There are literally hundreds of romantic weekend escapes near Los Angeles but I have narrowed them down to three. I enjoy nature with my romance so my weekend getaways near Los Angeles feature some outdoors along with the romance.
REFUGIO STATE BEACH
10 Refugio Beach Rd.
Goleta, Ca. 93117
805 968 1033
Located a few miles north of Santa Barbara, Refugio State beach is an easy drive for a romantic weekend escape near Los Angeles. It features tall palms planted many years ago and, if you squint your eyes, you can pretend you are in Hawaii. If pitching a tent and building a big fire for an evening cuddle by a fire pit appeals to you this is the place. If not, this is your worst nightmare.
Like its name implies, Refugio State Beach is right on the beach so you can have romantic strolls along the ocean or make love in your tent to the accompaniment of the sighs of the sea.
This is a very popular spot so reservations are a must. You can reserve a spot online. Cost is $20 per night.
CLIFF HOUSE INN
6602 Old Pacific Coast Highway
Mussel Shoals, Ca. 93001
1 800 892 5433
If camping is not your idea of a romantic weekend near Los Angeles, the Cliff House Inn should satisfy the romantic in anyone. Located a few miles north of Ventura, the Cliff House Inn has been voted one of the top three romantic escapes in Southern California.
The Cliff House Inn is about as close to the ocean as you can get without actually being in it and all 24 rooms have an ocean view. There are chaise lounges all along the water’s edge and couples usually occupy them.
The Cliff House caters to romantic couples and those who are not part of a couple may not feel at ease.
Directly in front of the Cliff House it is rocky but there is beach to the north and south. Search among the rocks and you are sure to find ocean fossils. You can take long hand in hand strolls along the beach to the north.
The Cliff House Inn features a gourmet restaurant called The Shoals and at least one dinner here is a must. The food is excellent and you should try to arrange you meal so you can enjoy the sunset over the ocean.
Reservations are advised. You can reserve online or by phone. Room rates range from $120 to $190. This includes a very nice continental breakfast.
MOVIE COLONY HOTEL
726 N Indian Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs Ca 92262
760 320 634 889 953 5700
Had enough of the ocean and ready for a romantic escape in the desert? The Movie Colony Hotel is a mid 20th century hotel that has been restored and updated. Each room features a private balcony or patio and pillow top mattress for those romantic interludes in bed. A travertine courtyard is featured along with a pool surrounded by palm trees and spectacular views of the nearby mountains. The hotel is gay friendly.
Palm Springs boasts a very good art museum featuring western art and excellent contemporary art. On display is sculpture of a couple sitting on a bench and looking so real that many people are tricked. You can congratulate yourselves on not being alienated from each other like the couple seems to be.
If you want to get off to yourselves for some exotic hiking just drive south on Indian Canyon Dr. to the Indian Canyons. The canyons are on the reservation lands of the Cahuilla Indians but they charge only a modest fee to visit the canyons. You may hike up Tahquito, Murray, or Adreas Canyons. Each features a stream lined with native California Palm trees. You will probably be alone while hiking because people don’t seem to have discovered these beautiful canyons. You must also visit Palm Canyon that has the most palm trees of any canyon in the world. From the top of the canyon you view palm as far as the eye can see. There will be a few people here. Hike down the easy trail and into the palm groves. The Cahiulla Indians used to summer in this canyon because it was much cooler than in nearby Palm Springs.
You will need reservations. They can be made online or by phone. Rates are from $229 to $250.
That’s it for now: three romantic, outdoorsy weekend escapes near Los Angeles.
