This sponsored post is brought to you by Hipmunk, written by me.
Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego get all the attention when people talk about California. However, there are other lesser-known destinations that deserve a lot of chat-time too. With Hipmunk’s Hotel Guides linked in each description below, you can find the best prices and times to book hotels that are perfect for adventurous travelers in these five cities.
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Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is dubbed Surf City, USA, for a reason. The classic surf town is home to many of the nation’s biggest surf contests throughout the year and boasts a lifestyle where locals worship the sun and pray for good waves. It’s essential to stay at a hotel near the beach for the classic Californian experience. Adventurers who happen to be ocean addicts will get their fix by staying in the Huntington Surf Inn, close to the central strip, the sea, and the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. Each room is decorated differently, with no two looking alike.
Napa
There’s more to Napa than just wine. But if you love fine wine and luxury mixed with a little outdoor adventure, staying at the Silverado Resort and Spa is the right choice. With on-site hiking and biking trails, this hotel is located near more than 400 wineries and is one of the best hotels in Napa for adventurers. The resort also has two golf courses, thirteen tennis courts, and offers every type of pampering package under the Northern Californian sun.

Monterey
How would you like to see sea otters, orcas, and sea lions from the comfort of your bedroom? What about being just a 10-minute stroll away from the world-famous Monterey Aquarium and Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey? This is all possible when you stay at the Monterey Bay Inn, which is located ocean-side and perfect for travelers obsessed with exploring all things ocean. For more cheap hotels by the sea, check Hipmunk’s Monterey hotel guide.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort town tucked in the Coachella Valley. Visitors can enjoy sunny days spent at the pool or venture out on horseback rides, hike up Mt. San Jacinto, and even take a sky-high tram ride for those unafraid of heights. One of the most authentic hotels in the region, stay at the Hotel California for a cozy experience that captures the hospitality and architecture of the American Southwest. Complete with a spa, first-name-basis customer service, and complimentary bike rentals, this hotel is a base camp perfect for desert explorers.
Costa Mesa
Though Costa Mesa is a perfect spot for exploring neighboring Newport, Disneyland, and other popular tourist destinations, there’s a lot to do in the town itself. Adventurers can stock up on essentials at the South Coast Plaza, a mega-mall filled with every type of store imaginable. Cheap hotels in Costa Mesa are easy to find. Stay at the Crowne Plaza for exceptional customer service and food. The hotel is a great jumping-off point for nearby activities like sailing, scuba diving, cycling, and other Southern Californian adventures.
