A California honeymoon can find you hiking in the desert, sipping wine on a rooftop, tanning on the beach or even hopping from roller coaster to roller coaster. It can be a time for adventure, romance, getting back to nature, city living or embracing your inner child. There’s a California honeymoon for everyone no matter what you’re looking for.
Here are 10 of our favourite honeymoon destinations in the Golden State.
Santa Barbara
As well as being a top wedding destination, Santa Barbara is also a hot honeymoon spot. The hip city with sandy beaches and Santa Ynez Mountain views is perfect for couples looking for a little city and a little sand. Santa Barbara is often called the American Riviera because of its perfect weather, beautiful coastline and similarity to France’s Côte d’Azur.
Disneyland
Who says you have to grow up now that you’re married? Not us! Another great option for a California honeymoon is releasing your inner child at Disneyland. Meet Mickey, go on all the rides and stay up late for the fireworks. Need even more child-like adventure? Head over to Universal Studios and join in on some Harry Potter magic at the Wizarding World.
Carmel by the Sea
If you’re looking for a Spanish beach village without leaving North America, check out Carmel by the Sea. This small coastal town is perfect for couples who enjoy a laid-back Mediteranean feel with beautiful views to boot. And fun fact: none of the businesses or homes in Carmel have street numbers. Locals go to the local post office to pick up their mail.
San Francisco
If you’re craving a city honeymoon, San Francisco is the perfect option for you. You won’t tire of things to do in San Francisco such as finding the best food in the Mission, walking around Golden Gate Park, spying the Pink Ladies, taking in the views from Coit Tower, visiting the piers and taking a trolley bus. The options are endless in SF!
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Just a stone’s throw away from Los Angeles lies Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Leave the city behind you and spend your California honeymoon beachfront. Stroll the boardwalk in Venice Beach and admire the body builders, drum circles and fun vendors. Take a twirl at the Santa Monica Pier and the official start (or end) of Route 66.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular places to honeymoon in California. The scenic lake, which divides California and Nevada, provides stunning water and mountain views. Nature lovers will be at home with biking, skiiing, snowboarding, fishing, swimming and hiking happening all around them. When you’re done being active, relax in one of the little towns surrounding Lake Tahoe.
Wine Country – Napa Valley & Sonoma
If you and your new spouse are wine drinkers, there’s no better place to venture for your California honeymoon than Napa and Sonoma. Indulge in tours and tastings at your choice of wineries and soak in the beautiful vineyard views. You’ll also find lots of vintage shopping and adorable restaurants in the little towns in the valleys.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a popular destination for weddings and for honeymoons, and it’s obvious why. In the middle of the desert, Palm Springs manages to be a lush green oasis. If you love beautiful views, hitting the golf course, and mid-century modern style a la Mad Men, Palm Springs might just be for you.
Yosemite
Here’s another one for the nature lovers: a honeymoon in the woods of Yosemite National Park. Enjoy hiking, rock climbing and getting back to Mother Nature with gorgeous views in Yosemite. You can go real rustic and camp or retire to a romantic lodge after a busy day in the great outdoors.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a great option for newlyweds who want to get away. Leaving the mainland, Catalina Island has options for both couples seeking an active and rustic honeymoon and those who want something more luxurious. Camp in the middle of the island and spend your day doing activities on the water. Or stay in a ritzy hotel, visit the casino and theatre, and treat yourself to fancy dinners.
Where would you like to honeymoon in California?
Written by Riana Ang-Canning
Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
