California families looking for top-tier elder care now have a new guide to help them choose with more information. Newsweek’s 2026 rankings of America’s Best Nursing Homes highlight standout facilities across the state—from coastal Montecito to inland Modesto—grouped by size to make comparisons easier.
The list features 1,200 nursing homes across 33 states, according to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and is intended to assist older adults and their families as they consider long-term care options.
Facilities, according to Newsweek’s Global Editor-in-Chief Nancy Cooper, were selected after the publication considered performance data, recommendations of medical professionals, accreditations, and resident satisfaction.
Here are California’s top nursing homes in the small, mid, and large categories, according to the weekly publication.
California’s highest-rated nursing homes under 100 beds
California’s highest-rated nursing homes with 100-150 beds
California’s highest-rated nursing homes with more than 150 beds
Tips on choosing a nursing home in California
Finding the right nursing home for a loved one is one of the most important—and emotionally charged—decisions a family can make. In California, where options range from small residential care homes to large skilled nursing facilities, knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Here’s how to navigate the process with confidence and care, with tips provided by the California Department of Public Health, Medicare, and AARP.
America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026
To see the complete Newsweek list, go to rankings.newsweek.com/americas-best-nursing-homes-2026.
USA TODAY Network contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: California’s best nursing homes ranked by Newsweek. See the list
Reporting by James Ward, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
