19 Top-Rated Resorts in California

With just over 163,000 square miles of scenic coastal and urban beauty to explore, California just may be the ultimate vacation destination.

This large state is home to a wonderfully wide variety of resort experiences, from the wild and wonderful adults-only Ventana Big Sur on the Pacific Coast Highway, which features everything from guided walks to Tai Chi to luxe beach experiences like the Rosewood Miramar Beach.

These destination resorts also appeal to a wide range of visitors. Couples on a romantic getaway may love the luxurious seclusion of Belmond El Encanto in the hills above Santa Barbara, while families may never want to leave the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort (with its own water park) outside Palm Springs.

Plan your next vacation in the Golden State with our list of the best resorts in California.

1. Rosewood Miramar Beach

Accommodation: Rosewood Miramar Beach

The relatively new Rosewood Miramar Beach is just about an hour north of Los Angeles in the affluent Montecito seaside community. It is the only five-star resort on the beach in Southern California.

Set on 16 acres of rolling greens and lush garden landscaping, the resort has a casual, luxe ambience throughout its 160 rooms and 37 suites. If you are traveling with kids or a group of friends, there are gorgeous freestanding bungalows with multiple bedrooms.

Service here is exemplary and one of the defining reasons to book. It is highly personalized and attentive without being too in-your-face — you let them know what you need, and every whim is met. There is plenty to keep guests entertained as well.

The beach here is truly stunning. Wake up to a morning yoga session before booking a treatment at the house spa. There are also two swimming pools. Children can hang out at the on-site kids’ club.

For dining, you also have a few choices. The Revere Room is an all-day eatery with a focus on local So Cal cooking. Book dinner at Caruso’s, which faces the sea and has alfresco seating, as well as a stylish interior space.

Address: 1759 S Jameson Ln, Montecito, California

2. Fairmont Grand del Mar

Accommodation: Fairmont Grand del Mar

The Fairmont Grand del Mar sits on 400 acres in a stunning coastal canyon locale just five miles from the ocean and not far from downtown San Diego. This resort is wonderfully charming, capturing the stylish ambience of an old-world Mediterranean estate perfectly in both its architecture and five-star service.

Rooms and suites are elegant and luxurious, with all the mod cons, and away from the rooms, there is much to do.

On-site amenities include a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a high-end spa, yoga and fitness classes, four swimming pools, and an Explorer’s Club for children.

There are also several dining choices, including the very elegant Addison, which is the only five-star and Five-Diamond-rated restaurant in San Diego.

Address: 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, California

3. Meadowood Napa Valley

Accommodation: Meadowood Napa Valley

Meadowood Napa Valley is a perfect choice for romance. This luxury property sits on 250 acres of hilly oak forest and has a secluded and cozy vibe.

Accommodation is in a mix of rooms, suites, and cottages that all come with California king beds draped in high-end linens, outdoor porches or terraces, and fireplaces.

Away from the rooms, there is much to do on the grounds at this destination resort, including hiking on four miles of trails; playing nine holes of golf; partaking in a game of croquet; swimming in one of two pools; or just relaxing in the spa, which also features a steam room, sauna, and mineral baths.

Address: 900 Meadowood Ln, St. Helena, California

4. Montage Laguna Beach

Accommodation: Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage Laguna Beach is a destination resort in an envious location. This five-star property is built on top of a 50-foot-high bluff facing the Pacific Ocean. It offers guests a choice of rooms, suites, and beach bungalows. All are spacious and beautifully decorated with local artwork, super comfy beds with feather toppers and high-quality linens, and marble baths.

Amenities here are plentiful. You’ll find three restaurants on the grounds. Modern California coastal fare is served at Studio, which also has a chef’s table for private parties. The Loft is another option. It cooks up modern American cuisine in more casual environments with ocean views.

If you are in need of some pampering head to the large spa with a dry redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and a full range of treatments. The hotel is family-friendly and there is a children’s play area on-site. A swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center are more perks.

Address: 30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, California

5. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Set on 45 gorgeously maintained acres filled with olive trees and flowers in Rancho Santa Fe, which is about 30 minutes’ drive north of San Diego, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is a fantastic luxury getaway choice for those in search of romance and relaxation — along with excellent food.

The rustic, opulent hacienda-style rooms have colorful design elements, deep soaking tubs, and delightfully comfortable beds. A lovely Mediterranean ambience prevails throughout.

Away from the rooms, there is an indulgent spa with a range of treatments, including herb-infused body wraps, as well as two heated swimming pools and hot tubs; a workout room with daily classes; tennis, bocce ball, and croquet facilities; and two restaurants.

Address: 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe, California

6. Auberge du Soleil

Accommodation: Auberge du Soleil

Auberge du Soleil is a great honeymoon choice as it is an adults-only resort. Located on 33 hilly acres, this Napa Valley property has gorgeous grounds with olive trees, lots of green and flowering plants, and even a sculpture garden. It is about five minutes from downtown St. Helena.

The five-star resort has a very French chic vibe throughout, with rooms and suites done up in Provence country style. There are also villa rentals if you need more space. All accommodations boast luxe amenities, including Nespresso coffee makers and Bose sound systems.

You have two dining choices on-site including a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other perks of staying at Auberge du Soleil include getting pampered in their spa, taking a yoga class in the alfresco pavilion, and swimming in the outdoor pool.

Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, California

7. Post Ranch Inn

Accommodation: Post Ranch Inn

Along the cliffs over the beach in Big Sur, with views of the pounding surf, the Post Ranch Inn is truly a masterpiece in design and style. Using natural woods and materials, this luxury, boutique eco-resort remains one of the most beautiful resorts in California — both the buildings and the setting.

The hotel’s restaurant, Sierra Mar, sits on the highest level, affording guests striking ocean views, along with incredible, locally sourced, mostly organic cuisine from a seasonally changing menu. The Post Ranch Spa is world-class and offers a unique menu of treatment options, many using locally sourced products.

The guest rooms, which come with neither televisions nor alarm clocks, are incredible examples of modern design with a retro touch. They range from ocean-front luxury villas with large terrace balconies to treehouses, freestanding structures raised almost 20 feet in the air, among the redwoods.

The hotel is less than a three-hour drive south of San Francisco.

Address: 47900 CA-1, Big Sur, California

8. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

Accommodation: L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills has been offering award-winning, 5-star service since 1975. This resort defines itself as an “urbane retreat” and is located just off Rodeo Drive, which is the city’s famed luxury shopping street. It is a favorite with celebrities seeking privacy.

The country’s first all-suite hotel was originally built as a condo project. The 116 suites are spacious and come in a few different size configurations. The décor is sophisticated, and most feature city views from balconies. Beds are draped in Italian linens. Other in-room amenities include Nespresso machines, work desks, and marble bathrooms.

This resort welcomes children, and little ones are treated to play tents, bath and pool toys, and kid-sized robes. If your child is a dog, pups are also welcome. Canine amenities are equally lavish with the resort offering turn-down biscuits and custom beds.

Property amenities are also plentiful. There is an outdoor heated swimming pool surrounded by sun-loungers and cabanas. On the same floor, you will also find a gym and steam rooms. The spa is small but offers a well-curated treatment menu of facials, scrubs, peels, and therapeutic massages.

The on-site L’Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner it serves elevated international fare on a small but varied menu.

Address: 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, California

9. The Resort at Pelican Hill

Accommodation: The Resort at Pelican Hill

Set on just over 500 acres in the trendy SoCal town of Newport Beach, the Resort at Pelican Hill is built atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There is no direct beach access at the property, but it operates a luxury van that takes guests to Crystal Cove State Park beach every hour. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for guests to use.

The rooms and suites at this five-star resort are posh, and many have gorgeous ocean views. There is also a truly impressive swimming pool on-site. It is round and decorated with more than a million glass mosaic tiles at the bottom. Villa guests have their own private pool, and there is a third pool for kids.

If you are hungry, the Pelican Grill serves upscale California cuisine in casual environs. There is also a fine-dining Italian restaurant. In need of some pampering? Book a treatment at the spa.

Address: 22701 S Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast, California

10. El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel

Accommodation: El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel

This luxury resort hotel is in the hills above Santa Barbara, a popular weekend getaway from Los Angeles.

For accommodations, choose from rooms, suites, or bungalows. All are beautifully decorated in a fusion of Californian Craftsman and Spanish Colonial styles. Rooms also display works by local artist Charles Arnoldi. Some of the suites have private terraces with fireplaces.

On-site amenities include a large infinity-style pool, with views of the ocean, and a small spa with a nice range of treatment options.

This historic property, which first opened in the early part of the 20th century, also features a popular restaurant with sweeping views of the coastline. It also has a terrace facing the ocean for alfresco dining. The menu is California coastal and changes with the seasons to create locally sourced dishes that are beautifully plated.

Guests also have access to a luxury car service to and from the attractions of downtown Santa Barbara, about 10 minutes away. The resort is also a great home base for exploring the surrounding California Central Coast area.

Address: 800 Alvarado Pl, Santa Barbara, California

11. Ojai Valley Inn

Accommodation: Ojai Valley Inn

The town of Ojai is about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara, nestled in a beautiful valley. The Ojai Valley Inn first opened in the 1930s as a getaway for Hollywood’s elite. It’s a beautiful, sprawling 220-acre resort offering an almost endless list of activities.

There are five restaurants, five different outdoor swimming pools, and a large full-service spa. Kids have a great array of programs, including a kids’ camp.

Kids and adults can participate in activities like golf, tennis, candle making, beekeeping (and honey tasting), art classes, bike riding, fishing, canoeing, and more. There are communal activities like movie night (shown under the stars with complimentary blankets and popcorn), and the resort offers a wide array of accommodations, from historic cottages to stylish rooms in more modern buildings.

Address: 905 Country Club Road, Ojai, California

12. Ventana Big Sur, An Ailla Resort

Accommodation: Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort

Ventana Big Sur is an adults-only property in fabulously wild Big Sur. It sits on 160 acres and just underwent a massive renovation, which saw a refresh of all its elegant, rustic-chic accommodations to now include private balconies or patios with mountain or ocean views. They feature wood and leather furnishings and macrame wall hangings.

The resort also opened a new glamping section with an option for guests looking for more of a back-to-nature sleeping experience to book one of the safari-style tents set up around the property.

Away from the rooms, guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast, guided walks, and Tai Chi and yoga classes. There is also a clothing-optional pool, dry sauna, spa, and gym. A farm-to-table restaurant completes the picture.

Address: 48123 CA-1, Big Sur, California

13. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

If you’re going to splurge on a vacation, whether with the family or with that significant other, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe provides easy and exclusive access to some of the country’s best ski resorts.

It’s located halfway up the mountain, right at the Northstar ski area, offering guests true ski-in, ski-out access. No more returning to crowded, locker room-like lodges or rental areas, the Ritz-Carlton has ski concierges who attend to every detail.

Most rooms and suites have striking mountain views, but those on a budget can reserve one of the luxury hotel’s windowless or viewless rooms at a lower price. There’s a full-service spa, a slope-side hot tub for the ultimate apres ski experience, and several dining options.

The hotel’s Ritz Kids program offers younger guests an array of amenities and activities, including all-day camp-like experiences, which give parents some alone time. They even have free s’mores for the kids to make in the hotel’s courtyard each evening.

Things don’t stop during the summer, the hotel’s Lake Club provides a private marina and beach with a range of water sports. There’s also a lakeside restaurant and changing facilities.

Address: 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee, California

14. Mt. Ada

Accommodation: Mt. Ada

Part of California, Catalina Island seems far away yet it is only 26 miles (and a fast 90-minute boat ride) from the Southern California coast. The island was formerly the private property of the Wrigley family of Chicago and chewing gum fame. Mt. Ada was the Wrigley family’s personal mansion on the island, and now you can stay here.

It’s an exclusive, luxurious bed-and-breakfast, with the former bedrooms elegantly converted into hotel suites (some with balconies). The public areas, like the grand terrace, offer unrivaled views of the island, as the house sits high on a hill overlooking the harbor.

The island has one town, Avalon, and it’s filled with hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and many locally-owned shops and restaurants. There’s a small beach and a large marina.

Sailing, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are all popular, as is sea kayaking. On land, there are miles of hiking trails and a zipline adventure park.

Address: 398 Wrigley Road, Avalon, California

15. Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

In Pismo Beach, just 10 miles from the attractions of San Luis Obispo, the Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa is a favorite choice among families, as it offers upscale, but still good-value, accommodation in a central location.

The one- and two-bedroom suites are clean, comfortable, and contemporary in decor and come with full kitchens, living rooms, and separate dining areas. Upgraded suites have fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs.

On-site amenities include a restaurant, outdoor pool, spa, gym, and complimentary loaner bikes for guests to use. The resort is also pet-friendly.

Address: 2727 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach, California

16. Cavallo Point

Accommodation: Cavallo Point

Created from what was military officer housing at Fort Baker, a former Army base, Cavallo Point puts guests right at the base of the famed Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

This luxury eco-resort has restored, historic accommodations, some with postcard-perfect views of the bridge. There are also suites and cottages large enough for groups or multi-generational families traveling together. The historic buildings are complemented by several newly constructed accommodations.

There’s a fine-dining restaurant and a lobby lounge, and Cavallo Point has a large spa focused on wellness and offers a range of activity programs for kids (and dogs, too). They present a series of lectures on environmental issues, along with daily yoga sessions, guided walks of the former base, and walks focusing on the bridge.

Address: 601 Murray Cir, Sausalito, California

17. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

This 240-acre desert oasis is in Rancho Mirage, about 30 minutes outside Palm Springs. This resort is a great place to stay for families as there’s a water park right on the property.

The two-acre Splashtopia features a lazy river, two 100-foot-tall waterslides, and a sandy beach. There’s also a large, adults-only pool and a third pool (with soothing underwater music) at the spa.

The Omni has 25 tennis courts, five different restaurants, and a 27-hole golf course. When it’s spa time, there’s a huge, 20,000-square-foot European spa with 26 treatment rooms and a full range of beauty and massage treatments available.

The hotel is a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, or you can fly directly into Palm Springs.

Address: 41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, California

18. Hotel del Coronado

Accommodation: Hotel del Coronado

First opened in 1888, this grand, Victorian-style luxury hotel has been reborn: it’s now a Curio Collection by Hilton property.

The “Del” as it’s called, is a large resort, with multiple accommodation types, from basic guest rooms to luxury cottages and villas right on the sand. There are two main parts: the Victorian main building and the more modern Ocean Tower.

The resort is on Coronado Island (technically a peninsula) in San Diego harbor. There are wide sandy beaches right outside the hotel, as it’s right on the sand. The Del has four distinct dining options, along with two lounges that also serve food.

Guests can enjoy a large main outdoor pool, heated to 80 degrees year-round, as well as a big Jacuzzi tub. During the summer, there’s an additional adults-only pool.

A full range of water sports equipment is available for rental on the beach, as are beach chairs and umbrellas. There are 17 unique shops and boutiques on the hotel property, with other shops and stores right outside the hotel.

Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, California

19. Timber Cove Resort

Accommodation: Timber Cove Resort

Best suited for couples or romantic getaways, this chic resort sits on a cliff top, overlooking the ocean, along the rugged Sonoma Coast. Timber Cove is about a three-hour drive from San Francisco and offers only 46 rooms and suites.

The accommodations have all been recently renovated and exhibit a beautiful attention to detail in their mid-century modern style.

Guests can hike through the 25-acre property, ride bikes, and participate in yoga and other wellness classes. A sense of community is encouraged, with shared outdoor living space featuring fireplaces, a pool, and ping pong tables.

The resort’s ocean-view restaurant, Coast Kitchen, focuses on seasonal, organic cuisine.

Address: 21780 North Coast Highway 1, Jenner, California