There is so much to do in Southern California with the variety of landscapes it has to offer- beach side resorts, relaxing retreats in the mountains, and desert oases. As much as I love my solo time, spending time in certain places is so much better when you can share it with your special someone. This guide will give you ideas on how to have the ultimate couples getaway in Southern California.
Montecito Inn, Montecito
Location
Montecito is known as the cream of the coast for a reason. It is ideally located in Santa Barbara, between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is located right on the pacific coast, with the Inn just a few minutes walk to the beach. A few miles up north is downtown Santa Barbara where you will find the hub of shopping, dining, and museums.
Why we love it
We fell in love with Montecito Inn for its charm and and history. The hotel was first built in 1928 by Charlie Chapman and has an old, yet elegant Hollywood design to it. The elevator is also one to bring you back in time…you’ll have to visit it to know what I’m talking about!
Not only did the Inn charm us into loving it, but the location is perfect. It is within steps to the main street of Montecito where you can find plenty of restaurants, clothing boutiques, and a fantastic bakery. The beach is very close to the Inn as well, which is where we enjoyed relaxing during the day.
Amenities
Montecito has spa services, a swimming pool, and attached restaurant/bar. Though the pool is small with a limited number of seats, it is all the more reason how this hotel keeps its intimate charm. It even offers complimentary bikes to ride down to the beach.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Location
Just north of downtown Santa Barbara lies this luxury resort right on the bluffs of the beach. It is steps within walking distance to the ocean, making it close enough where you can hear the waves rolling onto the shore.
Why we love it
This resort captures the romance and beauty of the Gaviota Coast, which is the last underdeveloped coastline in Southern California. It is ideal as a couples getaway to escape the hustle and bustle and find tranquility. Stroll hand in hand on the beach, dine at their amazing oceanfront restaurant, or take a day trip to nearby wineries.
Amenities
The Bacara Resort is perfect for those who have no desire to do much on their vacation, but it also has nothing short of things to do. Whether it is spending time at the pool with the sound of ocean waves behind you, relaxing in their spa, or laying down at the beach down below, you will feel refreshed during your stay here. There is a golf course for those who are wanting to be a little more active than the pool dwellers. My favorite part of the resort is their champagne bar hosted by Veuve Clicquot, with stunning views of the coast crashing below the bluffs.
If you want to know more about how to plan for a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara, you can read: A Weekend Getaway to Santa Barbara.
The Wine Valley Inn, Solvang
Location
Solvang is home to the cutest Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley, about a 45 minute drive inland from Santa Barbara. This felt like such a romantic getaway because of how quaint the town was. Picture strolling with your partner past windmills, a dozen bakeries, wine bars, sausage beer garden, while admiring the Danish style architecture down every street.
Why we love it
We wanted to stay in a hotel in the heart of Solvang to have the ease of strolling downtown. The Wine Valley Inn is newly renovated yet has plenty of Danish charm to it, which made us feel like we were on an international vacation to Denmark. The rooms are also very spacious, updated, and cozy.
Amenities
To our surprise, the Inn had included a hot breakfast with our stay. There was also a fireplace just outside of the lobby to sit near and enjoy a moment of rest after a long day of walking. The best part of the Inn is how close it is to downtown Solvang. We didn’t have to worry about finding parking since we were conveniently located to all of the shops and dining.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego
Location
If you are looking for a five star hotel, this is the hotel to indulge in for a couples getaway. Located north of downtown San Diego in Del Mar lies the #1 rated hotel in San Diego.
Why we love it
The tuscan decor will make you feel like you have just arrived in Italy, with big doors leading you into the grand entryway. Beyond the grand entryway is a sanctuary of tranquility and calmness. I felt isolated from the stresses of the world just by walking past their doors into this oasis.
Amenities
Let me start off by saying that the spa is to die for. We did a couples massage here and it easily ranks one of the best. Lying by the pool afterwards with a grapefruit mimosa certainly made the day even more relaxing. They have 4 pools to enjoy, Tuscan gardens to walk through, or a golf course to play at. End the day by eating at San Diego’s only Michelin starred restaurant known as the Addison.
La Quinta Resort, Palm Springs
Location
La Quinta Resort is located in La Quinta, just 15 miles outside of downtown Palm Springs. It takes about two hours from either LA, Orange County, Or San Diego.
Why we like it
If we are wanting an escape to find guaranteed sunshine, La Quinta Resort is where we love to spend our time under the sun. Not only is the weather always nice, but the grounds are just gorgeous with tons of flowers sprawled across the grounds. Each of the rooms have a Spanish decor with a romantic feel. The resort makes your stay personal by gifting you a Spanish tile upon arrival, which I took home as a memorable keepsake. I enjoyed that many of the rooms have a fireplace adding to the cozy ambience. My favorite part about the resort is having a jacuzzi in your own private patio to soak in while gazing up at the stars.
Amenities
Aside from the private jacuzzi in your patio, I loved having to choose from a variety of pools. La Quinta Resort has 41 pools on the grounds, in addition to a golf course, luxury spa, and several on site dining options to choose from.
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Where is your favorite place to spend the weekend with your special someone?