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Northern California
Napa Valley
Where to Eat: Napa might be unofficially known as 'wine country,' however, it also hosts some of California's most directional restaurants and luxurious hotels. Kenzo, the 25-seat Japanese restaurant, boasts "traditional Japanese food meant to wash away worldly cares," according to our Inspectors who callout the straw-smoked Hokkaido scallop sashimi with jidori egg yolk sauce and Wagyu beef tenderloin as must-try dishes. Nearby Napa staple The Charter Oak possesses a similar homey atmosphere peppered with produce plucked from their own farm. However, One MICHELIN Star Auro hones in on true California cuisine with an elevated bend: our Inspectors agree, adding, "Chef Rogelio Garcia displays a distinctly Californian perspective, using precise technique in order to highlight exceptional ingredients most of which are sourced locally, including from on-site gardens." And for those looking for something a bit brighter, try Solbar described by our Inspectors as, "breezy, sunny, and serene." Brimming with local produce sourced locally, the food, wine, and views are nothing short of transcendent. However, if there's one restaurant that stands the test of time in the area, it's Three MICHELIN Star and Green Star The French Laundry. Chef Thomas Keller's iconic institution has been around for more than 25 years and according to our Inspectors, "may be known as the greatest cooking space in America, as every aspect is carefully determined—from the counter height to the flowing lines of the ceiling." The reason for the praise? Chef Keller continues to pair classic French techniques with wildly fresh ingredients in a setting that is a perfect storm of restaurant greatness—we should all be so lucky to score a reservation here.
Where to Stay: There are so many incredible properties in Northern California, but luckily our hotel Inspection team has rounded up some major spots ideal to rest before tackling more of the California roadways. For true luxury seekers, the Three MICHELIN Key Auberge du Soleil is the only name that suffices. With a recently refreshed interior and a One MICHELIN Star restaurant, the hotel is a one-stop shop for all things elevated. Nearby, fellow Three MICHELIN Key property Meadowood Napa Valley also leans into the luxe quotient, but with a touch more nature. However, it's beyond the rooms where guests can truly experience California's greatness: hiking trails, a wine program, and farm tours all highlight the natural splendor of the region with inimitable flair. One surprise amongst the bunch is Two MICHELIN Key Bardessono Hotel + Spa. Made from upcycled or reclaimed wood along with rammed earth, this property may have all the trappings of traditional luxury, but it's all derived from earth friendly (and as green as they can be) materials. Set on the grounds of a working winery, the One MICHELIN Key Four Seasons Resort and Residences puts a modernist slant on the oft-seen Napa Valley farmhouse. Building off of this vibe are the One MICHELIN Key Stanly Ranch, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, and the Two MICHELIN Key Milliken Creek Inn. Both properties pamper guests with oodles of nature, spa treatments, and delectable cuisine located in serene settings. Those looking for something with a bit more vibrancy should opt for the boutique Two MICHELIN Key North Block Hotel in Yountville. The town boasts the most fine dining spots per square mile in the country making this intimate hotel the ideal resting point between courses. Leaning into the Spanish architecture and design rife in California is the One MICHELIN Key Rancho Caymus Inn originally built by salt heiress Mary Tilden Morton. Also defying the traditional Tuscan-inspired spots in the area is the rustic minimalist Carneros Resort and Spa. Inside, the cottages are simple, tasteful, and more than luxurious enough, with the full range of modern electronics, splendid indoor-outdoor showers, and private garden patios, complete with gas heaters for cool California nights. Add to this a long outdoor pool with an idyllic view of the vineyards and a spa to compete with any in the wine country, and no doubt, Carneros will become a fast favorite for years to come.
Sacramento
Where to Eat: California's capital is host to the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony, but also, home to some of the most interesting cultural and culinary spots. Some standouts not to miss include One MICHELIN Star Localis helmed by chef/owner Christopher Barnum-Dann. "The freewheeling tasting menu is thoroughly Californian in its commitment to carefully sourced ingredients, while also drawing upon global cuisines, reimagining flavors from the chef's travels with impressive imagination," said our Inspectors. For more lo-fi, but no less delicious dining, skip over to Camden Spit + Larder, whose pub fare is as nourishing as it is delectable. And for a mashup of the two, look no further than Ella: the refined fare is coupled with an easy environment for a relaxed, yet polished dining experience.
San Francisco Peninsula
Where to Eat: A sliver of splendor, the San Francisco Peninsula is a peninsula separating San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Because of this, the restaurants are often packed with locals and tourists alike. One favorite is Pasta Moon where house-made pastas and thin-crust pizzas are crowd pleasers, but also reinforce California's standing as being produce-forward. Located just by the beach is Peruvian boîte La Costanera, which marries bold flavors with equally eye-catching art. Those seeking a unique approach to cuisine should head to Navio. The thoughtful globally inflected cuisine, overseen by Chef Francisco Simón, offer an easygoing sense of luxury with classic underpinnings, as in cured Mt. Lassen trout with ponzu gelée and a smoked crème fraîche sauce, or beef tenderloin with morel mushrooms, sunchokes, and nutty Palo Cortado sherry. And for an approachable meal with substance, try One MICHELIN Star The Village Pub. Its sophisticated setting belies the equally simplistic, yet yummy cuisine including house charcuterie served with fire-warmed artisan bread.
Where to Stay: While most might be familiar with the original Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona (a Three MICHELIN Key property), the brand also boasts a location in Woodside. Awarded Three MICHELIN Keys, Canyon Ranch Woodside offers the same retreat-focused tranquility they've become known for but with the picturesque mountains in the background.
San Francisco
Where to Eat: The name of the restaurant, Bansang (a Bib Gourmand), references the traditional style of serving a communal Korean meal, which dates back centuries to the Joseon royal court, but there's nothing remotely old-fashioned or stuffy about a meal here. The cooking is an unapologetically contemporary take on Korean cuisine, readily incorporating ingredients like parmesan cheese and chorizo into the likes of kimchi fried rice or crispy rice cakes, fitting together seamlessly beside more classic offerings like mulhwe, a dish of raw seafood with a chilled fermented chili broth. On the opposite side of the culinary spectrum is Merchant Roots. Part theatre, part alchemy, Chef Ryan Shelton arranges each of his meticulously-planned menus (which change seasonally) around a central theme, as in spring flowers or fall mushrooms. Another great aspect of San Francisco is its diversity and Abacá, run by husband and wife duo Chef Francis Ang and co-owner Dian, present this ode to Filipino cuisine with vibrancy. A new spot taking the San Francisco dining scene by storm is The Wild, described by our Inspectors as, "aiming to celebrate the bounty of the natural world." Think California sensibility with a dash of Japanese influence. Also bringing the casual vibes but with an elevated bend is Mijoté where Chef Kosuke Tada allows the ingredients to take center stage on an edited, yet satisfying four-course prix fixe menu. Chef Brandon Rice’s hip, irreverent cooking style sets the vibe at Ernest, exemplified in fancy-meets-comforting combos like kaluga caviar with crème fraîche and tater tots. A small, eclectic menu spans raw bar items like crudos and oysters, plus a handful of snacks and more substantial mains, all featuring top-notch seasonal products.Where to Stay: Located on the top floors of the Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill designed 345 California Center, the Two MICHELIN Key Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, features scene-stealing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline. Those looking for something a bit funkier should opt for the Hotel Zeppelin which outfits its rooms with vintage record players and mid-century design moments. After a renovation, the old Sir Francis Drake has gotten new life as the Beacon Grand, a property that leans into the heritage and history of San Francisco coupled with fabulous service and a buzzy restaurant.
Oakland
Where to Eat: Chef/owner Dominica Rice-Cisneros knew with her restaurant, Bombera, that she wanted a place to celebrate her culture, heritage, and, of course, the cuisine, with lightheartedness and fun. The resulting spot has earned them a Bib Gourmand, amongst other accolades, and has helped to shape Oakland's current Mexican restaurant scene, combining a locavore pedigree and fine dining chops with a respect for the generational knowledge of heritage cooking. No reservations and a three-course menu for under $40? That's the winning hand at MAMA Oakland, a Bib Gourmand run by a husband-and-wife duo Stevie Stacionis and Josiah Baldivino. Items change often, but one constant is house-made pasta dressed with a hearty tomato sugo featuring braised pork and beef, which also served as the inspiration behind this establishment. Rounding things out is Burdell, a homey, soul food focused spot from chef Geoff Davis whose clever, personal approach to gastronomy has won over countless people. The small menu is a blend of staples like collard greens and fried chicken (though these are tweaked with the addition of berbere and pickle brine, respectively), novelties like an appetizer of chicken liver mousse with cornmeal waffle, and more broadly contemporary, Southern-inflected fare like a halibut crudo with buttermilk and grapefruit, or dry-aged duck with cherry "drippings" and dirty rice.Where to Stay: Nestled away in the Berkeley Hills, the Claremont Resort + Club is a century-old institution. Featuring restaurants, a tennis club, and oodles of lush flora and fauna, it's the ideal spot for a quick respite.
San Jose
Where to Eat: Chef/owner Jo Lerma-Lopez’s love for food is clear in every morsel that emerges from her Bib Gourmand restaurant Luna Mexican Kitchen. Dishes are decidedly highbrow, thanks to such special ingredients as Rancho Gordo beans, Mary’s free-range chicken, and everything else made from scratch—chorizo, chicken stock, and sauces galore. Pescatarians revel in coctel de camarones and cod ceviche; while chile relleno picadillo has carnivores returning for more. At Adega, Chef David Costa and Pastry Chef Jessica Carreira create an appetizing menu with a perfect blend of pristine local produce and top-notch, imported ingredients. Seafood is the star here, and diners shouldn't miss the likes of a dressed-up take on Portugal's culinary backbone—bacalhau. Another Portuguese standout is Petiscos, a Bib Gourmand which welcomes guests with their fun approach to dining with shared plates and a lively bar scene. Another name making waves in San Jose is chef/co-owner Aida Taye who offers a lighter, unique approach to Ethiopian cuisine at LeYou. Whether seated inside or out, Chef Taye's ode to Ethiopia is brimming with flavor: our Inspection team's pro-tip? Kick off the meal with kategna, an injera toasted to a crisp, doused with chili powder and served with a sour-cream/yogurt dip.
Where to Stay: While it might seem a bit out of place amongst all the shops, the Hotel Valencia, located in the Santana Row development, melds California-colonial architecture and the clean lines of an urban boutique. Sunny, leafy courtyards and terraces abound, and the interiors are nearly as bright and airy as the outdoor spaces.
Central California
Monterey
Where to Eat: At Two MICHELIN Star Aubergine, Chef Justin Cogley balances classic technique with a sleek, modern aesthetic, and his cooking captures a sense of place that feels wholly his own. Products of spectacular quality are prepared skillfully and painstakingly presented with an artistic eye, as in a surprising "cabbage" taco filled with shallot jam, Madeira-braised treviso, Kaluga queen caviar and cabbage chips. Bib Gourmand Maligne, means “clever” or “cunning,” but you don’t have to be a particularly sharp tool to appreciate the ample charms of this hip, easygoing Seaside gem. The menu draws on Italian-American and French classics (think chicken parm and asparagus with hollandaise), but the feel is thoroughly Californian, with a light, contemporary touch and spectacular local ingredients that make even all-too familiar dishes like Caesar salad memorable—a testament to Chef Klaus Georis’s extensive experience in fine dining. For more low key dining without forgoing flavor, stop by Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza where delightfully al dente house-made pastas are sure to banish any associations with mushy chain restaurant versions, and even hearty, rustic dishes like eggplant parmigiana get an extra touch of care.Where to Stay: There are few places as breathtaking as Three MICHELIN Key Post Ranch Inn. Big Sur is the most scenic destination along California’s most scenic drive, Highway 1, which links Los Angeles with San Francisco and features such curiosities as Hearst Castle and Steinbeck’s Monterey along the way. Architect Mickey Muennig settled in Big Sur in 1971, and the Post Ranch Inn is his only hotel design. This place is built for relaxation, from the oversized spa tubs and the massage tables in the guest rooms to the infinity pool a thousand feet above the Pacific. Possibly the best place in California to leave it all behind. While the location of the Two MICHELIN Key Bernardus Lodge & Spa might be its most winning element, the hotel is affiliated with the Bernardus winery and vineyard, and is a gourmet's dream, with a first-class restaurant and one of the region's top chefs. There are only 73 rooms at Bernardus Lodge, and the level of service is excellent, making the whole affair seem even smaller and more exclusive than it already is. The rooms are attractive enough, but comfort is paramount — the bedding alone may be worth the stay, and between the massive tubs and limestone fireplaces, you may find you don't get outside very often. Nearby Two MICHELIN Key Alila Ventana Big Sur is the area's original luxury resort, founded by writer Lawrence A. Spector, using profits from the film Easy Rider. It doesn’t get much more California than that and the genius of this place is that beneath its humble surface it delivers all the material comforts of those proud and decadent resorts—from the wood-burning fireplaces, Jacuzzis and high ceilings of the guest suites to the public spaces like the pools, the Japanese bathhouse, and the Spa Alila, offering a selection of treatments so comprehensive as to set the head spinning.
Santa Barbara
Where to Eat: Smoke lures guests to the covered patio or casually cool dining room at Barbareño where local craft beers or wine accompany any one of their diverse small plates. Dishes are bold and flavorful, and the kitchen showcases their distinct vision with attention to detail and a touch of whimsy. Santa Barbara might be full of haute boîtes, but the food at Corazón Cocina, located within the Santa Barbara Public Market is worth the trek. Chef/owner Ramon Velazquez mastered the craft of handmade tortillas and zesty salsas at the feet of his Guadalajaran mother and grandmother, but he also has a few tricks of his own that often involve additions of delightfully unique local produce. Also focused on ingredients is Silvers Omakase where Chef Lennon Silvers Lee switches up the menu daily or weekly depending on what he's sourced. However, one thing you can always expect is well-executed dishes made with rice from Japan that is milled in house, and fish that is sourced both locally and from Japan and then dry aged.Where to Stay: While its proximity to Los Angeles makes it appealing, Santa Barbara possesses a decidedly more quiet approach to hospitality. At the El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, think posh residential village, with the hotel’s accommodations spread among dozens of bungalows scattered over the hillside property. An extensive, well-equipped spa accounts for a sizable proportion of the hotel’s business, and the food and drink offerings are first-rate as well.
Southern California
Los Angeles
Where to Eat: At Danbi, Chef Lareine Ko's streamlined menu pops with large, shareable plates. The hit list includes mushroom bibimbap with fresh vegetables, as well as a crispy scallop pancake accompanied by a creamy mentaiko sauce. Chef Travis Hayden's menu may be streamlined but there's something for everyone at Bar Etoile. Appetizers like snap peas served over a bed of lightly smoked ricotta and dressed with nettle gremolata and pickled coriander are proof that this spot looks to the market for its influences.
Where to Stay: Built in 1946 in a style that can only be described as romantic Mediterranean, the Hotel Bel-Air, with its rose-colored mission-style bungalows, is about as elite a hideaway as you can find. Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned here with her first husband. Although the hotel has undergone extensive renovations, it still feels like a Hollywood hideaway from the golden age. On the opposite side of the hospitality spectrum is the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, a One MICHELIN Key property. The 148-room luxury boutique hotel includes star designer Kelly Wearstler among its creative minds ushering in the new DTLA. The combination of Southern California sunshine and near-full-length windows makes for light-filled spaces, and the comforts are luxurious, especially the spa-like tiled showers. But for a true Hollywood experience, check out One MICHELIN Key The Aster. Officially a private member's club that also doubles as a hotel for the well-heeled but cost conscious, the property sits at Hollywood and Vine by the Walk of Fame. The 35 suites are a bit bohemian, a bit retro, more than a bit warm and welcoming, understated in their luxury and, above all, memorable.
Beverly Hills
Where to Eat: It doesn’t get more Beverly Hills than One MICHELIN Star Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura. Chef Mattia Agazzi is in charge of this kitchen housed within the Gucci boutique on Rodeo Drive, and the results are very impressive indeed. Seafood salad arrives perfectly warm and tender, dressed with lemon, olive oil and shaved radish; while risotto is camouflaged as pizza with tomato, stracciatella and burnt caper dust evoking the taste of a charred crust. All served on Gucci’s stylish dishware for added effect. There's a breezy elegance inside Avra; add on a menu of clean and classic flavors and you’ll instantly get the drift. Pull up a chair and be greeted by olives, radishes, and hummus to snack on while perusing the menu. Seafood is supreme, although the Greek salad keeps its promise of crunch and punch. Diners may then select their "catch" and have it cooked to specification for a mouthwatering and memorable experience. There are few restaurants in the country dedicated solely to tempura and Tempura Endo is one such rare breed. The tasting menus are on the pricey side, but such is the cost for a parade of vegetables and seafood dipped and fried delicately and served one at a time by the chef himself. Chef Ryu Isobe made sure his soba-focused spot, Kazan, stands out from the fray marked by a bright yellow sign, however inside the interior design is chic to the core—imagine brick walls lined with gold-tinted patterns and an inviting open kitchen. Highlights include fried shishito peppers with a sweet miso dressing and edamame with a chili yuzu sauce and fried onions. All eyes are on the lei ramen, a spicy broth with their in-house made thin noodles and your choice pork, chicken or tofu.Where to Stay: There are few hotels in America as iconic as Three MICHELIN Key The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection. Dubbed the 'Pink Palace,' a riff off its exterior hue, the hotel plays host to countless stars (and past icons like Marilyn Monroe) due to its discretion and ultra luxe accommodations. Nearby is Two MICHELIN Key L'Ermitage Beverly Hills which is the only independent luxury hotel in town, and it remains the quintessential Hollywood insider’s hotel. The glamorous mid-century style is perfectly tailored to Beverly Hills, with Venetian cut-glass mirrors and hues of champagne and metal. And for those wanting the true Beverly Hills experience, make sure to check out the rooftop pool and the spa program featuring partnerships with Ricari Studios and Joanna Czech. Tucked a stone's throw from the shopping and glamour of Rodeo Drive, Two MICHELIN Key The Maybourne Beverly Hills befits the neighborhood with its premium levels of luxury akin to its sister properties in London (The Berkeley, Claridge's, and The Connaught). However, you won't mistake The Maybourne for its English cousins as the interiors are obviously Californian through and through, in a warm and sunny Art Deco–influenced style. The Peninsula Beverly Hills is almost impossibly opulent, even by Hollywood standards, a cinematically pristine Renaissance mansion of the sort that takes offense at sparing expense. A favorite of industry bigwigs, the hotel means it when it boasts of executive-level service — from the fleet of Rolls Royces and BMW's to the lavish “programmes” with celebrity stylists and gurus, this is LA at its shiniest.
West Hollywood
Where to Eat: The latest version of Somni might only have opened in autumn 2024, however, it’s already made waves with its contemporary approach to Spanish cuisine. A procession of small bites is meticulously arranged and endlessly creative, sating diners with an abundance of rich flavors and textural interplay (think mussel escabeche, gazpacho, or the iconic shiso tartare tempura). All the while, the kitchen and service teams are in lockstep as they create and serve these arresting dishes. While Italian food might be plentiful in Los Angeles, at Stella, the promise is Italian food with local California products. Don't miss the lardo di Colonanta, a dish of thinly sliced and meltingly soft lardo paired with strawberries, razor-thin caciocavello cheese, and a balsamic amaro. Su Filindeu is an impressive pasta dish with hand-stretched noodles cooked in bone broth accompanied by braised lamb neck and pecorino dolce. Connie & Ted’s might be on Santa Monica Boulevard, but Chef Michael Cimarusti’s New England origins shine through the menu. Chowder is a must for a seafood spot and this particular one offers a tempting flight of three: creamy New England, tomato-based Manhattan and buttery Rhode Island. The lobster roll, packed with tail and claw meat, is a gem among solo diners, while chilled seafood platters and the oak-grilled fish are great for crowds. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert as Pastry Chef Daphne Delone's confections are the sweetest punctuation to a meal. If a luxury spa ran a restaurant, it would probably look something like Ardor. Nestled within The West Hollywood EDITION hotel, this serene dining destination pairs white leather booths and minimalist uniforms with abundant greenery that evokes a refined indoor oasis. The vegetable-forward California cuisine strikes a balance between clean indulgence and elevated comfort. Standout dishes like tandoor-roasted carrots offer vibrant, satisfying flavor, while dry-aged lamb caters to heartier cravings—all designed with seasonality, simplicity, and social dining in mind. At Amour, before you even see the menu the main question is indoors our out. Banquettes and booths beckon on the patio, while the dining room, accessed through a library stacked with vintage books, is loaded with charm down to the very last candlestick. Multicourse tasting menus are on offer or order à la carte from a menu that blends French and Asian influences, as in chawanmushi with Perigord truffles and trout roe. New Caledonia blue prawn carpaccio and a French-style omelet with a quenelle of caviar and Comté foam are just two of the well-executed dishes.Where to Stay: There’s no one location in Los Angeles that captures the appeal of the whole city, but the Sunset Strip comes close and the Two MICHELIN Key Pendry West Hollywood takes up a whole block along Sunset. The design, by Martin Brudnizki, is influenced by the Art Deco interiors that are synonymous with Hollywood’s Golden Age, but the Pendry is no retro experience — instead it’s a fantasy version of contemporary L.A., full of dazzling colors and textures, beginning with Anthony James’s mind-bending Icosahedron, a fractal-like sculpture in the lobby which draws the viewer’s eye into a seemingly limitless interior world. Amping up the retro vibes with a dash of modern glamour in the form of its clientele is the One MICHELIN Key Sunset Tower Hotel. In the latter years of the golden age this Art Deco apartment tower was home to the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra; and while today the mid-century atmosphere is still in place, it’s no museum — there’s nothing faded about the newly renovated Sunset Tower’s sober, earth-toned interiors, and it’s not collectors or autograph hounds but bona fide Hollywood players who frequent its halls today. Around the corner is One MICHELIN Key The Charlie aptly named for former owner Charlie Chaplin. The cottages, though restored and refurbished, remain true to their original English countryside style. They all bear single-word names, coyly matching the names of Hollywood luminaries who are said to have lived here in Chaplin’s day: from Charlie himself to Marlene, Marilyn and Valentino. They’re somewhat residential in aspect, with kitchens and washer/dryers alongside the usual hotel-suite fare. What’s notable above all is the privacy, from the physical isolation of the cottages to the discreet, hands-off nature of the service. Similar in feel and nearby is the One MICHELIN Key Soho House Holloway. Close to the action on Sunset, Soho House Holloway provides guests their own party which include their Club restaurant, Mandolin Mezze rooftop terrace, and Club-adjacent Bar and Library which are among the hottest tickets in town, and they’re for members only — which, if you’re an overnight guest, includes you, for the duration of your stay. The rise of residential style boutique hotels in Los Angeles has been upped thanks to hotelier Jeff Klein's latest venture, One MICHELIN Key Hotel 850 SVB. The SVB stands for San Vincente Boulevard, the location of the hotel, a residential street barely a block from the Pacific Design Center in one direction and the Sunset Strip in the other. With just 23 rooms and suites it’s aiming for an atmosphere that’s as private as the accommodations are impressively luxe and quite stylish, in a welcoming, low-key way.
Palm Springs
Where to Eat: Bar Cecil straddles garish and chic, boasting walls splashed with an impressive private collection of modern art (including pieces by Calder and Warhol). Reservations book weeks in advance, so if you're seeking a spur-of-the-moment meal, your best bet is to arrive before doors open and put your name down for a coveted bar seat. A precisely made martini is practically de rigueur; one particularly pricy option has a caviar-topped deviled egg for a garnish. It would be easy to spend a small fortune here on items like roasted king crab legs or Ossetra with blini, but hearty American fare, like a signature burger dressed up with melted Comté, is still very much in fashion. Contrasting this is the austere, but minimally chic Workshop Kitchen + Bar. However, the food is anything but minimal. A dedicated garden in Rancho Mirage, along with a sizeable herb planter behind the kitchen, furnishes peak-season produce for wood-fired dishes like a flat iron au poivre, and even a simple yuzu tart is prettied up with farm-fresh raspberries and wood sorrel.
Where to Stay: A thorough reimagining of the original 1950s-era Sands Hotel + Spa was completed by prolific designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The results are very contemporary with thoughtful mid-century references and Moroccan influences for a visual identity all its own. The rooms, just 46 of them, are given plenty of space to spread out, and many come with private patios or balconies. The spa, naturally, plays up the Moroccan angle, and the pool, with its cabanas, is a delight. Similarly, One MICHELIN Key Sparrows Lodge is the kind of place where people play horseshoes, swing wooden tennis rackets and read books by their private campfires. The twenty-room hotel has a distinctly outdoorsy vibe: think built-in redwood furniture, tin roofs, patio fireplaces, stone floors, earth tones, exposed beams. There are four categories of rooms and suites: the most luxurious is the spacious Fireplace Room, named for its cozy gas-burning fireplace. The idea here is to relax with old-school diversions like tennis, hiking, and roasting marshmallows — or, well, lying around the pool.
Anaheim
Where to Eat: Chef/co-owner Michael Reed and co-owner Kwini Reed are behind this gorgeous perch in the Anaheim Packing District. Poppy & Seed epitomizes the SoCal lifestyle with a lounge and bar nestled inside a greenhouse, and outdoor dining surrounded by citrus trees, herbs and flowers. As the setting hints, the focus is on organic, sustainable and locally grown (as well as raised or caught) ingredients. Charred eggplant puree and pickled sea beans lend a bite to steak tartare, while fried Brussels sprouts are sweet and salty thanks to bacon jam and pomegranate. Juicy strawberries and roasted beets make an earthy-sweet combination that could pull double duty as dessert. While there might not be any cowboys at The Ranch, there are plenty of decorative elements and music they’d covet at this urban steakhouse with farm to table touches. The menu is meat-centric, but also focuses on seasonal vegetables grown on their own farm. Pay close attention to daily specials and you might just be rewarded with an heirloom tomato salad bursting with ripeness. Crisp popovers served with sweet homemade tomato jam are a can't miss, and the prime rib is ultra-tender with jus, horseradish sauce and a cast-iron skillet bubbling with cheese-topped scalloped potatoes. Top it all off with their PB&J milk chocolate bar, an upscale take on a familiar favorite.
Pasadena
Where to Eat: Owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Chef Thomas Kalb and Vanessa Tilaka, cheese-forward restaurant Agnes is a spot that immediately makes you feel at ease. Start with a cheese board or tinned fish to share, then snack on items like fried cheese curds with dill ranch dressing and honey mustard pickles. Salads show off their fondness for local products; house-made pastas are satisfying; but it's the live-fire hearth that draws all eyes. You'll never go wrong with a plate of fried chicken with sambal hot honey sauce and house-made pickles, though. There's always room for a sweet treat, especially the Thai banana split with roasted bananas and pandan and Thai tea ice creams. Similarly homey, but with a decidedly French flair, Perle feels right at home in downtown Pasadena. The cozy space draws in anybody walking by, thanks to vintage frames, sturdy Mahogany tables, and a coffered wood ceiling. However, there's substance behind the style thanks to Chef Dean Yasharian's take on Parisian classics including Burgundy snails glistening in herbed butter; silky-smooth pork pâté wrapped in pastry; and duck à l’orange with celery root purée. At Bib Gourmand Union, Executive Chef Sandro Hernandez celebrates the beauty of the best. This comes across through house-made pastas elevated through locally sourced ingredients.
Santa Monica
Where to Eat: It's not all about the sand surf in Santa Monica, as evidenced by the slate of top spots in town. Chef Josiah Citrin's Mélisse has been a favorite for fine dining since the late 90s. Their vibe-y underground feel is suffused with classic luxury. Expect the finest cutlery and plates, gorgeous presentations, plenty of tableside saucing, and French decadence at this Two MICHELIN Star establishment. If you're in the mood for something less formal, sister restaurant MICHELIN-Starred Citrin, in the same building, features updated takes on classically rooted flavors with modern, global touches. Looking for a stunning setting? Head to Élephante, where the contemporary small plates infused with southern Mediterranean influences compete for attention with the scene at this rooftop haunt. This beach town also boasts plenty of value, with Bib Gourmand Cobi's dishing out Thai and Malaysian delights at a palatable price. And then there's Colapasta, just a few blocks from the beach winning over guests with beautifully executed pastas, made by hand at a station located front and center in the space. Of course, when by the sea, seafood is a must, so swing by The Lobster overlooking the famous Santa Monica pier.
Where to Stay: Santa Monica has a variety of places to rest your (salty) head, including The Pierside. Its address on Colorado Avenue at Ocean Avenue makes it the closest one to the iconic Santa Monica pier, while inside it's modern and visually surprising, but true to its Southern California inspiration, incorporating a wide range of influences from Arts & Crafts and surf culture to midcentury Modernism. Prefer something a bit more off the beaten path yet convenient to it all? Opt for Viceroy Santa Monica, a luxe and discreet little enclave set a block and a half back from the beach, convenient to everything in town but just remote enough to feel like a properly private escape. Those who want an even more discreet spot to rest should check out Palihouse Santa Monica, a historic 1927 Mediterranean Revival masterpiece a few blocks from the beach with a distinctly residential feel. Want to ramp up the glamour? Book the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. This One MICHELIN Key hotel is nestled within a 1920s Spanish Colonial building on Wilshire Boulevard. Interiors blend the romance of the Twenties with the niceties of a modern luxury boutique hotel. In keeping with the historic theme but adding beachfront views is Casa del Mar. This One MICHELIN Key hotel in a 1920s Italianate palace has played host to Hollywood royalty for decades but is surprisingly unfussy. Finally, embrace your inner coastal grandmother with a stay at Shutters on the Beach, a One MICHELIN Key hotel that looks like a dreamy New England beach house.
San Diego
Where to Eat: San Diego's sunny beaches and sensational weather has made it a magnet for travelers, but the dining scene is just as alluring. Addison, one of only six Three MICHELIN Star restaurants in California, makes its home in San Diego. This Southern Californian oasis is a world-class dining destination with global inspiration and Californian sentimentality. Of course, this diverse scene isn't just about fine dining, though. Eight Bib Gourmands, known for delivering great food at a great value, are also here. Tacos draw crowds at East Village favorite Lola 55; shareable dishes featuring the bold, sunny flavors of the Mediterranean are on the menu at Callie; and Italian food fans will find plenty at Cucina Urbana and Ciccia Osteria, set in a converted home in the heart of Barrio Logan. Early birds and late risers adore the breakfast and brunch (only) at Morning Glory in Little Italy, while those who want an elevated 50s diner feel should head for Great Maple. There's plenty of meat lovers, who should book a table at Fort Oak where the kitchen's flair for the flame is seen in dishes like the heritage pork chop with roasted Brussels sprouts, or Born & Raised, a classic steakhouse with an edge. From Vietnamese at Kingfisher and Thai at Sovereign to Japanese at MICHELIN-Starred Soichi, San Diego also offers a variety of Asian dining.
Where to Stay: There is a hotel to suit nearly every mood in San Diego, whether you're traveling for business or pleasure. Looking for something that feels historic and part of the fabric of the city? Book The US Grant, a stately Beaux Arts mansion built in 1910. The famed Gaslamp Quarter is home to Pendry San Diego, an urban boutique hotel with loft-apartment styling in its guest rooms, as well as six restaurants and bars. Also in the trendy Gaslamp, Andaz San Diego defined by a crisp modernist-influenced look punctuated by vibrant colors and unusual contemporary artwork. Meanwhile, Palihotel honors its Victorian past with a contemporary flair. Boutique properties are abundant in San Diego, with The Pearl, a midcentury motel remade for modern times in Loma Point. Feel like getting outside of the city? Coastal Southern California is at its best at L'Auberge Del Mar, Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa is a tranquil haven in a private canyon, and Rancho Bernardo Inn draws guests who appreciate their comprehensive list of activities. Just twenty minutes from downtown but a world away is The Lodge at Torrey Pines, perched on a bluff overlooking the rocky coastline with world-famous golf just steps away.
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