Top Travel Inspirations for Explorers in California

California offers a rich tapestry of experiences, showcasing its vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes. The Golden State invites you to explore its iconic cities and towns or embark on scenic road trips, allowing you to appreciate its natural wonders and savor its diverse offerings.

Whether you're organizing a getaway with friends, a romantic escape, or a family adventure, an unforgettable journey awaits. These curated itineraries are designed to spark your imagination. For even more inspiration, check out the detailed guidebook from Visit California in collaboration with Dinogo, titled Extraordinary California: The Ultimate Luxury Travel Planning Guide.

Culinary Delights and Wines, From Northern California to the Central Coast

California boasts incredible culinary and wine regions, making it a paradise for food lovers. Discover what awaits with carefully crafted experiences through the renowned Wine Country of Northern California and the Central Coast.

On a four-day adventure in Northern California, explore the nearby wine regions of Napa and Sonoma. Opt for a convertible to soak in the breathtaking views, or let Pure Luxury handle the driving so you can fully indulge in the wines and scenery. Begin your journey in Napa, where you'll find coffee shops, art galleries, and wine-tasting venues.

As you head north through the valley, the Yountville area is characterized by sprawling vineyards. Be sure to secure a reservation well in advance at the French Laundry, a renowned establishment with three Michelin stars. Then, enjoy a relaxing day exploring the wineries in picturesque Rutherford. Near St. Helena, Alila Napa Valley offers a cozy selection of rooms and suites, ideally situated among historic wineries, including the famous Beringer Vineyards.

Venture west into Sonoma County for the last two days, where the lush hills bordering Napa Valley become increasingly vibrant as you journey through the Russian River Valley. Just north of historic Sonoma, the refined Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa welcomes guests to its sophisticated mission-style resort. Along a river bend in Forestville, the Farmhouse Inn boasts a rich heritage as a working ranch, now featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant and a 24-hour pool.

Explore local wineries such as Truett Hurst, known for its sustainable viticulture, and Flowers Vineyards, which offers one of the region’s most charming tasting rooms set amidst beautiful flower fields. Then, marvel at the natural beauty of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and continue your drive up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), stopping to indulge in fresh oysters and crab.

Travelers can embark on a five-day journey through Central Coast Wine Country, sampling exceptional vintages in Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo before heading to the Santa Ynez Valley and concluding in Santa Barbara, the epitome of laid-back luxury. Between SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) and Santa Barbara County, which encompasses Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, and Lompoc Valley, over 500 wineries await, making this region a paradise for wine enthusiasts.

Starting in Paso Robles, visit the family-owned Daou, renowned for its Bordeaux varietals and breathtaking hilltop views. For a taste of California cuisine at its best, be sure to book in advance for the six-course tasting menu at In Bloom. In the evening, unwind at The Piccolo, a four-story boutique hotel offering personalized service.

Next, make your way to San Luis Obispo. Situated along the San Simeon coast, the iconic Hearst Castle epitomizes the height of opulent living. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy an oceanfront tasting at Hearst Ranch Winery. Nearby, the contemporary Hotel Cerro features a highly sought-after penthouse suite.

On day three, venture into the Santa Ynez Valley, a charmingly pastoral area filled with family farms, boutique wineries, and picturesque, walkable towns. Los Olivos boasts over 50 tasting rooms along its quaint streets. Consider staying at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, a newly established lodge with roots tracing back to the 1800s, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection.

Conclude your journey with a two-day retreat in the stylish, sun-soaked Santa Barbara. Enjoy oceanfront suites at the mission-style Ritz-Carlton Bacara, which features a spa, multiple pools and dining options, as well as convenient paths to the beach.

Embrace nature and wellness in the High Sierras and Big Sur

Discover two breathtaking adventures—one inland and one along the coast—celebrating the great outdoors and the rejuvenating essence of nature. A road trip through the Sierra Nevada offers a blend of stunning landscapes and luxury. The High Sierras attract visitors year-round, especially with the vibrant blue waters of Lake Tahoe and the crystal-clear pools around Mammoth Lakes. It's a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with ski season lasting from fall to spring.

In addition to winter sports, hiking and fishing are major attractions. Begin your journey in the historic town of Truckee. Nestled among towering peaks, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is located at the heart of Northstar California Resort, a vast hub for skiing and outdoor activities on the slopes of Mount Pluto, with lifts conveniently accessible right from the hotel entrance.

Further south, discover the charming villages of Tahoe Vista and Dollar Point. Rent a classic wooden lake cruiser to navigate the pine-lined shores. For dinner, indulge in French-inspired cuisine at Christy Hill in Tahoe City, where lakefront tables offer stunning views. West of the lake, Olympic Valley sits at the base of the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, with Palisades Tahoe offering world-class activities throughout the year.

From Lake Tahoe, travel along the Sierra crest south on Highway 395 to Yosemite National Park, where rushing rivers and breathtaking solitude await. Spend the night at the renowned 1927 hotel, The Ahwahnee, before your final day, which will showcase the unforgettable vistas of indigo waters reflecting the High Sierra at Mammoth Lakes. Ascend to the 11,053-foot peak of Mammoth Mountain for panoramic views. Year-round trekking—whether by foot, mountain bike, or skis—is always exceptional.

For a coastal adventure, immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Monterey and Big Sur on a four-day journey. Drive a vintage roadster or luxury cruiser along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping to explore tide pools, waterfalls, boutique resorts, wineries, and nearly 20 Michelin-starred restaurants in the area.

Start in the coastal haven of Carmel-by-the-Sea on the Monterey Peninsula, known for its galleries, upscale shopping, and fine dining featuring locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to book ahead for reservations at Aubergine and Chez Noir, which received a Michelin star in 2023. Stay at the newly opened boutique hotels Villa Mara Carmel or Le Petit Pali at 8th Ave. Then, explore Carmel Valley, where you can spend your day enjoying yoga, self-improvement activities, and golf across the expansive 500 acres of Carmel Valley Ranch.

On your third day, embark on the iconic 90-mile drive south along the PCH from Monterey through Big Sur to San Simeon. This scenic route winds between the Santa Lucia Mountains and steep ocean cliffs overlooking the crashing Pacific waves. The area is famous for its secluded resorts that harmoniously integrate nature and guest wellness. At Alila Ventana Big Sur, enjoy luxurious suites that blend beautifully with the surroundings—opt for one with a private hot tub. Relish a three-hour prix-fixe meal in the hotel’s Glass House while soaking in ocean views. Alternatively, check into the prestigious Post Ranch Inn, where accommodations boast stunning vistas of the ocean, forest, and mountains.

Family fun in Orange County

What better destination for family beach fun than the sunny shores of Orange County (The OC)? Start your adventure at Disneyland in Anaheim, where you can experience the latest attraction, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Next door, Disney’s California Adventure offers its own array of excitement. (Pro tip: beat the crowds by hiring an official VIP Tour Guide.) Right across from the park, the Westin Anaheim features suites with balconies overlooking the Magic Kingdom.

On your second day, head to Huntington Beach, famous for its historic pier that stretches 1,850 feet over the Pacific Ocean. For another classic OC experience on the water, consider renting a yacht at Newport Harbor. Stay at Balboa Bay Resort, where the rooms exude nautical charm, and guests can rent sailboats or take lessons in the harbor. Nearby, one of The OC’s top dining spots, Vaca in Costa Mesa, specializes in Spanish cuisine with a Japanese twist.

Conclude your journey along the southern coast, where the charming towns of Laguna Beach and Dana Point offer numerous beaches, an exceptional culinary scene, extensive hiking trails, and welcoming accommodations. Founded by artists attracted to the area’s stunning seaside light, Laguna Beach now features over 100 galleries and studios. Experience whale-watching with knowledgeable guides from Dana Wharf Whale Watching and catch sight of blue, humpback, or gray whales during their seasonal migrations.

Discover more about the amazing experiences that the Golden State has to offer by exploring Extraordinary California.