As the temps keep climbing here in the Valley, and the days keep getting longer, we are scrambling for an escape to cooler climates where the sunshine can truly be enjoyed. Thankfully our neighbor, The Golden State of California, has some fab experiences awaiting. We’ve highlighted our picks for adventures to be had in Cali this summer, so get your car ready for an epic road trip up north.

 

Credit: @westdrifthotel

westdrift Manhattan Beach

You’ll immediately feel the beachy vibes here when you step into the lobby of Manhattan Beach’s hottest new hotel, westdrift.

From the hotel’s custom Argentine driftwood check-in desk, to its wooden columns, there’s no doubt you’ve made it to the beach.

And the color palette, along with the art really take this point home. You will pine over Sausalito artist Eric Zener’s stunning water paintings as you realize you certainly are not in the desert anymore.

Just a mile from the beach, westdrift is perfectly located to dip your toes in the sand, but not track it back into your big comfy bed. Grab one of the hotel’s Insta-worthy beach cruisers from Venice-based Sole Bicycles and fill up its adorable wooden basket with goodies from nearby shopping center The Point.

Be sure to return “home” in time for a sunset cocktail at Jute Coastal Bar + Kitchen, westdrift’s indoor-outdoor space that screams California dreaming with its wide open spaces and beachy breeze.

Boasting 393 luxury guest rooms (112 of which feature private balconies), an outdoor pool complete with cabanas, a 9-hole, par-3 golf course, a CrossFit-inspired gym, meeting space for your every need, and much more, westdrift is a must-stop during your summer California adventures.

To book: www.westdrift.com

 

credit: @vistacollina

Vista Collina

Head north to the dreamy wine country of Napa Valley to be one of the first to experience luxurious Vista Collina Resort.

Prepare to feel as if you’ve been transported right to the heart of Tuscany in this stunning place.

In our opinion, the best part is The Village. This tasting haven features not one, not two, not three, nope -- keep going -- nine tasting rooms offering guests drinks from the area’s top boutique wineries and microbreweries.

Also a major highlight of Vista Collina is the fact that it has its own locally-sourced, artisanal market. Every second Sunday from August through November, Napa Valley farmers and artisans sell their incredible goods at this market. You’ll love not only the goods, but the live music and overall fun atmosphere of this experience.

You can also try out the tastes of Napa Valley concocted by Chef Lesage at the resort’s Fivetown Grocery, named after the five towns that make up Napa Valley. We suggest you do not miss out on the freshly baked bread.

Try your own hand at cooking with the resort’s in-suite culinary experience. With this, you’ll choose which recipe you want to make, and everything you need will be brought right to your room. By following videos led by Chef Lesage, you can cook up a gourmet meal unlike ever before.

With 145 rooms, 39 of which have fully-equipped kitchens, a pool and jacuzzi area that features luxury cabanas, a Food & Wine Center for wine seminars, and much, much more, Vista Collina will make all your wine dreams come true.

To book: www.meritagecollection.com/vista-collina

 

Credit: @fairmontmiramar

Fairmont Miramar

Though not new to the scene in L.A., Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is an absolute favorite that is offering a fab new experience, called Miramar to Malibu.

As desert dwellers, it would be a sin not to indulge in the crisp waters of the sea in Malibu. And, Fairmont Miramar is making that possible.

In addition to deluxe accommodations at the resort, with Miramar to Malibu you’ll enjoy a drive down the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu where the pros at Malibu Surf Shack await. This surf outpost was one of the first in the area, and thus will be the perfect one to take you through an hour and a half private surf lesson.

So grab your sunscreen, work up some courage, book a massage for post-surfing, and head to Fairmont Miramar.

To book: www.fairmont.com/santa-monica

 

Credit: @thegarland

The Garland

Cult fave and North Hollywood hang The Garland has some seriously fun things happening this summer that you do not want to miss.

The Songs of Summer concert series recently kicked off, but don’t worry -- two dates still remain, July 12 and August 16. The Garland’s outdoor venue, Beverly Park, provides the ideal setting to enjoy great live music, sip on creative cocktails, and eat tasty treats.

And get ready to enjoy Rosé All Day weekdays and weekends throughout the summer. This means $20 bottomless rosé at the hotel’s restaurant, The Front Yard. Could you possibly need anything more in life?

Speaking of drinks, The Garland’s Lobby Bar will be featuring four brand new drinks during happy hour, from 4-6 every day. Choose from:

• TFY Pom Spritz: Belvedere vodka, pomegranate juice, blueberry vanilla syrup and a splash of soda
• Rosé Spritz: Wente rosé, strawberry, lemon, mint, and a splash of soda
• Aperol Spritz: Aperol, Mumm Napa sparkling wine and a splash of soda
• MacMurray’s Method Spritz: Porton Pisco Acholado, pineapple juice, lemon, pinot noir, and a splash of lemon lime soda

And while you’re hanging poolside with your cocktail, don’t forget to stop by the Lobby Bar for a retro Polaroid pic that will perfectly capture your summer fun.

To book: www.thegarland.com

 

 

InterContinental L.A. Downtown

Before you even step foot into this hotel, your expectations are high--literally. InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown is the tallest building west of Chicago, and what it offers inside this summer will not let you down.

For some of the hottest happenings in the city, head here.

Appreciate the stars up above in a whole new way with the hotel’s Cocktails and Constellations Menu at Spire 73. We can’t think of a better place to ring in summer solstice than here with these drinks in hand:

• Orion's Paloma: Casamigos Reposado, Del Marguey Mezcal, Soho Lychee Liquor and Aperol, simple syrup, lemon and grapefruit juice
• Celeste: Dewars blended Scotch, white cranberry juice, blood orange shrub, and Amaro Averna
• Supermoon: Vodka, Antica formula, lemon juice, simple syrup and fresh berries + mint
• Draco's Galaxy: Bombay Sapphire East, Dolin Blanc Vermouth with orange bitters tonic water + grapefruit

Taking the concept of a barbeque and seriously elevating it, InterContinental L.A. Downtown is offering the Summer BBQ Series at its No Dive Bar where you can enjoy BBQ faves such as chicken kabobs, baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and more.

And when that sweet tooth calls, and you’re in need of a truly decadent dessert, these guys have got you covered. The Opulent 73 Sundae is made up of:

• Hand-spun Rocky Road ice cream
• Espresso gelato
• Madagascar vanilla bean ice cream
• Louis XIII soaked cherries
• Caramelia black truffle brownie
• Hand-rolled truffles
• 24K gold leaves and dust

This dessert will set you back $173, but we promise it’s worth it.

To book: www.dtla.intercontinental.com