Saratoga: A Hidden Gem In The Bay Area
The Bay area is a popular tourist destination. San Francisco is known for famous hotspots like the Golden Gate bridge, pier 39, and Union Square. Those areas are magical, but can feel overcrowded. If you're looking for a special experience away from all the chaos you should consider visiting Saratoga! This Guide will be ever evolving so check back before you visit to see what other details I've uncovered from this perfect city!
Hakone Gardens and Estate
Tucked away in a stunning community is the Villa Montalvo Arts Center! You could spend several hours exploring the gardens, estate, and trails.
This destination is anything, but overcrowded! And the best part is it's free!
This area is kept in pristine condition for visitors to explore. Make sure to close the gate behind you to keep out deer from this part of the gardens. There are benches that you can sit on and take in all of the powerful images of nature.
The stunning statues located throughout the gardens make you feel like you've been removed from the hustle and bustle and transported to Europe!
There is so much more, but I don't want to give it all away. Come explore for yourself! Before you go check out if they are holding any concerts that you are interested in attending.
Sanborn County Park
A 22 mile drive through the Santa Cruz mountains will take you to the Big Basin Redwoods. Here you can take a 12 mile hike to the coast or several shorter routes deep into the redwoods. These coastal redwoods are the longest continuous Redwood forest South of San Francisco. The main trail is stroller and wheel chair friendly, but there are many other hikes for those who like to go off the beaten path! Admission is $10 per vehicle. I've got a whole blog post about Big Basin Redwoods coming soon!
Just 48 miles southwest of San Francisco Saratoga is a hidden gem that is worth exploring!
What To See:
Hakone Gardens and Estate
The gardens are a short drive past downtown Saratoga. The entrance is breathtaking as you drive up the windy road to the estate. To enter get tickets at the gift shop! Admission is $10 per person.
Popular spots inside are the bamboo forest, koi pond, trails, a waterfall, the rock garden and more.
Plan to spend 1-2 hours here in this serene hideout. If you want to see the cherry blossoms come in early spring.
Downtown Saratoga
Historic Downtown Saratoga is packed full of boutique shops, spas, and upscale restaurants. I've driven through several times on my way to these other destinations and haven't yet had the time to get all of the juicy details, but from driving through I can tell you you'll want to make it a part of your trip. It is on my list of places to stop and really explore, but before I get to it I'll include it here so that you don't miss out when you go!
Villa Montalvo
Historic Downtown Saratoga is packed full of boutique shops, spas, and upscale restaurants. I've driven through several times on my way to these other destinations and haven't yet had the time to get all of the juicy details, but from driving through I can tell you you'll want to make it a part of your trip. It is on my list of places to stop and really explore, but before I get to it I'll include it here so that you don't miss out when you go!
Villa Montalvo
This area is kept in pristine condition for visitors to explore. Make sure to close the gate behind you to keep out deer from this part of the gardens. There are benches that you can sit on and take in all of the powerful images of nature.
The stunning statues located throughout the gardens make you feel like you've been removed from the hustle and bustle and transported to Europe!
http://montalvoarts.org/performance/
House Family Vineyards
This is another stop on my list. I promise I will update with pictures after and details after I've done my rounds here. There are actually several vineyards in the area that you might be interested in touring. However, this one is the one that I've singled out for myself to visit so it's the one I'm sharing with you. Only the best for those who take the time to read this ;).
This is another stop on my list. I promise I will update with pictures after and details after I've done my rounds here. There are actually several vineyards in the area that you might be interested in touring. However, this one is the one that I've singled out for myself to visit so it's the one I'm sharing with you. Only the best for those who take the time to read this ;).
What to Eat:
The Basin
Plumed Horse
La Fondue
Bella Saratoga
Big Basin Burger Bar
These are all adorable restaurants in Historic Downtown Saratoga that I will update with later.
These are all adorable restaurants in Historic Downtown Saratoga that I will update with later.
Explore parks like a local:
Just down the street from downtown Saratoga is Wildwood Park. I literally am blown away that this is just a city park. It is so beautiful.
Worth the drive:
Sanborn County Park
4 miles out of town you will find a serene redwood forest waiting to be explored. Parking is $6. Keep an eye out for the wild turkeys and enjoy some gorgeous hikes.
Castle Rock State Park
Another Redwood park higher up in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Along the way you will see stunning views. I haven't explored here yet, but it's another that I've heard is worth seeing! State Park admission is $10.
Another Redwood park higher up in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Along the way you will see stunning views. I haven't explored here yet, but it's another that I've heard is worth seeing! State Park admission is $10.
Big Basin Redwoods
A 22 mile drive through the Santa Cruz mountains will take you to the Big Basin Redwoods. Here you can take a 12 mile hike to the coast or several shorter routes deep into the redwoods. These coastal redwoods are the longest continuous Redwood forest South of San Francisco. The main trail is stroller and wheel chair friendly, but there are many other hikes for those who like to go off the beaten path! Admission is $10 per vehicle. I've got a whole blog post about Big Basin Redwoods coming soon!
The views:
Santa Cruz Mountains Viewpoint
26150 CA-9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
This is one of the best viewing points of the Santa Cruz mountains! Here there are trails that you can take to give you different vantage points. I 100% recommend stopping here if you are in the area!
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