Best Glamping Getaways California
Most people love those stories around the campfire, sleeping under the starry nights, dozing in those cozy sleeping bags, and all of the camping activity’s best parts. But not everyone wants the hassle of packing loads of gear. Fortunately, there’s glamping.Glamping combines living in the outdoors with the luxuries of home.
If you’re looking for that ideal vacation then check out the best glamping getaways in California.
Here is our top 5 destinations for that relaxing family glamping vacation.
Treebones Resort, Big Sur
Treebones Resort, Overview
Situated along the coast of Central California in the renowned Big Sur is the Treebones Resort, a perfect place to commune with nature without sacrificing the luxuries of home.
This glamping destination wows guests with cliffs, crashing waves, and the nearby Santa Lucia Mountains. This resort features a variety of different accommodations each designed for comfort, while also giving guests a taste of the life outdoors.
Relax and listen to the sea lions barking from afar, or the owls during nighttime. A popular activity of visitors is to search for treasures and gems such as jade along the seashore.
Glamping Accommodation
Yurts
These are tent-like structures made of fabric and lattice frames made of wood. The yurts at Treebones are tastefully furnished and spacious, and furnished with cozy comforters and a queen-sized bed. There’s also a vanity sink with hot & cold water, electric lighting, and heating. The floors are made of polished pine wood, and the French doors lead to a redwood deck with a spectacular view of the sea coast.
Restroom and shower facilities are a short walk away.
Autonomous Tent
Shaped like a giant cocoon, the autonomous tent is grand in size and features. The tent is secluded from the rest of the resort, with your own outdoor fire pit and private deck. It provides more than 500 square feet of living space, and inside you’ll find a king-size bed with a comforter and luxurious cotton linens. It also has leather lounge chairs and a gas fireplace to warm guests during the cold nights. It has a bathroom with a shower and toilet.
The Autonomous Tent has a luminous fabric cover that glows in the dark, while providing natural light in the daytime. It has a dedicated solar array for that authentic off-grid experience.
The Twig Hut
Offering one of Treebones’ best view, the Human Nest or Twig Hut was created and hand-woven by Jason Fann, a local Big Sur artist. There are no beds inside this one, so bring your pillows and sleeping bags. Also, be ready to pitch your own tent in case of rain or wind. The Twig Hut has a futon pad for sitting. There is an outdoor cooking station and a picnic table nearby. Water access and restrooms are a short walk away. Guests can access The Net using a wooden ladder.
Campsites
The Treebones campsites offer the full-on camping experience for those who are willing to pack and bring everything they need. These campsites provide incredible views of the ocean. There are picnic tables nearby, as well as access to water and restrooms. Self-serve breakfast and resort facilities are included in the fees. Campfires and open cook fires are not allowed, however, due to fire hazard. But guests can bring tabletop camp stove if they want to cook.
image credit: Treebones Resort, California
Dining Options
Treebones has two delicious and distinctly different dining experiences.
Wild Coast Restaurant
This restaurant redefines campfire cuisine by using local ingredients whenever and wherever possible. It boasts of garden-to-table authentic food in a relaxed, casual ambiance with cozy indoor seating and scenic outdoor seating with heated chairs. Fresh produce comes from their onsite organic farms or local farms. They also offer regional beer and local wines.
The Sushi Bar
Using only high-quality seafood and highlighting them with seasonings and herbs harvested from their organic garden, guests are treated to a sixteen-course elaborate tasting menu. The Sushi Bar offers an unforgettable omakase experience.
Things to Do
Treebones is near popular places such as:
- Mill Creek,
- Sand Dollar Beach,
- Pfeiffer Beach State Park, and
- Lime Kiln State Park.
But for that classic Big Sur adventure, the guided tours are highly recommended.
Guests can explore canyons filled with misty redwood, fascinating historic sites, rocky beaches, and waterfalls. Admire the spectacular coastal views and watch out for the rare and majestic California condor.
For those seeking to renew their bodies and spirits, Treebones offer therapeutic massages and yoga classes.
Other activities include:
- swimming pool,
- hot tub, and
- seasonal whale watching.
Ventana Resort, Big Sur
Ventana Resort, Overview
The Ventana Resort is the perfect place for romantics, visionaries, and seekers. It has 59 secluded suites with expansive balconies spread across 160 acres of natural beauty along the Pacific coast. Activities and amenities are purposeful and private, making the Ventana Resort an embodiment of luxurious space.
Guests come here to find what they are searching for – from solitary reflection and perspective to emotional connection and romance.
Ventana Resort preserves what makes Big Sur famous, the crashing seas and towering redwood forests. The resort exudes that nurturing, supporting environment that strengthens relationships, fosters meanings, and encourages its guests to set their unique path.
image credit: Ventana Resort, Big Sur
Glamping Accommodation
The Ventana Resort offers suites, guestrooms, a coast house, and a cottage house, but it’s their glamping accommodations that have become the guests’ favorite.
Glamping at Ventana Resort offers the splendor of the outdoors with a splash of luxury. Ventana’s campground is spread across a 20-acre redwood canyon, providing plenty of seclusion and privacy.
Tents are cleaned thoroughly using hospital-grade cleaning products to make sure that they are thoroughly disinfected before guests check in.
Included in the glamping stay are the following amenities and services:
- Access to SurStream for drinks and snacks
- Access to Big Sur Smokehouse from breakfast to dinner
- A wood-fueled fire pit and an alcohol fire pit on deck
- Hot or cold potable water from the sink
- Power outlets with USB charging ports and electric lamps
- Two padded Adirondack chairs
- Bath towels and hand towels
- Picnic table
- Communication system
Ventana Resort allows dogs in their campgrounds but only for a maximum of two. The pet admission fee includes treats, a dog bed, and a water bowl.
Dining Options
Ventana Resort offers some of the best dining options to be found in Big Sur.
Big Sur Smokehouse.
For that authentic roadside diner experience, it’s a classic barbecue restaurant that serves home-smoked meats, sides, and fresh salads made of local farm-fresh ingredients. Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Sierra Mar.
Serving world-class cuisine and wines, the restaurant overlooks the Pacific Ocean, where diners are treated to an incredible panorama of the California coast.
SurStream.
Enhancing the guests’ outdoor experience, Ventana presents its latest addition to its campground dining options. The Surstream is an Airstream spinoff offering handcrafted drinks, wine, beer, and snacks to nourish their guests’ weekend adventure. Open Friday to Saturday from 3 PM to 8 PM in the summer and closed during the winter, except Christmas day.
Things to Do
Private Hike.
This 3-hour activity led by Big Sur Guides and Hiking takes guests to explore the rugged Pacific coastline, cascading streams and rivers, coastal redwood trails. The guides point out flora and fauna that can be found during the hike.
Star Bathing.
Watching the Big Sur night sky is a beautiful experience wherein guests would feel like they can touch the stars. This is part of the night hike activity where guests explore the incredible Big Sur wilderness and the moon and stars shining brightly above. The hike is capped with special snacks, which include seasonal fruit, trail mix, local cheese, and Artisanal Charcuterie, and a drink of mycelium extract cocktails.
Organic Garden Tour.
Guests are guided by the gardener to harvest nature’s bounty in the Organic Garden. They’ll also learn about planting, growing, and soil practices that they can use to grow their own garden.
Falconry Experience.
This activity is led by Antonio Balesteri, a Master Falconer as guests are introduced to falcons and hawks, and their role in the Big Sur ecosystem. See these birds of prey during the flight demonstration, meet-and-greet, and photo sessions. There’s also a short hike called the ‘hawk walk’ where guests are accompanied by a bird.
El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon, Overview
Close by the El Capitan State Beach and 15 minutes north of Santa Barbara is another glamping spot that offers luxury glamping for visitors.El Capitan Canyon is one of the best glamping getaways California can offer. El Capitan Canyon, is secluded inside a 350-acre area of rolling hills sprinkled with sycamore and oak trees.
They offer accommodations such as canvas safari tents, adventure yurts, and furnished cedar cabins. These sit on the top of raised wooden decks, all having doors and windows.
Accommodations also come with western-themed blankets, down-style duvets, and willow beds. Guests camping Saturday nights from May to September can enjoy free music and dancing courtesy of live acts.
image credit: El Capitan Canyon
Glamping Accommodation
Yurts
This one-of-a-kind accommodation is built on top of a circular wooden platform with raised rooftop, indoor wooden lattice, and canvas walls. Yurts feature a dome-shaped skylight that allows easy stargazing. They come with a queen-sized bed and a twin bed with trundle. Electricity is supplied with a warmer and ceiling fan, microwave oven, and a bar-sized refrigerator. The restroom facilities come with shower stalls and changing rooms. All yurts include a fire pit grill and a picnic table.
image credit: El Capitan canyon
Safari Tents
Guests who are after a more traditional camping experience but still want some of home’s comforts may opt for El Capitan Canyon’s Safari Tents. Measuring a very spacious 12 feet by 14 feet, the canvas tents are built on raised wooden decks. Guests can choose between having a queen-sized bed or two double beds. The tents have windows that have screens, as well as zip-down flaps to keep away insects.
The tents are also supplied with towels, and bed linens, and come furnished with chairs, bedside tables, storage trunk, small desk, and coat hooks. Electric lamps and small heaters are also provided.
There is a fire pit, grill, and picnic table with each Safari tent-making this option perfect for toasting marshmallows, grilling, and fireside gatherings. Safari tent campers get access to clean, modern, private bathrooms that are located near the tents.
Dining Options
Canyon Market and Deli
Guests who want to fuel up before the day’s outdoor activities or do some relaxation while enjoying dinner with a glass of wine can’t go wrong with the Canyon Market and Deli. Their menu includes a variety of dishes that will appeal to a variety of tastes and appetites. They serve hot breakfasts up to 11:30 AM. The lunch and dinner options include sandwiches, handcrafted pizzas, soup du jour, and salads.
The Canyon Market only uses regional, fresh ingredients in preparing their delightful and healthy cuisine for its guests at reasonable prices. They work closely with local sellers for provisions and produce. Their menu includes a lot of options, such as hamburgers, tri-tip steak, fish, poultry, and hotdogs. They also serve vegetarian dishes.
Available for take-out or dine-in, Canyon Market’s salads, soups, entrees, and sandwiches, are prepared fresh regularly in their kitchen.
For coffee lovers, the Canyon Market serves espresso drinks featuring the locally famous brew of Santa Barbara Roasting Company. Guests can even get a free coffee when they buy the Canyon Logo Mug.
Things to Do
Hiking Trails.
Marvel at the scenic Central Coast views on one of El Capitan Canyon’s private hiking trails, which includes going to a goat and llama farm, their famous Selma Rubin Trail, or one of the advanced trails for more experienced hikers.
Beach Cruiser Bicycles.
Adult beach cruiser bikes are provided by El Capitan Canyon to the guests free of charge, but they’re subject to availability.
Children’s Playground and Swimming Pool.
El Capitan Canyon’s Children’s Playground has a jungle gym, swings, and slides to delight their little guests. The pool is available from 10 AM to 10 PM.
Canyon Wine Tastings.
Seasonally, El Capitan Canyon invites their guests to the Market lawn for wine tasting. Great wines produced from local vineyards are available for tasting and purchase. Drinking while enjoying the Canyon’s magic is truly an unforgettable experience.
Canyon Concert Series.
Starting on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day every Saturday, guests of El Capitan Canyon are treated to a fun evening for the whole family with the Canyon Concert Series. The entrance to the event is free, while BBQ dinner tickets can be purchased at the Canyon Market. Seating starts at 5 PM, dinner at 6 PM, and live music from 7 PM to 9 PM.
Dome In The Desert, Joshua Tree
Dome In The Desert, Overview
The desert kaleidoscope of California provides the perfect backdrop for one of the most unique homestays available in the Joshua Tree area – the Dome in the Desert.
Joshua Tree has always been a favorite spot for communing with nature, hiking, awesome night sky views, killer desert, and amazingly creative rentals. One of them is the Dome in the Desert, and people are calling it the ultimate California Getaway. Only a few miles away from the town center of Joshua Tree, the accommodation provides guests the enjoyable experience of living out in the desert, yet conveniently near civilization lined with restaurants and entertainment.
Dome in the Desert is the brainchild of two Californian creatives who are also involved in other art projects and real estate development.
image credit: Dome in the Desert
Glamping Accommodation
Dome in the Desert is a single structure built in Joshua Tree within the majestic Californian desert. It’s just a couple of minutes away from the town center, but guests will enjoy staying all by themselves in the Dome. The couple who built Dome in the Desert are also the builders of two other cabins in the Joshua Tree area – The Shack Attack and Cabin Cabin Cabin.
Dome in the Desert is secluded from neighbors, making it the perfect private escape. Incorporating a modern-bohemian style, the Dome has a full kitchen for guests who would like to cook their own food. There are two bedrooms in the house and one bathroom. The Dome can sleep a maximum of four people.
The Dome features many personally handcrafted and designed items that stimulate the spirit and the mind. The space heaters and wood-burning stove keep the house warm during chilly evenings, and the air conditioning system keeps it cool during the hot summer days.
Guests will find the games and antique books in the dome the perfect companions if they just want to stay inside or enjoy the sprawling mountain views or the stars twinkling at night. There’s also Wi-Fi available upon request.
The Dome in the Desert is a magical homestay and is simply breathtaking with the California open sky and desert as its backdrop. Everything in this house is beautifully and meticulously designed with nooks and crannies that each member of the family can relax in. Guests will find real escape in the Dome, which will take them back to times when life was simpler and days were far less stressful. It’s a place to be inspired and rejuvenated.
Dining Options
Guests who don’t want the hassle of cooking their own meals are in for a treat because the Dome in the Desert is near the town center. This means a lot of dining options are available.
La Copine.
Located on the Old Woman Springs Road, this restaurant seats 42 people and has that gussied-up roadside dinner feel. The salads are satisfying and burly, while the fried chicken thighs are delicately crisp with a touch of honey. Vegans will truly enjoy baked layered eggplant.
Pappy and Harriet’s.
One of the more famous desert saloons located in Pioneertoown, Pappy and Harriet’s is the favorite hangout after the grand music festival that is Coachella. The tri-tip sandwich is an all-time favorite and is highly recommended by food critics.
Pie for the People.
This pizzeria offers delicious and authentic New York Pizza by combining the soul and freshness of Cascadia with the best New York tradition. Their Joshua Tree branch has become the favorite pizza place of music festival-goers.
Things To Do
Although the Dome in the Desert itself is situated far from the beaten path, Joshua Tree is dotted with sites offering fun activities for its adventurous guests.
Indian Cove Nature Trail.
Joshua Tree’s scientific name is Yucca brevifolia, and the place is best explored through the Indian Cove walking trail. The path is 0.6 miles long and is surrounded by spectacular rock formations where guests might encounter desert tortoises and bighorn sheep.
Echo Cove Rock Climbing.
With 400 unique formations and 8000 known climbs, Joshua Tree is a mecca for rock climbers. Echo Cove is one of the most famous rock climbing sites in the area with routes that can be enjoyed by both beginning and veteran rock climbers.
Giant Boulder Hike.
Thousands of years of rushing water and whipping winds produced some of the most spectacular and natural rock formations in the world in Joshua Tree. One great example is the Arch Rock, a 30-foot high boulder that can be accessed via a 0.5-mile trail.
Live Acts at Pappy & Harriet’s.
In the middle of the Joshua Tree desert is the musical oasis named Pappy & Harriet’s. Part roadhouse and part honky-tonk, this place is always packed during regular days and almost impossible to get into during music festivals.
Keys View Sunset.
There’s no better view of the sunsets in Joshua Tree than on its highest point, the Keys View. This area provides an incredible panoramic view of the Coachella Valley, but it’s at its best when blistering reds and bright oranges saturate the Joshua Tree desert sky.
List Your Californiann Glamping Experience Here
Autocamp, Yosemite
Autocamp, Overview
Just 3 hours from San Francisco, California is Autocamp, Yosemite. Among their three locations, which include Cape Cod and Russian River, the Yosemite area is their largest yet. It offers fully appointed suites, thoughtful accessible units, luxurious canvas tents, all furnished and decorated with modern, plush interiors.
Autocamp is near the historic town of Mariposa, which is dotted with breweries, shopping stores, and restaurants. One of the most famous natural parks in the US, Yosemite National Park provides visitors with year-round adventures like climbing, hiking, skiing, rafting, and snowshoeing.
Autocamp Yosemite is surrounded by a variety of terrain, including bodies of water, hills, and oak bushes.
image credit: Autocamp
Glamping Accommodation
Airstream Suite
Airstream Suites are trailers equipped with the amenities of a modern home.
Amenities include:
- Plush linens on queen size beds
- Flat-screen television w/ cable
- Sound system w/ MP3 player
- Kitchen with basic cooking utensils, microwave, silverware, and wine glasses
- Spa-inspired modern bathroom with shower and vanity sink
- Spa bath, bath towels, and luxury robes
- Private deck with fire pit grill and outdoor dining area
- Modern sofa that converts into a second bed
- Available in classic, vista, and premium Airstream suite options
Luxury SafariTent
This is the best option for that authentic camping experience while still enjoying the luxuries of home.
Amenities include:
- Plush linens on king size beds
- Signature Clubhouse with ultra-modern showers and bathrooms
- Electrical outlets and lights
- Modern kitchen amenities that include a kettle, campfire cookware, and a refrigerator
- Temperature control with fans and heaters
- Spa bath, bath towels, and luxury robes
- Private deck with fire pit grill and outdoor dining area
- Modern sofa that converts into a second bed
- Luxury Tent dimensions: 12 feet by 20 feet
image credit: Autocamp
Classic Cabin Suite
These are vintage cabins with contemporary furnishings, fixtures, and interiors.
Amenities include:
- Queen sized bed
- Modern sofa that converts into a second bed
- Some cabins have twin bunk beds
- Studio-style floor plan
- Kitchenette with microwave, stovetop, and fridge
- Private deck with fire pit grill and outdoor dining area
- Sleeps up to five people
Dining Options
Cooking in the open fire pits included with each accommodation is highly recommended for that authentic outdoor dining experience. Guests can bring their own food to cook and eat while enjoying the natural sites.
For those not keen on cooking, Autocamp Yosemite offers free breakfast that comes with the accommodation. The breakfast includes fruit, yogurt, and pastries.
Mariposa town is also nearby for those looking for casual or fine dining restaurants such as Savoury’s Restaurant, Chocolate Soup, Hideout Saloon, and Sugar Pine Café.
Things to Do
Autocamp Yosemite offers endless adventures to its guests. On site, available activities include board games to play in the Clubhouse, lounging in outdoor areas, lawn games inside Autocamp, and swimming in the resort pool.
The resort is located close to the famous Yosemite National Park, giving guests access to a host of activities such as climbing, hiking, skiing, rafting, and more.
Choosing Your Californian Glamping Vacation
Have you already picked the ideal glamping destination for your upcoming trip to California?
California has its fair share of nature’s creations with natural rock formations, spectacular deserts, and adventure trails. Enjoying these sites and activities should not mean sacrificing comfort. With glamping options available in most resorts in the state, getting closer to nature has never been easier.
If you’re planning on glamping anytime soon, you can’t go wrong with these five best glamping getaways in California.
Book your next holiday in one of the featured Californian glamping getaways today!
