Don't Call It a Staycation: Getting Away Without Going Far

2601 Monarch St, Alameda, CA 94501 (map)

Local wineries and breweries are a dime a dozen, but local vodka producers? More, please. Sample the hand-crafted liquors, including favorites Hangar One and Aqua Perfecta, at this Alameda distillery for just $10 (but expect to want to take a bottle or three home).

1238 Versailles Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 (map)

Marketed as the oldest house on the island of Alameda, this bed and breakfast looks straight out of "Hansel and Gretel." A fairly low price ($125-$195) gets you not just a too-cute-for-words room but an afternoon tea service and full breakfast in the a.m.

320 Village Ln, Los Gatos, CA 95030 (map)

This innovative restaurant helmed by Iron Chef champ and world-renowned chef David Kinch is a destination in itself, even if the sleepy town of Los Gatos isn't. Fork over for the chef's tasting menu or put together your own three-course menu--either way, it's the closest you'll get to El Bulli in the South Bay, and possibly in California.

Founders Ln AT Stevenson Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 (map)

And you thought golfing was for grandpas in plaid pants. Learn the sport from the pros on this well-known coastal course and be able to come home and seriously show up your friends--you'll still have to let your clients win, unfortunately.

940 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas, CA 95035 (map)

Loud and obnoxious and generally only endurable after a few drinks, this 18-and-older venue is like Chuck E. Cheese's for adults. Think SF's Buckshot Bar but on a much larger scale: midway-style games like skeeball and claw cranes, old school video games, pool, and plenty of booze.

1 Davenport Ave, Davenport, CA 95017 (map)

If you plan your vacay mid-week you can score a quiet room at this adorable hotel just off Highway 1 near Santa Cruz for less than $100. There's also a little restaurant on site that serves up down-home cooking looking out over the ocean.

6526 Yount St, Yountville, CA 94599 (map)

You'll pay well into the triple digits for a night at this newly opened, ultra-eco-friendly Yountville resort, it's worth every penny. The earth-toned luxury hotel is certifiably green--organic linens, solar panels and motion-sensor lights in every room--but even more hip, with Dwell magazine-worthy design and a sexy rooftop pool.

6795 Washington St Ste C, Yountville, CA 94599 (map)

Normally reserved for marriage proposals and special occasions, a hot air balloon ride 10,000 feet over the wine country's stunning scenery is a great way to feel removed from the city without going too far. Get $20 off by purchasing your ticket online--$220 gets you an hour-long ride and post-flight champagne brunch.

2251 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 (map)

Embarcadero housed the first location, but this Oakland sister resto (on the quickly gentrifying stretch of Broadway) is worth a visit for the Japanese izakaya-style small plates, ultra-fresh sushi and mind-blowing sake selection. Order the omakase (chef's choice) menu and a sake flight or two for an hours-long meal straight out of the far east.

333 Silverado Trl, Calistoga, CA 94515 (map)

One of the last Napa Valley wineries to offer free tastings, this casual Calistoga family-owned affair will provide you with complimentary samples daily 10:30am-4:30pm. No appointment is necessary, unless you plan to roll up with more than five people.