Places to Honeymoon in California
A honeymoon is a magical trip for newlyweds to travel together for the first time as husband and wife. The type of trip you choose is an important consideration (whether full of sightseeing, relaxing at the beach or a combination of both). Deciding on your travel personality is key in finding the spot that will make you happy. California offers myriad choices for honeymoon destinations, including sipping cocktails in the sand at Laguna Beach, urban sightseeing in San Francisco, wine tasting in Santa Ynez and backpacking in the Sierra Nevada.
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Relax at the Beach
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Often after the intensity of planning and hosting a wedding, many couples want to do nothing more on their honeymoon than relax at the beach with a cocktail in hand. Southern California in particular offers many beach locations, but Laguna Beach has many resort properties on the water that offer the perfect sand-and-sea romantic honeymoon. If money is no object, check out the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort or the Ritz-Carlton for first-class luxury. More moderate, though still beachfront, properties include Capri Laguna Inn and the Inn at Laguna Beach. Downtown Laguna is a charming seaside town with many restaurant, bar and shopping options.
Wine Tasting
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You've all seen the movie "Sideways," but did you know it all takes place in the Santa Ynez wine region of California, not the granddaddy Napa Valley? This area near Santa Barbara is chock full of fantastic wineries, scenic mountain views, top-notch restaurants and the cozy Scandinavian village of Solvang. You can rent bikes in Solvang and bike from winery to winery. For romantic places to stay in the area, consider Fess Parker's Inn and Spa in Los Olivos, The Petersen Village Inn in Solvang or Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort also in Solvang.
The Outdoorsy Types
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If roughing it in a beautiful mountain setting is your idea of heaven, then consider taking your honeymoon in the Sierra Nevada (also known as the High Sierra). Sequoia National Park offers breathtaking views of the Sierra and year-round camping in one of their 14 campsites, and of course a gander at the awe-inspiring giant sequoias in one of 75 groves. Enjoy activities such as climbing Mt. Whitney and seeing local wildlife. You can reserve a campsite online up to six months in advance. If you like the great outdoors, but camping is a bit too rustic, check out the quaint Wuksachi Lodge just four miles from Giant Forest. Lake Tahoe is also located in the Sierra Nevada. This picturesque town offers waterskiing, hiking, boating, killer views--but also some gambling on the Nevada side.
For City Types
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If the city life is where it's at for you, book a stay in San Francisco. From world-class restaurants to excellent museums, the Bay Area won't disappoint. Book a high-end stay at the Fairmont Heritage Place or The Ritz-Carlton, or if you're on a tighter budget try the Petite Auberge or the Kensington Park Hotel. Nibble pastries in North Beach, picnic on the Marina Green and stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge or hold hands on a cable car--there's plenty of romance to be found in San Fran.
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