Stretching between the Santa Lucia and Gabilan mountain ranges, the Salinas Valley is California’s legendary agricultural heartland. Vast fields of lettuce, artichokes, and other crops have earned it the nickname “Salad Bowl of the World.” Yet beyond the farms, this sun-drenched valley reveals rugged national park landscapes, historic missions, and an increasingly acclaimed wine region.
Downtown Salinas
Salinas
In Salinas, discover the literary legacy of Nobel Prize-winning author John Steinbeck, who immortalized the region in novels like East of Eden and Of Mice and Men. The National Steinbeck Center explores his life and work, while nearby Old Town Salinas offers a walkable commercial district with Art Deco architecture, local murals, restaurants, and shops.
Vineyards in Salinas Valley
Soledad
Farther south, Soledad is a gateway to both Pinnacles National Park and the wineries of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Just outside town, Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad recalls the valley’s Spanish colonial history. The region’s River Road Wine Trail showcases cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, tempered by the marine influences from Monterey Bay.
Pinnacles National Park
East of Soledad, Pinnacles National Park rises from an ancient volcanic landscape of towering rock spires, narrow canyons, and mysterious talus caves. Hike among dramatic formations, explore seasonal cave passages, or scan the skies for endangered California condors soaring overhead. The park’s western entrance offers access to some of its most spectacular rock formations and hiking trails.
Fall brings a different rhythm to California travel. Vineyards buzz with harvest activity, mountain towns trade summer crowds for crisp days and changing leaves, and coastal destinations settle into a quieter pace—often with some of the year’s most enticing hotel rates. This season, California’s boutique hotels are giving travelers even more reasons to get away, from wild mushroom foraging and intimate winemaker dinners to family adventures, wine country escapes, and complimentary third nights. We’ve rounded up some of the best fall hotel deals, packages, and experiences across the state.
Foraging at the Inn at Newport Ranch
Forage for Wild Mushrooms at Inn at Newport Ranch
Fall turns the 2,200-acre private preserve surrounding Inn at Newport Ranch into a forager’s playground. The Forage for Incredible Edibles package features a four-hour guided UTV excursion in search of wild mushrooms and winter botanicals, followed by a fireside picnic lunch with wine and tea and a dinner inspired by the day’s bounty. You’ll even inoculate two mushroom logs to take home. The $1,250 package for two includes 10% off accommodations with a two-night minimum; foraging is weather-dependent.
Also this fall, internationally acclaimed artist Dwight Hwang leads The Art of Gyotaku, a five-night nature-printing retreat, November 1–6. Contact the inn at 707-962-4818 for reservations and details.
Wine Library at Ox + Anchor, photo by Tanveer Badal courtesy of Hotel San Luis Obispo
Explore Edna Valley Wine Country from Hotel SLO
Discover Edna Valley Wine Country with the Wine & Vines package at Hotel San Luis Obispo. The two-night midweek escape includes 15% off accommodations, a welcome taste of the Central Coast, a VIP tasting experience at Chamisal Vineyards, Center of Effort, or Biddle Ranch Vineyard, and complimentary round-trip car service. Prefer to stay downtown and dine? Savor the Season includes 20% off a two-night stay plus a $50 dining credit for Piadina, Ox + Anchor, S.Low Bar, or High Bar. Both offers are valid Sunday through Thursday, subject to availability and blackout dates. Explore Hotel SLO offers and book online.
Green Gables Inn in Pacific Grove was the first of the Four Sisters Inns
Celebrate Mendocino County’s mushroom season with a weekend devoted to fungi and spirits at Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg. The inn’s third annual Mushroom & Whiskey Dinner Package pairs the region’s wild mushrooms with locally made spirits from Tamar Distillery and Mendocino Spirits. The $850 package for two includes a Thursday-night stay on November 5, two dinner tickets, a guided mushroom forage or walk, a bottle of featured whiskey, and breakfast for two. Extend the getaway with a Wednesday night for $189 or a Friday night for $289. Space is limited to just 20 dinner guests. Call 707-961-8000 to reserve.
Inn at the Pinnacles
Plan a Family Adventure at Inn at the Pinnacles
S’mores, stargazing, swimming, and The Goonies set the stage for a memorable family weekend at Inn at the Pinnacles, just minutes from Pinnacles National Park. The Sunset & S’mores Family Adventure Weekend, October 2–4, includes gourmet s’mores around the fire pit, lawn games, saltwater-pool time, incredible dark-sky stargazing, and a Saturday-night screening of The Goonies with popcorn and hot chocolate. Complimentary late checkout gives families a little more time to linger on Sunday. Package pricing is $980 for a family of four. Call 831-678-2400 to reserve.
Guest room at Fess Parker Wine Country Inn
Harvest Season at Fess Parker Wine Country Inn
Stay in the heart of Los Olivos at Fess Parker Wine Country Inn and experience Santa Ynez Valley at its liveliest. Throughout October, the Los Olivos Scarecrow Fest fills town with whimsical displays, while Day in the Country and the Los Olivos Wine Festival bring food, wine, vendors, and entertainment downtown on October 10. For a richer taste of the season, head to nearby Fess Parker Winery for an intimate Harvest Lunch on September 18 or October 23, beginning with a guided barrel-room tasting and followed by a seasonal lunch. Each is limited to 20 guests. View upcoming winery events and reserve online.
Fire pit at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages
Save 25% at Mar Vista Farm + Cottages
Fall brings bountiful garden harvests and a quieter pace to Mar Vista Farm + Cottages on the Mendocino Coast. The nine-acre retreat invites guests to pick seasonal produce, enjoy farm-fresh eggs, wander forested trails, and settle into cozy vintage cottages with fireplaces. Book by September 30 and the Settle into the Season offer takes 25% off any eligible 2026 stay. Holiday periods, special events, and group bookings are excluded, and the offer cannot be combined with other promotions or applied to existing reservations. Book online using promo code STAY26.
Lobby of The Inn at Benicia Bay
Save 50% on a Midweek Night at The Inn at Benicia Bay
Turn a two-night getaway into a great fall value at The Inn at Benicia Bay. With the Strolling Into Fall offer, book a two-night stay and receive 50% off a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday night through December 17. The seven-room Victorian inn sits just half a block from First Street in historic downtown Benicia, making it easy to leave the car behind and explore shops, restaurants, and the waterfront on foot. The offer is not available November 25–29. Contact the inn at 707-746-1055 to reserve and request the Strolling Into Fall offer.
Courtyard garden at the Inn at Occidental
Savor Sonoma Wine Country at the Inn at Occidental
Fall is especially enticing at the Inn at Occidental, where two seasonal offerings celebrate West Sonoma County. With the Fall & Winter Getaway Special, stay two nights and receive a complimentary third night to spend more time exploring redwood forests, Sonoma Coast beaches, intimate wineries, and evenings beside the fireplace. Beginning in November, the inn’s Winemaker Dinner Series brings acclaimed local winemakers, growers, chefs, and wine-industry personalities together for a different multi-course dinner and wine pairing each month through April. Visit the website for dates, availability, and reservations.
Blue Wing Saloon & Restaurant
Whiskey Dinner at the Tallman Hotel
Whiskey and a four-course dinner take center stage at Tallman Hotel on October 15. The Whiskey Distiller’s Paired Dinner features Chef Pablo Aguilar’s four-course menu paired with whiskeys and spirits from Mendocino Spirits, with master distiller Crispin Cain and Tamar Kaye sharing stories and tasting notes between courses. Dinner is planned beneath the sycamores, accompanied by pianist Paul Kemp. Tickets are $129 per person, plus tax; overnight packages with two dinner tickets start at $499. For other getaways this season, the Fall Into Lake County package includes 15% off a two-night stay plus a $25 food credit at Blue Wing Restaurant & Saloon through November. Book the fall lodging package online, or call 707-275-2245 for the whiskey-paired dinner package.
Two-bedroom suite at The Aster
Settle into Hollywood with The Aster with 25% Off
Make yourself at home in Hollywood—literally—with the Call Us Home extended-stay offer at The Aster. Book five nights or more in a spacious two-bedroom suite and receive 25% off your stay, a $100 hotel credit, and a $100 daily breakfast credit. Guests also have access to the hotel’s wellness experiences and rooftop dining at Lemon Grove, making the offer especially appealing for a longer Los Angeles getaway. Blackout dates and additional restrictions apply, and the $100 hotel credit cannot be applied to room rates or taxes. Book online using promo code HOME2BD.
Lobby of the Riviera Beach House
Stay a Third Night Free at Riviera Beach House
Give yourself another day to explore Santa Barbara with a complimentary third night at the stylish, art-filled Riviera Beach House. Located in the heart of the Funk Zone, the hotel is steps from neighborhood restaurants, galleries, and wine tasting rooms. The beach and Sterans Wharf are also just two blocks away. Stay two nights and receive the third night free for eligible stays through February 28, 2027. Wednesday and Thursday arrivals are excluded, inventory is limited, and blackout dates apply; the offer is not available for groups of five or more rooms. Book online using promo code 3NF.
Lodge at the Presidio, photo by Ben Davidson
Stay in the Presidio and Discover Walt Disney’s Story
Pair a stay inside a national park with a visit to one of San Francisco’s most fascinating museums. The Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at the Presidio are offering a Walt Disney Family Museum Package with king accommodations, two museum tickets, and a Disney collectible. Package rates start at $499, leaving plenty of time to explore Presidio Tunnel Tops, trails, restaurants, and Golden Gate Bridge views. The offer is available for eligible stays from late September through early December, excluding Mondays and Tuesdays; blackout dates may apply. Book the Disney Package onlineor call 415-561-1234.
Olympic Lounge at the Los Angeles Athletic Club
Reform and Restore at the Los Angeles Athletic Club
Build a little wellness into a city getaway with the Reform & Restore package at Los Angeles Athletic Club. Each day of your stay includes one group Reformer Pilates class, a $25 dining credit, and a pair of LAAC Pilates socks. Overnight guests also have access to the historic club’s extensive fitness and wellness amenities, including its 25-yard indoor lap pool and recovery spaces. Reservations require at least 48 hours’ notice. Pilates classes are subject to availability, and blackout dates may apply. Book online using promo code FITNESS.
The Groveland Hotel
Fall into Yosemite at The Groveland Hotel
Trade Yosemite’s peak-season crowds for crisp mountain days with the Fall into Yosemite package at The Groveland Hotel. Located in historic downtown Groveland, about a 30-minute scenic drive from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat Entrance, the hotel makes an inviting base for fall hiking and exploring. Stay two nights through November and receive 15% off accommodations plus a $25 dining or gift-shop credit; the dining credit can be used onsite at Aroma Restaurant & Wine Bar. Blackout dates may apply, and reservations are subject to availability. Book the Fall into Yosemite package online.
Private deck of a guest room at Little River Inn
Celebrate Friendsgiving at Little River Inn
Gather your chosen family for Friendsgiving on the Mendocino Coastat Little River Inn on Saturday, November 21. The celebration features a three-course Friendsgiving dinner for $65 per person, plus increasing room discounts when friends travel together: save 10% on two rooms, 15% on three, 20% on four, or 25% when booking five or more. A two-night, two-room minimum applies, and the stay must include Saturday night. Between meals, settle in beside the fireplace or soak in a tub overlooking the Pacific. Reserve by November 8. Call 888-INN-LOVE to reserve.
Garden courtyard at Hotel Ynez
Sip Estate Rosé at Hotel Ynez and Skyview Los Alamos
Celebrate Santa Ynez Valley harvest season with 15% off a midweek stay at Hotel Ynez or Skyview Los Alamos, plus a complimentary bottle of estate-grown Skyview Rosé at check-in. Grown in the vineyard below Skyview’s hilltop hotel, the rosé offers a literal taste of the region. (A nonalcoholic alternative is available upon request.) The Fall Harvest Promotion is valid Sunday through Thursday through November 15 for new, direct bookings. Blackout dates apply, and the offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Book directly with Hotel Ynez or Skyview Los Alamos to reserve.
Deluxe King room at The Genevieve
Save 10% on an Autumn Escape at The Genevieve
Bring your fall wine-country mood board to life at The Genevieve in Santa Ynez. The Autumn Reserve offer takes 10% off stays from October 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027, giving guests a cozy home base for exploring Santa Ynez Valley wineries, restaurants, and small towns. Back at the hotel, fireplaces, a gourmet breakfast, and a daily wine and dessert reception add to the seasonal appeal. The offer applies to new reservations and cannot be combined with other discounts; blackout dates apply. Book the Autumn Reserve online.
Beers at the Beach special at Beach House Half Moon Bay
Bring a Taste of Half Moon Bay to Your Room
Toast a coastal getaway with a couple of local brews at Beach House Half Moon Bay. The hotel’s Beers at the Beachadd-on features two 16-ounce beers from nearby Hop Dogma Brewing Company—choose the German-style pilsner or Exotic Physics Hazy IPA—plus two Hop Dogma pint glasses to take home for $30. The brewery itself is just a short walk away in Pillar Point Harbor if you’re inspired to sample more. Order the package in advance by calling 650-712-0220, or ask about it at the front desk during your stay.
The Landsby in Solvang
Save 10% and Find Harvest Hygge at The Landsby
Lean into the cozy side of fall in Solvang, with its welcoming streets, golden sunlight, and harvest-season magic. With the Harvest Hygge special at The Landsby, guests receive 10% off stays from October 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. The modern Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel places guests within an easy stroll of tasting rooms, bakeries, and shops as the Santa Ynez Valley settles into harvest season. The promotion is valid on new reservations, cannot be combined with other offers, and is subject to blackout dates. Book the Harvest Hygge offer online.
The gardens at Eden Vale Inn
Explore El Dorado Wine Country with Eden Vale Inn
Fall brings harvest season, changing leaves, and crisp evenings to the Sierra Foothills. Guests of Eden Vale Inn receive a complimentary Wine Club for a Day pass to explore El Dorado County wine country. The personalized pass unlocks perks at more than 10 handpicked wineries, many of which waive tasting fees and offer discounts on wine purchases. Between tastings, visit nearby Apple Hill for orchards and seasonal treats, then return to the inn’s peaceful gardens, fireplaces, and private outdoor soaking tubs. Pick up your personalized, validated Wine Club for a Day pass at the front desk when you check in. Book your stay online.
Gathering space off the lobby at Black Bear Lodge
Find Space for Grief and Connection at Black Bear Lodge
This November, Black Bear Lodge in South Lake Tahoe will host Gather, an intimate three-day retreat for parents who have experienced stillbirth or infant loss. Limited to just 10–16 participants, the November 13–15 retreat creates space for rest, connection, and grief tending through guided reflection, ritual, nature immersion, somatic practices, massage, acupuncture, sound bathing, and quiet time among the pines. Five organic, chef-prepared meals and all retreat programming are included, with private rooms, suites, and cabins available onsite. Guests may attend alone or with a partner. Learn more and register online.
California is home to more national parks than any other state, protecting an extraordinary collection of landscapes—from towering redwood forests and active volcanic terrain to soaring granite cliffs, giant sequoias, desert wilderness, and even a historic military post overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer adventure, these remarkable National Park Service sites invite exploration, while nearby boutique hotels offer an authentic connection to the destination, reflecting the character, history, and landscapes that make every park unique.
Hiking in Redwood National Park
Redwood National and State Parks
California’s northern coast is home to some of the tallest living trees on Earth. Redwood National and State Parks protect nearly half of the world’s remaining old-growth coast redwoods, where ancient giants soar more than 300 feet overhead and centuries-old forests, often shrouded in mist, create a sense of quiet unlike anywhere else. But the experience extends far beyond the trees. Hike through the lush walls of Fern Canyon, watch Roosevelt elk graze in open prairies, stroll windswept beaches where redwoods meet the Pacific, or follow scenic drives beneath towering canopies. Together, the four interconnected parks showcase some of California’s most majestic forests and rugged coastline.
Traveler Notes: Some areas of Redwood National and State Parks require advance permits to protect sensitive landscapes and manage visitor access. Tall Trees Trailhead permits are required year-round, while Gold Bluffs Beach day-use permits—which include access to the iconic Fern Canyon Trail—are required from May 15 through September 15. Both permits must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance.
Where to Stay
Surrounded by the vast wilderness of Redwoods National and State Parks, the Historic Requa Inn stands above the banks of the Klamath River just a mile from the ocean. In Eureka’s historic district and within easy reach of the parks, the Carter House Inns offer elegant accommodations among four magnificent Victorians. In the picture-postcard Victorian village of Ferndale, the historic Victorian Inn and Gingerbread Mansion Inn place guests within an easy drive of the Avenue of the Giants.
Geothermal features of Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Few places in California reveal the Earth’s restless geology as vividly as Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is one of the few places on the planet where visitors can experience all four primary types of volcanoes in a single national park. Steam hisses from fumaroles, mud pots bubble, and colorful hot springs remind visitors that volcanic forces continue to shape the landscape beneath their feet. At the same time, alpine lakes, mountain meadows, and forests offer opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching. Trails range from easy boardwalk strolls through bubbling hydrothermal areas like Bumpass Hell to challenging climbs up Lassen Peak, one of the world’s largest plug dome volcanoes. With far fewer crowds than many of California’s better-known parks, Lassen rewards travelers seeking dramatic scenery and room to explore.
Traveler Notes: Following the 2021 Dixie Fire, visitors to the park’s eastern side can witness one of nature’s remarkable recovery stories as vibrant wildflowers, pioneering conifers, and wildlife continue to reclaim the fire-ravaged landscape.
Where to Stay
Near the southwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Highlands Ranch Resort offers seven upscale cottages and a rustic-chic restaurant and bar, all set along the edge of a bucolic meadow with sweeping views.
The view of Yosemite Valley’s granite cliffs at sunset
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park has inspired generations of artists, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts with its soaring granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and some of the most iconic landscapes in the American West. Whether gazing up at El Capitan and Half Dome from Yosemite Valley, hiking to panoramic viewpoints along Glacier Point Road, or wandering among the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove, the park offers awe-inspiring scenery at every turn. Beyond the iconic landmarks, Yosemite rewards slower exploration with peaceful meadows, winding rivers, and high-country trails that reveal why it remains one of the world’s most celebrated national parks.
Traveler Notes: As of 2026, timed-entry and peak-hours reservations are no longer required to enter Yosemite National Park, though standard entrance fees still apply. Parking lots in Yosemite Valley often fill early in the summer, and traffic delays at park entrances are common. For current conditions, text ynptraffic to 333111. To avoid the heaviest congestion, arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., or consider using YARTS public transit during peak season.
Where to Stay
At one of the seasonal shuttle stops near Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat entrance, The Groveland Hotel is a convenient base camp steeped in history. The restored Gold-Rush-era hotel blends historic character with modern comforts, while the restaurant features an enchanting outdoor patio.
Hiking in Sequoia National Park
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Side by side in California’s southern Sierra Nevada, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect landscapes defined by giant sequoias, deep glacial canyons, rushing rivers, and rugged mountain peaks. Stand beneath the General Sherman Tree—the world’s largest tree by volume—climb the granite steps to the summit of Moro Rock for sweeping Sierra views, or drive into the dramatic depths of Kings Canyon, often compared to Yosemite but with far fewer visitors. Together, these neighboring parks offer an unforgettable journey through some of the Sierra Nevada’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Traveler Notes: Crystal Cave, one of the park’s most popular attractions, reopened in 2026 after an extended closure and now offers guided tours through its spectacular marble caverns during the summer season.
Where to Stay
Located in downtown Visalia, just 35 miles from Sequoia National Park, The Darling Hotel offers a posh home base steeped in Art Deco glamour. Lounge by the pool, enjoy cocktails and dining at the rooftop restaurant and bar, then catch the seasonal shuttle for a convenient ride into the park.
Moonrise and a condor in flight at Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park
Located about 50 miles inland from Monterey and Carmel, California’s newest national park is also one of its most unexpected. Formed from an ancient volcanic field carried hundreds of miles north by movement along the San Andreas Fault, Pinnacles National Park is known for its dramatic rock spires, talus caves, and rugged hiking trails. It’s also among the best places in North America to spot the endangered California condor soaring overhead. Hike the iconic High Peaks Trail, scramble through the park’s unique talus caves, or climb volcanic rock spires formed some 23 million years ago. Its unique geology and abundant wildlife make Pinnacles a rewarding destination for hikers, rock climbers, photographers, and birdwatchers alike.
Traveler Notes: Pinnacles National Park continues to play a central role in the recovery of the California condor, making it one of the best places in the state to observe these remarkable birds in the wild. Bring binoculars for your best chance at spotting them.
Where to stay
Tucked away in the Gabilan Mountains of Monterey County, Inn at the Pinnacles offers a secluded retreat just minutes from Pinnacles National Park. The Mediterranean-style inn sits at the heart of a 160-acre vineyard and features a saltwater pool and sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains.
View of the Milky Way at Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, Joshua Tree National Park offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in California. Twisted Joshua trees rise from vast desert plains while enormous granite boulder formations create a natural playground for hikers, rock climbers, photographers, and stargazers. Popular stops like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Keys View showcase the park’s striking diversity, while quieter trails reveal a surprising abundance of desert wildflowers, cacti, and wildlife. By day, the scenery feels almost otherworldly; after sunset, Joshua Tree’s internationally recognized dark skies make it one of the best places in Southern California to view the Milky Way.
Traveler Notes: Avoid midday hiking during the summer, when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Fall, winter, and spring offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the park. Bring at least one gallon of water per person, per day, along with food and sunscreen, which are not available inside the park. Download maps and the official National Park Service app before arriving because cell service is extremely limited.
Where to stay
In Palm Springs, about 40 miles from Joshua Tree’s west entrance, Los Arboles Hotel is an intimate hacienda-style retreat centered around a tranquil courtyard pool and a popular Mexican restaurant. About 40 miles from the park’s southern Cottonwood entrance and 45 miles from the west entrance, Sensei Porcupine Creek is an exclusive 230-acre wellness retreat in Rancho Mirage offering world-class spa experiences, personalized wellness programming, and serene desert surroundings.
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from The Presidio’s Crissy Field
The Presidio
Set at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, The Presidio offers a different kind of national park experience—one where history, culture, and nature converge in the heart of San Francisco. Established in 1776, the former military post has flown the flags of Spain, Mexico, and the United States over its 250-year history. Today, it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. 24 miles of walking and biking trails connect scenic overlooks, forested groves, beaches, memorials, and restored historic buildings that now house hotels, museums, and restaurants. Newer attractions like the Presidio Tunnel Tops have transformed the waterfront into one of the city’s most inviting public spaces. The Tunnel Tops feature picnic areas, food trucks, public art, and a playground, all with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
Traveler Notes: The Presidio celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026 with special community events, cultural programs, and exhibitions throughout the year. Admission is free, and the complimentary Presidio GO Shuttle makes it easy to explore the park without a car.
Where to Stay
Located in the heart of the Presidio’s Main Post, the Lodge at the Presidio occupies beautifully restored Army barracks and is the closest hotel to the Golden Gate Bridge. Nearby, the Inn at the Presidio is housed in restored officer quarters and offers a peaceful retreat tucked among eucalyptus trees. Just two blocks from the Presidio Gate, the Hotel Drisco sits atop San Francisco’s prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood, offering easy access to the park’s trails and attractions.
