Summer is the best time to visit the beaches in Southern California or head to the shimmering lakes in Eastern California. With warm weather and long days, summer in California is a dream.

A lifetime of summers in California means I’ve explored the majority of the state during the sun-filled summer months.

California draws in visitors from around the world year-round, but summer is when most people visit. The variety of landscapes and terrain across the state gives visitors ample options for planning a fun summer vacation in California.

While I’m happiest on the beaches in Santa Barbara and San Diego, you may prefer the cooler mountain weather in the Eastern Sierras. Whatever you choose, summer in California is an incredible experience.

Best Places to Visit in California in Summer

The Best Summer Destinations in California

From the misty mornings on the coast to the scorching summer days in the Palm Springs desert, these are my favorite spots to spend summer in California!

Encinitas

This tiny, popular beach town in North County San Diego, just south of Carlsbad, is the ultimate California summer destination.

It has a walkable downtown, amazing restaurants, insanely beautiful beaches, and practically year-round warm Southern California weather.

Some of my favorite summer weekends were spent in Encinitas while I was living in San Diego. It’s a laid-back beach town with a hippie community, juxtaposed with affluent neighborhoods.

My perfect summer trip to Encinitas includes indulging in brunch at Better Buzz, spending days at the beach, swimming in the ocean, and walking through the meditation garden.

Encinitas is most popular in summer, meaning it may have crowds on warm weekends. There’s plenty of beach to go around, though!

Where To Stay in Encinitas

Alila Marea Beach Resort: A Hyatt Resort just north of downtown Encinitas, perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The grand beachfront rooms paired with the infinity pool and sun terrace make this the ultimate spot for an upscale getaway.
Moonlight Beach Motel: Steps away from one of the best beaches in Encinitas, this motel is a mid-range accommodation with ocean views and a garden. Perfectly situated for days spent enjoying the beach and downtown.
Leucadia Beach Inn: Quaint inn north of downtown Encinitas with colorful rooms at affordable prices.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a stunning beach town in Orange County. It has been featured in many shows, including Laguna Beach, The OC, Selling OC, and Dead to Me.

Between the sparkling coastline, affluent neighborhoods, and ocean-view hotels, Laguna Beach is definitely a luxury summer destination. There’s a strong art culture here, with many galleries and an annual live art festival.

Many people consider Laguna Beach one of the most beautiful places in California! The beaches and downtown are your quintessential California scenes with palm trees and gorgeous water.

Check out the Victoria Beach Pirate Tower, visit during Pageant of the Masters (July & August), and walk the Laguna Beach Coastal Trail.

Where to Stay in Laguna Beach

Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa: This is a boutique seaside hotel from the early 1900s with a gorgeous Spanish Colonial design that was restored in 2000. Its proximity to the beach, on-site spa and wellness center, and modern rooms make for a lovely summer trip.
Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach: Stunning four-star hotel with modern, chic decor and gorgeous poolside chaises. It has a daily breakfast, on-site restaurant, and easy beach access for a luxurious coastal getaway.
Costa Art Hotel: Beachside hotel with renovated rooms close to downtown Laguna and the beach. Spend your days at the beach or by the pool for a relaxing trip.

Santa Cruz

With tons of beaches, restaurants, and activities, Santa Cruz fun spot for a summer vacation, or even just a weekend getaway!

Santa Cruz is a popular beach destination and home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s known for being a hippy town with a university (UC Santa Cruz), set between grand redwood trees and gorgeous beaches.

Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beachy weekend or an outdoorsy trip in the deep redwood forests, Santa Cruz has it all.

Summer is when Santa Cruz really shines as a quintessential California summer destination, but it can also get busy as most tourists visit from June to August.

While visitors tend to flock to the boardwalk and beaches, further inland is where you’ll find what makes Santa Cruz truly magical: state parks, redwoods, and a railroad camp from the 1800s.

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz: Stay beachfront at this inn, just steps away from the famous Beach Boardwalk. The design style is a modern surf theme, with surfboards and elegant beachy decor.
Sea & Sand Inn: Enjoy ocean views from every room at this coastal inn. Beach Boardwalk is a 10-minute walk away and can be seen from the property. The rooms are clean and modern — some have patios.
Marea Sol Hotel: Relax in the modern, Art Deco-designed rooms within walking distance of the Beach Boardwalk. The excellent location makes for a perfect weekend trip to Santa Cruz.

San Diego

Downtown San Diego, or San Diego proper, has a much different vibe compared to North County towns like Encinitas. It’s a big city set on the coast, with skyscrapers, busy streets, and a thriving nightlife.

There’s a much faster-paced lifestyle and far more activities to pack into your itinerary. It has a little bit of everything for a non-stop, fun-filled summer getaway!

Spend your time visiting the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Little Italy, and the famous Old Town. Watch the sunset from Sunset Cliffs, go bar-hopping in the Gaslamp Quarter, and check out the museums.

Don’t expect tons of laid-back beaches here. Downtown San Diego is very much a big city. For beaches in San Diego, head to Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, or Mission Beach, or drive up to La Jolla or Encinitas.

Where To Stay in San Diego

Pendry San Diego: Large hotel in downtown San Diego with a rooftop pool, on-site restaurant and bar, and bright and airy rooms overlooking the city. Perfect for a swanky stay in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Horton Grand Hotel: For those wanting a cozy trip with old-world charm, each room has a gas fireplace at this historic boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. It also has an on-site restaurant with a bar.
La Pensione Hotel: Boutique hotel in Little Italy with European-inspired style, chic accommodations, and proximity to lovely restaurants and cafes. Check out the farmers' market if you’re there on a Sunday!

Santa Barbara

My favorite place in California is Santa Barbara, and it’s the perfect place for a summer trip in California.

Growing up, I visited Santa Barbara multiple times a year because it’s where my dad grew up and still has most of his side of the family. I also lived there for a few years myself, and now travel back multiple times a year.

Santa Barbara has a warm climate, an abundance of delicious restaurants, and absolutely stunning beaches.

It’s beautiful to visit all year-round, but summer is the most popular time to visit for nice weather and the classic Californian summer vibes.

Enjoy a laid-back summer vacation in Santa Barbara with days spent relaxing at the beach, walking along the waterfront, shopping downtown, and delighting in dinners at one of the many delicious restaurants downtown.

Where To Stay in Santa Barbara

Palihouse Santa Barbara: Gorgeous hotel in downtown Santa Barbara with a year-round pool, restful guest rooms, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Harbor View Inn: Beachfront inn near Stearns Wharf with an on-site spa, pool, and jacuzzi, and steps away from the beach and coastal bike path.
Casa Riviera: Boutique hotel apartments in the heart of Santa Barbara’s downtown, with chic rooms for a restful stay. This is the ideal spot if you’re staying longer term!
Inn by the Harbor: This beautiful Spanish-style inn is just a short walk from the Santa Barbara Harbor with unique guest rooms on a lush property.

Santa Barbara Travel Guides

Lake Tahoe

The picturesque Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular destinations for short getaways in California. While you can visit in winter for snow sports, summer offers sunny days on the lake and hikes — it’s the most popular time to visit.

Lake Tahoe spans across the California-Nevada border with towns dotted all around the lake. It’s typically thought of as two separate areas: North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe.

North Lake Tahoe is more rugged and less developed, with quiet towns and plenty of outdoor activities for both summer and winter. Incline Village is perfect for a winter weekend getaway, while Truckee is great for an outdoorsy summer stay.

South Lake Tahoe has a more lively nightlife, ski slopes at Heavenly Mountain, and the gorgeous Emerald Bay. The California side of South Lake Tahoe tends to be more peaceful than the Nevada side since it doesn’t have any casinos.

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe

North Lake

South Lake

Hotel Azure: We stayed here! The location is conveniently close to some awesome restaurants, plus it’s a short walk to the lakeside. The rooms are clean and simple — you don’t need much when you spend all your time outdoors.

Mammoth Lakes

One of my favorite stops during a Highway 395 road trip was Mammoth. It has hot springs, snowy mountains, and unsurprisingly… lakes!

Mammoth Lakes gets tons of snow in the winter, and some areas at higher elevations even had snow when we were there in June. Check conditions leading up to your trip if you’re visiting in early summer — some roads may still be closed if winter got heavy snowfall.

The Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort lift and gondola aren’t open in the summer, but there are plenty of other activities to do instead!

Sights that aren’t usually reachable during winter, like the Minarets and Devils Postpile, become accessible in the summer as roads reopen.

Other areas like Wild Willy’s Hot Spring and Hot Creek Geological Site are much easier to reach in summer.

If you want to explore further, take a short drive just north of Mammoth Lakes to visit Mono Lake and June Lake!

Where To Stay in Mammoth Lakes

Mendocino

Up the northern coast of California is the friendly, small town of Mendocino. It’s filled with inns, restaurants, and cafes, surrounded by a gorgeous, jagged coastline.

The Mendocino coast, often cloaked in fog with cool weather year-round, makes for the ultimate cozy getaway. It’s the perfect place to escape the summer heat.

Be sure to bring some binoculars, as there is ample bird-watching throughout the town and along the coast.

We spent a weekend in Mendocino at one of the Inns of Mendocino, which I wrote a full review of. We loved it, and I have since stayed at other properties owned by the same company.

While you could easily spend an entire weekend in the quaint downtown, you can also venture up the coast to visit Fort Bragg.

Where to Stay in Mendocino

Inns of Mendocino: These inns are located in three properties throughout downtown Mendocino. Each one is in a lovely Victorian house with charming rooms and a daily breakfast.
Headlands Inn Bed & Breakfast: Enjoy a kid-free weekend getaway at this adults-only inn. Sleep in with breakfast delivered to your door and use the free bicycles to explore town.
Agate Cove Inn: Take in the ocean views from your bright, airy room at this inn. They serve a gourmet two-course breakfast each morning — perfect for fueling up before a day of walking.
Mendocino Grove: Stay in a luxury tent for a fun glamping getaway in the Bay Area. With on-site amenities like a coffee shop, game room, and picnic areas, this isn’t your typical camping site.

Capitola

Just south of Santa Cruz, the lovely seaside town of Capitola is one of my favorite places to visit on a day trip from the Bay Area. It has a tiny, adorable downtown, excellent restaurants, and a beautiful, sprawling beach.

The most recognizable attraction in Capitola is the colorful neighborhood of cottages, called the Venetians, right on the beach. They make for excellent photos!

Capitola is a mostly quiet, laid-back town that is a bit of a hidden gem on this part of the coast. Weekends in summer are much more lively than the rest of the year, especially on sunny days.

One of the things I love about Capitola is how walkable it is. Every time we visit, we park in one place and walk everywhere the rest of the day.

If you’re visiting Santa Cruz, don’t skip Capitola! It’s lovely for a day trip, but it is also a wonderful destination on its own for a summer vacation in California.

Where to Stay in Capitola

Inn at Depot Hill: Relax at this adults-only luxury inn within walking distance of downtown. Some rooms have bathtubs in a gorgeous, private outdoor terrace!
Capitola Hotel: This newly renovated adults-only hotel is in the heart of Capitola’s adorable downtown. The cozy rooms are ideal for a cozy coastal stay. Just walk across the street to go to the beach or out to dinner.
Capitola Beach Suites: Enjoy ocean views from the rooms in this quaint hotel. Rooms have full kitchens and lovely beach house-like decor.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes is a nature-filled area on the northern coast of California, about an hour and a half from San Francisco.

The Point Reyes National Seashore is 71,000 acres of coastal land with breathtaking views, incredible bird watching, and hiking trails. It’s a popular spot for photographers and nature-lovers.

My favorite things to see in Point Reyes are the shipwreck, the Cypress Tree Tunnel, and the adorable lighthouse. If you love all things nautical, you’ll love Point Reyes.

The unincorporated town of Point Reyes Station is tiny, but it has some lovely restaurants and cafes, a public library, and art galleries.

If you like oysters, Point Reyes is an ideal place to eat them! Saltwater Oyster Depot is one of the highest-rated oyster bars on the east side of Tomales Bay. Not an oyster person? Side Street Kitchen in Point Reyes Station has delicious California cuisine.

Where to Stay in Point Reyes

Olema House: Cozy, modern accommodations in a historic town just south of Point Reyes, set on a large property complete with gardens and lounge chairs for a relaxing stay.
Tomales Bay Lodge: Enjoy a comfortable room with a view of the beautiful bay, close to Point Reyes, with a pool and sun terrace.
Bungalow-Style Home: Stay in the heart of Point Reyes Station in a cute red bungalow with two bedrooms, a cozy fireplace, and a backyard patio.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

One of the most charming places in California is the fairy-tale-book town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s just a couple of hours south of San Francisco, situated on the Monterey Bay.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, also just called “Carmel,” is known for its unique fairy tale cottages and stunning coastline. It’s small enough to see the majority of the town in a day, but it’s a lovely place to spend a full week.

The town is full of art and creativity, founded in 1902 by a group of artists. Carmel is best for a relaxing and luxurious summer vacation, offering high-end spas, gorgeous beaches, and upscale hotels and inns.

Drive the gorgeous 17-Mile Drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel-by-the-Sea for incredible coastal views.

Aside from the gorgeous coastline and adorable neighborhoods, Carmel is also known for being a very dog-friendly town. If you have a dog, you’re welcome to bring them on your trip! Just be sure the hotel you choose allows dogs.

Where to Stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea

L'Auberge Carmel, Relais & Chateaux: Enjoy a luxury stay at this 1920s historic hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Coachman's Inn: Relax at this cozy inn with a delicious daily breakfast. It’s part of the Four Sisters Inns, one of my favorite chains of boutique hotels in California.
Carmel Bay View Inn: Stay just one mile away from the beach and mission at this budget-friendly inn.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a region filled with pure, natural beauty along California’s Central Coast.

It has hikes with jaw-dropping ocean views, beautiful state parks, a famous waterfall flowing onto a beach, iconic California redwoods, and great campsites.

For a summer trip spent outdoors between the mountains and the coast, Big Sur is the perfect destination. Much of this stretch along the coast is untouched nature with little to no development.

A trip to Big Sur is ideal for unplugging from your devices and immersing yourself in nature. Spend your days hiking the many trails and taking in views of the jagged coastline that this region is best known for.

You can stay at a 5-star resort, cozy inn, or campground. Big Sur is an awesome place for camping if that’s something you’re into.

Where to Stay in Big Sur

Alila Ventana Big Sur: Unwind at this all-inclusive, adults-only hotel offering luxury accommodations with sweeping views of the rugged coastline and forest, a bathhouse, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Fernwood Resort: Enjoy a stay at this motel with rustic rooms, forest views, and an on-site bar and grill.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Soak up the natural beauty of Big Sur while camping at one of the campsites inside the state park.

Catalina Island

A summer trip to Catalina Island feels like you’ve been completely transported to another country. Catalina’s coastline is reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, the walkable streets make it fun to explore, and there are plenty of water activities.

You can tailor your trip to be more relaxing and luxurious, or make it outdoorsy and adventurous (or both!).

For relaxation, take in the ocean views, explore the island via golf cart, and stay at one of the boutique inns. For adventure, get outside for snorkeling, kayaking, or hiking!

Catalina Island offers all the perks of an island getaway without having to travel far from the mainland. Daily ferries (about 45 minutes long) depart from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point.

Fun personal fact: My parents met on Catalina Island while visiting during their college spring break back in the 80s!

Where To Stay on Catalina Island

Hotel Atwater: Stay at a classic Catalina hotel built in 1920 and remodeled in 2019 into an elegant accommodation. It’s just one block up from Avalon Bay in the center of downtown Avalon.
The Edgewater: Just a few blocks over from Hotel Atwater and right on the edge of Avalon Bay, this is a no-frills hotel. It’s perfect for a laid-back getaway just steps from the beach, shops, and restaurants.
Aurora Hotel: Boutique hotel a few blocks up the hill from the waterline with views overlooking the gorgeous bay. The rooms are simple and comfortable, ideal for coming back to after a full day of exploring the island.
Catalina Courtyard Suites: This boutique hotel is down near Avalon Bay with straightforward rooms at affordable prices. It’s perfect for a luxury getaway on a budget for couples, families, and groups of friends.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is the world-famous wine region of California. Its sprawling vineyards and undulating hills make a trip to Napa Valley feel like you’ve been transported to the Italian countryside.

In addition to award-winning wineries, Napa also has an exquisite restaurant scene, boasting multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, and a thriving art scene with sculptures, murals, and galleries.

It’s close enough for a day trip from San Francisco, but it really deserves at least two nights.

Even if you don’t go wine tasting, you can still visit the wineries to explore the gorgeous properties and take in the views! Many of the wineries are open to the public — no booking needed.

Napa has hot summer days and cooler evenings, making it a lovely season to visit for outdoor activities.

Get up early for a sunrise hot air balloon ride, enjoy summer concerts at one of the many venues, or cool off by the hotel pool with a glass of chilled wine.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

Sonoma

Sonoma is Napa’s small, less-visited neighbor in California’s wine country, though just as beautiful and worth visiting. It’s known for wineries and vineyards, much like Napa, but it also has a state park, historic buildings, and a California Mission.

Its rich history is what sets Sonoma apart from the other wine-making regions in California and what drew me to it. Before the Spaniards settled it, Sonoma was home to the Coast Miwok.

With so much history and nature, there’s far more to do in Sonoma than day-drinking at the wineries (though that is a fun option too!).

The Sonoma Botanical Garden is a marvelous spot for a stroll, with ponds and trails in addition to the abundant plants and flowers. Another lovely spot for exploring is Jack London State Park. From trails and vineyards to Jack London’s actual house, there’s a variety of things to do there.

Similar to Napa, the Sonoma Valley enjoys warm summers with cooler evenings. The perfect weather for spending your days drinking wine in the sunshine or staying active with hikes and bike rides.

Where to Stay in Sonoma

El Dorado Hotel: This modern boutique hotel offers luxury rooms in a historic building. Located in downtown Sonoma, you can easily walk to restaurants and activities from your room.
Andrea's Hidden Cottage: Have a cozy stay at this one-bedroom cottage in the heart of Sonoma. Perfect for a couple looking for a private, charming summer getaway.
El Pueblo Inn: Stay at this rustic inn with a lovely breakfast and comfortable rooms. The property has lush landscaping, large fountains, and an outdoor pool and hot tub.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Far up north, about 200 miles from the coast, is this volcano-filled national park. Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to all four types of volcanoes, as well as geothermal areas, forests, and wildlife.

Summer (July–August) is one of the only times you can visit all parts of the park, as heavy snowfall causes closures the rest of the year.

The best and most popular areas in the park are Bumpass Hell, Lassen Peak, and the lakes. Hiking the trails is an ideal way to explore the park and see everything it has to offer. Wear some comfortable trail shoes or hiking boots!

Where to Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park

Village at Highlands Ranch/Childs Meadow: Cozy rooms in a ranch-style building just 10 miles from the Lassen NP Visitor Center.
Spacious Classic Cabin Retreat: Beautiful four-bedroom cabin with seven beds just 12 miles from the visitor center. It can host up to 12 people for a fun group trip, and includes a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and outdoor spaces.

Arnold & Murphys

For a forest-filled, summer trip to the mountains, head to Arnold in Calaveras County. It’s lovely in all seasons, with hot summers and snowy winters. Summer trips to Arnold are best for days at the lakes and hiking the trails through Giant Sequoias.

There are a few hotels in Arnold, though we often rent a cabin as we usually visit with a large group of friends/family. We even rented a 5-bedroom cabin that comfortably fit 12 of us for my sister and brother-in-law’s combined Bach weekend!

Murphy’s is an adorable town about 20 minutes from Arnold. It has a historical main street that transports visitors right back to California’s Gold Rush era. I recommend staying in Arnold, but be sure to visit Murphy’s at least for a short downtown stroll!

For a place to cool down on warm summer days, White Pines Lake is a lovely place to swim, kayak, paddleboard, and picnic. It’s completely free to the public (unlike the HOA-only lakes in Blue Lake Springs).

Where to Stay in Arnold & Murphys

Timberline Lodge: Rustic lodge with cozy rooms in the downtown Arnold area. It’s close to Highway 4 for a quick and easy drive to Big Trees State Park — just bring earplugs for traffic noise.
Lakeside Blue Lake Springs Retreat: Have a fun weekend getaway with a group in this four-bedroom vacation home with a large deck, outdoor seating, and lake views.
Murphys Suites: If you want to stay in downtown Murphy’s, these rustic accommodations are dog-friendly — perfect for a couple traveling with their dog.

Los Angeles

One of the most-visited cities in California is Los Angeles. Known as the “entertainment capital of the world,” this star-studded city is a fun choice for a summer vacation.

With endless activities, a diverse population, and every type of restaurant you can dream of, Los Angeles is a true playground for travelers. I’m partial to the beaches and museums, but you could also head to Hollywood for iconic sights or Beverly Hills for a day of shopping.

Summer in Los Angeles brings in hordes of visitors from all over the world. It can be crowded with lots of traffic, but if you plan your itinerary well, it’ll be just fine.

Los Angeles County is sprawling, and with typical LA traffic, transit times can be long even for short distances. Be sure to check drive times in Google Maps between your activities before solidifying your itinerary.

Where To Stay in Los Angeles

The Beverly Hills Hotel
The Charlie West Hollywood
Sheraton Universal (next to Universal Studios)

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Head to the redwoods for a summer trip in the great outdoors! Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are technically two separate parks, but they are often visited as one destination since they are next to each other.

Sequoia National Park is the more famous of the two, with the General Sherman Tree (the largest tree in the world, by volume) and the Giant Forest of towering Sequoia trees.

The majority of the park is wilderness, only accessible by foot or horse. You’ll likely want to stick to the front country with roads, easy walking trails, wildlife, and the famous Giant Sequoia trees.

Kings Canyon is larger, but it’s less popular since it doesn’t have the Giant Sequoia trees. That shouldn’t dissuade you from visiting, though. The main valley in Kings Canyon has magnificent granite walls, rivers, and meadows, similar to Yosemite.

For an easy way to explore the park without getting out of the car, drive the 50 miles of incredible views on Kings Canyon Scenic Byway!

Where to Stay Near Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Soleil Luna: Charming two-bedroom / two-bathroom villa in Three Rivers, just two miles from the Sequoia NP entrance. Enjoy the outdoor fireplace, the garden, and a terrace surrounded by nature.
The Darling: Gorgeous Art Deco hotel in downtown Visalia in a former postal annex building. They have a wonderful rooftop restaurant and bar that overlooks the charming downtown. We stayed here and loved it!
The Sequoia Hut!: One-bedroom, fully-equipped tiny home conveniently located near Sequoia NP in Three Rivers. This home was a maid unit in the 1930s, but has since been renovated into a cozy guest house — perfect for a national park weekend trip.

Half Moon Bay

The tiny beach town of Half Moon Bay is famous for its giant waves at Mavericks Beach and fall pumpkin patches. It’s also where I lived the first seven years of my life!

Half Moon Bay is beautiful, but it often has foggy and overcast weather. Pack and wear layers, even in summer, for the most comfortable trip.

On a foggy day, it’s fun to bundle up and hang out at the beach, check out the tidepools, and watch the surfers catching waves. There are many things to do in Half Moon Bay!

A summer getaway in Half Moon Bay is best spent enjoying the gorgeous beaches, strolling through the cute downtown, and trying the delicious restaurants.

In downtown Half Moon Bay, you can visit the galleries, get some gelato, and check out the cutest prison you’ll ever see. The downtown has all its original charm, but has been built up and beautified over the years, with stunning murals on many of the buildings.

Coastal towns in California often get May Gray and June Gloom, and Half Moon Bay is no stranger to these. It might not have the warm, sunny SoCal beaches, but it’s still a fun summer destination.

Where to Stay in Half Moon Bay

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay: Ultra luxury hotel on the coast with on-site restaurants, a nightly bagpipe performance, and gorgeous rooms.
Mill Rose Inn: Luxury, European-style boutique inn with a daily gourmet breakfast, cozy rooms, and a beautiful private garden.
Half Moon Bay Inn: Charming accommodations on Main Street in downtown Half Moon Bay, with elegant rooms and an on-site restaurant.

20 Best Places to Visit in California in Summer