The best places in California for a romantic weekend getaway, including intimate meals and beautiful scenery.
Although California is the largest state in terms of population and economy, its regional diversity offers a wide range of romantic "twosome escapes" that won't break the bank. Here's a sampling of where passion, promise and sensual pizzazz can be found.
SAN FRANCISCO
The grandeur of this city by the bay never fails to enchant. If you're planning a weekend visit, book your reservations at the Hotel Monaco, the Fairmont or the Hyatt Regency at Embarcadero Plaza. There are also a number of beautifully refurbished bed and breakfast inns reminiscent of European hotels. Sightseeing and shopping are plentiful. Among the favorite spots to stroll and hold hands are Golden Gate Park, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square and Market Street. Many of the area restaurants offer early-bird dinners for theater-goers as well as decadent desserts and cappaccinos to enjoy afterward.
Speaking of food, California's reputation as an ethnic melting pot contributed to the invention of what is called "fusion" cooking--the mingling of flavors from multiple countries. This is the state that also named "California cuisine" after itself--a culinary style that is big on artistic presentation and the use of fresh, locally grown ingredients.
For Sunday champagne brunch lovers, the most delectable place with a fabulous view is the Carnelian Room at the top of the Bank of America building.
Keep in mind as well that San Francisco summers can be on the chilly side between the combination of low lying fog and bay breezes. A good excuse to snuggle up!
LAKE TAHOE
Nestled in Northern California near the Nevada border is the resort area of Lake Tahoe. For winter sports enthusiasts, this is where you'll find some of the country's best skiing, snowboarding and hot toddies to take off the day's shivers. During warmer weather, there's hiking, boating, fishing, water-skiing and camping under the stars. Year-round, you can also catch super-star shows and seafood buffets at the proliferation of clubs, cabarets and nearby casinos.
MONTEREY/CARMEL/BIG SUR
The Monterey Peninsula has long been a favorite locale for popping the question or popping champagne for a special anniversary. Monterey is an eclectic mix of modern hotels and cozy B&B's for a little R&R. All of them are within easy walking and biking distance of the world-famous Monterey Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and Monterey's next door neighbor, Pacific Grove. Galleries, museums and coffeehouse bookstores make for a leisurely day of meandering. For appetizers, an extensive martini bar, and intimate conversations, make a reservation for Lollapalooza. For comic relief, take some time to enjoy the neighborhood sea lions. They're not hard to find--just listen for them--in their usual hangout at the commercial pier. You and your honey may also want to hop aboard a charter boat for some deep sea fishing.
Just down the highway from Monterey is Carmel, an art lover's delight. Clint Eastwood, by the way, was once the mayor here. Parking has always been problematic in this town but once you get to the beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue, it's a great place to sit on a blanket and watch the sunset.
You're also in proximity to the area called Big Sur. Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, will not only get you there but provide incredible photo ops.
NAPA/SONOMA/MENDOCINO
This region is acclaimed as California's wine country. Not only are there good places for picnics and wine tastings but plenty of local inns that can even arrange your transportation. And if you really want to let your love take flight, try a hot air balloon ride in the Napa skies. For those who'd rather stay grounded, the popular Napa "wine train" will show you and your beloved some lovely countryside but also treat you to a gourmet lunch along the way. Recommended wineries include Sattui (which can outfit your entire picnic basket in grand style) and Stirling Vineyards, which is accessible by the sort of tram used by ski resorts.
Looking for a unique way to relax and thoroughly pamper yourselves? Nearby Calistoga is renowned for its spas and mineral mud baths.
Remember the Alan Alda/Ellen Burstyn film, "Same Time, Next Year"? It was filmed at Mendocino's Heritage House, a coastal hideaway sans radios, phones, TV's and Internet connections. You can even stay in the same room where all of the scenes were shot, provided you don't mind other guests trying to look in your windows! Mendocino was also the model for Jessica Fletcher's Cabot Cove in the TV series "Murder, She Wrote."
SAN DIEGO/CORONADO ISLAND
Step back in time at the century-old Hotel Del Coronado. Its longstanding association with the movies, celebrities and visiting dignitaries has been well preserved in its collection of vintage photos. Lesser known, however, is that The Del was the original setting of Richard Matheson's time-travel romance, "Bid Time Return." The location was switched to Michigan when the cameras began to roll on the film adaptation, "Somewhere in Time." If you'd prefer a B&B over the bustle of a large hotel, the Glorietta Bay Inn is across the street from The Del and has the intimate feel and elegance of a Victorian mansion. A variety of ethnic eateries can be found on this pedestrian-friendly island.
Water taxis provide hourly service to San Diego, where you can treat yourselves to Old Town, the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park. If you want to extend your getaway to a foreign country, the Mexican border is just a short drive away.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In addition to the popular tourist attractions of Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm, there are elegant communities such as Pasadena that abound with upscale restaurants, world-class museums, and plenty of places to take long, romantic walks. By far the best place to stay in Pasadena is the Ritz Carlton with its beautiful views, expansive grounds and an art bridge that's a primo spot for kissing. For romantic meals, my recommendations include La Luna Negra, Bistro 45, Nonya, or Delmonico's at the Paseo Colorado shopping complex. Save an afternoon for visiting the Huntington Library and Gardens, the Pacific Asia Museum or the Norton Simon. If you're "a little bit country," check out the horseback riding at Griffith Park.
THE GOLD COUNTRY
Off the Highway 49 freeway just outside of Sacramento, the state capital, you'll find a cluster of tiny towns that date from the time of the California Gold Rush. Amador, Drytown, Jackson and Sutter Creek harken back to an earlier century and are the perfect setting for those who love history and shopping for antiques. The bed and breakfast inns in this area are quaint, charming, and serve country-style breakfasts that will keep you content until lunchtime rolls around. What better place to relax and rediscover how much you love about each other!
