There are more romantic getaways in California than in most other states. From fairytale cottage villages to open desert landscapes and old-timey American towns, there are plenty of weekend trips that couples will love.
I’ve lived in California my whole life and have done my fair share of road-tripping. I’ve discovered the best places in California for romance and wrote this guide to share these special spots with you.
Here are the getaways you don’t want to miss!
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26 Romantic California Weekend Getaways
Idyllwild
🗺️ Distance from San Bernardino: 1 hour, 15 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Idyllwild on Booking
Retreat into the Idyllwild woods for a remote mountain escape. This California mountain town is nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, not too far from Palm Springs.
There are tons of rental cabins in the quiet mountain town, many of which have either in-room fireplaces or outdoor fire pits. Visit Idyllwild in the wintertime to snuggle up with your partner in front of the fire while admiring the fresh layers of snow outside.
The town also has hundreds of hiking trails, and hitting them up is one of the best things to do in Idyllwild. Hike Mount San Jacinto together if you’re looking for adventure. It’s the tallest mountain in the area at 10,834 feet.
Santa Barbara
🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 2 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Santa Barbara on Booking
There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of soft waves crashing in the morning. Get your beach fix in Santa Barbara, only two hours north of Los Angeles.
Browse around the Spanish-style stores in the downtown area, many of which are draped in Bougainvilleas. Santa Barbara is a classic example of a hybrid ecosystem with the California desert colliding with the coastal environment.
Visiting Santa Barbara is one of the best things to do in California. Visit the old Santa Barbara Mission, one of the major draws of the city. Relax at this city landmark under the garden trees with a sweet coastal breeze.
Most of the accommodations in Santa Barbara are either adobe-style houses or luxury hotels right on the beach.
Napa Valley
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Napa Valley on Booking
Napa Valley is one of the most prestigious wine areas in the world. It’s the perfect romantic getaway in Northern California.
Escape to the rolling hills and vineyards of Napa to go wine tasting in a European-style stone castle or a modern abode. Guests enjoy the wine caves, charcuterie bites, and scenic wine-tasting rooms while in Napa Valley.
Napa is best suited for individuals over 21 years of age but there are also family-friendly activities to do like a hot air balloon ride or park playgrounds around town.
Be sure to check out my guide on the top wineries in Napa Valley to be fully prepared before you go.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2.5 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea on Booking
There’s nothing more romantic than staying in a seaside storybook cottage on California’s central coast. Carmel is a classic romantic getaway in California, beloved by visitors of all ages.
Besides fairytale architecture, this unspoiled seaside gem has quaint boutiques, art galleries, and wineries that dot the downtown village. The white sands of Carmel Beach are only a 15-minute walk from the downtown area.
Don’t miss the area around Carmel, which has some of central California’s best natural landscapes. It’s best to rent a car if you want to drive around the wineries of Carmel Highlands or the gorgeous coastline of Point Lobos State Reserve.
Carmel is expensive, and you’ll need to book well in advance if you want the best prices.
Julian
🗺️ Distance from San Diego: 1 hour, 15 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Julian on Booking
A quirky little town on the way to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Julian is an old-timey American village. You will feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the early days of small-town America with a trip to this hillside town.
Julian has old American diners complete with soda jerks and classic car models on display. The town is also widely known for its fresh pies and roadside apple cider, brewed to perfection either hot or cold.
Julian visitors can enjoy various hiking trails in the area like the Three Sisters waterfall hike. This is an ideal hike in the summertime when the waterfall pools beacon you to take a dip in their refreshing waters.
Julian is a hidden gem — it’s not that well-known, which makes it great for visitors who don’t want too many crowds.
San Francisco
🗺️ Distance from San Jose: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in San Francisco on Booking
San Francisco is the major hub of Northern California, and it’s incredibly easy to plan a date in this bustling city.
If it’s your first time in the city, spend some time getting acquainted with SF’s main attractions. The icon of the hilly city is the giant Golden Gate Bridge. You can view the bridge while taking a hike in the Presidio, lounging on Baker Beach, or going on a sunset cruise around the bay.
Some of the best romantic dates in San Francisco are away from the tourist crowds. Dive into the city’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, see live music at an underground club in the Mission District, or take a rowboat out on the lake in Golden Gate Park.
Lake Tahoe
🗺️ Distance from Sacramento: 2 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Lake Tahoe on Booking
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Completely engulfed by pines, Lake Tahoe is the perfect mountain escape!
Lake Tahoe is a perfect destination for outdoor activities year-round. It’s a winter paradise, with over 15 ski resorts on world-class mountains. In the summertime, you can go mountain biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, jet skiing, and more.
There are many towns scattered around Lake Tahoe’s edge, each with its own charming character. Looking for a place to stay? Choose from cozy cabins in Tahoe City, flashy casino resorts in Stateline, or a luxurious room with a view in Incline Village.
Lake Tahoe is pretty popular, especially with residents in Northern California, so you’ll need to book well in advance. In winter and spring, expect accommodation to book out 4-6 months in advance. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring are less crowded and usually less expensive.
Yosemite National Park
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 4 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Yosemite on Booking
Yosemite is arguably the most popular National Park in California. Here, you can hike some of California’s most impressive peaks, go rock climbing, chase waterfalls, and spot wildlife.
Stay in one of the grand lodges inside the park or opt for a different kind of experience by tent camping. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Yosemite National Park as one of the main pit stops on an ultimate California road trip.
If you’re looking for a romantic experience in the national park, take your partner on a sunrise or sunset viewpoint hike like North Dome or Cloud’s Rest. Another good option for romance is a picnic in gorgeous Tuolumne Meadows.
In peak season, Yosemite has limited entry permits available due to the park’s enormous popularity. Make sure to check Recreation.gov for the latest guidelines on how to access Yosemite.
👉 Pro Tip: Be bear aware. California black bears inhabit the national park so it’s wise to stay on guard during your stay in Yosemite.
Santa Catalina Island
🗺️ Distance from Long Beach Ferry: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Santa Catalina Island on Booking
Hop on a ferry from the Long Beach port and head to Santa Catalina Island for peace and relaxation. Catalina receives visitors year-round and is a perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion.
Go snorkeling or scuba diving around the island, or take your partner on a parasailing tour right out of the harbor. Another popular Catalina Island activity is renting a golf cart to drive on the island at sunset.
There are many hotels on the island with gorgeous views of the water. Commemorate your romantic trip to Catalina with an elegant seafood dinner right on the waterfront. Don’t forget to try the locally-made wine!
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
🗺️ Distance from San Diego: 1 hour, 30 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Anza-Borrego State Park on Booking
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a desert dreamland. Located in Southern California near San Diego, this desert park is overshadowed by nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Therefore, it rarely experiences a high volume of tourists. I would classify Anza-Borrego as an untouched, underrated gem.
Many primitive campsites in the park have pit toilets and established fire rings. Roast weenies or marshmallows after dusk and tell campfire stories for a trip you won’t forget. Anza-Borrego is one of the best places to camp near San Diego.
The stars in Anza-Borrego State Park are spectacular. If you have a good camera, make sure to bring it to take one of the best night sky time-lapses.
San Diego
🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 2 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in San Diego on Booking
San Diego is a major, metropolitan beach city that offers guests numerous romantic activities.
Couples on a vacation to San Diego can delight in a couples massage by the beach, an extravagant meal on the waterfront, or a hand-in-hand stroll through Balboa Park, one of the coolest things to do in San Diego.
There are also countless activities to partake in if traveling to the beach city with children. Take your little ones to the San Diego Zoo to see their favorite wildlife animals or visit the San Diego Science Center for a hands-on learning experience.
I personally like to stay in the Gaslamp Quarter, which is close to the best bars and clubs in San Diego.
Mendocino
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 3 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Mendocino on Booking
Mendocino — Mendo as the locals know it — is Northern California’s premier seaside getaway. This charming small town has it all: rental cottages overlooking the ocean, hiking paths along coastal bluffs, art galleries, wine cellars, and a ubiquitous feeling of tranquility.
Mendocino is primarily a vacation destination, favored by Northern California’s outdoorsy yet luxurious crowd. Spend time exploring the coastline in a kayak, going on a guided mushroom foraging tour, or dining at one of the many restaurants serving locally grown, organic produce.
A trip to Mendo might set you back a few (hundred) bucks, so it’s best saved for a special occasion.
Big Bear
🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 2 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Big Bear on Booking
Big Bear Lake is a mountain community surrounded by pines. The serenity of the San Bernardino Mountains makes this destination the perfect mountain escape.
Famous for having one of the best winter ski resorts in California, Big Bear is the ideal mountain sports oasis. If you prefer to relax on your getaway, rent a weekend home with a fireplace to get toasty with a good book and some hot cocoa.
There are hiking trails suited for all levels in Big Bear, accessible in the non-winter months. The 6.9-mile Pineknot Trail is my favorite hike in the area. The path takes you to the perfect lookout of the entire Big Bear Lake. For more ideas, check out our guide to things to do in Big Bear Lake.
🏨 Need a room? Skip the noise and commotion of a hotel with a private vacation rental. Here are the top house rentals in Big Bear, some of which are situated right on the lake.
Ojai
🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 2 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Ojai on Booking
Nestled in the bosom of the Topa Topa Mountains, Ojai is a unique small town in Ventura County with a big personality. It’s a lesser-known tourist destination, meaning you can quietly slip away from the big city and to the sleepy Southern California hills.
The downtown adobe-style village is lined with New Age shops and art galleries, as well as delicious cafes with home-baked goods.
Meandering trails wander through the Ojai Valley, giving visitors who packed their hiking boots plenty of options. Hike among pine trees and prickly pear cacti as you search for a California Condor, a frequent Ojai resident.
Visitors have plenty of accommodation options including ranch-style family homesteads, Spanish-style resorts, and small inns. For more activity ideas, see Jess’s guide to what to do in Ojai.
Joshua Tree
🗺️ Distance from San Bernardino: 1 hour, 20 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Joshua Tree on Booking
Joshua Tree (or J-Tree, as many locals call it) is a prime Southern California town. The town itself is filled with cool retro shops, western-style saloons, and public art. Desert lovers can venture to nearby Joshua Tree National Park for prime hiking, stargazing, and rock climbing.
I suggest reserving a campsite inside Joshua Tree National Park for the best view of desert sunrises and sunsets when deciding where to stay in Joshua Tree. If you prefer to stay outside of Joshua Tree National Park, there are abundant house rentals scattered throughout the surrounding desert.
Check out our guide to what to do in Joshua Tree to get planning.
San Luis Obispo
🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 3 hours, 20 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in San Luis Obispo on Booking
Explore the Central California coast with a trip to San Luis Obispo. Established in the 1700s, this small California town has a historic charm that’s apparent as soon as you step foot in the downtown village.
San Luis Obispo, or SLO for short, encompasses miles of California coastline and hundreds of beautiful hiking trails. The small college town is the perfect balance of relaxed leisure and spontaneous adventure, providing plenty of options for visitors and weekend travelers.
It’s incredibly safe and has a super walkable downtown, which I love.
Spend your weekend in San Luis Obispo splurging on brunch options, going wine tasting, and walking around the quaint downtown. Explore nearby Avila and Pismo Beaches, hit up the lively downtown SLO farmers market, or have an extravagant stay at the Madonna Inn. Whatever you want, SLO has it.
Get planning with Henry’s guide to where to stay in SLO.
Laguna Beach
🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Laguna Beach on Booking
Known as one of the classiest and most beautiful beaches in Southern California, Laguna Beach is perfect for a luxurious beach experience.
You’ll find high-end stores and beachfront restaurants like Nick’s Laguna Beach. Enjoy a glass of wine over smoked salmon on the waterfront.
The beaches are also a top attraction to this Orange County beach town. Visitors can enjoy public beach volleyball courts, private beach coves, and sea anemone tide pools at Laguna Beach. Laguna is one of the safest beach cities in Southern California as well.
Palm Springs
🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 2 hours, 30 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | Where to Stay in Palm Springs |👉 Search Hotels in Palm Springs on Booking
Palm Springs is the most popular day trip from Los Angeles and one of the best cities in California. Many celebrities have a second home in Palm Springs because of its central location and high-end amenities.
Summer months in Palm Springs can be unbearably hot, so the best time to plan your trip would be the winter, early spring, and fall months. Lounging poolside is one of the most popular things to do in Palm Springs, along with boutique shopping and spa treatment.
If golfing is your go-to sport, then you are in luck in Palm Springs. This area has some of the best golf courses in California and is known nationally for its famous tournaments, so don’t forget to bring your gear.
Big Sur
🗺️ Distance from San Jose: 1 hour 30 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Big Sur on Booking
Experience the dramatic California coast like never before at Big Sur. Jagged cliffs collide with the fierce ocean to create an accentuated shoreline of coastal bluffs. The jaw-dropping beauty alone makes Big Sur one of the most-beloved spots in California.
Big Sur is more like a long stretch of coastline rather than a single destination. It stretches from the Carmel Highlands all the way down to San Simeon, totaling over 90 miles of stunning, mostly uninhabited coastline.
There are several small towns along the way, the most popular being the town of Big Sur. There are only a few accommodation and dining options here, but visiting the restaurant Nepenthe should 100% be on your list.
The natural landscape takes precedence in Big Sur. Visit tucked-away coves, camp at state parks, or hike among the redwoods. My favorite way to visit Big Sur is by staying overnight at a luxury campground overlooking the ocean.
Unfortunately, Big Sur has been plagued by a series of landslides that make Highway 1 impassable in parts. Check the current road conditions before you go — as of 2024, it’s still impossible to drive the entire coastline.
Malibu
🗺️ Distance from Los Angeles: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Malibu on Booking
Stay in a cliffside beach house in Malibu and feel like a big-name celebrity. Malibu is a postcard California beach town and its posh status has put it high on the list for many couples.
There are tons of romantic things to do in Malibu. Experience the magic of Getty Villa, a museum with Roman architecture and an elaborate courtyard. You’ll often see couples strolling hand-in-hand here or new families taking family portraits.
Malibu Creek State Park and the Malibu Pier are also perfect spots to relax for a moment and become completely entranced by the sound of crashing waves. The sunsets from the Malibu Pier are some of the best in SoCal, and even more spectacular when experienced with loved ones.
Trinidad
🗺️ Distance from Eureka: 30 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Trinidad on Booking
Trinidad is one of the best destinations for a relaxing and crowd-free weekend. Located high up on the Northern California coastline, this small Humboldt County town is closer to the Oregon border than it is to San Francisco.
Downtown Trinidad consists of a main drag with a few local coffee shops, restaurants, and the town library. It’s easily walkable and has a lovely local feel, with friendly people who welcome visitors with a smile.
Stay in a seaside cottage overlooking small fishing boats, crashing waves, and gorgeous sunsets for the ultimate romantic getaway. Or, go glamping in a yurt or bell tent situated underneath the trees.
Trinidad’s main draw is its proximity to Redwood National Park. These towering old-growth redwood trees, the tallest in the world, are only 30 minutes from Trinidad.
Monterey
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 2 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Monterey on Booking
This coastal California city draws many Bay Area residents to its seaside village. Only 2 hours from San Francisco, Monterey can be a long day trip or an overnight escape to the oceanside.
Explore the historic downtown Monterey by visiting Cannery Row, an old icon of the sardine canning industry. Monterey is more famous for its offshore residents than the onshore ones, so take a boat trip to go whale watching, otter spotting, fishing, and more. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium for an inside look into the stunning marine life that makes this area so famous.
No trip to Monterey is complete without visiting a waterfront seafood fine-dining restaurant. Chart House is a good option for a classy, romantic seafood meal. Located on Cannery Row, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate a successful day of exploring with delicious, fresh-caught seafood plates.
Solvang
🗺️ Distance from San Luis Obispo: 1 hour | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Solvang on Booking
Take a trip to Europe without even leaving Southern California. Located in Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is a quaint Danish-style town with adorable architecture and sweet-smelling bakeries.
With many local wineries and breweries, Solvang mainly caters to couples. Be sure to catch a live theater performance, like jazz or opera, for a romantic night on the town.
Walk the grounds of the old Mission Santa Ines or visit the miniature horses at Quicksilver Ranch, both free date ideas for couples visiting Solvang. See Victoria’s guide to Solvang activities for more ideas.
Finish your romantic weekend with a spa treatment or spend some time in the hot tub at your Solvang boutique hotel.
Paso Robles
🗺️ Distance from San Luis Obispo: 30 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Paso Robles on Booking
Just outside of San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles is a central California town known for its plentiful vineyards and wineries. Many lodges and hotels in the area offer hot mineral spring tubs or hot tubs for ultimate relaxation.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a relaxing spa day or an afternoon of luxurious wine tasting. There are also dimly-lit romantic dinner options around town. Paso Robles is quieter and less expensive than many other California getaways.
This is a great road trip destination if passing through Los Angeles on your way to Northern California.
Sausalito
🗺️ Distance from San Francisco: 30 minutes | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Sausalito on Booking
Visit the charming seaside village of Sausalito for a romantic escape from the chaos of San Francisco.
Just a short drive or bike ride away from San Francisco, Sausalito is a laid-back, Mediterranean-style small town on the coast of the Bay. Spend a calm day on the water by renting a kayak or going on a boat tour of the area.
Witness some of the most beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline from the shores of Sausalito. My favorite activity in the sleepy village is sitting on a waterfront bench in downtown Sausalito with an ice cream cone in hand. I can spend hours watching the boats cruise on the bay and the excited tourists get off the ferry from the big city.
Sequoia National Park
🗺️ Distance from Bakersfield: 2 hours | Google Maps | Destination Website | 👉 Search Hotels in Sequoia National Park on Booking
Disappear to one of the top national parks in California – Sequoia National Park. The park is engulfed by huge Sequoia trees, the largest tree on the planet.
Make sure to bring your binoculars because wildlife is abundant at Sequoia National Park. If you’re lucky, you may just spot a California black bear, mountain lions, bobcats, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and more!
Stay in one of the national park lodges or a rental cabin just outside of the park. Keep in mind that some roads may be icy and therefore closed in the winter months. The best time to visit Sequoia National Park is in the late fall, summer, or late spring.
👉 Read Next: Best San Francisco Weekend Getaways
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Thanks for reading my guide on weekend getaways in California! If it’s your first time in California and you are deciding when to plan your trip, check out my guide on the best time to visit California and have a fantastic trip.
