California is a huge and diverse state with landscapes that range from ocean to farmland, forests, deserts, and towering mountains. Couples looking for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation here have plenty of options to choose from to experience all that California has to offer. Resort stays shouldn’t just be reserved for honeymoons and anniversaries but also for spontaneous surprises and last-minute bookings that involve quality time with the one you love. Here are eight of our favorite resorts in California for couples.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, San Luis Obispo
California’s central coast often gets overshadowed by Northern California and Southern California destinations. But the San Luis Obispo area is an amazing couples’ destination. Here you’ll find lots of arts and culture performances, great hikes, and hot springs at the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. This resort has been a popular destination since the late 19th century and has guest rooms and suites to stay in. All of the accommodations here include hot mineral springs tubs on private balconies or patios. Couples can also visit the spa for a massage and take daily classes for yoga. All classes are complimentary for resort guests. The onsite Gardens of Avila Restaurant serves seasonal and organic cuisine, and package deals are available to help couples celebrate something special.
Key Amenities:
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Hot mineral springs tubs on private balconies or patios
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Spa with massages and yoga classes
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Mineral spring water hot tubs available by the hour
1215 Avila Beach Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, USA— +1 805-595-7302
Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, Carlsbad
This resort is near San Diego and has eight pools, an award-winning spa, and is in close distance to beaches and popular tourist attractions. There are luxury rooms and suites at this large resort, as well as 17 tennis courts and two championship golf courses that were designed by PGA legends. Couples can also choose among the five onsite restaurants or relax at the adult-only pool. Dining options include Bob’s Steak & Chop House, La Costa Honey, Vue, and more. The rooms here also come with two plush bathrobes.
Key Amenities:
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Two championship golf courses
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Award-winning spa with couples massages
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Adults-only pool
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009, USA— +1 760-438-9111
Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley
Napa Valley is always one of the most popular destinations in California for couples, and a top couples’ resort here is Auberge du Soleil. Here you’ll find guest rooms and suites on 33 acres of oak and olive tree-lined acres and enjoy a sophisticated and elegant stay with your partner. The views you’ll get from these rooms are second to none, as you overlook the vineyards on the valley floor and the Mayacamas Mountains. This is also a top destination for foodie couples because the resort is famous for its wine country cuisine. It was founded by a French restaurateur in 1981 and has won 15 consecutive Michelin Star awards. There’s a 15,000-bottle cellar onsite at the restaurant and also a bistro and bar for more casual dining and perhaps a couple of glasses of champagne at sunset.
Key Amenities:
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Wine country cuisine at Michelin-Star restaurant
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15,000-bottle cellar on-site
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Suites and rooms on 33 acres of oak and olive tree-lined acres
180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573, USA— +1 800-348-5406
El Capitan Canyon-Resort, Santa Barbara
If your idea of spending time with your lover involves immersing yourselves in nature, then book a stay at the El Capitan Canyon on the California coast. This is a nature resort about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara and on over 300 acres of the beautiful Pacific coast. Come here for minimalism and comfort without over-indulgence and for plenty of natural surroundings. Luxury camping options include cedar cabins. The accommodations come with all the bedding you’ll need and casual furnishings. Yurts are also available if you’d like a bit more room to move around and relax. On Saturday evenings in the summer, you can enjoy live performances that are part of the Canyon Concert Series, use complimentary beach cruiser bikes to explore the area, and book many other activities, including boat charters and Jeep tours.
Key Amenities:
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Nature resort with cedar cabins or yurts
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Live concerts in summer
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Complimentary beach cruiser bikes
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, Oxnard
This resort is an oceanfront hotel in southern California by the Channel Islands Harbor. You’ll be near Malibu, Ventura, and Ojai when you stay here, which is all between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara on the coast. There are rooms on site that are beautifully decorated and offer views of the ocean, pools with waterfalls, gardens, and lagoons. Couples who stay here will enjoy the heated outdoor pool, fitness center, spa with two modern treatment rooms, and awesome beachside location. Nearby, you can head out to the River Ridge Golf Club, Channel Islands Harbor Rentals, or Camarillo Premium Outlets.
Key Amenities:
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All-suite resort
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Pools with waterfalls, gardens and lagoons
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Beach access with gear included
2101 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA 93035, USA— +1 805-984-2500
Best Western Plus Monterey Inn, Monterey
For couples on a budget but still looking to explore the California coast together, consider booking a room at the Best Western Plus Monterey Inn. This is a moderately priced hotel that’s pet-friendly and has Monterey Beach right in its backyard. Stay here to experience the beauty and laid-back vibe of the central coast and enjoy the quaint seaside shops in town, as well as the winter tasting rooms and marine wildlife viewing opportunities. The hotel includes a complimentary full breakfast, a hot tub, an outdoor pool that’s seasonally heated and free parking.
Key Amenities:
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Pet-friendly rooms
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Complimentary full breakfast
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Outdoor pool and hot tub
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon
The Cavalier Oceanfront Resort is another great option for a couples’ getaway. This scenic oceanfront hotel offers a luxurious central coast experience, making it easy to take drives to the wine country of Paso Robles and the beaches of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. There are oceanfront or ocean-view rooms here, which is also just three miles from the famous Hearst Castle. Book your castle tour in advance and prepare to be impressed! At the resort, there are two outdoor heated ocean-view pools and a hot tub, pets are welcome, and there’s a day spa on-site.
Key Amenities:
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Pet-friendly oceanfront rooms
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Two outdoor heated pools
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Dayspa and fitness center on-site
Pier South Resort, San Diego
We also love the Pier South Resort for a trip to the San Diego area with your partner. This resort has a spa, signature restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness classes, beach activities, and oceanfront views. The SEA180˚ Coastal Tavern is open for all meals, and couples can dine al fresco on the patio next to decorative fire tables. Nearby things to do include checking out Coronado Island and the Gaslamp Quarter while taking casual strolls hand-in-hand.
Key Amenities:
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Beach access
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Outdoor pool and hot tub
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Signature restaurant with al fresco dining
