Jenner, California
Photo credit by Alex via trover.com
Jenner, California
Photo credit by Alex via trover.com
Much has been written about the best hotels in the best cities along the California coast. Most agree upon the cities where these hotels are. Yet there are less popular, under-rated towns where travelers can find equal value and excellent hotel bargains. Many of these hotels line El Camino Real, California’s Old Mission Trail. From Sonoma County in Northern California south to Torrance, California in Los Angeles County, you’ll find unparalleled service and luxurious hotels in many of these under-rated cities.
Sonoma County, Ca.
If you plan to visit Sonoma County, on one day of your visit drive part the 55 miles of Pacific coastline that is the western border of this County. In the far northern part of Sonoma county is Fort Ross, California, an area settled by the Russian fur trappers in the years 1812-1841. This is one of the best areas to hike or walk the state’s wide beaches. It is also a perfect place to search for hotels in Sonoma, Ca. Families love the regional parks making this rugged coastline a camper’s or explorer’s dream. All of the hotels are close to Gualala Point Regional Park, Stillwater Cove Regional Park, and Salt Point State Park, all great spots for whale watching.
San Mateo, Ca.
A little further down the California coast, beyond the San Francisco Bay area, you might consider searching for a hotel in San Mateo. Hotels in San Mateo, Ca. are not only conveniently located near Silicon Valley and the Bay area, but are also perfect for both the business and leisure traveler. There are luxury hotels like the Hilton Garden Inn, an equal offering to the kind of luxury hotel in the big city. Budget and boutique choices are also plentiful.
Santa Ana, Ca.
Just ten miles from the ocean in Southern California is the city of Santa Ana with mountains and beaches framing its immediate surroundings. Even though this is not the most popular city in the area, it is the most populous city in Orange County. An excellent choice of hotels in Santa Ana range from private guest houses to chain hotels with a homey feeling. In 2011, Santa Ana ranked fourth-safest city with over 250,000 residents in the United States by Forbes.
Torrance, Ca.
Torrance, California is another underrated town with one and one half miles of beach just ten miles from the Los Angeles airport. You’ve probably heard of Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Hermosa Beach. Torrance is a neighbor of these beach towns, the twelfth largest city in California and one of Los Angeles’s safest communities. Like Santa Ana, there are many hotels in Torrance, Ca, including a Holiday Inn, Doubletree, Courtyard Marriott, and a host of chain hotels, some within walking distance of the beach.
South Lake Tahoe
The hotels in South Lake Tahoe, Ca offer year round comfort at affordable prices. In this alpine paradise with spectacular scenery there are many hotel types, including four star luxury, full service properties, and budget-friendly options perfect for families.
No matter which option you choose, it will be difficult to go wrong choosing hotel accommodations along California’s beautiful coastline.
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