Romantic Getaways in Northern California

Love is in the air, and there’s no better time to plan a romantic getaway than the present! Sure, you could spend Valentine’s Day at a romantic restaurant, but this year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, so why not take advantage of it and head out of town?

Many of Northern California’s best destinations are within just a few hours of Sacramento, making quick jaunts easy and convenient. Whether you’ve got your sights set on a charming coastal hideaway or a wine country escape, outdoor adventures or a relaxing massage, there is no shortage of things to do in Northern California. Following are our top choices for romantic getaways this Valentine’s Day.

Healdsburg

Located in Sonoma County just north of Santa Rosa, Healdsburg is a charming community in the heart of wine country. There’s a quaint downtown plaza ideal for strolling and plenty of tasting rooms to sample the many great wines grown in the region. Speaking of wine, you can book a tour of one of the many nearby wineries. You can also head to Armstrong Redwoods State Park and explore the towering trees. Lodging options include Hotel Healdsburg, a boutique hotel on the plaza with an excellent restaurant and day spa, or Harmon Guest House, a modern hotel with a rooftop terrace and solar-heated pool. For dinner, consider a meal at SingleThread, a once-in-a-lifetime experience with farm-to-table cuisine, or Valette, a wine-centric restaurant with refined comfort food.

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Sausalito

The North Bay city of Sausalito is arguably one of the most romantic spots in California. Its waterfront location means you have front-row seats to the bay, not to mention the sun dipping behind the hillsides. Popular activities include browsing the many local art galleries and shops that line the streets. Or, you could take a boat ride and explore the coastline. Places to stay include Cavallo Point Lodge, luxury lodging in a revamped military base, which has killer views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, an elegant hotel in a historic Victorian. For dining, consider Scoma’s of Sausalito, a long-standing waterfront eatery with great views, or the Spinnaker, known for fresh seafood and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.

Sutter Creek

Less than an hour from Sacramento, this historic foothills town is awash in Gold Rush charm. It has a quaint main drag with original 19th-century buildings that now house shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Best of all, it’s near the Shenandoah Valley wine growing region, so you can explore the many nearby wineries. Lodging options include the Inn at 161, an elegant Victorian-era bed and breakfast, or Hotel Sutter, another historic hotel that houses The Sutter Restaurant, which has tables overlooking Main Street. Another dining option is Element, a refined, contemporary space that specializes in creative, farm-to-table cuisine.

Jenner By the Sea

Seastacks at Goat Rock State Beach,Jenner, California,USA

For those who are looking to unplug, consider a visit to the sleepy town of Jenner By the Sea. Located on the coast north of Bodega Bay, Jenner has bluff-top trails, dramatic cliffs, and epic sunset views. You can relax on one of the many beaches (weather dependent), look for harbor seals or whales, or head north to explore Fort Ross, a former Russian settlement and trading outpost. Timber Cove Resort sits on the edge of the sea, with oceanview rooms, some with private decks and fireplaces. Nearby Jenner Inn is a historic hotel with cozy cottages and kayak rentals. Dining options include Coast Kitchen, which specializes in locally sourced ingredients, and River’s End Restaurant, which offers refined cuisine and has views of the Russian River and Sonoma Coast.

Mendocino

A trail through a redwood forest just north of Mendocino, California

No discussion of romantic Northern California getaways is complete without mention of Mendocino. Storybook Victorians, foggy headlands, and cozy accommodations make it the ideal getaway for couples. You can spend the days walking the bluff-top trails, browsing the many art galleries, or pampering yourself at a local spa. Lodging options include MacCullum House, a boutique hotel in a Victorian home, or the Stanford Inn by the Sea, a bed and breakfast with an onsite wellness center for yoga and meditation. Dining options in Mendocino include Café Beaujolais, a long-standing eatery for seasonal, French-inspired cuisine, and Trillium Café, known for its locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and its lovely (heated) outdoor patio.

Home is where the heart is. Buy your valentine the perfect one. 

Plan Your Perfect Valentine’s Day Escape

Whether you’re craving the drama of a California coastline or the charm of a Gold Rush town, there are plenty of spots in Northern California for romantic getaways this Valentine’s Day. This year, treat your someone special to a weekend of exploration and relaxation, whether that means fireside wine tastings, a walk in the redwoods, or a meal with sunset views.