Staycations

Staycations

BY JEANNE COOPER & DANA REBMANN

Wine Country’s Bohemian Backroads

Sleeping outdoors under starry skies is magical, but anyone who’s ever pitched a tent will tell you the same thing — camping is a lot of work. That is, unless you plan an escape to Wine Country’s great outdoors with Bohemian Highway Travel Co. Perhaps best known for its customized Sonoma County and Napa Valley day tours, the wife and husband team behind Bohemian Highway Travel Co. also rent posh, camping-ready Land Rover Defender 110s. Equipped with a roof-top tent with California King mattress, the Rovers come stocked with just about everything you might need or desire for your nature-loving adventure. Along with a camping grill, Yeti cooler, lantern, pots, pans, camping chairs and first aid kit, there’s an assortment of games like checkers and playing cards, a curated Spotify playlist, and detailed instructions on how to shuck oysters, along with an oyster knife and cut-proof cloth for safety.

Bohemian Highway Travel Co.

“We've worked hard to include everything you may need for camping, taking the grunt work out of packing and cleaning,” says Bohemian Highway Travel Co. co-owner Allyson Weekes.

If your camp ground cooking skills are limited to s’mores, (no judgment!) consider adding on road snacks and farm-to-table meals — think beef stew with local root vegetables or a wild mushroom soup with roast chicken — prepared by a Sonoma County chef that’s conveniently married to a farmer. Even if you’re bedding down in a blissful spot in the middle of nowhere, the heat and serve meals make gourmet dining a snap.

Happy campers tend to head toward the Sonoma and Mendocino Coasts; Bohemian Highway Travel Co. has a list of recommended camping spots and are happy to make suggestions. The duo also provides a “Sonoma County Field Guide” that’s loaded with everything from history and fun facts, to a plethora of fun stuff ranging from hiking trails and farm stands, to wineries and restaurants.

Safari West

African Safari Adventure in Sonoma Wine Country

It’s the closest you can get to Africa without needing a passport!

Wildlife preserve Safari West offers adventure seekers a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience in Sonoma County wine country. Located on 400-acres in the scenic foothills of the Mayacamas mountains, there’s never been a better time to visit the so-called Sonoma Serengeti thanks to a new addition to the nearly thousand animal-strong family. safariwest.com

Oh, baby!

A nearly 100-pound bouncing baby Southern white rhino named Otto Lang was born in early April at the Santa Rosa animal park. Making history as the first rhinoceros born at Safari West and in Sonoma County, Otto is named after Safari West owner Peter Lang’s father, a pioneer ski instructor and Hollywood director and producer. After more than a decade of showing no interest in her rhino suitors, Otto’s mom, Eesha, met dad, Ongava in 2021. A tremendous amount of patience is required by veterinarians and animal caretakers when awaiting a baby rhino’s arrival — the gestation period for Southern white rhinos is 16 to 18 months.

White rhinos are considered “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to illegal poaching of their horns and loss of habitat, so welcoming a rhino anywhere in the world is important for the future of the species. Along with collaborating with the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS) to improve rhino husbandry, Safari West is conducting internal research on the use of thermographic imaging to detect and monitor rhinos’ pregnancies.

Wild Luxury You can meet Otto — along with an adorable zebra foal named Azkaban and towering giraffe calf named Grace — on a three hour African Safari tour at Safari West. But for a singular staycation, book a night or two in one of the wildlife preserve’s glamping tents. Imported from Botswana, after a stay on the Sonoma Serengeti you’ll never look at camping the same way. Each of the 30 tents boasts private bathrooms with hot showers, cozy beds, hardwood floors, and decks with wildlife views.

Argonaut Hotel

Fisherman’s Wharf

WHERE TO SLEEP: Argonaut Hotel, 495 Jefferson St. 415.563-0800, argonauthotel.com

WHY NOW: This year marks the nautical-themed Argonaut’s 20th anniversary as an award-winning boutique hotel inside a restored brick warehouse. The hotel’s laurels now have a green sheen, thanks to Certified Green Business status. At the Argonaut’s Blue Mermaid restaurant, newly appointed executive chef Amod Singh — formerly sous chef at two-Michelin-starred Taj Campton Place — takes inspiration from California and Indian cuisine.

WHAT TO DO: It’s fun to play tourist here. Argonaut’s daily guest amenities fee includes admission to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, with free waterfront walking tours departing from the lobby on weekends. Customize a box of chocolates or watch hot fudge being made at the year-old Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store. At Musée Mécanique, listen above the clatter of vintage mechanical games for the dulcet tones of its newly acquired self-playing piano and violin contraption. To dodge the crowds, take one of the complimentary loaner bikes out for a spin through Fort Mason and beyond.

WEE ONES & WOOFERS: Kids may enjoy playing board games around the fireplace, delving into the hotel’s “treasure chest” of toys or participating in its scavenger hunts; gamers can ask if an in-room Xbox One console is available. Up to two dogs per room can room with you for $75 per dog per stay; they’ll get special treats and accessories at the front desk.

HOW MUCH: Courtyard rooms from $379 ($477 including tax and $31 guest amenities fee), city-view rooms from $400 ($502 all in), bay-view rooms from $552 ($679 all in.) Valet parking is $75 a day.

CAR-FREE: From Sausalito, take Golden Gate Transit’s 132 line to North Point and Hyde streets, and walk 3 minutes to the hotel.

Lodge at the Presidio

Presidio

WHERE TO SLEEP: Lodge at the Presidio, 105 Montgomery St., or Inn at the Presidio, 42 Moraga Ave. 415.561.1234, presidiolodging.com

WHY NOW: This year marks the fifth anniversary of the debut of the Lodge, former 19th century Army barracks reimagined as San Francisco’s closest hotel to the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s also conveniently near the year-old Presidio Tunnel Tops, an even more impressive transformation of roadways into parkland. The 22-room Inn, a metamorphosis of the Army’s bachelor living quarters that opened in 2012, lies closer to the Presidio Forest, a 10-minute walk from the Lodge. Summer brings a host of special events to the Presidio, including the first Parks4All: Brewfest, a benefit for Golden Gate National Parks on July 29.

WHAT TO DO: Walk to Battery Bluff for outstanding views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Crissy Field, or hike along a boardwalk and trail through the Tennessee Hollow Watershed from Inspiration Point to El Polin Spring and the bay. Explore the 25 miles of biking trails with complimentary bicycles from the two hotels and refuel at Presidio Popup, a rotating group of 35 food trucks on the Main Parade Lawn and Presidio Tunnel Tops. Kids can get tips on geocaching at the 2-acre Outpost nature playground.

WEE ONES & WOOFERS: Children 15 and younger stay free with adults. Book a Disney package for a deluxe king room in either hotel, two tickets for the Walt Disney Family Museum and a limited-edition souvenir from the museum. Up to pets — dogs or cats — per room are permitted for $45 per stay; pet bowls and beds are available. Explore the trails of the Presidio with dogs on leash.

HOW MUCH: Queen rooms at the Inn start at $350 ($399 with 14 percent national park fee); king rooms at the Lodge start at $410 ($467 with fee). All rates include continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese. Parking is $13 a day.CAR-FREE: From Sausalito, take Golden Gate Transit’s 150 line to Richardson Avenue and Francisco Street, and walk about 15 minutes to either hotel.

Kimpton Hotel Enso

Japantown

WHERE TO SLEEP: Kimpton Hotel Enso, 1800 Sutter St. 415.921.4000, ensohotelsf.com

WHY NOW: Formerly the animethemed Hotel Tomo, the Zeninspired Kimpton Hotel Enso underwent a chic, wabi sabi makeover with a more residential feel before opening in late 2022. It’s still a bit under the radar, with appealing summer perks such as weekend yoga classes and packages with free parking. The oldest Japantown in the United States will celebrate its heritage with loads of live entertainment, food, crafts and children’s activities during the 49th annual Nihonmachi Street Fair August 5 and 6; see nihonmachistreetfair.com for details.

WHAT TO DO: Browse the kawaii (cute) handbags and accessories at Amiko Boutique or the manga comics and other books at Kinokuniya Bookstore in Japan Center, a block from Hotel Enso; some of the mall’s many stores and restaurants stay open till 10 p.m. daily. Try modern Thai food at Nari in Hotel Kabuki, awarded the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand (good value/cooking) or contemporary Korean tapas at Bansang. Indulge your sweet tooth at Mochill, home of addictive chewy mochi doughnuts, or Yasukochi’s Sweet Shop, whose coffee crunch cake helped earn it a 2023 James Beard nomination for outstanding bakery. After a day of walking, take the plunge into hot and cold pools at Kabuki Springs & Spa.

WEE ONES & WOOFERS: Kids under 17 can stay free with adults. All animal companions — “fuzzy, furry or feathered” — are welcome, with no fee or deposit required. Pets can stay in your room while you’re away, while free access to Wag! Premium allows you to book a dog walker or other services with a 10 percent discount. while “Pampered Pooch” packages include special treats for humans and canines.

HOW MUCH: King rooms start at $299 ($335 with tax). Self-parking (limited) is $45 daily.

CAR-FREE: Take Golden Gate Transit’s 101 line from Sausalito’s Spencer Bus Pad to Van Ness and Sutter, then walk 10 minutes to the hotel.

Luma Hotel

Mission Bay

WHERE TO SLEEP: Luma Hotel, 100 Channel St. 415.266-9999, lumahotels.com

WHY NOW: This art-and tech-driven oasis at the corner of Third and Channel streets opened last July and quickly became a fan favorite for those with tickets to Chase Center or Oracle Park, both within an easy stroll. Now it’s also a popular night spot, thanks to Cavaña, an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar with pan-Latin food and drinks and panoramic views. A special room rate takes 15 percent off during home stands by the San Francisco Giants, while summer headliners at the Chase Center include Bryan Adams with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Drake and Sam Smith.

WHAT TO DO: Fuel up in the hotel’s airy Twyne coffee bar with an espresso and a decadent alfajores kouign amman from local bakers Craftsman and Wolves. Step outside to ride the Muni’s T line to the new Yerba Buena, Union Square and Chinatown subway stations. Or walk a few blocks to tackle Stagecoach Greens, the San Franciscocentric mini-golf course at Parklab Gardens, then head across the street to Spark Social SF, a food truck and beer garden compound with lawn games. At night, Twyne turns into Trevino wine bar, showcasing smaller vintners and importers.

WEE ONES & WOOFERS: Although the vibe is adult, kids of all ages will love Henry the Robot’s roomservice delivery. Complimentary cribs are available. Only service animals are allowed; no pets.

HOW MUCH: King rooms from $227 ($264 with taxes.) Parking is by valet only, with EV and Tesla chargers available, for $80 a day.

CAR-FREE: From Sausalito, take Golden Gate Transit’s 130 line to Hyde and Grove streets, transfer to Muni’s N line at the nearby Civic Center station and alight at Fourth and King streets. It’s a 6-minute walk to the hotel.