Sweet as Honey: California’s Can’t-Miss Honeymoon Destinations

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Trying to decide where to honeymoon in California? With so many incredible and diverse options, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what vibe you are after and what the best honeymoon places might be. Featuring everything from drop-dead-gorgeous beach towns, to joyful amusement parks, to excitement-inducing wooded destinations, the Golden State is your oyster.

Now comes the question, where do two people who are already busy planning for a wedding even begin? It’s really quite simple. All you need to do is decide what kind of scenery you want to wake up to every morning, and what kind of adventures you dream of having with your significant other. Once you’ve figured that out, the rest is pretty easy to arrange. So now it’s time to start exploring your can’t-miss California honeymoon options and start planning.

Places to Honeymoon in California

DISNEYLAND

What better spot is there to celebrate a happy occasion than at the “Happiest Place on Earth”? Running around the parks, jumping on all of your favorite rides, and donning those mouse ears make it easy to leave all of the wedding planning stress behind and just have some fun together. Standing in line also gives you and your new spouse plenty of time to talk about your perfect wedding day, your plans for the future, and everything in between. But above all, don’t forget to take a picture in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle so you can capture the happiness you feel after just marrying your princess or prince charming.

While Disneyland may not be one of the tropical destinations you dreamt about visiting on your honeymoon, walking 10 miles per day to experience your favorite amusement park attractions sometimes beats just lying on the beach all day. So go on, buy those Disneyland tickets, brush up on your Star Wars knowledge, pack your ears, and plan those reservations at the Blue Bayou because this magical honeymoon destination in California is waiting.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

The massive trees, trickling waters, breathtaking vistas, and fresh air of Yosemite National Park make it an ideal escape from daily life—not to mention a famous destination for honeymooners. Rent a cabin in the woods, learn to rock climb together, enjoy leisurely hikes, take the time to capture the natural beauty in photographs, and relax in each other’s company. With accommodations varying widely in price, Yosemite provides opportunities to spend your night however you want and serves as a great affordable honeymoon getaway in California. If staying in a hotel or renting a cabin aren’t options for you, Yosemite National Park is one of the best camping destinations in California and should come in handy. Can you think of a more exciting and inexpensive honeymoon destination?

PALM SPRINGS 

The desert town of Palm Springs is notorious for being one of Hollywood’s favorite vacation spots, but it also doubles as one of the most romantic places in California. Stay at the iconic Colony Palms Hotel — which is close to some of the region’s top wedding venues, including Casa de Monte Vista and the O’Donnell House — take a swing at one of the best golf courses in California, Indian Wells Golf Resort, and relax by the pool in the arid landscape to take full advantage of your honeymoon. 

You can also go on a day trip to the nearby Deep Creek Hot Springs, where you can connect with nature during your hike through intricate rock formations and luxurious soaks in mineral pools. If that doesn’t sound quite up your alley, head into town to peruse the vintage shops and inspiring museums that dot the region before grabbing a bite at one of the local eateries. No matter how you decide to spend your time, Palm Springs will prove to be the perfect California honeymoon destination.

SAN DIEGO 

Along with dozens of great surfing spots, San Diego also offers a never-ending list of romantic things to do. From a plethora of water sports that can be enjoyed nearly year-round and day-trip destinations such as Coronado to a multitude of enviable coffee shops and pristine beaches, the City in Motion provides something for everyone. 

Stay at the famed Hotel del Coronado, pamper yourselves with a spa day, and try to catch an outdoor movie on the beach. Get wrapped up in the laid-back lifestyle that makes San Diego so special. Before you leave this romantic place in California, make sure to hit up at least one of the unparalleled Mexican eateries—they are as life-changing as marriage itself.

LAKE TAHOE

Romantic honeymoon ideas don't get much better than lying on a towel next to the glistening waters of Lake Tahoe as the sun’s rays beat down on you and the powder-topped mountains loom in the distance. The rugged natural surroundings instill a rustic vibe that is enhanced by the lake’s soothing tide and majestic trees. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, rent a Lake Tahoe cabin and enjoy an excursion or two in the wilderness. 

Or, go the opposite route and book a room at The Coachman Hotel, explore the local shops, and rent a paddleboard to take out in the beautiful surroundings. The ability to choose your own adventures makes Lake Tahoe one of California’s top California honeymoon destinations.

BIG SUR

From camping among the canopy of trees in Big Sur; to booking a honeymoon package (complete with a helicopter tour and a round of golf) at the Post Ranch Inn; to lounging at Big Sur Lodge; to discovering eco-friendly accommodations at the Glen Oaks Motor Lodge, there are hundreds of awesome things to do in Big Sur, post-wedding. After the bustle of the wedding day, there is nothing more necessary than having the ability to chill out, and Big Sur is the ideal location to do so.

Go on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip, hike to the local waterfalls, eat the freshly picked local cuisine, and leave feeling more connected to each other than ever before. The open road and surrounding forests are sure to make you feel like the only two souls around, providing the ultimate low-key California destination for a unique honeymoon.