The Golden State of Southern California is a treasure trove that provides anything from exciting adventures, perfect relaxation, or a romantic escape to couples looking to celebrate their love stories. From exploring big cities to cozying up in secluded oases, there is something for every couple. Whether you want to bring back the spark in your relationship, celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, or spend a romantic evening of candlelight dinners, a few locations in Southern California will excite you with stunning views and incredible food so grab your leading lady or gentleman and inspire your relationship with these charming destinations. The natural beauty and intimate environment make SoCal ideal for spending quality time with your loved ones and we bring you some of the best romantic getaways in southern California.
Most Romantic Getaways in Southern California
1. Big Sur
If you want to experience the dramatic and magical beauty of ocean views extending over 90 miles of stunning and uninhabited coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway, then the adventurous yet romantic Big Sur will appeal. This rugged and scenic route is defined by the redwood forests on one side and an incredible view of the ocean on the other. Even though there aren’t many huge national parks, Big Sur is a prime location for hikes, swims, and stargazing. There are gorgeous beaches along the way but when the tide’s high, you can visit McAway Falls where it looks like it’s descending into the Pacific Ocean.
If that’s not enough, you can relax with a massage and soak in the natural hot springs at Esalen. Even though there are a few accommodations and dining options, don’t miss the restaurant Nepenthe for its welcoming American menu, cliffside views, and historical touch.
2. Malibu
The beautiful oceanside getaway is also a postcard California beach town with a posh status providing you with a big-name celebrity experience. You can hike 500 miles with your partner at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area or pack a picnic to Point Dume, a secluded, peaceful, and cosy cove in southern Malibu. There are very popular Malibu Wine Hikes if you want to sip through your strolls in the region’s beautiful landscapes while gazing at the scenic Saddlerock Ranch. This surfer haven is a perfect stargazing destination; figurative sense for the celebrity sightings and a literal one with clear skies, with the holy vacation trinity of sand, sea, and sunsets impressing your senses.
3. Napa Valley
Known as the most prestigious wine location in the world, Napa Valley is also renowned for its gourmet food and drinks as well as wonderful resorts. Many people visit the county to sip, swirling, and savoring the strongest cabernet sauvignon while enjoying the wine caves, charcuterie bites, and scenic wine-tasting rooms. You and your partner can escape to the rolling hills and vineyards treating yourselves to sprawling landscapes in every direction. You can also soak in natural hot springs or take a winding hiking trail to escape the crowd. The Napa Valley Wine Train is famous but makes it intimate with small-group tours and learning about the art and science of winemaking by participating in a class that ends with a romantic stroll through an idyllic garden.
Read Also: Romantic Getaways In Northern California
4. Ojai
One of the unique, picturesque, and charming towns, Ojai is nestled in the valley of the Topa Topa Mountains and a lesser-known tourist destination that will transport you to a faraway land. It is a small town surrounded by the Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Ocean with a big personality and an ideal place to spend an inexpensive weekend getaway. With plenty of outdoor activities, art galleries, cafes, and boutiques, Ventura County’s town is unlike others; Ojai also provides lush trails to visitors who pack their hiking boots to hike amongst the pine forests and prickly pear cacti or biking opportunities for active travellers.
You can stay in ranch-style family homesteads, Spanish-style resorts, or small inns and check out the Ojai Certified Farmers Market, the Rose Valley Falls Trail, the Ojai Meadows Preserve, and the Pratt Trail Loop.
5. Idyllwild
An artsy and hippie mountain town is a perfect destination for a remote mountain escape. Nestled high in the San Jacinto Mountains, midway between San Diego and Palm Springs, Idyllwild is the best romantic getaway with blue skies, fresh air, and giant pine trees. Though there are many home rentals and inns, camping is the popular choice with options from primitive campsites in national and state parks to private campgrounds with amenities. It is a great place to go hiking and mountain biking in but if you want to spend some quality time exploring the town, there are small locally owned shops, galleries, artist studios, restaurants, and bakeries.
6. Santa Barbara
An ideal and quaint seaside town, nicknamed “The American Riviera”, offers a love-filled romantic weekend with plenty of beaches, excellent museums, and a fantastic foodie scene. Wake up to soft waves crashing along a sweeping coastline while staying in Mediterranean-style buildings draped in Bougainvilleas. Popular things to do are whale-watching cruises, parasailing with dolphins, and horseback riding on the beach enjoying the most romantic sunsets. If you want a little action, the downtown area is overflowing with al-fresco dining, wineries, local marketplaces, and more.
You can visit the Santa Barbara Zoo, ranked as one of the nation’s best small zoos and a fun place to explore for a lazy afternoon. Make sure to visit the Santa Barbara Courthouse and Santa Barbara Mission to learn about the area’s early history.
7. Laguna Beach
A picturesque and classiest beach in Southern California, Laguna Beach getaways are all about art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Filled with art studios and galleries, the town hosts several art festivals that will impress you beyond words. You can visit the public beach basketball and volleyball courts to indulge in sports activities or explore the miles of bike paths. One of the safest beach towns, Laguna Beach is also known for its majestic canyons, hidden coves, and wildlife-rich tide pools – Moss Cove, Diver’s Cove, Crescent Bay Beach, Emerald Bay, and Victoria Beach. You can spend a quiet evening picnicking on the grassy grounds of Treasure Island Park before heading to Alta Laguna Park to explore hiking trails.
8. Solvang
Experience a small piece of Europe without leaving the states in the town of Solvang, located north of Santa Barbara in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. It is a Danish-inspired town filled with Danish people, shops, and food. This town was founded by Danish immigrants in the early 20th century making it look like it is straight out of a storybook with adorable architecture. Solvang is known for its iconic windmills, cutesy shops, tempting bakeries, and great restaurants. Visit the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, the Hans Christian Anderson Museum, and the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art to learn about Danish-American culture and its impact.
If you want to explore the town in a rather romantic manner, take a ride on the Solvang Trolley, an antique horse-drawn street car in the downtown area. End the getaway by catching a live theatre performance like jazz or opera or walking the grounds of old Mission Santa Ines.
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea
The seaside storybook village of Carmel-by-the-Sea is an ideal and romantic destination for couples who want to spend time in cozy cottages overlooking an idyllic coastline. A fairytale comes to life in this coastal village where you can explore the village-like center, stroll along the white powdery sands of Carmel Beach, or browse through the boutiques, art galleries, and wineries that cover the downtown village. You can also shop for trinkets on Ocean Avenue and spend an afternoon at Devendorf Park after grabbing a picnic lunch from Bruno’s Market and Deli. It is easy to get lost in the historical and religious artefacts, bird watching, and learning about the rich marine life. This unspoiled seaside gem is a popular wedding destination so you will feel love in the air.
Book Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Read More: Weekend Getaways in California
10. Big Bear Lake
If you want to experience a small-town atmosphere in a mountain destination, visit Big Bear Lake for a homey SoCal vacation. You can explore the exquisite trails to hike or bike in this resort town with your four-legged pal tagging along. Otherwise, you can spend time kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, fishing, or wakeboarding with your partner. During the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Or you can snuggle up and get cozy in a weekend home with a fireplace to get toasty with some hot chocolate. Big Bear also has a downtown area with small shops, restaurants, and live music avenues where you can spend time with your partner.
Conclusion
There are many places to visit on a budget in Southern California where you can explore the Mediterranean or Danish towns laced with history and culture. Hiking or biking in the idyllic countryside with your partner is one of the best ways to fall in love again. You can also explore the art scenes, stroll through downtown, sip wines, learn history, soak in natural springs, or relax in front of a fireplace with your loved one.
