Fodor's Expert Review Timber Cove Resort

Restored well beyond its original splendor, this resort anchored to a craggy oceanfront cliff is by far the Sonoma Coast's coolest getaway. The vibe here is country swank, with grand redwood-and-stone public spaces and enough activities—Ping-Pong, billiards, firepits—to keep restless city slickers occupied. But with 25 acres, 2-plus miles of trails, and the nearby coastal coves and beaches, blissing out on the natural setting is equally possible. Not surprisingly, the Coast Kitchen restaurant emphasizes Pacific seafood. The rooms, some with ocean views, others with forest ones, and most with gas fireplaces, contain playful echoes of this property's hippie past but deliver contemporary casual luxury. They've got all the mod cons and a few retro ones, too—like Pendleton blankets and, in most rooms, vinyl record players.