The best places to go glamping in California

Glamping is a combination of the words “glamorous” and “camping.” It blends camping’s adventurous spirit with the modern comforts of a hotel. Think trading in your sleeping bag and freeze-dried dinner for a plush mattress and a gourmet meal—all while remaining immersed in the natural beauty of the outdoors. 

If you’re planning a glamping getaway, look no further than California. Whether you’re looking for a coastal escape, a desert retreat or a beach adventure, there’s a glamping spot in California that’s just right for you. 

What you’ll learn: 

• Glamping offers a way to enjoy an outdoor vacation without sacrificing comforts like a bed, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. 

• Plan a glamping trip in one of Northern California’s national parks or redwood forests or explore Southern California’s deserts and beaches. 

• There are glamping experiences that are specifically catered to luxury tastes or to families with kids. 

• Eligible Capital One cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

California’s diverse landscape offers a range of incredible glamping experiences. Here are a few types of California glamping to explore. 

Northern California is home to national parks, stunning forests and world-class vineyards. Book an airstream trailer, yurt or cabin, and spend your days marveling at towering redwoods, hiking the trails at Yosemite National Park, or wine tasting your way through Napa Valley or Sonoma County. 

For a one-of-a-kind desert glamping experience, consider booking a luxury tent in Southern California. Destinations like Joshua Tree National Park are ideal for stargazing, rock climbing and panoramic desert views. Or head to the coast and go glamping on the beach so you can wake up to the soothing sound of ocean waves. There are even glamping sites a short drive outside Los Angeles if you want to spend some time exploring a big city.

If you want to elevate your vacation and emphasize the “glam” part of glamping, consider booking a luxury California glamping experience. Every glamping site is different, but high-end glamping retreats may offer things like: 

• Private bathrooms and showers 

• Pools and hot tubs 

• Private kitchens 

• Air conditioning 

• On-site dining 

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Events like yoga classes and wine tastings

Glamping can be the perfect vacation for families with kids. You can enjoy the best parts of camping—exploring the outdoors, making s’mores over a fire pit and unplugging from your phones—while still sleeping in a comfortable bed at night. Some glamping sites in California are also dog friendly, so you may be able to bring your four-legged family members along too.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip to California: 

• Reserve early. Popular glamping spots can fill months in advance. It’s a good idea to book your spot well ahead of time, especially if you’re planning a trip during peak tourist season.

• Check the amenities. Every glamping site is different. Some may have high-speed Wi-Fi, for example. Others may not have internet access for a more off-the-grid experience. Make sure you know what to expect and what’s included with your reservation so you can prepare accordingly. 

• Research the area. Set aside some time to look into the part of California you plan to visit. That way, you can have things like hikes, day trips and sightseeing adventures planned ahead of time.

• Book with Capital One Travel. Eligible Capital One cardholders can book flights, hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars with Capital One Travel. Capital One Travel helps track flight prices, predict when it’s the right time to book and can also help you save an average of 15%. Booking a trip through Capital One Travel also lets eligible cardholders earn elevated rewards.

Glamping can be a great way to enjoy the majestic outdoors without sacrificing comfort. And California offers a ton of different landscapes to explore, from redwood forests to deserts and beaches.

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable.

• Explore travel rewards cards with unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus when you spend $4,000 in the first three months after account opening and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus when you spend $4,000 within three months of opening with the Venture card.

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