20 Best Honeymoon Hotels in California (2025)

California does sunsets like nowhere else. From the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific coastline to Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards and Yosemite’s dramatic peaks, the skies here will steal your breath every evening. Our Hotel Gurus think those fiery skies are the perfect backdrop for a honeymoon — and that’s just the beginning. California also seduces with world-class food and wine, indulgent spas, and endless ways to be spoiled. We’ve searched the state for the most romantic stays — from secluded hideaways and dreamy views to hotels with honeymoon packages and an unmistakable "special occasion" feel. Explore our guide to the best honeymoon hotels in California, and start planning a getaway as unforgettable as the sunsets.

For a Honeymoon Escape

• Auberge du Soleil is perfectly positioned on a raised, green bank, overlooking acres of St. Helena’s best vineyards and olive groves — some of them owned by the property. The outstanding restaurant draws many guests, and those who stay overnight in one of the 50 elegant rooms can enjoy the luxurious accommodation, views, pool and spa, and sample some of the 15,000 strong wine cellar.
• Kenwood Inn & Spa has the air of a Spanish mission or Italian villa about it, nestling in the heart of Napa’s wine country. There are just 29 rooms and suites, all of them large, with beautiful bathrooms and private terraces. There’s also a pool and spa, and the inn will lend you a bike so you can cycle round the vineyards, or to one of the region’s fabulous restaurants. The property also has a wedding licence.
• The Chateau at Lake La Quinta is something of a desert oasis, close to Palm Springs, and overlooking the water of Lake La Quinta, as the name suggests. There are just 24 rooms (each has been individually designed and decorated recently), and the furniture, as well as the details, are all custom made. All rooms have a private patio, fireplace and lake views. This is a very adult retreat, with a fine dining restaurant and a pampering spa.

For an Ocean View Honeymoon

• Kona Kai Resort & Spa is a large and luxurious resort occupying a man-made sweep of land running alongside the Kona Kai Marine in San Diego. The facilities are excellent: there’s a private beach, a spa and two chic pools-with-a-view, along with two bars and two restaurants — and all of them have views. In the evenings they do romantic bonfires on the beach.

For a Honeymoon Adventure

• Chateau du Sureau is a nine-room European-style villa near Yosemite, offering classic interiors with hardwood floors, fireplaces, and sweeping park views. Guests enjoy fine dining, a spa, and a library, with Yosemite’s wonders on the doorstep.
• Applewood Inn, adults-only in the Russian River Valley, has 19 charming rooms across historic Mission-revival and contemporary buildings. With redwood surrounds, Mediterranean pool, spa, gardens, and a romantic Italian restaurant, it’s an idyllic wine-country escape.

For a Chic Honeymoon

• La Serena Villas are a luxurious collection of 28 villas in Palm Springs, making up a chic little resort village, complete with a palm-lined pool, an excellent Mediterranean restaurant and an elegant spa with a long menu.
• Holiday House, a 1950s Palm Springs gem, blends mid-century chic with modern comforts. Its 28 blue-and-white rooms feature vintage details and gallery-worthy art. A stylish pool, cocktail bar, and Californian restaurant set the scene—adults only, no kids.

For a Spectacular Honeymoon

• Sacred Sands offers just two villas near Joshua Tree’s entrance, each with outdoor bath, shower, and daybed for stargazing or sunrise views. With stocked fridges, kitchenettes, and no nearby restaurants, it’s designed for privacy, seclusion, and unforgettable romance.
• Eden Vale Inn, with just ten rooms in the Sierra foothills, pairs stunning views with serene walking trails. Every suite has a fireplace, rural vistas, and outdoor whirlpool bath, while tranquil communal spaces enhance its intimate, restorative charm.

For a Luxurious Honeymoon

• The Francis House is a beautiful, historic mansion turned five room hotel. The grand exterior is one of Napa Valley’s most impressive, and inside you’ll find the antiques to match. As well as beautiful surrounds, this hotel offers expansive landscaped gardens, an elegant pool, a salt room, sauna and billiards room. There’s no restaurant but they do offer breakfast..
• Montage Healdsburg spans 250 vineyard acres, offering 130 sleek rooms with glass walls framing private views. Minimalist design flows through its spa, pool, and French-inspired restaurant. Family-friendly yet refined, it balances luxury with seclusion—complete with adults-only spaces for serene escapes.

For an Intimate Honeymoon

• Casa Laguna Inn & Spa is an intimate feeling hotel in a peaceful, palm-fringed spot close to Laguna Beach. The 22 rooms and suites have a choice of garden or sea views, the gardens are lush and lovely, and there's a spoiling spa. The decor is chic, without being too fussy, so the feeling is cosy and stylish. The location makes a great base, and while there’s no restaurant there are lots of really great options in the local area.
• Hideaway Santa Barbara is a stylish B&B set in amongst the dunes of Santa Barbara’s West Beach. There are just nine rooms, all of them individually decorated in a blue and white colour palette with a nautical bent, and all with spacious marble bathrooms, fireplaces and plenty of natural light. There’s no restaurant, but there are lots to choose from within a short, sandy stroll.

A Honeymoon for Foodies

• Harbor House Inn, California is a wonderfully scenic and secluded restaurant with rooms cum lodge, on the coastline adjacent to the Mendocino National Forest. The two Michelin starred seafood restaurant is known for its 30 mile policy, and incredible views. The accommodation is chic yet cosy, benefitting from those same views.
• Vintage House is surprisingly contemporary, considering the name, and has 80 chic rooms and suites in the food and wine hub, Yountville. The suites are ideal for honeymooners, featuring fireplaces and two-person tubs, the farm-to-fork restaurant is beautiful, and wine list extensive.
• Calistoga’s Cottage Grove Inn is a charming collection of private-feeling cottages in a secluded spot surrounded by green. The cottage design is traditional, with each having its own terrace, fireplace and two-person spa bath. The inn offers complimentary bike hire, if you want to tour the local wineries on two wheels.

For a Peaceful Honeymoon

• The Summerwood Inn, a nine-room boutique just outside Paso Robles, overlooks vineyards and gardens. Spacious, chic rooms feature fireplaces and balconies. With wineries all around, charming local shops nearby, and the Pacific just a short drive, it’s a stylish wine-country retreat.

For a Great Value Honeymoon

• The Eagle Inn is a small, family-owned hotel, perfectly positioned for both the beach and the appeals of downtown Santa Barbara. Expect cosy rooms and decor, with a Spanish flavour, plus whirlpool spa baths, fireplaces, private balconies and breakfast on the patio.
• Del Marcos is a chic, adults only hotel of 17 rooms, all arranged around a large pool. There’s a retro feel of modern glamour to the decor, and the rooms have plenty of natural light. There’s no restaurant, but you can get breakfast and snacks or orders from local restaurants delivered directly to your room.

Still not sure?

• Browse by location and explore our lists for the best hotels in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Carmel-by-the-Sea, or Healdsburg.
• Or consider our recommendations for the 14 Most Romantic Hotels in San Francisco, the 15 Most Romantic Hotels in Miami or the 20 Best Luxury Hotels in California
• You could expand your search to include ALL the best places to stay in California.
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.