There's a bit of maze-like feel to the sprawling 265 acres that make up Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego. With beautiful gardens, hidden paths, classic statutes, towering trees and seasonal flowers scenting the way, it's one place you will be happy to get lost in.
The suites in the Spanish Colonial-style structures lure you in as well. Each room is done up in muted earth tones with splashes of green, gold and dark rusty red. With 287 accommodations, a tucked-away spa, a championship golf course, three pools and four places to dine, there's not much need to leave the resort. However, Rancho Bernardo Inn puts you close to some craft breweries, wineries and boundless hiking trails.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Check out the luscious on-property chef's garden. It's overseen by Chris Gentile, the chef de cuisine of Rancho Bernardo Inn's fine-dining restaurant AVANT. Many of the ingredients coming out of this patch of land make its way into cocktails, dinners and even spa treatments.
- Instead of the usual building, the spa uses private villas for treatments. They are nestled around an outdoor path like a little village of relaxation. Only spa guests are allowed in this secluded area, which comes complete with a saline pool and cabanas. The spa also has an indoor steam room, a Jacuzzi and shower facilities.
- The suites have a secluded feel and semi-private entrances. Many of the rooms open onto a veranda and have sweeping views of the golf course or gardens.
- Make sure to book time on the luxury hotel's 18-hole golf course, which has hosted both PGA and LPGA events. San Diego’s endlessly sunny weather mean that every day is good for golfing here. And, with rolling green hills, large trees and moving water features, it's an interesting course, too.
- AVANT serves a chef's tasting menu, paired with biodynamic wines and craft cocktails. But, if you’re looking for an even more spectacular evening, book Table 65, named after the most popular table at El Bizcocho, Rancho Bernardo Inn's first restaurant, which garnered a lot of fanfare in its day. This private table includes extra service, too, including instruction on how the foods are chosen and made, wine tutorials and more.
Things to Know
- When the San Diego hotel opened in 1963, it only featured 30 rooms. Now, with more than 280 suites, the property has grown in both size and stature.
- It's so easy to be outside in Southern California, and Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant takes full advantage of that. There are fire pits dotted along the dining area where you can nibble on California-Mediterranean fare such as seared cauliflower steak with fennel slaw, fire-roasted tomato bisque and skirt steak with truffle fries. This spot serves all three meals, plus has a kids' menu and happy hour.
- Get coffee, quick takeout foods and picnic supplies at Café Granada.
Amenities
Babysitting services
Bar
Fitness classes
Golf
Gym
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
Getting There
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr San Diego, CA 92128 US
TEL888-976-4417
TEL888-976-4417
NeighborhoodRancho Bernardo
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
SAN (28-40 min)
Stories
