Central Coast
From the quiet elegance of the Carmel Mission to the retro-style boats lining Oxnard’s canals, the Central Coast is full of places to experience quality time with your partner.
- Brunch in the courtyard at L’Auberge Carmel is an intimate affair but the cozy, candlelit booths at Aubergine, L’auberge’s on-site restaurant, help make dinner as charming as it is romantic.
- A slow ride along Oxnard’s canals under the guidance of a trained gondolier may be one of the most romantic experiences in California’s Central Coast.
- For active couples, a day tandem sea cave kayaking in the Channel Islands is an ideal way to get outdoors and bond with one another.
- A tour of the Carmel Mission is a must for history buffs. Light a candle or say a prayer in the Basilica – it’s is the perfect way to honor a loved one.
Los Angeles
LA is not a city that typically harbors romantic notions, except on the silver screen, that is. But romantic experiences abound for any group, paired or otherwise, who willing to seek them out.
- The doublewide, lounge chairs at the Yard at Hotel Hermosa in Hermosa Beach are a draw for duos but when the evening calls for competition, pool tables with a beach view beckon.
- The Moroccan lamps, most flickering with candlelight, attract couples to the aptly named Firefly in Studio City. Unable to secure one of the curtain-draped, perfect-for-canoodling cabanas? Try the sofa near the roaring fire.
- Skip the screen in favor of live entertainment at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The swooping architecture of the steel exterior is as stunning as the sound quality of the Los Angelese philharmonic playing within.
- Routinely voted the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles, the little door exudes charm and quiet elegance, especially the intimate outdoor patio and back room. Don’t leave without trying the passion fruit crème brûlée.
Deserts/Palm Desert/Palm Springs
Conceived as a hideaway for LA’s stars of the screen, Palm Springs and nearby Palm Desert are, at their heart, romantic. The region’s charms extend well beyond the season of romance but these are a few of the stand-outs.
- Find yourself surrounded by Spanish colonial architecture, sipping innovative cocktails at Purple Palm at the Colony Palms Hotel in downtown Palm Springs.
- The soaring San Jacinto mountains of greater Palm Springs perfectly frame La Quinta, the original hideaway resort. The cozy tables at the Mexican-by-way-of the-Southwest Adobe Grill and private cabins ensure a romantic retreat.
- Learn about Palm Desert as the oasis it once was on a naturalist-guided jeep tour of the area by Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours.
San Diego
The southernmost region of California has attracted couples for decades. Dotted with charming small towns, fascinating architecture and endless sunny beaches, the region is perfectly suited for a romantic weekend escape.
- The iconic Hotel del Coronado’s wine and chocolate tasting room makes a perfect stop for culinary-lovers, before relaxing on the iconic beach.
- The murmuring fountains and comfortable chairs in the courtyard at 1906 Lodge invite quiet reflection.
- The hopping cocktail bar at George’s at the Cove in La Jolla is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the Pacific before savoring dinner al fresco on the terrace.
- A stroll through the Gaslamp District is, almost by definition, romantic. With its soft-lighting and gentle breeze washing off the sea, the neighborhood needs little more by way of romantic gestures. Saunter into False Idol to experience the enduring San Diego trend of tiki or go totally modern with the bone marrow pizza at Top Chef alumnus Brian Malarkey’s Herb and Wood.
North Coast
The rustic beauty of Mendocino makes an ideal, very laid-back escape from the hustle and bustle. This region offers couples a true escape from everyday distractions, leaving plenty of room for romance.
- Spacious soaking tubs in every suite at Heritage House Resort are placed near the large windows for amazing Pacific views. It’s a unique space to share a quiet moment and listen to the surf crash on the rocks below.
- Enjoy a an afternoon with one another among 10 different local landscapes at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg.
- One part Inn, one part romantic restaurant, Trillium Mendocino is extra-cozy when the wood-burning fireplace is in action.
- The Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg is perfectly situated for quiet walks around Noyo Harbor or longer sojourns into Mendocino’s beautiful fir-lined forests.
San Francisco Bay Area
Big city bustle or quiet contemplation in the woods? No matter what style you prefer, California’s Bay Area has the perfect weekend getaway for you and your special someone.
- After fireside dinner at Il Vigneto, the on-property restaurant at Cordevalle Rosewood Resort, guests can request a rose petal turn-down service as part of their Romance in the Valley package.
- The eerie call of fog horns may be the only sound you hear during a stay at Bodega Bay Lodge. Watch the crab boats chug by on their way to Bodega Harbor or snuggle up by the in-room fireplace to keep the fog at bay.
- Go for a hike in Henry W. Coe State Park and enjoy one another’s company, surrounded by the soft sounds of the forest.
- Hazel in Occidental may be tiny but it’s reputation for epic brunch and handcrafted pizzas is well-deserved.
- One peek at the skyline from the rooftop infinity pool at San Francisco’s Hotel Vitale is enough to understand the appeal of this waterfront-facing property.
Sierras
Outdoor sports are a perennial favorite in Bear Valley and Lake Tahoe but there is more to do than ski and apres-ski in this mountain region, making it a great option for couples who love going on adventures together.
- Explore the wineries in downtown Sierra Foothills wine appellation with a visit to one of the many tasting rooms in downtown Murphys.
- Experience the big trees and the many trails at Calaveras Big Trees State Park in a whole new way: by snowshoe.
- Savor a three-course dinner with wine pairings at Bear Valley Resort.
- Inspired by the frozen pinecones that cling to the region’s famous cedars, the spiky Baked Tahoe dessert at the Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino will convince any diner to turn their attention away from the stunning mountain views, no matter the season.
Orange County
Orange County boasts some of the best beaches in California and the town of Huntington Beach, which has five public beaches, was recently voted Best Beach by USA Today readers.
- Start a visit to Orange County at the beach. With 10 miles of beach to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one but Huntington Beach is a great spot for swimming or to join a pick-up game of volleyball.
- Book a couple’s massage at the Balinese-styled spa at Paséa Hotel & Spa.
- Sip wine, nibble cheeses and charcuterie, and take in the sunset on the 90-minute Wine Cruise through Dana Point Harbor.
- Seasonal flowers and boutique champagne are the name of the game at Petals and Pop. It’s as if they already know you want both…