Visit This California Destination For A Picture-Perfect Mountainside Couple's Vacation

Mountain towns set the scene for romantic retreats. Quiet, relaxing, and beautiful, they are often full of fun things to do. While California has its share of picturesque mountain towns, one in particular proves to be the ideal place for a couple's vacation. With plenty of galleries, restaurants, historical sites, and an Old West vibe, this small town is only 20 minutes from scenic Lake Tahoe. It's a wonderful destination year-round and offers ample opportunities for romantic adventures.

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Truckee, California is one of many beautiful mountain towns in the U.S. Getting here is easy if you have a car. It's about 180 miles northeast of San Francisco. Simply stay on I-80 until you reach the small town. Alternatively, tourists can fly into Truckee Tahoe Airport, which provides private and charter options. Depending on the time of year, weather will likely predict activities. Temperatures range from 40 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 17 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Regardless of thermometer readings, couples will find plenty of things to do in this quaint mountain town.

Downtown Truckee is likely as charming as your significant other. Couples can stroll the historic town, wandering in and out of unique shops and art galleries, like Gallery 5830', which features artwork from Truckee and Tahoe artists. In the evening, pairs can go wine tasting at the Truckee River Winery, and enjoy a meal at Pianeta. The cozy Italian restaurant sits in the heart of downtown, and oozes Old-World ambiance while serving incredible homemade pasta and a rotating wine list.

In addition to exploring the town, Truckee offers beaches, watersports, snow sports, and hiking trails. Simply put, in Truckee, couples that love adventure are in luck. No matter the season, there's always an outdoor activity available. Fall brings vibrant colors and cooler temperatures, perfect for hiking nearby scenic trails. One good option is the China Cove Trail Loop. The hike is a lovely scenic trek (3.4 miles, 82 feet elevation gain) with lake and forest views. It's an easy walk, open year-round and perfect for strolling hand-in-hand. Alternatively, winter is full of snow and trails are open for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and more. Truckee is, in fact, a U.S. mountain town that really dazzles in the wintertime. Spring brings melted snow and gorgeous wildflowers, and summers offer the quintessential lake life with plenty of clear alpine water, sunny beaches, and of course, more beautiful trails to explore.

For couples, Truckee offers many accommodation options. Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe (from $160) is ranked high on the list of romantic retreats. Guest will enjoy an outdoor hot tub, barrel sauna, on-site restaurant, and eco-friendly products.

For couples who love historic hotels, try The Truckee Hotel (rates vary from $79 to $229). Established in 1873 and centrally located in downtown Truckee, the hotel's earth tones complement the natural colors of the mountain town. For water views, Donner Lake Village (call for rates) offers lakeside condos with gorgeous views. Outside, couples will find barbeques and picnic tables to enjoy a meal outdoors and lounge chairs to soak in views of the lake. Open all year long, couples can expect warm hospitality, even in the winter months.

For an especially upscale romantic getaway, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe (starting at $524) is a mere 15 minutes from downtown Truckee. This luxurious slope-side resort features ski-in/ski-out convenience in the winter, exquisite on-site dining, elegantly appointed rooms, and a 17,000-square-foot spa. Couples massage anyone?