Best places to stay in california
If you’re planning a trip to California, you may be wondering what the best places are to stay.
California is a beautiful and diverse state, with plenty of options for where to stay. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious beach vacation, a weekend getaway with the kids, or somewhere in between, you’ll find it all here.
This post will provide you with more information on Best places to stay in california, best places to stay in california on the beach, best places to stay in california with family, and best places to stay in california for couples.
Best places to stay in california on the beach
California is a state that’s full of surprises—and one of the biggest is how many beautiful places to stay on the beach there are!
You can find everything from quaint cottages to luxury hotels, so no matter what your budget is, you’re sure to find something that will fit in with your trip. But where should you go?
Here are some of our favorite places to stay in California on the beach:
1. Rosewood Miramar Beach, Santa Barbara
Rosewood Miramar Beach is a stunning, relatively new property on 16 acres of rolling green hills and is Southern California’s only five-star beachfront resort. The villa, which is in the seaside town of Montecito approximately an hour’s drive north of Los Angeles, exudes a relaxed luxury throughout. The grounds feature well-kept gardens and landscaping.
Choose from 160 rooms, 36 suites, or freestanding bungalows with multiple bedrooms. The latter are a perfect pick if you are traveling with the family or a number of friends. The Rosewood caters to families with a number of amenities. Besides the sweeping beachfront with sand seemingly made for building castles, there is also a kids’ club on-site to entertain little ones.
Other amenities include two swimming pools; a fitness center; yoga classes; and a spa with a full range of treatments, from deep tissue massages to rejuvenating facial therapies.
Grab a meal at the Revere Room, which serves fresh California fare and stays open all day. Or make a dinner reservation at Caruso’s, which has ocean views and indoor and outdoor seating.
The Rosewood is also known for its top-notch service. It is very personalized without being annoying, and the staff caters to your every whim. Just let them know what you need, and it will be taken care of.
Accommodation: Rosewood Miramar Beach
2. Montage Laguna Beach
Every room at the gorgeous Montage Laguna Beach faces the sea. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this art-inspired, luxury property has a fantastic locale atop a 50-foot bluff in posh Laguna Beach. There are 248 spacious rooms, suites, and beach bungalows, which feature local artwork on the walls, marble baths, and ridiculously comfortable feathertop beds.
Away from the rooms, you’ll find a 20,000-square-foot spa with delightful amenities like dry redwood saunas and eucalyptus steam rooms. There is also a lovely outdoor pool lined with private cabanas, as well as a Jacuzzi and a children’s play area.
There are also three on-site restaurants. Check out Studio for contemporary California coastal cuisine, as well as chef’s tasting menus and options to arrange for private dinner parties at the chef’s table. For something more casual, The Loft, is a favorite with locals and guests and does modern American fare paired with stunning views on the hotel’s fourth floor.
Accommodation: Montage Laguna Beach
3. The Resort at Pelican Hill
This luxury resort in Newport Beach is located on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. The hotel and some of the beautiful rooms and suites have ocean views, but it’s a long walk or a short drive to actually get to the sand (the resort itself is 504 acres).
The hotel has a luxury van, which operates hourly between Pelican Hill and the quaint Crystal Cove State Park beach area. It’s a clean, protected state beach, and the nearby small historic district has some shops and restaurants. Beach chairs and umbrellas are provided for guests.
Back at the resort, the pools are beautiful. The main Coliseum Pool is a round swimming pool, almost 150 feet in diameter, with more than a million, hand-set glass mosaic tiles forming the bottom. There’s a separate children’s pool and another separate pool for villa guests.
The hotel has live music nightly in several lounges and poolside music during the summer season. For dining, there’s Andrea, a fine-dining Italian restaurant; the Pelican Grill, with upscale yet casual California cuisine; and a pool terrace cafe.
Accommodation: The Resort at Pelican Hill
4. Terranea Resort
This 102-acre seaside luxury resort is also high on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It’s in Rancho Palos Verdes, only 40 minutes from downtown LA (DTLA) or 20 minutes from LAX. The beach is a short walk down the stairs, as is whale watching, tide pool exploring, and water sports like sea kayaking and boogie boarding.
You may not want to leave the resort and its 5,000-square-foot pool with a 140-foot-long waterslide. For a quieter experience, there’s another large saltwater pool (for guests 13 years and older) and a third pool at the resort’s amazing spa. Terranea has a championship golf course and the full range of outdoor activities, from bike riding to tennis.
There’s also a changing menu of educational and cultural programs for adults and kids, everything from nature walks to photography classes to cooking experiences with the resort’s chefs.
For food, there are four different restaurants to choose from, along with several lounges that serve food, a pool café, spa café, and a small coffee shop. One of the top restaurants is Catalina Kitchen. It serves Mediterranean bistro fare and has lots of outdoor dining space.
Accommodation: Terranea Resort
5. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is a fabulous luxury choice for families. The top-end resort sits on a hill overlooking the beach in Dana Point, which is on the coast between Los Angeles and San Diego.
The rooms and suites here have a beach house casual vibe but are very comfortable and spacious, with a blue, green, and white color palette and fully furnished balconies.
Away from the rooms there are seven restaurants to choose from serving a range of cuisine, from Mediterranean to modern Mexican/Californian fare.
The resort is also home to the first coastal Miraval Life in Balance Spa, which offers some 40 different wellness and fitness classes per week along with the usual assortment of treatments; a championship golf course; tennis courts; kids’ club; and a multi-level swimming pool design, which features a family pool and adults-only spa pool.
Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
6. Shutters on the Beach
This grand beachfront luxury hotel sits right on Santa Monica’s wide, flat beach, almost in front of the Santa Monica Pier (an amusement park), and right next to the opulent Casa del Mar. It’s a great place to stay for both families or romantic getaways.
The guest rooms have a beachy, shabby chic design with cool touches like yo-yos and juggling kits. Most rooms have full or partial balconies.
There are three dining experiences: 1 Pico is the hotel’s fine-dining, yet still beach-casual restaurant. Coast is an even more casual option, and the Living Room is a part of their spacious and homey lobby area, serving coffee and a light menu of food throughout the day.
Only the bike path separates the hotel from the sand, and guests have access to a range of outdoor, indoor, and water-related activities.
Accommodation: Shutters on the Beach
7. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
About 20 minutes’ drive west of Santa Barbara, The Ritz Carlton has direct beach access and a secluded, luxury vibe, which makes it a favorite celebrity hideout. It sits on 78 gently sloping acres and features a mix of Mediterranean and East Coast beach styles in its decor.
Expect plenty of Spanish tile, as well as a color palette of various hues of blue, gold, white, and cream in the 354 rooms and suites, which also feature giant marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and Frette robes. The rooms are spread across the property in more than a dozen different Spanish Revival-style buildings, which each come with a courtyard graced by a fountain and lushly landscaped gardens.
There is much to do on the property away from the rooms, including shopping at three high-end boutiques, relaxing in the giant spa or one of the three saltwater swimming pools, walking on the beach, or watching a movie in the screening room. There are also a few dining options on-site.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
8. Hotel del Coronado
This beachfront resort has been welcoming guests with its beautiful beach for more than 100 years. The Hotel del Coronado is on Coronado Island in San Diego Bay, so its wide, bright sandy beach is protected and great for swimming. The beach here is bright and shiny due to the sand’s high mica content. It’s one of the reasons the hotel (and its beach) were featured in the Marilyn Monroe movie Some Like it Hot.
There are many different types of luxurious accommodations at the Del, some in its historic Victorian building, some in a modern low-rise tower, and some in the Club-Floor-like Beach Village. The historic building offers the most character, with no two rooms the same size and a rumor that this area is haunted. Many feature walk-out patios.
If you’re traveling with the family or just want a more private experience, you’ll want to book one of the Beach Villa cottages. These come with personalized service and amazing views.
There are almost 20 different shops at the resort, multiple swimming pools, and three different dining experiences. Head to the Crown Room for brunch in ornate environs. While at Sheerwater, you can find American bistro fare, ocean views, and a large patio space for al fresco meals.
Accommodation: Hotel del Coronado
9. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
This hip, Polynesian-style resort has its own private beach in Mission Bay (part of San Diego). The waves are calm and gentle, so it’s perfect for families. The hotel isn’t new, but the rooms are nicely maintained, and all of them have balconies or patios. There are studio rooms with kitchenettes and some suites as well.
The resort is right on the beach, with a range of water sports equipment (kayaks, rafts, boogie boards, surfboards, snorkel sets, etc.). The resort also offers a spa; fitness center; and a big, outdoor pool and whirlpool.
The Catamaran has a few popular restaurants, including one with an outdoor terrance and another that does Polynesian fare in tiki-style environs.
Accommodation: Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
10. Malibu Beach Inn
This posh beachfront, boutique hotel sits right on Malibu’s ultra-exclusive Carbon Beach. There are no other hotels around, just million-dollar beachfront mansions. It’s an easy five-minute walk to Malibu Pier, where there is a cool public beach and a few restaurants.
The Malibu Beach Inn has beautifully designed rooms and suites, and this luxury hotel is better for couples and romantic getaways than family outings. All the rooms have private balconies with glass fronts, and all face the ocean.
The Malibu Beach Inn has its own fine-dining restaurant (with an oceanfront terrace) featuring a seasonally changing menu of fresh, California cuisine. The hotel has a small spa with a range of luxury treatment options, which are popular with Malibu locals in addition to hotel guests.
Accommodation: Malibu Beach Inn
11. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
In Surf City USA, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is a great 4-star choice for anyone looking to ride some waves. Connected by a pedestrian walkway to the gold-sand beach, which runs for eight miles here, the resort boasts Spanish Andalusian-style architecture throughout. The grounds are also lush and well maintained, and the property caters to couples and families alike.
Rooms and suites have laid-back, elegant decor with a white and cream color scheme. All have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to private terraces, and most have ocean views.
Amenities are plentiful. There are two swimming pools with sun loungers and umbrellas, a few hot tubs, a fitness center, kids’ club, and a full-service spa. There is also no shortage of dining choices, with five restaurants on-site along with a grocery store. If you are traveling with a dog, the hotel is pet friendly.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
Best places to stay in california
California is a state that’s known for its natural beauty, from the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It’s also known for its rich history and culture—and if you’re looking for a place to stay with all of this in mind, here are our recommendations:
1. Newport Beach, California
Some call it Beverly Hills on the water, and Newport Beach really is a very wealthy bubble that could only exist in California. There is a lot of boat eye candy to enjoy, as well as some pretty fabulous shopping.
We stay at Balboa Bay Resort as it offers a great location is on the water (but is missing a pool with a view or beach access), but the bar view makes for a great cocktail hour.
2. Dana Point, California
Dana Point is our little secret place – and home to one of the best beach hotels in California (from a European perspective) and close to many other interesting places to visit, like Newport and Laguna Beaches.
We have been 4 times now and like the quaint marina (and recommend a whale and dolphin watching boat trip) and incredible beach walks at Monarch Beach.
3. Big Sur, California
Big Sur is one of the best places to stay in California, and it’s also one of the best-known. The drive on Highway 1 is certainly one of the most iconic, especially if you get a clear sunny day (it is a 50-50 chance!).
On our last trip, we decided to stay the night at the wonderful Ventana Big Sur (across the road from Post Ranch Inn, where we had a lovely lunch).
4. Barbara, California
The more we visit Santa Barbara, the more we want to buy a house there. It could be because of the fabulous views, or the Urban Wine Trail (which really brings a new side of this town to life), but we really love it.
The Restoration Hardware store on the main street personifies SB – and maybe so does the Goop boutique? I know!
Stay at the Belmond El Encanto (or try the new Rosewood, which looks pretty special too).
5. Malibu, California
We have finally stayed in Malibu last Summer and wondered why we had never done it before! Staying there (rather than just driving past and stopping for lunch) really made us ‘get’ Malibu a bit more.
From its Design Center, to the Malibu Mart – we really felt like we were away from the rest of the world (but with all mod cons, which is part of the appeal).
Stay at Malibu Beach Inn (and yes, they have proper European-style beach sun loungers, so you will really feel like you are ‘really at the beach’).
6. Beverly Hills, California
Located in Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills is probably where we base ourselves most often when we ‘are in LA’. Obviously known for its shopping (and Pretty Woman fame), it is home to some of the best hotels in California.
Its location means it is easy to get to other places such as West Hollywood and Hollywood, as we all know traffic is part of LA life.
We tend to stay at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, but there are plenty of others to try such as the new Waldorf Astoria or the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel.
7. Santa Monica, California
Located on the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica is one of the best known California beach towns and one that has ‘really improved’ over the last decade. Luxury hotel options have always been a bit limited (but new hotels like Santa Monica Proper are changing all this).
Hiring a ‘vacation rental’ is a good option in this part of California as there are some pretty fab beach houses with your name written all over it.
Besides the more touristy Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica place, head to Montana where you will find a more neighbourhoody selection of shops and cafes (and of course, a drybar).
8. Sonoma, California
One reason Sonoma holds a particular place in my heart is that it was the birthplace of Williams Sonoma, one of my favorite US retailers. It also has several great Portuguese eateries (and a community which I had no idea).
Much less commercialised than its neighbour, it does understated luxury like very few places do. And the Pinot Noirs really are wonderful.
Stay at the Fairmont Sonoma, Kenwood Inn or the wonderful Farmhouse Inn (or at least go for dinner!)
9. Napa, California
Probably one of the places with the best marketing in the world – Napa Valley put California wines on the world map and whenever I am in the USA, I keep my wine miles to a minimum and only choose wines from here or nearby Sonoma Country.
We enjoyed our day trip on the Wine Train and look forward to visiting again in the near future (as last time we went it was the day after an earthquake happened and we had a rather different experience).
10. Lake Tahoe, California
We have only visited Lake Tahoe once – and we went skiing, believe it or not. We couldn’t quite grasp the fact that you could ski various resorts in one trip (it is very different from the Alps) and that made it quite fun.
Next time I would like to visit in the Summer, as the lake really was quite stunning.
Stay at The Plumpjack in Squaw or the Ritz-Carlton in Northstar.
11. Greater Palm Springs, California
Greater Palm Springs is a city in California, USA. Greater Palm Springs is a famous tourist destination for its sunny climate and beautiful landscapes. The city has an area of about 1,200 square miles (3,110 km2). The population of the city is about 80,000 people.
Greater Palm Springs is a great place to visit during any season of the year. The average temperature in January is 45°F (7°C), while the average temperature in July is 92°F (33°C).
Made up of a more than a handful of ‘cities’ – of which Palm Springs is the best known – it keeps us interested year after year.
Mr. O loves the golf, I love hiring a villa and not sharing a pool with anyone – but it is interesting how many hotels are now opening in the area. The Ritz Carlton in Rancho Mirage is becoming a classic as is The Parker, of course.
Best places to stay in california with family
California is a fantastic place to visit with your family. There are so many activities and places to see that you’ll never run out of things to do or see. Here are some of the best places to stay in California with family:
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
The Ritz Carlton in Lake Tahoe does an excellent job of winning over even the skeptics. There are several situations where luxury resorts may not be thought to be appropriate for a family vacation.
In addition to the luxuriously furnished rooms and suites, they offer a Ritz Kids package, where the property puts together some fun indoor and outdoor activities for the little ones, depending on what time of the year it is.
This includes arts and crafts classes, outdoor adventure activities, food crafts and so much more.
You can also opt for the interesting “Indoor Camp Out” option, where the staff will set up a separate dome tent for your kids in the room itself.
For your winter trips to Lake Tahoe, the hotel also puts together a ski school for beginners, in addition to a wide range of other fun things to do.
2. Argonaut Hotel, a Noble House Hotel, San Francisco
San Francisco is one of those cities that is so steeped in the unique combination of culture and modernity that you may want to stay a couple of days more than you initially planned.
Located at the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, Argonaut Hotel was initially a fruit canning factory dating back to 1908.
Officially reopening after a major transformation in 2003, this property boasts of over 250 rooms and themes, all of which are decorated along the lines of a nautical theme — with a ton of blue and white.
While some of the chain hotels in the same area may be a little cheaper, Argonaut has character, which may be missing from those hotels.
The rooms are all uniquely designed and spacious, while the location makes it easy for you to even walk down to some of the city’s major attractions.
3. Camp Richardson, Lake Tahoe
Another top family resort on the California coast is Camp Richardson, a historic property that has its roots back in the 1920s.
Set up on the southern shores of this iconic California lake, this property is made up of a bunch of different accommodation options, including a more conventional South Lake Tahoe Hotel, Richardson House with its 7 bedrooms, the Beachside Inn and more.
If you are looking for a cabin that comes with a full kitchen, Camp Richardson has a number of options for you.
Otherwise, you can also book a spot at the RV Village, which is also a part of the property.
With a fantastic lakeside restaurant, many different hikes and trails, and a ton of different equipment like tandem bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, and more, you and the tiny tots will never be at a loss for things to do!
4. Railroad Park Resort, Shasta Cascade
Most kids that I know love trains but don’t really get the chance to explore them as much as they’d like to.
If the youngsters in your party are also train enthusiasts, there is nothing better than the Railroad Park Resort — one of the most exciting kid-friendly resorts in California — for your next vacation.
Just about 200 miles north of Sacramento, this unique resort has 12 different cabooses that are designed to sleep up to five people — an average-sized family.
There are also separate cabooses for adults only.
Each of these has a bathroom and basic necessities like a microwave and mini-fridge.
In addition to a creek close by, there is a full-size swimming pool as well as a hot soaking pool for the parent’s rejuvenation.
The in-house restaurant and lounge — open on the weekends for dinner — that adds a dash of luxury.
5. Hotel Del Sol, San Francisco
There are many baby-friendly resorts in California, but Hotel Del Sol is one of the more exciting options in the city of San Francisco, especially when it comes to the amount of TLC that the little ones will be getting.
The hotel is decorated in bright colors that pop and make you feel more cheerful, but the real winners here are the kids, who get a special package — full of goodies — when you first check-in.
If you opt for a family room, the kids will be given a bedroom for themselves.
All the suites come with small kitchens and you can even put in a request for a baby-proofed room if you need one.
The hotel truly strives towards making it a memorable stay for the kids, with tub toys, a beautiful library, and milk and cookies each afternoon.
6. Sanctuary Beach Resort, Monterey
The last NorCal property on this list is a beachfront resort in Monterey, which is ideal for a family trip at any point in the year.
With stylishly done up rooms for a good night’s sleep, this resort also arranges bonfires on the beach in the evenings.
Here, the s’mores kit — available in the mini-bar — is particularly helpful in keeping the kids engaged.
The mornings are best spent trying to spot dolphins and whales off the coast.
While a lot of adults worry about the cold water at the beach, the little ones never seem to mind it.
However, if you are looking for a warmer option, the swimming pool on the property is heated for the best swimming experience.
7. The Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach
If you have a pet that has to accompany you for the family holiday, The Waterfront Beach Resort’s policy to allow small dogs on the property can be very helpful.
A Hilton property situated in Huntington Beach, this beachfront resort opens up to a 10 mile stretch of clean sands and clear water.
While many families prefer to lounge about on the beach on their towels, others prefer to make the most of the property’s cabana rentals and beach equipment for a more luxurious outing.
You can also chill by the fire pits for a cozy evening.
While choosing your package, it is recommended that you check whether or not the breakfast buffet is included.
Regardless, if you have any kids under the age of 4, they will be eating for free!
8. Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach
Just imagine yourself looking out of the window as you gaze at the sunset with a drink in your hand, while the kids spend their time splashing about in the pool.
This doesn’t need to be an imaginary scenario if you check into the Surf & Sand Resort at Laguna Beach.
This beachfront resort is designed to give you the feeling that you are practically on the sea, with waves crashing into the land while you indulge in a sinful meal at the restaurant.
When traveling with the tykes and tots, the family fun package can be a smart choice, as it comes with the option to set up an indoor camp, in-room s’mores, and milk and cookies.
While the kids enjoy the outdoor pool, the parents can sit comfortably in one of the cabanas and watch the sky change colors.
9. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, San Diego
San Diego has the ultimate, laid-back vibe that attracts tons of families to this beachside city for both short and long vacations.
The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is a fantastic option for these families, not just because of the comfortable and well-appointed rooms, but also because of the wide range of activities there are to participate in as a family.
For example, if you want to introduce the little ones to exotic birds, you can take them to the daily bird show hosted by the property.
If you are tired of spending time at the beach, the kids will be able to enjoy the fantastic arcade with a wide range of gaming options or enjoy activities at the kids’ club.
The heated swimming pool, also on the property, is another welcome touch for those days you decide to stay in.
10. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Santa Barbara
The Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is another SoCal resort that deserves a mention.
The spacious rooms across the property have all the basic amenities you need while on vacation with the family, while the activities geared at children will ensure that the tiny tots don’t complain of boredom even once during the family trip.
With a beachfront location and a large outdoor pool, you can spend a considerable part of your time in the water.
When you want to get out and do something different, the tennis courts can seem like an inviting option.
Be sure to try out their warm chocolate cookies once you have burned all these calories.
Best places to stay in california for couples
California is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class food, and amazing weather. It’s also known for being one of the most expensive states in America. But there are still places where you can stay and enjoy all that California has to offer without breaking the bank.
Each of these places offers excellent hotel deals and discounts on attractions, restaurants and more. These are the best places to stay in California for couples looking for a romantic getaway without spending a fortune:
1. Meritage Resort and Spa
This is the ultimate getaway for when you want to dive into European luxury without leaving the Western Hemisphere. Say “ciao” to this beautiful Tuscan-inspired resort nestled into the Napa Valley, a perfect hideaway for couples wanting alone time to be spoiled.
At the resort’s one-of-a-kind 22,000 sq. ft. spa located 40 feet underground, wine is incorporated even in massages. There is a massage called “Vino Bello,” incorporating a grape seed scrub followed by a mineral and antioxidant-ruch wine and rosehip mud wrap to rejuvenate the skin. At the end of the massage, guests are covered in a soothing grape seed lotion. If this doesn’t scream Napa Valley to you, I don’t know what does.
Enjoy the view even more when you upgrade to a balcony room that overlooks the resort’s nine-acre vineyard.
2. Farmhouse Inn
Tucked into Northern California’s wine country, Farmhouse Inn gives you the cozy Bread & Breakfast feel perfect for a weekend with your sweetheart. In this intimate home-away-from-home, each of the 25 guest suites features private saunas, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. If that’s not enough to reel you in, consider the soothing spa services the Inn offers, focusing on all-natural, herbal spa products.
Outside of the Inn, enjoy a winery tour, hiking trains, canoeing along the Russian River, or visiting the nearby Armstrong Woods State Reserve to admire California’s famous redwood trees.
3. La Casa del Camino
Laguna Beach isn’t all high school drama. If you’re looking to turn up the heat, try bringing your loved one to this historic Mediterranean-style hotel just a block away from the stunning Southern California beach featured in the show. Established in 1929, this luxurious hotel emphasizes elegance and style, making it a favorite among Hollywood’s elite.
Couples can choose between Spanish-style rooms for when they’re feeling royal, Surf rooms to completely absorb the West Coast vibes, or sneak away into their own private cottage, called La Casita (The Little House).
4. The Westin St. Francis
If the Great Gatsby opened a hotel on the West Coast, The Westin St. Francis would definitely be it.
Opened in 1904, this destination flaunts its rich history with old-world marble, oak, crystal chandeliers, and vast murals. Celebrities, politicians, and the crème de la crème throughout the world have been visiting this swanky destination for over a century, and it seems it only gets better with age.
Indulge in sophistication at this spot located right in the middle of San Francisco. Grab your sweetie for a romantic dinner at The Westin’s elegant Oak Room Restaurant. Opened in 1913 as a ritzy spot for men to smoke cigars and drink whiskey, the Oak Room now welcomes all for posh American dining.
5. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
Join the rich and famous at this AAA Five Diamond Award winning hotel in California’s famous Beverly Hills. Spend a day relaxing in a luxury cabana at the hotel’s rooftop pool before you drain your bank account on Rodeo Drive. If you still need to escape from life that is so hard outside of L’Ermitage’s walls, sink into a Swedish or Ayurvedic massage or destress in the hotel’s steam rooms.
With the “Remembering Romance” Package, L’Ermitage offers couples accomodations in a luxury suite, $150 dinner credit at their chic restaurant, Avec Nous, a bottle of champage, and $100 spa credit. It doesn’t get better than this.
6. Venice Beach Eco Cottages
Grab your significant other and slip away into your own private eco-bungalow just blocks away from the beautiful Venice Beach. When you visit the Venice Beach Eco Cottages, you support a green alternative to the typical hospitality experience.
Built with organic materials and adorned in bohemian décor, these cottages fit in perfectly with the artistic neighborhood of Venice Beach. By lodging here, couples can recharge while also helping to recharge the planet!
7. El Dorado Hotel and Kitchen
Take in the lively town from your own personal balcony at El Dorado, located right in the heart of Sonoma. Coupling wine-country charm with urban sophistication, El Dorado makes the perfect getaway for lovers in Northern California.
In this rustic location you can really show your affection with the “Rekindle Romance” Package. In addition to staying in a King guestroom, you are welcomed with champagne, locally homemade and artisanal salted caramels, and a bouquet. The property is a testament to the town of Sonoma and its laid back wine country spirit.
8. Korakia Pensione
Something about California and historic Mediterranean-style resorts. They just can’t get enough of them! Korakia, a luxurious Palm Springs villa dating back to 1924, combines the romance of the Mediterranean with the exotic taste of North Africa. Lined with Middle Eastern lanterns and fire pits, it’s no wonder Forbes Traveler named Korania one of the “Sexiest Hotels in America.”
In the morning, you’re greeted with a Moroccan-style breakfast, while in the afternoon you’re refreshed with Moroccan tea service. Escape to your own Arabian Nights fantasy at Korakia, complete with Moorish wooden double doors, a heated pool, Moroccan day beds, and romantic courtyard.
9. Autocamp Santa Barbara
Decked out in retro gear, Autocamp has served as a refuge for the American wanderlust road trippers since 1922. Using Airstream trailers for lodging and emphasizing classic Americana décor, this spot prides itself in creating comfort for the adventurous spirits passing through California.
Experience the beautiful outdoors without sacrificing comfort when you stay at Autocamp for a romantic weekend trip with your special someone.
10. Sir Francis Drake Hotel
Bringing back the style and sophistication of old San Francisco, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel pairs Renaissance architecture with renowned hospitality to make your stay in the city as regal as possible. World-class shopping awaits you at this hotel, with Tiffany & Co, Gucci, Prada, Giorgio Armani, and Saks Fifth Avenue just steps outside your door.
Treat yourself and your special someone to a lavish night out on the town, 1930s style. On the 21st floor of the Sir Francis Drake, this decadent accommodation houses its famous Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, where Harry Denton Starlight Orhestra plays live music below crystal chandeliers with a 180-degree view of San Francisco. It’s the kind of place you don’t leave without a ring on your finger.
We hope you’ve found this article helpful! California is a state of many wonders, and we want to make sure you have the most amazing experience possible.
We know that many people find it hard to choose the best place to stay in California, so we’ve done all the work for you by providing a list of our favorite places.