The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in California
All-inclusive resorts have the recipe for an easy-breezy vacation down pat. Start with unlimited food and drinks, add a dash of recreation or perhaps some spa services and finish with loads of amenities. Whereas the Caribbean and Mexico definitely corner the market on traditional all-inclusive resorts (you know, the ones with sprawling buffets, swim-up bars and nightly entertainment), the options in California feel markedly different. There are relaxing spa resorts where the rate covers everything from healthy fare to forest bathing and even some hotels with packages so robust you might forget they’re not technically all-inclusive. In both instances, the end result is the same: a stress-free vacation in the Golden State where you don’t have to reach for your wallet—and that’s really what matters most.
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1. CANYON RANCH WOODSIDE (WOODSIDE, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 35 minutes from San Francisco International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Wellness-focused, rejuvenating activities, spa
- Rates: Starting at $1,100 per night for single occupancy
2. ALISAL RANCH (SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 45 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Horseback riding, golf, spa, great for families
- Rates: Starting at $820 per night for double occupancy
3. THE CLEMENT PALO ALTO (PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 11 minutes from Palo Alto Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Great packages, romantic, lively location
- Rates: Starting at $850 per night for single occupancy
4. HOTEL DRISCO (SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 24 minutes from San Francisco International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Perfect for a staycation or city break, superb location, elegant
- Rates: Starting at $550 per night for double occupancy
5. ALILA VENTANA BIG SUR (BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 51 minutes from Monterey Regional Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Romance, stunning views, outdoor activities, wellness
- Rates: Starting at $2,100 per night for double occupancy
6. CARNEROS RESORT AND SPA (NAPA, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 75 minutes from San Francisco International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Charming cottages, wine tasting, excellent food, lawn games
- Rates: Starting at $1,249 per night for double occupancy (two night minimum)
7. THE RITZ-CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY (HALF MOON BAY, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 35 minutes from San Francisco International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Golf, ocean views, incredible food, spa services
- Rates: Starting at $796 per night for double occupancy
8. WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH (DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 70 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Coastal activities, oceanfront golf, beach club, restaurants,
- Rates: Starting at $719 per night for double occupancy
9. THE CAMP AT CARMEL VALLEY (CARMEL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 25 minutes from Monterey Regional Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Outdoor activities, glamping, nostalgia, family fun
- Rates: Starting at $245 per night for single occupancy
10. TERRANEA RESORT (RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA)
- Getting There: 50 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: Pool, golf, dining options
- Rates: Starting at $775 per night for double occupancy