There are some amazing honeymoon spots in Northern California, and I’m excited to share them with you!
If you’ve never been to Northern California, let me go over a little geography with you. To the west, there’s the Pacific Ocean. The water is usually very cold, and the beaches tend to be rocky. To the east, there are mountains. For a good chunk of the year, you can find snow on them (most of the time). To the north, there are rural communities and lots and lots of trees. And, to the south, there are larger cities, and seaside towns. Interspersed are vineyards, attractions, and lots to do.
All of this can make for romantic honeymoon opportunities!
8 Amazing Honeymoon Spots In Northern California
If you’re close enough to drive, or willing to make the flight to one of the major (or minor) airports in the area, rent a car and check out these awesome locations. Having lived in Northern California for most of my life, I’ve been to many of these spots multiple times. Choosing the right one for your honeymoon is based on your personal preferences.
So, if you like the beach, food, the forests, or snow, there’s bound to be an amazing honeymoon waiting for you and your new spouse.
Let’s get into it!
1. CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Carmel-By-The-Sea is my favorite location in Northern California. The name of it makes it obvious that it’s by the sea. The water may be cold, but the beaches are fun to walk on. And, the city is super cute. There are cobble stone sidewalks, small cafes and restaurants, and a very inviting and chill vibe. Dogs are even allowed almost everywhere.
The Kind Of Couple Carmel-By-The-Sea Is For:
- Couples who love the beach, but not necessarily swimming in the ocean.
- Those who enjoy golfing (the golf courses in this area tend to have incredible views of the water).
- Any couple who is into local restaurants or shopping.
- A couple who will have a dog joining for their honeymoon.
- The kind of couple who enjoys a little city life during the day and quiet evenings.
2. TAHOE
Tahoe is a popular destination for many, many people, from all over the world. The name “Tahoe” refers to Lake Tahoe, which is a massive freshwater lake that straddles the California and Nevada boarder, in the Sierra mountains. It’s so big that there are different feels to the area, whether you are visiting the North or South shore. Also, Tahoe looks different in various seasons, with snow everywhere in the winter and serene mountains in the summer.
The Kind Of Couple Tahoe is For:
- Those who like to ski or snowboard (if you’re going on your honeymoon in the winter).
- A couple who enjoys going to casinos (if you stay on the Nevada side of Tahoe).
- Those who are into water sports like boating, kayaking, and jet ski’s. You can even SCUBA dive in Lake Tahoe, if you’re advanced enough.
- Couples who enjoy hiking and biking. Tahoe is filled with trails that can accommodate various skill levels.
3. SONOMA / NAPA
If you’ve never heard of Sonoma or Napa, you’re probably not a wine drinker. And while, yes, Napa and Sonoma are known for incredibly delicious wine, there are other reasons that they are among the most amazing honeymoon spots in Northern California. Both of these neighboring cities are incredibly beautiful and relaxed. Though Napa has a bit busier downtown, the square in Sonoma is filled with cute shops and yummy restaurants.
There are even other attractions in these cities such as taking hot air balloon rides, and visiting a spa. So fun!
The Kind Of Couple Napa and Sonoma Are For:
- The kind of couple who enjoys wine tasting and relaxing near gorgeous vineyard views.
- Any couple who enjoys art galleries and museums.
- Couples who enjoy biking together.
- Those who like to golf.
- Couples who enjoy hiking.
4. MENDOCINO COUNTY
Mendocino County is located on the north coast of California. It has a very different vibe than if you get closer to the bay area. In general, it’s quite relaxed. It’s especially known for being a popular place to grow cannabis, so that might be why it’s so relaxed? Sorry, I had to.
The weather in Mendocino County tends to be foggy and moody. And, while this may not appeal to everyone, it can be a very romantic setting for a honeymoon.
It’s probably easy to visit Mendocino County and just chill out, but there are things to keep you busy. The area is known for wineries, breweries, hiking, and art, among various outdoor activities.
The Kind Of Couple Mendocino County Is For:
- Those who just want to chill out on their honeymoon.
- Anyone who loves foggy and dreary weather (hey, we’re out there!).
- If you’d like to taste wine and visit breweries in a more affordable location.
- Couples who like to visit museums, learn about local artists, and step into quaint shops.
5. BIG SUR
Alright, so Big Sur isn’t really considered Northern California. In fact, it’s a mountainous section of Central California. However, it’s making this list anyway.
Big Sur is gorgeous. It has the longest undeveloped coastline in the US, so it’s incredible to take a drive through it just for the views. Ideally, a couple that goes to Big Sur for their honeymoon will be really into the outdoors. Maybe they just want to get away. Or, they want to actually unplug in an amazing location. Either way, you can do that in Big Sur.
The Kind Of Couple Big Sur Is For:
- The couple who loves to camp. There are public and private campsites all along the coast that you can rent.
- Anyone who loves the beach, but only to walk on.
- The couple who loves to take scenic photography. There are ample unbelievable vantage points along the coast.
- Those who like to hike, spend time outside, and be in nature.
6. THE RUSSIAN RIVER / GUERNEVILLE
So, technically, the Russian River runs all the way from Mendocino to Sonoma, but this honeymoon recommendation is for the southern point of the river, in Guerneville.
Guerneville is a super charming and rustic town. It has large redwood trees, views of the river, and local Sonoma wine. Guerneville is known for being very gay-friendly, and has been a popular spot for gay men and lesbians to visit since the 1970’s. Though it’s not very exciting there, it’s perfect for some romance. Couples can rent cozy cabins, camp, eat at various local restaurants, and go wine tasting.
The Kind Of Couple The Russian River and Guerneville Is For:
- The couple who wants to relax (a lot) on their honeymoon.
- Anyone who just wants to be in a cozy cabin in a rustic town.
- Those who enjoy wine tasting and great food.
- Anyone who enjoys the beach, or is into canoeing, kayaking, or tubing.
- Couples who enjoy a good spa day, without having to go to a large city.
7. HALF MOON BAY
Half Moon Bay is another coastal town to make this list. It’s a little south of San Francisco, so it’s still considered part of the Bay Area.
Half Moon Bay has really mild weather, never too hot or too cold, so it’s ideal to visit almost any time of year. While there is a large Ritz-Carlton there, and a Yacht Club, there are plenty of not-so-fancy things to do as well. Walking on the beach, attending one of their yearly art festivals, eating fresh fish or chowder, and just enjoying the scenery are all popular reasons to honeymoon in Half Moon Bay.
The Kind Of Couple Half Moon Bay Is For:
- Those who want to get a little “fancy” and stay at a renowned Ritz Carlton.
- Couples who are into boating, the ocean, or beaches.
- Any couple who likes to be near the water in a temperate climate, eating and enjoying the views.
- Those who like art, culture, and being a part of a smaller, yet impactful, city.
8. SAUSALITO
Sausalito is a small town, just north of San Francisco. It makes this list because it’s unique, memorable, and accessible to a large city. I believe it gives a honeymooning couple the opportunity to explore, yet come back to a safe, beautiful location.
For example, those staying in Sausalito can easily get to The Golden Gate Bridge, and either walk or bike across it. From there, they can choose to spend the day in San Francisco, exploring the cable cars, Chinatown, and various parks, or they can retreat back to cute Sausalito for an upscale and local dinner.
The Kind Of Couple Sausalito Is For:
- Those who want to stay in an adorable little town that is quiet yet has luxury accommodations.
- Couples who are willing to venture out a little – you can visit San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sonoma in simple day trips.
- Any couple who is into fresh, and delicious, local cuisine.
- Those who enjoy art galleries.
- Couples who want to explore the water by sailing, or kayaking.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
As you can see, there are some absolutely amazing honeymoon spots in Northern California. Yes, most of the ones on this list are along the coast, but there are some huge benefits that come from being close to the water. More than that, there are opportunities to tailor your honeymoon to your personalities. So, whether you’d rather camp in Big Sur, or drink wine in Napa, or enjoy Sausalito, there’s something for every couple.
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