Your free time in Santa Barbara - Scott Dunn suggests

With panoramic views, the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage is an elegant desert retreat nestled in the snow-capped Santa Rosa Mountains, and perfectly positioned for accessing post-modern Palm's Springs best shopping, dining, golf, art and desert adventures.

Once an opulent beach club for Hollywood stars of the 1920s, Casa del Mar oozes old school glamour and relaxed sophistication. Sitting on the golden sands of Santa Monica beach, the hotel has uninterrupted ocean views and a delightfully decadent décor.

Enviably located just steps from the beach, Hotel Californian is a celebration of Spanish Colonial architecture and modern style and design. Featuring a rooftop pool with panoramic ocean views, there's no better place to experience the American Riviera.

A historic Mediterranean-style Santa Barbara retreat with romantic bungalows, spa, coastal dining, and easy access to beaches, wine country, and the Channel Islands.

As Napa’s first resort set within a world-class vineyard, the Four Seasons Napa Valley offers a seamless and integrated grape-to-glass experience, along with glorious views, well-appointed accommodation, superb dining, two pools, spa, and fitness room.

Located in San Francisco's trendy SoMA district, St Regis San Francisco is a luxurious city hotel with a contemporary edge. Boasting stylish interiors and well-appointed lavish suites, the St Regis is perfect for families exploring the city by the bay.

Perched 1200 feet up on a ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Post Ranch Inn is an architectural gem, and seamlessly blends understated rustic luxury, immaculate cuisine and astounding service.

Carmel Valley Ranch is nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the leafy vineyards of Carmel. An ideal base to explore the Carmel and Monterey region, the resort offers both a superb chance to relax and explore.

Nestled among the giant redwood trees, stay in your own log cabin in Yosemite's Wawona area. Peaceful, private and authentic, the self-catered homes are located on private property within the National Park.

Fly over LA's iconic landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign and Beverly Hills, then land in Malibu for a private picnic with stunning views before returning to Burbank.