Walkabout California is a community of folks like me who want to go for multi-day hikes but don’t want to pitch a tent at the end of the day. Inn-to-Inn hiking lands you in a real bed at the end of the day and where you often meet others on the same journey with whom to share a meal or a conversation. http://walkaboutcalifornia.com/
Sunset magazine did a nice write-up on Tom Courtney and his Walkabout books. http://walkaboutcalifornia.com/page/walkabout-california-media https://www.sunset.com/travel/outdoor-adventure/best-california-hiking-inn-to-inn
The best Inn-to-Inn Hikes in California, according to the Sunset article are:
The Mendocino Coast
“‘This inn-to-inn hike is popular for its rugged, untamed coastline, cool little villages, and great lodging spots. Less challenging than the Marin hike, this route is less elevated, just two days, and “a real easy sweet hike through forest country,’ Courtney says.”
The Marin Coast: Marin Headlands to Point Reyes
“Traipsing along the bluffs directly above the ocean, you traverse redwood and pine forests, starting in the Marin headlands and hiking seven miles to the sleepy bedroom community of Muir Beach, continuing on to the taverns and inns of Stinson Beach, and the rural environs of off-the-tourist-radar Bolinas, Olema, and famous Point Reyes.” Tom Courtney
San Francisco to Half Moon Bay “Starting on Ocean Beach, this four-day hike will take you 30 miles total, with 13.5 miles on the first long day taking you down to Pacifica.” Tom Courtney
Newport Beach to San Clemente
“This hike abuts some urban centers, but out on the beach, you’re cut off from urbanity and nestled in the sand dunes and cliffs with coyote brush, prickly pear, and California buckeye.” Tom Courtney
Oceanside to La Jolla
“By September or October, the ocean has really warmed up for this hike, where you’ll pass a number of beautiful state beaches and hike through Torrey Pines, a unique state park with the rarest pine trees in the world. Though you have to be willing to hike a long expanse with 300-foot cliffs, you’ll encounter quaint little towns with cozy little inns and restaurants on this walkabout.” Tom Courtney
Lassen Volcanic National Park
“Courtney touts Lassen for its dramatic landscape of steaming geyser fields and boiling lakes.”