Favorite California Weekend Getaways from the Bay Area

Hi friends,

August is such a popular time to travel. It seems like half of Marin is headed off to Greece, Costa Rica, New Zealand, or somewhere equally incredible.

But if you're staying in California and just want a long weekend or an easy week away, we are honestly spoiled with amazing destinations that are just a short drive from home.

Here are some of my favorite California getaways. They aren't supposed to be in any particular order... but after writing this, I think they accidentally are.

#1. Monterey & Carmel

This is my favorite destination on the list, and for good reason.

I'm a member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and we absolutely love making trips down there. The aquarium alone is worth the drive, but there's so much more. Walking along Cannery Row, watching sea otters, grabbing fresh seafood, strolling the waterfront, and just soaking in the ocean air never gets old. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is consistently ranked among the best in the world, and if you haven't been recently, it's absolutely worth a visit. (Monterey Bay Aquarium)

Then there's Carmel.

Honestly, I don't know if there's a cuter town in California.

I love walking through downtown, admiring all the charming cottages (that somehow all have names instead of numbers), wandering into little boutiques, and spending time at Carmel Beach. Tide pooling is one of my favorite activities there, especially if you have kids. And if you've never driven the famous 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach, put it on your list immediately.

Helpful links:

• Monterey Bay Aquarium: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org

• Visit Carmel: https://www.carmelcalifornia.com

• See more Monterey activities: https://www.seemonterey.com (Monterey Bay Aquarium)

# 2. Sacramento

Okay... growing up in Marin, Sacramento was where you went for soccer tournaments.

Even when I told my dad we were going there for a weekend as adults, his response was basically, "Why?"

Well... because Sacramento is awesome.

Over the last couple of decades, so many Bay Area chefs moved there because it was more affordable, and they helped create an incredible farm-to-fork food scene. The restaurants are fantastic, there are amazing farmers markets, beautiful tree-lined parks, museums, and plenty of opportunities to get out on the American River if you're into kayaking, paddleboarding, or rafting.

One word of advice.

Do not leave Marin on a Friday afternoon.

Unless your dream vacation includes sitting on Highway 80 for four hours questioning every life decision you've ever made.

Without traffic, it's about an hour and a half. With Friday traffic... pack snacks.

It's also the perfect jumping-off point if you're heading to Lake Tahoe.

Helpful links:

• Visit Sacramento: https://www.visitsacramento.com

• Farm-to-Fork Guide: https://www.visitsacramento.com/restaurants/farm-to-fork/

# 3. Bodega Bay

If you're looking for a slower pace, Bodega Bay is hard to beat.

Fresh seafood. Gorgeous coastline. Dramatic cliffs. Whale watching in season. Quiet beaches. It's one of those places where doing "nothing" somehow turns into the perfect weekend.

Fun fact: Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds was filmed in and around Bodega Bay and the nearby town of Bodega. You can still visit several filming locations today. (Sonoma County Tourism)

Helpful links:

• Sonoma County Tourism: https://www.sonomacounty.com/cities/bodega-bay/

# 4. San Luis Obispo & Pismo Beach

I love this area because you get two completely different vibes within minutes.

Spend the morning wandering around charming downtown San Luis Obispo, grabbing coffee, checking out restaurants, or visiting nearby wineries.

Then drive over the hill into Pismo Beach.

To me, that's where Northern California starts feeling like Southern California.

The energy changes. The beach changes. The palm trees appear. Everything feels just a little more laid back. Not that we are not laid back in NorCal.

It's wine country, there are excellent restaurants, beautiful beaches, and it's just a great place to unplug for a long weekend.

Helpful links:

• Visit SLO: https://www.slocal.com

• Visit Pismo Beach: https://www.experiencepismobeach.com

# 5. Mendocino County & Sea Ranch

This place has always felt magical to me.

When I was little, I genuinely believed fairies lived in the forests overlooking the ocean.

Honestly... I still kind of do.

Between the towering redwoods, rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and quiet hiking trails, there's something incredibly peaceful about Mendocino County.

Spend time walking the bluffs, exploring Mendocino Village, visiting local art galleries, kayaking the Big River Estuary, or simply enjoying the slower pace of life.

Helpful links:

• Visit Mendocino County: https://www.visitmendocino.com

# 6. Santa Cruz

I spent a lot my childhood riding roller coasters at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and playing carnival games.

If you have kids, they'll absolutely love it.

Grab some Dippin' Dots, ride the Giant Dipper, walk the wharf, and spend the day at the beach.

Personally? As an adult, I usually choose Carmel or Monterey if I'm heading that direction. I think the food scene is stronger, it's a little less crowded, and overall it's more my speed.

But if you've never been to Santa Cruz, it's definitely worth visiting at least once. The Boardwalk is a California classic, and there are plenty of beautiful beaches and outdoor activities nearby. (Visit Santa Cruz County)

Helpful links:

• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: https://beachboardwalk.com

• Visit Santa Cruz: https://www.santacruz.org

One of the best things about living in Marin is that we have incredible weekend destinations in almost every direction.

Whether you're looking for great food, beautiful beaches, wine tasting, redwoods, family adventures, or just a chance to unplug for a few days, you don't have to get on an airplane to find it.

Happy travels!