It’s that difficult to come up with the ultimate (top 3) weekend escape ideas when you live in an area (Napa Valley Califoria) that people travel around the globe to visit. The only difficult part is picking the best-of-the-best, arguably, in the world of places that I have personally visited time and time again. But if you live around, or plan on visiting, Northern California to escape for a short weekend vacation the following three would be my favorites. You can rest assured too that the following won’t break the bank since they come from a local that’s financially struggling himself, but at least one will be for those who really wanna splurge. Enjoy.
Weekend Escape #1: Camping at/on the beach
Unfortunately, this idea isn’t suitable to everybody and really only recommended for people on the West Coast. What I’m thinking of is a beach in Northern California, but if you’d like to replace the greenery and rock ledges for warmth then a Southern California location might be your best bet. Regardless, it’s quite obvious that it’s most preferential to visit these spots during the spring/summer months and perhaps follow my subsequent recommendations the rest of the year. There are multiple camping locations all along the California Coastline ranging from practically on the beach requiring a 10-15 minute walk to get there. My preference is the latter since it’s not as windy, and thus cold, and there’s generally a lot more wilderness in these locations, so you get the best of both camping worlds: natural green landscape that is the most common for camping and a nearby beach. This set-up, I have found, is perfect if you and wifey (or girlfriend) are trying to come to a compromise. In my opinion, there’s really nothing better then an escape to the beach for the weekend. This is definitely the most affordable (only $45 a night at my favorite site with a view of the beach: Mendocino Campgrounds) and allows the most dramatic escape from the cosmopolitan day-to-day routine.
Weekend Escape #2: Spa Retreat
If a more pamperous retreat floats your boat, then a weekend spa retreat may be more up your alley. Not to mention the added advantage of spas being universally present throughout the Nation. But, if you are one of the lucky ducks who live on the coast and want to merge this idea with the former (above), then there are numerous camp sites that have lodges on-site in case you (or members of your family) don’t feel like roughin’ it the whole time for whatever reason. The best time, in my experience, is to go during the fall/winter since enjoyment is not dependent on weather conditions, and it might even be more enjoyable since there wouldn’t be as much potential conflict between indoor and outdoor activity. The only disadvantage being, obviously, that the sites with the spas are considerably more expensive (ranging from $195 to $365 a weekend according to my favorite grounds with on-site lodge: http://www.costanoa.com/site.php). Shop around and try to find some great deals that I’m sure are increasing in availability if this escape plan seems attractive but you can’t afford the above figure.
Weekend escape #3: Redwood adventure
When you live in Northern California as I do (ya think?) it’s hard to pass up the rare opportunity to escape to the redwoods. If you’re really looking for the boonies (hour drive off the main road, no electricity, etc.) then a place in the middle of the redwoods is ideal. Running at $150 a night per house rental, it may not be too feasible to do very often, but you can’t live or visit this area for long with out at least being tempted to run away to this dying region of indigenous beauty. Just like all the other packages mentioned thus far, there are numerous sites and areas at all different prices up and down the coast so shop around and see what’s best for your particular situation. If you like the inland more then the coastal scene for your escape destination, then a weekend journey into the redwoods can’t be beaten.
In conclusion
I hope my top-3 weekend escapes appealed to you as much as they give enjoyment to me. If you’re feeling the travel bug but don’t have the time or inclination to get away for an extended leave, try one of these out. But if not, it’s my hope that at least I got the creative juices flowing and you write a similar article on your individual take on the perfect weekend getaway.
