There are so many reasons to visit California, from the stunning scenery to the wine and cuisine. And a unconfined resort in California will tie the wits together by offering all of that and more.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to hang your hat as you explore all California has to offer, the state has no shortage of scenic options. You’ll find luxe beachfront lodging, cozy cabin-style rooms tucked yonder in the trees, and everything in between.
With diverse landscapes in California and several top-notch resort options to segregate from, it’s nonflexible to narrow lanugo a favorite. So instead, I’ve outlined my top picks wideness the state, wrenched lanugo into sections for both Northern and Southern California.
Are there any vast resorts in California?
While you may socialize vast resorts with tropical destinations like Mexico, there are plenty of vast resorts in California, too. Some are plane high-end luxury properties, like the stunning Alila Ventana Big Sur (see increasingly below).
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Weightier California Resorts:
- Alila Ventana, for the weightier vast resort
- Montage Laguna Beach, for the weightier oceanfront resort
- Carneros Resort and Spa, for the weightier Napa Valley resort
The Weightier California Resorts to Book
The Weightier Resorts in Southern California
1. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Waterfront Resort & Club (Dana Point)
Image via Booking.com
The Waldorf Astoria bills itself as the perfect tousle of Southern California’s laid-back luxury and elegant service. It sits on an phenomenal 175 acres atop a seaside bluff, which accommodates a private waterfront club for guests. The resort provides everything you need to enjoy the beach, including an indoor/outdoor bar and equipment to surf, paddle board, SUP, snorkel, and more. A golf course, three pools, and multiple boutiques are moreover on the property. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Private waterfront club, Water sports equipment, and instruction, Golf, Spa
Address: 1 Monarch Waterfront Resort N, Dana Point, CA 92629
2. Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito)
Image via Rosewood Miramar Beach
Rosewood Miramar Beach is a unconfined pick for getting the weightier of California’s Central Coast, including pristine beachfront, gorgeous landscapes, and impressive architecture. Its unexceptionable and zappy 123 rooms and 35 suites are housed on 16 acres of lush lawns and landscaping and offer a modern waterfront aesthetic. A spa, multiple pools, and a fitness studio are on-site to help guests rest and rejuvenate. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Waterfront activities, House car, Bocce courts, Pet-friendly, Bike rentals, Boutiques
Address: 1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, CA 93108
3. Ojai Valley Inn (Ojai)
Image via Booking.com
Soak in the calming vibes of Ojai at the Ojai Valley Inn, which perfectly captures the essence of this special California town. The luxury property features an topnotch golf course, multiple pools, hot tubs, a restaurant, and more, making it easy not to leave. Activities include movie nights, beekeeping and honey tasting, lawn games, craft workshops, and much more. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Golf, Pools, Spa, Daily activities
Address: 905 Country Club Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
4. Montage Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach)
Image via Booking.com
Take in iconic Laguna Beach from Montage, set atop a coastal trickster overlooking the Pacific. Coastal influences and modern diamond details meet in the resort’s collections of rooms, suites, and villas, with views looking out over the ocean. Guests can moreover dine by the Pacific on chef-driven fare at restaurants that spotlight California cuisine. Culinary events happen virtually the resort on a regular basis, and the lobby features daily live entertainment. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Kids program, Pool, Spa, Daily entertainment, Sunset s’mores
Address: 30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
5. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa (Rancho Valencia)
Image via Booking.com
49 luxury casitas inspired by Spanish colonial haciendas make up Rancho Valencia, a getaway 30 minutes north of San Diego. Casitas have their own patios and fireplaces, giving you everything you need to relax in-room. Virtually the property, guests can stroll through 45 acres of gardens and citrus groves or use the resort bicycles. Daily activities include yoga and fitness classes, guided hydrotherapy, crystal alchemy sound bath, and more. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Tennis courts and programming, Spa, Bikes available, Daily activities, Pool
Address: 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
6. Terranea Resort (Ranchos Palos Verdes)
Image via Booking.com
Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean rely you withal the Palos Verdes Peninsula at Terranea Resort. Accommodations make them easy to enjoy, with private balconies that offer unparalleled vistas. Nature is all virtually you at the 102-acre resort, with two miles of hiking trails helping guests discover the local flora and fauna. The resort moreover offers topnotch golf and four separate swimming pools. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Four pools, Golf, Boutiques, Spa, and wellness center
Address: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
7. Sensei Porcupine Creek (Rancho Mirage)
Image via Sensei Porcupine Creek
Sensei takes a data-driven and technology-fueled tideway to health and wellness, and on-site guides and practitioners hold wide degrees in their fields. Personalized concierge service moreover sets the resort untied from others. A perfect option for a retreat, Sensei’s setting is intimate and beautifully manicured, as the property began as a private estate. Dining by Nobu is exclusively misogynist to retreat guests. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Retreats, Golf, Tennis, Gardens
Address: 42765 Dunes View Rd, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
8. Parker Palm Springs (Palm Springs)
Image via Booking.com
For an iconic Palm Springs stay with trappy poolside rooms and grounds, throne to Parker Palm Springs. Grounds are only wieldy to guests, making the resort finger private and permitting guests to enjoy croquet and petanque courts, two pools, a massive spa, and trappy gardens. Rooms are well-appointed with midcentury furniture, and the resort is both family-and pet-friendly. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Pools, Tennis, Lawn games, Bikes available, Fitness and yoga, Pet-friendly
Address: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
9. San Ysidro Ranch (Santa Barbara)
Image via San Ysidro Ranch
Ranked the top luxury resort in California in 2022, San Ysidro is a destination stay in the foothills near Santa Barbara. Its 38 vine-covered cottages are surrounded by landscaped gardens overcrowded with flowers, olive trees, citrus groves, and more, making for a private and idyllic setting. Rooms meant to evoke a European country-home feel, are furnished with stone fireplaces, four-poster beds, and outdoor showers. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Topnotch restaurants, Botanic gardens, Lawn games and mini golf, Heated pool
Address: 900 San Ysidro Ln, Montecito, CA 93108
The Weightier Resorts in Northern California
10. Alila Ventana (Big Sur)
If you want an unforgettable stay in Big Sur, Alila Ventana is your spot. Tucked yonder in the trees and overlooking the ocean, the location is untellable to beat, and a hilltop infinity pool makes it easy to enjoy the views. While the nightly prices are steep, three meals and select activities are included in your room rate. Fireplaces and soaking tubs make for a cozy in-room atmosphere. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: All-inclusive, Infinity pool, Ocean views, Activity timetable and workshops
Address: 48123 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
11. Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection (Napa Valley)
Image via Booking.com
Auberge du Soleil was inspired by the south of France, and the influence is easy to see, from the tracery to the cuisine. Founded by a French restauranteur, the hotel is synonymous with fine dining, and it’s been a “must-visit” foodie destination for decades thanks to its focus on fresh and local ingredients. Its 50 rooms and suites are known as some of the most luxurious in Napa. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Tennis, Sculpture Garden, Renowned cuisine, Spa
Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573
12. Rosewood Sand Hill (Menlo Park)
Image via Rosewood Sand Hill
Just minutes from Palo Alto, the five-star hotel is a luxury retreat for tourists and merchantry travelers alike. The Rosewood Sand Hill looks to embody the region through its restaurant—which has impressed many top critics—as well as its art hodgepodge and 16 acres of landscaped gardens. Rooms are large and zappy and moreover reflect California ranch architecture. They full-length fully furnished balconies or terraces and the latest technology. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Outdoor fitness center, Salon and spa, Merchantry center, Heated pool and hot tub
Address: 2825 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025
13. Carneros Resort and Spa (Carneros)
Image via Booking.com
Situated between Napa and Sonoma, Carneros Resort and Spa has the perfect location for those looking to wine taste and restaurant hop between the two. Its 72 rooms, including private cottages, merge farmhouse tracery and trendy diamond for a luxe result. Meanwhile, it’s surrounded by rolling vineyards and gorgeous countryside, contributing to a tranquil experience. Don’t miss a endangerment to use the outdoor showers under the stars. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Live music and events, Pickleball, Adults-only and family pools, Wine tasting room
Address: 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559
14. Meadowood (Napa Valley)
Image via Meadowood
Located in St. Helena, known as Napa Valley’s Main Street, this 250-acre manor calls itself a “gathering place, private club and intimate country hotel.” Service and cuisine are the standouts at Meadowood, with renowned hospitality and a world-class restaurant on-site. At the wine center, sectional to guests, you can learn all well-nigh wine production, appreciation and more. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Wine center, Pool, Tennis, Michelin-starred restaurant
Address: 900 Meadowood Ln, St Helena, CA 94574
15. Carmel Valley Ranch (Carmel Valley)
Image via Booking.com
Perched on a golf undertow in picture-perfect Carmel Valley is Carmel Valley Ranch. The 139-room property sits atop a hill, offering trappy views of the surrounding area. You won’t want for things to do while at the resort: honey-tasting, birding walks and astrology workshops are just a few of the activities on offer. Several sublet animals, including Highland cows, undeniability the resort home. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Activity timetable and workshops, Golf, Garden and orchard, Pet-friendly
Address: 1 Old Ranch Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
16. Farmhouse Inn (Sonoma Valley)
Nestled among the redwoods and vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Farmhouse Inn is a 25-room retreat situated on what used to be an old farmhouse. Cozy rooms, farm-fresh food, and sunny pool days are all staples of a visit to this memorable property, which will quickly come to finger like a home yonder from home. Large, barn-like rooms with fireplaces, steam showers, and soaking tubs bring cozy vibes. Book the weightier rates here.
Good for: Soaking tubs, Turndown service with milk and cookies, Pool, Michelin-starred restaurant
Address: 7871 River Rd, Forestville, CA 95436
17. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay (Half Moon Bay)
Image via Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
You can’t write-up the views at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. The resort sits on a cliff overlooking the bay and beach, with walking paths stretching in either direction to help you enjoy the scenery. The property itself lives up to the glamorous Ritz-Carlton brand, with plush accommodations and prices to match. In-room fireplaces alimony guests cozy on dank Northern California nights. Book the weightier rates here.
