Next Stop: Paradise

March/April
California
Average temperatures:
March: 46–64 degrees
April: 47–67 degrees

Sure, you could spend your entire honeymoon tucked away in a bungalow built for two. Restless types, however, should consider something a bit more active, like meandering down California’s Pacific coast. The unforgettable stretch of road promises a spectacular beach around the bend of every corner and a plethora of places to pull off for diversions. Ride the roller coaster in Santa Cruz, browse galleries in ritzy Carmel-by-the-sea, go tidepooling in Big Sur, rent cruiser bikes on Santa Barbara’s palm-lined waterfront—and never see the same sunset twice. Hitting the coast in spring means you’ll get green hills, tons of wildflowers, and fewer crowds. (The tradeoff is that you’ll need a wetsuit if you want to hit the waves.) And take out a few extra days on the rental car, because when you reach LA, you might just want to turn right around and drive it all again.

Sweet suites: Provence meets California at the Bernardus Lodge, which lies 15 minutes outside Carmel-by-the-sea. From here, wine-tasting in the Carmel Highlands is a must (honeymooners get VIP tasting passes at Bernardus Winery) before returning to a romantic fireplace, a tub for two, and homemade lavender bath salts (888-648-9463, www.bernardus.com).

Hollywood types and honeymooners looking for an ultra-private retreat hole up at the posh Bacara Resort & Spa, about 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara. Here, along the “American Riviera,” you’ll find perfectly aligned palm trees and dramatic infinity pools on the way down the hillside to a 2-mile secluded beach (877-422-4245, bacararesort.com).

One memorable meal: Every seat is a window seat at the swank Post Ranch Inn’s romantic Sierra Mar, an upscale eatery built on a cliff 1,200 feet above the Big Sur coast. Splurge on a four-course prix-fixe dinner of local seafood and greens from on-site organic gardens, and, if you’re lucky, the first of the super-sweet woodland strawberries (831-667-2800, postranchinn.com).

Compatibility test
Best for: flip-flop wearing, beach-obsessed bohemians who crave salt air, plenty of variety, and the chance to dress up for a nice night out.
Not for: Planners chained to their guidebooks, anyone predisposed to car sickness or road rage.

-Abigail Peterson