Secrets to Planning a Romantic Getaway

Romance Getaway Secrets Revealed

Sharing romantic getaway tips and secrets with our guests planning for their lovers’ holiday at Sea Ranch Abalone Bay is one of the things I enjoy most.  After all, who doesn’t love romance!

However, making your getaway magically romantic can be, if not nerve-racking, then a bit overwhelming for some. Yet when it does all come together even the most clueless can have that intimate and romantic getaway you only read about in romance novels or see on Instagram. 

With our tips and tools to having a romantic getaway, you won’t be as clueless as you might worry you are.

1. Select a Romance Travel Spot

Well, this one is easy ~ Sea Ranch of course! But then we may be a bit biased.   

Wherever it is you decide to go we do suggest you share that choice with your lover first. This way you’ll know your partner will be equally thrilled with your idea.  Make your destination suggestion one that’s special to you as a couple. This could be a city where you spent a lot of time, a location that played a pivotal role in your relationship’s evolution, or even a place you’ve talked about for years but have never been. The benefit of returning to a place you’ve been to is you know what you’re getting.

Select a Nearby Destination for Ease of Travel Accommodations

We recommend you select a destination that is close to your home and is easy to travel to, especially if your getaway is only for a weekend.  A general rule of thumb is to limit your travel time to three hours. If your location is farther away and requires multiple means of transportation, we suggest you break up your getaway into chunks, as determined by those natural travel breaks. It may mean you’ll either have to extend your getaway time or cut some of your intended locations. The last thing you want is to have the stresses of travel linger in the air when you are trying to cuddle at your final destination later.

2. Sea Ranch for Your Romantic Getaway

Our secret treasure of a community spreads 10 miles along the northernmost corner of coastal Sonoma County. But amid the tranquil romance-inducing natural beauty that is Sea Ranch, we must warn you there may be some distraction encountered.  It is quite possible you’ll be amazed by the natural wonder at your doorstep. However, we feel confident you’ll soon discover that “distraction” relaxing and even romance inducing! 

Getting There by Car

The moment you leave the ruckus of cities like San Francisco (110 miles south) in your rear-view mirror you and your romantic partner will soon discover the stresses of urban life quickly evaporate. Once you arrive at Sea Ranch about three hours later it will become your personal paradise too. The road trip is half the fun and provides a preview of some of the incredible views you’ll have once you arrive.

Getting There by Commercial Airline

If flying to Northern California from faraway we recommend you plan for more than a three-night stay.  Consider landing at San Francisco International (SFO) and enjoy the City for one day. Then rent a car to complete the second leg of your trip. The ride to Sea Ranch is half the adventure.

The Charles M. Schulz — Sonoma County Airport (STS) located in Santa Rosa is the only airport that offers scheduled air service into the North Bay region. Our hassle-free commuter size airport provides an environment with shorter lines, easily affordable parking, ground transportation connections, and welcoming hospitality just north of San Francisco in Northern California’s Wine Country.

Getting There by Private Plane 

How about sweeping your loved-one off his or her feet by flying directly into Sea Ranch? Whether you are a private pilot with a plane or want to splurge by charting a flight there’s nothing more romantic than flying along the coast of Sonoma County to land right in the middle of The Sea Ranch. 

 

If this is something you want to consider we suggest you visit our page for Private Pilot Fly-ins to learn more.

3. Select a Lodging Location that Matches Your Styles

Think about what you as a couple love to do together.  Are you adventurers or thrill-seekers, explorers of faraway locations or prefer well-known locations? Are you lovers of 4- and 5-star hotels with room service, or prefer a funky boutique experience, glamping or basic camping? Perhaps a whole house just to yourselves would be the perfect location.

Once you know your activity style, book a lodging location that fulfills those special preferences.

Perfect for Nature-loving Couples

For example, if you…

• Are nature lovers,
• Love long walks together hand-in-hand along oceanfront trails 
• Enjoy outdoor activities like a round of golf together, biking or kayaking
• Love watching a sunset together or waking up to the sunrise with a morning cup of coffee
• Want to spend time together away in a home that has true comfort and charm
• Enjoy having a private house that has been cleaned and prepared especially just for your arrival with top-tier amenities

Then a stay at Sea Ranch Abalone Bay vacation rental could be just what the love doctor ordered.   

 Make it Special ~ Make it Sea Ranch

Make your getaway special to you as a couple. Your location needs to create an experience that will be enjoyed equally and remembered lovingly by you both. Our cozy oceanfront home with its unmatched indulgence offers killer views and amenities that are worth coming back to again and again.

Amenities at Sea Ranch

Amenities for guests at the Sea Ranch include three recreation centers each with outdoor solar-heated pools and tennis. The smallest, Moonraker Recreation Center is also the warmest pool. Its unique design by the team of MLTW offers respite from the coast’s winds which can at times be strong. Inside the dressing area is a superb example of the pioneering super graphics by renowned artist, Bobbie Stauffacher Solomon.

Private Trails and Beaches

The 8 miles of ocean bluff trails is a favorite of romance-minded travelers. Guests who book a stay in any of the many homes along the coast, such as Abalone Bay,  tucked in hedgerows, or in between the towering redwoods have access to all the amenities that Sea Ranch offers. Those amenities include access to all the beaches, trails, pools and recreation centers. They lead to Sea Ranch’s private coves and beaches. Many have staircases that lead you to a secluded cove. Frequently you’ll discover you are the only ones there. Imagine strolling alone hand-in-hand along the water’s edge with the one you love! Or explore the rocky shores and tide pools together. During low tide, it’s a great place to discover sea life without getting wet! 

The hiking trails continue to wind their way through tall native meadow grasses where deer graze, quail scurry across the path and wild turkeys strut nonchalantly. Here hikers encounter bubbling streams that open into hidden ponds.

As the trails ribbon their way up into the awe-inspiring redwood forests hikers quickly become humbled by their looming majesty.

Bike Riding

Planning a scenic bike tour is a romantic way to explore a city or natural area together. 

Guests staying at a home in Sea Ranch have access to nearly 50 miles of trails. Bike trails offer an added means of enjoying the natural beauty of Sea Ranch. Bikes and helmets can be rented from Sea Ranch Supply if you prefer not to pack your own.

With bikes delivered to your front door and picked up after your ride, makes it easy. It also allows you more space for packing in your car.

Sea Ranch Lodge

The Sea Ranch Lodge and its restaurant provides a breath-taking venue for dining, wandering around their trails and of course, for weddings. 

Day-Tripping at Sea Ranch

For travelers not staying at The Sea Ranch who also wish to enjoy its natural, untouched beauty, there are six public beaches along the 10-mile stretch of coast on the Shoreline Highway 1. They are operated by the Sonoma County Parks. Each provides parking ($7) and public bathrooms. They include Walk on Beach, Shell Beach, Stengel Beach, Pebble Beach, Black Point Beach (near The Sea Ranch Lodge), and Gualala Point Regional Park. They are perfect for a romantic hike or picnic.

Make it Sea Ranch Abalone Bay

When at Abalone Bay you’ll kick back in the Adirondack chairs overlooking the bluff sharing a glass of the complimentary wine we provide.

 

Or perhaps wake up late to enjoy a cup of coffee from the sample bag we offer from our local roastery, Little Green Bean

 

 

The only intrusion interrupting your passion will be from the locals: 

 

 

If you’re craving, breathtaking views, a perfect escape with plenty of privacy for a tranquil weekend that also includes a house with modern amenities like:

• free Wi-Fi 
• 3 recreation centers with pools, tennis courts and spa
• Private courtyard with hot tub accessed directly from the principal bedroom
• TV equipped with streaming apps or DVDs for perfect romance-movie binging
• fully stocked kitchen to prepare a romantic dinner for two

 

…then Abalone Bay is it!

But don’t just take our word for it. Check out our house for yourself!

4. Remember It’s All About the Romance

Now that you have booked your romantic getaway and determined how you plan to arrive, don’t forget that it’s about romance and your partner! While you may want to plan activities with your lover, make sure you also allow downtime just for cuddling, spooning, and noodling (as we use to say in the olden times?).

It’s ok to do nothing if nothing means you are focused on each other. If you must do something then do one, maybe two activities or events only. The most important thing to plan is time to be together. If you have booked just a weekend stay, then plan one event, like a bike ride, or a picnic.

If you are staying longer, for 7 nights, then you might consider a bike ride followed by a round of golf at the Sea Ranch Golf Links.

Ask about our golf packages when you book!

Don’t Forget the Cook

If your romantic partner is also the cook, plan for a night away from the kitchen. Even the cook needs a holiday. Check our website for recommended restaurants you may like. Or hire a caterer to come to the house to surprise you with a romantic dinner for two. Find both in our Restaurants page.

Timing is Everything

Sea Ranch’s coastal fog during summer may cause you to spend an extended morning snuggling in bed, while winter’s velvet gray clouds and chilly winds call for cuddling next to a fire as ocean waves try to leap over the ocean bluff. Spring brings a burst of colorful native wildflowers along the coastal bluffs. Fall, on the other hand, offers quiet golden meadow grasses and fewer foggy days.

5. Make Love, not Office Deadlines

One of the fastest ways of popping the romantic getaway bubble is to bring work along with you. This is time to be devoted to each other. Before you leave, make sure any loose ends from the workweek are wrapped up.  Consider leaving the laptop and responsibilities from the job behind. We know this may be the hardest to accomplish for your romantic getaway. If American workers’ martyr syndrome combined with a corporate culture of silence where negative perceptions thrive is a vacation killing culprit, imagine how it will murder romance!  Break those chains you feel to their workstations so you can recuperate from the stresses of the job and reconnect with the one you love.

Instead, commit to devoting the next 48 hours to your partner and celebrate your relationship with each other. It’s the simple things that matter the most. and often lead to the most romantic experience.  Enjoy the simple pleasure of relishing each other’s company.

Share Your Tips!

Do you have a special tip that will help others have a romantic getaway? We’d love to read it too. Post them in the comments below. 

Booking Update

Book for your Romantic Getaway now with dates open for Valentine’s Day 2025 now and be sure to join  Inner Circle member to be informed of other specials.

Join Inner Circle