Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down, escape the everyday, and reconnect in a setting designed for romance. From dramatic coastal retreats overlooking the Pacific to vineyard-wrapped hideaways and desert resorts infused with style and whimsy, California offers an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels and resorts ideal for couples seeking something memorable.
Whether your idea of romance includes indulgent spa rituals, Michelin-recognized dining, scenic drives, or simply uninterrupted time together, these handpicked Valentine’s Day getaways showcase the most romantic places to stay across the Golden State. Each destination blends refined hospitality with a distinct sense of place, making them perfect for celebrating love in effortless California style.
{Affiliate disclosure: The author may earn a commission from select travel bookings.}

Perched atop a dramatic coastal bluff in Dana Point, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is one of the most celebrated luxury beach resorts in Southern California and an ideal Valentine’s Day escape for couples who love oceanfront elegance.
Consistently recognized by the World Travel Awards as California’s Leading Beach Hotel, the resort offers sweeping Pacific Ocean views from its Mediterranean-inspired setting overlooking the shoreline. Guest rooms reflect the coastal surroundings with soft, beach-toned interiors and views of the ocean, gardens, or pools, creating a serene retreat for outstanding stays.
Dining is a highlight, from refined coastal cuisine at RAYA to the exclusive multi-course sushi experience at Taikun, along with classic steakhouse fare and an impressive wine program at enoSTEAK. Between spa indulgences, surfing lessons along the coast, and championship golf nearby, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel delivers a polished yet relaxed luxury getaway for sweethearts.

Set on a lush estate in the heart of the desert, The Parker Palm Springs is a truly distinctive luxury resort that provides a playful and design-forward playground to escape to. Celebrated for its iconic Jonathan Adler interiors, the cheeky resort blends bold color, midcentury modern glamour, and whimsical style that feels effortlessly chic. I can imagine Austin Powers even calling it “Shagworthy, baby”.
Recently named the number one hotel in the Americas by Condé Nast Traveler UK and consistently ranked among the top hotels in Southern California, The Parker has also become a cultural hub, hosting high-profile events tied to the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Days are best spent lounging by citrus-lined pools, enjoying the manicured grounds, or teeing off on nearby golf courses before returning to the resort’s vibrant social scene. For a fun-filled getaway in Palm Springs that pairs luxury with personality and fun, The Parker offers a refreshing alternative to traditional desert retreats.

Set directly on the sand in Montecito, Rosewood Miramar Beach is a showstopping choice to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Southern California. The ultra-luxury property holds a rare Triple Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 2025, recognizing the hotel, Sense, A Rosewood Spa, and its signature restaurant, Caruso’s, as among the finest in the world.
Designed to feel like a grand private estate rather than a traditional resort, the property features a stately manor house, private bungalow-style accommodations, and manicured grounds with lawns, gardens, fire pits, and seaside amenities.
Coastal elegance meets playful sophistication through thoughtful details, from open-air shuttles to refined interiors that feel impeccably curated. For couples seeking an unforgettable Valentine’s escape at a five-star beachfront hotel in California, Rosewood Miramar Beach delivers romance at its most rarefied.

Nestled in the Topatopa Mountains, Ojai Valley Inn is a charming Southern California resort for couples seeking a restorative Valentine’s Day escape. Set on 220 acres just 90 minutes from Los Angeles, the historic resort is known for its serene setting, sun-washed landscapes, and deep connection to wellness and renewal.
Couples can unwind together at the award-winning Spa Ojai, where nature-inspired treatments and grounding rituals create a sense of calm and reconnection. Evenings unfold with candlelit dining, sunset walks, and Ojai’s famed pink-hued skies, which cast a soft glow over the valley at golden hour.
For those looking to combine romance with relaxation, Ojai Valley Inn offers a luxury California getaway that feels both spiritually enriching and effortlessly indulgent.

Set in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country, Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is a standout Valentine’s Day getaway for couples who love great food, wine, and intimate luxury. Just two hours from Los Angeles, the historic property blends understated elegance with a culinary focus that makes it one of the most romantic boutique hotels in California.
Valentine’s celebrations center around a thoughtfully crafted prix fixe dinner at The Tavern, where seasonal ingredients, refined technique, and wine pairings set the mood for an unforgettable evening. Beyond the table, couples can unwind together at the Lavender Barn with restorative spa treatments designed for deep relaxation.
For a dreamy California escape rooted in exceptional dining and quiet sophistication, Mattei’s Tavern delivers an effortlessly indulgent experience.

If you’re seeking a truly unique experience overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean, Post Ranch Inn offers couples a truly unforgettable Valentine’s Day escape. Set along the cliffs of Big Sur, the adults-only retreat is renowned for its architectural harmony with nature, sweeping ocean views, and deeply restorative sense of seclusion.
Recognized as a MICHELIN Three-Key Hotel in the MICHELIN Guide 2025 and ranked among the top hotels in the United States by Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, Post Ranch Inn represents the pinnacle of experiential luxury.
Days unfold with private soaking tubs overlooking the ocean, serene nature walks through towering Redwood groves, and intimate dining designed to highlight the region’s natural beauty. For couples seeking a once-in-a-lifetime Valentine’s getaway in Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn delivers romance at its most elevated and elemental.

Whether you’re a golfer or not, Pebble Beach is an idyllic Valentine’s Day destination in California, offering couples a scenic coastal escape at the end of America’s most iconic drive. Tucked within the Del Monte Forest, Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach is an intimate luxury hotel designed for privacy, relaxation, and romance.
This boutique resort features just 24 Mediterranean-inspired rooms and suites, each with gas fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and private terraces that set the tone for a cozy couples’ retreat. Enjoy exploring the enchanting Monterey Peninsula (via a courtesy Lexus), unwinding at The Spa at Pebble Beach (a Forbes five-star spa), and returning for relaxed evenings with complimentary happy hour and desserts.
For a delightful getaway that feels refined, secluded, and effortlessly elegant, Casa Palmero delivers a timeless coastal escape.

Located just under an hour from San Francisco, Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection is a luxurious Valentine’s Day getaway for couples seeking romance rooted in food, wine, and immersive experiences. Set against rolling vineyards, the resort blends relaxed Napa Valley elegance with thoughtfully curated culinary moments designed to bring couples together.
Valentine’s celebrations include hands-on experiences like chocolate-covered strawberry workshops paired with sparkling wine, as well as intimate multi-course dining set within floral-filled spaces created exclusively for the occasion. Private cottages offer a cozy retreat between experiences, perfect for lingering mornings and quiet evenings.
If you’re seeking a romantic Napa Valley hotel that feels indulgent yet unpretentious, Stanly Ranch offers a modern take on love and luxury.

Perched high above the vineyards of Napa Valley, Auberge du Soleil is one of the most picturesque luxury hotels in California. Just 90 minutes from San Francisco, the resort offers a private, South-of-France-inspired setting where couples can slow down and savor uninterrupted time together.
Valentine’s experiences center around intimate spa rituals, including exclusive after-hours treatments with private soaking, massage, sparkling wine, and dessert beneath the stars. Evenings are elevated by Michelin-starred dining and sunset views over Mount Veeder, while thoughtfully designed accommodations create a sense of effortless intimacy.
For couples seeking a refined Napa Valley Valentine’s getaway defined by privacy, indulgence, and timeless romance, Auberge du Soleil remains unmatched.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is an enchanting escape for couples drawn to wellness, wine country, and historic California charm. Renowned for its expansive top-rated spa, the serene resort invites guests to slow down and reconnect through immersive spa rituals, serene soaking pools, and restorative treatments rooted in the land.
Elegant rooms and suites, many with private balconies or patios, are nestled beneath towering sycamore and eucalyptus trees, creating a tranquil setting that feels worlds away from everyday life. Days unfold with Sonoma-inspired dining, leisurely rounds of championship golf, and easy access to some of the region’s most celebrated wineries.
Recognized as one of the best hotels in Northern California by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, the property offers a romantic Valentine’s Day vacation that blends relaxation, indulgence, and the natural beauty of wine country.

From iconic coastal resorts to intimate wine country retreats and design-forward desert escapes, these romantic Valentine’s Day getaways highlight the very best of luxury travel in California. No matter how you choose to celebrate, these destinations invite you to linger longer, savor the moment, and create memories worth returning to year after year.
To discover more incredible destinations, world-class luxury hotels and resorts, and memorable experiences, explore the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations and continue planning your next unforgettable escape.

[Disclosure: Affiliate links included. Inspirations & Celebrations partners with several affiliate programs, meaning that this author may earn a commission from purchases/clicks by those who visit this site at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.]
















