While spa services and pools are great, there are few things better than coming back to a hotel room with a spectacular view. In California, that view often means being able to gaze out at the Pacific Ocean from a beachfront hotel, but there are some with breathtaking mountain, desert, and city skyline views too. Whatever you’re looking for, pick one of these with Instagram-worthy views in California, and you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable stay.
Post Ranch Inn - Big Sur
Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is often ranked among the world’s most romantic places to stay, and much of the reason for that is the dazzling Big Sur views. This adult-only property is nestled in dramatic cliffs along California’s central coast and includes infinity pools that overlook the Pacific. Book the Pacific Suite, and no matter where you are in the room, you’ll be exposed to the ocean but unseen by other guests. There’s even an elegant tiled bath large enough for two that comes with a view.
Terranea Resort - Rancho Palos Verdes
One of the state’s most popular spa resorts, Terranea Resort is one of Southern California’s rare mega-resorts. Guests here enjoy a Mediterranean-style escape that includes ocean-view guest rooms. There are also four swimming pools, including one for the kids with a giant water slide and an adult-only saltwater Cielo Pool where bar food and alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed along with ocean views. The lavish spa defines luxury with its breathtaking Pacific views and its wide range of treatment options that go beyond facials, body wraps, and massages. It also has steam rooms, saunas, its own pool, fire pits, and a cafe.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa - Palm Desert
The Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa offers an idyllic oasis in the heart of the desert with 450 acres of lush greenery. At this top California resort, guests will be spoiled with gorgeous scenery that includes golf greens, sparkling pools, and lakes with a backdrop of towering mountains. In addition to the impressive views from spacious suites that include private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can look forward to fine dining, a pampering state-of-the-art spa facility, and gondolas for getting around the hotel’s waterways.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers everything you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton. It sits along the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific, providing stunning views of the water and especially luxurious rooms that feature elegant marble bathrooms and comfy beds with goose down comforters and plush terry robes. Enjoying warming up next to the fire pits that face the ocean, playing the on-property championship golf courses and taking advantage of the fitness center with an indoor heated pool and six lighted tennis courts.
Bahia Resort Hotel - San Diego
This property offers a tranquil oasis on Mission Bay with rooms that have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies to take in the dramatic view. It’s also in the perfect locale for taking advantage of the calm waters and sandy beach. Guests can look forward to relaxing on the sand, swimming in the Olympic-sized pool, visiting the rescued seals at the nearby sanctuary, and even enjoying a free cruise. Its beautifully restored sternwheeler offers guests complimentary cruises around the bay.
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
One of the most visible hotels on the Los Angeles skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is located on floors 22 through 26 of a sleek 54-story tower that soars over downtown. On the 23rd floor, the Ritz-Carlton Club Level offers a “hotel-within-a-hotel” experience that includes a Club Lounge with a dedicated concierge and panoramic vistas of the Hollywood Sign, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Pacific. The on-site restaurant Savoca features dishes influenced by the Italian tradition, while cocktails and seasonal small plates make Glance Lobby Bar a perfect meeting place.
Brewery Gulch Inn - Mendocino
Located along one of the most stunning stretches of California coastline in Mendocino, the Brewery Gulch Inn enjoys an especially enchanting setting. A top luxury hotel in the U.S., it has an especially intimate feel, and all rooms come with feather beds, gas fireplaces, and incredible ocean views. Guests can also look forward to made-to-order breakfasts, evening wine, and hors d’oeuvres, and exploring the Victorian village with its historic saltbox cottage homes, while art galleries, antique shops, unique boutiques, and fine dining restaurants are tucked in between.
The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa - South Lake Tahoe
Located right along the South Lake Tahoe lakefront, The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa offers luxurious accommodations that include spectacular lake views, granite stone fireplaces, private patios or balconies, and marble bathrooms with heated toilet seats and floors. One of the most luxurious properties in Tahoe, some rooms even include light therapy, aromatherapy, steam showers, and heated towel racks. The award-winning spa offers a wide range of treatments from hot stone massage and reflexology to olive oil wraps and cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar exfoliation scrubs, while the onsite Jimmy’s Restaurant serves mouthwatering contemporary California and Greek cuisine.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero - San Francisco
Situated in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District spread across the top 11 floors of a tower, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero boasts panoramic views of the city and the bay beyond. It’s just a short walk from the iconic Transamerica Pyramid as well as the Embarcadero BART station for transport around the city. All rooms boast magnificent high-rise views along with luxurious touches like marble bathtubs and 47-inch flat-screen televisions. Guests also enjoy free welcome tea, use of the house car, free overnight shoeshines, and turndown service.
The Ahwahnee - Yosemite National Park
The Ahwahnee, is located inside one of the most scenic national parks in the country, Yosemite. Tucked among the dramatic cliffs and the cascading waterfalls of Yosemite Valley, some rooms boast magical views that include Half Dome. Under a dusting of snow or during autumn, the view becomes even more jaw-dropping. Staying here you’ll be close to hiking trails heading to El Capitan and Half Dome – or you can simply relax and take in the iconic landmark right from your window.
