Explore California One Boutique Hotel at a Time

It’s the Golden State. The very name California evokes images of Hollywood glamour, surfers gliding along the waves and days filled with sunshine. From sunrise to sunset, your California days will be filled with fun no matter how you decide to spend your time. With so many diverse attractions and regions to explore, it’s best to divide and conquer — break California into several different trips and really dive in and explore all it has to offer.

From the North to the South

Hit the high notes with this itinerary, which begins in the historic and iconic city of San Francisco. Ride a cable car, discover the last home of the Birdman of Alcatraz, cruise along Fisherman’s Wharf and pick some souvenirs, or tour one of the city’s many eclectic neighborhoods. From there, head down the coast toward the Monterey Bay Peninsula, where you’ll find plenty to do and see, as well as some of the top California bed and breakfasts.

Carmel, famous for its beaches, golf courses, art galleries and scenic drives, offers several great bed and breakfast choices. Tickle Pick Inn, named as California’s Most Romantic property by Karen Brown readers, is perfect for honeymooners or those celebrating a trip just for two. Some of the rooms offer private balconies, where you can relax and enjoy a wonderful sea view, and several also include a wood-burning fireplace. The Sea View Inn, another Carmel gem and the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice winner for Greatest Value, is perfect for those who seek luxury and romance on a budget. The charming historic bed and breakfast has eight individually decorated guest rooms, ranging from cozy third-floor rooms to more spacious abodes — one room includes a king-size canopy bed. Plus, this inn offers a great location; it’s just a three-minute walk to the beach.

After leaving the Monterey area, head on down south and take a tour of Hearst Castle. The meticulously maintained mansion will leave you speechless. Whether you choose to stay here for its beauty or extravagance will be up to you. Keep on driving south toward Santa Barbara, a classy little city that marks the southern end of the Central Coast region. From there, it’s a short drive along the 101 to Los Angeles and its many attractions. You could easily spend a week here, exploring beach towns such as Venice, Malibu and Santa Monica, visiting museums, or exploring the posh shops of Rodeo Drive.

Enjoy Your Vacation, Southern California-style

Blessed with wonderful weather almost all year round, you can plan a trip to Southern California any time. The high season is, of course, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but there is plenty to do and see throughout the year. Attractions near the city center of Los Angeles include art museums such as the Getty Center and natural history venues such as the La Brea Tarpits. NBC, Warner Brothers and Universal all offer popular tours and don’t forget to explore famous handprints and footprints at Mann’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

Santa Monica, just a few miles west of the downtown Los Angeles, offers several places to stay and is still close to all the city’s attractions. The Channel Road Inn, located in a restored historic building, offers a variety of well-appointed rooms just a few blocks from the ocean. In Orange County, try the Blue Lantern Inn which overlooks the Dana Point Harbor. The inn is about midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, a half-hour from Disneyland and just a few minutes from the artist colony of Laguna Beach. In La Jolla, a stunning seaside village just north of San Diego, you’ll find the historic La Valencia Hotel. After spending some time in San Diego, head east and visit the Gold Rush town of Julian, now famous for its apples and apple pies. Keep going north, and your last stop will be Palm Springs, an oasis of shopping, spas, golf and relaxation.

Northern California Offers Variety of Attractions

This itinerary begins in the “City by the Bay” and ends up toward the Oregon border. Spend the first few days exploring San Francisco. Ride a cable car, shop along Fisherman’s Wharf, explore Chinatown and take a tour of Alcatraz. From there, head north up to the Point Reyes National Seashore, where you’ll enjoy great views and a picturesque lighthouse. From there it’s on to Mendocino, a charming seaside village, and then keep going to points north, such as the Avenue of the Giants, California’s famous towering redwood trees.

For a lavish treat near San Francisco, head across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and the posh Inn Above Tide (winner of the Karen Brown Readers Choice Award for Splendid Splurge). The view is absolutely spectacular — a panorama of city lights and rugged coastline. The spacious, contemporary rooms are pricey, but this is one experience you’ll always treasure. All guests enjoy a great view, whether you choose a simpler double room or the opulent Penthouse. Many rooms have private decks, fireplaces or spa tubs.

Enjoy the Fine Vintages of California’s Wine Country

With several hundred wineries spread among scenic Napa and Sonoma counties, you’ll have plenty of tastings to select. There are also hot-air balloon rides for the not-so-faint at heart, plenty of shops to explore, gourmet restaurants and top-notch spas. One particularly special town is Calistoga, where you’ll find hot springs that have soothed many a visitor for hundreds of years. A trip to Calistoga wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Chateau de Vie (winner of Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for California’s Warmest Welcome). The bed and breakfast is surrounded by vineyards, and offers a variety of amenities. Each morning, coffee and tea is placed outside your guest room door, and whenever you are ready, there is a full, seasonal breakfast to enjoy. There is a lap pool, as well as a hot tub in the private garden where you can relax under the stars. The inn sells its own Chateau de Vie wines, so be sure to pick up a bottle as a souvenir.

Whether you head north from San Francisco or explore the State’s southern boundaries, California offers something to please every traveler. Be sure to pack your camera, as well as your sense of adventure, and enjoy all the Golden State has to offer.

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