14 Great Hotels on the Northern California Coast

Habor House Inn

Head north from San Francisco, hugging the coastline, and you’ll pass between some of the world’s most incredible Redwood forests, and a string of small, but pretty, coastal towns, and some dramatic seas beyond. At Eureka and Fort Bragg you’ll come upon working harbours, offering a chance for whale watching, and fishing of all sorts — or just fish-eating… A journey of any length along this stretch will elicit pleasure, so there’s an argument to say that it’s not the best hotel on the Northern California Coast that you’re after, but a whole collection of great hotels, so you can hop between them. The Redwood National Park, Redwoods State Park, and Mendocino are inland a jot, but between them there’s a significant wine growing region, so there are some wonderful winery hotels here, with incredible food too. And the incredible Avenue of the Giants, which runs alongside Highway 101. Santa Rosa is known for its food and local wines too. Of course there’s the actual coastline too, with mile-upon-mile of breathtaking beach. So use our guide to great hotels on the North Californian coast and start to plan your getaway or road trip.

Northern California’s Best Beach Hotels

Beach House Hotel

  • Only 100 metres from the ocean, the seven suites and apartments of the Pier View Suites have wonderful views of Caucus Beach — which is incredible when viewed from your private balcony at sunset. Some of the apartments offer plenty of space for families, and some have facilities for self-catering, though there’s a restaurant onsite and plenty of other places to eat and drink in the vicinity.
  • The Timber Cove Resort is a peaceful and secluded resort on a clifftop on the beautiful Sonoma Coast. There are 46 elegant rooms and suites, with a gently nautical feel, clean, simple lines and the added bonus of record players and sea views. Outside there’s a fire pit and star gazing equipment, plus they offer yoga sessions at sunrise. There’s a great seafood restaurant, and great contacts with local wineries.
  • The Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay sits just behind the sand on a beautiful, peaceful bay. This hotel has something of the look of a giant chalet to it: wooden, with just three floors and lots of big windows and balconies overlooking the water. There are 54 rooms and suites, the largest with private sitting rooms, balconies and fireplaces. They offer spa treatments, but there’s no restaurant, though plenty to discover close by.

California Coast Escapes

Brewery Gulch Inn

  • Brewery Gulch Inn is a rustic feeling chalet-style hotel overlooking Mendocino Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Inside this charmer are 11 comfortable rooms and suites, plus a library, a lounge with a fireplace, and several sun terraces offering different views. A huge garden surrounds the property. And while there’s no restaurant they do an excellent cooked-to-order breakfast.
  • Small and peaceful, the Sea Rock Inn is a B&B collection of cottages and suites overlooking the ocean. This is a romantic spot, with cosy, woodburning stoves, four-poster beds and views from most of the deep baths… And there’s a lawn in the centre of the cottages overlooking the water, in case you need your view uninterrupted.

Most Romantic Hotels in Northern California

Carter House Inns

  • Carter House Inns is a cosy, wood-clad building on a quiet, leafy, residential street in the Redwood region. There’s a feeling of luxury and fine quality throughout, with canopied beds, whirlpool tubs and elegant antiques. The onsite restaurant, 301, is very good, and known for its local produce, and 3,400 strong wine menu.

Foodie Favourites

Nicks Cove

  • Nick's Cove is a well known local seafood restaurant and oyster bar, with 12 wooden cabin-like cottages attached, right on the beach. These rooms are all decorated differently, but they’re all really charming, with traditional decor that fits in with the cabin-y feel — some have beautiful antiques. All but five of the rooms are pet friendly, and families are welcome too.
  • The Harbor House Inn is a charming, rural inn with rooms in the main house and a collection of cabin rooms, with big windows and balconies. The decor feels luxurious, as well as stylish, with open fireplaces and heavy wood antiques, and most of the rooms have ocean views. The seafood restaurant is worth a visit, even if you’re not staying in the hotel, and the whole experience feels intimate, boutique and luxurious.

Best Hotels for Families

Lost Whale Inn

  • The Lost Whale Inn is a charming, coastal B&B which overlooks the ocean, but is also only minutes from the Redwood National Park. This is a small property, with just eight rooms, but they’re all simple and elegant, along a nautical theme, with wonderful views. Private balconies, and shared terraces really seal the deal, and the seven course gourmet breakfast will really set you up for a day of exploring. This is a wonderful spot for walkers, and some of the rooms are family sized.
  • For a really relaxing, and potentially luxurious, family stay, consider the Bodega Bay Lodge, located on a stretch of coastline between the Doran Regional Park and the Sonoma Coast. This isn’t a single lodge, more a collection of villas built terrace-style, and while all the rooms and suites are large, some are really large, with wood-burning fires and balconies overlooking the ocean. There’s also very comfortable living space, both inside and out, and a pool overlooking the ocean. There are seven acres of beauty around the Lodge, so there’s plenty of space for strolling, and the restaurant will look after you when you get back.

Ideal for Outdoors Enthusiasts

The Inn at Newport Ranch

  • The Inn at Newport Ranch is set on two thousand acres of land just outside Fort Bragg, and is a wonderfully rustic feeling hideaway, with just seven rooms and suites. This is a quirky spot, with individually decorated rooms and suites featuring antiques and fun objets — and a bit of cowboy charm.
  • Olema House is within a National Park (Point Reyes National Seashore), so there’s pristine scenery in all directions. This is a cosy feeling hotel, with just 22 rooms, suites and cottages, and the decor complements the views outside the large windows. This is a great hub for walkers, cyclists, explorers of any kind, or outdoors-folks generally.

For Great Value

Ocean View Inn

  • The Ocean View Inn is a charming beachside inn in a small town on the Pacific Coast Highway. It was built in 1906, with a pitched, wooden roof and as many balconies and windows as the architect could manage. Inside there are nine rooms and suites, dressed simply, and colourfully. There’s plenty of shared living space, and while there’s no restaurant, there are plenty nearby, and there’s a small, shared kitchenette.
  • Heritage House Resort looks like an old fashioned charmer from the outside, but from the inside it’s more of a contemporary charmer, with all the mod. cons. when it comes to automated drapes, open fireplaces and impressive bathrooms — some with whirlpool tubs. There are wonderful views from most of the rooms too, and from the lounge and restaurant.

Still not sure where to book?

  • Carter House Inns Eureka, California from €189

    Great walks  -  Humboldt Botanical Gardens are an idyllic setting to take a leisurely afternoon stroll.
    Back to Nature  -  National forests all around.
    Full of character
    Opulent
    SpaRestaurantGarden

    This cozy home-away-from-home is on a leafy residential street in the Redwood region. Luxury takes form in canopy beds, whirlpool tubs and a basket of treats. Edible flowers and vegetables grown on site are used to perfection in Restaurant 301. With 3,400 wines on the menu, evenings are a delight. See More

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  • Pier View Suites Cayucos (California) 7 rooms from €354

    Beach Life  -  Cayucos State Beach is across the road. Spend the day on the golden sand and then return to your sea-view suite
    Romantic Break  -  Sea-view balconies, spa baths and sunset cocktails combine to make this perfect for a weekend away a deux
    Groups  -  Larger groups and families will love the independence yet proximity of the 4-bedroom connected Townhouses
    Great walks  -  Take a walk down Cayucos's newly restored historic pier at sunset
    SpaRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Collection of 7 sexy sea-facing studios, suites and bungalows 100m from Cayucos beach. The property will suit guests who want to spend the day at the beach and return to a fully-equipped apartment to enjoy the sunset from ocean-view balconies. There are also dining options on-site and nearby. See More

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  • Lost Whale Inn Patrick's point, California 8 rooms from €179

    Fishing  -  The North Coast is famous for fresh fish - albacore, tuna, halibut and salmon.
    Kayaking  -  Explore Big Lagoon State Park on a renteed kayak.
    Back to Nature  -  Explore the beaches and ancient Redwood forests.
    Outstanding location
    SpaGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A charming coastal B&B, minutes from Redwood National Park. The eight well appointed rooms, each commanding spectacular views from their private balconies, follow a beach-side theme with nautical colour pairings. The seven course gourmet breakfast will set you up for the days exploring! See More

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  • Brewery Gulch Inn Mendocino (California) 11 rooms from €296

    Local markets  -  Explore Mendocino Market on Ukiah Street for some organic gourmet picnic treats.
    Kayaking  -  Head up Big River on a canoe or kayak and past the 27 wooden dams.
    Great walks  -  Russian Gulch State Park for a leisurely stroll to the caves.
    Surfing  -  California and surfing come hand in hand.
    GardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Perched above Mendocino Bay this rustic, idyllic hotel offers a comfortable and cozy stay on the Pacific. Large, classic rooms have access to a library and in-room massage. Cooked to order breakfast is worth getting up for. Start the day of water or wilderness based activities. A Great spot! See More

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  • Sea Rock Inn Mendocino 15 rooms from €238

    Local exploring  -  Go wine-tasting, sea kayaking, attend endless cultural festivals, browse galleries and dine at local restaurants - it's all here
    Total relaxation  -  As much as there is to do, guests might find it hard to drag themselves away from the sea-facing lawn's Adirondack chairs
    Sea Views  -  Stunning Pacific views from its clifftop location
    Great walks  -  Go for scenic hikes at Russian Gulch State Park and Van Damme State Park; Mendocino Headlands State Park has coastal trails
    SpaGardenViewsParking

    Quaint and romantic ocean-front B&B. Individual cottages and suites are romantic and cosy with wood-burning stoves, four-poster beds and uninterrupted sea views from bed, bath and terrace. The sprawling cliff-side lawn benefits from amazing sunsets. Off the grid in style & feel but far from remote. See More

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  • Timber Cove Resort Jenner, California 46 rooms from €245

    Foodies  -  The sustainably sourced seafood, locally produced cheeses and extensive range of Californian wines are guaranteed to please
    Back to Nature  -  Set on 25 acres of rugged Pacific coastline, with fire pits, stargazing, sunset walks and fresh local food
    Sights nearby  -  The local seaside towns of Fort Ross, Sea Ranch and Bodega Bay are all within striking distance
    Great walks  -  The resort boasts guided hikes on their two miles of trails that zigzag along the coast
    RestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViews
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Design Hotels

    A secluded and peaceful resort on the Sonoma coast. The elegant rooms feature record players, spectacular sea views and plush comfortable bedding. With fire pits, outdoor games rooms, star gazing equipment and sunrise yoga sessions. The fantastic fresh food is complimented by excellent local wines. See More

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  • Bodega Bay Lodge Bodega Bay, California 83 rooms from €225

    Back to Nature  -  Set on 7 acres overlooking Doran Regional Park and the Sonoma Coast, with whale watching, bird watching and nature trails galore
    Total relaxation  -  A peaceful retreat from the everyday, scenic firepits, fine wines, excellent food and indulgent spa treatments
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A wonderfully laid back lodge, sandwiched between Doran Regional Park and the Sonoma Coast. The rooms are elegant and comfortable, and the best come with wood-burning fires and balconies overlooking the ocean. The restaurant is sustainability focused and the 7 acre estate inspires calm. See More

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  • Nick's Cove California 12 rooms from €306

    Foodies  -  Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar is an all-American roadside stop serving simple but excellent seafood
    Short break  -  Just an hour outside San Franciso on the famed Highway 1, the perfect choice for a weekend escape
    Great walks  -  Spend a day hiking in Tomales Bay State Park
    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking

    A handful of charming cottages attached to the long-standing Nick's Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Accommodation is quaint and traditional, packed with antiques and offering sea views. Spend days outdoors on the coast before returning for some hearty seafood. See More

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  • Olema House Olema, California 22 rooms from €310

    Country Escape  -  Situated by the Point Reyes National Seashore Park, this hotel's gardens and the surrounding area are rural, wooded and peaceful
    Foodies  -  Due West Market at Olema house offers picnic supplies and fresh, locally produced and prepared produce
    Kayaking  -  Kayak rental services and expedition groups nearby offer kayking experiences
    Birdwatching  -  The hotel is located in a popular birdwatching area
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyViews

    Nestled amongst the best of Marin County's national park and coastline scenery. Bohemian and cosy, the hotel is a perfect destination for those seeking all the outdoor activities, pristine coastal wildernesses and stunning scenery the area has to offer, without missing out on comfort and relaxation. See More

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  • Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay Half Moon Bay (California) 54 rooms from €225

    Birdwatching  -  Half Moon Bay has wetland and natural preserves that create an inviting environment for more than 200 species of birds.
    Kayaking  -  Discover the world of Sea Kayaking or Stand up Paddle boarding at Half Moon Bay Kayak Company.
    Great walks  -  Stroll Historic Main Street and visit the boutiques, restaurants, bakeries and cafes.
    Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
    Swimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Stunning ocean location with pool and relaxing spa treatments. The rooms are comfortable and with private sitting room, fireplace, balcony and spacious bathroom. Restaurants are walking distance and activities are many. Great spot for water sports, fishing, beautiful trekking trails and relaxing. See More

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  • Ocean View Inn Half Moon Bay (California) 9 rooms from €140

    Beach Life  -  The beach is a 5 minute walk away. Enjoy ocean views, marine life and great surfing before falling asleep to the sounds of waves
    Surfing  -  A great surfing location, if conditions allow there is the famous Mavericks competition between November and March
    Great walks  -  It is a 15 minute walk to Point Montara Lighthouse, built in 1875, which has spectacular views
    Sights nearby  -  San Francisco is a quick 20 minute drive away
    Air conditioningGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Beach-side inn located in a small town on the Pacific Coast Highway. The Victorian property dates from 1906 and has 9 rooms and suites; all have nautical touches and large balconies from which to enjoy stunning sunsets and sea views. Enjoy memory foam mattresses and organic bathroom amenities. See More

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  • Harbor House Inn, California California 6 rooms from €405

    Foodies  -  The beautiful coastal restaurant serves dishes made with produce found within a 30-mile radius - a standout dining experience
    Beach Life  -  Located on the beautiful and rugged Northern Californian coast with a winding path down to a secluded beach
    Restaurant  -  The fabulous restaurant boasts 2 Michelin Stars
    Good wine list  -  Serving Mendocino wines
    RestaurantGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    A charming lodge packing a real punch with a standout restaurant and elegant traditional design. Choose from a cottage or a room in the main house - all filled with antiques, brimming with character, and offering sea views. The seafood restaurant is worth the journey alone. Boutique luxury defined. See More

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  • The Heritage House Resort Mendocino (5200 N Hwy 1) 47 rooms from €221

    Sights nearby  -  Head over and see the Taoist Temple of Kwan Tai, a California Historical Landmark
    Great walks  -  Enjoy a walk through the Coast Botanical Gardens
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    RestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    The Heritage House Resort boasts a spectacular clifftop location, perched above a private beach area on Mendocino's coast. Smart and spacious accommodation with fantastic views. Lovely meals served at the restaurant, whilst the 5200 lounge is the perfect place to relax with a tipple. A top spot. See More

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  • The Inn at Newport Ranch California 7 rooms from €414

    Back to Nature  -  A real back to nature experience - a 2000-acre ranch where you can either cosy up in your room or get into the great outdoors
    Local exploring  -  The perfect spot to hideaway with your significant other (better yet - it's adult only too)
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Adult Only
    SpaGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Set within 2000-acres this off-the-beaten-track ranch is the perfect place to hideaway in nature. Cosy rooms are individually styled but each is packed with antiques (with a little cowboy charm). Outdoors, there are a wide range of activities from hiking to horse riding. An idyllic rural getaway. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Sunday, 25th June 2023