Big Sur — Travelrags

Condé Nast TravelerOct 6, 2026

12 Best Northern California Resorts 2026: Readers’ Choice Awards

Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top resorts in Northern California.

10 hotels in this story

Post Ranch InnHotel
Elsewhere
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake TahoeHotelTruckee, United States"The location can’t be beat" at this mid-mountain ski-in/ski-out hotel at Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort.
Alila Napa ValleyHotelNapa, United StatesWith Beringer Estate vineyards’ cabernet vines as the backdrop, this hotel made quite a splash At the center is a…
Carneros Resort and SpaHotelNapa, United StatesSurrounded by 28 acres of grapevines and rolling farmland, this beautiful resort draws its look from the working…
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa ValleyHotelNapa, United StatesAlthough there seem to be new domestic wine scenes cropping up constantly, Napa is still the gold standard of New World…
Meadowood Napa ValleyHotelNapa, United StatesThere are a lot of excellent places to stay in this part of California wine country—with more big, global luxury brands…
Montage HealdsburgHotelHealdsburg, United StatesLocated in the heart of Sonoma wine country, our luxury Healdsburg CA hotel offers access to renowned wineries, outdoor…
Stanly Ranch, Auberge CollectionHotelNapa, United StatesAn antidote to wine retreats where you sip Cab all day, this wellness-focused Napa resort can curate fitness…
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon BayHotelHalf Moon Bay, United StatesPerched on the rugged cliffs along the Pacific coastline, The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a hotel you can easily…
Appellation HealdsburgHotelHealdsburg, United States

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AfarSep 8

2 Oceanfront Escapes for Rest & Renewal

Time by the ocean reduces stress, boosts creativity, and restores a sense of play. These two beachfront retreats in California and Anguilla offer distinct paths to renewal.

7 things in this story

Hotel del CoronadoHotelCoronado, United StatesHistoric seaside destination with red-roofed perch on the Pacific.
Shore HouseHotelCoronado, United StatesShore House at The Del® offers an elevated hotel experience in an stylish neighborhood of oceanfront residences at…
Beach VillageHotelCoronado, United StatesBeach Village at The Del Private.
Coronado BeachSightCoronado, United StatesBeach where mornings arrive by the sound of the waves.
Zemi Beach HouseHotelShoal Bay East, AnguillaIsland resort on Anguilla sets the pace for wellness and culture.
Thai House SpaPlaceShoal Bay East, AnguillaHoused in a 300-year-old Thai teakwood home relocated from Chiang Mai.
Rhum RoomRestaurantShoal Bay East, AnguillaOffers one of the Caribbean's largest collections of small-batch rums.

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AfarAug 10

Pack the Car—California’s Pacific Coast Is Calling

From redwood-lined cliffs in Mendocino to yacht charters in Newport Beach, California’s 820-mile coastline is a road trip unlike any other. Along the California’s coastline, infinite adventures await.

21 things in this story

Post Ranch InnHotelRomantic retreat overlooking the Pacific in Big Sur.
Alila Ventana Big SurHotelRetreat among the redwoods in Big Sur.
Elsewhere
Ferry BuildingFerry terminalSan Francisco, United StatesMarketplace featuring the city's best local purveyors.
The DutchieRestaurantMorro Bay, United StatesSeafood spot in Morro Bay.
Golden Gate BridgeSightSan Francisco, United StatesOne of the Wonders of the Modern World.
Timber Cove ResortHotelJenner, United StatesCozy lodge overlooking the Pacific with modern design.
Carmel Beach HotelHotelCarmel-by-the-Sea, United StatesNewer sister property to L'Auberge Carmel.
Oracle ParkSightSan Francisco, United StatesAttend a Giants game from March to September.
WaterbarRestaurantSan Francisco, United StatesOffers Pacific oysters and a massive wine list.
Cavallo PointHotelSausalito, United StatesHistoric lodge offering bay views.
Nick's CoveHotelTomales Bay, United StatesCozy hotel with kayaks and a restaurant.
Point Reyes National SeashoreNature reservePoint Reyes Station, United StatesOffers beachside hikes and seasonal whale watching.
Nicholson HouseGuest houseMendocino, United StatesVictorian-era house serving local cuisine and microbrews.
Harbor House InnHotelElk, United StatesInn attracting foodies with a celebrated restaurant.
Sea Ranch LodgeHotelSea Ranch, United StatesEco-friendly buildings integrated into the coastline.
Fort Ross State Historic ParkSightJenner, United StatesHistoric park near Timber Cove Resort.
17-Mile DriveTrailMonterey, United StatesPicturesque drive on the Monterey Peninsula.
Casa PalmeroHotelPebble Beach, United StatesHistoric lodging on the Monterey Peninsula.
L'Auberge CarmelHotelCarmel-by-the-Sea, United StatesFive-star hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Grassy Bar Oyster CompanyRestaurantMorro Bay, United StatesSeafood spot in Morro Bay serving oysters.
ChamisalRestaurantSan Luis Obispo, United StatesLocated in a tranquil setting just 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo in the beautiful Edna Valley.

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Lonely PlanetJul 30

22 best beaches in the US

From the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Lonely Planet editors have picked the 22 best beaches in the US.

23 things in this story

NepentheRestaurantoceanfront restaurant with great views
Pfeiffer BeachSightKeyhole Arch offers golden light at sunset
Elsewhere
South BeachNeighborhoodMiami, United Statesdazzles with Art Deco flair
Haystack RockNature reserveCannon Beach, United Statesvolcanic remnant, sanctuary for tufted puffins, seals
Venice BeachNeighborhoodLos Angeles, United Statespeople-watchers should head here
Venice Beach BoardwalkParkLos Angeles, United States2-mile strip of creativity
Grayton BeachParkSanta Rosa Beach, United Stateskayak its rare dune lakes
Hanalei BaySightHanalei, United Statessurf here on Kauaʻi
Driftwood BeachSightJekyll Island, United Stateseerie beauty
Kaimana BeachSightHonolulu, United StatesHonolulu, Oʻahu
Oregon Islands National Wildlife RefugeSightCannon Beach, United StatesHaystack Rock is within this refuge
Cannon Beach Sandcastle ContestFestivalCannon Beach, United Statestemporary delight washed away by high tide
Grayton Beach State ParkParkSanta Rosa Beach, United Statesprotects three coastal dune lakes
Western LakeSightGrayton Beach State Park, United Stateslargest of the park's coastal dune lakes
Dog WallSightGrayton Beach, United Statesmural featuring portraits of local dogs
Lummus ParkParkMiami Beach, United Statestidy greenery west of South Beach
Art Deco Historic DistrictNeighborhoodMiami Beach, United Statesvivid facades east of downtown Miami
Muscle BeachSightVenice Beach, United Statesbodybuilders pump iron
El MatadorSightMalibu, United Statestiny beach packs an oversized visual punch
Robert H Meyer Memorial State BeachSightMalibu, United StatesEl Matador is one of three small beaches here
Sand HarborArts centreLake Tahoe, United Statescrystal blue waters, ancient white sand beaches
El PescadorSightMalibu, United States
La PiedraSightMalibu, United States

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 9

The Best Airbnbs Near California's Majestic Big Sur

With towering redwoods and stirring ocean vistas, these properties embody the magic of Big Sur.

26 things in this story

Garrapata State ParkSightThe 2,939-acre (1,189 ha) park was established in 1979.
Bixby BridgeSightIt is a reinforced concrete open-spandrel arch bridge.
Point Lobos State Natural ReserveSightjust five minutes away
Point Sur State Historic ParkSightThe 1889 Point Sur Lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Esalen InstitutePlaceEsalen is a not-for-profit holistic educational center offering wild comfort and space for emergent transformation and…
Pfeiffer Big Sur State ParkNature reservehiking trails
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State ParkSightA main feature of the park is McWay Falls, which drops over a cliff of 80 feet (24 m) into the Pacific Ocean.
Nepenthe RestaurantRestaurantedge-of-the-world sunset views
Andrew Molera State ParkNature reserveSituated at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the property was part of the Rancho El…
Sand Dollar BeachSightIt is within the Los Padres National Forest.
Santa Lucia MountainsPlace800-foot-high coastal bluffs
Monterey Bay National Marine SanctuarySightone of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet
Big Sur RiverSightto explore
California coastal redwoodsSightmassive, often thousand-year-old trees
Henry Miller Memorial LibrarySightEmil White built the house for himself in the mid-1960s.
McWay FallsSightDuring high tide, it is a tidefall, a waterfall that empties…
Hearst CastleSight15-minute drive south
Ragged PointNeighborhoodtiny town less than a mile away
Salmon Creek FallsSightThe falls are located along California State Route 1 about 2.9 mi (4.7 km) northwest of Ragged Point and lies within…
Carmel BeachSight10-minute stroll down main drag
Carmel-by-the-Sea VillageNeighborhood
Partington CoveSight
Sierra Mar restaurantRestaurant
San Carpoforo Creek BeachSight
Elephant Seal Vista PointSight
17-Mile DriveSight

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 6

The Best Hotels in Big Sur for a Relaxing Off-Grid Getaway

Whether you seek an upscale retreat, glamping spot, or refurbished motel, there's a perfect stay for you here.

31 things in this story

Sand Dollar BeachSightIt is within the Los Padres National Forest.
Partington CoveSighthike down to this cove
Highway 1HotelBefore Highway One was completed in 1937, Castro Canyon was a traditional stopover for travelers along the coastal…
YosemiteSightIt is bordered on the southeast by the Sierra National Forest and on the northwest by Stanislaus National Forest.
Post Ranch InnHotelaward-winning spa, daily activities
Big Sur LodgeHotelset within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Deetjen’s Big Sur InnHotelbeloved 1930s inn charms with 20 rooms
Glen Oaks Big SurMotelmidcentury design with redwood backdrop
Alila Ventana Big SurHotelupscale, all-inclusive retreat
Big Sur Campground & CabinsHotelriverfront property offers cozy cabins
Big Sur River InnHotelmotel-style rooms along the river
Treebones ResortHotelluxe off-grid resort offers unique dwellings
Fernwood ResortMotelforested 1930s mainstay along the river
Ripplewood ResortMotel17 rustic cabins strewn throughout redwoods
NepentheRestaurantpotent sunset margarita
Sierra MarRestaurantdestination dining with a prix fixe menu
Big Sur RiverSightcrystal-clear swimming holes
Big Sur RoadhouseRestaurantcontemporary takes on breakfast and lunch
Pfeiffer BeachSightIt is one of the most popular beaches on the Central Coast and is well known for Keyhole Rock, a popular photography…
Henry Miller Memorial LibrarySightbohemian bookshop and music venue
McWay FallsSightDuring high tide, it is a tidefall, a waterfall that empties…
Salmon Creek FallsSightThe falls are located along California State Route 1 about 2.9 mi (4.7 km) northwest of Ragged Point and lies within…
Sur HouseRestaurantcomposed plates and expansive deck
Pfeiffer FallsTrail60-foot waterfall
The Lodge RestaurantRestaurant$95 prix fixe menu of wood-fired dishes
Wild Coast SushiRestaurant18-course omakase meal
FernettePlacespeakeasy-style for private events
Big Sur VillageNature reservecolloquially known area for attractions
Santa Lucia MountainsPlace
PacificPlace
Glen OaksMotel

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 4, 2025

The 50 Most Beautiful Places in the US

“America the Beautiful,” indeed.

5 things in this story

Highway 1HotelIconic American road trip route along the coast.
Elsewhere
Grand Prismatic SpringSightYellowstone National Park, United StatesLargest hot spring in the US, a rainbow ring of colors.
Cades CoveSightGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United StatesVerdant valley with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Angel OakSightCharleston, United StatesOne of the most beautiful places in America.
Clay Head PreserveSightBlock Island, United States190-acre nature conservancy with walking paths.

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