Restful Getaways Near SF: 7 Towns For Wellness, Relaxation, and Glamping

San Francisco and the Bay Area is a region that never really stops moving. Between dodging Waymo cars at every corner, sitting through traffic bottlenecks on the Bay Bridge, waiting in long lines for your favorite bakery’s morning bun, and enduring cramped Muni rides during rush hour, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly running on fumes.

The daily grind can take its toll, leaving you longing for some space to breathe, recharge, and escape the hustle.

Luckily, a quick getaway is all it takes to reset. Hop in your car and trade the chaos of the city for a weekend filled with fresh air, serene landscapes, and some much-needed “me time.”

Whether it’s glamping under the stars, soaking in hot springs, or simply relaxing with a good book far from the buzz, there’s no better way to start your week feeling refreshed.

Here are seven lesser-known relaxing getaways within 4 hours of San Francisco, ideal for wellness, food + drink, and unwinding in style.

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Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes Day Trip Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Adventure - TravelsWithElle

Point Reyes is a coastal haven for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and nature lovers alike. Just about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, this relatively undiscovered gem offers a variety of relaxing experiences, from gourmand experiences to easy hikes to encounters with local wildlife like tule elk and elephant seals.

Point Reyes’ local food scene is something worth carving out time for, starting with the world-famous cheeses produced by the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. Try their signature Point Reyes Original Blue, or grab a cheese platter to enjoy with a glass of local wine.

For an authentic coastal experience, head to the Tomales Bay area to shuck your own oysters, then stop by Heidrun Meadery to sample sparkling mead crafted from local honey. When you’re ready to relax, pick up some fresh baked goods from Bovine Bakery or Brickmaiden Breads, and enjoy them at the park as the day passes you by.

Stay: Check out the famed Olema House — its four acres of private lawns, gardens, and pathways will help you feel worlds away from city life.

Healdsburg

Healdsburg, CA - Travels With Elle

Healdsburg offers the perfect mix of small-town charm and sophisticated experiences in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Downtown Healdsburg is a buzzing hub filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and inviting cafés that make for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

The town is a food lover’s dream, with farm-to-table dining at restaurants like SingleThread Farm (a three-Michelin-star experience blending Japanese and California cuisine) and Barndiva, known for its seasonal, locally sourced dishes.

Wine enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with world-class tasting rooms in town and nearby vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley.

For an added adventure, drive just 20 minutes to Northern California’s most hidden gem, Safari West, a 400-acre wildlife preserve often called the “Sonoma Serengeti.”

Stay: The Madrona for the ultimate luxury stay or Harmon Guest House for a taste of the eco-luxe life.

Booneville

Nestled in the heart of Anderson Valley, Boonville offers the perfect blend of rustic charm, gastronomy, and quiet wine country experiences. This underrated destination is an ideal getaway for those seeking a slower pace while indulging in some of Northern California’s best food and drink.

Wander through downtown Boonville, where you’ll find charming shops like The Mercantile for unique gifts and local goods. For lunch, head to Pennyroyal Farm, where you can enjoy a wine and cheese pairing made from their own grapes and goats, followed by a farm tour.

If you’re in the mood for a picnic, grab a sandwich at Lemons Market in Philo and take it to Hendy Woods State Park, home to two must-see virgin redwood groves—Big Hendy and Little Hendy—and the peaceful Navarro River.

Wine lovers will find themselves in paradise with Anderson Valley’s 25+ tasting rooms, best known for exceptional Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Lauren’s or The Boonville Hotel’s Table 128.

And if you’re up for a road trip, hop in your car for a 40-minute drive to explore the coastal towns of Elk and Mendocino.

Stay: The Boonville Hotel for laid-back chic. For an even more luxurious stay, base yourself in Elk at Sacred Rock Inn, the Mendocino Coast’s award-winning accommodation.

Elk

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, the tiny town of Elk offers a getaway where rugged coastlines meet indulgent flavors and laid-back charm.

Foodies flock here for the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Harbor House Inn Restaurant, where hyperlocal, foraged ingredients shine in every dish. For something more casual, unwind with a picnic at Greenwood State Beach, a quiet spot with driftwood-strewn shores and tide pools teeming with life.

For wine enthusiasts, a quick drive inland brings you to Drew Winery, set on a hillside of pinot vines and apple orchards, offering wine that’s as bold and earthy as the landscape.

Whether you’re riding horseback on Manchester Beach, wandering through redwood tunnels at Navarro River Redwoods State Park, or discovering handmade art at the Artists’ Collective, Elk is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Stay: Sacred Rock Inn

👉 Pro Tip: T+L recently named Elk the ‘Best Small Town in America for Food & Wine‘. We’d say now is the time to plan a trip to experience it firsthand.

Bodega Bay

bodega bay california

Nestled along the Sonoma Coast, Bodega Bay is a seaside gem that not many California natives even make time to visit. The rugged coastline, small-town charm, and fresh ocean breezes make it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and quiet.

It’s also a seafood lover’s paradise, with some of the best clam chowder and fresh-caught Dungeness crab in the region! While you’re here, visit the Bodega Bay Oyster Company to sample freshly shucked oysters and indulge in fresh seafood at local favorites like Spud Point Crab Company or Fisherman’s Cove.

Pro Tip: Visit in the fall for fewer crowds and a chance to catch the annual Dungeness crab season in full swing!

Stay: The Lodge at Bodega Bay is the ultimate place to unwind in style. With bright and airy rooms offering unbelievable views from the balconies, this upscale retreat blends luxury with total R&R.

Guerneville

Guerneville, CA - Best Things To Do In Sonoma County, CA - Travels With Elle

Tucked along the Russian River, Guerneville has long been a favorite escape for hippies, artists, and the LGBTQ+ community seeking a break from San Francisco, just 75 miles away.

Expect retro and nostalgic charm no matter where you go. For a true Guerneville experience, grab an inner tube and drift along the Russian River — the stretch from Sunset Beach to Johnson’s Beach is a scenic, six-hour float where the pace is as lazy as the river itself.

Prefer land adventures? Head to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, where hiking trails weave through towering ancient trees, offering a calm and cool escape from the summer heat.

Back in town, Guerneville’s food scene punches above its weight. Grab chorizo tacos from the beloved Guerneville Taco Truck, or treat yourself to mushroom mac and cheese at Boon Eat + Drink. Wine lovers won’t have a thing to worry about — there are handfuls of wineries and tasting rooms to choose from.

Stay: There are too many swoon-worthy accommodations in town. For Airstream glamping, go for AutoCamp Russian River. For boutique luxury, the reimagined Dawn Ranch, Highlands Resort, or The Stavrand are total winners.

Calistoga

Dr Wilkinsons Calistoga California
Courtesy of Dr Wilkinsons Backyard Resort

Calistoga isn’t just your gateway to Napa Valley—it’s got another major draw–mud baths.

Since the early 1900s, this small town has been famous for its healing mud baths, thanks to rich volcanic soil and bubbling mineral springs. For the ultimate soak, head to Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort, where you can sink into a geothermal mud bath or unwind in the mineral pools under open skies.

Nearby, Indian Springs Calistoga, with its century-old mineral plunge pool and lush gardens, blends ancient Wappo healing traditions with modern luxury.

For wine lovers, leave the car behind and board the Napa Valley Wine Train, where restored Pullman cars and multi-course meals pair perfectly with scenic vineyard views. Or, if you’re visiting in the fall, attend a grape stomp during the harvest season—Grgich Hills Estate and V. Sattui Winery host seasonal events where you can stomp grapes to your heart’s content.

Need a break from wine? Stroll through inspiring installations at the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art or venture out to Lake Berryessa, just an hour away, for kayaking, swimming, and an escape from the vineyard buzz.

Stay: Dr Wilkinsons Backyard Resort for wellness-focused amenities.


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AUTHOR

Elle Leung

My name is Elle and I'm a travel blogger and adventurer based in California. I love helping people plan trips and create unique itineraries based on their interests and their budgets. I'm a huge fan of outdoor adventures and doing off-the-beaten-path things in my state (and all around the world too)!

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