Solo Vacations in California: the Best Boutique Hotels for Traveling Alone
Traveling alone can be a gift. It provides the freedom to choose where and how you spend your time. Whether you’re interested in exploring new places, revisiting favorite destinations, slowing the pace, or charging ahead, these California destinations offer a variety of options for solo travelers.
Stanford Inn by the Sea
A truly transformative experience awaits solo travelers at this famed eco-resort and wellness haven on the Mendocino coast. Stanford Inn by the Sea offers a wide range of programs in nutrition, plant-based cooking, creativity, meditation, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, Tai Chi, yoga, massage, spa treatments, gardening, and more. An inspiring, light-filled yoga studio feels like a treehouse hideaway, while on-site organic gardens inspire the gourmet, plant-based cuisine at nationally acclaimed Ravens Restaurant. You can book a massage in the forest, paddle an outrigger canoe along Big River, and learn recipes and techniques for transitioning to a whole-food, plant-based diet. The inn’s guest rooms exude a cozy, understated luxury and feature wood-burning fireplaces, hardwood floors with Persian rugs, fine linens, and beautifully crafted furnishings. The resort also offers a heated saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna housed in a large greenhouse.
Inn at Moonlight Beach
Just north of San Diego, indulge in the warm sunshine and self-care at the world’s first WELL Certified hotel. The Inn at Moonlight Beach is a tranquil retreat for solo travelers offering an array of packages designed to help you celebrate yourself. The WELL Loved Me package is a particularly dreamy choice. The package includes a 60-minute Signature Moonlight massage, pre-arrival clearing of the room with a choice of sage, copal, or palo santo, a bottle of bubbly with champagne flutes and strawberries upon arrival, a charcuterie, cheese, or vegan plate, organic dark chocolate with seasonal fruit, a fresh herb flower bouquet from the inn’s biodynamic farm, a medicinal flower and herb tea bath, and complimentary late checkout. The inn is located just a short walk from Moonlight State Beach as well as the shops, cafes, and yoga studios in downtown Encinitas.
Lavender Inn
For solo travelers in need of a respite from the city, the Lavender Inn in Ojai offers a relaxing and safe small-town escape less than two hours from Los Angeles. The historic boutique hotel is nestled amid peaceful gardens and is just steps from the boutique shops, galleries, and tasting rooms of downtown Ojai. Stroll through town, set off on a hike or a bike ride, enjoy one-of-a-kind dining experiences, or just cozy up at the inn. Relax in the garden’s private nooks with a good book or treat yourself to a massage outdoors in the private garden gazebo or inside the inn’s day spa. In the evenings, unwind with a glass of wine in front of the fireplace. You’ll return home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Mar Vista Farm + Cottages
To solo-savants or curious first-timers vacationing alone, the Mar Vista Farm + Cottages experience is a transformative opportunity for soulful connection. Located on a secluded stretch of Highway 1 in Mendocino County, Mar Vista is an escape from daily distractions where home alone is a treasured state. Each of the historic cottages is designed for relaxed comfort and features cozy furnishings, a fireplace, and a full kitchen stocked with essentials for creating home-cooked dishes. Guests are invited to harvest fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables from the onsite garden to add to their meals. For those seeking a deeper plunge into nature, a hiking trail on the property winds through towering redwoods, and a private path leads to a secluded beach with tide pools. With no obligations other than to self, solo travelers can spend a day exploring Bowling Ball Beach, Gualala Point Regional Park, and Pelican Bluff Trail located a short drive away.
Kenwood Inn & Spa
Kenwood Inn & Spa delivers an exclusive hideaway for solo vacations in Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and ancient oaks, the inn exudes a faraway feel with intentional details reminiscent of Northern Italy. Guests can meander the exquisite grounds which are meticulously landscaped with trickling fountains, lush greenery, and sparkling pools, including the adults-only Warming Pool. The pools feature inviting seating areas with lounge chairs and semi-private cabanas for luxuriously relaxed reflection. At the Spa at Kenwood Inn, enjoy personalized treatments that are wellness-driven for a deep journey into restorative bliss and renewal. Guests can round out their solo travel experience with a range of complimentary signature amenities including daily wine hour, gourmet breakfast, and fresh-baked cookies. Most rooms have a fireplace and a soaking tub and some guest rooms feature private patio terrace seating.
Hotel Cerro
In downtown San Luis Obispo, the Hotel Cerro serves up several options for travelers staying single this season. For the ultimate in relaxation, book a spa day at Spa Cerro. Enjoy fireside tea amid the cascading water features of Relaxation Quiet Room and an array of massage, facials, body treatments, and more. The hotel’s rooftop pool deck and bar offer an idyllic spot to enjoy craft cocktails and lounge the day away, while the complimentary bikes make it easy to cruise around town. All the guest rooms offer stylish, contemporary interiors, but consider upgrading to a garden suite, which features a private patio with its very own fire bowl. The patios provide a private, relaxing space for enjoying alone time with a morning cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Sensei Porcupine Creek
Situated at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in Rancho Mirage, Sensei Porcupine Creek is a 230-acre desert oasis for soulful solo refuge. The private estate is the ultimate wellness retreat with the trappings of a best-in-class luxury getaway. Everything here is intentional and tailored. While the 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, yoga pavilion, and full-service spa present myriad opportunities for solo fulfillment, it’s Sensei’s guided programs that many individual travelers tap into. Move, nourish, and rest are the tenets of Sensei wellness experiences, which are informed by science, evidence-based practice, and technology. Programs are customized to participant’s needs by an integrated team of specialists and designed to encourage continued practice after leaving. Self-guided introductory programs are also available. Guests who opt to visit with an open schedule can participate in daily classes ranging from cardio tennis to open sky meditation, or lounge blissfully at the pool.
Drift Santa Barbara
Traveling solo is minimalist by design and Drift Santa Barbara reinforces the point. Guest rooms are modern and uncluttered, seemingly inviting guests to drift from the binds of frenzied routines. For those who need a nudge to release, in-room yoga equipment sends a clear message of savasana. Guests can also join a Saturday morning class to stretch and reset. Outside, the hotel’s downtown location puts visitors within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and sun-drenched Santa Barbara beaches. Guests can also rent a bike from the hotel for an afternoon of exploring. A paved bike and pedestrian path parallel the waterfront for miles. Surfboards are available, too. Cap the day with a massage or body treatment at one of the hotel’s preferred local partners which offer exclusive rates for hotel guests. In the mood to be social? Drift’s Dusk Bar offers a casual ambiance for connecting with like-minded travelers over craft cocktails.
Gaige House
Tucked into the quiet nook of Glen Ellen in Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon, Gaige House is an Asian-inspired retreat that feels like a secret hideaway. Tranquil grounds, distinctive service, and intentional east-meets-west aesthetic merge to provide solo travelers with a luxurious space for nurtured inward attention. An outdoor swimming pool and hot tub are accented with calming fountains, a yoga and meditation alcove, private Zen gardens, and inviting outdoor spaces perfect for reading, journaling, or dreaming. Guest rooms exude their own tranquility with clean lines, soft lighting, and muted tones. For a serenity splurge, opt for the Ryokan Zen Creekside Suite which features a deep granite soaking tub, sitting area and fireplace, interior glass Zen rock garden atrium, and a private outdoor patio overlooking Calabazas Creek. Complimentary chef-prepared breakfast, afternoon wine and cheese hour, and freshly baked cookies are offered daily. Onsite massage services are available.
Onsen Hotel & Spa
For a solo escape immersed in healing waters, Onsen Hotel & Spa in Desert Hot Springs is an oasis of renewal. The hotel’s pool and hot tub are fed by underground mineral hot springs known for their rejuvenating properties. The surrounding stillness of the desert landscape further transports the mind and body to quiet recesses. Deepen the restorative process with a massage or body treatment at the onsite spa. Soloists can also treat themselves to a pleasant day of hiking, nature photography, and wildlife viewing at Joshua Tree National Park located less than an hour’s drive from the hotel. Onsen’s peaceful, minimalist vibe invites you to unwind in a space that feels all your own. A wholesome complimentary breakfast buffet is served daily. For solo travelers interested in structured getaways, Onsen offers a variety of retreats, including wellness and yoga experiences designed for relaxation.
Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa
Solo travelers looking for a convenient Bay Area getaway focused on relaxation and rejuvenation with a touch of country luxury will find the perfect escape at Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa in Livermore. Each of the resort’s 10 guest rooms features a fireplace and views of the property’s olive orchard rising into the hills. Most of the rooms also offer Bain Ultra luxury soaking tubs. For a leisurely start to the day, request that the complimentary plated breakfast be served in-room. Later, saunter to the day spa for a massage, facial, or body treatment for extra pampering. Chaise lounges at the pool and hot tub offer an inviting setting for sinking into a good book or napping under the sun. Resort guests are invited to enjoy the daily Gathering Hour for complimentary wine, olive oil tasting, and cheese boards.
Brewery Gulch Inn
Perched on a bluff overlooking Smuggler’s Cove on the Mendocino Coast, Brewery Gulch Inn is a solo traveler’s delight. The inn is surrounded by three acres of mature pines and redwoods, wooded glens, wetland ponds, and manicured gardens that open to expansive ocean views. The setting is perfect for capturing it all in photos, on canvas, or in the pages of a journal. Guest rooms also set the stage for relishing the moment. Amenities include luxurious bedding, rich leather club chairs, and gas fireplaces. Most of the guest rooms also feature ocean views. Take a relaxed retreat a step further with a massage, private yoga session, or Shinrin-Yoku forest bathing experience. A complimentary chef-prepared breakfast and evening wine hour with appetizers is served daily. Mention the Single Savings offer for solo travelers at the time of booking and save $30 per night. The offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
Elk Cove Inn & Spa
For travelers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature, Elk Cove Inn on the Mendocino Coast delivers. Nestled on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a secluded cove, the historic inn offers an immersive experience marked by dramatic ocean views, crashing waves, and invigorating coastal air. A highlight of any stay is a stroll along the mile-long beach below which is accessed from the property by a private trail and staircase. On shore, comb the beach for treasures or simply enjoy the solitude of open space. For a pampered touch, the Elk Cove Spa offers a complete menu of massage therapies and body treatments, including signature CBD-infused treatments. Soulful nourishment doesn’t stop there. Guests are treated daily to gourmet breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy breakfast in the main dining area or request in-room delivery for a private meal with an ocean view.
Hotel Erwin
Overlooking Venice Beach’s famous Pacific Avenue promenade, Hotel Erwin has been offering solo travelers a front-row seat to one of LA’s most iconic destinations since 1975. Step onto the promenade and stroll among street performers, Muscle Beach bodybuilders, and freestyle skateboarders pulling tricks in the landmark skatepark. The lively beachfront also features souvenir shops, casual restaurants and bars, and bike rentals. For a bird’s eye view of it all, take in the sights from a prime seat at the hotel’s High Rooftop Lounge. The open-air restaurant offers a full menu of locally inspired cuisine and craft cocktails, breathtaking sunset views, and DJs cranking out tunes for a crowded dance floor. Solo travelers can also order room service from the hotel’s Barlo Kitchen + Cocktails or Pizza Girl, the viral sensation serving Neapolitan pies in pink boxes. Complimentary daily breakfast and a welcome cocktail are included in Hotel Erwin’s stays.
Rest, A Boutique Hotel
In the foothills of Amador County, solo travelers will find a comfortable home base at Rest, A Boutique Hotel in Plymouth for exploring the region’s growing wine destination. An evening wine and appetizer hour offers guests the opportunity to learn about regional wines and to visit with other guests. For those interested in adding the indulgence of a spa getaway to their visit, in-room massage services can be booked in advance and complimentary yoga mats and session programs are available. Just steps away, enjoy an incredible meal at Taste Restaurant which is a local gem offering table and bar seating. Welcome cookies, s’mores kits for roasting over the fire, and an expanded continental breakfast are included with all stays. For digital nomads, the guest rooms offer in-room desks and complimentary Wi-Fi. Though safety is not a concern, the property has external doors that are locked from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. and are only accessible with a room key. Most of Rest’s guest rooms are pet-friendly.
Canyon Ranch Woodside
Nestled in a forest of ancient redwoods high above the frenzied pace of Silicon Valley, Canyon Ranch Woodside is an all-inclusive retreat where solo reigns supreme. Located in Woodside, the destination itself lends to communing with nature through meditation and stillness, as well as enjoying outdoor activities that honor physical movement and fitness. Even the treehouse-style accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows celebrate nature’s majesty and invite soulful and personal reflection. Canyon Ranch Woodside is program-driven with three paths to choose from. Each is designed to align with guests’ wellness intentions. Guests can design their own luxury visit in consultation with a Wellness Guide, participate in an immersive multi-day Designed Experience package, or join themed camps and retreats held throughout the year.
Green Gables Inn
A solo stay at the historic Green Gables Inn in Pacific Grove is a retreat of timeless elegance. Built in 1888, the boutique inn was recently restored with meticulous attention to detail and refined interiors. The stylish parlor features cozy seating vignettes and a fireplace where guests can relax uninterrupted with a book or be mesmerized by the views of Monterey Bay. Guest rooms are equally tranquil with plush bedding and deluxe amenities. Many guest rooms feature ocean views and a jetted spa tub. Fronting the property, guests can enjoy 29 miles of exquisite alone time running, walking, or biking the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. It’s also popular for spotting sea otters, seals, and coastal birds, as well as the occasional spout during whale migration. Full breakfast, afternoon wine hour and snacks, freshly baked cookies, and use of bicycles are complimentary with every visit.
Madonna Inn
Located off Highway 101 between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Madonna Inn appears like a curious roadside attraction. The iconic pink hotel has been attracting visitors since 1958 and provides an experience of midcentury nostalgia mixed with whimsy. Solo travelers looking to awaken their creative spirit will find inspiration throughout the 1,000-acre ranch. All guest rooms are themed and individually styled with endearingly bold maximalist décor. The inn’s three on-site shops are designed for discovery offering unique souvenirs and statement-worthy fashions. Guests can indulge their sweet tooth at the resort’s world-famous bakery, feast on a steak dinner, and dance the night away to live music in the lounge. Solo travelers will also find peaceful pursuits here. The day spa offers a full treatment menu, and the pool terrace provides an inviting space for sunbathing between dips in the pool and hot tubs. Guests can also hike or join a horseback trail ride through the ranch’s sprawling landscapes.
The Victoria Inn and Dunbar House Inn
The Victoria Inn and Dunbar House Inn have compiled a new solo travel guide to the Sierra foothills’ historic gold-mining town of Murphys. Both inns are conveniently located in downtown Murphys within walking distance of shops, restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, and Gold-Rush-era landmarks. Adventure-minded travelers can hike, bike, and fish in nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park, White Pines Lake, Stanislaus River, and more. Dunbar House Inn guest rooms are tastefully appointed with antique furnishings and modern amenities including climate control and Wi-Fi. For an added treat, choose the Cedar room for its jetted tub, or the Sequoia suite which features a deep soaking tub. Stays at Dunbar House Inn include daily made-to-order gourmet breakfast. At The Victoria Inn, guest rooms are a sanctuary of plush bedding, cozy seating, and luxurious amenities. Some rooms feature spa tubs, gas fireplaces, and balconies overlooking the garden courtyard. All guest rooms are television-free. Daily continental breakfast is included.
West Cliff Inn
Enjoy a solo seaside retreat to Santa Cruz with a stay at the West Cliff Inn. Housed in a beautifully renovated 1877 Italianate Victorian, the three-story inn features chic coastal-inspired décor and a wraparound porch with stunning views of the Monterey Bay. Many of the rooms offer gas fireplaces and jetted spa tubs. Some also include private balconies for enjoying the view. You’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast each morning, afternoon wine and cheese, and complimentary bikes for exploring the town. You can head out along the bike path to watch the surfers at Steamer Lane or visit the monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Park. The inn is also just a stone’s throw from the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and Cowell’s Beach. The inn offers beach towels and other gear for enjoying a day on the sand.
Hotel Sutter
Solo travelers who like mixing history with relaxed solitude will find a gold mine of experiences at Hotel Sutter in Sutter Creek. This Sierra Foothills boutique hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Main Street and is steeped in local lore. The site has welcomed visitors since the height of the California Gold Rush. Within walking distance of the hotel are dozens of shops, galleries, tasting rooms, and historic points of interest. A short drive away are popular wineries. Guests can enjoy relaxed dining at the hotel’s full-service restaurant, and classic cocktails and modern interpretations at the hotel’s two lively bars, including The Copper Room speakeasy-style bar which is a local favorite. Guest rooms are comfortably furnished with modern amenities and some feature a balcony for watching the world saunter by below.
Inn of the Lost Coast
If you’re searching for a secluded piece of paradise to relax and explore, the Inn of the Lost Coast is an idyllic choice. Nestled in the tiny fishing village of Shelter Cove, the inn stands on a cliff overlooking the ocean and is surrounded by rugged terrain, black sand beaches, and unparalleled scenic beauty. Spend your days hiking uncrowded beaches, exploring tide pools at low tide, and watching marine life play in the waters. Treat yourself to a few beers on tap at California’s most remote brewery, Gyppo Ale Mill, and enjoy authentic Venezuelan dishes at Mi Mochima. After a day exploring the Lost Coast, retire to your room with its own private balcony and a front-row seat to the most stunning sunsets. Upgrade to a spa room to enjoy your own sauna and spa tub while the waves crash against the shoreline below.
Riviera Beach House
In the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, Riviera Beach House is steps from the best of all this California dreamscape has to offer. The boutique hotel is ideally located on State Street which is the city’s main drag offering walking distance convenience to shops, restaurants, Stearns Wharf, and the revitalized Funk Zone retail and dining district. Also, just beyond the hotel’s front door is a miles-long waterfront recreation path for enjoying a scenic and peaceful solo bike ride, jog, or stroll. Between self-paced jaunts around town, solo travelers will find quiet comfort in the hotel’s contemporary-styled guest rooms, some featuring private garden patios. Remote-work-friendly offerings include high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room desks with ergonomic chairs, and an intimate meeting room. Santo Mexcal is the onsite restaurant that offers a complete menu of rich Mexican-inspired dishes and cocktails. Savor in the main dining room or place the order for in-room dining.
The Darling Hotel
Solo travelers on a sojourn through the Central Valley will find an inspired setting at The Darling Hotel in downtown Visalia. With its swanky 1930s Art Deco charm and rich history as a former courthouse, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of modern comfort and vintage elegance. Travelers can enjoy beautiful city views and dining from the rooftop restaurant, a relaxing dip or invigorating laps in the outdoor heated pool, and exercise any time of day in the 24-hour fitness center. Solo travelers will also find the hotel to be a prime home base for exploring nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Inn at Playa del Rey
Solo travelers seeking a private oasis within the bustle of Los Angeles can find serenity at the Inn at Playa Del Rey. The secluded B&B overlooks the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and Marina del Rey and is modeled in the style of a classic New England beach resort. The inn features an array of amenities and access to outdoor activities that are ideal for solo travelers. Airy, casually elegant rooms feature high-end linens, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and designer bath products. For a special splurge, upgraded rooms offer fireplaces, decks, jetted spa tubs, and marina or wetlands views. In the communal spaces, guests can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, afternoon tea, and cookies, and—if the inclination to socialize strikes—an evening wine hour in the lobby. The inn also provides bikes to borrow for exploring the bike trails and sprawling beaches just blocks away.