As part of the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland, California is a thriving city boasting plenty of exciting attractions for couples. There are many Oakland vacation rentals that offer just the right setting for romance. When you’re ready to explore beyond Oakland, embark on a sightseeing tour in Oakhurst or visit the wineries. Look forward to boating on Clear Lake in Lakeport. Nearby cities such as Monterey feature unique attractions like a sunset cruise, while Capitola puts you right in the heart of picturesque seaside views from your vacation rental’s balcony. Most of these cities are situated one to three hours’ worth of driving from Oakland.
1. Lakeport
A vacation rental in Lakeport gives you a chance to lavish your sweetheart with love on the shores of Clear Lake. Make the two- and a half -hour drive and spend some time sunning yourselves and enjoying a picnic on the beach before renting ski boats, jet skis, or kayaks from Disney’s Boat Rentals to get wet and wild together. With access to the Mendocino National Forest, you can also spend your weekend hiking or walking hand-in-hand on the trails before toasting to your relationship at the Robledo Family Winery.
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2. Monterey
Surprise your sweetie with a romantic getaway in Monterey, known for its rugged central coast. After the two-hour drive from Oakland, start your adventures with a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium before exploring the actual waters on the Monterey Bay Sunset Appetizer Cruise. The Golden State Theatre is the perfect place to spend a date night enjoying an entertaining play or musical performance. Connect with that special someone when taking in the picturesque views on the 17-Mile Drive, or profess your love on the Coast Guard Pier. Before heading out of town, stop in at the Cannery Row Antique Mall to pick up some souvenirs from your trip.
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3. Yountville
Opt for a romantic getaway where you and your significant other can soak in the peace and quiet only an hour from your Oakland residence. Yountville is in the midst of the Napa Valley wine country and gives you access to the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour as well as Cliff Lede Vineyards. Take your relationship to a higher level with a romantic hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides, or stop in at Bardessono for a couples’ massage. See pheasants and geese in the hills when riding the trails with Napa Valley Bike Tours before heading back to your quaint vacation rental for some rest and relaxation.
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4. Bodega Bay
Watch in amazement as whales dive in and out of the Pacific Ocean with your significant other right by your side when making Bodega Bay your vacation destination for a romantic getaway. Just a two-hour drive puts you within close proximity to Bodega Head and the coastline that surrounds this bay town. Spend an evening wining and dining that special someone with a seafood dinner at Tides Wharf Restaurant before retiring to your cozy beachfront vacation rental. When you want to explore the waters, rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from Bodega Bay Kayak.
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5. Capitola
Make Capitola your vacation destination for the weekend and find yourself in a charming seaside city located only two hours from Oakland. You and your sweetie can sip white or red wine when spending some one-on-one time together at Armida Winery before touring the historic downtown area to see the unique architecture. If your mate loves fishing, try and catch your dinner for the evening with Santa Cruz Charters, or hold on tight to your soulmate on a boat tour with Santa Cruz Whale Watching. Top off a weekend evening with a romantic Italian dinner at Bella Roma Ristorante or fine dining at the Shadowbrook Restaurant.
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6. Oakhurst
Spend your romantic weekend hiking the trails of Yosemite National Park when you make Oakhurst your vacation destination. Oakhurst, located approximately three hours from Oakland, gives you a chance to bond while on a scenic drive on the Scenic Route Highway 49, or admire the beauty of nature together on the Discover Yosemite sightseeing tour. Stop in at the Golden Chain Theatre for a thrilling performance before grabbing a cold beverage at the South Gate Brewing Company. The Di Cicco’s Italian Restaurant offers just the right intimate setting for a romantic dinner for two.
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7. Mendocino
Drive three hours from your Oakland abode to settle in Mendocino, a city with vacation rentals that overlook the Pacific Ocean. Indulge mates with an interest in history to tour the Ford House Museum, or find yourselves immersed in nature with a day at the Mendocino Headlands State Park, hiking and biking the trails. Couples with a flair for art can soak up the culture at the Mendocino Art Center before enjoying an intimate dinner on the waterfront patio of the Flow Restaurant and Lounge.
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