10 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways In Northern California - Updated 2024

Andrea Mae
Andrea Mae 
Updated
| 4 min read

Northern California is known for its numerous vineyards and thriving culinary scene, making it a popular destination among couples. With its serene beaches and spectacular sunsets, Northern California’s view can give you the perfect scenery for your romantic trip. Many seaside towns, long bays, and beautiful coves surround the place, so beach lovers can surely have a great time. Moreover, if you are looking for a peaceful time together, you can also appreciate the country’s charm and historic towns. You can stay in hotels or yurts in Northern California that come with amazing amenities. If you and your partner are looking to spend some quality time together, scroll down for the best romantic weekend getaways in Northern California.

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 March 01, 2024.

1. Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco (from USD 209)

Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user King of Hearts used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The variety of restaurants serving fresh-from-the-ocean seafood has made Fisherman’s Wharf popular among many tourists. Just three minutes away from Fisherman’s Wharf, you can have a place to stay at Hyatt Centric. Stroll around Pier 39 to discover shops, more seafood eateries, and even witness talented street performers. If you want to have a simple date, you can explore Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum and Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, both 0.3 km (0.2 mi) away.

Stayed at this property?

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 555 North Point Street
54.63 km (34.0 mi) from Skyline Wilderness Park

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

2. South Lake Tahoe (from USD 126)

Kiva beach, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Djlmno used under CC0

The honey-hued sand combined with South Lake Tahoe’s sparkling blue water is a must-see in Northern California. There are forests and lakeside trails to explore on foot, or you can simply spend a sweet time and have a picnic on the Lakeside Beach. If you are looking for a place to stay in South Lake Tahoe, you can try Tahoe Seasons Resort by Diamond Resorts. There are lots of nearby attractions for you to visit such as Tahoe Queen and South Tahoe Ice Arena, where you and your partner can enjoy ice skating.

Stayed at this property?

Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 3901 Saddle Road
213.73 km (132.9 mi) from Skyline Wilderness Park

Parking Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms

3. Eureka (from USD 149)

Eureka Valley CA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user G. Thomas used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

With its classic Victorian charm, you can spend a romantic time around Eureka. As you stroll around its busy streets, you can see horse-pulled carriages, Victorian mansions, and townhouses that can whisk you to old nostalgic times. Some bars and restaurants are famous for their oysters, cheese, wines, and craft beers. You can stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites to maximize your visit to Eureka. It has an indoor pool, and each room features a hot tub so you can relax while having fun. You and your better half can enjoy an enriching experience at Clarke Historical Museum or Morris Graves Museum of Art.

Stayed at this property?

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eureka, an IHG Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 815 West Wabash Avenue
324.64 km (201.8 mi) from Skyline Wilderness Park

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry Facilities for disabled guests

4. Napa (Napa Valley) (from USD 194)

Napa Valley welcome sign
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Napa is an excellent destination since it is the largest town in Napa County. You can find many local restaurants, over 400 wine tasting rooms, and stylish boutiques. If you want to explore nature with your loved one, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the Napa River. After spending a day filled with exploration, you can stay at Silverado Resort and Spa. It boasts 10 pools, 2 championship golf courses, and 1 tennis court, so you can have a great time even if you are just staying on site. For an interesting date with your partner, you can visit Napa Valley Hot Air Balloons.

Stayed at this property?

Silverado Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 1600 Atlas Peak Road
7.85 km (4.9 mi) from Skyline Wilderness Park

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

California Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

5. Sausalito (from USD 309)

Floating home Taj Mahal in Sausalito, California
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Frank Schulenburg used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Sausalito’s seaside community features beautiful scenic views, charming houseboat enclaves, and exquisite dining experiences. You can ride a ferry to explore the laid-back town or see the picture-perfect Golden Gate Bridge. If you want to discover places in Sausalito, you can stay at Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa. There are lots of nearby tourist attractions to visit such as Bay Area Discovery Museum, Fort Baker, and Angel Island, so you and your other half can have fun exploring.

Stayed at this property?

Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa

Address: 801 Bridgeway
51.15 km (31.8 mi) from Skyline Wilderness Park

Pets allowed Non-smoking throughout Restaurant Face masks for guests available Facilities for disabled guests Ironing service Delivered food is securely covered Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines

6. Half Moon Bay (from USD 209)

Half Moon Bay Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Intothewoods29 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Couples can be closer to nature when they visit Half Moon Bay. They can go hiking in scenic parks or enjoy fishing and birdwatching in this gorgeous coastal city. Even if it is a small town, it has plenty of cafes, galleries, and bookstores for you to discover. What makes this place popular is the Moon Bay State Beach, which is considered one of the finest beaches in Northern California. To make the most of your stay, you can book a room at Half Moon Bay Lodge. You can be near famous tourist attractions such as Naples Beach and Hiller Aviation Museum, so exploring the area will not be a problem.

Stayed at this property?

Half Moon Bay Lodge

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 2400 Cabrillo Highway South
95.4 km (59.3 mi) from Skyline Wilderness Park

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

7. Carmel-by-the-Sea (from USD 229)

Carmel by the Sea Coastline
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user cleipelt used under CC0

Carmel-by-the-Sea is definitely a must-visit town. Its rich culture can be seen in the many art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and classically styled homes. Couples can enjoy the views of rugged coastlines and cypress-covered outcroppings. Many tourists recommend staying at Carmel Mansion Inn as it can offer guests a relaxing environment as well as great dining options, perfect for couples who just want to relax. There are top tourist attractions in the area such as Monterey Pines Golf Club and Presidio of Monterey Museum.

Stayed at this property?

Carmel Mission Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 3665 Rio Road
195.78 km (121.7 mi) from Skyline Wilderness Park

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

8. Bodega Bay (from USD 259)

Bodega Bay CA - waterfront
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rojer Wisner used under CC BY 2.0

Couples who want to experience lots of outdoor adventures can visit Bodega Bay. Here, you cannot run out of hiking and biking trails to explore, and you can even enjoy some mesmerizing Pacific Ocean views. The beaches in the area are great for picnic dates, and you might even witness whales off the coast. You can also rent a kite at kite shops such as Second Wind and Candy & Kites. Stay at The Inn at the Tides to have a comfortable stay. This hotel is near popular attractions such as Sonoma Coast State Beach, Chanslor Ranch, Pee Wee Golf & Arcade.

Stayed at this property?

The Inn at the Tides

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 800 Highway One
69.59 km (43.3 mi) from Skyline Wilderness Park

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

9. Mendocino

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user View more used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Mendocino is a coastal hamlet that features peaceful sea views. It is a seaside village filled with saltbox cottages, Victorian houses, and saloons. Aside from that, there are also must-visit state parks, rich wetlands, and forests filled with pine and cypress trees. Mendocino Hotel & Garden is a popular place to stay, with its proximity to the main street. For amazing date ideas, the area can offer plenty of places to visit such as Highlight Gallery, Ford House Museum, and Mendocino Jams & Preserves.

Stayed at this property?

10. Grass Valley (from USD 148)

Empire Mine State Historic Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user KRoark used under CC BY-SA 2.0

With its rich history, Grass Valley is filled with historic sites that you and your partner can visit such as Empire Mine State Historic Park and North Star Powerhouse Mining Museum. When you visit Grass Valley, you can stay at Grass Valley Courtyard Suites. It has an outdoor swimming pool and fitness center to keep you in shape. In the evening, you can join simple gatherings that feature California wines and hors d'oeuvres. You can also visit nearby tourist attractions such as Grass Valley Museum and Condon Park.

Stayed at this property?

Grass Valley Courtyard Suites

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 210 North Auburn Street
146.75 km (91.2 mi) from Skyline Wilderness Park

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Sauna Fitness centre Garden Terrace

Enjoy a romantic adventure in Northern California

If you are searching for a destination that can showcase the beauty of nature and sophisticated modern cities, then Northern California might be the perfect place for you. Go on a trip that can bring you and your partner closer to each other, and explore the best romantic weekend getaways in Northern California.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Andrea, a freelance content writer based in the Philippines, is both a teacher by profession and a passionate writer. Her travels, primarily with family and occasionally with friends, have left her...Read more

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