11 Romantic Getaways in California

These romantic destinations are the epitome of romance and are guaranteed to keep the spark alive!

Nothing is more geographically adverse than the one and only Golden State, California. From luxurious oceanfront resorts to small towns and beach communities, these are the top romantic getaways in California. To help you and your partner plan your next dream vacation, I curated this list to determine California’s most romantic getaways.

Catalina Island

There are several ways to get to Catalina Island, but the most accessible and affordable mode of transport is via the Catalina Express ferry. I have such a profound love for this slow-paced island and the kind people who reside here. There is so much to see and do on Catalina, including zip lining, hiking, enjoying a beach day, paying a visit to some of the local restaurants and bars, and checking out some of the tours that the locals run. One of my favorite activities is waking up to a foggy island morning and taking a stroll with a coffee in hand! Occasionally I have stayed in hotels and enjoyed footing it around the beachside town of Avalon, but mostly I try to rent a residence with a handy golf cart.

Monterey

You won’t run out of fun activities in this picturesque coastal community. You’ll find luxurious waterfront hotels, great shopping, galleries, and abundant dining options on the lovely Cannery Row. Seafood restaurants are a staple on menus throughout the area. Old Fisherman’s Wharf is where you can find Monterey’s famous clam chowder. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolute must! You’ll learn about all kinds of marine life as well as some great tips on preservation.

Carlsbad

Carlsbad is one of my favorite places to spend the day. It certainly has a lot to offer! Carlsbad is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, great surf, and Fantastic community in San Diego County. You’ll find rich culinary traditions with a wide range of foods and wines. Downtown Carlsbad is fun to explore, and its nightlife is fantastic. I enjoyed live music and one too many glasses of wine at the stunning Witch Creek Winery and discovered some local bars before walking back to my rental and falling asleep to the peaceful sounds of the ocean.

Carmel-By-The-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small beach city on California’s Monterey Peninsula. The dreamy cottages and magical feeling you get in this quaint town are perfect for a romantic getaway. The best way I can describe Carmel-By-The-Sea is that it feels like you’re walking into a fairytale. There is something for everyone here; wine tastings, excellent golf courses, and that fairytale town center. If you’re heading up from SoCal, take the scenic route! Carmel-by-the-Sea is absolutely worth adding to your travel list.

Napa Valley

Who doesn’t love wine country? From the views to the wineries and all the delicious fine dining, Napa Valley is one of those places ill never say no to! I typically fly into SFO and make my way to wine country, but the drive across California should definitely be experienced. I’ve stayed at Carneros Resort and Spa a handful of times. Each time I’ve been, my experience has been better than the last. They have the most beautiful outdoor baths with views that will melt your heart during sunset. There is no shortage of restaurants to enjoy, one of which happens to be at Carneros and has an incredible Caviar option. Still, my favorite chef happens to have one of my favorite restaurants here, The French Laundry, by Chef Thomas Keller.

Half Moon Bay

I’ve had the most romantic getaways at The Ritz Half Moon Bay. It sits right on the edge of a quaint little town with some of the most stunning tree lines I’ve ever seen. When I last visited, it was October, and the town was dressed up to the nines. Locals had drive-up photo sites and pumpkin patches everywhere. The Ritz Has fantastic restaurants and an outdoor seating area where you can order appetizers, such as the crab spinach dip, and a selection of wines, as you enjoy watching golfers put. With the time of the year I visited, I enjoyed crisp weather and large waves crashing on the cliffs on which the resort is backed up.

San Diego

I’ve gone to SD more times than I can count, but one of my favorite memories was the weekend I spent with my best friend for our Frienaversary. My cousins happened to be there at the same time and rented an RV that was parked on a side street. It was right on the beach. They had a beach firepit we enjoyed with our cocktails all night. San Diego is a well-known city where you can go from an elegant lunch to a fun night out on the town. I’ve enjoyed going to the Zoo and SeaWorld and visiting the downtown area as well as the small surrounding towns. Whether you’re away on a Galentine’s day trip, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, you’ll never get bored in San Diego.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is one of Southern California’s most incredible jewels, especially for romantic getaways. You can stroll through one of their many coves or the dreamy town for some shopping. I adore this charming beachside city for many reasons, one of which is the fine dining options! Everything here feels spectacular and magical. The Cliff is one of my favorite restaurants to enjoy lunch, and it never disappoints with its stunning ocean views and delicious menu options. I find myself coming here time and time again for their delightful Pear and Gorgonzola salad.

Big Bear

Take a drive up the windy mountain rodes to Big Bear, California. This tight-knit community is known for its tourism and activities. A private cabin with a steamy hot tub and a cocktail in hand with your significant other is a great way to spend the weekend. There’s no romantic getaway more special than this. Big Bear is also home to one of the best little walkable towns. You can’t go wrong with homemade ice cream shops, the best pizza parlor, and a few excellent souvenir shops! Some great local-owned shops also have locally sourced home goods as well as pantry fillers for purchase. Take a trip to the mountains; you won’t regret it!

Temecula

Our SoCal wine heaven! Temecula is known for some incredible championship golf courses, serene and beautiful hot-air ballooning adventures, and family-owned wineries nestled in a mere 3,000 acres of picturesque wine country, but that’s only the beginning. I booked a hot air balloon trip where we were greeted with wine and cheese pairings and flew above vineyards. We adventured through some darling wineries before finishing with lunch at one of the local wineries. We sat on the edge of their modest yet breathtaking vineyard, enjoyed the delicious locally sourced menu items, and stared off to where the sky meets the earth. It was a day trip that I will be dreaming about forever!

Malibu

One of my favorite Mastros Ocean Clubs is located right on the shores of Malibu. Enjoying caviar and crab cocktails while overlooking the beach is one great way to enjoy an afternoon. As far as romance goes, not much can beat a light walk on the beach hand-in-hand with your favorite person in the world. There is so much to do in Malibu that it is hard to lose track of time adventuring. You can take a Safari trip on a 1,000-acre vineyard in an open-air vehicle while wine tasting and gazing at zebras, giraffes & bison. Malibu is a peaceful and relaxing community perfect for a romantic getaway.