California Coast Summer Road Trip Guide
July 29, 2020 8:35 pm
California Coast Your Guide to your next Summer Road Trip
By Stephanie Louzil
Fellow California residents – it’s time to get out of the house and onto the road for a fun-in-the-sun getaway you can enjoy sans any mandatory COVID-19 quarantine requirements. From the San Diego beaches to Sonoma wine country, we’ve mapped out our top socially (distant) acceptable recommendations for a post-quarantine trip along the California coast.
Why we love it: Situated on one of America’s best beaches just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, the historically iconic Hotel del Coronado offers a quintessential Southern California experience and the perfect start to any post-quarantine coastal road trip. Our favorite accommodations are the Cottage Rooms and Suites at Beach Village, which feature the best beachfront locations and unparalleled views from private patios or balconies just steps from the sand.
What you don’t want to miss: For the ultimate VIP beach experience, treat yourself to a luxury queen-sized Del Beach daybed rental, which includes entry for 2 guests to the Del Beach Lounge Area and access to umbrellas, lounge chairs, beach games and more. Plus, be among the first to stay in a beautifully renovated, spacious Cabana guestroom surrounding The Del’s new glistening pool. Each features a balcony or covered terrace with lounge seating and fire features on the ground floor units (as pictured in the photo above).
What to know before you go: Details on current amenity and offering modifications are listed here.
Current Promotion: Quick Escapes (Valid for Travel 06 Jul 2020 - 21 Dec 2020)
We invite Virtuoso clients to come visit Hotel del Coronado and Beach Village at the Del with an exciting "Welcome Back" special. Any four night or longer bookings made before August 15, 2020 for stays from July 6- December 21, 2020 will receive 25% off of published Virtuoso rates.
Coastline Amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (room upgrades are not possible in Beach Village)
- Daily Buffet breakfast for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Resort credit (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
From Hotel del Coronado, head about 30 miles northeast via on the I-5 N freeway to arrive at your next destination.
Why we love it: This Mediterranean hacienda-inspired hidden gem is situated 20 minutes from the coast in a private 45-acre enclave featuring rolling hills and lush landscaping. All 49 of its guestrooms are spacious casitas starting at 900 square feet each, ensuring total privacy no matter which luxurious suite you select. For small groups, connecting casita options are available.
What you don’t want to miss: Keep up your wellness regimen during your visit with complimentary access to Rancho Valencia’s daily fitness classes, like yoga, Pilates, spin & TRX, now being offered outdoors with reservations required to ensure social distancing. Plus, though the Forbes Five-Star spa is under renovation until December 2020, massage and facial therapies are available to book in covered outdoor patios or in one of four private Spa Casitas to ensure safety, comfort and total peace of mind.
What to know before you go: For the most updated information, please contact your Coastline Travel Advisor.
Coastline Amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom (maximum $40 credit per person)
- $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, (Not valid in Sheridan, the resort's boutique. Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Your next stop is located about 70 miles north of Rancho Valencia by way of the I-5 N and CA-73 N toll road.
Why we love it: Inspired by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, Pelican Hill offers the (socially distant) Italian getaway you’ve been longing for throughout quarantine by way of Newport Beach’s expansive coastal hillside. We recommend booking your dream home away from home in one of the resort’s Villa accommodations, featuring two- to four-bedroom residences ranging from 2,193-3,581 square feet, gourmet kitchens and access to the exclusive Villa Clubhouse and Pool.
What you don’t want to miss: For the ultimate relaxation experience, spend a day in one of Pelican Hill’s spacious private cabanas overlooking the iconic Coliseum Pool, golf course and Pacific Ocean. Each cabana includes a 30-inch flat-screen HD TV, Bose music system, mini refrigerator, dining table and lounge chairs.
What to know before you go: Pelican Hill’s most updated health and safety protocols are available here and a list of current open facilities and available amenities is here.
Current Promotion: Welcome Back (Valid for Travel Now Through 30 Dec 2020)
Book 3 nights in an ocean view category, get the 3rd night complimentary or book 4 nights in an ocean view category, get the 4th night complimentary
Coastline Amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- $50 daily breakfast credit for Bungalow guests-$100 daily breakfast credit for Villa guests (excludes tax & gratuity)
- A $100 USD Golf or Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid toward retail, no cash value if not redeemed in full, does not include taxes or gratuities)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
From here, take the CA-73 N toll road to the I-405 N and I-110 S to Los Angeles. Total driving distance is approximately 53 miles.
Why we love it: Perched on the coastal bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and a world away from Los Angeles’ busy city life, Terranea is another Mediterranean-inspired must stop on any California road trip. The resort’s residentially appointed accommodation options range from 1,100 square foot Bungalows and Casitas to 1,860-2,800 square foot two- and three-bedroom villas, each featuring kitchens, living rooms, washers/dryers and private patios or balconies to ensure the utmost in socially distant privacy for couples and extended families alike.
What you don’t want to miss: Nestled in the midst of pristine natural beauty, Terranea offers a variety of adventure activities inspired by the local landscape, including the art of falconry, archery, guided nature hikes, tide pooling, paddle boarding and kayaking, most of which are currently available with physical spacing and monitoring.
What to know before you go: For the latest updates on available services and amenities, visit their website here.
Current Promotions:
- Coastal Escape (Valid for Travel Now Through 30 Dec 2020): Save up to 25% off 2 nights or more. Includes preferred partner amenities. Valid for consecutive stays. Offer subject to availability. Not valid for group bookings of 10 rooms or more.
- 4th Night Free (Valid for Travel Now Through 30 Sep 2020): Plan an incredible oceanfront getaway at Los Angeles’ hidden gem on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Receive the 4th night free and enjoy plenty of time to discover, relax, and explore the unparalleled natural habitat of the Southern California coast. Promotion is subject to availability at time of booking and not valid for oceanfront rooms, oceanfront suites, and 3-bedroom villas.
Coastline Amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom served in Catalina Kitchen, Solvia or In-Room dining (up to $60 credit)
- $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Your next destination is located up the scenic US-101 N freeway, 122 miles north west from Terranea Resort.
Why we love it: Originally opened in 1918 and offering the perfect combination of glamour and relaxation, the historic Belmond El Encanto is Santa Barbara’s coveted coastal hideaway situated atop the lush hillside overlooking the California coastline, just 2 miles from the charming downtown area. To ensure total privacy, we recommend the free-standing Garden Bungalow, featuring up to 670 square feet of luxurious living space and expansive furnished patios surrounded by the hotel’s gardens.
What you don’t want to miss: Take stroll through Belmond El Encanto’s seven peaceful acres of secluded gardens to find some of the property’s exquisite hidden gems, including the chef’s garden, Wishing Well and its century-old, wisteria lined Arbor and Lily Pond.
What to know before you go: The latest on Belmond’s current services and amenities is accessible here. For specific details about Belmond El Encanto’s offerings, please refer to the Safety Directory or contact your Coastline Travel Advisor.
Current Promotion: Advance Purchase (Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Dec 2020)
Plan your stay in advance and enjoy a 15% discount off Best Available Rates. Includes Virtuoso amenities. Restrictions apply. Offer is based on availability and cannot be combined with other promotions or packages.
Coastline Amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- American breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant or room service
- $100 USD Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay. Valid on food, beverage and spa treatments. (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Allow a half day to travel almost 200 miles up the coastline via the UA-101 N and the scenic CA-1 N highway to arrive at your next destination.
Why we love it: Located above one of the most dramatic stretches of Central California coastline, Ventana Big Sur is a rustically romantic adults-only resort featuring 59 guestrooms and suites tucked within 160 acres of redwood forests and meadows. If its picturesque locale weren’t enough to elicit the ultimate in carefree relaxation, Ventana Big Sur recently introduced its inclusive package available with all bookings, which includes all meals, snacks, fitness classes, wellness studio access, complimentary equipment to use on picnics and hikes, and more.
What you don’t want to miss: Whether in combination with or in lieu of a stay in Ventana’s luxurious guestrooms, suites or free-standing residential houses, take full advantage of Big Sur’s rugged landscape with a glamping experience in Ventana’s 20-acre dog-friendly redwood canyon campground. Each safari-style canvas tent features custom mattresses with premium linens, a wood-burning fireplace, hot and cold potable water, two Adirondack chairs and more, plus the option to enhance your experience with add-on packages, like an artisan s’more kit.
What to know before you go: Hyatt’s current COVID-19 travel updates are accessible here. Please reach out to your Coastline Travel Advisor for details on Ventana’s current available services and amenities.
Coastline Amenities:
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom (up to $30 per person credit daily)
- $100 USD Hotel/Resort credit to be used during stay excluding retail (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Routes may vary, but we recommend scheduling at least a half day to allow for a lunch stop in San Francisco along your 200-mile journey up to Napa Valley.
Why we love it: Featuring 85 guest cottages, suites and villas spread over a private 250-acre estate nestled in the heart of iconic St. Helena, Meadowood was designed to offer the utmost in privacy and serenity. Many of the resort’s accommodations also feature wood-burning fireplaces and private terraces overlooking the forested hillside for the ultimate relaxation experience. For families, spacious two-, three- and four-bedroom options are available.
What you don’t want to miss: Spa and wellness enthusiasts rejoice - Meadowood’s Five-Star Spa is offering outdoor curated massages in the Spa Garden Lounge with limited capacity. Also open and awaiting your restful relaxation is Meadowood’s recently renovated swimming pool area, featuring 3 brand new pools – the Hotel Pool, Club Pool and Family Pool – all completed in February 2020 along with a new Pool Terrace restaurant, now available for alfresco dining. (Reservations are required for spa, dining and poolside lounge chairs and cabanas to ensure social distancing.)
What to know before you go: The most up-to-date details on Meadowood’s safely modified experiences can be found here.
Promotions:
- Stay Longer (Valid for Travel 01 Jul 2020 - 31 Mar 2021): Stay 3 consecutive nights and receive the 4th with our compliments. Hillside Rooms, Hillside Suites, Hillside Terrace Suites and Estate Suites are excluded and current blackout dates are July 4, August 22, September 5, October 3, October 10, October 17, November 7. Blackout dates are subject to change, may not be combined with any other offer, not applicable to groups.
- Your Fresh Air Escape (Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Aug 2021): Stay three nights this summer and enjoy a complimentary half-day cabana rental and a $100 food & beverage credit at our new Pool Terrace. Should you stay 3 consecutive nights mid-week (Sunday - Thursday) you will also receive a certificate for one complimentary night to welcome you back later this year. Subject to availability at time of booking and restrictions apply.
- Work ‘Away’ From Home Package (subject to availability): Elevate your environment as you work (away) from home! Your workday will begin with a complimentary breakfast and then conclude poolside, with a cocktail in hand, celebrating the end of your productive day. Work from Meadowood and Enjoy:
- Two-night stay in a guest room with a private deck
- Breakfast for two, daily
- One cocktail per person poolside or at the Pool Terrace, daily
- 4:00 p.m. check-out on day of departure
- Complimentary Wi-Fi anywhere on the Estate
Coastline Amenities
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- A $50.00 credit towards daily breakfast in The Grill or via room service for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Hotel & Resort credit, to be utilized during stay (excludes retail, alcohol, taxes, gratuities, not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Welcome amenity of a box of handcrafted Napa Valley Chocolates
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Your final destination is located just 35 miles west of Meadowood by way of the CA-128 W.
Why we love it: Centrally located between Napa and Sonoma wine countries, this 25-room boutique hotel blends the charming aspects of a quaint bed and breakfast with the service and amenities of a luxury resort. Ranging from 350-850 square feet, each cozy suite includes complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic minibar items and nightly turndown service with homemade cookies and milk, plus the personalized service of 5 staffed concierge to curate wine tasting itineraries at 25 local winery partners that extend VIP treatment exclusively to Farmhouse Inn guests.
What you don’t want to miss: Every evening, Farmhouse Inn offers complimentary wine tasting from a local partner winery, plus house-made marshmallows, Vahlrona chocolate and crunchy grahams for s’mores around the firepit.
What to know before you go: For the latest information on Farmhouse Inn’s current available services and amenities, please contact your Coastline Travel Advisor.
Current Promotion: 4th Night Free (Valid for travel through December 31, 2020)
Stay 3 Nights in any of our accommodations and the 3rd night is complimentary! Some blackout dates apply, offer is subject to availability, not combinable with any other offers but combinable with your Virtuoso Exclusive Amenities
Coastline Amenities:
- Upgrade onf arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Full breakfast for two guests per bedroom (up to $50 daily breakfast credit)
- $100 USD Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Complimentary hand curated wine tasting itineraries to the top 25 hand selected winery partners in Sonoma with all fees waived, VIP access and membership benefits as a guest of Farmhouse.
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi