Northern California Romantic Getaways
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By Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Jan 8, 2012
For those who only think of California as everything south of the Bay area, you’re missing out!
Northern California is a great place to plan a getaway or honeymoon. Let's tell you some more about what you'll find as you follow Hwy's 101 and 1 North (and a little bit South) of San Francisco...
Best Time to Visit and Travel in Northern California: almost anytime! Late spring and autumn are our favorites. We travelled through Northern California most recently in mid to late October 2011 and had excellent weather: 72 F and solid sunshine!
Fog (usually in the mornings) and cooler temps are common along the North Coast. You’ll find more people and higher prices in the summer, but not really a huge difference in most places. Summer can bring heat, especially to the more central desert areas (expect mid 90's F in July!) Coastal Northern California Romantic Getaways
California Pacific Coast Highway 1 is a very rewarding seaside journey. 2 lanes full of the wild, crashing Pacific, secluded little windswept communities, magnificent sunsets, and one great view after another…
Big Sur Coastline: - This scenic drive is just fantastic - both Maureen and I agree that it has to be one of the most spectacular pieces of Oceanside highway we have ever driven. It begins just a few short miles south of Carmel. The rugged coast has powerful surf, jagged cliffs and beautiful cypress and redwood trees. The views of the Pacific with the strong breeze in your hair are unforgettable!
17 Mile Drive: - This very romantic and legendary road winds its way past scenic lookouts, rugged coast and thick forest (not to mention Pebble Beach Golf Course!). Whales, sea lions and sea otters make their home in the waters here. It’s a toll road, but the nominal fee is well worth it. Take your time and really enjoy this enchanting journey.
Carmel & The Big Sur - Carmel is one of our very favorite romantic seaside towns in California. It's a super-quaint community just south of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Course. Art Galleries, Café’s and antique shops line the cobblestone sidewalks.
Our favorite little B&B is here, the Happy Landing Inn (where we spent our honeymoon AND 10th anniversary!) Just south a few miles, the Big Sur coastline is, of course, simply spectacular!
Hwy 1 North of San FranciscoSausalito & Marin County - Maureen Says: "I’m glad we stopped in Sausalito. Just a short hop north across the Golden gate Bridge, it’s a “nautical” place with a nice choice of sidewalk café’s, bistros and B&B’s. I found some great little shops on the main street, and later we had a home baked muffin and coffee while watching the boats sail by".
For a relaxing lunch, try the clam chowder at the Boathouse Restaurant. And the Gourmet au Bay Seaside Wine Tasting Bar is the place for sipping California wine by the open sea.
Romantic Northern California Honeymoon Resort - the
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn And Spa, Sonoma,CA
Mendocino - "lonely and lovely" - that's how Mendocino's been described. Perched on a cliff facing the open Pacific, it's a must-see for romantic travel in California. Wineries, some very romantic Victorian-era B&B’s , spas, and long walks on the sand are the features of this colorful village, part of the National Register of Historic Places.
A captivating place, especially in the spring and fall off-seasons. Summer’s get pretty busy, so if everything is full, check up the road in Fort Bragg for more accommodation.
More Romantic Spots in Northern CaliforniaEureka – the restored Old Town is full of history and architecture, and makes a fine afternoon stroll or walking tour. And further north along the Redwood Coast, awe inspiring trees (2000 yrs old, 300+ft!) and hiking trails abound in Redwood National Park.
Sacramento – the political heart of California, with its State Railroad museum and Spirit of Sacramento paddle wheeler tours on the Sacramento River.
Yosemite – waterfalls, glaciers, rugged peaks, lakes and meadows all come together to form this postcard of a national park and World Heritage Site.
For more romantic destinations in Northern California, see our guides to the Napa & Sonoma Valleys and Lake Tahoe. Northern California Romantic Getaways – Lodging & Resorts:
Inns: Romantic Northern California Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
Carmel B&B's - romantic small inns from lanierbb.com
Northern California: Travel Map & MileageView Larger Map
Got a Favorite Northern California Getaway Spot?Know of any more romantic B&B's, inns or beachfront hotels in Northern California? Why not share it with us! What Other Visitors Have SaidSee some of our reader's favorite places for Northern California romantic vacations...
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Bodega Bay - this tiny seaside village on the Sonoma Coast is known for its annual Fisherman’s Festival and nearby whale watching (best time: January to April).