13 Most Romantic Getaways in California — From Malibu to Big Sur

These romantic California destinations will rekindle the spark (and your wanderlust).

California may be the third-largest state in the country by area, but it's unrivaled when it comes to romance. Stretching from the Mexico border in the south to Oregon in the north, the Golden State is famed for its dramatic coastline, SoCal surf vibes, ancient redwood forests, verdant mountains, and desert landscapes. Big cities like sunny Los Angeles and foggy San Francisco garner ample affection, while smaller communities just outside the urban sprawl, including Malibu, Ojai, and Sausalito, are irresistible, too.

There are spectacular national and state parks, world-class wine regions, and countless opportunities for long walks on the beach. California has some of the best and most exciting restaurants in the U.S., which makes it a cinch to impress your sweetie with a special date-night dinner. And, of course, a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway is the stuff of road trip dreams.

With such variety for every type of couple, California is ready-made for a romantic getaway. You just have to decide which tempting spot to hit first.

Related: 25 Life-Changing Trips for Couples

Carmel-by-the-Sea

A charming destination that resembles a movie set, Carmel-by-the-Sea enchants all who visit. This storybook community on the Monterey Peninsula is the perfect place for a couple's trip offering both seaside relaxation and plenty of things to do. The quaint downtown features restaurants, art galleries, and shops housed in thatched-roof cottages, and the area is studded with luxury accommodations like the Carmel Beach Hotel. Save some time while you're here for romantic activities, like wine tasting and savoring a picnic lunch on Carmel Beach.

Ojai

California has a lot of great coastal towns, but bohemian Ojai is an inland gem that shouldn't be overlooked. Downtown buzzes with boutiques and breweries and offers farm-to-fork restaurants like The Nest. If wine tasting is more your thing, that's doable, too, as are strolls along the 9.5-mile Ojai Valley Trail. Fair warning, though: These appealing pursuits do require you to step away from the cozy fireplace and panoramic views of your room at the Ojai Valley Inn. Since the inn is one of California's most romantic hotels, that proposition may be easier said than done.

Healdsburg

Healdsburg is a vibrant wine-country destination perfect for sipping, savoring, and spa time. Marine Layer Wines and Lioco are two of the best tasting rooms downtown, while a short drive outside of town yields the many excellent wineries of the Dry Creek Valley. From the Michelin-starred Barndiva to the hip and veg-forward Little Saint, splendid restaurants abound here, too. Topping the list of most romantic places to spend the night are The Madrona and Montage Healdsburg, two of Travel + Leisure readers' favorite California resorts of 2023.

Big Sur

An essential stop on any Pacific Coast Highway road trip (and a spot worth visiting on its own), Big Sur is defined by its breathtaking scenery. Towering ancient redwoods give way to coastal cliffs, and a veil of mist often cloaks the sky. There are hiking trails for all skill levels, plus some dreamy overnight accommodations, from adults-only luxury resorts like Alila Ventana Big Sur and Post Ranch Inn (both with award-winning restaurants) to cozy cabins, glamping sites, and rugged campgrounds.

Malibu

Malibu is more than just a refuge for celebs trying to escape the flashing bulbs and furtive glances of Hollywood; it's a romance-ready beach town with a road-tripping sensibility and major chill factor. Here, you're just as likely to see classic and luxury cars as motorcycles cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway. The community boasts several stylish motels-turned-boutique-hotels, like The Surfrider and Nobu Ryokan, and its 21-mile coastline makes it easy to find a secluded stretch of sand. When you're ready for a beach day, simply roll out a blanket, uncork a bottle of wine, and share a burrito from longtime local favorite Lily's.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park has become a popular place for photographers and content creators, but at its core, the area is a paradise of otherworldly scenery and outdoor adventure that attracts nature lovers and literal lovers alike. While the stunning natural environment is the main attraction here, the slew of tricked-out retro Airstreams and immaculately designed cabins are a pretty close second. Some lodgings even have outdoor claw-foot tubs, so couples can relish a soak while gazing up at the celestial magic above.

Palm Springs

It's not just the scorching temperatures that make Palm Springs a sizzling escape. Since Hollywood's Golden Age, A-list duos have run away to this desert paradise for a little R&R and a lot of romance. Swaying palms and majestic mountains frame a hip, happening downtown that's dotted with restaurants and vintage shops, while stylish boutique stays like The Colony Palms and Parker Palm Springs entice design-conscious pairs looking to live that private casita life for a few days.

Bodega Bay

Most people associate Sonoma County with rolling vineyards and wineries. Bodega Bay reveals a vastly different and intoxicatingly beautiful coastal side of the region. It's a quick, scenic drive from the best wine towns in Northern California, making it a great day trip if you're craving a change of scenery. But the romantic move is to stay the night at The Lodge at Bodega Bay. The next morning, start the day with an ocean-view hike followed by oysters at one of the famous local seafood joints.

Sausalito

Just across the bay from San Francisco, Sausalito feels like the antithesis of its fast-paced neighbor. It's a leisurely coastal destination where walking along the marina and admiring the bobbing houseboats counts as a well-spent afternoon. If you're into hiking, biking, or simply gawking at the majesty of nature, you're in luck here. Sausalito is home to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the National Park Service site that hosts both the Golden Gate Bridge and a whopping 81,000 acres of trails, picnic areas, and wide open spaces. As far as accommodations are concerned, it's impossible not to fall head over heels for the historic ambience and unobstructed bay views at Cavallo Point.

Los Alamos

Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley not far from Santa Barbara, Los Alamos is a scenic yet under-the-radar wine destination. The wine and culinary scene is crave-worthy, thanks to vineyards like Bedford Winery, Casa Dumetz Wines, and Lumen Wines and restaurants like the Michelin-starred Bell's. But despite this high-end foodie cred, Los Alamos holds onto a real sense of authenticity. Fans of vintage vibes will flip for Skyview Los Alamos, a hilltop hideaway set off Highway 101 that pays homage to its roots as a 1950s roadside motel.

Death Valley National Park

Though it may not seem like the most romantic of California locales, Death Valley is a once-in-a-lifetime road trip for adventurous couples. This grim-sounding but gorgeous place is home to the lowest point in North America (the salt flats of Badwater Basin), as well as awe-inspiring landscapes like those of Artists Palette and Zabriskie Point. Beyond witnessing incredible feats of nature, couples visiting this national park and its surrounds can rent a glamping site, roast marshmallows, and snuggle under the stars.

Kenwood

For a low-key Sonoma County getaway that scores high marks for wine and romance, the unassuming town of Kenwood is the consummate choice. It's home to a handful of excellent wineries (not to mention the extraordinary gastronomic experience that awaits at Hamel Family Wines just down the road), and it offers lovely outdoor experiences thanks to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and the nearby Sonoma Botanical Garden. Meanwhile, Kenwood Inn & Spa oozes Italianate splendor, with a distinctly grown-up atmosphere that will transport you to Tuscany — all without leaving the Golden State.

Half Moon Bay

If you live in the San Francisco area and you surf, chances are you've heard of Half Moon Bay.Beaches and surf breaks aside, though it's a superb place for a romantic getaway — especially if you check into The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Set atop a bluff, this luxury hotel has refined rooms with fire pits and sweeping ocean views, as well as a world-class golf course, three mouthwatering restaurants, and a posh spa. Enjoy a romantic dinner at The Conservatory (the hotel's waterfront seafood restaurant) before capping off the evening with some bubbly and s'mores on your private terrace.

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