Best Romantic Getaways in Southern California
Searching for the best romantic getaways in Southern California? Well, you are in the right place! After a whirlwind city week, slipping into the chill beach vibes of a SoCal beach town is just the ticket! Luckily, Southern California offers some of the most unforgettable escapes for two. From cultural weekends to barefoot sunsets on the beach, there are heaps of choices to spend a cozy 48 hours on a romantic getaway. Don’t worry though, as we've travelled the state extensively on our four week road trip, I'm sharing our absolute favorite Southern California getaways, and I hope you love them too.
Cal-a-Vie Health Spa in the California Hills, 40 minutes from San Diego
This is one of our favorite weekend getaways in Southern California because honestly I couldn't believe how much it reminded us of a French coastal village.
Now, first things first, after driving just 40 miles north of San Diego, this wellness retreat on sprawling 450 acres made us feel like we've traveled much further. You'll find terracotta rooftops, lavender pathways, and vineyard views.
I instantly adored our suite for two days, decorated with antique furnishings and European accents. The deep soaking tub was such a joy for a 30 minute soak after a day of exploring. Next time on our anniversary I plan to splurge on a private villa with a patio overlooking the hills.
You can think of Cal-a-Vie as a sanctuary for your mind, body, and spirit. I loved how you can immerse yourself in fitness programs. Choose from daily yoga, nutritional workshops, guided hikes, and water therapies. You can also walk through vineyards and then relax by the pool.
The spa was my personal highlight. First, to get settled, I especially enjoyed their 60 minute traditional massages and an express 45-minute facial. You can choose from innovative holistic therapies as well and that way discover something new you love.
Later for lunch, all the food tasted so yummy. I loved thinking how healthy it was, and also good for the planet with locally sourced ingredients. The best part was that the meals weren't boring.
I recommend making time to visit Alta Vista Botanical Gardens nearby for some romance surrounded by colorful flowers.
A downside? Because so much is offered onsite, I have to warn you that prices are high.
The Inn at Churon Winery - 2 hours from LA
Chris and I both absolutely love Temecula, and have been many times. It took us just 1 hour to drive north from San Diego. Similar to Cal-a-Vie, I immediately noticed that The Inn at Churon Winery has European design.
To be precise, the design was Old-World style. I especially enjoyed the French chateau accents like arched doorways, and wrought-iron. Honestly, the entire place is so inviting with Tuscan-inspired colors.
There are just 24 guest rooms so you get plenty of privacy on your romantic getaway. I adored our plush king-sized bed for three days. In fact, full disclosure, I went shopping for pillows as soon as I got home inspired by their decor. I also loved the marble fireplace, whirlpool tub, and a private terrace. We had great views of the countryside too.
The Inn at Churon has the perk of being on a working winery. You are welcomed with a glass of estate wine, and mornings begin with a complimentary hot breakfast served on the terrace with panoramic vineyard views.
Nearby, you can tour the surrounding wineries, and also indulge in a private tasting at Churon’s own wine cave. The Inn is also just minutes from Old Town Temecula where you can go on a hot-air balloon adventure.
Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort - 2 hours from LA
For something more casual, plan a romantic SoCal weekend getaway at an affordable RV Resort! Steps from the sand in Oceanside, I thought that Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort was one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets! Family-owned and operated, the resort has been welcoming guests for decades so that's a lot of history here too.
From our home base in Los Angeles, we drove 1 hour and 40 minutes south to Oceanside, a city of roughly 175,000 residents with deep military and surf heritage.
The location is honestly unbeatable. A private walkway will take you directly to Buccaneer Beach. On top of that, the resort is minutes from Oceanside’s iconic pier, harbor, and downtown. You can swim, surf, picnic and relax with awesome ocean views!
You can trust that this place is amazing because it was just named a 2024 CAMPSPOT Awards Winner: Top Campgrounds in the US.
What makes Paradise by the Sea special are its thoughtful amenities. The resort offers full hook-up sites, premium Wi-Fi, landscaped grounds with palm trees and flowers, a heated pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplaces, and modern bathhouses.
On top of being one of the most affordable romantic weekend getaways in Southern California, it’s also a pet-friendly destination. You can enjoy bike rentals, nearby surf lessons, and a sunset around the fire pits.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was waking up to the sound of the ocean, grabbing a coffee, and strolling down the short path to the beach first thing in the morning.
The Ambrose Hotel - 2 hours 50 minutes from San Diego
Ready for a romantic weekend just minutes from Santa Monica Beach? I instantly adored our stay here because of such a neighborhood feel.
Our two-night stay in a Deluxe King with Balcony at The Ambrose Hotel came with organic bedding, custom furnishings, a rainfall shower, and a private balcony. You can easily relax and decompress enjoying the California sunshine.
And around the hotel, you’ll find a library lounge, complimentary bicycles, and a fitness center. Enjoy a continental breakfast with fresh pastries, fruit, and locally roasted coffee.
One thing to note: there isn’t a full restaurant onsite. Luckily, Santa Monica’s renowned dining scene is just a short walk away.
Nearby, you can stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, shop at Third Street Promenade, bike on the oceanfront path to Venice Beach, or hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was enjoying a quiet morning coffee on the balcony.
A downside? I have to warn you that theres is a hotel parking fee and an extra amenity fee.
Inn Paradiso in the Paso Hills - 3 hours 30 minutes from LA
Craving a romantic weekend in California's wine country? Check out Paso Robles, a real standout!
We loved waking up surrounded by oak trees and vineyards on our romantic road trip at Inn Paradiso. You'll find interiors filled with curated furnishings, artwork, and warm wood accents.
Our King Suite for three nights, had high ceilings, handcrafted furnishings, and a private terrace.
You can have an artisanal breakfast made with local ingredients, a perfect way to start a romantic trip that completely won me over.
My highlight?
I enjoyed having things to do nearby, including touring Paso Robles’ renowned wineries, visiting Sensorio’s art installation, dining at Sabor & Sazón and other farm-to-table restaurants downtown, and taking a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa and Resort, San Luis Obispo - 3 hours from LA
Look more spa-inspired romantic vacation ideas? Visit San Luis Obispo on your weekend getaway and stay at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa.
Our One-Bedroom Spa Suite for three nights had a private balcony hot tub fed by natural mineral springs which was amazing! The mineral-rich hot tub is absolutely perfect for for soaking under the stars.
You can dine at the onsite Gardens of Avila restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine highlighting local Central Coast produce. Relaxing next to the resort’s heated pool and working out at the fitness center were a highlight as well.
What sets Sycamore apart is its focus on wellness and natural mineral springs. Remember to book spa appointments in advance, especially on weekends and during holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends.
Be sure to leave some time for exploring nearby, including downtown of San Luis Obispo, wine tasting in Edna Valley, and taking a short drive to Avila Beach and Pismo Beach for coastal views and great sunset photos like we did.
Del Marcos Hotel, Palm Springs - 2 hours from LA
For me, a romantic weekend in Palm Springs is always such a treat. If you are looking for an adults-only getaway, take a look at Del Marcos Hotel.
I ended up booking a Poolside King Room with a private patio with direct access to the pool. I loved how the floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the San Jacinto Mountains during our three day stay.
You can relax by the pool, bike through Palm Springs, socialize during the daily happy hour, and head to downtown Palm Springs for shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Just a heads up that Del Marcos doesn't have a full-service restaurant onsite.
Don't miss the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Indian Canyons, and the Palm Springs Art Museum, my top three favorite romantic things to do here.
Hotel Angeleno - 30 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles
Looking for an easy SoCal romantic getaway close to LA? Famously shaped like a “wine glass” by architect Francis Heusel, Hotel Angeleno makes a super convenient base for exploring the Westside, UCLA, and some of the best beaches of California.
The Premier King Room with View is a standout with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the city skyline or the Getty!
We thought the hotel’s highlight was its rooftop restaurant and lounge, West, where you can enjoy California cuisine and cocktails with views of the city lights. Other features include an outdoor heated pool (it was a fantastic way to cool off in July!), 24-hour fitness center, and a courtesy shuttle so that you don't have to drive.
One thing to note: being near the freeway makes it easy to get around, though you may hear traffic noise in some rooms.
Hotel Santa Barbara - 2 hours 10 minutes from LA
Santa Barbara makes it easy to plan a romantic weekend getaway. Set right in the heart of downtown, this is one of the most charming boutique stays I’ve experienced in SoCal.
I liked passing through the hotel with Spanish tile floors and wrought-iron accents. Take advantage of friendly concierge services that can help arrange wine tours, dining or a coastal excursion with a local guide.
I think Hotel Santa Barbara is one of the best romantic getaways in Southern California. Unlike larger resorts on the waterfront, it offers a more intimate stay.
Local tip: parking in downtown Santa Barbara can be limited, so the hotel’s valet option is especially convenient.
Things to do nearby include wine tasting in the Funk Zone, strolling Stearns Wharf, and visiting the historic Santa Barbara Mission and Botanic Garden.
My highlight?
My favorite moment was enjoying a morning walk down State Street to the beach.
Bahia Hotel - 15 minutes from San Diego
Looking for another easy romantic vacation idea near San Diego? You can't go wrong with this hotel right on Mission Bay! I adored the lush landscaping, sweeping bay views, and that breezy California vibe that instantly put us in vacation mode here.
You'll find 3-star Bahia Hotel surrounded by palm trees and set right along its own private stretch of sandy beach.
Our room for five blissful days had a private balcony that looked onto the resort’s gardens. The sliding door that opened right out to the water view quickly became my favorite feature. In addition, you can trust that Bahia Hotel is special because it won TripAdvisor – Traveler’s Choice, “Best of the Best” (2022–2023).
To fill your time, you can swim in the hotel pool, paddleboard in the ocean, and go for romantic walks along the shoreline.
For even more things to do on your romantic road trip, the location is unbeatable. SeaWorld (20 minutes by car), Belmont Park, and Pacific Beach (15 minutes by car) are all just a short drive away.
What I loved best:
For me, Bahia Hotel is one of the best romantic getaways in Southern California because it's so well located and unique!
Dining on-site was my personal highlight, with fresh California cuisine and ocean-inspired dishes.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
