The glitz and glam of the holidays are officially in the rear-view mirror, despite the sore reminder of our still-aching heads.
But, just because you aren't unwrapping mounds of presents or stuffing your face with sugar cookies and Champagne, doesn't mean the jubilant times have to halt.
Nope, if "travel more" was a resolution planted on your New Year's list, then listen up. We've scoured the Bay (and beyond) for five easy-to-plan weekend getaways that are sure to fill that sad, post-season iCal. From the dreamy, rustic-luxe and wildlife mecca of Point Reyes to good ol' North Lake Tahoe, here are some wintry adventures that will make 2013 the best year yet — and we're only a few days in. Click through for the savvy sojourns and see why you need to fill up that gas tank and book it out of the Bay, stat!
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Point Reyes National Seashore
Distance From S.F.: 37 miles; 1 hour, 9 minutes by car.
Why Go: Just a hop and a skip from the city, you’ll find a diverse ecological range of wildlife, sweeping views, and charismatic pit stops, you’ll feel as if you wandered into a foreign land of aquatic proportions. The postcard-perfect scenery is breathtaking to say the least — rare muddy marshes, tantalizing, color-soaked horizons, crashing, rocky waves, tasty oyster farms, an awe- inspiring lighthouse — with plenty of quaint fisherman-style towns along the way. It’s the ideal little day trip for adventurous types with a keen appreciation for Northern California nature.
Once you’ve done the whole Into The Wild thing, we recommend driving up the other side of Tomales Bay to Marshall (about 30 minutes) for a stay at Nick’s Cove — a charming cottage retreat and restaurant perched on the water. Here, you can enjoy the luxe-rustic interior of the rooms, swing by the boathouse (you can bring food and drink out there!), or chow down at the esteemed restaurant (you can’t go wrong with the Dungeness Crab mac and cheese). One of the great things about heading to this special seashore reserve is that regardless of how many times you pay Point Reyes and the surrounding areas a visit, you’re guaranteed to experience something new.
Plan Your Visit: Exploring Point Reyes Seashore definitely can’t be done in one day, and honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming with so many sights to see. We recommend planning out your seaside itinerary by going to the official website and checking out which parks and towns strike your fancy. If you are intending on making a night of it, definitely book resos at Nick’s Cove and Cottages. So dreamy!
Photos (From Left, Clockwise): Via Point Reyes National Seashore; Point Reyes National Seashore; Nick's Cove and Cottages, Nick's Cove and Cottages
But, just because you aren't unwrapping mounds of presents or stuffing your face with sugar cookies and Champagne, doesn't mean the jubilant times have to halt.
Nope, if "travel more" was a resolution planted on your New Year's list, then listen up. We've scoured the Bay (and beyond) for five easy-to-plan weekend getaways that are sure to fill that sad, post-season iCal. From the dreamy, rustic-luxe and wildlife mecca of Point Reyes to good ol' North Lake Tahoe, here are some wintry adventures that will make 2013 the best year yet — and we're only a few days in. Click through for the savvy sojourns and see why you need to fill up that gas tank and book it out of the Bay, stat!
Point Reyes National Seashore
Distance From S.F.: 37 miles; 1 hour, 9 minutes by car.
Why Go: Just a hop and a skip from the city, you’ll find a diverse ecological range of wildlife, sweeping views, and charismatic pit stops, you’ll feel as if you wandered into a foreign land of aquatic proportions. The postcard-perfect scenery is breathtaking to say the least — rare muddy marshes, tantalizing, color-soaked horizons, crashing, rocky waves, tasty oyster farms, an awe- inspiring lighthouse — with plenty of quaint fisherman-style towns along the way. It’s the ideal little day trip for adventurous types with a keen appreciation for Northern California nature.
Once you’ve done the whole Into The Wild thing, we recommend driving up the other side of Tomales Bay to Marshall (about 30 minutes) for a stay at Nick’s Cove — a charming cottage retreat and restaurant perched on the water. Here, you can enjoy the luxe-rustic interior of the rooms, swing by the boathouse (you can bring food and drink out there!), or chow down at the esteemed restaurant (you can’t go wrong with the Dungeness Crab mac and cheese). One of the great things about heading to this special seashore reserve is that regardless of how many times you pay Point Reyes and the surrounding areas a visit, you’re guaranteed to experience something new.
Plan Your Visit: Exploring Point Reyes Seashore definitely can’t be done in one day, and honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming with so many sights to see. We recommend planning out your seaside itinerary by going to the official website and checking out which parks and towns strike your fancy. If you are intending on making a night of it, definitely book resos at Nick’s Cove and Cottages. So dreamy!
Photos (From Left, Clockwise): Via Point Reyes National Seashore; Point Reyes National Seashore; Nick's Cove and Cottages, Nick's Cove and Cottages