These Are the Perfect Northern California Romantic Getaways For Spring

Call me biased, but I love living in Northern California and taking advantage of all the beautiful places to visit throughout the year. Springtime is especially a season for Northern California romantic getaways because the rains have stopped, everything is green, blooming, and inviting. What more could you want for a romantic getaway than some sun and beauty to relax with?

These are some of my husband’s and my favorite Northern California romantic getaway destinations. True confession: we used to take our kids on many of these weekend trips, so they weren’t always romantic! But now that we’re empty nested, well, it’s a whole new experience!

These are all excellent choices for a couple, with or without littles tagging along. Time to celebrate longer days and warmer weather.

1. Carmel-By-The-Sea

Carmel-By-The-Sea is our go-to for romantic getaways because we love the soft sand of the beach and the European charm of the town. The spring weather here is some of the best all year round. Carmel has a very mellow vibe paired with a lot of upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. You can be barefoot on the beach all day and then watch the exquisite sunsets before having an elegant dinner.

There’s a lot to enjoy close by, such as the 17 Mile Drive, and Point Lobos, but you can also decide to park the car and not get back in it until it’s time to leave. Carmel is a one square mile village that is very conducive to walking, and it’s super dog friendly

Where to Stay and Dine in Carmel

La Playa Carmel is an affordable, beautifully restored hotel close to the beach. Enjoy afternoon Sangria and evening cookies by the fireplace, and a champagne brunch on the patio, overlooking the ocean. The property includes a pool and magnificent gardens.

Mission Ranch Restaurant is a very romantic spot overlooking the sheep fields and coastal farmland at the Inn owned by Clint Eastwood — amazing food and service.

Jenner is very romantic to me because it is one of the places my husband and I discovered in our early days together before kids! Jenner is one of Northern California’s most unusual places where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. This makes for a foggy and rocky coast, with some sandy beaches, alongside very lush farmland.

This is the romantic getaway for a couple that wants to be cozy at the inn and take walks along the beach to watch the harbor seals basking in the sun. Bundle up because it’s often pretty windy and misty in Jenner.

Where to Stay and Dine in Jenner

Timber Cove Resort is up on the bluff above the ocean and is an iconic, retro renovated hotel. They call it one part hippie and two parts rustic modern. Complete with wood burning stoves, Coastal Kitchen Restaurant, and some of the best views in Jenner.

River’s End Restaurant & Inn—This is also a very popular place to stay. It has charming cabins overlooking the ocean and a well-known restaurant serving elegant, seasonal fare from an eclectic menu.

Calistoga is known for being an ideal romantic getaway in Northern California. We’ve been going to Calistoga for over 30 years to soak in the mud, get massages, and then relax with a great meal and glass of wine. Calistoga offers any couple a relaxing vacation with historic, natural hot springs and mud baths all nestled into wine country. Explore the tiny and quaint downtown, visit the Old Faithful Geyser, and indulge in spa treatments. You deserve it!

Where to Stay and Dine in Calistoga

Indian Springs is our favorite spot in Calistoga for mud baths and lodging. It’s a historic 17-acre spa resort right in town with sweet cottages, a lodge, bungalows, and an Olympic pool, all surrounded by olive and palm trees. Go for the mud baths and stay for the relaxation!

Lovina is fine dining in a charming home setting. Formerly the mayor’s house, Lovina is a women-owned restaurant named after a survivor of the Donner Pass who later became a female landowner at age 13 after her family perished in 1847. Go for the great food and excellent service and learn more about Calistoga history.

Spring in San Francisco is very romantic! The cherry blossom and magnolia trees are bright pink, the sky is blue, and the fog lifts early in the day. San Francisco never disappoints when it comes to great food, incredible views, and so much to do!

Walk on the beaches or stroll in Golden Gate Park, take boat rides, and ride cable cars. San Francisco is filled with the best museums for daytime culture and world-class comedy, music, and dance for the evening. The Golden Gate Bridge is not the only iconic thing about this city! Sometimes we just like to have a getaway in the city — and we just live across the bay!

Where to Stay and Dine in San Francisco

The Hotel Drisco is a five-star luxury hotel at the top of Pacific Heights, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. It’s a turn-of-the-century Edwardian building with gorgeous detailing. The rooms have been beautifully renovated, and the staff is lovely. 

Greens Restaurant is a very romantic, unique, and delicious vegetarian restaurant in an exquisite spot on the water overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

Monterey is a different kind of perfect Northern California romantic getaway. With ideal Springtime weather, Monterey offers a more active weekend. This is the place for walks along the wharf and Cannery Row, a visit to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and a whale watching tour.

While there are lovely local beaches, we enjoy Monterey mostly for its historic center and great fish and chips everywhere! You’ll find plenty of shopping, bike rentals, kayak rentals, and snorkeling opportunities!

Where to Stay and Dine in Monterey

The Portola Hotel & Spa is located in downtown Monterey, and is in a perfect location with access to all the best activities in Monterey. It’s literally within walking distance to all the historic landmarks, shops, and restaurants in town. 

Cibo Restaurant is a charming and romantic restaurant in historic Old Monterey with cozy outdoor dining and an eclectic Italian menu. Very unique and delicious food with a relaxing atmosphere.

Sausalito has romance written all over it! This very charming seaside town, across the Bay from San Francisco, reminds me of stepping into the Tuscan hillside. You’ll find a Mediterranean-style vibe, art galleries, bespoke boutiques, and views of the city.

In addition to its hillside homes, cute downtown shops and restaurants, Sausalito is home to one of the most famous houseboat communities in the world.  Originally a way for the ship builders to live and work near San Francisco, the houseboats have become the enclaves for a bohemian and exclusive culture this side of San Francisco.

Sausalito has figured out how to keep its hidden gem feel while being one of the most beautiful spots for romantic getaways in Northern California. We love an anniversary getaway here.

Where to Stay and Dine in Sausalito

Cavallo Point Lodge is right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and is a luxury lodge with several buildings of renovated rooms looking at the bridge and the bay. The historic site has all the modern comforts. Think cozy fireplaces, beautiful robes, and great views. The on-site Sula restaurant serves gourmet meals, and the hotel is known for its spa services and wellness offerings.

Sula is known for its Asian American cuisine at this critically acclaimed on-site restaurant. I love this restaurant for a special celebration.

Fish is a sustainably sourced seafood, casual indoor and outdoor dining establishment. Go here for an amazing seafood lunch.

Sonoma is great for the couple who wants to include wine tasting in their romantic getaway. You’ll love visiting the local wineries, maybe taking a tour, and then meandering around the town square for some shopping in boutiques and galleries.

Its a busy spot on the weekends and you’ll often find a festival or special event in the historic town center. And if you’re looking for more adventure with your mate, then try zip lining, hiking in the Sonoma State Park, or visiting the nearby Safari West.

Where to Stay and Dine in Sonoma

The Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a luxury resort and spa complete with golf course and geothermal pools. It’s all in a beautiful Mission style setting with beautiful grounds and a fabulous restaurant.

The Girl & the Fig is everybody’s favorite spot in town. Its a French country style menu with award winning wine pairings and indoor and outdoor dining.

For a romantic getaway in one of Northern California’s most exquisite places, head to the Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes on the Tomales Bay is about 100 square miles of beautiful beaches, lots of wildlife, and jaw dropping views of the ocean.

Spend a few days here hiking, bird watching, whale watching, and eating cheese and chocolate! See the famous Point Reyes Lighthouse and check out the visitor center. The rangers are always helpful and can answer all your weather and wildlife questions! The cute town of Point Reyes Station offers quaint shopping opportunities and great spots for indoor and outdoor dining.

Where to Stay and Dine in Point Reyes

Olema House is known for being a truly tranquil  setting perfect for the romance in your life. Private rooms and cottages on many acres of pristine gardens. 

Due West is a restaurant at Olema House that serves farm to table specialties. Seasonal and locally sourced, this menu is carefully curated to give you an exceptional Northern California meal.

Lassen definitely wins the hidden gem award for Northern California. One spontaneous weekend, in search of a romantic getaway, we headed to Lassen Volcanic National Park to do some hiking and relaxing. It turned out to be one of our best trips ever!

As one of the most underrated national parks, Lassen proved to be an ideal escape and kind of mind-blowing! We were practically the only people on the trails seeing the lakes, geothermal activity, waterfalls, and volcano – all with the backdrop of the mountains.

Where to Stay and Dine in Lassen

Highlands Ranch Resort is ideal for Spring romantic getaways in Northern California. The property has a renovated inn on one side of the highway, which is very low-key and less expensive but super nice and comfortable. Across the road, there are some luxury cabins tucked into the meadow and quite beautiful, complete with fireplaces, king beds, and views.

The Highlands Ranch Restaurant & Bar — What a surprise to see this gorgeous chalet with an outstanding menu for all meals and terrific chef and service.

Santa Cruz is for the romantic couple that enjoys a lot of beach time and wants to be very casual, have no schedule, and just relax for a few days. Santa Cruz is Northern California’s version of a surfer’s town. The beaches are awesome, there are plenty of hikes, and nature preserves to explore, and the famous Santa Cruz Boardwalk is full of rides, arcades, and cotton candy.

While Santa Cruz has a reputation for being a throw back to the hippie era, it’s got a lot of charm too. And you can see the monarch butterflies on their migration path!

Where to Stay and Dine in Santa Cruz

Chaminade Resort & Spa is a luxury resort and full spa in the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking the ocean. It’s a mission style hotel with guest rooms and villas. You can have massages and dine in the beautiful restaurant, or never leave your room if you like!

Alderwood is a seasonal restaurant with “French undertones” that has an award winning chef and lovely atmosphere.

Big Sur can be a very low key kind of romantic getaway spot. Historically, this is one of the most bohemian and artsy communities in Northern California and still has a bit of that vibe. You’ll get panoramic views of the ocean from the rugged coastline that are truly unique to this part of California.

Big Sur is right next to the Santa Lucia Mountains along the Pacific Ocean. Head there to cross the famous Bixby Bridge, hike in the Big Sur State Park, and just enjoy some misty California weather. Feel free to stroll in the coastal redwood forests and look for hidden waterfalls. Big Sur caters to a variety of moods — you can camp outside, find quaint roadside inns, or stay in a luxurious resort.

Where to Stay and Dine in Big Sur

Post Ranch Inn is nestled into the coastline with no TV, no clock, and no problems! This ranch has luxury and romance in mind. Perched up on the cliffs with views, and stunning architecture and design elements. 

Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn is an award-winning, farm-driven restaurant with all the views and class of the ranch.

Mendocino is simply a special place on the planet for romance in Northern California. You have to be willing to drive some pretty windy roads to get there, but it will be worth the trip! We’ve had B&B experiences on that beautiful coast that made beautiful everlasting memories.

Mendocino is a haven for artists and those who want to live a quiet coastal life. Visiting here will give you a real feel for the dramatic coast that northern California is known for. The town is charming, and offers great shops and food, but mostly, you’re here for the salt air and far-away-from-everything vibe.

Where to Stay and Dine in Mendocino

Heritage House Resort & Spa overlooks the ocean, has a private beach, guest rooms, suites, and individual cottages. Enjoy the farm to table dining, sit and watch the waves.

The Harbor House Inn — This Michelin Star restaurant on the coast specializes in menus inspired by the season and weather in the Mendocino surroundings. It’s described as a constantly evolving hyper-local experience.

Time for a Springtime Northern California Romantic Getaway

Spring is the perfect time to escape to one of Northern California’s many romantic spots. Are you drawn to cozy coastal towns, the quiet of wine country, or to our breathtaking national parks? Northern California has everything from the European charm of Carmel to the rugged beauty of Mendocino. Each of these destinations offers its own special blend of relaxation, adventure, and romance.

Whether you’re indulging in a spa retreat, savoring local cuisine, or simply soaking in the Springtime scenery, these spots are perfect settings to reconnect and unwind. 

Trust me, I’ve been to each of these towns and have never been disappointed! So pack your bags, plan your escape, and create romantic memories this spring!