A California State Park is never far away from anyone living in California, and each State Park has so much to offer. Every California State Park offers unique experiences and romantic scenery. Whether it's Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or a first-date, pack your picnic basket and head to one of the State Parks we recommend below.

Make sure to read all the way to the end for our super secret bonus tip: the ultimate National Park to go in California for a romantic getaway. Can you guess where it will be?

1. Point Lobos State Reserve (Between SF Bay Area and Los Angeles)

Point Lobos is a great place to spend an afternoon nature hiking

Our first and our top pick for the best place to visit with your significant other is Point Lobos. Nestled on the coast 15 minutes south of Monterey, CA, Point Lobos will prove to be not just any walk in the park. After visiting, you might agree with the statement that Point Lobos might actually be "most beautiful meeting of land and sea," in the world as a famous landscape artist once said. Don't just take our word for it though, ask the almost 700 on Yelp, who have left a 4.9/5 star rating with reviews like, "I can't think of any reason why anyone would give this place less than five stars." Point Lobos is a few things; it's a must see, it's a hidden gem, and it's a great day-stop for a picnic and nature walk. Point Lobos pairs well in an itinerary that includes a nature walk and then a drive north to Monterey to the aquarium and food at the pier. Point Lobos is 2 hours south of the Bay Area and 5 hours north of Los Angeles. Learn more about Point Lobos by reading our Point Lobos Travel Guide.

2. Big Basin Redwoods State Forest (SF Bay Area)

Known as have giant coastal redwood trees and incredible streams and waterfalls, Big Basin is a forest that's filled with a super abundance of nature and wildlife. Big Basin feels just as grand as love can feel. You're body fills with happy-hormones that leaves you with a natural high the whole time you're there. Explore with your lover and discover luscious mushrooms, neon yellow banana slugs, and roaring waterfalls in this beautiful forest. Big Basin makes you feel lucky to be alive. You can camp in Big Basin and there's a plethora of hiking trails. Big Basin is an hour south of San Jose. Lean more about visiting Big Basin by reading our Travel Guide.

3. Catalina Island (Los Angeles)

Catalina Island is not an official California State Park, but it should be. It's rich history and beautiful scenery is incredible to see in person. Catalina Island is an adorable place to visit. The island really sets the mood; you can't help but feel happy the whole time you're there. It's the perfect place for a couple to go on a day-trip close to LA. The best part is that Catalina Island has so many activities to choose from. It doesn't matter if you're a wine and dine type of couple, or a hiking and camping type of couple, Catalina Island is ready to provide you memories and photos that will last a lifetime. Check out our Catalina Island Travel Guide to get started.

Bonus: Yosemite (Between LA and SF)

Yosemite is the best California romantic destination

If none of the above three destinations above interested you too much because you're looking for something on a more grand scale, then we have the perfect place for you. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. Forget everything you know about Yosemite. If you've never been to Yosemite before, stop whatever you're doing (including reading this) and start planning your trip to this magnificent National Park. Yosemite is the perfect place for lovers. It's the type of place that's so beautiful, it makes you want to drop on one knee and propose to your significant other right then and there. Learn more about visiting this famous international travel destination by reading our Yosemite Travel Guide.