The Golden State is the place for romantics. You and your significant other have been putting off taking a romantic vacation for far too long, and those long drives down the coast, as well as those lovely beaches and mountains, are the ideal locations for such a trip. Whether you’re going on your first trip together, celebrating an anniversary, or taking a much-needed mom and dad-escape from the kids, there are a lot of romantic getaways that are just suitable for a long weekend. Some of these places are even more affordable than you may think. The following are a few of our picks for the most romantic hotels in the state of California.
- Redwood City’s BluReverie Catamaran
Imagine that you and your significant other are the only passengers on a 48-foot French catamaran sailing the San Francisco Bay on an all-inclusive BluReverie cruise for three days and two nights. You may set sail from Redwood City in the South Bay and make your way toward Angel Island, the largest natural island in San Francisco Bay. Angel Island is also home to a state park that features a variety of activities such as hiking, riding, and history tours. In addition, if you are interested in getting an insider’s view of how a catamaran is operated and would want the opportunity to assist with some of the work, please let us know.
This cruise includes all of your meals and beverages, and you’ll have the opportunity to create your own menu before setting sail. It doesn’t get much more romantic than watching the sunset over the water while sipping cocktails and having supper by the light of a candle.
2. Vintners Resort, Santa Rosa
Forget the throng; this four-diamond resort’s secluded setting features only 78 guest rooms. The setting of The Vintners Resort is absolutely breathtaking; it is encircled by more than 90 acres of vines and is manicured with courtyards and fountains; it is the ideal location for reconnecting with loved ones via peaceful strolls through the well-known property.
You might want to think about getting the couples package, which includes a two-night stay, a bottle of sparkling wine, six strawberries coated in chocolate, and silk rose petals scattered all over your room when you get there. Also included in the package is a spa credit for two 50-minute Signature Massages in the Couple’s Massage room at Vi La Vita Spa; two white cotton spa robes to take home; and a $150 dining credit that can be used at John Ash & Co. (the resort’s farm to table restaurant), The Front Room bar, or River Vine for breakfast. All of these amenities can be found at the Vi La Vita Spa.
3. Montage Laguna Beach
The first thing that will blow your mind about this place is its location: Montage is perched on a bluff that overlooks the ocean in Southern California. However, this well-known resort also has a great deal more to offer than just that. This seaside hotel sits on 30 acres and features exquisitely coastal-themed suites, two outdoor pools, a sizable spa, and three restaurants with views that are worth a million dollars each. Free yoga and other workouts, as well as beach stroll meditation, are among the wellness activities that are offered onsite.
At the Spa Montage, the Romantic Couples Journey treatment is an excellent way to relieve tension. Experience an exfoliation, a botanical bubble bath, an aromatic scalp massage, and a side-by-side full body massage all rolled into one relaxing experience. Take a refreshing swim in the Mosaic Pool, which offers stunning vistas of the ocean, and let the good times roll.
When you are ready for some excitement, speak with the concierge at your hotel about activities such as whale viewing, kayak tours, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. You can go all out with a private Ocean Surf Bungalow Suite that is located near to the water and features unrestricted views of both the ocean and the beach in the surrounding area.
4. Hotel Ynez, Solvang
The redwood, oak, and Madrone trees, as well as the gardens and bonfire pits, may be found on the two wonderfully private acres that this boutique hotel in Solvang, located on California’s Central Coast, occupies. You’ll have plenty to keep you active during your stay at Hotel Ynez, from going on wine tasting excursions to surrounding wineries to making stops in Solvang’s downtown area, which is styled after Denmark. You can relax in the hammocks on your private patio, play bocce ball in the gardens, or make yourself at home by going to the pool, playing bocce ball, or reclining in Adirondack chairs and drinking wine.
Make a reservation in the Garden Suite, which features a king bed situated beneath skylights, a wood-stove fireplace, a private backyard with seats, a hammock, a fire pit, and a hot tub, and is ideal for couples. What else could you possibly require?
5. Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a thriving city in the state of California that is abundant in the arts, gastronomic options, and yes, wonderful beaches. It goes without saying that this location is perfect for a weekend retreat for a couple. If you want to take advantage of everything that the surrounding area has to offer, make the five-star Ritz-Carlton Bacara your home base. There is a wide variety of entertainment available at the well-known resort, including the opportunity to swim in one of three pools, use one of the resort’s complimentary electric bicycles, go to the beach, walk along the resort’s nature trail, participate in a tennis lesson, and try out surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Check out unique initiatives such as Meet Your Maker, which allow you to taste future vintages from the barrel as well as private reserve and library wines. This experience provides you with a private guided tour, a gourmet picnic lunch, and various sampling. Discover inner peace in the spa and wellness center that spans 42,000 square feet. Think about getting a one-bedroom suite that has a huge balcony, a fireplace, a wet bar, and a view of the ocean.
6. Alila Ventana Big Sur
Even if Big Sur is already a spectacular display in and of itself, the views at the adults-only Alila Ventana Big Sur resort are even more breathtaking. Imagine vast landscapes with towering redwood woods in one way and the pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean in the other; scenes like these are definitely made for the movies.
Both the Circle of Life Meditation Experience, which takes place among a natural ring of redwood trees that are over a century old, and celestial-infused yoga are two of the distinctive activities that may be enjoyed by adults only at this opulent, adults-only resort. At the Meadow Pool on the property, you may relax in one of the private cabanas or in the infinity-edged hot tub while taking in the views of the ocean and the redwoods. The Japanese hot springs, which are heated to 104 degrees, and the Mountain Pool, which is positioned high in the resort and is surrounded by trees, are two more wonderful possibilities.
You have your choice of suites, cottages, or villas. In the Big Sur Spa Suite, in addition to being able to sit in a spacious hammock and unwind in a hot tub on your patio with a view of the ocean, canyon, or forest, you also have access to a private hot tub. Coming inside will be almost as pleasant as spending time outside thanks to the wood-burning fireplace and the big indoor tub with room for two.
7.San Luis Obispo’s Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
San Luis Obispo is a hidden gem on California’s Central Coast that deserves more attention than it gets. This little college town offers a variety of fun things to do, such as going kayaking on Laguna Lake, wine tasting, shopping at the farmers market, and hanging out at the beach. Wine can be sampled at establishments such as Chamisal Vineyards and Malene’s ’69 Airstream mobile tasting room.
When you and your significant other reserve one of the resort’s 24 open-air mineral spring hot tubs on the forested hillside, the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is the place to go for wellness and relaxation. This is especially true when you and your partner book the tub together. Do not pass up the opportunity to indulge in a spa treatment while you are here; this popular destination among the neighborhood’s residents routinely takes home prizes for the quality of its massages, and each treatment comes with a complimentary private mineral springs bath.
8. Carmel-by-the-Sea and La Playa Carmel, both located in Carmel
It’s possible that Carmel-by-the-Sea is the most romantic spot in all of California. This little town on the central coast of California is really irresistible. It all begins with the architecture, which was constructed in the 1920s to look like something out of a storybook. It features curled eaves, rounded doors, and asymmetrical chimneys. Along the streets of the downtown area are located upscale boutiques, artisanal shops, galleries, and wine tasting rooms. And the scenery is breathtaking, with Point Lobos to the south, Pebble Beach to the north, and the enormous Pacific stretching out from town; be sure not to miss Carmel Beach, which is one of the most well-liked beaches in the state.
Staying at La Playa Carmel, often known as the “Grande Dame of Carmel,” is a great way to ensure that the enchantment lasts as long as possible. This seaside home has been a source of romantic inspiration for more than a century thanks to its beautifully groomed gardens, inviting patios and courtyards, and terrace swimming pool. In spite of its recent makeover, the hotel has managed to keep its classic allure while simultaneously providing guests with a fresh perspective on the tranquility of the California coast.