Unique Places to Travel in California

Samantha Alcala

Published on 9/25/19 - Travel

Although school just began, it’s never too late to go on a small road trip or start planning an epic spring break. If you are clueless on where to go, I would advise you not to look up “where to go during spring break in California" because Google will just tell you the most common and crowded places you can find, and worst of all, you’ve probably already been there. Not so exciting, is it? But look no further because there are options I guaranteed you’ve never even thought about, from the great outdoors to a wacky inn, here are some unique places to travel.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls

One of my all time favorite places to visit is Yosemite National Park. You can visit Yosemite a million times and never get bored with the sights hidden inside the valley. It is one of the many national parks in California and is known for its stunning waterfalls and giant granite walls. Yosemite was founded in 1890 and from there, skyrocketed into one of America's favorite parks. The best things to do in Yosemite is hiking and exploring the many waterfalls. The most popular are Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Falls, and the famous Horsetail Fall. Although there's a risk it being overcrowded, if you choose the right time of year to visit (May and September), you'll enjoy your time.

Now I know you’re thinking, “What if I don’t enjoy sleeping outside where there are insects and wild animals?" Well there’s just a place for you, because in the heart of Yosemite Valley is a beautiful place called Half Dome Village, named accordingly because of the close proximity to Half Dome, were you can find quaint little canvas tents that have charging ports, heaters, and sleeping cots. It’s reasonably priced, starting at eighty-four dollars at night, and with these amenities nearby you are sure to have a great time hiking along trails and finding beautiful areas of the park

Vintage Trailer Hotel

Vintage Trailer Hotel

In Ventura, California, Waypoint Vintage Trailer Hotel is a unique experience where old RVs are converted into modern luxury. The best part of this trailer hotel is that it’s located only five minutes from the beach, and no not by car, but walking distance away. Inside this hotel, there are 17 restored RVs designed to make your stay feel like hotel life. Each RV has its very own style and name, such as “The Palace” an RV designed with its own personal shower on the deck. Or maybe try “Alice in Wonderland,” one with pink accents and a very modern look.

Placed in Ventura, Waypoint is near downtown, where you can have fun with art galleries, antique shops, and cafes. And with the beach, you’ll never get bored with Ventura. At night, Waypoint also has fire pits for roasting marshmallows and hanging out with the residents staying around you. Even if you visit for one night or three, Waypoint and the city of Ventura has a great vibe to make your stay perfect.

The Madonna Inn

Dining room at the Madonna Inn

Now, here is the most unique place that you’ll see in California. Located three hours from Los Angeles, The Madonna Inn is a special hotel that feels like a fairytale. In San Luis Obispo, the Madonna Inn was opened in 1958 by motel owners Alex and Phyllis Madonna and had only 12 rooms available. But then as time went on, it expanded into 110 rooms, all uniquely designed. These rooms aren’t just all different colors and designs but themes, ranging from a Carousel to one called Daisy Mae, with walls made out of rocks.

If you don’t like relaxing by the pool, the Madonna Hotel is located in San Luis Obispo where you can find many fun things to discover. During the day, check out Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a Spanish mission founded in 1772. After, place your own piece of gum in Bubblegum Alley, where many passersby have put their own. In the evening, see a movie at the Sunset Drive-In theater. After a day full of activities, go back to the hotel and dream of your bizzare room, there are the Madonna Inn.

These three iconic places are sure to make you feel as if summer had just started. The allure of Yosemite National Park will have you feeling small against its towering walls, Waypoints Vintage Trailer Hotel is sure to help make your experience feel retro, and the Madonna Inn will have you making memories forever. There's always new and unique places to discover and the best part about them is that they're all here in California!