My idea of the perfect spot for a romantic getaway is quiet, with lots of time for holding hands, watching the sunset, flirting over a scrumptious dinner and time for a little afternoon delight. The places on this list were chosen with this in mind.
Ideas for a Romantic Weekend Getaway in California
- Big Sur: Crashing waves, sunsets and lodgings from cozy cottages to world-class hideaways.
- Carmel: Its storybook architecture may inspire your own romantic story. Walk on the beach, stroll through town, cuddle at sunset.
- Catalina Island: With a cute, walkable downtown, beautiful ocean views, cozy bed and breakfasts and the amazing Inn on Mt Ada, it's our top pick for a romantic getaway.
- La Jolla: One of the most beautiful coastal settings in Southern California, fine restaurants and a romantic cliffside walking path give La Jolla all the ingredients for a perfect getaway - just add you sweetie.
- Laguna Beach: Stay in a hotel on the beach, watch the sunset and fall asleep counting wave crashes instead of sheep.
- Mendocino: Wild scenery, charming accommodations and lots of time (and places) to gaze into each others' eyes in front of a roaring fireplace.
- Napa Valley: Besides the obvious wine and food-related activities, you can have fun getting muddy (with or without the kids).
- Occidental: Occidental has it all: a sensational spa nearby, a cute little downtown tailor-made for strolling hand-in-hand and an exquisitely beautiful bed and breakfast hotel.
- Ojai: Cuddle like kittens in this cute little nest in the Santa Ynez Mountains.
- Pebble Beach: California's best coastal scenery... beachcombing... and a bagpiper at sunset.
- Santa Barbara: Movie stars have been planning romantic trysts here (on and off screen) for almost a century and it's easy to understand why.
- Santa Ynez Valley: Stay in tiny Los Olivos, go wine tasting in town, take a little stroll and go to bed early.
