California, the Golden State, is a haven for travelers seeking unique and unforgettable experiences. From the sun-kissed beaches of San Diego to the foggy hills of San Francisco, California offers a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and attractions that cater to all kinds of travelers. When it comes to accommodations, California takes it to the next level with its eclectic mix of quirky hotels, luxurious resorts, and offbeat lodges that will make your stay truly unforgettable. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the 22 most unique places to stay in California, where you can immerse yourself in the state’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
The Coastal Getaways
California’s coastline is dotted with charming towns, picturesque beaches, and dramatic cliffs, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers and coastal enthusiasts. Here are some unique places to stay along the coast:
1. The Fairmont Orchid, Half Moon Bay
Nestled among 19 acres of lush gardens and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Fairmont Orchid is a luxurious resort that offers lavish rooms, a world-class spa, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, golfing, and surfing, making it an ideal retreat for couples and families.
2. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Post Ranch Inn is a rustic-chic resort that offers stunning views, luxurious rooms, and a tranquil atmosphere. Guests can enjoy hiking, yoga, and stargazing, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and couples.
3. Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, Montage Laguna Beach is a luxurious resort that offers lavish rooms, a private beach, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, and whale watching, making it an ideal retreat for families and beach enthusiasts.
The Desert Oases
California’s deserts are a treasure trove of unique landscapes, quirky towns, and offbeat attractions. Here are some unique places to stay in the desert:
4. The Parker Palm Springs, Palm Springs
A mid-century modern gem, The Parker Palm Springs is a stylish hotel that offers lavish rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy golfing, hiking, and hot air balloon rides, making it an ideal retreat for couples and design enthusiasts.
5. Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort, Desert Hot Springs
Nestled in the heart of Desert Hot Springs, Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort is a luxurious oasis that offers lavish rooms, a private hot spring, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy yoga, meditation, and stargazing, making it a perfect getaway for wellness enthusiasts.
6. The Mojave Sands, Joshua Tree
A boutique hotel in the heart of Joshua Tree, The Mojave Sands is a stylish retreat that offers luxurious rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing, making it an ideal retreat for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
The Mountain Retreats
California’s mountains offer a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway. Here are some unique places to stay in the mountains:
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, Truckee
Located in the heart of Lake Tahoe, The Ritz-Carlton is a luxurious resort that offers lavish rooms, a private beach, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, making it an ideal retreat for families and adventure seekers. (See Also: Unique Places to Stay in the Philippines? Beyond Resorts)
8. The Village at Squaw Valley, Olympic Valley
A ski-in/ski-out resort in the heart of Olympic Valley, The Village at Squaw Valley is a luxurious retreat that offers lavish rooms, a private ski lift, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, making it an ideal retreat for families and winter sports enthusiasts.
9. The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National Park
A National Historic Landmark in the heart of Yosemite National Park, The Ahwahnee Hotel is a luxurious retreat that offers lavish rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The City Breaks
California’s cities are a treasure trove of cultural attractions, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine. Here are some unique places to stay in the city:
10. The Fairmont San Francisco, San Francisco
A luxurious hotel in the heart of San Francisco, The Fairmont San Francisco is a grand retreat that offers lavish rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Golden Gate Bridge, making it an ideal retreat for couples and families.
11. The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills
A iconic hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills, The Beverly Hills Hotel is a luxurious retreat that offers lavish rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy shopping on Rodeo Drive, visiting the Getty Center, and exploring the Walk of Fame, making it an ideal retreat for celebrities and luxury enthusiasts.
12. The Hotel Zelos, San Diego
A boutique hotel in the heart of San Diego, The Hotel Zelos is a stylish retreat that offers luxurious rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy exploring the Gaslamp Quarter, visiting the San Diego Zoo, and enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal retreat for couples and solo travelers.
The Quirky Stays
California is home to some of the quirkiest and most unique accommodations in the world. Here are some offbeat places to stay:
13. The Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo
A kitschy hotel in the heart of San Luis Obispo, The Madonna Inn is a quirky retreat that offers themed rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy exploring the nearby Morro Bay, visiting the Hearst Castle, and enjoying the hotel’s eccentric decor, making it an ideal retreat for couples and families.
14. The Wigwam Motels, San Bernardino
A vintage motel in the heart of San Bernardino, The Wigwam Motels is a quirky retreat that offers teepee-shaped rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy exploring the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, visiting the San Bernardino Mountains, and enjoying the motel’s retro decor, making it an ideal retreat for road trippers and adventure seekers.
15. The Treebones Resort, Big Sur
A glamping resort in the heart of Big Sur, The Treebones Resort is a quirky retreat that offers luxury tents, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy hiking, yoga, and stargazing, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers. (See Also: The Most Unique Places to Stay in Texas? Off the Beaten Path)
The Wine Country Retreats
California’s wine country is a haven for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing getaway. Here are some unique places to stay in wine country:
16. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma
A luxurious resort in the heart of Sonoma, The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a wine country retreat that offers lavish rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy wine tasting, hot air balloon rides, and exploring the nearby vineyards, making it an ideal retreat for couples and wine enthusiasts.
17. The Kenwood Inn and Spa, Kenwood
A boutique hotel in the heart of Kenwood, The Kenwood Inn and Spa is a wine country retreat that offers luxurious rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy wine tasting, hiking, and exploring the nearby vineyards, making it an ideal retreat for couples and nature lovers.
18. The Napa River Inn, Napa
A historic hotel in the heart of Napa, The Napa River Inn is a wine country retreat that offers luxurious rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy wine tasting, hot air balloon rides, and exploring the nearby vineyards, making it an ideal retreat for couples and wine enthusiasts.
The Theme Parks
California is home to some of the world’s most iconic theme parks, offering a fun-filled getaway for families and thrill-seekers. Here are some unique places to stay near the theme parks:
19. The Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim
A themed hotel in the heart of Anaheim, The Disneyland Hotel is a family-friendly retreat that offers luxurious rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy exploring Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney, making it an ideal retreat for families and theme park enthusiasts.
20. The Universal Sheraton Hotel, Universal City
A themed hotel in the heart of Universal City, The Universal Sheraton Hotel is a family-friendly retreat that offers luxurious rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy exploring Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal CityWalk, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, making it an ideal retreat for families and theme park enthusiasts.
21. The Great Wolf Lodge, Garden Grove
A family-friendly resort in the heart of Garden Grove, The Great Wolf Lodge is a themed retreat that offers luxurious rooms, a private water park, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy exploring Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, and the nearby beaches, making it an ideal retreat for families and water park enthusiasts.
The Offbeat Stays
California is home to some of the most unique and offbeat accommodations in the world. Here are some quirky places to stay: (See Also: Unique Places to Stay in Glacier National Park? Hidden Gems Await)
22. The Magic Castle Hotel, Hollywood
A themed hotel in the heart of Hollywood, The Magic Castle Hotel is a quirky retreat that offers luxurious rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy exploring the nearby Walk of Fame, visiting the Dolby Theatre, and enjoying the hotel’s magical decor, making it an ideal retreat for couples and families.
Recap
In this blog post, we’ve explored the 22 most unique places to stay in California, from the coastal getaways to the quirky stays. Whether you’re a beach lover, a city slicker, or an adventure seeker, California has something for everyone. From luxurious resorts to offbeat hotels, these unique places to stay offer an unforgettable experience that will make your California getaway truly unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most unique place to stay in California?
The most unique place to stay in California is the Treebones Resort in Big Sur, which offers luxury tents and a private pool amidst the stunning natural beauty of Big Sur.
What is the best place to stay in California for families?
The best place to stay in California for families is the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, which offers luxurious rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service, making it an ideal retreat for families and theme park enthusiasts.
What is the most luxurious place to stay in California?
The most luxurious place to stay in California is The Fairmont Orchid in Half Moon Bay, which offers lavish rooms, a private beach, and exceptional service, making it an ideal retreat for couples and luxury enthusiasts.
What is the best place to stay in California for nature lovers?
The best place to stay in California for nature lovers is Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, which offers rustic-chic rooms, a private pool, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and couples.
What is the most quirky place to stay in California?
The most quirky place to stay in California is The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, which offers themed rooms, a private pool, and exceptional service, making it an ideal retreat for couples and families seeking a unique experience.