Fun and Free Things to Do in San Francisco
If you're looking for something fun to do, there are plenty of fun and free things to do in San Francisco, use our guide to help make plans.
Combine style and comfort at one of these seaside accommodations and get a taste of the good life while glamping on the California coast.
Looking to unwind by the coast? Pack your bags and head over to one of the Golden State’s epic glamping spots. Experience a luxurious staycation under the stellar night sky with waves lapping at your feet, the smell of fresh bonfires in the air, and warm sands hugging you at night as you go glamping on the California coast.
Perfect for when you want to spend time in nature but can’t be bothered to pitch a tent and pack a sleeping bag, seaside glamping in California is an experience you can’t miss.
Combine style and comfort at one of these seaside accommodations and get a taste of the good life while glamping on the California coast. From yurts and cabins to treehouses and tents, these coastal destinations are nothing short of spectacular.
Location: 2001 Rossi Road, Pescadero
Who would say no to a campground with a day spa? Costanoa is a coastal California eco-adventure resort where guests can escape everyday life and enjoy the slower pace of nature. Here, you'll find no boundaries between nature and the Costanoa base camp. Visitors engage in activities like biking through redwoods and taking strolls on the beach, which brim with tide pools. It won’t be too long before you head back to your fully outfitted safari-tent bungalow to relax and unwind.
Roughly an hour-and-a-half-drive from San Francisco, this glamping spot on the Northern California coast is the ultimate vacation you so desperately crave.
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Location: 9601 Highway 1, Mendocino
Mendocino Grove has solidified its reputation as one of the best Northern California glamping spots for a coastal getaway. This luxury glamping destination has 60 tents furnished with comfy beds—you’ll have fire grills, picnic tables, and a private little wooden deck all to yourself.
Not only is this glamping spot on the Mendocino coast a quick drive away from top-notch beaches, but it’s also within walking distance of the Big River, where you’ll have the best canoeing adventures.
Location: 71895 Highway 1, Big Sur
Big Sur is practically synonymous with glamping on the Central Coast in California, and boy, do we have good spots for you! Treebones Resort is a family-owned destination for good reason. Boasting unique human nests, a 500-square-foot solar-powered tent, and excellent yurt camping on the California coast, this sustainable glamping spot is in tune with nature without compromising comfort.
The meals served at Treebones Resort are organic and garden-to-table. All leftovers are fed to resident animals, transportation is zero-emission, and everything else is either recycled or composted. But this doesn’t mean that this coastal escape lacks in luxury. You’ll also find swanky touches such as queen-sized beds, wooden art installations, and sunset vantage points at this glamping spot on the California Coast.
Location: 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur
Ventana Big Sur is so luxurious that some might say it’s a full-fledged resort. While you can stay in hotel-like rooms at Ventana, those looking for a more nature-filled adventure have the option of choosing the glamping spot’s tent cabins. Depending on how rustic you want your experience to be, you’ll also find options like suites, guest houses, and cabins available for booking on the website.
There’s a lot to be enjoyed at Ventana Big Sur. Take part in morning yoga classes, go on guided hikes around the property, and participate in tailored workshops or activities such as falconry and meditation while glamping on the California Coast.
Location: 47080 Highway 1, Big Sur
The rustic-modern atmosphere of Glen Oaks Big Sur enchants visitors instantaneously. Featuring unique cabins, cottages, and houses, this glamping spot on California’s Central Coast is easy to love.
Upon settling into your room, you’ll realize that every aspect of this glamping destination has been created with the ultimate guest experience and historic landscape in mind. If you don’t want to leave the premises throughout your stay, you have nothing to worry about—you’ll definitely find everything you need to enjoy all weekend long.
Location: Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu Creek State Park
The Malibu Glamping Lotus Belle tents are a more low-key option. You have the option of choosing between two beautiful tents, both located within walking distance of some of Malibu’s best (but lesser-known) beaches.
The tents feature cozy beds and a stylish setting amongst nature, along with amenities such as a hot outdoor shower, clean bathroom, barbecue deck, hammock zone, and more. In other words, if you crave a secluded seaside getaway where you don’t need to pack anything other than a swimsuit, this is the spot for you. Enjoy glamping on the Southern California coast in its full glory.
Location: 9999 Jalama Road, Lompoc
Three large and four medium cabins are perched upon a hill in Santa Barbara with breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast, and you have the chance to book one of them for a glamping getaway on the Southern California coast. The Jalama Beach cabins are perfect for those who like having top-notch amenities while camping but can’t quite get used to the “glam” of it all.
You’ll be within close proximity to the beach and have a comfortable yet simple camping experience without driving too far off or splurging to do so.
Location: 11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara
Another awesome Santa Barbara location is El Capitan Canyon. An OG in the world of coastal glamping, El Capitan boasts great amenities and proximity to the beach—these have been drawing campers and glampers for a long while now. Walk, bike, or drive to the sandy beaches, and enjoy whale watching, kayaking, and surfing while staying at this epic SoCal glamping spot.
As for choices of accommodation, you can keep it classic with canvas tents, go for cedar cabins with bathrooms and kitchenettes, or opt for an adventure yurt with a domed skylight—you get to marvel at the SoCal night sky while glamping on the California coast.
If you're looking for something fun to do, there are plenty of fun and free things to do in San Francisco, use our guide to help make plans.
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