Santa Cruz

Condé Nast TravelerJan 27

41 Best Airbnbs in California, Whether You're Headed to Yosemite or LA

Top spots to stay for seaside getaways, wine country weekends, and national park trips.

24 hotels in this story

Breezy cottage in Santa CruzHotelCoastal chic interiors, sunny garden courtyard
Elsewhere
Four-bedroom home near DisneylandHotelAnaheim, United StatesFamily-friendly with saltwater pool and game room
Modern outpost amidst ancient rock spiresHotelJoshua Tree, United StatesDog-friendly stay with desert views
Catalina Island villa with Santorini vibesHotelAvalon, United StatesOcean views from cliffside condo
Hidden gem in Sonoma for 10HotelSonoma, United StatesPrivate pool and hot tub
Loft in Little ItalyHotelSan Diego, United StatesIndustrial decor, 20-foot ceilings, private patio
Refurbished 1920s beach cottageHotelOceanside, United StatesModern finishes with retro touches, front porch
High-design desert dwellingHotelJoshua Tree, United StatesSleek, state-of-the-art, hot tub with stargazing
Three-bedroom home near Joshua TreeHotelJoshua Tree, United StatesHot tub, outdoor shower, walking distance to downtown
Pool with all the bells and whistlesHotelPalm Springs, United StatesResort-style lounge chairs, outdoor daybed, covered patio
Family-friendly four-bedroom homeHotelOrange County, United StatesStylish solution for theme park trifecta
Airy, light-filled bungalowHotelVenice Beach, United StatesNear Venice Beach shops and eateries, expansive front patio
Downtown LA AirbnbHotelLos Angeles, United StatesWalking distance to The Broad, Grand Central Market
Restored vintage lodgeHotelTopanga, United StatesStudio space near Topanga State Park
Stylized A-frameHotelLake Arrowhead, United StatesMidcentury-modern trappings, adults-only spot
Snug, smartly designed cottageHotelSan Luis Obispo, United StatesCreekside hideaway near downtown San Luis Obispo
Whitewashed cliffside condoHotelAvalon, United StatesGlorious vistas overlooking Catalina's azure coastline
Restored 1974 AirstreamHotelCarpinteria, United StatesGlamping done right with full amenities
Reimagined 1948 cabinHotelSequoia National Park, United StatesMeditative retreat near Sequoia National Park
Chalet near YosemiteHotelGroveland, United StatesSoothing space with fireplaces, hot tub, stargazing
Ranch-style prefab homeHotelLone Pine, United StatesModern settlement near Mount Whitney and Alabama Hills
Vibrant coastal cottageHotelCayucos, United StatesAlluring indoor/outdoor living spaces, two-minute stroll to beach
One-bedroom bungalow in SeasideHotelSeaside, United StatesBright, stylish base for exploring Monterey and Carmel
Modern white-and-wood homeHotelBonita, United States

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

National GeographicNov 28, 2025

These 6 holiday train rides are the best ways to experience small-town America

From West Virginia to California, passengers board classic train carriages decked out in lights and garland, offering a unique way to celebrate the holiday season. Christmas at Cass is held each ...

6 things in this story

Roaring Camp Railroads's Chanukah TrainPlaceholiday journey with menorah lighting, dreidel, and kosher latkes
Elsewhere
Verde Canyon RailroadPlaceClarkdale, United StatesMagical Christmas Journey with Flurry the Christmas Eagle
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine RailroadPlaceFish Camp, United Statesoffers a brand-new Holiday Magic Train seasonal route outside Yosemite
Tennessee Valley Railroad MuseumPlaceDelano, United StatesHiwassee Holiday Train travels along the Hiwassee River Gorge
Niles Canyon RailwayMuseumNiles, United StatesTrain of Lights offers a round-trip journey through Niles Canyon
Cass Scenic RailroadPlaceCass, United StatesChristmas at Cass experience with a steam engine and Santa

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

From California to Scotland, These 8 Beaches Are Raising the Bar for Accessibility

41 Best Airbnbs in California, Whether You're Headed to Yosemite or LA

These 6 holiday train rides are the best ways to experience small-town America