These historic hotels in California let you experience the past firsthand

Why these hotels are worth visiting

California is home to historic hotels where preserved architecture, period furnishings, and long-standing traditions immerse guests in earlier eras.

From Gold Rush boomtowns to Victorian seaside retreats, these properties offer travelers a glimpse of California’s past while still enjoying modern comforts. Each stay offers a tangible connection to the people, events, and styles that shaped the state.

A living timeline of California history

Many of California’s historic hotels date back to the 1800s and have survived fires, earthquakes, and changing travel trends. Over the decades, they have hosted presidents, entertainers, and everyday travelers.

Guests today can sleep in restored rooms, dine in historic saloons, and explore lobbies that have remained largely unchanged for more than a century.

Hotel del Coronado, San Diego

Opened in 1888, Hotel del Coronado is a Victorian landmark on Coronado Island known for its red turrets, cupolas, and grand lobby.

It has hosted numerous U.S. presidents and Hollywood stars and served as a filming location for Some Like It Hot. Its beachfront setting and preserved design offer a glimpse into Gilded Age coastal travel.

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside

The Mission Inn began as a small boarding house in 1876 and later expanded into a sprawling Mission Revival complex occupying an entire city block. The property features bell towers, stained glass, and an extensive art collection.

Over the years, it has welcomed numerous U.S. presidents and other notable visitors and remains one of California’s most architecturally distinctive historic hotels.

National Exchange Hotel, Nevada City

Opened in 1856, the National Exchange Hotel is one of Nevada City’s landmark Gold Rush-era properties. Located in the heart of Gold Rush–era Nevada City, it features restored period details and a historic lounge that hosts live music.

A major 2021 restoration preserved its 19th-century character while discreetly adding modern amenities.

Queen Anne Hotel, San Francisco

Built in 1890 as a finishing school for young women, the Queen Anne Hotel is a Victorian mansion in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood.

Etched glass doors, ornate parlors, and antique furnishings reflect turn-of-the-century elegance. It also has a long-running local ghost story that some visitors seek out as part of the experience.

Monte Cristo Bed & Breakfast, San Francisco

Dating back to the 1870s, this North Beach building has served many roles, including a saloon and bordello. It survived the 1906 earthquake and later functioned during the Prohibition era.

Today, the Monte Cristo Bed & Breakfast offers a small number of rooms that reflect San Francisco’s gritty Gold Rush and early nightlife history.

Tallman Hotel, Lake County

Originally built in 1874 as a stagecoach stop, the Tallman Hotel was rebuilt after a late-19th-century fire. Known for its wraparound porches and Victorian design, the hotel was fully restored in 2003.

Its setting reflects the region’s history as a travel hub, drawing visitors to nearby mineral springs and rural landscapes.

Murphys Historic Hotel, Murphys

Opened in 1856 as the Sperry & Perry Hotel, this Gold Country landmark is one of California’s longest-running hotels.

It features a preserved 19th-century saloon and rooms named after notable past guests, including figures from the Old West. Historic spaces blend with updated accommodations for modern travelers.

Jamestown Hotel, Jamestown

Located in California’s Gold Country, the Jamestown Hotel is tribally owned and sits near Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and Columbia State Historic Park.

The hotel reflects the region’s mining and railroad history while serving as a convenient base for exploring nearby historic towns, Yosemite National Park, and local cultural attractions.

Lodge at the Presidio and Inn at the Presidio, San Francisco

The Lodge is housed in former barracks built in 1895 to 1897, while the Inn’s main building was built in 1903 for unmarried officers. Located within the Presidio, the red-brick buildings retain their military character while offering contemporary comfort.

Guests enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge and access to trails and historic sites throughout the park.

Also, is your city facing significant quality‑of‑life challenges? A closer look at U.S. communities under strain.

What guests experience

Staying at these historic hotels often includes artifact-filled lobbies, preserved architectural details, and stories tied to each property’s past.

Some offer history talks or guided tours, while others emphasize authenticity through period décor. Modern amenities like Wi-Fi and updated bathrooms are typically integrated without disrupting the historic atmosphere.

You can also go to Oregon, as its hilltop abbey has monk-brewed beer and a Finnish masterpiece.

Would you book a historic hotel over a modern one for the experience? Tell us in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

Read More From This Brand:

• This tiny Florida island runs on clams, golf carts, and zero traffic lights
• If you grew up in California, you’ll remember these Bay Area childhood gems
• Cars are illegal on this Michigan island — but horses and fudge shops run it just fine