At the intersection of world-class wines and cannabis, California’s verdant Anderson Valley lies at the heart of the Venn diagram. Just north of Sonoma in Mendocino County, the Anderson Valley is among the northernmost wine-growing regions in California. The valley’s cool coastal climate and rich alluvial soils produce a range of ultra-premium wines including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsace varietals (Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris). Flanked by towering redwoods, the 15-mile-long valley is home to more than 60 family-owned wineries and dozens of charming tas ..read more

In a quiet, historic neighborhood a couple of blocks from Santa Barbara’s State Street, a lavish Victorian is hidden behind tall hedges and nestled amid tranquil English gardens. The grand dame of Santa Barbara’s bed and breakfast inns, Simpson House Inn and Cottages was built in 1874 and exudes a timeless elegance and sophistication. Six guest rooms in the main house feature antiques, Persian rugs, claw foot tubs, and intricate Victorian wallpaper treatments. Along the back of the property, carriage house suites and garden cottages offer spacious accommodations hidden among the ..read more

In Northern California, a former lumber town has evolved into an off-the-beaten-track destination for outdoor adventure, the arts, and craft beer. Like many of the small towns on the Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg sprang up in the mid-1800s to feed San Francisco’s insatiable demand for redwood lumber. But while other coastal mills closed over time, Fort Bragg’s whirring saw blades supplied steady employment for generations of workers. At its height, the mill employed over 2,000 people and served as the town timekeeper with its clockwork of shift-change whistles. But in 2002, Fort Bragg’s 145-year ..read more

Working from home translates to working from anywhere in today’s connected environment. With well-equipped workspaces and tech essentials, these properties are helping digital nomads blur the lines between work and leisure.     Short Stories junior suiteShort Stories Hotel Step into Short Stories Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and it feels immediately like this is where the cool nomads work. Located across the street from LA’s famous Original Farmer’s Market and The Grove megaplex for shopping, dining and entertainment, this boutique hotel is a modern interpretatio ..read more

The cleanest air in all of California is just a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive from San Francisco, at the edge of the Mendocino National Forest. That’s where Rufus and Mary Tallman, early Lake County settlers, built the Tallman Hotel in the 1870s. The Western-style hotel, along with its adjacent livery stable and saloon, was once popular among well-heeled travelers who journeyed by stagecoach to soak in Lake County’s natural mineral spring waters. After the hotel languished for 40 years, Lynne and Bernie Butcher restored it to period perfection, re-opening to guests in 2006. Inside ..read more

Nestled in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Farmhouse Inn is among the most romantic places to stay in Sonoma County. The editors of Condé Nast Traveler recently named the boutique hotel among the best in North America for its coveted Gold List in 2024. It’s also been a Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award winner for seven years running.  Entrance to Farmhouse InnFountain at the entrance to the Farmhouse Inn Behind the stone walls, this intimate 25-room property exudes an easy elegance and understated luxury. Bubbling fountains, lush foliage, and a profusion of blooms greet gu ..read more

Whether it’s a night away, a few days to reconnect, or a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary, California’s small-town getaways set the stage for romance. From action-packed destinations to quiet-paced retreats, couples will find the perfect backdrop to enjoy together. Carmel BeachCarmel-by-the-Sea Carmel-by-the-Sea’s storybook setting is a timeless getaway for romantics. Flower-bedecked cottages, many dating back to Carmel’s early days as an enclave for artists, line the town’s fairytale village streets where visitors can wander leisurely for hours. Tucked throughout are boutique ..read more

With purported benefits ranging from improved cardiovascular health to chronic pain relief to stress reduction, it’s no wonder that saunas are all the rage right now. Many boutique hotels have embraced this trend, offering on-site saunas alongside other wellness amenities. Whether dry, steam, or infrared, here are some of the best saunas at California boutique hotels. Sauna with backlit salt walls at the Canyon Ranch WoodsideCanyon Ranch Woodside Surrounded by centuries-old redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Canyon Ranch Woodside stays true to its brand’s reputation as a trailblaz ..read more

Nestled among the bucolic vineyards and horse ranches of the Santa Ynez Valley, The Ballard Inn has remained a sought-after romantic getaway for nearly half a century. For many of those years, the morning chef at The Ballard Inn (Florina) baked delicious cookies that the innkeepers delivered to the guest rooms each evening as a part of the inn’s nightly turndown service. Florina’s Chewy Chocolate Cookies were a favorite among staff and guests alike. It’s the perfect cookie to enjoy on a cold day by the fire with a warm cup of coffee.  The Ballard Inn at duskNewly revamped interiors of The ..read more

The new year inevitably invites thoughts of renewal and transformation. For inspiration toward that goal, why not stay at a newly revamped B&B or boutique hotel? After all, if properties with rich histories and reputations can reimagine themselves, why can’t we? In the spirit of “out with the old, in with the new,” here are six California inns that have experienced impressive glow-ups and can’t wait to show you their fresh new faces. Guest room at the Gosby House InnGosby House Inn Drawing inspiration from prohibition-era speakeasies and Pacific Grove’s storied past, the Gosby House I ..read more