Most Romantic Views in Monterey County

Valentine’s Day weekend is upon us and if you’re visiting this week for a romantic getaway, we’ve got the best places to take your date for some truly stunning coastline views. Within a short drive of the Portola Hotel & Spa, you’ll find wide sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, forested trails, and quiet coves. If you’re planning a romantic getaway or simply want to spend time somewhere beautiful, these spots offer some of the most memorable views in the area.

Asilomar State Beach

Located about 15 minutes from the Portola Hotel & Spa, Asilomar State Beach is known for its dramatic shoreline and paths that run along the coast. The trail is mostly flat which makes it easy to explore and enjoy the views with your date at your own pace. You’ll see rocky shorelines, tide pools, and sweeping views of the ocean. As you can imagine, it’s especially beautiful at sunset when the golden colors reflect off the water and the waves crash against the rocks. There’s parking available along Sunset Drive, and the area is open to the public year-round. It’s a peaceful place to take a walk, and enjoy time together without crowds.

Carmel Beach

About 15 minutes from Portola, Carmel Beach offers soft white sand and open views of the Pacific Ocean. You can access the beach by stairs or sandy paths depending where you enter. There’s nearby street parking and just a short walk down to the sand. Many visitors often bring blankets and watch the sunset. From here, you can also see Pebble Beach and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in the distance. Afterward, it’s a short walk into downtown Carmel for dinner or a glass of wine, making it an ideal stop for a relaxed, romantic evening.

Big Sur

Spend the day driving down newly reopened Highway 1 to catch the beautiful views in Big Sur. With dramatic cliffs, winding ocean views, and redwood groves, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and soak it all in together. Stop at McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see a stunning 80-foot-tall waterfall cascading down with a breathtaking view of the coast. Along the drive you will also see Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, where you will get to see the famous “purple sand.” Pack a picnic for a truly scenic date in one of the most beautiful parts of California.

Photo Courtesy of See Monterey

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Experience the beauty of “The crown jewel of the California State Park System” at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Point Lobos has some beautiful hikes along cliffside trails as well as winding treelined paths. The hikes offer gorgeous scenes for any romantic stroll through nature. The Reserve is open 8am to 5pm daily, and has a vehicle entrance fee of $10 per car. Plan your visit and find out more information through their website.

A Romantic Stay in Monterey

Whether you’re here for Valentine’s Day or just planning a romantic getaway, these stunning locations are a great addition to your itinerary. The Portola Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to stay with much of Monterey’s most popular attractions being minutes away. To book your stay in Monterey, visit our website, or call us at (888)-222-5851.