Prada meets Patagonia: With soft king-size beds, electricity, and eminently comfortable comfort stations, Costanoa offers a different kind of camping experience. About halfway between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz on the San Mateo coast, this sprawling 40-acre eco-adventure resort mingles well with its natural surroundings. The classic canvas tent bungalows sit right on the rim of the Pacific and are only a 15-minute stroll to the sand. Check out the resort's robust activities calendar, ranging from horseback riding and kayak paddling to biking and hiking. Just plain relaxing is high on the list, too. (After a day of roughing it, the on-site spa will rub any tensions away…) For dinner, bring your own food, or enjoy tasty California cuisine at the on-site restaurant, Cascade Bar & Grille. Afterwards, rediscover the Milky Way while toasting marshmallows at the communal firepit. Heavenly.

Distance: 55 miles from San Francisco

Costanoa, 2001 Rossi Rd. at Hwy 1, Pescadero; 650-879-1100. Weekend rates start at $130 a night. Stay at one of the Cypress Village bungalows to get access to the hot tub at the lodge. Dogs aren't allowed at the tent bungalows.