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Hotel Del Coronado

Get Out of Town: Eight SoCal Honeymoon Spots For a Stylish Getaway

By Danielle Directo-Meston
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By Danielle Directo-Meston
Hotel Del Coronado

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Ah, the honeymoon: it's your first official outing after putting a permanent ring on it. As you're well aware, planning a freakin' one-day party is exhausting—and so is simultaneously coordinating an aprés-wedding retreat. For those who want to get out of town after the big shebang but prefer a flightless getaway, there are plenty of places beyond LA for maximum post-nuptials relaxation.

From the Central Coast to Catalina, we've rounded up eight great local honeymoon ideas that are within a three-hour drive—or a quick chopper ride, if you really wanna get fancy—away from Los Angeles. See them all below in order from north to south, and happy planning!

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Ojai: Ojai Rancho Inn

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Nestled off the 33 in Ventura County, Ojai is a historically bohemian retreat that offers maximum romantic relaxation with stunning mountain views. Book a rustic-cool room ($89 and up) at the fashion-faved Ojai Rancho Inn, a renovated roadside hotel with "adult camp" vibes that offers options with hot tubs and saunas. Once you settle in, borrow one of the hotel's Linus bikes (complimentary with your stay!) and pedal through town; after an afternoon adventure, return "home" and grab a drink at the hotel's on-site Chief's Peak wine and beer bar. Be sure to treat yourselves to a day of pampering at mystical rejuvenation haven The Oaks Spa (which also offers accommodations!), which features an array of restorative massage and spa services. [Photo]
615 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-1434
(805) 646-1434

Catalina Island: Hotel Metropole

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For a low-key getaway from the mainland, hop on a ferry or a chopper to Catalina's Avalon. Book a room at the Hotel Metropole, which offers an all-inclusive honeymoon package that boasts two nights in an oceanfront suite, your own personalized robes, breakfast in bed, dinner at its seaside M restaurant, full-body massages, roundtrip boat transpo, and more. Need more pampering? The recently recently renovated Spa Catalina is located in the historic El Canto building and offers a full range of luxe treatments, like anti-aging facials, rejuvenating massages, and hair/makeup/nail services. Don't forget to spend an afternoon at the picturesque Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens; if you'd like to make a day of it, trek through the Garden to the Sky Trail, which will lead you and your beau to views of the other side of the island. [Photo]
205 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704

Paso Robles: Hotel Cheval

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Take a post-nuptials mini-road trip along the coast to Paso Robles, where you can fill an entire weekend with an itinerary of winery-hopping. Check into modern Mediterranean-inspired (and pup-friendly!) Hotel Cheval, a 16-room boutique spot not far from the vino-obsessed city's historic town square. Check into a Luxury room ($395 to $475 per night) and indulge in a 90-minute couples massage ($345), then enjoy a decadent Italian dinner down the street at Buona Tavola. Get a good night's rest before you take a private wine tour with one of the hotel's in-house sommeliers, who'll guide you through some of the best wineries (there are over 180 of them!) to appease your palette. [Photo]
1021 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(866) 522-6999
(866) 522-6999

San Luis Obispo: Madonna Inn

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Given that retail therapy-happy SLO was dubbed the happiest city in America by Oprah, why not kick-start your your many decades of marital bliss at this Central Coast getaway? Hole up at the Madonna Inn for the ultimate visually-stimulating stay and if your budget allows, book the Rustic Romance package. For about $1200 per night (available Sunday through Thursday), enjoy a fairytale horseback hilltop trail ride, plus bubbly, a heart-shaped cake, commemorative champagne flutes, a one-hour couples massage, a $100 hotel credit, and more. If equestrian activities aren't your thing, the hotel offers an array of sweat-inducing packages, like the Sip & Zip (Wine and ziplining? Daring!) or the Signature Pink private tennis lessons for two. [Photo]
100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000
(805) 543-3000

Santa Barbara: Belmond El Encanto

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For coastal Cali retreat that's out of county lines but just a short drive a way, head to picturesque Santa Barbara. Settle into one of the luxurious Belmond El Encanto's relaxing bungalows ($362 and up)—which each boast a separate living room and your choice of an open-hearth fireplace or a patio with views—and book the Celebration package, which includes breakfast, a $150 dinner credit, and a bottle of the hotel's signature bubbly. As a local blogstar Samantha Wennerstrom suggests, soak up some Vitamin D while enjoying a seaside vino sesh at the Deep Sea Tasting Room, then get lost at the Montecito Country Mart, where you can pick up handmade accoutrements, gourmet artisanal bites, and antique furnishings for your new abode. [Photo]
800 Alvarado Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Big Bear: Pine Knot Guest Ranch

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After your winter wedding, why not make a snow weekend of it the mountain mecca of Big Bear? Warm up in one of nine cabins at the Pine Knot Guest Ranch, a two-acre resort that offers a barn with llamas and bunnies, sledding during snowy seasons, and in-room jacuzzis and fireplaces. Plan a ski day at one of two snow summits (Bear Mountain or Snow Summit), grab post-ski grub at one of the many filling restos in town, then make your way back to the hotel and warm up by a fire. [Photo]
908 Pine Knot Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Joshua Tree: Pioneertown Motel

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Knock boots in the desert at Wild West-themed Pioneertown Motel, located just 15 minutes away from the bohemian oasis of Joshua Tree. The site of many legendary Hollywood film shoots, this cozy Western lodge's 18 rooms each feature their own "unique and kitschy" charm. It may not offer Hilton-like luxury services and amenities, but this family-run motel makes up for it with its accommodating staff, breathtaking sunset views, and affordability. Explore nearby JTree and book a sound bath sesh at the trippy Integratron and enjoy retail therapy in Yucca Valley's stylish shops, then return Pioneertown and take in a belly-filling dinner and show at cool-kid desert hangout Pappy & Harriet's, which is just steps from the motel. [Photo]
5040 Curtis Road, Pioneertown, CA 92268
(760) 365-7001
(760) 365-7001

Palm Springs: Le Parker Méridien

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Do like The King and escape to mid-century modern mecca Palm Springs, which has no shortage of stylish accommodation options. The fashionable Parker Hotel is a particularly romantic getaway to call home for the weekend, thanks its variety of interior decor-happy suites, patio rooms, and estates. In addition to its luxurious on-site spa (where day passes are only $50), this desert hot spot also features the "seductive" Mister Parker's bistro, the five-star comfort foot spot Norma's, and a swanky mini-bar, two pools (including one "adult" option), and a host of preppy outdoor sporting areas (croque or petanque, anyone)—ensuring that honeymooners need just park and relax once they're behind those giant orange doors. [Photo]
4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 770-5000
(760) 770-5000

San Diego: Hotel Del Coronado

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Don't let spooky stories deter you from enjoying a luxurious stay at the historic Hotel Del Coronado, a legendary landmark built in 1888 that was already a nuptials-ready site before it officially opened its doors. Spread across 28 beachside acres, just a few amenities include a full-service spa and salon, an outdoor terrace with a vanishing edge pool, an array of oceanside restos and bars, and on-site retail therapy, to name a few. Then there are the suites ($349 and up): some of the more romantic rooms include the Signature Suite in the Victorian building and the Resort Suite in the Ocean Tower, both of which offer coastline views and spacious, stylish digs. Top off your stay with the Celebration package, which includes champagne, confections, and dinner. [Photo]
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-6611
(619) 435-6611
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Ojai: Ojai Rancho Inn

615 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
Nestled off the 33 in Ventura County, Ojai is a historically bohemian retreat that offers maximum romantic relaxation with stunning mountain views. Book a rustic-cool room ($89 and up) at the fashion-faved Ojai Rancho Inn, a renovated roadside hotel with "adult camp" vibes that offers options with hot tubs and saunas. Once you settle in, borrow one of the hotel's Linus bikes (complimentary with your stay!) and pedal through town; after an afternoon adventure, return "home" and grab a drink at the hotel's on-site Chief's Peak wine and beer bar. Be sure to treat yourselves to a day of pampering at mystical rejuvenation haven The Oaks Spa (which also offers accommodations!), which features an array of restorative massage and spa services. [Photo]
615 W Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-1434
(805) 646-1434

Catalina Island: Hotel Metropole

205 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704
For a low-key getaway from the mainland, hop on a ferry or a chopper to Catalina's Avalon. Book a room at the Hotel Metropole, which offers an all-inclusive honeymoon package that boasts two nights in an oceanfront suite, your own personalized robes, breakfast in bed, dinner at its seaside M restaurant, full-body massages, roundtrip boat transpo, and more. Need more pampering? The recently recently renovated Spa Catalina is located in the historic El Canto building and offers a full range of luxe treatments, like anti-aging facials, rejuvenating massages, and hair/makeup/nail services. Don't forget to spend an afternoon at the picturesque Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens; if you'd like to make a day of it, trek through the Garden to the Sky Trail, which will lead you and your beau to views of the other side of the island. [Photo]
205 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704

Paso Robles: Hotel Cheval

1021 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
Take a post-nuptials mini-road trip along the coast to Paso Robles, where you can fill an entire weekend with an itinerary of winery-hopping. Check into modern Mediterranean-inspired (and pup-friendly!) Hotel Cheval, a 16-room boutique spot not far from the vino-obsessed city's historic town square. Check into a Luxury room ($395 to $475 per night) and indulge in a 90-minute couples massage ($345), then enjoy a decadent Italian dinner down the street at Buona Tavola. Get a good night's rest before you take a private wine tour with one of the hotel's in-house sommeliers, who'll guide you through some of the best wineries (there are over 180 of them!) to appease your palette. [Photo]
1021 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(866) 522-6999
(866) 522-6999

San Luis Obispo: Madonna Inn

100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Given that retail therapy-happy SLO was dubbed the happiest city in America by Oprah, why not kick-start your your many decades of marital bliss at this Central Coast getaway? Hole up at the Madonna Inn for the ultimate visually-stimulating stay and if your budget allows, book the Rustic Romance package. For about $1200 per night (available Sunday through Thursday), enjoy a fairytale horseback hilltop trail ride, plus bubbly, a heart-shaped cake, commemorative champagne flutes, a one-hour couples massage, a $100 hotel credit, and more. If equestrian activities aren't your thing, the hotel offers an array of sweat-inducing packages, like the Sip & Zip (Wine and ziplining? Daring!) or the Signature Pink private tennis lessons for two. [Photo]
100 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805) 543-3000
(805) 543-3000

Santa Barbara: Belmond El Encanto

800 Alvarado Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
For coastal Cali retreat that's out of county lines but just a short drive a way, head to picturesque Santa Barbara. Settle into one of the luxurious Belmond El Encanto's relaxing bungalows ($362 and up)—which each boast a separate living room and your choice of an open-hearth fireplace or a patio with views—and book the Celebration package, which includes breakfast, a $150 dinner credit, and a bottle of the hotel's signature bubbly. As a local blogstar Samantha Wennerstrom suggests, soak up some Vitamin D while enjoying a seaside vino sesh at the Deep Sea Tasting Room, then get lost at the Montecito Country Mart, where you can pick up handmade accoutrements, gourmet artisanal bites, and antique furnishings for your new abode. [Photo]
800 Alvarado Pl, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Big Bear: Pine Knot Guest Ranch

908 Pine Knot Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
After your winter wedding, why not make a snow weekend of it the mountain mecca of Big Bear? Warm up in one of nine cabins at the Pine Knot Guest Ranch, a two-acre resort that offers a barn with llamas and bunnies, sledding during snowy seasons, and in-room jacuzzis and fireplaces. Plan a ski day at one of two snow summits (Bear Mountain or Snow Summit), grab post-ski grub at one of the many filling restos in town, then make your way back to the hotel and warm up by a fire. [Photo]
908 Pine Knot Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Joshua Tree: Pioneertown Motel

5040 Curtis Road, Pioneertown, CA 92268
Knock boots in the desert at Wild West-themed Pioneertown Motel, located just 15 minutes away from the bohemian oasis of Joshua Tree. The site of many legendary Hollywood film shoots, this cozy Western lodge's 18 rooms each feature their own "unique and kitschy" charm. It may not offer Hilton-like luxury services and amenities, but this family-run motel makes up for it with its accommodating staff, breathtaking sunset views, and affordability. Explore nearby JTree and book a sound bath sesh at the trippy Integratron and enjoy retail therapy in Yucca Valley's stylish shops, then return Pioneertown and take in a belly-filling dinner and show at cool-kid desert hangout Pappy & Harriet's, which is just steps from the motel. [Photo]
5040 Curtis Road, Pioneertown, CA 92268
(760) 365-7001
(760) 365-7001

Palm Springs: Le Parker Méridien

4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Do like The King and escape to mid-century modern mecca Palm Springs, which has no shortage of stylish accommodation options. The fashionable Parker Hotel is a particularly romantic getaway to call home for the weekend, thanks its variety of interior decor-happy suites, patio rooms, and estates. In addition to its luxurious on-site spa (where day passes are only $50), this desert hot spot also features the "seductive" Mister Parker's bistro, the five-star comfort foot spot Norma's, and a swanky mini-bar, two pools (including one "adult" option), and a host of preppy outdoor sporting areas (croque or petanque, anyone)—ensuring that honeymooners need just park and relax once they're behind those giant orange doors. [Photo]
4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 770-5000
(760) 770-5000

San Diego: Hotel Del Coronado

1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
Don't let spooky stories deter you from enjoying a luxurious stay at the historic Hotel Del Coronado, a legendary landmark built in 1888 that was already a nuptials-ready site before it officially opened its doors. Spread across 28 beachside acres, just a few amenities include a full-service spa and salon, an outdoor terrace with a vanishing edge pool, an array of oceanside restos and bars, and on-site retail therapy, to name a few. Then there are the suites ($349 and up): some of the more romantic rooms include the Signature Suite in the Victorian building and the Resort Suite in the Ocean Tower, both of which offer coastline views and spacious, stylish digs. Top off your stay with the Celebration package, which includes champagne, confections, and dinner. [Photo]
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-6611
(619) 435-6611