From Big Sur to San Francisco, California boasts a plethora of cities ideal as romantic getaways. The gorgeous hiking trails, serene bird sanctuaries, soft sandy beaches, and the breathtaking cliffs give it the kind of ingredients you would wish to have in a destination where you would love to spend some quality time with the one whom your heart loves. Truth be told, you won’t fall short of options when looking for befitting accommodation for romantic couples. The only challenge, however, is locking down on the best ones guaranteed of treating you to a truly romantic stay. Bring out your best date night ideas, and scroll down below for a brief look at some of the best romantic hotels in California, the USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.
1. Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco (from USD 373)
Palace Hotel is well-known for its elegance and beauty, which also gives it a tinge of romance. It is located right at the heart of San Francisco – about five minutes away from Union Square. Accommodation is offered in air-conditioned rooms, with each featuring a 48-inch flat-screen TV, a marble bath with a rain shower, a backlit bathroom mirror, a seating area, and a work desk. It may not have a swimming pool or a full-service spa, but it has on-site dining facilities and its location right at the heart of the city puts you in proximity to lots of romantic attractions and amenities.
Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
Address: 2 New Montgomery Street
447.84 km (278.3 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe (from USD 799)
Lake Tahoe is no stranger to the list of the most romantic places in California and here you will find the Ritz-Carlton to treat you to some of the most memorable romantic experiences. As one of the best hotels in California for couples, the resort features a spa, three on-site restaurants, and two outdoor swimming pools. The guestrooms are lavishly designed and furnished, with each featuring a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a private marble bathroom, and a gas fireplace. It will also be interesting for you to know that Kings Beach on Lake Tahoe is just a 15-minute drive away – get ready for romantic evening walks along the beautiful beach during your stay.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Address: 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands
540.51 km (335.9 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
3. Auberge du Soleil, An Auberge Resort (from USD 1575)
This gorgeous, luxurious resort sits right at the heart of Napa Valley. It comes with exciting features that most couples scouting for romantic getaways in California will fall in love with. The outstanding elements of romance include fine dining facilities, a relaxing health and wellness spa, and a beautiful outdoor pool with cabanas. The guest rooms have a fireplace, private balconies, or patios with incredible views of the valley’s olive trees. To further add to the romantic feel of the resort, you will find Italian linens on the beds and an oversized soaking tub with a walk-in shower in the guestrooms.
Auberge du Soleil, An Auberge Resort
Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Road
514.86 km (320.0 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage (from USD 599)
The Ritz-Carlton’s language of love features the breathtaking Santa Rosa Mountain Range, two outdoor swimming pools, on-site dining facilities, and a spa and a wellness center. The rooms are spotlessly clean, with each featuring a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, coffee-making facilities, and a private bathroom.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Address: 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive
304.34 km (189.2 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
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5. Pendry San Diego (from USD 1045)
Pendry Sand Diego offers accommodation in spacious guest rooms with each featuring a seating area, a private bathroom, a work desk, and a flat-screen TV. The amenities that would spice up a romance during your stay include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a hot tub, and on-site dining where you can enjoy a variety of delicious Californian cuisine during your date nights. The hotel is also in proximity to some interesting attractions in the region, with the major ones being Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Convention Center, and USS Midway Museum – all of which can be accessed in less than an hour’s drive.
Pendry San Diego
Address: 550 J Street
300.28 km (186.6 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
6. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows (from USD 466)
At Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, you will find accommodation in modern rooms with 24-hour room service. To the delight of couples looking for romance, the hotel has an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a full-service spa, and both an indoor and outdoor fitness center with beautiful views of either the pool area or the ocean. The rooms of this oceanfront hotel are also romance-ready with features such as a private balcony with garden or ocean views, a flat-screen TV, and ironing and coffee-making facilities.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Address: 101 Wilshire Boulevard
116.18 km (72.2 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
7. Balboa Bay Resort (from USD 399)
Luxurious resort with fair pricing for meals, but valet parking is expensive.
Spacious rooms, clean pool area, bicycle rental, and dog-friendly.
Ideal spot in Newport Beach, with easy access to the bay and nearby areas.
Delicious breakfast, excellent restaurant meals, and a variety of dining options.
Balboa Bay Resort overlooks Balboa Bay and it offers on-site dining, an outdoor pool, and a full-service salon and spa that will delight the heart of every couple planning to spend some romantic time here. The guest rooms at this romantic beach hotel in California are romantically furnished, with each fitted with a flat-screen TV, marble and granite bathrooms, soaking tubs, and a DVD player. Also worth noting is the presence of a water-to-table chef-driven restaurant for fresh delicacies on the waterfront in the company of the one whom your heart said yes to.
Balboa Bay Resort
Address: 1221 West Coast Highway
184.67 km (114.8 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
8. Harbor View Inn (from USD 285)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, clean rooms with ocean views. Onsite parking available for a fee.
Convenient location near the beach, pier, and dining options. Pool and gym facilities. Some rooms offer balconies and ocean views.
Prime location within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Close to the beach and State Street.
Numerous dining options nearby, although breakfast is not included. Some guests found the onsite restaurant small with long queues.
One of the best cities on the central Californian coast is the ever-lively Santa Barbara, where Santa Ynez Mountains boast its splendor. A beautiful place to stay in this area is Harbor View Inn on West Cabrillo Boulevard. Located just five minutes by foot from the iconic Stearns Wharf, this four-star rated lodging is heaven on earth for couples who wish to bask under the sun, explore landmarks like Mission Santa Barbara, and attend festivals like Summer Solstice Parade and Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Rooms at this Mediterranean-like property provides a stunning view of either the city or the ocean.
Harbor View Inn
Address: 28 West Cabrillo Boulevard
2.32 km (1.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
9. Hilton Anaheim (from USD 285)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, clean rooms with ocean views. Onsite parking available for a fee.
Convenient location near the beach, pier, and dining options. Pool and gym facilities. Some rooms offer balconies and ocean views.
Prime location within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Close to the beach and State Street.
Numerous dining options nearby, although breakfast is not included. Some guests found the onsite restaurant small with long queues.
Home to tourist attractions like Disneyland Resort, Angel Stadium, and Honda Center, Anaheim is one of the most-visited cities in California. If you’re in town to get down and busy at any of these tourist spots, Hilton Anaheim is one of your hotel options. It is located just beside the Convention Center; plus, Disneyland is just a short walk away! All the rooms at this four-star property are equipped with flat-screen television and either a king-sized bed or two queen beds. If you feel overwhelmed by all the things to do in the area, you are most welcome to spend a quiet day at the on-site picnic area and terrace.
Harbor View Inn
Address: 28 West Cabrillo Boulevard
2.32 km (1.5 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
10. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (from USD 350)
A private beach, a full-service spa, and stunning views are some of the unique features that make Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa one of the best romantic hotels in California. Accommodation is offered in spacious guest rooms, with each having air-conditioning, a TV with cable channels, a seating area, and an ensuite bathroom with bathrobes, toiletries, and ironing facilities. Also available for further couple’s convenience is a rooftop fitness center, an on-site café, and a gorgeous European Vista Blue Spa.
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Address: 400 Cannery Row
316.46 km (196.7 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
11. Hotel Californian (from USD 909)
Get ready for the best romantic weekend getaway in California. The fact that Hotel Californian is just a few steps from the beach and also features an outdoor pool, an on-site spa, and several on-site dining facilities makes it ideal for couples in need of romantic hotels in California. The accommodation at this hotel features air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a work desk, with some rooms having private balconies.
Hotel Californian
Address: 36 State Street
2.25 km (1.4 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
12. Vintage House (from USD 899)
Vintage House promises you celebrity treatment with out-of-this-world services. This French country-style romantic place to stay in California has a spa, a swimming pool, and an on-site fitness center to ensure that couples stay entertained and pampered at all times. You will also love the presence of poolside dining and towel service that will add extra spice to your romantic stay at the facility. The guest rooms are spacious, with each featuring a private balcony, a rainfall shower, plush robes, and a flat-screen TV for those romantic movie nights.
Vintage House at The Estate Yountville
Address: 6541 Washington Street
504.29 km (313.4 mi) from Santa Barbara Zoo
Enjoy romance at its best in California
California will never disappoint you if you are looking for a great romantic destination. Use our list above for some of the best romantic hotels in California, the USA, for great romantic stays in The Golden State.
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