I’ve put together a selection of romantic weekend getaways tailored for those seeking a short yet memorable escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The three destinations below offer the perfect blend of relaxation, charm, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re in the mood to sip wine at a picturesque vineyard, lose yourself in the magic of stargazing under a clear desert sky, or simply unwind by a serene poolside retreat, each of these locations promises an idyllic setting for rekindling romance and recharging your spirit.
Go Wine tasting in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara has the perfect blend of romance and adventure with its scenic wine tasting experiences, charming cycling routes along the coast, and leisurely boating excursions on the sparkling Pacific. You can sip your way through the renowned Santa Ynez Valley vineyards, pedal through picturesque seaside streets, and end the day with a sunset cruise. This coastal city provides an idyllic setting for creating unforgettable memories together.
To sleep.
To eat.
- East Beach Tacos – Casual outdoor patio with surf style tacos, try the poke!
- Lucky Penny – Casual spot to get wood-fired pizza
- The Lark – Fancy dinner location with delicious fresh farm-to-table dishes
- Loquita – Spanish tapas in a beautiful setting
To drink.
Just head to the Funk Zone, it’s a small area filled with all kinds of wineries and breweries!
To do.
- Relax poolside or take a coastal bike ride
- Book a whale watching tour
- Wine taste, of course! (or beer taste, lots of great breweries as well) The Funk Zone is great wine tasting area with loads of wine shops, or you can head to Santa Ynez to see wineries.
Make a fire Under the stars in Joshua Tree
A romantic getaway to Joshua Tree invites couples to explore its rugged beauty with scenic hikes through surreal rock formations and hidden oases. As night falls, the desert sky transforms into a stargazer’s paradise, offering breathtaking views of constellations and the Milky Way. Whether it’s hiking by day or cuddling beneath the vast expanse of stars, Joshua Tree provides a magical setting for a truly unforgettable experience.
To Sleep.
To Eat.
To Drink.
Under the stars by a campfire at your Airbnb.
To Do.
- Walk the Arch Rock Nature Trail
- Hike Ryan Mountain
- Book a relaxing Sound Bath at the Integratron
Relax Poolside in Palm Springs
Palm Springs sets the stage for a romantic getaway with its chic resorts perfect for lounging poolside in style. Spend your days basking in the desert sun and unwinding in luxurious cabanas, then indulge in mouthwatering cuisine at the city’s renowned restaurants offering everything from gourmet farm-to-table fare to world-class cocktails. With its glamorous vibe and vibrant dining scene, Palm Springs offers a blissful retreat for couples seeking both relaxation and culinary delight.
To Sleep.
- Parker – This mid century modern meets desert chic oasis is drool worthy
- The Ace Hotel – a great poolside atmosphere at this 70s style gem
- The Saguaro – A colorful iconic hotel in downtown
- The Avalon – A Spanish style hideaway
To Eat.
- Chi Chi at The Avalon
- Parker – There are 4 restaurants here, they are all amazing!
- Cheeky’s – Casual place, great for brunch
- Boozehounds – Trendy brunch or dinner
- Gigi’s
- Mr. Lyon’s Steakhouse
To Drink.
- Bootlegger Tiki
- Truss & Twine
- The Amigo Room at Ace Hotel
To Do.
- Relax poolside
- Take a tour of Sunnylands Estate
- Visit Moorten Botanical Garden
Do you know any other great romantic weekend getaways from L.A. that we should try? Please leave them in the comments below.