The idyllic US beach sanctuary perfect for nature-lovers and relaxation

Scottish Sun

18-07-2025

Nature was to be a key theme of my visit to northern California
YOU OTTER GO The idyllic US beach sanctuary perfect for nature-lovers and relaxation
AS I set my head down on the pillow, I could hear the waves crashing against the beach, just yards away from my private patio at the back of the bungalow.
They call it The Sanctuary Beach Resort — and it didn't take me long to work out why, as that is exactly how it felt when I visited the luxury getaway, found nestled in Monterey Bay, California.
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Beach view at The Sanctuary Beach Resort
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Otters at Moss Landing Elk Slough, Monterey
People pay for the privilege of listening to the relaxing noise of breaking waves and seashells to fall asleep on apps and yet here I was hearing it right on my doorstep.
It was the perfect start to my trip to the Golden State and really set the tone for my visit — by connecting with nature and feeling at peace.
Earlier that evening, I had been served a delicious dinner of steak with mashed potatoes at the resort's on-site Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette.
The location would be perfect for happy couples on their wedding day, or for an idyllic honeymoon.
But the resort will fit the bill for anyone simply hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of working life, and to truly switch off — whether that be by taking a dip in the pool or making use of the fabulous spa.
Nature was to be a key theme of my visit to northern California, as my group and I headed out for a hike the following day to Pinnacles National Park.
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Pinnacles National Park
Credit: Jonathan Irish 2016
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There was wildlife in abundance on a kayaking trip in Montere
I say hike, but I promise anyone interested in visiting that it's more of a walk, where we took in the amazing scenery there, and even explored some caves!
We followed this up by going kayaking in Monterey Bay with Monterey Bay Kayaks where we had some close encounters with the local wildlife including seals and otters. If you're an animal lover you will adore this.
Our visit to Pinnacles set us up well for our adventure to the iconic Yosemite National Park, something that I had been really looking forward to.
I am happy to report that it absolutely did not disappoint. On our first night in Yosemite we stayed at the Tenaya Lodge, just outside of the park, which had a warm and rustic quality that I loved, as well as a wealth of amenities including a spa and pool.
I travelled to America to try the viral TikTok shop Crumbl
Next morning was we headed out to the national park to take our first steps in the world-renowned location.
The giant, ancient sequoias leaned over us as we walked among them, and I pondered the history they must have seen over the years they had stood there.
Chipmunks appeared to say hello as we headed up the trail path, and I tentatively stopped quietly as a couple of deer slowly walked past me. A reminder that we were in their home.
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Spacious room at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
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Lewis in Yosemite National Park
My breath was really taken away, though, when we continued our journey into Yosemite Valley as we took in the outstanding views around us, and I was left in stunned silence as I spotted the water flowing down over the rocks at Bridalveil Fall.
I even spied the awesome bravery of climbers taking on the imposing, vertical rock face, El Capitan through binoculars.
After a long day of taking in the incredible sights and sounds of this iconic national park, we checked into Yosemite View Lodge for the night where I was lucky enough to have a view of the river from my balcony. I could easily have spent the whole evening there, it was so peaceful, quiet and absolutely gorgeous.
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The views over the national park
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Stunning waterfall at Yosemite
A top tip — take the opportunity to look up to the sky at night if you are ever staying in Yosemite.
If the sky is clear, you'll see an incredible array of glistening stars above you.
I have never seen such a dazzling display in my life, not even on some of Scotland's remoter islands.
Fascinated after seeing brave souls taking on El Capitan the day before, we met with Ken Yager — a veteran climber who now helps others to conquer the magnificent rock face and also runs a climbing museum.
His stories were amazing and I was blown away when I saw photos of Mark Wellman, who became the first paraplegic to climb El Capitan in 1989, and the letter sent to him in congratulations by US President George Bush Snr.
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The climbing museum in Mariposa
After our museum tour, we explored the town of Mariposa where we learned more about the gold rush in the 1800s which saw people head west to find their fortunes in California, marking the beginnings of this amazing state.
The final stop on our incredible trip was Sacramento — the capital city of California.
It is so often overlooked for its neighbours San Francisco and Los Angeles when it comes to attracting tourists. But, it is certainly a place with plenty to offer, as we found out soon after we arrived at a bustling downtown area where live music was playing and market stalls were bustling at Cesar Chavez Plaza.
For dinner, I devoured a delicious spaghetti carbonara dish at the Grange Restaurant and Bar, before we went back for a good night's rest at the modern and comfortable Hyatt Centric Hotel.
It's ideally located right next to the Golden 1 Center, which would be perfect for anyone looking to go to a music or sporting event during their stay in the city.
On our final day in California, we toured the food market in Sacramento, trying out its amazing delicacies from all over the world, from tacos to pizzas.
GO: CALIFORNIA
GO: Monterey County, Yosemite Mariposa County and Sacramento
GETTING THERE: Return flights from Glasgow to San Francisco from £548pp. See ba.com
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey from £290 a night. See thesanctuarybeachresort.com. Rates at the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite from £195. See visittenaya.com. Rates at the Yosemite view Lodge from £149 a night. See Yosemite View Lodge. Rooms at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento from £148. See hyatt.com.
MORE INFO: For more on visiting Monterey see monterey.com, for Yosemite Mariposa County see yosemite.com and for Sacramento go to visitsacramento.com.
And for shopaholics it is nirvana, I even bought souvenirs for the unlucky folk back home and maybe one or two keepsakes for me too!
In the afternoon, we headed to the Crocker Art Museum where we saw some incredible paintings of Yosemite National Park, and dived deep into California's rich history.
And in the evening, we immersed ourselves a one of America's greatest passion by attending a baseball game between the Sacramento River Cats and the Salt Lake Bees — complete with hot dogs being fired from a cannon into the crowd!
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Sacramento River Cats' Sutter Health Park
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Old Sacramento
We ended our trip in the perfect way by taking a stroll through Old Sacramento, which resembles the old West, with saloon doors and historic storefronts.
It was the ideal way to reflect on our California adventure - to a state and region that both embraces its past but also offers all the modern comforts and luxuries you'd hope to find on any memorable holiday.
This area of California is definitely the perfect sanctuary. Go, I know you will agree.