Schools are just getting started, work is going at its usual fast pace, life is growingly hectic and you need a break. We’ve already gotten you to the Bahamas, but now we’ve found the most relaxing vacations here in our own backyard, none of which will make a dent in your wallet. Take a day off, take a short drive, sit back, and relax with SafeAmerica.
Sonoma
For Nature Junkies: Sonoma Valley Bike Tour ($108)
Sonoma is famous for encapsulating the beauty of the famous California coast, and you can take full advantage of the sea breeze and widespread vineyards with the Sonoma Bike Tour. A knowledgeable local guide will take you on a relaxing, easy-paced bike ride to two local wineries for tastings, and you’ll be done mid-day and have a free afternoon to explore the rest of Sonoma.
For Wine Enthusiasts: Platypus Wine Tours ($110)
Everyone in the Bay knows that if there’s one place bred and built for fantastic wine, it’s Sonoma Valley. If you want a tour famed for it’s variety and ability to explore the most intimate and historic wineries, this is the one. Platypus tours take groups to 4-5 wineries in a day, and has an ever-changing roster of wineries, keeping the tour fresh and unique. You even get a delicious picnic for lunch, hosted at one of the wineries on the tour.
For Adventurers: Safari West ($83)
Not only does Sonoma have amazing views and wineries, it’s famous for its wildlife as well. Safari West takes visitors on an intimate tour of Sonoma and its wildlife, and is described to “discover the spirit of Africa in the heart of the wine country”.
For Foodies: Savor Healdsburg Food Tours ($89)
Take eating out a step up with the Savor Healdsburg Food Tours. Local foodies show you the rich culture of the are and you get gourmet tastings from some of the most renowned and diverse restaurants and wineries.
Napa
For Nature Junkies: Calistoga Bikeshop ($89.99)
Napa is renowned for its peaceful countryside and long and winding roads. In the “Cool Wine Tour” individuals can rent a bike and have a customized route tailor made for their needs. The best part? Calistoga Bikeshop will book and pay for wine tastings for you, so you can just relax and ride until you can wine and dine.
For Wine Enthusiasts: Napa Wine Train Sunset Gourmet Dinner ($161)
The wine train is probably one of the most notable attractions in Napa. On the Sunset Gourmet Car, decorated with Honduran mahogany paneling, etched glass partitions, and original artwork, guests experience an exclusive gourmet meal crafted with the freshest ingredients.
For Adventurers: America Canyon Paintball Jungle ($55)
If you love an adventure that gets your adrenaline pumping, this is it. The paintball jungle is 40 acres and has terrain ranging from dense fields to paintball forts and bunkers, and is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
For Foodies: The French Laundry (Ranges)
As you can imagine, Napa is in no way lacking in the fine dining industry. The French Laundry may fulfill your budget in one round, but it will be well worth it, as many a foodie is known to head to Napa for this restaurant alone.
Yosemite
For Nature Junkies: Glacier Point Tour ($41)
The best part of Yosemite is its amazing views and dedication to conservation and natural beauty. On this four hour guided bus tour, you can explore all the way from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point and see the famous Yosemite waterfalls and mountains along the way.
For Wine Enthusiasts: The Grand Grape Celebration ($199)
At this exclusive gathering, you can enjoy the finest wines from the most acclaimed vintners in northern California. The celebration includes an elegant five-course meal with perfectly paired wines.
For Adventurers: Horseback Riding ($61)
With Yosemite’s impressive natural surroundings and rider-friendly trails, this is a great experience for riders and non-riders alike. The two hour trip from Big Trees Stables to the Meadow Loop Trail and back is great for exploring the historic paths of Yosemite.
For Foodies: The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room (Ranges)
The dining room, considered a rustic and elegant addition to the beauty of Yosemite, is perfect for fine dining in the midst of the woods. Famous for its excellent desserts and legendary Sunday Brunch, this is a must for any visitor.
Mendocino
For Nature Junkies: 2016 Sunset ‘Til Dark Bioluminescence Tour ($65)
Mendocino is the perfect coastal town, and the bioluminescence tour highlights the beauty to be seen here. For two hours, have an experienced guide take you up the big river as the sun sets, and you can see the phosphorescent algae glowing throughout the night waters.
For Wine Enthusiasts: Silver’s at the Wharf (Ranges)
This is the perfect place to relax and sip wine as you watch the sun set over the Mendocino waters. With an extensive wine list and ocean view, this is a welcoming location for tourists and locals alike.
For Adventurers: Liquid Fusion Kayaking ($65 and up)
With Liquid Fusion Kayaking, individuals can go on a rapid-filled adventure or on a relaxed tour along the Mendocino coast. Glide down waves, explore sea caves, or sail by sea creatures in Mendocino.
For Foodies: Café Beaujolais (Ranges)
Café Beaujolais is perfect for a quaint and yet elegant meal. With an extensive wine list, organic locally-sourced ingredients, and top-notch service, Cafe Beaujolais is a perfect stop for visitors in Mendocino.
Lake Tahoe
For Nature Junkies: Lake Tahoe Sightseeing & Lunch Cruise on the Bleu Wave ($85)
On this two hour relaxing boat ride, you can see the snow capped Tahoe mountains and the lush forests along the sides of the waters. Your afternoon will be complete with the breathtaking views, a buffet lunch, and any two drinks of your choice.
For Wine Enthusiasts: Wine Tahoe (Ranges)
Wine Tahoe is the perfect destination for experienced wine lovers or beginners alike. You can experience a guided tasting where a private consultant will show you an array of wines and share their expertise. You can also buy wine that is exclusive to Wine Tahoe and is straight from the best wineries of northern California.
For Adventurers: Action Watersports ($75 and up)
With Action Watersports, you can participate in a variety of amazing activities all along Lake Tahoe. With jet skiing, parasailing, cruises, and boat rentals you’ll never be bored in the area!
For Foodies: Fire Sign Cafe (Ranges)
Fire Sign Cafe is undoubtedly the place to go in Tahoe City. Featured in the New York Times and USA Today, this family-built cafe has been widely praised for its creative and delightful dishes.