Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa

Many private homes don't have the wiggle room provided by the villas at this contemporary-Mediterranean resort on a bluff above a beautiful central California coast beach, just off Highway 1. The 61 one- and two-bedroom accommodations have private entrances and terraces and measure 935 to 2,100 square feet. Neat and tidy beige-on-cream living quarters have private laundry, surround sound, walk-in closets, and full granite-and-stainless-steel kitchens with dishwashers. San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Hearst Castle, and the Paso Robles wine country are all nearby, though it's hard to motivate beyond the on-site restaurants, spa, and nightly entertainment.