The 8 Best California Glamping Destinations for a Luxe Getaway

California really is the poster child for glamping.
Best California Glamping Destinations
Photo: Alila Resorts
Lane Nieset
by Lane Nieset
Updated Feb 01, 2024
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Home to wonders as otherworldly as Death Valley's rust-colored dunes, canyons covered in towering redwoods, deserts dotted with twisted Joshua trees, and a coastline known for some of the most scenic highway stretches in the US, it's no wonder California glamping has grown to be so popular. With the state's many national parks and landscapes ranging from the country's driest desert to the lowest point in the continent—plus volcanoes, beaches, vineyards, and white-sand islands off the southern coast—California really is the poster child for the Great Outdoors.

Glamping in the US is one of the top travel trends we've seen, and in a country so vast with such rapidly changing and diverse landscapes, it makes sense travelers are curious to see what's hiding in all that nature. If you're looking for inspiration for romantic getaways in California or a glamping bachelorette trip (these glamping domes and tents will convert even the most high-maintenance of travelers), we've found just the spots for you. From Big Sur to Yosemite to Joshua Tree, here are the top glamping destinations in California for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary trip.

Alila Ventana Big Sur, Big Sur

Go glamping for your honeymoon at Alila Ventana Big Sur
Photo: Alila Resorts

While open year-round, the autumn months of September and October are the best times to plan a stay in Big Sur at this plush glampsite overlooking the California coastline and views of the 20-acre canyon. Each of the 15 safari-inspired canvas tents has a luxe hotel feel thanks to custom-designed mattresses and super soft linens (even the shower experience has received a major upgrade with heated floors and marble vanities). Of course you can still "rough it" cooking over an open flame, but if you and your other half or group of friends prefer something more refined, take a seat at the onsite Sur House restaurant, where you can dine on Pacific-sourced seafood and produce from nearby foragers paired alongside wine from the 10,000-bottle cellar of small-production Central Coast vino. Don't worry, there's a sommelier to help guide you to the perfect pick for solo and group trips. (Psst: we had to mention that the Ventana is one of our best US destination wedding venues.)

Things to Do: Encased in forest, where the mountains meet the sea, Big Sur is a picture-perfect vision of California's jaw-droppingly beautiful natural scenery. If you're coming from San Francisco, book a private tour of Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur or set off and go whale watching on Monterey Bay.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Treebones Resort, Big Sur

One of the more upscale glamping options on California's central coast, these super-modern twin tents are solar-powered and sit in one of the most private locales in Big Sur (this is what's called "off-grid tenting"). The domed structures frame sweeping shots of the ocean below, and you can admire those infamous golden sunsets sitting in an Adirondack chair by the cliff-edge private fire pit. The translucent tents are unlike the ones of your youth—these offer plenty of natural light flooding in during the day and a warm glow come nightfall.

Things to Do: In an area with limited cell signal, this is a place where you can truly disconnect with a digital detox, embarking on an eco-adventure hiking from Big Sur to Montana De Oro or paddling along the coast.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Desert Domestead, San Bernardino

Visit the glamorous Desert Domestead
Photo: Desert Domestead / Airbnb

A dream for stargazers (and really, who doesn't love spotting the Milky Way?), these two glamping domes sit in the desert on a five-acre stretch in Wonder Valley, about a 20-minute drive from the east entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. You'll have prime views of the sunrise and sunset from both the MoonCatcher and StarGazer air-conditioned domes, which also feature gas fire pits in the outdoor dining area, if you want to relax with campfire chats while roasting marshmallows after dinner.

Things to Do: Follow the footsteps of the many artists who have looked to the Mojave Desert for inspiration on a naturalist-led hike discovering Joshua Tree's flora, fauna, geology, and history, or explore Palm Springs and Indian Canyons on a half-day cycling tour.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Restoration Ranch and Retreat, Yosemite

Overlooking Deadwood Mountain, this rustic-chic retreat is a notch up from pitching a tent yourself, with a cabin showing panoramic shots of the Sierra Nevada mountain range—plus plenty of wildlife sightings of deer, owls, and wild turkeys come sunset. An affordable, pet-friendly option for couples, you'll be just an hour away from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park, if you're planning a hiking trip. Even though this property comes with a cabin and necessities like a power bank and tiny fridge, you can also roll up in an RV or bring your own tent, if you really want to embrace the whole outdoors thing.

Things to Do: Get your bearings in Yosemite National Park with a small-group guided tour of the valley and Tuolumne Grove's massive sequoia trees or embark on a guided trail hike designed to suit your skill level.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Safari West, Santa Rosa

Go glamping on your honeymoon at Safari West in Santa Rosa
Photo: Safari West

With a nickname like the Sonoma Serengeti, you know you're in for a real treat. Throw a themed Out of Africa bachelorette party taking over the 30 tents imported from Botswana that have been customized to feel perfectly at home here in California's wine country. You're not going to have to rough it too much, since tents are propped on polished hardwood floors and have their own bathrooms. There's also the option for a secluded two-bedroom cottage, if you prefer to be all together for an experience that's like a grown-up version of sleepaway camp.

Things to Do: Sip your way through Sonoma on a guided Winos & Rhinos or Brews & Buffalo safari sampling reds, whites, and craft beers while wildlife spotting on a private safari.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Vintage Glamping Travel Trailer, Chatsworth

Rise and shine in this vintage 1950s Airstream perched cliffside overlooking West San Fernando Valley, not far from Los Angeles. While you and your other half will have plenty of room in the cozy trailer with its bohemian-meet-mid-century modern design, the real draw here is outdoor living in the form of a clifftop patio perfect for sunset drinks or morning meditation and yoga. There's even a shaded gazebo with a canopied bed, so you can sleep together al fresco in the late spring and summer months.

Things to Do: Hike the many desert trails, go rock climbing at Stoney Point, or explore historic Chatsworth and landmarks like the Garden of the Gods, where western films were once shot.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

The Trailer Pond, Paso Robles

The Trailer Pond for the best glamping spot
Photo: The Trailer Pond

Experience a different side of wine country sleeping on the 130-acre Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery in Paso Robles's Adelaida District (known for its spectacular Rhône and Bordeaux blends). Five Tinker Tin vintage trailers skirt the bank of the pond, each outfitted with cozy down comforters, mini fridges, and a coffee maker with local organic coffee. Perfect for bachelorette parties (these boutique Airstream-style trailers are great solo or shared with a friend), wake up in wine country with a cup of morning brew and sweeping views of the vines before a day of hiking and wine tasting.

Things to Do: A true camping experience, The Trailer Pond has everything you need to grill or roast over an open fire, but you'll also find plenty of farm-to-table meals and local restaurants nearby.

4.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Mineral Spring Date Farm, Desert Hot Springs

Located less than 20 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs (a great spot for a bachelor party) and about an hour from Joshua Tree National Park, these glamping tents come with a very nice twist: private soaking tubs fed by the 20-acre date palm nursery's own mineral springs. A mix of more traditional tents and bell tents, this pet-friendly spot is both romantic and great for groups (at just $95, it's one of the more budget-friendly bachelorette party options), with plenty of natural attractions surrounding the comfort of your spruced-up tent.

Things to Do: Take a dip in the onsite mineral pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, go biking or hiking, get an adrenaline rush off-roading, or set off on a romantic horseback ride.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

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