Honeymoon

Where oh where?? Europe in California?

My fiance and I would have loved to go to Europe for our Honeymoon but that is just not in our budget. Even so we do not want to end up in some flee bag inn in the middle of nowhere for our Honeymoon so we have been looking at different affordable options.

What we want:
-Affordable
-Cute
-Away from everything
-Things to do and see
-Nature
-European Influence(if possible)

What I found:
Groupon and LivingSocial can have AMAZING deals if you keep checking. But then you are really letting your Honeymoon location be determined by what shows up. Plus many of the packages are limited to 1 to 2 nights. You also have to be careful to make sure that the deal matches up with you honeymoon dates.

We decided that we are not as into beaches but more so into mountains and areas where we can hike.

When I was talking to a friend of mine the City of Solvang, CA came up. It is a Danish city located between L.A. and San Fran on the California Coast, smack dab in the middle of wine country.

Things Solvang has:
-Hiking or Horseback riding
-Wine Tasting
-European Style Village (and food!)
-Local places to visit and see: miniature horse farm, ostrich farm, theater, Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Restaurants, Shops
- Coast
-Red Rock Swimming Hole (Santa Barbara)

It provides a convenient way to feel like you are in a different place without going far from home.

Hotel prices were also very affordable although you do have to look around.

I'm not sure yet if we will end up going here but it is a good option.

Other great places for a honeymoon in California:
San Diego
San Francisco
Coronado Island
Catalina Island
Julian
Big Bear

What are some things that make up your ideal honeymoon?