Today’s post is a guest post from: Maria Perez of Sew Travel Inspired.
10 Best Places to Kiss in Northern California
From its stunning coastline to its ravishing city views, Northern California offers lots of settings for that perfect romantic Valentine’s kiss. There are beaches, mountains, and forests, big cities, and small towns—with such an assortment, there are numerous destinations for love and romance.
Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year—the perfect timing for a weekend romantic get-away. My list of sweetheart destinations in Northern California guarantees lovebirds an unforgettable Valentine’s Day kiss.
Photo Credit : Delta King
Sacramento is the political heart of California. It’s also a great place for a romantic getaway along the river. Book your stay in The Delta King Hotel, one of the city’s more nostalgic hotels and a unique Sacramento treasure. The Delta King was once a riverboat, shuttling passengers between San Francisco and Sacramento. Now it’s a floating hotel and permanently docked in Old Sacramento. Spend your afternoons exploring more of the city. Stroll along Sacramento’s tree-lined streets, visit the World Peace Rose Garden in Capitol Park, and ride around Old Sacramento like royalty in a horse-drawn carriage. In the evenings savor a great meal in one of the numerous restaurants in our Farm-to-Fork Capital. http://visitsacramento4-px.rtrk.com/
San Francisco There’s a reason Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco. San Francisco offers some of the most romantic experiences and it will capture your heart, too. Choose a catamaran ride on the Bay and sip champagne while the golden rays of the sun kiss the San Francisco skyline. Share the city’s panorama of sparkling lights against the glimmering bay from the Top of the Mark, the lounge on the top of the Intercontinental Hotel in Nob Hill. Walk or bike across the famous Golden Gate Bridge and take some memorable selfies against the dazzling scenery. San Francisco offers numerous romantic places where you can fall in love again with life and with each other. Travelling to San Francisco for a weekend and loving it just never gets old. http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/
Lake Tahoe To not include Lake Tahoe on any list of romantic places would be unforgivable. Lake Tahoe’s beauty is unique and compelling. Mark Twain called it the “Jewel of the Sierra.” This beautiful freshwater lake is one of the most dazzling lakes in the US and it offers world-class activities and amazing views. On your Valentine weekend enjoy the great outdoors—skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. Add to all this—glitzy casinos, big name entertainment, world class restaurants, and boutique shopping—you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven. http://travelnevada.com/discover/30637/lake-tahoe
Mendocino “Lonely and lovely” – that’s how Mendocino’s been described. Perched on a cliff facing the Pacific, this historic town is a must-see for romantic travel in California. The joys here are simple—wineries, romantic Victorian-era B&B’s, luxury spas, and long walks on the beach are the big draws to this colorful little village. It’s a true escape from the chaos of everyday life. The February air is clear, crisp & fresh, the views are beautiful, and the surf sounds will mesmerize you. Mendocino is a magical place and it offers everything to make your romantic weekend lovable and soothing. http://www.visitmendocino.com/
Photo Credit: Visit Napa Valley
Napa This world famous wine region is home to world-acclaimed wineries, creative chefs, healing spas, and plenty to explore. A Napa Valley getaway couldn’t be more romantic. Visit wineries like the Mondavi Vineyard or Frog’s Leap, enjoy a couple’s massage, or take a hot air balloon ride over the valley complete with a champagne breakfast. Napa has it all for a romantic stay! http://legendarynapavalley.net/
Shasta Cascades In the Shasta Cascades, you will find a natural wonderland created by millions of years of geologic forces. Here you’ll experience the peaceful ending of nature’s violent process. Hot and steamy Lassen Volcanic National Park is a must-see. You can witness the boiling mud pots and the steaming fumaroles of Northern California. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway stretches 500 mile from volcano to volcano and is a journey of a thousand discoveries. You’ll discover romantic places where you can hike, warm water you can take a dip in, and great, little restaurants you can dine at.
http://www.go-california.com/Lassen-Volcanic-National-Park/
Photo credit Sonoma County Tourism Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay Bodega Bay is a tiny seaside village on the Sonoma Coast and home to romantic places like county farms and gardens, coastal headlands, and windswept beaches. Shop for raw honey and other exquisite goods at the Lavender Bee Farm. Take the 1.19 mile Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail with its coastal views and excellent birding opportunities. Experience elephant seals just south of Bodega Bay at the nearby Point Reyes National Seashore. Bodega Bay is also known for whale watching and Bodega Head is a prime location for watching the annual gray whale migration. (January to April.) Bodega Bay will help you rediscover love. http://www.sonomacounty.com/
Fort Bragg Fort Bragg offers many romantic places that allow any couple a quiet escape from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. There are no traffic jams, no rush hours, and no parking meters downtown. What you’ll find are miles of breathtakingly beautiful beaches, an indigo ocean, and a busy town center packed with things to do. Linger over breakfast of crab omelets or cinnamon raisin toast at the Egghead Restaurant, take in the Mendocino Botanical Gardens, explore Glass Beach or book a romantic horseback ride for just the two of you. This small coastal town offers the perfect seaside escape. http://www.fortbragg.com/
Carmel-by-the Sea Carmel is one of my very favorite romantic, seaside towns in Northern California. It’s tucked away along the coast in Monterey County. This amazing European-style village, just south of the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, has art galleries, delightful cafes, and antique shops lining the cobblestone sidewalks. The sandy, scenic beach is a natural for picnics by the waves. Take a relaxing stroll among the galleries and cafes, or make it your base for exploring more of the California’s wonderful Big Sur. http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/
Photo Credit Jason Graham
Nevada City
Nevada City is one of the prettiest and most interesting of California Gold Rush towns. Surrounded by incredible Sierra Nevada mountain vistas, this charming tree-lined hamlet is home to unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. Spend the day exploring the surrounding countryside. The Sierra Nevada foothills are known for their striking, rugged beauty, dotted with an abundance of beautiful lakes, streams and the stunning Yuba River. End the day with a great meal and a romantic stroll down historic Main Street for some window shopping. For old-fashioned comfort and luxury, stay at the National Hotel, the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Rocky Mountains. http://gonevadacounty.com/
From its stunning coastline to its clear alpine lake, from gorgeous city skylines to quaint, seaside villages or historic hamlets, Northern California offers lots of settings for that romantic Valentine’s kiss. But you don’t have to save this list just for Valentine’s Day. You can visit these places anytime and find love and romance.
I hope you find the perfect romantic spot of your own.