By Leah Still
Activities for Couples in Northern California
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more
romantic part of the
United States than Northern California. The gorgeous vistas of wine country, the sweeping cliffs along the coast of the Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped peaks of Lake Tahoe all await you and the one you love. No matter the time of year, you'll find an activity, from a summer wine tour to a winter mountain getaway, that will bring you closer and provide you with many cherished memories.
Romantic Inn
Dining with a view at Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, California
Northern California is hardly lacking in couple-friendly accommodations, especially in the heart of wine country. Check into Napa Valley's Auberge du Soleil for a weekend that is sure to help you fall in love all over again. With its hillside views, exquisite food and dream-inducing suites, Auberge du Soleil will give you the romance you're after and the convenient location north of San Francisco.
180 Rutherford Hill Road
Rutherford, CA
Tel: (707-963-1211)
Wine Tasting
One of many winery signs in wine country north of San Francisco, California
There are few better ways to spend a sunny Northern California day with your better half than driving through the gentle hills of wine country and stopping off to sample the native drink. Helpful signs are posted throughout the area with arrows pointing in the direction of the wineries named. Relish your journey along the curvy roads with acres and acres of vineyards. One winery in particular, Lynmar Estate in Sonoma County, has a peaceful patio with a lovely view of the countryside where you can enjoy your wine-tasting.
Lynmar Estate
3909 Frei Road
Sebastopol, CA
Tel: (707-829-3374)
Coastal Drive
The Marshall Store on Tomales Bay in Marshall, California
The Pacific Ocean is quite breathtaking in Northern California. Small scraps of private sandy beaches lie in between dramatic cliffs, and a drive along Highway 1 from Santa Cruz, through San Francisco, to Bodega Bay and points further north will give you stunning, romantic views of it all. Stop for a cozy pint just before Muir beach at the delightful British-style Pelican Inn. After a photo-op at the Muir Beach lookout, continue north to the tiny fishing village of Marshall for some fantastic oysters at the Marshall Store, right on Tomales Bay.
Pelican Inn
10 Pacific Way
Muir Beach, CA
Tel: (415-383-6000)
Marshall Store
19225 State Route 1
Marshall, CA
Tel: (415-663-1339)
Ski
Lake Tahoe from the shore of Tahoe City, California
Try an invigorating trip to the ski slopes. Lake Tahoe, on the California/Nevada border, is an alpine haven for couples looking to spend their days racing each other down the mountain and their nights cuddling up by a roaring fire. Squaw Valley is a world-renowned resort and host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. You'll find the resort just outside Tahoe City on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe. Stay at one of many hotels in Squaw Valley or stay at a rustic mountain lodge in cute lakeside Tahoe City.
Squaw Valley
1960 Squaw Valley Road
Olympic Valley, CA
Website: www.squaw.com
Tel: (530-583-6985)
Tamarack Lodge
2311 North Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City, CA
Tel: (530-583-3350)
About the Author:
Leah Still has written about travel, fashion and home design since 2003. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "SKI" magazine, Southernaccents.com and Gusto.com. She has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and broadens her education with both domestic and international travel.
Photo Credits:
The rolling hills of Northern California. By Leah Still
