Immerse Yourself in Luxury: Explore the Golden Wonders of California

Whether you're a returning visitor or a newcomer, California offers a wealth of fresh experiences. Picture yourself unwinding beneath orange trees and basking in the sunny winters of Southern California, alongside the breathtaking coastlines and sunsets of Big Sur, and the vibrant mid-century charm of Palm Springs.

If you're considering a three-week journey, you could potentially experience the entirety of the state, advises Katie Cadar, a travel consultant and leisure sales director at TravelStore in Los Angeles. "California is vast," she remarks humorously. For those with less time, she suggests concentrating on a particular region or destination and honing in on specific interests.

Cadar's method involves engaging clients to discover their preferred activities, allowing her to highlight experiences that elevate their California getaway. Here’s a guide to crafting an enchanting vacation based on popular activities, unique California offerings, and luxurious hotels that promise unforgettable memories.

For those who appreciate breathtaking vistas

For those who adore breathtaking accommodations set against rugged coastal backdrops, California’s Pacific Coast Highway is the perfect destination. Cadar notes that many clients love beginning their journey in San Francisco, then meandering along the stunning 450-mile stretch of Highway 1 to Santa Monica in Los Angeles. (Tip: Be sure to check for road closures, particularly during winter.)

As you travel, the 90-mile stretch of Big Sur winds between the Santa Lucia Mountains and steep cliffs, revealing the majestic Pacific Ocean. Consider arranging a luxurious ride in an Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8, or Bentley Continental to navigate the curves in elegance. Highlights may include a private four-hour tour of the 165-room Hearst Castle, featuring its two magnificent pools and 127 acres of lush gardens.

Along the route, travelers can unwind in picturesque, secluded coastal suites. At Alila Ventana Big Sur, guests can choose between glamping in stylish tents or enjoying a rustic suite complete with a spacious hammock and a wood-burning fireplace. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in a three-hour prix-fixe menu at the hotel’s Glass House, beautifully situated at the ocean’s edge.

“Experience breathtaking vistas from the Post Ranch Inn bungalows or explore local trails showcasing stunning scenery,” suggests Cadar, highlighting the legendary Big Sur resort where rooms offer a variety of stunning views: ocean, forest, and mountains. Watching the sun dip into the sea from the Inn’s Cliff House through a glass-walled bedroom or resting in an adult treehouse with a skylight for stargazing creates unforgettable memories. Additionally, daily activities feature guided nature walks and garden tours, after which guests can relax in the infinity pool.

For the food enthusiast

The San Francisco area has rightfully earned its acclaim for exceptional dining and wine experiences. With no fewer than 28 Michelin-starred restaurants illuminating the city, it boasts the highest concentration in California. These stars celebrate the Bay Area’s abundant seafood and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, reflected in dishes inspired by diverse international cultures. Culinary delights range from steakhouses to contemporary Californian, French, Italian, and Chinese cuisines.

Nestled at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, an extraordinary experience awaits at the historic Frank House at Cavallo Point. This two-story residence features a sunroom with glass walls and breathtaking bay views. Guests can explore the area using Lexus vehicles or vintage electric bikes for their excursions.

The Bay Area serves as a fantastic launchpad into wine country. Travelers can engage in custom wine blending experiences at “winemaker for a day” events or embark on private helicopter, hot-air balloon, and electric bike tours across Napa and Sonoma. These exclusive tours provide concierge service, guiding visitors to renowned family-owned wineries and tasting rooms where they can delve into the region’s unique terroir and winemaking legacy.

Located north of San Francisco in the tranquil and lesser-known wine region of Western Sonoma County, the Farmhouse Inn partners with local artisans and wineries to enhance guest experiences. In spacious rooms, guests will discover a minifridge filled with local wines, enjoy on-site wine tastings featuring winery partners, and indulge in six-course menus crafted from fresh farm ingredients, all paired with exquisite wines. To end the day, savor homemade vanilla marshmallows and Valrhona chocolate S’mores or the signature gluten-free Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies provided during turndown service. For relaxation, guests can take a refreshing swim in the 24-hour pool or unwind in generously sized in-room tubs, complete with a selection of artisanal soaps and bath salts.

For the avid golfer

Active enthusiasts will want to tee off at the Ritz-Carlton Halfmoon Bay, where championship 18-hole courses await. “You’re perched on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific,” says Cadar. The hotel’s cherished outdoor firepits are situated on the bluff and make for a perfect sunset nightcap (accompanied by a bagpiper, of course) after conquering the Arnold Palmer-designed Old Course or the Scottish-style Ocean Course.

Golf lovers can also reserve a tee time at the sprawling 500-acre Carmel Valley Ranch, perfect for enjoying one of Carmel Valley’s 300 sunny days. This ranch boasts a Pete Dye-designed golf course nestled among ponds, vineyards, lavender fields, and ancient oak groves. After a round, players can unwind in the clubhouse or in suites featuring private outdoor decks and inviting bedroom fireplaces.

Explore deeper into Southern California

Customized tours of Los Angeles pick up guests from their hotels in a vehicle that matches their style, whether it's a classic convertible or a luxurious limo. Tour itineraries cater to visitor interests, ranging from a vibrant mix of art galleries and museums to gourmet dining and boutique shopping. Frequent stops include the famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and iconic sights like the Hollywood sign, Cadar notes.

Families with young children, or those young at heart, can enjoy priority access to Disneyland or insider studio tours. Experts like Cadar arrange Southern California tours that highlight the trendiest restaurants along Abbot Kinney and unique art experiences, such as the Getty Villa’s collection of Greek and Roman art.

In the coastal towns of Southern California, the year-round sunshine creates an ideal setting to enjoy stunning views of the palm-fringed coastline from a fresh perspective. Day trippers can embark on a catamaran, sailboat, or classic yacht via private charter to bask in the sun, spot whales, or savor cheese and wine at sunset.

Numerous accommodations near L.A. offer a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The Resort at Pelican Hill features expansive three- and four-bedroom Italianate villas nestled within 504 acres close to Newport Beach. The property boasts stunning ocean views and poolside cabanas that serve as private lounges. About 60 miles south of L.A. in Dana Point, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club offers luxurious penthouse suites perched atop a 150-foot seaside bluff. These exquisite accommodations provide 3,100 square feet of living space, breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas, and access to a private beach club complete with towel and chair service.

For a rejuvenating experience

Experience California’s celebrated wellness philosophy combined with a beachfront escape at the luxurious Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club and Spa in San Diego. Their comprehensive health packages vary from a single night to four weeks, encompassing invigorating hikes, group fitness sessions, wellness seminars, and personalized nutritional and body composition assessments. Guests can also rejuvenate with daily yoga classes, enjoy personal spa treatments, and savor three organic farm-to-table meals each day.

Alternatively, design your own winter getaway at the ski-in, ski-out Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe within the Northstar California resort. Reserve spots for alpine or cross-country skiing, or enjoy full-moon snowshoe hikes. After a day of activity, relax with après-ski, indulge in the 17,000-square-foot spa, and take a dip in the heated outdoor lap pool before unwinding in your stylish two-, three-, or four-bedroom residential suite complete with a gourmet kitchen.

For those drawn to desert activities, engage in tennis, petanque, croquet, or golf at the elegant Parker Palm Springs. Guests can also visit the hotel’s Yacht Club spa for half-day and full-day treatments designed to massage, exfoliate, and hydrate. The “Shipwrecked” experience offers a full day of indulgence, beginning with a shot of cucumber-infused vodka, followed by a mimosa and breakfast, then a customized massage, hydrating facial, and a choice of scrub, wrap, pedicure, or manicure.

When to visit

The timing of a vacation often hinges on personal preferences, yet off- and shoulder-seasons present unique opportunities. Spring and fall grace Sonoma County’s wine country with delightful temperatures, while San Francisco shines during these times too. Southern California’s winter features warm sunshine, fewer crowds, and low tides perfect for solitary beach strolls, all while the lively atmosphere of Palm Springs remains inviting.

Cadar emphasizes that booking in advance is always advantageous, especially during the Christmas season and awards season in Los Angeles. Additionally, weekend reservations, particularly in urban areas, tend to fill up quickly, even in winter. "When a hotel generates excitement, it attracts everyone," Cadar notes. In short, given the myriad offerings in the Golden State, thoughtful and early planning can significantly enhance your experience.