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Does anyone have recommendations for good airports in California, Oregon, or western Nevada that would be scenic and peaceful fly-in locations (incl. private airports), where hotels or B&Bs are within walking distance from the airport? I'm looking for places where I can hang out for a few days while I study for my CFI. (Apologies for excluding the other western states from this list, but I don't want to stray too far from KSTS.)

KSMX, Santa Maria, has a Raddison on the field. Park your plane 50yds from the door. I was there two weeks ago and it was essentially empty. Not sure about restaurants or food though.

KAVX, Catalina Island. They have a restaurant on the field. Also, they have a shuttle that goes to the city of Avalon if you want lodging and sea/land tours. My wife and I fly over quite often for lunch. Just a 12 minute flight from my home base, KTOA, which is near LAX. Here is a short video of flying and landing there my wife shot from the right seat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LunBlWFplpE

Also, before landing attempt at Catalina, I recommend watching this AOPA sponsored video, so you are briefed on landing procedures there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKxe3C5 ... e=youtu.be

Kern Valley CA (L05), super quiet, camping, AirBnBs a bike ride away, good greasy spoon on-field, no fuel
Columbia CA (O22), camping, fuel, cute town, fuel
Florence OR (6S2), quaint town, lots of lodging/restaurant options, fuel
Bridgeport CA (O57), very nice small mountain town, fuel, restaurants
Quincy CA (2O1), similar to Bridgeport

I can second Florence. Nice sleepy town. No instrument approach, though.

L52 (Oceano) Walking distance to the beach
KIZA (Santa Ynez) Nice small wine country. Close to Solvang (Danish village)
0Q5 (Shelter Cove) Beautiful ocean view, camping, small hotels, no fuel

The shuttle is not currently running from the airport to Avalon. It is taxi only, which I remember being a little pricey.

4S1(Gold Beach Muni Airport)

The airport is basically in town and on the beach at the mouth of the Rogue River. Walk to hotels, restaurants and jet boat rides up the Rogue River. Only downside is that it doesn't have an instrument approach.

I do need to comment on Catalina. I've seen postings on the internet and even aviation publications about this "tricky" airstrip. It's only visually intimidating if you let it. I flew in and out of there in 1977 in my Cherokee and found it no big deal. My (first, ex-) wife, sitting alongside me was kind of freaked out.

Check out
http://pilotgetaways.com/