The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Perched on a bluff above the Pacific, this Forbes Five Star resort does the full coastal California thing without apology: ocean-view rooms, two golf courses threading along the cliffs, and service warm enough to make the fog feel like a design choice. The chandeliers are set with rock crystals, the carpet was inspired by a walk on wet sand, and the ballroom is large enough to host a small nation's worth of wedding guests.