Author: Petite Retreats

Four Glamping Trips to Help You Spring into Summer

Glamping is great any time of year, but there is something about a summer glamping trip that checks all the boxes. The weather is nice, festivals are in full swing, beaches are open, hiking and biking trails tend to be drier, and flora and fauna are everywhere. Here are some great summer glamping ideas:

Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort
Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort

Coastal Summer: Feeling the warm ocean breeze, walking miles of beaches, and hearing the sound of the ocean is an ideal way to spend summer. Coastal cities to consider when glamping include Miami with a glamping accommodation at Encore Miami Everglades; Bar Harbor, Maine with a glamping accommodation at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort; Carolina Shores RV Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina or Oregon’s Thousand Trails Whalers Rest which is located just 150 yards from the Pacific Ocean!

Cabins at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes
Cabins at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes

Theme Park Summer: Before you say “oh no, too crowded” take note that we are not talking about the major themes but instead the still fun, smaller ones like Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California (book a stay at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes); Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark (book a stay at Thousand Trails Hershey) or New Jersey’s Storybook Land (book a stay at Thousand Trails Sea Pines).

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground

Festival Summer: Nothing says summer like a good festival whether it’s for food, music or just plain fun. San Diego welcomes Comic-Con July 24-27 (glamp at Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Maine’s Lobster Festival is scheduled for July 30-August 3 (stay at Thousand Trails Moody Beach); while the Washington State International Kite Festival in Long Beach is set for August 18-24 (stay at Thousand Trails Long Beach).

Whitewater Summer: If you’re looking for a great water adventure, consider a whitewater rafting expedition on some of these waters near our glamping locations: Book a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and take to the Tuolumne River; glamp at Lake George Escape Campground and whitewater raft on the nearby Sacandaga River, a tributary of the Hudson River; or take on the Vermillion River in Illinois while glamping at O’Connell’s RV Campground.

Cabin Rentals at O'Connell's RV Campground
Cabin Rentals at O’Connell’s RV Campground

Read More:

5 Things to Do Around Sheboygan, WI

Looking for the ultimate Wisconsin glamping trip? One that combines great onsite amenities but also a great list of nearby things to see and do? Consider booking a glamping cottage or cabin at Plymouth Rock Camping Resort – a wonderful glamping spot with boating, fishing and kayaking opportunities on the onsite lake, plus two swimming pools, hiking trails, plus horseshoes and mini-golf. If you want some ideas for what’s going on around the area, check out these suggestions below:

Cabin at Plymouth Rock Camping Resort
Cabin at Plymouth Rock Camping Resort

1. Day Trip #1 – Green Bay: Head into nearby Green Bay and take a tour of the famed Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers football team. Green Bay is also home to the National Railroad Museum, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, a 600-acre urban wildlife refuge; and the Green Bay Botanical Garden featuring 47 acres of beautiful gardens and natural areas.

2. Fun & Games: Head to downtown Sheboygan for some fun including Shibikin’ – a unique way to see the downtown area and the lakefront aboard a “pedal tavern.” Don’t miss the opportunity to taste a bratwurst when in Sheboygan, the Bratwurst Capital of the World. Downtown Sheboygan also has plenty of shopping and a local brewery, 3 Sheeps Brewing. Check out the nautical-themed mini-golf course, Harbor Pointe Mini Golf, for a challenging time on the mini links!

Milwaukee Skyline
Milwaukee, WI Skyline


3. Day Trip #2 – Milwaukee: As Wisconsin’s largest city, you’ll find plenty to do in Milwaukee. Don’t miss the Milwaukee Art Museum located within a stunning structure on the shores of Lake Michigan or a tour of the Miller Brewery, which has been brewing beer in Milwaukee since 1855. Other attractions include the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Pabst Mansion and the Milwaukee Riverwalk, which connect three neighborhoods over 20 blocks, with plenty of shopping, restaurants and public art installations – don’t miss the “Bronze Fonz” a bronze statue of “The Fonz” from TV’s Happy Days, which was set in Milwaukee.

Family Hiking
Family Hiking

4. Outdoor Activity: For hiking, biking, fishing and picnicking, check out Kohler-Andrae State Park. The park has amazing sand dunes and features the Dunes Cordwalk, a 2-mile hiking trail along the dunes. Bicycle along the 2-mile Black River Trail for great glimpses of birds and wildflowers. Plan to spend the day here and then catch a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan.

5. Off the Beaten Path: How many shipwrecks can you say you’ve seen? The preserved remains of the Lottie Cooper, a three-masted schooner that was shipwrecked in 1894 can be viewed at the Sheboygan Harbor. Bookworm Gardens isn’t your typical botanic garden but rather a garden designed to represent favorite books in children’s literature like the Three Pigs, Frog and Toad, Winnie the Pooh and more. Also, the Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden features more than 30 historic, religious and mythic creatures created by James Tellen out of concrete.

Read More:

Glamping is the Best Gift You Can Give this June 

June is the month to celebrate not only dads (Father’s Day is June 15 this year), but also grads (most academic school years end in June, making it a common graduation month) and also newlyweds. Did you know the Roman goddess Juno, for whom the month is named, is the goddess of marriage making June a popular wedding month? Fun facts aside, the perfect gift for these June honorees is a great glamping trip. So, if you’re planning a trip with a dad, a grad or are celebrating marriage consider these glamping locations. 

Glamping with dads: Did your dad instill a love of music in you? Visit some major music venues when glamping with dad including Nashville (stay at the Thousand Trails Natchez Trace Tiny House Village) to experience country music vibes or opt for the Seattle Grunge Tour if you’re glamping at nearby Thousand Trails Thunderbird. Certainly your dad belongs in the Hall of Fame so why not visit a HOF when glamping nearby – consider a stay at Alpine Lake RV Resort and drive the roughly 80 miles to Cooperstown for a day spent enjoying the Baseball Hall of Fame while glamping at Thousand Trails Sturbridge is an option when visiting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, If Dad loves bowling then book a stay at Thousand Trails Lake Texoma and visit the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame in Arlington, Texas.  

Vacation Cottage at Bethpage Camp-Resort
Vacation Cottage at Bethpage Camp-Resort

Glamping for grads: Looking to find some high-energy activities for the newly-minted grad before they embark on their next chapter? How about a railbike ride in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory? This is a unique way to see the area using pedal power (electric assist available) on a 6-mile tour that is roughly 2 ½ hours of pedal time. Check out mthoodrr.com for info. Another option is to check out all the activities at the Mt. Hood Skibowl which has all kinds of adventures like a rock-climbing wall, alpine slide and the scenic sky chair. A stay at one of the tiny homes at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect glamping accommodation for this trip. Another option for college grads is total decompression after the grind of school and before the real adulting begins. What about a wine country excursion? If that’s appealing, consider a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River to explore California’s Sonoma Valley wineries; a tiny house stay at Arizona’s Thousand Trails Verde Valley where you can take in the Verde Valley Wine Trail; or check out the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail while staying in a glamping cottage at Virginia’s Bethpage Camp-Resort.  

Glamping Cottage at Thousand Trails Idyllwild
Glamping Cottage at Thousand Trails Idyllwild

Glamping for two: According to the blog “Campsite Tonight”, some of the most romantic glamping locations include Acadia National Park, California’s Big Sur and Joshua Tree National Park. Acadia National Park makes the list thanks to its perfect combo of adventure and relaxation. Book a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort and find your perfect mix of kicking back and grabbing thrills. Calling it a peaceful escape with breathtaking sunsets, Joshua Tree makes the list for travel with a side of romance. To enjoy Joshua Tree, choose a glamping accommodation at nearby Thousand Trails Idyllwild and make sure to get a pic with your true love at Heart Rock, located within Joshua Tree. Book the super cozy yurt at Marina Dunes RV Resort and take the scenic drive to Big Sur to hike among the trees and experience Keyhole Arch and the unique purple sands at Pfeiffer Beach.  

Read More:

5 Things to Do in Gettysburg, PA

If you’re planning a glamping trip to Pennsylvania, stop by and wish Drummer Boy Camping Resort a very happy birthday as this glamping location in historic Gettysburg is turning 60 this year! Book a glamping cabin or cottage and enjoy a glamping retreat at this wooded resort. And while there are plenty of activities and events on site, the historic Gettysburg area offers plenty to see.


1. Of course, the number one attraction in Gettysburg is the Gettysburg National Military Park and we can guarantee, even if you’ve been before, you will learn something new with each visit. From the historic battlefield to the museum to the living history events, a visit here is always worth the time. For details, visit https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm.

Downtown Gettysburg, PA at night
Downtown Gettysburg, PA


2. The Adams County Pour Tour blends a nice mix of breweries, cideries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries on a self-guided beverage trail tour through downtown Gettysburg as well as the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside. For more information and suggested itineraries visit destinationgettysburg.com/pourtour.

Round Barn
Round Barn


3. The Round Barn is a must see for several reasons – it is one of the only remaining round barn structures left in the US, and it has a wide variety of seasonal fruits, plus jams, jellies, baked goods and crafts, including Amish crafts.

4. Lots of fun facts about the apple, plus all kinds of history and artifacts can be found at the National Apple Museum. There is also a gift shop and a Summer Concert series. For information visit https://www.nationalapplemuseum.com/.

5. Some serious horsing around is on the agenda in the area and activities can include a visit to the Land of Little Horses or a tour of the historic battlefield on horseback. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the Land of Little Horses, a performing animal park that has not only miniature horses roaming around but also several shows, a Western Town and a pig colosseum complete with pig races. For details visit landoflittlehorses.com. For a guided horseback tour of the battlefield, check out the tours available through Hickory Hollow Farm (hickoryhollowfarm.com) and choose the one that works best for you!

Family enjoying a cabin at Drummer Boy Camping Resort
Cabin at Drummer Boy Camping Resort

Read More:

Best Campgrounds for Biking Adventures

May is the month to enjoy life atop a two-wheel vehicle, aka a bike, because it’s National Bike Month. This special honor was established in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists to highlight the benefits of bike riding. Bike riding has plenty of benefits from improved mental well-being to improved cardiovascular health. Plus, it’s low impact so it is good for all ages and fitness levels. Here are some options for taking a spin this month when glamping with us:

Aerial view of Carolina Shores RV Resort
Aerial view of Carolina Shores RV Resort


Bike a Boardwalk: Boardwalks became popular in the US in the late 19th century and continue to be popular spots for long strolls and bike rides. Of course, the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey is one of the most popular and iconic boardwalks in the US. Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Sea Pines and take the drive to Atlantic City to enjoy a bike ride along one of the most historic boardwalks in the country. If you’re glamping at Carolina Shores RV Resort, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is great for a quick (1.2 mile) bike ride with ocean views! Please note these boardwalks have specific biking hours, so be sure to check them before you go.

Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort


Bike a National Park: Many of our national parks have bike trails so if you’re camping near Maine’s Acadia National Park or California’s Joshua Tree National Park, bring your bike with you! Book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and head to Joshua Tree, or more specifically, the Covington Flats section of the park. While mountain bikes or fat tire bikes are recommended for this trek, regular street bikes work as well. Thanks to the 45 miles of the Park’s carriage roads, exploring Acadia atop a bicycle is an option when glamping nearby at our Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort. Again, check before you go as inclement weather can close certain bike trails.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake
Cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake


Bike the Big City: Several of America’s big cities are noted for having greenway systems to accommodate cyclists. San Antonio has over 100 bike-friendly miles in their greenway system so plan a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Medina Lake to explore this historic Texas city. If you’re planning a glamping trip to enjoy a stay in a tiny house at Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, plan a day to take a drive into nearby Portland and tour the city via bike. Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country and as such has plenty of different routes that are great for doing the tourist thing while bicycling.

Read More:

Pet-Friendly Glamping Locations You’ll Love

A glamping getaway is always a good thing, but a glamping getaway where you bring along your favorite canine companion is even better. We have quite a few pet-friendly options to consider this summer:

Cabin at Patten Pond Camping Resort
Cabin at Patten Pond Camping Resort


Bar Harbor, Maine: A nod from a magazine tells us Bar Harbor is a pet-friendly getaway. Outside magazine named Acadia National Park as the most pet-friendly national park in New England while https://www.visitbarharbor.com/ nicely details all the wonderful trails to hit with your pooch like the Cadillac Summit Loop located within the Park. If a beachside romp is on the agenda, head to Hadley Point Beach, a dog-friendly spot for leashed doggies. Bar Harbor Beer Works has two outdoor spots for pets: a covered patio and an upper deck. If you’re looking for a classic Maine lobster meal, you’re in luck, as the iconic Stewman’s Lobster Pound not only is pet-friendly but also has a special dog menu! Pack your bags, bring along your “best-friend” and plan a cabin or cottage stay at any of our three Bar Harbor Resorts – Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort, Narrows Too Camping Resort or Patten Pond Camping Resort.


Bend, Oregon: Dog Fancy magazine named Bend the “nation’s dog-friendliest city” for reasons that include the number of dog-friendly hiking trails and dog parks. A popular hiking trail is the 1.2-mile loop trail in Farewell Bend Park that runs along the Deschutes River while another to consider is the Ancient Juniper Trail, an easy 3.2-mile loop trail. If you and your furry pal came to Bend to explore the breweries, know that your pup is welcome at the Bend Brewing Company on the outdoor patio while Spider City Brewing allows pets inside and out! Another option, and one that has a special menu just for dogs, is JDUB in downtown Bend. As for enjoying the Deschutes River from the water aspect, there are at least two dog parks along that river that allow access for them to play in the water – Riverbend Park and McKay Park. Book a pet-friendly glamping cabin, cottage or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver for a pet-friendly glamping getaway.

Lakeside cabin at Blackhawk Camping Resort
Lakeside cabin at Blackhawk Camping Resort


Madison, Wisconsin: Book the pet-friendly cabin or bring your tent or RV to Blackhawk Camping Resort in nearby Milton for this pet-friendly getaway. A great summer trip that will merit a four-paws up rating could include a farmers market visit where pets are welcome – from May through October on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Hilldale Farmers Market is pet-friendly; a walk on the Capital City Rail Trail which offers a nice gravel path for leashed dogs is a great outdoor activity; or if you’re looking for a good book, it’s good to note that A Room of One’s Own bookstore is very pet-friendly. BarleyPop Tap & Shop is an indoor dog-friendly taproom with live entertainment while the aptly named Great Dane Pub & Brewery allows dogs on the patio.

Read More:

The Quirkiest Tourist Spots to Visit This Season

Did you road trip as a child and have to endure, or maybe enjoy, stops along the way to see some of America’s roadside oddities? Like the world’s largest ball of twine (located in Cawker, Kansas) or the 70-foot statue of the Jolly Green Giant of canned vegetable fame (located in Blue Earth, Minnesota). Yearning to go back to those days on your next road trip? We’ve got a few things that will have you stopping along the way to your next glamping trip to take a look.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village

The Paper House in Rockport, Massachusetts (near Tuxbury Tiny House Village) is made entirely of, yep, paper. Why? The builder, who was the same man that invented the machine that makes paper clips, thought paper would serve as good insulation for his summer home, and the project just grew from there. Even the furniture is made of paper! Open April through October, check the website for more details and hours of operation.

Wisconsin’s The House on the Rock is another interesting attraction that grew from one’s man’s desire to build himself the ultimate retreat. Located in Spring Green (near the Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails), The House on the Rock is a definite destination worth the trip. Back in 1945, Alex Jordan set out to build himself a house on Deer Shelter Rock. Again, things just grew from there and it is now one of Wisconsin’s biggest attractions. The House on the Rock consists of not only room upon room of interesting architecture full of a variety of collections but also gardens and one-of-a-kinds, like the world’s largest indoor carousel. For more information and details, visit thehouseontherock.com.

Vacation Cottage at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Vacation Cottage at Narrows Too Camping Resort

As the world’s largest producer of wild blueberries, it’s no wonder that Maine has a special little attraction known as Wild Blueberry Land (near our Bar Harbor resorts). Of course, you know what you will find here – all kinds of blueberry products from pies and scones to syrups and jams. Make sure to take pics of the giant blueberry pie, the blueberry shrine and of course, the building itself, which was designed to look like a big old blueberry. Open seasonally, check the website at wildblueberryland.com for operating hours.

Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage
Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage

California has many museums from LA’s renowned Getty Museum to the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum just outside Joshua Tree National Park (and near to Thousand Trails Palm Springs). For all the Getty Museum offers, with its concrete and steel structures and its vast collections ranging from pre-20th century to modern day, the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum is just the opposite. No walls, no buildings, no great masters – just a collection of art installations set right in the desert created from everyday stuff including broken glass, discarded tires and household items like chairs and TV sets! For directions and details, visit noahpurifoy.com.

We all know that Chucky and Annabelle are some of the creepiest dolls around, but have you met Robert, Florida’s Key West resident weirdo doll? Visit the Fort East Martello Museum on the island for an up-close and personal visit with this childhood pal of a man named Gene Otto. As the story goes, Robert mocked Gene’s friends, was responsible for any of the mischief Gene appeared to have caused and was actually so spooky, Gene’s wife made him lock Robert in the attic once they were married. Apparently only Gene understood Robert and vice versa! Visitors to the museum have said that when they are near Robert weird things happen – like breaking cameras or just feeling a general sense of being watched. Check him out next time you’re glamping at our Keys locations – Encore Sunshine Key or Encore Fiesta Key.

Read More:

Where to Stay in a Yurt for an Unforgettable Trip

Aside from being the ultra-hip accommodation as the glamping trend continues to gain popularity, a yurt offers so much for a glamping getaway. If you’re new to glamping, or a tried-and-true camper looking for something different, you will quickly find out that the yurt offers a very unique space that has all the amenities you could imagine. Cable TV, bathroom accommodations within the space, comfy bunks, a kitchenette, electricity and plenty of room for activities! Plus, you don’t have to duck when you stand up. This all goes without even mentioning the sense of well-being that is associated with the modern versions of these age-old dwellings. The circular shape of the yurt is said to provide a sense of connection as well as relaxation. So, booking a yurt for your next glamping trip would be an ideal way to get back to being connected with family, friends, nature and your well-being. Here are some options:

Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

California: Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs in Oregon House has three yurt accommodations, one of which is pet friendly. Located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this location is excellent for hiking and trail-riding, plus there are onsite activities provided by the 120-acre private lake including boating, fishing and swimming. If you’re looking to get in some white-water rafting, consider a yurt stay at one of the two yurt options at Thousand Trails Snowflower in Emigrant Gap which is nearby to the Truckee River. The town of Truckee has some great historical museums, as well as dining and shopping opportunities. Planning to explore Yosemite National Park? If that’s on your getaway list, book a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes. With 5 yurts, choose your location of a meadow setting, hillside setting or riverside setting.

Yurts at Mt. Hood Village
Yurts at Mt. Hood Village

Oregon: Yurt accommodations in Oregon include coastal locations (Thousand Trails Pacific City and Thousand Trails South Jetty), near Portland in the beautiful Mt. Hood area (Mt. Hood Village Campground) and in the town of Bend, considered the “outdoor playground of the West” (Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver). Bend offers four yurt options, with one being pet-friendly; Mt. Hood has two, both of which are pet-friendly, while coastal locations Pacific City and South Jetty offer two and four, respectively. While Bend offers hiking, biking and craft breweries, the Mt. Hood area is known for the Timberline Lodge and outdoor activities as well as annual festivals like the Huckleberry Festival and Sasquatch Festival. Coastal adventures at both Pacific City and South Jetty include lighthouse tours, beachcombing and countless dune trails to explore.

Thousand Trails Circle M Yurt
Thousand Trails Circle M Yurt

Pennsylvania: The beautiful rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s Amish country, combined with a yurt accommodation at Thousand Trails Circle M sounds like a perfectly peaceful glamping getaway. Choose from one of the two yurts located here and explore Lancaster County. Bike trails range from easy rides (the Conestoga Greenway is 1.3 miles) to more strenuous (the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is 14 miles), while hiking trails are numerous and varied as well. Of course, there is the option to immerse yourself in the Amish culture with traditional dinners and tours or take a ghost tour, shop the Lancaster Central Market, which has been operating for over 300 years or take a cool covered bridge tour of the 30 surviving covered bridges in the area.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Mt. Vernon
Yurt at Thousand Trails Mount Vernon

Washington: With five different glamping locations with yurt accommodations in Washington State, you can “yurt” your way through this fabulous Pacific Northwest destination feeling super connected to nature all along the way. Thousand Trails Grandy Creek is your gateway to Puget Sound and all things Mt. Baker while Thousand Trails Mount Vernon is great for nearby hiking trails and day trips to the San Juan Islands. Thousand Trails Long Beach is perfect for a glamping beach getaway and a stroll on the town’s historic boardwalk while Thousand Trails Paradise puts you in Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens territory. Looking to visit Seattle, consider a yurt accommodation at Tall Chief Campground and you’re less than 30 miles from Seattle attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the Museum of Pop Culture.

Wisconsin: “Explore the Door” as they say when you visit the 75-mile-long peninsula known as Door County. The yurt accommodations at Tranquil Timbers Campground sleep five and are the perfect place to call home while you do all the exploring of this great area that has outdoor activities, art galleries, quaint towns, plenty of shopping and dining experiences, and “uniquely Door County” experiences like fish boils and goats on restaurant roofs (Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant). Peninsula State Park is great for hiking and biking while those in the know say the villages of Egg Harbor and Fish Creek are best for shopping. Take the ferry over to Washington Island for a change-up in the beautiful scenery and visit Nelsen’s Hall for a traditional shot of bitters!

Read More:

5 Things to Do in Pismo Beach, CA

Looking for a getaway with sand and sun? How about a glamping cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch with access to the fabulous sand dunes as well as all the fun things to do in the area?

Cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch
Cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch

1. Pismo Preserve: At over 800 acres, this beautiful nature preserve is the place to go for outdoor adventures. There is roughly 11 miles of hiking to be found here on several trails that range from ¾ miles to over 5 miles in distance. Expect lovely coastal hikes with beautiful ocean views.

2. Hearst Castle: Believe us when we tell you this is worth the roughly 50+ mile road trip (plus you can’t beat the scenery along the way!) There are several ways to tour this magnificent estate built for publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. From the spectacular indoor and outdoor pools, the lush gardens and room upon room of splendidly appointed furnishing, art and antiques, Heart Castle is a real treasure.

Hearst Castle

3. Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve: From the soaring dunes to the amazing sunsets, don’t miss this attraction. Fish, swim, walk the beach or just marvel at the amazing sand dune found here.

4. Pismo Beach Boardwalk: Who doesn’t love a boardwalk? The original pier was built in 1881 and has been rebuilt several times since, yet has maintained its attraction through the years. Great shops and eateries, fishing opportunities and of course great views of the ocean are the draws here!

Pismo Beach Boardwalk

5. The Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo: After all the touring and time outside, you might be in the mood to sit back and catch a show. No matter which performing art is your forte, there’s an upcoming show you’d love at this state-of-the-art performing center. And if you’re the dinner and a show type, be sure to check out the pre-show dinner options onsite! Head to https://www.pacslo.org/ to plan your visit.

Read More:

5 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, SC

Why visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? For one, there is more than 60 miles of wide beach peppered with charming beach towns to explore as you wind your way through the sand. Another reason is the fabulous glamping location that is Carolina Shores RV Resort where the vacation cottages provide the perfect accommodations for a beach vacation. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, a lazy river, mini-golf and beach access. And here are just a few don’t miss things when visiting the area:

Lazy River at Carolina Shores RV Resort
Lazy River at Carolina Shores RV Resort

1. Myrtle Beach State Park: Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s, this 312-acre state park was the first state park to open in South Carolina. Since 1936, visitors have been fishing for flounder, mackerel and trout, to name a few, and catching glimpses of native wildlife. Several hiking trails will lead you to the beach while the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail will take you through a maritime forest. Swimming, birdwatching, geocaching and bike riding are also great activities that can be done here.

Beach at Carolina Shores RV Resort
Beach at Carolina Shores RV Resort

2. Broadway at the Beach: If you can’t find something you like to do at Broadway at the Beach, then you might not know what fun is. And if that is the case, you will definitely find the meaning of fun out here. The question here is not “what can I do here?” but more “what can’t you do here?” at this 350-acre entertainment venue that has everything from ziplining adventures to live theater. Shopping, restaurants, escape rooms, the Ripley’s Aquarium and more can be found here. Check out broadwayatthebeach.com for details.

Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, SC
Brookgreen Gardens in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, SC

3. Brookgreen Gardens: Initially built as a retreat for his ailing wife, the founder of the gardens, wealthy industrialist Archer Milton Huntington later turned Brookgreen Gardens into a place with a mission to exhibit and preserve American figurative sculpture; to exhibit and preserve the plants of the Southeast; and finally, to exhibit and preserve the animals of the Southeast. Visitors today can stroll through the Botanical Garden which features Live Oak trees dating to the 1700s, the Sculpture Garden with over 2000 works on display, and the Lowcountry Zoo. For hours of operation, visit brookgreen.org.

Charleston, SC - The Historic District at Twilight
Charleston, SC – The Historic District at Twilight

4. Day Trips: A longer day trip would include the 90-mile drive to Charleston to see the historic Charleston City Market, Fort Sumter or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city that highlights the antebellum mansions, the beautiful gardens and the city’s landmarks. A 75-mile drive will put you in Wilmington where the USS North Carolina, the World War II battleship that earned 15 battle stars, resides. The Wilmington Railroad Museum is also here. You could also take a drive to Pawleys Island, which is about 30 miles from Myrtle Beach and home to some of the best hammocks you can find at the Original Hammock Shop, which has been making comfortable hammocks for over 130 years. And even closer, and apparently, a seafood lovers’ haven, is Little River, which is great for fishing, eating seafood and visiting the La Belle Amie Vineyard, the local vineyard and winery.

5. Stroll the Boardwalk: While the original boardwalk dating to the 1930s is long gone, a casualty of age and weather, the new boardwalk was completed in 2010 and has been ranked #3 in the country by National Geographic and #2 by Travel and Leisure. Running a little over one mile along the ocean with lovely views and plenty of shops and restaurants, a stroll on the Boardwalk is a must. And there is also the SkyWheel, which stands 187-feet tall featuring 42 glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas and a spectacular vantage point!

Read More: