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I would recommend Temecula for wine tasting and good relaxed time. There are places to get massages.
Catalina Island is also fun but doesn't have a big night life after about 8 or 9 when restaurants close.
San Diego is always fun but more upbeat than mellow.
Any more particular preferences on what you're looking for . I can give more specific suggestions, if you can tell me what you like.
I would suggest Santa Barbara. It's beautiful up there near the ocean and plenty of places to have a romantic getaway. Great restaurants, beach activities, wineries and night life.
I don't really have a particular hotel to recommend but I know there are resort-types to smaller bed and breakfasts depending on what you want.
I agree I love Santa barbara, I went to college there! I can suggest some hotels, but I have no idea what your price point is. San ysidro ranch is absolutely amazing, but is also expensive. The double tree, four seasons, and the biltmore are all downtown and very nice. One of my favorites is the Canary Inn. Its located right near state street and is a new hotel. My FI and I stayed there when he proposed to me =).
In sandiego theres also alot of great places to stay. The W hotel is downtown and around alot of restaurants, shopping, and night life. Rancho bernardo Inn is more secluded and a quiet romantic getaway.
I know of more places if you need any other suggestions! I lived in both santa barbara and sandiego.
I was also going to suggest Catalina, or Monterey can be super romantic (my ex and I used to go there every year; it feels weird to recommend it to someone now) if you want to drive a little ways, it's about 3 hours north of LA.
Something relaxing, somewhat secluded, and romantic would be perfect. Driving wouldn't be too bad, as long as it's under 4 hours, that way we have more time. Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Oh and we love wine, so we haven't been to Temecula, will definitely look into it.
Theres also places for wine tasting in santa barabara if youre interested.
We're going to be in San Diego for the last bit of our honeymoon in June. My FI has family there and has been several times, he says it's great. I'll check and see if he has any suggestions.
If you love wine, head to Solvang/Santa Ynez. It's much more romantic and relaxed than Temecula. Temecula is a little too dessert and forced when it comes to the wineries. Santa Ynez is rolling hills, country side, lazy picnics, etc. You can spend all afternoon in Los Olivos, enjoy one of the many wine trails - (I'm a big fan, can you tell)?! You can also head north if you want to go to Pismo or Paso Robles or San Simeon.
For where to stay - depending on budget - from the most high end - there's the all inclusive Alisal Ranch that I haven't stayed at but heard amazing things about... there's Fess Parker's Inn, Ballard Inn... to get you started. We once stayed at the Hadsten House in Solvang- it's a converted motel - but if you get a Jacuzzi suite you'll feel like you are in a 5-star hotel. Plush beds, pillows, linens - huge suite with amazing tub, 2 fireplaces, etc. Just make sure you aren't close to the road (too much road noise).
If you want secluded and relaxing, Big Sur. It's gorgeous up there and great for a weekend or long weekend trip. It is a bit of a drive from LA, but the drive is beautiful too.
I concur on the Santa Barbara recommendation. We went for our first dating anniversary and stayed at the Eagle Inn which has big rooms with in-room jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and dual head showers. Unfortunately, there was a forest fire at the time and the sky was yellow and the air acrid, but we get that in LA too.
I also really like Catalina but it can feel a bit claustrophic. Two to three days is perfect and my in-laws had their honeymoon there.
Both SB and Catalina are good for just being able to walk out the door of the hotel and go to a bunch of shops, restaurants, bars. Solvang and that area seem to require more driving to a get a good variety.
Is Solvang worth the visit? I heard it's quite lame, but hopefully that isn't true?
I live in San Diego and go to Temecula all the time...it's only 40 minutes so you can see both places!
I like the Temecula Creek Inn...it's not a B&B, but a spread out complex with 2 story buildings. Very pretty.
You can also stay at Pechanga, the Indian Casino if you want something slightly more fun at night...It's the nicest Indian Casino I've been too and we often stay there when we go to Temecula (10 minute drive away from most wineries).
A lot of people stay at South Coast Winery...they have a small hotel.
I have also stayed at The Inn at Churon winery. It was fantastic the first time, seemed a little run-down the second. I would check pictures or reviews first.
PM if you want specific wineries to visit. I loooove wine!
How about the El Morocco Inn & Spa? It's north of Palm Springs. Here are some reviews on Yelp and Trip Advisor!
Santa Barbara is nice too! If you do go, try the garlic rolls at Palazzio on State Street!
I wouldn't make a special trip out just to see Solvang. We were wine tasting in the area and happen to spend a day there and it was pretty boring. It's more of a tourist vibe than a getaway place. However, if you find yourself in Los Olivos, bring or rent bicycles to go from winery to winery!
Happy mini-moon! :)
@photoist - those garlic rolls are the BEST!!!
@Danish_Student - Solvang isn't a destination spot at all - or even worth the trek. It's mainly used as a pit stop when traveling around the various wineries (for food or a place to stay). Definitely not worth spending any real time in - but perfectly situated to enjoy the surrounding area.
I'm going to look into all of the above, thank you! And I really appreciate the mini-reviews, those are very helpful. And @photist, I will make it a point to try that place out in SB when I get the chance, whether it be for this trip or another summer day. Thanks ladies!
If you like the idea of wineries, why not try San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles? Lots of places to explore around there, including Cambria, Avila Beach and Hearst Castle as well as tons of gorgeous wineries! Plus it's less than a 4 hour drive :)
Cambria and San Luis Obispo are a little more touristy and San Luis Obispo has all the college influence, but Paso Robles is more laid back. There are lots of things to do in the area, and it's quiet and beautiful.
Here's links to some B&Bs in the area:
http://www.orchardhillbb.com/index.html
The Four Sisters Inns, are a collection of beautiful B&Bs. We have stayed in several of them.
They feature lovely evening horderves and wine around 5:00 and fresh baked cookies all day. In the morning they do wonderful breakfast spreads. They have their own cookbook, which we bought.
We actually got engaged at The Blue Lantern In in Dana point. This is a great location because the marina is right there, with a beach and lots of restaurants and shopping. The B&B does free bike rentals as well.
I'm just gonna throw this into the mix- if you check out Gilt.com's "Jetsetter" site, you can book amazing mini-vacays at luxury resorts/hotels/B&Bs for pretty awesome prices. I have seen a number of socal destinations. PM me if you need an invite!
I would suggest San Luis Obispo! I went to college there! There is lots of wine tasting around the area in Paso Robles. Plus there is Avila Beach, Pismo and Morro Bay all within 15ish minutes of downtown SLO. There are quite a few cute B&Bs or of course the Madonna Inn with the different themed rooms. Plus on Thursdays in SLO is farmers market (as long as it isn't raining) that is always lots of fun to go to! Plus if you do want a night life SLO is a college town so it isn't dead at 11 at night on a Friday. Oh and the food...there are quite a few amazing restaurants and some fantastic BBQ! Ok I'm done raving about San Luis Obispo, but you should definitely check it out!
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Any suggestions? We will be doing a mini-moon until summer time when we can have a longer real honeymoon, does anyone have recommendations? Any hotels, or B&Bs you know of? Thanks in advance!