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Romantic California Vacation Travel - "Where Two Go" in CA

By: Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Mar 4, 2025  

California is a very big place - where exactly in the Sunshine State will you spend your romantic vacation?

Another California Adventure Near The Golden Gate Bridge

Best Time to Getaway to California - anytime really! That may depend more on when you need to getaway from wherever you're at. Expense-wise, some of the best travel deals can be found anytime away from public holidays and spring break season.

Our Choice - Top 3 Romantic California Vacation Spots:

1. San Francisco: no surprise here, but this city just keeps on being amazing. Enough superlatives about romance and San Francisco have been written to fill volumes, but see it for yourselves and don't miss exploring the great neighborhoods of the City by the Bay, as well as a night or two in a small romantic inn.

2. San Diego: lots of vacation, honeymoon or anniversary things to do here, like trolley rides to the Gaslamp Quarter, day trips to Coronado Island, romantic dining in La Jolla and lots more, and all in the best climate in the USA.

3. Carmel: tucked away along the coast in Monterey County, this quiet little seaside town is a natural for picnics by the waves, a relaxing stroll among the galleries and cafes, or an attractive base for exploring more of the California's wonderful Big Sur.

video: hilton Romantic getaway resort in california

• Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort - We stopped by here recently for a short stay and can highly recommend this oceanside resort in Huntingdon Beach. It's a bit pricey, but well worth the splurge for the warm ocean breeze and that all-inclusive resort feel in Southern California. Ocean View Rooms are bright with private balconies and coastline views, and down below, the sunny pool area has plenty of loungers. Oh, and don't miss happy hour at their fabulous rooftop bar (see the photo below). ERV Rating: 93% - Excellent (91% from 2025 TripAdvisor reviews, +2% Romance Bonus for 8/10 swooning over oceanfront lovebird vibes!). Guest Quote: "The balcony views and pool made our weekend so romantic!" – Feb 2025, ©TripAdvisor. Romance Index: 81% Couples-Friendly (16/20 reviews rave about couple perks—3 mention kids.) (21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntingdon Beach CA 714-845-8000)

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort Room

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort Pool

Drinks with a View - Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntingdon Beach

Northern California Romantic Travel

San Francisco's Bay Area is a Favorite Getaway & Honeymoon Spot

• Northern California Romantic Getaways - Leave the crowds behind and go "coastal", north on Hwy 1 to secluded Bodega Bay and Mendocino.  

• Romantic Getaway in San Francisco - See our tips for a romantic cable car ride, great neighborhoods to wander together through, day trips, sunsets and more. And for some romantic nights, check out our selection of great rates at San Francisco Hotels & Inns with Whirlpool Suites. 

Central California Romantic Spots

San Luis Obispo, CA - Laid-Back Coastal Charm

Romantic King Suite at the San Luis Creek Lodge

• San Luis Creek Lodge - One of the Central Coast’s sweetest retreats, this gem is an attractive mix of creek-side calm with romantic flair. Plush beds, fresh Pacific breezes, wine tasting just minutes away - you get the picture. Stroll the beaches or snuggle up—perfect for two. ERV Rating: 94% - Exceptional (92% from 2025 TripAdvisor reviews, +2% Romance Bonus for 8/10 reviews swooning over cozy couple vibes!) Guest Quote: “The creek views and cozy beds made our anniversary so special!” – Feb 2025 ©TripAdvisor. Romance Index: 80% Couples-Friendly (16/20 reviews gush about romantic walks and wine dates—only 3 mention kids.) (1941 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo CA  805-541-1122) 

san luis obispo: madonna inn

• Madonna Inn - Quirky and oh-so-romantic, this San Luis Obispo icon serves up themed rooms (Old Fashioned Honeymoon, Misty Rock, Romance, Hideaway, Anniversary Room, Just Heaven) and playful charm. Book here for the waterfall showers, rock fireplaces, and a vibe that’s pure fun for couples. ERV Rating: 93% - Excellent (91% from 2025 reviews, +2% Romance Bonus for 7/10 raving about lovebird quirks!) Guest Quote: “The quirky rooms and waterfall shower made our stay a fun getaway!” – Feb 2025, ©TripAdvisor. Romance Index: 78% Couples-Friendly (15/20 reviews love the romantic oddities—4 nod to families.) (100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo CA 805-543-3000)

Misty Rock Theme Room

Madonna Inn Sign

Paso Robles, CA - Wine Country Bliss

Paso Robles, CA - Hot springs & wineries are good ingredients for a weekend filled with romance, and this smaller Central California community boasts both. Perfectly placed almost exactly 1/2 way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this small city of 30,000 is a hub for food tours & fine dining, specialty shops, and some very nice landscapes dotted with vineyards waiting to be explored.

Romantic Hotel Chaval in Paso Robles, CA

• Hotel Cheval - A luxe hideaway in Paso Robles, this spot’s all about wine and romance. Check into luxurious rooms complete with spa robes, teak furniture, sun decks and fireplaces. Sip in the courtyard, savor warm cookies, or soak in nearby hot springs—a pure couples heaven. ERV Rating: 96% - Outstanding (94% from 2025 reviews, +2% Romance Bonus for 9/10 calling it a date-night dream!) Guest Quote: “Wine tasting in their courtyard felt like a private date night—pure magic!” – Jan 2025, ©TripAdvisor. Romance Index: 85% Couples-Friendly (17/20 reviews buzz about wine and romance—2 mention kids.) (1021 Pine Street, Paso Robles, California 805-226-9995)

Romantic Southern California Destinations

High Up in Dana Point, CA along the Romantic Southern California Coast

• Catalina Island Romantic Honeymoon Getaways - Escape the mainland and head to the relaxing Channel Islands. Full info on planning a great honeymoon or anniversary trip in 2020 to Catalina, including hotels and things to do.

• Romantic Getaway in San Diego - Say hi to the best weather in the USA! The Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island and luxurious La Jolla are just some of the highlights

Los Angeles, CA - Urban Romance Meets Beach

Kimpton Palomar LA Room ©TripAdvisor

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Pool ©TripAdvisor

• Kimpton Hotel Palomar Los Angeles Beverly Hills - Kimpton hotels are known as sleek and stylish, and this Beverly Hills gem doesn't disappoint with it's unique mix of urban buzz with romantic charm. The couples vibe is alive and well with their plush rooms, a heated pool with Hollywood Hills views, and an inviting lobby bar where you can sample fresh bites and sip wine during their nightly happy hour. ERV Rating: 91% - Excellent (90% from 2025 TripAdvisor reviews, +1% Romance Bonus for 7/10 raving about poolside date nights!). Guest Quote: "The pool and wine hour made our getaway feel extra special!" – Feb 2025, ©TripAdvisor. Romance Index: 79% Couples-Friendly (15/20 reviews love the romantic perks—4 mention families.)

more Romantic Places to Stay in California

Laguna Beach, CA - Serenity now!

Romantic Pool Area - Casa Laguna Inn & Spa, Laguna Beach CA

• Casa Laguna Inn & Spa - Peaceful and pampered is how we felt after our 2 night stay here. Tucked away in artsy Laguna Beach, the inn oozes charm with ocean views and spa treats. ERV Rating: 92% - Excellent (‘91% from 2025 reviews, +1% Romance Bonus for 7/10 praising spa-date vibes!’). Guest Quote: "The spa treatments and ocean vibes were perfect for unwinding together." – Jan 2025, ©TripAdvisor. Romance Index: 82% Couples-Friendly (16/20 reviews adore the romantic calm—3 mention kids.) (2510 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach CA 949-494-2996)

• California's Most Romantic Beach Hotels & Inns - Perhaps no other state has the variety of oceanfront hotels and inns you'll find in California. Check out this brand new guide we've created, full of our hand-picked top choices for romantic accommodation close to and right on the beach along the Northern, Central and Southern California Coast.

• Northern California Bed & Breakfasts - honeymoon accommodation in Mendocino, Healdsburg, Fort Bragg & more.

More Romantic southern california hotels:

Newport Beach

Newport Beach Hotel

• Newport Beach Hotel - one of the most romantic hotels in Orange County, with Whirlpool Suites and a terrific location just steps from the beach. 2022 ERV Rating* for Santa Ana, CA Romantic Hotels: 80% - Very Good. (2306 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach CA 949-673-7030) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

Palm Springs

Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas

• Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas - for complete poolside relaxation in the shade, it's hard to beat this excellent resort in the Coachella Valley. 2022 ERV Rating* for Rancho Mirage, CA Romantic Resorts: 80% - Very Good. (71777 Dinah Shore Dr, Rancho Mirage CA  760-328-5955) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

Manhattan Beach

Spa Tub Suite - Shade Hotel

• Shade Hotel - right in the heart of Manhattan Beach, with an excellent restaurant and lounge on site, and bubbly spa tubs in every room. 2022 ERV Rating* for Romantic Los Angeles Boutique Hotels: 92% - Excellent. (1221 North Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach CA 310-546-4995)

san diego

Pool at the Pacific Terrace Hotel

• Pacific Terrace Hotel - fantastic oceanfront location, with a palm tree-fringed pool and suites giving you perfect sunsets every night. 2022 ERV Rating* for Romantic San Diego Oceanfront Hotels: 94% - Excellent. (610 Diamond St, San Diego CA  858-581-3500)

Video: Top 10 Romantic California Vacation Spots

Here's our new HD video of romantic travel in California. In just 2 minutes you'll see scenes that include:

• Riding a cable car in San Francisco
• Sunset on the Mendocino Coast
• Romantic Pool at the Casa Laguna Inn, Laguna Beach
• Gorgeous Canals of Venice, CA
• Historic Winery in Napa Valley

5 of California's Most Romantic Beaches

1. La Jolla Cove - outstandingly beautiful and serene enclave of beach and cliffs in this swanky North San Diego neighborhood. You may see seals and sea lions, some wedding photos being taken, and certainly fantastic sunsets on clear evenings.

2. Carmel - pick up a quick lunch in downtown Carmel and head west for a great time on the white sand. Occasionally the fresh ocean breeze brings along some fog, but it adds to the romance! 

3. Coronado Beach - "gorgeous" is the word that comes to most visitor's minds when they set foot on this beautiful soft sand beach. Great location too in San Diego, close to good dining and accommodation.  

4. Laguna Beach - couples holidaying here love the clean sand and water, and nearby Heisler Park and Crystal Cove State Park are very scenic stops on your way to the water.

5. Baker Beach, San Francisco - any strip of sand with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background must rate high on the romance scale! Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but it's well worth the effort. Great spot for watching people and the ocean.

More California Getaways & Deals

• Up to 50% Off Romantic California Hotels & Inns - save big on great places for couples getaways, like San Diego's La Jolla Cove Suites, The Grand Del Mar, and The Biltmore Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA.

More Resources:

• VisitCalifornia.com - official site for State of California Tourism.

*ERV Rating: our unique, non-scientific ratings for romantic accommodation include:

• Amenities: including Whirlpool or JACUZZI® Tub, walk-in shower, fireplace, lounge, etc
• Location: proximity of hotel to restaurants, pubs, downtown, etc
• Clientele: demographic the hotel attracts (couples, families, business travelers, etc)
• Popularity: based on social media & crowd-sourced reviews 
• Value: product offered compared to room rate 
• Please Note: percentage ratings are not absolute but for comparative use only  

Disclaimer: Pros and Cons listed on our pages are based on information gathered both from our own hotel stays and from various online sources, including user reviews from TripAdvisor, X and Google. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the information is entirely up-to-date or error-free. Please verify all details with the hotel directly.

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