I'd strongly suggest getting away from the city. If you've only got patience for a short drive, Costanoa in Pescadero (halfway to Santa Cruz) is a great getaway for a couple of days.

Further away, I'd suggest Trinidad, Pinnacles National Park, Lassen National Park, Placerville, Shasta - almost any direction you go outside the bay area counties will be great. Even the San Joaquin valley is a great getaway for Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.

If you really want to get away from it all, Crescent City/Redwoods National Park is the middle of nowhere.