- Question: What makes Southern California a popular destination?
- Answer: Southern California is famous for its sandy beaches, beautiful views, and a relaxed lifestyle.
- Question: What kind of accommodations are available for a romantic getaway in Southern California?
- Answer: Get away to one of these stunning cottages, hotels, and inns for a weekend of pampering and rejuvenation in a beautiful setting.
- Question: What activities can couples enjoy during their stay in Southern California?
- Answer: Take romantic walks with ocean views, request a massage in the privacy of your room, go hiking, swimming, or play golf.
- Question: How can couples end their day in Southern California?
- Answer: End the day with a romantic dinner featuring delicious farm-to-table cuisine.
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1. For wellness seekers: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
Discover wellness, enjoy peaceful spring days, and rejuvenate your body.
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.
Highlights:
- European-style luxury retreat on 450 acres
- Fields of lavender and vineyards set the dreamy scene
- Customized 3, 4, or 7-night wellness packages
- 25 spa villas and 7 elegant suites for a peaceful stay
- Award-winning spa and fitness programs
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.
29402 Spa Havens Way, Vista, CA 92084
Phone: 866-772-4283
www.cal-a-vie.com
2. For culture lovers: Hotel Santa Barbara - 1 hour 50 minutes from LA
Explore cultural sights, visit historic attractions, and walk along city streets.
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.
Highlights:
- Prime downtown location on State Street
- Walking distance to the beach, Stearns Wharf & Urban Wine Trail
- Rooms with Keurig machines, fridges, microwaves, and robes
- Perfect for couples—quiet, cozy, and full of character
- Steps from shopping, dining, and affordable 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.
Hotel Santa Barbara, 533 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-957-9390
www.hotelsantabarbara.com
3. For foodies: The Inn at Churon Winery, Temecula
Savor gourmet food, admire vineyard views, and enjoy a romantic weekend.
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.
Highlights:
- Romantic chateau-style inn surrounded by vineyards
- Spacious rooms with fireplaces, marble baths, and private terraces
- Complimentary breakfast every morning
- Café Churon for lunch and a wine tasting room on-site
- Scenic location just minutes from Temecula’s wine country charm
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.
The Inn at Churon Winery, 33233 Rancho California Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: 951-654-9070
www.innatchuronwinery.com
4. For design lovers: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara - 1 hour 50 minutes from LA
Look at stunning designs, enjoy luxury, and see coastal sights.
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.
Highlights:
- Unbeatable Pacific Ocean views just outside Santa Barbara
- Elegant rooms with soaking tubs, walk-in showers & private balconies
- Suites with fireplaces and extra space for guests
- Oceanfront pools, full spa, and high-end fitness center
- Multiple dining options + seasonal kids’ club
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.
8301 Hollister Ave, Goleta, CA 93117
Phone: 855-968-0100
www.ritzcarlton.com/bacara
5. For couples: Holiday House, Palm Springs
Enjoy a romantic trip, admire desert sunsets, and relax with your partner.
The name says it all—Holiday House in downtown Palm Springs is the kind of place that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation. This 26-room boutique hotel blends retro cool with modern comfort in the best way possible. It’s set in a 70-year-old building that’s been totally refreshed but still holds onto its mid-century charm.
Highlights:
- Retro-chic boutique hotel in downtown Palm Springs
- Rooms with oversized showers, deluxe linens, and original art
- Outdoor pool with loungers and a full-service restaurant/bar
- Free continental breakfast daily
- Bike rentals and peaceful manicured gardens
Pro Tip:
Book one of the rooms with a pool view for the ultimate laid-back vibe—and don’t skip breakfast by the garden, it’s a super relaxing way to start the day.
Holiday House, 200 W. Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: 760-320-8866
www.holidayhouseps.com
6. For creatives: Inn Paradiso, Paso Robles - 3 hours 30 minutes from LA
Unleash creative energy, discover unusual stuff, and enjoy a fall getaway.
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.
Highlights:
- Intimate inn surrounded by oak trees in Paso Robles
- Unique architecture with reclaimed wood and metalwork
- Stylish rooms with king beds, fireplaces & private balconies
- Complimentary organic breakfast each morning
- Close to wineries, beaches, and scenic outdoor activities
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.
975 Mojave Lane, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Phone: 805-239-2800
www.innparadiso.com
7. For outdoor enthusiasts: Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa and Resort, San Luis Obispo - 3 hours from LA
Explore outdoor trails, enjoy mineral springs, and relax with family.
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).
Highlights:
- Private hot spring tubs on every balcony or patio
- Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi classes offered daily
- Healing spa with mineral soaking pools and waterfall lagoon
- On-site restaurant with seasonal farm-to-table dishes
- Close to beach, wineries, golf, and gorgeous coastal 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.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa and Resort
1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Phone: 805-595-7302
www.sycamoresprings.com
8. For poolside loungers: Del Marcos Hotel, Palm Springs
Enjoy poolside lounging, see classic architecture, and have an easy weekend.
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.
Highlights:
- Adults-only boutique hotel with retro flair
- Rooms with private balconies or patios and mid-century décor
- Heated saltwater pool with private cabanas
- Complimentary breakfast and in-room spa services
- Beach cruisers available for exploring downtown Palm Springs
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.
225 West Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: 800-676-1214
www.delmarcoshotel.com
9. For Young couples: The Pearl Hotel, San Diego
Go on a quick trip, enjoy fun with young couples, and see San Diego sights.
If you’re into vintage vibes with a modern twist, The Pearl Hotel in San Diego is your kind of place. Just minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter and some of the city’s best sights, this mid-century-inspired boutique hotel is fun, stylish, and totally unique.
Highlights:
- Retro-modern boutique hotel near the Gaslamp Quarter
- Stylish rooms with mid-century flair and modern comforts
- Signature oyster-shaped pool with cabanas and weekly movie nights
- Onsite restaurant serving California coastal dishes
- Close to top shopping, dining, and beaches in Point Loma
Pro Tip:
Time your visit with Dive-In movie night—you can watch a film from the pool or a cozy cabana with a cocktail in hand. It’s a total vibe.
1410 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: 619-226-6100
www.thepearlsd.com
Driving Distances from Los Angeles
| From Los Angeles To | Driving Time |
| Venice | 30 minutes |
| Palm Springs | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Laguna Beach | 1 hour |
| Goleta | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Santa Barbara | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Santa Monica | 30 minutes |
| Paso Robles | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| San Luis Obispo | 3 hourss |
| San Diego | 2 hours |
| Ventura | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Ballard | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Ojai | 1 hour 35 minutes |
| Solvang | 2 hours 25 minutes |
| Santa Monica | 25 minutes |
| Santa Ynez | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Santa Barbara | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| La Jolla | 2 hours |
| South Pasadena | 15 minutes |
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. For wellness seekers: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa
- 2. For culture lovers: Hotel Santa Barbara - 1 hour 50 minutes from LA
- 3. For foodies: The Inn at Churon Winery, Temecula
- 4. For design lovers: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara - 1 hour 50 minutes from LA
- 5. For couples: Holiday House, Palm Springs
- 6. For creatives: Inn Paradiso, Paso Robles - 3 hours 30 minutes from LA
- 7. For outdoor enthusiasts: Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa and Resort, San Luis Obispo - 3 hours from LA
- 8. For poolside loungers: Del Marcos Hotel, Palm Springs
- 9. For Young couples: The Pearl Hotel, San Diego