Inland Cool-cations
When summer heat drives groups to seek cooler ground, California's inland retreats deliver with fresh mountain air, lakefront settings and outdoor adventures that make business feel anything but ordinary.
Mount Shasta Resort
Trade the rat race for the cool beauty of Mount Shasta Resort. The upmarket lakefront resort enjoys an enviable location between Mount Shasta and Mount Eddy. Plenty of event space coupled with outdoor activities, golf and spa make it an ideal cool summer retreat.
Black Oak Casino Resort
With 48 new luxury suites, the Black Oak Casino Resort, nestled in the Sierra Foothills, offers a luxurious getaway for executives. The large conference center can host meetings of all sizes, while a tranquil pool is ideal for downtime relaxation.
Costanoa
Just an hour south of San Francisco in the town of Pescadero, Costanoa is ideal for meetings that want to take advantage of the bucolic coastal mountain landscape. Inside, there’s plenty of space for meetings, breakout sessions or boardroom gatherings, while outdoor venues ranging from large lawns and a deck to fire pits and picnic areas provide ideal venues for receptions, networking events and team-building. Nearby scenic coastal hiking and biking trails invite guests to connect during downtime.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
With an enviable position overlooking Palm Springs, Coachella Valley and the San Jacinto Mountain Range, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is the desert’s ultimate luxurious meeting getaway. Perched above the valley, the property enjoys cooler summer temperatures, allowing corporate events to use its more than 50,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space in addition to 15 indoor rooms. Add on a pasta-making class or whiskey tasting to delight attendees.
Chateau Big Bear
High in the San Bernardino Mountains lies an unexpected surprise, a European-inspired chateau. Chateau Big Bear cocoons guests in elegance and nature. With flexible indoor and outdoor meeting spaces and a location with easy access to lake activities, hiking and biking, the property beckons groups looking for a high mountain summer retreat.
Waterfront Cool-Cations
For groups who do their best thinking with a view, California's waterfront retreats deliver the perfect blend of inspiring ocean backdrops, resort-level amenities and cool coastal breezes.
Stanford Inn by the Sea
Small groups looking for big views and amenities will find just that at Stanford Inn by the Sea. The eco-resort on the Mendocino coast transports guests into a holistic world where nature soothes away daily stress and teams can connect on a deeper level. The property offers two meeting rooms and outdoor spaces perfect for workshops, breakout sessions or relaxing meditation sessions.
The Quail
Escape to the rolling hills of Carmel Valley at The Quail, the ideal setting for executive retreats designed for focus, discretion and elevated thinking, all within one of California’s most scenic destinations. In addition to indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, The Quail offers team-building activities like The Land Rover Experience, championship golf and pickleball.
Hotel Casa Del Mar
Celebrating its centennial in 2026, the iconic oceanfront Hotel Casa Del Mar blends timeless elegance with modern amenities. Located in Santa Monica, the property offers a new meeting space with panoramic views of the Pacific, ocean-view rooms and a beach activity center to make the most of downtime.
Newport News
For luxurious oceanside meetings, Newport Beach can serve it up in spades. From the five-star The Resort at Pelican Hill and its two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses to VEA Newport Beach, Lido House Hotel and Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach has laid-back cool-cation vibes for every type of meeting and budget.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
For more than sixty years, Rancho Bernardo Inn has set the standard for corporate meetings, leadership retreats and incentive travel in the San Diego area. With sun-drenched meeting spaces framed by California mission-inspired architecture, the resort is a perfect background to inspire creativity and innovation. The 265-acre property features indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, a William Francis Bell-designed golf course and award-winning cuisine.
Oceanside
In Oceanside, meeting spaces benefit from a cool coastal climate that fosters productivity and connection. The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa and Mission Pacific Beach Resort provide over 20,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space with Pacific views, ideal for retreats and conferences. Groups can also charter the Nala catamaran, host events for up to 2,500 at the Pier Amphitheater or design gatherings at the Oceanside Museum of Art. These walkable venues allow for seamless, block party-style setups. For high-energy team building, Frontwave Arena offers a dynamic option.
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center on the San Diego Bayfront provides a business retreat with sweeping bay views and versatile indoor and outdoor spaces. The resort features 1,600 guest rooms, over 477,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, four ballrooms, 67 breakout rooms and 150,000 square feet of event lawns and terraces. Dining options include 10+ venues offering seasonal coastal fare, Baja-inspired dishes, a steakhouse and a speakeasy. Attendees can recharge at Relâche Spa, the fitness center, a 4.25-acre water park, or explore the Bayshore Bikeway and Sweetwater Park.
With so many stunning settings to choose from, California proves that the best way to heat up productivity is to cool down your surroundings. Whether you're planning an intimate executive retreat, a large corporate gathering or a fun team-building activity, the Golden State has the perfect backdrop waiting to turn your event into a memorable escape.