Adult Getaways
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
A getaway for only one night
Oct 2008
I'm trying to plan a getaway for my husband and I and I'm having trouble finding a place for just one night. I am looking for some place close (1 hour drive). So far every place I found has a 2 night min. stay. Does anyone know of a place that does not have this restriction. I would rather stay in a cottage/house than a hotel. need to get away
Try the Olema Druids Hall. This was a fraternal organization (the Druids) whose building was converted into B/inn. It has a cottage and a small number of rooms. We stayed in the Grand Suite a couple of years ago and it was, well, grand. It's also a minute away from the Olema Inn, which has a wonderful restaurant. http://www.olemadruidshall.com/his.html
Allen
Have you looked at Costanoa near Pescadero? www.costanoa.com Nicole
A long time ago, my husband and I stayed at the Pelican Inn for only one night. Not sure what their policy is now, but you should check it out. It is an old fashioned, English-style inn right at Muir Beach. The restaurant/pub is good too, so you can just hang out at the beach and the inn and not spend your time driving around.
Also, we have done one-nighters on weekends at some of the bigger hotels in San Francisco . Most recently, it was the W. We have also stayed at the St. Regis. Both of these are nice because they are near good restaurants and the museum. We did one night at the St. Francis on Union Square before, too.
Wow. Sounds like we have a lot of one-night stands, but that isn't the case. This is over a 20 year period.
I know you didn't want a hotel, but this place is a real find. My husband and I just had a 24 hour getaway for our 10th anniversary. It's the Beach House in Half Moon Bay , about an hour from here (you can go through SF, or over the San Mateo Bridge and across to the ocean). It's right on the beach, with lovely, clean, warm outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and spa treatments available. Really nice rooms, with 2 TVs, microwave, fridge, fireplace, down comforters, and stereo system where you can hook up your iPod. Daily afternoon wine & cheese reception, a real treat upon arrival, away from our 3 kids! Right next door is Sam's Chowder House, a comfortable, family friendly, but also potentially romantic beachfront restaurant, with very good food. Be sure to sip wine in the adirondack chairs out by the fire pits at sunset... Have fun! heidi
We've stayed in a B in Marshall (across Tomales Bay from Pt. Reyes) for a single night and had a great time. The place was a little funky but comfortable and private, and the breakfast was really excellent. Sorry I can't remember the name of it, but Marshall is pretty small. It's probably a little more than an hour drive, but once you get beyond the freeway part, it's beautiful country highways.
Pelican Inn , Muir Beach. Private, romantic, and a short drive north of the GGBridge. http://www.pelicaninn.com/ Alex
I know just the place! Laurel Ridge cottage in Inverness (www.laurelridgecottages.com or email irwinsegal [at] yahoo.com or call 415 663 9584). Inverness, which is next to Point Reyes, is just over an hour's drive from San Francisco (but feels quiet and remote). There's great hiking and dining nearby. The cottage is up in the hills and has a private outdoor hot tub. It's quiet and spacious and has the most cozy, comfortable flannel sheets I've ever encountered. They will take one-night bookings on weekdays. Hoping to stay at Laurel Ridge again soon
Long weekend trip for 50th birthday
Nov 2006
My husband will be 50 this summer and I would like to take him somewhere to celebrate. His family will probably be with us as well. We both love outdoors and would enjoy a bit of luxury for this occasion. I have never been to Montana or Wyoming and have always wanted to go. I have done a quick search online to look for cabins or resorts but either I didn't get a good sense or they were too expensive (like $3000/weekend!). Any ideas about nice places to go to spend a weekend with family? I would also appreciate any weekend trip ideas in CA as well. Thank you Elif
You mentioned you like the out-of-doors... Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone Park and Jackson Hole would give you many choices. There is the Jackson Hole Lodge (Mike the moose usually drops by early AM for his drink of H2O from the bird bath), Jenny Lake is tranquil for hiking or kayaking, Yellowstone Park is magnificent and Old Faithful Lodge is walking distance to the famous geyser, buffolo are back on the plains in great #'s in the park, and Jackson Hole is a fun Western town to enjoy. Whatever you do Congrats to your hubby on pluging over the hill =)) Love US National Parks
Locals and visitors always seem to enjoy a weekend in Napa or Monterey/Carmel. 1/ In Napa, there's walks, wineries, art, great food, shopping and the DiRosa Art Preserve. 2/ In Monterey, there is breathtaking nature at it's best, great food, small town atmosphere, all kinds of outdoor activities (swimming, biking, hiking, gliding), not to mention an event nearly every weekend from Laguna Seca to jazz festivals. ALWAYS something Have fun! Signed, Envious!
In Montana, Glacier National Park is well worth the trip, although just a ''long weekend'' might not be enough. When we went (parents and two school-age kids, six years ago), we stayed at one of the lodges there (East?). It was fine for a family, and convenient, but not so ''romantic'', if that's what you want. So, I can't make specific lodging suggestions, but the park itself is spectacular. As for a weekend here in California - try Occidental R.K.
Place for one-night getaway in SF
March 2006
I am planning an overnight trip with my partner, the first time both of us will be away from our toddlers. I want it to be very close, SF or possibly Marin, a nice hotel in a fun location, possibly with restaurants and/or movies that we can walk to. My partner doesn't like B's too much -- I think they feel too much like being at Grandma's house, and not enough privacy -- so a hotel might be better. I don't know SF neighborhoods well enough to know where to stay. I checked the postings but there were only a couple of recs. Any suggestions much appreciated!
Looking forward to a night away!
Recommended:
- The Argonaut Hotel, Fisherman's Wharf
For a getaway in SF, it depends in part how much you enjoy being in the midst of urban hustle and bustle. There are any number of hotels (from just nice to super fancy) around Union Square, from which you could explore shops, museums (around Yerba Buena Gardens), restaurants and bars. There are movie theaters at the Embarcadero or Metreon, or you could even go see live theater at ACT or a few other venues. Another option is to stay in one of the hotels in Japantown, from which you can explore not only J-Town but the upscale Fillmore neighborhood to the north, also home to many nice restaurants and fancy boutiques. (Note: Fillmore to the south gets a little more gritty.) Japantown also houses the AMC Kabuki movie theater, and I believe there may be another theater nearby, as well as a few jazz clubs. You can also check out the baths at the Kabuki Springs & Spa.
Auntie M
Week-long bike trip dor 10th anniversary?
August 2005My husband and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary next May and we want it to be something special. Grandma has offered to watch the kids for a week, so wahoo! We were thinking of going on a Backroads biking/backpack trip, or a chartered sailing cruise (that's more my idea than his...) Has anyone used Backroads before? We were considering an independent backpacking trip but we find we can only go for about 4 days before we start jonesing for a shower and a soft bed. We really want to take advantage of Grandma's generosity and go for the whole week. Having Backroads staff cook our meals for us sounds very appealing as well. Backroads is very pricey -- is it worth it? Thanks for any tips! laurel
In addition to Backroads, consider another company called Bicycle Adventures. We took a week long bike/hike trip through the Canadian Rockies and enjoyed it. Also, REI offers trips, though I think they contract out to companies like Backroads & Bicycle Adventures to actually lead the trip.I researched a whole bunch of different companies before we took our trip. The prices really varied depending upon the style of the trip. The cheapest were the ones where you camped each night and everone pitched in to cook, clean and set up camp. The most expensive was Backroads, where you stay in nicer places and all your food is included. Bicycle Adventures was just a smidge cheaper than Backroads. There were a few priced in the middle where your lodging wasn't quite as nice (can't remember the companies).
There was one company that was seriously hardcore in that you were riding 100 miles a day for a week. Our trip averaged about 40 miles/day. Pick a trip that matches the miles you want to ride.
Surprisingly, there was not a whole lot of free time each day (and I'm not saying that was a bad thing, more of an observation). Basically a day was like this: have breakfast, get packed and take your stuff to the van, ride some, have lunch, ride some more, arrive at the hotel, have about an hour to clean up and relax, and get dinner. Then you have some time. Some people went out exploring or sitting in the jacuzzi if the hotel had one. We were pretty tired at the end of the day, so we ended up going to bed early. What was nice about the trip being a bit more expensive was that we didn't have to deal with setting up camp or cooking at the end of the day when we were beat and just wanted to relax.
Long answer to a short question. Hope it helps.
10th Anniversary romantic getaway
May 2005My husband and I are going to celebrate our 10th anniversary on December 30. We would hope to have a 2 night getaway Dec 29 and 30. We want to go somewhere very romantic and special. We prefer privacy (cabin over hotel) but don't want to be so isolated that there is nothing else to do but be romantic. We love Indian Springs in Calistoga but want something a bit nicer. We do ski and would consider a snowy retreat, but prefer not to have snow. We are willing to fly but not far as we only have 2 nights. As this a very special occasion, we want to splurge. Lisa
Recommended:
- Auberge Du Soleil, Rutherford 2
- Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles
- Big Sur: Post Ranch Inn or Ventana resort 2
- Brewery Gulch Inn, Mendocino
- Milliken Creek Inn, Calistoga
- Rosemary Cottages, Point Reyes
- Russian River
- San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara
- Sunset Inn B, Cayucos
Wedding night romantic getaway in the Bay Area
March 2005Hello, I have a friend getting married this summer. As a surprise, a group of us want to treat her and her husband to a romantic first wedding night at a hotel or bed and breakfast in the East Bay or S.F. I've read the past postings but most deal with other accommodation needs. We're looking for a romantic place appropriate for a wedding night! Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Friend of the BrideRecommended:
- Claremont Hotel, Berkeley
- The Clift Hotel, San Francisco
- Cottage Inn and Spa, Sonoma
- Manka's in Inverness
- Majestic Hotel, San Francisco
- Redwood House, Oakland
- Rose Garden Inn, Berkeley
- San Remo Hotel, San Francisco
- Sherman House, San Francisco
- The Inn Above Tide, Sausalito
- Whale Watch Inn, Bodega
More advice
One of the best wedding presents we received was a gift certificate from an organization called something like North American Association of Bed and Breakfasts and it was good at many, many B's so we got to chose where we wanted to go. If you are interested and can't find the association, email me and I'll ask my friend who organized the gift. roxanne
I don't know of any romantic overnight places but here's an alternative. I hired 2 massage therapists to come to our honeymoon suite the morning after. It was pricey (~$200 which included travel and tip) but it was worth every penny! It was a great way to recover from wedding planning and wedding reception partying! If you do this, make sure it's later in the morning (around 11:00am) so they have time to sleep in and do what honeymooners do! susan
One-night getaways
November 2005My husband and I are going to go away by ourselves for the first time since our daughter was born for our anniversary. We don't want to be gone two nights from our daughter, so we're trying to find a place where we can stay just for Saturday night. Can anyone recommend an inn/hotel that allows one night stays on a weekend close to the Bay Area? We thought of the Hostel at Pigeon Point, but want something with a little more ''ambiance''. We're more of the artsy/outdoorsy type, so someplace situated near hiking spots is ideal. Golf courses and the like are out (not my husband's cup of tea). This would be within the month, so during the beginning of off-season. Any recommendations would be most appreciated.
Try the Golden Hinde Inn on Tomales Bay (great location, standard motel) or the Beach House in Half Moon Bay (great location and really nice rooms). Both places take one night stays over a weekend.
October 2003My partner and I want to get away for one night (without our son) somewhere on the Marin/Sonoma Coast. Any recommendations?
Needs a BreakRecommended
- Inverness B (2)
- The Inn at Occidental
- Point Reyes Inns 2
- The Inn Above Tide, Sausalito
Other advice:
Have you checked www.vrbo.com??? This is the ''vacation rentals by owner'' website and it has a wide selection of available properties listed by area. You can generally see several photos of each place you are considering as well as prices, amenities, etc. Hilary
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March 2003Baby number 3 is due in July, and I'm looking for a solo weekend away while I still can. Does anyone have any great recommendations? I'm looking for a place to stay that's drivable from Berkeley (3 hours max.), where I can enjoy nature and quiet, sleep in a comfortable bed, hike in gorgeous scenery, play my guitar, write in my journal, have a nice meal, and maybe get a massage. Since I'm pregnant, hot-tubs and wine-tasting are irrelevant, and since it'll just be me, romantic B are also superfluous. I'm not interested in shopping. I don't want to stay at a big corporate hotel. I'm looking for someplace like Wilbur Hot Springs, only not centered around hot springs, if that makes any sense, and with a nice restaurant nearby. Oh yeah, and I'd like some sun! (Maybe a pool or a beach?) I'm sure I'm asking too much. But if you have any ideas, I'd love to hear. Judith
Recommended:
- Asilomar
- Cambria
- Costa Noa
- Green Gulch Zen Center
- Rio Villa, Russions River
- Sea Ranch
- White Sulphur Springs
Romantic Getaway for Couples
March 2003
My husband and I are looking for a close-by (60-90 minutes away max) romantic getaway weekend, either hotel or B I've read the website recs but I am looking for more ideas. Any good recommendations and what did you like about it, as well as its location. Thanks!
Recommendations received:
- Alexander Valley, near Healdsburg
- Carmel River Inn, Carmel
- Chateau Tivoli, San Francisco (2)
- Costanoa
- Evergreen B, Pleasanton
- Inverness B
- MacCallum House, Mendocino
- Manka's, Inverness
- Pelican Inn, Muir Beach
- St. Orres B, near Ft. Ross
- Wine Country Inn, St. Helena, Napa
Favorite hideways for parents-needing-a-break
August 2001
Any recommendations on favorite hideaways (places to stay) in Monterey, Napa, or Calistoga? This is for parents-needing-a-break, i.e., w/o kids. Vern
Recommendations received:
- Orr Hot Springs
We just came back from North Vancouver, BC where we stayed at Seaside Lookout Bed & Breakfast in Deep Cove for 3 days. It was wonderful to get away to their beautiful house, lush garden with upstream trail, gorgeous seaside view, and the location just walking distance from good food and boutiques. The hosts, Rudy and Marijo are friendly and interesting (but not intrusive), and their breakfasts are amazing (omelettes, crepes, quiche, homemade scones, fresh fruit). See for yourself by visiting their website at http://www.pixsell.bc.ca/bcbbd/2/2000296.htm. Deep Cove is an interesting place for those who love to hike or do water sports such as sea kayaking and canoeing. The U.S. dollar goes pretty far in Canada. They welcome children if you want to bring them along, and can provide a suite that has kitchen amenities. angela
Just returned from two nights at Sand Rock Farm
Date Night ideas for a couple with child(ren)
Jan 2003Hi, We have finally arranged to have a babysitter come twice a month so that we can go on some badly needed dates! Now, I could use some suggestions on where to go! East Bay and San Francisco are both locations that interest us. I would like recommendations for both Romantic Dates and Fun Dates... (restaurants, music venues etc...) Thank you for any suggestions that you might have, Michelle
ok I know this sounds wierd. But the alcatraz night tours are amazing! Especially if you get a clear night. The sunset and then the light around the bay are undescribable. WOW. We did it with our 2 and 4 yr old ,with another friend to help with kid wrangling, and it still rates as one of the more romantic things that we did in the last 5 yrs. We did manage to grab about 20 minutes to ourselves. Tons of fun. Looking forward to hearing other ideas, maragaret
Albany Hot Tubs anon
one of my husband's and my own favorite date nights is this (need about 3 hours): rent a hot tub at the albany sauna & hot tubs (525-6262) on solano ave (west of san pablo)--you could also get separate massages, instead--and then go eat sushi at the great sushi place (can't remember name!) on the north side of solano JUST east of San pablo. Then, if we have time, and we usually do, we go over to Celadon, the new tea house that's a block east of the sushi place, also on solano, for tea and a little dessert. this whole night is very relaxing (but pricey!).if you're spending most of your money on babysitting and not on yourselves, a friend of mine says that taking a walk up albany hill and sitting outside at night up in the little park up there (maybe with a picnic or bottle of wine?) is also very nice and low-key. jessica
A really fun date is to take the ferry from Jack London Square to Pier 39. One time my husband and I were the only ones on the boat besides the crew! Park at the structure across from the movie theater. I believe parking is validated. Then hop aboard the ferry at sunset. There is a bar on board, but I suggest bringing your own drinks. Then have dinner at Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, or around the Embarcadero. Then catch a cab to BART. Exit at Oakland 12th street and either walk or take a cab back to the car. Taking the Ferry is a very relaxing way to get into the date night mood. Have fun! Helena
Try the Parkway theater for movie, pizza and beer. Get there early so you can get one of the good comfy sofas. Enjoy! Ariel
One of the most fun, and inexpensive, dates my husband and I went on was to the batting cages in Emeryville. I forget the name of the place, but it's off Shellmound right by the Borders bookstore. They have batting cages, air hockey tables, etc. It was fun and silly, but we had a really good time. It was a nice change of pace from always going out to dinner and a movie. Jennifer
We have played pool at Albany Bowl for a cheap date. Also as the weather is warmer, we sometimes pick up a pizza from Nino's and eat at the berkeley rose garden. anon
I would like to hear recommendations/ideas for weekly dates for married couple with young children. Not family outings type (takes too much time) or a dinner at Chez Panisse (too expensive), but creative and affordable ideas for things to do/places to go for a weekly date without the children. Ideas for having a date with the presence of the children or after children's bed time are also good (do these things exist?). As a related note, what arrangement for temporary childcare do you find the best? I know these ideas/arrangements are personal and may not work for every family, but they should be beneficial/inspiring for other people to hear. So, if you have some good ideas, please write/recommend. Many thanks.
I am married, and we have two kids. One is a teen who is going to boarding school during the year, and the other is a 2 1/2 year old.About childcare: We have developed a relationship with one of our teen's friends who lives near us. She's willing to work quite long stretches at a time, and our younger daughter loves her (we've joked about moving her in!). Check local high schools, churches, or network with your other friends to see if you can find someone like this. We also do the occasional childcare swap with our other friends with kids. And some of our friends without kids are sometimes willing to watch her, just because they are wonderful people!
About places to go: You didn't say what sort of things you are interested in. Of course, there's always the dinner and/or a movie thing. We often find that one or the other is preferable to both, just because there's not that much time in an evening, and we don't like giving up our potential for SLEEP to stay out late!
Another thing we have been known to do occasionally is go Country Dancing. This type of dance includes some of the well-known Square dancing, and more of the less-well-known Contra dance (from New England; usually in two long lines), English Country Dance (vintage, from Renaissance through 19th C, usually; most often in small sets of 6 or 8 people in two lines), and other forms of country dancing. These dances are held periodically around the Bay Area. There's a Berkeley Contra Dance every 2nd Friday night, for instance. For a calendar, and a description of what this stuff is all about, go to the web page for the Bay Area Country Dance Society: http://www.bacds.org/ These dances cost about $6 or $7 per person--less than the price of most movies these days! They hold instruction before some dances, and they always start with easy ones and work up to harder ones. And most of these are called dances, so someone is telling you what to do every step of the way. Their motto is If you can walk, you can dance! (Golly, I'm getting all excited about it myself--I guess I should arrange to go to a dance again soon!)
This, by the way, is not just for Married Couples--several couples I know met each other at these dances; it's a great place to meet other singles!
Happy dating! Dawn
I have been amazed at the number of people who have thought it is cute that my wife and I go out on dates after 4 kids and almost 20 years of marriage. I tell them several different things, some echoed from my parents who have been married for 40! First of all is the fact that, after the children are grown and gone, we (hopefully) will still be together as a couple. This means taking time to keep that part of our life alive. Dates don't need to be fancy. Find a neighbor or someone you trust to watch your child or children for even 20 mins at a time. This time can be spent taking a walk and TALKING. It is the time spent paying attention to JUST your spouse that is important. Don't let the talk focus on bills or children, but on each other, plans and hopes for the future or current events! Dinners out don't need to be fancy, some our best dates have been over a whopper at the local BK. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't spring for Chez Parisse when you can, but it is more important to take time, with JUST your spouse on a regular basis. Another idea, for anyone in Berkeley, is to stroll around the Marina and out on the Pier. The view is splendid and even among the people you can have intimate conversations.
It is the commitment of time and energy to each other more than the business of marriage that keeps the relationship alive.
May God continue to bless you Robert
Marin B
From: Deborah
Mendocino Trip for Adults
From: Judy
From: Eleanor
From: Gabriele
Fortuna! Near the Avenue of the Giants. Just came back from a long weekend there and it was incredible!
Humboldt county!
We go to Trinidad every year since we first visited six years ago. You can also find rentals in other towns up there and Arcata is a nice college town.
We stay in an Airbnb but I have heard people really like Emerald Forest Cabins.
There are redwoods everywhere and you are near beautiful Fern Canyon and Redwoods National Park. The coast is stunning. It’s further than Mendocino but well worth it.
There's a spot in Monte Rio on the Russian River that I love. The house is under the Redwoods and it's walkable to a great beach on the river and close to Guernville, Armstrong National Park, and HWY 1. I'll tell you more about it if you're interested. Thanks!
You can always just take a day trip to Marin. Everyone goes to Muir Woods but i fyou go to Samuel P Taylor, it is literally the same woods but less busy. Also there are some in Larkspur. Maybe check that out? Marin doesn't have cheap options though. Another thought is La Honda in San Mateo. They may have cheaper options.
Hope that helps!
Have you tried looking in the Russian River area? Much closer, still has redwoods! Right in Guerneville is probably going to be more expensive (though that's where the best restaurants will be) but along the river there are a number of cute little towns to look at, and wouldn't be too far of a drive to head into Guerneville for meals.
Check out Boonville
Have you checked Hipcamp and filtered for glamping? They might have some cheaper options compared to Airbnb. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is a great place to get into redwoods that's close and not as crowded if you end up going with a day trip.