Our California honeymoon guide lays out the top 5 reasons why newlywed couples should visit and explore all that the Golden State has to offer.
OVERVIEW OF CALIFORNIA
Stop California dreaming and turn your honeymoon dream into a reality with a trip to The Golden State.
Do you want to live like a movie star in Southern California? How about look high up into the majestic Redwood Forest? Or are you the wine sipping type (like Andrew) that enjoys a glass of vino seated on a winery terrace? Perhaps you prefer biking along the grace of Golden Gate Bridge … California has endless options for newlywed couples.
A honeymoon in California is truly unique as it covers all 10 honeymoon types. No matter if your sport is skiing, surfing, golfing or sun worshiping, Cali has you covered — sometimes all on the same day!
With over 300 days of sun on your side, you are able to enjoy most of your hobbies throughout the entire year.
THINGS TO DO IN CALIFORNIA ON A HONEYMOON
- Walk one of the many beaches, 1200 miles worth of coastline
- Drive the 17 Mile Drive along the Monterrey Peninsula
- Wine tasting in the word famous wine region of Napa or Sonoma Valleys
- Take a stroll through the enchanting Redwood National Park
- Tour Hearst Castle and get a glimpse of the luxurious life of days-gone-by
- Take a romantic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to Los Angeles at sunset
- Jump on a cable car in San Francisco, from the downtown shopping district up to the top of Nob Hill and down the other side at Fisherman’s Wharf
WHY HONEYMOON IN CALIFORNIA?
California is a great destination for honeymooners who love beaches, theme parks, wine, and long stretches of majestic scenery.
Beaches galore
With over 1200 miles of coastline there is no better place than California to hold hands, reminisce about your big day, and share future dreams. Laguna, La Jolla, Carmel, Morro Bay, Malibu and more, there is an endless selection of stunning beaches to walk and enjoy.
Theme Parks
The big names come to mind including Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags, the San Diego Zoo, The Wild Animal Park, and Sea World. If you are both big kids at heart and looking for an action packed fun week, California is calling.
Wine
Some of the best wineries and wine selection in the world can be found among the thousands of wineries in California. Unlike France, where you may find some of the wineries are exclusive or by invite only, California’s wineries small and large are open to the public … for a fee of course!
Weather
Much of California has a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. On the coast, the average daily high temperature hovers around 70°F/21°C and up), but can occasionally spike to 80°F (27°C) or more on hot summer days; freezing temperatures are rare, even in winter.
Road Trip Worthy
If you are looking to head out on the highway for a road trip, which will allow you to experience everything from surfing, skiing, wine tasting, dramatic cliffs and stunning vistas, golfing, amazing shopping and celebrity spotting, a honeymoon road trip in California will tick all your boxes.
CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS
Time To Visit
Peak season during summer months (June through August) is when you can expect longer lines at popular attractions along with high-season rates for accommodation.
Springtime (typically March through early May) is a beautiful time to visit California as the temperatures is comfortable through much of the state. Although, it can still be chillier at higher elevations. One bonus: visit during springtime to encounter shorter lines and better deals.
A beautiful time to visit California’s wine region is during Autumn. (September through early November). The weather is mild and the foliage from the grapes is stunning. August through October means the crush is in full swing, which is the wine regions harvest time.
You will find much of the northern coast and the San Francisco Bay Area surrounded by fog during September through October. A great thing if you secretly love fog!
For skiers, mountains are open from November to March, although some stay open into April or later depending on conditions.
Distance
California is large, which makes it a great state for a road trip. If you were to drive from the Oregon border all the way down to Mexico along Interstate 5 (with no traffic), it would take you 15 hours and you would cover about 900 miles. It is really big!
Congestion
California’s freeway system is infamous, and extreme congestion is normal and you must be a confident driver with experience. It goes without saying that you should plan to drive at times of the day when there is least likely to be a lot of traffic. Drive the posted speed limit; stay in the center lanes and know your exits ahead of time!
Cheaper Gas
Before heading to northern California make sure to fill up on gas, as it tends to be cheaper in Southern California.
Do Your Research
Some parts (such as national parks, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, etc.) have their own tourist offices, visitor centers or Chambers of Commerce. Contact them ahead of time for more details on certain areas you would like to visit.
CALIFORNIA QUICK FACTS
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar
Airports: 10 international airports
State Tourist Website: Visit California
Well, there you have it. I hope you have found our honeymoon guide to the Algarve helpful.
If the Algarve isn’t the honeymoon spot for you and you want to see other honeymoon destination options then head over to our Honeymoon Destination Travel Guide section.
