Picture a weekend touring museums, walking along the beach, and browsing through eclectic shops and galleries. Add to that, romantic accommodations and luxurious amenities at a top bed and breakfast. Well, Los Angeles-area residents don’t have to hassle with a plane flight and rental car to enjoy a fantastic getaway; these special California bed and breakfasts offer nearby accommodations surrounded by fantastic attractions.

Stay in Town, But Feel Worlds Away

Spend a restful weekend at the beach and the Channel Road Inn. Located in Santa Monica, this Los Angeles bed and breakfast is close to all the beach attractions and just a short drive from posh shops and museums in the city. You can borrow the innkeepers’ bicycles or head off on foot to explore Santa Monica with its boardwalk, quirky shops, galleries and restaurants. The inn offers 15 posh rooms, each individually decorated. Many include a fireplace and jetted spa tub, and some offer ocean views. Guests are pampered with full breakfasts, afternoon wine and treats and freshly baked cookies.

Enjoy Surf, Sand, Sea Views in Dana Point

While nearby Laguna Beach often grabs all the press, the town of Dana Point has much to offer those seeking a great weekend getaway. The Blue Lantern Inn, perched on a bluff overlooking the Dana Point Harbor, is halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles and just a few minutes from the famous galleries, shops and boardwalk of Laguna. The inn offers beautifully decorated guest rooms, each with a fireplace and whirlpool tub. Several rooms offer a view of the harbor and coastline. There are several popular restaurants within walking distance, and guests can spend the day soaking up the rays at famous Doheny Beach or perhaps enjoying a whale watching excursion.

Journey Back in Time at Historic Claremont Village

For a taste of California as it used to be, plan a trip to Claremont Village, a charming historic area located in eastern Los Angeles County. Casa 425, a unique modern boutique hotel, is located right in the heart of Claremont Village. Spacious guest rooms open out to the hotel’s courtyard, and each has an oversize soaking tub. The hotel has a lounge where you can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine. Guests can walk to shops, restaurants and art galleries. There is a weekly farmer’s and artisan’s market to peruse. Each month local galleries also hold an art walk.

Memorable Moments on the Monterey Peninsula

If you are in need of a road trip, leave the city behind and head up the coast to the Monterey Peninsula. The drive itself is a treat, boasting some of California’s best ocean views. The surrounding villages offer scenic drives, art galleries, shopping, restaurants, and famous attractions such as The Monterey Bay Aquarium and historic Cannery Row. The charming seaside village of Pacific Grove offers some of the state’s best bed and breakfasts, as well.

The Green Gables Inn is just across the street from the rugged seashore of the Monterey Peninsula. The historic Queen Anne Victorian offers a unique assortment of guest rooms, from the romantic Carriage House Suite with whirlpool tub and fireplace to the cozy Balcony Room, which features a stunning ocean view. The Gosby House Inn, another historic California bed and breakfast, is just blocks from the ocean and offers lush, romantic accommodations, many with fireplaces. The Carriage House rooms include a fireplace, spa tub and a balcony. Guests at both of these Pacific Grove bed and breakfasts are treated to a full breakfast each morning, and in the afternoons, wine and hors d’oeuvres are served.