Top 15 California Resorts: Reader Favorites of 2025

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2024 list of our favorite resorts in California.

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2024, as destinations around the world. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

California’s Best Resorts: A Spotlight on Resilience

The Golden State hasn’t lost a bit of luster in travelers’ minds, despite the compounding hardships of wildfires, mudslides, and the pandemic. Through it all, California has provided the perfect outlets for open-air relaxation — and social distancing — that we’ve needed during stressful times, whether that’s time spent on the spectacular coast or in the High Sierra. The people and hospitality businesses of California have proven resilient as they’ve adapted to welcome guests in COVID-conscious ways, and the properties that readers voted as the best resorts in California deeply embody this style of hospitality.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, participants are asked to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value, classifying properties as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Top Resorts in California

The resorts that readers found most compelling excel in providing a sense of tranquility and privacy, regardless of the surroundings. Most can be found along the Pacific Coast.

1. Nobu Ryokan Malibu, Malibu

Just off the bustling Pacific Coast Highway, this exclusive haven with 11 rooms and five bungalows overlooks Carbon Beach and pays tribute to traditional Japanese inns while taking a sleek, modern approach befitting its glamorous location in Malibu. Accommodations feature serene aesthetics and luxurious amenities. Guests enjoy in-room dining from the restaurant and can request spa treatments from partner spa Cure. One enthusiastic guest stated it’s “the No. 1 in Malibu” and a top choice in all of California.

Score: 98.59
More information: malibu.nobuhotels.com

2. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, San Diego

Score: 98.03
More information: ranchovalencia.com

3. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur

Score: 96.18
More information: postranchinn.com

4. The Surfrider, Malibu

Score: 95.50
More information: thesurfridermalibu.com

5. The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach

Score: 95.36
More information: theranchlb.com

6. Brewery Gulch Inn, Mendocino

Score: 94.97
More information: brewerygulchinn.com

Total Rankings for Best California Resorts

California’s top resort rankings were influenced by guest experiences conveying comfort, tranquility, and magnificent views. As travel resumes, consider exploring these remarkable destinations.