After 25 years of exploring getaways, I can say Southern California has a special kind of magic. You’ll find sandy beaches, breathtaking views, and a relaxed pace that instantly puts you at ease. I always recommend slipping away to one of these beautiful cottages, hotels, or inns for a weekend of real pampering and peaceful surroundings.
You can take romantic walks overlooking the ocean—something I never tire of. If you’re like me, you’ll want to schedule a massage right in your room. I’ve hiked the coastal trails, swam in sparkling pools, and even squeezed in a round of golf. However you spend your day, I always suggest ending it with a candlelit dinner featuring unforgettable farm-to-table cuisine.
Top picks for a:
- Romantic getaway: I loved The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara—you’ll adore the oceanfront charm.
- Wine country escape: If you’re dreaming of rolling vineyards, I recommend The Inn at Churon Winery in Temecula.
- Adults-only escape: I felt completely refreshed after staying at Del Marcos Hotel in Palm Springs. You will too.
- Luxury experience: Treat yourself like I did at Cal-a-Vie Health Spa—it’s pure indulgence from start to finish.
Best Romantic Getaways in Southern California
For a luxury wellness retreat: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Location: Vista, California
If you’re dreaming of a luxury wellness retreat with serious French countryside vibes, Cal-a-Vie Health Spa in Vista, California, is the perfect escape. Set on 450 peaceful acres filled with lavender fields and grapevines, this European-style sanctuary blends fitness, nutrition, and total relaxation into one incredibly pampering getaway.
- European-Inspired Wellness Retreat – A luxurious escape on 450 scenic acres
- Dreamy Setting – Lavender fields, vineyards, and tranquil nature at every turn
- Flexible Wellness Packages – Choose from customized 3-, 4-, or 7-night stays
- Elegant Accommodations – 25 spa villas and 7 suites designed for peace and comfort
- Award-Winning Programs – Personalized spa treatments, nutrition guidance, and fitness classes
Pro Tip: Book well in advance—with limited villas and suites, this place fills up fast. And bring comfy clothes—you’ll spend most of your time in robes and workout gear anyway.
Address: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, 29402 Spa Havens Way, Vista, CA 92084
Phone: 866-772-4283
For a luxury downtown location: Hotel Santa Barbara - 1 hour 50 minutes from LA
Location: Santa Barbara, California
If you’re planning a romantic weekend in Santa Barbara, Hotel Santa Barbara is the kind of place that gives you charm, comfort, and location all in one. Right in the heart of downtown, this historic gem blends classic vibes with modern perks—and it’s just a short stroll to the beach, Stearns Wharf, and the buzzing Urban Wine Trail.
- Prime Downtown Location – Right on State Street, in the heart of it all
- Walkable to Top Attractions – Beach, Stearns Wharf, and Urban Wine Trail just minutes away
- Comfortable In-Room Amenities – Keurig machines, fridges, microwaves, and plush robes
- Romantic & Cozy – Ideal for couples looking for a quiet, character-filled escape
- Close to Dining & Shopping – Steps from local favorites and budget-friendly attractions
Pro Tip: Skip the rental car—everything's walkable, and you can explore the best of Santa Barbara right from the hotel’s doorstep. Bonus: the wine tasting rooms nearby are perfect for a DIY tour.
Address: Hotel Santa Barbara, 533 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-957-9390
Getaways For Younger Couples
For a wine country escape: The Inn at Churon Winery, Temecula
Location: Temecula, California
If a romantic escape to wine country sounds like your kind of weekend, The Inn at Churon Winery in Temecula is calling your name. A scenic drive through rolling vineyards leads you to this gorgeous French-inspired chateau—and from the moment you arrive, it's all about luxury, wine, and relaxation.
- Chateau-Style Romance – A grand inn surrounded by vineyards and wine country charm
- Luxurious Rooms – Fireplaces, marble baths, and private terraces in every suite
- Daily Breakfast Included – Start each day with a complimentary meal
- On-Site Dining & Tasting – Enjoy Café Churon for lunch and sample wines at the tasting room
- Minutes from Downtown Temecula – Close to shops, restaurants, and more wineries
Pro Tip: Book a terrace room on the upper level—the vineyard views are even better from above, especially at sunset with a glass of their estate wine in hand.
Address: The Inn at Churon Winery, 33233 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: 951-654-9070
For a dreamy oceanfront escape: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara - 1 hour 50 minutes from LA
Location: Goleta, California
If you’re looking to splurge on a dreamy oceanfront escape, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is hard to beat. This Mediterranean-style resort sits just outside of town and has some of the best views of the Pacific you’ll ever wake up to.
- Stunning Coastal Views – Overlooking the Pacific Ocean just outside Santa Barbara
- Elegant Guestrooms – Featuring soaking tubs, walk-in showers, and private balconies
- Spacious Suites Available – With fireplaces and plenty of room to relax
- Luxury Amenities – Oceanfront pools, a full-service spa, and a top-tier fitness center
- Dining and Family Fun – Multiple restaurants and a seasonal kids’ club on-site
Pro Tip: Ask for a room with an ocean-facing balcony—you won’t regret it. And if you're celebrating something special, treat yourself to a spa day—it’s as luxurious as it gets.
Address: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, 8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: 855-968-0100
Relax Naturally at The Ambrose Hotel
The Ambrose Hotel felt like a serene sanctuary tucked into the heart of Santa Monica—earth-toned interiors, leafy courtyards, and that sense of having found something quietly perfect. I remember curling up in a robe with a book and green tea, thinking, "This is the retreat I didn’t know I needed."
What I Loved Most: The calming blend of wellness-forward amenities and boutique charm—like a yoga studio in hotel form.
My highlight? A breakfast of avocado toast with microgreens and honey lavender latte on the shaded patio.
Plan your trip:
- Vibe: Wellness, boutique calm, sustainable
- Highlights: Organic breakfast, Tesla shuttle, eco-conscious touches, fitness center
- Best For: Wellness weekends, quiet couples, creative escapes
- Address: The Ambrose Hotel, 1255 20th St, Santa Monica, CA
Nick's Cove
"Hidden along the peaceful shores of Tomales Bay in Marshall, California, Nick’s Cove offers a tranquil coastal escape just over an hour from San Francisco. "
For a secret retreat: Inn Paradiso, Paso Robles - 3 hours 30 minutes from LA
Location: Paso Robles, California
Tucked away under towering oak trees just outside Paso Robles, Inn Paradiso is the kind of hidden gem that feels like a secret retreat. Set halfway between LA and San Francisco, this boutique inn blends rustic elegance with modern, artsy charm—think reclaimed wood, hand-forged metal, and eclectic décor that makes every corner photo-worthy.
- Peaceful Oak-Covered Setting – An intimate inn nestled in the hills of Paso Robles
- Architectural Character – Reclaimed wood, custom metalwork, and creative design throughout
- Chic Comfort – King beds, fireplaces, and private balconies in stylish guest rooms
- Organic Breakfast Daily – Fresh, locally inspired fare served each morning
- Close to It All – Minutes from wineries, beaches, and outdoor adventures
Pro Tip: Book a suite with a balcony—it’s perfect for sipping wine while watching the sunset through the trees. And bring comfy shoes—the local trails and wine tastings are totally worth the stroll.
Address: Inn Paradiso, 975 Mojave Lane, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone: 805-239-2800
For wellness: Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa and Resort, San Luis Obispo - 3 hours from LA
Location: San Luis Obispo, California
If you're looking for a peaceful spot to totally unwind, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa in the Avila Valley is a dream. Tucked into the rolling hills along California’s Central Coast and just a short walk from the beach, this lush, nature-filled retreat is all about slowing down, soaking in some hot springs, and reconnecting with yourself (or your person).
- Private Mineral Hot Tubs – Every room includes a hot spring tub on the balcony or patio
- Daily Wellness Classes – Choose from yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and more
- Healing Spa Facilities – Enjoy mineral pools, spa treatments, and a waterfall lagoon
- On-Site Farm-to-Table Dining – Fresh, seasonal dishes in a relaxing setting
- Perfect Central Coast Location – Close to beaches, wineries, golf, and scenic drives
Pro Tip: Book midweek during the off-season for the best rates and a more serene experience. And don’t skip the Hillside Mineral Tub—it’s tucked into the trees and seriously relaxing.
Address: Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone: 805-595-7302
Romantic Honeymoon Weekend
For an adults-only escape: Del Marcos Hotel, Palm Springs
Location: Palm Springs, California
If you’re looking for a fun, adults-only escape in the heart of Palm Springs, Del Marcos Hotel totally nails it. Built in 1947 and loaded with mid-century modern charm, this boutique hotel sits in the Historic Tennis Club district—just a short walk to downtown shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Adults-Only Retro Vibes – Boutique hotel with playful mid-century style and laid-back luxury
- Stylish Rooms – Private balconies or patios and vintage-inspired décor in every room
- Saltwater Pool & Cabanas – Heated year-round and perfect for lounging in the sun
- Perks & Pampering – Complimentary breakfast and in-room spa services available
- Explore with Ease – Free beach cruisers for riding around town
Pro Tip: Book a poolside suite if you want to be right in the middle of the action (but still totally relaxed). And take the bikes for a spin—it’s the best way to explore the neighborhood.
Address: Del Marcos Hotel, 225 West Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: 800-676-1214
Catch Iconic Views at Hotel Angeleno, Los Angeles
Hotel Angeleno surprised me—in the best way. With its unique cylindrical shape and panoramic views of the Getty and Westside skyline, it felt like a hidden-in-plain-sight romantic escape. We watched dusk settle in from the balcony, headlights tracing slow lines down the 405. I remember thinking, “Even LA traffic looks beautiful from here.”
What I Loved Most: The way the room lit up in the morning with floor-to-ceiling windows and that first cup of coffee in bed, still wrapped in hotel robes.
My highlights? Dinner at WEST Restaurant & Lounge, perched at the top of the hotel. I had the filet mignon with rosemary potatoes, and we split the molten chocolate cake while watching the lights flicker across the city. It was quiet, cozy, and somehow cinematic.
Plan your vacation:
- Drive Time from LAX: ~25 minutes
- Vibe: Modern, laid-back, unexpectedly romantic
- Highlights: Sunset views, rooftop dining, close to the Getty
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or winter for clear skies and fewer crowds
- Cost: Affordable luxury
- Hours: Hotel open 24/7; restaurant dinner service nightly
- Address: 170 N Church Ln, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Jump to a Spot...
- • For a luxury wellness retreat: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
- • For a luxury downtown location: Hotel Santa Barbara - 1 hour 50 minutes from LA
- • For a wine country escape: The Inn at Churon Winery, Temecula
- • For a dreamy oceanfront escape: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara - 1 hour 50 minutes from LA
- • Relax Naturally at The Ambrose Hotel
- • Nick's Cove
- • For a secret retreat: Inn Paradiso, Paso Robles - 3 hours 30 minutes from LA
- • For wellness: Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa and Resort, San Luis Obispo - 3 hours from LA
- • For an adults-only escape: Del Marcos Hotel, Palm Springs
- • Catch Iconic Views at Hotel Angeleno, Los Angeles