12 Most Charming Romantic Getaways In Southern California For Couples (2024)
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Planning your honeymoon, anniversary, engagement proposal or just a couple’s getaway this year? If you are looking for the best romantic getaways in Southern California, here are some places that can be your dreamy escape.
With incredible cities, picturesque beach towns, winery retreats, quaint small towns and more charming spots, Southern California has so much to offer for those looking for a romantic escape. I have curated a list of best romantic getaways in Southern California to inspire your next adventure. Hopefully, with this list, no matter what you are looking for, you will definitely find a destination that would be an ideal romantic getaway for you and your partner.
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Most Romantic Getaways In Southern California
1. Solvang
When it comes to romantic getaways in Southern California, Solvang definitely tops the list. Known as “a little slice of Denmark in Southern California”, this Danish-inspired town will charm any couple from its adorable shops and windmills to the delightful wineries nearby.
With so many incredible things to do in Solvang, you could spend a lovely weekend together taking it all in. Start the weekend exploring the town including visiting the windmills, finding the wooden shoes, grabbing a lovely Danish pastry, and perhaps going on a horse-drawn carriage ride around the town.
After that, a day exploring wineries is a must, especially as the area is well-known for its Pinot Noirs. Carhartt Vineyards is one of the best places to go near Solvang in the town of Los Olivos. The Wayward Son Pinot Noir is truly one of the best Pinot Noirs around.
Sunstone Vineyards is another beautiful Mediterranean-inspired place with stunning views and lovely wines like the Grenache Rose and Merlot Reserve. After exploring the surrounding area of Solvang, staying at a Danish-inspired hotel is perfect.
Where To Stay In Solvang : Mirabelle Inn looks like a perfect Danish countryside estate and is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Recommended By Kat Weiss Butler of World Wide Honeymoon
2. Malibu
Gorgeous Malibu is the epitome of sun, beach, relaxation, and leisure times. If you are searching for a first-class beach gateway in Southern California to unwind and recharge your batteries and for romantic moments next to the ocean, head to Malibu.
Opt for an amazing beachfront rental from a range of sensational Malibu vacation rentals. Listen to the ocean waves and watch dolphins, whales, sea otters, and seals from your deck in Malibu while sipping wine with your partner in the sunset. For a perfect morning cup of joe, head to the famous Paradise Cove Beach Cafe.
Don’t be surprised if you find some Hollywood celebrities sitting just next to your table and having their coffee time there too. For a romantic fine dining with spectacular ocean views, head to celebrated the Geoffrey’s, preferred once by Marylin Monroe, Lana Turner, and Frank Sinatra.
If you and your partner are arty souls, you will enjoy Getty Villa Museum. And if you love hiking, the marvelous trails of Point Dume Natural Preserve will bewitch you. Popularly known, Malibu’s Zuma Beach is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in California. But Malibu beaches like Lagoon State Beach, El Matador State Beach, El Pescador State Beach, Carbon Beach, Point Dume State Beach, and Topanga State Beach are nothing less stunning.
Where To Stay In Malibu : Malibu Beach Inn
Recommended By Milijana Gabric of World Travel Connector
3. Ojai
If dreamy and quaint small towns fascinate you, then Ojai is perfect for you. This small town is a little paradise surrounded by scenic mountains and mystical greenness. Home to well paved hiking trails and biking trails that offer breath-taking landscape views, Ojai is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The therapeutic charm and peacefulness that lies in the beauty of the surroundings is a romantic respite for couples.
Treat your special one with a relaxing and holistic spa service at Ojai Villa Inn. Consider camping under the skies in an airstream park, the Caravan Outpost. This magical airstream park is located in a valley in Ojai. Go wine tasting in the Topa Mountain winery which offers the best outdoor wine tasting experiences in the town. Also do not miss out the viewing the legendary pink moment at the Meditation Mount during sunset hours. The sky reflects a tone of pink on the surrounding mountains which seems beautiful. Ojai is also a home to the largest outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books. Its a memorable retreat for book lovers.
Where To Stay In Ojai : The Capri Hotel
4. San Diego
Located in Southern California, San Diego makes a perfect romantic getaway. This city boasts a perfect climate year round with plenty of sunshine and weather in the high 60s and 70s.
Whether you want to enjoy outdoors in places like Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla or Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, there are many trails and scenic vistas around San Diego where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Pacific Coast. For the ultimate view drive up to Mount Soledad from where you can get a panoramic overview of the city and surrounding areas.
And, if you just want to relax, head to Coronado Beach where you can catch some waves and spend a lazy afternoon. To learn San Diego history, head to Carrillo National Monument located on the southern tip of Point Loma. This monument commemorates the arrival of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer who landed in today’s Sun Diego. Here you can also learn about San Diego’s role in many events such as WWII thanks to its strategic position.
In the evening, head to the Gaslamp Quarter for a romantic dinner where you can enjoy a great atmosphere and have dinner at many restaurants and visit art galleries.
Where To Stay In San Diego : San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina
Recommended By Daria Bachmann of The Discovery Nut
5. Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach makes for a perfect romantic getaway in Southern California. Located in Orange County, the town has stunning beaches, idyllic landscapes and mouth watering cuisines. Take a stroll at the enchanting Heisler Park and be amazed by the artworks and sculptures you see through the well paved park. Head to the coved beach at the Crystal Cove State Park to spend a romantic evening watching sunset views over the sea. There are many well paved scenic hike trails too at the Crystal Cove State Park.
Soak in some sunshine and relax at Laguna’s main beach. Go for a swim in the gorgeous waters or if you feel adventurous, then you can also go for surfing lessons here. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is also a popular tourist attraction here, so if you would like to see cute marine animals then you can check this out. This small coastal city has something for everyone.
Where To Stay In Laguna Beach : Casa Loma Beach Hotel
6. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a place with many romantic things to do. The city has many dreamy viewpoints that are amazing to admire with your partner. For example, from Elysian Park, you have a wonderful and unique view of the city. And what’s even more romantic is that there’s a swing at Angel’s point in the park which overlooks admirable views of the city. Also, there are many instagrammable places in LA, making it perfect to do a couple photo-shoot with your partner.
Los Angeles is home to lots of colorful and pretty places. Another romantic activity in the city is going to the Santa Monica Pier. It has a small amusement park where you will definitely have a romantic time with your partner. Feel the magic of togetherness while floating over mesmerizing views of the countryside on a Hot Air Balloon.
Hike the scenic trails of the Griffith Park and see the fabulous panoramic views of the world famous Hollywood sign together. For an unforgettable romantic dinner date, dine at II Cielo in Beverley Hills. This award winning restaurant is known to be the most romantic restaurant in LA.
Where To Stay In Los Angeles : Shore Hotel
Recommended By Dymphe of Dymabroad
7. Temecula
Temecula is one of the perfect romantic getaways in Southern California. Nestled halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego but a bit inland from the coast, Temecula is a great destination for the weekend for Angelenos and San Diegans alike.
Temecula is a great romantic destination because wine country is always a fun getaway. There are a number of phenomenal wineries in Temecula making excellent wine that are fun to stop and wine taste at. Bring your own picnic for an extra romantic touch. You can also book a hot air balloon at sunrise going over the vineyards for a memorable romantic experience like no other — a great idea for a special occasion. Besides wine tasting, you can also go for hikes or shop in the boutiques downtown.
All in all, spending a weekend in Temecula is a fantastic choice for surprising your significant other while whisking them away on a romantic getaway.
Where To Stay In Temecula : South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
Recommended By Allison Green of California Crossroads
8. Palm Springs
With its retro ultra-luxe vibes set against the gorgeous desert landscape, Palm Springs is the perfect romantic getaway for couples to relax or connect over shared adventures. For a relaxing date night, there are plenty of upscale spas, like the Parker Springs Yacht Club, to indulge in couples massages and other relaxing treatments. After you have been massaged to pure bliss, you can finish out the day with an iconic Palm Springs activity- laying by the pool, sipping delicious cocktails together.
If you are instead looking for something a bit more epic, consider floating in a hot air balloon over the Coachella Desert, as you fly over mountains, vineyards, and orchards, all while sipping champagne with your love.
For a more adventurous couple, head to the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, where you can enjoy out-of-this-world hiking amongst the park’s massive morganite boulders and, at the end of the day, watch the sunset together, as the brilliant golden light fades over the Little San Bernardino Mountains. No matter what kind of getaway you are looking for, Palm Springs has the perfect romantic activity for you.
Where To Stay In Palm Springs : Alcazar Palm Springs
Recommended By Jessica Schmit of Uprooted Traveler
9. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is Southern California’s idyllic desert retreat, the perfect place for couples to escape and spend a romantic getaway sleeping under a spectacular starry night sky. Start with an early morning drive up to Keys View for a wide-open panoramic view over the San Andreas fault line and Coachella valley.
Then spend the entire day hiking Joshua Tree’s best trails: Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, Skull Rock, Lost Horse Mine and lastly Ryan Mountain. Don’t forget the bottle of wine to recover at the top of Ryan Mountain after a steep climb.
Extraordinarily vibrant sunsets at Joshua Tree National Park illuminate the sky with warm pink, purple and yellow hues. Watch the sun go down at Cholla Cactus Garden before being mesmerized by dancing Joshua Trees silhouetted against a never-ending sky.
California doesn’t get much more romantic than under the remarkable Joshua Tree National Park night sky.
Where To Stay In Joshua Tree : Pitch a tent or upgrade to a swanky glamping tent so you can creep right out into the midnight desert darkness. Find a secluded spot among the boulders sheltered from light to be blown away by a brilliant Milky Way and finish off that bottle of wine.
Recommended By Mark and Kristen of Where Are Those Morgans
10. Death Valley
For a unique romantic getaway in Southern California, check out Death Valley National National Park. The ruggedly dramatic landscape draws fewer crowds than most national parks, so you can savor your own stunning outdoor space with your favourite person.
If you are up for a romantic outdoor adventure, you will find so much to explore in Death Valley. From a visit to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the park and the entire country, to hiking Telescope peak, the highest point in Death Valley, this national park offers a range of memories in the making.
To cap off your romantic getaway in Death Valley, make sure to spend some time on the sand dunes at sunset. From the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, you and your sweetheart can watch the sun slowly set behind the jaw-dropping Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in the distance. There’s nothing quite like gazing at the vibrant red and pink hues highlighting the most epic mountain range in California, all from the top of your own secluded sand dune.
Just make sure to visit Death Valley in the winter or spring for the most comfortable temperatures. If you’re lucky, you might encounter one of Death Valley’s famously gorgeous superblooms, which occur only about once a decade.
Where To Stay In Death Valley : The Inn at Death Valley
Recommended By Allison of She Dreams of Alpine
11. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is nestled right in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and whether you choose to visit in the summer, fall, winter, or spring months, there’s always something to experience.
In the summer months, you can spend your day hiking, backpacking, kayaking on one of the many lakes in the area, stand up paddle boarding, rent a boat at Lake Mary or Convict Lake, or go fishing. In the fall months, you can experience all of the beautiful fall colours, everything turns to beautiful shades of orange and yellow.
In the winter months, you can go snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding. Mammoth Resort is one of the best places to ski and snowboard in all of California, and they usually have great snow and powdery conditions. In the spring, everything starts to thaw out so you can either enjoy some spring skiing, spend time at one of the lakes, or start hiking.
In any season, you can also spend time soaking in one of the hot springs. As a couple, you can either enjoy them at night and watch the shooting stars above, or go first thing in the morning and watch as the sun rises over the Eastern Sierra.
Where To Stay In Mammoth Lakes : The Village Lodge
Recommended By Jenny Kotlyar of Limitless Hiker
12. Catalina Island
Part of Los Angeles County, Catalina Island is easily one of the most romantic destinations in Southern California. Adventurous couples can opt from a variety of activities such as ziplining, parasailing, hiking the Hermit Gulch Trail and kayaking.
If you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway, then the beauty of the beaches coupled up with spa services, beachside dates, ferry rides and party places will add on lots of quality time for you and your loved one.
Where To Stay In Santa Catalina Island : Pavilion Hotel
We hope you enjoyed this round up of the top 12 most romantic getaways in Southern California for couples. Let us know in the comments where you are headed to next.
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