California Getaway Guide
Where to stay for the ultimate escape
Photo Courtesy of Ranch At Laguna Beach
As winter winds down, there’s no time like the present to daydream about your next vacation. But with so many sought-after locales across California, how do you ever choose where to go? With our spring travel guide, you can make your way across the Golden State, one gorgeous destination after another. From south to north, we have scoured some of the most idyllic California hotels, just in time for your next bon voyage.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
As the first Ocean Friendly Hotel in California as awarded by the Surfrider Foundation, The Ranch at Laguna Beach has an unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and ocean conservation, setting a new standard in eco-friendly hospitality. Once home to an 1800s homestead, the resort spreads over 87 acres and features 97 guest rooms and suites, two Surfrider Ocean Friendly restaurants, a half-acre biodynamic farm, a 3,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor spa, and the only golf course in Laguna Beach. Leveraging a range of innovative planet-forward programs, from recycling glass bottles into sand for its golf-course bunkers to irrigating with reclaimed water, the resort continually demonstrates its commitment to embracing its local community, history and culture. Guest activities such as yoga, stargazing, destination adventures of dolphin safaris and whale watching guarantee an authentic Southern California experience.
31106 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, Calif.
949-499-2271
Photo Courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch
San Ysidro Ranch
Time slows while cruising down the lavender-lined driveway of San Ysidro Ranch, a hideaway that’s been frequented by the likes of John and Jackie Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Groucho Marx. Staying at “The Ranch” is truly a top-tier experience, from the impeccably groomed gardens to the thoughtfully decorated cottages to the five-star service and painstaking attention to details. Tucked away in the leafy foothills of Santa Barbara are 38 vine-covered cottages surrounded by incredibly landscaped gardens under a canopy of stately sycamores and gnarled oaks. Citrus groves, olive trees, brilliantly colored lantanas, a lily pond and the sweet aroma of orange blossoms, magnolias and jasmine make you think you’ve discovered a slice of paradise.
900 San Ysidro Lane, Santa Barbara, Calif.
805-565-1700
Photo Courtesy of Palihouse
Palihouse
Focused on individuality and intimacy, the Palihouse is a one-of-a-kind hotel, layered with rich, residential-style details aimed at creating a personal connection with guests. “The American Riviera,” as Santa Barbara is often called, is a coastal town with Mediterranean elegance combined with a decidedly California “vintage preppy” vibe—and Palihouse delivers on both. The hotel’s 24 rooms and suites surround either a tranquil central courtyard or sparkling pool area and are uniformly spacious and sunny, with fireplaces and private patios. The garden courtyard doubles as the dining area for the hotel’s café, which features an all-day menu and a well-chosen list of cocktails, beer and wine. The neighborhood is home to many more restaurants and bars, plus the wineries of Santa Ynez are just a short drive away.
915 Garden St., Santa Barbara, Calif.
805-564-4700
Photo Courtesy of Alila Ventana Big Sur
Alila Ventana Big Sur
This resort embodies rarefied indulgence, offering an atmosphere of refined exclusivity with just 54 impeccably appointed and recently refreshed suites in honor of its 50th anniversary. Each suite features a private balcony that opens onto the sweeping majesty of Big Sur, where rugged coastal bluffs meet secluded, wave-washed beaches, and ancient redwood forests touch the sky. Set across 160 pristine acres, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a sanctuary in every sense. At the Sur House, the resort’s celebrated restaurant, hyperlocal cuisine is elevated to an art form. Guests savor seafood from Morro Bay and thoughtfully sourced chicken and beef from nearby Central Coast farms, complemented by a 10,000-bottle wine cellar showcasing exceptional vintages. While timeless pursuits such as hiking and biking await, Ventana distinguishes itself with an array of singular, imaginative experiences like axe-throwing sessions, Vinyasa and Vinyl yoga, immersive beekeeping encounters and personalized astrology readings. For an unforgettable journey along iconic Highway 1, the resort offers access to its collection of 40 classic cars—from elegant vintage Porsche Spyders to iconic Volkswagen vans—each one an invitation for guests to take them for a legendary spin and explore the coastline in style.
48123 Highway 1, Big Sur, Calif.
831-667-2331
Photo Courtesy of Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch
Tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains on the sunny side of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel Valley Ranch sits on 500 lush acres adjacent to the 4,400-acre Garland Ranch Regional Park. The resort has access to miles of scenic hiking, vineyards, lush gardens and a renowned Pete Dye-designed golf course, plus a tranquil spa and unique offerings like photography classes, wine and cheese making seminars and acclaimed cuisine made from locally grown foods. There’s even a kids’ club filled with activities,, making it a stellar family vacation destination.
One Old Ranch Road, Carmel, Calif.
855-687-7262
Hotel El Roblar
Since 1919, Hotel El Roblar has been true to both its Spanish Revival and early Californian architectural roots, blending its historic design with a modern sensibility. Located in the heart of Ojai, it’s the longest-standing hotel in the charming town. The 50-room hotel features two distinct dining venues helmed by Chef Brandon Boudet: the Condor Bar, serving modern Mexican cuisine, and a guest-only café offering breakfast and lunch. El Roblar’s historic event space, the Mariposa Ballroom, features an extensive hand-carved wall relief depicting the natural wonders of Ojai. A Spanish walled garden features soaring palm and dragon trees, charming fountains and vibrant, potted plants overflowing with color. A serene pool is set against the backdrop of the scenic Topa Topa Mountains. Guest rooms are divided among the main building (31 rooms, many with spacious garden terraces), 11 private bungalows and the newly added Sycamore House, offering eight additional rooms.
122 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, Calif.
805-322-0525
Photo Courtesy of Montage Healdsburg Resort
Montage Healdsburg
Nestled among rolling vineyards, this transformative retreat is what wine country dreams are made of. Like all Montage properties, the comfortable elegance and impeccable hospitably are superb, along with the culinary experiences, spas and connection to nature. With 130 guest rooms and suites set on 258 acres of vineyards and oak groves, the resort’s modern bungalows deliver plenty of privacy and space. Expansive cantilevered patios include private fire pits, and the interiors sport natural textiles like woven leather, sandstone bricks and dried branches to channel the surroundings of the Russian River Valley.
100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, Calif.
707-979-9000
Photo Courtesy of 27 North
27 North
Located just steps from the Healdsburg Plaza, 27 North is a 16-room boutique hotel reimagining the Sonoma Wine Country stay with spirited energy and experience-driven design. Formerly known as Hotel Les Mars, the property was reborn in July 2025 under Foley Entertainment Group as a vibrant, connected home base for travelers seeking meaningful experiences in one of Northern California’s most charming small towns. Anchored by Arandas, its stylish Mexican restaurant and bar, and featuring immersive music and culinary programming throughout the week, 27 North offers everything from pop-up wine tastings and live music brunches to luxury car partnerships and nearby wellness programming.
27 North St., Healdsburg, Calif.
707-433-4211
Photo Courtesy of The Lodge at bodega Bay
The Lodge at Bodega Bay
Perched on the Sonoma coast, The Lodge at Bodega Bay feels worlds away from the wine country crowds of Napa and Healdsburg. The pace here is slower, the luxury quieter, with ocean views from every room creating a strong connection to the land and sea. The lodge’s story began in 1972, when the Alden family purchased a modest inn with just 10 rooms overlooking the bay. It now offers 83 guestrooms and suites, recently refreshed in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The new Captain’s Quarters, a 1,200-square-foot suite with expansive decks and fireplaces, provides sweeping coastal views while preserving the spirit of the original lodge. Mornings begin with guided meditation, Pilates, yoga or a bird walk led by a naturalist along the bluffs. Later, guests may ride the complimentary bicycles to Doran Beach before returning for a visit to the spa, a swim in the heated pool, or soaking time in the infinity-edge hot tub overlooking the Pacific. As evening settles, fire pits glow across the property as guests enjoy the views, a game of bocce, and, of course, some wine, cheese and even s’mores.
103 Coast Highway One, Bodega Bay, Calif.
707-875-3525
Photo Courtesy of Château du Sureau
Château du Sureau
This European storybook haven lends itself to an unforgettable evening for gourmands and wine enthusiasts. The well-appointed nine-acre castle resort is nestled among the green foothills of the Sierra Nevada, just 16 miles from the majestic Yosemite National Park. Dinner at the hotel’s Elderberry House is a thrill for the senses, showcasing exclusive seasonal ingredients from local farms. The welcoming sanctuary features 10 graciously appointed guest accommodations and Villa du Sureau, a private two-bedroom, Parisian-style manor. With its enchanting gardens, towering pines and bubbling fountains, the Château is truly a hidden gem of tranquility.
48688 Victoria Lane, Oakhurst, Calif.
559-683-6800
Photo Courtesy of Black Bear Lodge
Black Bear Lodge
Tucked away in the serene pine trees of South Lake Tahoe, yet close to adventure, Black Bear Lodge is the place to silence distractions and soak in the moment. With hotel-style rooms, spacious suites and private cabins, the property sits on 2 acres of wooded and beautifully landscaped grounds. Although it’s secluded, the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe—and a few restaurants—are a short walk away. In the winter months, the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski shuttle picks up guests for the 5-minute ride to the base of the slopes.
1202 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
530-544-4451
