California is the third largest state in the United States, spanning several regions and offering incredible scenery. The Golden State has sandy beaches, coastal cliffs, mountain peaks, desert landscapes, and acres of vineyards. It is also home to scenic national parks and more than 100 state parks.
So with such a variety of beautiful settings and exciting activity options, it's no surprise that experts consider California the place to be.honeymoon destination“The state is so vast that you can go from cities to beaches, mountains and vineyards in a single trip,” says the luxury travel expertamine dilmon."What are you doingCalifornia romanceThe setting and surroundings are not only like a beautiful golden hour, but it is also a hub for food, wine and spa. "
Whether you're lookingaventura, expect to have an itinerary full of wine tastings, or dreamA wellness spa to relax, you'll find it all in this legendary and romantic West Coast destination.
meet the experts
- Amina Dearmon is an expert in luxury travel andviewpoint trip, a subsidiary of SmartFlyer.
- Henley Vazquez isfor one, Modern Travel Agency.
Get advance advice from travel experts on how to plan the romantic California honeymoon of your dreams.
The 9 Best Boutique Hotels in Southern California
Plan your honeymoon in California
Choose California as yourhoneymoon destinationAlways a good choice, how you spend your time depends on the variety of activities and sights the state has to offer. "Due to the size of the state, there are perfect places, itineraries and vibes for each type of couple at any time of the year," said Henley Vázquez, author offor oneYou can rent a car and turn it into a road trip, or choose a resort as a base to relax.
Lovers of nature and outdoor activities will be able to explore many different regions by hiking the national park's hundreds of trails, strolling past alpine lakes and walking among towering trees. "City dwellers can take advantage of Los Angeles' vibrant shopping, dining and arts scene. Surfers should head to Santa Cruz or Malibu, while wine lovers should flock tonapaand Sonoma,” added Vázquez. And with four beautiful seasons, you can visit it at any time of the year according to your wish.
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When do we go:Depending on your activity preferences, California is a year-round destination. "Southern California tends to be busiest in the summer, from June through August. Spring (April and May) is peak wildflower season at the higher elevations in the state," Vázquez said. "The vineyards are especially beautiful in early fall when the temperatures start to drop. Of course, November through early March is the best time for skiing and snowboarding."
how long: For a week or two, you can experience a variety of stunning California destinations or truly immerse yourself in a relaxing getaway.
get there:Travelers can drive from nearby states or fly into major airports, including Los Angeles International, San Francisco International, and Sacramento International.
transport:Depending on your plans and where you will be staying in California, renting a car may be the best option for you. This will allow you to explore many destinations throughout the state.
must be packaged:The packaging will depend on the activities you plan. If you're going to a wine tasting, don't forget to bring a sun hat. If you plan to hike, you will need to bring appropriate footwear and outdoor gear. SoCal beaches require bathing suits and sunscreen. Be sure to wear layers, as the weather varies greatly across the state.
Where to stay on your honeymoon in California
From boutique hotels in bustling Los Angeles to resorts perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, here are our favorite California honeymoon hotels, with our experts digging into what makes them so romantic.
Hotel Beverly Hills
Whether you're landing in Los Angeles for a road trip or making the metropolis your destination,Hotel Beverly HillsFive star accommodation is provided. "Hollywood's brightest spot, the ultimate beacon of glamour, greets you with luxurious accommodations, first-class service and a variety of activities," says Vázquez. Choose a suite or a bungalow, access the spa and pool, and walk through the gardens. Explore the corridors that double as art galleries.
Villa La Serena
Head to sunny Palm Springs and make the most of itVilla La Serena, a unique historical property. Choose from a variety of different room designs with modern and vibrant color schemes. The room has an outdoor bathtub on the private terrace. Soak up the bohemian atmosphere at the hotel's rooftop lounge, or go for a walk and explore the city center.
Hotel Rosewood Miramar Beach
Head north to Los Angeles and spend some time at the beach.Hotel Rosewood Miramar BeachIt offers an on-site spa, multiple pools, and beachfront restaurants. "The accommodations at the hotel, with beach and garden suites, offer plenty of privacy and feel like a luxurious home away from home," adds Dearmon.
rancho stanley
Napa Valley is home to countless impressive estates and impeccable vineyard views. dear suggestionrancho stanley, opening in 2022. "It looked like it was built for honeymooners," he said. "The spaces feel light and airy, but the private fire pit, outdoor shower, and access to the on-site vineyard make it a destination honeymooners will want to return to."
Ojai Valley Inn
Vazquez suggestedOjai Valley InnFor the health-prone couple. “There is a golf course, numerous pools and restaurants, an exclusive spa, an apothecary, a farm and a bee farm, shops and more,” she said. Choose from a variety of accommodation types, including luxury suites and panoramic penthouses.
horse stitch
There are views of the Golden Gate Bridge from this hotel.horse stitchIt previously functioned as Fort Baker, but the officers' quarters have now been converted to renovated quarters. Choose between a historic room or a more modern option. Visit the spa, explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, or take a live cooking class.
Post Ranch Inn
Big Sur is known for its spectacular scenery, and it can takePost Ranch Inn"Between the stunning setting, infinity pool, and spa, there are enough on-site activities to keep couples busy," says Dearmon. "But when you're ready to venture out, guided nature walks and forest mediations are great activities for honeymooners."
Cottage
Head to the wine region, inCottage"This sophisticated 25-room boutique hotel is a celebration of all things local," says Vázquez. Choose from barn suites, elegant cabins, or farmhouse rooms. Access the spa, enjoy dinner at the Farmhouse Restaurant, and relax by the outdoor fire pit.
Things to do on your honeymoon in California
If there's one thing you can count on about the Golden State, it's that there's no shortage of things to do here. Whether you're an outdoor couple looking for a hike, a wine lover looking for their favorite wine, or an urbanite looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant, there's something for everyone in this sprawling state.
to the wine tasting
California is known for its incredible wine regions, but they extend well beyond the famous Napa Valley. Fabulous wineries and tasting rooms can be found in Carmel Valley, Temecula Valley, Paso Robles, and more.
How to Plan a Honeymoon in Healdsburg
hiking
The opportunities to hike the California landscape are endless. Explore the trails among the redwoods or choose a hiking trail that takes you to the beach.
relax on the beach
Located on the west coast, California has no shortage of amazing beaches. Head to Southern California and enjoy the wide beaches, where you can sit and relax for hours soaking up the sun.
drive along the coast
Driving on the open road and taking in the stunning views is a great activity for couples to enjoy. “Rent a car and head out on the 17-mile drive on the Monterey Peninsula for an idyllic and romantic coastal getaway,” advises Vázquez.
go golfing
The weather was good and there were plenty of opportunities to play. Choose a resort with a golf course or explore beautiful courses likecypress pointen Pebble Beach oSanctuary of Santa Lucia.
hit the slope
If you travel to California during the colder months, you will find snow on the mountains. Vazquez said the Palisades Tahoe and Northstar are great places to ski.
Find serenity in the spa
Choose a resort or hotel with an on-site spa, or look into other wellness spaces. Spas for couples are ideal for relaxing.
Explore museums, galleries and gardens.
Whether you're headed to Los Angeles, Palm Springs, or San Francisco, culture vultures will find hot spots throughout the state. Go to an art gallery or visitMuseum of Natural Historyin los angeles or ridecalifornia botanical gardenin San Francisco.
visit national park
California has amazing national parks that are spread throughout the state. Popular spots include Yosemite, Sequoia Grove, and Joshua Tree, where you can take in the views from established vantage points, or head out for a walk and snap a photo.
try offroad driving
With its vast spaces, California is the ultimate destination for horseback riding. Try taking a class together to learn how to ride a bike for the first time, or go for a romantic ride down a trail at sunset.
Where to eat on a honeymoon in California
With its abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, California is a fantastic foodie destination. Travelers will find everything from premium seafood and grass-fed beef to incredible sides prepared with farm-to-table ingredients.
add to this
While Thomas Keller is best known for his sophisticated Napa Valley restaurant, The French Laundry, Vázquez suggests this casual-yet-sophisticated comfort food option as a great alternative.add to thisJust down the road from Yountville, it offers a four-course menu, served family-style, that changes daily. Find Keller's favorite childhood American comfort food, bursting with flavor.
flour + water
Vázquez recommends this excellent San Francisco restaurant for delicious homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. menu inflour + waterA tribute to the Italian regions with a Northern California twist. You can choose to order from a daily changing menu, or try the pasta tasting menu for a unique experience.
nation
For Korean snacks, head tonationin San Francisco. Chefs Jin Lim and Ethan Min studied at the prestigious Woosong University Culinary School before opening the restaurant. "Since the menu highlights snacks, you can share snacks and try many unique flavors," says Dearmon. "It felt like a vacation within a vacation."
en parness
alice waters openen parness1971 sparked the farm-to-table movement. It's hard to get reservations at restaurants, but Vazquez says if you can get a table, by all means go. The four-course set menu changes daily based on sustainably sourced and seasonal ingredients.
golden winged sparrow
"Sit comfortably next to your new spouse in a leather boothgolden winged sparrowAnd be prepared for Italian-inspired food that's almost too good to eat," says Dearmon. "The well-curated menu is dominated by steak and pasta, and be sure to save room for dessert. ”You will also find an incredible wine list, focused on Italian wines such as Chianti and Sangiovese.
malibu letter
Come for the food, stay for the beauty.malibu letterit's a hotspot known for its al fresco dining, incredible oceanfront terraces, and refreshing menus. Enjoy albacore or octopus sashimi, or sit down with Kobe beef with truffle butter.
Stone house
Country history meets eleganceStone housein Santa Barbara. The dining room is an updated citrus wrapper with a wood burning fireplace and beautiful views of the courtyard. The al fresco dining menu uses locally sourced ingredients to create vibrant and contemporary dishes.
California Honeymoon Budget
California offers a choose-your-own-adventure type of honeymoon, with a wide range of options for any couple. arrivebudget and planningFor the ultimate trip, Vazquez recommends determining what you're not willing to compromise on and what aspects of your trip are most important to you. "Maybe the accommodation is the most important thing," he said. "So most of your budget should be spent on your hotel. That way, you can spend less money on tours, restaurants, and other activities." options Choice of parks and beaches.It will be more expensive to try award-winning restaurants or plan days full of wine tasting.
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FAQs
How to Plan a Romantic Honeymoon in California? ›
Start planning your honeymoon eight to 12 months in advance in order to allow ample time for settling on a destination, booking travel and accommodations, and, if you'll be using a travel agent (more on that later), ensuring you can get on their schedule.
How many months should you plan a honeymoon? ›Start planning your honeymoon eight to 12 months in advance in order to allow ample time for settling on a destination, booking travel and accommodations, and, if you'll be using a travel agent (more on that later), ensuring you can get on their schedule.
What is the best length of a honeymoon? ›The average honeymoon period is closer to seven to 12 days, but some couples will extend their getaway to up to a month, especially when traveling internationally.
Where is the most romantic honeymoon? ›- Bora Bora.
- St. Lucia.
- Maldives.
- Fiji.
- Maui.
- Amalfi Coast.
- Bali.
- Tahiti.
So what is it? The 2-2-2 Rule involves going on a date night every two weeks, spending a weekend away every two months and taking a week-long vacation away every two years.
What is the honeymoon 2 rule? ›The 2-2-2 rule states that you and your partner go for a date night every two weeks, spend a weekend away every two months, and go away for an entire week every two years.
Who pays for the honeymoon? ›Who Typically Pays for the Honeymoon? The person who pays for the honeymoon traditionally is the groom (or groom's family), since the bride's family traditionally pays for the wedding.
What percent of couples go on a honeymoon? ›99 percent of newlyweds take a honeymoon. The average couple will spend three times more on their honeymoon than a regular vacation. 40 percent of honeymooners will travel within the United States, about 60 percent will travel to a foreign country.
Is a 2 week honeymoon too long? ›For most couples (more than 80 percent), the average honeymoon is around 7 days. Couples who plan to travel overseas will usually add a few days, for a total average honeymoon length of 9-10 days. Some lucky couples have honeymoons that last 2 weeks or longer, while others take shorter breaks like 3-5 days.
What do people do on their honeymoon? ›Every couple likes to spend their honeymoon by indulging in romantic things like a dinner date, exploring quaint places, club-hopping, and adventurous activities. You can include all the things that you like to do in your itinerary to make your honeymoon a special one.
What is the average cost of a honeymoon? ›
Average Honeymoon Cost. The average cost of a honeymoon is currently around $4,500 per couple. But it really depends on where you plan to go and for how long. Choosing your destination for a honeymoon could range from a weekend adventure on a USA honeymoon to a dream vacation across the world to the South Pacific.
What shortens the honeymoon phase? ›Stopping taking insulin or having fluctuating insulin levels could shorten the honeymoon period. Your healthcare professional should be able to advise you on the best adjustments to make.
What is the most expensive place for a honeymoon? ›Maldives. Long-haul flights will take you to this destination, where bungalows over crystal-clear waters await for a great vacation. Well, such exclusivity doesn't come cheap! In short, this destination takes the cake for being one of the world's most expensive honeymoon destinations.
Where do newlyweds go on honeymoon? ›A number of the couples featured in Inside Weddings choose to take their honeymoon vacation across the ocean to Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia, or South America, while some opt for a more laid-back trip in the United States – or nearby Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.
What is the 5 second rule couples? ›What is the 5-second rule? The 5-second rule works on the premise that if you want to create change in your life, and you know that behavioural changes will help you bring about what you want, you need to physically act within five seconds.
What is the 3 3 3 rule couples? ›The 3x3 Rule! Basically, you and your partner get 3 hours a week of uninterrupted alone time. You can take those 3 hours all at once OR break it up into a half hour here, an hour there, etc. You also get 3 hours of uninterrupted TOGETHER time.
How many times do newlyweds make love on honeymoon? ›Sex Won't Necessarily Be an Everyday Occurrence
We conducted a survey of 138 newlyweds and asked how many times did they, ahem, get busy? The answers ranged from multiple times a day to zero. The majority (32 percent) said they got down once a day.
- Deposit good feelings in each other's emotional banks, every day. ...
- Refamiliarize yourselves with your shared vision for your relationship and future. ...
- Schedule some space. ...
- Write love letters. ...
- Create a partner-focused gratitude practice. ...
- Plan a recommitment ceremony or party.
The honeymoon phase is an early part of a couple's relationship where everything seems carefree and happy. It usually lasts from six months to two years and can be marked with lots of laughs, intimacy, and fun dates.
What does the bride pay for? ›Traditionally, the bride and her family are responsible for paying for all wedding planning expenses, the bride's attire, all floral arrangements, transportation on the wedding day, photo and video fees, travel and lodgings for the officiant if he comes from out of town, lodging for the bridesmaids (if you have offered ...
What does groom pay for? ›
The groom's family financed the rehearsal dinner, the officiant's fee, marriage license, and the groom paid for the bride's engagement and wedding rings and honeymoon.
Who pays for bridal shower? ›Standard etiquette dictates the person hosting the shower would be the one who pays for it. However, if multiple people are hosting the shower (or if multiple people want to contribute to the event), that's absolutely fine too.
How many outfits to bring to a honeymoon? ›Bring 2 Dressy Outfits
And while that makes for beautiful honeymoon pictures and romantic moments together, it's not practical for a long honeymoon.
Honeymoon Planning should be Easy and Fun
Put on some romantic tunes. We hope this site makes your decision a little easier, your time more plentiful and your wallet a little heavier. The average cost for an all inclusive honeymoon ranges from around $5,000 to $8,000 total for two with airfare included.
According to Rachel DeAlto, chief dating expert for Match, it is completely normal for the honeymoon phase to end, and possibly, she says, “even good for the long-term health of the relationship and for people to see each other more clearly.” When you're in the honeymoon phase, it is easy to view your partner through ...
Should you go on your honeymoon right after your wedding? ›“Belated honeymoons are a wonderful option and allow newlyweds to decompress and catch up on life after wedding. I would suggest taking two or three days off after the wedding, stay in a hotel or close to family and friends that are in town following your wedding.
Why is it called a honeymoon? ›The word "honeymoon" itself is derived from the Scandinavian practice of drinking mead, or fermented honey, during the first month of the marriage (measured by one moon cycle) in order to improve the likelihood of conception.
How much time should you take off for a wedding and honeymoon? ›Some experts also recommend coordinating your wedding and honeymoon back-to-back. That way, you're stretch of time out happens all at once. Multiple leaves of absence can impact your team and other projects. “Don't ask for 2 weeks off for the wedding and next month ask for 3 weeks for a honeymoon,” says Burr.
What do couples do on wedding night? ›The wedding night, also most popularly known as 'suhaag raat', is when newly-weds are expected to consummate their marriage and for many couples, who had never had a physical relationship before, this night might be the first time they would be having sex with the partner.
What do couple do at night? ›Bedtime couple intimate activities include cuddling, massaging, kissing, and making love. Sleeping habits are also essential for couples, and couples should lie down together whenever possible.
What should I do in first night? ›
- Enjoy And Relax Together.
- Communicate With Each Other.
- Slip Into Something Sexy And Comfortable.
- Go Slow.
- The First Time Is Awkward For Both Of You.
- Take Tips From Your Closed Ones.
A vacation package or all-inclusive resort gives you the ultimate relaxing honeymoon, so all you have to do is enjoy each other. Another reason many couples choose this option is that all-inclusive honeymoon packages can be less expensive than planning your honeymoon vacation a la carte.
What is a honeymoon package? ›All-Inclusive Honeymoon Packages Include
Roundtrip airfare. Roundtrip transfers between the destination airport and hotel at no additional cost (for most resorts) Hotel accommodations. All meals, drinks, entertainment, tips, and more.
While it's OK to ask for financial contributions instead of gifts for your wedding, it's not OK to ask for them on your wedding invitation. The only appropriate places to mention your honeymoon fund are your wedding website, shower invitations, and via word of mouth.
What is the 3 month rule? ›Three-Month Rule: After a Break-Up
Basically, after a break-up, the three-month rule is a rule that says you and your ex are both given 3 months before entering the dating scene again. Just waiting it out, and mourning that your relationship ended. Just go on with your individual separate lives and see what happens.
Appreciation, infatuation, attraction, impression, and conviction are the 5 bonding stages for a man.
What are the 5 stages of relationships? ›- Attraction. The early days of the relationship are the honeymoon phase. ...
- Curiosity. As the infatuation fades a bit, you start investigating your partner and who they really are as a person. ...
- Crisis. ...
- Deep attachment. ...
- Commitment.
- Go on a Quick Road Trip. Don't have the time or the money to fly somewhere on your honeymoon? ...
- Schedule an In-Home Massage. ...
- Stay at a Nearby Bed and Breakfast. ...
- Play “Tourist” in Your Town. ...
- Go Camping. ...
- Cook a Really Fancy Dinner Together.
Ultimately, your budget is your business. That said, there's no better time to open your wallet than when you're on a trip to celebrate the most important decision of your life. It's okay to splurge in the name of love. Don't be stingy on your own honeymoon – you only get one chance to get it right.
What is the honeymoon capital of the US? ›Niagara Falls is known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World." But did you know that newlyweds have been visiting Niagara Falls for their honeymoons for more than 200 years?
Do you count honeymoon in wedding budget? ›
Yes, the honeymoon should be added to the wedding budget for sure. This can also be an addition to a wedding registry where your friends and family can gift money to go towards your honeymoon budget.
Where do most married couples first meet? ›About a third (32%) of adults who are married, living with a partner or in a committed relationship say that is how they first met their current partner, while 18% say they met through work, 17% through school, 12% online, 8% at a bar or restaurant, 5% at a place of worship and 8% somewhere else.
Where do married couples first meet? ›Young people aged 18 to 24 first spot their crushes at university (18%), school (18%) or with mutual friends (15%). In contrast, 45- to 54-year-olds meet tend to meet at work (22%), by chance (19%) or through friends (16%). Older couples who, like Homer and Marge Simpson, met at school are rare.
Where do most married couples meet? ›Some of the top places that engaged couples met were at school, work, via online dating, and through friends. Others met their partner partying the night away at a bar, through family, at church, at the gym, and at restaurants.
Who pays for a couples honeymoon? ›Who Typically Pays for the Honeymoon? The person who pays for the honeymoon traditionally is the groom (or groom's family), since the bride's family traditionally pays for the wedding.
Who is supposed to plan the honeymoon? ›Traditionally it is the groom's job to plan the honeymoon. Somewhere in time, the busy bride has taken over this task. This is time for grooms to man up, take charge and plan the honeymoon.
How much do couples pay for a honeymoon? ›How much do couples pay for a honeymoon? While many estimates range anywhere from about $2500 to $8000, based on the 350 clients we booked honeymoons for in 2022, the average honeymoon cost is about $5100.
What happens on your honeymoon? ›How do you celebrate your honeymoon? Every couple likes to spend their honeymoon by indulging in romantic things like a dinner date, exploring quaint places, club-hopping, and adventurous activities. You can include all the things that you like to do in your itinerary to make your honeymoon a special one.
Do you split the honeymoon? ›Honeymoon costs are traditionally split between the bride and groom or the bride and groom's families. The choice of who pays for a shared expense is typically impacted by the couple's financial circumstances as well as their own personal preferences, neither of which will be the same for any two couples.
How much is the average honeymoon? ›All-Inclusive Honeymoons
All-Inclusive resorts are a great way to pay upfront and give you a better idea of the total cost. The average cost of an all-inclusive honeymoon is between $5,000-$10,000, but it may save some couples money because you pay most expenses ahead of time.
What does the groom pay for? ›
The groom's family financed the rehearsal dinner, the officiant's fee, marriage license, and the groom paid for the bride's engagement and wedding rings and honeymoon.
What do the groom parents pay for? ›As a guide, here's a list of the expenses traditionally covered by the parents of the groom: the wedding rings, officiant's fee, marriage license, the bride's bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages for the immediate family, music (band/DJ), liquor at the reception and the honeymoon.
What is a good budget for a honeymoon? ›Based on an internal study of nearly 12,000 couples who got married in 2022, the average honeymoon cost is $5,100. This is in addition to the average cost of a wedding, which is $30,000.
Is $10,000 too much for a honeymoon? ›Couples who want a once-in-a-lifetime trip and splurge on a luxury honeymoon can easily spend $10,000 or more, depending on the honeymoon destination. One week in the small South Pacific island of Bora Bora might cost $10,000. A 10-day European vacation could easily run between $10,000 and $15,000.
How long is the average honeymoon phase? ›For most people, the honeymoon phase lasts between six months and two years, but there is no hard and fast rule for how long you should be in this phase.