Mother's Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate Mom (and grandma) than with a weekend getaway! Let Gold Runner be your chauffeur. Have everyone relax, enjoy spacious seating, free Wifi, and relish in a smooth ride. Gold Runner Thruway buses provide connections to Napa, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas, Yosemite, and San Francisco. Don't forget to take advantage of our Share Fare promotion where you can save up to 45% off tickets. Use promo code 291 at check out! Below are some of our favorite getaway recommendations and fun activities to treat mom to:
As one of the world’s most renowned wine regions, Napa offers breathtaking scenery with lots of food and wine to indulge! Treat mom for lunch or dinner on the Napa Valley Wine Train, or embark on a full day tour that will show you the art of winemaking and tastings at some of the most elegant wine estates in Napa! Hop in an Uber or Lyft and visit Artesa Vineyards & Winery to sip on their beautiful vista. If you prefer to stay near the Amtrak station there are several tasting rooms (WALT Wines, McKahn Family Cellars, StoneHedge Winery, and JaM Cellars to name a few) that offer live music and small plates on their outdoor seating. End your Napa trip at Oxbow Public Market (a 10-minute walk from the Amtrak Station) to take some local goodies home.
Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, and head to Santa Barbara’s West Beach. Take a stroll on the beach, Stearns Wharf Pier, and State Street where there are countless dining and shopping opportunities. If you prefer to be on the water, Santa Barbara Sailing Center offers kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and boat rentals. Make this year’s Mother’s Day extra special with whale watching where you can spot Pacific gray whales and dolphins! End the day with your feet in the sand and watch the golden sunset.
Pamper mom in Las Vegas with a spa day! Step into a zen state-of-mind and breath in the eucalyptus. Las Vegas offers luxury, elegance, and rejuvenation with their one of a kind spas. Try the Spa at WYNN, Caesars Palace, Bellagio, Encore, or at the Mandalay Bay -- you can’t go wrong with any of the spas in Vegas’ most iconic resorts. After a relaxing day, take mom to the Bellagio conservatory where you can stroll the beautiful flower gardens and take some great photos together.
If your mom enjoys the outdoors there is no better place to take her than Yosemite. Yosemite offers a variety of hikes that range from easy to moderate to strenuous. Regardless of what your pace is, the views are incredible. See Yosemite at night and like never before with a stargazing experience where you can view and learn about the Milky Way galaxy and constellations. Or experience nature in a different way by spending the day relaxing by the river and painting with the Yosemite Conservancy art workshop.
San Francisco’s food scene is a colorful celebration that brings culture, fresh ingredients, and international flair. With over 3,500 restaurants, you are sure to find one that mom will love! If you are looking to shop until you drop, head over to Chinatown, Pier 39, Union Square, or Ghirardelli Square (and stop for a chocolate treat). Take advantage of the San Francisco Public Library’s free walking tours that range from the Golden Gate Bridge to Haight Ashbury. Or enjoy an afternoon at the Japanese Tea Garden and enjoy the gorgeous traditional garden with a number of beautiful structures. Then head to one of San Francisco's hidden gems -- the mosaic staircase at 16th Avenue and Moraga.
My name is Sasha Biscoe, I am a long-time resident of Bakersfield California who loves to travel, explore new places, and have new experiences. In late April, a friend and I sought adventure, ditched our car, and set off on a journey from Bakersfield to Downtown Napa aboard the Gold Runner.
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