Local Romantic Getaways

Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaway

Looking for a few ideas for a quick romantic getaway?  Everything from the mountains, wine country, beach and desert.  There are many options within driving distance.  Here are a few local options.

   Ojai

Ojai is home to one of the most romantic restaurants in America—no, really, the Ranch House has landed on a nationwide list from OpenTable. And the lush, garden-like atmosphere is the cherry on top of a delicious menu. But that’s not the only reason Ojai is such a great a romantic destination. Small hotels like the Hummingbird Inn make for lovely stays for couples. Take a hike, have a spa day, walk through an orange grove or go wine tasting—whatever you choose, Ojai is ripe for romance.

Temecula

Temecula tops this list because it’s the only place with pretty much all the romantic gestures. How many destinations boast hot air balloon and carriage rides, horseback riding through wineries, wine tasting—the list goes on. Cheesy? Maybe. Romantic? Definitely. (Though we’ll leave it to one of our favorite comedians, Kurt Braunohler, to explain why hot air balloons might not be quite so romantic.) And if none of that is up your alley, simply stay at one of the many beautiful hotels, be it a winery hotel or a small bed and breakfast, and soak in the beautiful views (or some mineral waters at the nearby Glen Ivy Hot Springs).

Big Sur

The six-hour drive up Southern California’s beautiful coast to Big Sur is magnificent in its own right, but once you get to your destination, the romance amps up. Completely unplug and stay in a cliffside yurt at Treebones Resort, splurge on a wellness retreat at Esalen (their late-night public bathing hours are unfortunately still on hold) or rough it at one of the many beautiful campgrounds in the area—we recommend Kirk Creek Campground. Take a day trip up to Carmel or embark on one of many hikes with beautiful outlooks featuring a view of the entire coastline.

Palm Springs

Jet-setting houses with pools, fire-lit patios, palm-tree–lined scenery: Palm Springs is a primo destination for a bit of desert romance. Stick to a vacation rental for the most privacy, though among the area hotels, we think Korakia Pensione is particularly romantic. Make sure to ride the gondola up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway while you’re there, and consider taking the hour-or-so trek to Joshua Tree (particularly for some nighttime stargazing).

Santa Barbara

Spanish architecture, world-class restaurants, beautiful beaches: Santa Barbara is the closest you’ll come to riviera vibes without boarding a plane (and, in fact, you can even get there by train). The Central Coast city can be as romantic as you want to make it—and as expensive. Stay on State Street at Hotel Santa Barbara, on the beach at a swanky resort hotel or a hidden ranch in the foothills. Go wine tasting at one of the many wineries or tasting rooms in the area, rent bikes on the beach, go to the zoo or just take in the beautiful views. Whatever you do, your significant other is sure to swoon.

*Source: TimeOut.com, written by Stephanie Morino; Edited by Michael Juliano

For more ideas: https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/travel/best-romantic-getaways-from-la