Just remember that we are entering the rainy season here on the West Coast. Looks like we are getting back-to-back storms for the foreseeable forecast . . . The weather can be very unpredictable, rain-wise, through April and even into May. Just a warning . . . If you don't mind rain or fog, come right on over! Sorry I don't have any warm-weather ideas for you over here. Lots of options come Fall (in my opinion, SF and the CA coastline as a whole are at their best weather-wise in the Fall months).

I'm thinking you might go for a place like Arizona this time of year (Phoenix area - not Flagstaff, Sedona, or the Grand Canyon - unless you dont' mind being really cold, it's off-season in those areas, so you'll get much better rates). However, it is "high season" in the Phoenix area's winter months, so don't be shocked (still nowhere near trying to stay somewhere nice in SF any time of year!).

Good luck to you! I'm looking forward to reading about your adventure. I'm trying to plan our summer vacation and having a hard time with it as well . . . hubby works for the schools so we are limited to peak season times of the year for vacations . . . we're considering the coast, but summer is so foggy . . . AND we have a budget this year! So, who knows?

I LOVE this place during their off-season, but they book up a year in advance. (On-season is great for families with kids, but during off-season, if the weather holds up, it is great for those who want a more quiet retreat AND activities like horseback riding, green fees, tennis, etc. are included rather than extra). www.alisal.com