Whether you’re craving picturesque seaside resorts or cozy mountain retreats, one thing’s for sure: California is for lovers. With Valentine’s Day 2026 right around the corner, there's no better time to plan a special getaway to one of these spots, which are among the most romantic the Golden State has to offer.
From coastal yurts to whimsical water towers, we’ve collected eight unique stays and unforgettable experiences to put on your romantic getaway bucket list.
While a few of these packages are limited-time offerings, the destinations can be enjoyed at any time. If immediate travel isn’t in your plans, opt for a gift card and go when the time is right. Many destinations offer ongoing romance packages: At the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, located in San Diego County’s posh Rancho Santa Fe community, the Rancho Romance package includes champagne, daily breakfast for two, and a $50 resort credit. The Napa River Inn Romance Package, meanwhile, comes with chocolate-dipped strawberries, champagne, and fresh pastries delivered to your room daily from a local Napa bakery.
You can also enjoy the allure of California without leaving your home. Get your beloved’s favorite Golden State meal—like Cowgirl Creamery’s Winter Cheese Selection or Wayfare Tavern Fried Chicken—delivered to your door. A box from a master chocolatier like Parliament from Redlands or Dandelion from San Francisco is always a smart move. If jewelry is your love language, try a bauble from L.A.’s Kathleen Whitaker or a timepiece from Vaer in Venice.
If you want an incredible experience that goes way beyond dinner and a movie, consider one of these only-in-California ideas, listed north to south.
Unwind in a Wooden Water Tower in Mendocino
Let the sound of crashing waves lull you to sleep at the MacCallum House. Dating back to 1882, the historic home has romance embedded in its very foundation—William Kelley built it as a gift for his daughter Daisy on her wedding day. Choose from one of the private cottages, including a three-story water tower topped by a working redwood tank. Bonus: Your four-legged best friend can come along too.
Escape Reality in Yosemite National Park
With snow-capped peaks, meandering meadows, and cascading waterfalls, it’s impossible to visit Yosemite and not fall in love. Make the trip extra special with a stay at the legendary park lodge The Ahwahnee, and take advantage of the long list of romantic activities the park offers, including ice skating, a snowshoe adventure, and dinner at the famous Ahwahnee Dining Room.
Enjoy a Michelin-Starred Meal in the San Francisco Bay Area
The Bay Area food scene is world-renowned thanks to innovative chefs and unparalleled local produce. Enjoy a to-go epicurean experience from the comfort of your own hotel suite or living room by ordering through Tock. Try a four-course meal featuring cold-smoked Mount Lassen trout and roe from Acquerello in the city, the tasting menu at Protégé in Palo Alto, or an 11-course experience for two including dry-aged Flannery rib eye and Sonoma duck breast from Madcap in San Anselmo.
Spend the Night in a Private Yurt in Big Sur
Get the ultimate glamping experience perched atop some of the world’s most beautiful seaside cliffs in Big Sur. Treebones Resort offers a magical way to experience the California coast with private yurts and even a human-sized nest built out of twisting branches. Indulge in an elaborate 15-course omakase menu at the onsite Wild Coast Sushi Bar. (Ed. note: As of Jan. 14, 2026, Highway 1 is fully open after three years of repairs. Visitors are encouraged to check current road conditions on the CalTrans QuickMap before traveling.)
Go Full-Cupid in San Luis Obispo
With its signature petal-pink walls and swirling floral carpeting, Madonna Inn is a full-on Valentine’s Day fever dream. Book one of the aptly named suites like the Love Nest or Just Heaven. Spend the day with a horseback ride around the seaside property and end the night with a special V-day dinner, complete with a slice of the whimsical Pink Champagne cake.
Valentine's—and Galentine's—Events in Lodi
This wine town 100 miles east of San Francisco really goes big for V-Day. Couples can climb aboard the Valentine’s Romance Wine Tour on the Lodi Wine Trolley, a guided experience that visits multiple wineries without the need to drive. Downtown Lodi adds old-fashioned charm with Valentine’s Day carriage rides, offering a cozy way to explore the city’s shops and restaurants. At the wineries, celebrations continue with Valentine’s Weekend at Durst Winery, featuring live music, themed wine flights, and wood-fired pizza, while Wine & Chocolate Saturday at Harmony Wynelands pairs local wines with decadent chocolates and live music.
Friends celebrating Galentine’s Day have plenty of options as well. Galentine’s Sip + Sculpt at Jessie’s Grove Winery (Feb. 8) combines wine with a hands-on pottery workshop in a vineyard setting; more ideas are listed on this Visit Lodi blog post on how to plan your own perfect Galentine’s Day.
Channel Your Favorite Rom-Com Duo in Beverly Hills
Find romance on Rodeo Drive with the "Pretty Woman" for a Day package at the Beverly Wilshire. Even if your love story follows a more (ahem) conventional plotline, you can still enjoy the luxurious backdrop of the iconic film. The package includes a two-night stay in a specialty suite, a behind-the-scenes tour of nearby fashion houses, couples’ massages, dining experiences, and more.
Float Above the Desert in Palm Springs
Let your heart take flight with a bird’s-eye view of beautiful Palm Springs. Fantasy Balloons offers adventures for two with champagne served at sunset. Spend the evening in your own sweet little casita at Talavera Palm Springs where you can enjoy the desert sky from a completely different perspective—stargazing from the private hot tub on your back patio.
Say “Yes” by the Sea in La Jolla
If there’s a question you’ve been dying to pose, make plans to pop it at Estancia La Jolla. The stunning, hacienda-style hotel offers a proposal special. Staff will set up rose petals and candles at a spot of your choice. After you get the answer you’re looking for, you can celebrate with in-room strawberries and champagne. Get your romance off on the right foot through a session with a sought-after intimacy coach.