Perhaps you want to have a fun, relaxing weekend, but don’t have the time or money to plan a getaway to Lake Tahoe or Palm Springs. Luckily for you, the Bay Area is filled with neighborhoods that offer all the makings for a fun-filled staycation. Below, we’ve rounded up the best neighborhoods you can go to for a Bay Area getaway without going away.

Marina District

San Francisco’s Marina District is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods among interested homebuyers and for a very good reason. It’s located right next to the ocean, giving visitors a glorious glimpse of the gleaming Pacific Ocean. What could be more relaxing? There’s also plenty of green in the neighborhood, making it a perfect destination for runners, cyclists, and dog owners whose pups want to play fetch. On Sundays you can stop by the Fort Mason Center Farmers Market for some fresh produce to take back with you.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Sure, it may be a little touristy, but the appeal of Fisherman’s Wharf is definitely warranted. Besides, it’s a chance to be a tourist in your own city, which can give you a fresh perspective. Of course, you have to stop by one of the stands for a bowl of San Francisco’s famous bread bowl clam chowder. Walk along the water to take in the sea breeze, nautical atmosphere, and maybe even see some seals. And don’t forget to head to Ghirardelli Square for a delicious brownie ice cream sundae. Touristy or not, it makes for a good day. 

Cupertino Village

Newly Constructed Main Street / Courtesy of South Bay Construction

While out-of-towners may know Cupertino primarily as the home of tech giant Apple, locals know it as a fun place to be. The recently constructed Main Street serves as the city’s downtown, and it’s home to renowned restaurants and bakeries. Cupertino also has a well-known winery called Ridge Vineyards, where you can enjoy wine tasting while looking out at a gorgeous view of the Silicon Valley. Be sure to check out the authentically delicious Asian restaurants in Cupertino Village. While you're there head across the street and check out Apple Park, as well as its newly constructed visitor center.

Downtown San Jose

If you love checking out museums in your spare time, then Downtown San Jose just might make for the perfect staycation. From the Children’s Discovery Museum to the San Jose Museum of Art to the Tech Museum of Innovation, you and even the youngsters can spend all weekend learning new things. The neighborhood is also home to plenty of trendy restaurants, any of which could be a great way to wrap up the day. Check it out now before Google remakes the Diridon Station area in their image.

Crescent Park in Palo Alto

Courtesy of MyGOLA

The Crescent Park neighborhood in Palo Alto has a unique residential feel sprinkled with a bit of luxury. University Avenue is a prime dining and shopping destination packed with delicious, highly rated restaurants. Take a walk around the neighborhood to appreciate the Spanish Colonial streetscapes and Eleanor Pardee Park. For hikers and runners, the Dish in Stanford is the perfect place nearby to work up a sweat while admiring views of the great outdoors.

Downtown Berkeley

Courtesy of BART

The East Bay city of Berkeley still wears the legacy of its rich past, making Downtown Berkeley one of the most welcoming and quirky neighborhoods in the Bay Area. The downtown area is a vibrant mix of international food, trendy art, and college activities. The University of California at Berkeley is definitely one of the pillars of the community, so be sure to catch a musical performance or just take a walk around campus. If it happens to be football season, there are worse ways to spend your day than enjoying the Bears on gameday.