Northern California offers many scenic spots, beautiful beaches, RV parks and unique activities, from wine tasting and food tours to hiking, mountain biking, ranches and other outdoor adventures. See the scenic cliffs of Big Sur, ride a bike through Napa Valley, soak in the hot springs surrounded by wilderness, and explore the Monterey Peninsula with its beautiful views and a diverse choice of activities.
Everline Resort & Spa
Everline Resort & Spa is the signature resort of California's Olympic Valley, best known as the host site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. The high-end resort offers dramatic views of the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains and a plethora of full-service amenities within its signature "mountain meets modern" atmosphere. 405 beautiful guest rooms and suites featuring high-tech amenities such as LED flat screen televisions, with in-room kitchenettes and fireplaces offered in many rooms. Guests can enjoy a wide range of onsite activities and amenities, ranging from a championship golf course, ice skating ink, and ski lift to a full-service spa and state-of-the-art fitness center. Six onsite restaurants utilize fresh ingredients sourced from the resort's onsite hydroponic garden in entrees prepared from scratch, including fresh-baked breads and pastries.
Address: 400 Squaw Creek Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, Phone: 530-412-7034
The Sonora Inn
Built in 1896, the historic Sonora Inn has been a prominent landmark in Sonora for well over a hundred years. The inn has undergone several face-lifts over the years and the façade has changed from the original Victorian style to the Californian Mission style, which greeted many celebrities during the golden years of film making.
Visitors will find plenty to do in Sonora; many of the historic buildings are now home to art galleries, tap rooms and restaurants and all the wonders of Yosemite are close by.
Address: The Sonora Inn, 160 S. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370, 209 532 2400
Eden Vale Inn - 2 hours 15 minutes from San Francisco
Eden Vale Inn is all about romance. Less than an hour from Sacramento, snuggled on ten acres of spectacular gardens with a tranquil pond, in the middle of Sierra Foothills wine region, this upscale B&B is designed to exceed your expectations.
All seven spacious rooms are completely private, with your own entrance to the garden, outdoor secluded hot tub, gas fireplace, luxury furniture, and modern amenities such as HDTV's, and DVD/Blu-ray players.
Take the love of your life in a boat to the lake under the stars, have a drink in the garden, enjoy the soothing spa or roast some marshmallows by the garden fire pit. In the morning, before you go exploring wineries, enjoy a gourmet breakfast and the innkeepers’ famous scones.
Address: 1780 Springvale Rd, Placerville, CA 95667, 530-621-0901
Basecamp Tahoe South
When you check into Basecamp Tahoe South, you will be entering the original hotel which was built to bring visitors to within easy striking distance of beautiful Lake Tahoe. Here, surrounded by lakes, hiking trails and stunning mountain scenery, you can explore to your hearts’ content.
The hotel is located just five minutes from the lake and the Heavenly Gondola. The hotel offers a variety of comfortable rooms to suit couples, including their amazing Great Indoors room which combines the luxuries of a hotel with indoor tented accommodations.
Address: 4143 Cedar Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-208-0180
The Inn at Newport Ranch
The Inn at Newport Ranch is a gorgeous boutique inn located approximately three and a half hours north of downtown San Francisco, set on a 2,000-acre coastal cattle ranch within the former pioneer logging town of Newport. The lovely inn offers more than a mile of oceanfront access for all guests, along with 20 miles of world-class horseback riding and hiking trails within three miles of stunning coastal ridgetop landscape. All-inclusive resort activities include whale watching excursions, ATV safari adventures, a fireside spa, and group overlook excursions and barbecues.
Address: 31502 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, Phone: 707-962-4818
McCloud Hotel
The McCloud Hotel is a historic hotel snuggled in one of the most beautiful spots imaginable: On the green slope of majestic Mount Shasta, with the world-famous fly fishing McCloud River running by and its three waterfalls a few miles away.
Built in 1916 for the workers employed by the McCloud River Lumber Company, the hotel has since been meticulously restored to provide comfortable and elegant accommodation for modern travelers exploring the spectacular nature all around. Many original features have been retained, such as the registration desk with the original mail cubbies.
The beautifully landscaped gardens around the hotel are popular for social gatherings and weddings. The hotel has its own gourmet restaurant on the premises, and the wisteria-covered terrace serves as a glorious dining space on warm days.
Address: 408 Main Street, McCloud, CA 96057, 530-964-2822
North Block Hotel
North Block Hotel is a chic Mediterranean-style hotel located within the heart of beautiful Napa Valley, just blocks from downtown Yountville's best shopping and dining experiences. The lovely hotel is home to elegantly-appointed guest rooms and suites decked out with amenities such as espresso machines, flat screen televisions, and soaking tubs, with private balconies and patios offering mountain views available in select rooms. Onsite amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center and and a heated outdoor pool.
Address: 6757 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599, Phone: 707-944-8080
Hotel Yountville
Hotel Yountville is a lovely spa and resort located conveniently near the top attractions of the Napa Valley American Viticultural Area, within easy walking distance of the Napa Valley Museum and convenient driving distance of the Silverado Trail's myriad vineyards. Lovely hotel amenities include the resort's signature spa, which provides a plethora of beauty and wellness treatments, and its seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub.
Loaner bikes are available for rental for guests looking to experience the area's attractions on two wheels. Guests can also dine at the resort's signature Heritage Oak restaurant, which features seasonal local menus, or grab cocktails at its private bar, which offers free wine tasting events throughout the week.
Address: 6462 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599, Phone: 707-967-7900
Timber Cove Resort
Timber Cove Resort is a gorgeous historic hotel along California's North Coast Highway, originally constructed as a retreat hotel in 1963 by famed architect Richard Clements, Jr.
The hotel, which takes design cues from Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic architectural style, incorporates redwood and stone elements to seamlessly integrate with its gorgeous natural surroundings. In 2016, the hotel was relocated atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and completely renovated. Today, it features 46 elegant midcentury-styled guest rooms, including eight newly-designed spacious suites.
Address: 21780 North Coast Highway 1, Jenner, CA 95450, Phone: 707-847-3231
Idyllwild Bunkhouse
Getting close to nature does not necessarily mean roughing it. You can be in the middle of the majestic San Bernardino National Forest and still enjoy all the comforts of home in the charming, rustic Idyllwild Bunkhouse, an 18-room 'Boutique Motel', located in the small mountain town of Idyllwild, California.
Spend the day hiking, rock climbing, fishing or biking, and when you come back your cozy private Bunkhouse will wait for you with a comfortable bed, private bathroom, TV, free Wi-Fi, and your own balcony with spectacular view of the mountains.
Address: 25525 Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Hwy, Idyllwild, CA 92549, 951-659-2201
The Citizen Hotel, Sacramento, CA
Built in 1927 and designed by California’s famous architect George Sellon, The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento started its life as the headquarters for the Cal State Life Insurance.
Meticulous restoration brought the beautiful Sacramento building to the 21st century but retained its elegance and character with soaring ceilings, marble panels, and a grand center staircase. The hotel has a beautiful rooftop terrace, a popular restaurant and bar, The Grange, a fitness room, and elegant event spaces. The hotel is located in the center of things, overlooking Cesar Chavez Plaza Park and a short walk to Crocker Art Museum and California State Capitol.
Address: 926 J Street, Sacramento , CA 95814, 916-447-2700
Highlands Ranch Resort, Mill Creek
The Highlands Ranch Resort is located close to the Lassen Volcanic National Park, opening up wonderful opportunities for an active romantic getaway (Video). Within the park you can explore an extensive network of hiking, biking, snow-shoeing and cross-country trails which will lead you to unsurpassed mountain and meadow vistas. However, if a quiet and relaxing break is what you need you can sit back and relax at the resort, surrounded by beautiful views. Highlands Ranch Resort offers 7 beautifully styled rustic/elegant cottages. All the cottages have lovely views, quality bed linens, fire places for cooler weather and some have 2-person hot tubs.
Address: 41515 Highway 36E, Mill Creek, CA 96061, 530 595 3388
The Sandman Hotel, Santa Rosa
The Sandman Hotel, Santa Rosa is a refined, affordable lodging option in Santa Rosa, conveniently located along US 101 near top area attractions such as the Kendall-Jackson Winery, Calistoga, and the Sonoma County Museum. The newly-renovated motor lodge showcases Spanish Mission Revival design elements and offers 132 inviting guest rooms and suites, each offering top amenities such as 37-inch high-definition televisions, private kitchenettes, and Malin and Goetz bath amenities.
Design elements include commissioned illustrations by California artist Ty Williams.
Address: 3421 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, Phone: 707-293-2100
Camelia Inn
The exquisite Camelia Inn greets you with the profusion of blooming camellias, no less than 50 different kinds of them. Snuggled in charming Healdsburg in the heart of Sonoma County, where the weather is always beautiful, wines are superb and food is fabulous, Camellia Inn will make sure that your visit is memorable.
Built in 1871 as a home for Ransome Powel, the lovely building went through many incarnations before it became a peaceful oasis for those who are looking for a romance and privacy. This luxury bed and breakfast has nine lovely rooms and five off-site apartments and cottages filled with antiques and superb comfort of high class bed linens and opulent bathrooms with just enough technology to remind you that you are in 21st century. After enjoying the inn’s unparalleled comfort and sumptuous breakfast, stroll through the lovingly maintained garden, splash in the swimming pool, or venture out to explore Sonoma’s famous wineries.
Address: 211 North St., Healdsburg, CA 95448, 707-433-8182
Alegria Inn
Strolling along the Main Street in the historic charming Mendocino Village, you will notice a quaint blue house that is today Alegria Inn . When Alf Nelson built it in 1861 for his family, he could not possibly imagine that one day the house will be home to Alegria Inn, a place where people come from all over the world to be away from it all, secluded but still steps from everything. The inn is surrounded by a spectacular garden filled with rare plants and exquisite antique roses, and is connected by a narrow path to a little cove with fine sandy beach. A gourmet organic locally sourced breakfast is served in the bright dining room overlooking the ocean.
Address: 44781 Main St, Mendocino, CA 95460, 707-937-5150
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
The Post Ranch Inn is a spectacular hotel on the coastal cliffs of Big Sur. Guest rooms have stunning views, and overlook either the ocean or the mountains through large windows. The spa offers several types of massages, facials, jade stone, crystal, and gemstone therapy, body polish, body exfoliation and body wraps.
Guests can participate in guided nature walks, tai chi, yoga, Pilates, work out at the fitness center and relax next to the pool. Sierra Mar restaurant offers a complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet each morning. The restaurant serve innovative cuisine with stunning views and has an award-winning wine cellar.
Address: 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, 831-667-2200, Post Ranch Inn Video
Affordable Mono Hot Springs, Lakeshore
Mono Hot Springs provides outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-lovers with a variety of exciting things to see and do. Cozy resort cabins, natural hot springs, crystal alpine lakes, and breathtaking natural landscapes are alluring highlights of this resort, and whether you are looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday or an adventure-packed break, Mono Hot Springs has something for everyone.
Historic stone cabins feature cozy furnishings in a mountain lodge style, with cozy fireplaces, ample living space, and private bathrooms. Indulge in a pampering massage, relax in the hot mineral springs, hike or horseback ride one of the many trails in and around the resort, or partake in fishing, boating, or kayaking on one of the alpine lakes in the area.
Address: 70000 Edison Lake Rd, Lakeshore, 559-325-1710
Flamingo Resort and Spa, Santa Rosa - 1 hour 10 minutes
Luxurious, elegant, and stylish, The Flamingo Resort and Spa combines modern facilities, deluxe amenities, and attentive service with a laid-back, retro vibe to create a relaxing country retreat. This historic Santa Rosa landmark is conveniently situated in the heart of the wine country, offering an array of things to see and do, from world-class shopping to fine dining.
Staying fit is easy at the resort - guests have access to a full-service spa and health club, a modern yoga/cycling studio, two Olympic-sized swimming pools, and five tennis courts. After all that exercise, savor delicious cuisine at the Terrace Grille Restaurant and Lounge where nightly entertainment set in a contemporary and chic environment is sure to delight.
Address: 2777 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530
Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel
Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel is a relaxing weekend getaway with nine different types of suites with a private bath, a separate shower and tub, a private deck and a fireplace.
There is a seemingly endless list of things to do on the 500 acre property, including garden tours, golf, tennis, yoga and basketball.
The ranch offers sport courts, a children’s camp, and tree swings. The spa offers a pool and hot tubs, bocce, massages, therapies, skincare, nail care, and waxing. The River Ranch Café serves tasty burgers, wines, and cocktails in a casual setting.
Address: 1 Old Ranch Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, 831-574-5570
Horizon Inn & Ocean View Lodge
Guests looking for a room with a view will be in heaven here. The Horizon Inn & Ocean View Lodge offers beautiful views of both Carmel Bay and the Santa Lucia mountains. Location continues to be a theme as this inn is located conveniently to both the beach and the village of Carmel.
In-room fireplaces and whirlpools, as well as private balconies or patios mean the rooms are designed for romance and comfort. The Ocean View Lodge also offers two cottage suites for more amenities. All rooms include a daily continental breakfast, with some accommodations including an in-room “breakfast basket.”
Address: SWC 3rd Avenue and Junipero Street, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, 800-350-7723
Costanoa Lodge, Pescadero - 1 hour from San Francisco
Surrounded by acres of undisturbed wilderness on California's scenic coast, Costanoa Lodge is an eco adventure resort that encourages guests to explore the extraordinary beauty of this pristine and protected region. Countless outdoor activities and adventures await guests at Costanoa. There are over 30,000 acres of hiking trailers that can be explored on foot, bike, or horseback, and four immaculate state parks full of wildlife will definitely attract sightseers and adventurers alike. Be sure to check out the country’s largest Elephant Seal rookery at Año Nuevo and the majestic redwoods of Big Basin State Park.
2001 Rossi Rd, Pescadero, CA, 650-879-1100
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, Big Sur - 2 hours 40 minutes
Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is a romantic and secluded escape whose allure will enchant visitors. This rustic-style inn offers twenty rooms, most of which have a private bath and beautiful views. The rooms have antique furniture full of character, soft linens, and plenty of charm, ensuring that guests will feel perfectly at home during their stay. Take a walk through the gardens or follow the hiking trails on the property. The redwoods that surround the inn create a pleasant ambience that allows visitors to enjoy and relax during their getaway.
Fine dining is offered in one of four rooms every evening. The menu includes locally grown and organic foods, as well as select wines from the California vineyards.
Address: 48865 CA-1, Big Sur, 831-667-2377
