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Best Getaways For Parents Near South Bay

Big Sur (credit: Randy Yagi)

Every now and then, for many parents, it helps to take a trip without the kids, even if it's just only for a few days. Whether it means rekindling a relationship, allowing the kids to have some precious time with their grandparents or simply recharging, a getaway can be very rewarding and therapeutic. Fortunately for South Bay parents, there are several places worth getting away to, regardless of the cost or length of stay. Here are just five of the best getaways for parents, all within a two hour's drive from the South Bay.

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Big Sur River Inn
46840 Highway One
Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2700
www.bigsurriverinn.com

For a truly unforgettable experience, South Bay parents know Big Sur ranks high on the list for a romantic getaway. While the luxury resorts may be out of reach for many couples, places like the Big Sur River Inn is a smart alternative to high-end lodging that starts around $500 per night. A moderately priced property that seems to have everything for visitors, Big Sur River Inn features 20 well-appointed guest rooms, some with riverside views, a lively restaurant and even a gas station and general store. Each room is furnished with one or two queen size beds, private bathrooms and porches or patios. As part of the Big Sur experience, the inn does not provide TVs, radios or telephones in any of the rooms but there is Wi-Fi in all common areas and free parking.

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Cavallo Point Lodge
601 Murray Circle
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 339-4700
www.cavallopoint.com

With stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point can be the perfect getaway for parents needing a bit of R&R. Located on the former Fort Baker property within minutes of the Golden Gate Bridge, the award-winning resort was ranked No. 4 among top Hotel Spas in the U.S. by Travel+Leisure. Visitors can choose between contemporary lodging or historic accommodations with most rooms facing San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate. Cavallo Point Lodge may offer specially priced packages, such as The Ultimate Date Night with a $100 credit at the award-winning Murray Circle restaurant, a Stay 3, Pay 2 package, with a complimentary night offered with two paid nights and a Spa & Wellness package featuring a $310 Healing Arts Center and Spa credit and complimentary shuttle service to San Francisco and Sausalito.

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Honor Mansion
891 Grove St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-4277
www.honormansion.com

When it comes to a romantic getaway, it doesn't get much better than this charming property in the Sonoma Wine Country. That's because Honor Mansion was named the top Romantic Hotel in the U.S. by Trip Advisor, in addition to being named the No. 2 Top Small Hotel and No. 3 Luxury Hotel. The resort inn has 13 luxurious rooms including five in the mansion and four Vineyard Suites. Recent packages offered by this luxury B&B have been a Dream Celebration Package with delightful amenities like chilled sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and a celebratory cake, and a Poolside Spa Package, featuring two 60-minute poolside massages, sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and a rose petal candlelight turndown.

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Napa Valley Lodge
2230 Madison St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2468
www.napavalleylodge.com

The magnificent Napa Valley Wine Country is one of the most favorite getaways for residents throughout the Bay Area. While the five-star luxury resorts and the Michelin-starred restaurants command most of the attention, there are other properties that are rated higher than its pricier neighbors. Take, for example, the Napa Valley Lodge, a Tuscan-inspired, AAA Four Diamond hotel in Yountville. Accommodations range from the Park View double queen with a private balcony of views of Yountville Park to the 800-square-foot Bella Vista suite equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, oversized spa-styled bathroom, private veranda and views of the lodge's vineyard. Packages that may be offered at the Napa Valley Lodge can include a Suite Romantic Getaway Package with a complimentary bottle of champagne and chocolate truffles and a Couples Spa Retreat Package, with two one-hour Lodge Massages and complimentary bottle of wine.

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Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club
8205 Valley Greens Drive
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 624-2888
www.quaillodge.com

Quietly tucked away near the northern border of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Quail Lodge is an exceptional value for visitors to the often pricey Monterey Peninsula. The 850-acre resort, which recently underwent a $28 million renovation, features 77 guest rooms and 14 suites, a 6,449-yard Par-71 championship golf course and golf academy, three dining options and a fitness center. Each guest room offers a private deck or patio with glorious views of the resort's lush gardens, the golf course or one of the 10 lakes on the property. All lodging includes complimentary continental breakfast buffet for two, guest parking and high speed Wi-Fi access. The Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club is within minutes to many local attractions, such as the Monterey Aquarium, recently named Trip Advisor's Best Aquarium in the World, the breathtaking 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach, historic Cannery Row and the Carmel Valley AVA.

Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.

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