Discover California's Best Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Inns
by: TessKirkpatrick |
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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.
A Coastal Trip You Won't Soon Forget
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
Southern California often gets a bad rap as being a bit too glossy and over-the-top, but you really can't judge this region by its cover. Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties offer a wide variety of attractions. The Getty Center and Norton-Simon museums display works by some of the world's most renown artists. There are several historic missions, most notably the Mission San Juan Capistrano in south Orange County, which dates to 1776. For outdoor lovers, there are miles of scenic beaches to enjoy, as well as tide pools, bicycle routes and nature trails. Family-friendly attractions, such as Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland and Legoland are sure to please the whole family. In San Diego, don't-miss attractions include Sea World and Balboa Park, home to many museums and the San Diego Zoo.
As you head into Orange County, you'll find Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland, as well as Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. In historic San Juan Capistrano, you can tour one of the state's many old missions, this one built in 1776. From there, it's on to San Diego, where you can enjoy the surf and sand of La Jolla or Pacific Beach, explore shops in Old Town or visit the world-famous zoo and museums of Balboa Park. In Orange County, the Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point overlooks the harbor and offer spacious, luxurious guest rooms. As you go south into San Diego County, La Jolla offers a host of great places to stay, such as the historic and charming La Valencia Hotel. Don't forget to loop back up to Los Angeles via the Gold Rush town of Julian and the oasis that is Palm Springs.
From San Francisco to Points North
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.
Explore California's Famed 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.
Whatever itinerary you choose, your California trip will be full of fun and surprises. With so much diversity, you'll be amazed that it's all captured in one state.
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About the Author
Tess Kirkpatrick loves romantic hotels and planning travel itineraries. For more information on these California hotels and inns or additional romantic hotels in California, check out the Karen Brown website today.
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