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California is home to some of the USA’s top attractions and cities. Whether you’re into beaches, sightseeing, family fun, star spotting or the great outdoors, the Golden State offers plenty of diversity. There are also many ways to add something special to your trip and experience some blissful luxury in California.
The state is home to many well-known names and boasts some of the nation’s wealthiest homes. With celebrity trappings and splendour galore, treat yourself to some star treatment and indulge in a little, or a lot of, luxury in California.
Luxury Things to do in California
1. Decadent California Restaurants
When it comes to dining, California offers a myriad of choices. To give your taste buds a treat and enjoy elegant surroundings, mingle with the rich and famous at one of the celebrity hangouts. From eating establishments with the coveted Michelin stars to restaurants that specialize in a particular type of international cuisine, there are many ways to enjoy luxury in California at mealtimes.
Sushi lovers can indulge at Urasawa, one of the priciest and most exclusive sushi restaurants in the whole of the US. Located in the center of Beverly Hills, it’s not uncommon to recognise a few of your fellow diners. Providence on Los Angeles’ Melrose Avenue is a top choice for seafood and cocktails.
San Francisco Bay Area boasts six Michelin three-starred restaurants, including Saison, Quince, Manresa and Meadowood. The French Laundry is a hit with gourmands and Benu serves up classic American fare with a twist.
LA’s Forage and Napa Valley’s The Thomas are ideal for people who like the farm-to-table concept. Santa Barbara’s Julienne combines a relaxed air with delicious gastronomy, while Animal in Fairfax is trendy and exclusive with a global menu. Melisse in Santa Monica is a winner for wines and imaginative plates.
Finding great food in beautiful surroundings is definitely NOT difficult in California.
2. Pampering Spa Luxury in California
The abundance of top-notch spas in California makes it easy to soothe your mind, body and soul. A spa visit can be the perfect way to revive flagging energy levels and restore feelings of well-being. Book a single treatment, a day program or a residential stay, because you’re worth it!
Relax with an array of calming massages. From Indian head massage and traditional Thai massage to hot stone massage, Swedish massage and sports massage, there are many types to choose between. Find relief from the stresses and strains of everyday life with treatments such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and reflexology. Pamper yourself with manicures, pedicures, hair treatments, waxing, facials and more. Feel fabulous after a milk bath, seaweed body wrap, or chocolate body mask.
The wide-ranging treatment menus at the various opulent spas can, as you can see, be very tempting!
3. Top Class California Accommodations
Whichever part of California you’re visiting, and whatever activities you plan to do, keep the luxury alive in your downtime with a stay in beautiful California vacation rentals. Equipped with everything you need to feel fancy, leave regular life behind and luxuriate in sumptuous surroundings.
Some people seek super-soft beds, attentive service or inviting swimming pools. Others love glorious views or exquisite architecture. What trappings of luxury do you dream about? Make those dreams a reality in California!
4. Blissful California Beach Life
California’s sun-kissed beaches attract numerous travelers year in, year out, all looking to laze on the sand, soak up the sun, swim in the ocean and enjoy the views.
Moreover, varied activities are available on, and near, the sandy stretches, with fun water spots, bars and restaurants with ocean vistas, boutique shopping and more. With more than 400 public beaches, and a large number of private beaches, California’s 840-mile-long coastline offers the perfect beach for all. Whether you’re looking for a popular hotspot that’s buzzing with life or a romantic secluded spot, you’ll find lots of beach luxury in California.
Some of the state’s best beaches include Black’s Beach at La Jolla, Malibu Lagoon, Shell Beach in Sea Ranch and the spectacular Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur. Santa Monica’s sandy shores attract a fair few stars.
San Francisco’s Baker Beach is a pleasant place for a picnic or stroll with splendid views of the Golden Gate Bridge and rolling dunes to explore. Feel as though you’ve been transported to a different era on the white sands on Coronado Beach, with whimsical turrets and towers rising in the background. LA’s Hermosa Beach is a hit with the good-looking people. The expensive mansions close to Manhattan Beach create an air of opulence and for scenic views, Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz is a tough spot to beat.
5. Unique California Luxury Activities
Soar through the skies and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Del Mar with a hot air balloon ride. Rent a luxury convertible car, like a Ferrari or Tesla, put the hood down, and cruise along the coast. Relax in a restored antique carriage and take a rail journey on the Napa Valley Wine Train. California is also a great place to golf. It’s home to courses such as Cypress Point and Pebble Beach Golf Club. So make sure to pack your clubs and if you really want to play like a pro then consider investing in a rangefinder.
Head to Newport Harbour (queue the OC flashbacks!) and charter your own boat for a fun time on the water. Board a private yacht in Monterey Bay. Take a Seaplane Tour over San Francisco or Marin County. Book VIP tickets for popular attractions, for example, The VIP Experience at Hollywood’s Universal Studios (I’ve been dreaming of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for AGES now). There are so many ways to inject some luxury into your California trip!
Visit the Golden State and enjoy lashings of luxury in California.
Love the idea of those spas! I’ve always thought of vineyards as well, and would definitely not mind a wine tasting trip either! 🙂
Thanks for such a great post. Love your writing!