Ah, the Golden State’s northern riches. Could there be a more treasured place to recharge, revitalize and get inspired than along its sublime shores?
Whether groups choose to meet at sleek modern properties, intimate inns brimming with character or uniquely rustic retreats, the bays, beachfront and rugged coastal cliffs are graced with irresistible places to convene.
From Humboldt down to Monterey, we handpicked seven great spots for gatherings—all distinctly positioned to take in the uniquely coastal offerings of California.
Oyster Beach, Samoa
Small groups heading to Humboldt County can opt for a 100-year-old family homestead that has been lovingly restored into a rustic-chic property by owners Jon O’Connor and Amy Cirincione O’Connor, who purchased the land in 2012 and renovated its four historic cabins.
The property, set on a peninsula just across from the town of Eureka, is spread over 22 acres of meadows, cypress and eucalyptus groves, dunes and beaches.
“Our vision for Oyster Beach is to create a beautiful, secluded beachfront retreat for visitors to live, work and play,” said Amy Cirincione O’Connor. “It’s the ideal setting for groups seeking a true retreat from their day-to-day work. They can meet in an intimate home-style environment with beautiful views of Humboldt Bay.”
In between meetings, guests can take a run or bike ride through the Samoa Dunes, and kayak or stand-up paddleboard around the bay, she added.
The property’s most popular group activity is beach barbecues (a collaboration between Oyster Beach and the Humboldt Bay Tourism Center). Guests dine on fresh local oysters that are grilled right on the beach and served with gourmet sauces.
Inn at Newport Ranch, Fort Bragg
Mendocino County’s newest coastal property is an adventurous retreat situated on a 2,000-acre private cattle ranch and featuring activities ranging from horseback riding and hiking to ATV excursions. The Inn at Newport Ranch accommodates up to 30 overnight guests and up to 60 for gatherings, and it has an event room for 30-plus people that overlooks the ocean and hilltops and features a terrace.
“We pride ourselves on our exclusivity and with providing the privacy that our guests desire when they come out to unplug from their hectic lives and host the perfect retreat or meeting,” said Cindi Smith, innkeeper at the property, along with her husband Creighton.
Unique group experiences at the inn include its adventure activities.
“We offer all groups an ATV tour of the property along our 1.5 miles of coast, going up on the ridgetops then back down into our growth of redwoods,” Smith said. “The spectacular trails (35 miles) offer our groups the opportunity to explore and see nature at its best, with animals wandering about and an interesting story behind each trail.”
“Council Bluffs,” accessible only by ATV, is a special place for small groups, according to Smith.
“It backs right up to the ocean and the dramatic cliffs and coastline, and it’s perfect for a small breakout session,” she explained.
Bodega Bay Lodge, Bodega Bay
In Sonoma County, Bodega Bay Lodge treats groups of up to 70 people with wonderful vistas, memorable diversions, farm-to-table cuisine and inspiring indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
“The laid-back pace of Sonoma County and the beauty of the area are part of what makes us unique,” said Brian Larsen, director of sales at the property. “We’re not far from the Bay Area, but it feels like we’re worlds away. People tend to relax and unplug pretty quickly once they’re here.”
According to Larsen, friendly, detail-oriented service, great views and beautiful guest rooms and function space featuring high ceilings and giant fieldstone fireplaces are top selling points, as well as the array of diversions available.
“There are so many things to do in the area to create memorable group experiences,” he said, pointing to ziplining through the redwoods, kayaking on the bay, horseback riding on the beach, wine tasting and visiting oyster farms and cheese makers.
Several recent improvements at Bodega Bay Lodge are continuing to enhance the experience for guests. The property renovated its pool area and added a large infinity-edge hot tub, two fire pits a bocce ball court, raptor boxes that will provide nesting areas for falcons and four beehives that will produce honey to be used in the restaurant and in spa treatments.
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Hotel Vitale, San Francisco
Along San Francisco’s vibrant Embarcadero is an urban retreat renowned for exceptional panoramas of the water, the Ferry Building, the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island.
An authentic local experience anchored by modern luxury help set Hotel Vitale apart as a meetings destination in the city, according to Carole Manning-Kim, director of sales and marketing at Hotel Vitale.
“We provide a hip and holistic stay that is stylish yet accessible,” she said. “We like to inspire people with our extraordinary environment. Anything is possible for them.”
The hotel’s largest indoor space hosts up to 300 people, and intimate outdoor terraces with bay views are a standout for smaller gatherings.
Cuisine is a highlight for groups, Manning-Kim said, pointing to the property’s Americano Restaurant and Bar, popular for its street-level outdoor patio.
“Our creative event team works closely with clients to provide meetings with authentic, seasonal and robust menus prepared by the Americano Restaurant and Bar team,” she said. “Americano is led by Josua Perez, our talented and acclaimed executive chef.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
One of the Golden State’s finest oceanfront escapes is also one of its most accessible to groups. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is just 30 miles south of San Francisco and 23 miles south of San Francisco International Airport.
“Where else can you retreat so close to civilization?” said Joel Costa, director of sales and marketing at the property, set on a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific.
With 261 recently renovated guest rooms, 17,000 square feet of indoor function space and outdoor function areas hosting hundreds of people (including the brand-new, 7,500-square-foot Mar Vista Lawn), the property is well suited to groups, particularly those keen on gatherings that embrace all the elements of the coastal experience.
“The resort offers guests the inspiration to experience what they can see from their windows but also beyond the front gate,” Larsen said, pointing to the drama of the Pacific Ocean, the bountiful produce and locally produced products from coastal farms that are incorporated into the culinary offerings and the wealth of group activities available.
On-property options include golfing, cooking classes and competitions, wine workshops, bocce ball, croquet, bicycle rides and Segway tours. Off-site, groups can take advantage of horseback riding on the beach, surfing lessons, winery tours, ziplining through the redwoods, coastal dine-arounds and visiting Harley Farms to meet goats and witness artisanal cheese-making.
Seascape Beach Resort, Aptos
Specializing in distinctive coastal conference experiences, Seascape Beach Resort features a premier location on the north side of Monterey Bay, 285 suites and beach villas, and 17,000 square feet of function space, in addition to golf and an array of teambuilding opportunities.
Among Seascape’s distinguishing features for groups are its close proximity to the region’s most popular cities and its cozy and inspiring environment, according to Dottie Bella, sales manager at the property.
“Seascape provides a unique opportunity to enjoy all that is Monterey and all that is Santa Cruz within an easy and quick drive south or north,” Bella said, noting the gorgeous scenery on California’s Route 1. “And our suites and villas allow attendees to truly make themselves at home while accomplishing company goals. Creativity blooms.”
Remarkable alfresco venues are a signature feature of the property.
“Seascape offers multiple outdoor event venues for ocean-view dining and teambuilding, or any event that lends itself to sunshine and fresh air,” Bella said.
The list includes scenic patios, lawns and the beach, which is used for everything from clambakes to sandcastle building competitions.
Team sailing programs and a nearby ropes course within the redwoods are also favorite experiences for groups meeting at Seascape.
InterContinental The Clement, Monterey
An inspiring and energizing backdrop featuring some of California’s most famous attractions characterizes InterContinental The Clement, Monterey.
“The hotel’s location on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and next to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium is unique, particularly since Cannery Row is also such an iconic locale due to the John Steinbeck novel of the same name,” said Catherine Faber, director of sales and marketing at the property.
The hotel has 223 guest rooms and 16,000 square feet of meeting space.
“Two ballrooms with ocean views make for a memorable and retreat-like venue for meetings,” Faber said.
When meetings break, ocean kayaking and wine-blending programs are two popular experiences for groups, she added.
Meanwhile, Faber said sustainability and community involvement are top priorities. The hotel is part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, helping people make better seafood choices to maintain a healthy ocean, and sustainability measures are in place in its restaurant and banquet offerings. With a strong commitment to responsible business initiatives, many in the hotel’s leadership team are also active board members or volunteers within the Monterey Peninsula community.
