Tag: whale watching

5 Things to Do in California’s Monterey Bay Area

Did you know that Monterey was the first capital of California? Fun fact – Monterey was the state capital from 1774 to 1849. Did you know that this beautiful bayside city is considered the “Sardine Capital of the World” thanks to these tiny fish that populated the waters here and the subsequent canning boom of said little fishes? Monterey is rich in history and is definitely worth a look-see when glamping at nearby Marina Dunes RV Resort. Here are five things not to miss…

1. Monterey Coast Trail: With 18 miles of paved trail, this is a great way to experience scenic ocean views, frolicking sea lions, sea otters, and coastal birds and access all the things along the way like the fabulous aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf and more. You can choose to bike or walk this beautiful coastal trail.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium

2. Monterey Bay Aquarium: While the Aquarium has been in the news lately due to a certain t-shirt sported by Taylor Swift, this place is known for so much more like its unique, 28-foot high Kelp Forest, a multitude of interactive exhibits, including the newest exhibit “Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean”, and the more than 35,000 creatures that make their home here.

3. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: From the amazing shoreline views to the wildlife spotting and whale watching, do not miss the opportunity to visit what is considered the “crown jewel of California’s state parks.” Birders will enjoy a hike on the Bird Island Trail while China Cove and the Gibson Beach Trail offer hidden caves and high cliffs. Lovers of sea lions will want to hike the Sea Lion Point Trail to catch a glimpse of the sea lions lounging on the rocks. Don’t miss the historic Whalers Cabin, accessible from the Cabin Trail, which leads to this cabin built by Chinese fishermen in the 1850s.

Outside of the Historic Mission, Carmel Mission
Outside of the Historic Mission, Carmel Mission

4. Small-town Charm: There are several small towns in the area worth a visit and they include Salinas, home to the National Steinbeck Center that pays tribute to author John Steinbeck who was born and raised here; Pacific Grove, home to the Point Pinos Lighthouse and the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, which is best when visited during migration season from November to February; Castroville, which is considered the “artichoke capital of the world” and is home to the world’s largest artichoke statue; and Carmel-by-the-Sea, home to the historic Carmel Mission, the unique Fairy Tale Cottages built in 1926 and plenty of shops and eateries. 

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

5. This and That: Don’t miss the murals in Sand City, the setting sun at Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, the clam chowder at Old Fisherman’s Grotto in Monterey, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.

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The Coolest and Warmest Winter Glamping Destinations

According to iges.com, the hottest travel trends this winter include digital detoxing, embracing the weather and the classic “traditional winter getaways” which means heading out of the cold and into the sunshine. Here are a few ways you can be trendy when glamping with us this winter:

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

Embracing the Weather: This means going to the snow and for our glampers, it means places like Leavenworth, Washington and Mt. Hood or Bend, Oregon. Book a yurt, glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver and enjoy this oft-voted “best outdoorsy town” in the country! Ski or snowboard at Mt. Bachelor, snowshoe in Deschutes National Forest, which offers several snowshoe trails, or try fat-tire biking in the snow or indoor ice skating at the Pavillion. Plan to be here to enjoy WinterFest, scheduled for February 13-15, 2026, that will include an ice carving competition, a wine walk, live music and snowsports competitions.

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

The Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is a great place to glamp when enjoying the Mt. Hood Territory in winter. Try night skiing or cosmic tubing at the Mt. Hood Skibowl, take a guided tour of Mt. Hood National Forest on a snowmobile, or a moonlight snowshoe tour around the iconic Timberline Lodge.

Winter at Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Winter at Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Leavenworth, Washington is always great in winter with opportunities for downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, sledding, snow tubing, ice fishing and a visit to a reindeer farm. Icicle Ridge Winery offers winter wine walks (icicleridgewinery.com) and the millions of twinkling lights will continue to illuminate the quaint Bavarian-style downtown through February. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Leavenworth for a great winter glamping getaway here.

Escaping the Weather: Most likely you’re heading to the sunshine. Our choices would include a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms to do the theme parks or a trip to The Keys with a stay at Encore Fiesta Key or Encore Sunshine Key. EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts runs January 16 through February 23, 2026, while the Key West Food and Wine Festival is set for January 26-February 1, 2026. South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach is an option for a glamping getaway with a stay at Carolina Shores RV Resort. Mild daytime temps and cooler nights are a nice trade-in for sub-zero snow days! Activities here can include golfing, strolling the Boardwalk, visiting the many museums or enjoying the beauty of Brookgreen Gardens in winter. On the West Coast, plan a glamping getaway to Thousand Trails Pio Pico or Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs to explore the San Diego area in winter. Gray whales are migrating from December to April, so now is a good time for whale watching. Speaking of migrating, it is also the migratory season for thousands of birds so check out the San Diego River Estuary.

Vacation Cottages at Thousand Trails Palm Springs
Vacation Cottages at Thousand Trails Palm Springs

Digital Detoxing: This type of getaway may not necessarily mean absolutely no screens, but probably something more along the lines of being present, being in nature and really taking it all in without multi-tasking going on. Exploring national parks, taking long hikes in the forests and woodlands, walking rugged shorelines and spending quality time with friends and family is most likely the itinerary for this kind of trip. One of the best destinations for spiritual renewal may be Red Rocks State Park in Sedona, Arizona. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and explore the red sandstone canyonland with its healing vortexes. Another option is Joshua Tree National Park in California, another spot chock full of serene landscape vistas and energy vortexes. Book a glamping cabin or cottage at nearby Thousand Trails Palm Springs. Yosemite in winter is a wonderland with opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing at Badger Pass Ski Area and hiking the trails that remain open in winter. Book a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes for a great glamping getaway.

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5 Great July Getaways

According to globalgrasshopper.com (a blog team that consists of “self-confessed travel snobs), the locations listed below are some of the best places to travel to in July. Luckily, the fabulous Petite Retreats glamping accommodations in these locations provide the perfect complement to have one of the best July trips you’ve ever taken!

Citing the idyllic back drop of Frenchman’s Bay, the top-notch eateries and the charm of the downtown area, Bar Harbor, Maine made the list. Make a reservation at either Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too and get set for a New England destination full of food, fun, and outdoor activity. Highlights of a Bar Harbor getaway include Acadia National Park; whale-watching excursions; several history museums and lots of shopping. For something different, consider Diver Ed’s Dive-in Theater (diveintheater.com), which offers a great way to learn about the sea creatures that reside here.

On the other coast – Pacific, that is – the “travel snobs” believe Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a great July pick for a trip due to the stunning scenery and sea life that can be seen here at this time. Toss in the great pics you can take of Haystack Rock with a summer sky backdrop and that’s reason enough. If you need more, there’s the Cannon Beach Farmers Market, which runs every Tuesday; the “BUSKERS in the Park” Thursday night concerts in the City Park, craft brews from Cannon Beach brewpubs, Pelican Brewing Company and Public Coast Brewing, plus outdoor activities that include surfing, fishing, hiking, and plenty of nature walks. Reserve a cabin at Seaside and explore this Pacific Coast gem.

Cabin at Seaside RV Campround
Cabin at Seaside RV Campround

Is there a bad time to visit Monterey, California? We doubt it, but according to globalgrasshopper, Monterey is great in July thanks to the temperature and al fresco dining opportunities. Renting the glamping tent or cottage at Marina Dunes is also perfect in July, so stay with us while you explore July in Monterey. The Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival is set for the weekend of July 16-17 and the 19th Monterey Beer Festival is set for Saturday, July 30. More fun in Monterey includes visits to the charming seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea; the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the stunningly scenic 17-Mile-Drive. Oh, and by the way, al fresco dining options can include Abalonetti Bar & Grill and Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle.

Looking to go lakeside? Book a cottage complete with a screened-in porch at Kenisee Lake and head to charming Geneva-on-the-Lake. The lake here is Lake Erie and the quaint town is billed as “Ohio’s First Summer Resort.” The blogging travel snobs like this location because of the numerous lakeside beaches, the zip lines and adventure courses, and the local breweries and wineries. The Vines and Wines Trail has over 30 wineries and vineyards and details can be found at ohiowines.org. The Strip, the town’s version of a boardwalk, is home to shops and restaurants, and other fun attractions like a mini-golf course. Breakwater Beach is great for beach lovers and Geneva State Park will provide a great fix for hiking enthusiasts. Lake Erie Canopy Tours (lakeeriecanopytours.com) receives high praise from users for its patient and professional guides as well as the variety of course options.

Cottage at Kenisee Lake RV Campground
Cottage at Kenisee Lake RV Campground

Historic Boston makes the list and that’s fitting since they really know how to celebrate Independence Day. Aside from the big party on the 4th, Boston is noted for the concerts at the Hatch Shell and Shakespeare on the Common, both free events in July, whale watching and the food and craft beer scene. There are also baseball games at Fenway Park, the historic and very walkable Freedom Trail, harbor cruises, and some of the best Italian dining to be found in the North End (don’t miss the cannoli from Mike’s Pastry)! The Rose Kennedy Greenway is another place where you can always find something going on, including Greenway Food Trucks where over 35 food trucks offer all kinds of specialties from seafood to Korean options daily; a farmer’s market each Tuesday and Thursday and a beer and wine garden. Book a stay at either Sturbridge or Gateway to Cape Cod and head into Boston to discover a great summertime city.

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