6 Romantic Weekend Getaways in Southern California

When most think of Southern California, they think of beautiful beaches, Los Angeles, San Diego, and maybe even Laguna Beach… but there are plenty of other places to go for the best romantic getaways. Think Santa Barbara, wine tasting, or adventure in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree!

If you’re looking to get creative and plan a unique weekend getaway to get quality time with your loved one, here are 6 romantic weekend getaways in Southern California to consider!

The 6 Best Hotels for Weekend Getaways in Southern California

1. The Surfrider Hotel, Malibu

Malibu is the perfect place for the quintessential Southern California romantic experience. The Surfrider touts itself as a ‘20 room Californian Beach House’. Book a room with ocean views of the Pacific Ocean. Each room is graced with a calm color palette filled with white, wood, beige, grays, and plant greenery. The Malibu Suite even comes with a hammock on the patio of your room so you can relax in the ocean breeze. 

Enjoy watching surfers as you drink your morning coffee, or close the curtains and sleep in until your heart’s content. In the evening, you can take a romantic stroll along the waterfront and watch the sunset from the sand. Dine on the Roof Deck Bar and Restaurant, where their menu focus is based on locally sourced and organic produce. Some nights offer live music, but every night you will get an unforgettable view.

They even offer a fully accessible room and bathroom conveniently located on the ground floor near the lobby. They are proud to share that they offer clear access pathways, entrances, and elevators as well—including in the second-floor library and the rooftop dining area. This is one of the most romantic places because they really think of it all. You won’t even need to venture outside of your hotel or away from the beautiful beaches if you don’t want to! It’s the perfect staycation and weekend getaway!

2. El Encanto, Santa Barbara

In Spanish, ‘encanto’ means ‘charmed’ or ‘glamoured”. This means El Encanto promises a magical moment right from the start! With its Spanish Colonial Revival walls and Californian craftsman styles, too, it calls itself an American Riviera utopia. With a boutique spa, how could it not be? Things don’t get better than luxury hotels like this. Your stay includes high-speed internet, a fitness center and spa access, and even an e-bicycle and vehicle for local transportation, depending on availability.

While there is a dining room, lounge patio, and bar—Santa Barbara has no shortages of fine dining options and tasting rooms if you’re seeking a romantic dinner. You can spend time by the beach or even drive along the California coast to see the sites. As far as local tourist attractions go, the Old Mission Santa Barbara (1786), Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and even a zoo! The hotel even offers a four-day Santa Barbara discovery itinerary if you like outdoor adventures, bike riding, wine, and more!

3. Casa Laguna Hotel and Spa, Laguna Beach

If you take the Pacific Coast Highway down to Orange County, you will find the idyllic sandy beaches of the famous Laguna Beach. You will find Casa Laguna, built in the 1920s but restored in 2016 to include a more Moroccan influence style and more. While there are only 23 rooms in this boutique inn, there are plenty of rooms with view options, from overlooking the garden to the gorgeous waves of the ocean. 

This location also has dining and spa options, but if you’re looking for even more, visit the Laguna downtown area for even more dining options. There are tasting rooms and art exhibits all throughout the area.

A few suggestions include Starfish Laguna Beach, Mozambique, and Splashes Restaurant. You can even take a short road trip to Newport Beach and visit the piers and other tourist attractions on the Balboa Peninsula. There should be no shortage of things to do in Orange County, especially along its surrounding beach cities!

4. Lindberg Suites, Big Bear Lake

Lindberg Suites is perfect for a romantic winter getaway. You will be staying in cabin-like suites amongst snow-covered pines. This is definitely a great place to cuddle up and enjoy mountain views instead of ocean views. There’s a hot tub you can enjoy on those cold winter nights, and during the day, it’s a four-minute drive to a ski resort if you enjoy skiing. You won’t be short of dining options either. Within a short drive, there are plenty of restaurants and bars!

If you happen to visit when it’s not snowing, there are kayaking adventures to be had, lake tours, and rope courses you can do if you’re feeling more adventurous! There’s also the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which is known for being a rehabilitation center for injured animals, especially following forest fires. Many of its occupants are temporary visitors and will relocate to their original climate when they are fully recovered!

Big Bear Lake is perfect for nature lovers. Regardless of what season you go in, there are plenty of outdoor activities for adventurous couples!

5. Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs

The Korakia is a Mediterranean-style resort that offers relaxing, restored historic villas. The surrounding landscape of the courtyard offers olive trees, citrus blossoms, bougainvillea vines, gorgeous fountains, and a stone waterfall. You have the option to stay in one of the Mediterranean villas, Moroccan villas, or the Korakia houses. Within these various styles, there are suite offerings, bungalows, and studios. There are truly so many options to choose from.

The best part? They offer romantic getaway packages! It includes strawberries, champagne, and a couple’s massage. You can even have your room decorated with candlelight and rose petals to make it an extra romantic experience! Other general amenities include a pool, an upscale gift shop, bike rentals to cruise around town, and fine dining experiences in the Moroccan-style courtyard!

6. Avalon Hotel, Catalina Island

Catalina Island is known for being a romantic tourist destination, especially when you stay at the Avalon Hotel in a room with a waterfront view. Enjoy your morning coffee on your room’s balcony and overlook the water for the ultimate serene experience. Then, when you’re ready to get your day started, there is plenty to do around the island!

You can take a tour on a glass-bottomed boat, or you can go on an undersea expedition to see more of the sea in all its glory. You can also go whale watching too! The island has a museum, casino, beach club, golf course, and so much more. But one of the best things people know the island for is its various fine dining and wine-tasting options. This 

It is also a popular spot because it makes for a great day trip, even if you don’t spend the night. If you don’t have a lot of time to be away but still want a quick romantic getaway, Catalina is perfect for you!

Pack Your Suitcase…

As you likely already know, Southern California is full of beautiful places. Now that you’ve learned about six of these unique places to stay, which stands out to you?

Other notable mentions include Joshua Tree National Park. You can rent yurts and tents in a romantic Airbnb and camp under the stars. Some locations even include heaters since desert nights are known to be cold. It’s all about what you and your guests prefer and find relaxing. For some people, that’s the ocean, and for others, that’s the mountains! Wherever you choose to go, you’re sure to have the most romantic time with the right mindset!

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