Best Places for a Staycation In Northern California

Northern California is generally considered anything north of San Francisco. If you’re looking for a staycation close to home, there is no shortage of day trips and weekend getaways on the Northern California coast. Why not load up your bicycles and head up the coast—no bicycle? It’s easy to find quality men’s and womens bikes for sale or rent to make your outdoor staycation more fun. Whether it’s a Sunday road trip with the family or a romantic weekend getaway, there are plenty of destinations to choose from.

Napa Valley

Napa is a beautifully place for a weekend or a day trip. Spend a quiet, relaxing weekend in one of the 16 private cottages at Cottage Grove Inn in Calistoga. Guests enjoy fireplaces and private porches, complimentary breakfast and evening wine, and cheese plates. Bring your own city bicycles or rent one from Getaway Adventures/Wine Country Bike tours and take a leisurely ride through some of Napa’s best wine country complete with guides, van support and picnic lunch.

Sonoma Valley

Combine a romantic weekend at the Sonoma Mission Inn with a bike tour of Sonoma’s vineyards and wineries. Sonoma Valley Bike tours offers full- and half-day bike tours along the quiet, country roads of Sonoma. Within five miles of the shop, you’ll encounter eleven wineries. You’re welcome to bring your own bike or rent one of theirs. The full-day guided tours include a catered picnic overlooking the vineyards. Afterward, you can check in to the Sonoma Mission Inn and relax in the natural thermal mineral waters with signature bathing treatments, including private whirlpool & mineral baths as well as couple’s massages for the perfect end to a perfect day. 

Point Arena 

The Pointe Arena Lighthouse and Museum is located on the Stornetta Public Lands. This real, working lighthouse sits on 23 private acres and offers friendly lodging in the Keeper’s Quarters (6 cottages ranging from three 3- bedroom, 2 bath family lodging cottages to a romantic 1 bed, 1 bath apartment and a 1 bedroom, 1 bath studio). Stays include free lighthouse and museum tours, whale watching opportunities, local wine from Husch Winery & chocolates from the Mendocino Chocolate Company. On the Stornetta Public Lands surrounding the Point Arena Lighthouse, visitors can bike or drive the paved roads and walk/hike gorgeous trails to experience whale watching from the bluffs, wildlife viewing, birding and photography.

Mendocino

Make a day, or several days, of it in Mendocino. Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too offers kayaks, canoes, and redwood outriggers (there’s even a dog-friendly option called the Canine Cruiser) for exploring  the Big River Estuary by water. For land lovers, bicycle rentals are also available. From the water or the trail, you can see otters and harbor seals dotting the shores and birds catching fish regularly.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic “staycation” close to home, a weekend adventure or an epic bike tour, Northern California Coast and wine country have  everything you need to escape into nature. Grab a bicycle for men or women and start planning your Northern California staycation now.