Most Fascinating Historic Bed and Breakfasts in California

Many California historic inns were built after the Gold Rush began in 1848, one of the most significant dates in Californian history. So while they are new in comparison to say a 1730s bed and breakfast in New England, the California B&Bs created their own unique style to welcome travelers. Iloveinns.com suggests you stay at some of these fascinating historic bed and breakfast s in California to experience both the sense of stepping back in time as well as the modern comforts and pampering today’s innkeepers provide.

By Horseback or Steamboat
Travelers in 1871 reached the historic Upham Hotel & Country House in Santa Barbara by horseback, horse-drawn carriage or steamboat. There they found warm hospitality and over 135 years later that tradition continues. The Upham Hotel has completely renovated its 50 guest rooms and suites and filled them with antique furniture and all the modern conveniences today’s traveler will need.  The atmosphere is intimate, yet the surroundings spacious, whether you choose a cozy cottage room or expansive master suite suitable for the whole family.  The warm welcome, great accommodations and grand traditions begun when guests arrived by horseback continue with those arriving on jet planes!

Stagecoach Stop
The Land of the Sea & Mist, Mendocino, California boasts the historic Fensalden Inn. Built in the 1860s, this was a stagecoach stop for Wells Fargo, who transported mail and people at an average speed of 6 miles an hour, over a grueling route through hot deserts, rough mountain passes and vast plains, from California to Virginia City, Nevada. In those days, the stop was like a pit stop, to change out the horses and perhaps slug down a cup of coffee.   Today this tranquil Albion bed and breakfast features 8 romantic rooms offering spectacular ocean views, cozy fireplaces, private bathrooms and delicious breakfasts.  A far more relaxing stop for today’s travelers than those during the stagecoach era!

Mendocino Brewery Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
In 1852 Mathias Brinzing founded the first Mendocino brewery in Agate Cove, Calif, with stunning views from the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Today his private residence, the farmhouse, has become the Agate Cove Inn, a bed and breakfast surrounded by 100- year-old cypress trees and featuring colorful coastal gardens.  While the exterior remains much like it did over 150 years ago with the candlestick fence framing the entry garden, the rooms and views provide every modern comfort from sensuous Jacuzzis to sumptuous robes and complimentary sherry.

Elegant Victorian Splendor in San Francisco
Step back in time to the inviting ambiance of past splendor and elegance at the Inn San Francisco, conveniently located near the civic and convention centers and Mission Dolores in San Francisco.  Enjoy the spectacular 360-degree view of the city of San Francisco from their rooftop deck. This 1876 Italianate Victorian bed and breakfast is part of one of the original Mansions Rows in the city and features marble fireplaces, Oriental rugs and featherbeds.  You will feel transported to the elegant Victorian age as a guest at this inn, especially dining in the grand double parlors with a generous breakfast buffet.

Gold Rush Excitement in Nevada City
Stepping back to 1850, Nevada City, Calif. had no bed and breakfast establishments, but did have over 10,000 boisterous inhabitants as the Gold Rush pushed people west in search of riches. While many Gold Rush towns faded away, Nevada City is a well-preserved and thriving community of 2800 people and here you will find the historic Deer Creek Inn. Built along the banks of Deer Creek in 1860, it is part of the historic district and great for enjoying the creek or walking into town to explore the first-class restaurants, museums and specialty shops.   Innkeeper Eileen offers a “waddle from the table” breakfast as well as time to enjoy period antiques and comfortable beds in this Queen Anne bed and breakfast.  And after you have immersed yourself in the memories of the Gold Rush days, plan to stay a few more days to enjoy the Tahoe National Forest and Sierra Nevada lakes and forested trails, just minutes away.

These are just a few of the more fascinating historic bed and breakfasts and inns to be found in California. They not only reflect the period, in their architecture and their antiques but through their owners/innkeepers you will discover a wealth of stories that have been passed down and preserved. Make your own memories with an historic bed and breakfast as your comfortable accommodation, even if you do choose to arrive by car instead of horse and buggy!

Browse through the 19,000 Bed and Breakfasts and country inns that specialize in other events and locations that may interest you. Many of the properties listed above are also in the best-selling bed and breakfast guidebook Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns with a Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free Certificate. ILoveInns also offers Bed and Breakfast Gift Certificates, a perfect solution to help celebrate any occasion.