9 Romantic Getaways From Los Angeles: Best Trips for Couples

Couples who seek romantic getaways from Los Angeles have dozens of destinations to explore. From day trips to nearby, sunny California towns to a quick flight to another region, there's no shortage of adventures nearby.

• Best for European-feeling wine lovers getaway - Temecula
• Best for outdoor lovers - Santa Barbara
• Best for upscale, romantic waterside getaway - Newport Beach

• Best for craft beer, wine, and nature lovers - San Luis Obispo
• Best for SoCal seaside vibes - La Jolla
• Best for low-key, nature-filled mountain escape - Big Bear Lake

• Best for wine lovers who love history - Sonoma
• Best for foodies who love to relax - Scottsdale, Arizona
• Best for seclusion and culture fans - San José del Cabo, Mexico

Here are nine places to discover with your sweetheart just beyond the bounds of Los Angeles. Because sometimes, the absence (of your own city?) makes the heart grow fonder.

For those tired of planning their romantic dates to revolve around traffic patterns, it’s time for a day trip from Los Angeles. These weekend getaways for couples from Los Angeles are just a few hours away from Greater Los Angeles and are “AllGetaways–approved” spots to plan a romantic day trip from Los Angeles without spending too much more time on the 405, the 101, or the 10.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ European-feeling wine lovers getaway
• ‌Highlights of Temecula:‌
  • Less crowded than other California wine country regions
  • Ggreat local food scene
  • Plenty of unique outdoor adventures

For those who drink alcohol, wine tasting is an absolute must in Temecula. There are nearly 50 wineries sprinkled across this beautiful region’s rolling hills and valleys, making many types of wines, including syrah, cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, chardonnay, and pinot noir.

Admire the gorgeous scenery at Fazeli Cellars or take a tour at​​ Wiens Family Cellars. I loved visiting the cave at Oak Mountain Winery, which was a unique experience. If you want to feel like you’re on a vacation abroad without the flight, admire the romantic architecture and Old World-inspired design at Europa Village Winery. Those who prefer beer: no fear! There are several breweries and craft distilleries in Temecula too.

What’s a great drink if not paired with a tasty meal? Temecula offers plenty of dining options. Visit Old Town Temecula and try E.A.T Marketplace, which is a healthy spot free of any food involving GMOs, antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides. There’s also Small Barn, a beautifully designed modern bistro serving great food paired with a spirited atmosphere.

Those who want to get exceptionally adventurous can embark on a hot air balloon flight off to soak in some panoramic views of the region’s beautiful estates and striking scenery, with year-round sunrise flights offering an opportunity for the most romantic way to start a new day.

This Southern California city is roughly 85 miles from Los Angeles. Take the I-10 East to CA-71 South before merging onto the I-15 South. Exit at exit 59, Rancho California Road, and you’ve arrived at the destination.

Pechanga Resort and Casino is a great place to stay for those who want to treat themselves. Spend time at the property’s luxurious two-level, 25,000-square-foot spa or hang out at the “Cove” — an enormous pool complex (it’s the size of five football fields!). There’s also a golf course, 12 restaurants, and a 200,000-square-foot casino open 24/7.

If you want to sleep among the vineyards, this Airbnb offers breathtaking sights of the vines in the heart of wine country.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Outdoor lovers
• ‌Highlights of Santa Barbara:‌
  • Stunning coastal spot that feels like Europe without the flight
  • Awesome craft beer and wine scene
  • City is pretty safe and walkable
  • Abundance of outdoor adventures like hiking, boating, and biking

Located along California’s Central Coast, Santa Barbara has long been called “The American Riviera” for its beloved beaches, pristine coastline, and beautiful natural scenery.

Take a walk down State Street and browse the shops and restaurants. Check out Stearns Wharf (which is a great place to watch the sunset!) or go see the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Those who are feeling especially adventurous can go sailing or kayaking off the coast or visit one of the many beautiful beaches in the area, like Butterfly Beach.

Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail boasts nearly 30 wine-tasting rooms in the city. Check out Longoria Wines, La Lieff Wines, and Frequency Wine Co.

It’s an easy drive along Highway 101 from Los Angeles up to Santa Barbara for 95 miles.

Mar Monte Hotel, which is right across the street from the ocean, feels like a luxurious and romantic spot to set as a home base on a trip to Santa Barbara. The property recently underwent a massive renovation preserving its historical roots from back when it was in the 1930s Vista Mar Monte (the first resort in Santa Barbara!) while also revitalizing it to now host guests in a modern and upscale setting, including an oceanview pool and two fantastic on-site restaurants.

While it’s great to have an oceanfront location, it’s also nice to enjoy peace and quiet. This private guest cottage near The Mission is set back from the hustle and bustle of the downtown scene but easily accessible to explore multiple hiking trails and is still just a 10-minute drive from the beach.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Upscale, romantic waterside getaway
• ‌Highlights of Newport Beach:‌
  • Different neighborhoods are pretty walkable on their own
  • Harbor offers a multitude of boating activities
  • Dozens of great food and drink spots
  • City is clean and safe for exploring all times of day and night

Water lovers can embark on a romantic gondola cruise through the canals of Newport Harbor in their very own private gondola for an unforgettable evening. Outdoorsy types should explore Crystal Cove on a hike or stroll to admire a stunning stretch of coastline with miles of sandy beaches and tranquil tide pools.

Even dining is a waterside affair, with stops like the harborside Galley Cafe (which is said to be one of Newport’s oldest and best-kept local secrets!).

There’s also The Cannery, a laid-back spot for a coastal seafood meal. Meanwhile, dinner at A+O Restaurant | Bar is bound to be a wonderful experience. This waterside restaurant is on the Balboa Bay Resort property and is a popular destination to enjoy smoked cocktails and fresh seafood with bay views.

It’s an easy 1-hour drive to Newport Beach from Los Angeles (without traffic!). Take US-101 South until you reach the I-5 South interchange in Commerce, and take the I-5 South all the way to the Newport Boulevard exit in Newport Beach.

Spend the night at Balboa Bay Resort, which sits on the harbor. The architecture’s classic Mediterranean design makes you feel like you’ve traveled abroad, which is further heightened by the amenities in the guest rooms, which include private balconies, fireplaces and luxurious marble tubs. Be sure to book a treatment at the 10,000-square-foot spa, which offers a side-by-side massage treatment for couples to reconnect.

This seaside Airbnb property sits on the best street in Newport, within walking distance of some fantastic restaurants and bars. It’s a great spot for hosting social gatherings and offers a shared rooftop deck space and a private front patio area.

For an entire weekend away and to reach a destination where you can fully unplug from everyday life and reconnect with each other in a special place, it’s often worth planning a trip that’s a bit further away from home. These charming couples getaways from Los Angeles are within a 5-hour driving range of Los Angeles but feel like a world away from the stresses of the city’s busy lifestyle.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Craft beer, wine, and nature lovers
• ‌Highlights of San Luis Obispo:‌
  • Hardly ever any traffic to be found
  • 15-minute drive to multiple beach towns
  • Cute, walkable downtown area
  • Dozens of awesome local restaurants, boutiques, and breweries

San Luis Obispo is a quaint college town on the Central Coast that offers a little bit of everything for any interest.

Go hiking on one of the local trails, like Cerro San Luis (affectionately referred to by locals as Mount “Madonna” due to its close proximity to the famous Madonna Inn), or its slightly more steep nearby neighbor, Bishop Peak. Walk around downtown and explore some local shops or stick a piece of gum on the ever-stickier Bubblegum Alley.

History buffs will love the chance to explore Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which is nestled into the heart of downtown. Food aficionados will revel at a trip to the mission’s restaurant neighbor, Luna Red, which serves tasty, globally inspired bites and drinks like authentic Spanish paella and sangria from its perch overlooking the San Luis Obispo Creek.

Those who enjoy local wine or handcrafted brews can’t miss the dozens of breweries, wineries, and distilleries in town. Antigua Brewing Company is known for growing hops in SLO on its own family hop farm — and SLO Brew Rock is a fun spot to hang out for the day and soak up some sunshine on the patio while enjoying a tasty beer.

For wineries, try Chamisal Vineyard, which boasts gorgeous views of rolling vineyard hills. For those who are more swayed toward rosé, there’s also Malene by Chamisal, which features a really cute tasting experience out of its photo-worthy ‘69 Airstream.

There are a couple of road trip routes for reaching San Luis Obispo from Los Angeles, but the easiest and most scenic would be to hop onto the 101 North and take it all the way up to San Luis Obispo for 201 miles, and exiting upon arriving in the city.

Wayfarer SLO, which is on the edge of downtown, perfectly pays homage to the town’s university side. It offers a proper “grown-up” experience with amenities like a “pour your own” beer and wine wall, a garden patio area with a mulititude of fun lawn games, and inclusive offerings like free bike rentals as part of the stay. It's perfect for a romantic rendezvous exploring the region further.

This quaint, remodeled Victorian-era house sits in the heart of the Historical Old Town neighborhood of SLO, which is just a quick walk to downtown.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Quintessentially SoCal seaside vibes
• ‌Highlights of La Jolla:‌
  • Clean, safe, and luxurious without being pretentious
  • Walkable village area with shopping and dining
  • Plenty of outdoor recreation like hiking and beach-going
  • Abundance of educational arts and cultural attractions

This gorgeous North County San Diego destination is surrounded on three sides by majestic ocean bluffs boasting 7 miles of coastline space with ocean views and sandy shores.

Start the day off right by fueling up with breakfast at Brockton Villa, where you can share a famous “Coast Toast” followed by a walk around the village, keeping an eye out for the resident sea lions and stopping into the local small businesses. Spend an afternoon taking a leisurely, romantic stroll throughout the winding trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Get paddling with La Jolla Kayak or try catching some waves with Surf Diva. Art lovers must stop at The Museum of Contemporary Art, and science lovers will adore the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

For a romantic dinner, book a reservation with an ocean view for sunset at the famous George’s at the Cove. It’s a relaxing and romantic place to settle in for a slightly longer stay.

Coming down from LA, it’s a roughly 112-mile drive following the I-5 South from Los Angeles, exiting at exit 28, La Jolla Village Drive, in San Diego.

The iconic, breathtaking La Valencia Hotel, which is often referred to as the "Monte Carlo of California" and the "Pink Lady" for its vibrant hue, has been perched atop the rugged coastal bluffs of La Jolla Village for nearly a century, boasting scenic views and serving as a romantic and upscale spot to spend a night. It’s within walking distance from La Jolla Village’s celebrated, diverse dining and drink scene, and those who don’t want to walk can even flag a ride on the property’s customized pink golf cart.

This quaint beach cottage is just a 4-minute walk from the ocean in an awesome location for exploring the village. Plus, it has its own private balcony!

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Low-key, nature-filled mountain escape
• ‌Highlights of Big Bear Lake:‌
  • Year-round opportunities for adventure, including skiing in the winter and hiking and boating in the summer
  • Downtown village area is very walkable
  • Dozens of local restaurants and shops to stop into and explore

Start the day by grabbing a bite at Amangela's Sandwich & Bagel House, a local spot that serves hearty portions of healthy favorites like sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. Grab a snack at the extremely cute Bear Cupboards Market before going for a hike on one of the popular scenic trails like Castle Rock Trail, a 2.5-mile intermediate hike, or Cougar Crest Trail, which is a 5-mile intermediate-level trek.

Those feeling more adventurous and not afraid of getting a bit dirty can embark on the Big Bear Jeep Experience, where you get to drive these powerful cars yourself on local trails on a guided tour of the mountains.

Relax with a leisurely lake day and rent a pontoon boat at Pleasure Point Marina. Spending the day floating away is a relaxing and romantic way to reconnect with each other while surrounded by beautiful nature.

For dinner, stop into The Bone Yard, which regularly features a few dozen beers on tap, alongside generous portions of favorite dishes like burgers, pizzas, and slow-smoked meat dishes.

It’s under a 2-hour drive to get to Big Bear from LA. You’ll take the I-10 East for 40 miles before taking exit 58A to merge onto I-15 North for 5 miles. Then, exit at 115A for route 210 E toward San Bernardino for 16 miles. Take exit 81 for CA-330 North toward Big Bear to Pine Knot Avenue Big Bear Lake for 32 miles.

After a day of outdoor adventures and soaking up some sunshine, retire to Marina Riviera, a cozy, recently revamped, upscale boutique lodge set on the south shore edge of Big Bear Lake. This property seemingly brings the natural world indoors (without any critters), feeling like an upscale alpine experience combined with all the comforts of a luxury hotel. It’s just a 5-minute walk from The Village at Big Bear Lake, and there’s a private beach, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and outdoor fire pits, with a bar and restaurant to entertain you on-site too.

Or spend the night at the Winterland Cottage, a pet-friendly, fenced, and recently renovated intimate cabin in Big Bear making for a perfectly relaxing mountain escape. It’s tucked away in a secluded residential neighborhood just 5 minutes from the village. It’s perfect for any season, with a fully-fenced yard with a hot tub, a ping pong table, a fire pit, and a barbecue.

Those who want to explore a bit further away will be pleased to learn that Los Angeles’ multiple airports offer quick and easy service to a seemingly unlimited range of romantic destinations across the Southwestern U.S. In addition to these perfect small town getaways, consider a getaway to Palm Springs, known for its cool mid-century modern vibe and proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, which is only about an hour away. Catalina Island, known for its wildlife and scuba diving, is also a great couples spot. Malibu is a great spot for a bed and breakfast or boutique hotel, where Angelenos can really be pampered. Carmel is one of the best weekend getaways. Santa Monica, of course, is known for its boardwalk. If you and your partner are into health and wellness, consider Ojai for its focus on spirituality. Solvang, California is a prime spot to experience Danish heritage.

From Cabo to Sonoma and over to Scottsdale, here’s how to explore some more distant romantic escapes.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Wine lovers who love history
• ‌Highlights of Sonoma:‌
  • Seemingly unlimited spots to taste local wines
  • Abundance of nature for exploring the great outdoors
  • Interesting history to learn about for culture lovers

Downtown Sonoma looks like something straight out of a storybook. Historic buildings with stunning architecture host an array of cute shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms — perfect for spending a day exploring. In fact, downtown is home to Mission San Francisco Solano, which is the last Spanish-Mexican mission built in California.

There are more than two dozen wine-tasting rooms and several wine bars set on or near Sonoma Plaza. Go tasting downtown at Pangloss Cellars, which is right downtown and feels like an intimate hideaway with classic, old-fashioned furnishings and a sultry atmosphere.

Mexican food fans must stop into local favorite Sonoma Eats to try the “Mexican hummus,” which is made with pumpkin seeds, garlic, and has a real habanero kick to it. Embark on an e-bike tour or bike tour with Sonoma Adventures to get active, and explore beyond the usual spots on a tour led by a local guide.

Finally, if you’re not a wine person: no problem. Try a tasting at family-owned Hanson of Sonoma makes fantastic, organic vodka with a lineup of different flavors depending on the season (in addition to their classics).

The best method to get to Sonoma is a quick flight to the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport. You can fly on Alaska Airlines from Burbank or LAX straight into the Sonoma region. Avelo also flies direct from Burbank into Sonoma.

Spend a night at The Lodge at Sonoma, which hosts outdoor yoga classes amongst the tranquil backdrop of the beautiful resort. The property is proud to showcase Sonoma’s agricultural charm with plenty of open space on-site paired with the chance to return to their own private romantic cottage suite with a private outdoor soaking tub and fireplaces. The resort also boasts a gorgeous spa with a bounty of romantic treatments for couples to relax and recharge together.

This charming, renovated 1930s cottage is just a short drive from Sonoma Plaza, feeling like an eclectic spot to spend a night while in town.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Foodies who love to relax
• ‌Highlights of Scottsdale:‌
  • Lots of spas and relaxing activities
  • Great outdoor adventure opportunities
  • Tons of awesome restaurants and bars

Stroll around Old Town and browse the collections of cute shops and restaurants. Watch the sunrise in a hot air balloon with Rainbow Ryders, and admire the Sonoran Desert landscape from above.

Hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and experience the true “wild west” atmosphere with a horseback riding adventure.

An easy must-do on any romantic getaway is to take a selfie in front of the LOVE sculpture together!

Getting to Scottsdale from Los Angeles is extremely easy. Burbank and LAX offer short, 90-minute direct flights into Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. From there, it’s a short 20-minute drive to Scottsdale.

Stay at ADERO Scottsdale Resort, which is perched 2,500 feet above the rugged Sonoran Desert in a certified Dark Sky Community (perfect for romantic stargazing!). Cozy up in the intimate “dining globes” (offered during the holiday season) at The Village at SkyTop, which showcase views of Arizona’s famed Four Peaks mountain range. It’s a perfectly restorative spot to have a rejuvenating escape together.

The "Oasis du Désert Old Town" in Scottsdale can host up to 10 people, boasting a gorgeous outdoor dining area with a hammock, barbecue, fire pit, and games like corn hole, spike ball, and volleyball. It’s a fun place to set as home base on a trip to the desert.

• ‌Perfect for:‌ Seclusion and culture fans
• ‌Highlights of San José del Cabo:‌
  • Fantastic food and drink choices
  • Cultural experiences
  • Beautiful sunny beaches
  • Awesome water adventure activities

San José del Cabo is a beautiful and historic city with an abundance of coastal charm and friendly people. It’s known as the more laid-back section of “Los Cabos” (which comprises San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas).

Dive into the city’s fresh farm-to-table dining scene, and explore the main downtown plaza, which boasts beautiful and colorful architecture and an abundance of art (including traditional Mexican art and local creations).

Head over to the marina to plan one of the adventurous boating or diving excursions, or step onto the sands of one of the breathtaking beaches where wildlife watchers can spot a diverse species of birds, whales, and even turtles.

It’s a 2.5-hour flight from Los Angeles to Cabo, with multiple major air carriers servicing direct routes between these two destinations each week.

Stay at Viceroy Los Cabos, located in the heart of San José del Cabo, which offers multiple romance-themed room packages for guests to enjoy. Book a ​​couples spa experience, delight in a private tequila tasting, or embark on a bike tour from the resort to downtown San José del Cabo. The resort also hosts a romantic, two-hour sunset experience on the Pelican Sunset Yacht Charter with awesome sunset views overlooking the Sea of Cortes and San José del Cabo's iconic Land's End (also known as The Arch!).

Called "Villa Luna Nueva," this Airbnb offers the best of both worlds when paying homage to traditional elegance mixed with modern elements. There’s a lush, tropical outdoor area with a patio, a private pool, and an awesome private garden terrace.

Other spots to check out are Long Beach or Laguna Beach, which have beautiful Pacific Ocean views (as do so many California coastal communities!) Consider Santa Ynez if you’re into wineries, or Paso Robles if you would like to explore outdoor activities like hot springs. Why not Las Vegas as a couples getaway? While it has a never-ending nightlife vibe, there is also a ton of romantic things you can do such as the gondola rides at the Venetian, delicious food, and high-rise hotels with sunset views. Getting out of the city every once in a while is essential for couples to reconnect with themselves and with each other. Traveling to these destinations that are a quick drive or flight from Los Angeles can be an easy and fun escape.

Getting out of the city every once in a while is essential for couples to reconnect with themselves and with each other. Traveling to these destinations that are a quick drive or flight from Los Angeles can be an easy and fun escape.