The Best Culinary Destinations in California
Whether you’re looking to enjoy oysters and clam chowder on the coast or French fare in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, these are California’s best culinary destinations for a weekend of wining and dining.
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According to the late Anthony Bourdain, “food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.” While many people plan trips around breathtaking destinations, luxury hotels or bucket list activities, food and travel almost always go hand in hand; after all, one of the best ways to get a true feel for a destination is to explore the local restaurant scene. In the last decade, culinary travel has also exploded, with explorers planning trips around Michelin-starred meals, legendary eateries and acclaimed wineries. From Tomales Bay to the desert oasis of Palm Springs, the entire coast of California is scattered with foodie-focused cities.
While urban areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles are famous for having some of the best restaurants in the world, smaller towns like Healdsburg, Marshall and Carmel-by-the-Sea boast unique culinary experiences that you can’t enjoy anywhere else—plus, supporting local restaurants and businesses is a great way to experience a true taste of the local community. Whether you’re looking to enjoy oysters and clam chowder on the coast or French fare in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, these are California’s best culinary destinations for a weekend getaway of wining and dining.
The Best Culinary Getaways in the Golden State
Healdsburg
Healdsburg is a u003ca href=u0022https://observer.com/list/healdsburg-where-to-eat-and-drink/u0022u003echarming slice of wine country that showcases the best of Sonoma County hospitalityu003c/au003e. Despite covering less than five square miles of space, this Hallmark-esque town is home to a renowned restaurant scene that has garnered plenty of Michelin award-winning attention. Three Michelin-star u003ca href=u0022https://singlethreadfarms.com/u0022u003eSingleThreadu003c/au003e is Healdsburg’s culinary crown jewel, known for serving a 10-course fine dining menu primarily sourced from the restaurant’s 24-acre farm. u003ca href=u0022https://www.valettehealdsburg.com/u0022u003eValetteu003c/au003e, u003ca href=u0022https://www.thematheson.com/u0022u003eThe Mathesonu003c/au003e, u003ca href=u0022https://www.barndiva.com/u0022u003eBarndivau003c/au003e and u003ca href=u0022https://drycreekkitchen.com/u0022u003eDry Creek Kitchenu003c/au003e are other foodie highlights, and at the end of 2023, nationally-recognized Sushi by Scratch also landed local excitement. Since wine is at the heart of Healdsburg culture, enjoy the ultimate food and vino experience with the six-course Rooted pairing at nearby u003ca href=u0022https://www.bricoleurvineyards.com/visit/windsor/rooted-tasting/u0022u003eBricoleur Vineyardsu003c/au003e. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eWhere to Stay:u003cbru003eu003c/strongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hotellesmars.com/u0022u003eHotel Les Marsu003c/au003e is a 16-room Relais u0026amp; Château property situated in the heart of Healdsburg—enjoy French-inspired accommodations, premium privacy and easy walking access to many of Healdsburg’s best restaurants. They also just welcomed a brand new on-site modern Mexican concept called u003ca href=u0022https://www.arandashealdsburg.com/u0022u003eArandasu003c/au003e. Those looking to stay a bit more off the beaten path should book one of the bungalow-style guest rooms at the u003ca href=u0022https://www.montage.com/healdsburg/u0022u003eMontage Healdsburgu003c/au003e—don’t forget to try the hotel’s signature estate-grown Voyager sauvignon blanc or cabernet sauvignon.
West Marin
West Marin is a u003ca href=u0022https://observer.com/list/northern-california-weekend-trips/u0022u003eshort yet stunning two-hour drive from San Franciscou003c/au003e; this unique coastal area sits on Tomales Bay and includes several different small towns. From Point Reyes to Marshall, West Marin serves some of the best seafood in Northern California, but its rich farmlands are also home to artisan cheese purveyors like u003ca href=u0022https://pointreyescheese.com/u0022u003ePoint Reyes Cheese Co.u003c/au003e, u003ca href=u0022https://www.heidrunmeadery.com/u0022u003eHeidrun Meaderyu003c/au003e and plenty of places for clam chowder. u003ca href=u0022https://www.nickscove.com/restaurantu0022u003eNick’s Coveu003c/au003e is one of West Marin’s most famous restaurants, boasting waterfront views, BBQ oysters and smoked cod dip. u003ca href=u0022https://hogislandoysters.com/restaurants/marshall/u0022u003eThe Boat Oyster Baru003c/au003e by Hog Island Oyster Co. is another great spot for fresh oysters, but don’t forget to warm up with a creamy bowl of clam chowder at u003ca href=u0022https://hogislandoysters.com/restaurants/tonysseafood/u0022u003eTony’s Seafood Restaurantu003c/au003e. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eWhere to Stay:u003cbru003eu003c/strongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://lodgeatmarconi.com/u0022u003eThe Lodge at Marconiu003c/au003e is located in a gorgeous state park on Tomales Bay and offers cabin-style accommodations that are cozy and quaint. Don’t feel like leaving the property one night? The on-site restaurant Mable’s focuses on seasonal fare in a chic and stylish setting. u003ca href=u0022https://www.nickscove.com/u0022u003eNick’s Coveu003c/au003e also hosts lodging across 12 charming cabins, some of which hover right over the calm Bay waters.
Los Angeles
From celebrity chefs to Old Hollywood-era establishments that have been around since the 1920s, the Los Angeles culinary scene is vast, diverse and legendary. As of this year, L.A. houses 24 Michelin-starred restaurants, with some of the best including u003ca href=u0022https://providencela.com/u0022u003eProvidenceu003c/au003e, u003ca href=u0022https://www.citrinandmelisse.com/melissemenuu0022u003eMélisseu003c/au003e, u003ca href=u0022https://www.camphor.la/u0022u003eCamphoru003c/au003e and u003ca href=u0022https://www.katorestaurant.com/u0022u003eKatou003c/au003e. While a sleek and sceney restaurant is always around the corner, you’ll also find some of the most authentic Thai, Japanese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Peruvian, Ethiopian and Filipino food in the country. If you want to dine in a piece of Hollywood history, consider sipping a dirty martini at u003ca href=u0022https://mussoandfrank.com/u0022u003eMusso u0026amp; Frank’su003c/au003e or u003ca href=u0022https://dantanasrestaurant.com/u0022u003eDan Tana’su003c/au003e. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eWhere to Stay:u003cbru003eu003c/strongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/laxavci-conrad-los-angeles/u0022u003eThe Conrad Los Angelesu003c/au003e houses San Laurel and Agua Viva, two Spanish restaurants by critically acclaimed chef José Andrés. However, its prime location in Downtown Los Angeles also makes it a great home base for all of your culinary exploration. u003ca href=u0022https://www.dorchestercollection.com/los-angeles/hotel-bel-airu0022u003eHotel Bel-Airu003c/au003e is another wonderful option located closer to L.A.’s Westside—while staying, enjoy caviar bites in the elegant Living Room, drinks at the iconic hotel bar and dinner by chef Joe Garcia at the signature outdoor Restaurant.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a fairytale-like town on the coast of the Monterey Peninsula. In addition to having 18 different wine tasting rooms, this tiny town also had 60 different restaurants to choose from, many of which are elegant and high-end. u003ca href=u0022https://www.labicycletterestaurant.com/u0022u003eLa Bicycletteu003c/au003e fuses French and Italian fare in an Old World bistro setting, but u003ca href=u0022https://auberginecarmel.com/u0022u003eAubergineu003c/au003e is a two Michelin-star restaurant that serves an eight-course tasting menu that changes daily. For sushi in Carmel, try u003ca href=u0022https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/carmel-by-the-sea/restaurant/akaoniu0022u003eAkaoniu003c/au003e for some the best, and don't forget about chef Jonny and Monique Black’s u003ca href=u0022https://www.cheznoircarmel.com/u0022u003eChez Noiru003c/au003e, which focuses on sustainable seafood and artful plating. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eWhere to Stay:u003cbru003eu003c/strongu003eRelais u0026amp; Châteaux-backed u003ca href=u0022https://laubergecarmel.com/u0022u003eL’Auberge Carmelu003c/au003e, which houses Aubergine, has been a local jewel since 1929—this lavish property has only 20 rooms complete with antique furnishings and decor. u003ca href=u0022https://www.laplayahotel.com/u0022u003eLa Playa Hotelu003c/au003e is another historic accommodation that first opened in 1905, and it just recently underwent a $20 million renovation that retouched all 75 guest rooms.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s red-tile clay roofs, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, beachside setting and sea of wine-tasting rooms have helped this u003ca href=u0022https://observer.com/2023/07/santa-barbara-travel-guide/u0022u003eCentral Coast enclave earn its title as the American Rivierau003c/au003e. Santa Barbara’s u003ca href=u0022https://observer.com/2023/08/montecito-best-restaurants/u0022u003ecelebrity-loved Montecito is homeu003c/au003e to two Michelin-starred restaurants: u003ca href=u0022https://www.montecitoinn.com/sushi-bar.htmu0022u003eSushi by Scratchu003c/au003e and u003ca href=u0022https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/miramar-beach-montecito/dining/carusosu0022u003eCaruso’su003c/au003e at the Rosewood Miramar Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. While the Funk Zone is where you’ll find the most popular tasting rooms, State Street is bustling with popular restaurants like u003ca href=u0022https://www.loquitasb.com/u0022u003eLoquitau003c/au003e, where you can get the city’s best paella and tapas. Other highlights include u003ca href=u0022https://www.bouchonsantabarbara.com/u0022u003eBouchonu003c/au003e, u003ca href=u0022https://www.zaytoon.com/u0022u003eZaytoonu003c/au003e and u003ca href=u0022https://www.thelarksb.com/u0022u003eThe Larku003c/au003e. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eWhere to Stay:u003cbru003eu003c/strongu003eIf you want to stay central and within walking distance to Santa Barbara’s best culinary icons, consider booking a room at u003ca href=u0022https://www.hotelcalifornian.com/u0022u003eHotel Californian, u003c/au003ewhich is located in the Funk Zone, or the u003ca href=u0022https://www.canarysantabarbara.com/u0022u003eKimpton Canary Hotelu003c/au003e, a Downtown boutique accommodation with a beautiful rooftop and popular restaurant, Finch u0026amp; Fork.
Santa Ynez Valley
The rolling vineyards and surrounding mountains in Santa Ynez Valley make for a dreamy backdrop during your culinary escape to Santa Barbara’s pristine wine country. From western-esque Los Alamos to Danish Solvang, the Southern California food scene in this tightnight community exceeds all expectations. u003ca href=u0022https://www.bellsrestaurant.com/u0022u003eBell’s Los Alamosu003c/au003e was the first restaurant to get Santa Barbara County a Michelin star, and it is known for its modern French fare—menu highlights include the wild Burgundy snails, steak tartare and steak frites. Solvang’s u003ca href=u0022https://www.coastrange.restaurant/u0022u003eCoast Rangeu003c/au003e is a rustic Michelin Guide restaurant that focuses on New American cuisine, while Mad u0026amp; Vin is another fun and modern Solvang eatery rooted in farm-to-table produce and seasonality. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eWhere to Stay:u003cbru003eu003c/strongu003eLocated in Los Olivos, u003ca href=u0022https://aubergeresorts.com/matteistavern/u0022u003eThe Inn at Mattei's Tavernu003c/au003e is an Auberge Resorts Collection property that puts a modern twist on the classic farmhouse and Western aesthetic. The on-site restaurant and bar, The Tavern, recently welcomed new executive chef Joseph Humphrey who has refurbished the ranch-inspired menu. The Fess Parker Country Wine Inn is another wonderful lodging option that is home to renowned Italian restaurant Nella and is within walking distance to all of Los Olivos’ tasting rooms.
San Francisco
San Francisco has long reigned supreme in the world of culinary, and to this day, the dynamic city is home to 28 different Michelin-starred restaurants. From bao buns and dumplings in Chinatown to tacos and burritos at old-school taquerias in The Mission, San Francisco remains true to its diverse roots. However, when it comes to upscale dining options, the possibilities in the San Francisco Bay Area are just as abundant. u003ca href=u0022https://www.robinomakase.com/u0022u003eRobinu003c/au003e is a modern Japanese and sushi restaurant that has an edge, while Michelin-starred u003ca href=u0022https://www.kilnsf.com/u0022u003eKilnu003c/au003e showcases a Nordic-inspired menu by chef John Wesley. u003ca href=u0022https://www.ositorestaurant.com/u0022u003eOsitou003c/au003e by chef Seth Stowaway is another Michelin-starred must that showcases cozy and comforting fire-cooked cuisine. Don’t forget to stop by the Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdaysu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eWhere to Stay:u003cbru003eu003c/strongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://www.fairmont.com/san-francisco/#u0022u003eThe Fairmont San Franciscou003c/au003e has been around since 1907, and its classic yet luxe rooms are perfect for travelers seeking a timeless stay in the city—it is also home to Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar which is an SF classic known for its tiki-inspired setting. Those hoping to stay outside the city and drive in for all of their dinners can enjoy quieter and more private accommodations at u003ca href=u0022https://innabovetide.com/u0022u003eThe Inn Above Tideu003c/au003e—a waterfront property in Sausalito that hosts a delicious breakfast and wine and cheese happy hour.
Palm Springs
In true Palm Springs fashion, celebrate the style of Old Hollywood with a dirty martini and oysters at your favorite mid-century modern restaurant. This desert oasis is home to glamorous establishments and timeless hotels that know true hospitality. u003ca href=u0022https://barcecil.com/u0022u003eBar Cecilu003c/au003e is one of the best places for a drink and appetizers, and it’s also where you’ll find the Fifty Dollar Martini which is served alongside a caviar-topped deviled egg. u003ca href=u0022https://www.lolaroseps.com/u0022u003eLola Roseu003c/au003e at the new u003ca href=u0022https://www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/pspaz-thompson-palm-springsu0022u003eThompson Palm Springsu003c/au003e is a Mediterranean restaurant that has quickly become one of the hardest reservations to snag in town. The mezze-style ordering allows you to explore a variety of kabobs and dips alongside crispy tahdig and a carefully curated beverage menu. You can also enjoy a taste of Napa Valley at the new Hall Wines Tasting Room where you can enjoy a vino flight of local wines with elevated bites like scallop ceviche and kanpachi toast. u003ca href=u0022https://www.parkerpalmsprings.com/mister-parkersu0022u003eMister Parker’su003c/au003e offers one of the most romantic dinners in the city—admire the dim-lit and art-filled space as you enjoy habanero-dressed oysters, tableside beef tartare and fresh-baked sourdough with a bone marrow butter candle. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eWhere to Stay:u003cbru003eu003c/strongu003eIn addition to being designed to the nines by Jonathan Adler, Leading Hotels of the World's u003ca href=u0022https://www.parkerpalmsprings.com/u0022u003eThe Parker Palm Springsu003c/au003e sprawls 13 acres of perfectly manicured grounds. While the aforementioned Mister Parker’s is a must, you can also reserve your spot at Mrs. Parker’s, which is a tiny, poolside restaurant for two, or the more casual and open-air eatery and New York transplant, Norma’s. Prefer a more boutique and intimate hotel experience? Located within walking distance to all of the bars and restaurants of downtown Palm Springs, u003ca href=u0022https://www.korakia.com/u0022u003eKorakia Pensioneu003c/au003e is a 100-year-old property that houses 28 villas and rooms, each of which is decorated individually with antique furnishings and decor.
