What to expect: The Sanctuary Beach Resort's lobby is in a lodge warmed by a gas fireplace and lit by a skylight. Upon check-in, guests are assigned a golf cart to deliver them through the resort's 19 acres of protected dunes. Leisure travelers and small-business groups enjoy this secluded resort built along the Marina Dunes wildlife sanctuary.

Amenity highlights: The resort has an outdoor pool and a large spa tub. Massages, facials, and body-wrap spa treatments are available in guestrooms or in two treatment rooms in the resort lodge (surcharge).

Insider tip: This California resort is conducting a program to ensure restoration of the Marina Dunes, planting native plant species and protecting habitats for indigenous creatures such as the California legless lizard, Smith's blue butterfly, and the snowy plover shorebird. The resort provides brochures describing the restoration upon request.