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5 Romantic Places for Couples in California

Romantic Places in California

If you have been following our column here on The Blonde Abroad, you’ve noticed that we started a series on romantic places for couples around the world.

So far, all of the locations have been outside the USA so we thought it was finally time to write something about our home! As California natives, we thought we would share some of our favorite romantic places at home with you.

Here are five romantic places for couples in California!

Big Sur Pfieffer Beach

Big Sur

Big Sur is an absolutely MAGICAL stretch of coastline- in fact, it has arguably the most gorgeous, rugged coast in all of California.

Aside from beautiful beaches- one of which even has a waterfall on it- Big Sur has amazing, wooded mountains filled with massive redwood trees, incredible hiking trails, waterfalls, and so much more.

If it weren’t so remote, we would honestly probably live there!

For help planning, check out our newest blog over on Couple’s Coordinates that will teach you how to plan a weekend trip to Big Sur.

Read More: California Coast Road Trip: Big Sur

Romantic Malibu

Malibu

Malibu is like a life goal. Everything about it is perfect. It’s in close proximity to LA but it’s still a small town. It has world class restaurants and world famous beaches, as well as being home to Pepperdine University (Michael’s alma mater), so there is definitely a fun, young vibe in Malibu that results from the student population.

Whether you and your loved one are looking to surf, hike, lay on the beach, walk on the pier, or eat amazing food, there is plenty of activities you can do in Malibu to make a date weekend out of.

Napa Valley
(source)

Napa Valley

Few things are more romantic that wine tasting with your partner overlooking a gorgeous lake in Napa Valley. Hire a car and have a personal driver take you and your lover on a wine tour through the valley. We hit something like 4 or 5 wineries on our last trip and had an incredible time!

On this trip we also happened to discover our favorite cabernet sauvignon which is made by <arel=”nofollow” href=”https://www.kuletoestate.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Kuleto Estate. We loved it so much that we bought a bottle to take with us! For how well-crafted this wine is, the $75 price tag is a fantastic deal.

We saved the bottle for about 6 months until we finally opened it on one of our anniversaries.

Read More: A Weekend Getaway Guide to Napa Valley

san diego

San Diego

If you’ve never been to San Diego, start planning your trip now. San Diego is essentially the culmination of everything that makes California great.

It is ethnically diverse, with gorgeous beaches, great surf, amazing restaurants, fun nightlife, a strong Hispanic heritage (which translates to having the best Mexican food this side of the border) and super down-to-earth locals.

Read More: San Diego Travel Tips

romantic places in santa barbara

Santa Barbara

Oh Santa Barbara. If you haven’t noticed a theme, we love beaches. With the exception of Napa Valley, every one of our romantic destinations on this list is a beach town!

Santa Barbara is super unique. The beaches are gorgeous, the restaurants are wonderful, and there is so much to do considering how relatively small the city is. State Street offers a great outdoor shopping scene (which you girls are sure to love). Take a nice walk together down State Street and end at the beach!

Depending on what you’re looking for, Santa Barbara also has a great number of bars and a pretty fun nightlife scene.

Last time we visited Santa Barbara together we rented bikes and road all around the beachfront and harbor. Bikes are pretty cheap to rent, so this makes for an awesome budget date day.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to <arel=”nofollow” href=”http://www.carlitos.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Carlito’s for some incredible Mexican food!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Santa Barbara in a Weekend

Check Out My Favorite California Style Essentials!

By Alex & Michael

Hey y’all! We’re Michael and Alexandra Gallagher from Couple’s Coordinates! We provide TBA readers with couples travel tips, romantic getaways, travel guides, honeymoon suggestions, and anecdotes from our journey around the world together.

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    1. James MCcament

      it would be ideal if you continue sharing of proficiencies with us.Thanks a ton for your awesome posting.

      April 26, 2018 at 10:19 pm · Reply
    2. Onam

      Hello ALEX & MICHAEL,
      I am from India and the most romantic place in India is Taj Mahal, Agar and Jaipur is also one of the lovers Paradise where Every lover want to go. If you are a mountain lover then a couple should go to Shimla, Massorie etc.
      If i go to California the i will love to visit Napa Valley.

      May 20, 2018 at 7:56 pm · Reply

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    Arguably the MOST “autumnal” day of the trip: 🍎 🍂 🍩
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Welcome back to my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series! We’re over halfway through our road trip on Day 6 and this was the perfect day of all things autumn.

    After a slow morning leaving @woodstock.inn, we were on our way to the famous town of Stowe, Vermont!

    I had originally created a jam-packed itinerary, but traveling with a toddler can definitely call for some readjusting and going with the flow. We made 2 of the stops I had planned:

    🍎🌳 Hunger Mountain Orchard
    🍎🍩 @coldhollowcidermillvt

    If we had a little more time, a lot of people add the 🍦 @benandjerrys factory tour on this day.

    We ended our day by checking into the @trappfamilylodge —owned by the real family from the Sound of Music where we enjoyed the lodge and property before dinner and bedtime.

    Be sure to come back for Day 7 with more on this amazing property and all the furry friends that live here!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @vermonttourism @visitnew_england
    #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

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    Arguably the MOST “autumnal” day of the trip: 🍎 🍂 🍩 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Welcome back to my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series! We’re over halfway through our road trip on Day 6 and this was the perfect day of all things autumn. After a slow morning leaving @woodstock.inn, we were on our way to the famous town of Stowe, Vermont! I had originally created a jam-packed itinerary, but traveling with a toddler can definitely call for some readjusting and going with the flow. We made 2 of the stops I had planned: 🍎🌳 Hunger Mountain Orchard 🍎🍩 @coldhollowcidermillvt If we had a little more time, a lot of people add the 🍦 @benandjerrys factory tour on this day. We ended our day by checking into the @trappfamilylodge —owned by the real family from the Sound of Music where we enjoyed the lodge and property before dinner and bedtime. Be sure to come back for Day 7 with more on this amazing property and all the furry friends that live here! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @vermonttourism @visitnew_england #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    Fall fashion is my favorite! What about you? 🍁
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    My recent trip to New England was the perfect opportunity to pack my @meet.nex bags with some cute new styles perfect for any trip!

    Nex luggage is super high-quality and will hold up on any adventure. Their Million Mile Care program is also one-of-a-kind. You can trade in your used luggage towards credit for new luggage!

    I get so much use out of the Nex crossbody and backpack in Lanikai Amber—they’re my go-to for camera gear and toddler essentials. And you can style them with just about every outfit!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Click my link in bio for my luggage and favorite fall styles! #ad

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    Fall fashion is my favorite! What about you? 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• My recent trip to New England was the perfect opportunity to pack my @meet.nex bags with some cute new styles perfect for any trip! Nex luggage is super high-quality and will hold up on any adventure. Their Million Mile Care program is also one-of-a-kind. You can trade in your used luggage towards credit for new luggage! I get so much use out of the Nex crossbody and backpack in Lanikai Amber—they’re my go-to for camera gear and toddler essentials. And you can style them with just about every outfit! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Click my link in bio for my luggage and favorite fall styles! #ad

    Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! 🇲🇽
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    I recently visited this vibrant, colorful city just in time for some of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations and it did not disappoint! From walking the cobblestone streets lined with colorful murals to witnessing centuries’ old architectural marvels, this entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful sites around every corner.

    There are tons of epic @vrbo vacation homes in Oaxaca—perfect for a group trip!

    One of the major highlights of Oaxaca is the FOOD 🤤 Traditional cuisine like mole, mezcal, tlayuda, quesillo, and even… chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers! 😱) are a must. Foodies and adventurous diners alike will find themselves with more than a few delicious options here in Oaxaca.

    Add these highlights to your Oaxaca bucket list:

    🇲🇽 Shop at the artisan markets
    🇲🇽 Get down on some delicious street food
    🇲🇽 Try a traditional cooking class
    🇲🇽 Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua
    🇲🇽 Experience a temazcal ceremony
    🇲🇽 Discover the countless murals
    🇲🇽 Visit during Dia de Los Muertos

    Did you know you can also book activities with some of the best local, hidden gems, through @expedia?

    Try a traditional cooking class, book a local photographer, or enjoy a mezcal and mole tasting with a certified sommelier through the @Expedia app!

    Have you been to Oaxaca? What time of year did you go and what was your favorite part??
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #mexico #oaxaca #diadelosmuertos

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    Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! 🇲🇽 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I recently visited this vibrant, colorful city just in time for some of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations and it did not disappoint! From walking the cobblestone streets lined with colorful murals to witnessing centuries’ old architectural marvels, this entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful sites around every corner. There are tons of epic @vrbo vacation homes in Oaxaca—perfect for a group trip! One of the major highlights of Oaxaca is the FOOD 🤤 Traditional cuisine like mole, mezcal, tlayuda, quesillo, and even… chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers! 😱) are a must. Foodies and adventurous diners alike will find themselves with more than a few delicious options here in Oaxaca. Add these highlights to your Oaxaca bucket list: 🇲🇽 Shop at the artisan markets 🇲🇽 Get down on some delicious street food 🇲🇽 Try a traditional cooking class 🇲🇽 Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua 🇲🇽 Experience a temazcal ceremony 🇲🇽 Discover the countless murals 🇲🇽 Visit during Dia de Los Muertos Did you know you can also book activities with some of the best local, hidden gems, through @expedia? Try a traditional cooking class, book a local photographer, or enjoy a mezcal and mole tasting with a certified sommelier through the @Expedia app! Have you been to Oaxaca? What time of year did you go and what was your favorite part?? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #mexico #oaxaca #diadelosmuertos

    Is this the cutest town in Vermont? 🍁
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    This is Day 5 of our New England Road Trip with a Toddler Series! We stayed at the @woodstock.inn for 2 nights and set aside a full day to explore Woodstock .

    With Woodstock Inn & Resort is situated in the heart of Woodstock, so it gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the town by foot. There are cute shops, cafes, and it’s so festive during foliage season.

    My number one tip here is to reserve your room at Woodstock Inn early! Woodstock is a small town, and especially during fall foliage season, it can be fully booked up a year in advance.

    BONUS TIP: We booked our room through Amex Travel and got tons of perks like early check-in/late check-out, daily breakfast for 2, a room upgrade, guaranteed 4 pm check-out, and a $100 resort credit (which mama DEF used for a massage at the spa).

    We spent our morning at @billingsfarm and got to meet some dairy cows and other farm animals. Kids will love this spot!

    In town, be sure to grab a Maple Creemee (a maple soft serve ice cream) from @woodstockscoops. Visit the F. H. Gillingham & Sons General Store to shop for TONS of local products like maple syrup. And The Village Butcher Shop is a great deli for yummy sandwiches & deli meats & cheese.

    We wanted to eat at @simonpearcerestaurant but it was already fully booked (two months in advance!!!) so plan ahead.

Stay tuned for Day 6 for apple picking, cider donuts, and the cutest family-friendly lodge in Vermont!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Have you been to Woodstock, Vermont?

    @vermonttourism @visitnew_england
    #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #woodstockvermont

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    Is this the cutest town in Vermont? 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• This is Day 5 of our New England Road Trip with a Toddler Series! We stayed at the @woodstock.inn for 2 nights and set aside a full day to explore Woodstock . With Woodstock Inn & Resort is situated in the heart of Woodstock, so it gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the town by foot. There are cute shops, cafes, and it’s so festive during foliage season. My number one tip here is to reserve your room at Woodstock Inn early! Woodstock is a small town, and especially during fall foliage season, it can be fully booked up a year in advance. BONUS TIP: We booked our room through Amex Travel and got tons of perks like early check-in/late check-out, daily breakfast for 2, a room upgrade, guaranteed 4 pm check-out, and a $100 resort credit (which mama DEF used for a massage at the spa). We spent our morning at @billingsfarm and got to meet some dairy cows and other farm animals. Kids will love this spot!
 In town, be sure to grab a Maple Creemee (a maple soft serve ice cream) from @woodstockscoops. Visit the F. H. Gillingham & Sons General Store to shop for TONS of local products like maple syrup. And The Village Butcher Shop is a great deli for yummy sandwiches & deli meats & cheese. We wanted to eat at @simonpearcerestaurant but it was already fully booked (two months in advance!!!) so plan ahead.

Stay tuned for Day 6 for apple picking, cider donuts, and the cutest family-friendly lodge in Vermont!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Have you been to Woodstock, Vermont? @vermonttourism @visitnew_england #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #woodstockvermont

    It’s time to add the “Kanc” to your bucket list! 🪣🗒️
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    The “Kanc” aka The Kancamagus Scenic Byway is a 34.5-mile-long state highway that winds through the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. This might just be one of the most scenic drives in the US—especially if you’re coming during Fall foliage season.

    You can drive the byway without stopping in about 45 minutes, but you’ll wanna plan for at least half a day, if not a full day, to explore it to the fullest.

    Because we were with a toddler, we limited our stops to the Albany Covered Bridge, Sabbaday Falls, and the Panoramic Overlook. But, consider adding these stops as well:

    - Lower Falls
    - Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
    - Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
    - Hancock Overlook

    TIP: We started at 7 am (toddler life) and I highly recommend starting your day early! This is a super famous destination for leaf peeping in the fall so we were shocked that we had most of these areas to ourselves until about noon.

    The Albany Bridge is a super scenic stop—the foliage is so beautiful along the riverbank and the wooden bridge makes for amazing photos.

    Sabbaday Falls is the perfect kid-friendly hike, minimal crowds, and such a great view of the scenery through the thicket of colorful foliage and cascading waterfalls.

    And the Panoramic Overlook is on the far west end of the byway and has some of the best sweeping views.

    You can stop for lunch in Lincoln or North Woodstock, NH.

    TIP: All of the little towns in NH and VT are short-staffed during foliage season because there is SO much tourism. You’ll need to pre-book reservations at restaurants or be prepared to wait 1+ hrs (or longer).

    Then is was off to Vermont! After a long drive (and car nap for Ollie), we checked into the famous @woodstock.inn in Woodstock, VT. We wandered through town and enjoyed the Farmer’s Market on the Green (Wednesdays) before calling it a night!

    Check back for Vlog 5 as we kick off our time in Vermont—farms, apple picking, and the best spots for foliage!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @visitnh @vermonttourism #newengland #newhampshire #kancamagushighway #foliage #roadtrip #familytravel

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    It’s time to add the “Kanc” to your bucket list! 🪣🗒️ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The “Kanc” aka The Kancamagus Scenic Byway is a 34.5-mile-long state highway that winds through the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. This might just be one of the most scenic drives in the US—especially if you’re coming during Fall foliage season. You can drive the byway without stopping in about 45 minutes, but you’ll wanna plan for at least half a day, if not a full day, to explore it to the fullest. Because we were with a toddler, we limited our stops to the Albany Covered Bridge, Sabbaday Falls, and the Panoramic Overlook. But, consider adding these stops as well: - Lower Falls - Rocky Gorge Scenic Area - Sugar Hill Scenic Vista - Hancock Overlook TIP: We started at 7 am (toddler life) and I highly recommend starting your day early! This is a super famous destination for leaf peeping in the fall so we were shocked that we had most of these areas to ourselves until about noon. The Albany Bridge is a super scenic stop—the foliage is so beautiful along the riverbank and the wooden bridge makes for amazing photos. Sabbaday Falls is the perfect kid-friendly hike, minimal crowds, and such a great view of the scenery through the thicket of colorful foliage and cascading waterfalls. And the Panoramic Overlook is on the far west end of the byway and has some of the best sweeping views. You can stop for lunch in Lincoln or North Woodstock, NH. TIP: All of the little towns in NH and VT are short-staffed during foliage season because there is SO much tourism. You’ll need to pre-book reservations at restaurants or be prepared to wait 1+ hrs (or longer). Then is was off to Vermont! After a long drive (and car nap for Ollie), we checked into the famous @woodstock.inn in Woodstock, VT. We wandered through town and enjoyed the Farmer’s Market on the Green (Wednesdays) before calling it a night! Check back for Vlog 5 as we kick off our time in Vermont—farms, apple picking, and the best spots for foliage! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @visitnh @vermonttourism #newengland #newhampshire #kancamagushighway #foliage #roadtrip #familytravel
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