Kim
San Francisco
Ready to steal away from work and spend a few days soaking up the rays. Not too, too expensive with beautiful beaches, diving and swimming. Where have you been that I would love?
Hi Kim!
You're in luck - there are some wonderful places a within a two hour drive from SF. While warmth may be tricky to find in the Bay Area, Sonomawill give you the beach as well as wine country, so that's a great place to consider.
Bodega is another option, and in close proximity to Sonoma Coast State Park. I also really like the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Hope this helps and you get some R&R + a tan! :)
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First, why would anyone not hang in SF for the long weekend? I have lived here for more than 40 years, but still exploring the evolution happening right here in the city. The obvious (other than Coastal South) is wine country Napa or Sonoma, both great choices. You can't make temperature a criteria in N.Cal, however. You can do better than Coastal South ...Anderson Valley, home of some of the great Pinot Noirs, is on the way to the Mendocino Coast where you will see more authentic Pacific Ocean. Alternately, Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, Bodega, Bolinas, if you are an explorer. So, one night in Mendocino through Anderson Valley, south on Highway One to wherever, then back to SF. Only problem is you will won't stop talking to your friends about the greatest trip you ever had!
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If Monterey isn't too far, I'd go there. It's beautiful and has whale watching as well as diving, swimming, and kayaking. Just south, there's a nice area at Asilomar - Conference Center-- There's a conference center there and really nice beaches and walking trails.
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Hi Kim!
In addition to everything that has been mentioned, you'll find great areas just north of the bridge. In Marin County there's:
Sausalito (which has some very SF-like restaurants: Le Garage and Bar Bocce)
Tiburon has great walks along the water (Blackie's Pasture)
Larkspur is easily accessible by ferry and has some great restaurants: Pizzeria picco and Left Bank Larkspur Brasserie.
Fairfax (California) is a fun, green town to walk around and spend a few hours, they also have a great ice cream place, Scoops.
Point Reyes has great hikes (Alamere Falls), good restaurants (Saltwater), beaches and rolling hills.
There is no shortage of fantastic views north of the bridge (ex. Marin Headlands).
Have fun!
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Half Moon Bay is one of my favorite places. It's so relaxing and laid back. Plus, The drive south on Hwy 1 from HMB to Big Sur never disappoints!
Hi! San Francisco is the absolute perfect place to take a warm day trip from! Between Napa, Santa Cruz, Carmel, Monterey or even Stinson Beach!
For more fun ideas you can see our Bay Area Bucket List!
welltraveledwife.com/2013/10/bay-area-bucket-list.html
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Hi Kim! There's always Santa Cruz or Capitola area. Cute little beach towns but I recommend staying away from the beach at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Way too touristy and there are way better beaches in Santa Cruz like Seabright State Beach or Twin Lakes State Beach. Capitola is close by, I like this area because it's a little more secluded than Santa Cruz and has New Brighton Beach State Park, which is a really serene area. Have fun!
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Well, it might not be warm right now, but Half Moon Bay is a very nice place to spend a weekend. An artsy little town by the water with good restaurants like Pasta Moon and of course the ocean.
If I were you, I would fly down to LA and take the ferry to Catalina Island. It's warm with beautiful beaches Descanso Beach, amazing diving, playful Dolphins and the world's fastest growing kelp. Super chill, hardly any cars, many hotel and dining choices. Beautiful old California tile work, and fun shopping too. It's like you stepped back in time. Not only do I love it, but everyone I take there loves it too. Have a great trip.
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Kim
Jillian
Valerie
Spencer
