• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Travel Notes & Beyond logo

The Opinionated Travelogue of a Photo Maniac

  • Home
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • South America
    • Pacific Islands
  • FOOD & WINE
  • TRAVEL GUIDES
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES
  • OTHER TOPICS
    • Rants & Raves
    • Reviews
    • Travel Blogger Interviews
  • ABOUT
    • Contact Form
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media Kit
    • Featured Elsewhere
  • Search
  • Home
  • DESTINATIONS
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • South America
    • Pacific Islands
  • FOOD & WINE
  • TRAVEL GUIDES
  • TRAVEL RESOURCES
  • OTHER TOPICS
    • Rants & Raves
    • Reviews
    • Travel Blogger Interviews
  • ABOUT
    • Contact Form
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media Kit
    • Featured Elsewhere
  • Search
California romantic getaway

Best Romantic Getaways in California for Valentine’s Day

Home » DESTINATIONS » North America » United States » California » Best Romantic Getaways in California for Valentine’s Day

Last Modified: February 17, 2025 //  by Anda //  23 Comments

No matter where you are in California, you have many great choices of romantic getaways, just a short drive away. While there are countless ways to spend Valentine’s Day together as a couple, nothing brings couple together more than traveling together. So if you don’t have any plans for this Valentine’s Day, here are some ideas of charming destinations.

Table of Contents

  • Best Romantic Places in Northern California
    • Napa Valley
    • Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • Best Romantic Escapes in Central California
    • Santa Barbara
    • Solvang
  • Best Romantic Getaways in Southern California
    • Long Beach
    • Coronado Island

Best Romantic Places in Northern California

Northern California is home to some of the best romantic getaways in the USA. Here are some of them:

Napa Valley

Napa make a wonderful day trip from San Francisco. Located between the rolling hills of Mayacamas Mountains, Napa Valley offers breathtaking views at every turn. You don’t need to be a wine lover in order to appreciate this region although if you are, going wine tasting in Napa Valley is a fantastic experience.

romantic getaways in Northern California
Napa Valley, one of the most romantic getaways in Northern California

Although a very small region, Napa is home to several hundred wineries. Many of them are open to the public (some by appointment only). Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a wine novice, Napa is the place to explore and learn about it. 

Napa Valley Northern California romantic getaways
Napa Valley

Choosing which winery to visit can be an overwhelming task. It’s a good idea to check them out before you decide to start a tour. The wealth of options, the elegance of the tasting rooms and the art collections exposed in some of them can make your head spin. Napa Valley is particularly beautiful in fall, when the trees put on their fall colors.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Few places in California are more romantic than cozy Carmel. I visited this town so many times during my road trips through California and I’m still not bored of it. In my opinion, this place deserves a very high place on your bucket list of places to see before you die.

Nested in the Monterey Peninsula, above a picture-perfect sand beach, this European-style village with no street addresses or mail boxes is just perfect for a retreat. Rustic cottages with picket fences, rugged ocean shores and green rolling hills. It can’t get much better than this.

Street in Carmel
Carmel by the Sea

The town’s architecture is a blend of small beach houses, log cabins and modern see-through glass homes. Over the years, Carmel has been the gathering place for many musicians, writers and painters. Their presence is quite obvious in the many art galleries and boutiques in town.

Carmel Rive Beach a romantic getaway in California
Carmel beach

On the outskirts of Carmel you can visit Mission San Carlos Borromeo (also known as the Carmel Mission)– the second mission built by Franciscan missionaries in California. 

The town is perfectly located: just between the famous 17-Mile Drive and Point Lobos Natural Reserve, on the Pacific Coast Highway. I can’t think of a more romantic getaway in California than this! If this is your first time here, chances are you may want to turn your getaway into a long vacation.

READ NEXT: How to Spend an Incredible Day in L.A.

Best Romantic Escapes in Central California

Santa Barbara

If you are looking for romantic place to getaway in Central California, Santa Barbara is probably your best bet. Gorgeous beaches, red tile roofs and beautiful gardens are just some of the things that made Santa Barbara famous. 

Santa Barbara Pier
Santa Barbara Pier

There is plenty to see and do here to justify and a long weekend stay, even though many people visit Santa Barbara as day trip from Los Angeles. 

One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is visit the Courthouse and its clock tower. You can also stroll along the Wtearns Wharf – the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco, or visit the Old Santa Barbara Mission. 

Solvang

You don’t need to take an expensive trip across the Atlantic to get the feel of a Danish village. Just a short 40-minute drive from Santa Barbara, the little town of Solvang will make you think you are in Denmark.

Solvang, one of the most romantic getaways in Southern California
Solvang village

The town has charm galore! European-style windmills, half timbered houses, storks on the rooftops, clogs and Danish bonnets in the windows, everything is reminiscent of the old Danish countryside. This is a place like no other in California.

Timber houses in Solvang
Solvang

Solvang is an attractive destination for food a wine lovers. From farm-to-table rustic Italian cuisine, American and Danish foods, sweets in all form to award-winning beers and world-class wines, there are plenty of temptations for your taste buds here.

Best Romantic Getaways in Southern California

Long Beach

Don’t underestimate the allure of a warm and sunny city, with beaches and marinas along its waterfront. Long Beach may be a big, sophisticated city, but its relaxed and easy-going atmosphere makes it feel more like a resort town. One of the best week-end getaways from Los Angeles!

Long Beach Yacht Harbor
Long Beach

The city provides many lodging options among witch a cabin on the permanently docked ocean liner Queen Mary. The now retired British ship is home to three world-class restaurants and can be visited daily, even if you are not a guest of the hotel.

Queen Mary Ship
Queen Mary Ship in Long Beach

The Shoreline Village is a boardwalk area with trendy boutiques, souvenirs shops and restaurants along Shoreline Marina. There is a bike, skates and pedal cart rental in the village and miles of beach path to explore.

You can also hop on a boat and take a tour of the Long Beach harbor. Along the waterfront, you can also visit the outstanding Aquarium of the Pacific. The aquarium has several huge tanks and more than 50 animal exhibits as well as a wide range of educational programs and interactive activities.

Laguna Beach

Located in the famous Orange County, Laguna Beach has all of the ingredients for a romantic getaway: beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, sweeping ocean views. The town is famous for its art galleries, fancy boutiques, and great restaurants.

Emerald Bay. the best romantic gateways in Southern California
Emerald Bay in Lagune Beach

Laguna Beach also made a name for itself  because of the of the living pictures, a live performance that you can’t see anywhere else in the world but here. Also known as the Pageant of the Masters, this performance is held every summer for eight weeks, beginning July.

If you are traveling with kids in Orange County, check out this post for some fun activities.

Coronado Island

Located just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado is consistently counted among the most romantic getaways in California. The island’s coastline is nothing short of spectacular, with wide sandy beaches and golden sand. A mineral called mica causes the sand here to glimmer. You can see these little flecks of gold shimmer in the water, just before the waves break.

There are countless options for outdoor activities, like biking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or sailing. You can also shop around in the many cute boutiques, or dine at one of the ocean-front restaurants. 

Coronado Island, romantic getaways in Southern California
Coronado Beach

Coronado is home to many great hotels among which the historic Hotel del Coronado, also known as The Del. Walking through its lobby is certainly worth the time. The hotel made history when it became the setting for the classic comedy Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. 

Planning a trip to California? Read these next:
Driving the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco
The Ultimate 3 Day Los Angeles Itinerary
Where and When to See the California Desert Super Bloom

Did you enjoy reading this post? Pin it for later:

California romantic getaways

You May Also Like:

How to Plan a Romantic Maui Getaway for Your Anniversary

Category: California, DESTINATIONS, United StatesTag: Destination Guides

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Previous Post: « Day Trip to Lake Bled from Ljubljana – a First Time Visitor’s Guide to Slovenia’s Popular Resort Town
Next Post: How to Have Fun in Lake Tahoe in Winter (Besides Skiing) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Victoria

    February 7, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    I enjoyed having a drink on del Coronado’s outside patio looking onto the beach and the ocean. I may not much anymore about romance (after being married for 25 years:) but definitely had a Californian vibe! Beautiful photos, as always, Anda!

    Reply
  2. Mary (The World Is A Book)

    February 7, 2018 at 8:35 am

    What a great list! I can totally appreciate this as a California resident. We have visited all these places and all (except for Napa) were with kids. So, I’ll have to go with Napa as a romantic getaway. It has the adult vibe. Now, if only we can fit in a romantic getaway in our schedules.

    Reply
  3. Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

    February 7, 2018 at 2:23 am

    It can’t possibly be Valentine’s Day yet. I’m pretty sure I only put the Christmas decorations away yesterday.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      February 7, 2018 at 5:50 pm

      Yea, I agree, Lyn. Time really flies.

      Reply
  4. Rob+Ann at TravelLatte(.net)

    February 6, 2018 at 8:17 pm

    What a fun post! Carmel is really tempting, and we are really fond of Coronado. But we have never spent any time in Solvang, and it seems adorable! That just might be the winner for us…even if it will have to be a post-Valentine’s Day visit if we’re to go this year. 😉 Great photos, Anda! #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
  5. Vlad

    February 4, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    Although I won’t be in California on Valentine’s Day, I really hope I can go to Carmel when I’ll visit San Francisco next month. To be fair though, all of those places look amazing, wish I would have time to see them all.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      February 4, 2018 at 8:27 pm

      Good to hear that you’ll finally make it to California. I know this was one of your dreams. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it tremendously and hopefully you’ll have time to visit Carmel. Is but an hour and a half from San Francisco.

      Reply
  6. jill

    February 4, 2018 at 10:10 am

    California has such natural beauty – and all of these places would make for a great romantic getaway. Those that live close enough to go are so lucky!

    Reply
  7. knycx.journeying

    February 4, 2018 at 9:05 am

    California is exciting and it’s a great list! I love Napa Valley and Long Beach, and you have covered so many places – beach, small town, vineyard, and seaside… I am sure anyone would be able to choose a place that they like!

    Reply
  8. Paul and Carole

    February 4, 2018 at 4:53 am

    What a great valentines guide. We would start with walking on the beautiful beach, then heading to Napa for some fine wine, then with our love of cruising a meal on the Queen Mary would be perfect!

    Reply
  9. Anisa

    February 4, 2018 at 2:19 am

    So many great ideas! I especially love Napa and Coronado Island. I still a haven’t figured out what we are going to do for Valentine’s Day. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
  10. Ruth

    February 3, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    You have picked so many beautiful places in here! I have not been to Napa or Coronado (shocking since I have been to San Diego like 100 times). I visited Carmel once but was tight on time. Plus, it was labor day weekend and the town was very crowded. I want to go back and spend the entire weekend in there.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      February 4, 2018 at 8:29 pm

      Carmel is a very famous spot on the coast of California and thus is always crowded. Nonetheless, it’s worth a visit.

      Reply
  11. Sara Broers

    February 3, 2018 at 3:38 pm

    What a great list! Carmel would win in my book. The beauty in that seaside community is stunning. With the nature preserve nearby and the famous 17 mile drive, what could go wrong? I have not been to Coronado Island, but you do have me intrigued.

    Reply
  12. Lara Dunning

    February 3, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    Great romantic getaway ideas! I’d love to visit the small towns of Carmel and Slovang. They look so charming and I’ve heard such great things about them. I’m always up for wine country and coastal explorations too! We were in California on the coast two years ago, and it most certainly is time for us to return.

    Reply
  13. Patti

    February 3, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    It would be hard to pick just one favorite romantic place! I have spent a good amount of time in California over the years, and Laguna Beach, Carmel, and Coronado Island are my three favorites. The coastal drive through Carmel is my favorite road trip, but I think for romance I’d have to go with Coronado.

    Reply
  14. California Globetrotter

    February 3, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    Aw now you’ve made me homesick! These are all wonderful locations, especially the Coronado Hotel! So glad you mentioned Some Like It Hot! That’s one of my fav classics!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      February 4, 2018 at 8:30 pm

      Mine too, Lolo. I watched that movie a hundred times, I guess.

      Reply
  15. Sand In My Suitcase

    February 3, 2018 at 10:20 am

    We’ve visited Carmel, and we know that’s a very pretty seaside town… It would no doubt be lovely to spend a romantic Valentine’s getaway there!

    Reply
  16. Rhonda Albom

    February 3, 2018 at 2:52 am

    My favourites are Carmel and Napa Valley. Carmel is just so cute while Napa is lots of fun when the weather is good. I haven’t been to Solvang or Coronado Island but I would like to visit.

    Reply
  17. Lydia C. Lee

    February 2, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    Picnic at the Nature reserve would be nice…

    Reply
  18. Jessica Norah

    February 2, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    Some good picks here. Places my ex boyfriend and I used to go in California getaways were Carmel/Monterey, Solvang, Napa/Sonoma, Half Moon Bay, or Mammoth Lakes. We were blessed with loads of good choices!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      February 2, 2018 at 1:24 pm

      Indeed, Jessica. We are so blessed here in California with so many great choices.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

ABOUT THIS BLOG

Travel Notes & Beyond a collection of travel stories and itinerary ideas designed to encourage independent travel at any age, while providing tips and useful information to help you make the most of your trip. Read More

 

Opt-in Form

POPULAR POSTS

  • Riding the Golden Pass Line from Lucerne to Interlaken
  • Towns in Sicily 10 Amazing Towns in Sicily That Everyone Should See
  • Red Rock Crossing Sedona, Arizona Red Rock Crossing – Hiking Sedona’s Most Iconic Trail
  • “The Crucifixion” – the Largest Painting Ever Painted
  • Places to Visit in Jerusalem 23 Historic Places to Visit in Jerusalem Old City

Footer

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights reserved © Travel Notes & Beyond. The material on this website is protected by copyright law. Republishing the content on this blog (including text, photography, etc.) is strictly prohibited.

Awards

  • Gold Award Winner
  • Silver Award Winner

AFFILIATE PROGRAM DISCLOSURE

Some of the pages and posts of this blog contain links to products and services that may be useful for my readers. When clicking on these links you will have the option to purchase or register for a service at no extra cost to you, but doing so can help me offset the costs associated with running this blog. Thank you for your support!

 
SHOP AMAZON HERE
Auto Europe vous offre des promotions sur les autos, les vols, et les hôtels.
Save On Airport Parking

Copyright © 2025 · Travel Notes & Beyond. All rights reserved

269 shares
  • 20