The Best Vacation Spots in California

California travel rarely fits into a single mold. One week might call for desert silence and star-filled nights; another, ocean air and long dinners overlooking the Pacific. The appeal lies in how quickly the landscape – and the mood – can shift. Within a few hours’ drive, you can trade crowded freeways for open desert, or swap hiking boots for a beachfront terrace.

This guide focuses on places that feel especially rewarding to visit right now. Think design-forward stays in walkable neighborhoods, architectural retreats in wide-open landscapes, and coastal properties where the setting does most of the work.

These are locations that reward slowing down, exploring locally, and choosing a base that’s part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles works best when you approach it as a collection of neighborhoods rather than a single city. That’s what makes it such a strong choice for a California vacation – you can shape the trip around how you want to live for a few days. Early mornings on quiet canyon roads, afternoons by the ocean, evenings centered on food, music, or film culture.

The weather rarely dictates your plans, which opens up everything from winter hiking in Griffith Park to springtime beach walks in Manhattan or Venice. Wander’s Los Angeles properties are spread across well-positioned areas, making it easier to experience the city without constantly battling traffic.

Things to do

• Walk the trails above Griffith Observatory at sunrise

• Explore galleries and cafés in Silver Lake or Los Feliz

• Spend a day along the coast in Santa Monica or Pacific Palisades

• Book a table at a chef-driven restaurant in West Hollywood

• Catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl or a small venue downtown

Travel Tips

• Plan days by neighborhood to minimize driving

• Early mornings are best for outdoor activities

• Parking availability varies widely by area

• Coastal areas stay cooler than inland neighborhoods

Where to stay near Los Angeles

Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in Los Angeles bring you right next to unforgettable skyline and ocean views:

• Wander Los Angeles Summit – A luxurious retreat perched high above the city, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin.

• Wander Sunset Plaza Views – An infinity-edge pool, relaxing spa, Rolls-Royce–licensed home theatre, modern gym, and expansive terraces with panoramic city and canyon views make this the perfect luxury stay.

• Wander Los Angeles Crescent – An exquisite retreat offering sophisticated comfort and entertainment. Enjoy the inviting patio with serene garden views, perfect for unwinding.

Malibu

Malibu feels deliberately removed from the pace of nearby Los Angeles. The coastline stretches out, the roads narrow, and the rhythm slows. It’s a destination built around scenery – cliffs, surf breaks, and long views across the Pacific – with just enough restaurants and shops to keep things easy.

Staying in Malibu allows you to experience the coast outside peak day-trip hours, when the beaches are quieter and the light is softer. Wander’s homes here lean into that sense of privacy, often positioned to take full advantage of ocean views and outdoor living.

Things to do

• Walk the bluffs at Point Dume Natural Preserve

• Spend a low-key afternoon at Zuma or El Matador Beach

• Take a coastal drive toward Leo Carrillo State Park

• Book a sunset dinner overlooking the water

• Explore local wineries tucked into the canyons

Travel tips

• Mornings and late afternoons are the calmest beach hours

• Cell service can be spotty in certain stretches

• Coastal temperatures are cooler year-round

• Weekdays feel noticeably quieter than weekends

Expert tip on visiting Malibu’s coves

Plan beach time around low tide if you want to explore Malibu’s coves and rock formations. El Matador, in particular, reveals entirely different access points when the tide drops, making it feel far less crowded – and far more dramatic.

Where to stay near Malibu

Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in Malibu offer the ultimate escape for paradise lovers:

• Wander Malibu Colony Coastline – A luxury retreat featuring stylish, modern interiors with high-end finishes and expansive windows that showcase stunning ocean views.

• Wander Malibu Horizon – This coastal retreat offers unparalleled luxury and breathtaking ocean views. With a private hot tub that’s perfect after a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool and a regulation-sized pickleball court, this property is perfect for relaxing and entertainment.

• Wander Malibu Breeze – Spend your days lounging by the sparkling outdoor pool, or gather friends and family for an unforgettable barbecue in the dedicated area. This rental also has a soothing hot tub, fireplace, and panoramic views.

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills offers a polished, walkable version of Los Angeles living. Tree-lined streets, manicured gardens, and a strong dining scene give it a sense of calm that contrasts with the busier areas nearby. It’s an ideal base if you want access to the city without feeling immersed in it at all times.

Wander’s Beverly Hills properties often feature private outdoor spaces and quiet residential settings, which make it easy to retreat after busy days exploring museums, shopping districts, or nearby coastal areas.

Things to do

• Walk Rodeo Drive early in the morning

• Visit the galleries and gardens at the Hammer Museum nearby

• Dine along Canon Drive or in adjacent West Hollywood

• Take a scenic drive through the hills above Sunset Boulevard

• Relax with a spa afternoon close to your stay

Travel tips

• Mornings are best for walking and shopping

• Dining reservations fill quickly on weekends

• Many attractions are a short drive away

• Residential areas are quieter at night

Where to stay near Beverly Hills

Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in Beverly Hills combine glamour with elegance and luxury:

• Wander Beverly Hills Sunset – Indulge in the ultimate relaxation with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, followed by a rejuvenating soak in the hot tub as the sun dips below the horizon. Enjoy evenings in the elegant outdoor dining area, where you can savor delicious meals under the stars.

• Wander Beverly Hills Pinnacle – A luxurious retreat offering an unparalleled Beverly Hills experience. Featuring a sparkling outdoor pool and rejuvenating hot tub, this rental is perfect for relaxation after a day exploring the city.

• Wander Beverly Hills Eden – Nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, this property offers an unparalleled escape, with a cozy fireplace perfect for intimate evenings, and an expansive game room, complete with a foosball table.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood blends culture, nightlife, and design into a compact, highly walkable area. It’s a strong choice for travelers who want energy without sprawl – restaurants, music venues, and boutiques are often just a few blocks apart.

Staying here puts you close to Sunset Strip shows, creative dining, and some of LA’s most stylish neighborhoods. Wander homes in West Hollywood tend to emphasize modern design and easy indoor-outdoor living.

Things to do

• Walk Sunset Strip and catch a live show

• Explore contemporary art galleries along La Cienega

• Dine at chef-driven restaurants and low-key bistros

• Visit nearby Melrose for shopping and cafés

• Enjoy rooftop cocktails with city views

Travel tips

• Walking is often faster than driving locally

• Nights are lively, especially on weekends

• Parking can be limited in commercial areas

• Plan evenings in advance for popular venues

Where to stay near West Hollywood

Choose Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in West Hollywood for walkable streets and proximity to iconic local nightlife:

• Wander West Hollywood Escape – Perfect for those seeking a sophisticated retreat in the heart of Los Angeles, this luxury rental seamlessly combines indoor and outdoor living. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation with a rejuvenating soak in the hot tub, while breathtaking city views create a captivating backdrop to your stay.

• Wander West Hollywood Royale – A luxurious retreat designed for both elegance and comfort. Guests can enjoy a sparkling outdoor pool, a tranquil koi pond, and beautifully landscaped grounds.

• Wander West Hollywood Villa – This sophisticated retreat provides an elevated experience for those seeking an unforgettable escape that transcends the ordinary. Beyond the interior, the luxurious hot tub provides a soothing haven to unwind beneath the stars.

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree draws travelers who want space, silence, and a different sense of scale. The national park’s landscapes feel otherworldly, especially in early morning and at dusk, when the desert light shifts dramatically.

Wander’s Joshua Tree properties are designed for exactly this kind of trip – private, architecturally interesting homes that invite long evenings outside and slow mornings inside. Cooler months are ideal, offering comfortable hiking weather and clear night skies.

Things to do

• Hike Hidden Valley or Barker Dam trails

• Watch the sunset from Keys View

• Stargaze far from town lights

• Explore local art installations

• Spend time simply enjoying your property

Travel tips

• Bring layers for cool desert nights

• Stock groceries before heading out

• Sunrise and sunset are peak park hours

• Distances between stops can be deceptive

Expert insight on planning a quiet route in Joshua Tree

Enter the park through the West Entrance early in the morning, then exit through the south near Cottonwood. This route lets you experience changing desert terrain in one loop and avoids mid-day congestion near the main access points.

Where to stay near Joshua Tree

Wander’s luxury vacation rentals in Joshua Tree feature striking desert-modern homes with panoramic windows that immerse you in the landscape:

• Wander Joshua Tree Views – An exclusive desert retreat offering unparalleled luxury and breathtaking vistas. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation with a rejuvenating soak in the private hot tub, taking in the mesmerizing desert views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

• Wander Joshua Tree Sage – A luxurious getaway with a crackling outdoor fireplace, where you can enjoy nights under a canopy of stars. For ultimate relaxation, the luxurious hot tub awaits.

• Wander Joshua Tree Jupiter – An unparalleled escape in the heart of Joshua Tree, active guests will delight in the opportunity to enjoy a friendly game of pickleball, while the sparkling outdoor pool provides a refreshing respite from the desert sun.

Yucca Valley

Yucca Valley sits just outside Joshua Tree National Park, offering similar desert beauty with more space and fewer crowds. It’s a smart alternative if you want proximity to the park without staying directly inside the busiest areas.

Wander homes here tend to be expansive, well-suited for longer stays or small groups looking to settle into the desert rhythm. The town itself is low-key, with local cafés and vintage shops that reward unhurried exploration.

Things to do

• Use it as a base for national park visits

• Explore local desert art spaces

• Drive scenic back roads at golden hour

• Enjoy outdoor dinners under the stars

• Visit nearby Pioneertown

Travel tips

• Evenings cool down quickly

• Dining options are limited late at night

• A car is essential

• Cell service improves closer to town

Where to stay near Yucca Valley

• Wander High Desert Boulders – A luxurious desert retreat offering an unparalleled escape in the heart of the California high desert. With desert views and a refreshing outdoor pool, guests can enjoy the ultimate combination of privacy, comfort, and breathtaking natural beauty.

• Wander Black Desert – Tucked into the boulders of Yucca Valley’s exclusive Rock Reach community, this bold modern retreat features a heated infinity-edge pool and hot tub, floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic desert views, and a fully equipped gourmet kitchen.

• Wander Yucca Valley – A sleek and modern desert retreat offering total privacy just 15 minutes from town. Surrounded by the raw beauty of Yucca Valley, the home features airy, light-filled interiors with stunning panoramic views.

Pioneertown

Pioneertown feels intentionally removed from modern life. Originally built as a Western movie set, it’s now a quiet desert enclave with a strong creative presence. The appeal lies in its atmosphere – wide-open land, simple pleasures, and a sense of place that feels preserved rather than polished.

Wander properties here lean into privacy and landscape, making it easy to disconnect without sacrificing comfort.

Things to do

• Visit Pappy & Harriet’s for live music

• Explore desert trails nearby

• Watch sunrise over open land

• Photograph historic storefronts

• Enjoy long, quiet evenings outdoors

Travel tips

• Dining options are limited – plan ahead

• Nights are especially quiet

• Best visited outside peak summer heat

• Fuel up before arriving

Where to stay near Pioneertown

• Wander Pioneertown Oasis – A historic 1957 mid-century cabin, featured in Elle Decor, set on 5 private acres in Pipes Canyon. With the only original butterfly roof in Pioneertown, this design-forward retreat blends California modernism with Scandinavian-inspired comfort.

• Wander Pioneertown Ranch – Experience the desert in its purest form, where fiery sunsets spill across the horizon, and 360-degree panoramic views stretch endlessly from the expansive wrap-around deck.

• Wander Pioneertown Retreat – A serene high-desert retreat set on 10 private acres, blending rustic charm with modern amenities. The studio-style home features a cozy indoor fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, a pool, and a hot tub.

Temecula

Temecula offers a relaxed take on wine country, featuring rolling hills, expansive views, and a slower pace than its better-known counterparts. The area is well-suited for weekend escapes, offering a perfect combination of vineyard visits and warm-weather outdoor activities.

Wander homes in Temecula often feature generous outdoor spaces, perfect for enjoying meals and relaxing late afternoons by the pool.

Things to do

• Visit local wineries and tasting rooms

• Explore Old Town Temecula

• Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride

• Enjoy farm-to-table dining

• Walk vineyard grounds in the late afternoon

Travel tips

• Tastings are quieter earlier in the day

• Summer afternoons can be warm

• Reservations are helpful on weekends

• A car is necessary to move between wineries

Where to stay near Temecula

• Wander Temecula Estate – An unparalleled luxury retreat promising an unforgettable escape in the heart of wine country. Indulge in the ultimate playground of leisure with a private, resort-style outdoor pool perfect for cooling off on warm days.

• Wander Temecula Ranch – A luxurious escape nestled amidst breathtaking mountain views, guests can indulge in the ultimate relaxation with the outdoor pool and rejuvenating hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

• Wander Temecula Village – An oasis of luxury and leisure, perfect for those seeking a memorable escape. Imagine waking to breathtaking desert views, then spending your days relaxing by the sparkling outdoor pool.

Plan the ideal California getaway with Wander

The best vacation destinations in California depend less on checklists and more on how you want to feel during your trip.

Desert towns reward stillness and space. Coastal areas invite unhurried days shaped by light and tide. City neighborhoods offer culture and energy when you want it – and privacy when you don’t.

Choosing the right base matters, especially in a state as varied as California. Staying somewhere thoughtfully designed and well-located lets the destination unfold naturally. With the right setting, even a short trip can feel expansive, grounded, and genuinely restorative.