All you want is Greece

Go luxe: From gorgeous resorts to glorious wineries and dreamy beaches, how to see the best of the Golden State

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By MAIL ONLINE REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 12:02, 6 February 2024

It’s the state of tech billionaires and Hollywood stars, so of course California knows how to do luxury right.

But the Golden State isn’t just about showy glamour, luxury here means hidden hotels in sun-blushed beach towns, unique experiences at world-class wine estates and Michelin-star cuisine that showcases California’s incredible produce.

Head to Big Sur, a longtime inspiration for writers, poets, painters and all manner of other artists

Romantic resorts

If you're looking to sprinkle a little star quality to your California getaway, there’s an array of wonderful accommodations to elevate your stay. Head to Big Sur, a longtime inspiration for writers, poets, painters and all manner of other artists, where you’ll find idyllic ranches set amid the towering redwoods.

Treat yourself to a fabulous stay in the rolling hills of California Wine Country, a region famed for its fantastic boutique hotels, world class wineries and Michelin Star restaurants, including Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry in Napa Valley.

Treat yourself to a fabulous stay in the rolling hills of California Wine Country

In Orange Country, you'll find beachfront bliss at boutique hideaways and grand hotels offering sunset views, all a short journey away from California’s best theme parks.

And Los Angeles serves up old school glitz and glamour like nowhere else, with starry hotels such as Chateau Marmont and The Beverly Hills Hotel. Looking to fly under the radar while enjoying all the mod-cons? Then check in to one of San Francisco’s oh-so-chic stays, including The Battery and Hotel Zetta.

Fabulous food

California has an incredible gastronomic scene, with amazing cuisine across every corner of the state. Its cities glisten with Michelin stars and celebrity chefs, with 90 restaurants awarded at least one Michelin star, and seven three-star establishments in the San Francisco Bay Area alone.

You’ll also find plenty of upscale eateries and wonderful farm-to-table restaurants in Wine Country, along with diverse wine tasting experiences in world class wine producing regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

A fertile land for fresh produce, California is ripe with family farms, many of which offer hands-on experiences where you can milk cows, pick your own fruit or enjoy a farm-to-table feast.

Explore majestic waterfalls, at the legendary Yosemite

Epic adventures

California’s national parks are a treasure trove of natural wonders. At the legendary Yosemite, you can explore majestic waterfalls, ancient sequoia groves, granite cliffs and 800 miles of winding trails. Further south is Joshua Tree, an ethereal retreat whose clear desert skies make it one of the best stargazing spots in the United States.

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel is full of retro 1920s charm and offers incredible Hald Dome views

If you’re looking for unique experiences, combine outdoor adventure with a wonderful place to stay. The Majestic Yosemite Hotel is full of retro 1920s charm and offers incredible Hald Dome views, while The Castle House Estate in Joshua Tree offers guard tower suites and yurts with private pools.

Nothing beats a drive along California’s coastline

Nothing beats a drive along California’s coastline and picking the right car is the perfect way to make an impression as you wend your way along Highway 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco via Santa Barbara, Big Sur and Monterrey.

California offers a dizzying array of experiences, from glamorous big city adventures to otherworldly escapes in nature’s playground, all of which can be experienced through the lens of luxury.

Find out more and plan your trip at visitcalifornia.com