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The Enduring Historic Charm of California’s Oldest Hotels

Posted on June 2, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

California’s oldest hotels are more than places to spend the night—they are living pieces of the state’s history. Some began as Gold Rush-era saloons and stagecoach stops. Others rose from the ashes of devastating fires and earthquakes or welcomed generations of artists, entertainers, and world leaders. Together, they tell the story of California’s evolution from frontier outpost to global destination. For a century or more, these enduring landmarks have witnessed many of the state’s defining moments while continuously reinventing themselves for new generations. Rich with architectural character, stories, and a deep sense of place, they offer travelers something increasingly rare: the chance to experience California history firsthand.

The Groveland Hotel

Built in 1849, The Groveland Hotel was founded as the Garrote Hotel in a rough-and-tumble Gold Rush town known for frontier justice and a grim name that meant “death by strangulation.” Originally built as a trading post, the building quickly became a lodge for miners as well as a saloon, gambling hall, and brothel. When local residents sought a more respectable future, Garrote was renamed Groveland in 1875, and the hotel followed suit. The arrival of Yosemite-bound tourists and, later, engineers working on San Francisco’s Hetch Hetchy water project brought cycles of prosperity. Today, the hotel’s original adobe walls remain, while the renovated interiors blend Gold Rush-era charm with modern amenities. Local legend holds that a long-departed miner named Lyle still haunts Room 15, making it one of the property’s most requested accommodations.

The Upham Hotel

Opened in 1871 as the Lincoln House, The Upham Hotel is Santa Barbara’s oldest continuously operating hotel. Built by Amasa Lincoln, a distant cousin of Abraham Lincoln, the New England-style boarding house welcomed pioneer settlers arriving by horse, steamship, and on foot. As Santa Barbara grew, successive owners expanded and improved the property, including Cyrus Upham, who renamed it Hotel Upham in 1898. The landmark survived both the devastating 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and the hardships of the Great Depression. Today, the 50-room boutique hotel preserves its historic character across the original main building, annex, and carriage house, along with seven secluded cottages tucked among lush gardens just two blocks from State Street.

Guest room with a corner fireplace, bay window, and contemporary furnishings. — Guest room in the Bakery Building at Maison Fleurie

Maison Fleurie

Built in 1873 as the Magnolia Hotel, Maison Fleurie is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Napa Valley. Constructed of local stone beside the railroad tracks in what would become Yountville, the hotel served over the years as a lodge, saloon, and rumored bordello. Over the years, the property acquired bricks from a demolished church and a balcony salvaged from San Francisco’s old French Hospital. The bricks remain on display in the dining room and historic fireplace, while the balcony still graces the building’s stone façade. After years of disrepair and abandonment, the landmark was carefully restored and reimagined as Maison Fleurie, meaning “flowering house.” Today, the 13-room boutique inn blends its rich past with French-inspired elegance, lush gardens, and newly revamped guest rooms just steps from Yountville’s acclaimed restaurants and tasting rooms.

The Monte Cristo

Originally built in 1875 as a bordello and saloon, The Monte Cristo is widely considered San Francisco’s oldest surviving hospitality building. It stood through the devastating 1906 earthquake and the fires that followed, serving as a refuge for residents left homeless by the disaster. During Prohibition, it became a speakeasy, and in the years that followed, San Francisco grew up around it. Many of the hotel’s original architectural details remain, including the façade, hardwood floors, high ceilings, and even some of the building’s hand-painted signage. Carefully restored in impeccable Victorian style, the hotel recreates the ambiance of a bygone era with Persian rugs, Bradbury & Bradbury wallpapers, intricate crown molding, vintage light fixtures, and exquisite antiques. Among the few nods to the 21st Century are the soundproofed rooms, Smart TVs, and luxurious marble bathrooms equipped with towel warmers and electronic bidets.

Tallman Hotel

Built in the 1870s by pioneer settler Rufus Tallman, the Tallman Hotel welcomed well-heeled travelers who journeyed by stagecoach from Sacramento and San Francisco to soak in Lake County’s famed mineral springs. After the original hotel was destroyed by fire in 1895, the family rebuilt it. The Tallmans’ daughter and son-in-law later inherited it, renamed it Riffe’s Hotel, and continued to run it for decades. Next door, the family’s Blue Wing Saloon remained a popular gathering place until it was torn down during Prohibition. In the 1940s and 1950s, the hotel served as a boarding house and then a retirement home before standing vacant for 40 years. In 2003, new owners painstakingly restored the hotel to its original grandeur, salvaging many architectural details, including the original fir floors, staircases, and banisters. Today, the beautifully preserved hotel and the rebuilt Blue Wing Saloon honor Upper Lake’s stagecoach-era past while welcoming a new generation of travelers.

Intiamte hotel lobby with red velvet seating, red silk wall panels, dark wood trim, antiques, and a fireplace. — Lobby of the Pine Inn

Pine Inn

Built in 1889 as the Hotel Carmelo, the Pine Inn is the oldest hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It was constructed from wood salvaged from San Francisco’s Tivoli Opera House and originally stood several blocks from its present location. As the young town grew, the main building was dismantled and rolled down Ocean Avenue on pine logs before being rebuilt and enlarged as the Pine Inn in 1903. The hotel quickly became Carmel’s social center, hosting town dances, church services, Shakespeare readings, and literary gatherings. Today, the landmark remains at the heart of village life on Ocean Avenue, blending historic character with modern comforts just steps from Carmel’s shops, galleries, restaurants, and beach.

Westport Hotel

Built in 1890 during Westport’s logging boom, the Westport Hotel & Old Abalone Pub welcomed lumbermen, fishermen, and travelers navigating the rugged Mendocino Coast. Founded just a decade after the town itself, the Victorian hotel stood above a small but busy port where ships braved treacherous waters to carry redwood lumber to markets throughout California. Over the decades, the property underwent several incarnations before it was purchased in 2008 by longtime residents Lee Tepper and Dorine Real. The couple had worked at the hotel’s restaurant when they first moved to Westport in 1974 and sought to restore the historic character that had been stripped away over the years. Today, the beautifully preserved inn and cozy pub offer a memorable stop along California’s iconic Highway 1, overlooking one of the state’s most remote and dramatic stretches of coastline.

Victorian Inn

Built entirely of local redwood in 1890, the Victorian Inn stands as one of the crown jewels of Ferndale’s remarkably preserved Main Street. Designed by noted architect Thomas J. Frost, the grand Stick Style-Eastlake Victorian building showcases ornate bay windows, intricate millwork, Italianate detailing, and a distinctive mansard-style roofline. Constructed during Ferndale’s prosperous dairy and timber boom, the hotel has long stood at the heart of one of California’s best-preserved Victorian villages. Today, many of the hotel’s original architectural features remain, including soaring ceilings, redwood trim, vintage fixtures, and elegant bay windows that continue to evoke the grandeur of the late 19th century. The location is just steps from Ferndale’s charming shops and a short drive from Redwood National and State Parks.

The Queen Anne Hotel

Built in 1890, The Queen Anne Hotel rose from the wealth generated by the Comstock Lode and originally served as Miss Mary Lake’s School for Girls, one of San Francisco’s most prestigious finishing schools. The grand Victorian building survived both the 1906 earthquake and the fires that followed, then entered a series of new chapters as a private gentlemen’s club and later as a property of the Episcopal Diocese. By the 1970s, the landmark had fallen into disrepair and was boarded up, only to be meticulously restored and reborn as a hotel in 1980. Today, crystal chandeliers, antique furnishings, etched-glass doors, and a grand staircase preserve the elegance of the Gilded Age, while afternoon tea and sherry continue a tradition of old-world hospitality in the heart of Pacific Heights.

San Ysidro Ranch

Opened in 1893 on a former citrus ranch in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, San Ysidro Ranch has welcomed travelers for more than 130 years. The property’s roots stretch back even further. Mission Padres began farming the land in 1825, and a sandstone packing house built in 1889 survives today as the celebrated Stonehouse restaurant. During the Great Depression, actor Ronald Colman and former senator Alvin Weingand transformed the ranch into an exclusive retreat, beginning its long association with Hollywood and high society. Over the years, Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, and countless luminaries sought refuge here, while John and Jacqueline Kennedy famously honeymooned in what is now known as the Kennedy Cottage. Today, the legendary hideaway remains one of California’s most storied luxury resorts, nestled among 550 acres of gardens, cottages, and coastal vistas.

Hotel Drisco

Built in 1903 as the El Drisco, Hotel Drisco occupies a commanding perch in San Francisco’s prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood. Originally conceived as a luxury hotel for travelers seeking sweeping views of the city and bay, its future changed dramatically after the 1906 earthquake left thousands homeless. The Edwardian building became a residential hotel, with many guests becoming long-term residents and shared living spaces replacing some of its original luxury accommodations. Decades later, the landmark returned to its hospitality roots, culminating in a meticulous renovation that integrated state-of-the-art systems while restoring its historic grandeur. Today, original architectural details—including hand-carved Honduran mahogany paneling, Ionic columns, grand bay windows, inlaid wood floors, decorative wainscoting, and the original brass rosette on the front door that inspired the hotel’s logo—preserve the hotel’s early 20^th-century elegance while offering modern comforts in one of San Francisco’s most coveted neighborhoods.

Hotel Diamond

When the Hotel Diamond opened in 1904, it was hailed as Chico’s first “strictly first-class” hotel. The grand three-story property featured steam heat, private baths, gas and electric lighting, a 200-seat dining room, and even one of Chico’s earliest automobiles—a Studebaker wagonette that ferried guests to and from the train depot. For a dozen years, the Diamond stood at the center of the city’s social life until a devastating fire in 1916 extinguished the lights. Over the decades, the building served as a feed store, a women’s dormitory, and various restaurants and bars before falling into abandonment and near ruin. A dedicated local family restored and reopened the landmark in 2005, marking the renewal of a local legacy. Today, guests can still spot original artifacts in the lobby, including a fire-scarred mirror, an antique couch, and a chandelier that connects the restored hotel to its early-20th-century roots.

A guest room of the San Benito House Historic Inn

San Benito House Historic Inn

Built in 1905 as the Hotel Mosconi, the San Benito House Historic Inn is the oldest continuously operating hotel on the San Mateo County Coastside. Located on a prominent corner in downtown Half Moon Bay, the hotel has welcomed generations of travelers, including stagecoach drivers who traveled the coastal route long before modern highways connected the region. Its roots stretch back even further to the late 1800s, when Spanish immigrant Estanislao Zaballa established a saloon and general store on the site, creating one of the coast’s earliest commercial gathering places. As the town evolved from an agricultural settlement into a popular seaside destination, the landmark remained a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Today, the beautifully restored inn preserves its Victorian-era character while offering modern comforts just steps from Half Moon Bay’s shops, restaurants, beaches, and coastal trails.

The Los Angeles Athletic Club Hotel

Founded in 1880 and housed in its iconic Beaux Arts building since 1912, The Los Angeles Athletic Club is the city’s oldest private members’ club and one of downtown L.A.’s most enduring landmarks. Designed by renowned architects John Parkinson and George Bergstrom, the 12-story clubhouse became a gathering place for athletes, entertainers, and business leaders who helped shape modern Los Angeles, including Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Olympic champion Johnny Weissmuller. Overnight guest rooms offered exclusive stays for visiting members and their guests, while its celebrated sixth-floor swimming pool—believed to be the oldest elevated pool in Southern California—welcomed generations of athletes beneath a soaring skylight and an elegant chandelier. Today, overnight guests enjoy access to the storied club’s athletic facilities, restaurants, lounges, and collections of memorabilia, offering an immersive glimpse into more than a century of Los Angeles history.

Historic Requa Inn

Built in 1914 after the original hotel was destroyed by fire, the Historic Requa Inn rose alongside the booming commercial salmon-fishing industry at the mouth of the Klamath River. Perched above the river on Yurok ancestral land, the Arts and Crafts-era inn welcomed fishermen, travelers, and workers drawn to one of California’s most remote and rugged frontiers. As the fishing industry declined, the landmark endured shifting fortunes and ownership before being restored by the family of a Yurok Tribal Elder, bringing the property’s story full circle. Today, guests can still browse historic photographs, scrapbooks, and an original guest register, while the inn’s original redwood walls and artifacts preserve a tangible connection to more than a century of North Coast history.

McCloud Hotel

Built in 1916, the McCloud Hotel originally housed single men working for the McCloud River Lumber Company. The company’s large lumber mill operations helped make McCloud one of California’s most successful company towns. At the height of the lumber boom, the company owned nearly everything in town, from the hotel and mercantile to the homes where employees lived. Although many company towns disappeared as their industries declined, McCloud retained much of its historic character following its privatization in 1963. Today, the beautifully restored Arts-and-Crafts hotel showcases original architectural details, including a wood-burning fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases, box-beam ceilings, and the original registration desk, offering guests a glimpse into California’s bygone lumber days at the base of Mount Shasta.

El Encanto

Perched high in the foothills above Santa Barbara, El Encanto opened in 1918 as a collection of California Craftsman-style cottages overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands. As Santa Barbara embraced its signature Spanish Colonial Revival aesthetic in the 1920s, the hotel expanded with elegant new bungalows featuring terracotta roofs, arched doorways, and wrought-iron details. The secluded hillside retreat soon became a favorite escape for Hollywood luminaries, including Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Hedy Lamarr. In 2004, El Encanto underwent a meticulous seven-year, $134 million restoration to preserve its historic cottages and gardens while introducing modern five-star luxury. Today, the storied resort continues to welcome guests with lush landscaping, enchanting ocean views, and timeless Santa Barbara charm.

Granada Hotel & Bistro

Built in 1922, the Granada Hotel & Bistro was originally designed as a hospital, complete with wide hallways to accommodate gurneys. But plans changed before construction was complete, and the building opened as a hotel beside San Luis Obispo’s popular Elmo Theatre. It became a gathering place for traveling performers, artists, and visitors during the Jazz Age. After decades as a hotel, followed by stints as residential housing and other businesses, the historic building was slated for demolition in 2010. Instead, a late-night conversation among four friends at Burning Man led to an ambitious plan to save the landmark and restore it to its original purpose. Reopened in 2012, the 17-room boutique hotel reflects a deeply personal vision, with carefully curated antiques, commissioned artwork, rich textiles, original hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and even a hand-selected collection of books and music that breathe new life into one of downtown San Luis Obispo’s most distinctive landmarks.

The Cardinal Hotel

Built in 1924 in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, The Cardinal Hotel is one of the city’s most enduring architectural landmarks. Designed by renowned California architect William H. Weeks in collaboration with local architect Birge Clark, the hotel blends Spanish Colonial Revival styling with classical influences. Guests entering the historic lobby are greeted by original Spanish iron chandeliers, marble columns, hand-painted wooden beams, and carved ram’s heads. A vintage Bell System switchboard and a manually operated elevator offer rare glimpses into a bygone era. Since 1945, the property has been owned and operated by the Dahl family, making it one of the region’s longest-running family-owned hotels. Today, the landmark remains a welcoming centerpiece of Palo Alto’s historic downtown district.

Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara traces its heritage to the original Santa Barbara Hotel, which opened in 1876 when the city was still a small pueblo. After the devastating 1925 earthquake destroyed the landmark, civic leaders seized the opportunity to reimagine downtown, embracing the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that would come to define Santa Barbara’s character. Opened in 1926, Hotel Santa Barbara became part of that transformation, welcoming a new generation of travelers to the heart of State Street. Nearly a century later, a stunning renovation refreshed the landmark for a new generation while preserving signature architectural features, including its ornately carved exterior portico and the lobby’s striking archways and columns. The addition of 1926, a new, elegant lobby bar named for the year the hotel opened, honors the past while carrying forward a hospitality tradition that spans nearly 150 years.

Kit Carson Lodge

Built in 1926 on the shores of Silver Lake, Kit Carson Lodge has welcomed travelers to California’s High Sierra for 100 years. The rustic mountain retreat sits along the historic Carson Pass and Emigrant Trail, once traveled by Gold Rush-era wagon trains crossing the Sierra Nevada. Established by retired Army officer Captain A.O. Smith and named for famed frontiersman Kit Carson, the lodge became a basecamp for generations of anglers, hikers, and families exploring the surrounding mountains. While much has changed across California’s resort landscape, the lodge has remained true to its roots, with rustic cabins, a relaxed atmosphere, and traditions that have drawn some families back for five generations. Today, it remains one of the Sierra’s most enduring mountain retreats.

Inn at the Opera

Located directly across from San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, the Inn at the Opera is deeply intertwined with the city’s performing arts heritage. Originally built as a residential-style property during the development of the Civic Center, the intimate building reflects an era when visiting artists, patrons, and affluent travelers sought extended stays near the city’s cultural institutions. As the San Francisco Opera and Ballet rose to international prominence, the neighborhood became synonymous with the arts, and the inn evolved into a welcoming retreat for performers and audiences alike. Today, thoughtfully refreshed interiors, European-inspired décor, and theatrical touches celebrate the property’s enduring connection to opera, music, and performance while preserving the charm of a classic boutique hotel in the heart of San Francisco’s cultural district.

Tie the Knot with Elopement Packages from California Boutique Hotels

Posted on May 29, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Whether you dream of exchanging vows beneath towering redwoods, overlooking rugged ocean bluffs, or surrounded by rolling vineyards, California offers no shortage of unforgettable places to begin your next chapter. For couples seeking a more intimate elopement, boutique hotels throughout the state offer elopement packages that take the stress out of planning while preserving all the romance. From all-inclusive experiences with officiants, photography, flowers, and champagne to customizable celebrations designed around your vision, these California boutique hotels make it easy to focus on what matters most: each other.

Eden Vale Inn

Set amid tranquil gardens in the Sierra Foothills, Eden Vale Inn offers a romantic setting for couples seeking a simple yet elevated celebration. The inn’s wedding pavilion and enchanting grounds can be booked for an intimate ceremony for two (and up to eight guests). The Intimate Elopement Package starts at $699 and includes a bottle of champagne or cider for a celebratory toast, plus a bouquet and boutonniere. For an additional $200, couples can add an officiant to oversee the ceremony and help personalize the vows. To add an experienced photographer to capture the day, the fee starts at $600. For more information, call 530-621-0901.

Wooden benches set for a wedding and rustic gazebo beside a koi pond beneath tall pine trees. — Cedar Creek Pond gazebo at Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins

Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins

In Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains, Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins offers a storybook forest elopement experience with ceremonies set beside an enchanting koi pond. Designed for couples hosting two to 10 guests, the package includes use of the resort’s romantic log gazebo overlooking the pond, wedding coordination, an officiant, a witness, a silk bouquet, and a champagne toast. Towering pines and rustic wood details create an idyllic backdrop for couples dreaming of a peaceful, romantic mountain wedding. The elopement package starts at $1,095 for midweek nights. The package requires lodging reservations to accommodate the guest count. Date restrictions apply. Call 909-337-2341 or email [email protected] for details.

Inn at Occidental

With the serene beauty of Occidental as your backdrop, say “I do” surrounded by towering redwoods, then celebrate with an intimate gathering. The Inn at Occidental’s elopement package accommodates up to eight guests and includes an officiant, a bouquet and boutonniere, photography, live music, cake, a charcuterie board paired with local wines, and a romantic overnight stay in a luxury guest room with a fireplace, a spa tub, and turndown service curated by Osmosis Day Spa. The inn provides everything couples need for a romantic, stress-free celebration of their love. For package pricing and inclusions, call 707-874-1047 or email [email protected].

Bride and groom walking on the grounds of Millken Creek Inn with the Napa River in the background — An elopement at the Milliken Creek Inn

Milliken Creek Inn

Hidden away on three acres overlooking the Napa River, Milliken Creek Inn is one of Napa Valley’s most private and intimate retreats, making it ideal for a romantic elopement. The hotel’s Intimate Elopement Package brings together all the elements of a perfect elopement in a beautiful setting. The package includes wedding coordination, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, an officiant, professional photography, a petite wedding cake, a sparkling wine toast, and a romantic evening turndown service featuring a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries. The package is available Sunday through Thursday for up to six guests and is priced at $5,500. Catering can be arranged for an additional charge. Call 707-255-1197 or inquire online for details.

Chairs set up for a wedding in a clearing beneath towering redwood trees. — A wedding venue beneath the redwoods at Sand Rock Farm

Sand Rock Farm

Secluded amid the sun-dappled forest of a historic country estate, Sand Rock Farm is an enchanting destination for an intimate elopement. Couples can say “I do” beneath the redwoods and toast in the barrel-aging cellar or the rustic carriage barn. Packages—available for two-person ceremonies or gatherings of up to 40 guests—include wedding coordination, a choice of vendors, and exclusive use of the venue. Special pricing is available for elopements with 18 guests or fewer. Single-day celebrations and overnight wedding weekends offer flexibility for couples planning anything from a simple ceremony to a full destination-style gathering. A few dates remain for 2026. Contact Sand Rock Farm or call 831-688-8005 for details.

bride and groom walking along a grassy coastal bluff — Elopement at the Inn at Newport Ranch

Inn at Newport Ranch

Secluded on 2,200 private acres of rugged Mendocino coastline, the Inn at Newport Ranch offers dramatic ocean views and redwood forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable wedding. With the Just the Two of Us Package, couples take a guided UTV tour to choose the perfect ceremony site, and the hotel provides everything needed for the celebration. The elopement package includes a custom bouquet and boutonniere, a non-denominational officiant, photography, sparkling wine, a custom cake, a picnic lunch, a celebratory dinner for two, and private staffing for the ceremony. The package is $6,000 and requires a two-night minimum stay. Pricing excludes lodging. Up to four additional guests may join the ceremony and celebratory dinner for $200 per person.

Hotel Drisco

From San Francisco City Hall to the beautiful outdoor backdrops of the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, Hotel Drisco helps couples create a polished, stress-free elopement in San Francisco. The hotel’s customizable elopement package includes champagne while getting ready, a range of photography packages, an officiant for outdoor ceremonies, a bouquet, private transportation to and from the ceremony and dinner later that evening, and assistance securing reservations for a celebratory dinner. The team can also coordinate hair styling and other personalized details, making it easy to turn a San Francisco elopement into a seamless luxury escape. For more pricing and information, call 415-346-2880.

Drift Santa Barbara

In the heart of downtown, Drift Santa Barbara blends Baja-inspired warmth with California coastal romance for an unforgettable elopement. Starting at $1,000, couples can host an intimate ceremony in the hotel’s indoor-outdoor Ocaso event space, complete with mountain views and a celebratory toast with bubbles for up to 15 guests. For couples opting for a civil ceremony, the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse is just steps away. From there, the celebration returns to Drift, where a stunning penthouse suite with a private balcony and fire pit awaits. Drift’s on-site team can personalize every detail—from mezcal tastings to curated vendor partners—to match the couple’s vision. Start planning online.

A verdant garden set up for a wedding with a dramatic blue sky overhead — The Wedding Garden at Stanford Inn by the Sea

Stanford Inn by the Sea

Overlooking the ocean just south of Mendocino Village, Stanford Inn by the Sea offers a romantic, verdant setting for couples seeking to elope. Owner Jeff Stanford, an ordained minister, performs ceremonies in the inn’s lush Wedding Garden. The Basic Elopement Package is $675 and includes photography. For $875, the Two + Two Elopement Package adds celebratory extras such as champagne and a three-course dinner at Ravens Restaurant, the resort’s acclaimed 100% plant-based restaurant. Cozy wood-paneled guest rooms, ocean views, wellness experiences, spa treatments, and outdoor adventures create a meaningful getaway for celebration and connection. For more details, call 707-937-5615 or email [email protected].

A bride in a wedding dress standing in a garden courtyard outside a Mediterranean-inspired building — A wedding at Kenwood Inn & Spa

Kenwood Inn & Spa

Set on more than two and a half peaceful acres in Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon, Kenwood Inn & Spa is a tranquil hideaway that feels purpose-built for an intimate elopement. Stone walkways, ivy-clad walls, and elegant archways create a cinematic setting for a ceremony and portraits, while the Mediterranean-style courtyards and lush gardens offer plenty of quiet corners for two. The hotel’s Intimate Elopement Package includes wedding coordination, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, an officiant, professional photography, a petite wedding cake, and a sparkling wine toast. priced at $4,500, the package is available Sunday through Thursday for up to six guests. Catering can be arranged for an additional charge. Inquire online or call for details.

a couple sitting beside a modern fire pit — A garden fire pit at Twelve Senses Retreat

Twelve Senses Retreat

Just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, Twelve Senses Retreat offers a one-of-a-kind wellness retreat inspired by the elements of nature. It also provides a serene, romantic setting for intimate elopements. Couples can tie the knot on the private rooftop terrace, in the tropical-inspired backyard of the Aether suite, or opt for a barefoot ceremony on the beach. They can enhance and customize their experience with private-chef dinners, massage treatments, photography services, and holistic wellness offerings, all thoughtfully curated by the retreat’s owners. The result is an intentional celebration designed to deepen connection. To learn more, call 442-320-1104.

Bride and groom walking on a beach — Van Damme State Beach near the Little River Inn

Little River Inn

Set on the Mendocino Coast with ocean views from every room, Little River Inn offers classic coastal charm and intimate, stress-free elopements. Starting at just $2,500, the elopement package includes a wedding coordinator, an officiant, one hour of professional photography, a bouquet and boutonniere, a small wedding cake, a sparkling wine toast, and a celebration dinner. Couples can choose between ocean and forest ceremony settings and invite up to 12 guests. Options for larger wedding parties are also available. The resort features an Audubon-certified golf course, regulation tennis courts, and an award-winning chef-driven restaurant. For more information, call 888-INN-LOVE or email [email protected].

Churchill Manor

Churchill Manor, an exquisite 1889 mansion in Napa, offers a variety of venues for an intimate elopement. Couples can choose from multiple garden sites, the veranda rotunda, or the mansion’s ornate parlors. Starting at $1,650, The Simply Elegant Elopement Package includes exclusive use of the venue for two hours, an officiant, a bouquet and boutonniere, a wedding cake, a champagne toast, wedding coordination, and a two-night stay in the best available room. For couples who want the works, The Ultimate Intimate Elopement Package (starting at $4,000) adds in-room massages for two, professional wedding photography, a $250 dining gift certificate, a Napa Valley winery tour and picnic lunch, and more. Call 707-253-7733 for details.

Old Monterey Inn

An elegant English Tudor estate set amid captivating gardens, the Old Monterey Inn is the perfect retreat for an intimate elopement in Monterey. The inn’s elopement package includes luxurious accommodations for two for two nights, exclusive use of the gardens (time restrictions apply), champagne and engraved champagne flutes on arrival, daily gourmet breakfast, evening wine and hors d’oeuvres, day-of-wedding coordination, and concierge services. For tailored pricing and availability, email [email protected].

Gables Wine Country Inn

In Santa Rosa, Gables Wine Country Inn offers a variety of settings for an intimate elopement, including a stand of ancient redwoods, a redwood barn, a vineyard, and the parlor of the Gothic Victorian Mansion. Their Intimate Family & Friends Wedding Package ($1,500) includes the venue and an officiant for a 90-minute event for up to 15 people. The Ultimate Micro-Wedding Package ($4,900) offers a five-hour event for up to 25 guests and adds a two-night stay in The Cottage for the bride and groom, a welcome bottle of Sonoma County wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more. Call 707-585-7777 for details.

A bride and groom kissing on the beach with sea stacks in the background. The bride is holding a large wedding bouquet. — Wedding on the beach at Elk Cove Inn & Spa

Elk Cove Inn & Spa

Exchange vows against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at Mendocino’s Elk Cove Inn & Spa. For couples seeking a simple, meaningful ceremony for themselves or for up to 12 guests, the inn offers an Intimate Elopement Package starting at $500. The package includes use of the inn’s ocean-view ceremony site and day-of support, with à la carte dining available. Packages for micro weddings (up to 34 guests) and larger weddings (up to 60 guests) are also available. All weddings at the inn take a build-your-own approach, allowing couples to create a celebration that feels personal without paying for things they don’t need. Complete the online form to get started.

California’s Best Quiet, Uncrowded Beaches

Posted on May 27, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

California’s coastline is famous for its iconic beaches, but some of its most memorable stretches of sand are the ones travelers nearly miss. Tucked beneath rugged bluffs, hidden at the end of forested trails, or accessible only by kayak, these peaceful beaches offer a quieter side of the Golden State. From secluded coves along Mendocino’s rugged coast to sandy hideaways in Southern California surf towns, these lesser-known beaches pair wild natural beauty with the simple luxury of solitude.

Hidden Beach

Hidden beneath a steep, forested bluff in Del Norte County, Hidden Beach is one of the Redwood Coast’s most secluded shoreline escapes. Accessible only on foot, this quiet cove in the Redwood National and State Parks rewards hikers with dark-gray sand strewn with driftwood, towering sea stacks, eagles soaring overhead, and sweeping ocean views untouched by development. At low tide, tidepools reveal sea stars, anemones, and other marine life. The beach is accessible via three hiking trails. The shortest is a half-mile path that starts across Highway 101 from the Trees of Mystery’s north parking lot. Another option is a mile-long hike from Lagoon Creek Beach via the Yurok Loop Trail. The third option is a three-mile coastal trail that starts at the Klamath River Overlook on Requa Road near Klamath.

Where to stay

A mile and a half from the Klamath River Overlook, Historic Requa Inn rises above the riverbank, offering a front row seat to the magnificent waterway and its abundant wildlife. Housed in a 1914 Arts and Crafts–style lodge, the hotel offers 15 comfortable guest rooms and hearty breakfasts served each morning.

Westport-Union Landing State Beach

Along the untamed, northernmost stretch of Highway 1, Westport-Union Landing State Beach protects more than three miles of remote Mendocino coastline where dramatic bluffs, crashing surf, and tree-covered mountains create a stunning landscape. Near the mouth of Howard Creek, a wide, sandy beach is framed by rocky outcroppings and tidepools that invite hours of beachcombing and exploration. The beach is also great for fishing. The park was named for two towns that sprang up in the late 1800s during the region’s logging heyday. The small town of Westport still exists, but the buildings from Union Landing have all but disappeared. A day-use parking lot and picnic area just north of the Highway 1 bridge over Howard Creek provide access to the main beach. There are also three campgrounds on the ocean bluffs south of the bridge.

Where to Stay

Remote and rustic, Howard Creek Ranch is a 60-acre oceanfront farm bordered by miles of beach and wilderness. The historic farm sits in splendid isolation with direct access to the beach via a creek-side trail. In town, the beautifully restored Westport Hotel offers airy, light-filled rooms with period-perfect architectural details, a sauna, and an on-site pub.

Big River Beach

Directly below Mendocino Village, Big River Beach stretches along the mouth of Big River, where the languid waters meet the crashing waves of the Pacific. Part of Mendocino Headlands State Park, the beach is one of the more popular beaches on the Mendocino Coast, but this sprawling expanse of sand never feels crowded. It’s a peaceful setting for long beach walks and lazy afternoons by the sea. The calm waters of the estuary make it an excellent spot for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach also serves as the trailhead for the multi-use Big River Trail, which winds along the estuary, where it’s easy to spot seals and otters. Visitors can access the beach either from the blufftop staircase near the historic Presbyterian Church in Mendocino Village or from the beach-level parking area off Big River Road.

Where to Stay

Alegria Oceanfront Inn & Cottages is the only oceanfront bed-and-breakfast in Mendocino Village and offers a private path down to the beach. The historic Seagull Inn Bed & Breakfast and Headlands Inn both charm with garden settings and gourmet breakfasts delivered to the room. The Inns of Mendocino offers three properties, each with its own take on modern coastal style.

View from the headlands of kayakers launching from a crescent beach at Van Damme State Park — Kayakers launching from Van Damme State Beach

Van Damme State Beach

South of Mendocino in Little River, Highway 1 dips and curves along Van Damme State Park’s long crescent beach. Rocky headlands on either side create a calm, protected cove that offers an ideal launch spot for sea kayakers and beginning scuba divers. The waters here are part of the Van Damme State Marine Conservation Area, which features vibrant kelp forests teeming with sea stars, urchins, and abalone. In the summer, a concessionaire runs kayaking tours to explore nearby sea caves. While the parking lot can fill up on summer weekends with kayakers and divers, there’s still plenty of space to spread a blanket on the sand and explore the tidepools. Any crowds thin out significantly by late afternoon, and sunset is one of the quietest and most scenic times to visit. Inland from the beach, hiking and biking trails weave through a beautiful canyon lined with redwoods and ferns.

Where to Stay

Perched above the beach, the historic Little River Inn offers sweeping ocean views, a popular restaurant and bar, and a private path to the beach. A half a mile away, the pet-friendly Cottages at Little River Cove feature well-equipped cottages with ocean views. Also in Little River, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek offers 17 unique, pet-friendly rooms and cottages—many with ocean views—nestled in a garden setting.

Greenwood State Beach

In the tiny Mendocino Coast hamlet of Elk (population 200), Greenwood State Beach offers a quiet stretch of driftwood-lined shoreline framed by dramatic sea stacks and rugged coastal bluffs. A gentle half-mile trail descends from Highway 1 to the secluded cove, where Greenwood Creek meets the Pacific beneath towering rock formations. Visitors come for beachcombing, sea kayaking, picnicking, and exploring tide pools and sea caves at low tide. The solitude and tranquility of this lovely beach, however, belie its past. In the late 1800s, the beach was home to a bustling lumber mill with a wharf that extended along the rock outcroppings into the ocean. Redwood was milled on-site and loaded onto schooners bound for San Francisco. A visitor center in town displays historic photographs and artifacts from its bygone era.

Where to Stay

Perched on a bluff overlooking Greenwood State Beach, the historic Elk Cove Inn & Spa offers a secluded retreat with sweeping ocean views and a private path leading directly down to the sand. The pet-friendly inn also features a day spa, breakfasts delivered to the room, and exceptional dinners at Sibo restaurant.

Fish Rock Beach

Just north of Gualala in the tiny coastal community of Anchor Bay, Fish Rock Beach is a secluded cove tucked beneath towering evergreens along Mendocino’s rugged coast. Protected from the strong northwest winds that shroud much of the Northern California shoreline in fog, the beach lies in a “Banana Belt” that tends to enjoy sunnier weather and calmer waters. Seasonal sands, dramatic rock formations, tide pools, and quiet pockets of shoreline make it ideal for sea kayaking, fishing, tide pooling, whale watching, and beachcombing. Public access is available through Anchor Bay Campground, where a small day-use fee leads down to the sheltered beach and hidden coves.

Where to Stay

For private access to the secluded sands at Fish Rock Beach, stay at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages. Located across Highway 1 from the beach, this peaceful retreat is nestled on nine acres and features cozy vintage cottages, edible gardens, delightful farm animals, and fresh eggs delivered daily.

Cooks Beach

Just north of Gualala on the Mendocino Coast, Cooks Beach is a secluded rock-walled cove where the landscape shifts with the tides and weather. Reached by a short walk down the Bonham Trail off Highway 1, the beach alternates between wide sandy stretches, rocky outcroppings, and driftwood tangled with kelp. At low tide, tidepools reveal purple and orange sea stars, mussels, crabs, and giant green anemones. Sea lions can be spotted playing offshore. Even on sunny weekends, the beach rarely feels crowded. It’s large enough to find your own secluded corner yet compact enough to let your dog roam off-leash. Riptides make swimming risky, but the wild coastal scenery and sunsets are reason enough to linger.

Where to Stay

Just minutes from Cook’s Beach, Rendezvous Mendocino blends plush comfort, warm hospitality, and eclectic coastal style. The intimate retreat offers private decks, fireplaces, and peaceful garden spaces for yoga and stargazing. Fresh, house-baked goods are delivered to the guest’s door each morning.

Stillwater Cove Regional Park

Along the rugged northern Sonoma Coast, Stillwater Cove Regional Park offers a quiet, sheltered alternative to the region’s windswept beaches. Tucked between forested coastal bluffs, the deep-water cove provides calm conditions for sea kayaking, fishing, and abalone diving. Onshore, the crescent-shaped beach is a picturesque spot for picnicking and tide-pooling. Just inland from the beach, more than three miles of trails wind through a fern-lined canyon with towering redwoods and along dramatic coastal bluffs. The park also features a small campground and a restored historic schoolhouse. The park is located about 15 miles north of Jenner on Highway 1. To reach the beach, park in the main lot on the east side of the highway and follow the 0.3-mile Cove Trail across the highway and down to the beach.

Where to Stay

Less than two miles from the park, Timber Cove Resort blends restored midcentury architecture with luxe modern comforts atop Sonoma’s dramatic shoreline. Outdoor offerings include coastal foraging excursions, forest bathing, oceanside picnics, and an outdoor ‘living room’ with games and fire pits.

A beach framed by cypress trees — View from the cliffs of Seal Cove Beach at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Seal Cove Beach

Just north of Half Moon Bay, in the quiet coastal community of Moss Beach, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers one of the Bay Area’s most serene and ecologically rich shoreline escapes. The three-mile stretch of protected coastline is best explored at low tide, when sprawling tide pools reveal colorful sea stars, anemones, sea urchins, hermit crabs, and other marine life. The largest tide pools in the reserve are down a set of stairs from the visitor center parking lot at 200 Nevada Ave. Further south within the reserve, Seal Cove Beach is a secluded, picturesque cove that also reveals fascinating tide pools at low tide. The beach is accessible via a wooden staircase at Cypress Ave & Beach Way. Coastal trails connecting the two beaches weave through an enchanting forest of century-old cypress trees, offering stunning ocean views from atop the cliffs.

Where to Stay

Just 500 feet from the staircase at Seal Cove Beach, the Seal Cove Inn is an elegant hideaway bordering the marine reserve. A few miles south, the Inn at Mavericks offers an intimate escape with six spacious suites overlooking the ocean and Pillar Point Harbor. Directly above the harbor, Oceano Hotel & Spa provides an elevated coastal experience with a spa, restaurant, and sweeping views. On the edge of the harbor, Beach House Half Moon Bay features a heated pool and hot tub overlooking the water.

Views of the beach at Garrapata State Park on the Big Sur coastline — Garrapata State Beach on the Big Sur coastline

Garrapata State Beach

Just seven miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Garrapata State Park protects two miles of rugged Big Sur coastline, including a wide, sandy beach flanked by towering cliffs. The park’s spectacular coastline is largely hidden from the road, but it’s accessible via trails leading from discreetly numbered pullouts along Highway 1 (gates 18 and 19). Visitors are rewarded with wildflower-covered cliffs, dramatic sea stacks, crashing surf, and a desolate beach that feels worlds away from the crowds in Carmel. The pounding surf and riptides make swimming far too dangerous, but the beach is ideal for spotting wildlife. Bring a picnic and a pair of binoculars to settle in on the sand and watch for seals and sea otters playing in the water. Gray whales can also be spotted close to shore during their annual winter migration.

Where to stay

A short drive from the park, the storybook village of Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a range of boutique hotels. Newly revamped in 2024, the Coachman’s Inn pairs contemporary comfort with bed-and-breakfast charm. Carmel Cottage Inn features five lovingly restored historic cottages with fireplaces. A meditative calm envelops the Asian-inspired Tradewinds Carmel, while the Carmel Country Inn is known for its extraordinary pet-friendly hospitality.

Sandspit Beach

Accessible only by water, Sandspit B e ach is one of the Central Coast’s most secluded shoreline escapes. Stretching south from Morro Rock, the remote barrier beach separates the calm waters of Morro Bay from the crashing Pacific, with miles of windswept dunes, shorebirds, and empty sand creating a wild, untouched feel. Kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or boat from the harbor across the bay with a picnic lunch to explore the beach, tidepools, and surf breaks near the South Jetty. There are no services on the Sandspit, so visitors should pack everything in and out and avoid protected snowy plover nesting areas in spring and summer.

Where to Stay

Located off Highway 1 in Morro Bay, Rhapsody in View is a family-owned boutique hotel with sweeping views of Morro Rock and the Pacific. The Art Deco-inspired guestrooms feature private west-facing balconies for a front row seat to sunsets over the ocean. Stays include a full breakfast served daily.

Summerland Beach

Just six miles south of downtown Santa Barbara, Summerland Beach is a beautiful, peaceful stretch of coastline, far from the crowds. The beach runs parallel to Highway 101 but is largely hidden beneath the cliffs. Most tourists zip past the beach without realizing it’s there. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It is also one of the few South Coast beaches where you can take a guided horseback ride along the shore. A short walk east along the sand leads to quiet surf breaks and rich tidepools at Loon Point Beach. Access to Summerland Beach is via Lookout Park, with a path leading down the bluff to the sand.

Where to stay

Within walking distance of Summerland village and the beach, the Inn on Summer Hill offers an intimate retreat perched above the coast. The hotel features upscale guest rooms with fireplaces and ocean-view balconies, cooked-to-order breakfasts, and house-made desserts.

View from the top of the stairs at Stone Steps Beach at sunset — View from the top of the stairs at Stone Steps Beach

Stone Steps Beach and Beacon’s Beach

Along a famously busy stretch of San Diego County’s coastline, a few hidden gems lie beneath the towering sandstone cliffs in Encinitas’ laid-back Leucadia neighborhood. Reached by a steep staircase from the end of South El Portal Street, Stone Steps Beach is a narrow, secluded stretch of sand ideal for sunbathing and strolling along the water’s edge. At low tide, you can walk for miles in either direction. Less than a mile north, Beacon’s Beach is another little-known spot where surfers catch rolling waves, and beachgoers can swim or relax on the sand. A zigzagging trail at the end of Leucadia Blvd. descends the bluff to the beach.

Where to Stay

Just minutes from the beach, Twelve Senses Retreat offers a restorative escape in Encinitas. Relax in the sauna and hot tub, indulge in a massage or Reiki treatment, book a private yoga class, and enjoy healthy, organic, locally sourced breakfasts each morning.

Best Boutique Hotels in Santa Barbara

Posted on April 30, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara has long enchanted travelers with its red-tile roofs, swaying palms, and sun-kissed coastline. But beyond the postcard views, it’s the city’s boutique hotels that define the experience—intimate, design-forward stays that reflect each neighborhood’s character. From laid-back beachside getaways to garden-ensconced retreats and Montecito’s storied escapes, these 27 boutique hotels capture Santa Barbara’s stylish sophistication and welcoming coastal charm.

West Beach & Harbor District

Hideaway Santa Barbara

Newly reimagined, Hideaway Santa Barbara brings a refined, design-forward sensibility to West Beach. Light-filled interiors, a soothing palette, and curated furnishings create an easy elegance, while elevated breakfasts and evening wine hour add thoughtful rhythm to the day.

The Milo

Redesigned in 2025, The Milo blends European seaside charm with a breezy California aesthetic. The beachfront hotel added a Tiny Library and an Explorers’ Closet stocked with sketchpads, binoculars, and bird guides for spending unhurried afternoons on the beach.

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Just two blocks from West Beach and the harbor, Brisas Del Mar, Inn at the Beach is a Mediterranean-inspired hotel imbued with Santa Barbara’s coastal charms. Champagne on arrival, a sunny pool deck, and beach cruisers make for a romantic getaway.

Mason Beach Inn

Mason Beach Inn was built in classic Spanish-colonial style, but the hotel’s revamped interiors offer a verdant spin on coastal décor. One block from the beach, the hotel features a heated pool and hot tub, bike rentals, and beach essentials for relaxing on the sand.

The Eagle Inn

An enchanting retreat near West Beach, The Eagle Inn showcases classic Spanish Colonial style with artisan-crafted furnishings. A collection of free-standing casitas with fireplaces, two-person tubs, and private patios offers the ultimate in romantic seclusion.

Inn by the Harbor

Nestled among lush gardens near the beach, Inn by the Harbor offers a relaxed, Spanish Colonial-inspired retreat. With a heated pool and hot tub, complimentary breakfast, and an afternoon wine reception, it offers a comfortable, value-driven coastal stay.

Harbor House Inn

Just two blocks from West Beach, Harbor House Inn is an unexpectedly cool find. Family-owned and operated, the inn is housed in a fully revamped motor lodge. The well-designed guest rooms and studios offer high-end furnishings and thoughtful amenities

Casa Del Mar Inn

The Spanish-Colonial-style Casa Del Mar Inn is a quiet, intimate retreat just a block from West Beach. The inn features lush gardens and a relaxing courtyard with a fire pit. All the guest rooms are pet-friendly and range from spacious suites with kitchens to charming hideaways for two.

Aerial photo of the pool at Lavender Inn — The pool at Lavender Inn

Lavender Inn by the Sea

Relax amid the soothing scent of lavender at this cozy seaside retreat. Just two blocks from the beach and the harbor, Lavender Inn by the Sea offers a tiled swimming pool, lavender-scented bath amenities, and an afternoon wine reception.

La Playa Inn

With its classic Spanish Colonial architecture and inviting courtyard, La Playa Inn captures Santa Barbara’s easygoing charm. Just a short walk from the beach, it offers comfortable rooms and a complimentary continental breakfast.

East Beach & Funk Zone

Hotel Californian

Anchoring the Funk Zone just steps from the beach, Hotel Californian delivers one of Santa Barbara’s most luxurious stays. Bold interiors by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, a rooftop pool, a Turkish-inspired spa, and a vibrant dining scene create a glamorous destination hotel.

Riviera Beach House

In the heart of the Funk Zone, Riviera Beach House offers compact yet stylish rooms with an artistic sensibility and eco-conscious details. Enjoy on-site dining at Santo Mezcal and a prime location just steps from wine-tasting rooms and lively nightlife.

Santa Barbara Inn

Overlooking East Beach, Santa Barbara Inn pairs graceful Spanish-Colonial architecture with a polished, full-service hotel experience. Ocean-view rooms, an oceanfront restaurant, and a resort-style pool terrace create an elevated coastal stay.

Blue Sands Inn

Near East Beach and the Funk Zone, the intimate, boho-chic Blue Sands Inn showcases Santa Barbara’s creative spirit with custom furnishings and rotating artwork by local artists. Champagne on arrival provides a welcoming touch, while the sparkling pool invites slow afternoons.

Downtown & State Street

Palihouse Santa Barbara

Tucked into the Presidio neighborhood, Palihouse Santa Barbara blends Mediterranean charm with a playful, design-forward sensibility. A leafy courtyard, pool, café, and cocktail bar make it feel like a hidden urban retreat.

Hotel Santa Barbara

A downtown landmark for 100 years, Hotel Santa Barbara unveiled a stunning renovation in 2025. A light-filled lobby sets the tone, while the new 1926 cocktail bar channels Roaring Twenties glamour. Upstairs, guest rooms take on a moody sensibility with rich tones and artisan details.

Haley Hotel

In downtown Santa Barbara, Haley Hotel is a reimagined motor lodge with nautical-inspired décor and a playful vibe. A sprawling courtyard with fire pits and games invites guests to gather, while the proximity to State Street offers easy access to shops, cafés, and nightlife.

Drift Santa Barbara

Set in a restored 1920s building, Drift Santa Barbara brings a surf-inspired, modern-minimalist aesthetic to State Street. Thoughtfully designed rooms range from compact spaces to a penthouse suite. Downstairs, a lively café and cocktail bar create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

De La Vina Inn

The historic De La Vina Inn offers an intimate, peaceful retreat within an easy stroll of downtown Santa Barbara. Built in 1895 and beautifully restored, the hotel features eight well-appointed rooms that pair antique details with modern comfort in a private garden setting.

The Craft House Inn

Just two blocks from State Street, The Craft House Inn thoroughly reimagined and renovated a historic bed-and-breakfast to blend old-world charm with modern amenities and comfort. Stays include access to a full kitchen, plus the option to add a range of curated experiences.

The Upham Hotel

Built in 1871, The Upham Hotel is Santa Barbara’s oldest continuously operating hotel. The landmark hotel offers elegant rooms and suites housed in historic buildings and garden cottages just steps from downtown’s shops and cafés.

Garden Retreats & Residential Neighborhoods

Flora-inspired seating in Terra Lounge at The Steward — Seating in Terra Lounge at The Steward

The Steward Santa Barbara

Set on a historic estate in Goleta, The Steward is a nature-rooted retreat shaped by gardens, heritage trees, and a slower pace. Guests can unwind poolside, join weekend yoga sessions, or dine on seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine, all within a setting that feels quietly restorative.

Simpson House Inn

In a historic neighborhood near State Street, the Simpson House Inn is one of Santa Barbara’s most romantic escapes. Hidden behind tall hedges and surrounded by tranquil English gardens, the elegant Victorian estate and cottages offer a refined, secluded atmosphere.

Cheshire Cat Inn

A whimsical, elegant bed and breakfast, the Cheshire Cat Inn features guest rooms and cottages inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Mature oaks, fountains, and flower-filled gardens create a storybook setting just beyond downtown.

Secret Garden Inn & Cottages

Tucked into a residential enclave, the Secret Garden Inn & Cottages is a 1905 farmhouse ringed with cottages, gardens, and fruit trees. Warm European hospitality, fresh-baked treats, and eclectic décor lend a personal, homey touch.

Bath Street Inn

Set in a residential neighborhood and surrounded by lush gardens, the historic Bath Street Inn pairs Victorian charm with welcoming hospitality. Enjoy house-made breakfasts served beneath a backyard arbor plus afternoon wine and cookies.

Montecito & Luxury Escapes

San Ysidro Ranch

Tucked into the Montecito foothills, San Ysidro Ranch is a storied hideaway offering the ultimate in luxury and seclusion. Spanning 550 acres with blooming gardens, vine-covered cottages, and a celebrated wine program, the ranch has long drawn high-profile guests and remains one of California’s most exclusive, romantic escapes.

El Encanto

Perched in the hills above Santa Barbara, El Encanto offers a tranquil retreat from the city. Luxurious suites and bungalows are tucked among winding paths and lush gardens, while an infinity-edge pool and elegant dining terrace offer sweeping ocean views.

Inn on Summer Hill

Overlooking the coast just south of Montecito, Inn on Summer Hill offers an intimate, elevated stay with Arts-and-Crafts character. Ocean-view balconies, fireplaces in every room, and thoughtful touches—from afternoon wine to house-made desserts—create a warm, indulgent retreat.

Montecito Inn

In the posh enclave of Montecito, the Montecito Inn blends Old Hollywood glamour with coastal ease. Built in 1928, the hotel features Spanish Colonial architecture, elegant interiors, and rich amenities—including an intimate, Michelin-starred omakase experience.

California Babymoon Packages for Pre-Parenthood Bliss

Posted on April 20, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

While better known as honeymoon destinations, California’s boutique hotels also offer some of the most memorable escapes for expectant couples. Intimate, quiet, and romantic, these properties cater to soon-to-be parents with thoughtful touches—from prenatal massages to cozy keepsakes—designed for savoring this fleeting chapter. Consider it one last exhale before life becomes beautifully busy.

Inn at Occidental

Expectant couples seeking a more holistic approach to a babymoon will find a deeply restorative escape at the Inn at Occidental. The hotel’s Mellow Mommy Babymoon experience blends relaxation with mind-body-spirit alignment, offering a thoughtful reset before baby arrives. Hosted by Cindy Scott-Fuchs—a Reiki Master-Teacher and prenatal wellness coach—the program pairs signature prenatal pampering with guided holistic healing practices designed for both parents. It’s a more intentional, immersive take on the traditional babymoon, ideal for couples looking to connect not just with each other, but with the transition ahead. Packages start at $450. Call 707-874-1047 to reserve.

Stanford Inn by the Sea

Set between redwoods and the Pacific, Stanford Inn by the Sea offers a nourishing, activity-rich babymoon designed around wellness and creativity. The Before the Baby package includes nightly dinners, a guided Imagination Playshop with co-owner and creative arts therapist Joan Stanford, and a canoe trip along the tranquil Big River estuary (weather permitting). Couples also receive thoughtfully chosen books on parenting and creativity to inspire this next chapter. Available year-round with a three-night minimum, the package is $535 per couple, plus lodging, and emphasizes rest, connection, and gentle exploration. Book online or call 707-937-5615 to make a reservation.

Eden Vale Inn

In the Sierra Foothills near Placerville, Eden Vale Inn offers a tranquil garden retreat ideal for a restful babymoon. Hidden away on 10 acres, each suite features a private outdoor soaking tub for two and gourmet breakfasts delivered to your room. The hotel’s pampering Couples Babymoon Massage Package includes a 60-minute prenatal massage for Mom and a Swedish massage for Dad, along with thoughtful touches like a sandalwood mineral soak, an all-natural bath bomb, and local artisan truffles. Priced at $299, the package can be added to any stay when booking online or by calling 530-621-0901.

Timber Cove Resort

Perched along a dramatic stretch of Sonoma coastline, Timber Cove Resort brings a midcentury-modern vibe to the babymoon experience. The property’s rugged setting is balanced by inviting amenities—an ocean-view restaurant, outdoor games, scenic trails, and a fire pit made for romantic sunsets. The Babymoon Package offers 50% off the third night of a three-night stay, along with thoughtful extras like a pregnancy pillow, a parenthood-bonding book, and a curated mocktail menu. It’s equal parts playful and restorative, giving couples space to reconnect before their next chapter begins. Call 707-847-3231 to reserve.

Brewery Gulch Inn

A babymoon at Brewery Gulch Inn on the Mendocino Coast offers a luxurious pause before baby arrives. Built from eco-salvaged redwood timbers, the Arts-and-Crafts-style inn pairs cozy interiors with sweeping ocean views. The Babymoon Package includes a prenatal massage for Mom, a Swedish massage for Dad, a modern parenting book, a Baby Belly Bar from Honey House, and gift certificates to local Mendocino village shops. Priced at $395, the package can be added to any room reservation—simply mention it when booking online. It’s an indulgent yet intimate escape designed for rest and reconnection.

Historic Requa Inn

Perched above the Klamath River near the edge of Redwood National & State Parks, the Historic Requa Inn offers a peaceful, unplugged babymoon designed for rest. The hotel’s Sleep While You Can babymoon package encourages couples to slow down and savor the quiet before baby arrives, with 20% off up to two nights, a homemade breakfast each morning, and a complimentary late checkout when available. Days unfold with morning coffee by the river, scenic drives through towering redwoods, and quiet walks along the beach. The package is valid through December 31, 2026, subject to availability. Call 707-482-1425 to reserve.

Guest room at the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek

Cottages at Little River Cove, Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, and Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse

Along the Mendocino Coast, three sister properties—Cottages at Little River Cove, Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, and Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse—offer a complimentary Babymoon Escape package. Designed for quiet connection and a bit of indulgence, the package features non-alcoholic Gewürztraminer grape juice, soothing bath salts, and handcrafted local chocolates. With ocean views and peaceful garden settings, these properties provide an easygoing retreat where expectant couples can slow down and reconnect before their new arrival. The package is valid through May 31, 2026. Call 707-937-5525 to make a reservation.

Lavender Inn

The Lavender Inn offers the perfect opportunity for couples to escape to Ojai and catch their breath before the baby arrives. Just steps from shops and restaurants, the historic property blends vintage charm with relaxed garden spaces. The hotel’s Babymoon Package includes a “Dreaming of Ojai” onesie, savings on midweek stays, and discounts at a nearby boutique. In addition, couples can enjoy $10 off a prenatal massage at the on-site day spa or in the private outdoor garden massage gazebo. Couples also have the option of scheduling a professional Baby Belly photoshoot in the inn’s gardens. Call 805-646-6635 to reserve.

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.

5 California Destinations to Visit This Spring

Posted on March 26, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

With wildflowers in bloom, fewer crowds, and warm, sunny days, spring might be California’s best-kept secret. It’s when everything opens up—hillsides turn vibrant shades of green, deserts soften, and wine country hums back to life—offering that rare balance of beauty and breathing room before summer crowds arrive. From misty headlands to sun-drenched deserts, alpine lakes, and vineyard-lined valleys, these five destinations show California at its most inviting.

Pink wildflowers on a coastal bluff with the ocean in the background — Wildflowers on a coastal bluff in Mendocino

Mendocino

In spring, Mendocino’s rugged coastline softens with color as wildflowers blanket coastal bluffs and gardens come into bloom. Crisp ocean air and lingering mist create a moody backdrop for exploration. Start with a morning walk along the Mendocino Headlands or Point Cabrillo Light Station, where lupine and poppies scatter color along the cliffs. Just offshore, catch the gray whale migration as they slip north in their annual procession. Linger at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens as the rhododendrons and camellias reach their peak bloom.

Inland, the hush of the ancient redwoods at Montgomery Woods or Hendy Woods feels especially profound in spring’s filtered light. Take a ride aboard the Skunk Train to discover a tucked-away bar deep in the redwoods, or hike the forested trail at Russian Gulch State Park to a 36-foot waterfall gushing with winter rains. Back in town, the Victorian village of Mendocino feels delightfully uncrowded. Stroll the village to discover cozy cafés, art galleries, and quiet corners with stunning views.

WHERE TO STAY

The Inns of Mendocino collection brings together three distinctive stays, each with its own take on modern coastal style. The historic Seagull Inn Bed & Breakfast and Headlands Inn both charm with garden settings and indulgent gourmet breakfasts delivered right to your room. One of Mendocino’s finest Victorian landmarks, the MacCallum House Inn offers romantic rooms with farm-to-table dining and a lively bar, while Alegria Oceanfront Inn & Cottages offers secluded ocean views and a private path to the beach.

Lake Tahoe

Lower-than-average snowfall in Lake Tahoe this year offers a unique chance to embrace a range of outdoor adventures this spring. Snow still clings to the peaks, but down by the lake, the season is shifting quickly. In the morning, hit the slopes at Heavenly or Palisades Tahoe to get some runs in on spring corn conditions with shorter lift lines. Both resorts plan to stay open through mid-to-late April, with DJ sets and pond skims adding free-spirited fun.

By afternoon, trade the ski boots for hiking shoes and head toward Emerald Bay or Maggie’s Peak, where early-opening trails reveal rushing waterfalls and panoramic views. On warmer days, get out on the lake with a paddleboard or a kayak to glide across the crystal-clear waters. As the temperature drops in the evening, enjoy lakeside dining and cozy drinks by the fire. Lake Tahoe’s dual season moment is fleeting, and that’s part of the appeal. With lower rates and fewer crowds, you’ll discover Tahoe at its best between chapters.

Where to Stay

Just a mile from Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe, the cabins and guest rooms at Black Bear Lodge offer a curated blend of modern and rustic-chic design. On Lake Tahoe’s quiet western shore, The Cottage Inn offers enchanting cottages tucked beneath the pines with access to a private beach. Near Truckee, the welcoming, family-friendly Donner Lake Inn is nestled under the pines just steps from Donner Lake.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz in spring is a playful paradise. On the path along West Cliff Drive, wildflowers bloom in a kaleidoscope of colors while surfers catch waves in the waters below and shorebirds wheel overhead. This is prime time for spotting wildlife: humpback whales pass offshore, migrating birds gather along the coast, and tide pools at Natural Bridges reveal starfish and anemones in quiet detail. Take to the water with a surf lesson, a kayak, or a sailboat. April marks the return of the Wednesday Night Sailboat Races, a local tradition with sails illuminated by the setting sun.

Inland, the ancient redwoods of Henry Cowell tower above the trails. In another redwood grove, a host of experiences defy gravity at the delightfully off-kilter Mystery Spot. Back at the coast, the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk hums with nostalgic energy, but without the full tilt of summer crowds. The amusement rides and games are open daily through late April for spring break.

Where to Stay

Across from Main Beach and the Boardwalk, Marea Sol is an intimate boutique stay with a rooftop deck and coastal-inspired rooms. Next door, La Bahia Hotel & Spa offers refined oceanfront luxury with elevated design and a full-service spa. Also on Main Beach, the family-friendly Beach Street Inn & Suites offers a colorful, contemporary beach vibe with free snow cones and a swimming pool. Perched along West Cliff Drive, the West Cliff Inn pairs Victorian elegance with modern coastal interiors and seaside views. Above Cowell’s Beach, the Sea & Sand Inn offers a cliffside escape with sweeping ocean views from every room.

Palm Springs

If Palm Springs has a golden hour, it’s spring. Basking in warm desert sun, spring hits the sweet spot with temperatures hovering in the 70s and 80s before the summer heat rolls in. It’s prime season for rounds of golf and poolside lounging with rounds of cocktails. In Indian Canyons, fan palms shade enchanting trails that weave through streams and dramatic rock formations. The otherworldly landscapes at Joshua Tree National Park soften with desert blooms and ideal temperatures for hiking and rock climbing.

Spring also carries a hum of energy: midcentury architecture tours, art shows, and the unmistakable rhythm of festival season. Each April, Coachella and Stagecoach turn the desert into a vibrant hub of music and culture. For a quieter counterpoint, slip into the soothing mineral waters of Desert Hot Springs or spend time at The Living Desert, where native plants and wildlife tell a deeper story of the landscape.

Where to Stay

Los Arboles Hotel charms with its intimate hacienda-style setting and tranquil courtyard atmosphere, just steps from downtown Palm Springs. Sensei Porcupine Creek offers a deeply personalized wellness retreat set against the serene backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Spring in wine country; rolling hills; rows of crops; lush vegetation; Santa Ynez vineyard — Santa Ynez Valley vineyard in spring

Santa Ynez Valley

Spring in the Santa Ynez Valley is all golden light and luminous green hills, as vineyards awaken and wildflowers weave color through the countryside. The mild, sunny days invite scenic backroad drives with the windows down, long bike rides and horseback rides into the hills, and leisurely afternoons spent drifting between tasting rooms, galleries, and outdoor cafés. The Santa Ynez Valley is home to seven American Viticultural Areas with over 100 wineries and nearly 300 tasting rooms pouring an array of premium wines.

The valley is also known for its exceptional culinary scene and distinctive small towns with their own charms. Enjoy slow mornings filled with the aroma of freshly baked Danish pastries. In the evenings, linger over alfresco dinners featuring fresh, seasonal menus paired with local wines. There’s a grounded ease to the season here with fewer crowds and wine country at its most relaxed.

Where to Stay

Alisal Ranch shines in spring with its Boots & Blooms series, featuring horseback rides through wildflower-covered hills and seasonal dining. Skyview Los Alamos brings a playful energy to wine country with stargazing experiences and full-moon pool parties. Hotel Ynez is a serene retreat with garden yoga, sound baths, and new spa experiences beneath the oaks. Fess Parker Wine Country Inn delivers wine country elegance with spacious suites just steps from celebrated tasting rooms. Set amid lush gardens with fire pits, The Genevieve offers elegant rooms alongside thoughtful culinary touches.

Best Pet-Friendly Boutique Hotels in California

Posted on March 19, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

In California, dogs don’t just tag along on vacation—they’re part of the plan from the get-go. From breezy coastal escapes to mountain hideaways and wine country retreats, these boutique hotels know how to make four-legged guests feel right at home. Think house-made treats at check-in, dining patios with gourmet dog menus, bathing stations for rinsing sandy paws, and plush beds for curling up at night. Whether your pup prefers beach walks, forested trails, or lounging in the sunshine, these stays make it easy to bring them along for the full California experience.

San Ysidro Ranch

Tucked away in the Montecito foothills, San Ysidro Ranch extends its storied glamour and five-star service to four-legged guests. Dogs are treated like royalty with plush beds, branded dog bowls, house-made cookies, and a Ty beanie dog toy. A decadent dog menu features dishes like peanut butter and bacon pancakes and puppuccinos. Cats receive equally thoughtful treatment, with in-room cat trees, scratching pads, catnip, Hills Science Diet cat food, and even a dedicated water fountain filled with San Benedetto Artesian Water. All of San Ysidro Ranch’s 38 cottages are pet-friendly.

Carmel Country Inn

While many hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea are pet-friendly, few embrace four-legged guests quite like the Carmel Country Inn. Dogs are greeted by name on a welcome board, and unlimited treats are always within reach. There are pet strollers for wandering Carmel’s storybook streets and a bathing station for cleaning sandy paws after a romp on the beach. Seasonally inspired backdrops double as photo ops, with visiting pups featured across the hotel’s social media. All suites and studios welcome dogs of all breeds and sizes, with a pet fee of $25 per pet, per day.

Two small dogs on a guest room bed at Enchante Boutique Hotel — A pet-friendly guest room at Enchante Boutique Hotel

Enchanté Boutique Hotel

In the heart of downtown Los Altos, the French-inspired Enchanté Boutique Hotel approaches pet travel with a distinctly tailored sensibility. Its Pampered Pooch package includes a custom luxury dog bed, filtered water, and chef-prepared treats, along with a one-hour session with a professional dog behaviorist—whether for training, enrichment, or a guided walk through the village. A Canine Concierge curates local outings, while the on-site bistro offers a dedicated “NaPAWleon” menu, featuring Harris Ranch beef patties and gourmet dog biscuits, best enjoyed together on the bistro’s outdoor patio. Select rooms are pet-friendly, and a one-time $50 per-pet fee applies.

Little River Inn

Family-owned for five generations, the Little River Inn makes it easy to bring dogs into the full Mendocino Coast experience. Start the day with a walk to the pet-friendly beach across the road or a hike through nearby redwood trails, then settle in for a meal together in a heated garden cabana, on an ocean-view deck, or in the cozy parlor. Seasonal offerings include kayaking or canoeing with your dog, plus events like Pup Palooza that bring the dog-loving community together. Many ocean-view rooms welcome pets, with no breed or weight restrictions, and a $30 per pet, per night fee.

Stanford Inn by the Sea

At Stanford Inn by the Sea, a tranquil eco-resort on the Mendocino Coast, pets are welcomed as part of a broader philosophy of compassion and connection. They have hosted dogs and cats as well as iguanas, parrots, potbelly pigs, and even a tortoise. There are no weight or breed restrictions. The hotel greets a menagerie of guests with handmade treats, stainless steel dishes, and more. Pets are welcome in nearly all common spaces (except the pool and dining room). Evenings unfold with dinner by the fire in the lobby, while days can include kayaking together along the calm waters of Big River. The pet fee is $45 for the first pet and $22.50 for each additional pet.

Murieta Inn & Spa

Set amid the scenic foothills just outside Sacramento, Murieta Inn & Spa offers exceptional flexibility for guests traveling with dogs—especially more than one. Patio rooms open directly onto the hotel’s dedicated dog park, making it easy to step outside and let them run. The Fido package adds a few fun extras, including a dog bed and a “Barkuterie” board, and the hotel can help arrange daycare, overnight sitting, and grooming as needed. All rooms are pet-friendly with no size restrictions and can accommodate up to three dogs or more upon request. A $100 pet fee covers the entire stay.

A dog on the deck of a cottage overlooking the ocean at sunset — Sunset views from the Cottages at Little River Cove

Cottages at Little River Cove

Nestled on two acres, the Cottages at Little River Cove offer a relaxed, stress-free escape for guests traveling with pets. Private entrances and spacious layouts make it easy to settle in with furry companions, while thoughtful touches like cozy beds, towels, bowls, and treats create a comfortable home base. The real draw, however, is the easy access to Mendocino’s dog-friendly landscapes, from blufftop trails to off-leash beaches. Staff is happy to share recommendations for dog-friendly beaches, coastal trails, wineries, and restaurants so pups can join in the adventure. The cottages welcome up to two pets (dogs and cats only) with a pet fee of $30 per pet, per night.

Mar Vista Farm + Cottages

Once they’ve visited, dogs never want to leave Mar Vista Farm + Cottages. With nine acres to roam, there’s plenty of space to stretch out along the Mendocino Coast. There are grassy fields for running, redwoods for exploring, and a secluded beach for splashing through the surf. Many more dog-friendly beaches are a short drive away. After a day of outdoor adventures, the dog-wash station—complete with warm water, shampoo, and towels—comes in handy for cleaning up before settling in for the night. Pet fees are $85 per stay for one dog and $110 for two, with a two-dog maximum and no breed restrictions.

Lavender Inn

In the enchanting village of Ojai, the Lavender Inn offers a peaceful hideaway for guests traveling with their dog. All dogs receive VIP (Very Important Pet) amenities, including cozy dog beds, a “reserved for the dog” pillow, water and food bowls, and more. The inn’s standalone cottage features a private entrance and French doors that open onto a patio and fenced backyard. Dogs are also welcome in the inn’s more expansive, garden-filled backyard and on the veranda for enjoying breakfast or the evening wine hour. Ojai’s dog-friendly restaurant patios and hiking trails are just steps away. There is a one-time pet fee of $65, with limits based on room type and size.

A dog on a private patio of one of the cottages at The Atlas — Private patio of one of the cottages at The Atlas, photo by @TheDarlingNiki

The Atlas Calistoga

In the heart of Calistoga, The Atlas pairs refined wine country with a warm, “paws-on” approach to hospitality. The property offers luxurious pied-à-terres with the choice between three private cottages and the spacious main house. Tail-wagging amenities include plush beds, Yeti food and water bowls, and a basket of toys. A thoughtfully curated guide helps guests navigate Calistoga like a local with lists of dog-friendly wineries, trails, parks, and dining patios around town. The Atlas allows up to two dogs per room (no cats), with a $30 per day pet fee.

Hotel San Luis Obispo

The MICHELIN One Key Hotel San Luis Obispo is a favorite of many celebrity pooches on Instagram, and an easy choice for traveling with your own. Set in the heart of downtown, the hotel blends indoor and outdoor living with plenty of space to settle in with your dog. Just outside, SLO’s shady creekside paths, dog-friendly tasting rooms, and patio-lined streets make exploring on foot simple. Beaches, hiking trails, and vineyards are a short drive away. The hotel allows up to three dogs per room with no breed or weight restrictions; the pet fee is $90 per dog, per stay.

Dog lying on a dog bed in a guest room at The Steward — Pet-friendly guest room at The Steward Santa Barbara

The Steward Santa Barbara

The Steward Santa Barbara believes vacations are better when your best friend tags along. Wander the hotel’s lush gardens, linger by the fire pit, and relax in a spacious one-bedroom suite. Nearby, dog-friendly beaches, trails, shops, and outdoor cafes set the scene for exploring Santa Barbara together. The hotel’s Paws & Unwind package offers a warm welcome, complete with a cozy bed, bowl, and treats. The package also includes the hotel pet fee (a $150 value), with up to two pets per room. Additional pets are $50 each.

Dog at the Lodge at the Presidio — Lounge at the Lodge at the Presidio

Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio

Set within 1,500 acres of parkland in the heart of San Francisco’s Presidio, the Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio offer a rare mix of urban and outdoor exploration for dog-friendly stays. Miles of trails, dog-friendly beaches, and sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views are right outside the door. Both hotels offer pet-friendly patios with fire pits and verandas with views of the historic Main Post. Several restaurants with dog-friendly patios are within walking distance. Both hotels offer bowls, dog beds, and leashes for use. Up to two pets of any size are welcome, with a one-time $40 pet fee per stay.

The Landsby

In the Danish-inspired town of Solvang, The Landsby makes it easy to bring your furry companion on vacation. The Stay & Play package includes treats, bowls, and a bone-shaped bag dispenser, while the hotel’s courtyard lounge—with fire pits and open-air seating—offers a comfortable place to unwind together. Solvang’s walkable streets are lined with dog-friendly patios, tasting rooms, and boutiques, and the staff is happy to share local recommendations. The pet fee is $100 per stay, with a maximum of two dogs and some weight restrictions.

Elk Cove Inn & Spa

Perched on a bluff along the Mendocino Coast, Elk Cove Inn & Spa offers direct access to a driftwood-strewn beach with plenty of space to roam and all the sticks a dog could want. The inn offers a variety of pet-friendly rooms and an ocean-view terrace where guests can dine with their furry friends. Dogs are greeted with treats and a welcome basket filled with beach towels, bowls, pet waste bags, and more. A pet relief area is located on-site. The inn charges $30 per night for up to two well-behaved pups.

Dog on a guest room bed next to a breakfast tray at NIck's Cove — Pet-friendly cottage at Nick’s Cove

Nick’s Cove & Cottages

In a serene, sheltered cove on Tomales Bay, Nick’s Cove & Cottages warmly welcomes dogs with belly rubs and house-made treats. Seven of the 12 luxurious cottages are pet-friendly, and staff provide dirty paw towels, waste bags, and a curated guide to dog-friendly activities and attractions. There are three small beaches on site for pets, and an expansive pet-friendly beach just a 15-minute drive north. For dining, the restaurant offers plenty of outdoor seating with views of the bay. The cottages welcome up to two dogs with a fee of $60 per pet, per stay.

Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins

Tucked among the pines near Lake Arrowhead, Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins offers a laid-back mountain escape you can explore with your best friend. Set across 10 wooded acres, the property is threaded with walking paths, ponds, and seasonal creeks. Nearby, an off-leash dog park and forested hiking trails provide even more room to wander. Many cabins are pet-friendly and stocked with thoughtful touches for creating a comfortable home-away-from-home. Pet fees are $35 per stay, per night, with a two-dog maximum and a $300 refundable pet deposit.

Before traveling, please notify the hotel of your plans to bring your pet and check the hotel’s website for updates to pet fees and additional policies and restrictions.

Spring Hotel Deals and Packages for a California Getaway

Posted on March 12, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Spring is one of the most magical times for a California getaway. In wine country, wild mustard blooms as vineyards awaken with bud breaks on the vine. Verdant hillsides and coastal bluffs dazzle with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Along the coast, gray whales migrate north with their calves, offering unforgettable sightings just offshore. Boutique hotels across the state celebrate the arrival of spring with getaway packages and special deals, including whale-watching adventures, wine country escapes, foraging excursions, and creative workshops. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a weekend getaway, or a midweek escape, these specials offer plenty of reasons to pack a bag and explore California this spring.

Wine Country Retreats

Fountain outside the Inn at Occidental — Courtyard fountain at the Inn at Occidental

Spring Savings at the Inn at Occidental

Escape to the redwoods this spring and soak in the beauty of new beginnings at the Inn at Occidental. With the Spring Getaway Special, book a three-night stay and receive one night free, or stay two nights and enjoy half off one night. Misty mornings, nearby wildflower trails, coastal breezes, and Sonoma vineyards waking from their slumber set the scene for a quiet escape. The offer is valid through April 30, 2026, excluding holidays. Book online to reserve.

Spring Awakening Special at The Atlas

Spring in Napa Valley brings brilliant wild mustard blooms and the first signs of bud break in the vineyards. Celebrate the season with The Atlas’s Spring Awakening Special, which includes 15% off a three-night stay, a bottle of Lola Pinot Noir, and a box of Annette’s Artisan Chocolates. It’s a perfect way to savor wine country at its most poetic time of year. The special is valid through May 23, 2026. A three-night minimum is required. Book online and enter code SPRING in the coupon box at checkout.

King Cottage at The Cottages of Napa Valley

Complimentary Romance Package at The Cottages of Napa Valley

Book a spring stay at The Cottages of Napa Valley in April or May and use promo code ROMANCE to receive a complimentary Romance Package. The thoughtful add-on includes rose petals, a bottle of Robert Biale’s famed Black Chicken Zinfandel, wine-infused chocolates from Anette’s Chocolates, and a 1:00 p.m. late checkout. It’s a lovely way to add a little extra romance to a cottage retreat in the heart of Napa Valley wine country. Book online to reserve.

Mendocino Coast Adventures

Whale Watching Package at Noyo Harbor Inn

Spring whale watching along the Mendocino Coast is an unforgettable experience, and Noyo Harbor Inn makes it easy to witness the migration up close with its Whale Watching Package. Stay two nights or more in March and enjoy a whale-watching excursion with a local charter departing from Noyo Harbor just below the inn. After a day on the water, return to the elegant hilltop hotel to unwind with harbor views, coastal cuisine, and drinks at the bar. Call 707-961-8000 to reserve.

Mushroom foraging at the Inn at Newport Ranch

Spring & Summer Foraging Experience at The Inn at Newport Ranch

Spring and summer bring vibrant growth to the 2,200-acre Inn at Newport Ranch on the Mendocino Coast. The Spring & Summer Foraging Experience includes 10% savings on a two-night stay, a four-hour guided UTV tour to forage seasonal plants and mushrooms, lunch, and a dinner inspired by your discoveries. Guests also receive mushroom logs to inoculate and take home. The special is valid now through September 30, 2026, and is subject to availability. A two-night minimum stay and advance reservations are required for the foraging tour. Blackout dates apply. Reserve online.

Whale Watching Tour Package at Little River Inn

Spring brings one of the Mendocino Coast’s most spectacular sights—the migration of gray whales. At Little River Inn, guests can make the most of the season with a Whale Watching Tour package. Stay two or more nights in March and receive a complimentary whale-watching boat tour for two departing from nearby Noyo Harbor. Prefer to linger longer? Book the “Whale of a Sale” and enjoy a third night free. Use code WHALE26 when booking online or call 888-INN-LOVE.

Ocean views from Mar Vista Farm + Cottages

Save 25% on Whale Watching Midweek at Mar Vista

Spring migration brings gray whales past the Mendocino Coast, and Mar Vista Farm + Cottages offers a front-row seat to one of the season’s most incredible rituals. Experience quiet coastal mornings, sweeping ocean views, and the chance to spot whales on the horizon. Book midweek (Sunday – Wednesday) dates between now and May 2026 and receive 25% off your stay. The offer is valid for reservations made before March 31, 2026. Blackout dates and restrictions apply. Book online to reserve.

Spring blooms at the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek

Spring Specials at Mendocino Coast Properties

A trio of properties on the Mendocino Coast—Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, Cottages at Little River Cove, and Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse—is welcoming spring with two seasonal offers. Enjoy Spring into Savings with 10% off a one-night stay or 20% off two nights using codes SPRING10 or SPRING20, valid through May 15. Through the month of March, the Whale of a Sale adds discounted whale-watching tickets with local charters when you stay two or more nights. Book directly with the property of your choice to reserve.

Coastal Escapes & Road Trips

Horseback riding beneath a giant oak tree at Alisal Ranch — Horseback riding at Alisal Ranch

Boots & Blooms Spring Celebration at Alisal Ranch

Each spring in the Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Ranch’s rolling hills are awash with wildflowers. From April 28 to May 21, 2026, the ranch celebrates the season with Boots & Blooms, a relaxed series of outdoor experiences, seasonal culinary moments, and creative workshops. The package includes luxury accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily, and activities like horseback rides and a flower cookie–making class with Ranch to Table host Elizabeth Poett. For reservations, call 800-425-4725.

Hotel San Luis Obispo Courtyard, photo by Ryan Gobuty

Spring Packages at Hotel San Luis Obispo

Spring is a beautiful time to explore California’s Central Coast, and the MICHELIN One Key-honored Hotel San Luis Obispo puts guests in the heart of it all. Book the Savor the Season package for 15% off a two-night stay plus a $100 dining credit at Ox + Anchor or Piadina, or choose the Sol Spa Rejuvenate package with 20% off a two-night stay and a spa credit. Both offers are available now through May 31, 2026. Reserve online.

Suite Moments Package at The Steward Santa Barbara

Savor springtime in Santa Barbara with the Suite Moments Package at The Steward Santa Barbara, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. This romantic spring getaway includes a bottle of Alma Rosa sparkling wine paired with artisan chocolates from 24 Blackbirds, plus a leisurely 2 p.m. late checkout. Whether you’re toasting to a special occasion or simply enjoying a quick coastal getaway, this package sets the tone for an elevated stay. Book online to reserve.

Rooftop dining at Elderwood at The Darling Hotel

California Locals Save 15% at The Darling Hotel

Spring is the perfect season for a Central Valley getaway at The Darling Hotel, Visalia’s premier boutique stay. California residents can enjoy 15% off a two-night stay, plus two local craft drinks and a relaxed 2 p.m. late checkout. It’s a great excuse to explore Visalia or Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The special is valid for stays of two or more nights between April 1 and May 31, 2026. Book online or call 559-713-2113 and present a valid California ID at check-in.

Coastal views from Beach House Half Moon Bay

Seasonal Add-ons at Beach House Half Moon Bay

Enhance a spring getaway to the coast at Beach House Half Moon Bay with two thoughtful add-ons. The Coastal Romance Enhancement includes chocolates, a chilled bottle of Roederer Estate Brut, and keepsake champagne flutes for $80. The Seaside Escape Package, priced at $85, features a bottle of California wine at check-in plus a $75 gift card and two glasses of chardonnay at neighboring Sam’s Chowder House. Call 650-712-0220 to add either package to your reservation.

Exterior of the Lavender Inn — Garden blooms at the Lavender Inn

Spring Refresh Escape at Lavender Inn

Spring in Ojai brings warm days, cool evenings, and gardens in bloom. Lavender Inn’s Spring Refresh Escape offers $10 off each midweek night, inviting guests to slow down and savor Ojai at its most vibrant. Stroll across the street to wander the village shops, read in the garden, or unwind with a glass of wine on the veranda. The offer is available Sunday through Thursday through April 15, 2026. Call 805-646-6635 to reserve.

Nomada Road Tour at Nomada Hotels

Offering modern, upscale expressions of roadside motels between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Nomada Hotel Group celebrates the romance of California road trips with the Nomada Road Tour. Beginning April 15, Guests who complete one qualifying stay at each of Nomada’s five boutique hotels—including Granada Hotel & Bistro, Skyview Los Alamos, and Hotel Ynez—within 365 days earn a complimentary one-year Nomada Membership with exclusive perks and preferred rates. Plan your road trip and book qualifying stays directly through each of Nomada’s hotel websites using rate code ROADIE, then email reservation confirmations after completing all five stays.

Plan Ahead for Summer

Guest room at Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza

Postcards from Summer at Four Sisters Inns

Dreaming of summer already? Four Sisters Inns invites guests to plan ahead with the Postcards from Summer promotion. Book by March 19 using code SUMMER15 to receive an additional 15% off Sunday–Thursday stays in June at boutique hotels nestled along the California coast and wine country. The advance-booking offer is valid for stays June 1–30, 2026. To reserve, book online with any participating Four Sisters Inns: Blue Lantern Inn, Channel Road Inn, Gaige House, Gosby House Inn, Green Gables Inn, Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza, Inn at Playa Del Rey, Inn at Sonoma, Inns of Mendocino, Milliken Creek Inn, and West Cliff Inn.

Most Unique Food & Beverage Experiences at California Boutique Hotels

Posted on February 24, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

For travelers who plan their itineraries around reservations, tastings, and what’s in season, California’s boutique hotels serve far more than a beautiful place to sleep. Across the state, intimate properties are turning olive oil into a private-dining centerpiece, delivering oysters to cottage doors, hosting foraging expeditions along the coast, and curating one-of-a-kind wine and whiskey programs. These are the stays where flavor reigns—and every sip or bite tells the story of place.

Noyo Harbor Inn

At Noyo Harbor Inn’s HarborView Bistro & Bar, whiskey is treated with the reverence of wine. The inn offers a collection of more than 100 whiskeys—the largest selection on the Mendocino Coast—with expertly curated pairings for every appetizer and entrée. Their whiskey flights showcase rare and distinctive pours from around the world, along with local spirits. A new outdoor cigar lounge invites lingering drams, while house-made bitters crafted by bar manager Laura Spradlin star in inventive cocktails like a Candy Cap Old Fashioned made with locally foraged mushroom bitters.

The Atlas Calistoga

At The Atlas, olive oil takes center stage. In partnership with Grove 45 and Napa Valley chef Paul Fields, the hotel offers bespoke private dining experiences built around estate-produced extra virgin olive oils. Fields curates multi-course menus that showcase the nuance of each pour, weaving in seasonal ingredients and regional growers. Guests can deepen the immersion with guided tastings at Grove 45’s nearby salon, complete with exclusive perks like 2-for-1 tastings and a welcome splash of Museion Rosé.

Timber Cove Resort

Timber Cove Resort turns the Sonoma Coast into a living pantry with its Taste of Coastal Foraging excursions. Guided by experts, guests comb tidal pools, redwood forests, and coastal prairies for seasonal finds—fungi, berries, edible greens—before returning to Coast Kitchen for a tasting that transforms the day’s discoveries into refined dishes. In addition, the restaurant offers a robust selection of regional wines and regularly partners with local wineries and distilleries to host wine pairing dinners.

Petit Soleil

At Petit Soleil in San Luis Obispo, the minibar doubles as a cocktail atelier. Each room is stocked with artisan spirits, chilled mixers, proper barware, and house-bottled cocktails with a French accent—like a Manhattan reimagined with Calvados, Bonal, rye, Bigallet China-China, and bitters. The wine program, curated by one of the world’s few female sommeliers, blends local natural wines with French classics while the newly opened Condesa restaurant channels Mexico City cool through French-Mexican flavors.

The Inn at Newport Ranch

Set across 2,200 private acres, The Inn at Newport Ranch builds its menus with deep connections to the land. Breakfast draws from on-site gardens, with house-baked breads, just-pressed juices, house-cured bacon, and preserves simmered from the ranch’s fruit. A rich culinary calendar includes winemaker and visiting-chef dinners—sometimes staged at long outdoor tables overlooking the Pacific—as well as mushroom foraging adventures and thoughtfully packed picnics for days spent exploring the ocean bluffs and redwoods-covered hills.

Hotel Bel-Air

Hotel Bel-Air’s annual end-of-summer barbecue transforms its expansive front lawn into a chef-driven, open-air feast. Executive chefs collaborate with an impressive lineup of culinary talent, each showcasing a distinct approach to live-fire cooking at communal tables under the stars. Guests move between stations sampling diverse barbecue styles, paired with premier spirits. All of the celebratory excess is donated to Chefs to End Hunger—elevating the classic cookout into a philanthropic culinary event.

Mar Vista Farm + Cottages

A coastal getaway to Mar Vista Farm + Cottages turns self-prepared meals into a curated pleasure. Each morning, fresh eggs are delivered to cottage doors, and guests are invited to harvest from the property’s edible garden. Add-ons provision baskets—including breakfast fixings, picnic fare, and ready-to-cook dinners sourced from standout local purveyors—are fully stocked in the cottages prior to arrival, eliminating the need for a market run. Seasonal winemaker dinners bring the wider Sonoma Coast culinary community to the farm’s table.

Nick’s Cove

At Nick’s Cove, the welcome amenity arrives briny and freshly shucked: complimentary oysters delivered straight to your cottage door. The restaurant leans into its Tomales Bay setting, spotlighting local shellfish and produce harvested from The Croft, the property’s small farm just across the road. Vegetables grown steps away find their way onto the plate alongside oysters, Dungeness crab, and other fresh-caught seafood, creating a hyperlocal expression of coastal California cuisine.

Stanford Inn by the Sea

Overlooking the Mendocino Coast, Stanford Inn by the Sea bills itself as the only 100% plant-based resort in the U.S. Its acclaimed restaurant, Ravens, anchors the experience. Organic produce and herbs grown on the property’s farm and in its greenhouses inspire the vegan breakfasts and dinners served each day. The culinary ethos extends to vegan cooking classes, gardening workshops, mushroom exploration tours, and four-night vegan retreats that immerse guests in the joy of plant-based living.

Long dinner table set in an olive orchard at Purple Orchid Wine Country Resport & Spa — Dinner in the olive orchard at Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa

Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa

At the Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa, many of the items poured and plated have a personal provenance. The resort produces its own wine and presses olive oil from its orchard, both featured in nightly charcuterie gatherings and seasonal small bites. Local winemaker dinners, pop-up chef collaborations, cooking demos, and themed multi-course feasts round out the calendar. Guests can also purchase bottles of the resort’s wine and olive oil to take home.

Brewery Gulch Inn

Brewery Gulch Inn’s signature Mendo Boxes have achieved cult status—chef-prepared light dinners for two presented in handcrafted redwood boxes made from the same eco-salvaged timber used to build the inn. Inside: artfully composed, seasonal bites that reflect Mendocino’s coastal larder. For a more immersive experience, the Chef’s Table offers an intimate four-course feast for two, paired with award-winning Champagne and wines, as the executive chef personally presents each course and shares behind-the-scenes insights.

Inn at Occidental

The winemaker dinner series at the Inn at Occidental turns Sonoma County into a shared table. Each dinner pairs acclaimed vintners from the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast with some of the region’s most celebrated chefs, creating collaborative, multi-course menus that showcase the terroir. The result is an intimate gathering that feels distinctly local—thoughtful wine pairings, seasonal ingredients, and direct access to the makers themselves, all unfolding in the relaxed elegance of this Sonoma hideaway.

Unique Hotels for Your Next Trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Posted on February 22, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Carmel-by-the-Sea may be known for its luxury hideaways, but the village’s magic extends far beyond its most extravagant stays. Tucked along storybook streets just steps from galleries, tasting rooms, and the beach, these one-of-a-kind boutique hotels deliver walkability and local charm in equal measure. Even better, they leave a little extra room in the budget for other splurge-worthy discoveries.

Pine Inn

A landmark since 1889, Carmel’s oldest hotel blends old-school charm with one of the best addresses in town—directly on Ocean Avenue. From the sidewalk’s bustling cafes and boutiques, step back in time through the arched glass doors to a hushed lobby decked in red velvet, dark woods, fine antiques, and romantic lighting. Guest rooms at the Pine Inn range from cozy standards to penthouse suites, including some with ocean views. Just off the lobby, II Fornaio serves handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas in a warm, inviting space, while an in-house bakery offers coffee and pastries for a morning stroll along the beach.

Carmel Cottage Inn

Nestled amid tranquil gardens just a block from the beach, Carmel Cottage Inn offers an escape into Carmel’s storied past. Five vintage cottages—including a 1907 log cabin—were lovingly restored by a local artist who sought to preserve their historic charm and character. While nearly every element of the cottages was updated, the result feels less like a renovation and more like a return to form. These hideaways are ideal for couples and families looking to slow down, cozy up to the fire, snuggle under the quilts, and linger amid the gardens. Village shops and restaurants are just blocks away.

Detail of a guest room with a fireplace, leather chair, cozy blanket, and a Tivoli Bluetooth speaker on a side table. — Detail of a guest room at Coachman’s Inn

Coachman’s Inn

Set in the heart of Carmel, the newly refreshed Coachman’s Inn pairs contemporary comfort with effortless walkability. Redesigned in 2024, guest rooms feature custom furnishings, renovated baths, and a soothing coastal palette accented with saddle-brown leather and tweed—a subtle nod to the hotel’s equestrian roots. Plein-air paintings by a local artist add personality, while espresso makers and Bluetooth speakers bring modern convenience. Guests gather by the fire for breakfast and evening wine and hors d’oeuvres. In the far corner, a secluded hot tub and sauna provide a quiet retreat. Carmel’s galleries and tasting rooms are just steps away.

Tradewinds Carmel

Just blocks from Ocean Avenue, Tradewinds Carmel offers a tranquil retreat infused with understated luxury. Originally built in 1959 and beautifully renovated, the boutique hotel blends Japanese, Balinese, and Chinese design elements into a serene, transportive escape. The courtyard garden invites lingering with cascading fountains, bamboo, flowering ginger, and a glowing fire pit. Inside, guest rooms feel like private sanctuaries, complete with soothing in-room fountains, imported kimono robes, and plush linens. Select rooms feature fireplaces and balconies with views stretching toward Point Lobos and the Pacific.

Carmel Country Inn

While many hotels in Carmel are pet-friendly, few embrace four-legged guests quite like the Carmel Country Inn. The staff rolls out the welcome mat for dogs of all breeds and sizes, offering unlimited biscuits and treats, photo ops, pet strollers, and even a bathing station for sandy paws. Suites and studios—each with fireplaces and soaking tubs—offer a warm, residential feel that’s ideal for longer stays. Guests wake to a generous breakfast buffet, stock up on snacks before heading out, and return in the afternoon to freshly baked cookies and lemonade. It’s a thoughtful, home-away-from-home retreat for both you and your tail-wagging companion.

Hofsas House

Family-owned for three generations, the Hofsas House has welcomed couples and families to Carmel for nearly 80 years. The distinctive, pink-and-black Bavarian-inspired lodge is impeccably maintained, with hospitality that rivals pricier hotels. Perched above the village rooftops, many rooms offer private decks or balconies with sunset views of the Pacific. Each room is individually decorated and features Dutch doors to welcome the ocean breeze. Guests can unwind in the heated pool or sauna before taking the short stroll down to the shops, restaurants, and beach.

Tally-Ho Inn

Just a block off Ocean Avenue, Tally-Ho Inn is a hidden gem with sweeping ocean views that rival Carmel’s higher-priced stays. The intimate hotel offers just 12 rooms, each with private entrances, plush bedding, marble baths with whirlpool tubs, and 55-inch Smart TVs. Many of the rooms feature fireplaces and private balconies or terraces—perfect for sunset toasts over the Pacific. In the courtyard, an outdoor fireplace glows into the evening, while a quiet pair of chairs at the pathway’s edge offers a front-row seat to the sea.

Most Romantic Suites at California Boutique Hotels

Posted on February 11, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Romance in California lives in the details: fog lifting off the Golden Gate Bridge, a bicycle ride alongside vineyards, a quiet toast as the sun slips into the Pacific. The state’s most romantic suites are defined less by spectacle than by setting—a soaking tub overlooking a private garden or a balcony suspended above boats drifting through the harbor. From coastal cliffs to wine country to storied city enclaves, each stay offers its own expression of connection, shaped by the California landscape.

Hotel Bel-Air

Hidden behind gates and lush gardens, the Presidential Suite at Hotel Bel-Air is romance at its most rarefied. Spanning more than 2,500 square feet, the suite unfolds like a private residence, from its Spanish-style courtyard and secluded pool to a candlelit dining room made for intimate dinners. A grand piano, chef’s kitchen, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow make it easy to disappear from the city without ever leaving Los Angeles.

Inn at Newport Ranch

Crafted from fallen redwood and set on 2,200 acres along the rugged Mendocino Coast, the Inn at Newport Ranch is an intimate sanctuary woven into expansive landscapes. The Grove Suite frames ocean views through towering redwood pillars and floor-to-ceiling windows. A private deck and hot tub overlook the sea, where sunsets melt into star-filled skies, and the only sound is the surf against the cliffs.

Gaige House

In a quiet corner of Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon, Gaige House in Glen Ellen feels like a hidden sanctuary. Built around private courtyard gardens, the Ryokan Zen Creekside and Garden Suites draw inspiration from traditional Japanese inns with sliding doors, glowing fireplaces, and oversized granite tubs overlooking the garden. The conversations soften here, and the outside world recedes.

Nick’s Cove

Imbued with nostalgic charm, Nick’s Cove is a collection of meticulously restored waterfront cottages overlooking the placid waters and moody skies of Tomales Bay. Handsome antiques, lofty beds, heated bathroom floors, vintage soaking tubs, and wood-burning fire stoves comfort the soul, while soft strains of jazz music drift over from the onsite oyster bar.

Kenwood Inn & Spa

Surrounded by vineyards in Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon, the Tuscany Suite at the Kenwood Inn & Spa transports couples to Northern Italy. The second-floor retreat features a fireplace, oversized soaking tub, and French doors that open to a private balcony overlooking the lush grounds. Three garden courtyards, fountains, pools, and shaded cabanas create space to linger, while the spa offers couples’ treatments for a restorative afternoon between tastings.

Inn at Depot Hill

From the romance of Paris to the serenity of Kyoto, the luxurious guest rooms at the Inn at Depot Hill in Capitola were designed to evoke the Golden Era of travel. The Railroad Baron’s guest room resembles a luxurious, vintage Pullman car, while other rooms whisk guests to the Côte d’Azur, Portofino, and other romantic destinations around the world.

The Cottages of Napa Valley

Escape to your own private cottage in Napa wine country with the Cottages of Napa Valley. Nestled beneath the trees, each stand-alone cottage is designed for two, with a soaking tub, fireplace, and a private patio for roasting s’mores over the fire. Open a bottle of wine and sink into a bubble bath. Wake to fresh pastries delivered to your doorstep. Then borrow the complimentary bicycles and taste your way through Napa Valley.

Bedroom of the Plaza King Suite at the Beverly Hill Plaza Hotel & Spa

Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel & Spa

Just minutes from Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel & Spa provides a glamorous retreat tucked into 12 acres of lush gardens. Evoking the allure of Hollywood’s Golden Age, the hotel’s Plaza Luxury Suites are palatial pied-à-terres with marble baths, French-style balconies, kitchens, and open living spaces nestled around a poolside oasis. Order dinner in, linger over coffee on the balcony, then drift down to the pool or spa.

La Bahia Hotel & Spa

Rising above the sand and swaying palms at Santa Cruz’s main beach, the newly opened La Bahia Hotel & Spa exudes romance as the city’s first luxury beachfront hotel. Housed in a restored Spanish-Colonial landmark, the hotel’s suites pair private terraces and cozy seating with swoon-worthy views. Couples can dip into the curated minibar and cozy up around the fire pit to watch the sun slip into the ocean.

Golden Gate Bridge view from one of the suites at Lodge of the Presidio, photo by Paul Dyer

Lodge at the Presidio

Suites at the Lodge at the Presidio offer one-of-a-kind views of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Framed by cypress trees, the bridge glows at sunrise and sparkles after dark. Couples wake to sweeping bay vistas, coastal fog drifting across the water, and the quiet intimacy of the Presidio’s park setting. Steps from scenic trails and sunset overlooks, the Lodge provides an experience that feels removed yet quintessentially San Francisco.

Eden Vale Inn

In California Gold Country, the suites at Eden Vale Inn invite couples to reconnect in a cocoon of luxury. At the touch of a button, lights dim, the fireplace glows, and the private outdoor tub fills in anticipation of an intimate soak for two. The surrounding gardens feature a tranquil pond and the songs of more than 50 species of birds.

Blue Lantern Inn

On a cliff high above Dana Point Harbor, the Blue Lantern Inn offers front-row views of the marina and the Pacific beyond. The most romantic perch is the top-floor Luxury Tower Guestroom, where a four-poster king bed, fireplace, jetted spa tub, and vaulted ceilings set the tone. Step onto the private balcony with a bottle of bubbly and watch the boats glide across the glittering water as the sky turns to gold.

Aerial view of Purple Orchid Wine Country Inn & Spa

Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa

In the heart of Livermore Valley wine country, Purple Orchid keeps things intimate with just 10 rooms. The Manzanilla Deluxe King Suite stands out for its private entrance, fireplace, and jetted tub for two. Just outside the door, relax poolside in private cabanas with tranquil views of the gardens and orchards against a backdrop of rolling hills. Afterwards, indulge in a couple’s massage at the on-site spa.

Tally Ho Inn

With just 12 rooms tucked into the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the historic Tally Ho Inn feels delightfully intimate. Most rooms feature private balconies for toasting sunsets over the Pacific, but Room 108 is most romantic for its top-floor perch with a secluded terrace and panoramic views. Inside, vaulted ceilings, cozy fireplaces, and marble baths with whirlpool tubs set the mood, while Carmel’s storybook streets and white-sand beach are just steps away.

Gingerbread Mansion

A secluded garret on the top floor of Ferndale’s iconic Gingerbread Mansion, the Empire Suite transports guests to a bygone era. Enter through double doors, and you’re met by a California King bed framed by towering Corinthian columns. Two fireplaces—one beside an antique clawfoot soaking tub—add warmth to the richly detailed space. Outside, linger in the English gardens and stroll the impeccably preserved Victorian village of Ferndale.

Old Monterey Inn

Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood just above downtown, Old Monterey Inn feels lifted from the English countryside. Steps from the main house, the Garden Cottage leans fully into storybook charm with a fireside sitting area, a Jacuzzi tub for two, and a king-sized feather bed with views of the lush gardens. Outside, a trellised patio offers privacy beneath climbing vines.

Madonna Inn

Old-world romance reigns in the Austrian Suite at the iconic Madonna Inn. Inspired by 19th-century European grandeur, the suite’s vaulted ceilings and ornately carved furnishings channel château-level opulence. The spacious third-floor suite opens to a living room with a separate bedroom and two private balconies. The suite is tailor-made for couples seeking romance with dramatic flair.

Tallman Hotel

The four Lower Garden Rooms at the Tallman Hotel open onto ultra-private patios, where wooden Japanese Ofuro soaking tubs and outdoor showers bring a touch of ritual to Lake County evenings. Inside, Eastlake-style furnishings, hand-painted lighting, and richly textured fabrics reflect the hotel’s 19th-century roots. It’s a quiet, thoughtful kind of luxury—one that pairs beautifully with nearby Clear Lake sunsets and unhurried mornings.

Simpson House Inn

At the Simpson House Inn, romance unfolds across a 1874 Victorian estate tucked behind tall hedges in Santa Barbara. While every room is meticulously appointed, the carriage house suites and English-style cottages offer particular seclusion. An acre of lush gardens—threaded with brick pathways, fountains, and hidden benches—creates space to wander, pause, and linger. It feels worlds away, yet downtown Santa Barbara is just steps away.

Victorian Mansion

For those who’ve ever entertained the fantasy of being shipwrecked with their beloved, the Castaway Suite at the Victorian Mansion leans all the way in. The newest themed cottage is a luxurious hideaway built from the remnants of a vintage yawl, featuring a two-sided fireplace and a massive stone hot tub on a private patio. Breakfast arrives at the door, which means once you’ve checked in, there’s little reason to resurface.

Oceano Hotel & Spa

The Grand King Suite at Oceano Hotel & Spa captures the ease of California coastal living. A long entry corridor leads to the suite, where sliding glass doors open to a private balcony overlooking Half Moon Bay. Inside, a fireplace, soaking tub, granite walk-in shower, and plush bedding invite leisurely mornings. By evening, fishing boats drift back into the harbor, and the sunset steals the show.

14 California Wellness Retreats to Reset for the New Year

Posted on January 17, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

The start of a new year invites a different kind of travel—one shaped less by packed itineraries and more by intention. Across California, boutique hotels embrace wellness in thoughtful, place-driven ways, offering spaces to slow down, restore energy, and reconnect with the rhythms that support well-being. From immersive retreats guided by experts to garden-set spas and quiet coastal escapes, these hotels invite travelers to begin the year feeling grounded, nourished, and at ease.

Sensei Porcupine Creek

Set on a 230-acre private estate at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Sensei Porcupine Creek is a desert oasis and wellness retreat where every experience is guided by intention and expertise. The Sensei approach centers on three pillars—Move, Nourish, and Rest—brought to life through personalized wellbeing consultations with trained guides and practitioners in fitness, yoga, nutrition, and mindset. Guests can also enjoy restorative spa treatments, including massage, bodywork, facials, and reflexology, designed to support rest and renewal. Daily movement and mindfulness classes, serene outdoor spaces, and thoughtfully designed facilities create an immersive environment that supports well-being.

Stanford Inn by the Sea

The Stanford Inn by the Sea is a wellness-centered eco-resort nestled between the redwoods and the Pacific Ocean on the Mendocino Coast. A leader in plant-based living, the inn invites guests to slow down and reconnect through experiences rooted in nutrition, movement, creativity, and nature. Throughout the year, the inn hosts immersive Vegan Retreats designed for both longtime vegans and the vegan-curious, combining plant-based cooking classes, nutrition education, and habit change with restorative time in nature. Daily life at the inn is nourished by chef-prepared vegan meals at the acclaimed Ravens restaurant, yoga, meditation, organic gardening, nature tours, and much more.

Hotel Bel-Air

Nestled in the canyons of Los Angeles, the spa at Hotel Bel-Air is a cloistered escape focused on indulgence and rejuvenation. The spa features a tranquil relaxation lounge and seven treatment rooms, where staff attend to every detail, from warmed towels to personalized music selections. For the ultimate in private pampering, book an afternoon in The Enclave—a sprawling suite with two treatment beds, a marble soaking tub, and a shady outdoor patio with a soothing waterfall. Wrapped in plush robes, guests can spend the afternoon relaxing in secluded bliss.

Timber Cove Resort

Perched on a bluff above the Pacific along Highway 1, Timber Cove Resort offers a deeply restorative getaway shaped by the raw beauty of the Sonoma Coast. In 2025, the mid-century–inspired retreat introduced its Reset & Restore Suite, a private wellness experience designed for intentional renewal. The immersive suite features a zero-gravity recliner, compression and recovery tools, a rock sauna, and a cold plunge, along with calming details like essential oils, curated sound frequencies, herbal tea, and plush robes. Beyond the suite, guests can reconnect through guided redwood hikes, forest bathing, yoga, and sunset ecotherapy meditation.

Gaige House

In the idyllic village of Glen Ellen, the Gaige House is a tranquil wine country retreat inspired by the calm rituals of a Japanese ryokan. Designed for rest and renewal, the intimate boutique hotel features serene gardens, softly cascading fountains, and an on-site meditation alcove nestled alongside a creek. Guests can deepen their practice with private yoga or guided meditation sessions, unwind beside the peaceful pool and fire pits, or retreat to ryokan-style suites with private Zen gardens and deep Japanese soaking tubs. It’s an ideal setting to slow down and reset just minutes from Sonoma’s top wineries.

Hotel Cerro

Spa Cerro at Hotel Cerro offers a serene, design-forward wellness experience focused on calm and restoration. Guests can unwind with restorative massages, facials, and body treatments, then linger in the spa’s Relaxation Quiet Room, where mesmerizing panels of bubbling water and a sleek gas fireplace create a soothing cocoon. The experience extends to the rooftop Spa Relaxation Terrace, a peaceful retreat high above the city with panoramic views. Hotel guests can also take a dip in the hotel’s rooftop pool, maintain their workout routine in the fitness center, or relax in the hotel’s edible gardens, which supply fresh herbs and vegetables for the restaurant’s seasonal dishes.

The Steward

The Steward is a grounding retreat rooted in nature, sustainability, and a rich botanical legacy. This one-of-a-kind boutique hotel in Santa Barbara sits on the historic 1880s estate of Joseph Sexton, a pioneering horticulturist. Guests can wander through heritage trees and exotic gardens, unwind poolside, or daydream in the shade of the daybed patio swings. Guests can also deepen their yoga practice on the private yoga lawn. Complimentary yoga classes are held every Saturday morning with private sessions available by request. A renovated historic barn houses the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center, while in-room massage and a restaurant showcasing local, organic, farm-to-table cuisine round out the offerings.

Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa

Set among rolling vineyards and olive groves in the Livermore Valley, the Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa offers an intimate, slow-paced wellness escape. The boutique resort features just 10 contemporary suites, many with fireplaces and deep soaking tubs for two. Its private on-site spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments—some incorporating olive oil from the property’s own orchard—along with thoughtfully curated spa packages for individuals and couples. Between treatments, guests can unwind by the heated pool with its impressive rock waterfall, linger in stone-enclosed hot tubs, or relax in the gardens overlooking the olive orchard and surrounding hills.

Mar Vista Farm + Cottages

Set along a secluded stretch of Highway 1 in Mendocino County, Mar Vista Farm + Cottages is a quietly restorative retreat rooted in nature and intentional living. Historic cottages are designed for relaxed comfort, with fireplaces, cozy furnishings, and well-equipped kitchens. Guests can make home-cooked meals with vegetables harvested from the on-site garden, farm-fresh eggs delivered to the door, and an array of curated provisions. Opportunities abound to connect with nature, from self-guided forest bathing beneath towering redwoods to time spent exploring a secluded beach with tide pools. The inn offers a wellness package that includes breakfast and wellness baskets, a guided garden tour or a private yoga session, and reserved time in the outdoor soaking tub.

Kenwood Inn & Spa

Tucked into Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon, Kenwood Inn & Spa is a Mediterranean-inspired retreat designed for lingering, restorative days. Surrounded by vineyards, the intimate property unfolds across garden courtyards, warming pools, and shaded cabanas. At the on-site spa, guests can choose from personalized massage treatments ranging from 50 minutes to nearly two hours, including couples’ treatments enjoyed by the fire. Between spa sessions, days drift easily between soaking, quiet lounging with a book, and sipping wine in the central courtyard with its cascading fountains and warming fireplaces.

Hotel San Luis Obispo

In the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Hotel SLO pairs modern urban energy with a restorative spa experience at Sol Spa, a serene escape tucked into the hotel’s garden courtyard. Sol Spa invites guests to unwind with a curated menu of massages, facials, body scrubs, and reflexology treatments, all designed to calm the nervous system and renew the senses. Spa appointments include access to dry saunas, a relaxation lounge, and the hotel’s pool and hot tub, creating a full day of self-care in a tranquil setting. Other hotel features include an airy, state-of-the-art fitness center, a rooftop terrace with a bar, and two amazing, chef-driven restaurants.

Lavender Inn

Just steps from the guestrooms at Lavender Inn, the Ojai Garden Spa offers an intimate, wellness experience rooted in Ojai’s restorative spirit. Therapies range from customized massages that blend ancient techniques with intuitive bodywork, rejuvenating facials using organic, locally sourced botanicals, and holistic rituals that incorporate breathwork, sound healing, and energy alignment. Guests can opt for treatments in a private gazebo tucked at the back of the inn’s gardens or fireside in the cottage. Guests can also unwind with a simple foot soak in the garden, accompanied by the gentle cascade of fountains and a chorus of frogs.

Inn at Occidental

Tucked into a redwood-shaded village in Sonoma County, the Inn at Occidental partners with nearby Osmosis Day Spa for a restorative getaway. The inn’s Self-Care Getaway Package pairs a one-night stay with your choice of therapeutic and rejuvenating treatments at the acclaimed spa. The package also includes a luxurious tub turndown service, a curated basket of Osmosis spa products, and a delicious breakfast. Enjoy 10% savings on stays Sunday through Thursday nights (excluding holidays). Advance reservations are strongly recommended; visit the website for details.

The Cottages of Napa Valley

At The Cottages of Napa Valley, wellness is woven quietly into the rhythm of a wine country stay. Guests can arrange private yoga sessions with a local instructor, held beneath towering trees on the courtyard lawn. Complimentary bikes invite easy exploration of the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a 47-mile path that passes through vineyards and wine country towns. Back at the cottages, restoration continues with spa-like amenities, including deep, jetted soaking tubs with chromotherapy and aromatherapy. Other thoughtful cottage comforts include heated bathroom floors, a gas fireplace, and an outdoor chimenea for relaxing beneath the stars.

New and Newly Revamped Boutique Hotels to Visit in 2026

Posted on January 4, 2026October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Across California, a fresh wave of hotel openings and thoughtful renovations offers travelers a new way to experience popular destinations. From historic landmarks reimagined to brand-new boutique stays designed with modern rhythms in mind, these hotels balance a strong sense of place with contemporary comfort. Whether you’re planning a wine country escape, a beachfront retreat, or an urban stay, these five new and revitalized hotels set the tone for travel in 2026.

Casia Inn

At the gateway to Sonoma wine country, arriving at the brand-new Casia Inn feels like slipping into a Mediterranean-inspired retreat. Opened in spring 2025, the boutique hotel transforms what was once a 1941 motor lodge—with cars parked outside each room—into a tranquil courtyard garden. Sun-dappled paths edged with lavender lead past a gently curving pool, while fire pits invite lingering with wine under the stars. Interiors, designed by owner Lydia Sarkissian, reflect her love of the Mediterranean and global travel, featuring modern guest rooms that balance minimalist restraint with artisan detail. Spa-like bathrooms add a touch of luxury. Plans are underway for a spa, café, and additional suites, with more to come.

Hotel Santa Barbara

A downtown landmark since the late 19th century, Hotel Santa Barbara unveiled a stunning renovation in August 2025. Upon entering through the hotel’s ornately carved portico, a light-filled lobby unfolds with striking white archways and columns, rustic wood details, and old-world accents. 1926, the elegant new lobby bar, pays homage to the year the hotel reopened after a devastating earthquake. With a nod to the Roaring Twenties, the inviting space hums throughout the day—transitioning from morning pastries and fresh juices to tapas and evening cocktails. Upstairs, revamped guest rooms take on a hushed, moody sensibility, defined by deep paint tones, wrought-iron chandeliers, and a mix of contemporary furnishings and artisan textiles.

La Bahia Hotel & Spa

One of the most iconic landmarks near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk reopened in September 2025 as the city’s first luxury beachfront hotel and spa. Designed by architect William C. Hays in 1926, the storied Spanish-Colonial enclave endured many iterations, but La Bahia Hotel & Spa is the first to fully realize its original vision—honoring both its enchanting architecture and enviable oceanfront setting. Beneath the restored bell tower and gleaming Spanish-Mediterranean façade, guests arrive through a grand porte cochère into a lively, light-filled lobby. Interiors by ForrestPerkins evoke a palatial seaside estate, with guest rooms anchored by hand-painted headboards that blend coastal motifs with worldly travel. Four distinct dining concepts, a world-class spa with a rooftop deck, and thoughtful indulgences like private pool cabanas and beach butler service round out the experience.

The Milo

At The Milo, Santa Barbara’s beachfront ease is distilled into details experienced firsthand. Unveiling a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2025, redesigned guestrooms by Santa Monica–based DESIGN360 blend the vintage charm of a European seaside villa with a breezy California aesthetic. The rooms feature custom furnishings, sun-washed woods, and bespoke wallcoverings inspired by native shoreline herons taking flight. Outside, guests thumb through borrowed novels from the Tiny Library or set off with sketchpads, binoculars, and bird guides from the Explorers’ Closet. Both are thoughtful new additions that encourage unhurried wandering and time well spent along the coast.

Olivia Hotel

Opened in late spring 2025, the Olivia Hotel brings a calm, contemporary sensibility to a busy stretch of West Los Angeles. Tucked along the original Route 66 near Westwood Village and UCLA, the brand-new boutique hotel centers around a tranquil outdoor courtyard, where a fire pit and café seating create a natural gathering place from morning to night. The modern guestrooms emphasize creature comforts, with plush linens and robes, curated minibars, and thoughtfully designed workspaces featuring ergonomic chairs and high-speed Wi-Fi. Stays include an elevated continental breakfast and a nightly social hour in the courtyard, where guests linger over fine wines, craft beers, and small bites.

Whale Watching from Boutique Hotels Along the California Coast

Posted on December 15, 2025October 26, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Through winter and early spring, over 25,000 gray whales cruise the California coast during their annual migration. Every year, the whales swim between their feeding grounds in the Arctic to the warm lagoons of Mexico, where they mate and give birth to calves. The 10,000 to 14,000-mile round-trip trek is the longest annual migration of any mammal on earth.

The whales usually travel within a couple of miles of land, making them visible from shore. Along the California coast, you can catch sight of migrating gray whales spouting, diving, and breaching between December and April. But the best months for whale watching are March and April, when mothers and calves travel closest to shore to avoid predators on their journey north.

Whale-watching tours depart from numerous harbors up and down the coast, but for a more tranquil whale-watching adventure, book a stay at one of California’s coastal boutique hotels. With creature comforts and panoramic ocean views, these hotels offer cozy perches for gazing out in wonder.

Westport Hotel

From Little River to Westport, the Mendocino Coast plays host to whale festivals throughout the entire month of March. In addition to the festivals, guests can watch the whales from the comfort of the balcony rooms at the historic Westport Hotel. The beautifully renovated hotel stands directly across from the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views from its balcony rooms and on-site restaurant, The Old Abalone Pub. In March and April, guests can book the Wine and Whales special, which includes 10% off a two-night stay, a complimentary bottle of Mendocino County wine, and use of the inn’s binoculars. The special also includes the inn’s signature two-course breakfast. The offer is valid Thursday through Saturday nights only. Blackout dates apply. Mention this special when booking online or call 707-964-3688.

Inn at Newport Ranch

Set along a mile and a half of rugged Mendocino County coastline, the Inn at Newport Ranch is a stunning destination with a myriad of sites to watch for migrating whales. Guests can hike trails atop the coastal bluffs, settle into oceanfront picnic spots built into the cliffs, gather around an oceanfront fire pit, or soak in a rooftop hot tub overlooking the sea. Several rooms, including the Captain’s Quarters and suites in the Redwood House, have extraordinary ocean views as well. Later this winter, the boutique hotel will feature a whale-watching package. Check back for more details.

Little River Inn

Just south of Mendocino Village, Little River Inn overlooks the Pacific from atop a bluff and offers the chance to see whales from every single room. Guests can relax in rocking chairs lining the decks or even in outdoor hot tubs to take in the views. For mixing whale watching with cocktails, head to Ole’s Whale Watch Bar. With sweeping ocean views, the historic bar got its name from Mendocino’s classic pastime. Owned and operated by the same family for five generations, the Little River Inn is the perfect place to whale watch in cozy comfort. Binoculars can be borrowed upon request.

Inn at Schoolhouse Creek

Nestled on a rise above the Mendocino Coast, the Inn at Schoolhouse Creek features historic cottages and cozy guest rooms, including several that are ideal for whale watching. Among the most unique is the Water Tower Cottage. During World War II, the water tower served as a lookout equipped with an anti-aircraft battery for the U.S. Coast Guard. Today, the tower is a prime perch to watch for whale spouts and sunsets. The base of the tower holds a private hot tub, and a spiral staircase leads to a platform with breathtaking ocean views. Other cottages and guest rooms offer private or shared decks with views of the sea.

Elk Cove Inn & Spa

Further south on the Mendocino Coast, Elk Cove Inn & Spa sits high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and provides a comfortable perch for whale watching. Guests can gaze out to sea from the gingerbread-trimmed gazebo, outdoor dining deck, and the oceanfront restaurant. Many of the guest rooms also offer stunning ocean views, including the Oceanfront Junior Suites, which feature private decks. The window seats in Surfsong Cottage, Seascape Room, and Baywatch Room also make for a cozy spot to watch for whales. In addition, a private trail connects the inn with trails leading down to the beach and up along the bluffs at Greenwood Creek State Beach.

Timber Cove Resort

Perched on 25 acres of breathtaking coastline, Timber Cove Resort offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean along with abundant wildlife and moody winter skies. Trails running atop the cliffs and a stunning oceanfront fire pit provide the best outdoor spots for whale watching. Inside, most of the guest rooms offer panoramic ocean views as well. The best choices are the Ocean View and Ocean Cove View rooms or any of the suites. The rooms and suites are equipped with binoculars and feature private decks or patios with outdoor furniture. The most common whales seen on the Sonoma Coast are gray whales. Humpback, blue, and orca whales can also be spotted a little further offshore. Guests will also spot a variety of sea birds, harbor seals, and the occasional sea lion.

Beach House Half Moon Bay

Perched on an oceanfront terrace, the Beach House Half Moon Bay is an all-suites boutique hotel with sweeping views of Pillar Point Harbor and the ocean. Guests can spot migrating gray whales from winter to early spring, humpback whales in summer and fall, and other marine life throughout the year. The hotel’s Penthouse and Ocean View Suites offer the best views with private balconies or patios. Ocean Terrace Patio—with its fire pit, heated outdoor pool, and hot tub—is another excellent spot to gaze out over the water. Several whale-watching tours depart from the harbor, which is located within walking distance of the hotel via the coastal trail.

Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach

In Half Moon Bay, guests of the Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach are treated to a front row seat to the gray whale migration. The oceanfront boutique hotel offers panoramic views from most of its guest rooms. Bring a pair of binoculars to gaze out over the water from your private deck, or stroll the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, which runs for four miles along the beach. Back at the hotel, enjoy cozy fireplaces, featherbeds, evening wine and appetizers, and house-made desserts. For those seeking a close-up experience on the water, several seasonal whale watching charters operate from nearby Pillar Point Harbor.

Davenport Roadhouse Inn

Two songs north of Santa Cruz, the town of Davenport was founded in the 1860s by a whaler named Captain John Davenport. From the cliffs, Captain Davenport had watched whales pass close to shore and decided it was a good place to start a whaling business to meet the demand for lamp oil. Directly across from the cliffs, the Davenport Roadhouse Inn stands on the site of the town’s original general store. The family-owned inn offers Highway 1 road trippers a lively waypoint with good food, good vibes, live music, and hip new guest rooms. Rocking chairs on the wrap-around veranda connecting the rooms provide an excellent perch for whale watching. For even more epic views, walk across the road to the oceanfront cliffs that originally lured Captain Davenport.

Monarch Cove Inn

Hidden at the end of a quiet, residential street in Capitola, the Monarch Cove Inn sits high on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking curve of the Monterey Bay. The 2.5-acre oceanfront estate provides an incredible perch for catching sight of migrating gray whales, humpbacks, and other marine life passing through the deep waters of the bay. Guests can follow paths along the cliff’s edge or enjoy the views from the expansive deck overlooking the ocean. In addition to migrating whales, guests can view the hundreds of monarch butterflies that congregate each winter in a protected eucalyptus grove on the estate. The migrating butterflies arrive each year in mid-October and typically stay through mid-February.

Green Gables Inn

With its enviable position at the water’s edge, the newly revamped Green Gables Inn in Pacific Grove offers a front-row view of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and its abundant wildlife. Whale watching is a year-round activity on the bay, featuring migrating gray whales in winter and spring and humpback and blue whales in summer and fall. From the inn’s dining room and lounge, guests regularly spot whales as well as dolphins, seals, and sea otters. The best guest rooms for whale watching include the Balcony Room with its panoramic ocean views and the Chapel Room with its charming window seat overlooking the bay. The inn provides binoculars upon request. For guests who want to get a more up-close view, the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail is just steps away.

On the Beach Bed & Breakfast

Cayucos is another great spot to watch for humpback whales and migrating gray whales on the Central Coast. Overlooking the water and the sands of Cayucos State Beach, On the Beach Bed & Breakfast provides excellent vantage points from its second-floor rooms (rooms 201-204) and rooftop deck. The spacious, second-floor rooms each feature private balconies with cozy seating and full ocean views. On the rooftop deck, guests can watch for whales while relaxing around the fire pit. Just steps away, guests can also stroll out on the historic Cayucos Pier to catch sight of more marine wildlife.

Blue Lantern Inn

Perched on a bluff above Dana Point Harbor in Southern California, the Blue Lantern Inn offers unparalleled ocean views and whale-watching opportunities. The views can be enjoyed from the inn’s terraced patio and many of its guest rooms, including the Tower Rooms and Pacific Edge Rooms with private balconies or patios. Guests in the third-floor Luxury Tower guestroom have the best views of all, aided by an in-room telescope. For even more panoramic views, the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area behind the inn offers bluff-top hiking trails and scenic overlooks. At the harbor, whale-watching cruises depart several times daily, offering an up-close view of the whales.

Cozy Up with Winter Specials at California Boutique Hotels

Posted on December 12, 2025October 9, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Whether it’s a rejuvenating break from the season’s frenzy or a chance to snuggle by a fire in an opulent pied-à-terre, winter is the season for savings at California boutique hotels. From free nights to discounted rates to packages bundled with perks, these properties offer specials that celebrate this quiet, cozy time of year.

Casia Inn

Savor a free third night in Sonoma wine country with Casia Inn’s Winter Escape Deal. Located at the southern gateway to Sonoma, the fully renovated and redesigned boutique hotel opened in the spring of 2025. Set on five acres, the hotel is a soothing oasis of modern elegance in a tranquil garden setting. Book a three-night stay between now and February 28, 2026, and the third night is free. No booking code is required. Just select three consecutive nights and choose the Winter Escape special price at checkout. The offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Blackout dates apply. To reserve, book online or call 707-244-6111.

Fort Sutter Hotel

In Sacramento’s vibrant Midtown district, the modern, arts-infused Fort Sutter Hotel welcomes guests this winter with a 10% discount off any stay and a complimentary bottle of bubbly upon arrival. Unveiled in 2021, the boutique hotel is the creative vision of the local Paragary family, who sought to create a community hub for locals and visitors alike with quality food and drinks, chic guest rooms, and curated art collections. The special is valid for any stay between January 1 and March 31, 2026. Book online to make a reservation.

The Steward

Savor the flavors of Santa Barbara with The Steward’s Dining in the Garden package. Enjoy a $40 dining credit to Terra, where the culinary team showcases organic, farm-to-table California cuisine inspired by the region’s rich agricultural roots. Dine among lush gardens and experience why Terra was recognized as a 2024 Diners’ Choice winner by OpenTable. The special is valid through November 23, 2036, and is based on availability. The dining credit is non-transferable and may not be redeemed for cash or applied to future stays. To reserve, book online with promo code D60.

The Groveland Hotel

Experience the serenity of Yosemite’s winter trails and snow-covered vistas with The Groveland Hotel’s Sip & Stay Winter Getaway package. Located just 30 minutes from the park’s Big Oak Flat entrance, the historic hotel has served gold seekers, outdoor adventurers, and more since 1849. Renovated guest rooms combine modern amenities and furnishings with period architectural details. The package includes special nightly rates starting at $129 per night and one complimentary winter cocktail per guest. The offer is available for stays now through January 31, 2026, and is based on availability. Blackout dates apply. Book online to make a reservation.

The Wayfarer San Luis Obispo

Gather the college buddies, the wedding party, or the corporate team, and save on stays at The Wayfarer San Luis Obispo. The boutique hotel features stylish new guest rooms, modern amenities, and walkable access to downtown SLO’s best bites, bars, and boutique shops. With the hotel’s Make it a Group Thing special, group bookings of 10 to 15 guest rooms will receive a 15% discount. Groups booking 16 to 30 rooms will enjoy 20% off. Additional perks for planners are included. The special offer is only valid through December 31, 2025, for travel by March 31, 2026. To reserve, contact the hotel’s sales department at [email protected] or call 805-544-8600.

Parker Guest House

Nestled between two of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods—the Castro and the Mission—Parker Guest House is an urban oasis, offering tranquil gardens and stylish interiors housed in two historic mansions. This winter, save $100 off any stay of three or more nights with the hotel’s Winter Booking Special. The special is available for a limited time only and is valid for stays through April 30, 2026. Blackout dates and holiday exclusions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Reservations must be made directly on the Parker Guest House website. The discount will be applied to the last night of your stay.

The Atlas Calistoga

This winter, explore Napa Valley’s best pours and unwind in style at The Atlas Calistoga with their Winter in the Wineries Passport lodging special. Located within walking distance of downtown Calistoga, the sophisticated cottages blend a modern aesthetic with Zen-like tranquility and historic charm. The special includes 20% off a three-night stay, complete with a bottle of wine and chocolates to share fireside. The offer is valid now through March 1, 2026. Blackout dates apply. Book online using the code PASSPORT. The Winter in the Wineries Passports can be purchased separately from Visit Calistoga. Passports are $80 and include complimentary wine tastings at over 20 wineries, as well as discounts on dining and spa experiences.

Victoria Inn and Historic Dunbar House Inn

Enjoy 50% savings at two boutique hotels in an enchanting Gold Rush-era town turned wine destination. Located within walking distance of all the cafes, shops, and tasting rooms in downtown Murphys, the Victoria Inn and Historic Dunbar House Inn are offering 50% off midweek stays with their Annual Holiday Savings event. The special is valid for stays Sunday through Thursday night only, now through April 30, 2026. A two-night minimum is required. The discount is reflected in the per-night cost. Blackout dates apply. The special cannot be combined with other promotions or special rates. To reserve, book online for the Victoria Inn or Historic Dunbar House Inn using promo code Holiday50.

Requa Inn

Retreat to Northern California’s redwood coast with two special deals from the Historic Requa Inn. The simple, Art-and-Crafts hotel stands above the banks of the Klamath River, surrounded by the majestic old-growth forests of Redwood National and State Parks. With the Cozy Winter Special, enjoy discounted winter rates, a complimentary glass of wine, and breakfast credits for two. The special is available through March 31, 2026, with the promo code COZY. For the Romance in the Redwoods special, book two nights between February 13 and 28, 2026, and get the third night free with promo code LOVE. To reserve either special, call 707-482-1425 or book online. In addition, the hotel will host a special Valentine’s Day dinner for $150 per couple. Call 707-482-1425 for reservations.

Tallman Hotel

Savor the cozy tranquility of winter in Upper Lake with the Tallman Hotel’s Sip & Stay Winter Getaway package. The meticulously restored 1890s hotel masterfully blends classic Eastlake style with modern comforts. The hotel’s Lower Garden rooms feature private patios with Japanese Ofuro soaking tubs. The package includes special nightly rates starting at $149 per night and one complimentary winter cocktail per guest at the Blue Wing Restaurant & Saloon. The offer is available for stays now through January 31, 2026, and is based on availability. Blackout dates apply. Book online to make a reservation.

Petit Soleil

Enjoy a midweek getaway to sunny San Luis Obispo with Petit Soleil’s Petit Weekday special. The newly revamped boutique hotel mixes Parisian flair with clever dashes of whimsy. Book a three-night stay including Monday and Tuesday nights, and stay Wednesday night for free (a 33% discount). The stay includes breakfast and an apéritif hour daily. The special is valid through the end of 2026, but blackout dates and additional restrictions apply. Cancellations or modifications must be made 72 hours before check-in to avoid a charge for one night’s stay. Reserve the special by booking online with promo code FRENCH75 or by calling 805-549-0321.

Patio with fire pit, seating and views of sunset over the ocean. — Outdoor patio at Beach House Half Moon Bay

Beach House Half Moon Bay

Escape to the beach this winter with two special offers from the Beach House in Half Moon Bay. Overlooking Half Moon Bay, the all-suites boutique hotel features a pool, hot tub, and spa treatment room. With the Stay and Play special, book a two-night stay and receive a 10% discount (a savings of up to $65 per night). With the Stay and Save promotion, guests can save 15% on a three-night stay (a savings of up to $95 per night). Both specials are valid now through March 31, 2026, and are based on availability. Some blackout dates apply. The promotion can be booked online or by calling the hotel at 650-712-0220.

Inn at Occidental

Book your winter escape to Sonoma wine country and save 15% with the Inn at Occidental’s Winter Getaway Special. Enjoy cozy rooms, quiet evenings by the fire, local wine, and the magic of western Sonoma County in its most peaceful season. As a bonus, guests staying December 19–21, 2025, can join the Christmas at the Inn festivities, featuring Santa, Bigfoot, fire pits, carols, and holiday cheer. The special is valid for stays of two or more consecutive nights now through January 31, 2026. Holidays and select event weekends are excluded. Book online using promo code Winter.

Private patio and fire pit of the newly renovated Enso Suite at the Gaige House

Four Sisters Collection

In January, enjoy 30% off any stay and a bottle of sparkling wine at check-in with the Toast the New Year package from the Four Sisters Collection. Located in some of the state’s most iconic destinations, the boutique hotels offer exceptional guest experiences blending modern luxury with historic charm and gracious hospitality. Stays also include complimentary breakfast, evening wine reception, freshly baked cookies, and bicycles to borrow. The package is valid for any stay between January 2 and January 31, 2026. Additional restrictions may apply. To reserve, book online with any of the Four Sisters Collection hotels: Blue Lantern Inn, Channel Road Inn, Coachman’s Inn, Gaige House, Gosby House Inn, Green Gables Inn, Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza, Inn at Playa Del Rey, Inn at Sonoma, Inns of Mendocino, Kenwood Inn and Spa, Lavender, Maison Fleurie, Milliken Creek Inn, and West Cliff Inn.

Elk Cove Inn & Spa

Perched on a dramatic ocean bluff, the Elk Cove Inn & Spa offers one of the most intimate winter escapes on the Northern California coast. Enjoy the magic of the winter season, watching storms from cozy oceanfront rooms and savoring slow evenings by the fire with chef-prepared breakfasts and dinners served to your room. From January through March 5, 2026, save with the Winter Lodging Special, offering $100 off suites and Wave Watcher, $75 off Oceanview Cottages and Mansion Rooms, and $50 off Garden View Rooms. The special also includes a $100 dinner credit per stay. Reservations must be made by January 31, 2026. Book online using promo code WINTER to unlock the special winter offer or call 707-877-3321.

The Cottages of Napa Valley

Escape for three nights to your own private wine country cottage and get the third night free with The Cottages of Napa Valley’s Winter Special. Nestled beneath towering trees strung with lights, eight thoughtfully renovated vintage cottages feature gas fireplaces, well-stocked kitchenettes, soaking tubs, and heated tile floors. Each cottage also has its own wood-burning chiminea on a private patio for roasting s’mores. The Cottages of Napa Valley’s Winter Special is valid now through March 1, 2026 (excluding February 12–16, 2026). To reserve, book online using promo code WINTER25 or call 707-252-7810.

McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast

Head to the mountains for a midweek retreat with the McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn’s Tuesdays are Free special. Nestled in an alpine forest outside of Twain Harte, the inn is just 30 minutes from Dodge Ridge Ski Resort and other winter adventures. With the special, guests booking any three-night stay that includes a Tuesday night will get Tuesday on the house. The special runs from January 1 through March 30, 2026, excluding holidays. All stays include a full breakfast each morning and an afternoon wine social. To reserve, call 209-586-0757 and mention the special.

Cottages at Little River Cove, Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, and Dennen’s Farmhouse Inn

Enjoy a winter getaway to the Mendocino Coast with exclusive savings from a trio of charming properties. With the Winter Wonderland Special at Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse, Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, and Cottages at Little River Cove, guests can save 20% off any two-night stay and 30% off any stay of three or more nights. All three properties are located just a few miles south of Mendocino Village and offer cozy, pet-friendly guest rooms and cottages, including many with ocean views. The special is valid now through February 28, 2026 (excluding December 24, 2025, through January 1, 2026). The special rates are non-refundable. Reserve online with Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse, Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, or Cottages at Little River Cove using promo code Winter20 or Winter30.

Hotel San Luis Obispo

Relax with spa treatments and enjoy winter savings with two specials from Hotel San Luis Obispo. The modern, Michelin-honored boutique hotel features inspired cuisine, a rooftop bar, custom art installations, and a welcoming vibe. Now through January 31, 2026, receive 20% off midweek stays (Sunday through Thursday), a $50 credit toward spa treatments at Sol Spa, and a 10% discount on Sol Spa products with the hotel’s Sol Spa Rejuvenate special. Starting January 12, 2026, guests can receive 25% off midweek stays of two or more nights (or best available rates for weekend nights), a $50 credit toward spa treatments at Sol Spa, and a $25 nightly dining credit with the Winter Refresh special. Both specials end January 31, 2026, and are subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. Book online to reserve.

Stormy winter skies on the Mendocino Coast

Inn at Newport Ranch

Winter storm season on the northern Mendocino coast brings some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery of the year. Take in the beauty with the Inn at Newport Ranch’s Winter Storm Watch package. The add-on package includes relaxing hot rock massages for two, a chef’s winter tasting menu for two, happy hour featuring Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktails, epic custom-crafted hot chocolate with house-made marshmallows, and 15% savings off your room rate. The package requires a two-night minimum stay and is available now through March 30, 2026. Blackout dates apply. The package may not be combined with any other offers. The package cost is $950 based on double occupancy. Accommodations are not included in the package price. To reserve, book online with the promo code STORM.

West Cliff Inn: A Seaside Retreat Overlooking Monterey Bay

Posted on November 19, 2025October 27, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Perched on a hill overlooking the Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the historic West Cliff Inn rises above Santa Cruz’s lively beach scene with a stately elegance. While just steps from the sand and amusement park rides, the lovingly restored 1877 Italianate Victorian offers a soothing seaside retreat. Two wrap-around porches invite guests to kick back in rocking chairs to take in the views and watch the sunset over the ocean. A verdant garden trimmed with boxwood and fragrant roses provides a buffer from the busy street. Inside, the restored architectural details and contemporary décor exude a coastal chic style with classic sophistication.

The History

The grand Victorian mansion was originally built for Sedgewick Lynch, a carpenter-turned-gold prospector who struck it rich during California’s Gold Rush. With his newfound fortune, Lynch made his way to Santa Cruz and chose the ocean view bluff to build his family’s home. The Victorian was designed by architect John Morrow and built for the then-astonishing sum of $12,000. Originally, the mansion was the only home on the cliff, but by the turn of the 20th century, other grand homes began to crop up along West Cliff Drive, giving birth to the nickname “Millionaires’ Row.”

Aerial view of the front of the West Cliff Inn — West Cliff Inn, photo by Alina Tyulyu, courtesy of Four Sisters Collection

Superior King Spa room at West Cliff Inn — The views from room three at the West Cliff Inn

Over the next century, the mansion served as a hospital, an office, and a vacation rental before falling into disrepair. In 2004, new owners partnered with the Four Sisters Collection to restore the home, unveiling the reimagined West Cliff Inn in 2007.

The Rooms

With just 10 guest rooms, the West Cliff Inn is an intimate retreat. The interiors feature soothing, coastal-inspired hues, rattan furnishings, and local artisan accents. The spacious, modern baths are finished with elegant marble vanities and tiled showers. Several of the rooms offer jetted spa tubs for a relaxing soak. Tucked away at the back of the hotel, room five boasts its own private deck with a hot tub for soaking under the stars and a pair of lounge chairs for basking in the sun. Room three has the best views of the ocean from its stunning bay windows. Nestled into the sloped ceilings of the third floor, a spacious studio offers a sitting room with a writing desk, fireplace, and wet bar, a separate bedroom with ocean views, and a marble bath with a soaking tub.

A guest room bed at West Cliff Inn next to an open door leading to the private deck — Room five at the West Cliff Inn features a private deck with a hot tub and lounge chairs

A private deck with a hot tub — Private deck of room five at the West Cliff Inn

Guest room bath at West Cliff Inn — Bathroom of room five at the West Cliff Inn

The stained glass skylight in the stairwell of the West Cliff Inn

All the rooms feature luxurious beds with pillow-top mattresses and buttery-smooth linens. Gas fireplaces add warmth and ambiance on cool nights. Other thoughtful creature comforts include cozy robes, wine chillers, Keurig coffee machines, and clothing steamers. Just outside the guest room doors, an enormous stained-glass skylight illuminates the stairwell. Although not original to the mansion, it’s a showcase piece that serves a functional purpose in artful fashion.

Food and Drink

Served fireside in the dining room, the inn’s complimentary breakfast is a generous spread with a rotating selection of house-made quiches as the star attraction. Fresh fruit, yogurt, house-made granola, cereals, and assorted breads round out the offerings. Guests can help themselves to coffee, tea, sodas, and filtered water throughout the day. In the afternoons, gather by the fire for the inn’s complimentary wine hour. Pour a glass of wine, select some small bites, and head to the adjoining parlor to mingle with other guests. The inn’s freshly baked cookies are another irresistible treat for each night’s stay.

The dining room with a marble fireplace — The marble fireplace in the dining room of the West Cliff Inn

Close up photo of a upholstered chair with a pillow, end table, and table in the parlor at West Cliff Inn — Detail of the parlor at the West Cliff Inn

The Service

As part of the Four Sisters Collection, the service is warm and gracious with a personalized touch. Staff are quick to offer local recommendations, whether guests are seeking the best beaches, wine tasting rooms, or a romantic place for dinner. In addition to the inn’s signature breakfast and wine hour, an array of complimentary perks adds even more value to the stay. Free onsite parking is available for one car per reservation. The inn’s cruiser bikes encourage guests to ride the oceanfront path along West Cliff Drive or venture into downtown car-free. To enjoy a day on the sand, the inn offers beach towels, toys, and other beach gear.

A pair of bicycles in front of the West ClLiff Inn — Bicyles for borrowing at West Cliff Inn

The Destination

With its enviable location on West Cliff Drive, the inn is ideally positioned for exploring Santa Cruz. Guests can stroll or bike the scenic path while surfers ride the waves below. Along the route, an iconic bronze sculpture of a surfer with his board serves as a tribute. Less than a mile from the inn, Lighthouse Point is home to the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, which chronicles the history of surfing in Santa Cruz. The cliffs at Lighthouse Point provide the best vantage point for watching surfers try to catch the legendary waves at Steamer Lane.

The bronze sculpture of a surfer and his board along West Cliff Drive with flower in the foreground and the ocean in the background. — The bronze sculpture of a surfer and his board along West Cliff Drive

A surfer surfing a wave at Steamer Lane — A surfer at Steamer Lane, photo by Jenn Day, courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz County

Through the winter months, the cliffs also serve as a great perch for spotting gray whales passing through the Monterey Bay, as well as seals and otters playing offshore. At the end of West Cliff Drive, thousands of monarch butterflies congregate each fall and winter in a protected grove of eucalyptus at Natural Bridges State Beach. The park is also known for its tidepools and namesake rock formations rising above the waves.

From the inn, guests can wander down to Cowell’s Beach and stroll out along the wharf to grab a cup of clam chowder or rent a kayak. A bit further down Beach Street, take a ride on a historic carousel or wooden rollercoaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The top of Pacific Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz — Downtown Santa Cruz, photo by Ben Ingram, courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz County

Just inland, Downtown Santa Cruz beckons with vibrant shops and eateries, including Bookshop Santa Cruz, Birichino, and Walnut Avenue Café. The long-standing Kuumbwa Jazz Center attracts talented musicians to its intimate concert space several nights a week. A couple of blocks away, Tea House Spa is a soothing oasis offering massage and private hot tubs overlooking tranquil bamboo gardens.

In Santa Cruz’s hip Westside neighborhood, several new wine tasting rooms, craft beer pubs, distilleries, and eateries have cropped up in recent years. The Swift Street Courtyard houses no less than six tasting rooms featuring local wines and live music on weekends. Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing and Humble Sea Brewing Co. are both just a stone’s throw away. Also nearby, Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen pours drinks featuring spirits locally crafted in copper stills.

A mini frozen paloma libre at Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen — A mini frozen paloma at Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen

Save with Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals from California Boutique Hotels

Posted on November 11, 2025October 27, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

For travelers chasing this season’s best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, California’s boutique hotels are rolling out enticing, limited-time offers. From wine country escapes to coastal retreats to mountain hideaways, these distinctive stays are offering their best rates of the year. It’s the perfect time to plan your next California getaway—before these exclusive deals slip away.

Craft House Inn

Just steps from downtown Santa Barbara, the 100-year-old Craft House Inn has been thoroughly reimagined and painstakingly renovated for modern travelers. The design blends old-world charm with modern amenities and comforts. Guests enjoy contactless check-in, access to a full kitchen, and a range of curated experiences to enhance their stay. For Black Friday, guests can save 15% off stays now through February 28, 2026, with the hotel’s Stay Local, Save discount. The sale is available for a limited time and runs now through December 5, 2025. Reservations must be booked directly with the hotel. Blackout dates apply. To reserve your stay, book online using promo code CABBI15.

The Kinney Venice Beach

Playful and vibrant, The Kinney captures Venice Beach’s creative spirit in boutique hotel form. Its art-splashed courtyard pool and retro-inspired rooms channel a distinctive Southern California vibe. The stylish rooms and suites blend bold pop art décor with modern comforts. With complimentary cruiser bikes, guests can explore Venice Beach and its famous boardwalk. During the hotel’s Cyber Sale, travelers can book a beach getaway and enjoy the biggest savings of the year. Save up to 30% on stays through May 21, 2026. Pacifica Perks Members unlock even higher savings with discounts up to 50%. The Cyber Sale runs November 18 through December 2, 2025, only. Book online using promo code CYBEREM.

Granada Hotel & Bistro

In downtown San Luis Obispo, timeless charm meets modern luxury at the Granada Hotel & Bistro. The lovingly restored 1922 hotel features stylish guestrooms with bespoke furnishings and original artwork, fine dining at the Bistro, and a speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge. For a limited time, the hotel will offer 25% off stays through April 30, 2026, during its Black Friday/Cyber Week sale. The sale runs from November 26 through December 2, 2025. To secure the deal, reservations must be booked directly with the hotel. Black Friday/Cyber Monday rates cannot be combined with any other offer. Blackout dates apply. Book online.

Inn at Newport Ranch

Perched on 2,200 acres of ruggedly beautiful Mendocino coastline, The Inn at Newport Ranch is a working ranch turned luxury retreat. Custom-crafted by artisans from fallen redwood trees and massive stones, the boutique hotel features 25 miles of private trails, guided nature tours, extraordinary cuisine, and fireside relaxation. With the hotel’s Black Friday special, guests can save 30% off stays through the end of 2026. The sale runs from November 18 through December 3, 2025. This offer is valid for two-night stays between November 18, 2025, and April 30, 2026, or between October 26 and December 30, 2026. Blackout dates apply. Book online using promo code BLACK.

Four Sisters Inns

With 17 boutique hotels in some of California’s most iconic destinations, Four Sisters Inns offers exceptional guest experiences blending modern luxury with historic charm and gracious hospitality. Now through December 1, 2025, Four Sisters is offering a Black Friday Sale for discounted stays this fall and winter. Save up to 40% off Sunday through Thursday night stays and 25% off Friday and Saturday night stays now through March 5, 2026. The Black Friday Sale requires a two-night minimum and prepayment at the time of booking. The offer is valid for new reservations only. Cancellation restrictions apply. Book online using promo code SECRETSALE or call the hotel directly. The sale ends December 1, 2025.

The Four Sisters Inns’ collection includes Blue Lantern Inn, Channel Road Inn, Coachman’s Inn, Gaige House, Gosby House Inn, Green Gables Inn, Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza, Inn at Playa Del Rey, Inn at Sonoma, Inns of Mendocino, Kenwood Inn and Spa, Lavender, Maison Fleurie, Milliken Creek Inn, and West Cliff Inn.

Riveria Beach House

Just steps from the beach and Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, the Riviera Beach House embodies the artistic spirit of Santa Barbara. The contemporary boutique hotel offers stylish, pet-friendly accommodations, curated art collections, and exceptional onsite dining from Santo Mezcal. With the hotel’s Cyber Sale, travelers can book a Santa Barbara getaway and enjoy the biggest savings of the year. Save up to 30% on stays through May 21, 2026. Pacifica Perks Members can save even more with discounts up to 50%. The Cyber Sale runs November 18 through December 2, 2025, only. Book online using promo code CYBEREM.

Skyview Los Alamos

Perched above Santa Ynez Valley wine country, Skyview Los Alamos is a classic midcentury roadside motel-turned-luxurious-boutique hotel. The five-acre outpost features stylish guest rooms with curated mini bars, a postcard-worthy pool, and a working vineyard that produces the house rosé. Enjoy 25% off stays through April 30, 2026, when you book during the hotel’s Black Friday/Cyber Week sale. The sale runs from November 26 through December 2, 2025. This offer is valid for direct bookings only and cannot be combined with other promotions. Blackout dates apply. Book online to reserve your stay.

Hotel San Luis Obispo

Awarded a coveted Michelin Key, Hotel San Luis Obispo is a modern urban resort with light-filled spaces, custom art installations, and a welcoming, easy-going vibe. Now through Christmas Eve, when shoppers purchase a gift card for Hotel SLO, they’ll receive a complimentary gift card for themselves. The more they give with the hotel’s Gift and Receive Sale, the more they get. Purchase a $50 gift card and receive a complimentary gift card worth $15. Spend $250 and receive a $50 gift card. Spend $500 and receive a $100 gift card. Spend $1,000 and receive a $250 gift card. Hotel SLO gift cards can be used toward overnight stays, dining, drinks, and indulgent spa treatments.

De La Vina Inn

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara, the enchanting De La Vina Inn is located just steps away from restaurants, boutiques, and wine-tasting rooms. Built in 1895 and restored with period-perfect detail, the inn offers elegant eight guest rooms, tranquil gardens, and a range of curated experiences to enhance any stay. For Black Friday, enjoy 15% off stays now through February 28, 2026, with the hotel’s Stay Local, Save discount. The sale is available for a limited time and runs now through December 5, 2025. Reservations must be booked directly with the hotel. Blackout dates apply. To reserve your stay, book online using promo code CABBI15.

Half Moon Bay Lodge

Just 30 minutes south of San Francisco, the newly revamped Half Moon Bay Lodge boasts 80 all-new guest rooms and suites, including some with wood-burning fireplaces. Private guest room balconies and terraces offer tranquil views of landscaped gardens and golf greens. With the hotel’s Cyber Sale, travelers can book a coastal getaway and enjoy the biggest savings of the year. Save up to 30% on stays through May 21, 2026. Pacifica Perks Members unlock even higher savings with discounts up to 50%. The Cyber Sale runs November 18 through December 2, 2025, only. To reserve your stay, book online using promo code CYBEREM.

Hotel Ynez

Nestled on two acres of gardens in Santa Barbara wine country, the Hotel Ynez offers a respite from urban living. Unwind fireside beneath a sprawling oak tree or lounge by the heated, adults-only pool. The thoughtfully designed guest rooms exude a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. For its Black Friday/Cyber Week sale, guests can save 25% off stays through April 30, 2026. The deal runs from November 26 through December 2, 2025. Reservations must be booked directly with the hotel. Black Friday/Cyber Week rates cannot be combined with any other offer, and blackout dates apply. Book online to reserve your stay.

Timber Cove Resort

Embrace the serene beauty of California’s rugged Sonoma Coast with a stay at Timber Cove Resort. With stunning views and a cozy, midcentury vibe, the renovated hotel retains the iconic architecture of the original 1960s legend while bestowing the comforts and amenities of a modern retreat. There’s no better time to plan a winter or spring getaway than with the resort’s exclusive Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer. For a limited time, guests can save 30% off Forest View and Ocean Cove rooms for stays between November 27, 2025, and May 31, 2026 (blackout dates apply). The sale runs from November 26 through December 2, 2025. To reserve your stay, book online.

McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn

To avoid the Black Friday/Cyber Monday madness, book a quiet getaway to the McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn during the Thanksgiving holiday. Tucked into the Sierra Nevada’s forested slopes near the charming mountain town of Twain Harte, the inn offers a serene escape with cozy fire stoves and views of towering pines. Guests are treated to a full breakfast and a fireside wine reception each day. The inn is located a short drive from Dodge Ridge Ski Resort and Pinecrest Lake. Guests booking three or more nights over the Thanksgiving holiday will receive $100 off their stay. The offer is based on availability and must be reserved directly by calling the inn at 209-586-0757.

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.

Best Boutique Hotels for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

Posted on October 29, 2025October 27, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

This Thanksgiving, trade your oven mitts for a travel bag and turn the four-day weekend into a vacation getaway. California’s boutique hotels are rolling out the welcome mat with chef-driven feasts, cozy firesides, and a touch of luxury wrapped in genuine hospitality. The best part: you won’t have to wash a single dish. From wine country to the coast, here’s where to toast the Thanksgiving holiday with gratitude and style.

Prime rib, mashed potatoes, asparagus, pumpkin pie, and wine served fireside at Terra — Thanksgiving at Terra restaurant at The Steward

Terra at The Steward

Celebrate Thanksgiving with friends, family, and unforgettable flavors at The Steward in Santa Barbara. The hotel’s elevated restaurant, Terra, will feature a thoughtfully prepared Thanksgiving buffet with seasonal ingredients and chef-inspired touches. Savor a comforting butternut squash soup with pepitas and crème fraiche or start fresh with an apple and bibb salad featuring blue cheese, candied walnuts, and pickled onions. Enjoy classics like roasted turkey with all the trimmings alongside indulgent favorites like braised short ribs with red wine bordelaise and seared salmon in citrus sage. Finish on a sweet note with seasonal pies, plus a tempting selection of chocolate truffles and petite fours. The cost is $79 per person with seatings available between 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. Reservations can be made online. Also consider an overnight stay in one of the luxurious suites set amid a peaceful, verdant landscape.

Elderwood at The Darling Hotel

Create a new Thanksgiving tradition at The Darling Hotel in downtown Visalia. Bringing new life to a Central Valley landmark, the hotel blends original Art Deco style with modern-day amenities, including a rooftop restaurant and cocktail lounge. For Thanksgiving, Elderwood will host a four-course, prix-fixe dinner featuring seasonal favorites and elevated classics. Start with a comforting butternut squash soup or a crisp harvest salad. Entrée choices include roasted turkey roulade, braised prime rib, or mushroom leek potato pithiviers. Seasonal sides and desserts round out the offerings. Optional wine and cocktail pairings are also available. The cost is $85 per person for adults and $35 for children under 12. Reservations for dinner can be made online with seatings between 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Also, don’t forget to reserve a room to enjoy the beautifully restored woodwork, Art Deco furnishings, and luxurious modern comforts.

The Inn at Newport Ranch

The Inn at Newport Ranch invites guests to celebrate Thanksgiving on the edge of the Pacific, where each course reflects the bounty of Northern California’s coast and gardens. Join the ranch for a 5:00 p.m. seating in Newport Hall, surrounded by ocean views and the glow of a roaring stone fireplace. The evening’s menu features smoked turkey breast with ranch foraged mushroom gravy, local rockfish infused with wild ginger, and sweet potatoes glazed in mugolio and brown butter, complemented by winter squash salad with persimmons and candied walnuts and sourdough dressing with house-made sausage. Conclude with pumpkin pie crowned with fragrant bedstraw cream or spiced apples and brown butter crumb. It’s a celebration designed so you can savor the holiday with loved ones, free from the fuss. The cost is $200 per person plus tax and service charge. For reservations, call 707-962-4818.

Granada Hotel & Bistro

Join the historic Granada Hotel & Bistro in downtown San Luis Obispo for a three-course prix fixe Thanksgiving feast. The menu features festive dishes both classic and reimagined. For the first course, diners have a choice of kabocha squash soup, shaved carrot salad, or baked Morro Bay oysters. For the entrée, diners can choose from smoked turkey, pan-seared snapper, beef bordelaise, or harvest vegetable stew. Dinner is capped with a choice of pumpkin panna cotta, caramelized pear tart, or assorted gelatos and sorbets. The cost is $75 per person. Reservations are available online. Also consider an overnight stay at the hotel. The elegantly appointed guest rooms feature antique furnishings, rich textiles, and commissioned artwork that complement the historic property’s original hardwood floors and exposed brick walls.

HarborView Bistro & Bar at Noyo Harbor Inn

Perched above the Noyo River in Fort Bragg, the Noyo Harbor Inn features beautifully restored Craftsman details and lush gardens winding down to the water’s edge. The inn’s highly acclaimed HarborView Bistro & Bar overlooks the river and features an extensive whiskey library and a new outdoor cigar lounge tucked into a cozy gazebo with a fire pit. The restaurant’s five-course Thanksgiving feast kicks off with gougères stuffed with wild mushrooms and caramelized onions. Main courses include a choice of traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, grilled ribeye steak, local ling cod, or seasonal stuffed squash. The cost is $100 per person. Optional whisky flights and wine pairing flights are also available. Reservations can be made online. Guests can also book a stay in one of the inn’s luxurious guest rooms featuring fine woodwork, fireplaces, and soaking tubs.

Norman dining room booths — The dining room at the Norman at Skyview Los Alamos

Norman at Skyview Los Alamos

Perched on a hillside overlooking Santa Barbara wine country, Skyview Los Alamos is an iconic 1950s roadside motel turned luxurious boutique resort. The five-acre outpost in the Santa Ynez Valley merges mid-century style with modern rustic chic. The resort’s full-service restaurant, Norman, will serve a fantastic feast for Thanksgiving. The three-course, prix fixe dinner opens with a choice of white bean and sausage soup, cranberry apple salad, or smoked salmon crostini. For the main course, guests can choose between turkey two ways, osso bucco, cioppino, or butternut squash lasagna. Seasonal desserts and tempting add-ons round out the menu. The cost is $75 per person. Dinner and room reservations can be made online. The boutique hotel features stylish guest rooms, a heated swimming pool, a fire pit, and a working vineyard.

Blue Wing Saloon & Restaurant at the Tallman Hotel

The Blue Wing Saloon at the historic Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake is serving up a three-course, prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner with seatings at 1:30 or 4:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The first course includes a choice of potato leek soup with crème fraiche or a salad with roasted butternut squash and candied walnuts. For entrées, diners can choose from roasted turkey with all the fixings, prime rib, pan-seared Chilean seabass, or vegetarian risotto. Desserts include pumpkin cheesecake and apple cobbler. The cost ranges from $65 to $75. In addition, overnight guests can enjoy a complimentary cocktail and rates starting at just $149 with the Tallman Hotel’s Sip & Stay winter special. The meticulously restored 1890s hotel features elegant guest rooms blending Eastlake style with modern comforts, including some with private Japanese Ofuro soaking tubs. Dinner and room reservations can be made online.

The modern fireplace in S.Low Bar at Hotel San Luis Obispo — The bar at Piadina at Hotel San Luis Obispo

Piadina at Hotel San Luis Obispo

To celebrate the season, Hotel San Luis Obispo’s Piadina is hosting an exquisite Thanksgiving Buffet served in the restaurant and outdoor courtyard. Whether guests crave a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings or prefer to feast on red-wine braised Wagyu short ribs, king salmon, or even mac and cheese, Chef Ryan Fancher has everyone covered. The chef’s special Thanksgiving menu will also feature an array of seasonal sides and tempting desserts. Seatings are available from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The cost is $79 for adults and $39 for children 12 and under. Reservations for dinner can be made online. To make a night of it, consider reserving one of the hotel’s spacious guest rooms featuring a mix of cozy and high-tech amenities and a playful, modern aesthetic that exudes SLO’s laid-back vibe.

The Genevieve's new restaurant, The Victor, with outdoor seating and a fire pit — The Victor and The Genevieve

The Victor Restaurant & Bar at The Genevieve

In the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, The Genevieve will host Thanksgiving at its casual-chic restaurant and bar, The Victor. Guests can order from the regular menu featuring chef-driven California cuisine or choose a classic turkey dinner that includes roasted turkey breast, sage stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, pan gravy, and cranberry sauce. Seatings are available between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. The cost for the turkey dinner is $54 per person, with the option of adding a baker’s table pumpkin pie for dessert ($9). Dinner and room reservations can be made online. The inn offers an atmosphere of understated luxury coupled with warm hospitality. Guests can indulge in spa treatments, cozy up to the fire pits, enjoy a whiskey nightcap with dessert, and receive complimentary wine tastings for two with the inn’s exclusive tasting passport.

Coast Kitchen at Timber Cove Resort

On the Sonoma Coast, gather, give thanks, and gobble a three-course Thanksgiving dinner while taking in the sweeping ocean views at Coast Kitchen at Timber Cove Resort. Start with a choice of butternut and sage soup, roasted beet salad, or local dressed oysters. Main entrees feature traditional roasted turkey, nori-wrapped black cod, or stuffed delicata squash. Enjoy an array of family-style sides, then close out with a dessert duo of pumpkin cheesecake and a fresh fruit tart or seasonal gelatos and sorbets. The cost for the dinner is $85 per person for adults and $35 for children under 12. Make a weekend of it by booking a stay in one of the stunning oceanfront rooms featuring cozy fireplaces, luxurious linens, and record players with an extensive vinyl library.

Marble fireplace in the dining room of the Hotel Bel-Air

The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air

The legendary Hotel Bel-Air is a secluded oasis of luxury. On a sweeping outdoor terrace, the hotel’s restaurant is among the most elegant in Los Angeles, with a large marble fireplace, cozy booths, and private alcoves overlooking Swan Lake. On Thanksgiving Day, the culinary team will prepare a lavish buffet of classic comfort dishes featuring heritage turkey with all the trimmings and an array of tempting desserts. Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The cost is $275 per person for adults and $95 for children 12 and under. Thanksgiving dinner reservations can be made online. Guests staying at the hotel between November 24 and January 9 will receive a $150 credit to use in the hotel’s restaurants or spa and a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival.

Mad & Vin at The Landsby

In the heart of Solvang, The Landsby’s signature restaurant, Mad & Vin, specializes in delicious wine-country-inspired cuisine. Each dish is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients from California’s central coast. This year, the chefs at Mad & Vin will prepare a special Thanksgiving meal alongside the restaurant’s regular menu from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Thanksgiving menu offers a choice of entrées with perfectly paired sides: roasted turkey breast ($60) or prime rib ($72). The Landsby’s bright and airy guest rooms are finished with blonde woods, brushed brass fixtures, leather accents, and warm, handcrafted furnishings, providing a refined, modern interpretation of Solvang’s Danish roots. Dinner and room reservations are available online.

Little River Inn

The Saturday before Thanksgiving, Little River Inn will host a special Friendsgiving on the Mendocino Coast. A twist on the traditional holiday, it’s an opportunity for friends to celebrate with their chosen families and enjoy a three-course feast on Saturday, November 22, 2025. In addition to the dinner, overnight stays that include Saturday night will be discounted more as the number of rooms increases. Two rooms receive a 10% discount, three rooms get 15% off, four rooms are 20% off, and there’s a whopping 25% discount on five or more rooms. A two-night and two-room minimum is required to receive the discount. Reservations must be made by November 9, 2025, by calling 888-INN-LOVE. With sweeping ocean views, luxurious soaking tubs, cozy fireplaces, and more than 60 rooms to choose from, the inn promises a getaway that will be the talk of the friends’ group chat for months to come.

Sand Rock Farm: A Historic Winery Estate Turned Secluded Retreat

Posted on October 18, 2025October 27, 2026 by Ranee Ruble-Dotts

Nestled amid 10 acres of redwoods and oaks south of Santa Cruz, the historic Sand Rock Farm is a secluded retreat where time slows down. The lovingly restored estate weaves fine craftsmanship and a rich winemaking history with tranquil landscapes and a touch of romance.

Exterior of Sand Rock Farm with wisteria blooms — Exterior of Sand Rock Farm

The original 1,000-acre ranch was established by Dr. August and Eva Lilliencrantz in the 1880s. They planted over 70 acres of wine grapes and built Santa Cruz County’s first winery. By 1907, they were shipping 130,000 gallons of wine a year. As Prohibition loomed, the Lilliencrantz family pivoted to cattle ranching, and the vineyards gave way to pasture. But the estate’s legacy and craftsmanship endured, and more than a century later, it would inspire a remarkable restoration.

A Restoration Reveals the Soul of the Estate

Spindled redwood staircase with paneling. — Staircase at Sand Rock Farm

The Lilliencrantz’s original 1887 cottage was built from redwood trees that were milled onsite. In 1910, the family expanded the cottage footprint with the construction of the beautiful Arts and Crafts-style farmhouse that now serves as Sand Rock Farm’s main house.

The dining room with its curly redwood fireplace mantel

In the early 2000s, former San Francisco chef Lynn Sheehan and her mother, Kris Sheehan, embarked on a painstaking revival of Sand Rock Farm. Their restoration work revealed the soul of the old estate, including a magnificent front door and fireplace mantel crafted from rare curly redwood, a honeycomb of live bees hidden in the walls (now honored by the name of the Honeycomb Suite), and the ruins of the original Lilliencrantz winery.

The well-preserved architectural details speak to the farmhouse’s storied past, while a tasteful blend of antiques and modern accents exudes the cozy feel of a family home decorated with furnishings collected over time. An Eastlake-style parlor mirror, once part of the Claus Spreckels mansion from 1870, adds a gleam of Gilded Age splendor. Paired with midcentury-inspired seating and other modern pieces, the interiors take on a timeless quality.

A Stay Steeped in Comfort and Nature

The inn’s five light-filled suites open to garden and woodland views, each room a tranquil blend of period details and modern comfort. The suites’ luxuriously comfortable beds, Jacuzzi tubs, and electric fireplaces create cozy retreats after days spent exploring nearby beaches and the Corralitos Wine Trail. Each suite is also equipped with Wi-Fi, television, plush towels, and premium bath amenities. Two of the suites offer direct outdoor access and are pet-friendly.

The recessed Jacuzzi tub in the Honeycomb Suite at Sand Rock Farm

Guests wake to chirping birds, the scent of eucalyptus trees, and a delicious breakfast served each morning. The breakfasts are made from scratch and feature fresh eggs from the farm’s own hens. A morning stroll along the nature trail is a perfect way to start the day. You might spot wild turkeys, deer, quail, or even a fox among the trees. In the afternoons, you can relax with a book on the sunny reading porch or in the Adirondack chairs nestled beneath the shade of an old-growth redwood. At night, you can gather around the fire pit on the deck or enjoy a soak in the ensuite Jacuzzi tub.

A breakfast burrito with roasted potatoes and salsa — Breakfast at Sand Rock Farm

Romantic Gardens, Redwoods, and Winery Ruins

Adirondack chairs beside a redwood tree overlooking the garden at Sand Rock Farm — Adirondack chairs overlooking the garden at Sand Rock Farm

The estate’s heritage oak and towering redwood trees lend the inn a cathedral-like stillness. The redwood grove—with its trickling fountain and dappled sunlight—has become a beloved spot for couples to exchange wedding vows. Surrounding the farmhouse, Japanese maples blaze in autumn color, while the wisteria arbors burst into bloom each spring. Paths wind through a hidden garden, where heirloom roses and perennials bloom throughout the year.

A wedding in the redwood grove at Sand Rock Farm

Just steps away, the ruins of the original 1887 barrel-aging cellar whisper stories of the estate’s winemaking past. The arched stone walls still bear the original iron hinges of the cellar’s large wooden doors. The space has been gracefully repurposed as an outdoor event and dining venue, where flickering candles and fairy lights transform the timeworn walls into something magical. Nearby, the remnants of the 19th-century gravity-fed winery walls stand as a reminder of the Lilliencrantz family’s pioneering role in Santa Cruz wine history.

An event held in the ruins of the barrel aging cellar at Sand Rock Farm — The ruins of the barrel aging cellar at Sand Rock Farm

Life on the Farm

Fresh flowers in the room at Sand Rock Farm

Though much smaller than its original 1,000 acres, Sand Rock Farm still hums with the simple joys of farm life. Taking the reins from Kris Sheehan several years ago, current owners Derek and Jen Hagglof have continued many of Sand Rock Farm’s traditions and added some of their own. You’ll find fresh flowers from the garden in each of the rooms. A brood of hens provides the eggs for morning breakfasts. Baby goats provide adorable entertainment while two resident dogs and a farm cat round out the farm’s four-legged family.

Although Sand Rock Farm now primarily serves as a wedding venue and tends to be booked out months in advance, lucky travelers can still snag a reservation midweek and during the off-season. It’s a worthy effort to experience this secluded, timeless retreat.