California Bed and Breakfast

Bay Area Bed and Breakfast

The early 20th century architecture and compact size of San Francisco lends itself to charming and accessible bed and breakfast inns. Located mostly in residential neighborhoods, the "city on the bay's" B&Bs are rarely far from the BART public transportation system.

• The Archbishop's Mansion Inn - 1000 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117; (415) 563-7872 (800) 543-5820 - One of San Francisco's most unique and luxurious B&Bs, this 15-room was home to a succession of archbishops before being converted into an inn. The sprawling mansion sits on Alamo Square across from the city's famous "painted ladies." Accommodations feature word-burning fireplaces, some Jacuzzi tubs for two, and afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres in the inn's parlor.

Mendocino and Northern California B&Bs

The wine country, north of San Francisco, is lined with small, charming Caliornia bed and breakfast inns, many with ammenities such as wood-burning fireplaces, wetbars, and a welcome bottle of wine waiting in your room. These inns make an excellent base for exploring the Napa, Sonoma, and Anderson Valleys. One particularly interesting area is Mendocino, about a three-hour drive north of San Francisco along route 1. This late 19th century lumbering town is filled with restored Victorian houses, interesting art galleries, and an unsurpassed view of the craggy northern California coastline.

• The MacCullem House Inn and Restaurant - 45020 Albion St., Mendocino, CA 95460;(707) 937-0289 (800) 609-0492 - This spacious Victorian mansion, built in 1882, is located in the heart of downtown Mendocino. The lovely inn features a wrap-around front porch, sweeping ocean views, complimentary Internet access, and afternoon wine tastings. Each suite is unique, but all are furnished with period antiques and have private baths, many with antique claw-foot tubs.

Monterey Peninsula

California's Monterey Peninsula is home to the art mecca of Carmel, the world-famous Pebble Beach golf course and adjoining 17-mile drive, and the former haunts of mid-20th century writer John Steinbeck. It's an area of contrasts, where the ghosts of Cannery Row compete with the estates of Hollywood stars on leave from LA. Visitors will delight in the casually elegant eateries, the picturesque ocean views, and the plethora of boutiques and art galleries.

• The Cobblestone Inn - Junipero between 7th and 8th Sts.,

Carmel, CA 93921;(831) 625-5222, (800) 833-8836 - This 24-room English country California bed and breakfast inn is located within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Each suite is cheerfully decorated in floral prints and boasts a working fireplace, a four-poster bed, Jacuzzi tub, and stocked mini-refrigerator.

Santa Barbara Bed and Breakfast

Santa Barbara, just 85 miles north of Los Angeles is a favorite of Hollywood stars wanting to get away from the LA rat race. Oprah Winfrey has a home there; so do Kevin Cosner, Jeff Bridges, and Rob Lowe. Best-selling mystery author, Sue Miller (another resident) bases her murder mysteries there. Visitors can experience this quintessential southern California idyll, dubbed "America's Riviera," at one of the numerous bed and breakfasts located in the city. Unlike their northern couterparts, these inns combine Victorian architecture with the stucco and terra cotta Spanish-influenced ranch-style design. Attractions in and around Santa Barbara include a myriad of art galleries and museums, several 18th century Spanish missions, and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

• The James House Inn - 1632 Chapala St.; Santa Barbara, CA 93101; (805) 569-5853 - This centrally-located, five-bedroom inn features spacious suites, high-speed Internet access, and a deliciously full gourmet breakfast -- all in a picturesque Victorian setting.