Hit the open road, escape city life and settle into a scenic small town, where it’s easy to unwind and fall in love with California’s laid-back charm. Get a taste of the good life, from serene wine country to the rugged coast. Plan your next getaway around a memorable small-town boutique hotel to fully relax or seek adventure in a less-visited destination.
Get to know small town California at these 11 boutique hotels:
Mendocino Village: MacCallum House Inn
Stay in a historic California landmark in the heart of the friendliest NorCal coastal town. The Victorian-style inn, originally completed in 1882, offers 19 unique elegant luxurious rooms, suites, cottages and a neighboring barn with modern decor and rooms complete with fireplaces and private outdoor hot tubs.
Dining at MacCallum House Inn is an exceptional farm-to-table feast, where the California fare is local, seasonal and fresh. The longtime chef, Alan Kantor, tantalizes with memorable dishes of broiled Pacific Rim oysters, potato soup, duck confit, fried chicken, ahi tuna and homemade noodles with steak. Complimentary breakfast options – such as cornmeal pancakes with ice cream and Mac Benedict – arrive with amazing Thanksgiving coffee (as the House adopted their own blend), paired with a coastal view from the porch. Surrounded by a garden oases and green lawns, the inn is steps from cliffside trails on the headlands and paths to the beach. Centrally located downtown, it’s an easy hop to all the boutique shops and restaurants. Truly a town with a sense of place, a stay at Mendocino’s MacCallum House brings the soul of this coastal town right to you.
Elk: Elk Cove Inn
Voted Top 10 Bed and Breakfast in the US by USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards in 2024, this cliff-hanging inn, nestled on a bluff with its own private cove, lives up to the hype. It is impossible not to fall in love with this tranquil rustic northern California setting, in view of gardens and enveloped by the fresh salty air and pounding surf. Hike down to the rugged beach loaded with abalone, colossal kelp and mussels larger than your hand.
Room view balconies are reason enough to slow down and absorb the dramatic setting, in view of boulders jutting out of the sea, as made to order breakfast spreads arrive with options like brouilette, homemade croissants, potato casserole and champagne. Luxuriate in Elk Cove Inn’s generous perks – like in-room wine, cookies and sherry, plus complimentary Happy Hour on the terrace. Hike the coastal bluffs to soak up this former thriving lumber mill town and wander the property to check out the inn’s on-site working farm with friendly dogs, chickens, goats and beehives.
Innkeeper and sommelier Melissa Boon and her partner Chef Victor Passalacqua delight guests with French Cali cuisine so hyperlocal and sustainable, that orders are placed the night before. Relish in fresh menu items in their intimate restaurant, perfect for sunset above the ocean. Dishes arrive beautifully. Don’t miss the clam chowder, escargot, Coq au Vin, Short Rib Bourguignon, Linguine de la Mer, Lamb Tenderloin, Octopus Ceviche, Lobster in puff pastry and more.
Jenner: Timber Cove Resort
After a stunning, winding, heart-pumping coastal drive from the north, arrive in time for one of Timber Cove’s weekly complimentary offerings, a wine tasting with local producer Murder Ridge, as the cool breezes and coastal mist envelope this renovated 1960s architectural beauty. Perched on a cliffside bluff on the Sonoma coast, where the Redwoods meet the sea, Timber Cove’s rooms enchant with ocean view patios and balconies, with plush linens, fireplaces, record players, and mid-century decor. This is the kind of place you go to unravel from the chaos of the world. Delight in the sunset on the terrace with flitting hummingbirds, make S’mores by the firepit, and reconnect with loved ones over board games like Scrabble in the grand lobby living room with arched wooden ceilings and an impressive grand stone fireplace. An entire section in the resort entrance is dedicated to a vinyl record library and board games, inviting guests to connect.
Walk the coastal bluff trails just outside, with benches to rest and absorb the blustery Pacific Ocean scenery, or hike down to a waterfall and beach cove. A colorful 93-foot Peace Obelisk, created by artist Beniamino Bufano, stands like an exclamation mark next to Timber Cove – on a 60-foot diameter plot, designated the second smallest California state park. On-site restaurant Coast Kitchen connects to an outdoor lawn and events space and is available for all-day dining. Here in this casual environment guests can indulge in a rotating seasonal menu. We loved the steamed mussels, clam chowder, fish and chips paired with regional beer and wine. Around 2-2.5 hours from the San Francisco Bay area, this kid- and dog-friendly hotel is a best kept secret, where time slows down and relaxation meets nature.
Anderson Valley: Indian Creek Inn
Anderson Valley: Indian Creek InnNear the coast and surrounded by Redwoods, Anderson Valley is a laid-back wine paradise where realness is celebrated. No fancy tasting room fees, no crowds, and no winemaker attitudes here. The charm of this area is part of the allure. It feels like the last standing non-commercialized wine region in California. Indian Creek Inn offers the best location to stay, as it is set back in the hills in the middle of the valley of vineyards, with misty morning forested views from the property and the surrounding vineyard valley stretched across the land – as the inn overlooks Goldeneye Vineyards. Rooms are arranged in five hubs, single story, with their own bathrooms but a shared common space with full kitchen.
Arrive for the International White Wine Festival in February, the Pinot Noir Festival in May, harvest in the fall, or create your own wine tasting tour any time of year. At the end of the inn’s long driveway, right across the street, slide into Domaine Anderson for a sampling of Pinot Noir and Chardonnays or a reserve tasting next door at bucolic Goldeneye for Pinots and Gewurztraminer. Just down the road, newcomer Brashley Vineyards Tasting Room and Winery is surprising wine lovers with some of the best dry Riesling with Finger Lakes grapes and White Pinot Noir thanks to winemaker Ashley Holland. She is also producing incredible wines under her own Read Holland brand, like the 2021 Deep End Pinot Noir and Peter Martin Ray Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains) named Top 50 Wines in the US by Decanter. Other female winemakers to pay attention to include Shalini Sekhar, the force behind Ottavino Wines, especially her St. Laurent varietal from Los Carneros AVA. Discover these wines and more at the Disco Ranch, a wine bar and specialty market.
Calistoga: Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs
At the northern end of the Napa Valley lies the laid-back town of Calistoga, situated between the Mayacamas Mountains and the Palisades, known for geothermal waters and world class wineries. Calistoga became California’s first wellness destination around 1862. Today you can rest your head right in town at the newly renovated Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort, with mid-century inspired design and the only neon sign in town. Here is it not only easy to take advantage of the surrounding vineyards, but you can take a stroll right out your hotel door through the historic downtown to peruse unique boutiques, tasting rooms, and art galleries. But first, settle into the stay with a healing mineral soak in three pools at various temperatures just outside your door or book the resort’s signature mud bath treatment introduced to the world nearly 70 years ago here. Slide into the oozy blend of peat moss, volcanic ash, and mineral water known to have benefits such as detoxification, skin exfoliation, muscle relaxation, and pain relief. The Mudslinger treatment also includes a post whirlpool mineral bath, geo steam room, cool blanket wrap and a facial mask made with coffee clay and grapeseed oil.
Book the Bungalow House or Spa Cottage for more space and your own private porch. A few feet away, lounge at the resort’s restaurant, House of Better, over a loaded breakfast burrito, guacamole sampler trio, or homemade pie like lemon butter or Mexican pecan. Complimentary bikes make it easy to peruse the town’s well-cared-for homes, showcasing Victorian architecture and rustic charming clapboard beauties circa 1850s. Then, right across the street, pedal the Vine Trail catapulting visitors into the heart of wine country and before you know it, you’ll be pulling up to Sterling Vineyards to ride their gondola for wine tasting with a view.
Yountville: North Block
The dreamy idyllic Napa town of Yountville is a culinary paradise, loaded with numerous Thomas Keller restaurants such as the famed French Laundry and Bouchon. The North Block Hotel has recently earned two Michelin Keys – signifying a warm welcome, distinctive character, unique hospitality concept and high level of service.
Major perks of this 20-room hotel include their plant-drenched poolscape, outdoor fire pits, rooms with private garden terraces or balconies, and bathrooms with heated floors and soaking tubs. North Block’s Michelin-recommended restaurant dishes up hyperlocal produce from the valley to the coast – like tender octopus, succulent duck breast, and yellowtail crudo presented like art. Dishes can be also experienced with a tasting menu, 4-course wine dinner, and the $35 special called Shaken and Stacked, a short rib burger and fries paired with a martini.
Enjoy complementary all-day wine and whiskey sips in the hotel’s living room lobby, where warm chocolate chip cookies await and casual breakfast spread feels elevated – with mimosas, high end croissants, yogurt, coffee, and perfectly hard-boiled eggs. Steps away, indulge in gourmet crisp wood fired pizza like stracciatella anchovy at the rustic Ciccio, or a tasting flight next door on the terrace at Hope & Grace Wines, where your taste buds will determine your favorite varietals, as some vintages celebrated here produce only 4 to 40 barrels. For us, the 2017 Doctor’s Vineyard Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands was a winner. Just down the road, delight in Priest Ranch’s Bacon and Wine Pairing, with four reds from their 1,700-acre estate 20 minutes away. Here, the fats soften the tannins making the wine taste better. Our favorite pairing was the 2022 Priest Ranch Cab with Pear Mostarda Bacon. Stop into their neighboring restaurant rooftop The Kitchen at Priest Ranch for a delightful pre or post meal of breakfast gnocchi, French toast sticks, or steak and a steak cheese sandwich.
Paso Robles: Allegretto Vineyard Resort
A perfect location to explore Paso’s wineries, this Tuscan-inspired estate is set amongst 20 acres of vineyards and fruit-bearing orchards on Paso Robles’ serene east side. Book a wine tasting in the resort’s tasting room to get to know the resort’s private wine label, followed by a meal at Cello Ristorante, offering outstanding locally farmed and foraged cuisine. We recommend the crispy shaved Brussels, tender short rib, and specialty cocktails when you want a break from vino. Try the “New Fashion” featuring bourbon infused with vanilla espresso, nitro-infused sugar, and smoked with a burning cinnamon “cigar” stick.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort’s multi-million-dollar art collection is impressive, featuring artifacts and meaningful treasures that owner Doug Ayres has collected from around the world. The entire hotel is built on geometric principles related to the cosmos and energetic zones, even the placement of items correlating to astrological signs. Balance your equilibrium with a walk around the gardens, European-esque Mediterranean courtyard, French-inspired abbey, and sonic labyrinth, a meditative pathway perfect for self-reflection. Besides the pool and spa, a major highlight of a stay here is the complimentary docent-led art tour to learn about the treasures in the halls, courtyard, and land, such as sculptures, an obelisk, colorful textural abstract art by Erin Hanson, a cross-section of a giant Sequoia tree, and two-million-year-old concretion mined from the Fontainebleau shores of France. Continue to feel enlightened with a walk up to the top of the vineyard for the sunset glow with a glass of their 2019 Willow Creek Cabernet surrounded by lavender, large chunks of rose quartz, and a Buddha.
Solvang: The Hadsten
Located in the heart of the Danish Capital of America, in the Santa Ynez Valley, The Hadsten Solvang is in walking distance to the Village’s Fab 5 Danish bakeries, Michelin recommended restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and unique little museums like one devoted to author Hans Christian Anderson. This recently renovated Tapestry collection hotel by Hilton makes an easy roadside stop or wine-tasting home base, with clean spacious rooms and a daily Happy Hour at their bar lounge with outdoor patio. A stay here includes a slew of 2-for-1 select tasting rooms in the vicinity.
In town, find bold expressive wines honoring the horror film genre at Final Girl Wines, a Goth-like tasting room where ghoul-like glowing faces morph out of the fireplace as final girls left standing in horror films are celebrated on each bottle. Get to know more small production Central Coast wines at Clean Slate Wine Bar where Cajun or Indian inspired dinner nights make a nice compliment to a wine pairing. A short drive away, sip exceptional small batch wines paired with staples like hummus or specialty rotating menu items, at Roblar’s vineyard estate.
Stroll the charming town to find its newest resident, colossal “Lulu” made from recycled wood and wine barrels tucked into the California Nature Art Museum thanks to Danish artist Thomas Dambo, known for his monumental wooden trolls that pop up all over the world.
Hampton Inn and Suites Buellton
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, this is no ordinary Hampton Inn. Set in the foothills of Santa Barbara Wine Country, with a heated outdoor pool, relaxed fire pits, and untouched rolling hills directly behind the property, this hotel is a comfortable respite after a long day of wine tasting. In the morning, enjoy an assortment of self-serving breakfast stations, with boiled eggs, coffee, toasted bagels and cream cheese, or make-your-own waffles.
A great location for exploring the area’s serene wine country, the Hampton Inn and Suites Buellton is within seven miles of over a hundred wineries. Walk next door to Firestone Brewing Co for a beer flight or a short drive away to dine at the sophisticated cowboy town of Santa Ynez, where PONY is the newest sexy restaurant in this vintage township serving expertly crafted Mezcal cocktails and dishes like steak frites and risotto with scallops and uni.
Goleta: The Leta
This boutique surfer-vibe property, minutes outside bustling Santa Barbara, features a picturesque pool surrounded by rooms (some adjoining) with patios, eclectic California décor, and a classic Woody parked outside – perfect for a photo shoot. Grab some Vinyl at the lobby’s record shop or morning burrito amongst the palm fronds. Just 8 square miles, Goleta is home to the oceanfront University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB,) where its stretch of undeveloped coastline and A-list golf courses is dubbed “The Good Land” – with wide open spaces, once the heart of California’s commercial lemon trade in the late 1800s.
Besides The Leta’s location being a perfect home base for events like the World of Pinot, the hotel is mere minutes from UCSB’s Goleta Beach Lagoon Trail, leading from the campus to a breathtaking beachside stroll around a lagoon and by a labyrinth made next to the hypnotic pounding surf. You’ll soon wish you chose this college, as students surf, study on the beach, play guitar and paint the coastal landscape standing on the ocean’s edge.
Steps from the sand, The Ellwood at Goleta Beach is a brand-new stunning restaurant with outdoor seating, at the base of the Goleta Pier. Start with an exquisitely crafted cocktail like a Mezcal Espresso Martini or Bad Bunny – a Mezcal, orange, ginger, and carrot elixir. Impress any date with a seat at sunset, with a view that pairs perfectly with coastal cuisine. To try a bit of everything, share an assortment of items like crab cake, Hamachi crudo, clam chowder, and branzino. A foodie’s playground, nothing will disappoint in this sexy venue.
Malibu: Calamigos Guest Ranch
Far from the impact of the fires, nestled in a forest in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains and wine country of western Malibu, Calamigos Ranch is a unique destination. Located on 300 acres of rugged natural land, staying here feels like you are in a wooded fresh air canopy. Chandeliers hang from trees, fire pits crackle at night, stars blaze from the jacuzzi, and complimentary wine awaits during twilight hours. The sprawling property is like a luxurious camp for adults and children – with pickle ball, restaurants, two bars, various lounge spaces in nature, several pool areas (estate and spa pools – one heated and one just for an adults with private lounge), a 24 hour fitness center, and nearby Beach Club with pool. The Spa beckons with large sauna and floor to ceiling windows allowing the nature-laden surroundings and golden light to boost any mood.
Choose from bungalows, cottages, estate rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites – all with seamless indoor/outdoor spaces. Bungalow sanctuaries sit on their own mini private compounds amongst the ancient trees, complete with gated yard and patio with chairs, loungers, and a fire pit. The elegant ranch-style chalet with vaulted wood ceiling offers a peaceful sleep with crisp white linens and lavish indoor and outdoor bathing space – with rainfall showers and a freestanding tub – where it is easy to feel one with nature. But this grand marble bathroom offers plush bathrobes and a lounge chair.
Order dinner to your room or pop in in the living room lobby to savor a pick-me-up from the hot chocolate bar or fresh herbal teas, coffee, and cider with healthy snacks left out for guests at all hours. A stay here is soothing to all the senses.
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
