TOAST OF THE WEST COAST

The southern half of the state has the pop-culture bragging rights, but NorCal has the nature and hotels worthy of the views

Silicon Valley may be the brain of the Bay Area, but Napa Valley is its soul. Home to three of the top five resorts on this year's Northern California list, the region has been pulling wine lovers and wellness seekers for decades. Longtime reader favorite Auberge Resorts Collection took the top spot with Solage: The freshly renovated Calistoga retreat is still the chicest stay around, with its buzzy Solbar restaurant and a serious spa. For a more urban hit, Alila Napa Valley, with a stunning 1907 Georgian-style mansion at its heart, is a quick walk from St. Helena's many restaurants. Newcomer Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, near downtown Calistoga, stands out for its on-property winery and dedicated kids' pool-a rare amenity for the area. Of course, Northern California is an embarrassment of riches, and the Pacific Coast south of San Francisco offers wonders of its own. If you prefer waves to wine, head to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay for epic clifftop views of the Pacific and access to the legendary big-wave-break Mavericks. Keep going south on Highway 1 and you'll find The Lodge at Pebble Beach, which is a century old and overlooks arguably the most breathtaking golf course on Earth. REBECCA MISNER

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA