From the storm-lashed Pacific Northwest to perpetually sunny Southern California, winter is the perfect time for a romantic coastal getaway

«West’s Best Seaside Inns

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Mission Ranch

Established as a dairy ranch in the 1850s, the renovatedbunkhouses and barn today offer quaint, period-styled rooms southof downtown Carmel and overlooking Carmel River Beach. The marshycove at the property’s edge is a haven for wildlife, affordingexcellent winter bird-watching.

Seaside exposure: The inn’s Restaurant at Mission Ranch(831/625-9040) and surrounding patio offer the best view of thecove; not all rooms have ocean views.

Unexpected pleasure: Six tennis courts and a fitness center,which overlooks the cove.

On the menu: Sunday brunch at the inn’s well-knownrestaurant, formerly the ranch’s creamery, features performances bylocal jazz musicians. Dinners of prime rib and local salmon arerichly satisfying.

Nearby treat:Walk to Carmel Mission (831/624-1271) to seethe romantic gardens and 209-year-old church.

Details: 31 rooms from $110 (includes breakfast). (831)624-6436. ― Lisa Taggart

ELK
Harbor House Inn

This 1916 Arts and Crafts-style lodge has it all: views, elegantrooms, and meals that alone make the trip worthwhile. The ownershave transformed four once-rustic cottages into romantic hideaways.Each room has a fireplace and feather beds.

Seaside exposure: From the garden, there are stunning viewsof an arched rock and sea stacks; a steep wood staircase leads downto a private pocket of beach.

Unexpected pleasure: In January, bundle up and ease into anAdirondack chair among daffodils in the redesigned garden.

On the menu: In the ocean-view dining room (in Jan, open fordinner Fri-Sat only), full breakfasts and four-course dinners arecreated using products from local farms and the sea.

Nearby treat: Greenwood State Beach (707/937-5804) has shoreaccess and picnic tables.

Details: Four cottages and six rooms from $105 weekdays(includes breakfast), from $195 weekends (includes breakfast anddinner); three-night minimum on holidays. (800) 720-7474. ― Lora J. Finnegan

ELK
Elk Cove Inn

The main house, a classic early Craftsman, sits on the bluff,but check into one of the Arts and Crafts-style spa suites, and youcan enjoy the sea breezes from your balcony. Oceanfront cottagesboast cathedral ceilings and picture windows.

Seaside exposure: It’s a short walk down to a wind-shelteredcove and Greenwood State Beach.

Unexpected pleasure: Enjoy massages at the inn’s day spa,complete with a jetted tub and an aromatherapy steam shower andsauna; a full bar serves 25 types of martinis in the inn’ssignature Z-stemmed glasses.

On the menu: Breakfast favorites are hearty ― thinkFrench toast and pasta-vegetable frittatas ― and dinner isavailable Wednesday through Sunday. You can also have dinner in Elkat Bridget Dolan’s Public and Dinnerhouse (closed Wed/Thur;707/877-1820).

Nearby treat: Point ArenaLighthouse (877/725-4448), 17 miles south of Elk on State1.

Details: 15 rooms from $100 (includes breakfast). (800)275-2967 or (707) 877-3321. ― L.J.F.

GUALALA
Breakers Inn

B&B Bargain
An inn with a twist ― each room is furnished in aregional theme (the Denmark room has a dry sauna). Most have anocean-view balcony. When it’s stormy, just curl up by the fire― or in the spa tub by the window ― and watch the seafoam.

Details: 27 rooms from $105 weekdays, from $135 weekends(includes breakfast). (707) 884-3200. ― L.J.F

SAUSALITO
The Inn Above Tide

This inn with quiet, classic, contemporary rooms feels asprivate and luxurious as an ocean liner ― only bigger. Fallasleep in the glow of the city skyline reflecting across SanFrancisco Bay; in the morning, luxuriate on your own private deckas sailboats glide by.

Seaside exposure: The only way to get closer to the baywould be to dive in; rooms jut out over the water, affording primeviews of the Bay Bridge, Angel Island, and Alcatraz plus passingkayakers.

Unexpected pleasure: Most rooms have fireplaces and somehave jetted tubs, perfect antidotes for foggy mornings.

On the menu: No scurvy on this ship: All kinds of freshfruits and juices, fresh croissants and muffins, and yogurt make asubstantial continental breakfast.

Nearby treat: Stroll south along the picturesque waterfrontfor dinner at Gaylord India Restaurant (415/339-0172).

Details: 29 rooms and suites from $290 (includes breakfast);no minimum stay in winter. (800) 893-8433 or (415) 332-9535. ― Amy McConnell

«West’s Best Seaside Inns

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