Romance Right Quick

Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden (where rare magnolias in peak bloom for the next two weeks!) Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic.

Midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles lies a lush landscape of emerald hills, fruitful vineyards, quiet country roads, and plenty of trails for hiking and biking.

Definition of a relaxing afternoon? Sipping bubbly and sampling wines right on the bay! Riggers Loft is a hidden gem located in the historic Richmond Shipyard.

Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

After heavy rains, the rolling headwaters of Peters Creek in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve pulsate along the forest floor via a series of small waterfalls that cut grooves in sandstone boulders. See it on a 4.5-mile loop hike starting from the Grizzly Flat parking lot.