12 Romantic Beaches in California for Couples

Just south of Eureka, Trinidad offers small-town coastal charm and stunning natural beauty. Particularly apt for a romantic escape, nearby Patrick’s Point State Park is home to Wedding Rock where you can take in a sweeping ocean vista from what feels like the edge of the world. Afterward, you might stroll the park’s forested trails or head to Trinidad State Beach for a hike around the Trinidad Loop Trail. By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite—just in time for a sunset dinner at Moonstone Grill, where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular oceanfront settings. It boasts panoramic views from every table overlooking Camel Rock, Moonstone Beach and the mouth of the Little River where it meets the Pacific.

Often named one of Northern California’s best beach towns, Mendocino is known as the “Victorian Village by the Sea.” It’s an artsy beach town filled with Victorian saltbox cottages and buildings that now house all sorts of enticing shops, galleries and eateries. There’s quite an impressive list of B&Bs ideal for couples with Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, and some overlooking the ocean and or nestled in the forest.

Just steps to the west of town there are beautiful sandy coves and trails that wind along the coast while the other is filled with majestic redwoods. One of the top spots to cozy up together and enjoy the view, picnic, or hike is Jug Handle State Natural Reserve with a picturesque sandy beach and a forested trail.

Located where the Russian River meets the Pacific about a two-hour drive north of San Francisco, Jenner is a tiny town along what’s often a foggy stretch of coast with sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. Many come to see the harbor seals at the large sand spit at the mouth of the river. It serves as a rookery in the spring and summer, and it’s also possible to see migrating whales, river otters, elephant seals and sea lions. If you’re birdwatchers, you’ll find a haven too, including regular visits of bald eagles to the estuary.

Although facilities are limited, you’ll find a variety of dining options, including oceanfront restaurants, as well as impressive accommodations ranging from a bluff-top resort to vacation rentals, RV parks and campgrounds.

Just across the Golden Gate from San Francisco, Sausalito is nestled along the Bay with little beaches along its shores. At Rodeo Beach, there are surfable waves that roll in from the Pacific and it’s also a top spot for a beautiful view of San Francisco and the coast. If you’re looking for a stretch right along the Pacific, Muir Beach is just nine miles west of Sausalito, sharing its zip code. It’s a beautiful stretch at the mouth of Redwood Creek, and as it’s not well known so you can enjoy a wonderful sense of seclusion.

In the town itself, check out the many art galleries and shops, wander through the unique floating home community with some 400 houseboats referred to as the “Venetians of the West,” and enjoy fresh seafood in one of the numerous upscale eateries. There are plenty of romantic inns and hotels too, some with lavish spas offering couples’ treatments.

On the shores of Monterey Bay just south of Santa Cruz, Capitola boasts colorful Mediterranean-style buildings and a romantic vibe away from the crowds in the city nearby. Capitola Beach is a popular place to swim, surf and relax on the sand while the wharf provides an ideal spot for scenic views and watching the surfers ride. There’s a lively waterfront scene to explore with pastel-painted storefronts, unique boutiques and many outstanding restaurants too. You can even hop on a “cable car” to enjoy dinner overlooking Soquel Creek at Shadowbrook Restaurant, or enjoy one of the many beachfront eateries for a sunset meal.

Situated at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula, near the busier areas of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, Pacific Grove is home to the picturesque Lovers Point Park and Beach. This scenic spot is a favorite for outdoor weddings, offering a stunning Pacific Ocean backdrop. It’s also popular for photography, plein air painting and picnicking, and is one of the few places on the West Coast where you can watch the sunrise over the ocean. For a scenic adventure, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail begins nearby, stretching 18 miles along the shore with breathtaking, Instagram-worthy views.

Point Pinos Lighthouse is open for tours, and if you’re here in October, you can see thousands of monarchs in the Monarch Sanctuary. Pacific Grove offers some fantastic dining too, including Passionfish, a destination restaurant renowned for its seafood and extensive wine list.

The journey to Big Sur is a romantic adventure in itself. The 123-mile stretch of coastline hugging the cliffs alongside the Pacific from Monterey to Big Sur is one of the most legendary on the California coast. The waves are on one side, crashing against sandy beaches tucked into hidden coves, while the other side is made up of towering mountains and redwood trees.

Once in Big Sur, you can enjoy a picnic along the purple sands at Pfeiffer Beach, hike through the redwood forests and indulge in candlelit dinners with breathtaking ocean views. Accommodation in the area includes everything from cabins and yurts to some of the country’s most luxurious hotels, complete with ocean-view hot tubs.

A few hours south of Big Sur, Morro Bay is best known for Morro Rock, a towering 600-foot volcanic formation just offshore that serves as the town’s iconic landmark. With six miles of beaches, there’s plenty of space to find a secluded spot to watch the sunset against the backdrop of the Rock. Nature takes center stage here, especially in January when birdwatchers flock to the area for the Morro Bay Bird Festival, hoping to spot some of the 200+ bird species that visit during the winter.

No matter when you visit Morro Bay, you can create memories together by strolling hand in hand on the sand while watching the surfers, taking a gondola ride around the bay and exploring the town’s unique shopping districts. The vibrant community has plenty of delicious food and drink too.

About 130 miles further south is Carpinteria, a laid-back town with a pedestrian-friendly main street lined with antique stores, mom-and-pop shops and gourmet cafes. The coastline is beautiful, and safe, with the town’s slogan, “World’s Safest Beach,” embraced back in 1912 and still used today. Enjoy beach walks, or hike the Coastal Vista Trail to the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve where you can watch seals and their pups from the bluff above the rookery from December through May. The Avocado Festival always offers a good time downtown in early October with food and music.

Take a scenic one-hour ferry ride to Catalina Island—a romantic journey in itself. Upon arrival, you’ll find soft sandy beaches and calm waters perfect for swimming, all within walking distance of Avalon’s charming shops, restaurants and hotels. Catalina offers the perfect blend of adventure, romance and relaxation, with plenty to do both day and night beyond basking in the sun.

The island is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the continental U.S., where you might spot Garibaldi—the vibrant California state fish—along with moray eels and bat rays. For a more secluded experience, explore the coastline in search of hidden coves. On land, visit the historic Catalina Casino, a 1929 landmark adorned with hand-painted murals and Art Deco furnishings. End the day with a romantic waterfront dinner, followed by a moonlit stroll along the sand.

Malibu is one of Southern California’s most famous beach towns. It may be even better in the winter when you’ll enjoy the fewest crowds and the best sunsets. While there are many beaches, El Matador is the most romantic, with rock formations that create cozy spots for you and the one you love to enjoy the scenery with few others around.

Beyond the beach, breakfast on the pier is a great way to start your day, and the Santa Monica Mountains offer some of the best trails for hiking in Southern California just a short drive away. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare in the Park, check out an outdoor performance at the open-air Theatricum Botanicum. I like to end my days by dining with an ocean and sunset view at Geoffrey’s Malibu.

Just north of bustling San Diego is La Jolla, known as the “Jewel City.” It’s home to La Jolla Cove, a popular stretch of sand for swimming and snorkeling with sea lions as well as soaking up the sun. But there are many beautiful beaches for everything from surfing and kayaking to splashing in the waves. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a stunning spot for a coastal hike while world-class golf can be enjoyed at the Torrey Pines Golf Course running atop the sea cliffs. The downtown area is fun to stroll with posh boutiques, galleries and eateries, but it would be hard to beat the romantic Marine Room where the waves are so close they crash against the glass windows.