Catalina Island Archives | Boutique Hotels of California

Catalina Island

Island Adventures and Mediterranean Charm Off the Southern California Coast

Just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island feels worlds away from the mainland. Rugged hills rise above turquoise coves, and colorful buildings cluster around Avalon’s picturesque harbor. With its Mediterranean atmosphere and remarkable natural beauty, the island offers a distinctive escape within easy reach of Los Angeles and Orange County.

Avalon

Nestled around a sheltered bay, Avalon is Catalina’s charming waterfront village. Pastel-colored buildings climb the hillsides above palm-lined streets and a lively waterfront promenade. Explore the town on foot, or rent a golf cart to discover scenic hilltop overlooks. The iconic Catalina Casino, an Art Deco landmark dating to 1929, stands at the water’s edge. Despite its name, the building has never been a gambling casino. Today, it houses a historic theater and grand ballroom.

Beach chairs and palm trees on a sandy beach — Descanso Beach Club

Catalina’s crystal-clear waters invite adventure. Snorkel among colorful marine life at Lover’s Cove, explore the coastline by kayak, or discover the underwater world aboard a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible submarine. At Descanso Beach, relax by the water or soar above the canyon on a thrilling zip line adventure with sweeping ocean views.

Little Harbor and Shark Harbor overlook on Catalina Island — Little Harbor and Shark Harbor overlook

Beyond Avalon, over 80% of the island remains undeveloped and protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. To explore its rugged wilderness and spot the island’s famous free-roaming bison, take a guided jeep tour. Adventurous hikers and backpackers can explore the 38-mile Trans-Catalina Trail, which traverses dramatic ridgelines and remote coves.

The Best Marathons in California

Posted on April 15, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

In California, a race is rarely just a race—it’s a journey through some of the most striking landscapes in the country. Miles unfold along cliffside highways, beneath towering redwoods, across sunlit vineyards, and out to the edge of the Pacific. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or planning a race weekend getaway, the state’s most iconic marathons and half marathons offer more than a finish line. Each delivers a distinct sense of place and community, with stays as memorable as the miles themselves.

Big Sur International Marathon

Runners crossing Bixby Bridge in Big Sur with rugged coastline and ocean in the background — Runners crossing Bixby Bridge at the Big Sur International Marathon, photo courtesy of Big Sur International Marathon

Arguably the most iconic marathon in California, the Big Sur International Marathon is a bucket-list run along Highway 1, tracing a dramatic stretch of coastline from Big Sur to Carmel. Runners are awestruck by the ocean cliffs, the redwoods, and the unforgettable moment of crossing Bixby Bridge—often accompanied by a live pianist. Held the last Sunday in April, it attracts everyone from elite runners to first timers, with a celebratory finish-line energy that feels more like a coastal festival than a race.

Where to Stay

Just minutes from the finish line in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Coachman’s Inn offers newly revamped rooms with soaking tubs, complimentary breakfast and wine hour, and a secluded hot tub and sauna. A landmark since 1889, the Pine Inn offers guest rooms ranging from cozy standards to penthouse suites—including some with ocean views—and features an on-site restaurant and bakery.

Runners on the road beneath towering redwood trees — Avenue of the Giants Marathon, photo by Valerie DePeel

Avenue of the Giants Marathon

Beneath a cathedral of ancient redwoods in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the Avenue of the Giants Marathon feels worlds away from the typical road marathon. The course is shady and cool. For miles, the only fans lining the course are the massive redwood trees, which sometimes block GPS signals and require runners to go by feel. Typically held the first Sunday in May, it draws those seeking a quiet, meditative experience with little fanfare, along with serious runners chasing a Boston qualifier on a certified course.

Where to Stay

An easy drive from the finish line, the picture-perfect Victorian village of Ferndale beckons travelers to step back in time. The grand Victorian Inn at the top of Main Street features spacious rooms with period details. The evening before the marathon, the hotel’s Village Pub hosts a pasta dinner for runners looking to load up on carbs. In addition, pre- and post-marathon massage is available at Blue Heron Massage and Healing Arts inside the hotel. Nearby, the meticulously restored Gingerbread Mansion is a Victorian landmark with period-perfect rooms and clawfoot soaking tubs.

Lake Tahoe Marathon

Circling the edge of North America’s largest alpine lake, the Lake Tahoe Marathon features a series of three marathons over one weekend, with routes that are as visually stunning as they are physically demanding. With altitude, hills, and crisp mountain air, it’s a race that rewards grit and pacing. Held in mid-October, it attracts adventure-minded runners—some of whom tackle all three marathons in three days or opt for the grueling 72-mile Tahoe Midnight Express. The payoff: brilliant fall color, sweeping lake views, and an icy, well-earned post-race plunge.

Where to stay

Near the race festivities in South Lake Tahoe, Black Bear Lodge’s rustic-chic cabins and guest rooms offer a quiet, comfortable place to rest and recover before and after the race. In Tahoe City, close to the finish for the Cal-Neva Marathon, The Cottage Inn offers enchanting cottages tucked beneath the pines with access to a private beach.

Napa Valley Marathon

A quintessential wine country run, the Napa Valley Marathon follows the Silverado Trail through vineyards and rolling countryside from Calistoga to Napa. The setting is serene and pastoral, with views of vineyards and the surrounding mountains bathed in golden light. Typically held the first weekend in March, it’s known for cool, consistent racing conditions and a net-downhill profile. The race draws both Boston qualifiers and runners who appreciate a more intimate atmosphere with a post-race glass of Cabernet.

Where to Stay

Just a few blocks from the starting line and Calistoga’s famous mineral springs, The Atlas Calistoga’s well-appointed cottages provide a serene retreat well-suited for pre-race management and recovery. Three miles from the finish, Milliken Creek Inn offers a relaxing riverside escape with made-to-order breakfast in bed, deep in-room soaking tubs, and on-site spa services.

California International Marathon

Fast, net downhill, and famously PR-friendly, the California International Marathon is where runners come to chase qualifying times. The point-to-point course from Folsom to downtown Sacramento offers long, gentle descents and typically ideal early-winter weather. Held the first Sunday in December, it draws a performance-driven crowd—from elite athletes to Boston hopefuls—all focused on one thing: speed.

Where to Stay

Just blocks from the finish line in downtown Sacramento, The Exchange Sacramento brings new life to an architectural classic—blending historic character with a modern sensibility and offering elegant, farm-to-fork dining. In a quiet residential neighborhood south of downtown, The Inn & Spa at Parkside is an oasis of relaxation and renewal with a day spa, sauna, and steam room.

Catalina Island Marathon

Equal parts trail race and endurance test, the Catalina Island Marathon traverses the rugged interior of the island with relentless hills, dirt roads, and sweeping ocean views. It’s remote, demanding, and wildly rewarding. Usually held in March, it attracts trail runners and adventure seekers who value grit over speed—this is less about finishing time and more about conquering terrain.

Where to stay

A hidden jewel, Snug Harbor Inn is a six-room boutique hotel tucked along the waterfront. The Avalon Hotel offers a relaxing rooftop deck and elegant rooms with private balconies and ocean views. Centered around a private courtyard, Catalina Courtyard Suites features newly revamped guestrooms and a spacious Penthouse Suite. The Aurora Hotel offers a mix of intimate guestrooms and suites with contemporary coastal décor and a rooftop deck.

La Bahia Hotel & Spa on Main Beach in Santa Cruz at sunrise — The start and finish for the Santa Cruz Marathon is held on Beach Street along Main Beach, photo courtesy of La Bahia Hotel & Spa

Santa Cruz Marathon

The inaugural Santa Cruz Marathon blends laid-back surf town vibes with a coastal rollercoaster of a course. The route takes runners from the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk through Capitola Village and then up to the rugged coastal bluff trails of Wilder Ranch State Park. Held in October, the dynamic course blends coastal scenery and varied terrain with iconic landmarks and a fiercely independent Santa Cruz attitude.

Where to Stay

Just steps from the start and finish lines, the luxurious new La Bahia Hotel & Spa features a spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, steam rooms, a sauna, and a rooftop deck. Next door, the newly renovated Marea Sol Hotel is a more intimate stay with a rooftop deck and coastal-inspired rooms. Also across from the start and finish, the family-friendly Beach Street Inn & Suites offers a contemporary beach vibe with free snow cones and a swimming pool.

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco at sunrise — Mile five of the San Francisco Marathon route features views of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise

San Francisco Marathon

Urban, hilly, and undeniably cinematic, the San Francisco Marathon showcases the city’s greatest hits—most notably a sunrise run across the Golden Gate Bridge. With steep climbs, coastal wind, and shifting fog, it’s as challenging as it is memorable. Held the last Sunday in July, it attracts a wide spectrum of participants: first-timers, international runners, and locals who embrace the city’s grit and incredible beauty.

Where to stay

Steps from Union Square and a quick ride-share down to the start and finish on the Embarcadero, the hip White Swan Inn combines the charm of an old English hotel with the sassy, mod flair of 1960s London. A few doors away, Petite Auberge blends French countryside charm with a curated selection of global objets d’art to craft a whimsical ambiance. For an upscale stay along the route with front door access to Presidio Trails and views of the Golden Gate Bridge, opt for the Lodge at the Presidio.

Half Marathons

Sunset in the vineyards of Sonoma County, CA — Vineyards in Sonoma County

Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon

A quintessential wine country run, the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon winds from the rolling vineyards in Napa Valley’s Los Carneros region to a festive finish in Sonoma Plaza. The course is gently undulating and scenic, with long stretches of open road framed by vines and golden hills. Held in mid-July, it attracts a social, lifestyle-driven crowd—runners who come for the experience as much as the race—with post-run wine tastings and a celebratory finish that leans more toward a fête than a finish line.

Where to Stay

At the southern gateway to Sonoma, the newly updated Casia Inn is a tranquil garden oasis with elegant, modern guest rooms and a pool. Runners can save 15% on their stay over the race weekend with promo code MARATHON2026. Just two blocks from the finish line at Sonoma Plaza, the Inn at Sonoma features a rooftop deck and hot tub for post-race relaxation, plus a complimentary wine reception and breakfast for two.

Monterey Bay Half Marathon

Set along one of California’s most beautiful coastlines, the Monterey Bay Half Marathon delivers a flat, fast course through Monterey and Pacific Grove, with long stretches tracing the edge of the rocky shoreline. Cypress trees and panoramic ocean views line the route nearly the entire way. Typically held in mid-November, it draws a mix of first-timers and seasoned runners drawn by its blend of coastal scenery and easygoing vibe.

Where to Stay

Perched above the coastal route in Pacific Grove, the Green Gables Inn is a newly revamped Queen Anne Victorian with panoramic ocean views and a complimentary breakfast and wine hour. Across from Lover’s Point, the Seven Gables Inn is an elegant Victorian estate with ocean views from every room and a generous breakfast buffet.

Aerial view of afternoon light shining on the historic buildings of the downtown core. — An aerial view of historic Downtown San Luis Obispo

City to the Sea Half Marathon

A Central Coast favorite, the City to the Sea Half Marathon traces a scenic route from downtown San Luis Obispo to the shores of Avila Beach. The course passes historic landmarks, quiet country roads, and stretches of the tree-lined Bob Jones Trail before opening to the Pacific. Held in mid-November, the community-driven race offers beautiful views and a festive after-party by the sea with proceeds benefiting local track and field and cross-country teams.

Where to stay

Just steps from the start, the hip, modern Hotel San Luis Obispo features two chef-driven restaurants, a rooftop lounge, a pool, and an on-site spa offering deep tissue massage and CBD therapies. A few blocks away, Hotel Cerro boasts stylish, contemporary interiors, a stunning rooftop pool, and a serene spa for post-race recovery.

Meaningful Escapes: Boutique Hotels in California That Give Back

Posted on November 8, 2025October 27, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Travel can do more than inspire wonder—it can make a positive impact wherever we go. Through Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back initiative, boutique hotels across California are transforming the simple act of checking in into an opportunity for supporting their local communities. Each participating hotel donates a portion of every guest night stay to a local nonprofit, funding causes that protect wildlife, conserve wildlands, reduce food waste, and uplift people in need. From Catalina Island to Mendocino’s rugged coast, these stays prove that meaningful travel starts where you choose to unpack your bags.

Mar Vista Farm + Cottages

Mar Vista Farm + Cottages donates $4 from every night of your stay to the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy, which preserves and restores the wild beauty of coastal southern Mendocino and northern Sonoma Counties. Through land acquisitions, habitat restoration, and public access, the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy safeguards redwood forests, bluffs, and estuaries for future generations. At Mar Vista, you’ll find a peaceful refuge nestled on nine acres with cozy vintage cottages, edible gardens, delightful farm animals, a redwood soaking tub, and private access to a secluded beach. Each stay helps protect California’s “Secret Coast” for generations to come.

Twelve Senses Retreat

Located near Encinitas’ legendary surf breaks, Twelve Senses Retreat donates $2 from every night of your stay to the Changing Tides Foundation, a women-led nonprofit empowering people to protect the planet through inclusivity and action. Changing Tides Foundation’s initiatives—ranging from mentorship programs to community composting and environmental education—foster compassion, equity, and collective impact. The four-room micro-retreat was designed to nurture guests’ well-being with a focus on sustainability, blending minimalist luxury with mindful living. Your stay supports a movement that celebrates diversity and drives planet-positive change.

The Gables Wine Country Inn

Nestled amid the vineyards in Santa Rosa, The Gables Wine Country Inn donates $2 from every night of your stay to Farm to Pantry, which rescues excess produce from Sonoma County farms to feed food-insecure families and reduce food waste. Since 2008, the organization has gleaned over six million servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, preventing methane emissions and feeding neighbors in need. At this elegant 1877 Gothic Victorian inn, you can enjoy lavender fields, vineyard walks, clawfoot tubs, and a three-course gourmet breakfast each morning—all while helping create a “zero hungry, zero waste” Sonoma County.

The Avalon Hotel

On Catalina Island, The Avalon Hotel donates $1 from every night of your stay to the Marine Mammal Care Center, whose mission is to inspire ocean conservation through rescue, rehabilitation, education, and research. Since 1992, MMCC has rescued nearly 10,000 marine mammals along 70 miles of Los Angeles County coastline, including Catalina Island. The island’s local responder, Jon Council, aids seals, sea turtles, and other creatures in distress. Guests of the elegant, Arts-and-Crafts-inspired boutique hotel enjoy private balconies with ocean views, a stunning rooftop deck, a lush garden patio, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Every stay helps protect the island’s vibrant marine life.

Noyo Harbor Inn

In Fort Bragg, Noyo Harbor Inn contributes $1 from every night of your stay to the Mendocino Land Trust, dedicated to conserving habitats, working lands, and scenic coastal areas while expanding public access. The trust’s trail creation, habitat restoration, and reforestation projects protect redwoods, rivers, and marine life. Perched above Fort Bragg’s working harbor, this meticulously restored Art-and-Crafts-style hotel features glowing fireplaces, outstanding farm-to-table cuisine, a pre-Prohibition era-inspired bar with an extensive whiskey library, and the rich, century-old woodworking details of Scandinavian shipwrights. You can help sustain Mendocino’s wild beauty—one night and one trail at a time.

Mine + Farm

In Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Mine + Farm donates $1 from every night of your stay to Charlie’s Acres Farm Sanctuary. The nonprofit rescues abused and neglected farm animals while educating visitors about compassionate living and the benefits of plant-based diets. At the sanctuary, rescued pigs, goats, and cows live out their natural lives in peace while demonstrating how all creatures are deserving of kindness. At Mine + Farm, owners Suzanne and Bryce have reimagined a classic B&B as a thoughtfully curated modern retreat where connection and community matter. Your stay supports Charlie’s Acres’ rescue work and public education.

Catalina Courtyard Suites

Catalina Courtyard Suites contributes $1 from every night of your stay to Bleu World, a nonprofit building a community of ocean changemakers through conservation, science, and education. Bleu World fosters inclusivity and access to in-ocean experiences for children, underrepresented groups, and aspiring environmentalists, connecting people to Catalina’s undersea world. Set just steps from Avalon Bay, Catalina Courtyard Suites offers oversized guest rooms with spa-like baths, a one-of-a-kind ocean view penthouse, and an enchanting courtyard with a fire pit. Your stay funds programs to protect the ocean and inspire the next generation of marine stewards.

The Inn at Newport Ranch

The Inn at Newport Ranch donates $1 from every night of your stay to the Redwood Forest Foundation Inc., which restores and sustainably manages depleted forest lands for ecological health and community benefit. The foundation’s work preserves critical redwood habitats, promotes reforestation, and creates local jobs. Perched on the rugged Mendocino Coast, the ranch offers tranquility across 2,200 acres of coastal meadows and redwood-covered hills. This one-of-a-kind escape features luxurious guest rooms, extraordinary hospitality, elevated ranch cuisine, guided UTV tours, and 25 miles of private trails. In addition to supporting the Redwood Forest Foundation’s work, the ranch also plants a redwood seedling for every guest.

Farmers' Market in Downtown SLO — Farmers’ Market in Downtown SLO

San Luis Obispo

Every hotel stay at every hotel in San Luis Obispo helps to plant trees in the local community. In partnership with EcoSLO, Visit San Luis Obispo’s Keys for Trees initiative uses a portion of each guest’s room charge to help the city plant 10,000 new trees and meet its carbon neutrality goals by 2035. Through its collaboration with Kind Traveler, Visit San Luis Obispo provides real-time updates for travelers to observe how their travel to SLO is making a positive impact on the destination. You can support the Keys for Trees initiative by staying at any boutique hotel in San Luis Obispo: Apple Farm Inn, Garden Street Inn, Granada Hotel & Bistro, Hotel Cerro, Hotel San Luis Obispo, Madonna Inn, Petit Soleil, San Luis Creek Lodge, and The Butler Hotel.

Eloping in Style: California’s Most Romantic Boutique Hotels for Intimate Weddings

Posted on June 6, 2025October 29, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Ready to run off together? From windswept coastal cliffs to sun-drenched vineyards and redwood retreats, California’s boutique hotels offer intimate, effortlessly stylish settings for tying the knot. Whether you’re planning a barefoot beach ceremony or a small garden gathering, these handpicked properties deliver charm, character, and curated elopement experiences to match your love story.

Inn at Occidental

Tucked among majestic redwoods in the historic Sonoma County village of Occidental, the Inn at Occidental is a dreamy retreat for an elopement. The inn’s romantic outdoor spaces bloom with garden flowers and fountains, perfect for exchanging vows privately or with a close circle of loved ones. An all-inclusive elopement package includes an officiant, photographer, floral design, live music, a cake, and a charcuterie board paired with Sonoma wines. Afterward, unwind in a luxurious guest room with a fireplace and spa tub.

Sand Rock Farm

Secluded amid the sun-dappled forest of a historic country estate, Sand Rock Farm is a premier choice for private elopements in Santa Cruz County. Once the site of the region’s first winery, the lovingly restored property now welcomes couples to say “I do” beneath the redwoods and toast in the barrel aging cellar or rustic carriage barn. Packages—available for two-person ceremonies or gatherings of up to 40 guests—include wedding coordination and exclusive use of the venue.

Inn at the Opera

Just two blocks from the iconic San Francisco City Hall, the European-inspired Inn at the Opera is a refined and romantic hideaway for eloping in the city. Built in the 1920s to house visiting opera stars, the hotel still hums with artistic spirit and old-world glamour. The staff specializes in tailoring each stay with celebratory amenities and thoughtful touches, making every couple feel like the stars of their own love story. Hayes Valley and the city’s performing arts venues are just steps away.

Timber Cove Resort

Set against the wild beauty of the Sonoma Coast, Timber Cove Resort is a stunning elopement destination. With 26 acres of native vegetation and dramatic ocean views, the resort offers a variety of breathtaking ceremony spots. For elopements with up to 10 guests, couples can follow their vows with an elegant dinner in the private Coast Commune room—complete with a live-edge redwood table, fireplace, and panoramic windows framing the sea and sunset.

Stanford Inn by the Sea

Overlooking the Pacific on the Mendocino Coast, Stanford Inn by the Sea is a one-of-a-kind, 100% plant-based resort and an inspiring setting for saying “I do.” Two elopement packages include a private ceremony by Rev. Jeff Stanford and photography. The enhanced option adds in-room champagne and a three-course dinner at the inn’s acclaimed restaurant. Packages are priced from $675, excluding accommodations.

The Genevieve

Nestled in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country, The Genevieve is a storybook hideaway for couples craving romance and seclusion. The hotel’s outdoor spaces exude secret garden charm with vine-draped archways and sunlit corners. Inside, the historic carriage house glows with exposed beams and twinkle lights—ideal for a first dance or cozy celebration. Guest rooms are equally dreamy, some featuring jetted tubs and private balconies for post-vow relaxation.

Aurora Hotel

Just a short boat ride from Southern California’s mainland, the romance of Catalina Island feels a world away—and the Aurora Hotel adds extra magic for eloping couples. Its Romance Package includes a flower bouquet, bottle of wine, couples massage, round-trip boat transportation, and taxi service from the Avalon dock. Priced from $580, excluding accommodations, this add-on makes the planning seamless. Celebrate with a toast on the hotel’s rooftop deck overlooking the harbor.

Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa

An intimate Mendocino Coast escape embraced by ocean waves and towering trees, Brewery Gulch Inn & Spa feels tailor-made for elopements. Two thoughtfully designed packages simplify the experience: the Simply Beautiful package is just for two, while the Deluxe version includes romantic extras and welcomes up to four guests. Both include an intimate ceremony by a resident celebrant, floral designs, and photography. A two-night minimum stay is required.

Drift Santa Barbara

For couples looking to elope in style, Drift Santa Barbara offers a fresh take on the traditional wedding venue. Set along downtown’s vibrant State Street, this modern boutique hotel blends coastal cool with minimalist design. The hotel’s new 2,200-square-foot indoor-outdoor space provides a blank canvas for bespoke celebrations. It’s also just steps from the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse—perfect for couples planning a civic ceremony. Special packages make it easy to personalize your day.

Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

Tucked in the heart of Los Olivos, Fess Parker Wine Country Inn offers a refined yet relaxed setting for an intimate ceremony. The beautifully landscaped garden and terrace provide a naturally elegant backdrop, while the on-site restaurant, Nella Kitchen & Bar, serves up seasonal cuisine with wine country flair. With just 19 rooms, the inn feels like a private escape designed for romance.

Elk Cove Inn & Spa

Perched high above the Mendocino Coast, Elk Cove Inn & Spa is a windswept wonderland of cypress trees, lush gardens, and panoramic ocean views. Couples can exchange vows in the oceanfront gazebo, open-air amphitheater, or fireside indoors. The inn’s elopement packages are thoughtfully curated and include a licensed officiant, a custom bouquet and boutonniere, and a cake for two—everything you need for an unforgettable celebration.

Petit Soleil

Bringing a French countryside flair to San Luis Obispo, Petit Soleil charms with its cobblestone courtyards and Provençal details. Ideal for a just-for-two wedding or an intimate gathering, couples can rent the courtyard—or even the entire inn. Curated cocktails and custom catering elevate the occasion, while in-room extras like fresh-cut flowers and champagne add even more romance.

The Inn at Newport Ranch

Stretching across 2,200 acres of the rugged Mendocino Coast, The Inn at Newport Ranch offers the ultimate in secluded romance. With windswept bluffs and woodsy trails, it’s a magical backdrop for elopements. The midweek-only package for two includes everything from an officiant and photographer to florals, sparkling wine, and a custom cake. Accommodations are extra, and restrictions apply.

Seal Cove Inn

Tucked on a bluff above Half Moon Bay, Seal Cove Inn is a European-inspired estate wrapped in gardens and cypress trees. A private path leads to the beach and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. The Elopement Package—crafted just for two—includes an officiant, bouquet, photographer, and a two-night stay in the luxurious Cypress Grove Suite, complete with a fireplace and spa tub.

De La Vina Inn

Just steps from downtown Santa Barbara’s State Street, De La Vina Inn blends historic Craftsman charm with private, tranquil gardens. Couples looking for an intimate ceremony can explore buyout options or tailored service packages. The Penthouse Suite is a standout with its private deck, spacious layout, and spa-inspired bathroom—perfect for newlywed indulgence.

Gingerbread Mansion Inn

In Ferndale, Gingerbread Mansion Inn is a romantic Victorian landmark that transports guests to a bygone era. The Lost Coast Elopement Package is designed for just two and includes a ceremony in the English garden or a parlor, two witnesses, champagne or wine, and attentive day-of assistance—plus countless romantic extras to complete the storybook setting.

Alisal Ranch

Set on 10,500 acres in Santa Barbara wine country, Alisal Ranch is a luxe Western retreat offering tailored elopement experiences. Packages can accommodate as few as three to five guests and often include a two-night stay for midweek ceremonies. Between horseback rides, golf, spa treatments, and starlit dinners, the ranch transforms elopements into full-fledged romantic escapes.

Old Monterey Inn

An elegant Tudor-style escape, Old Monterey Inn exudes Old World charm with an English cottage feel and captivating gardens. The all-inclusive Elopement Package, priced from $4,000 through October, includes two nights’ accommodations, exclusive use of the gardens, a ceremony with coordination, champagne, and more. It’s perfect for just the two of you—or up to four guests.

Eden Vale Inn

In the Sierra foothills near Placerville, Eden Vale Inn is a hidden romantic retreat with an intimate wedding pavilion and a beautiful pond. Packages for up to 14 guests start at $699 and cover every detail for a serene, love-filled day. The inn offers just seven rooms, all of which feature fireplaces, romantic lighting, and private patios with outdoor soaking tubs for unwinding after your “I dos.”

Inn at Zaca Creek

Reminiscent of a 17th-century English estate, the Inn at Zaca Creek offers Old World romance in Santa Barbara wine country. Couples can choose ceremony sites near the lagoon pool or overlooking the rolling hills of Santa Ynez Valley. An on-site coordinator helps ensure each elopement is as effortless as it is enchanting.

MacCallum House

In the heart of Mendocino village, the storied MacCallum House is steeped in romantic history. The builder gifted the Victorian mansion to his daughter for her wedding in the 1800s. The inn’s experienced team provides complete wedding coordination and decadent meals from the onsite restaurant. End your day in the honeymoon suite with its ocean views and claw-foot tub.

Hotel Cerro

Chic and contemporary, Hotel Cerro in downtown San Luis Obispo offers multiple stylish spaces to say “I do”—including the breezy Fig Veranda and rooftop deck with mountain views. Couples benefit from the hotel’s in-house wedding specialists and elevated touches that make even the smallest ceremony feel personalized and memorable.

Lavender Inn

In Ojai, the Lavender Inn is a romantic retreat between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Its colorful gardens, oak trees, and tranquil pond offer serene ceremony spots for tying the knot. Elopement packages are available, and the inn’s coordinator can help plan your perfect day. The Provence Cottage—with a private yard and fireplace—is a honeymoon dream.

Inn at Opolo

The Inn at Opolo offers the ultimate in seclusion among the rolling hills and vineyards of Paso Robles. A grassy hilltop site offers a romantic spot for exchanging vows with panoramic views of wine country. With just three luxurious rooms and acres to explore, it’s an ideal destination for couples seeking solitude. Add the Celebration Package to your stay for champagne, a bouquet, and a personal-size cake.

Outdoor event space at the Dunbar House Inn

Dunbar House Inn

Located in the historic gold rush town of Murphys, the Dunbar House Inn is an Italianate-style estate offering beautiful outdoor garden spaces for exchanging vows. The inn’s midweek Elopement Package, starting at $3,995, includes two nights’ accommodations, a garden ceremony with coordination, a small cake, sparkling wine, and more—for the couple and up to 10 guests.

Churchill Manor

Straight from the pages of a romance novel, Churchill Manor is a grand 1889 mansion in Napa offering timeless elegance. The Simply Elegant Elopement Package includes a two-night stay, ceremony in the gardens or on the veranda, bouquet and boutonniere, cake, bubbly, and minister. Everything is designed for an effortlessly refined celebration.

McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn

Majestic cedars and pines stand witness to private “I dos” at the McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn in Twain Harte. The romantic mountain lodge offers three wedding packages, including the Wedding and Honeymoon bundle designed for elopements. Priced from $1,595, the package includes a ceremony, a cake, a champagne toast, and two nights’ accommodations.

The Gables Wine Country Inn

Located in the heart of Sonoma County, The Gables Wine Country Inn is a historic Gothic Victorian mansion trimmed in romance. The inviting grounds offer several backdrops for tying the knot, including a redwood grove, a historic barn, and a vineyard. The Intimate Family & Friends Wedding Package, priced from $1,500, includes venue use for 90 minutes, an officiant, and seating for up to 15.

Milliken Creek Inn

On the banks of the Napa River, Milliken Creek Inn offers a peaceful garden setting for elopements. The midweek package includes two nights in a luxury suite, a private ceremony with an officiant, a romantic turndown service with sparkling wine, and a gourmet breakfast served anywhere on the property. The package is available Sunday through Thursday.

Mill Rose Inn

The classic Mill Rose Inn bed and breakfast in Half Moon Bay has long been known for its romantic English country garden-style weddings. The meticulously manicured grounds are framed in colorful blooms offering couples an intimate setting for exchanging vows. Elopement packages include full-service planning and accommodations. The Bordeaux Rose Suite—complete with an oversized whirlpool tub—is a favorite among honeymooners.

Nick’s Cove

Tucked into a peaceful cove along Tomales Bay, Nick’s Cove is a soulful setting for an elopement. Vows can be exchanged on a rustic pier, a beach, or from the back of a chartered boat. 14 romantic waterfront and waterview cottages offer cozy luxury—think wood-burning stoves, soaking tubs, and heated floors—with views that make you want to stay forever.

Simpson House Inn

An acre of private gardens and a Victorian estate tucked within Santa Barbara make the Simpson House Inn feel like your own secret sanctuary. All weddings require a full inn buyout for two nights, ensuring complete privacy. The estate includes 15 opulent guest rooms, including four cottages, offering luxury and intimacy for you and your guests.