When it comes to out-of-the-ordinary experiences, California is a travel destination that’s second to none. From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills to the unspoiled natural beauty of the state’s breathtaking coastlines and national parks, California has plenty of sights to see and things to do. It’s also home to a variety of unique hotels that can turn a memorable trip to the Golden State into one that you’ll never forget.

Next time you’re planning to visit, consider staying at one of these one-of-a-kind California hotels.

 

The Queen Mary – Long Beach

Set sail on a journey back in time aboard the Queen Mary, an iconic Long Beach landmark that also happens to be one of the most unique California hotels. Launched in 1934, this luxurious ocean liner sailed the seas of the Atlantic during an era when steamships were regarded as the most regal way to travel.

Now docked in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary allows guests to experience what it would have been like to stay onboard the ship in her heyday. She boasts 346 first-class staterooms, several restaurants, and a museum, as well as tours and other fun activities. The Queen Mary is also conveniently located less than 20 miles away from the Next Level Sports Complex in Garden Grove. 1119 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802

 

Hotel Vertigo – San Francisco

Located near the Moscone Center, the largest convention and exhibition complex in San Francisco, Hotel Vertigo is a hotel that was once featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s acclaimed 1958 thriller Vertigo.

From Vertigo being played on loop in the hotel lobby to wall art inspired by the film’s mesmerizing visual motifs in every room, this hotel has enough references to make even the most hardcore Hitchcock buff’s head spin. 940 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109

 

Hotel Figueroa – Los Angeles

An opulent Spanish-themed oasis in the heart of Los Angeles’ bustling downtown, Hotel Figueroa is a favorite among travelers who prefer California hotels that are as luxurious as they are exotic. Some of the hotel’s most unique flourishes include locally sourced art and its iconic coffin-shaped pool.

Best of all, the Hotel Figueroa is located right down the street from the Los Angeles Convention Center, as well as eight miles from Griffith Park and 12 miles from the Pasadena Convention Center. 939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

 

AutoCamp Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara

Camp out in style at AutoCamp Santa Barbara, one of the latest installments in a series of quaint Airstream accommodations that have been popping up all over California.

At AutoCamp, guests are provided with their very own fully furnished Airstream trailer, outfitted with amenities like luxury pillow top mattresses, a flat-screen TV, and even a spacious outdoor patio area with an electric barbecue grill. Each Airstream also comes with two bikes perfect for riding down to the beach just a few miles away. 2717 de la Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

 

Hicksville Trailer Palace & Artist Retreat – Joshua Tree

California Hotels

Trading the idyllic coastal surroundings of Santa Barbara for miles upon miles of majestic desert, Hicksville Trailer Palace & Artist Retreat offers an even more outdoorsy experience than AutoCamp Santa Barbara. Located in Joshua Tree, Hicksville features 10 uniquely appointed trailers ranging from The Sweet, a retro, ‘70s-themed retreat, to the zombie apocalypse-ready Project Z.

Fun activities offered at Hicksville include miniature golf and archery. There’s also a pool for guests looking to soak up some sun under the big blue California sky. 6394 Sunset Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

 

La Casa del Camino – Laguna Beach

Surf’s up at La Casa del Camino, an historic Laguna Beach hotel originally built in 1929. Although you can’t find amenities like Spanish-style guest rooms with hand-carved furnishings and a rooftop bar and lounge that boasts breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas at many California hotels, the most unique part about La Casa del Camino are the 10 Casa Surf rooms.

Designed in cooperation with iconic brands like Billabong, Quiksilver, and Rip Curl, the Casa Surf rooms feature beautiful murals, surfboards hung from the walls, and even decorative pillows made from the same material as a pair of boardshorts. 1289 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

 

The Saguaro – Palm Springs

Bathed in a bouquet of colors inspired by vibrant desert flowers, the exterior of The Saguaro in Palm Springs stands out strikingly against a backdrop provided by the neighboring San Jacinto Mountains. The colorful fun continues inside with decorative flourishes like candy-colored accent walls and brightly striped bedding.

As vivid as it is well-appointed, The Saguaro is a unique California hotel that’s the perfect place for travelers looking to add a pop of color to their next Golden State getaway. 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

 

Railroad Park Resort – Dunsmuir

California Hotels

Since 1968, guests have been riding the rails in their very own caboose room at Railroad Park Resort in Dunsmuir. Although they’re inside of actual antique cabooses, these rooms still feature plenty of modern amenities such as air conditioning, a refrigerator, a full private bathroom, and Wi-Fi.

Also located on the grounds of the resort are a rare 1927 Willamette locomotive and the Dining Car Restaurant where guests can enjoy breakfast or dinner amidst a world-class collection of railroading artifacts. 100 Railroad Park Rd, Dunsmuir, CA 96025

 

The Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos – Los Alamos

On the outside, the Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos is an elegant, recently-renovated 1864 estate nestled in the heart of California’s wine country. It’s what’s inside however that’s what truly makes this historic hotel so unique. Six incredible themed suites whisk guests to far-off lands and bygone eras, including a neon-tinted ‘50s drive-in, a Parisian loft overlooking the Eiffel Tower, and the captain’s quarters of a pirate ship. 326 Bell St, Los Alamos, CA 93440

 

America’s Best Value Inn & Suites Oasis of Eden – Yucca Valley

Offering a themed suite experience similar to the Victorian Mansion at Los Alamos at a much more budget-friendly price, America’s Best Value Inn & Suites Oasis of Eden is kitschy, affordable, and most of all, fun.

This unique hotel features 14 themed rooms based on locations such as New York City, Tahiti, and the Bermuda Triangle. There’s even a room decorated to look like a cave, complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and of course, a hot tub. A stay at one of these enchanting rooms is a vacation in its own right. 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284