Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or you’re up for a big, memorable adventure, grab your other half and head out of town to one of these romantic getaways from Los Angeles, California.
About a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is a worthy getaway, especially for nature-loving couples seeking outdoor activities. Hikers can pick up an adventure pass at the Big Bear Discovery Center and hit the trails. Some top intermediate routes include Pineknot and Castle Rock.
For even more adventurous couples, challenge each other to a zipline tour and experience the area’s natural beauty from a new perspective. Action Tours offers nine zipline tours. For another adventure, opt for a horseback ride: Baldwin Lake Stables offers rides that end with a romantic sunset view.
Looking for a more leisurely lake experience? Book a narrated lake tour on the Miss Liberty, Big Bear Queen or even a pirate ship, then enjoy an indulgent dinner for two at The Pines Lakefront. While steak and a top-notch wine cellar are the stars here, interesting alternatives include venison, wild boar and elk.
Book your stay at Best Western Big Bear Chateau.
A roughly three-hour drive southeast of Los Angeles, Borrego Springs is a memorable escape. At the Galleta Meadows Estate, glimpse 130 impressive metal art sculptures inspired by creatures that roamed the surrounding area millions of years ago. Art here ranges from prehistoric mammals to historical characters, dinosaurs and a 350-foot-long serpent.
California’s largest state park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is another option, notable for its diverse desert landscape that stretches across 600,000 acres. Keep your eyes peeled for a rare peek at the endangered Peninsular desert bighorn sheep.
Book your stay at La Casa Del Zorro.
Often ranked as one of the most beautiful places in the country, Sedona, Arizona offers something for the arts lovers, naturalists, wine lovers, adventure seekers, and more. Start your arts-focused trip at the Sedona Arts Center, a nonprofit with an on-site gallery that hosts painting, photography and ceramics workshops. Take some time to stroll around Tlaquepaque, an arts, shopping and dining village tucked among towering sycamore trees.
Hiking one of the many trails is a top pick for active couples, and many yoga instructors offer classes among the hills. Anniversary splurge? Book a romantic early evening hot-air balloon ride for a unique vantage point of the region’s famed red rocks.
For a romantic evening out, try Mariposa Grill, a Latin-inspired restaurant with stunning views or Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, a cozy go-to for any special occasion. Wine tasting is always a solid option while in Sedona. The surrounding Verde Valley’s bright, daytime sun and cool evenings blend with its rich soil and quality water source to create a fertile wine-growing region. Sip and swirl with your sweetheart on a winery tour. For a treat to round out the day, make your way to Sedona Fudge Company to sample some sweets.
Book your stay at Aiden by Best Western @ Sedona.
With its cozy, small town, European vibe, this popular beach town offers all the ingredients to make a great couple’s getaway, including scenic ocean views. Keep it simple and take a stroll together along Carmel Beach or steal a kiss in one of the roughly 40 secluded courtyards and passageways that dot downtown.
For a charming breakfast experience, head over to La Bicyclette and share something savory and sweet. Wine lovers will want to visit a few of the more than 20 tasting rooms in town. In the evening, catch a sunset on Carmel Beach, then wind down at one of the town’s upscale restaurants like Grasing’s or Anton & Michel.
Book your stay at Best Western Carmel’s Town House Lodge.
For young-at-heart couples in search of a little spark of magic, escape to Orange County in Southern California and head over to Disneyland. Not only does the park offer Disneyland After Dark experiences, but memorable vow renewal ceremonies.
Not into amusement parks? Orange County is full of other fun options for those in search of the laid-back beach vibe. Newport Beach, Catalina Island, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach all draw big for their surfing, boating, dining, and more. For a fun treat, book a cruise out of Newport Beach’s Newport Harbor and Dana Point for a chance at a glimpse of whales, dolphins and sea lions.
Book your stay at Hotel Lulu, BW Premier Collection.