If there is heaven on earth, then it's located in coastal California. The sunshine, wildlife, and breathtaking views are what make travel along California's coastal highways a real treat. If you begin your journey just south of San Francisco and make your way down the Pacific Coast Highway towards San Diego, you will experience imagery that you've never seen before. I recently had the opportunity to spend some time traveling Southern California's coastal highway and stopped at 5 of my favorite coastal hotels along the way. Each offer something a little different, are a little pricey, but the experience is worth the money.
1. Fess Parker's Double Tree Resort Hotel - located right on the beach and within walking distance of downtown Santa Barbara. Built in 1986, this hotel captures the architectural history of the areas Spanish and Mission culture. Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, there is plenty to do during your stay. Set out on foot and experience what the area has to offer. The town is located north of the hotel. Consider walking if it's a nice day because parking is a little hard to find during the day. My room during my stay was 5 star, and the nightly rate was reasonable considering the location of the hotel. If you are a member of the Hilton Honors program you can get a great rate. But due to the hotels popularity you cannot book a room online, so you'll have to call the Diamond members number to make a reservation.
2. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa - this is an overnight you'll never forget. Whether you want to spend your entire stay on the hotel property or venture out among the locals, this hotel is luxury at its finest. The room rates are expensive, yet if you are a Hyatt Gold Passport member, you can probably reserve a room for around $200 per night. Located on the Pacific Coast Highway you are in the middle of all the activities that the area has to offer. The town center is within walking distance. All of the surf shops are located along Main St as well as the pubs, restaurants, and other shops. Stroll down the Huntington Beach Pier and grab a burger and a shake at Rubys or visit the International Surfing Museum around the block on Olive Ave. If it's a nice sunny day, there's plenty to see and do in Surf City, USA.
3. Hilton Garden Inn - Carlsbad Beach - located 25 miles north of San Diego this hotel is located literally right on the beach. A great affordable family get-a-way because of its location and proximity to San Diego, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and other attractions. Just on the other side of Interstate 5, a few blocks from the hotel are the Carlsbad Premium Outlet stores. The rooms are spacious, clean and has just enough comfortable ammenities for someone who doesn't want to break their wallet for a hotel stay.
4. Hilton San Diego Gas Lamp Quarter - this hotel is located right in the middle of San Diego's downtown historic gas lamp district. The property is surrounded by things to do. Two blocks away is Petco Park - home of the San Diego Padres. If you enjoy shopping there is an outside mall located up the street, and if you're hungry or thirsty there are over 100 restaurants and night clubs to choose from, all within walking distance. The cost for a nights stay is very reasonable considering the location of this hotel. HHonors can assist you in making a reservation, when the hotel is in an oversold situation, which I understand is frequent.
5. The Hotel Del Coronado - this is the ultimate hotel resort experience and overall my favorite property to visit. This Victorian style hotel was built in 1888, was placed on the National Historic Landmark list in 1977, and is considered by some to be the #1 wedding destination in America. The shocking truth about this hotel is, is that the room rates are not cheap. But they don't charge anything to stroll the grounds, or to admire the beautiful lobby or the hotels architecture. It's definitely worth a drive out of your way to see this historic treasure.
My love for California's coastal region is forever more.
