Mini vacation destination in California?

My gosh what the heck you doing south of SF??? .. the pretty places are all north up Highway1.. go Bodega Bay(place where Hitchcock filmed the movie The Birds) head up towards Fort Bragg(go for a ride on the skunk train & their little chocolate factory near the tracks) or Gualala(the land of the hippies settled), Point Arena and Point Cabrillo have beautiful lighthouses to visit.. You can drive all the way to Crescent City and you can have a wonderful time!

How about some non-Napa wine country, like Sonoma? Or "The Lost Coast," a scenic and very secluded region up north, after highway 1 leaves the coastline. It is supposed to be a very beautiful area, like going back in time, but it takes a while to get there on the country roads. How about South Lake Tahoe? It's probably cold there, but it is also the off season so there shouldn't be a lot of people there.

If your the type of couple that enjoy the great outdoors, try visiting the Northern end of California (i.e. Crescent City, Eureka, etc.). You can always stay at a cozy little hotel off the beach or in town. My spouse and I would actually enjoy a nice long weekend at Jebediah Smith Camp Grounds. Jebediah Smith is a awesome camp grounds with working showers, toilets, etc with many hiking trails among the redwoods, etc. An option you may enjoy as well may be a nice Bodega Bay trip. I have always enjoyed "The Inn at the Tides" in Bodega Bay. They have two restaurants, oceans view rooms, and tons of intamate couples adventures within the area. If you didn't want to rent a "hotel room" per say. Look into renting a Beach front cabin! Good luck!

Take a tour of SF. I'm serious. So many ppl are too busy working that they don't have the opportunity to see their own city. Golden Gate Park is a great way to spend the afternoon. Japantown is also a great place to take a walk. So many other places to see as well.

You've sure gotten some great answers. I am particularly fond of the foothills of the Sierras. If you drive up Highway 50 through Sacramento into Placerville you can drive south on Highway 49 for 15 minutes and get to the place gold was discovered by John Marshall at Sutter's Mill in Coloma. Or from Placerville you can follow historic Highway 49 south along the mother lode through such historic towns as Drytown, Amador City, Sutter Creek, Jackson, and on to Angels Camp in the area made famous by Brett Harte and Sam Clemens (Mark Twain). There are lots of Forest Service camping areas, and also lots of mom-and-pop motels which aren't too pricey. Pick up a used guide book of the historic mother lode in SF and plan your mini history vacation. If you are adventurous, get a gold pan and pan for nuggets to perhaps pay for your outing - it's easy and surprisingly lucrative. Above all, have fun!

I wouyld LOVE to tour San Francisco! I am from Indiana and we would have to fly there for a short vacation. How about this..do me a favor! Act like tourist..take a camera..ideas for presents for this year's Christmas gifts..and have your anniversary dinner on Fisherman's Wharf! Look at your city with new eyes. Stay in a quaint Motel or Inn so that you have the satisfaction of packing as if really going away for awhile. Do the things you have wanted to, but never have since you life there. Dance under the stars..hit the coast and watch the sunrise! Chart a boat..see what I mean? If you do not spend money on gas or plane tickets, you are already ahead in the budget!..oh..and buy something new on your little "tour" to wear at your wedding!

im from SF and my wife and I love Pismo Beach. Similar to Monterey except a little nicer, outdoor beaches, shopping. Also, try San Luis Obispo. Quiet town with lots to do and everyone is so friendly there. Just a couple of hours south on 101. Tahoe is nice this time of year if you like skiing or hiking too. Have fun.

North Coast of California along coast, Hwy 1, or US 101: Redwood Empire, Avenue of the Giants, Mendocino Coast, Redwood Nat'l Park

Santa Rosa is only an hour away, besides great wineries, there's a great night life.