Cozy Stays In The Golden State: The Best Hotels For A California Fall Getaway or Winter Retreat

ALILA Ventana Big Sur | Big Sur, Ca

Imagine rolling hills teaming with giant redwoods, rustic outdoor showers, copper tubs and a roaring wood-burning fireplace in your room. Welcome to Ventana. This adult-only property is the perfect spot to spend a long cold-weather weekend. The gorgeous, heated pool overlooks the rugged Big Sur coastline and the spa treatments are heavenly. Bonus: Stunning ocean-view, farm-to-table meals at The Sur House are included in your nightly rate. (Adult Only. Luxury, $$$$)

Originally built in 1881, this 8-acre historic residence was recently transformed into a 28-room cozy-chic hotel by designer Jay Jeffers. Expect original antique furniture mixed with a modern take on patterned fabrics, warm colors and hand-picked artwork. Several rooms have 14ft ceilings, bay windows and original fireplaces. It opened in the spring of 2022 to rave reviews and an immediately loyal crowd. Perfect for a California fall getaway in the heart of wine country. (Boutique Gem, $$$)

Situated an hour north of San Francisco, between towering redwoods and stunning ocean bluffs, this lux sanctuary offers 2000 acres of expansive grounds and cozy, intimate quarters. Say hello to wood-burning fireplaces, plush robes and soaking tubs. Expect locally sourced “elevated ranch cuisine.” Herbs and vegetables are grown on-property and Executive Chef Patrick Meany utilizes open-fire cooking with many of the dishes. With only nine luxurious suites, this is the place to recharge off the grid. (Luxury, $$$$)

Visiting the green and golden hills of Napa Valley during autumn may just be the ultimate California fall getaway. Especially if you’re lucky enough to check into Auberge Du Soleil, the OG adults-only 5-star resort in the valley. Come for the fireplace suites with outdoor soaking tubs & luxurious spa treatments. Stay for The Restaurant. It received a Michelin Star last year...for the 15th consecutive year in a row. Read that again. (Adult Only. Luxury, $$$$)

Just 75 miles north of San Francisco, this towering A-frame structure served as a popular retreat for well-known intellectuals and artists through the 60's & 70's. (Ansel Adams was a frequent guest.) A recent remodel by the new owners added several modern touches, while preserving the artistic integrity of the space. Guests enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, cozy indoor/outdoor fireplaces and rustic rooms with stunning ocean views. (Boutique Gem, $$)

I challenge you to find a more romantic property in the continental US. Suspended on the edge of a cliff and overlooking Big Sur’s wild coast, Post Ranch Inn offers magical views in every direction. The 40 rooms, ranging from lux tree houses to cliffside bungalows, feature wood-burning fireplaces, private decks and outdoor hot tubs. Sierra Mar, the architectural wonder of glass and steel overhanging the bluffs, is—in my opinion—one of the most stunning places to dine in the world. I can’t imagine a better California fall getaway or winter retreat. Worth. The. Splurge. Period. (Adult Only Ultra-Luxury, $$$$$)

This quintessentially cozy seaside town is home to boutique shops, vine-covered cottages, Old English inspired architecture, and charming restaurants. Villa Maria, a 16-room luxury boutique hotel, is the perfect spot to enjoy everything Carmel has to offer. Expect rooms with ocean views, private balconies and gorgeous bathrooms with Waterworks fixtures and heated floors. Come to think of it, this may not be the best place to come experience Carmel. Sounds like the perfect spot to stay inside all day to relax and read a book by the fire. You do you. (Adult Only. Boutique Gem, $$)