California Coastal Getaways
Anytime is a good time to plan an unforgettable California beach vacation. The sunshine state boasts over 840 miles of coastline and a wide choice of resorts by the shore. Here is a roundup of prime spots to catch a few waves, watch spectacular sunsets and soak up some coastal scenery.
Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
33533 Ritz Carlton Drive
949-240-2000
This grand white castle perched on an ocean bluff houses 396 pastel-colored rooms and suites with French doors leading to charming private terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The resort features lush gardens, intimate walkways, golf courses, tennis courts and a seaside spa, as well as RAYA restaurant serving Pan-Latin coastal cuisine amidst sweeping views of the coastline and the new enoSTEAK featuring prime and grass-fed, pasture-raised beef, accompanied by organic produce that is locally grown and harvested at the peak of the season.
La Costa Resort and Spa
2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, CA
(760) 438-9111
This 400-acre Spanish Mission-style Carlsbad resort houses a water park, spa, restaurants, condo villas, 17 tennis courts, eight swimming pools, 611 guestrooms and two PGA Championship golf courses. Although it is quite family friendly, La Costa is also an oasis for rest and rejuvenation. It has housed the world famous Deepak Chopra Center for Wellbeing for the past 10 years and recently opened the adults only EDGE Pool and Cocktails.
Westlake Village Inn
31943 Agoura Road
Westlake Village, CA
(818)889-0230
Located 10 miles from the Malibu Coast, the 141-room Westlake Village Inn is a Mediterranean themed boutique hotel. Adjacent to the 18-hole Westlake Village Golf Course, the property features 76 large suites with fireplaces and a 1,500 square foot villa, 17 acres of outdoor space, a mini-lake and the European style Mediterrano restaurant. In October, the hotel will open Stonehaus, a gourmet coffeehouse by day and a wine bar and tasting room in the evening.
Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
1 Miramonte Point Road
Half Moon Bay, CA
(650) 712-7000
Dramatically housed atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean is the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, one of California's most romantic seaside getaways. Magnificent ocean views can be found in the comfy suites, private fire-pit terrace rooms, outdoor gazebo and patio, Navio restaurant and bar. Rooms feature luxury linens, marble bathrooms, plush terry robes and fireplaces. Other amenities include a world-class spa, indoor pool, ENO wine bar, two championship golf courses, an outstanding Sunday brunch and nightly s'mores.
L'Auberge
Monte Verde Street at Seventh Avenue
Carmel, CA
(831) 624-8578
Just four blocks away from the beach in the center of Carmel, the L'Auberge Resort is an intimate 20-room resort modeled after a Prague building. Guest rooms are filled with antique tiling and sumptuous furnishings, while the restaurant serves 12 tables where guests can nosh on an extravagant tasting menu or sip on a Northern California wine from one of the 4,500 bottles in the wine cellar.