California is a prime spot for romantic hotel getaways. The gorgeous coastline and the mountain terrain in California set the mood for romance. Whether you are looking for a romantic beachside getaway or romance in the mountains, there are several luxurious and romantic hotels in California. I created a list of ten of the most romantic hotels in California that are sure to impress.
Romantic Hotels in Northern California
Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur)
Romance fills the air as soon as you pass through the gate at Post Ranch Inn. The property is simply stunning and the ultimate destination for romance. The romance factor is taken up a notch with two therapeutically heated basking pools, with an infinity edge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. During the day, the views are breathtaking, but at night, your surroundings are magical. Twinkling stars above, combined with the towering redwood and oak trees, bring a sense of unmatched tranquility and peace. Add a bottle of champagne, and the romance rating is off the chart.
Giant redwoods surround the guest rooms, each room with stunning ocean or mountain views. You can stay in your room all day and read a book or take advantage of the award-winning spa treatments or venture out on a walking path. Along the way, check out the Chef’s Garden, Post Gallery, and the pool. You may even see wildlife on your walk. Post Ranch Inn is a perfect romantic getaway.
- Pro Room Tip
Take the plunge and book a northern ocean house with an outdoor soaking tub.
The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay sits high on top of a bluff overlooking the ocean. The Pacific Ocean’s backdrop combined with modern and luxurious décor sets the scene for a romantic getaway. To enhance the romance vibe, consider booking a room with an outdoor fire pit and ocean view. You can roast marshmallows or cozy up together in front of the fire.
At The Ritz Carlton, you don’t have to leave the property to keep busy. Consider playing a round of oceanfront golf or get a couple’s massage at the spa. For dinner, head downstairs for a delicious and unforgettable meal at Navio, an ideal setting for a date. By the way, the bread basket at Navio is heavenly.
But, if you want to explore, stroll the streets of Half Moon Bay and shop at the boutique stores in town.
- Pro Room Tip
Book a room with a firepit or an ocean view. The sounds of the ocean lull you to sleep. It is incredible to start your day with a cup of coffee (or, in my case, tea) in bed and an unobstructed ocean view.
A stay at Solage (Auberge Resorts Collection) is a memorable and romantic experience. The upscale, stylish décor captured in each cottage brings a sense of relaxation the minute you step foot on the property. A day of wine tasting and great food sets the perfect stage for romance. To elevate your experience at Solage, consider booking the entire bathhouse (spa) for you and your loved one.
If you are more of an active person, then I suggest you borrow one of the house bikes and ride into the cute town of Calistoga and explore the area. While you are in town, go shopping or savor a glass of wine at a tasting room. You can even bike to several local vineyards or head to a hot spring.
- Pro Room Tip
Consider booking a Calistoga king room with a fireplace and tub for the ultimate romantic weekend.
Carmel Valley Ranch is set against a tranquil mountain range creating a perfect place to reconnect with your partner. With an onsite vineyard, golf course, spa, and more, Carmel Valley Ranch provides an ideal setting to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
There are numerous outdoor activities to keep you busy while at Carmel Valley Ranch, including hiking and walking trails just out your front door. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. If hiking is not your thing, relax on your balcony with a glass of wine and enjoy the fabulous views from the comfort of your room.
- Pro Room Tip
The vineyard oak studio with a king bed and outdoor tub enhances the romantic atmosphere at Carmel Valley Ranch. The views of the property from your deck are fabulous and designed to transport you away from day-to-day life.
Romantic Hotels in Southern California
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn (Los Olivos)
A stay at the boutique Fess Parker Wine Country Inn brings a sense of understated country elegance perfect for romance. The warm and inviting rooms, each with a cozy fireplace, instantly set the mood. The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn is conveniently located in town and within walking distance to several wine tasting rooms and delicious restaurants.
Whether you stay in town or venture out, you are sure to have a romantic getaway at Fess Parker Wine Country Inn. If you are interested in a little adventure, try taking a hot air balloon ride! I did! The views from high above provide an enchanting and romantic setting.
- Pro Room Tip
Consider splurging for a suite on your romantic getaway.
These romantic hotel getaways in California work well together for a trip up or down the coast. Click here to learn more about my road trip from Half Moon Bay to Santa Barbara.
Ojai Valley Inn is a terrific Southern California romantic getaway. Set against the Topatopa Mountains, the luxurious Ojai Valley Inn summons guests to enjoy the scenery with no effort. With an easy drive from Los Angeles, visitors can enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of Ojai. If you are lucky, you’ll catch the “Pink Moment” when the sun starts to set, leaving a magnificent blushing pink sky.
The lush landscape dotted with oak trees and lavender creates a serene and romantic backdrop. Indulge in a treatment or two at the 31,000-square-foot award-winning spa and let the tranquil setting wash over you.
- Pro Room Tip
Ojai Valley Inn is a sprawling property. You may want to request a room closest to where you plan to spend the most time. For instance, you can book a room with a golf course view or a room near the spa. To elevate the romance factor, consider booking a room with a fireplace.
Tucked away in the hills of Bel-Air, Hotel Bel-Air is the quintessential place for romance and privacy. The serene environment combined with low-key elegance draws in guests who return time and again. Hotel Bel-Air is a famed retreat for a discerning clientele, including some of Hollywood’s most recognizable names.
Guests at Hotel Bel-Air can relax and indulge high above Los Angeles in a 12-acre mountain paradise. Over 4,000 types of plants line the hotel’s paths and walkways, creating a secret garden. The romantic setting immediately puts guests at ease, where they can unwind and connect. Dinner is another treat at Hotel Bel-Air. Enjoy a fabulous dinner at the stylish and charming Wolfgang Puck restaurant.
- Pro Room Tip
Live like true Hollywood royalty and book a stay at Hotel Bel-Air’s iconic Presidential Suite, where you can enjoy the epitome of California’s indoor-outdoor living. The Presidential Suite is a spectacular retreat offering the ultimate secluded hideaway with a private infinity pool!
Offering oceanfront views of the Pacific Ocean, Casa del Mar brings the romantic feel of a Mediterranean resort to Los Angeles. The timeless charm of Casa Del Mar sets the stage for understated luxury. Just steps from the beach, visitors can play in the sun all day or relax by the pool in a cabana. To experience true luxury and romance, book a spa appointment and then enjoy in-room dining in the privacy of your own coastal retreat.
Casa Del Mar’s beachfront location allows guests to go for a beachside bike ride or walk. To add a bit more romance, talk to the hotel about arranging a picnic you can take with you on your bike ride down the coast.
- Pro Room Tip
Since you are staying at the beach, you might as well enjoy it all day. Spring for an ocean view room.
Set on a coastal bluff with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, Montage Laguna Beach creates a setting that embodies coastal luxury at its best. The beachfront hotel offers spectacular views of the Southern California coast. To add a bit of romance, try walking toes in the sand along the beach as you watch the sunset over the ocean.
Set in the artistic area of Laguna Beach, the Montage provides guests the opportunity to enjoy nearby galleries and boutiques. With excellent service, you can let the Montage take care of the romantic details for you so you can focus on your loved one.
- Pro Room Tip
A room on a high floor with an ocean view is ideal!
Luxury and romance await you at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Golf Resort and Spa in San Diego. The Grand Del Mar offers guests the ability to relax, soak, or dine in the comfort of your private and serene sanctuary. Sleep in late and order room service or relax at the adult pool and bask in the Southern California sun. Guests can also enjoy the new Fireside Lounge which includes a private cabana and firepits perfect for a bottle of wine, light bites, and roasting s’mores over the fire.
Your options are endless with a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and San Diego’s premier spa at your fingertips. Your fabulous romantic experience awaits you at the Grand Del Mar.
- Pro Room Tip
Select a room with a patio so you can open your doors and relax outside.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to ten of the most romantic hotel getaways in California. If you are headed out on a road trip, make sure you know my secrets to planning the perfect road trip and you have the necessary road trip essentials.
Safe travels!
I have wanted to travel to California for ages! These hotels (and the sunshine, lol) are just making that travel itch even stronger.
These places look so dreamy! Gorgeous places to splurge on
They are all terrific destinations for romantic getaway!
I don’t think I’ll be going to the US any time soon, but they all look like nice places.
These hotels are beautiful and California is perfect for a getaway with my husband! Thank you for the ideas and tips!
You are most welcome!
The last time I was in California, my boyfriend and I stayed in a shared Airbnb in Venice Beach (while the homeowner was there), so any of these would be a huge upgrade for us, haha. Thanks for the recommendations! Xx Sara
What an adventure!
Oh wow, that Carmel Valley Ranch looks perfect for a getaway from the city!
It’s a great place to stay!
Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica looks amazing! I love the idea of a picnic on the beach—so romantic!
Wow the pool at the solange looks incredible! I’d love to stay somewhere like that. Gotta save up!
Definitely bookmarking this for when my husband and I are in the SF area for his work trips! I thought the Post Ranch Inn would be my favorite, but the Ranch in Carmel looks like it might be a good competition. I’ll just have to visit them both and decide for myself.
They are both fantastic properties. Post Ranch Inn is right on the cliffs above the water giving you incredible views. Carmel Valley Ranch is set back in the mountains providing easy access to hiking trails and is closer to a town. You cannot go wrong with either!
I’ve walked past Casa del Mar – it looked so lush. I have wanted to stay at the Post Ranch Inn since driving down Big Sur in 2015. Might need to save up!
We visit California quite a bit so it was great to get a list of some of the most romantic hotels in California. Half Moon Bay has been on my list for a long time. We would definitely want an ocean view. But I do also like the idea of staying on a winery.
Omg I want to stay at all of these! Casa del Mar in particular looks so gorgeous. Can’t beat palm trees and beach when you’re looking for a romantic hotel stay.
WOW! I would absolutely love to stay in any one of these! The one in Big Sur from the looks and sounds of it would most likely be my top pic!
Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is definitely a special place!
Some of these hotel rooms have some absolutely amazing views from them! This is definitely a great collection of romantic hotels to stay at – thanks for the inspiration!
I am so happy you found this list of romantic hotels inspiring!
I would love to go to any of these hotels. The photo of Solage conjures up visions of the Eagle’s song ‘Hotel California’.
These places are GORGEOUS!!! My dream is to spend the night in a Fairmont one day.
My husband and I will be empty nesters in a couple of years. This looks so fun for planning some couple vacations.
WOW to all of these. I am a beach lover, so the Casa del Mar in Santa Monica really appeals to me. Looks amazing!
All of these are so romantic! It would be hard to choose a favourite. The Fairmont and Ritz Carlton are always so wonderful for customer service. But it might be Solange that captures my attention.
LOVE the suggestions and the Pro Tips for first-time visitors.