The Golden State of California is understood for its huge array of year-round actions it has to supply, and it’s the place dreamers and explorers come to flourish. I’ve been residing right here most of my life and might fortunately and confidently say that I’ve by no means run out of issues to do.
Higher but, being right here together with your associate, there’s a good longer roster of enjoyable and romantic issues to do. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for that final California journey or for a slice of paradise on our world-renowned seashores, I’ve a number of suggestions that each of you’re completely going to like.
Remember the fact that you must all the time e book the paid actions upfront! That is going to avoid wasting you a number of $$$ alongside the way in which.
Let’s get began on 15 enjoyable issues to do in California for {couples}!
In case you are in a rush
Need simply the inside track of issues? I received ya! Right here are some things I sincerely suggest reserving upfront for essentially the most thrilling couple expertise:
And listed here are the most effective motels: Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa (luxurious), The Darling (mid-range), Orchard Lodge (price range)
Right here’s a map of all of the locations you’ll go to in California!
1. Go to amusement parks in Southern California
Probably the most well-known issues to do right here in California is go to all of the enjoyable amusement parks!
1.1 Disneyland and California Journey
I’m a real Disney woman at coronary heart – and no different place on the planet makes me happier.
Disneyland and California Journey are the place individuals from everywhere in the world come to expertise the magic that Disney has to supply! Situated instantly throughout from one another, it’s straightforward to get a Park Hopper ticket and go to each points of interest on the identical day.
Disneyland and California Journey are house to numerous theme parks, rides, and dozens of must-see reveals and points of interest, together with the well-known House Mountain experience.
When you like to remain in shut proximity to the parks then Anaheim Islander Inn & Suites is a budget-friendly choice that I like to recommend testing! It’s lower than a mile (2 km) away from the park, making it straightforward to entry.
HACK: Use a crowd calendar to test when it is going to be busiest (I like this one!) and purchase Lightening Lane passes to keep away from ready in lengthy traces.
PRICE: From US$104 for adults; Park Hopper tickets are + US$65/ticket
1.2 Common Studios Hollywood
Common Studios Hollywood makes Hollywood’s most well-known films and tv reveals come to life with its immersive theme parks, rides, points of interest, and extra. Listed here are a number of well-liked, note-worthy theme parks: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Tremendous Nintendo World, and Minion Land.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss out on The World-Well-known Studio Tour – it’s my absolute favourite tour in Common Studios and is included together with your admission!
PRICE: From US$108 for adults. Costs differ relying on the date and add-ons.
1.3 Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain is among the most enjoyable locations to go to as a pair in California! The park is understood for its 20 world-class curler coasters, greater than any theme park on the planet.
HACK: Purchase your tickets upfront to economize and obtain the Six Flags app and keep up to date on all the newest info and use cellular meals ordering to keep away from ready in these lengthy traces!
PRICE: From US$108 for adults
2. Make a journey to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo
Highlighted in dozens of flicks world wide, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see for animal-loving {couples}!
The San Diego Zoo is over 100 years outdated, masking over 100 acres (40 hectares) of land! It’s house to over 14,000 endangered and uncommon animals, with over 700 species.
For much more enjoyable, take part on their Safari Park journey! This can be a once-in-a-lifetime expertise that you simply and your associate will all the time bear in mind!
NOTE: It’s a few 5-minute drive away from downtown SD, so I like to recommend exploring the Gaslamp District afterward for a romantic dinner and drinks. My go-to bar (speakeasy) to impress your particular somebody is Youngblood!
PRICE: From US$69 per particular person
3. Go snowboarding in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a must-visit vacation spot for {couples} throughout the winter months. Situated within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the beautiful lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and gives a variety of winter actions. Snowboarding and snowboarding are well-liked at close by resorts whereas non-skiers have the choice to take pleasure in snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding.
The Heavenly Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe gives ski leases and lessons if it’s your first time. Belief me, you wish to expertise this one.
I’ve stayed at Finest Western Plus Truckee-Tahoe Lodge and had a beautiful expertise. They’ve snug, inexpensive rooms and quick access to snowboarding and different actions.
NOTE: Lake Tahoe within the Winter is a particularly well-liked vacation spot, ensure you e book your resort upfront to avoid wasting $$$ in the long term and make sure you save your spot.
PRICE: Snow sports activities actions begin at US$189 per grownup
4. Take a day journey to Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island is palms down, each Southern California native’s favourite weekend tour. Out of doors actions corresponding to snorkeling, parasailing, biking, and {golfing} are all obtainable on the island.
Listed here are a few distinctive actions I like to recommend reserving forward of time:
- Uncover the underwater world on a semi-submarine journey!
- Discover the ins and outs of the island’s historical past on an informational 2-hour tour
- Stroll by means of the island with a neighborhood historian on this spooky ghost tour
- Swim alongside the fish and turtles on this snorkeling tour
PRICE: Ferry tickets begin from US$84 per particular person
Getting there: Ferries go away a number of instances a day from ports in San Pedro, Lengthy Seaside, Newport Seaside, and Dana Level.
5. Go tenting at Yosemite Nationwide Park
When you and your associate are nature fanatics like me, you will discover pleasure in visiting Yosemite Nationwide Park, the place mountain climbing, tenting, and breathtaking pure landscapes await. On the park, you possibly can discover 1,200 sq. miles (1,931 km) of deep valleys, grand sequoia timber, meadows, scenic waterfalls, and extra.
I like to recommend taking a camper RV for no less than 3 days, to take advantage of out of the expertise. There’s a lot to see in Yosemite that it’s not possible becoming all of it into in the future!
Listed here are some {couples} choices I like to recommend:
- GoCamp is a superb camper RV rental service that gives fully-equipped rental RVs making tenting a simple expertise for you and your associate. RVs begin at US$238 per evening, so that is undoubtedly solely an choice in case you’re keen to splurge a bit.
- When you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly and uncooked tenting expertise, take a look at Camp 4. These campground spots are on a first-come, first-served foundation, at US$6 per evening. The kiosk opens at 8:30 AM however I like to recommend ready in line lengthy beforehand to make sure your spot.
PRO TIP: You all the time wish to carry a conveyable charger whenever you’re in Yosemite, simply in case. My favourite factor in the meanwhile is that this credit-card-sized moveable charger from AquaVault. It’s SO straightforward to hold round whenever you’re touring and retains my telephone charged always.
6. Catch a ferry to Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a brief ferry experience away from the San Francisco Bay. The small island was as soon as a maximum-security federal jail and now has an award-winning audio tour that takes you again by means of the gates of the legendary Alcatraz island. Greater than 1.7 million individuals go to every year, and it’s San Francisco’s high attraction!
I discovered this bundle worth for round-trip tickets to Alcatraz and a cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge! Given the truth that the island is among the most sought-after excursions in California, be certain to e book upfront to make sure you reserve your spot.
PRICE: Spherical journey bundles beginning at US$98 per particular person
7. Eat, drink, and get tipsy in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is understood for its wonderful native wines, scrumptious meals, and sunny climate…what extra are you able to ask for? Downtown Napa lately earned the title of “The Wine Tasting Room Capital of the World” and is house to over 50 boutique and extremely acclaimed wines and tasting rooms.
Napa Valley is a vacation spot for {couples} to take pleasure in scrumptious wines inside the world’s premier wine area that’s house to greater than 500 wineries. With every part inside strolling distance, it’s a beautiful spot to unwind and have some enjoyable within the solar exploring the vineyards together with your associate.
Among the best methods to expertise Napa is on the Napa Valley Wine Practice. When you’re on the lookout for a extra laid-back vibe to discover the scenic stretch – you don’t wish to miss this one.
NOTE: The valley is de facto sizzling in the summertime! I all the time convey a hat every time I’m on the market. It’s often exhausting touring with an enormous solar hat however this one is foldable, making it tremendous handy for touring. I’ve additionally carried round a conveyable misting fan which is a lifesaver!
Examine Practice Expertise Costs
8. Take a GoCar tour of Balboa Park in San Diego
Balboa Park in San Diego is essentially the most romantic spot in California. There’s a wide range of cool museums (Museum of Us being my favourite), a botanical backyard, beautiful Spanish-inspired structure, the stunning Japanese Friendship Backyard, and extra.
It’s a big park and there’s a lot to discover! I like to recommend taking a GPS self-guided scooter to benefit from your time in Balboa. For a cup of tea, take a look at the Tea Pavilion positioned proper subsequent to the Japanese Friendship Backyard. You may stroll across the backyard with tea in a single hand and your vital different’s hand in your different (tacky, I do know).
The GPS will even information you exterior the park and into downtown San Diego, simply in time for the spectacular nightlife within the Gaslamp District.
PRO TIP: The Botanical Constructing and Lily Pond & Lagoon contained in the park is a wonderful spot to take photographs and immerse in nature. There are many geese strolling round – be conscious and don’t feed the geese until you’ve seeds, oats, and rice!
PRICE: US$82
9. Go stargazing in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
Certainly one of my favourite reminiscences in Joshua Tree is laying in a jacuzzi on a crystal-clear evening, watching capturing stars go by… I’ll always remember it!
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park has lately change into one of the extremely sought-after deserts to go to in SoCal and the final word romantic place. Joshua Tree is a 2-hour drive from San Diego, with tons of hikes to discover and distinctive points of interest to go to.
Stargazing in Joshua Tree is an unreal expertise! I like to recommend reserving this tour to take advantage of out of your and your associate’s expertise. You’ll get to see the clear evening sky and even search for UFOs! Sure, UFOs. The desert is understood for its mysteries and delusion conspiracies which were handed down for years. Go and have a look for your self!
NOTE: There are many coyotes exterior at evening, so be cautious of your environment. It’s uncommon for a coyote to assault a human until they see you as a risk. So be cordial and relaxed with our fellow mammals and try to be protected and sound!
PRICE: From US$160 per particular person
10. Hike to the favored Hollywood Register Los Angeles
There are such a lot of methods to discover Los Angeles exterior of the standard Hollywood Stroll of Fame and Grand Central Market. Mountaineering to the Hollywood Signal at Griffith Park is one in every of my most memorable experiences in LA, and it’s pretty for adventure-seeking {couples}.
There are a number of path routes I like to recommend:
NOTE: The Hollywood Signal doesn’t mild up at evening, so be certain to go earlier than the solar units! If you wish to see the Hollywood signal and keep away from mountain climbing, take a look at a better strolling tour.
TOUR PRICE: From US$30 per particular person
11. Take a street journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco
The 8 – 9 hour street journey from downtown Los Angeles to San Francisco is a must-see scenic drive by means of the well-known Freeway 1.
Listed here are a number of spots I like to recommend stopping by:
- Santa Barbara: Expertise the laid-back SoCal vibes with Santa Barabara’s Stearns Wharf.
- Huge Sur: Cease by Level Lobos State Pure Reserve for a stroll by beautiful cliffside surroundings
- Carmel by the Sea: Take a stroll alongside the city’s whimsical Nineteen Twenties fairytale-like cottages and cease by the classic Tuck Field for afternoon tea!
When you don’t have your individual automotive, you possibly can all the time hire one, and I guarantee you it’s value it.
NOTE: You’ll be going about 35 mph (56 kph) for 95 miles (153 km) of your street journey between San Simeon and Monterey, so take your time and benefit from the view. The experience can get very intense at instances with no guardrail, so hold that in thoughts!
12. Bike alongside the enduring Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge is among the world’s most well-known bridges. Being in California, you’re fortunate sufficient to be one of many 10 million individuals who go to the bridge every year. At present, it’s acknowledged as one of many 7 wonders of the fashionable world!
Not solely is the bridge a magnificence in itself however all the San Francisco Bay hugs across the bridge, with everybody using bikes, strolling their canines, occurring their runs, and so on. on and across the bridge.
You may have a few choices right here:
- Trip a motorcycle alongside the Golden Gate Bridge, by means of the Presidio Loop (my fav!)
- Cycle throughout the bridge: this takes solely about 10 minutes in case you’re not stopping. I like to recommend stopping to take photographs of the beautiful views.
PRO TIP: Obtain the Bikesy app for easy-to-navigate directions!
PRICE: Lyft gives bike leases beginning at US$8 an hour! Click on right here for extra info and choices to select from.
13. Take a break from the large metropolis life in La Jolla
La Jolla is a hub for artwork lovers alike, with beautiful mountain climbing trails, and most significantly lots of of seals! You could find them sunbathing alongside the La Jolla Cove shoreline the place you possibly can watch them of their pure habitat from a detailed distance. Being a SoCal woman, that is what I did most rising up! It’s free, you get a style of nature, and also you benefit from the beautiful ocean view.
After your go to to La Jolla Cove, I like to recommend having a picnic lunch by the seaside, visiting the artwork galleries, and watching the setting solar alongside the Pacific coast. Then, seize a espresso at The Residing Room Coffeehouse and chill out of their cozy “lounge” (in addition they supply hookah companies if that’s your cup of tea)!
PRO TIP: Don’t get too near the seals and keep away from feeding them! We love our metropolis and wish to be certain our wildlife is being revered and unhurt.
NOTE: There’s fairly the stench strolling alongside La Jolla Cove. As a result of there are such a lot of seals and sea lions within the space, it’s solely pure and anticipated!
14. Discover the wealthy creative historical past at Carmel by the Sea
Have I discussed I’m an enormous fan of Disney? The primary time I used to be in Carmel by the Sea, I used to be in absolute awe of the fairytale-inspired structure!
Carmel by the Sea is among the most charming seaside cities I’ve ever seen. When you’re a fan of fairytale-like structure, white sand seashores, and native artwork galleries, you and your associate are actually going to like this delicate, romantic seaside city.
When you additionally wish to keep at a boutique fairy-tale-like resort, Hofsa’s Home Lodge is the cutest little place!
It’s additionally a brief drive to Huge Sur. I like to recommend making essentially the most out of your romantic trip and taking a Huge Sur detour whilst you’re right here!
PRICE: Free
15. Have an action-packed seaside day!
Final however not least, essentially the most inexpensive and go-to selection – hit the seaside! California has over 420 public seashores surrounding the Pacific Ocean, making it very straightforward to seek out one anyplace you’re in California. From browsing to kayaking, or simply chilling on the sand together with your vital different, you possibly can by no means go flawed with a seaside day.
Listed here are some distinctive seashores which might be value testing:
FAQs about enjoyable issues to do in California for {couples}
🆓 What are among the finest free actions to do in California for {couples}?
Visiting the seaside, mountain climbing, and exploring nature are the most effective free issues to do in California for {couples}.
🦄 What’s essentially the most distinctive and enjoyable factor to do in California for {couples}?
Exploring the mountain climbing trails, stargazing, and looking for UFOs in Joshua Tree!
😚 What’s the most romantic factor to do in California for {couples}?
Balboa Park in San Diego is among the most lovely and romantic locations you and your associate can go to. Get pleasure from your GoCar experience, convey your picnic basket, and take pleasure in lunch by the stunning Japanese Friendship Backyard and create your individual little romantic getaway!
⛱️ What’s the most stress-free factor to do in California for {couples}?
Carmel by the Sea is a implausible getaway for {couples} trying to chill out, stroll across the quiet city, and luxuriate in artwork museums and Nineteen Twenties fairytale-inspired structure.
Conclusion
Effectively, there you’ve it! These are the 15 enjoyable issues to do in California for {couples}!
Actually, these are a few of my favourite spots in all of California, from the most effective amusement parks to romantic getaways, there are such a lot of methods you and your associate can have enjoyable and spend high quality time collectively in California!
My high 2 from this record must be the San Diego Zoo and the Napa Valley Wine Practice tour.
On a aspect be aware: whilst a neighborhood, I e book my motels and excursions upfront to get a greater deal. I 100% suggest it!
Thanks for approaching this journey with me, I hope you take pleasure in these locations as a lot as I do!
P.S. Let me know which exercise was your favourite and why within the feedback under!
Cheers,
Esabel S.
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