TRAVEL

Home Sweet Homes

5 Rad Rentals

BY SUZIE DUNDAS

If you’re in the mood for a little R&R, consider a staycation in our own backyard. Thanks to the amazing geography of Northern California (and the creativity of a few designers and decorators!) there are plenty of unique rentals available within a three-hour drive of the Sacramento area. Here are a few of our favorites for every kind of traveler.

FOR FIRST-TIME GLAMPERS

Give glamping a try in the poshest way possible with this luxurious “tent” near Cobb, just north of Santa Rosa. Located in a wooded campground, the fully furnished safari tent is near several popular hiking areas and includes a comfortable queen-sized bed, WiFi, electricity, and a large patio with cushy chairs. During the warmer months, the campground includes an outdoor pool and has plenty of small clearings perfect for relaxing in a hammock or fitting in some morning yoga among the trees.

PRICE: $149/night + $83 cleaning fee SLEEPS:

DISTANCE FROM SACRAMENTO:

2 hours, 15 minutes RENT IT: glampinghub.com; search “Creekside Furnished Tent with Exquisite Views of Cobb Mountain in California” FOR EXTENDED FAMILIES

The coast is calling you to this three-bedroom home in Santa Cruz that sits less than 100 feet from the beach. Nearly all living spaces look out onto Monterey Bay, and there’s plenty of room for a big group to socialize, as there’s not one but three living spaces: a top-floor sundeck, an ocean-view garden space with a fire pit, and a second-floor heated deck with an outdoor kitchen. Within walking distance are plenty of rental shops, restaurants, and coffee joints, and the interior is decorated with light, modern coastal accents. When you want to leave town, you’re just a short drive from the redwoods or Santa Cruz’s robust wine country. Sure, the price tag is a little steep, but since it sleeps eight adults plus children, it’s pretty reasonable when you split the bill.

PRICE: $1,436/night + $429 cleaning fee SLEEPS:

DISTANCE FROM SACRAMENTO: 2 hours, 40 minutes RENT IT: airbnb.com/rooms/30895958

FOR SMALL-TOWN LOVERS

Escape Sac for the weekend and head north to Shasta Lake, where you’ll find a charming little A-frame known as the Treehouse. It has lake views and is equidistant between Mount Shasta to the north and Lassen National Park to the east. The two-bedroom rental is perched on a deck in the woods, so cell service and WiFi are limited. Reviewers say it’s a great place for wildlife spotting, bird watching, hiking, and yoga, but the cabin is cozy enough that you might opt to simply stay in and take it easy next to the woodburning stove.

PRICE: $156/night + $100 cleaning fee SLEEPS: DISTANCE FROM SACRAMENTO: 2 hours, 30 minutes RENT IT: airbnb.com/rooms/24720030

EDITOR’S NOTE: Before venturing out, please read the California Resposible Travel Code (visitcalifornia.com/experience/how-travelresponsibly-california) and familiarize yourself with local guidelines and regulations in your destination. Rental prices are subject to change.

Stay at the “Studio at Surfers Outlook” and hit the waves north of SF this fall. The airy (and nautical!) studio has sweeping views of Bolinas Bay and is so close that you can hear the waves when lying in bed. There’s a wraparound deck on the ocean-facing sides and more than a few surfboard and kayak rental shops in the small community of Stinson Beach. Not a surfer? Not a problem. Hiking and whale-watching are just 25 minutes away in Point Reyes, and Marin County is overflowing with parks, artisan boutiques and restaurants, and farmers’ and organic markets.

PRICE: $204/night + $150 cleaning fee SLEEPS:

DISTANCE FROM SACRAMENTO:

2 hours RENT IT: airbnb.com/ rooms/9844066

FOR COUPLES

Reconnect with each other in this whimsical treehouse—and we do mean whimsical. From the hanging walkway to access the home to the twinkling fairy lights outlining the structure, this is the perfect romantic hideaway for a weekend in the redwoods. Inside, a natural green and earthy color scheme helps continue the FernGully feeling, while the private outdoor hot tub is the perfect place to relax while spotting shooting stars.

PRICE: $197/night + $66 cleaning fee SLEEPS:/ (2 in sleeping bags)

DISTANCE FROM SACRAMENTO:

3 hours RENT IT: glampinghub.com; search “Glamping Tree House in Santa Cruz Mountains near Monterey Bay, California”