10 Stress-Free Northern California Towns For A Weekend Retreat

If you are feeling a little sluggish this time of year, you are not alone. The days are growing shorter and the air a bit nippier, making summer feel worlds away. But don’t let the shift in seasons keep you from enjoying yourself this fall. Northern California has plenty of spots perfect for a quick getaway, even if you only have a couple of days to spare. Cozy vineyard towns, coastal villages reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, and four-season lake towns are just a few of the places waiting to brighten your mood.

Crescent City

Home to the world’s tallest trees, the Crescent City area should be on the bucket list of travelers nationwide. Just a short drive away, travelers can reach the Redwood National and State Parks, home not only to the majestic redwoods but also to rugged coastline, winding rivers, oak woodlands, and open prairies.

Travelers can stay at one of several cozy inns in the area, such as The Oceanview Inn, which offers a daily continental breakfast and is within walking distance of several attractions, including the mid-19th-century Battery Point Lighthouse, accessible only during low tide.

Healdsburg

Does a weekend of wine tasting sound like your idea of relaxation? Consider visiting Healdsburg, which lies at the intersection of three major wine valleys in the region. The list of vineyards in the area feels endless, including highlights like the Jordan Vineyard & Winery, a 1,200-acre estate that has been producing wine since the 1970s.

Beyond wine tasting, travelers can also appreciate the area’s natural beauty with a hike at the Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, which features a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, rocky serpentine chaparral, oak woodlands, and open grasslands. The Camellia Inn is a wonderful place to spend the night, featuring nine guest rooms and a villa-style swimming pool.

Sausalito

Widely referred to as the “Amalfi Coast of California,” Sausalito lies along the San Francisco Bay, with colorful houses dotting the hillside. One of the best ways to view the adorable town from afar is by water. Travelers can rent a kayak with Sea Trek Kayak and SUP, which offers a variety of rentals, classes, tours, and excursions to the public.

If you want to add some live music to your weekend plans, make sure to stop by the No Name Bar, which has live music every night of the week. For a luxurious night away, you will love lodging at The Inn Above Tide, which has the perfect waterfront location looking out over the bay.

Tahoe City

Tahoe City, situated along the western shores of Lake Tahoe, offers a variety of activities to enjoy year-round. When the weather is nice, travelers can enjoy an excursion on the lake with Tahoe Sailing Charters, which has been leading sailing trips in the area since 1998.

When winter hits and snow begins to fall, you can still enjoy cross-country skiing on local trails like the Dollar Creek Path. Travelers seeking a cozy place to spend the night should make reservations at Basecamp Tahoe City, which features a fire pit, yard games, and comfortable beds.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is just a 45-minute drive south of San Francisco, making it an excellent weekend destination for those hailing from the city. Pillar Point Harbor lies in the heart of town and is the perfect place to grab some fresh seafood, pop into a waterfront restaurant, or stroll along the harbor.

Nearby, you can also find Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, which spans over 5,400 acres with redwoods, a creek, wildflowers, and ferns to see. Visitors will quickly feel at home at the Half Moon Bay Inn, which is filled with local art, fresco murals, and intricately carved furniture, adding a unique touch.

Nevada City

Nevada City is one of the best basecamps for exploring the Tahoe National Forest, a vast expanse of US Forest Service-managed land in the northern Sierra Nevada that offers countless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and OHV use. Beyond the national forest, the town’s music scene is impressive as well.

Visitors must stop by spots like the Crazy Horse Saloon & Grill, an iconic bar that frequently hosts live music in the evenings. You can also find a nice variety of hotels and inns to lodge at during your weekend, including Flume’s End, which is housed in a four-story Victorian home from 1861.

St. Helena

Couldn’t get enough wine in Healdsburg? Consider adding an extra weekend in St. Helena, just a 45-minute drive away, to continue your wine-tasting adventures. Beringer Vineyards is a must-visit during your stay, proudly claiming the title of the oldest continuously operating winery in the state.

For a taste of St. Helena’s art scene, stop into local galleries like the Christopher Hill Gallery, which exhibits a lovely variety of contemporary fine art. Travelers will receive a warm welcome at the Inn St. Helena, a boutique eight-room bed and breakfast that begins each day with a rotating, chef-inspired breakfast.

Arcata

Arcata is home to an interesting mix of greenery, including both Redwood forests and marshes. The Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to kick off your weekend, a 307-acre preserve featuring freshwater marshes, salt marshes, mudflats, and tidal sloughs that can be explored via five miles of walking and biking paths.

For a relaxing stroll at the beach, spend the afternoon at Mad River County Park, known for its coastal dunes and grassy stretches. Travelers can enjoy a comfortable night in town at Hotel Arcata, which offers amenities like complimentary gym passes, an on-site salon, a gift shop, and more.

Murphys

Earning the nickname “The Queen of the Sierra,” Murphys lies in the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada with an abundance of parks and hiking trails nearby. Just 20 minutes from town, travelers will reach Calaveras Big Trees State Park, which was formed to protect the state’s great sequoia trees, also boasting flowing rivers, creeks, pines, and meadows.

After a day in nature, visitors can head back to town for a beer at Murphy's Pourhouse, which serves an extensive list of craft beers and gourmet sandwiches. Visitors can end their day at The Victoria Inn, built in 1992, each room today with a European-style charm.

Mount Shasta

Located at the base of Mount Shasta, the town of Mount Shasta is rapidly becoming a top vacation spot for travelers in Northern California. The hiking trails in the area are abundant, including highlights such as the Heart Lake Trail, a three-mile out-and-back trail that offers unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains.

Mountain bikers will also have plenty to explore, such as the 10 Gallon Trail Network, a fun and relatively easy ride featuring rolling singletrack and a short climb. Travelers will feel as if they are in a fairytale at Strawberry Valley Inn, a stone cottage offering queen and king suites.

The time for a weekend trip has never been better. In every one of these towns, it will be easy to let your stress melt away, whether you are surrounded by redwoods, sailing on a lake, or exploring a wildlife sanctuary. The hotels and inns in these towns are just as inviting, offering the perfect setting to unwind and relax. So sit back, relax, and get ready for that laid-back weekend that you deserve!