Comfortable Wilderness Retreats Near OC
Enjoying the wilderness doesn't always have to mean sleeping on the ground and eating beans out of a can. After a day in the great outdoors, it's natural to want to get clean and relax in comfort. With home-like amenities and a few luxurious extras, these cabins and hotels make it possible to appreciate nature and still have a relaxing vacation.
Big Bear Cool Cabins
40375 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(800) 550-8779
www.bigbearcoolcabins.com
Enjoy panoramic vistas of Big Bear Lake in a comfortable lakefront cabin with highly-rated Big Bear Cool Cabins. With one-bedroom cabins all the way up to five-bedroom suites, you can appreciate nature with all the comforts of home. Cool Cabins' lodges are sheltered in the woods or near the peaceful lakeside, allowing you to get away from the fast-paced city life without losing the luxury of a fireplace, washer and dryer, dishwasher and Internet capabilities. Appreciate nature in style at Big Bear Cool Cabins.
Topanga Canyon Inn Bed and Breakfast
20310 Callon Drive
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 600-1325
www.topangacanyoninn.com
Situated right on top of Topanga State Park, the Topanga Canyon Inn provides immediate accessibility to 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. The atmosphere at Topanga Canyon Inn is very friendly and social, where everyone gets together for breakfast and meets other guests in a family-style setting. Outside the inn, the call of the wild can be heard, with 300 geocaches within walking distance and a high-end bike shop down the street that provides guided tours on weekends. For a comfortable and friendly wilderness experience that allows you to clean up at the end of the day, the Topanga Canyon Inn can't be beat.
Sleepy Hollow Cabins And Hotel
24033 Lake Drive
Crestline, CA 92325
(909) 338-2718
www.theplacetorelax.com
With year-round hiking, biking and fishing, and located less than a block from Lake Gregory Regional Park, Sleepy Hollow Cabins and Hotel is the perfect place for a relaxing nature retreat. The cabins at Sleepy Hollow come fully equipped with cookware, toiletries and linens – all you have to bring is the food. Wake up refreshed and enjoy all that Lake Gregory has to offer like kayaks, bicycle boats, row boats and a three-mile fitness trail around the lake with exercise stations along the path. The second Saturday of every month, fishing derbies are held on the lake, with prizes up to $1,000. Then, when the day is done, relax at Sleepy Hollow's swimming pool and hot tub. There's no better way to comfortably enjoy the gorgeous Lake Gregory scenery than with a weekend at Sleepy Hollow Cabins.
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Idyllwild Inn
54300 Village Center Road
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(888) 659-2552
www.idyllwildinn.com
The Idyllwild Inn is ideally located in the center of Idyllwild, adding comfort and convenience to your nature retreat. Enjoy the spring weather with hiking, rock climbing, fishing or cycling, then clean up in a fully-equipped cabin or standard hotel room before walking to one of the local restaurants. With 20 cabins ranging in size from studio to three bedrooms, each containing a full kitchen and fireplace, you can experience the outdoors in comfort. In addition to nearby restaurants, there is a grocery store, post office and art gallery within walking distance of the inn. This spring, the Idyllwild Inn is the perfect place to stay for the Idyllwild Spring Challenge in May, or plan a summer visit to the inn for the Lemon Lily Festival in June.
Marina Resort
40770 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(800) 600-6000
www.marinaresort.com
A stunning sunset view over Big Bear Lake might be one of the most beautiful sights to see while staying at the Marina Resort. With spacious lakeside condos, wild nature and comfort come together for a relaxing outdoor experience. Located right next to Big Bear Lake Village, all the local shops are immediately accessible. Rent a kayak at the Pleasure Point Marina or a bike at Bear Valley Bikes, and when all your activities are done, wash up and relax on your lakeside balcony or next to the fireplace in the Master or Balcony suite. The Master Suite even has its own in-room jacuzzi. This might be the most luxurious "camping" trip you'll ever take.
Related: Ask The Expert: Best Spring Break Staycations In OC
David McDonald is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
