11 Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaways In California That Feel Truly Special
Love doesn’t need much encouragement in California, it just needs the right setting. One moment you’re standing on a quiet cliff as the Pacific turns gold, the next you’re slipping into a steaming hot tub beneath a sky full of stars.
California has a way of making romance feel effortless, wrapping big moments in beautiful scenery and small, intimate details. Think slow mornings with breakfast in bed, peaceful mountain retreats, and evenings that stretch long past sunset.
These unforgettable escapes turn Valentine’s Day into something far more meaningful than a single date on the calendar.
1. Terranea Resort (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Perched on 102 acres of stunning coastline, this Mediterranean-inspired paradise gives you sweeping ocean views that’ll take your breath away. You can watch dolphins play in the waves from your private balcony or stroll hand-in-hand along hidden coastal trails.
The spa here offers couples treatments that feel like pure heaven.
Candlelit dinners at their oceanfront restaurants set the perfect mood for romance. Fresh seafood paired with California wines makes every meal memorable.
You might even spot migrating whales during winter months, adding extra magic to your stay.
Private cove access means you can escape the crowds and find your own slice of paradise. Bonfires on the beach, seaside yoga sessions, and golf with ocean breezes create endless possibilities.
This resort transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories you’ll treasure forever.
2. Montage Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach)
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing just outside your window. This Arts and Crafts-style gem sits right on one of California’s most beautiful beaches, where tide pools and golden sand stretch endlessly.
Your room features handcrafted details and oversized soaking tubs perfect for unwinding together.
The resort’s restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine with ingredients sourced from their own garden. Sunset cocktails on the terrace become a daily ritual you won’t want to miss.
Private beach cabanas let you soak up the sun in complete comfort and style.
Couples massages at Spa Montage use ocean-inspired treatments that relax every muscle. Mosaic-tiled pools overlook the Pacific, creating a serene escape from everyday life.
Art galleries and charming shops in downtown Laguna Beach are just steps away, making this location absolutely perfect for romance seekers.
3. Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur)
Redwood trees tower above you while the Pacific Ocean sparkles a thousand feet below. This architectural masterpiece blends seamlessly into nature, offering tree houses and ocean houses that feel like secret hideaways.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views so stunning they don’t seem real.
Every room comes with a private deck, wood-burning fireplace, and outdoor spa tub where you can stargaze together. Complimentary yoga classes at sunrise get your day started in the most peaceful way.
The Sierra Mar restaurant serves four-course dinners that showcase Big Sur’s natural bounty with incredible creativity.
Guided nature hikes reveal hidden waterfalls and wildflower meadows. Stargazing programs with high-powered telescopes show you constellations you’ve never noticed before.
This place isn’t just a hotel—it’s a transformative experience that reconnects you with nature and each other in ways you didn’t expect.
4. The Inn Above Tide (Sausalito)
Standing on your private deck, you’ll watch sailboats glide past while the Golden Gate Bridge glows in the distance. This boutique hotel literally sits over the water, giving you uninterrupted bay views that change with every passing hour.
Seals often pop up below, adding delightful surprises to your mornings.
Each room features a telescope for checking out passing ships and city lights twinkling across the bay. Complimentary wine and cheese every evening creates the perfect excuse to slow down and savor the moment.
Fireplaces and deep soaking tubs make staying in feel just as special as going out.
Sausalito’s charming downtown offers art galleries, waterfront restaurants, and quirky boutiques worth exploring together. Ferry rides to San Francisco take just 30 minutes, so you can easily add city adventures to your romantic escape.
Morning fog rolling through the bay creates atmospheric beauty you’ll never forget.
5. Seascape Resort (Aptos)
Monterey Bay stretches before you in all its glory at this coastal retreat. Modern villas with full kitchens and fireplaces give you the privacy and comfort of home with resort amenities at your fingertips.
Beach access lets you walk barefoot in the sand whenever the mood strikes.
Outdoor fire pits become your evening gathering spot where you can roast s’mores and watch the sun paint the sky in brilliant colors. The golf course offers challenging play with ocean breezes and stunning views.
Heated pools provide year-round swimming opportunities no matter the season.
Nearby Capitola Village charms visitors with colorful houses and excellent restaurants serving fresh catches from local fishermen. Wine tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains makes for perfect day trips.
Rio Del Mar Beach right next door gives you miles of coastline to explore, creating endless romantic possibilities for your Valentine’s getaway.
6. The Cliffs Hotel And Spa (Pismo Beach)
Dramatic cliffs meet rolling waves at this Central Coast treasure. Your room opens to balconies where you can breathe in salty air and watch surfers catch perfect breaks.
The on-site spa specializes in treatments using local botanicals that leave you feeling completely renewed.
Farm-to-table dining at their restaurant showcases the best of California’s agricultural bounty. Fresh oysters, locally caught fish, and wines from nearby Edna Valley create memorable meals.
Sunset views from the restaurant terrace make every dinner feel like a special occasion.
Downtown Pismo Beach offers the classic California beach town experience with pier strolls and arcade fun. Monarch butterflies gather in nearby eucalyptus groves during winter months, creating a natural wonder worth witnessing.
Wine country tours, dune buggy adventures, and tide pool exploration give you plenty of activities to enjoy together beyond the hotel’s comfortable embrace.
7. Chateau Du Sureau (Oakhurst)
European elegance meets Sierra Nevada beauty at this enchanting castle-like retreat. Antique furnishings, hand-painted frescoes, and canopy beds transport you to a French countryside manor.
Each room tells its own story through carefully curated artwork and luxurious fabrics that feel like stepping into another era.
Erna’s Elderberry House serves prix fixe dinners that have earned international acclaim for their sophistication and flavor. Crystal chandeliers illuminate your romantic meal while a pianist creates the perfect ambiance.
The wine cellar holds treasures that pair beautifully with each expertly prepared course.
Yosemite National Park sits just 30 minutes away, making this an ideal base for exploring granite cliffs and waterfalls. After adventuring, you can return to afternoon tea service and evening turndown with chocolate truffles.
Gardens surrounding the property bloom with flowers and offer quiet paths for intimate walks that feel worlds away from everyday life.
8. A Bed Of Roses (Oakhurst)
Romance blooms literally everywhere at this Victorian-style bed and breakfast. Gardens overflowing with roses create a fragrant paradise that lives up to the inn’s sweet name.
Wraparound porches with rocking chairs invite you to slow down and simply enjoy being together.
Each room features unique touches like clawfoot tubs, four-poster beds, and vintage décor that creates cozy intimacy. Gourmet breakfasts served on fine china fuel your adventures with homemade pastries and farm-fresh ingredients.
Evening wine and appetizers give you time to mingle or retreat to your private sanctuary.
Being close to Yosemite means you can experience winter wonderlands or spring wildflower displays depending on when you visit. Bass Lake offers water activities and scenic beauty just minutes away.
The innkeepers share insider tips about hidden gems and best hiking trails, making your stay feel personally curated. This intimate escape proves that sometimes smaller properties deliver the biggest romantic impact.
9. Quiet Mind Mountain Lodge, Retreat & Spa (Julian)
Towering pines and fresh mountain air greet you at this peaceful sanctuary in San Diego’s backcountry. Private cabins scattered across the property ensure total seclusion and tranquility.
Wood-burning stoves and handcrafted furniture create rustic charm without sacrificing modern comfort.
The spa focuses on healing and connection through couples massages and energy work that relaxes both body and mind. Outdoor hot tubs let you soak under star-filled skies while listening to night sounds of the forest.
Meditation gardens and labyrinth walks encourage mindfulness and presence with your partner.
Julian’s famous apple pies and charming downtown shops make for delightful afternoon excursions. Seasonal activities include apple picking in fall and snow play in winter months.
This retreat specializes in digital detox experiences, helping you truly disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with what matters most—each other and the present moment you’re sharing together.
10. Convict Lake Resort (Mammoth Lakes)
Crystal-clear waters reflect towering Sierra peaks at this alpine paradise. Rustic cabins sit right on the lake’s edge, giving you front-row seats to some of California’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
Mornings here feel magical as mist rises off the water and sunlight illuminates the surrounding cliffs.
The on-site restaurant serves hearty meals perfect after a day of exploring. Fresh trout, warming soups, and decadent desserts satisfy every craving.
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you never miss the view, even while dining indoors.
Hiking trails circle the lake and venture into wilderness areas where you might spot wildlife like deer or eagles. Winter transforms this area into a snowy wonderland with skiing and snowshoeing opportunities nearby.
Fishing from the shore or a rented boat creates peaceful moments of connection. Evening campfires under brilliant stars make you feel wonderfully small and perfectly content in nature’s grand embrace.
11. Lake Arrowhead Resort And Spa (Lake Arrowhead)
Pristine alpine waters and pine-scented breezes welcome you to this mountain escape. Private beach access gives you exclusive enjoyment of Lake Arrowhead’s crystal-clear waters.
Lakefront rooms with balconies let you watch boats glide past while sipping morning coffee in your robes.
The spa offers treatments incorporating mountain botanicals and hot stone therapies that melt away tension. Heated outdoor pool and multiple hot tubs provide relaxation with stunning lake views.
Fireside lounges throughout the resort create cozy spots for intimate conversations over cocktails.
Lake Arrowhead Village offers shopping, dining, and entertainment just a short stroll away. Seasonal activities include paddleboarding in summer and snow tubing in winter at nearby slopes.
The resort’s restaurant features locally sourced ingredients and creative preparations that celebrate California cuisine. This mountain retreat proves you don’t need to travel to distant destinations when romance and natural beauty combine so perfectly just two hours from Los Angeles.