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The Most Romantic Weekend Getaways in California Are These Hidden Gems

Escape without ever leaving the state.
best romantic getaways california
Hilton

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There’s so much to love about weekend trips — they’re one of my favorite ways to unwind and escape the city and hustle and bustle of IRL life for awhile (without the headache of a plane ride, and, for me since I have two dogs, dog boarding stress). Just hop in the car with some luggage, snacks, and good playlist — and we’re ready to go. If you live in California and you and your partner are looking for a fun, romantic California getaway for the weekend, there are so many good options. As an Angeleno, I’ve road-tripped around the entire state and have found incredible gems that are car rides away (some as close to an hour away from my house).

The thing that makes California such a unique vacation destination is that the state offers so much, and you can truly tailor the experience to your needs and interests, depending on what you’re looking for in a getaway. You really don’t have to travel far to find an escape from real life for a little while. You and your partner can jet off to wine country and enjoy sweeping views of vineyards, connect with the earth and sip cocktails seaside, or indulge in a luxurious spa-themed weekend.

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in California, at a Glance

Best Overall: Hotel Del Coronado
Best for Mountain Lovers: Getaway House Big Bear
Best for Desert Lovers: Airbnb Twentynine Palms
Best for Wine Lovers: Europa Village Wineries & Resort
Best Splurge: Alila Ventana
Best for Ocean Lovers: Oceana Santa Monica
Best for the Adventurous Couple: Harbor Court Hotel, San Francisco
Best for Animal Lovers: The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Most Romantic California Cities for a Weekend Trip:

Depending on where you are in the country, a weekend trip might be feasible, and if you’re coming from the East Coast, you might want to allow for a little more time to adjust to the time change.

According to Lindsay Myers, travel expert, TV host, and travel planning professional, there are a few stand-out cities in the Golden State. First off, the Big Sur/ Carmel by the Sea area is a must-see. “Carmel by the sea (south of San Francisco) is a small sleepy gem of a town,” says Myers. There are “lots of boutique hotels, B&Bs, and amazing ocean views. Think cozy fireplaces and romantic walk,” she adds.

Another great feature of California is for the wine lovers. There are so many wineries and vineyards outside of Napa and Sonoma. “Paso Robles has 200 wineries and is only 30 miles from the coast,” says Myers. “You can taste wine all day and enjoy the sunset at night.” Temecula is also a popular location for wine tasting, as it boasts incredible views of the valley, and plenty of wineries to choose from in Lake Village.

Experts in This Article

Lindsay Myers: Travel expert, TV host, and travel planning professional

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