Where should I go and what should I do in California?
Wine & Elegance in Napa Valley — Michelin-starred dining, world-class wineries, and luxurious vineyard retreats.
Coastal Glamour in Monterey — Scenic ocean views, iconic golf courses, and unforgettable drives along the coast.
Beachfront Luxury in Malibu — Exclusive oceanfront escapes, celebrity-favorite dining, and stunning Pacific sunsets.
Iconic Sophistication in San Francisco — Historic charm, acclaimed restaurants, and luxury hotels overlooking the bay.
Desert Serenity in Palm Springs — Stylish resorts, championship golf, and spa experiences set against dramatic mountain landscapes.
When should I go to California?
April–June – Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and ideal weather for wine country, coastal drives, and city exploration.
September–November – Warm days, fewer crowds, and excellent conditions throughout much of the state.
What do I need to know for a trip to California?
Pack for multiple climates, especially if combining beaches, wine country, cities, deserts, or mountain destinations.
Reserve wineries, fine-dining restaurants, and specialty experiences well in advance, particularly in Napa Valley and other popular luxury destinations.
Consider a rental car, especially for exploring coastal routes, wine regions, and national parks.
Expect traffic in major metropolitan areas, particularly around Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Don't try to see everything in one trip—California is best experienced by focusing on a few regions and enjoying them at a relaxed pace.
Bring light layers, as coastal mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool even during summer.
Consistently ranked among the best of the best by editors of top travel publications, Rancho Valencia, situated 25 miles outside of San Diego, is a sanctuary for the senses and a full-service resort.
With its understated seaside sophistication and pristine location just 20 minutes north of San Diego, L'Auberge Del Mar is a splendid and refreshing coastal retreat...
In the beautiful hillside community of Aviara, near the picturesque California coastline of Carlsbad, is Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, on the north shore of Batiquites Lagoon...
3rd Night Free + breakfast + $100
Valid for travel through Jan 31, 2023. Blackout dates may apply.
Basking in San Diego’s endless sunshine, Fairmont Grand Del Mar welcomes guests to a warm Mediterranean estate, replete with signature charm and Southern California style.
A true oasis, located in the middle of California's picturesque Palm Springs, the enticing OmniRancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa offers luxury and style, with all the modern amenities you could imagine...
Nestled in Greater Palm Springs, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa offers a variety of world-class accommodations, total wellness services and outdoor recreation.
Set against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, California's timeless La Quinta Resort & Club offers a fresh, new take on the lackluster club vacation...
With the aroma of ripening grapes and a splendid setting, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is the go-to destination for a Northern California wine country retreat.
The Cal-a-Vie Health Spa program is a unique and personalized program custom designed to address your wellness goals. The three-, four- and seven-night packages include gourmet spa cuisine, fitness classes, beauty and spa treatments, mind and body awareness programs and health and nutrition lectures.
The resort features an 18-hole golf course, a spa, a tennis center, an outdoor heated pool, hiking trails, a fitness center, bocce ball courts, two restaurants, a kid’s program, and wine tasting.
Consistently lauded by the top travel experts in the world, Rancho Bernardo Inn is a San Diego resort with amenities and beauty as rich as its fabulous Southern California surroundings
Enchanting guests with its glorious Pacific Ocean setting, The Lodge at Pebble Beach is a refined sanctuary within the acclaimed Pebble Beach resort...
From the charm of San Francisco in the north to the chill of San Diego in southern California, the third-largest state has something to offer for everyone. You can find the best 5-star resorts in California from top to bottom and coast to coast, as well as these two local marvels.
You might start by exploring the La Jolla Sea Caves. With 6,000 acres of protected land and ecology, the La Jolla Sea Caves are home to a stunning abundance of leopard sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and sea turtles, not to mention seven caves that are about 75 million years old.
In less than 20 minutes outside of San Diego, you can kayak with a guide through this marine reserve and explore biodiversity and natural beauty at its best.
When the desert heat hits in the summer, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world's largest rotating tram car, will transport you along the stunning Chino Canyon up to elevate 8,500-plus feet. After a transfixing 10-minute ride, you will alight at Mt. San Jacinto State Park, where you can revel in everything from hiking to a natural history museum to observation decks and fine dining.