A California honeymoon provides magnificent scenery worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, with cliff-lined sandy beaches, gorgeous redwood forests, and many beautiful mountains. You may take in the sights and taste the local cuisine, enjoy a rest or have a dynamic honeymoon. There’s simply something for everyone in sunny California! Get started planning your dream honeymoon in one the most romantic California honeymoon destinations.

1. La Jolla 

Just north of San Diego, La Jolla's super-stylish community is an ideal honeymoon destination. We hope you have included the honeymoon into your wedding budget because you won't know where to start! Romance is in the air here, tucked into the picturesque shoreline. Vibrant magenta vines adorn the red-tiled roofs and white stucco cottages. Healthy Mediterranean restaurants, cute cafes, and stylish pubs are everywhere. The daytime is ideal for visiting the many galleries and quaint shops. Visit Glider Port, a hang-gliding facility, and take a lovely walk through Torrey Pines Reserve if you're up for an adventure. Take a stroll on one of the many sandy beaches that line the coast. A Segway or an electric bike tour is ideal for seeing everything this incredible community offers.

2. San Francisco

Couples looking for an action-packed honeymoon in California might consider San Francisco as their top pick. A must-stop on the Pacific Coast Highway, this city has it all: thrilling sights, breathtaking scenery, and mouthwatering cuisine. You'll never run out of things to do in San Francisco. You might even fall in love with it so much that you decide to start your new family there! And, if you decide to move, you will forever have your honeymoon memories when you go about your day! We recommend seeing the city's most famous landmarks on your first visit. Visit Alamo Square overlooking the Painted Ladies, take a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, or hike Twin Peaks for an incredible panorama of San Francisco. Alcatraz Island is a major tourist attraction in San Francisco, and visiting it is well worth it!

3. Lake Tahoe

You are free to relax on the shore of the lake and take in the sights and sounds of nature. This environment is perfect for checking off post-wedding tasks because it is such an idyllic place you won’t even feel like you’re working! Begin each day with a breathtaking sunrise, take a romantic walk down the beach with your loved one, or dine al fresco as the sun sets over the lake. Take a trek up Heavenly Mountain for spectacular vistas, ride the Heavenly Mountain gondola to the mountain's summit for amazing views, or drive the lake's shore and take photos from viewpoints. If you prefer an active honeymoon, go on a cruise or canoeing. Some of Lake Tahoe's best views may be found right next to the lake in the fall, so you won't miss out if your wedding is planned for that season.

4. Solvang

Solvang offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of European beauty. Immigrants from Denmark built the town in the early twentieth century, and it has half-timbered thatched-roof structures and even a windmill to show for it. It's not uncommon to find locally-owned shops selling original Danish goods and bakeries that serve kringle coffee cakes, cinnamon bread, and "aebleskivers," all of which are classic Danish delicacies. Solvang is a great place for a romantic California honeymoon, with several boutique inns and upmarket hotels. It’s also an excellent spot from which to tour the various wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, and is close to Santa Barbara.

5. Napa Valley

There is no better place to spend a romantic California honeymoon than in the world's most famous wine area, Napa Valley. More than 400 wineries produce a wide range of drinks, but Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular. Taking the Napa Wine Valley Train across the breathtaking scenery while sampling wine is a unique experience. There are many things to do in Napa that aren't wine tasting once you've gotten your fill. A hot air balloon trip above the vineyards at dawn or mud baths in Calistoga are just a few options. The di Rosa Museum, which features modern art and an outdoor sculpture garden, is another great stop for art enthusiasts. While you're in the area, don't forget to check out the adjacent Bothe-Napa Valley State Park for some hiking.

6. Monterey

On the central coast of California, Monterey is a quaint seaside town that's only a two-hour drive from the city of San Francisco. Beaches, hiking paths, and diverse marine life are among the city's most popular attractions. It's the ideal getaway for couples who want to disconnect after all the wedding planning and take in the stunning views of California. Lover's Point, Asilomar, and Fort Ord Dunes are some of the nicest beaches to visit. Lovers Point is a lovely spot for an afternoon picnic. Asilomar is a popular spot for sunset viewing among locals. Keep an eye out for sand boarders while visiting Fort Ord Dunes. These sand boarders are locals who "surf" the sand dunes, and it's fascinating to watch them! If you are feeling adventurous, there's kayaking on the beach too. You can even kayak with otters! If you don't like kayaking, don't miss seeing the sea otter puppies at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. In addition, whale-watching is available from the aquarium's decks during most of the year. And as with most California destinations, there’s an abundance of nearby wineries.

Final words

These are just some of the beautiful romantic California honeymoon destinations. You are guaranteed to have the time of your life, whichever place you choose! We hope this guide has given you inspiration for your perfect getaway. 

This is a guest post. Risa James Events has no financial relationship to any companies that may be linked within.