San Joaquin Valley
A stylish update revived this exceptional historic hotel, adding an upscale restaurant and two bars that instantly became the places for cocktails in…
San Joaquin Valley
A stylish update revived this exceptional historic hotel, adding an upscale restaurant and two bars that instantly became the places for cocktails in…
Sacramento
After an elegant, ultrahip upgrade, this long-vacant 1927 beaux-arts tower became Downtown's coolest place to stay. The details are spot-on: luxe linens,…
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area Campground
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Drive-in campgrounds aren't the most rustic choice, but there are good primitive campsites if you’re willing to hike or – perhaps the coolest feature of…
University Plaza Waterfront Hotel
San Joaquin Valley
If you’re spending the night here, the best option is University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, where business travelers mingle with University of the Pacific…
Sacramento
This stylishly updated mid-century motel is one of Sacramento's hippest places to stay. The area is charming, with a cute coffee shop and an art gallery…
San Joaquin Valley
These campgrounds line the 10-mile stretch between Lake Isabella and Kernville, and several more lie north of Kernville on Mountain Hwy 99. There are…
San Joaquin Valley
Surrounded by a vast rose garden, this is the most luxurious offering to spring up amid Lodi’s vineyards. Tasteful and romantic, the rooms have slate…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
This 1904 building is the most luxurious place to lay your head in Chico, with high-thread counts and attentive room service. The sunny Diamond Suite,…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Across from UCD’s east entrance, the Aggie is neat, modern and unassuming. Cottages are not much more than regular rooms with kitchenettes and Jacuzzis.
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Beside the river in the Red Bluff Recreation Area is this quiet USFS campground. Campsites for tents and RVs are first-come, first-served, and offer new,…
Sacramento
In a grand Victorian mansion, this hostel offers impressive trimmings at rock-bottom prices. It’s within walking distance of the capitol, Old Sac and the…
San Joaquin Valley
In a grand old Colonial-style mansion, Hooper House Bear Creek Inn is a leisurely retreat. Rooms are large and beautifully furnished with hardwood…
Brannan Island State Park Recreation Area Campgrounds
Sacramento & the Central Valley
A tidy facility in a protected wetland marsh provides drive-in and walk-in campsites. There's a hike-in log cabin with electricity that sleeps four; bring…
Sacramento
It's a kitschy treat to sleep aboard the Delta King, a 1927 paddle wheeler docked on the river in Old Sacramento. It lights up like a Christmas tree at…
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Right off the highway, this independent hotel isn't the Ritz but it's clean, serves breakfast and offers free bikes for guests. Rates double in June.
San Joaquin Valley
This secluded B&B, blending rustic character with luxurious comfort, is just north of town. Rooms with kitchens book up quickly in the summer.
San Joaquin Valley
This is Fresno’s nicest option, with a lovely pool, big rooms and tons of amenities. Ask for a room with a fireplace to cuddle by in winter.
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
Sacramento & the Central Valley
This shaded campground on the banks of the Sacramento River is popular with anglers. It's surrounded by a dense riparian forest preserve home to bald…
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Sacramento is a good place for a final gear check before heading into the Sierras. This campground is not ideal – the lake can be overrun by powerboats –…
Sacramento
This Dutch Colonial home in Midtown has been transformed into a B&B, where rooms have Jacuzzis, fireplaces and lots of frill. The Mozart and Vivaldi rooms…