While there are plentiful inns in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, many California B&Bs are located in small, peaceful towns with a slower pace, giving travelers a much-needed respite from busy urban life. Here is a sampling of some of our elegant California B&Bs away from the hustle and bustle and perfect for a weekend escape regardless of the season:
Mill Rose Inn
Half Moon Bay, California
This relaxing retreat boasts European elegance and is within walking distance of the ocean. It’s also a short walk to historic old town district of Half Moon Bay, where you can find quaint boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The inn is known for its lush gardens, and it features a garden Jacuzzi in a gazebo. Mill Rose Inn is also within a short distance of hiking and biking trails in redwood forests. Plus, it's a prime location for sailing, fishing, and golfing.
Santa Ynez Inn
Santa Ynez, California
This Victorian-style inn is located in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, located amongst wineries, vineyards, and horse ranches. Go to wine tastings, enjoy a horseback ride, take a cycling tour, or even take a day trip to nearby Solvang or Los Olivos. For those who want to unwind, the inn features a heated outdoor whirlpool, a relaxing sundeck, and private treatment rooms for spa services. The inn also has a fitness room and other modern amenities.
Brewery Gulch Inn
Mendocino, California
This beautiful inn with modern decor has gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, and it is the perfect hideaway for those who need an escape from the city. All but one room here feature ocean views, and eight of the rooms have private decks. You may see some deer or turkey in the meadow. All rooms have fireplaces and down comforters. While you’re here, you can take a scenic train ride, go bird watching, ride horses on the beach, go diving, and watch whales.
Carter House Inns
Eureka, California
Consisting of an enclave of four Victorian homes along Humboldt Bay, this is more than just an inn—it has an acclaimed eatery, Restaurant 301, which uses herbs and fresh vegetables grown from the inn’s gardens. The inn also produces its own wine (under the name Carter Cellars). Due to the prime location along the Redwood Coast, it’s a perfect place for those who enjoy biking, hiking, or kayaking.
Glendeven Inn Mendocino
Little River, California
This luxurious inn sits on an eight-acre farmstead that overlooks the Pacific Ocean along with meadows and forests. It’s a great home base for exploring the Mendocino area. Soak in the view from the relaxing sitting room and enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'eouvres each day, served in the inn’s own wine bar patio (pictured below). The inn features a large variety of rooms, suites, vacation rentals, and cottages, making it ideal for a group of any size.
Have you ever been to a B&B in California? What did you think?