The summer months are the perfect time to escape your day-to-day life and enjoy the amazing places outside of the Bay Area. There are so many options for a wonderful weekend trip from our area! Whether you’re searching for a weekend filled with adventure or a relaxing spa getaway, you’re sure to find a trip to love on this list of top weekend getaways this summer.
Refresh in Lake Tahoe
The crystal blue of Lake Tahoe provides the ideal setting for a weekend getaway this summer. The area is home to so many wonderful ways to enjoy the weekend with friends and family. Get an amazing view of the lake while picnicking on a hot air balloon, take a sunset boat ride across the lake, or enjoy a delicious dinner at Cafe Fiore.
Enjoy the natural surroundings during the day on one of Lake Tahoe’s many wonderful bike trails, hit a few balls on an award-winning golf course, or soak in the sun on Sand Harbor. In the evening, enjoy live music at Lakeview Commons or Heavenly Village.
Adventure in Yosemite National Park
When summer begins in Yosemite National Park, gorgeous waterfalls start to take shape throughout the high country. In May, the days begin to lengthen and the sun starts to warm, melting the snow at the top of the mountains and causing the park’s world-famous waterfalls to begin to thunder throughout the national landmark.
Adventurous hikers can enjoy the park’s largest waterfalls, like Yosemite Falls or Sentinel Falls. More remote waterfalls, like Royal Arch Cascade or Three Chute Falls, are also natural wonders available for experienced hikers. For a less strenuous adventure, consider viewing the falls from below on a trail at the base of Yosemite Falls.
While the beautiful waterfalls are the reason to visit the park, the stunning natural surroundings are the reason to stay. The bright blue skies, fields of wildflowers, cascading mountains, and towering evergreens will give you a weekend you’ll never forget.Relaxation in Napa Valley
For a luxurious weekend getaway, consider traveling to Napa Valley, where you can enjoy some of the world’s best vintages, delicious local cuisine, and boutique shopping. There are so many wonderful ways to take in the area’s wineries, including hot air balloons, bicycles, or the Napa Valley Wine Train.
The Napa Valley city of Calistoga is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away. Nestled among a collection of naturally occurring hot springs, this picturesque town is home to some of the best spas in California. Enjoy a refreshing dip in a hot spring followed by a relaxing mud bath before enjoying a tasty meal at one of the town’s many high-end restaurants.
Family-Friendly Fun in Monterey
Monterey offers a variety of family fun activities. Enjoy some time outside at the whimsical Dennis the Menace Playground, which features a life-sized hedge maze, or browse the live animals at the Monterey Zoo. The world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium has so much to offer, including the opportunity to see eye-to-eye with a shark. Your family can even take in a fun history lesson at the National Steinbeck Center Museum.
The kids aren’t the only ones who can have fun in Monterey. The area is also home to world-famous golfing. Whether you’d like to take tee off on the oldest golf course in continuous operation at the Del Monte Golf Course or cross the legendary Pebble Grove Golf Links off your bucket list, you’re sure to enjoy golfing experience in Monterey.
A Quaint Getaway in Mendocino
The lovely town of Mendocino is filled with Victorian architecture along a breathtaking rugged coastline dotted with ancient redwood trees. Spend your nights in a historic bed and breakfast and take in the local sights, like Fort Bragg and area lighthouses during the day. The quaint town is also home to a variety of unique shops and award-winning restaurants. And throughout the summer, the town comes alive with cultural festivals, beautiful music, and live theater.