Travel time from San Francisco by car: About 1.5 hours. Ideal trip length: A long, lazy day. They have bocce. Nice to haves: discretionary income, the NY Times, oversized sunglasses. Directions: Take the US-101 North, over the Golden Gate Bridge about 70 miles until you hit Independence lane, then turn left. Continue onto Souverain Rd. and stop in the massive disneyland parking lot at 300 Via Archimedes.
It's been a bit gloomy in San Francisco these past few days. I love the rain, the mist, the 'cidimidi' as they say in the Basque Country, but sometimes you gotta sunbathe. And forget the sand, just get to the gist of it: pool, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, wine, and bocce.
You really don't need to go that far if you live in the Bay, there are plenty of resorts in warm weather climates with amazing pools. I suggest the Francis Ford Coppola Winery Pool because it is fun, there's a winery for tastings, a movie gallery for Coppola aficionados, excellent poolside service (niçoise salad, thank you) and little Cabines (pronounced 'ka-beens') to lock up your stuff. They provide towels, as to keep up the minimalist decor. Nope, no cartoon beach blankets here. There really aren't any reservations available until August, and then it's just early in the weeks at that--no weekends. BUT it is totally worth calling in sick and making a day trip. So book now, even those few spots will fill up quickly.
