Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

12 Dream Vacation Destinations That Prove the West Coast Is the Best Coast

Grab Your Person and Pack Your Bags—Your Dream Vacay Is Calling!

After these past few years of ups and downs, we all deserve an incredible dream vacation (or two…or three). We know that adventure calls everyone differently, but if that call includes beautiful weather and hours of sunshine, set your GPS out west. Here, you’ll find everything from deserts and beaches to cityscapes and treelines. So, whether you’re looking for a sweet honeymoon or a girly getaway, these 12 hotels are the perfect destinations for your westside escape! Best West Coast Vacations

 

For the Treat-Yourself-ers

Stay at: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Ritz-Carlton
Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Why We Love It: Ocean-front property views

While The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is fantastic for families and incredible for weddings, we think this trip should be reserved for you and your BFF—especially for a spring break getaway. Experience the luxury of soaking up the sun and being tended to by a Beach Butler, a mani-pedi at the onsite spa or a refreshing cocktail by your personal firepit. Seeking a little adventure? Head outdoors for a beachside hike with stunning views, or join the resort’s Eco-Adventure Center for a whale-watching excursion!

Our advice is to opt for the Reconnect overnight offer to get the most out of your stay. This special offer includes a daily resort credit starting at $100, breakfast every morning and dreamy, coastal-chic accommodations.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Location: Dana Point, CA
@ritzcarltonlagunaniguel 

Best West Coast Vacations

For the Artsy Urban Explorers

Stay at: Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Why We Love It: In the heart of Orange County

Whether you’re an Orange County local, out-of-town vacationer or traveler on business, this classy, urban hotel in the heart of Costa Mesa is a dream come true. Avenue of the Arts sets the stage for the signature SoCal lifestyle with its prime location, sophisticated yet unpretentious ambiance and comfortable accommodations. “It’s basically boujee without airs,” says Sivilay Henry, corporate director of marketing for Avenue of the Arts

Beyond the glossy exterior of this AAA Four Diamond hotel, you’ll find a breathtaking arts-inspired interior filled with murals, hues of royal purple and soft creams, sleek black wood flooring, grand tiered chandeliers and lush landscaping. And while the glamourous design and slew of sumptuous amenities will draw you indoors, one of the best aspects of Avenue of the Arts is its surrounding area. Guests can easily visit OC’s best beaches (only fifteen minutes away), spend the day shopping at OC’s state-of-the-art retail center, South Coast Plaza, and experience world-class entertainment at the Segerstrom Center for Performing Arts (located across the street). And when hunger strikes, Avenue of the Arts’ signature restaurant, Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar, serves up an unmatched artisanal culinary experience, utilizing the freshest free-range and organic ingredients in California.

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Book Now
@avenueoftheartshotel

7/13

Best West Coast Vacations

For the Nature Lovers

Stay at: Ventana Big Sur

Why We Love It: Dog-friendly campsites

Located between the Pacific Ocean and the San Lucia Mountains, Ventana Big Sur is a rustic luxury hotel that offers glamping tent cabins that give you the opportunity to connect with nature in comfort and style. The hotel offers a picnic menu so you don’t need to worry about packing meals, and it has recently granted glampers access to other parts of the property, such as the swimming pool, restaurants and fitness center.

Ventana Big Sur
Location: Big Sur, CA
Book Now
@ventanabigsur

6/11

 

For the True Romantics

Stay at: La Quinta Resort & Club

Why We Love It: On-site restaurant Morgan’s in the Desert

Book the ultimate couple’s getaway with a casita from La Quinta Resort & Club. Each casita comes with its own fireplace and a private yard or patio, and some are even located poolside—it’s everything you need for rekindling your honeymoon phase! Whenever you do decide to leave your gorgeous casita, be sure to enjoy the on-site eateries or a massage at Spa La Quinta. 

La Quinta Resort & Club
Location: La Quinta, CA
Book now
@laquintaresort

9/7

 

For the Class Acts 

Stay at: Pendry West Hollywood

Why We Love It: Proximity to WeHo’s famous nightlife

Transport yourself back to the Golden Age of Hollywood when you step into the Pendry! Everywhere you look, the hotel pays homage to classic California aesthetics, serving as inspiration for you and your honey to get dolled up and enjoy yourselves. Eat and drink your fill at the hotel’s inspiring restaurants and bars, then head out for a truly spectacular night on the town—you may even catch a show at the intimate music venue. 

Pendry West Hollywood
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Book Now
@pendrywesthollywood

Best West Coast Vacations

For the Wild at Heart

Stay at: Amangiri 

Why We Love It: A dramatic and secluded setting

Tucked within the lucent canyons of the American Southwest, Amangiri is a remote hideaway for those in search of some peace and quiet. This sanctuary of a resort sits on 600 acres of the broad and majestic Colorado Plateau. But don’t be fooled, as Amangiri features all the luxury amenities you crave when it comes to vacationing. Take a dip in the red-rock surrounded pool, visit the Navajo-influenced spa, and feast on an assortment of Mexico-meet-Native-American cuisine. This serene escape will no doubt leave you starry-eyed.

Amangiri
Location: Canyon Point, UT
@amangiri

 

For the Tropical Twosome

Stay at: Grand Wailea Maui

Tropical Twosome
Credit: Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Why We Love It: Hello? It’s Maui!

The Grand Wailea Maui is the ideal destination for you and your favorite person to go have some fun in the sun. Breathe in the plumeria-scented air as you two relax near crystal blue waters, pick up a pina colada and splash around in the resort’s pool, or you can opt to take a hike close by and explore Hawaii’s natural beauty—there are no bad choices here! Want to make the most of your day? Take a look at amazing resort experiences like scuba diving, whale watching and more.

Grand Wailea Maui
Location: Maui, HI
Book Now
@grandwailea

Best West Coast Vacations

For the Cali-Bound Couple 

Stay at: Hotel Healdsburg

Why We Love It: The Wildflower Walks and stunning vineyards

Whether it’s wine o’clock or simply time for a romantic respite, Hotel Healdsburg is the perfect place for couples who want to take in the natural beauty of California’s wine country and savor the incredible food and drink the area is known for. If you want to relive your honeymoon, opt for the hotel’s Romantic Rendezvous offer, complete with sparkling wine, chocolates and fresh flowers.

Hotel Healdsburg
Location: Healdsburg, CA
Book Now
@hotelhealdsburg

 

For the Sun-Seekers 

Stay at: Omni Tucson National Resort

Sun-Seekers 
Credit: Omni Tucson National Resort

Why We Love It: The Unlimited Golf Package

In the need of some vitamin D? Omni Tucson National Resort has tons of ways you and your fellow sun chaser can experience the great outdoors while never losing that luxurious getaway feeling. From the two refreshing pools to the Tucson National Golf Course, let the Arizona sun melt away all your troubles—and don’t forget to explore the Saguaro National Park!

Omni Tucson National Resort
Location: Tucson, AZ
Book Now
@omnitucsonnational 

For the Free Spirits

Stay at: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Why We Love It: Outdoor massages

If you and your friend hate sitting still on vacation, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa should be on your must-stay list! This luxurious, 45-acre resort features a lush environment and offers plenty of outdoor fitness and wellness programs for you and your bestie to enjoy. The hotel’s restaurants also offer plenty of healthy dining options, so you’ll have the option of staying on top of your diet (but we won’t tell anyone if you cheat!).

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Book Now
@ranchovalencia

Best West Coast Vacations

For the Luxury Seekers

Stay at: Nobu Ryokan Malibu

Why We Love It: Malibu’s most exclusive stay

At Nobu Ryokan, when they say seaside, they mean seaside. This intimate, 16-room hotel on the coast on the ‘Bu pays tribute to traditional Japanese Ryokans with its teak soaking tubs, timeless artwork and tranquil outdoor spaces. Take in views from the ipe wood deck, cozy up around one of the outdoor fireplaces and order room service (courtesy of Nobu). Trust us—you’ll never want to leave.

Nobu Ryokan Malibu
Location: Malibu, CA
@noburyokanmalibu

 

For the Party Animals

Stay at: The Cosmopolitan

Why We Love It: Location in the heart of The Strip

No matter who your travel buddy is for this Vegas trip, make sure it’s someone who can keep up! The Cosmopolitan is the place to be if you’re looking to start your day at the pool, enjoy craft cocktails and delicious bites at Ghost Donkey, catch a show at The Chelsea, dance the night away at Marquee and then repeat it all the next day. Don’t worry—you can sleep it all off on a Perfect Sleeper mattress! 

The Cosmopolitan
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Book Now
@cosmopolitan_lv 

Writer | Website

Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.

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