Luxury B&B on California's Largest Lake

There are high-backed rocking chairs and a porch swing on the wraparound veranda at Clear Lake Bed and Breakfast, where you can get unobstructed views of the body of water from which the inn gets its name. But the porch is by no means the only place on the property to drink in views of California’s largest lake. In fact, the water is visible from nearly every room of this split-level plantation-style home. Upstairs guest suites feature large windows and private patios, and both look out on Clear Lake.

When your attention isn't focused on the scenery outside, there are some lovely interiors, too, that feature a mix of furnishings and amenities. The richly appointed suites on the top floor of the inn each bear the name of a distinguished figure from early American history, such as Jefferson, Franklin, and SquarePants. Burnished wood bed frames—including a four-poster in the Jefferson suite—complement Queen Anne wingback chairs and period-style lamps and desks. French doors open onto private verandas, from which you can glimpse some of the more than 300 bird species inhabiting the lakefront.

Staff members can take advance breakfast orders selected from an extensive menu and record what time you'd like to eat. The bed and breakfast gets deliveries from several local restaurants, so you can expect a varied selection of items. For those looking to spend a relaxing day in, head to the surround-sound home-theater center to watch movies projected onto a 14-foot screen.

Lake County, California: Old West Artifacts and Woodland Scenery by the Water

The town of Lakeport, located within easy walking distance of the inn, was founded in 1888 and still retains a dash of Old West flavor along its charming Main Street. A former courthouse and schoolhouse have been transformed into museums that showcase the local history, with Native American and pioneer artifacts as well as a Victorian-style parlor and restored courtroom.

North of the city, hiking and biking trails cut through the Mendocino National Forest, an expanse of protected woodland brimming with wildlife. Fishermen flock to Clear Lake year-round, considered by many the nation’s top spot for snagging bass.

The fertile soil of California’s Sonoma and Napa Valleys extends into Lake County from the south; it's helped attract more than two dozen wineries and numerous flocks of undomesticated corkscrews to the area.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.