California Honeymoon

Santa Cruz and Capitola are definitely cute beach towns.
Then further down around between Monterey//Carmel there is the 17mile Drive which takes you to a few scenic spots and Pebble Beach. I remember there being a gate and a fee to enter the drive and since it’s a drive I’d expect it to be open during Corona times but I would still double check online beforehand.
Santa Barbara is also a very cute town and I think they have a nice walking area by the beach.If you’re willing to drive away from the coast (maybe on your drive back to SF?) you could hit some National Parks too! Check if they’ve reopened already but you have Death Valley, Kings Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. You can also do a quick trip to Joshua Tree National Park which is right by Palm Springs but I personally didn’t love that park. Annual national park pass is only $80 and gives you unlimited access to national parks.

View Quoted Comment Ohh I love that idea to go on a national parks tour - that’s a fabulous idea! Yeah Joshua Tree was in the plan if it’s open again, but definitely didn’t consider the others. Capitola was totally not on my radar - all I know about Capitola is how to pronounce it. Just did a quick Pinterest search on it, and it looks adorable. Thank you for your suggestions!! I know they’re opening up the parks for Memorial Day, but it will be interesting to see if the openings last for our June timing.

View Quoted Comment Glad I could help!
Yes Capitola is so close to Santa Cruz and so small that it’s not really as well knows as Santa Cruz! I just used to live in the South Bay and went there a few times, the cute colorful houses make for some nice pictures!
I love national parks!! I haven’t done sequoia or kings canyon yet but highly recommend Yosemite. I’ve driven through most of the park in one day so it’s totally possible to do a short visit and see a lot but you could also focus on one area and do a hike if you prefer! It’s really beautiful.You’re making me want to go back and do another California road trip haha

So I live on the California coast but I don’t know what will be open in 2 weeks. In Big Sur all the beaches and parks/trails are closed. Airbnb’s are banned and hotels are only allowed to operate for essential workers but most of the hotels are closed. Beaches are open for water sports but if you’re caught sitting on the sand it’s a $1,000 fine. I know someone also mentioned 17 mile drive but that’s closed to everyone that doesn’t live within the gates so no tourists can drive thru right now. I live in Monterey/Carmel area.

Monterey is beautiful. Also Santa Monica is one of my favorite places, but not sure how much would be open there right now. Not sure if this is too far south, but my husband is from Manhattan Beach and that’s a really cute area, so is Marina del Ray (close by) and El Segundo

Definitely visit Solvang...its very romantic

Joshua tree has great hikes if it’s not too hot! I like the jumbo rocks campsite