Twinkling and vibrant cities, craggy mountain ranges, misty redwood forests, sun-kissed golden/white sand beaches, a fabulous surf n’ turf cuisine, and an adventurous attitude — California really does have it all. The “Golden State” is expansive and sprawling, with 840 mi (1,350 km) of coastline, mountain ranges on both ends and endless lush vineyards in the middle. In the same vein, the state has no shortage of excellent resorts. So, when it came to looking for the best, we turned to Orbitz, its endless array of choices and excellent filters. Not only are the best resorts in California on Orbitz on both ends of the price spectrum but also they lie all over the place. Think of all the coolest places along the Pacific Coast to the heart of the lush mountain ranges.
When Phantom Planet sang “California, here we come,” they might have as well as been singing for an entire chunk of travelers aspiring to visit the Golden State. So, when it comes to choices to bed down in California, Orbitz’s choices will have you drooling. Here are our choices of the best picks of the lot, which have got all your bases covered.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, here are some of the best beaches in California to help you get started.
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Springs
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Most luxurious. The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is not just one of the best resorts in the state, but it’s also one of the best spa hotels in Palm Springs. It lies 10 minutes from the Coachella Valley, also making it one of the best spring hotels for Coachella! The sprawling property is all about Mediterranean architecture, an upscale, relaxed vibe, and luxurious experiences.
You’ll feel very much welcomed by a host of resident animals at check-in, including two adorable dogs and two tortoises, Scooter and Shelley. What’s more, the wide variety of amenities includes two golf courses with mountain views, tennis courts, a fitness center, and three swimming pools. After a swim and poolside lounge, head to the onsite spa, which even offers yoga and pilates. Kick off your evenings with cocktails in the fireside lounge, followed by Tuscan-inspired Italian fare at the restaurant.
The desert theme is also present in the rooms, all of which are extra-spacious and have private terraces or balconies. We recommend choosing a room with splendid mountain views, but all rooms have luxe bathrooms, TVs, Starbucks coffee machines, and Westin’s signature Heavenly beds anyway.
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Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey
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Best seaside resort. The Portola Hotel & Spa is one of Monterey’s best boutique hotels, and it’s easy to see why. Firstly, this premier destination is perfect for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re a couple, a family, or a group of friends. Secondly, it comes with many amenities, including an award-winning restaurant and a world-class spa, as is with most excellent SoCal hotels. But perhaps the most winning feature is its location: it lies steps away from Cannery Row and overlooks the gorgeous waters of Monterey Bay. So, one of the best things to do here is walk along the stunning coastline, enjoy lounging on the sand and swimming in the water, play beach volleyball, and swim in the waters.
So, it’s no surprise that you’ll love all the elegant and spacious guest rooms and suites at this hotel, many of which are newly renovated. Besides choosing between king and queen beds, you can also choose rooms and suites with sweeping views of the ocean and the pier. Of course, all rooms boast plush beds, luxurious bathrooms, elegant furnishings, and state-of-the-art amenities designed to improve your stay.
Did you know that this hotel is also one of Monterey’s top-rated pet-friendly hotels? Yes!
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Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
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Best lakeside resort. We now move inwards, landing at Lake Tahoe, which is one of the top tourist attractions in the USA. And Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is the shining jewel in this crown. One of South Lake Tahoe’s best beachfront hotels, the place perfectly fuses tranquility and adventure. Nestled in the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, this all-suite retreat makes for an unforgettable stay in Lake Tahoe.
The location is the standout here, as the gondola for the skiing resort, the shoreline, and the pristine waters are all a short walk away. During the skiing season, unwinding by the après-ski firepits, complete with live music, is the highlight of one’s stay. The resort has everything you need to unwind, starting with the most divine heated indoor pool. It also has a hot tub to the side, which is much needed after a day of exploring. Besides the fitness center, there are three garden atriums that are perfect for unwinding and relaxing on the property. Five restaurants and bars complete the amenities.
Choose from a host of room and suite options, all of which come with plush beds, TVs, and luxurious bathrooms. These offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. For extra space, choose the suites with a separate living room and an additional TV.
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Tenaya at Yosemite
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The iconic Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite sits in the heart of the Sierra National Forest and is one heck of a luxurious and serene retreat. Nestled among towering pines, the lodge is just five minutes from the south entrance of the national park.
What will blow you away here is the sheer number of amenities, which includes a decadent spa sanctuary, numerous restaurants, and an entire pool complex with many pools. Families with kids will love hanging out by the pool, which also has nightly ‘Dive-in’ movies! After daily excursions, relaxing in the hot tub or getting a massage or a treatment at the Ascent Spa is one of the best things to do. Did we mention that there’s an activity roster that has everything from archery to yoga? Yes! The best bit? There are electric-assist bikes that you can rent to ride around on the dirt roads of the aromatic pine forests.
Guests will also have a plethora of accommodation options, ranging from regular hotel rooms to standalone cottages for more privacy. If you’re going to Yosemite for an extended stay, check out this useful guide for staying at Tenaya Lodge.
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The Ranch at Death Valley
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The Ranch at Death Valley is one for history lovers. This sprawling resort is part of the Oasis at Death Valley and was the former crew headquarters for the Pacific Coast Borax Company. Today, this ranch-turned-resort is more like a laidback but luxurious Californian town, complete with a town square, riding stables, a golf course, a saloon, a general store, and even an ice cream parlor, among other things.
Of all the amenities, the spring-fed pool is perhaps the most popular, especially since it’s lined with daybeds and offers splendid views of the mountain ranges around. That said, the multisport complex is equally amazing, especially since it offers volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, as well as a small driving range and a playground. Two restaurants and a community fire pit for alfresco dinners ensure that mealtimes are a breeze and fun. Do you like to get in some tee time? This place is home to the lowest-elevation golf course in the world.
Of all the rooms and suites, the newest additions are 80 cottages with patios, lounges, and spacious rooms. For more affordable rooms, look to the original four buildings overlooking the verdant lawns and the surrounding mountains. Did you know that the property even has an RV campground? Yep.
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Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
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Best for families. The Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, is a Tuscan-inspired oasis in the middle of the Palm Desert. It lies just 10 minutes from the Coachella Valley on the main Palm Springs area road. You’ll love the greenery around the resort, including citrus trees, rose bushes, and herb gardens. Your wonderful experience begins right at check-in when the staff will ply you with complimentary wine and even dole out lots of personalized recommendations on activities, attractions, and local restaurants.
There is a profusion of amenities here, starting with everyone’s favorite, the two outdoor pools. While one is family-friendly and perfect for children, the other is adults-only and for those who want to unwind and have water fun in peace. After a long day of exploring, a massage or a treatment at the award-winning Well Spa, with its unique treatments, is a great idea. Another fun way to unwind is playing lawn games like Connect 4 and oversized Jenga. Wind down after a long day at the bar and restaurant, which serves delicious drinks and meals.
The spacious and elegant rooms and suites here all have balconies/terraces overlooking the lush landscape. You’ll appreciate discerning touches like the Cuisinart coffeemaker and the whirlpool tubs, which are separate from the standalone showers. Ah, serenity.
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Our Verdict!
California, with its variety of landscapes and towns with different atmospheres, has a great variety of resorts, too. If you’re finding it difficult to choose, here’s a specialized list to help you.
- Most luxurious: The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Springs
- Best seaside resort: Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey
- Best lakeside resort: Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
- Best for families: Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
Where to Stay in California?
California might be famed for being a beach haven and a surfer’s paradise, but it’s so much more, including desert landscapes, wine regions, and lush forests. The best places to stay are spread out among these amazing regions.
We begin with desert towns like Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, which are chic, mid-century modern getaways to enjoy some fun in the sun. They’re home to some excellent luxurious hotels, which offer magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the desert. Next, we come to California’s wine country and the Napa Valley, which is home to towns like Temecula and Healdsburg. They grow some 60-70 varieties of wines, from chardonnay to cabernet sauvignon. Why not try staying in one of the vineyard hotels which offer gorgeous views of the vineyards? California is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country, like Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe, and Big Bear Lake. If you’re visiting Lake Tahoe, stay in South Lake Tahoe or Truckee, one of the USA’s best mountain cities.
Last but not least, we come to the pristine coastline, which California is known for. There are amazing beachside towns and cities to stay in, like Venice Beach, Pismo Beach, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Laguna Beach, and San Francisco—we could go on and on.
Does California have all-inclusive resorts?
While California might not have many traditional all-inclusive resorts, most of them offer many complimentary amenities to enhance the stay.
Which beach in California has the warmest water?
That would be Long Beach, with summer water temperatures more than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are there white sand beaches in California?
Yes, the iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its spectacular white-sand beach.
Some images in this article are copyrighted by Orbitz.
