# The Ultimate California Summer Road Trip A curated California road trip itinerary from San Diego to Healdsburg, featuring 12 design-forward hotel stays along the coast including The Lafayette, Hotel Joaquin, The Surfrider, Alila Ventana Big Sur, and more. - Canonical URL: https://www.opulist.app/articles/the-ultimate-california-summer-road-trip - Markdown URL: https://www.opulist.app/articles/the-ultimate-california-summer-road-trip.md - Published: Sat Apr 11 2026 18:03:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) - Updated: Sun Jun 28 2026 19:32:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) ## Categories - Hotels - Travel Guides - Design ## Tags - None listed ## Venues Mentioned - [Hotel San Luis Obispo](https://www.opulist.app/location/hotel-san-luis-obispo) - Downtown, San Luis Obispo, California - [Hotel Joaquin](https://www.opulist.app/location/hotel-joaquin) - , Laguna Beach, California - [Adults Only](https://www.opulist.app/location/adults-only) - Central LA, Los Angeles, California ## Related Collections - None listed ## Article The Ultimate California Summer Road Trip Categories: Hotel, Restaurant, Bar, Coffee Shop, View, Rooftop Published: Jun 27 | Author: Sara Bacon With California's golden coast calling, we're hitting the road from sunny San Diego all the way up to the vineyards of Northern California. This iconic route is packed with scenic beaches, dramatic cliffs, charming towns, and of course, wine country escapes. We teamed up with our go-to travel advisor and friend of the brand, Allison of Sur Collective, to curate an elevated itinerary that blends beautiful design with easygoing luxury. The Lafayette Hotel | San Diego, CA The Lafayette Hotel Fresh off a major renovation, The Lafayette Hotel in San Diego blends historic charm with Wes Anderson style flair. Every corner is made for the camera: checkerboard floors, rich jewel tones, curated vintage details, and a reimagined pool club that feels like old Hollywood meets contemporary cool. website | instagram Hotel Joaquin | Laguna Beach, CA Hotel Joaquin This 22 room hideaway feels like a Mediterranean daydream, earthy, elegant, and entirely adult. Rooms are filled with vintage furniture, natural textures, and records instead of TVs. website | instagram The Surfrider | Malibu, CA The Surfrider Overlooking the iconic Malibu Pier, The Surfrider Hotel is the definition of laid back luxury. White oak finishes, floor to ceiling windows, and the kind of bedding that makes you want to cancel your plans. The rooftop bar serves fresh coastal fare and panoramic views. website | instagram Ojai Valley Inn | Ojai, CA Ojai Valley Inn A lush retreat tucked between citrus groves and mountains. Spanish revival touches and curated art throughout. Spa, golf, pool, and fine dining with quiet luxury and intentional design. website | instagram Palihouse Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA Palihouse Santa Barbara In the heart of the historic Presidio neighborhood. Rooms layered with velvet, cane, and brass details that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Saltwater pool and nearby wine bars and boutiques. website | instagram Hotel San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA Hotel San Luis Obispo A modern, LEED certified property with warm tones and locally inspired decor. The rooftop bar is a standout, perfect for golden hour drinks. website | instagram Alila Ventana | Big Sur, CA Alila Ventana Set among redwoods and perched above the Pacific, this adults only resort offers expansive views, luxe outdoor soaking tubs, and seamless indoor outdoor design. Safari style glamping tents available. website | instagram Villa Mara | Carmel, CA Villa Mara With just 16 rooms, a coastal refuge that feels more like a private estate. Light, natural, and quietly luxurious with plush linens, fireplaces, and curated mini bars. website | instagram 1 Hotel San Francisco | San Francisco, CA 1 Hotel San Francisco Sustainability forward without sacrificing style. Natural materials, reclaimed wood, and greenery with Bay Bridge views from the on site restaurant. website | instagram Stanly Ranch | Napa, CA Stanly Ranch Blends modern ranch architecture with sweeping vineyard views and resort level hospitality. Fire pits, sleek cottages, and a focus on wellness. website | instagram The Madrona | Healdsburg, CA The Madrona A historic estate turned design destination pairing maximalist interiors with a storied past and valley views. Each room is distinct, filled with art, antiques, and bespoke touches. website | instagram Photo Worthy Stops Along the Way - La Jolla Cove | San Diego - Treasure Island Beach | Laguna Beach - Malibu Pier | Malibu - El Matador State Beach | Malibu - Morro Rock | Morro Bay - Bixby Creek Bridge | Monterey - Pfeiffer Beach | Big Sur - 17 Mile Drive | Pebble Beach - Baker Beach | San Francisco This California summer road trip blends beauty and intention at every turn. Ready to book your next trip? Reach out to Opulist contributor and travel advisor, Allison, at hello@thesurcollective.com to add free perks to your next stay. ## FAQ ### What are the best design hotels for a California coastal road trip? The top design hotels for a California coastal road trip include The Lafayette Hotel in San Diego (with its Wes Anderson-style renovation), Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach (a 22-room Mediterranean-inspired hideaway), The Surfrider in Malibu, and Alila Ventana in Big Sur. Each property offers unique architectural styles ranging from checkerboard floors and jewel tones at The Lafayette to natural textures and vintage furniture at Hotel Joaquin. ### Where should I stay in San Luis Obispo for a modern hotel experience? Hotel San Luis Obispo in downtown San Luis Obispo is a modern, LEED certified property featuring warm tones and locally inspired decor. The hotel's standout feature is its rooftop bar, which is perfect for golden hour drinks with views of the surrounding area. ### Is Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach adults only? Yes, Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach is entirely adult-focused with just 22 rooms. The Mediterranean-style hideaway features an earthy, elegant aesthetic with vintage furniture, natural textures, and notably has records instead of TVs in the rooms. ### What hotels have the best rooftop bars along the California coast? The Surfrider in Malibu and Hotel San Luis Obispo both feature exceptional rooftop bars along the California coast. The Surfrider's rooftop serves fresh coastal fare with panoramic ocean views overlooking Malibu Pier, while Hotel San Luis Obispo's rooftop is ideal for golden hour drinks in downtown San Luis Obispo. ### Which California coastal hotels are best for a luxury spa experience? Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai offers a comprehensive luxury spa experience as part of their lush retreat tucked between citrus groves and mountains. The Spanish revival property features spa services alongside golf, pool facilities, and fine dining, all with quiet luxury and intentional design throughout the resort.