California Known to many as the Golden State – and with good reason; It is mainly known for honeymoons. But there’s so much more to California than swaying palm trees fringing golden beaches and sunsets dipping into the Pacific Ocean. Take a step back from the beach and into the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the towering Redwood forests and discover a hefty helping of the great outdoors.
When many couples start thinking about their honeymoons, images of tropical islands and exotic lands come to mind. However, there are plenty of beautiful places and adventurous spots right here in California to celebrate your first days as new spouses too. California is a great place to take a honeymoon if you don’t have a lot of time to take off work, want to save some money after going all out for the wedding, or just prefer to stay closer to home until you have more time to plan a longer overseas trip. Here are our favorite honeymoon destinations in California.
1. Napa Valley Honeymoon
Easily one of the most popular California honeymoon destinations, Napa Valley is full of beauty. For starters, you have world-renown wineries to enjoy together. On top of that, there are ample romantic things to do including going on a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, dining at the famous Michelin-star restaurant French Laundry, or even biking along the vineyards for the active couple.
For a relaxing and fun honeymoon in California, you can’t go wrong with Napa Valley. For a lovely honeymoon-worthy stay in Wine Country, opt for Auberge du Soleil. This adults-only hotel is perfect for lovers.
2. San Diego
San Diego is one of the most romantic places to visit in California, and you’ll see why after spending a few days wandering its charming neighborhoods, exploring the inviting coastlines, and lazing the afternoon away in a cozy Japanese tea garden.
Start your California honeymoon with an adventure in La Jolla, an elegant and friendly neighborhood just a few minutes north of San Diego. There’s more than enough to do here for couples who want to have some fun in the sun.
One of the most popular activities in La Jolla, one of the best small towns in California, is snorkeling right off the beach, where you can often see sharks in water just a few feet deep. Don’t worry—the sharks prefer crabs and fish to people. It’s often possible to see sea turtles and large schools of fish, too.
3. Palm Springs
With nearly 350 days of sunshine per year, this is an ultimate honeymoon spot for sun-seekers. A true year-round destination, Palm Springs also beckons newlyweds thanks to numerous galleries, boutique shopping, excellent fine dining, and stylish accommodations (which often feature gorgeous mid-century modern design).
Don’t miss exploring Joshua Tree National Park, just a 35-mile drive from town. The park, which features two unique desert ecosystems, boasts incredible hiking, biking, climbing, and stargazing opportunities.
4. Catalina Island
We also love Catalina Island as a honeymoon destination because it’s close to Los Angeles but feels like an entire world away. There is no shortage of fun and romantic things to do on the island once you hop on a boat to get here, such as theater performances, restaurants, water sports, and relaxing beach time. You can stay in a romantic bed and breakfast here, in a luxury hotel, or even camp out for a little more adventure. Most accommodations are in the town of Avalon, and you can reach the island in about a one-hour ride by ferry from Long Beach, Dana Point, or San Pedro.
5. Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is a city located in the county of Sonoma, California. It is situated in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. Santa Rosa is known for its wine production, and many vineyards are located in and around the city.
The city also has a strong arts culture, with several theaters and galleries. There are many things to do in Santa Rosa, making it one of the best honeymoon destinations in California.
Some of the most romantic things to do in Santa Rosa include visiting the wineries, taking a hot air balloon ride with Sonoma Ballooning, and picnicking in Trione-Annadel State Park.
For nature-related adventures, you can go hiking at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park or the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve. You could also visit Serengeti Wildlife Preserve for an African Safari experience right in California. You’ll be able to see wildlife such as tigers, giraffes, and other animals.
There are also various historical activities to do in Santa Rosa including touring the Charles M. Schulz Museum, visiting the Jack London House, or taking a stroll in the historical downtown square.
6. Monterey
Monterey has been romanticized since the 1920s when bohemian artists and authors first drew inspiration from its seaside cliffs and stunning natural beauty.
One of the most unforgettable things to do in Monterey is to experience a part of the world-famous 17 Mile Drive. This stunning coastal drive goes past some of the most beautiful coastlines in northern California like Spanish Bay, the picture-perfect Lone Cypress, and Pescadero Point.
This section of Monterey is genuinely a scenic wonderland, and it’s hard not to feel the romance as you watch waves crash on the shore and seabirds land on twisted cliffside pine trees.
Once back in town, grab your sweetie for a stroll along historic Cannery Row and the fantastic Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the world. The sprawling aquarium and research center is home to some of the most extensive exhibits of Pacific Ocean wildlife in the world.
You can see sharks, penguins, sea otters, and a magnificent exhibit on rare jellyfish that will leave you just as excited and impressed as the kids next to you. The aquarium is also a leader in ocean conservation efforts, so environmentally conscious couples will find the research exhibits fascinating.
Near the aquarium, you’ll find locally-owned seafood restaurants, bakeries, quirky souvenir shops, art galleries, wine shops, and tasting rooms. This part of Monterey offers a fantastic blend of nostalgia, culture, and easy access to the beach, so try to find at least an hour or two to stroll hand-in-hand during your California honeymoon.
7. Temecula
Temecula, California, is one of the best (and most underrated!) honeymoon ideas in California. This quaint, southern town is located just a one-hour drive from San Diego and oozes romance and charm!
During your honeymoon, you can’t miss the chance to explore the best wineries in Temecula. Temecula is Southern California’s Wine Country and is home to more than 50 wineries, with new vineyards and tasting rooms appearing in the region each year! Wilson Creek Winery and Leoness Cellars are two notable wineries to visit during your honeymoon.
You shouldn’t miss the chance to go on a romantic hot air balloon ride over the vineyards for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But if you’d like to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground, you can also go on a horseback riding tour through the vineyards. And although Temecula is a beautiful location to visit year-round, if you’re visiting during the summer, don’t miss the chance to go blueberry picking (and eating!) at Temecula Berry Co.
When you’re hungry, head down to Old Town Temecula to explore the local eateries and unique restaurants that offer the perfect venue for a romantic dinner. 1909 Temecula and Public House are perfect for brunch on the weekends, and The Goat & Vine is a must-visit location for dinner. However, get your name on the waitlist early—tables at this sought-after restaurant will get snatched up quickly!
8. Paso Robles
California is loaded with incredible destinations to visit. However, if you are looking for a unique and romantic location to spend your honeymoon, Paso Robles may be the place for you.
Paso Robles is situated on California’s Central Coast, located an equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Paso Robles is well known for producing world-class wine, its charming downtown, and its overall laid-back vibe.
An intimate getaway of wine tasting in Paso Robles makes for the perfect honeymoon destination. The area is less expensive and has fewer tourists than other wine regions in California. Relax with a glass of award-winning wine at Daou Vineyards, and soak in the panoramic views of the rolling hills of vineyards.
After a day of wine tasting at some of the many wineries in Paso Robles, be sure to stop downtown for drinks and dinner. Visit The Alchemists’ Garden for one of their innovative drink concoctions. Afterward, enjoy a delicious meal at Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Bar, a California cuisine farm-to-table restaurant.
Paso Robles has so much more to offer than just wine, such as the experience at the Field of Light at Sensorio. The Field of Light is a magical outdoor exhibit of glowing fiber-optic lights.
9. Solvang & the Santa Ynez Valley
If there is one charming honeymoon idea in California, it is Solvang. Located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, this place is perfect for wine lovers and lovers of adorable towns.
Solvang is unique in that it looks like a Danish village, complete with windmills, pastry shops, and incredible Danish-inspired architecture. There are ample things to do in the Solvang including shopping at adorable antique stores, grabbing an aforementioned pastry at one of many bakeries, going olive oil tasting at various shops, taking a hike at nearby Nojoqui Falls and Gaviota State Park, and, of course, wine tasting.
Not only can you go wine tasting in the town itself, but there are plenty of places in the Santa Ynez Valley known for their wine.
This part of the state is well-known for its Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Some wineries to try include Carharrt Vineyard, Sanger Family of Wines, and Sunstone Vineyards & Winery. All of these wineries offer incredible tastings at a much more reasonable price than many other places in California.
10. Death Valley National Park
Now let’s talk about some incredible national parks in California for your honeymoon! Death Valley National Park is located in the northern Mojave Desert and borders the Great Basin Desert. This eastern California national park is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America.
Now, this isn’t exactly a luxury honeymoon destination in California, but for the adventurous, this is an incredible place. Full of beauty from Badwater Basin to Artist’s Palette, a honeymooning couple could enjoy all the stunning viewpoints in the park.
Some must-sees during a Death Valley honeymoon include Badwater Basin and Artist’s Palette (as mentioned above) plus the Mesquite Sand Dunes, Golden Canyon, Devil’s Golf Course, Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, and visiting the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to see the temperature.
For a place to stay in Death Valley, check out the Inn at Death Valley. Death Valley can also make a fun addition to a road trip honeymoon!
More Places | Best Honeymoon Destinations in USA for Couples in 2024
