street
172.12 km (107.0 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
12. Healdsburg
This small touristy town is just a short drive from Santa Rosa, and San Francisco is about 111.52 km (69.3 miles) away. This picturesque location with a lush redwood forest is home to some of the best wineries in the country. Healdsburg is a great weekend destination for birthdays, anniversaries, or just an escape from city life. You can also visit one of the farmers’ markets here, where locals from across Sonoma County offer local produce and crafts.
Healdsburg Small-Group Food and Wine Walking Tour
Duration: 240
13. Carmel-by-the-Sea
The small beach town of Carmel-by-the-Sea is located about 196.5 km (122.2 miles) from San Francisco. The town is well-known for its museums, such as Carmel Mission Basilica Museum and Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. It is also a haven for wine lovers as about 20 wine-tasting rooms are tucked within a square mile here. The town’s main street, Ocean Avenue, is a must-visit as it is lined with charming restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
Carmel 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Food and Wine Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
14. Gualala
Gualala is about 184.75 km (114.8 miles) from San Francisco. The natural beauty of Gualala makes the coastal town very inviting for tourists. It has a thriving community of artists and art lovers, which is reflected by the large Gualala Arts Center. You can indulge in a number of outdoor activities here, like camping, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and more. If you like watersports, you can rent a kayak or a canoe and take on Gualala River while admiring the scenic riverside beauty.
15. Monterey
Monterey is about 183 km (114 miles) from San Francisco Bay Area. Visitors can’t miss stopping by the vibrant Cannery Row, a waterfront street here. Cannery Row once had many canning factories, but the buildings have now been converted to hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. Visit one of the waterfront restaurants and soak up the beauty of Monterey Bay. Cannery Row is also popular if you want to experience the local nightlife. Monterey Bay Aquarium and Dennis the Menace Playground are some other points of interest in the city.
Monterey Half-Day Whale Watching Tour
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
16. Cayucos
Cayucos is a coastal town and is about 365 km (227 miles) away from San Francisco. It is a great place to spend a relaxing and romantic weekend near the Bay Area. Cayucos has several antique shops where you can find some interesting trinkets. Apart from the sandy beaches, this destination also has several murals spread across town. Put your flipflops on and go on a self-guided mural tour while here.
Cayucos Sunset Inn
Address: 95 South Ocean Avenue
340.51 km (211.6 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
17. San Diego
San Diego is not very close to San Francisco Bay Area—about 817 km (508 miles) away. However, the warm weather and the vibrant city life make San Diego an ideal weekend trip destination for Bay Area’s visitors and locals alike. The beaches here are perfect for lazing off, but you should not miss visiting popular landmarks such as USS Midway Museum, SeaWorld San Diego, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and more.
San Diego: Gourmet Dinner Cruise
Duration: 2.5 hour
18. Napa Valley
Spice up your relationship by visiting Napa Valley, an area famous for its numerous vineyards. Along the way to this beautiful destination, you can be treated to beautiful countryside scenery. The journey on the 57.8-mile (93-kilometer) road can take you about 1 hour and 7 minutes by car. Upon arrival, you can visit leading wineries such as Rutherford Hill Winery, Chateau Montelena Winery, and Corison Winery for exceptional wine flavors like no other in the region. Apart from wine tasting and vineyard tours, couples can also engage in outdoor activities such as bicycle riding, shopping, and learning local history together.
The Meritage Resort and Spa
Address: 875 Bordeaux Way
6.32 km (4.0 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
19. Fairfield
Home to fantastic attractions such as Western Railway Museum, Rockville Hills Regional Park, Benicia State Recreation Area, and Lynch Canyon Open Space, couples can have plenty to see and do in Fairfield. Enjoy panoramic views of the region’s beautiful scenery from Rockville Hills Regional Park while hiking. Later, you can indulge in a wine tasting tour at Wooden Valley Winery. You can go swimming at Allan Witt Park with the love of your life. If you just want to chill in a peaceful outdoor location with a cool breeze, head to Hillview Park and Jepson Prairie Preserve. Travel along the 38.3-mile (61.6-kilometer) road from San Francisco Bay Area and enjoy a scenic 46-minute drive.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairfield - Napa Valley
Address: 316 Pittman Rd., Cordelia Junction, Fairfield (CA), United States, 94534
16.45 km (10.3 mi) from Napa Valley Wine Train
Unparalleled romantic weekend getaways
It’s always good to explore a new destination and create fun memories with someone you love. Engage in any of the best romantic weekend getaways in San Francisco Bay Area, and have fun with your better half.
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