Some of the world’s most famous sights to share are within her borders and romance reigns supreme from the tops of snow-covered mountains to the ocean’s edge.

The majesty of the Redwood Forest; the breathtaking beauty of 17 Mile Drive; the awesome panoramas of the Pacific Coast Highway; the verdant vineyards of the wine country; the startling blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the grace of the Golden Gate Bridge; and the outrageous, star-studded walk of Hollywood are just a few of the exciting things to see.

Whether your sport is snow skiing or ocean surfing, you’ll find it here, and in some places, you can do them both in the same day! The sun shines on your love 300 days each year and mild temperatures invite you to practice your favorites whenever you’re in the mood.

From San Diego to Sacramento and beyond, you’ll feel as if “The Great Outdoors” is there just for the two of you to enjoy. Open your minds and your hearts and let California enchant you.

 

The 16 Best Honeymoon Resorts in California

The Inn On First

3-star hotel
9.8
Exceptional
Our Rating

True to its classification as a bed and breakfast, The Inn on First honeymoon experience is dual-focused between first-class room amenities and an unequaled breakfast menu that foodies can’t stop raving about. The commitment to providing a quiet and peaceful romantic oasis is absolute, with the inn skipping televisions in…

Hotel California

3-star hotel
9.6
Exceptional
Our Rating

Livin’ it up at the Hotel California: It may not be the Beverly Hills hotel featured on The Eagles’ rock album cover, but Hotel California is an intimate little adobe-style boutique hotel with enough romance for a thousand California love songs. The service is warm, the rooms are pleasant and…

Deerfield Lodge At Heavenly

4-star hotel
9.6
Exceptional
Our Rating

With luxury suites tucked into peaceful mountain surroundings, the Deerfield Lodge is bursting with charm, just begging lovers to experience it on their honeymoon in Lake Tahoe, California. Located about halfway between the lake and the nearest mountain, the Deerfield Lodge is a paradise for outdoorsy couples. For everyone else,…

Bardessono Hotel and Spa

5-star hotel
9.6
Exceptional
Our Rating

In seeking rejuvenation after the stresses of a wedding or a busy lifestyle, couples select a Bardessono honeymoon for a pampered experience that knows no bounds. Founded in 2009, the premier resort aims to achieve heaven on earth through a direct connection to nature with an abundance of natural light,…

Hotel Yountville

4-star hotel
9.6
Exceptional
Our Rating

A superb romantic getaway is all in the details, and within minutes of beginning your Hotel Yountville Resort & Spa honeymoon, you’ll appreciate just how far the resort has gone to ensure your comfort. Impeccable stylish accents are everywhere you look, from the exposed timber beams to mosaics comprised of…

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa

4-star hotel
9.4
Excellent
Our Rating

Nestled within six acres of pristine gardens and fine architecture is where your dreamlike MacArthur Place honeymoon will reveal itself. The hotel was established as a family estate and vineyard more than a century ago, and those family touches are still evident in the farmhouse décor, though luxury is now…

Quail Lodge and Golf Club

3-star hotel
9.2
Excellent
Our Rating

One of the best honeymoon destinations on earth is Carmel By the Sea. And, one of the best places for a great honeymoon experience is The Quail Lodge and Golf Club. It’s in a great location – super close to Carmel by the Sea and Carmel Beach. Their rooms are…

Kimpton’s The Rowan Palm Springs

4-star hotel
9.2
Excellent
Our Rating

Hip honeymoon couples will love The Rowan Palm Springs. While the hotel has an exclusive feel, in reality it is actually very relaxed and comfortable. Located right in the heart of downtown Palm Springs the vibe of this resort combines access to all day adventurous outdoor hikes and bike rides,…

Inn at Sonoma

3-star hotel
9.0
Excellent
Our Rating

An Inn at Sonoma honeymoon has been a favorite choice for newlyweds since its founding in 2002. The central location just steps away from Sonoma Plaza provides couples with direct access to the city’s best attractions and restaurants. Upon returning to the inn, however, couples are treated to a lavish…

La Playa Carmel

4-star hotel
8.8
Great
Our Rating

This luxury boutique hotel sits just two blocks from the beach in the heart of Carmel by-the-Sea’s upscale residential district. Just steps from the charming California coastal village’s finest shops, restaurants and attractions, this honeymoon escape brings couples into a beautifully-restored turn of the 20th century building that oozes elegance…

Marriott’s Timber Lodge

4-star hotel
8.8
Great
Our Rating

South Lake Tahoe’s Heavenly Village, the restaurant and shopping hub of the beloved vacation destination, is always at your fingertips during a Marriott’s Timer Lodge honeymoon. Beyond direct access to the area’s best activities, the resort is a dreamlike property in its own right with spacious accommodations, spectacular mountain views,…

JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square

4-star hotel
8.6
Great
Our Rating

Stylish and sleek, the sweeping architecture draws couples in and then the vast, magnificent lobby takes their breath away. Discover San Francisco’s Union Square and all the rest of the city’s best from your spacious room or suite at the beautiful JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square. Homebody honeymooners can…

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

5-star hotel
8.6
Great
Our Rating

A Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn honeymoon is one of life’s signature moments for all who are fortunate to experience it. Long considered a healing ground where couples have retreated to escape everyday life, Sonoma is one of California’s most cherished destinations and a haven for romance. Alluring landscapes and grand…

Seaview Inn

3-star hotel
8.0
Good
Our Rating

Private gardens, complimentary wine, great staff, just a three-minute walk to the beach and ten minutes to downtown: And these are just a few of the reasons to visit the Sea View Inn for your honeymoon in Carmel, California. Lean on your sweetheart and sip wine by the roaring fire,…

Tickle Pink Inn

4-star hotel

This wonderful luxury hotel in Carmel Highlands hugs the Big Sur coastline, and offers honeymoon couples spectacular ocean view rooms and suites. And, you’ll love that they are known for pampering their guest from morning to night. After all, who needs to go all the way to Italy to enjoy…

The Parker Palm Springs

5-star hotel

This is really a cool hotel to experience. The grounds are lovely with the gardens and foliage and not what you expect to see in the desert. What will tick the boxes of your honeymoon must haves is that: It has a world class beautiful property with spa, pool, bar,…


About California

Must-See

  • A walk on the beach. There are over 1200 miles of coastline to enjoy. Hold hands and share your dreams as you soak up the beauty and walk along the stunning beaches of Carmel, Morro Bay, Malibu, Laguna, and many others.
  • The 17 Mile Drive on the Monterrey Peninsula. This is one of the most famous bits of roadway in the USA. Startling ocean views, dramatic cliffs, wooded byways, and great golf courses are just part of the panorama. Stop to see the weather-worn lone cypress which has become world-famous. It’s the perfect spot to snap a photo of your loved one!
  • Try a world-famous California wine in Sonoma or Napa Valley. This area is one of the world’s largest wine producers! Wineries dot the countryside of Monterrey Bay, Shenandoah Valley, and Santa Barbara country. Visit them. You’ll learn a lot as you try to choose your favorites.
  • Redwood National Park, Crescent City. Some of the world’s oldest and tallest trees are awesome sights. As you walk along the paths between tree stands, you’ll feel tiny among the giant ancient sequoias, firs, hemlocks, and oaks. The shaded wonderland is sure to enchant you.
  • The Hearst Castle at San Simeon. Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and his celebrity guests from throughout the world lived life to the fullest in the 1930s and 40’s at this opulent, outrageous country “castle” which is now open to the public. Get a glimpse of the luxurious life of days gone by as you visit the house and gardens. If you north on Highway l afterward, you’ll be treated to another of the state’s most scenic drives.
  • Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to Los Angeles at sunset and enjoy sweeping ocean views. This just might be one of the world’s most romantic stretches of the road!
  • A cable car ride, San Francisco. Hop on the old, open-air trolley in the downtown shopping district, go up the steep grade to the top of Nob Hill, and down the other side to Fishermen’s Wharf and you’ll make memories to share. It’s just like the movies!

 

Honeymoon Hints

  • MIND THE SIZE: Big cities are spread out and distances are usually great.No matter where you go, you’ll need to rent a car. Make sure to double-check your rental reservation a week before you leave, and get ready to explore!
  • HONEYMOON HIGHWAYS: California’s freeways are famous but demand driving know-how. Traffic can be congested at rush hours, so plan days accordingly. Drive at least the speed limit. Right lanes are generally for trucks. Keep in the center lane, know your exit, and plan ahead to get to it.
  • SAVE ON GAS: Gas is cheaper in Southern California, so fill up the tank before heading north.
  • PLAN AHEAD: Some areas (such as Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, national parks, etc.) have their own visitor centers and tourist offices or Chambers of Commerce. Contact them in advance to plan your honeymoon days.
  • WONDERFUL WINES: Be careful of your intake if you’re planning to visit several wineries in one day.

 


Destinations to Explore

Additional honeymoon destinations in California you may want to consider: