West Coast Bed and Breakfasts Spark Romance

by Jane Leisteiner

From the cool winds of the Puget Sound to the surf and sand of Southern California, West Coast bed and breakfasts offer some of the country’s most romantic vacation spots. Here are some top picks for that romantic getaway.

The Inn at Harbor Steps is perfectly located for those wishing to enjoy all the fun of Seattle, and perfectly romantic for couples seeking a special getaway. Guest rooms are spacious with sitting areas and fireplaces. Many have views of the garden. You will be pampered with a full breakfast, and in the afternoons, the innkeepers serve wine and appetizers. Guests can walk to shops, art galleries, restaurants and world-famous Pike’s Place Market.

With its spectacular water and mountain views and peaceful, remote location, Whidbey Island is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway. Just 80 miles from Seattle, the island offers galleries, shops, restaurants, a historic lighthouse and unique festivals throughout the year. For romantic accommodations, try the Saratoga Inn, where you’ll find beautifully decorated guest rooms with fireplaces and views of the water and Cascade Mountains. A full breakfast and gourmet afternoon treats are among the amenities.

Cypress trees and gardens dot the landscape at the Seal Cove Inn, a romantic bed and breakfast just a few minutes from the coastal town of Half Moon Bay and only 24 miles from San Francisco. The peaceful, romantic setting includes spacious guest rooms with a private balcony or terrace with views of the ocean. The rooms also include king beds and fireplaces. Treat your special someone with the inn’s Keepsake Package, which includes balloons, chocolate truffles and a teddy bear.

The West Cliff Inn combines the romance of ocean views with the historic ambiance of a restored Victorian manor. The three-story Victorian Italianate bed and breakfast offers guest rooms with king beds and fireplaces. Some rooms include a jetted spa tub. One particularly romantic suite has its own private, outdoor hot tub. After a full breakfast, head out and take a walk along the beach or explore the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

The Green Gables Inn will fulfill all of your romantic expectations. Located in a stunning restored Victorian in Pacific Grove, the bed and breakfast boasts spectacular views and romantic decor. Each of the guest rooms is unique, and several have an ocean view. Guests need only step out the door and walk across the street to reach the beach. Also in Pacific Grove is the Gosby House Inn, another charming Victorian with romantic rooms and plenty of amenities. There are 22 guest rooms appointed in English Country style. Many have a fireplace or window seat. The Carriage House includes rooms with a spa tub, fireplace and balcony. Both of these Pacific Grove inns are close to many popular attractions in the Monterey Peninsula.

Channel Road Inn is an ideal Southern California bed and breakfast. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the sea in Santa Monica, guests can borrow the inn’s bicycles and pedal along the town’s famed boardwalk. The historic inn offers 15 individually decorated guest rooms, many with a fireplace, canopy bed or jetted spa tub. A few have a peek ocean view. Guests are pampered with a full breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres, and freshly baked cookies. All the shopping, museums and attractions of Los Angeles are a short drive away.

At the Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point, guests enjoy a sweeping view of the local harbor and the coastline. Just a few minutes from Laguna Beach and about an hour south of Los Angeles, this Southern California bed and breakfast offers spacious, romantic guest rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Several boast a sea view. The innkeepers have bicycles for guest use and a fitness center. On-site spa treatments also can be arranged. The innkeepers’ Celebration Package includes a bottle of champagne, chocolate truffles, breakfast in bed and one of the inn’s signature teddy bears.

About the Author:

Jane Leisteiner is an frequent traveler and enjoys B&Bs. For more info about Southern California bed and breakfasts or other California bed and breakfasts, go to the Four Sisters or iLoveInns sites.

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