Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway idea for an anniversary, birthday, or other special occasion, there are a variety of beautiful and luxurious options near San Diego County.
Depending on the type of romantic trip you're looking for, some great ideas include a getaway in Temecula's Wine Country, a luxury-focused beachside vacation in La Jolla, or a quick adventure at a desert retreat just a couple of hours from San Diego.
Here are some additional details about these great trip ideas, including personal recommendations and other ideas to get you started in the right direction. (Note: None of these are affiliate links, these are all locations that are personally reviewed by the author.)
Temecula Wine Country
When you think of wine country, you likely think of Napa. However, there’s actually a pretty extensive wine country located about an hour away from San Diego. It’s Temecula Wine Country, and it’s well worth a visit.
You’ll find nearly 50 wineries spread across the rolling hills of valleys of the area. All of the wineries are worth a try, but a few stand out. Wilson Creek Winery has excellent almond sparkling wine, while Bottaia Winery has beautiful views, a day-use pool with private "cabines," and a selection of delicious wines.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can consider many of the hotels in Temecula itself. However, a few wineries in wine country also have accommodations. Ponte Vineyard Inn features Spanish-style rooms and an outdoor pool, while South Coast Winery has spacious rooms overlooking its vineyards and the only spa in the area. Local activities include wine tastings, horseback riding, or hot air balloon rides.
Palm Springs
The desert has its own sense of romance, and although Palm Springs is known for being a getaway from out-of-state tourists, there’s still plenty of opportunity for a local couple to get some quality time in.
There are several resorts in the area that have a particularly romantic vibe. Andalusian Court features an outdoor pool, rustic villas in a Spanish colonial style, and a full slate of amenities. Korakia Pensione is a hip Mediterranean-themed resort that greets customers with Moroccan tea upon check-in and features wellness activities like massages and yoga.
As far as things to do, Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour out of Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which ferries people to the top of San Jacinto Peak, is also a popular attraction. You can, of course, always just lounge by the pool. Even in February, the desert can be warm enough to do so during the Day.
La Jolla, California
La Jolla is one of the most luxurious areas of San Diego County and is an excellent option for a day trip or a romantic weekend getaway. There are a number of great restaurants and cozy hotels to take advantage of in the area.
The Marine Room, for example, is a chic seafood restaurant that overlooks the sea along La Jolla’s coast. At high tide, waves even crash against the restaurant’s windows. Other great seafood options include Eddie V’s and George’s By The Cove.
If you’re looking for accommodations, the Pantai Inn is a property overlooking the ocean with Bali-themed decor. Better yet, it has dedicated parking for each room — a luxury in La Jolla, where parking is usually at a premium. Activities can include lounging at the beach or an adventurous kayak trip through La Jolla's sea caves.
Romantic Getaway Ideas Abound in Southern California
The above getaways are all excellent, speaking from personal experience. While they may not be the cheapest, they are certainly worth the expense for special occasions. So, the next time you want to wow your special someone, forego the chocolates, flowers, or custom cards and book a special day trip.
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