5 Things to Do in San Diego

Weather, water, and wildlife are three big reasons to visit San Diego but that’s just the beginning. The weather in San Diego is never too hot, never too cold with an average daytime temperature of 70 degrees year-round! Water can be found easily since the Pacific Ocean is basically the backyard here; need we say more. And wildlife is a cinch with the world renowned San Diego Zoo, plus with the San Diego Safari Park and SeaWorld San Diego there are plenty of places to hear the call of the wild in San Diego. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Pio Pico and choose from cabin and cottage glamping accommodations and get ready to explore the city that is considered the “birthplace of California.”

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

1. Day Trip to Dana Point: Wait, we just got here, you say? Well, this roughly 65-mile drive will be worth it, especially if you’re traveling between now and mid-May. Why? Because it’s the best time for whale watching here and after all, Dana Point is considered the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World.” There are plenty of excursions to book for a whale watching cruise but it is not uncommon to see them right from the beach. Additionally, the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area has three miles of public trails and the viewpoints are perfect for catching a glimpse. Other sightings here can include dolphins, harbor seals, and sea lions.


2. Old Town San Diego: In addition to the more than 30 historic sites found here (Old Town is the oldest neighborhood in San Diego), there is also shopping, museums, art galleries, and eateries. Whaley House, which was completed in 1857, not only provides a glimpse into the history of the area but also provides a “spirited” adventure as it is considered one of the most haunted houses in the U.S. Day tours of the home area are available as well as the spookier evening tours (whaleyhousesandiego.com). Old Town also hosts several annual events including Taste of Old Town, Old Town Cinco De Mayo, and a Day of the Dead event (oldtownsandiegoguide.com).

Hotel Del Coronado


3. “Star” Destinations: Big screen and small screen enthusiasts will be delighted to know that there are several areas in and around San Diego that were the backdrop for many a scene or two. For example, Kansas City Barbeque was “the bar” from Top Gun and the piano that saw Goose and Mav belting out Great Balls of Fire is still there (sadly, a fire destroyed most of the original building) along with plenty of other Top Gun memorabilia. The iconic Hotel Del Coronado is almost as beautiful as Marilyn Monroe and was also featured in the classic Some Like it Hot, starring Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis. “Stay Classy San Diego” and check out Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo which were featured in Anchorman, the Will Ferrell funny film. And, small-screen shows like Veronica Mars and Animal Kingdom were actually filmed in Ocean Beach versus the fictional town setting portrayed in these shows.

Thousand Trails Pio Pico
Thousand Trails Pio Pico


4. Anzo Borrego: Springtime in Anzo Borrego Desert State Park is a blooming good time with wildflowers everywhere (note the drought has affected blooms in the past years and there is a Wildflower Hotline to call with questions (760) 767-4684). Hikers can enjoy the many trails here and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail is within the Park – an easy trail is the 3.5-mile Palm Canyon Trail near the Visitors Center. There are also plenty of canyon and rock formations and the evening sky here is an event in itself.


5. Take a Tour: There are plenty of tours to take to get to know San Diego including the Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour (sidewalkfoodtours.com), the San Diego Highlights Tour (anothersideofsandiegotours.com), or a whale watching cruise (viator.com). If you want to DIY, check out the self-guided tours from GPSmyCity that include tours of Old Town San Diego and Coronado Island (gpsmycity.com/gps-tour-guides/san-diego-1033).

Read More:

Where to Glamp to Celebrate International Day of Happiness

What better way to celebrate March’s International Day of Happiness than by spending it doing the thing that makes you happiest – glamping! We’ve got some great locations where the happiness factor is super high. Check them out:

California: You’ll be happy to know that if you book a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes you’re about 15 minutes from the entrance to one of America’s most treasured national parks. More happiness can be found just taking in the sights of Yosemite, which include El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome. Aside from the activities in the park, other happy things to do here include the Madera Wine Trail (themaderawinetrail.com), a scenic ride through the Sierra National Forest on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (ymsprr.com), or just hanging out at Yosemite Lakes and enjoying amenities like horseshoes, swimming and fishing (seasonal), or hiking the on-site trails.

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

If getting away from it all makes you happy, then Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes is your California glamping destination. There’s plenty to do here but if you don’t feel like fighting tourists, check out the quieter attractions nearby which include The Southern California Railway Museum, the Motte Historical Car Museum, or Western Science Center. Take a hot air balloon ride over the valley or explore the Temecula Wine Country. You choose – whatever makes you happy!

Florida: It’s a proven fact – sunshine equates to happiness by increasing serotonin levels. Spend some happy time in Florida at Encore’s Miami Everglades or Tropical Palms. Each offers fabulous glamping accommodations and proximity to attractions and outdoor fun. Tropical Palms in Kissimmee is near all the happiness that comes with a visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, plus there’s Epcot, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. The colorful Art Deco architecture of Miami is guaranteed to make you smile and then there’s all the other fun found here from beaches to museums and nighttime fun.

Oregon: The amazing tiny house accommodations at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village are just one reason you’ll be happy you’re here. A few more things that will bring a smile to your face include the amazing views of majestic Mt. Hood, the roughly 1000 miles of trails found here, and the opportunity to spend all day outside in the mountain air fishing, biking, skiing, and taking in the beautiful, seasonal wildflower displays!

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

Tennessee: Enjoy the southern hospitality during your glamping stay at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village and up your happiness level by taking a drive into Nashville to enjoy some live music. Hearing good melodies is known to release dopamine – aka the feel-good hormone. Another activity known to increase the “feel goods” is connecting with nature. In Nashville, bike or stroll the miles of Nashville’s Greenway or take a scenic drive along the portion of the historic Natchez Trace found near Hohenwald (natcheztracetravel.com).

Washington: We guarantee once you arrive in the beautiful Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth, Washington, you are going to smile – a lot. Book a tiny home glamping accommodation at Leavenworth Tiny House Village and explore the fun of Leavenworth from the Nutcracker Museum to fishing Lake Wenatchee. Outdoor fun can include white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking, and river tubing, and indoor fun can be found in the plentiful breweries and distilleries found here, plus the wineries. Shopping rounds out the fun and there are plenty of festivals here every year from Maifest to a very festive Christmas season.

Forward-thinking: Keep that happiness going all year and plan a trip to visit the Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails this summer. Studies show that trying something new has an effect on endorphins, so why not try a glamping experience and spend a few nights in a tiny container home, which are the hottest trend of late. Don’t miss out on the beauty of this little piece of Wisconsin which is also home to Devil’s Lake State Park where you can bird, swim, fish, rock climb, and hike. There’s also the Circus World Museum with its memorabilia and exhibits devoted to all things circus – an experience that will bring you back to happy childhood days!

Read More:

The Ultimate Guide to Pet Friendly Vacation and Glamping Destinations

Speaking of happy places, if you’re a pet lover, then any place you can travel with your pets has to be a happy place. Here are a few ways you can bring the pup(s) along, glamp, and have the freedom to let them tag along at these dog friendly places.

Cottage at Tall Chief Campground
Cottage at Tall Chief Campground

Seattle, Washington: The pet-friendly cottage at Tall Chief sleeps four humans and is the perfect glamping spot to host a getaway with your pet. Dog-friendly outings when heading into Seattle can include the Washington Arboretum; Gas Works Park, a lovely grassy park built on the site of a former gas works plant that offers paved walking paths and great views of Lake Union; and leashed dogs are welcome to explore the iconic Pike Place Market. Several breweries welcome dogs too including Fremont Brewing and Outer Planet Brewing.

Cabin at Lake George Escape
Cabin at Lake George Escape

Lake George, New York: Our Lake George Escape resort is extremely pet-friendly as all of the glamping accommodations welcome pets. Once you settle in, get ready for an Adirondack adventure with your furry friend. Don’t miss all the opportunities to explore Lake George with your pup in tow – from a brewery (Bolton Landing Brewing Company) or a winery/cidery (Adirondack Winery & Extreme Heights Cidery) to a hike with views of the Hudson River (Hudson River Park) and a sunset cruise on Lake George (Lake George Waterfront Cruises).

Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver Yurt
Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver Yurt

Bend, Oregon: Choose from a pet-friendly cabin, cottage, or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver and explore “the outdoor playground of the West” on four legs or two! Most of the Deschutes National Forest is dog-friendly. The North Fork Trail is shady thanks to all the Douglas firs and offers a shorter 4-mile loop as well as a 6.7-mile loop. Of course, you’ll find the Bend Ale Trail here – because Bend is also known as “Beer Town USA” and most of the breweries along the trail welcome pets. If you’re up for shopping for new gear for you and your pet, check out the Patagonia store in Bend which welcomes pets and has some good gear for them (and you), too!

Carmel, California: Carmel is considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in California so it’s no wonder dog-lovers and everyone’s favorite Golden Girl, Betty White, kept a beach house here for over 40 years. Rent the pet-friendly cottage at Marina Dunes and see what makes Carmel so dog-gone pet-friendly. Sip and stroll with your pet and enjoy some of the offerings from the Carmel-By-the-Sea Wine Walk which has plenty of pet-friendly tasting rooms or take to the sugary sand at Carmel Beach, which welcomes dogs. After beach time, check out the Fountain of Woof in Carmel Plaza and let your pet drink from the fountain for good and you can explore the shops here, too! Also, most restaurants that have patio seating welcome dogs as well.

Read More:

5 Things to Do in the Mt. Hood Area

If you’re heading to Oregon’s Mt. Hood area in the next month or so, your agenda most likely involves skiing or winter trail hiking. But this area has something to offer any season you visit and we’re taking a look. Of course, your visit here won’t be perfect unless you book one of the amazing accommodations at Mt. Hood Village in Welches – from yurts to cabins, cottages and tiny houses, there are plenty of choices for your glamping getaway here.


1. Winter Activities: How about five different ski areas with 4,500 miles of skiable terrain for the ultimate ski trip? That’s what you’ll find in this region. From the legendary Mt. Hood Ski Bowl to the historic Timberline Lodge, there’s lots of powder to schuss in here. Mt. Hood is also great for sledding, tubing, and snowboarding. Cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails are another option. Trillium Lake has a great trail with views of Mt. Hood and beginner cross-country skiers should definitely check out Mt. Hood Meadows Nordic Center which offers lessons and rentals.

Interior of Anderson Tiny Home at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
Anderson Tiny Home at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

2. Timberline Lodge: Speaking of the historic Timberline Lodge, whether you plan to enjoy the snow sports, or not, this is a destination worth a visit. The Lodge was built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and was dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in September of that year. The Lodge is open for public viewing daily and there are several restaurants open to the public. Another fun fact – the exterior shots of The Shining were actually shot here!

3. View Mt. Hood: Of course, this 11,239 foot peak is visible if you just look up, but how about checking out the highest point in Oregon from some of the best viewpoints around? The Timberline Trail at the aforementioned Timberline Lodge is one place to get a great view. Come summer, Elk Meadows is not only a great place to see Mt. Hood, but also a spot to get your fill of the wildflowers that bloom, among them lupines and asters. If you want to take an easy route, drive to Trillium Lake where views of the mountain across the picturesque lake are really incredible.

4. Explore local wineries: While Welches is less than 90 miles from the Oregon wine country known as the Willamette Valley, there are some great wineries to be found right in the area. To learn about the Mt. Hood Wine Trail, which is actually in the northeast corner of the Willamette Valley, and the more than a dozen wineries that can be found along the way, check out mthoodterritory.com/winetrail.

Portland, Oregon at sunset
Portland, Oregon

5. Keep it weird in Portland: Day-trippin’ to Portland is a real possibility when you’re glamping at Mt. Hood Village. Oregon’s largest city is just under 90 miles from the Mt. Hood area and much of the drive can be done via the scenic byway. If you want to make this scenic drive just once during your stay, then consider these must-do’s for a day in Portland: the Portland Japanese Garden, the Portland Rose Garden, Powell’s Books (which spans an entire block), and the historic Pittock Mansion. If you’re hungry, definitely have a cup of coffee from an indie roaster (Portland is one of the top coffee cities in the country according to wallethub.com) and partake in some of the best donuts in the country (for some reason Portland is also known for their donuts). Voodoo Doughnuts, which also offers vegan options, is one hot spot while Blue Star is known for its boutique, and unique, flavors like creme brulee and blueberry bourbon basil.

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

Read More:

Baby, Just Say “Yes!”

Sadly, the Disney parks have banned proposals as of 2023, but there are plenty of great locations to ask that big question if the new year or the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday has you thinking of making things permanent with your S.O. Take advantage of these great proposal locations near your next glamping trip.

Las Vegas: Because no one can get engaged these days with making it a photo op, Las Vegas is a great place to consider when question-popping time nears. Why Vegas? There are so many photo-worthy backdrops like the fountain at Bellagio, or the “Eiffel Tower” at Paris Las Vegas or perhaps on a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian. And, if you want a really short engagement, there are a multitude of wedding chapels ready to make it official. Book a cozy cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas for this romantic getaway.

Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Resort
Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Resort

Big Sur: Does your love take your breath away just like a Big Sur hike might? Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach at sunset is a very popular proposal spot. Maybe the beach’s Keyhole Rock formation signifies this person has the key to your heart forever? Does your love take you to soaring heights? Consider the Bixby Bridge Vista Point. This iconic bridge is famous and your proposal will be, too! You may have to share the trail with others, but the proposal will be all your own. Pick a glamping accommodation at Marina Dunes to get set for the big day.

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

Bar Harbor: If you’re heading to a romantic getaway in quaint Bar Harbor, Maine, just google “where can I get engaged in Bar Harbor” and a bunch of places here will pop up. One location that makes the lists is Acadia National Park, and more specifically, atop the park’s Cadillac Mountain at sunrise. Another hot spot is Jordan Pond, under a blanket of stars, which are very visible from this spot in the park. The Village Green in town is another great spot with a beautiful landscape and a charming gazebo ala your favorite rom-com. We have two great Bar Harbor resorts with adorable cottages and cabins, Mount Desert Narrows and Narrows Too, for your memorable glamping trip.


Miami: This city has so many options at which to stage a proposal from romantic to eclectic. If your true love is your beacon, consider the backdrop of the Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The Italian Renaissance gardens found at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is another great spot – romantic with an old world feel and the Tea House on the grounds is a perfect spot. Choose a cabin, lodge, or bunkhouse at our Encore Miami Everglades location for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River
Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River

Wine Country: Whisk your love to wine country and take advantage of the beautiful natural settings. We’ve got great glamping near California’s Sonoma County and Oregon’s Willamette Valley – both romantic wine country locations. Book a cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River in Cloverdale to do a Cali proposal or a tiny house at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches to pop the question in Oregon. Maybe the grounds of the Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville, California, are appropriate since the bubbly’s already there! In Oregon, consider popping the questions, and the bubbly, at Domaine Willamette, Oregon’s first sparkling wine facility.

Read More:

Visit These Beautiful Rivers on Your Next Glamping Adventure!

Rivers are very important to our ecosystems, from providing habitats for fish and animals to providing drinking water and transportation. Rivers are so important there is even a special day set aside in February to honor them. We have several great glamping locations set near to or adjacent to some of our country’s beautiful rivers. Take a ride, dip a toe, or just come for a look at these beautiful rivers on your next glamping adventure.

The South Fork of the American River flows right through Thousand Trails Ponderosa, our beautiful glamping location situated in the foothills of the California Sierras. No need to head far from your glamping cabin here to enjoy the river. This river is great for white water rafting but can also serve as the spot for kayaking and swimming.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver
Cabin at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver

Head to Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver, stay in a cool cabin, cottage, or an ultra-cool yurt, and frolic in Oregon’s Little Deschutes River that runs adjacent to this great glamping location. Fish, canoe, kayak or sign-up for a float trip down the river (floatationnation.com).

Aerial photo of Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Washington State’s Wenatchee River is the place for fun if you’re planning a glamping getaway to Leavenworth Tiny House Village. An interesting perspective to learn about the river is to visit the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery where Chinook salmon are raised (fws.gov/fish-hatchery/leavenworth). Or, hike the Icicle Ridge Trail, a 5.5 mile trail that runs along the river offering great views. The Wenatchee River area is considered one of the most scenic in the area.

Thousand Trails Verde Valley, our glamping spot in Sedona, Arizona, is actually set along the Verde River, which is one of two rivers in Arizona that are designated “Wild and Scenic.” Canoe, kayak, and swim in this gem of a river. One neat way to see the river is through Alcantara’s Vineyards Water to Wine Kayaking event – check out alcantaravineyard.com for details. Alcantara Vineyards is right next to Verde Valley!

Colorful Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms
Colorful Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms

Florida’s Kissimmee River forms part of the headwaters of the Everglades. Rent a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms and get to know the Kissimmee River and the Everglades via airboat rides that offer glimpses of wildlife, including alligators and bald eagles. A restoration project began on the river in 1992 and was completed in 2021 that ultimately restored 40 miles of river and 25,000 acres of wetlands.


Come see what all the hum is about at our new Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails and explore the beautiful Baraboo River while glamping here. The Bararboo is considered an easy river on which to canoe or kayak. Nearby Devil’s Lake State Park is a great place to get a paddle trip started. Once blocked by dams, which have since been removed, the Baraboo River is one of the longest stretches of open river in the country.

Read More:

5 Things to Do in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is, in and of itself, a destination where you don’t really need an agenda other than to see the Park. Most travel guides will say two to four days should be dedicated to your visit here to see all of the magnificent features of the Park. And yes, by all means explore all the soaring highs and valley lows of this jewel in the crown of the U.S. National Park System. What else is there to do in the area? We’ve got a few ideas when you want to take a break from YNP. But, before you plan your trip, make sure you book your glamping accommodation in a cozy cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.

1. Hit the Small Towns #1: All around the area in this part of California, you can find many small towns that were established during the Gold Rush. One is Twain Harte – named for authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte, who happened to be favorite authors of the wife of one of the mining camp founders. Today, it is a charming mountain town with shops and eateries dotting the streets. The gourmet chef in your glamping group will enjoy browsing The Harte of the Kitchen for specialty cooking items while those looking for unique jewelry and gifts, essential oils, and crystals will enjoy Earthy Essentials. Those looking for unique Instagram shots should take note of the giant root beer mug next to the Rock of Twain Harte pub. With this as the backdrop, followers will know you’re in the “Heart of the Sierras,” as the giant mug denotes.

2. Hit the Small Towns #2: Considered one of the most picturesque historic towns in Gold Country, Angels Camp was founded in 1849 when George Angel established a mining camp here. Today it is known for its charm and the annual Jumping Frog Jubilee (held the third weekend in May to commemorate the short story that launched Mark Twain’s career – The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County). The Angels Camp Museum and Carriage House has one of the largest collections of carriages and wagons in the U.S. as well as a Mark Twain exhibit. Viator.com has a fun, and inexpensive, way to get to see the sights of the historic mining town – a self-led scavenger hunt using your iPhone as the guide (to download the map, visit viator.com/tours/California/Lets-Roams-Calaveras-County-Scavenger-Hunt-UnFROGettable-Angels-Camp/d272-104204P78).

2 Llamas


3. Love on Some Llamas: A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience can be had with a visit to Llamas of Circle Home where you can meet 31 llamas at this community and “learn all about the llama universe and their way of living.” Please note reservations are required, so go to experiencellamas.com to reserve a time for your visit. Visitors have said that the brushing, feeding, petting, and just being close to these amazing animals allowed them to realize how kind, gentle, and intelligent llamas are.

Aerial view of cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes


4. Moaning Caverns Adventure Park: This attraction in nearby Vallecito is built around the Moaning Caverns, which were discovered by miners back in 1840, but after cave exploration, it is believed the cave existed, and was used, for thousands of years. It is named because of the moaning sound that came from it. Visitors can take the Spiral Tour down into the cavern via a 144-stair spiral staircase that has 7 ½ spiral turns while descending. Other activities here include a half-day Expedition Crawling and Spelunking Tour of the cavern, plus panning for gems and axe throwing. For more information, visit moaningcaverns.com.

Rock formation


5. Out of the Ordinary: A few not the run-of-the-mill experiences here could include Devil’s Postpile National Monument and the Coursegold Tarantula Exhibit. Devil’s Postpile, which was once part of Yosemite National Park, is an unusual rock formation considered one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt. Located in historic Coursegold Village is the Coursegold Tarantula Exhibit which is dedicated to teaching people about the world’s most hairy spider with plenty of creepy displays.

Cabin Interior at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes


Read More:

Retreat Ideas for Friends, Couples, and History Buffs!

This is the year of “the trip,” so take note of these ideas if 2024 is when you finally take the long overdue trip with your friends, or with your someone special, or the year you take the trip where you immerse yourself in culture or history.

Friends-Only Trips
Las Vegas-bound guys should book a cabin, or cabins, at Thousand Trails Las Vegas where the cabin selections can sleep 4, 5, or 6 for a great guys’ getaway. Activities can include the Richard Petty Driving Experience for a NASCAR ride that will not be forgotten. Kinda pricey but worth the thrill – check out drivepetty.com/lasvegas for info. Or, for a free, nature-driven, thrill, hike the 2-mile Calico Tanks Trail with its red, yellow, and orange sandstone formations in Red Rock Canyon. The Mob Museum (themobmuseum.org) takes a look into organized crime in the U.S. while the Neon Museum takes visitors through the Neon Boneyard, which is the resting place for the old neon signs that lit the famed Las Vegas Strip (neonmuseum.org).

Girls trips need to have plenty of time for shopping, pampering, and outdoor activity for good measure, so why not plan your next girls trip around Sedona, Arizona. Book a cabin, cottage or one of the two tiny houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and let the fun begin. Sedona has several healing vortexes, all of which can be reached via scenic hikes. For a map, visit sedona.net/vortex-map. These energy centers promote healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Self-care can also revolve around massages, spa treatments, and the like, so for a list of options check out visitsedona.com/spiritual-wellness/spas-salons. Downtown Sedona is great for shopping and the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a great spot to buy gifts – for yourself or others!

Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort
Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort

History and Culture
Miami, Florida, is often referred to as the Latin Capital of America in part due to its large population of Latin-American and Cuban-Americans. The culture of these ethnicities is prevalent throughout Miami so this is a great destination for a cultural immersion. Book a cabin at Encore Miami Everglades to get your trip off to a good start. Head to Little Havana and walk down Calle Ocho to see the colorful murals and enjoy the iconic Cubano Sandwich. A Cuban food tour is an option – visit miamiculinarytours.com to book one.

Cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod
Cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod

For an immersion in history, check out Boston. The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a fabulous self-guided walking tour of the city that takes you past 16 historically significant locations. Then there’s Harvard, the first college in the American colonies founded in 1636, which welcomes visitors to walk the campus. The city of Cambridge itself is quite historic and several self-guided walking tours are available for download at https://historycambridge.org/self-guided-tours. Book a cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod or a tiny house at Tuxbury Tiny House Village for a Boston day trip.

The Romantic Gesture
Palm Springs is great for couples – there’s the sun, the scenery and lots of fun stuff to do for shared interests. Book a colorful cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and hit the desert with your honey. Take the Mod Squad Tour to learn about the architecture and modern design homes throughout Palm Springs (psmodsquad.com). Another architecture-based option would be to tour Sunnylands, in nearby Rancho Mirage, the former estate of Walter and Lee Annenberg, who hosted political, business, entertainment, and educational leaders on their 200-acre winter estate for decades. Sunnylands (sunnylands.org) offers a variety of interesting tours. Or, take the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway up to the of Mount San Jacinto and choose to hike, enjoy the views, or dine at the restaurant.

Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort

What’s more romantic than the changing colors of autumn? Book a cabin at Maine’s Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too this fall and leaf-peep to your heart’s content in Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park provides the opportunity to see the colors up close as well as enjoy some great hiking and biking trails. Stargaze at night at the Park’s Jordan Pond and wish upon a few for a happy life with your true love. Stroll across the water to Bar Island during low tide or enjoy a waterfront lobster bake at Stewman’s Lobster Pound, a Bar Harbor gem.

Read More:

A Guide to Hiking Hotspots Near our Glamping Vacation Rentals

If you google “hiking challenge,” you will find all kinds of opportunities to sign up with a group or organization that has you accept the preset goal they have established for hiking in 2024. Some are based on mileage while others are based on number of days. They are all good to take advantage of, but we’ve got another one where you just do it without paying, joining, or reporting on an app. All you have to do is glamp with us and hit the nearby hiking trails. We have plenty of hiking opportunities – some onsite and some nearby our glamping locations, so let’s take a look at a few places where you can rack up some hiking miles. We’ve identified mileage and the glamping accommodations below – the rest is up to you.

Book a tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village and check out these two trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: The Icicle Gorge Trail is an easy, 4.1-mile trail (pass required) and the Eightmile Lake Trail is a moderate 6.7-mile uphill hike ending at an alpine lake.

Rent a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows and tackle the trails in Maine’s Acadia National Park. Jordan Path Pond is an easy 3.1-mile loop that also welcomes leashed dogs while Ocean Path is a popular, flat path, easily walked with great views, especially Thunder Hole.

Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground
Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground

Heading to Lake George Escape in upstate New York? After renting a glamping cabin, check out Berry Pond Trail, a moderate 5-mile round trail that leads to a woodland pond, which is home to a busy beaver community. For an easy hike, the Shelving Rock Summit Trail (3.4 miles out and back) has great scenery including some waterfalls.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach
Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach

Rent an ultra-cool yurt at Washington’s Thousand Trails Long Beach and check out the hiking trails in Beards Hollow which are great for birding, cliff views, and tide pools. The Discovery Trail is another option with an 8.5 mile asphalt trail that features several art installments dedicated to Lewis and Clark along the way.

Plan a glamping experience in the latest trend – the storage container! Book a stay at the Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails and check out the 29 miles of trails in Wisconsin’s beautiful Devil’s Lake State Park. Devil’s Doorway is a less than 1-mile loop – an easy hike with scenic views from atop the bluff you hike to! Easy Bluff Trail is an uphill climb with lake views and the rock formation, Elephant Rock.

Read More:

5 Things to Do in The Florida Keys

Does island hopping appeal to your travel senses? Or, is a great glamping trip that encompasses culture, history, outdoor activity, and a bit of the off-beat what you’re seeking in your next adventure? Whichever way you choose to travel, consider a glamping trip to the Florida Keys complete with a colorful cottage accommodation at Encore Fiesta Key, located on Long Key. Fiesta Key also offers Elite Suites as an option for your stay. The resort itself has plenty of activities and amenities, including a pool, marina and boat dock, horseshoes, fishing opportunities, and a super fun Tiki Bar and Cantina where you can relax and discuss your plans for your Florida Keys experience.

We serve up five ideas here on what to do in the Keys.

1. Visit Molasses Reef: The Molasses Reef Preservation Sanctuary Area is the most visited coral reef in the Upper Keys. It has clear water, plenty of fish to see and plenty of boulder corals. Book a charter through seadwellers.com and be ready to experience an other-worldly adventure which some have equated to swimming in a crystal clear aquarium! You might see nurse sharks, lobsters, shrimp, moray eels, angelfish, and sea turtles to name a few.

2. Spirited Adventures: There are all kinds of places to partake safely in the spirits here. Try some mead at Keys’ Meads on Key Largo. This Florida farm meadery offers hand-crafted mead and other spirits made from honey. At Papa Pilar’s Rum in Key West it’s all about the rum. From distillery tours to cocktail classes, this is a must-do. While there are no tours offered, plenty of fun can be found at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. A pet-friendly beer garden, a swag shop full of island gear, food and, of course, drinks, plus special events and plenty of live music and games are what you can expect here.

Slice of Key Lime Pie


3. Key Lime Fun: There’s a whole history behind why it’s called a Florida Key Lime, but all we care about is how good the Key Lime Pie (KLP) pie tastes. Get in on the experience and try this tasty treat all around the islands. On Marathon, Keys’ Fisheries has some of the best KLP in the area, plus other yummy seafood. The colorful Key Lime Pie Bakery just off the famous Duval Street in Key West is another option. Also, try Midway Cafe on Islamorada for KLP or a Key Lime Tart. They also have gourmet coffees on the menu.

4. Unique Shopping: From shells to cigars, there are plenty of trinkets to pick up during a visit to The Keys. Shell World on Key Largo is good for well, you know, shells, but there’s plenty more island-related regalia here. The Big Pine Key Flea Market is open every weekend (Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and has everything from homemade soaps to fishing gear, jewelry, and local art. Rain Barrel Village on Islamorada is an outdoor market plaza with several specialty shops and eateries and lots of Florida souvenirs. Plus, there’s a giant lobster out front that makes for a perfect selfie backdrop! For cigars, check out Rodriguez Cigar Factory in Key West, where you can also see them being rolled.

Kayaking in Sunshine Key
Kayaking in Sunshine Key

5. Only in the Keys Experience: There are some things that you just can’t do anywhere else and if you’re in the Florida Keys, here are those experiences:

  • Feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s in Islamorada
  • Snap a selfie at the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. (Key West)
  • See the underwater statue, St. John of the Abyss, while snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park. (Key Largo)
  • Visit The Little White House – Florida’s only Presidential museum which was President Harry Truman’s winter home. (Key West)
  • Take a ride on the African Queen (Key Largo)

Read More: