California Bed and Breakfasts - 11 Great Options

June 5, 2008 – 12:10 pm
by Jane Leisteiner

From the surf and sand of the Southern coast to the quiet beauty of wine country, California offers some of the nation’s best attractions. But when you plan that California trip, don’t forget to stay at one of the state’s best bed and breakfasts. Here are some of the top picks.

For travelers to Southern California, the Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point is an ideal location from which to enjoy the myriad activities in the area. Perched atop a bluff overlooking the Dana Point Harbor and coastline, the inn offers individually decorated guest rooms, each with a fireplace and whirlpool tub. Several rooms offer incredible ocean views. The inn is within minutes of Laguna Beach and several excellent restaurants are within walking distance. The Channel Road Inn, located in the oceanside community of Santa Monica, is an excellent spot to enjoy all of Los Angeles. Each of the 15 guest rooms is beautifully decorated and many have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Full breakfast, afternoon tea and wine and appetizers are all part of the fun. The inn is just minutes from downtown Los Angeles.

The state’s incredible central coast boasts some of the nation’s best scenery, and some of the bed and breakfasts in California. Located on the Monterey Peninsula, the Gosby House Inn in Pacific Grove is a historic gem. The century-old restored Victorian has two dozen guest rooms, many with fireplaces, and all decorated in period style. The Green Gables Inn, also in Pacific Grove, is definitely one of the iconic bed and breakfasts of California. Located practically at the edge of Monterey Bay, the restored Queen Anne Victorian offers the best of dcor, food and especially views. Both inns are close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, as well as the attractions of Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach.

Santa Cruz, with its famous boardwalk, beautiful coast and university, draws thousands of visitors each year. The West Cliff Inn is a perfect spot from which to enjoy all the area has to offer. The Victorian gem overlooks Cowell’s Beach and offers guest rooms and suites with king-size beds and fireplaces. Many also have a jetted tub in the spacious bathroom. Drive up the coast to Half Moon Bay, and you’ll find the Seal Cove Inn. Just 24 miles from San Francisco, this relaxing retreat is set among trees and gardens, offering guest rooms with king beds and fireplaces, as well as full breakfasts and afternoon tea. Whale watching and horseback rides along the beach are just two of the nearby activities available to guests at this idyllic California bed and breakfast.

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay in the famed wine country, Napa Valley offers several excellent California bed and breakfasts. The Blackbird Inn, located in historic downtown Napa, is a perfect romantic spot right in the center of it all. Guests can take part in the Napa Valley Wine Walk, stroll over to the farmers market or drive to dozens of nearby wineries. Just outside of Napa, but still close to all the fun, are two special bed and breakfasts that will make you feel like you have traveled to the wine country of France. Located in Yountville, Lavender, a cozy country inn combines contemporary style with a touch of Provence. Guest rooms are located in four different buildings, all with fireplaces and a king-size bed. Maison Fleurie, another Yountville offering, is surrounded by a half-acre of landscaped gardens. The guest rooms are decorated in warm French Country style, and you’ll find a teddy bear on the bed waiting to greet you.

The Sonoma area, another wine country hotspot, offers several of the best bed and breakfasts in California. Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza was built in 1901 and features all the historic charm you might expect, as well as a superb location in Healdsburg. Guests can pop out the door and are just seconds away from summertime concerts, shops, galleries and restaurants. The Inn at Sonoma is close to many area wineries and a popular cooking school where guests can book a lesson or cooking demonstration. The guest rooms include fireplaces and many have private balconies where you can enjoy morning coffee and the view. Relax in the rooftop hot tub or borrow bikes and ride around town. Full breakfasts are served in the morning, and in the afternoons, come back for wine and snacks.

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