Tag: california

The 12 Ways of Glamping

Everyone has their own ways to kick off the fun of the holidays, but our preferred method is through glamping! Here are 12 places to consider for a holiday season glamp.

1. Bend, Oregon: Book a glamping cottage, cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver to start. Bend is great for outdoor winter activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. You can ice skate at The Pavillion, which even has night skating, or for foodie fun, visit The Podski, which offers a variety of local food trucks and live music.

2. Mt. Hood, Oregon: Another great Pacific Northwest location for snow fun. Of course, a tiny house at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect spot to stay when exploring the great outdoors in Mt. Hood. Don’t miss the historic Timberline Lodge and the iconic Mt. Hood Skibowl, which is great for night skiing.

3. Nashville, Tennessee: The Natchez Trace Tiny House Village is a perfect home base for exploring the sights and sounds of Nashville and the surrounding area. For holiday lights, check out the 10th Annual Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Gardens or Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo. For an all-out holiday extravaganza head to Gaylord Opryland to experience Christmas at Gaylord Opryland with all kinds of festivities, light displays, ice carvings, holiday treats, gingerbread competitions and more.

Lyla at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Lyla at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

4. Orlando, Florida: The colorful cottages at Encore Tropical Palms are the glamping accommodation to book when planning a trip to the Orlando area during the holiday season. The Magic Kingdom holiday events include EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays (through December 30) while Universal Orlando has Christmas at Hogwarts and Celebrate Grinchmas, and of course all the local downtown areas including Kissimmee and St. Cloud will have festive lights, holiday décor and a variety of holiday events.

5. Palm Springs, California: How about a desert holiday countdown? A sunny cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs in Palm Desert puts you in perfect proximity to enjoy the special Holiday Market which is part of the regular Thursday evening VillageFest, Wildlights at the Living Desert (through December 30) and Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum that will feature 60 tons of real snow, plus Santa and hot cocoa and is scheduled for December 20-22.

6. Monterey, California: A cool yurt at Marina Dunes RV Resort can host you during a holiday getaway to explore California’s Monterey Bay area. Holiday events include Christmas on the Wharf, which runs weekends through December 22 and Ice Skating on the Bay, which features an outdoor ice rink open through January 5.

7. Key West, Florida: Spend several days ringing in the holidays in the sunny Florida Keys and consider these events to get you in the spirit: The Key West Artisan Market (December 15, 22 and 29); the Key West Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours (evenings through December 23); the Stock Island Holiday Lighted Boat parade on Big Pine Key (December 13) and Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade on Marathon (December 14). Take your pick from a tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key.

Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort
Cottages at Encore Fiesta Key

8. Lake Tahoe, California: Head to Tahoe Valley Campground and rent a glamping cottage or cabin to enjoy the events at this gorgeous location which include the Northern Lights Festival at Incline Village (through December 25) and the spectacular Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Granlibakken Tahoe where skiers illuminate the ski hill with torches followed by the arrival of Santa and his elves.

9. San Diego, California: If holiday parades are your things, consider a getaway to San Diego which has at least 5 different holiday-themed parades running through December including the Gaslamp Pet Parade (December 14) and the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade (December 27). Holiday light shows include the All that Jazz Light Show Spectacular on Coronado Island (through January 5) and the Old Town Trolley Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour, which runs through December (note: does not run on December 24 and 25). For your accommodation, Thousand Trails Pio Pico in Jamul has you covered with cabins and cottages!

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico

10. Miami, Florida: Choose from a variety of glamping accommodations at Encore Miami Everglades and take in the holiday events planned in the area. Night at the Garden, which runs through January 2025, is a neon wonderland at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden while Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park, is billed as a “Candyland-inspired spectacle” that features thousands of lights, amusement rides and several immersive installations that promise to provide the perfect backdrop for a photo (through January 5); and Zoo Lights Miami which runs through December 30.

11. Dallas, Texas: Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing to be near the holiday fun in the Big D which includes the “12 Days of Christmas” exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden; Dallas Zoo Lights (through January 4) and SNOWDAY at Galleria Dallas which is winter wonderland of 20 different holiday-themed rooms, including a 1970s Christmas-themed RV.

Bay Landing RV Campground
Thousand Trails Bay Landing Cabins

12. Yosemite National Park: In addition to the beautiful scenery and the outdoor activity, Yosemite National Park also offers several holiday events including a Gingerbread Workshop (book soon; this event sells out fast) on December 21 or December 23 or ice skating at the Curry Village Rink, with great views of Half Dome and Glacier Point. If you still have gifts to buy, consider something from the Ansel Adams Gallery which offers several gift collections. Book a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and you’re less than 15 minutes from the Park’s entrance.

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5 Things to Do in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is a great place to visit whether for a few days or an extended stay. There is so much to see and do here from all standpoints – cultural, historic, foodie and outdoor adventures. It’s got the bridge, it’s got the bay, it’s got woodlands and mountains, and landmarks and live entertainment. Come find out your favorite thing about The City by the Bay. A glamping stay at Marina Dunes RV Park s perfect for your day trips to explore San Francisco.

Glamping Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Park
Glamping Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Park

1. Do the Rock: The Rock, also known as Alcatraz or Alcatraz Island, served as a federal prison for 29 years and saw the likes of some pretty serious criminals including famed gangster, Al Capone. The island is now a California Historic Landmark and tours of the prison are available daily, including in the evening. Check out alcatrazislandtickets.com for details.

2. Do the Stairs: Of course, a hilly city like San Francisco has a lot of staircases but there are two that are of special note. The 16th Avenue Staircase, located in a residential neighborhood, is a colorful set of 163 mosaic tiled stairs that lead climbers to an extraordinary view of the city. Over on Lombard Street, considered the “crookedest street in the world”, each side of the street has a staircase consisting of 250 stairs – again worth the steep climb for fantastic views.

Aerial straight down over Lombard Street with cars and road running horizontally
Lombard Street – San Francisco, CA

3. Do Something Groovy: You may remember the Summer of Love, or heard about it from “older” folks, but San Francisco was the epicenter of this social phenomenon that occurred in the summer of 1967. Visit some of the sites that were the place to be that summer, including Golden Gate Park where the Human Be-In took place and is now home to numerous gardens, windmills and two museums; and Haight-Ashbury, the neighborhood that was home to the Grateful Dead (the house at 710 Ashbury is privately owned but pics of the outside of this lovely Victorian are possible) and many other rockers from the day. The neighborhood has plenty of shops, vintage boutiques and eateries to enjoy too!

Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park
Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park

4. Do the Woods: Muir Woods National Monument is 558-acres of towering old-growth redwood trees and one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. While everything here is simply awe-inspiring, don’t miss Bohemian Grove and Cathedral Grove. Fun fact – parts of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi were shot in Cathedral Grove.

5. Do Iconic SF: Must-sees and Must-dos when visiting San Francisco include crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, riding a cable car down Powell Street, Fisherman’s Wharf with its adorable sea lions on the wharf’s Pier 39, Chinatown, which is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, and enjoying a signature cocktail at The Top of the Mark, the penthouse level bar of the Mark Hopkins hotel that offers 360-degree views of the city.

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Best Locations for Enjoying National Take a Hike Day

Since 1976, the third Thursday in November has been recognized as National Take a Hike Day. It was created “to encourage people to connect with nature and recognize the physical and mental benefits of hiking.” Of course, we don’t need a special day to remind us about the benefits of activity, especially activity experienced outdoors, among nature, but we’d like to highlight some places good for hiking if you’re looking for somewhere near to your glamping spot this November. And did you know that the word hike means “a long walk, especially in the country or wilderness.” Here are a few options to “go take a hike!”


If you’re glamping in a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Pio Pico, you can enjoy one of several hiking options in San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The trail is mostly flat, and the all-in 3-mile hike is not necessarily challenging deemed one of best hikes in San Diego thanks to the views of natural cliff formations and coastal arches.

Thousand Trails Pio Pico
Thousand Trails Pio Pico

Did you know there are roughly 120 miles of trails within the city limits of Seattle? Reserve a yurt or glamping cottage at Tall Chief Campground and head over to Discovery Park that offers 12 miles of trails within a 534-acre forest. A recommended hike is the shorter 2.8-mile Washington Trails Association Loop that takes hikers through dense forested areas as well as open meadows and offers great views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Yurt at Tall Chief Campground
Yurt at Tall Chief Campground

Plan to hike among the beautiful red rocks in Sedona and check out some of the most popular, and photo worthy, hikes found here. Devil’s Bridge is a 2.2-mile out and back with stunning photo ops; Cathedral Rock, probably the most photo worthy, but you have to work for it since despite the shorter distance there is an elevation change of over 700 feet. Book a stay at a tiny house in Thousand Trails Verde Valley to enjoy hiking here.

Tiny Houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Tiny Houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley

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Unwind by the Sea, Lake, or River on a Waterfront Vacation

Some people just can’t get enough of the water – swimming, snorkeling, or sailing across it, and then there are some who just like to look at the water. Just being near water is good for mental health – lowering blood pressure and bringing a sense of calm. Whether you’re a fish in or out of the water, these waterfront towns are contenders for some of the best places to enjoy “blue space” when glamping nearby.

Virginia Beach: Check into a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay or Thousand Trails Williamsburg and you’re about an hour from the fabulous Virginia Beach Boardwalk which provides a scenic 3-mile stroll along the Atlantic shores. At 28-feet wide, the Boardwalk is great for biking, blading, running and walking. Plenty of restaurants, shops and attractions can also be found along the Boardwalk including the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum and the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Don’t miss the statue of the King of the Sea, Neptune, who holds court on the Boardwalk towering above the visitors with his ever-present trident.

Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground
Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground

San Antonio: The serenity of the meandering San Antonio River is one draw of the San Antonio Riverwalk, one of the top attractions in this historic Texas town. Just about everything can be found along the 15-miles here including art (the San Antonio Museum of Art); waterfalls (The Grotto); a historic mansion (the Edward Steves Homestead Museum); and plenty of shops and restaurants. There are several options to explore this historic and scenic attraction from river cruises to guided walking tours and even a haunted walking tour! A glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake is the perfect accommodation for your San Antonio Riverwalk exploration.

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

Long Beach, Washington: The boardwalk found in Long Beach, Washington is more serene than others in that it doesn’t offer carnival rides and other attractions, but simply an opportunity to connect with nature as you stroll along the grassy dunes on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Watch for whales, seabirds and other wildlife or enjoy the kite flyers on windy days (Long Beach is known as the Kite Flying Capital of the US.) Named one of the top boardwalks in the US by Travel + Leisure magazine, there is a lot to do here including a visit to the odd, yet interesting, Marsh’s Free Museum where visitors can see “Jake the Alligator Man” among many other curious curios. Speaking of interesting, check out the yurt accommodations at Thousand Trails Long Beach for your glamping stay (cabins and cottages are also available here!)

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

Carmel-By-the-Sea: Book a stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort and take the scenic drive to charming Carmel-By-the-Sea. You will definitely feel transported in this quaint village with the European flair which people have described as Italian, German and British. To get the seaside effect, visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for spectacular views of the Pacific – views that are so spectacular that renowned landscape artist Francis McComas called Point Lobos the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” Back in town, take a self-guided walking tour to learn the history of the area (for a map, visit carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-walking-tour). Other options include shopping, dining and visiting the several wine tasting rooms located around the town. Upcoming events here include the 36th Annual Taste of Carmel (October 3) and the 108th City Birthday Party & Halloween Parade (October 31).

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Enjoy Nature’s Paradise in These Outdoor Towns

It’s summer and everyone’s Summer Bucket List likely includes a host of activities to do outside. Why not add a visit to one of these “Best Outdoor Towns” to your list this summer to maximize outdoor fun. These towns were included on the list of thediscoverer.com’s “9 Best Outdoor Towns in the U.S.”

Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes
Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes

Mammoth Lakes, California: From an outdoor standpoint, isn’t most of California the best outdoor space? According to thediscoverer.com, Mammoth Lakes is one of the best thanks to the breathtaking scenery and the mountain and lake activities to enjoy here. From a biking standpoint, there are paved trails for road biking as well as a bit rougher terrain for the mountain biking enthusiast. Take a dip in Horseshoe Lake if you want to swim or try your hand at stand-up paddling here, a favorite spot for those that enjoy this way to take on the water. Other ways to explore this beautiful portion of the Sierra Nevada Range include horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking. Check out visitmammoth.com for specifics as well as trip planner guides and maps. The Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza is set for August 1-4 featuring blues music and craft breweries.

Book a glamping yurt, bunkhouse, cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes to explore stunning Mammoth Lakes this summer.

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

Bend, Oregon: Bend is one of those four-season towns when it comes to the outdoors as there is always something to do outside here from skiing in winter to whitewater rafting in summer. One fun thing to do here in summer is to float the Deschutes River in a colorful innertube, a must for its perfect combination of fun and relaxation. Other fun on the Deschutes can include paddleboarding, kayaking, and the afore-mentioned thrilling whitewater rafting. If you’re looking for something unique, take the drive from Bend to Tamolitch Falls (about an hour) to see the Blue Pool. Once you’re here, it’s about a 2.5-mile easy hike on the Tamolitch Pool Trail to reach the unique turquoise waters. There’s also the Bend Ale Trail (bendaletrail.com) and the Bend Summer Festival, featuring live music, food and artisans, is set for July 13-14, for summer fun outdoors!

Book a cottage, cabin or yurt glamping accommodation at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver to enjoy Bend in summer.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Leavenworth, Washington: Another four-season town thanks to the mountains and lakes here, a visit to Leavenworth should always include “outdoor time.” The bonus is that the quaint Bavarian-style town will make you feel like you’re having a European vacation! The Wenatchee River is one of the draws here with opportunities to paddleboard, whitewater raft and fish. Hiking options include Icicle Gorge Trail (4 miles) or the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offering 600 miles of trails. For a unique way to see the scenery, consider Leavenworth Ziplines (leavenworthziplines.com). You might also check out Village Art in the Park, a three-day vibrant outdoor art market held every weekend through mid-October.

Book one of the charming tiny houses at Leavenworth Tiny House Village to explore this beautiful mountain town in summer.

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5 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

Want to do a mountain glamping getaway that includes a sparkling alpine lake, sunny beaches and lots of fun indoor and outdoor things to do? First book a glamping cabin or cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground and then check out our list of five things to do when visiting this great destination nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

1. Find Hidden Beach: Considered one of the best beaches in Lake Tahoe, Hidden Beach can be found just south of Incline Village. A newly installed paved trail is great for hiking and biking while the beach is great for swimming, sunning and water-side picnics. Consider stand-up paddling or kayaking the crystal-clear waters here.

Kayaking on Lake Tahoe
Kayaking on Lake Tahoe

2. Day Trip to Reno: Less than 70 miles from Lake Tahoe, this city is worth a little day trip. Of course, Reno, Nevada is known for its casinos, but there is a lot more than gambling to do in the “Biggest Little City in the World.” One of the reasons Reno has that moniker is because there is so much to do in such a small area. Two museums of note here are the National Automobile Museum where there are historic cars and cars that belonged to the stars (automuseum.org) and the Nevada Museum of Art (nevadaart.org) whose collections range from landscape to contemporary to art of the Great West. Reno’s Riverwalk District is great for walking the boardwalk, shopping and dining.

3. Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum: While the Donner story is not one of the most pleasant in the history of westward expansion, the tale is still one to be told. The museum documents the story of the ill-fated Donner Party through detailed dioramas as well as other details about the history of the area. Pioneer Monument, located in the State Park, honors all of those who made the trek across the harsh plains to reach California in the 1840s.

Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground
Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground

4. Olympic Museum: With the Olympics set for this summer in Paris, it might be interesting to take a look at the history of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games which were held in Squaw Valley. There is a collection of memorabilia, videos and photographs that exhibit the history and highlights of the events. For details and directions, go to palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/activity-finder/olympic-museum.

5. Explore a different trail: Yes, there are plenty of trails to walk here in Lake Tahoe, but what about exploring the Craft Beer Trail. For a listing go to visitlaketahoe.com/things-to-do/beer-trail. The Hangar offers 30 rotating taps while Cold Water Brewery & Grill brews their all-grain beer right on site. The annual Lake Tahoe Brewfest is scheduled this year for August 24 and will feature beer, cider, spirits and kombucha brewers!

Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe

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4 Garden Getaways in Full Bloom

It’s spring, so garden blooms are getting underway and things are greening up around the country. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own garden-to-be, check out some of these great public gardens in the country.

Thousand Trails Rancho Oso Cabin
Thousand Trails Rancho Oso Cabin

Lotusland (Montecito, California): Stay at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso and take the trip into Montecito to visit the 37 acres of lush gardens that were part of Polish opera singer Madame Ganna Walska’s residence. Walska purchased the estate in 1941 and lovingly created and curated the gardens for the next 43 years. The different gardens showcased here are definitely unique and include the Bromeliad Gardens, the Aloe Garden, and the Cactus Garden. The best time to visit Lotusland (lotusland.org) is summer for the lotus flowers and April through June for the roses.

Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort
Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort

Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania): From formal gardens to open, forest meadows, Longwood Gardens would be the choice when planning a stay at Spring Gulch Resort Campground, our Pennsylvania Dutch Country location with great glamping choices that include lodge, chalet or cottage accommodations. Longwood Gardens was originally a Quaker farmstead and later the estate of industrialist Pierre S. du Pont. There are over 1000 acres of outdoor gardens here, plus centuries’ old trees, scenic vistas and the Italian Water Garden designed by du Pont himself. Crocus and tulip blooms welcome visitors in the spring while the Norway maple trees blaze brightly come fall. For information and special event details, visit longwoodgardens.org.

Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden (Key West, Florida): Book a Keys glamping at adventure Encore Fiesta Key or Encore Sunshine Key and head to Key West to take in this 15.2 acre native garden and forest complete with boardwalks and nature trails nestled in the sunny Florida Keys. What makes this native plant botanical garden unique is that it is the only frost-free, subtropical, natural conservation habitat with three fresh-water ponds in the continental United States. Plus, dogs are welcome here! In addition to the “champion trees” found here, the garden is all great for birding as well as butterflies and blooming flowers. There are two butterfly gardens plus a waterfall wall where you can see turtles in their natural habitat.

Cottage at Greys Point Camp in Topping, VA
Greys Point Camp in Topping, VA

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Henrico, Virginia): This beautiful garden in Virginia is celebrating 40 years this year and to recognize that milestone a special program, “Flourish: 40 Years and Growing” will feature events all year long which include concerts and children’s and adult activities. Plan a glamping getaway at Grey’s Point Camp and you are less than 70 miles from the Gardens. Visitors will enjoy a dozen themed gardens plus an historic domed conservatory when exploring Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden that guarantees blooms all year!

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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).

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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.

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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


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