California is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the United States, from the Redwood National and State Parks to the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s the perfect place for couples to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with each other.
In this article, we’re going to go over all of the best places to take your sweetheart for a weekend or for a longer romantic getaway in California. From quaint bed and breakfasts to luxurious five-star hotels, there’s something for every budget and taste.
Lake Tahoe
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of the most romantic spots in California for a vacation. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. From hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding, Lake Tahoe has something to offer every type of couple.
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Lake Tahoe has plenty to offer couples, such as The Heavenly Gondola, Sunset Champagne Cruises, Borges Sled & Carriage Rides, and Lake Tahoe Balloons. All of these activities give you and your beloved the chance to reconnect and enjoy the beautiful nature of Lake Tahoe.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a great place for a couples vacation as it provides a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. With its stunning mountain views, lush golf courses, and chic boutique hotels with trendy pools, Palm Springs is the ideal place to unwind and spend quality time with your partner. Plus, Palm Springs is home to some of the best spas in California, offering couples massages and other pampering treatments.
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For more adventurous couples, you can enjoy the many hiking trails, as well as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and Desert Adventures Tours. After you’re done with the thrills, take a chance to slow down with a tour of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or the Shields Date Garden.
See A List Of The Best Things To Do In Palm Springs
Santa Barbara
Another wonderfully romantic place, Santa Barbara has plenty to offer to any couple visiting. With plenty of spa offerings, as well as the beach, Santa Barbara also has a variety of wineries and restaurants for a romantic evening.
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For those wanting to enjoy a relaxing picnic together, Butterfly Beach and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden are two gorgeous and romantic spots to enjoy each other’s company. Book an outing with Vino Vaqueros for a private ride on horseback through wine country for an intimate adventure with breathtaking views, or a romantic afternoon on the water watching for whales with Condor Express.
Catalina Island
For a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world, Catalina Island is the perfect getaway. The island features a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, and stunning views. It’s the perfect place for a couple’s retreat.
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Adventure-seeking couples should consider taking one of the many land and sea tours like the Bison Expedition, or the Glass Bottom Boat Voyage. For couples that want a chance to relax together, the Island Spa Catalina is the perfect place.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is the perfect destination for couples who are looking for a romantic getaway. With its breathtaking vineyards and lush rolling hills, Napa Valley provides a stunning backdrop for a romantic evening. Couples can enjoy a variety of activities including wine-tastings and hot air balloon rides.
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When you’re in Napa Valley, a winery is an absolute must. One in particular we recommend getting an appointment for is Schramsberg Vineyards. For those who want to enjoy some great meals together, Celadon is the perfect spot to enjoy a wonderful meal and take in the view together.
Big Sur
For couples looking for a romantic getaway, Big Sur is a great choice. The majestic coastline of Big Sur provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic evening with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You can hike, whale-watch, and soak in hot springs with your partner. Big Sur’s breathtaking sunsets make it a great place to spend some quality time with your loved one.
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One of the most gorgeous parts of Big Sur is the stunning redwood forest in the Pfeiffer-Big Sur state park. Not only are the redwoods absolutely stunning, but the beach at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a spot that can’t be missed for a private getaway for you and your partner.
Paso Robles
For couples looking for a romantic getaway, Paso Robles is a great destination. There are many award-winning restaurants in the city, as well as spectacular vineyards and hot springs. With its stunning beauty and variety of activities, you and your sweetheart may never want to leave.
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There is no doubt that one of the best things that couples can do for each other is to take a private and personalized wine tour like those offered by Uncorked Wine Tours. You can also enjoy a romantic brunch for two at Brunch Paso.
Malibu
In addition to being a beautiful beach town, Malibu is one of the most luxurious places you can go for a romantic getaway. You can enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner at one of the town’s many fine dining restaurants, or take a sunset cruise along the coast. You can also explore the town’s art galleries and boutiques.
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If you’re looking for an absolute treat, you can pick up a dessert from one of the local bakeries and enjoy the sunset at El Matador Beach while enjoying some tasty dessert. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through Palisades Village and pick up some souvenirs.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a great destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway. With its stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is a great place to explore nature and reconnect with each other. Couples can enjoy scenic hikes, take in the breathtaking views, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the park.
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If you’re planning your trip for February, one of the biggest highlights of Yosemite Park is the firefall at Horsetail Fall. During the winter, you can also skate at the Curry Village Ice Rink, which surrounds you with the beautiful sights of nature.
San Diego
San Diego is a perfect romantic getaway for those who want to truly have an adventure together. With theme parks, the ocean, and city life, San Diego has something for everyone. Plus, the weather is mild year-round, making it the perfect place for a winter getaway.
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San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park are perfect for couples who want to have a full and busy day together, and even enjoy one of the up-close animal encounters. For a unique and memorable experience, book an overnight roar and snore to spend the night at the safari park. Couples can also feel like they’ve been transported to Venice with a gondola ride from The Gondola Company.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a great destination for couples looking for a quiet and romantic getaway. With its picturesque lake and mountains, it’s the perfect spot for couples to relax and unwind. Couples can spend their days enjoying the great outdoors, boating, swimming, and fishing.
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There’s something for every kind of couple at Big Bear Lake – for the thrill-seekers there’s plenty of activities like the Big Bear Off-Road Experience, and the action zipline. For those who want to take their vacation easy, you can order a couples massage straight to your cabin, or simply spend the night stargazing.
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