In a world that moves quickly, the most rewarding luxury is often the freedom to step away—just for a moment. If you are craving stillness, scenery, or simply something new, these eight weekend getaway destinations offer an escape just a short drive from San Francisco.

Each location on this curated list speaks to a distinct lifestyle—one that values charm, access to nature, and a refined sense of experience. Whether you are considering your next second home, planning a discerning retreat, or simply in pursuit of inspiration, We invite you to explore these destinations that are all within three hours of the city.

Short on time? Here’s your quick hit list:

• Guerneville – River floats, redwoods, and retro charm
• Healdsburg – World-class wine and elevated dining
• Sierraville – Soothing hot springs and mountain quiet
• Mendocino + Boonville – Coastal cliffs and cool-climate Pinot
• St. Helena – Napa elegance and vineyard views
• Tomales Bay – Oysters, kayaking, and foggy serenity
• Murphys + Arnold – Gold country wine and sequoia trails
• Paso Robles – Bold reds, rolling hills, and golden light

For each location, we have included a short description of what makes it worth the drive, plus one favorite activity—something we would recommend to any client, friend, or fellow traveler in pursuit of a well-lived weekend.

Healdsburg

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours

Located in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, Healdsburg is a sophisticated small town where three wine regions—Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley—converge. With its charming town plaza, upscale tasting rooms, and a thriving farm-to-table dining scene, Healdsburg offers a blend of rustic charm and refined living.

Visitors come for the world-class wines, of course, but also for the vibrant art galleries, stylish boutique hotels, and slow, luxurious pace. It is an ideal base for wine tasting, scenic bike rides through vineyard-draped hills, and relaxed afternoons on sunlit patios.

Our favorite thing to do here:
Enjoy a tasting flight at Flowers Vineyards' House of Flowers, then linger over dinner at SingleThread—Healdsburg’s Michelin-starred gem

Sierraville

Distance from San Francisco: Just under 3 hours

Tucked in the Sierra Valley near the northern edge of Lake Tahoe, Sierraville is a peaceful high-country hamlet known for its wide-open meadows, mountain views, and naturally heated hot springs. It is quiet, uncrowded, and beloved by those seeking deep relaxation in a rugged alpine setting.

Travelers come to Sierraville to disconnect—from traffic, noise, and city pace. It is a place for starry skies, forest hikes, and soaking in geothermal mineral pools with nothing but the sound of wind and birdsong. The surrounding valley offers a unique blend of Northern California ranchland and Sierra wilderness, making it a hidden gem for contemplative weekends.

Our favorite thing to do here:

Soak in the tranquil mineral pools at Sierra Hot Springs, surrounded by pine trees and panoramic sky.

Mendocino + Boonville

Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours

Mendocino, perched on the edge of the Pacific, is a historic coastal village known for its dramatic sea cliffs, Victorian architecture, and quiet, windswept charm. Just inland, Boonville sits in Anderson Valley—a region famed for cool-climate Pinot Noir, redwood groves, and a quirky, hyper-local culture all its own.

Mendocino offers moody coastal beauty: glassy coves, windswept trails at Mendocino Headlands State Park, and a town center filled with artisan shops and cozy inns. Boonville, meanwhile, is a slower-paced wine country with character—home to acclaimed wineries, Boontling folklore, and the beloved Boonville Hotel.

Together, these towns make a compelling dual escape—coastal tranquility paired with pastoral vineyard life. It is the kind of weekend that rewards wandering and invites stillness.



Our favorite thing to do here:
Spend the morning hiking Mendocino’s rugged headlands, then head inland for wine tasting in Anderson Valley and dinner at the Boonville Hotel.

St. Helena

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5–2 hours

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena is a polished yet picturesque town known for its boutique wineries, historic charm, and exceptional culinary scene. With its tree-lined streets, vineyard views, and curated luxury, it is a favorite among those seeking an upscale wine country experience.

Visitors are drawn to St. Helena for its intimate tasting rooms, elegant inns, and destination restaurants. From heritage estates like Charles Krug and Hall Wines to the culinary artistry of The Restaurant at Meadowood, every corner speaks to a lifestyle that is refined, intentional, and deeply rooted in California wine culture.

Our favorite thing to do here:
Sip Cabernet with a view at Hall Wines, then stroll into town for dinner at Farmstead—where rustic Napa farmhouse meets modern vineyard table.

Tomales Bay

Distance from San Francisco: 1.5 hours

Tomales Bay is a slender inlet off the Point Reyes National Seashore, known for its rugged coastal beauty, wildlife-rich wetlands, and—most famously—its oysters. This peaceful stretch of Northern California coastline offers a restorative escape with sweeping views, salty air, and a true sense of place.

Visitors come to kayak across calm waters, watch the fog roll over Inverness Ridge, and savor freshly shucked oysters at waterside spots like Hog Island Oyster Co. It is a haven for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and anyone who finds serenity in the sound of water and wind.

Our favorite thing to do here:

Shuck and slurp oysters at Hog Island while watching the sun drift over the bay—best enjoyed with a local white wine in hand.

Murphys + Arnold

Distance from San Francisco: 2.5–3 hours

Tucked into the Sierra Foothills, Murphys and nearby Arnold offer a charming mountain escape with a gold country soul. Murphys is a historic town with a walkable Main Street lined with wine tasting rooms, galleries, and cafes. Just 20 minutes up the hill, Arnold brings crisp mountain air, forested trails, and access to Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

This duo makes for a weekend that blends wine, wilderness, and small-town charm. Spend a day tasting Zinfandel and Tempranillo in Murphys, then retreat to Arnold for stargazing, hiking among ancient sequoias, and a slower, quieter rhythm.

Our favorite thing to do here:

Sip local reds in downtown Murphys, then head to the Sierra woods of Arnold for a late afternoon hike among the giant sequoias.

Paso Robles

Distance from San Francisco: Just under 3 hours

Paso Robles sits at the southern edge of Central California wine country, where rolling hills, warm sun, and world-class reds define the landscape. Known for bold Zinfandels and Rhône varietals, it is a wine lover’s paradise with a casual, down-to-earth spirit.

Beyond the vineyards, Paso offers olive oil tasting, hot springs, and an emerging food scene that rivals better-known wine regions. The downtown square is lively but relaxed, with locally owned boutiques, tasting rooms, and farm-to-table eateries. It is where luxury meets authenticity, wrapped in golden light and vineyard views.

Our favorite thing to do here:

Catch golden hour at DAOU Vineyards with a glass of Syrah—sunset, hilltop breeze, and panoramic views included.

Where Will Your Next Weekend Take You?

The true luxury of living in the Bay Area is not just what the city offers—but how effortlessly we can escape it. From redwood retreats and alpine soaks to vineyard strolls and coastal charm, these eight destinations prove that you do not have to travel far to feel far away.

Whether you are exploring with intention, scouting your next investment, or simply chasing beauty for a weekend, each of these getaways offers a fresh perspective—and a reminder of what it means to live well.