Put in Those Vacation Requests Now: These Gorgeous California Escapes Are Calling Your Name

Just ten minutes outside of the park, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom 1949 hacienda is desert decor at its finest. Kids will get a kick out of the two hanging chairs by the fireplace and a bonus hammock room, while you and your honey will appreciate stargazing from the hot tub after the little ones go to bed.

It had us at private beach. Situated right on the famously exclusive Old Malibu Road, this place is all about location, location, location. Incredible ocean views, long walks by the water and the sound of crashing waves to lull you to sleep—this is the ultimate spot for some serious R&R.

Perched atop Refugio Mountain with views of Santa Barbara’s Channel Islands, this unique retreat on 20 acres of secluded oceanfront land is big enough for a family or two couples. A full kitchen and outdoor grill are perfect for preparing home-cooked meals. Plan to pick up groceries on the way in—because once you’re settled you won’t want to leave. Did we mention the hammocks on the wraparound porch?

Mid-century modern meets rustic with subtle Moroccan touches in this thoughtfully decorated Spanish Revival-style bungalow with terra-cotta floors and arched doorways. Sunlight streams through a skylight in the upstairs living room, and a balcony in the master overlooks a lush private garden. You’ll feel so at home that you won’t want to leave, but if you do, shopping on Abbot Kinney is just a ten-minute walk and the beach is only a mile away.

Tahoe has finally seen some snow, so now’s the time to go for one last dose of wintertime fun. This South Lake listing—a quick five-minute drive to Heavenly ski resort—has quintessential cozy cabin written all over it. From the mountain-chic decor to the indoor wood-burning fireplace to the outdoor fire pit, hot tub and backyard swing made from a repurposed ski-lift chair, this is the perfect way to experience Tahoe over a long weekend.

OK, Redding might not top your list of vacation destinations, but hear us out. If your family is the outdoorsy type, this is the ideal base camp for day trips to Mount Shasta, Trinity Alps, Whiskeytown Lake and the Sacramento River Trail. And this incredible home makes the long drive north totally worth the trip. Open floor plan, two sets of bunk beds, an expansive deck, walls of windows and huge gorgeous bathrooms—you’ll wish you could call this place home for more than a few days.

Start dreaming of poolside barbecues. This three-bedroom, three bathroom house with a pool, Jacuzzi and gas grill in the heart of Palm Springs is tailor-made for groups looking for a hot desert getaway. San Franciscans will appreciate high-tech touches like Nest and Roku. And if you’ve never slept on a Westin Heavenly mattress, you’re in for a treat.

Experience the twinkle of Tinseltown at this hidden gem just a few blocks from Hollywood and Vine. The 1920s Spanish bungalows in this neighborhood boast some serious red-carpet cred—they used to house MGM artists like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. It’s also within walking distance to the super-cool Cahuenga Corridor known for shops, restaurants and clubs. And because so much is walkable, you can skip the car rental and avoid the L.A. traffic. Bonus: The host is even open to pets if you coordinate ahead of time.

It doesn’t get much more adorable than this—a quaint cottage with a wood-burning fireplace and a patio located on a two-acre rose farm in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Inside you’ll find a basket and garden shears for gathering freshly cut flowers. You’ll also have full access to fruit, veggies and herbs from the on-site garden for truly farm-to-table picnics and dinners under an Instagram-worthy open-beamed pavilion. And should you fancy a wander, Folktale Winery is just next door.

There’s no need to leave the city to escape the buzz of everyday life when you can play house in a private loft in the Mission. Sip coffee from the roof deck of this gorgeous Victorian right off Dolores Park and then shake off the city’s damp chill in front of the gas fireplace inside. If you’re a sucker for design, you’ll love this space’s gilded wallpaper, platform bed, faux-fur pillows and thoroughly modern spa bathroom.