California doesn't get enough credit as a romantic destination. Most people know of it for its big cities and beautiful beaches, but romance? Not really! It's a shame too because there are noteworthy romantic cities in California that any couple ought to check out. See Carmel-be-the-Sea and get lost in its storybook-like whimsy. Escape to Laguna Beach and soak up as much sun, sand, and sea with your special someone. You can also do that in Palm Springs and revel in this city's vintage appeal. And of course, there's Tahoe City and its famous lake. What's not to love?
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Just its name alone brings about thoughts of a sweet seaside town in a storybook. Carmel-by-the-Sea is an idyllic small town in California. With its timbered houses and cute cottage, you'd swear you stumbled upon “Fantasyland” in Disneyland. But nope! This place is an actual town and boy is it romantic! It's not enough that it's a beach city, but its fairytale-like appeal amps up the romance to even greater heights. And what's inside these charming houses? Bed and breakfasts that are perfect for a honeymoon!
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Catalina Island
Catalina Island is California's version of a
Greek Island. The place is an idyllic coastal paradise set upon the seaside hills of one of California’s Channel Islands. The glittering seas and sweeping landscapes provide the perfect setting for some romance, especially if you’re both adventure types. You can spend your days sailing a yacht, taking a hike, swimming in the sea, and more. If you want a little glamour for your trip, check out the island's 1929 Art Deco Catalina Casino, complete with its own bayside fine dining experience.
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Tahoe City
Lake Tahoe is one of the most famous lakes in the US. Beloved for its clear waters and surrounding lush forest, you couldn't have found a better place to spend some quality time with your special someone. You don't even have to go camping by the lake to enjoy some peace and quiet here. Going to Tahoe City is more than enough! Though it's named “Tahoe City,” the place itself is a small town in the
American countryside. Its rural charms are utterly romantic.
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Napa Valley
Located 60 miles north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is all about the scenic vineyards. These expansive lands that produce such delectable wines can easily rival the
vineyards in Italy, both with produce and romance. With that famous California sun shining down on you, there's no way you and your partner feel the romance as you tour these beautiful wineries and sample their work. Even the downtown area, which is busier compared to other parts of Napa Valley, reeks of rural romance.
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La Jolla
La Jolla is technically part of San Diego so it's not exactly accurate to call it one of the most romantic cities in California. Perhaps it’s more correct to say that it's one of the most romantic neighborhoods in San Diego, but in truth, the place is so distinct that even locals regard it as a separate town from the rest of the city. Beyond the hustle and bustle of San Diego, La Jolla is a lively coastal town with a popular namesake cove beach. It's here where couples can escape city life just a bit and enjoy each other's company on a soft and sunny shoreline.
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Ojai
Set on another valley in California, Ojai is another California city rich in picturesque landscapes and idyllic countryside charms. The place itself looks and feels more like a village than an actual city. Instead of a sprawling metropolis, there are small shops and art galleries just waiting to be explored. And instead of tall skyscrapers, the surrounding mountains provide the perfect backdrop for an Instagram-worthy shot. There's no doubt you and your significant other will have a great time relaxing in Ojai!
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Santa Barbara
With its grand Spanish architecture and the southern seas' roaring waves, Santa Barbara looks like the perfect setting for a
telenovela. As cheesy as these shows are, you also can't deny that they're utterly romantic. Who knows, you and your special someone might just spice things up even more if you get into the drama of Santa Barbara. Though there's no need for catfights and throwing glasses of wine at each other. Instead, you can get lost in Santa Barbara's vintage appeal and revel in its warm sunshine.
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Palm Springs
Do you know what's another place beloved for its eternal sunshine? Palm Springs! Though it's a small desert city in southern California, it has gone on to achieve world fame with its Hollywood-like appeal, tropical warmth, and an idyllic glamour that's all its own. In many ways, this is the best place to luxuriate in that covetable West Coast warmth as it offers tons of five-star hotels and even a few luxury motels. Here, you and your partner can just lounge by the pool, sip cocktails, and go out dancing at night. What's not to love?
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Laguna Beach
And finally, there's Laguna Beach. As a small but luxurious seaside city in California's famous Orange County, it's safe to say that the place is the closest thing the US has to the dreamy
towns on the French Riviera. The city boasts a beautiful balance between its idyllic coastal location and an upscale metropolis full of the finer things in life. On some days, you and your significant other can go shopping, eat at fancy restaurants, and perhaps even enjoy a spa day or two. And on other days, you can just go to the beach, try your hand at surfing, and get a nice tan.
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California deserves a lot more credit as a romantic destination. The West Coast has a lot of lovely cities that are perfect for couples. They offer storybook appeals, stunning coasts, and of course, that signature California sunshine!
