A multitude of adventures in the mountains, in the desert or in the waves.
For us, a road trip to California is always our favorite, and we try to get there every winter with the aim of unwinding, enjoying the van and catching as many waves as possible. Here are three out-of-the-ordinary places to stay.
After the big year we’ve had, and our well-known passion for small cabins, we wanted to make a slight change and get a little inspiration from the alternative accommodation California has to offer. What’s more, Julien’s mother was joining us for the last week of the trip, so we wanted to spoil her a little. We used Hipcamp to identify three incredible places on our itinerary that allowed us to take a little break from the van. Cleaning, laundry and reorganization, not a bad thing after 1 month on the road! We discovered quiet spots far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. These three destinations transported us into unique atmospheres.
1. Caravan Outpost – Ojai
First stop, the picturesque town of Ojai, a little paradise nestled in the valley of the same name. Renowned for its natural beauty, artistic and spiritual ambience, Ojai invites you to slow down. Caravan Outpost is the perfect place to anchor yourself in this magical environment. This charming place offers luxury Airstreams, converted mobile homes. They offer both comfort and immersion in nature. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking mountain views and quiet evenings under starry skies, perfect for meditation or playing guitar around the fire. Ojai is also a place to explore local art galleries, relax in the spas, or hike the many surrounding trails.
2. Blue Sky Center – Cuyama Valley
After enjoying the tranquility of Ojai, our second stop is the Blue Sky Center, located in the Cuyama Valley, an ideal distance for a break. This little-visited valley, still untouched by mass tourism, offers a wild and isolated setting, perfect for recharging your batteries and feeling like you’re in the middle of the desert. The Blue Sky Center is a community space dedicated to sustainability and creativity, with a variety of accommodation options including the “huts” we were lucky enough to try out. Being digital nomads on the road, their perfectly set-up telecommuting nook came in very handy and we were able to catch up on our emails. You can discover desert landscapes and majestic mountains. The simplicity of the location, the absence of crowds and the collaborative spirit that reigns here make it a true haven of peace.
3. Sequoia Secluded Escape – Three Rivers
The final stage of your adventure takes you to the heart of the giants: Sequoia Secluded Escape, in Three Rivers, California. This magical place, nestled at the entrance to Sequoia National Park, immerses you in one of the most impressive forests we’ve ever seen. Here, peace reigns and the pure mountain air is incomparable. The accommodation we found is a perfect blend of seclusion and comfort, a rustic cabin that’s 100% self-contained yet luxurious. What’s more, Three Rivers is an excellent base for exploring the park, where you can admire thousand-year-old trees, go on spectacular hikes or discover the Kaweah River.
Tips for a memorable trip
Plan breaks: The distances between these stops can be long, so allow plenty of time for travel. California’s roads offer splendid views, so enjoy and stop!
Ecological footprint: These destinations are all committed to preserving the environment. Leave no trace, as usual!
Explore the surrounding area: Don’t forget to check out the little local nuggets along the way, to soak up even more of each place’s atmosphere!
We always like to get out of our comfort zone, try new things and discover a destination from a different angle. Whether you’re looking for a night in a van with incredible scenery, an out-of-the-ordinary campsite, a cozy cabin or an epic RV, we suggest you check out Hipcamp. The app offers over 140,000 bookable camping options for every style, whether you are more dog-friendly, solo or small family. Have a great trip!