One of the greatest joys of travel today is finding a destination where you can get away from stress and truly disconnect and relax. Whether you’re looking for a mountain, oceanside or National and State Park escape, there are dozens of ways to unplug and unwind in California.

Mountainside Accommodations

Off the Grid in the North For mid-century modern design lovers, Cave Springs in Dunsmuir is an upscale kitsch Airstream resort surrounded by some of the best fly-fishing in the state. Marble Mountain Ranch is a classic dude ranch offering trail riding, rafting, kayaking and other outdoor ranch activities that let you bring your Yellowstone dreams to life. For those seeking more creature comforts, the Mount Shasta Resort is an ideal base to explore the natural beauty of the Siskiyou area while enjoying golf, hiking, skiing and swimming.

Miner’s Camp Miner’s Camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is hard to beat as a base to explore world-class mountain biking and hiking, including the iconic Western States Trail. The grounds, featuring 16 unique individual cabins, are also within striking distance to enjoy an adrenaline-packed ride on the white water of the Middle Fork of the American River.

Unplugged in Monterey County If you’re looking to truly escape, head to the 18-resident, one-block town of Parkfield and the rustic elegance of Parkfield Lodge’s Cowboy Cabin. If glamping is more your style, book a yurt at the Treebones Resort in stunning Big Sur. For luxury lovers, nothing beats Alila Ventana Big Sur or the famous Post Ranch Inn in Monterey County.

Old Town Ranch Step back in time with a stay in a refurbished hand-crafted covered wagon at Old Town Ranch in Temecula. The Ranch lets you feel like a pioneer, but with the creature comforts of today. Each wagon has a cozy bed, restroom and air conditioning. After a day exploring the De Portola Wine Trail, guests can come back and relax at the ranch with games like cornhole and horseshoes or a campfire perfect for marshmallow roasting.

Oceanside Accommodations

Eureka Moments You can’t stay closer to the ocean than you’ll be in Eureka at the Samoa Boat Ramp and Campground. The facilities are right along Humboldt Bay and adjacent to Samoa Dunes Recreation Area. For a unique stay, The Stumphouse gives the feeling of living in a treehouse. You can live out your Swiss Family Robinson adventure just five miles from the ocean, minutes from the Old Town, and near Redwood National and State Park.

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort It’s hard to beat the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort’s perch on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the Central Coast. It’s the ideal spot to simply unwind or to explore nearby Hearst Castle, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and the Paso Robles wine country.

Banning House Lodge Experience the charm and character of an early 20th-century lodge at the Banning House Lodge on Catalina Island. The craftsman-style B&B is surrounded by palm trees on a hill above Two Harbors,

offering sweeping views of the Isthmus and Catalina Harbor. The Common Great Room and Sunroom offer cozy places to read a book by a roaring fire, while the beautifully trellised courtyard is the perfect spot to relax with a cool drink and enjoy beautiful island vistas. Shuttle service to and from Two Harbors Village is provided.

Disconnect in Dana Point The newly opened El Caminante Bar & Bungalows is a Mediterranean-inspired adults-only sanctuary focused on wellness and relaxation. Just north of Dana Point, the Blue Lantern Inn is a small boutique property overlooking the harbor. With personalized service and a coastal vibe, it’s the perfect setting to get away from it all.

Accommodations by State and National Parks

Fern Hook Cabins Escape from the world at the Fern Hook Cabins in Hiouchi. Nestled among the redwoods of Del Norte County, the property offers one and two-bedroom cabins with modern amenities. With the spectacular beauty right outside the door, it’s easy to hike the trails of Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park or float in the Smith River, one of the world’s cleanest rivers.

Yosemite High Sierra Camps After several years of closures, the Yosemite High Sierra Camps return this summer. Nestled high in the wilderness, the camps are only accessible on foot or by mule. Camps are spaced 6 to 10 miles apart along a loop trail, and guided mule and hiking trips are available for those new to wilderness travel. The 2024 loop begins at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, followed by Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise Lake and finishes back at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge for the full five-night loop of the High Sierra Camp.

Whispering Pines Resort Family-owned and operated for five generations, Whispering Pines Resort is your getaway near Putah Creek Wildlife Area. Located on Cobb Mountain, just north of Napa, the resort offers an array of cabins nestled throughout the 10-acre property. Guests can hike or bike nearby trails, fish or boat on Clear Lake and even do some wine tasting in nearby Napa.

The Oasis at Death Valley Death Valley National Park is the country’s largest Dark Sky National Park, and you can have it all to yourself when you stay at The Oasis at Death Valley. This secluded, historic property completed a $250 million renovation in 2022. Guests can opt to stay at The Inn at Death Valley, which features 66 luxurious rooms and a spa, or The Ranch at Death Valley, with 195 rooms and 80 cottages.

San Diego Seclusion Outside the hustle and bustle of the city, Borrego Springs in San Diego County is a designated Dark Sky Community ideal for an off-the-grid getaway. The town offers over 110 miles of hiking trails. Located near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the Borrego Valley Inn or Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort make great bases to explore the area.