Sun, Sea, and Sand: 5 Great Getaways for a Southern California Beach Honeymoon
You don't have to go to a faraway tropical shore or exotic island to channel your inner beachcomber. If you crave the sand, sun and sea, you can get all that and so much more right in beautiful Southern California. From glamorous resorts to quaint waterfront hotels, here's our pick of 9 beachy destinations for a romantic getaway:
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa
- Location: 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point CA
- Venue Snapshot: AAA Four Diamond clifftop resort
- Vibe: Upscale, fresh, contemporary
- Fab Feature: The dramatic panorama, which encompasses acres of verdant parks, a bustling marina, and the Pacific Ocean.
- Romantic Touches: You can add a Couple's Spa Massage to your Romance Package, which already includes a deluxe overnight stay at the hotel with a complimentary bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries—plus a freshly made breakfast in your room if you like!
- Accommodations Highlights: Many of their "beach chic" rooms and suites boast stunning ocean vistas and balconies or patios, and all offer plush feathertop beds, duvets and spa robes.
- Activities and Attractions: On site you'll find a spa, fitness center, games, and bicycle rental. Walking trails, fishing, whale watching, sailing, and golf are all nearby.
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
- Location: 2101 Mandalay Beach Rd., Oxnard CA
- Venue Snapshot: AAA Four Diamond beachfront resort
- Vibe: Tropical Mediterranean, lavish, relaxing
- Fab Feature: The sparkling swimming pool with two whirlpool baths, surrounded by garden pathways (enhanced by a footbridge) and a koi pond.
- Romantic Touches: Their on-site spa offers soothing massages, and the uncrowded beach is at your doorstep.
- Accommodations Highlights: All accommodations are spacious 2-room suites with either a pool deck or view of the beach. A complimentary breakfast and evening cocktail reception are included. Upgrade to an Oceanfront Suite for direct access to the sand.
- Activities and Attractions: The resort offers bike and boogie board rentals, as well as tennis and basketball courts. From nearby Oxnard Harbor, you can catch a kayak, harbor cruise, or a charter to the wild Channel Islands.
Shorebreak Hotel
- Location: 500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach CA
- Venue Snapshot: Stylish surf-themed gem
- Vibe: Trendy, cool, laid-back
- Fab Feature: Sunsets are spectacular on the patio of Pacific Hideaway, Shorebreak's modern American beach tavern. Savor the view along with groovy grub from breakfast until late night, preferably while sipping a handcrafted cocktail, local craft beer or a coastal California wine. Menus have Pacific Rim and Latin American flair, crafted from locally sourced ingredients. (They also have a dog-only menu in case you brought your four-legged pal along.)
- Romantic Touches: For all its lively temptations, Shorebreak is also a place that invites private time. All guest rooms come with matching animal-print bathrobes and plush beds, and many tempt with soaking tubs, private patios or breathtaking ocean views.
- Accommodations Highlights: Modern furnishings and a soothing ocean-inspired color scheme create tranquil havens. Indulge in one of the specialty suites, and savor your huge private beachfront terrace or view of the pier. Tip: Sign up for Kimpton Karma Rewards, and get free WiFi and a $10 bar credit.
- Activities and Attractions: Surf's up, dude! Catch some rays…or just chill. Crave more action? Check out the nightlife on Main Street, just a block away.
Newport Beach Hotel
- Location: 2306 West Oceanfront, Newport Beach CA
- Venue Snapshot: Quintessential California coastal hotel
- Vibe: Breezy, vibrant, casually elegant
- Fab Feature: You can borrow bikes from the hotel to check out the Newport Beach boardwalk as well all the nearby shops, bars, restaurants, and theaters.
- Romantic Touches: Relaxing over a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres from the Lobby Wine Bar, or snuggling in bed with a movie while a fire blazes in your guest room fireplace (pick a room that has one!).
- Accommodations Highlights: Opt for an Oceanfront King Spa guest room and you'll be pampered with a pillow-top king bed featuring premium bed linens, plus a marble bathroom with a jetted spa tub and shower. Large sliding windows open to the sights and sounds of the ocean.
- Activities and Attractions: Surfing, boogie boarding, swimming, boat rentals, whale watching, fishing, Catalina Island catamaran excursions, gondola rides, and golf. Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Soak City Water Park, and The Grove of Anaheim are all just minutes away.
La Jolla Shores Hotel
- Location: 8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla CA
- Venue Snapshot: Year-round beach retreat
- Vibe: Warm, laid-back
- Fab Feature: They supply you with complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas during the day, and bonfires with s'mores at night.
- Romantic Touches: Candlelight dining on the beachside patio…and in-room massages for two.
- Accommodations Highlights: Kitchenettes in many rooms make it easy to fix a midnight snack or serve breakfast in bed to your sweetie.
- Activities and Attractions: Surfing, kayaking, biking, paragliding, Birch Aquarium, La Jolla farmer's market, and more.
Soak up some more Southern California wedding venues, you'll be glad you did!
Filed under Beach / Ocean, Beach Wedding Ceremony, Honeymoons / Travel, Wedding Venues / Locations, Southern California
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