Countless studies show that spending time in nature boosts your immune system, reduces stress, enhances sleep quality, improves memory, and simply makes you happier. However, if you are like me, I love spending my days outside, surrounded by breathtaking views and listening to nature’s soundtrack, but I don’t always want to sleep under the stars — I want someplace with plush linens, hot showers, and a long list of amenities to enjoy. Northern California is rich in natural wonders and nature-filled activities. It is also home to some of our favorite nature-focused hotels and resorts. The following are just seven incredible places to stay that offer a taste of the outdoors.

1. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur

• Best Room Type: One of the private houses or a treehouse
• Top Amenities: Remarkable views, complimentary activities, multiple heated infinity pools, and an on-site restaurant

Post Ranch Inn gives you the best of everything — natural beauty, luxurious amenities, comfort, and so much more. This hotel is located on the cliffs of Big Sur, offering you breathtaking ocean views — not to mention the sunsets! There is a variety of accommodation options to book from freestanding rooms with ocean views to a treehouse stay. Dine at Sierra Mar, where you can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with views that inspire due to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Your stay will be unforgettable after a visit to the spa, multiple infinity pools, and complimentary activities like guided nature walks, forest meditations, and garden tours.

2. Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito

• Best Room Type: Historic lodging suites
• Top Amenities: Golden Gate Bridge views, two on-site restaurants, an on-site spa, and many complimentary activities for guests

Located right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and inspired by a secluded national park, this gorgeous California hotel is picture-perfect. Here, you will feel tucked away from the cares of the world, yet you are close enough to the hustle of the Bay Area if you want some time in the city. Choose to stay in either historic lodging or more contemporary accommodations, dine at one of the two on-site restaurants, relax in the spa, and enjoy one of the many resort amenities from yoga and painting classes to complimentary bikes for riding around Sausalito.

3. Bardessono Hotel and Spa

• Best Room Type: The Maple Grove Villas
• Top Amenities: Gorgeous gardens, rooftop pool, turndown service, and on-site spa

The Bardessono Hotel and Spa is an award-winning, eco-conscious sanctuary located in Napa Valley. One visit here and you’ll fall in love with everything it offers, from its beautifully landscaped property to the villas and suites. You’ll heal your soul as you walk along garden pathways to your room, devour fresh and flavorful meals, and enjoy spa treatments. You can even catch a few rays on the rooftop pool or enjoy exploring the town of Yountville while riding one of the hotel’s bicycles. One night will simply not be enough time for a stay at this Northern California resort.

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4. Yosemite’s Rush Creek Lodge, Groveland

• Best Room Type: One of the villas or suites
• Top Amenities: Family-friendly activities, local nature trails, multiple dining options, and gorgeous surroundings

Rush Creek Lodge and Spa is the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploration at Yosemite National Park. This hotel is located near the park’s entrance on Highway 120 West and feels like an extension of the park itself. Not only are you surrounded by trees and gorgeous views, but when you aren’t spending time in your room, you can explore one of the hotel’s local nature trails, relax in the spa, book a guided Yosemite adventure, and participate in one of the on-site activities like ziplining or crafts. There are also multiple dining options for the entire family here — it’s an escape into nature everyone will enjoy.

5. Desolation Hotel Hope Valley, Hope Valley

• Best Room Type: Historic rustic cabins or the glamping yurts
• Top Amenities: Campground and RV park, access to hiking trails right from the resort, and a wood-fired sauna

According to the Desolation Hotel Hope Valley’s website, “your wildernest awaits.” This is a true outdoor escape where you can relax, unwind, and disconnect. This hotel not only features renovated, historic cabins, but also glamping yurts, tents, and RV spaces if you wish to sleep directly under the stars. Both Sorensen’s Restaurant and Hope Valley Bar and Grill are located at this hotel, where you can easily fuel for a day of adventure. There are also amenities like a network of hiking trails that are accessible from the resort, a wood-fired sauna for a few minutes of relaxation, and so much beauty everywhere you turn.

6. Timber Cove Resort, Jenner

• Best Room Type: Ocean-view suite
• Top Amenities: Ocean views, ocean-side fireplace, daily snacks, weekly live music, and an outdoor living room with activities for all ages

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If your idea of a nature-focused getaway involves breathtaking ocean views (mine certainly does!), you’ll love a stay at Timber Cove Resort. This unique hotel is located high on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean, along the Sonoma Coast. This hotel has a rich history, and evidence of its past can be seen in the small details throughout the property. However, you’ll find many small, unique touches that make your stay unforgettable like each room includes a Crosley LP record player with a collection of vinyl records, complimentary coffee, pastries, and cookies, weekly live music, local newspapers, and so much more. This is a place where relaxation is easy to receive and a slower pace is found.

7. Dawn Ranch, Guerneville

• Best Room Type: It depends on what you desire. There are six lodging options, from chalets to glamping accommodations.
• Top Amenities: Complimentary outdoor activities like birdwatching and forest bathing, multiple accommodation options, and an on-site restaurant

You can spend the night in the foothills of a redwood forest and near the lower Russian River when you stay at Dawn Ranch in Guerneville. This 22-acre retreat is the perfect place to escape life’s worries and immerse yourself in nature. This gorgeous place to stay has multiple accommodation options including chalets, cottages, bungalows, and tents. During your stay, you can spend your day meditating, enjoying sound baths, relaxing during a massage, and more. Make sure you dine at the on-site restaurant, where you’ll enjoy rich flavors and fresh ingredients.

What are some of your favorite nature-focused hotels in Northern California? I’d love to check them out! Fill out this nomination form and tell me why you love this incredible place to stay. And, if you are looking for even more getaway ideas, check out these luxurious, eco-friendly getaways throughout the U.S.

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