Sacramento Sets a Romantic Mood

Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year—perfect for a romantic Valentine weekend get-away. My daughter, Sela, asked me for suggestions of romantic destinations for a Valentine’s get-away—someplace close. This got my creative juices going and I started thinking of all the possibilities. I consulted my sister, Pat, and we came up with a list of the 10 Best Places to Kiss in Northern California. The list was easy—limiting it to just ten was hard. Northern California has an abundance of riches when it comes to great places for romance.

The criteria for a destination to make it onto the 10 Best list was:

It must be close enough to drive to from where I live. (Northern California)
It must be romantic. I know this judgement is subjective but some places are just more romantic than others. (Sorry, Stockton! You just didn’t make the cut.)
It must be a destination I have experienced firsthand.

Sacramento - a great little river city. photo credit - Tom Meyers (Courtesy of the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Leading off on my list of romantic places is Sacramento—less than an hour from my home and the political heart of California! Once you have chosen a location for your romantic getaway, you need to find the all-important hotel.

Sacramento has a great selection of quaint boutique hotels, charming romantic B & Bs, and luxurious world-class hotels. (You can find something for every pocketbook.)

Here is a sampling of some of my favorite Sacramento romantic accommodations.

The Citizen Hotel,

Photo courtesy of The Citizen Hotel

Although part of the Marriot chain The Citizen is not a cookie cutter chain hotel. It is a classic downtown boutique hotel with lots of charm and unique features. The Citizen Hotel is located in a lovely 1927 office building with good bones. It was renovated in 2009 into a stylish and modern faux historic hotel. The exterior is an early 1900's classic design. The interiors celebrate the history of California. Lovely old political cartoon art from the 50s, 60s and 70s adorn the walls. There is marble throughout, large ferns in pots, and high backed chairs. You pass through an archway to a reception desk flanked by cozy nooks and filled with comfortable chairs, game tables, and books.

The Grange, a fabulous Farm-to-Fork restaurant, is conveniently attached. But if that's out of your price range because you splurged for a nice room at the Citizen, you're in luck! Downtown Sacramento has plenty of other great food options nearby.

The location is convenient to everything downtown and is walking distance to Old Sacramento. You can also walk to the mall, downtown bars and lounges, great restaurants, and the State Capitol. You’ll be impressed at every turn—from the beautiful boutique decor, to the exemplary service and the delicious food.

The Delta King Hotel, 1000 Front Street

The Delta King is truly a unique treasure among Sacramento hotels. It is a step into the past—paying homage to the glory days when the big ships ruled the Sacramento River. The Delta King was once a riverboat, shuttling passengers between San Francisco and Sacramento. Now it’s a floating hotel and permanently docked in Old Sacramento. The river is very romantic at sunset. Have a drink at the bow of the boat overlooking the Sacramento River and the Tower Bridge and watch the sun set. Enjoyed the live music in the bar.

This beautiful riverboat hotel has modern lodging amenities, 2 outstanding restaurants (The Pilot House and the Delta Bar & Grill) offering casual and fine dining and entertainment, 2 professional theaters, and a wine school. The room comes with free breakfast. Valet parking is available.

The Delta King is unique among hotels and ideally located to take advantage of the best Sacramento has to offer. Come explore, admire, and appreciate an important part of California's history

Photo Courtesy of The Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau

Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, 1230 J Street

Visit the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel for a relaxing stay, a convenient location, and comforting amenities. Located in the beautifully restored historic Public Market Building and situated in the heart of Sacramento’s vibrant downtown, the hotel is within blocks of the city’s best shopping, bars, and restaurants on "J" and "K" streets, the State Capitol, and several historic landmarks. It is a very short drive to Old Sacramento, River Cats Ballpark, and several great museums including The California Museum and the Crocker Art Museum.

The open atrium and beautiful, tile artwork are absolutely stunning. The lobby has a wraparound seating area with big windows and good street views for people watching. Rooms are spacious and well planned, noise levels are low, and the amenities are great (nice plush bath towels and complimentary water bottles especially.)

Photo credit Mark Silverstein (courtesy of the Sheraton Grand)

Plush couches and overstuffed chairs to complement an extensive menu of lunch, dinner, specialty In the Public Market Bar. It is a top choice for power lunches near the State Capitol and Sacramento Convention Center and at night it transforms into an elegant Sacramento restaurant with a fine dining menu and extensive wine list. The open atrium setting of Morgan’s Restaurant, located on the second floor, is open for breakfast, Morgan’s Restaurant specializes in seasonal California cuisine with a farm-to-table approach and is available both buffet-style and a la carte.

With 26 floors, this hotel offers stunning views of downtown and the perfect setting for your romantic getaway.

Amber House Bed & Breakfast, 1315 22nd Street

The Amber House Bed & Breakfast, located in the heart of Midtown, is actually two historic homes—a sophisticated 1895 Colonial Revival and a stylish 1905 Craftsman.

But the B & B is more than four walls and a bed. The room and amenities are incredible, cozy and comfortable. The price of the room includes free, unlimited, non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, sodas or juices, fresh baked cookies when you get settled in, free Wi-Fi, parking and of course a two course gourmet breakfast complete with an early morning beverage tray sitting right outside your door before you even wake up.

Since 1981, Amber House has provided discerning guests with the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and hospitality.

Relax on the porch with a good read, curl up by the fire, or take a short leisurely walk to one of the many nearby restaurants—the Amber House Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful and romantic getaway.

Photo credit Dan Wickstrom courtesy of Amer House Bed & Breadfast

Time is running out on planning your romantic getaway for Valentin’s weekend. My daughter and her husband have chosen their destination, booked their weekend accommodations, and enlisted my services in caring for my grandchildren that weekend. What are your plans?

For ideas on my destinations check out my guest post at Family Vacations US and discover the 10 Best Places to Kiss in Northern California.