California is full of surprises, and its accommodations are no exception. Beyond the usual hotels and resorts, there are unique places to stay in California that make a trip unforgettable. Some places prepare you to be mystified by the beauty of California, like treehouses placed in the middle of a redwood forest, trailers that are located a few steps away from the beach, and even desert yurts where you can sleep under star-filled skies.
Redwoods treehouses and beach trailers are ideal for those looking for some out-of-town seclusion, while yurts are better for those looking to relax in nature. Whether you’re craving quiet moments in nature or looking for something completely out of the ordinary, there’s a place waiting to match your mood. If you’re ready to explore stays as memorable as the state itself, here are some incredible options to discover.
1. Treebones Resort
Treebones Resort in Big Sur is at the top of our cool California lodging options list. Glamping is well-known here, and there are many different types of accommodation available. You can sleep in a tree home, a human nest, or a large, luxurious yurt. The room has a king-size bed and all the frills, and sea lions may be heard barking in the distance. Treebones also has walks with breathtaking coastline views, a swimming pool and hot tub, outdoor dinings, an organic garden, and a sloping lawn that leads to a yoga pavilion.
2. Hobbit House
This is one of the unique places to stay in California. Even if you haven't seen The Lord of the Rings, you've most likely seen the round doorways and medieval stone hallways of a Hobbit dwelling. The fantasy style of these films is so inviting and dreamlike that anyone would want to live there, even if only for a day. The house is flanked by a lovely garden and a mysterious path leading into the woods.
More flower arrangements and a comfortable set of tables and chairs may be found above the stone roof. Ideal for sipping evening tea while taking in the sunset! It's an excellent way to escape the bustle of contemporary life and enter a fantastical world. Most of the lights are either natural or illuminated by lanterns and warm candles; there is no wifi, electricity, or mobile service available here.
Like other glamping experiences, the shower and toilet are outside, and there are sinks inside and outside the house. Power banks are also available from the hosts, but disconnecting from your phone and reestablishing a connection with nature is the highlight of the event.
3. Madonna Inn
In case you are unfamiliar with the Madonna Inn, it is not named after the singer Madonna; instead, it is named after Alex Madonna, who built the establishment. The rooms and hotel are extravagant and opposed to minimalist design. Starting with the outside, the structures are reminiscent of those seen in the Swiss Alps, although they are highlighted with a beautiful shade of pale pink.
The rooms are divided into suites and ordinary rooms, with two and three-room suites. Several rooms were built into the adjacent rockbed and feature rock showers, some even with rock waterfall showers! The resort features stores, a bakery, a terrace pool, a spa, and dining options such as a cocktail lounge, a steakhouse, and a cafe. Madonna Inn has pink sporting courts where you may play pickleball, basketball, and tennis.
4. Castle Wood Theme Cottages
It is one of the most unique places to stay in California because it is a COUPLES-ONLY accommodation with each room having a distinct fun theme and costumes to dress up in. With the phrase ‘live your fairytale', these themed cottages are serious about providing a romantic and one-of-a-kind California holiday. The room themes vary, and include ‘castle garden,' ‘the haunting manor,' ‘enchanted forest,' and others. Many also have spas or bathtubs. You can pay more for chocolate-dipped strawberries, a large gift basket, rose petals and a rose placed on your bed, or an in-room massage.
5. The Queen Mary
It's among California's Most Distinct Hotels Because You may sleep on the QUEEN MARY, a magnificent ship that began sailing the high seas in 1934 as a cargo liner and cruise ship. You heard correctly—you are allowed to remain aboard the Queen Mary! The boat is docked in Long Beach, which acts as a venue and hotel with fantastic rooms. These exquisite cabins will make you forget you're on a boat! Play games on the deck or take in the ship's breathtaking views of Long Beach and the ocean. Drive down to Dana Point or even cross the border to Orange County.
6. Hicksville Trailer Palace
Being a unique, tiny village in the desert, it's among the most unique places to stay in California. There, you can stay in buses, airstreams, and repurposed mobile homes, play sports, and even have a ball pit. Hicksville is undeniably unique.
Motor homes and airstreams can accommodate anywhere from two to seven people; therefore, no two rooms are the same. In addition, there is a tent and a boat-shaped room! Among the common areas are a pool, shuffleboard, cornhole, archery, a giant chessboard, a ball pit, and more. Even a music video with Lana del Rey was shot there. Amazing!
7. Hotel Del Coronado
The next unique Californian spot was one of the popular sights in San Diego and was included in the Marilyn Monroe movie “Some Like It Hot”! Choosing from San Diego's numerous fantastic lodging options could be difficult, but this one stands out for a reason. This property's unique feature is a wooden Victorian beach resort design, which is highly uncommon in modern architecture.
Being the biggest resort hotel in the world at the time of its opening, the hotel was somewhat of a sensation. You can still stay at this beautiful home today. The hotel is divided into several areas from which you can select. Shore House offers a residential experience, Beach Village offers cottages and villas directly on the beach, The Views offers typical hotel rooms with fantastic scenery, The Cabanas are more contemporary, and the Victorian is the hotel's historic section.
On-site amenities include a pool and beach, spa, exercise programs, and dining options. Also, the place is closer to Laguna Beach and Ocean Beach. It's pretty easy to get out and experience all the fun things to do in San Diego around this unique hotel in California. In Coronado, you may go for a walk, a picturesque bike ride, or visit places like the brewery.
8. Castle House Estate
Have you ever wished to stay at a desert castle? Imagine doing so in the Mojave Desert, next to Joshua Tree! The Castle House Estate is a unique California retreat that blends peace with a touch of (contemporary) Medieval flair. It’s one of the most unique places to stay in California. You will get the opportunity to experience glamping in the tranquil Joshua Tree environment. This is the ideal location to escape, unwind, and be in nature.
With just one standout feature, the arrangement is quite basic and minimalistic. The on-site guard towers of Castle House Estate, which have Medieval architectural features, are what distinguish it from other comparable camping areas. Plus, it's nice that you can stay in the guard towers! Other accommodations are bungalows and tents. Castle House Estate features a 3-tiered hexagonal cowboy pool surrounded by a wood deck, a sun terrace, a sauna, and an outdoor fireplace. During the day, you can visit California’s attractions like Joshua Tree National Park or hike and ride around the property.
9. Eagle’s Nest Treehouse
If you spend enough time in a city, you may occasionally dream about the sound of birdsong and the wind rustling trees. Not everyone can live without the everyday conveniences we take for granted, such as power and hot water. The Eagle's Nest is an excellent site to enjoy nature solitude, and modern convenience, all within 90 minutes of San Francisco!
This unique lodging offers all the cozy amenities you would expect from a hotel, even though it looks like a little cottage. It has electricity, a viewing deck, a heater, a well-equipped bathroom with hot showers, and much more. The wooden skybridges built above the redwoods are our favorite lodging aspect. They're a terrific method to capture the entire forest around you and a pleasant, whimsical way to return to your room! The hosts also provide guided excursions of the surrounding forest paths and farmlands.
10. Area 55 Futuro House
For good reason, this is among the most unique places to stay in California. Is there any other place in California where you can sleep aboard a spaceship that has landed in the desert? The restroom amenities are primarily outside, with an open shower and a covered bathroom. In addition, you may use the outdoor grill to prepare a delicious barbecue meal while relaxing and taking in the stars above Joshua Tree. Given the desert climate, we advise visiting this residence in spring or fall when temperatures aren't too high.
You might want to bring some buddies with an inflatable mattress or two, as the house is ideal for groups of people who are eager to explore Joshua Tree. With a stunning view of the stars from the outside and a retro-futurist interior, this glamping house is situated amid the strange Joshua Tree deserts. The entry staircase opens and closes like a UFO prototype by slowly pulling up and down. The house has solar-powered electricity, a gas heater, a cool conditioner, and a playroom.
11. Capitola Venetian
Our list of the unique places to stay in California also includes the Capitola Venetian. Famous sights nearby include Sequoia National Park and Yosemite Park. This all-suite boutique hotel is well-known for its vibrant facades that enliven the Capitola Village waterfront and is situated directly on the beach close to Santa Cruz. The Capitola Venetian offers a variety of guest accommodation types with amenities and views of the ocean. Certain rooms also feature fireplaces for chilly evenings. Families often choose it because of the room's spaciousness.
12. The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is among the best hotels in California if you're looking for luxury. This luxury hotel is situated on a hill with a view of the Pacific Ocean. You can enjoy the LA Skyline views from here. It's well-known for its golf courses and spa, making it an excellent destination for a West Coast vacation. One excellent option for a cool spot to stay in Northern California is the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. There is a Club Lounge with spa services, outdoor fire pits with Adirondack chairs, and opulent guest rooms with views of the ocean. It's difficult to go wrong here. The hotel's restaurants and bars also serve gourmet dining, drinks, and other culinary delicacies, both indoors and outside.
13. Pelican Inn
If you're looking for something unusual, the Pelican Inn near Muir Beach is one of our favorite locations to stay in California. In the center of Marin County, this British pub with rooms offers a taste of the UK and is situated just north of San Francisco.
You can also reach there from Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Full of Tudor elegance from the 16th century, it's a unique place to call home away from home. The Pelican Inn has seven comfortable bedrooms with oriental rugs, elaborately draped canopy beds, and English antiques. Even a private cozy is available for hotel guests to use.
A full English breakfast is included in the accommodation rates, as one might expect. Downstairs is an authentic British pub with a maze of wood-paneled rooms where guests can enjoy all the classics. When dining here, there is a very real sense of old England on the California coast.
14. Desert Wave
This is one of the most unique places to stay in California. It's one of the most distinctive California Airbnbs because the retro-chic décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private garden create a desert paradise. This Palm Desert accommodation is an unusual conversion of a sculptor's studio. A private Oforo soaking hot tub, bar, and music system contrast with the pastel environment to create the ideal atmosphere for you. You'll also get the heated pool and smart TV. The undulating roof contrasts with the San Jacinto peaks in the backdrop, and the entire scene is aesthetically pleasing.
15. Avila La Fonda
It's a boutique hotel with a Mexican hacienda style that offers exceptional service and unusual amenities, making it one of California's most distinctive places to stay. The extras are what truly make this historic boutique hotel stand out, despite its lovely exterior, including painted tiles and adobe fixtures. During your stay, you will receive a full snack basket, wine and pie in the evening, a nacho bar and beer at lunch, a small gift and wine glasses, and delectable handmade croissants for breakfast. The level of friendliness and attention to detail is astounding. Every accommodation has a rooftop hot tub, too!
Conclusion
California offers more than just stunning landscapes and iconic cities. Its most memorable stays are found in the unexpected corners, where creativity and comfort come together. No matter your travel style, these unique places add something special to every trip. Let your next stay be part of the adventure, not just the background.
