10 Romantic Winter Lodges to Retreat to In Northern California

Sacramento boasts one of the most ideal locations for enjoying the best scenery and attractions of the Golden State. With just a two-hour drive, we can dip our toes in the Pacific or our snowshoes into the powdery snow surrounding Lake Tahoe.

Plan a romantic retreat to one of these cozy, luxurious and relaxing Northern California lodges, all of which are within a reasonable four-hour drive from the city. Amenities include on-site spas, fireplaces, luxe bathtubs, private balconies, and stunning vistas. Whether you’re planning ahead for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply a much-needed getaway with your significant other, these lodges will provide the perfect romantic setting.

Eden Vale Inn | Placerville

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 45 Minutes

Photo courtesy of Eden Vale Inn

One of the region’s finest inns is situated right in our backyard. Eden Vale Inn was named one of America’s Top 10 Most Romantic Inns, and it’s easy to see why. This lodge retreat is nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills surrounded by lush gardens and a swimming pond. The inn features a variety of accommodations, with luxurious features such as soaking spa tubs on private decks, reading chairs by a cozy in-room fireplace, and much more. Plus, Eden Vale has its own relaxing spa offering a variety of massage therapy options. Enjoy a relaxing getaway at this enchanting retreat just down the road in Placerville!

Calistoga Ranch | Calistoga

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 1 Hour, 45 Minutes

Situated atop 175 beautiful acres in Calistoga, this luxury ranch is considered one of the Top 10 Resort Hotels in California, according to Travel + Leisure. The resort features a variety of lodging options — including the Estate Lodge, two-bedroom spa lodges, one-bedroom lodges, and Deluxe Lodges. Luxurious features include a fireplace, Italian linens, down duvets, a private outdoor shower garden, complimentary Wi-Fi, a television, and a mini bar. The spa offers water therapy, outdoor treatments, massages, programs and classes, mineral pools, and a yoga deck. Enjoy an elegant meal at the resort’s upscale restaurant on the water, The Lakehouse, serving fresh and flavorful food and the exceptional wines the Napa Valley region is known for.

Sorensen’s Resort | Hope Valley

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 2 Hours

Photo courtesy of Sorensen’s Resort

Nestled in the eastern edge of Hope Valley near Lake Tahoe, this historic resort is the perfect home base for recreation and relaxation. Sorensen’s offers a range of accommodations, including cozy cottages, log cabins, and mountain home vacation rentals. During your stay, you can access the many activities the Tahoe area is known for — such as fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and bicycling. Or simply enjoy the coziness of this tucked-away resort and all of its amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a wood-fired sauna, and hammocks swinging under a canopy of trees.

West Shore Cafe and Inn | Homewood

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 2 Hours

This spectacular inn takes full advantage of the area’s renowned beauty, as it is situated directly along the western shore of Lake Tahoe. Each room in West Shore Cafe and Inn has a fireplace, slate-stone bathrooms, and expansive windows offering views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Choose from four elegant mountain-inspired guest suites, two mountain-inspired guest rooms, and two lavish mountain villas. A stay at West Shore Cafe and Inn is both comfortable and picturesque. Get outside and go skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or ice skating, or simply relax by the fire with a good book and a glass of wine. This resort is your home away from home!

Cedar Glen Lodge | Tahoe Vista

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 2 Hours

Photo courtesy of Cedar Glen Lodge

This North Lake Tahoe gem is the ultimate cabin getaway, with a wine bar, seasonal heated pool, hot tub, sauna, putting green, fire pit, sandy beach across the street, and more. Cedar Glen Lodge offers plenty of accommodations, including newly renovated cozy cottages and comfortable lodge suites. Escape to a one- or two-bedroom stand-alone cottage or a lodge unit with exceptional views. We adore the authentic lodge design of each cabin and room, many of which have their own kitchen! Coffee by the fire sounds like the perfect way to start your day exploring Lake Tahoe.

Highlands Ranch Resort | Mill Creek

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 2 Hours, 45 Minutes

Photo courtesy of Highlands Ranch Resort

Step foot into a secluded forest setting at Highlands Ranch Resort on Childs Meadow in the Lassen National Forest. The resort has five newly constructed cottages with seven suites, featuring elegant rustic chic decor, private entrances, premium king and queen beds, luxury linens, meadow and mountain views, gas fireplaces, hardwood floors, and more. The 7,500-square-foot lodge serves as a central gathering place for guests. It has a restaurant, full-service bar, cozy fireplace, and an expansive deck perfect for taking in mountain views. Highlands Ranch Resort is the perfect setting for relaxation and soaking in surrounding nature.

Costanoa Lodge | Pescadero

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 3 Hours

Photo Courtesy of Costanoa Lodge

Head to the coast for a cozy (and budget-friendly!) getaway at Costanoa Lodge in Pescadero. You can stay in their lodge or a cabin, or opt for a glamping experience in one of their distinctive tent bungalows! Each accommodation offers a unique set of amenities and features, whether you’re looking for a luxurious room or an adventurous bungalow, or a more rustic experience at their 98-site RV park and space to pitch your own tent. The setting at Costanoa Lodge is equally as impressive, and you can enjoy a myriad of activities in the area all year long, like hiking, horseback riding (April–October), kayaking and more. Plus, during the summer months, Costanoa Lodge offers activities for children, an outdoor pizza and beer pavilion, stargazing, a mushroom hike, a flower hike, raptor displays, and more. Unwind at the end of the day with a meal at their full restaurant and bar, plus a visit to the Costanoa Lodge spa, offering a variety of massage therapy services.

Evergreen Lodge | Yosemite

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 3 Hours

Photo courtesy of Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite, Kim Carroll

Believe it or not, winter is one of the best times to visit Yosemite. There is less foot traffic and the snow-capped mountains are particularly breathtaking and serene. Originally built in the 1920s, Evergreen Lodge has 88 cabins scattered throughout its 20-acre property near the west entrance to Yosemite National Park. Choose from the selection of cabins, including deluxe cabins, one-bedroom cottages, family cabins, vintage cabins, the John Muir House, or a custom camping setup. Situated amongst towering pines, the cabins are warmly furnished and feature comfortable beds, historic artwork, Sirius satellite radio, gourmet coffee brewers, private decks, and more desirable features.

Horizon Inn & Ocean View Lodge | Carmel-By-the-Sea

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 3 Hours

As you can expect from a place called Horizon Inn & Ocean View Lodge, this lodge offers unbelievable views of both Carmel Bay and the Santa Lucia mountains. Access the charming seaside village of Carmel-By-the-Sea and the popular Carmel Beach just steps from your accommodations. Plus, Horizon Inn & Ocean View Lodge prides itself on providing an exceptional experience at a reasonable price. Explore the many options for accommodations — including pet-friendly options in the lodge and the Annex! Many have in-room fireplaces, jacuzzis and private balconies and patios, providing the ultimate setting for a luxurious and romantic getaway.

Post Ranch Inn | Big Sur

Location | Approximate Distance From Sacramento: 4 Hours

Situated 1,200 feet above the ocean atop the majestic cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is an unbeatable oasis of luxury, relaxation, romance and serenity. The 39 rooms at this luxury resort blend rustic elegance, comfort and privacy with unparallelled panoramic ocean or mountain vistas. Guests may access the Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning Sierra Mar restaurant, relax by the pools enjoying splendid views, rejuvenate with an in-room massage, spa treatment or yoga class, or explore the area’s beautiful natural surroundings. Monterey and Carmel are just a short drive away, accessible by the iconic Highway 1 winding along the sparkling coast.

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