12 Best Hotels in North County and Around, California

Thirty years in the making, this striking hotel perched on the ocean bluffs has successfully captured the essence of SoCal's luxurious beach culture with sleek rooms and spaces that pay tribute to its environment. The adult-centered property caters to active and pampered travelers who maximize such perks as complimentary electric bikes, surfboards, wet suits, yoga, welcome cocktails, and a golf cart that zips around the Leucadia community. The brains behind the beauty are top architectural-and-design firms Joseph Wong and MARKZEFF who infused nature into the blueprints by creating curved entryways and a layout that frames the coast. From sustainability efforts and barefoot luxury, to sound mediation and curated works by surf photographer, Aaron Chang, this lifestyle resort pours both soul and harmony in this majestic slice of Encinitas.

Mind-blowing indulgence in serene surroundings, from drop-dead-gorgeous guest accommodations to myriad outdoor adventures, sets the opulent Mediterranean-style Fairmont Grand Del Mar apart from any other luxury hotel in San Diego. Inspired by the palaces of Spain and the villas of France, the resort is set in a secluded canyon surrounded by the 4,100-acre Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve; every window, deck, patio, balcony, and lawn affords a view of the surrounding mountains. Guests can hike tree-lined trails and dip their toes in streams, fish-filled ponds, or waterfalls, or take advantage of the resort's four pools (playing classical music underwater), and the Tom Fazio–designed golf course. Marble, crystal, gold, brocaded corner love seats, fine European linens, crystal lamps, and marble bathrooms with separate soaking tubs and showers—and more—embellish the guest rooms. If you need a lot of space, request one of the 5,000-square-foot royal villas that feature three bedrooms, 4½ baths, state-of-the-art kitchens, and sweeping entertainment areas. Among the resort's many amenities are complimentary shuttle service (within 14 miles), child care during spa treatments, and an equestrian center. 

Even though it has changed hands multiple times since it was first built in 1933, Casa del Zorro is still a secret desert hideaway for those looking for spacious and comfortable accommodations—many with private pools, surrounded by gorgeous desert mountains. Huge rooms have desert views from balconies and fireplaces for cool winter nights. Bathrooms, done in granite and glass, are bright and modern. Resort facilities include a restaurant, bikes, yoga, tennis courts, five pools, and a spa.

This chic Spanish colonial oasis on 400 tree-shaded acres has ample guest rooms, two golf courses, and is known for being family-friendly, with plenty of kids' activities (including a kids' club, a game room, eight swimming pools, three waterslides, and a water play zone). Guest rooms are in shades of brown and sand with oversize chairs and sofas, while public rooms feature open-beam ceilings and leather furnishings. Among the six dining options is Bob's Steak & Chop House serving fine wines and large cuts of prime steak, chops, and seafood. There is a large tennis center, a family entertainment area, a shopping complex, a wellness spa, and two PGA championship golf courses. Marketplace is convenient for those grab-and-go lunches to enjoy poolside.

As one of the most luxurious hotels in San Diego, this retreat completed a $50 million resort-wide transformation in 2020, with redesigned rooms, a new lobby, family pool with water park, luxury cabanas, and three new restaurants including Ember & Rye by celebrity chef Richard Blais. It's a play-and-relax haven with an Arnold Palmer–designed golf course, a tennis club, two pools, and views overlooking Batiquitos Lagoon and the Pacific among its 250 acres. The 540-square-foot rooms are remarkably spacious and feature every possible amenity including private terraces with water views and deep soaking tubs. The romantic Couple’s Suite has a semiprivate whirlpool spa courtyard, Swiss shower, and fireplace for the ultimate relaxation. Despite the lavishly appointed grounds, the resort is exceptionally family-friendly. Children have their own pool, nature walks, surf lessons, and VIP LEGOLAND tours. A shopping shuttle transports guests to the Carlsbad Outlets, and a beach shuttle makes a daily trip to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas during the summer upon request.

Dinner at Ember & Rye or a pampering treatment at the Aviara Spa are worth the splurge.

The gorgeous, flower-decked 265-acre grounds draw a sophisticated clientele looking for a golf and spa getaway. Public areas throughout the resort are a collection of fountains, pools, and small sitting rooms, where Spanish mission–style sofas and fireplaces invite you to linger with a good book, and guest rooms hold platform beds tucked into corner upholstered banquettes, and great fairway or garden views are visible from private patios or balconies. A spa, complete with a saline pool, holds the ultimate treatment rooms: shuttered and heated garden casitas, where you can relax under the sun to the tune of moving water. Day passes ($75) are available to nonresort guests Monday–Thursday. The resort boasts the fine-dining venue, AVANT. Many guests select this property for the public 18-hole championship golf course that has hosted both PGA and LPGA events.

Elegant and luxurious two-level, hacienda-style casitas—appointed with corner fireplaces, luxurious bathrooms, and shuttered French doors leading to private patios—are nestled among 45 acres in one of Southern California's most affluent neighborhoods. Each of the 900- to 1350-square-foot units feels like a private home, with wood-beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, steam showers, and hand-painted tile bathrooms. Big spenders can reserve the three-bedroom hacienda for around $7,000 a night. Throughout the gated grounds are tennis courts, walking trails, and the enchanting spa with an adjacent fitness center, two pools, yoga pavilion, and Pilates studio. Daily resort activities range from tequila tastings and lawn croquet to fireside s'mores and yoga for kids. Stop by the Pony Room for cocktails and lunch. Privacy, though, is the amenity cherished by many guests of Valencia, who have included Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Tiger Woods, and Bill Clinton.

Accommodations in this three-story resort popular with golfers are clean, pleasant, and have mountain or golf-course views from balconies or patios. Perks include a driving range, heated pool, equestrian center, a spa, and two playgrounds. You can dine in the bright and airy Oaks Grill every day but Monday. The Par Lounge is locally popular for lunch and dinner.

At Temecula's largest winery, this resort offers your choice of a private villa or hotel room in the tower building, all surrounded by 38 acres of vineyards. Most guests opt for a villa, each designed for privacy with no common walls or entrances, with sweeping views of mountains and sky from a private patio. Back doors open onto trails that wind through vineyards and orchards, ideal for guests who travel with happy hounds; each dog is welcomed with a "sWag Bag" and owners are treated to a bottle of wine. There are hand-painted frescoes, in-room fireplaces, oversize marble bathrooms, and small dining areas. In the tower building, an additional 50 rooms are slightly less private but more affordable than the villas. The resort also has a spa with 22 treatment rooms and a saltwater pool. The resort offers a number of packages that make it a value choice when staying in the Temecula wine country.

This property sprawls over 360 acres, and rooms have private patios or balconies that overlook the resort's championship golf course. Renovated rooms are decorated in resort-lodge style, with soothing earth tones and plush furniture, while upper campus rooms are slightly more affordable; among these it's worth splurging for a corner premium suite with a wraparound balcony and mountain views or for privacy and space, request the three-bedroom Creek House. The restaurant, Cork Fire Kitchen, which serves California farm-to-table cuisine, has an inviting outdoor seating area and garden from which ingredients are harvested daily.

Guests can take advantage of three different level tracks at Temecula Creek Inn’s 27-hole golf course.