Romantic Beach Vacation Ideas in California

When people think of romance, watching the sunset at beach comes to mind. What better place to go than California,where you have your choice of the many hundreds of miles of beautiful sandy beaches, in order to spend some romantic time with your love ones. The weather, great hotels, and amazing food all near the beach, definitely make California beach vacations your first choice for romantic getaways!

Northern California

Mendocino
If you enjoy bed and breakfast spots, there are some beautiful Victorian styled B&B’s near the beach. You can also enjoy great spas, a bunch of wineries, and of course, very, very beautiful beaches. This town is listened on the national list of historic places.

Bodega bay, part of the coast in Sonoma County, is a wonderful spot for you and a loved one. You need to go check out the Gourmet au Bay Seaside Wine Tasting Bar. You are able to sip some wine and just relax on the beach. You are also able to do some great whale watching from January to about April.

Central California
If you want the least crowded beaches, which leave room for more romance, then head to Central California. You will enjoy the best weather from April until about October: sun, sun, sun. Head south from San Francisco and you will be able to find the beach of your choice. The drive itself will be amazing. The 17 Mile Drive is a historic and famous road with plenty of scenic outlooks, the amazingly beautiful jagged coast, and you will even see some forest. (This is a toll road, but it is a small fee, and believe me, it is well worth the small amount of money!)

Southern California

San Diego beach vacations are the best idea if you want the most romantic time. The Los Angeles/Orange County area is too crowded and it takes away from the romance. You should check out La Jolla beach, my first choice when taking my romantic vacations. You can enjoy the upscale shops, or just stroll along the beach, waiting for a chance to take those amazing sunset photos of you and your lover on the beach.

My Top Five Beaches

Many people go to California on vacations to visit theme parks, see Hollywood and the stars, or to enjoy the many backpacking and hiking options available in the great state. But, when people go on vacations to California, many people go to the beach. The beach can be a fun and inexpensive vacation spot for families with kids, and couples looking for a romantic getaway. Here are some of the best beaches in all of California.

Endert’s Beach

Although this is one of the smallest beaches in Beach combing at Endert's Beach
all of California, for those that frequent it and take vacations there, they don’t mind it one bit. It provides a more relaxing atmosphere for those looking to sunbathe, swim around, and just lay back and enjoy themselves. For those looking to learn to snorkel or who just want to enjoy it, you can take part in the free lessons that are given between May and August.

High Bluff Beach
If this isn’t the most popular beach, it is definitely one of the top 5 beaches in all of California. A great place for your vacation, the breathtaking views and the cool ocean will keep you coming back here for many more vacations. If you visit here on one of your California beach vacations, you’ll join thousands who enjoy their time at this beautiful white sand beach. Be sure to get to the beach early, or else you won’t be able to find a spot for you and your family. This beautiful beach is outside of Redwood National Park.

Kellogg Beach
This Del Norte County beach is away from the major beach spots of California. For those taking their vacation in the most northern part of the state, Kellogg Beach is a nice and small, off the beaten path, type of beach. This is a very beautiful beach, one for you enjoy with the family for some nice and peaceful relaxation.

Point St. George
If you want to mingle with the rich and famous, then you need to check out Point St. George. The rich and famous enjoy going to this beach because it is pretty secluded.There is a long walk from the parking area, but if you are willing to endure, then you will be able to have a great, relaxing, quiet time at the beach, and maybe see a star or two. Be sure to bring your camera in order to sell pictures to the National Inquirer.

Pelican State Beach
If you are into sunbathing and swimming, then this is the place for you. It gets its name because of the huge population of pelicans that are on and around the beach. You are allowed to feed the birds if you buy the food from the food vendors there. People come from all around to do this.

Creative Commons License photo credit: Flynnwynn

Northern California’s Best Looking Beaches

Scott’s Creek Beach
Scott’s Creek Beach is a wide beach that is usually really nice and not crowded. Located only a couple of miles north of Santa Cruz, this beach is named after Scott’s Creek which meets the Pacific Ocean on the south end of the beach. This is a fantastic beach for amateur and professional photographers alike, because of the beautiful scenery, including the mudstone cliffs nearby. This is a great beach for families to enjoy themselves on their California beach vacations. This is also a great beach to bring your pet. For surfers, Scott’s Beach offers some great waves for you to enjoy.

Goat Rock Beach
Near Bodega Bay in Sonoma County, California, Goat Rock Beach is a favorite spot for family vacations for many reasons. One of the most popular activities on the beach is beachcombing. You can find many shells and even some jewelry if you’re lucky! This is a great activity for kids, allowing them to get some free souvenirs from their vacation to the beach. The kids can also see the sea lions and harbor seals that come right up on the beach. The rock outcroppings on the cliffs nearby also provide fantastic photo opportunities for memories of your vacations.

Black Sands Beach
This beach differs from the others because of one main obvious reason, the black sand! Located in Humboldt County, this beach is a unique opportunity to see one of the very few black sand beaches in the entire world. What better way to spend vacations in California than to see a black beach? Hiking, photography, and having picnics are popular activities on this black sand beach. If you are able to make it to Black Sands Beach in the spring or the summer, you’ll be able to catch the wildflowers in full bloom!

Note: When at Northern California beaches, remember that there is usually some morning fog, so be sure to bring a sweatshirt or a light jacket. It is usually all cleared up by the afternoon.