Galleria Park Hotel, Photo Credit: Joide Vivre Hotels
Hoping to travel to Northern California this summer? Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoorsman or simply someone looking to get a little retro, you’ll find the perfect escape with a warm-weather getaway north of L.A.
Here are five excuses to book a trip now.
Summer of Love in San Francisco
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love. During the summer of 1967, 100,000 young people, mostly hippies, gathered in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district to promote peace and influence culture through music and art. To commemorate the occasion, many hotels are giving you a throwback to those times five decades later.
The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Palace Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, is one such place offering a themed package. While celebrating a historic social revolution, stay in the city’s most historic hotel — The Palace has been around since 1875.
The deal, which is available through September 4, includes an overnight stay in stylish accommodations; a welcome cocktail for two at the hotel’s famed bar, the Pied Piper; and complimentary Wi-Fi. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll instantly notice retro bouquets of flowers adorning the lobby to set mood.
Palace Hotel’s Pied Piper, Photo Credit: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc
The expert Les Clefs d’Or concierges can help you score tickets to the de Young Museum. The latest exhibit, “The Summer of Love Experience: Art, Fashion, and Rock & Roll,” features iconic rock posters, colorful costumes, interactive music and light shows and more from that famous summer.
At Galleria Park Hotel, another Forbes Travel Guide Recommended spot in the heart of downtown San Francisco, cocktail enthusiasts should take advantage of the Sip of Summer package. You’ll pick up 30 percent off regular room rates in celebration of the hotel’s parent company Joie de Vivre’s 30th anniversary.
Upon arriving at the stylish property, you’ll also have a voucher for two complimentary cocktails waiting for you in the room. If the drinks aren’t enough to quench your thirst, don’t worry — you also have access to the hotel’s sipping hour.
Cavallo Point Cooking School, Photo Credit: Sherman Chu
Summer Dining in Sausalito
Foodies should plan to book a summer stay at the Bay Area’s Cavallo Point. The Sausalito resort hosts several memorable dinners throughout the season in a series called Chef’s Counter. The culinary event is available for six people twice a month and consists of a three-hour private dinner hosted by the hotel’s executive chef.
It begins with hors d’oeuvres and champagne at the intimate Cavallo Point Cooking School. Then sit at the chef’s counter and indulge in a high-end, four-course meal (complete with wine pairings) while interacting with the chef as he prepares each dish.
Expect chef Tony Adams to amaze your taste buds with selections such as shrimp pacchetti with onion confit and crispy baby artichokes, and noisette of local lamb with springtime purees and pecorino frico.
Château du Sureau, Photo Credit: Château du Sureau
Opulent Outdoor Adventures
At the Five-Star Château du Sureau, outside of Yosemite National Park, the Best of Both Worlds package offers a summer adventure not to be missed. With this promotion, embark on a two-day hiking and backpacking excursion that comes complete with a private guide who also happens to be a chef and a naturalist. You’ll camp and swim before returning to the resort where relaxation awaits at the Four-Star Spa du Sureau.
Following that bit of exhilaration, you’ll have an elegant meal at Four-Star Erna’s Elderberry House.
Finish up your stay with another 24 hours of unwinding, highlighted by a few hours at the pool.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, Photo Credit: Rouse Photography
You can also bask in the outdoors without giving up any creature comforts at Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. The rustic-chic resort provides a summer-themed Après Adventurist promotion for the whole family that highlights the exciting opening of the property’s new Lake Club. Enjoy lavish accommodations and exclusive access to the Lake Club, where you will be greeted with personalized summer cocktails and kid-friendly popsicles for the little ones.
Outdoor enthusiasts can rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, while those who wish to read in the sun can relax on lounge chairs while the kids play nearby with complimentary beach toys.
A personal concierge will take care of all your dining and any other activity needs, making this lakeside getaway one to remember.
