The 10 Best California Beaches for a Romantic Couple Getaway

Cue the romantic music. Cue the waves breaking on the rocky beach. And cue the sunset creating mystical colors of orange, pink, and purple. All of a sudden your partner kneels down on one knee. You look around at your surroundings and think to yourself, “This is just so beautiful.” Your partner asks you to marry them and you scream yes!

This scenario is constantly on people’s minds when they’re in a relationship and they think of the future. If you are thinking of how you are going to propose to your longtime partner, then you should do it somewhere with a stunning backdrop. Create a romantic getaway to get you both in the lovey-dovey mood, too. Let’s take a look at the 10 best California beaches for a romantic couple getaway. And just at the right time, you can propose to your partner in the most magical way.

La Jolla

La Jolla is a community in the city of San Diego that provides you with a stunning coastline that’s perfect for a romantic getaway with a view. There are many fun activities you can do while in La Jolla. Stay at a beachfront hotel and dine with a view of the Pacific, look at the tide pools at Shell Beach, or smile at the harbor seals that live in the Children’s Pool. You can also explore the caves north of La Jolla Cove.

Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach is located in Big Sur, which is one of the most famous coastlines in the United States. When you arrive at Pfeiffer Beach, you can have fun in the sun, kayak, or paddle to Keystone Arch and explore the surroundings. If you head south, you will run into McWay Falls, which is one of two waterfalls in California that fall straight into the ocean. It provides you with a romantic backdrop to celebrate the two of you.

Coronado Beach

Located in San Diego County, Coronado Beach is consistently on the “best beach” lists and for good reason. The Hotel Del Coronado, a Victorian-style hotel built in 1888 that is now a national landmark, has attracted visitors from all over the world, including former presidents. During Christmastime, you can even go ice skating at the Hotel Del. This gives you a romantic activity with a view of the Pacific Ocean. What better way to spend the holidays than with your loved one at an outdoor ice skating rink and a sunset backdrop?

Baker Beach

Baker Beach is nestled on the northwest corner of the San Francisco Peninsula. The Golden Gate Bridge is visible from the beach. This provides you with the perfect backdrop to enjoy a nice, romantic day. You can dip your feet in the waters and walk along the waves as you make your way north to get the perfect shot of the bridge. Just don’t go too north if you don’t want to run into tanning nudists, as the northern part of the beach is clothing-optional.

Carmel Beach

This beach offers you everything under the sun. But it is its proximity to Carmel-by-the-Sea that puts Carmel on this list. The city of Carmel is a European-style type of city with no chain restaurants. The romantic vibe with its European-type buildings, its walkable downtown, and the unique eateries will provide you with a romantic getaway that will ensure you have a wonderful time. But don’t forget that wearing high heels is illegal (the former City Attorney in the 60s put the law in place to avoid lawsuits from the uneven sidewalks). Of course, you can get a permit at City Hall or just risk it. Don’t worry, the police won’t fine you for this weird law.

El Matador State Beach

El Matador State Beach in Malibu is probably in the best location possible with its proximity to Hollywood. The beach has cliffs, secret caves, and coves, perfect for enjoying a romantic time with your honey. The beach has many secluded spots to have a romantic beach picnic during sunset. You two can also enjoy a walk along the big beach houses in Malibu. Plus, this beach was featured in the movie The Notebook. It would be a perfect time to recreate that iconic Hollywood scene.

Arroyo Burro Beach Park

Located in Santa Barbara, Arroyo Burro Beach is sure to make your romantic getaway a perfect blast. Besides soaking up the sun and ocean waves, you can also go paragliding at Elings Park, giving you picture-perfect memories, or you can always take a romantic walk along the beach during sunset. You can end the day at the Boathouse for a romantic dinner with delicious seafood and a bottle of champagne.

Glass Beach

Glass Beach is located in Fort Bragg. Rumor has it that the sea glass near the beach was made from mermaids’ tears who fell in love with sailors. Of course, the actual reason why there’s sea glass on Glass Beach is that it used to be a dumping site for people’s garbage. Over time, the leftover waste that was burned turned into sea glass. The sea glass makes a picture-perfect backdrop for a romantic selfie.

Half Moon Bay State Beach

With four beaches, you have the option of going to anyone that piques your interest. You can bike ride with your sweetheart or take a little sunset stroll. If you’re into hiking or nature, the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail will provide you with great views, at the same time as giving you some healthy exercise. At the end of the hike, you can set up a delicious picnic at Francis Beach.

Victoria Beach

Just imagine a tower near the edge of the beach that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Victoria Beach has gorgeous ocean views. It also has a tower called “Pirate Tower” which makes it all the more romantic. The tower was built by a US Senator who bought property in Laguna Beach and wanted access to the beach. Today, the tower is not accessible, but you can poke your head to see what’s inside.

Conclusion

And there you have it, these are the 10 best California beaches for a romantic couple getaway. This mini-vacay will provide you with the perfect location to create a magical time with your partner. Whether you want to propose or bring back the magic with your partner, these beaches will provide the right mood for the two of you.

When the weekend is over, you two will look back at the cherished memories you made. Driving down State Route 1, both of you will hold hands, smile at each other, and look back at the road, knowing the weekend was the beginning of a lifetime of happiness.

The 10 Best California Beaches for a Romantic Couple Getaway