No other state in the United States has as many cool romantic destinations for young adults as California does. 

The Golden State is romanticized for a reason. It is such a diverse place with action-packed cities, quiet seaside towns on the Pacific Coast, and wine-focused valleys.

Choosing the right destination is kind of important, because you can find such a diverse number of places and things to do. So, here is a list of the best California cities for weekend getaways, anniversary celebrations, honeymoons, and all types of romantic travel.  

1. Santa Barbara

Spanish colonial heritage, awesome beaches, cool street art, and Mediterranean-style buildings with red-tile roofs make Santa Barbara much more than just a small beach town.

In the morning, get your coffee fix at the upscale Cajé Coffee Roasters. Their Sugarwood Flat is spectacular! For the best views, couples can climb to the top of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse clock tower. In case you want ice cream, McConnell’s is your go-to place.

If you and your partner are into museums, visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. With countless breweries and wineries to choose from in the area, the Funk Zone is definitely the best spot to sample wines and beers. TopaTopa, Biergarten, and Pali Wine first come to mind.

To see a variety of beautiful plants, spend a few hours at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. In the afternoon, go for a stroll along Stearns Wharf, California’s oldest working wharf, lined with snack stands and souvenir shops.

2. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is such a diverse city. You have the buzzing downtown L.A., as well as quiet neighborhoods and nature areas such as Baldwin Hills.

The best place for a picnic for two is Griffith Park. While you are in the area, make sure to check out the Griffith Observatory. Couples who like books should not miss the amazing Last Bookstore at the corner of 5th and Spring.

Foodies can have lunch at the Grand Central Market, a large dining spot offering hearty dishes from all over the world. Don’t miss the nearby Bradbury building, the oldest commercial building in downtown L.A., known for its Italian Renaissance revival style architecture.

The City of Angels is huge, so you’ll probably want to spend a few days here. To make the experience even more special, stay in one of the many hot tub suites in Los Angeles. You will find classic in-bathroom jetted tubs, as well as private Jacuzzis placed directly inside the room. For the best Jacuzzi options in Los Angeles, check out TubHotels.

3. Napa Valley

While Napa Valley is not specifically a city, this gorgeous region is one of the most romantic destinations in all of California. Think 400 wineries, nearly 100 urban wine tasting rooms, some of the finest natural thermal waters in the state, and a few Michelin-starred restaurants.

If you are traveling on a budget, renting bikes and doing a leisurely ride through the vineyards either around the town of Napa, Sonoma, or up one of the valleys is a great way to experience the scenery of Napa Valley. Couples can also hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train, which chugs along the gorgeous vineyards for about 40 miles.   

Nature lovers will want to visit the Skyline Wilderness Park and the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. For easy access to some natural springs, go to the town of Calistoga, which is famous for its natural thermal waters. To enjoy views from a totally different experience, couples can book a hot air balloon ride.

4. San Francisco

If you prefer big-city vibes, spend a few days in San Francisco. There are so many romantic things to do here.

Walking along Marshall’s Beach and enjoying views of the Golden Gate Bridge, whale watching from the San Francisco Bay, admiring beautiful artwork at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and watching a stand-up performance at Cobb’s Comedy Club. 

You can also stop by the Conservatory of Flowers, hop on a sunset boat tour with San Francisco Bay Twilight and Sunset Cruises, and walk the streets of Chinatown. For spectacular city views and tasty cocktails/mocktails, book a table at the legendary rooftop View Lounge.

5 Carmel-by-the-Sea

A timeless getaway for romantics, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a gorgeous beachside town in Monterey County. You are looking at a day or two of exploring cute village streets in the downtown area lined with artist-owned galleries, wine-tasting rooms, and cozy bistros.

Outdoorsy couples can look forward to visiting the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to discover a rocky coastline and walking trails. More of a wine lover? You won’t go wrong with both De Tierra Vineyards and Scheid Vineyards.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also known for its horseback riding trails and golf courses. For a romantic picnic with sunset views, visit Carmel Beach.

This town is also near Monterey, another quaint seaside town known for its seaside restaurants, aquarium, and gorgeous views.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey are also great places to start a drive south along the coastline known as Big Sur.

6. Los Olivos

A tiny Santa Ynez Valley town just outside of Santa Barbara, Los Olivos is a romantic retreat for two that oozes charm at every turn. Falling in love with its historic streets with fashionable boutiques, specialty shops, and upscale dining establishments is easy. If you are looking for a place to sample cheese boards and do some gift shopping, go to the Los Olivos General Store.

Just outside the center of the town, you will find many family-owned wine estates that offer Pinot Noir and Chardonnay tasting.

Another way to explore the area is by bike, as there are many well-maintained cycling routes here in Los Olivos. Horseback riding at Fess Parker is also a popular activity among couples.

7. Palm Springs

Young adults visiting California for a romantic weekend getaway can spend a day or two in Palm Springs. The weather is always nice, the swaying palm trees look amazing, and the hip downtown area has everything you need.

The number one tourist attraction here is the “world’s largest tram car”, the iconic Aerial Tramway. It takes you all the way up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto, where you will find an amazing observation deck with spectacular views.

Those into hiking can visit Andreas Canyon at the Indian Canyons Nature Preserve. If you and your partner are history geeks, there is no better place to visit than the Palm Springs Air Museum. It is home to one of the world’s largest collections of military aircraft from the Vietnam War and WWII.

Happy Travels!