San Francisco is an amazing city that’s vibrant, multicultural and home to many fabulous sights. But when you want to get away from the bustle and the stresses of city living, just drive a few hours in any direction and you’ll end up on a beach, up a mountain, or at a world-class vineyard. For these kinds of trips, consider one of our best weekend getaways from San Francisco to relax, unwind, and enjoy the California weather with family or friends.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, Napa
Nestled among the vines, surrounded by lush hills, Four Seasons Resort in Napa is perfectly located just an hour and a half from San Francisco. This luxurious retreat has 85 guest rooms and 20 private residences that offer indoor-outdoor relaxation via a terrace or balcony. Discover innovative cuisine, rejuvenating spa treatments, and a place for the whole family to have fun.
Andaz Napa, Napa Valley
Find your way to Andaz Napa, a boutique hotel boasting a prime location in downtown Napa. It’s hip and upscale with 141 loft-like guest rooms and a second-floor terrace with cabanas and cozy fire pits, where you can relax with a cocktail. Andaz Farmers Table and Mercantile serve the flavours of Napa Valley from breakfast to after-dinner.
Montage Healdsburg, Sonoma Wine Country
Escape to the scenic Sonoma wine country at the Montage Healdsburg. Tucked away on 258 acres of vineyards and oak groves, this next-gen California retreat offers you a zero-edge pool, a huge 11,500-square-foot spa, and three signature dining options. Bungalow-style rooms feature environmentally conscious design, modern amenities, and spectacular outdoor spaces, making it one of our best weekend getaways from San Francisco.
Hotel Healdsburg, Sonoma Wine Country
Set near Healdsburg’s historic town plaza, Hotel Healdsburg is just a short stroll from the finest restaurants, vineyards, and shops in the county. It features a 60-foot pool and Jacuzzi, a luxurious spa, and a fitness centre. Take out their complimentary bikes to explore around town, savour a scrumptious meal at Dry Creek Kitchen, or unwind in the beautifully appointed rooms.
Harmon Guest House, Sonoma Wine Country
Architecturally striking and modern, Harmon Guest House is a nod to Healdsburg’s artistic soul. You’ll find local art made from reclaimed boards and fallen trees; a rooftop where you can enjoy spectacular views; a heated pool to relax in; and spacious rooms that feel like home. With a prime spot just steps from the Plaza, this guest house offers the perfect base to explore downtown Healdsburg.
Heritage House Resort & Spa, Mendocino
Located on the stunning coast of Mendocino, on 37 acres of pristine cliffside property, Heritage House Resort is a place to rejuvenate and indulge your senses. Offering a selection of rooms that showcase both historic architectural details and modern touches, a spa and concierge services, a fitness room, hiking trails, and Sunday morning yoga, the resort is the perfect, relaxing getaway.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Luxury comes to Northern California at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Located just over 30 minutes from downtown San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the hotel gives you ocean-view dining from Navio restaurant, verdant golf courses, restorative spa treatments, world-class tennis courts, and incredible outdoor adventures. At day’s end, celebrate the good life in guest rooms that feature sumptuous bedding, soaking tubs, and amazing views.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Enjoy year-round activities at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. This luxurious upland destination is just 15 minutes from Lake Tahoe and offers a family-friendly getaway with all the frills, easily making it one of the best weekend getaways from San Francisco. Delight in its slope-side heated pool, full-service spa, inspired cuisine from any of its five dining venues, and ski-in/ski-out access. Then, unwind in guest rooms with cosy fireplaces, mountain views, and plush beds.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Lake Tahoe
Along the shores of Lake Tahoe sits Edgewood Tahoe Resort. This upscale accommodation features rooms with rich dark wood, gas fireplaces, Keurig coffeemakers, and private terraces or decks from which to view the breathtaking surroundings. Add to that, a renowned golf course, three dining outlets, expansive spa, and extensive outdoor adventures Edgewood offers something for everyone.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Rediscover yourself at Alila Ventana Big Sur, a 59-suite resort located in one of the most iconic destinations in the world. Here, you can choose to stay inside rustic but luxuriously appointed rooms that place you amid meadows and redwoods. Or embrace the splendor of the outdoors glamping in a tent cabin in distinct areas of the property.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, Monterey Bay
With stunning views of Monterey Bay, a private beach, oceanfront restaurant, and a full-service spa, the Monterey Plaza Hotel is your gateway to the coastal delights of central California. It is located only steps from the charming Cannery Row and a short 10-minute stroll from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Rooms and suites feature pillow-top mattresses, signature bathroom amenities, and private balconies.
Cavallo Point, San Francisco Bay Area
Enviably located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, minutes from downtown San Francisco, Cavallo Point offers two types of lodging: historic and contemporary. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll enjoy exceptional amenities and services. From farm-to-table dining, outdoor adventure programs, revitalizing wellness treatments, and memorable gathering spaces, Cavallo Point is ideal for romantic or family holidays.
Waters Edge Hotel, Tiburon
Immerse yourself in the relaxing vibe of Waters Edge Hotel, a boutique hotel located a short walk from Ferry Landing and the shops, restaurants, and sights of Tiburon. It offers only 23 rooms, ensuring privacy and plenty of peace and quiet. What we love about Waters Edge is that everything is complimentary: continental breakfast, bikes, a bag of snacks, and a bottle of local wine.
Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel Valley
Discover upscale ranch living at Carmel Valley Ranch. This family-friendly resort is located less than 20 minutes from Carmel Beach and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s the perfect choice for a fun family holiday with horseback riding, feeding the goats, or paper boat racing for the kids and golfing, spa treatments, and whiskey tasting for the adults.
Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley
Nestled among vineyards in the picturesque Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is just a few minutes’ drive to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Carmel-by-the-Sea. This beautiful country retreat offers all the best reasons to stay: spacious rooms, relaxing spa, yoga classes, hiking, acres of stunning grounds, scrumptious dining, and special weekly events.
Autocamp Yosemite
Explore the great Californian outdoors at AutoCamp Yosemite. Located 45 minutes from the majestic Yosemite National Park, AutoCamp offers endless adventures and a place to unwind and get a restful night’s slumber. Choose from roomy, classic suites, cabin suites, luxury tents, or spacious airstreams — each is designed to provide all the comfort you need.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay, Sonoma Coast
Set overlooking the Pacific Ocean, atop a tranquil bluff, The Lodge at Bodega Bay brings homey comfort with a touch of elegance to the Sonoma Coast. Start your holiday down at the beach or at the fishing village of Bodega Bay. Then at the lodge, play a round of bocce or de-stress with a spa treatment before heading to Drakes Sonoma Coast for a scrumptious meal.
Plan a short family holiday, couple’s retreat, or adventurous weekend away with our list of the best weekend getaways from San Francisco.
Image credit: Montage Healdsburg
