15 of Our Favorite California Inns


Looking for that perfect spot on the Pacific with a panoramic ocean view? Or, perhaps you crave a relaxing getaway in the desert oasis of Palm Springs. How about a stay in the historic mining town of Julian? Whatever you are looking for in the Sunshine State, no doubt you'll find it at one our favorite California inns.

Inn at Depot Hill, Capitola-by-the-Sea
Once a railroad depot, this inn offers rooms with themes to represent different parts of the world

Blue Lantern Inn, Dana Point
The four-diamond inn is situated high on a blufftop overlooking a stunning coastline and the blue waters of Dana Point harbor.

Harbour House, Elk
Elk Cove Inn commands a majestic view of the Pacific Ocean from atop a scenic bluff.

Unique Places to Sleep

Spend a night in an old lighthouse, stay above an old gold mine or visit a working cattle ranch. Any way you look at, you'll have an interesting story to tell after sleeping in any of these unique inns.

At an old stagecoach stop:
Dorrington Hotel & Restaurant, Dorrington

In a water tower:
John Dougherty House, Mendocino

In an old post office:
Goose & Turrets B&B, Montara

In a caboose:
Featherbed Railroad Company B&B, Nice

Above a gold mine:
Chichester-McKee House B&B, Placerville

In an old lighthouse:
East Brother Light Station Inc., Point Richmond

In the Archbishop's mansion:
Chateau Tivoli, San Francisco

On a cattle ranch:
Work Family Guest Ranch, San Miguel

Next to hot springs:
Vichy Hot Springs Resort & Inn, Ukiah

Sandpiper House Inn, Elk
A garden path leads Sandpiper guests to a garden sitting area overlooking the California coast.

Gingerbread Mansion Inn, Ferndale
The Empire Suite is said to be the most opulent accommodation in Northern California.

Orchard Hill Country Inn, Julian
This Craftsman-style inn is a perfect country getaway for those seeking solace from the city lights.

Bed & Breakfast Inn at La Jolla, La Jolla
This historic gem truly is a treasure, surrounded by the coastal beauty of La Jolla.

Inn at Playa del Rey, Playa del Rey (Los Angeles)
Relax and enjoy the view of a 350-acre bird sanctuary from this restful Cape Cod-style inn.

Whitegate Inn, Mendocino
Its bay windows, steep gabled roof, redwood siding and fish-scale shingles are stunning examples of Victorian architecture.

Green Gables Inn, Pacific Grove
This half-timbered Queen Anne Victorian appears as a fantasy of gables overlooking spectacular Monterey Bay.

Seven Gables, Pacific Grove
This well known inn with its spectacular setting on Monterey Bay was once featured in a credit card commercial.

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, Palm Springs
This beautiful Italianate Mediterranean estate was once the abode of Marion Davies, mistress of William Randolf Hearst.

A Victorian Heritage Park Inn, San Diego
Situated on a seven-acre Victorian park in the heart of Old Town, this inn occupies two of seven preserved classic structures.

Cheshire Cat, Santa Barbara
This elegant inn features three Queen Anne Victorian homes, a Coach House and three cottages.

Simpson House Inn, Santa Barbara
A stately Italianate Victorian house, the inn, a historic landmark, is situated on an acre of English gardens.