All "Overnight Escapes" Stories in Southern CA
Bag the Wright Peak
Perched proudly over the largest freshwater lake located wholly within California’s borders, and visible for miles in all directions, Wright Peak on Mount Konocti is the tallest po
ViewStorm the Castle
Before President Obama channeled Teddy Roosevelt, the Mojave National Preserve was missing a key piece bordering Nevada in the northeast section of the park. This now conserved 21,000-acre parcel is protected and designated as the Castle Mountains National Monument after its namesake range.
ViewGrand View Summit
The moderately strenuous 6-mile Pine Knot hike in Big Bear is wildly popular in summer. But in winter, this trail is a kingdom of blissful isolation, and just as beautiful! Rent some snowshoes and poles and traverse the snow to explore.
ViewSnap, Crackle, Crystal Cove
Legendary California author John Steinbeck once noted "it is advisable to look from the tide pool to the stars and then back to the tide pool again." And there might be no place be
ViewStarry-Eyed Camp Surprise
No trip to Joshua Tree National Park is complete without a stargazing party and the comfort of a campfire. The night sky illuminates spectacularly in the desert (especially during
ViewLookout!
The hardest part about spending the night in Sierraville's historic Calpine fire lookout? Deciding what time of year to go! Set at 5,970 feet, this private and cozy overnight escap
ViewHot Springs Delight
What to do when the temperature drops? Heat things up! Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville is just the place. Open 24 hours, the property sits on the edge of a golden meadow and 700
ViewNature's Royal Treatment
Dwarfed beneath a ring of behemoth sequoias sits Kings Canyon National Park's iconic John Muir Lodge. All 36 rooms in the secluded stone and timber retreat have eco-friendly décor
ViewCarmel's Calming Effect
SUNSET: Sunsets in Carmel just go better when paired with its flagship beach (and some wine, which is allowed on the beach!). Carmel Beach (pictured) is a locals' favorite for many
ViewSundowner Plan
Getting a little coastal R&R means several good things when you stay at Mendocino's Brewery Gulch Inn. Reclaimed redwoods, for starters. That's the material that was used to constr
ViewLife's a Hidden Beach!
You want your California beach camping to be off the beaten path? Just add Jalama! Tucked away in Lompoc, about 60 miles west of Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach County Park has a hidde
ViewThere's Always To Morro
The Central Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, and the one in Morro Bay State Park is a favorite. A popular place for enjoying a calm kayak paddle, it's also the site of a
ViewAll in a Good Nest's Sleep
A befitting way to get a bird's–eye view of Big Sur's beauty? Camp out in a human nest! Big Sur Treebones Resort (famous for its luxury yurts along the Pacific Coast) offers a trul
ViewCamping Hendy-eed!
ViewPalomar's Star Power
Palomar Mountain State Park in northern San Diego is like having a friend in a high place. There are perks to be had! The 6,138-foot namesake mountain offers cooler climates during the hot summer, and a way-up-there campground brings you even closer to the stars—and closer to one of the most famous observatories in the world!
ViewSycamore's Star Parties
Sunset hikes are beautiful, but they shine naturally brighter when paired with stargazing afterwards. Make it happen in Sycamore Canyon, which hosts a Star Party every other month
ViewJulian's Star Treatment
Want the full celestial experience where you can spend the night or just drop in for an experience that'll have you all starry-eyed? There's a cozy B&B for that. Nestled under the
ViewRainforest Hike to Hidden Hot Springs
Located on the far flung rugged west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Tofino is set on Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with old-growth rainforest, barely
ViewWhistle While You Hike
It's famous for its winter skiing, but here's a secret: Whistler, BC, might actually be better in summer. Take to the high country and explore Whistler-Blackcomb's spectacular alpi
ViewVictoria Lap
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Live the SLO Life
This year, live the SLO life. San Luis Obispo charms with its friendly vibe, Mediterranean climate, and fun adventures both in town and along the Central Coast.
Plan Your Trip to SLO
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