Category: California Hotels

Stringing along Highway 49 through the Sierra Foothills, the quaint, nostalgic towns of the California Gold Country are a wonderful destination any time of the year although the heat of summer dissipating and the changing of the seasonal colors makes fall a special time. These quaint towns date back to 1848 when the cry went up that gold had been found at Sutter Creek, thus starting the ‘Gold Fever’ which overtook many a hearty soul eager to make their fortune. Boom towns sprang up overnight to service and supply the prospectors.

Today, the towns of Jamestown, Sonora, Twain Harte, Columbia, Murphy’s, Sutter Creek and Coloma are home to antique shops, art galleries, nifty boutiques, and wonderful small restaurants. These towns along Highway 49 (named for the gold seeking miners known as the Forty-Niners) are also home to some of the most appealing Bed and Breakfast Inns and small Hotels many of which are located in old Victorian houses lining bucolic sleepy streets.

Travel on Highway 49 can either start at the north end in the quiet town of Coloma where John Marshall first discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill and continue in a southerly direction to Jamestown with its main street lined with    wooden boardwalks, balconies and old-style storefronts. It you are traveling from Lake Tahoe or  San Francisco you will want to start at the Coloma end and if you are traveling from Yosemite your launch will be from Jamestown in the south. Whichever is your starting point plan on a leisurely trip of 2-4 days through this colorful region.

The charming town of Sutter Creek offers two delightful Bed and Breakfast Inns at which to stay. Either the idyllic Foxes Inn or the pretty soft-gray-blue Grey Gables Inn make a wonderful choice for an overnight stay. Just above the town of Sonora on a hilltop lies the bucolic victorian, Barretta Gardens Inn. One of our favorite Gold Country towns, Murphy’s is home to two wonderful Inns. The Victoria Inn with a wonderful wraparound porch and the handsome victorian, Dunbar Inn, are great choices for places to stay. The 1859 National Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in California,is a fantastic choice to overnight and even offers a resident ghost adding to your overnight experience.

If you are doing any California trip planning, be sure to check out our itineraries. The first part of this route includes many well-loved attractions: Muir Woods, the Russian River, Sonoma County wineries, the Mendocino Coast, and the Avenue of the Giant Redwoods. Then it becomes less “touristy” as you reach the Victorian jewel of Ferndale, the bustling town of Eureka, and the coastal hamlet of Trinidad, and concludes amongst the giant coastal redwoods of Redwood National Park.

San Francisco is an iconic town, famous for its skyline, its marvel of a bridge, and its many unique neighborhoods. You’ll need several days exploring the city before heading north to Mendocino. Along this four-hour drive, be sure to make time for the Point Reyes National Seashore, which offers bird-watching excursions, nature trails and the often-photographed Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Mendocino, your next big stop, is a bit like a trip to an old New England fishing village. After exploring the town, you’ll want to head up to the Avenue of the Giants, where you’ll feel a bit Lilliputian compared to the trees, the world’s tallest.

For a lavish treat near San Francisco, head across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and the posh Inn Above Tide (winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Splendid Splurge). The view is absolutely spectacular — a panorama of city lights and rugged coastline. The spacious, contemporary rooms are pricey, but this is one experience you’ll always treasure. All guests enjoy a great view, whether you choose a simpler double room or the opulent Penthouse. Many rooms have private decks, fireplaces or spa tubs. Here’s more information on this San Francisco Boutique Hotel/Inn.

You can find more information on this area here: California Travel Plans.

From the redwood forests of the north to the sunny shores of San Diego to the snow-capped peaks perfect for skiers, California offers a little something for everyone. With so much do and see, planning that California trip can be a little daunting, so the best advice is pick a region and explore.

From the North to the South

One way to hit a lot of major attractions is to plan a coastal trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles; you’ll be amazed at the scenery and the myriad of places to visit. You’ll want to spend at least two or three days exploring San Francisco, hitting the big sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and maybe Alcatraz and Chinatown. From San Francisco, head south toward Monterey and Big Sur, where you’ll find some of the best views on Earth, as well as some of the best bed and breakfasts. 

If budget is an issue, the Sea View Inn in Carmel (winner of the Karen Brown Reader’s Choice Award for Greatest Value in California) offers the best location with the best rates. The charming historic Victorian is within walking distance to Carmel’s beautiful beaches, and the home’s third story offers a peak view of the sea. Continental breakfast is served, as well as afternoon tea and evening wine and sherry.

If it’s romance you seek, the Tickle Pink Inn is ideal for couples. Many of the rooms boast stunning ocean views, and guests can enjoy a soak in the ocean-view spa. Several rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and balconies. The Deluxe Ocean View Suites include the aforementioned, as well as a whirlpool tub and wet bar. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a glass of champagne, and each night there is a wine and cheese reception. The Tickle Pink Inn won the Readers’ Choice Award for Most Romantic in California. Check out this great California inn.

After your stop in Carmel, head south to Hearst Castle and on to Santa Barbara, where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants. After that, it’s just over an hour’s drive to the edge of Los Angeles, where you’ll find everything from the finest shopping to art galleries to museums to amusement parks to spectacular sunsets at the beach. Head into Orange County for a trip to Disneyland or the art Mecca of Laguna Beach.

Check out our detailed California Travel Itineraries to make your next trip a memoriable one.