No matter if it’s within driving distance or faraway, there is an endless supply of beach stay vacation options to meet any need or desire. From luxurious hotels perched high atop cliffs to charming cottages arranged around tranquil lagoons – each exquisite destination boasts stunning scenery combined with top-tier amenities that guarantee the ideal vacation.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is where rugged coastal beauty meets luxury, where visitors can explore this charming town and indulge in gourmet dining experiences. Meanwhile, Mendocino Coast features stunning oceanfront resorts offering world-class amenities.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea (more commonly referred to simply as “Carmel”) is a picturesque coastal town that makes an ideal destination for leisurely beach strolls, relaxing beach days and delicious restaurant dining. Although most visitors to Monterey prefer this coastal gem more than Carmel does; Carmel offers just as many things to see and do and should definitely be considered when planning a Central California weekend getaway!
Situated along the Pacific Coast, crooked cottages and winding streets create a captivating enchantment in this picturesque town. While its historic village center boasts charming artisan shops and seafood eateries, 17-Mile Drive’s rugged beauty allows you to experience its true potential.
From serene beaches to stunning white sand, Carmel is a dream coastline. Stroll along Ocean Avenue for shopping, art galleries and beautiful architecture before visiting Carmel Beach – an idyllic haven with soft sand, panoramic views of Point Lobos State Park and stunning sunsets – for some perfect vacation time.
Enjoy a luxurious spa treatment at one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s luxurious spas: Bernardus Lodge or Carmel Valley Ranch each offer expansive spa facilities equipped with steam rooms, aromatherapy services, and peaceful relaxation areas – for an experience to remember!
Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay offers rugged coastline, historical charm and some of the West Coast’s freshest seafood for an idyllic coastal retreat that feels timeless. Perfect for families and friends looking to explore this small town by hiking scenic coastal trails or dining on fresh local oysters and chowder.
Staying in a hotel along Bodega Bay is a wonderful way to experience its relaxed luxury. One such choice, The Lodge at Bodega Bay, recently earned top honors in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 with its 83 spacious and secluded rooms featuring breathtaking ocean views and wood-burning fireplaces; making this experience truly luxurious and idyllic.
Rooms feature hardwood floors, king-size beds and spa-like bathrooms featuring large bathtubs, showers and separate vanity areas. Accommodations also feature modern amenities such as Bose speakers, flat-screen LCD televisions and high-speed Internet access; in addition, the hotel also boasts its own restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Bodega Bay offers something more adventurous for visitors who wish to explore California. The Bodega Bay National Marine Sanctuary provides stunning opportunities to observe seabirds, seals and other aquatic wildlife while hiking trails provide beautiful scenic walks. Plus there are several beaches perfect for sunbathing while admiring stunning Pacific Ocean views!
Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach is a quiet coastal town located in Marin County that provides an idyllic escape from city life. Ideal for families with kids, its expansive sandy beach is great for building sandcastles and flying kites; while for those wanting a refreshing swim, its water is crystal clear.
Stinson Beach boasts more than just its tranquil surroundings; it also provides family-friendly activities to keep young ones occupied and busy. Children will love exploring tide pools or searching for seashells and treasures on this beach, which has plenty of surf schools offering lessons to beginners. And for a change of pace, head nearby Muir Woods National Monument for an experience among towering redwood trees!
Stinson Beach vacation homes will make all the difference for your visit, and selecting an ideal home will determine its success. Homes close to the ocean offer stunning ocean views while rentals higher up can offer more privacy but require more driving to reach it. HomeToGo makes finding ideal vacation properties easier; use its distance-to-water filter when searching.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay stands out as one of the premier seaside luxury destinations for coastal getaways, featuring dramatic cliffs, pounding surf, sandy beaches and luxurious restaurants for an idyllic coastal retreat experience. Half Moon Bay also provides outdoor activities and wine tasting experiences, making your time away truly enjoyable and rejuvenating. But Half Moon Bay vacations provide more than a change of scenery; they allow you to truly escape and unwind.
The coast is an idyllic destination for photographers and romantic travelers, but also offers family-friendly adventures. Children will especially enjoy exploring Cowell-Purisima Trail which overlooks offshore rocks and pocket beaches; Fitzgerald Marine Reserve features tidal pools that fill with snails, anemones, and hermit crabs when tide comes in; this makes an excellent place for exploring with children of any age!
Main Street offers the finest and unique finds, from handcrafted furniture at Cottage Industries and Juno’s Mercantile to quirky trinkets at Jupiter & Main. Additionally, Main Street features numerous eateries serving everything from seafood and sushi platters to gourmet burgers with stunning ocean views – you won’t be short of things to see and do here.
