Most Romantic Small-Town Getaways in California
Whether it’s a night away, a few days to reconnect, or a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary, California’s small-town getaways set the stage for romance. From action-packed destinations to quiet-paced retreats, couples will find the perfect backdrop to enjoy together.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea’s storybook setting is a timeless getaway for romantics. Flower-bedecked cottages, many dating back to Carmel’s early days as an enclave for artists, line the town’s fairytale village streets where visitors can wander leisurely for hours. Tucked throughout are boutique shops, artist-owned galleries, intimate bistros, and softly-lit wine-tasting rooms. A romantic must for any Carmel visit is watching nature’s sunset display from the white sand slopes of Carmel Beach or strolling the bluff’s Scenic Pathway that overlooks the beach below. Other points of interest are the rugged coastline paths and viewpoints at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve; historic Carmel Mission; and the exclusive Pebble Beach community, home to the famous 17-Mile Drive and three of the nation’s top-rated public golf courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.
Where to stay
L’Auberge Carmel is known for full-service boutique luxury. Meditative calm envelops the Asian-inspired Tradewinds Carmel. An idyllic amenity-rich retreat defines Coachman’s Inn. Carmel Cottage Inn features five standalone cottages. Pets are warmly welcomed at Carmel Country Inn and Hofsas House.
Cambria
Located on Highway 1 less than an hour from San Luis Obispo, Cambria is a quiet seaside town known for its laid-back vibe. The ideal spot to get oriented on a romantic getaway to Cambria is from the mile-long Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. It’s a low-impact path that guides visitors past rolling surf, tide pools, and sandy sections of beach. In town, Cambria’s charming streets are lined with eclectic boutiques, antique shops, quirky cafes, and mouthwatering restaurants. For those who want to toast to their romantic occasion, Cambria showcases local vintages at downtown tasting rooms and numerous Central Coast wineries are nearby. Just a short drive away in San Simeon is the famous Hearst Castle. The historic estate is open daily for tours. Reservations are encouraged.
Where to stay
Sister properties OceanPoint Ranch, Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach, and Cambria Landing Inn & Suites up the ante for romantic getaways with seasonal add-ons such as hot cocoa and s’mores kits to snuggle up with at the outdoor firepit or in-room fireplace; souvenir champagne flutes and sparkling wine; gourmet chocolates; and rose petals adorning the bed. The oceanfront FogCatcher Inn offers crisp décor with beautiful views. Pelican Inn & Suites features guest rooms with private patios.
Murphys
A Gold-Rush-era town tucked into the Sierra Foothills, Murphys is an enchanting enclave with tree-lined streets and historic storefronts. Dozens of art galleries and wine-tasting rooms line the streets, and many restaurants and bars host live music most weekends. A quick drive from downtown, Murphys is home to over two dozen family-owned boutique wineries with tasting rooms that are far from the crowds of California’s better-known wine regions. Murphys also plays host to numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Spring Wine Weekend held in April. For a taste of the outdoors, visitors can walk among groves of giant sequoias in nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park or take in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada alpine scenery along Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway.
Where to stay
The Victoria Inn exudes European charm with elegant décor, fireplaces, and claw-foot tubs. Dunbar House is an Italianate-style estate with old-world appeal. The cedar log Courtwood Inn is set on a five-acre hilltop with stunning views.
Los Olivos
In the late 1800s, Los Olivos was a dusty stagecoach outpost linking San Francisco to San Diego. Today, this small Santa Ynez Valley town is known as a premier wine country getaway. Everything about Los Olivos encourages visitors to slow down and cherish the moment. Specialty shops, fashionable boutiques, tasting rooms, and cafes and restaurants showcasing locally sourced ingredients line downtown’s historic streets. Just outside of town, dozens of estate and family-owned and operated wineries open their doors to tastings. Pinot Noir reigns supreme in this corner of California wine country. Another popular way to explore the nooks and crannies of Los Olivos is by bike. Numerous established cycling routes wind their way around town and beyond offering everything from a romantically relaxed pedal through the vineyards to hours-long endurance rides.
Where to stay
Rich with history and rustic sophistication, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is a luxury destination that seamlessly blends old with new. Fess Parker Wine Country Inn features newly revamped guestrooms and suites, all with fireplaces and complimentary wine tastings for two.
Avalon
Historic Avalon on Catalina Island has been attracting visitors for generations. The small waterfront community sits on Avalon Bay and plays to a variety of interests. Front Street, as it’s referred to by locals, is the town’s main thoroughfare housing dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops. A waterfront promenade leads to the island’s iconic Catalina Casino which was commissioned in 1929 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. Tours are available. Golfers who want to get in a quick nine holes will find challenging play at Catalina Island Country Club and Golf Course. It’s the oldest operating golf course west of the Mississippi. Diving, hiking, mountain biking, and lounging on the beach are also top-rated island pastimes. For a romantic break, couples can book the couple’s suite for massage services at Island Spa Catalina.
Where to stay
The Avalon Hotel in the heart of town offers rooms with private balconies and ocean views. The contemporary-styled Aurora Hotel features a rooftop deck for prime sunset viewing. Catalina Courtyard Suites offers newly renovated guestrooms and a spacious Penthouse Suite.
Pacific Grove
Known affectionately as Butterfly Town USA, Pacific Grove is a historic town on the coastal tip of the Monterey Peninsula. Through the fall and winter, the area attracts overwintering monarch butterflies by the thousands. Any time of year, though, Pacific Grove is a favorite destination for couples to enjoy a romantic getaway on the Monterey Bay. Between rest and relaxation, visitors can visit Point Pinos Lighthouse (the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast), walk or bike the stunning coastal trail between the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Lover’s Point, play a round of golf, go wine tasting, or explore historic downtown Pacific Grove with a self-guided walking tour. The area abounds with outdoor recreation, including cycling, hiking, whale watching, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking.
Where to stay
The venerable Gosby House Inn was handsomely renovated in 2023. Also newly revamped, the oceanfront Green Gables Inn is styled in beachside chic. Seven Gables Inn is a sprawling Victorian estate with ocean views from every room. Centrella Hotel is steeped in Victorian charm. The oceanfront Martine Inn is known for its museum-quality antiques. The Old St. Angela Inn offers charming comfort.
Ferndale
Nestled between dense redwood forests and Northern California’s mystical Lost Coast, Ferndale is a Victorian hamlet seemingly plucked from a movie set. The tiny town is recognized among historians and appreciated by all who visit for having some of the most well-preserved Victorian buildings in the country. The entire town is listed on the Register of Historic Places. Couples will find charming streets to stroll, ancient redwood forests to explore, and secluded beaches to hide away for an afternoon. Popular attractions located minutes from downtown Ferndale include Redwoods National & State Parks, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Centerville Beach, and Lost Coast Headlands.
Where to stay
The landmark Gingerbread Mansion Inn drips in Victorian elegance. Guestrooms are uniquely styled, and most feature a fireplace and clawfoot soaking tub. Victorian Inn, built in 1890, is a stunning display of craftsmanship and grandeur, mixed with a romantic touch.
Healdsburg
Situated along the Russian River in Sonoma County, Healdsburg is a small-town getaway at the center of three world-class wine-growing regions. Downtown’s historic tree-lined plaza is the hub of Healdsburg with chic and casual restaurants, tasting rooms and bars, boutique shops, and art galleries. Surrounding the town are hundreds of wineries and thousands of acres of vineyards comprising the Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander Valley appellations. Many feature tasting rooms and tours. Outdoor enthusiasts will also find a lot of reasons to raise their glass in Healdsburg. The Russian River is the town’s base for recreation. The river corridor offers endless options for lazy rafting, fishing, standup paddleboarding, and picnicking along the banks.
Where to stay
Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza offers chic accommodations, some with jetted tubs. River Belle Inn is a historic estate fronting the Russian River. Farmhouse Inn is luxuriously private for a romantic escape.
La Jolla
The posh coastal town of La Jolla is aptly named. Spanish for The Jewel, everything about La Jolla gleams in the warm Southern California sun. Ocean coves are brilliant shades of aquamarine. Bougainvillea blooms burst in ruby reds. Even the sand shimmers with flecks of color gold. La Jolla town is a walkable labyrinth with convenient access to award-winning restaurants, specialty shopping, art galleries, and entertainment venues. The Comedy Store, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center feature regular events for a night on the town. Golfers will find their dream greens at the two 18-hole championship courses at Torrey Pines Golf Course. The La Jolla Walking Trail is another option for soaking in the town. This meandering bluff-line path connects La Jolla Cove with La Jolla Shores Beach. It’s the perfect place for a sunset stroll.
Where to stay
The completely renovated Cormorant Boutique Hotel offers chic accommodations and a rooftop restaurant and bar with ocean views.
Capitola
Just south of Santa Cruz on the Monterey Bay, Capitola is the Pacific Coast’s oldest seaside resort town. The town’s anchor attraction is Capitola Village where a bench-lined esplanade park curves alongside pastel-colored beachside shops and restaurants before opening to a panoramic view of the sea. Visitors can also wind along village backstreets where more shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms are located. Capitola Beach fronts the village and is a popular surf spot. The historic Capitola Wharf is under repair and expected to reopen in the summer of 2024 with improved visitor services. The wharf vantage point is one of the best in the region for spotting sea otters, seals, and the occasional whale. A short drive away, vineyards drape the hills above nearby Soquel.
Where to Stay
In the Village hub, Capitola Hotel features guestrooms inspired by Caribbean islands. The Inn at Depot Hill boasts luxurious guestrooms that evoke famous international destinations. Monarch Cove Inn is nestled among flower-filled gardens and a monarch butterfly habitat overlooking Monterey Bay.
Mill Valley
Mill Valley, located about 15 miles north of San Fransisco, is an outdoors lovers paradise. The town is located at the base of Marin County’s famous Mount Tamalpais, and within minutes of Muir Woods National Monument. Also nearby are Point Reyes National Seashore, Angel Island, and miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. The Dipsea Trail is among the most popular hiking trails. The trailhead is in town and starts with an arduous stair climb before following a well-beaten path over the hill and through the woods to Stinson Beach. Before, after, or instead of heart-pumping recreation, Mill Valley’s downtown streets are perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal, browsing boutiques, or listening to live music. Local favorite Sweetwater Music Hall has been welcoming top performers to its stage for 50 years.
Where to stay
Mill Valley Inn is a collection of luxurious accommodations, including two creek-side cottages nestled among towering redwoods.
Mendocino
Perched on a bluff overlooking the rugged Pacific coastline, Mendocino is a classic bohemian enclave. Couples who choose this out-of-the-way gem for a romantic getaway will find stunning coastal scenery punctuated by dense forests; a walkable village dotted with eclectic shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and lively watering holes; and a sense of calm as the sounds of the sea play in the distance. Mendocino is also the gateway to spectacular outdoor recreation. Mother Nature thrives here. From hiking and biking to kayaking, wildlife spotting, and photography, Mendocino is best captured in the outdoor experience. Mendocino Headlands State Park and Big River, Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, Van Damme State Park, and Russian Gulch State Park are premier destinations for getting in touch with nature and each other.
Where to stay
Inns of Mendocino is a collection of neighboring inns in the heart of town. MacCallum House offers a variety of room styles with luxury amenities. Cozy fireplaces warm the guestrooms at Headlands Inn. Seagull Inn offers a garden setting with ocean views. Brewery Gulch Inn perfects the nature-nurture getaway. Find rustic elegance and fine dining at The Stanford Inn.
Half Moon Bay
On Highway 1, about 30 miles south of San Francisco, the seaside town of Half Moon Bay is secluded enough to feel like a romantic escape and close enough to steal away for 24 hours of date night. Half Moon Bay is a custom-design destination. Couples will find endless opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as more leisurely pursuits like wine tasting, beachcombing, or simply relaxing. The Coastal Trail is a popular multi-use trail that stretches 11.5 miles and offers some of the best views of the coastline in the region. When the famous Mavericks surf break unleashes, expert big wave riders can try for the ride of their life. Golfers will find challenging play at two Arnold Palmer-designed courses. The town’s Main Street is a shopper’s dream, with blocks of locally owned boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Where to stay
Enjoy full-service amenities at Half Moon Bay Lodge. Stunning views frame the beachfront Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach. Suites have private decks or patios at the Inn at Mavericks. Mill Rose Inn is an easy walk to beaches, shops, and restaurants. Nantucket Whale Inn on Main Street evokes a refined Nantucket Island home. Seal Cove Inn sits on a bluff overlooking parkland and the ocean beyond.
Ojai
Nestled among citrus groves and stately oaks, Ojai is a hidden gem of the Ventura Valley located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Many come here to experience the spiritual energy of the vicinity’s reputed vortex. Others come simply to enjoy the slowed pace of the town, whose length can be walked in a few short blocks, or to explore the outdoors. Hiking and horseback riding are popular here with trail systems dedicated to each. Regardless of any agenda, enjoying the quietude of Ojai’s famous Pink Moment is a must. It happens at dusk when a soft pink glow casts a spell across the surrounding mountain range. There is no bad seat in the house. Pink Moment can be seen from all of Ojai.
Where to stay
The historic Lavender Inn features well-appointed guestrooms and a spacious cottage. The onsite day spa offers massages, including couples massage.
Yountville
Yountville is the setting for wine-country romance in the heart of Napa Valley. Perfectly designed to leave the car behind, Yountville is known as one of the valley’s most walkable towns. A relaxed stroll through the mile-long downtown corridor uncovers exquisite dining, elegant tasting rooms, and upscale boutiques. Visitors will also notice life-size sculptures displayed throughout town. These works of art comprise the rotating gallery Yountville Art Walk, which features over three dozen sculptures. For couples who find romantic inspiration in the clouds, a hot air balloon at sunrise offers endless views of Napa Valley vineyards stretching in every direction. The grand finale of a romantic getaway to Yountville is fine dining at The French Laundry. Plan well in advance. Reservations at this famous Michelin Guide three-star gem can be hard to come by.
Where to stay
Maison Fleurie delivers a French Country experience complete with impeccably manicured gardens and elegantly appointed guestrooms, some with a jetted spa tub. At Lavender, every room is a sanctuary featuring a cozy fireplace and a deep soaking or jetted tub.
Tiburon
A dot on the map, Tiburon is a favorite destination for romantic getaways on the San Fransico Bay. Best of all, personal vehicles are completely optional. The town’s restaurants, shops, and inns are all within strolling distance of the Tideline Ferry and Golden Gate Ferry terminals. In addition to a tranquil and scenic waterfront, visitors to Tiburon can enjoy an excursion to Angel Island State Park, a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown. Angel Island is an important outpost in California and national history. It was once inhabited by the Coast Miwok tribe and served as a U.S. Immigration Station from 1910 to 1940. Japanese and German POWs were detained here during WWII. Angel Island features a museum, picnic areas, and hiking and biking trails.
Where to stay
Cozy up to stunning views of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline from Waters Edge Hotel’s fire-warmed deck.