California-Bay Area

XP: Honeymoon suggestions near the Bay Area?

Hi Ladies! I'm a bride living in Chicago planning my wedding in Minneapolis and moving to San Francisco. Kind of crazy!

FI and I will be moving out there about a month or so before our wedding, and to save costs, we decided to honeymoon somewhere within a reasonable drive from the Bay Area. Since it'll be our new hometown, I'm hoping to find places to go that are close enough to drive but far enough away that it still feels like a vacation!

I've been looking into Mendocino, Napa, and Monterey.. Any other ideas, or recs of places to stay in the area? Thanks in advance!

I'm also posting on the Honeymoon board.

Re: XP: Honeymoon suggestions near the Bay Area?

  • edited December 2011
    Hi - You could also look into Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Bodega Bay. In Lake Tahoe there is the North and South Lake. South Lake/Stateline has casinos yet both spots have lakeside access and nice hotels. In addition to Napa, I would go with Calistoga too! I haven't been to Yosemite in about 26 years but I have heard that the lodges and motel fills up quickly especially for the summer season.
    ~~~Lynsey~~~
  • edited December 2011
    Half Moon Bay isn't too far away if you like the coast. They have a cute little downtown area with shops. There are some terrific seafood restaurants there too.
  • edited December 2011
    I love the Napa Valley (Sonoma, Calistoga, Yountville, etc.).  You can definately make a honeymoon out of it.  Lake Tahoe is also great, I love it because that's where we got engaged.
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  • edited December 2011
    Love the monterey area but I would go a little further to carmel, the town is really cute with beautiful turquoise water. Theres a state park called point lobos that is not to far from there that you can just spend the day walking around at.
    I do agree with the others about Lake Tahoe, love it there too!
  • starmamastarmama member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Big Sur is a bit farther, but is soooo beautiful, especially if you like to rough it/hike/camp, though there's always the Post Ranch Inn if you like luxury style.  Not much further to Hearst Castle, which is a must-see in my book.
    There's been some great suggestions though - Yosemite, Tahoe, Point Lobos/Monterey Bay, wine country, Mendocino are all absolutely gorgeous and worth a visit.  Luckily, you'll be living close enough to all of them to do so!
  • edited December 2011
    Hi, this is my first post, but I just had to share the suggestion of a beautiful Spa/Winery in Napa.  It's called The Meritage (http://www.themeritageresort.com/).  My fiance and I stayed here just after Christmas for our "BabyMoon"  and it was amazing.  I really suggest you check it out.  They have an amazing spa and there is so much around to do (the website has suggestions and the concierge serve was awsome).  If you have AAA they give a great discount as well.  Hope you're Honeymoon is grea!
  • eleonhardteleonhardt member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon in Carmel, it was fabulous! Great food and lots to do. We stayed at Lamplighter Inn....Porpoise room. Make sure you eat at Casanova, the food is wonderful. We went to Hearst Castle, 17 mile drive and Big Sur....you will love this destination :)
  • mch07cmch07c member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I'm going to Lake Tahoe for my honeymoon. It is gorgeous up there, and they have lots of things to do and nice hotels to stay at as well. Monterey and Carmel are also good options. If you like outdoorsy stuff, you could go to the redwood forest too.
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  • polichikpolichik member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    You ladies are so helpful! I really appreciate it :)
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