Photos top left clockwise: Grand Del Mar, Bardessono, Desert Riviera and Snug Harbor Avalon.  TripAdvisor publishes an annual Best of Travel List. Here's their list of 2014 California picks:

BEST HOTEL IN US TOP 25

1. The Grand Del Mar(14th best in the world) San Diego –  luxurious Tuscan compound nestled in the hills
3.  Bardessono (21st best in the world) Yountville – nailed it down to every detail
24. Lakehouse Hotel & Resort San Marcos – excellent

BEST SMALL HOTEL IN US TOP 25

1.  La Maison Hotel Palm Springs – relax by the pool
2.  Honor Mansion Healdsburg – restful and rejuvenating
13. Snug Harbor Inn Avalon – on the island
14. Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn and Spa Los Olivos – best stay in the town
15. Living Waters Spa Desert Hot Springs – lovely space
16. Santa Ynez Inn Santa Ynez -excellent value
18. The Willows Palm Springs -worth a trip
23. Old Ranch Inn Palm Springs- great little place

BEST BARGAINS IN US TOP 25

1.  Desert Riviera Hotel (2nd best in the world) Palm Springs – everything most large chain hotels will never have
3.  Hotel California (14th best in the world) Palm Springs – perfect spot
9.  Queen of Hearts Resort Palm Springs – outstanding boutique hotel
25. Alpine Gardens Hotel Palm Springs – friendly and cute

BEST B&B INNS IN US TOP 25

2.  Arbor Guest House (10th best in the world) Napa – Sublime!

BEST DESTINATIONS IN US TOP 25

2.  San Francisco, California (7th best in the world) – personality, Cable Cars, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz
8.  Los Angeles – Hollywood beckons
16. Napa – wine
23. Palm Springs – 354 days of sunshine

BEST BEACHES IN US TOP 25

8.  La Jolla Cove La Jolla – sea Lions put on a show
9.  Laguna Beach – beautiful place to spend an afternoon with kids

BEST RESTAURANTS IN US TOP 10

2.  Restaurant Gary Danko San Francisco – unparalleled service and food