South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
A small boutique hotel close to Heavenly ski resort, Deerfield has a dozen intimate rooms and spacious suites that each have a patio or balcony facing the…
Must-see hotels in Northern California
Marin County
Spread over 45 acres of the Bay Area’s most scenic parkland, Cavallo Point lodge flaunts an eco-conscious focus with a full-service spa, restaurant and…
Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa
World travelers feel right at home at the Carlton amid Moroccan tea tables, Indian bedspreads, West African wax-print throw pillows and carbon-offsetting…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
One of the few hotels in Pacific Heights, this stately 1903 apartment-hotel tucked between mansions stands high on the ridgeline. It's notable for its…
Coastal Highway 1
Howard Creek Ranch, sitting on 60 stunning acres of forest and farmland abutting the wilderness, has delightfully eccentric accommodations in an 1870s…
North Coast & Redwoods
California's first licensed 'bud and breakfast' is so quaint it will dispel any lingering myths about reefer madness. Riverbar Pharms is run by a husband…
Sonoma Valley
Surrounded by horse pastures and vineyards, Beltane is a throwback to 19th-century Sonoma. The cheerful 1890s ranch house has double porches lined with…
San Francisco
Like an old-fashioned pension, the Golden Gate has kindly owners and simple rooms with eclectic furniture, in a 1913 Edwardian hotel perched above the…
San Francisco
Location, comfort and character at half the cost of places down the block. Built in 1926, Hotel Mayflower has a Spanish Mission–style cloister lobby and…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
Completely revamped in 2015, this vintage 1960s hotel surrounds a vast courtyard with fire pits and lounge chairs, modern art from nautical junk, and…
Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa
This rocker crash pad lures revelers to a 1950s motor lodge with mod paint jobs and hipster amenities (hello, Pendleton blankets). There's a courtyard…
San Francisco
Gracing the slope of Nob Hill is this unexpected French country inn – all sunshine yellow and floral prints, with vintage books flanking cozy gas…
Mt Shasta Region
Regal, butter-yellow and a whole block long, this grand hotel opened in 1916 and has been a destination for Shasta’s visitors ever since. The elegant…
Napa Valley
With a sister property in Mexico City, this boutique has secured its place among Napa Valley's finest stays. The plush, modern rooms offer both vineyard…
Coastal Highway 1
Several upmarket B&Bs take advantage of the views but you simply can't beat those from Elk Cove Inn & Spa, located on a bluff with steps leading down to…
Along Highway 101
Elegantly rustic rooms are a good match for this earthy spa. Accommodations include use of the spa and communal kitchen, while some share bathrooms;…
North Coast & Redwoods
The best indoor stay along the avenue. The cozy, dark, slightly rustic cottages have redwood paneling, some with fireplaces and kitchens, and are…
Napa Valley
There’s no better valley view than from this contemporary five-room inn, high on the hills east of Yountville. Decorated with posh restraint, rooms have…
Healdsburg
The first choice of lovers of country inns and stately manor homes, the regal 1881 Madrona Manor exudes Victorian elegance. Surrounded by 8 acres of woods…
Berkeley
Located a block from campus, this classic 1928 hotel has been cheekily renovated to highlight the connection to the university. The lobby is adorned with…
The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers
The kid-friendly Marina District Hotel del Sol is a riot of color, with tropical-themed decor. This quiet, revamped 1950s motor lodge with a palm-lined…
Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa
Forget boring business hotels: Triton's lobby thumps with club music and pops with comic-book color. Upstairs, recently redesigned rooms are bright and…
Along Highway 101
Located outside of town on a ridge with blissful panoramic and vineyard views, the 500 acres of ranch land here surround private, fully equipped hilltop…
Yosemite National Park
The 14-mile hike from the valley floor to Merced Lake, part of the John Muir Trail, is challenging and steep. This is the most remote and the oldest of…
North Coast & Redwoods
This light-filled Cape Cod–style home overlooks the harbor and Trinidad Head. Breakfast may be delivered to your uniquely styled room and in the afternoon…
Yosemite National Park
Because it's the easiest of the High Sierra camps to access, May Lake is also the best for children – at least those who'll be untroubled by the mile-plus…
Along Highway 101
Modern Californian meets Italian at this very comfortable inn where all of the spacious suites have Jacuzzis, fireplaces and private balconies. The homey…
Yosemite National Park
The hike to Glen Aulin along the Tuolumne River is a priceless experience. At the camp itself, you can swim in the pool at the bottom of a cascading…
Calistoga
An Auberge Resort, Calistoga’s top spa-hotel ups the style factor, with Cali-chic semidetached cottages and a glam pool surrounded by palm trees. Rooms…
Yosemite National Park
In a gorgeous lakeside spot beneath Horse Ridge, this handcrafted stone hut can accommodate up to 15 skiers. Cooking facilities are provided, but you must…
North Coast & Redwoods
Located right on Mill Creek, this is an excellent campsite with 145 sites for tents and RVs, and facilities that include firepits and restrooms. Note that…
Russian River Area
Think love nest. The area’s premier inn offers spacious rooms and cottages, styled with cushy amenities such as saunas, steam showers and wood-burning…
North Coast & Redwoods
Up on a hill a short walk from town, the four luxurious suites here all have sea-view Jacuzzi tubs, full kitchens, private decks and windows lit up by the…
North Coast & Redwoods
The best reason to visit Pelican State Beach is to stay at secluded, charming Casa Rubio, where three of the four spacious ocean-view rooms have kitchens…
Mono Lake Region
Perched atop a hill at 10,000ft and overlooking the reservoir, this is a favorite with anglers. All 20 sites are small and well kept and some have…
North Coast & Redwoods
Enjoy truly stunning sea vistas from every room at this plush, modern place on three peaceful, windswept acres. Rooms are spacious with terraces; number 3…
Yosemite National Park
Situated in a serene spot next to a beautiful meadow with several lakes nearby. This is the final camp on the traditional loop route. Breakfast and dinner…
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park Campground
Calistoga
Three miles south of Calistoga, Bothe has shady camping near redwoods, coin-operated showers, and gorgeous hiking. Sites 28 to 36 are most secluded.
Yosemite National Park
Dramatically located at 10,000ft, with granite mountain peaks in the background. Small lakes and excellent hiking trails nearby. Breakfast and dinner…
Coastal Highway 1
Sleep in a rustic cabin, yurt or dome on a 240-acre organic farm north of town for a real off-grid experience. The place, which runs on solar and wind…
