Anniversary Weekend Getaways from California: 6 Trips Worth the Occasion

An anniversary dinner at a nice restaurant is fine. An anniversary weekend in a different city is better. You don't need a week in Europe. A two-day trip to somewhere with great food, a beautiful hotel, and a change of scenery does the same thing for your relationship at a fraction of the time and cost.

Cabo: the classic

Sunset over the Pacific, dinner on the marina, a beach day that feels like a vacation. Cabo is the easiest international romantic getaway from California. The resort options range from boutique to ultra-luxury, and the 2-hour flight from LAX or 3 hours from SFO makes it effortless. $600-1,200 for two.

Puerto Vallarta: the hidden gem

More romantic than Cabo and half the price. The Romantic Zone lives up to its name. Cobblestone streets, rooftop restaurants overlooking the Pacific, sunset malecon walks. This is the anniversary trip for people who want authenticity over polish. $500-900 for two.

San Francisco: the city escape

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Wine tasting in Napa (if you rent a car for the day). Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. SF has a built-in romantic quality with the fog, the hills, and the sense that you've traveled further than 90 minutes. $500-800 for two.

Scottsdale: the spa retreat

Book a couples spa treatment, lounge by the pool, have a lingering dinner in Old Town. Scottsdale is the anniversary trip for the couple that wants to do nothing and enjoy every second of it. Mountain Shadows or Sanctuary on Camelback for the full experience. $500-900 for two.

Nashville: the surprise pick

Not the obvious anniversary destination, but hear us out. A jazz lounge on Saturday night, brunch at a spot with live music, walking the Gulch hand in hand. Nashville's warmth and charm make it romantic in an unexpected way. $600-900 for two.

Denver: the active anniversary

For the couple that celebrates by doing things together. Hike at Red Rocks in the morning, brewery tour in the afternoon, rooftop dinner with mountain views at night. Denver's energy is infectious and the shared experience of a new city bonds you. $500-700 for two.

Browse anniversary-worthy packages from any California airport at leavefriday.com.