Let’s face it. For busy couples of all ages, romance often takes a backseat to our daily routines. Sometimes the best way to reconnect and rekindle your romance is to plan a getaway. As a lifelong road tripper who happened to find a husband equally fond of road trips, we prefer romance-rekindling road trips when time permits.
A Southern California road trip for couples is one of the best ways to combine scenic drives, romantic stops, outdoor adventure, and relaxing coastal escapes all in one trip. From ocean views in San Diego and La Jolla to desert stargazing in Borrego Springs and the mountain charm of Idyllwild, this couple’s getaway offers a little bit of everything, and we experienced it firsthand.
What You’ll Learn
- The best Southern California road trip route for couples, including coastal, mountain and desert stops
- Romantic things to do in each destination based on our firsthand road trip experience
- Practical tips for planning a Southern California couple’s getaway, including timing, driving routes and can’t-miss stops
Editor’s Note: The writer was provided with the Mazda CX-5 for her road trip.
Explore the Coastal City of San Diego
San Diego is a fabulous place to begin your Southern California road trip. When you fly in, you’ll catch a stunning view of the city from above, and the scenery on the ground won’t let you down.
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Kick off your adventure with a stroll along the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego, where you can check out the impressive 25-foot “Unconditional Surrender” kissing statue. If you’re interested in museums, the USS Midway Museum is conveniently located right next to the statue.
Balboa Park is another must-see destination. Set aside as a public park in 1835, this 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park is one of the oldest in the country for recreation. With its museums, theaters, and the famous San Diego Zoo, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t miss the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum. It’s a peaceful spot, especially breathtaking in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
If you’re looking for nightlife, head to downtown San Diego, where you’ll find the historic Gaslamp Quarter. With an abundance of restaurants, bars, and clubs, these 16 square blocks are the epicenter of the nightlife scene. But it’s not all about clubs and bars; the district also boasts cultural offerings, including art galleries, concert venues, museums, symphony halls, and theaters.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Arrive early if you plan to visit multiple attractions in Balboa Park. The park is huge, and parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Things to Do
- Stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum in Balboa Park
- Spend some time exploring the San Diego Zoo
- Soak in the historic architecture in the Gaslamp Quarter
Are you ready to explore more? Let us inspire you!
Julian: Nature, Shopping and Fabulous Apple Pie
Drive east from San Diego into the Cuyamaca mountains and you’ll find the charming town of Julian—the epicenter for delicious apple treats. Julian’s beginnings were rooted in the 1870’s gold rush and today, you can see where that gold was discovered.
Today, historic buildings dating back to the 1870s house a variety of shops displaying the work of local artisans. Whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to sample Julian’s famed apple pie. Don’t worry, you can burn off the calories with a hike amid the surrounding oak and pine trees.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Go to Julian early in the day, especially on weekends. The small town gets very crowded, and the line for apple pie can stretch out the door by midday.
Things to Do
- Visit the Julian Pie Company and walk away with a delicious apple pie
- Work off those apple pie calories with a short hike along a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail just outside of town
- Pre-book an educational tour of the California Wolf Center to learn about wolves in their natural habitat
Borrego Springs: Desert Surprises and Dark Skies
The landscapes continue to evolve as you drive east on Hwy 78 into the Anza-Borrego Desert en route to Borrego Springs. The terrain transitions into distinctive desert features, including rugged mountains, barren badlands, lush palm oases, and 500 miles of dirt roads. In this wondrous landscape, surprises unfold. Situated just outside of Borrego Springs, Galleta Meadows showcases 130 large-scale metal sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda. Among these metal masterpieces are recognizable creatures such as dinosaurs, horses, giant insects and more.
Borrego Springs is one of only a handful of certified International Dark Sky Communities worldwide. This might be the place to try your camping skills to experience some overnight stargazing.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Pack a headlamp for night explorations.
Things to Do
- Go off-roading in an ATV to venture deeper into the desert along sandy trails
- Wander among the fabulous metal sculptures in Galleta Meadows
- Embark on an unforgettable hike through slot canyons
Palm Springs: Hollywood Style with a Touch of Nature
Palm Springs offers an eclectic experience combining the glamor of Hollywood, mid-century modern architecture and abundant nature surrounding the city. A golfer’s paradise, the Greater Palm Springs area boasts over 100 golf courses. Also, as a major wellness destination, Palm Springs features dozens of spas, ranging from luxury resort spas and mineral springs to intimate day spas and holistic studios. Of course, checking out the mid-century modern architecture of homes once owned by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and other celebrities is always a highlight.
For adventure, hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to be whisked above the breathtaking sites of Chino Canyon before stepping off into the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re hoping to hike at the top, get an early afternoon start then plan to ride the tram back down at sunset. My husband and I got a late start and it was almost sunset when we reached the top of the mountain, so we didn’t have much time to hike, but those sunset views were fabulous!
Things to Do
- Take a guided tour of the mid-century modern architecture
- Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
- Book a couple’s massage at one of Palm Springs’ spectacular spas
Idyllwild: Nature, Art and a Canine Mayor
The drive along Highway 74 from Palm Springs to Idyllwild is one of Southern California’s most dramatic road trips. In less than two hours, you’ll exchange the desert landscapes for cool pine forests as you rise over 6,000 feet in elevation. This excursion leads you to one of the most adorable villages in California.
Idyllwild is small but mighty with enticing local shops, plenty of restaurants, live music and several festivals throughout the year. For hikers, mountain trails await just outside of town. But the coolest resident in the village is undoubtedly Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller III, or Mayor Max, who comes from a lineage of golden retrievers who have ruled over Idyllwild since 2012. Mayor Max makes afternoon appearances in his mayor mobile Thursday through Sunday and will grant you a photo op if requested!
Things to Do
- Hike the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail
- Explore galleries and independent shops as you walk through town
- Take a selfie with Mayor Max
La Jolla: A Breath of Fresh Ocean Air
Return to the Pacific for the final leg of your road trip for a visit to La Jolla. This upscale seaside village provides an ideal mix of shops, eateries, ocean wildlife sightings and captivating vistas at every turn. Grab a table at Cove House for fresh California-inspired brunch and lunch treats. Walk along the coast to spot California sea lions and harbor seals lounging on rocks and beaches. Or hang out on the beaches, breathing in the fresh ocean air.
Things to Do
- Book a sea cave kayaking tour with GetYourGuide
- Walk along the bluffs on the Coast Walk Trail for prime sea lion spotting at the cove
- Watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean
SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit the La Jolla Cove area in the late afternoon for the best chance to see sea lions and seals when they are most active, and stay for sunset; it’s one of the most romantic spots on the California coast.
What to Drive
When you’re road tripping in sunny Southern California, you need to be in a vehicle that matches the unending beauty surrounding you. I chose the newly released 2026 Mazda CX-5 in Soul Red Crystal Metallic. Doesn’t that sound perfect for sporting around California?
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV ideal for maneuvering across the varied landscapes Southern California has to offer. With a roomy cargo space, there’s room for your beach gear, your hiking poles for mountain trails and all the shopping bags you may acquire as you explore.
The technology in the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is astounding. Google Built-in features access to Google Maps for navigation and the Google Play Store for apps like Spotify. So, roll down those windows, choose your favorite road trip songs and enjoy the ride!
California Road Trip FAQ:
An easy-to-navigate route starts in San Diego, then loops inland to Julian, Borrego Springs, Palm Springs and Idyllwild, before heading back to the coast for La Jolla. This route offers a mix of beaches, mountains, desert landscapes, and small-town charm, making it ideal for couples who want both relaxation and adventure.
Most couples plan 5 to 7 days to comfortably visit the major stops without feeling rushed. A long weekend works for a shorter trip focusing on either the coast or the desert, while a full week allows time for hiking, spa days, and scenic drives.
Top romantic stops include sunset in La Jolla, wine tasting and apple pie in Julian, stargazing in Borrego Springs, spa resorts in Palm Springs, and the quiet mountain setting of Idyllwild. These destinations offer a balance of scenic beauty and intimate experiences.
Spring and fall are ideal due to mild desert temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is best for coastal destinations, while winter is perfect for Borrego Springs and Palm Springs when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities.
Pack layers for varying climates, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and reusable water bottles.
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