Big Sur is among California's most picturesque locations, and it's easy to understand why. There are endless coastal views, seaside cliffs, renowned misty coastlines, and even a waterfall that flows right into the Pacific Ocean (one of only two in California).

Big Sur is a breathtakingly beautiful getaway from the rest of the world that revitalizes the soul. The wild surroundings and magnificent ocean views are truly breathtaking. This 90-mile-long mountainous area of the Northern California coastline feels cut off from civilization and is only accessible by a stunning mountainous stretch of Highway One. Big Sur's most attractive feature is its breathtaking natural setting. The Big Sur coastline rises 1,200 feet above the Pacific's turquoise waters and is covered in lush redwood forests. No cell service and little development are present. Despite its remote location, Big Sur offers many attractions, including opulent hotels and resorts, fine dining establishments, upscale spa resorts, and rustic-chic inns and campsites.

With its picture-perfect cottages, hidden passageways, and one-of-a-kind boutiques, this upscale seaside resort is overflowing with charm. Along with its wonderful atmosphere, Carmel-by-the-Sea provides excellent accommodation, upscale dining, and year-round cultural events, giving you everything you need for a romantic weekend.

A calm sandy beach surrounded by cypress trees with distinctive wind-sculpted branches is only a 10-minute stroll from the town of Carmel. One of Northern California's most stunning beaches is this unspoiled stretch of coastline. The renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links, known for its difficult 18th hole that overlooks an iconic ocean bluff, is just a short drive away through the breathtaking 17-Mile Drive. A nice place to start exploring the Big Sur coastline is Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is located about 25 miles to the south. Along the way, there is Point Lobos, a nature reserve with hidden coves and breathtaking hiking trails with coastal views.

Santa Barbara, California, is tucked away behind the Santa Ynez Mountains along a palm-lined beach and is referred to as the "American Riviera" due to its Mediterranean seaside landscape and resort-like atmosphere.

This iconic California location is home to a beautiful Spanish Mission and year-round sun-drenched beaches. The stunning sunsets and calming refrain of the Pacific Ocean's breaking waves will captivate romantics. The charming downtown is lined with old Spanish-style buildings that house art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés in keeping with the local traditions. One of the best destinations to visit in California is Santa Barbara, particularly for dining and shopping. Other popular activities in Santa Barbara include relaxing at one of the city's upscale spas and taking part in outdoor activities. Biking, sailing, and hiking are all inspired activities by the stunning natural location. The region offers some of California's most breathtaking hikes, including one that offers sweeping views of the ocean, the city of Santa Barbara, and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Sonoma County is a pastoral region of rolling, vine-covered hills located just one hour's drive north of San Francisco. Couples visit Sonoma to take advantage of the slow pace of life and outdoor sports like hot air balloon rides, hiking, and mountain biking. It's also a location to savor the regional gourmet cuisine made with farm-fresh ingredients.

The old town of Sonoma is home to upscale restaurants and cozy boutiques gathered around a plaza with a park shaded with trees. Couples that appreciate excellent cuisine enjoy visiting Sonoma. The girl & the fig, a charming French restaurant on Sonoma Plaza with garden patio seating, LaSalette, a traditional Portuguese restaurant close to Sonoma Plaza, Tasca Tasca, a laid-back Portuguese restaurant serving a variety of tapas, and Wit & Wisdom, which serves the renowned chef Michael Mina's signature cuisine (American comfort food and California cuisine), are some of the city's most well-known dining options.

Santa Catalina Island features private beaches, charming seaside towns, and romantic island scenic views you need for a romantic getaway. Avalon, the island's largest town, provides the most variety of lodging options, ranging from elegant old hotels to modern resorts.

The sheltered beaches in Avalon are ideal for sunbathers. Kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling are all popular activities at Descanso Beach. This beach, which is tucked into a small cove, features top-notch amenities, including an exclusive beach club. Visitors can rent cabanas and loungers, and the waterfront restaurant at the Descanso Beach Club serves up healthy food. Two Harbors, which is located on the western part of the island, has the allure of a tropical getaway. This quiet little village, which is situated between two ports and overlooks serene coves, includes two restaurants, a local shop, magnificent beaches, fishing spots, and small boutique hotels.

Northern California's Mendocino County is home to a flourishing redwood forest and a variety of species. It is a windswept region of rocky shoreline. Mendocino is the perfect destination for a romantic trip because of the tranquil atmosphere, pristine natural areas, and breathtaking ocean views.

Hiking through the unspoiled landscape, breathing in the clean air, and unwinding at hidden beaches are all ways that visitors may recharge. Outdoor activities include camping and canoeing or kayaking on the Big River Estuary, as well as boating, swimming, and fishing at Lake Mendocino, a 700-acre protected nature reserve, which are other things to do in Mendocino. The Mendocino village is full of welcoming hotels, luxurious inns, and attractive bed-and-breakfasts. Because of the well-preserved of its 19th-century architecture, Mendocino is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Excellent dining places, alluring shops, and notable art galleries can be found in this charming Victorian-era town.

For outdoor sports including hiking in the woods, swimming and sunbathing at the riverside beaches, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on the river, as well as leisurely floating down the river on inner tubes, outdoorsy types flock to the Russian River throughout the summer.

With its slowly flowing river and towering redwood groves, the area offers peace and tranquility throughout the year. The Russian River region is a great location for a relaxing weekend escape because of its relaxed rural ambiance and small historic towns. Because it offers a range of lodging options, including campgrounds, rustic lodges, and romantic inns as well as trendy restaurants and coffee shops, the town of Guerneville is a favorite vacation destination for San Francisco locals. Couples will like the town's serene riverfront location. It has beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings (such as an old general store) that are now used as art galleries, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants for visitors today.

Another ideal honeymoon destination is Palm Springs, where you can spend days relaxing by the pool, enjoy cocktails outdoors, and spend evenings at trendy clubs and restaurants. Revel in the resort town’s mid-century glamour through architecture tours, impeccable shopping, and elegant lavish dining experiences, all of them are gathered in one place!

Activities you can experience include visiting Joshua Tree National Park, enjoying a picnic at Vista Point on Highway 74, riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and shopping along Palm Desert's opulent El Paseo. It’s home to some of the country’s hippest hotels and luxury suites. There are many spas to pick from, and the hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Arrive Palm Springs, The Saguaro, and the Parker Palm Springs, are great spots to hang out for cocktails in the evening. Or, visit Michael Holmes' Purple Room or Melvyn's Piano Bar for some evening Rat Pack entertainment.

Visitors are astounded by the breathtaking alpine beauty at Lake Tahoe, which is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of more than 6,000 feet. The body is energized by the crisp, fresh air, and the soul is moved by the lake's beautiful, cobalt-hued waters.

Both outdoor adventures and relaxation are encouraged by the beauty of the natural surroundings. Skiing at Tahoe is one of the best things to do in California, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. The area turns into a playground in the summer for lake activities including hiking, biking, camping, and boating. Couples will appreciate Lake Tahoe's fine dining restaurants, cozy ski lodges, rustic-chic inns, and modern resort hotels whether they are there for a weekend trip or a honeymoon. There are numerous lodging options available to visitors in different price ranges.

A relaxed coastal community, Half Moon Bay is surrounded by forested areas, small farms, and rolling hills. Half Moon Bay is one of the top day trips from San Francisco and a well-liked weekend destination for nature lovers due to its unspoiled sandy beaches and picturesque hiking trails.

Nature walks to admire the powerful waves and take in the refreshing ocean air are inspired by the stunning coastline at Half Moon Bay State Beach. Picnics and sunset viewing are both excellent activities at this wide, four-mile-long sandy beach. Visitors are enticed to stay by Half Moon Bay's small downtown. Locally owned cafés, a few top-notch eateries, and adorable neighborhood boutiques are dotted along Main Street. The Half Moon Bay Inn, a 1932-built historical hotel on Main Street, is a perfect example of Spanish Revival architecture with its exquisite wall frescoes and bright interior courtyard.