California is sooo much more than just a point on the map. It’s Saturday surf in Laguna, vineyard loops in Healdsburg, and redwood‑framed sunsets up the Mendocino Coast. Summer invites us to chase those moments, one getaway at a time.
Here I’m sharing five favorite summery destinations statewide for every mood:
Tahoe
Base at PlumpJack Inn (North Shore chic) or the lake-front Edgewood Resort & Spa. Glide across crystal water on an early-morning paddleboard, then take the family up waterfall-laced Shirley Canyon for alpine wildflowers and views.
Healdsburg
One of my all-time favorite stays, the storybook Farmhouse Inn outside Healdsburg enchants with feather-soft linens and Michelin-starred dinners. Pedal quiet vineyard lanes at sunrise, or float the Russian River in a canoe for a lazy-day picnic.
Laguna Beach
Revel in breathtaking views of the ocean from your suite at the exquisite Surf & Sand. Stroll the village-like downtown district, browse Laguna Art Museum’s coastal collection, then hunt starfish with the kids in tide pools at Shaw’s Cove.
Carlsbad
Spa-seekers melt at Omni La Costa, a resort I’m personally fond of, while the bluff-top Park Hyatt Aviara crowns nearby Batiquitos Lagoon with an Arnold Palmer-designed golf club and palm-ringed pools. Just 30 minutes inland,San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets you be whisked away on a private cart safari.
Mendocino Coast
Clifftop romance at Heritage House meets the tantalizing perfume of the redwoods. Kayak sapphire sea caves, then detour 40 minutes north to Humboldt Redwoods State Park for picnicking beneath a cathedral-like tree canopy.
Ready to trade Silicon Valley streets for shoreline, vines, or alpine air? Tell me the vibe you crave and I’ll match you with the perfect keys—whether it’s a weekend suite or a forever home!
