The NorCal List

My favorite hotels, restaurants and more

With 80-degree days just around the corner, I’ve been scrolling through my summer camera roll from last year and reminiscing on all the time I was lucky enough to spend throughout Northern California. I made two trips out west thanks to two weddings we attended; one in Carmel Valley and one in Sonoma. We tacked on some extra travel to both trips, since five-hour flights and expensive plane tickets felt too valuable to waste on just a weekend.

Looking back at the pics, I was reminded of how many amazing spots we hit—places I’ve been to before but revisited with my fiancé, new or new to us restaurants, and hotels we stayed at or visited that I’d confidently send my clients to in a heartbeat. So, all that to say, I didn’t want all that research and those found gems to go to waste.

Here they are, all in one place for you to bookmark next time you’re planning to spend a few days in NorCal.

Dawn Ranch

Where to Stay

Coastal / Russian River

• Dawn Ranch

• Sea Ranch Lodge

• Timber Cove

• Post Ranch Inn

Napa / Sonoma Valley

• The Madrona

• Meadowood

• North Block

• Singlethread Inn

• The Francis House

• Stanly Ranch

Carmel-by the-Sea and Valley

• Carmel Valley Ranch

• Le Petit Pali

• La Playa Hotel

• Bernardus Lodge

Le Petit Pali, Carmel-by-the-Sea

What to Do

Hikes and Parks

• Goat Rock

• Berry Creek Falls Loop, Big Basin Redwoods State Park

• Sonoma Coast State Park

• Bodega Bay Trailhead

• Armstrong Redwoods National Park

  

  1. Russian River 2. Armstrong Redwoods 3. Goat Rock

Wineries

• Scribe - Sonoma (If you’re only going to pick one winery to hit, Scribe is a must. Make sure they’re accepting reservations for non-members on the day you’re planning to visit)

• Gundlach Bundschu - Sonoma

• Gloria Ferrer - Sonoma

• Carneros - Napa

• Goosecross - Yountville

• Folktale Winery - Carmel

Scribe Winery, Sonoma

Activities

• Osmosos Spa and Sanctuary - Do the cedar enzyme bath and book a massage if you can (feels very NorCal in the best way)

• Barthomolmew Estate - Beautiful grounds and rotating art exhibits

• Kayaking or Tubing the Russian River - If you’re staying at Dawn Ranch, you will have a private entrance and dock to the river and complimentary tubes

Where to Eat

Coastal / Russian River

• The Lodge at Dawn Ranch – Sophisticated menu in a relaxed, homey setting

• River’s End Inn – For views of the Russian River meeting the Pacific

• Spud Point Crab Company – Fresh seafood. If the line’s too long, head next door to Fisherman’s Cove

• The Dining Room at Sea Ranch Lodge – Even if you’re not staying here, make the drive. The ocean-cliff views are wild, and make sure to go early so you’re not driving back in the dark

• Cafe Aquatica – Lowkey and lovely for breakfast or grab-and-go

• Nepenthe – Big Sur views and a fun gift shop

Napa / Sonoma Valley

• SingleThread - Three-Michelin-starred

• The Girl and the Fig - Charming bistro known for its rustic French-inspired style

• Valley - Laid-back atmosphere with incredible food

• Sunflower Caffe - A breakfast favorite and must on the square

• Sushi by Scratch - 10-seat omakase experience

• The Farmhouse Inn – Refined tasting menu and romantic setting

• Lou’s Luncheonette – Great for a classic diner-style breakfast or lunch

Carmel by the Sea and Valley

• La Bicyclette – Cozy, French-leaning bistro

• Mission Ranch – For views, especially at sunset

• Carmel Bistro Giovanni - Italian-American cuisine

• Chez Noir - A fine dining experience that blends French and California styles

• Stationaery – Go-to brunch spot

• The Butter House - Solid breakfast spot

• Bear and Flag Roadside - Casual BBQ eatery and wine shop

• Rise + Roam Bakery – All things breakfast and pastries