The holidays! What a wonderful or terrible time, depending on with whom you choose (or are forced) to spend them.
We’re sure many of you will be using COVID as an excuse to avoid these gatherings altogether, and we can’t say we’d blame you. Still others will be looking for an excuse to get away and meet up with long lost friends or family in a location that is not where they’ve been spending the last six months.
If you’re among the latter, now is the time to book your ideal holiday escape — rentals have been a hot commodity this year, and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s slots are filling up fast. Below, we’ve put together a list of some of the swankiest Airbnb pads in driving distance from L.A., whether it’s for a couple who just wants to have a quiet romantic getaway or families going the full Cheaper by the Dozen route. It’s all in there, from a wine country bungalow to a desert palace primed for your next vision quest with grandpa.
Wine Country Bungalow (Paso Robles)
Sleeps: 2-4
What You’re Getting: A wood-filled two bedroom with a sizable porch to sit on while you watch the world go by and sip some killer cabs from all the wine clubs you just joined. It’s also walkable from downtown should you be interested.
Where You’re Going: An underrated wine region in California that doesn’t have the notoriety of Sonoma or Napa but still features some heavy hitters. And if you need a break from wine, the Firestone Walker brewery is right down the road as well. Either way, it’s a great drinking destination.
Four Seasons Cabin (Big Bear Lake)
Sleeps: 5
What You’re Getting: A small and cozy cabin befitting the mountain lake vibes of Big Bear. Plus a gazebo-enshrined hot-tub and easy access to the marina. And guests get deals on nearby skiing. No relation to the Four Seasons Hotel chain, it’s just, as the owners say, great for all four seasons.
Where You’re Going: While you’ll be right on the lake, you would be wise to bring your ski gear to hit the slopes at Big Bear Mountain ski resort. Other than that, you’re getting some majorly cozy holiday vibes that are not easy to come by in Southern California.
Four Bedroom Desert Oasis (Palm Springs)
Sleeps: 8
What You’re Getting: A four-bedroom private home and yard featuring both a pool and jacuzzi. Spend the sunny winter afternoons playing the abundance of lawn games they have on property or take the provided bicycles out for a spin around town.
Where You’re Going: Palm Springs. You know all about the finely manicured desert lawns and mid-century architecture that await. Bring your golf clubs.
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Nature Lover’s 3k Square Foot Home (Joshua Tree; Pictured at top)
Sleeps: 10
What You’re Getting: A five-bedroom pad in the desert with just about all the amenities you could want: A telescope for the otherworldly stars in the desert, a pool (table) hanging out, a pool (wader) for cooling off, a yoga room in case that’s your thing. All bedrooms feature queen or larger mattresses and there are multiple air mattresses in case you need more room. Plus it’s one of the closest rentals you get without actually being in the park.
Where You’re Going: Welcome to the high desert. Joshua Tree is one of the most unique landscapes in all of California thanks to the wild flora you can find there. In the winter months the heat should be bearable, so bring your hiking boots and hit all of the trails the park has to offer.
Three Rivers Nature Lodge (Three Rivers)
Sleeps: 10
What You’re Getting: A five-bedroom home that is for all intents and purposes a real life nature lodge. It features five bedrooms, a 14’ oak dining table, miles of nicely manicured hiking trails and multiple verandas. If you’re an outdoorsy group, this is a good choice.
Where You’re Going: Three Rivers is considered the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. You’re not far here from the famous General Sherman tree, so make sure to do a little tourism during the stay.
Spanish Oceanside Villa (Mission Beach)
Sleeps: 16
What You’re Getting: A unique Spanish-style villa of a beach house. It’s also on Mission Beach, which gives you access to both the ocean and the bay, each only about a block from the house. This villa is also great for a family with kids, as there are multiple beds in some rooms.
Where You’re Going: One of the more chill beaches in San Diego, thanks to the fact that it’s located on a two-lane stretch of land. You have the city in your backyard and some rowdy beaches should you need them..
Multi Building Luxury Estate (Lake Havasu City, AZ)
Sleeps: 16+
What You’re Getting: A rather ridiculous house — in the best way possible — with major desert ranch vibes. It features two casitas as prime places to stash the kids come nighttime so that you and the fellow parents can stay up drinking like the old days. Plus a pool, above-ground spa, pool table and more.
Where You’re Going: The home of the London Bridge! Seriously, this is where it is now. Otherwise a water sport and fishing mecca. Get ready to spend plenty of time on the man-made lake.
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