Statewide
Where to Stay in California: Hotels by Type of Trip
Where to stay in California, sorted by trip type: coastal hotels, glamping and treehouses, ski cabins, desert resorts, park lodges and wine country inns.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 2 min read
This page sorts every where-to-stay guide on the site by type of trip. Examples: yurts at Treebones Resort in Big Sur, cabins at Tamarack Lodge in Mammoth Lakes, Airstreams at AutoCamp Joshua Tree.
In This Guide
Oceanfront Hotels and Coastal Stays
Options range from small inns in Carmel-by-the-Sea and The Pacific Motel in Cayucos to Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana Big Sur. See the Big Sur where-to-stay guide.
Summer and holiday weekends fill months out. Midweek nights from November to March are cheaper.
Dog-Friendly Stays on the Coast
Many coastal hotels limit dogs to certain rooms and charge a nightly pet fee. The pet-friendly hotels guide lists hotels and dog-friendly beaches.
Glamping, Treehouses and Unique Stays in California
Spyglass Treehouse in Sonoma County has full-height glass walls. Eagle’s Nest Treehouse Farm Stay is on a working farm near Bodega Bay.
These have few units and book out first. See the California treehouses and glamping guide.
- Book 3 to 6 months ahead for spring to fall weekends
- Check bathrooms, heating and Wi-Fi before booking
- Pack warm layers for cold nights
Mountain Cabins and Ski Stays in Mammoth and Tahoe
In winter, stay near the lifts or a shuttle stop, like The Village Lodge next to the Mammoth gondola. In summer, stay near trailheads and lakes.
Ski-in, ski-out condos cost more but save families hauling gear. In winter, confirm parking, snow removal and whether the access road needs chains or four-wheel drive.
Desert Resorts and Design Hotels
Palm Springs has midcentury boutique hotels like Parker Palm Springs; see the Palm Springs boutique hotels guide. Joshua Tree has design cabins, and Rancho Mirage and La Quinta have golf and spa resorts.
High season is roughly October to May. Summer rates drop, but daytime heat can top 110°F.
Where to Stay Near California’s National Parks
In-park lodges like The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge and Wuksachi Lodge save driving but book out fast. Mariposa, Oakhurst, Three Rivers and Beatty are cheaper gateway towns.
The where to stay near Yosemite guide compares El Portal, Mariposa and Oakhurst by drive time.
Wine Country and Wellness Stays
The Napa Valley where-to-stay guide sorts hotels by budget. In Sonoma County, the splurges are Montage Healdsburg and Farmhouse Inn in Forestville; the Paso Robles Inn has spa rooms with private mineral tubs.
Stay within walking distance of tastings or book a driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book hotels in California?
3 to 6 months for summer, holidays and popular weekends. Park lodges and small unique stays can fill a year out.
Is it better to stay inside or outside the national parks?
Inside saves driving. Gateway towns have more options and lower rates.
What is the cheapest time to stay on the California coast?
Midweek from November to March, outside holidays.
Where should I stay on a Highway 1 road trip?
Monterey or Carmel, Big Sur or Cambria, then San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach or Santa Barbara. Book Big Sur first; it has the fewest rooms.
Are glamping stays in California comfortable in winter?
Some are. Look for heated, insulated units with private bathrooms, and check for winter closures.
