Planning a weekend getaway to the West Coast? Consider focusing on California. Northern California has well known destinations such as San Francisco and Sausalito, but what about the lesser known destinations?

From an insider’s point of view, it’s these smaller locales that offer the quiet charm unavailable at the larger, more popular destinations that attract tourists in droves. Check out three top picks for a long weekend of relaxation and entertainment.

Albion in Mendocino County
Three hours north of San Francisco by car on Highway One, the town of Albion is just 20 minutes outside of Mendocino. The Albion River Inn has private accommodations with ocean view decks and an award-winning restaurant. Drive up from San Francisco through the redwoods and make sure to stop in Booneville for the incredible homemade fudge at the only grocery in town.

Once you get to Mendocino County, you may want to go wine tasting in Anderson Valley, where champagne grapes are abundant and the best California sparkling wines are made. But the fireplace in your room and the huge scotch bar at the Albion River Inn restaurant might just keep you put.

Calistoga
Not ready to drive that far north? Then visit Calistoga, only an hour north of San Francisco in the Napa Valley. Although Calistoga is a popular tourist destination, the Indian Springs Spa is a understated place to stay. They offer full service spa treatments, including massage and facials, but their mud baths and thermally heated mineral water swimming pool are the main attractions.

Accommodations at Indian Springs include cabins complete with hammocks. Take advantage of the short walk into town and eat at one of the amazing restaurants, or order gourmet take out and just hang around the pool. Either way, you'll want to pick up a bottle of the amazing cucumber body lotion.

Catalina Island
If you prefer a trip to the warmer, Southern California climate, visit Catalina Island. Just an hour by ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach, or a quick flight from San Diego, Catalina Island seems like a world in itself. Once a hot spot in the 1920s and 1930s for Hollywood stars, Catalina is currently experiencing a renaissance. The famous Casino Ballroom is a recently refurbished historical piece of architecture and the town of Avalon is charming.

There's plenty of shopping and wonderful restaurants, but the island offers much more than food and gifts. Catalina has miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, and you can rent scooters and travel around the entire island in an afternoon. There are no cars on the island, (people drive around in golf carts) so the atmosphere is laid back and the pace is slow. Many of the accommodations are in the hills above Avalon, offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You may opt for scuba diving or a tour on a glass bottom boat, but one thing's for sure, since it rarely gets hotter than 80 degrees or cooler than 50 degrees, you'll want to spend a lot of time outside.

Take off with your sweetie for a West Coast getaway. If you are single and are looking for a local to show you around Search online.