What's Better Than Wine Country?

Plan a Romantic Getaway in California With Your Sweetheart

Few things are more romantic than a weekend getaway to one of the most diverse wine regions in California. With so much to see and do within a half-hour drive, the Santa Maria Valley is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway in California with your sweetheart.

Go from sunset

to sweet dreams

No distractions, no rush, just a cozy spot to end the day and start fresh for the next day's adventures.

Find a hotel

At a Glance

Your "Just Us" Trip

Day 1

Wine and Ice Cream

Day 2

Get Butterflies Again

A romantic getaway in California for every kind of couple.

Santa Maria Valley is the perfect destination for your next romantic weekend getaway in California. Wine and beer lovers alike will find solace here, with more than 30 wineries and five brewery taprooms. The selection of authentic Santa Maria Style restaurants make for great date night destinations.

Outdoorsy couples can experience 24 hiking trails, 15 beaches, dunes and many more activities year-round thanks to our temperate Central Coast climate. Indoorsy couples can enjoy restaurants, wineries, breweries, museums, shows and more.

Day One

If you’re planning a romantic getaway in California at Santa Maria Valley, be sure to explore the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail to experience some of the region’s best wineries.

Finish your first evening with a romantic dinner and date night, beginning with Far Western Tavern. This iconic Santa Maria Style barbecue destination is well-known for grilling over red oak coals, which provides dishes with that classic smoky flavor. Far Western Tavern also pours many local wines to perfectly complement your meal.

The romance doesn’t have to end there. Your next stop on your romantic getaway in California is to experience a unique dessert experience at Nite Creamery in Santa Maria. This ice cream parlor has no freezers. Instead, they use fresh ingredients that are frozen by liquid nitrogen before your eyes.

Nite Creamery has a variety of flavors, with new menu items added seasonally. Nite Creamery also makes fresh waffle cones to take your ice cream to the next level. What’s more romantic than a nice little ice cream date after a day of fun?

To end day one of your romantic getaway in California, catch a show at a local favorite, PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre. PCPA hosts shows year-round in its two beautiful theaters. Since its inception in 1964, PCPA has infused the national theater scene with thousands of trained actors and theatrical technicians from the Central California Coast.

Day Two

If you’re planning your romantic weekend getaway in California’s Santa Maria Valley between October and February, don’t miss the monarch butterflies at the Monarch Dunes Butterfly Grove in Nipomo. Thousands of monarch butterflies spend the colder months among the eucalyptus trees in groves along the Central Coast. This grove is a scenic half hour drive from Santa Maria and a beautiful place to see native plants and wildlife.

Then, head over to the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, where you’ll find a host of outdoor activities. The preserve allows you to enjoy the beautiful temperate coast climate while viewing and learning about native plant life, birds and other animals. Trek to Oso Flaco Lake and enjoy a 1.7-mile hike to the ocean. The trail is mostly on a boardwalk, making it a smooth and enjoyable walk, perfect for your romantic weekend getaway in California. If you’re lucky, you may spot a rare Western Snowy Plover. Plovers often make their nests along the beach from March to September.

Couple on the Oceano Dunes on ATVs Adrenaline-seeking couples should head to the nearby Oceano Dunes, where you can rent an ATV from Steve’s ATV Rentals and drive across the beach. The Oceano Dunes are the only place in California where you can ride dune buggies right on the beach. Or, you can ride horses in the surf at Pacific Beach Riding Ranch. If you’re the adventure type, the dunes are a must-see during your romantic getaway in California.

For lunch, make your way back into Old Town Orcutt to dine at Pizzeria Bello Forno. This charming eatery serves pizzas, salads and more. You can enjoy lunch at Pizzeria Bello Forno and grab a beer at Naughty Oak Brewing Company for dessert. Another great option is to order out from Bello Forno and eat at Naughty Oak. If you prefer wine over beer, head to Old Town Wine & Brew. You can order food to go from Old Town Wine & Brew too, if you’d prefer to have a cozy night in one of Santa Maria’s hotels instead.

While in Old Town Orcutt, make a quick pit stop at Old Town Market to pick up a bottle of wine to go, a jar of Santa Maria Style seasoning, or some red oak chips. Bring the flavor of Santa Maria Valley back home with you after your romantic getaway so you can have our mouth-watering barbecue any time you’d like.

To finish off your romantic weekend getaway in California, kick it old school during date night at the Hi-Way Drive-In Theater, one of the last authentic outdoor drive-in movie theaters in California. You can pick up movie snacks or dinner to go from Old Town Market to enjoy in your car.

Trip Planning Tips & Deals for Couples

Planning the perfect romantic getaway in California comes with plenty to consider, from timing and budget to packing and shared interests. The good news? Santa Maria Valley makes it easy to create a trip that feels effortless from start to finish.

The best time to visit Santa Maria Valley for a romantic escape is truly any time of year. Thanks to the region’s cool Central Coast climate, temperatures stay comfortable year-round, meaning you can plan your getaway without worrying about extreme weather. Summer invites long, sun-filled days exploring rolling green hills, relaxing on sandy beaches, or even heading out for seasonal berry picking. In the winter months, cozy vineyard tastings, boutique shopping, and live performances offer the perfect balance of indoor charm and outdoor adventure. Simply choose dates that work for you, and Santa Maria Valley takes care of the rest.

Of course, planning a trip as a couple sometimes means blending different travel styles. Whether one of you craves adventure while the other prefers relaxation, Santa Maria Valley offers experiences you can both enjoy. Adventure seekers can hit scenic hiking trails or ride ATVs through the nearby Oceano Dunes, while those looking to unwind can savor a beachside picnic along one of the area’s 15 beaches or explore the local arts scene. No matter your preferences, you’ll always come back together over world-class wine and legendary Santa Maria-style barbecue, the perfect ending to every day of your romantic getaway.

Another tip for planning your romantic getaway: unlike many California wine country destinations that require hotel and wine tasting reservations months in advance, Santa Maria Valley invites you to slow down and travel at your own pace.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy the freedom of knowing your wine tasting experience will be waiting whenever you’re ready. Here, you can savor world-class wines without the pressure, crowds, or fast-paced atmosphere often found in larger wine regions, making it easy to focus on what matters most: spending quality time together.

Your romantic getaway in California’s Santa Maria Valley awaits! Plan your trip and get ready for the perfect weekend getaway with your sweetheart. Whether you want a relaxing getaway or a trip filled with adventure (and all the wine and Santa Maria-style barbeque to indulge in for either experience). After spending your days exactly how you imagine, get some rest at one of our hotels.

Eat, Drink and Do More

If you and your sweetheart want to spend extra time exploring all there is to do along California’s Central Coast during your romantic getaway in California, it’s easy to extend your stay. In Santa Maria Valley, there’s so much to see and do from here.

Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for our emails and receive only the best inspo for planning your trip!