Romance and adventure abound in the Gold Country and High Sierra. Any season is a good time to explore Calaveras County and the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway. Romantic B&Bs, restaurants, indoor and outdoor activities, and the quiet nature of Calaveras make it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle and create alone time for you and your special someone. Here are a few of our suggestions of what Calaveras offers for your ultimate romantic getaway:
Romantic Winter Getaway: Friday Night
Check in for 2 nights’ stay at the romantic, award-winning Arnold Black Bear Inn. Then head out for dinner at local favorite, Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen. If you’re trying Sarafina’s, we recommend you make your reservations at least a week before your visit – they tend to fill up fast. Looking for another romantic option? Try Sequoia Woods Country Club – exclusive access to Arnold Black Bear Inn patrons only or Dogwood that boasts casual fine dining with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Watch them prepare meals in their exhibition style kitchen right on Highway 4.
Returning to the Black Bear Inn after dinner, take a stroll around the grounds and enjoy the spectacular night sky.
Looking for even more options for romantic lodging? Check out additional lodging options here.
Romantic Getaway: Saturday
Start your day early and head up Highway 4, also known as the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway, for a morning of skiing or snowboarding at Bear Valley Resort. Relax with a gourmet brunch at their Creekside Bistro.
Head down Highway 4 to Moaning Caverns for a guided tour into California’s largest cave chamber followed by a fun session of axe throwing. After all that excitement, you’ll love a couples massage in Murphys, with candles and champagne followed by an infra-red sauna session from Elements Day Spa.
Now you’re deliciously relaxed, head into Murphys charming historic Gold Rush downtown and enjoy a romantic dinner at the outstanding V Restaurant. Then it’s back up the hill to enjoy wine and cheese at the Arnold Black Bear Inn before turning in for the night.
Romantic Getaway: Sunday
After Arnold Black Bear Inn’s delicious, hand-prepared breakfast (try the nut-crusted French Toast) drive back up to Bear Valley to rent snowmobiles for 2 hours on the Lake Alpine trail from Bear Valley Snowmobile. Here, you’ll get quick and easy snowmobile driving instruction before heading off on your own to explore miles of gorgeous trails.
As you return to Arnold, stop off at Calaveras Big Trees State Park to snowshoe or hike through the North Grove for the most beautiful winter wonderland scenery interspersed with spectacular giant sequoia trees. Finish up at the warming hut for spiced cider or hot chocolate or go a few minutes up the road to dog-friendly Lube Room Saloon for an unbelievable burger.
Looking for more snow play options? Find different ways to enjoy the snow in Calaveras and the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway here.
Your last stop on your romantic getaway: Camps in Angels Camp for a delicious, fresh lunch overlooking rolling foothills and 100-year old oak trees. Pair with a glass of excellent local wine or classic prosecco.
Romantic Winter Getaway BONUS:
Additional Restaurants
Looking for even more options for a romantic dinner? You can explore restaurants by town here: Restaurants in Angels Camp I Restaurants in Arnold I Restaurants in Copperopolis I Restaurants in Mokelumne Hill I Restaurants in Murphys I Restaurants in San Andreas I Restaurants in Valley Springs
Romantic Winter Getaway BONUS:
Additional Activities
Tailor your trip to your sweetie’s taste with one of these excellent activity options for a romantic winter getaway: Courtwood Wine Tours | Mercer Caverns | Angels 6 Theatres | Murphys Creek Theatre | Murphys Main Street Wineries | Yosemite Flight Tours | Ironstone Vineyards | Calaveras County museums
Romantic Winter Getaway BONUS:
Additional Lodging
Looking for additional excellent lodging options for a romantic winter getaway? Here are a few of our most popular options for couples looking to add a little extra romance to their weekend: Courtwood Inn | Dunbar House 1880 | Querencia | Victoria Inn | Murphys Vacation Rentals | V Vacation Rentals | Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals
Happy travels!