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Los Angeles is a dream city for anyone working a 9-to-5 who loves a good weekend adventure.
Within easy weekend driving distance, Angelinos can find themselves in the high desert, atop a snowy peak, or wiggling their toes in a shimmering azure lake.
I’ve lived in the Los Angeles area for over 18 years and have made it a habit to explore every nook and cranny that Southern California has to offer, and here are some of the best getaway cabins on the rental market today.
Keeping an eye out for seclusion and location diversity, here’s a list of nine spectacular cabins near Los Angeles, perfect for anyone from the desert bohemian couple to the family who wants to ski and snowboard together.
1. The Full Moon
Why you should stay: This secluded Joshua Tree retreat sits on a hilltop with fantastic desert vistas, plus incredible night skies, due to it being slightly out of town.
- Nearest town: Joshua Tree
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $238/night
Get your boho dream on at this swanky two-bedroom chalet that sits right near the national park. It’s perched high atop a hillside, meaning that you won’t feel as in-the-neighborhood crowded as you might further down in the village.
Wonderful sunset hot tub views, hanging swings, a grill, and a cozy fire pit greet visitors from outside, while indoors, you’ll find clean neutrals interspersed with warm textiles for a dreamy desert escape.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 6 Stunning National Parks near Los Angeles, California
2. Rancho Contento
Why you should stay: Enjoy excellent Wild West hospitality at this impeccably designed three-bedroom ranch.
- Nearest town: Morongo Valley, Palm Springs
- Sleeps: 6 or 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $471/night
Who said “cabin” had to mean small? Rancho Contento is as fabulous as fabulous gets out in the high desert, boasting 10 private acres for you and your crew to spread out and roam (yes, free fresh eggs from the chicken coop are included).
Cook like a gourmand in the eat-in chef’s kitchen, take a soak in the backyard hot tub (and a cold cowboy tub plunge after), spread out on the couch in front of the giant flatscreen, and enjoy vintage ranch décor (no Wayfair here!) in every room. Hikers will especially love this property for its private trail up a nearby mini-summit.
Check Availability3. Cubs’ Cabin
Why you should stay: Enjoy cozy cabin design in the form of wood paneling and brick fireplaces at this comfortable and affordable family stay.
- Nearest town: Big Bear
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $146/night
We love this adorable three-bedroom cabin in idyllic Big Bear Lake, a town revered for its easy mountain access from Los Angeles. Enjoy a covered deck with a ready-to-go grill and fun extras like a washer, dryer, and flat screen. Parents will adore the full kitchen and toasty indoor fireplace, and kids will flip for the awesome upstairs bunk room that they’ll have to themselves.
Snuggle up after a day of skiing with a movie night around the flatscreen, or simply bring a board game and take a digital detox. Furry friends are also allowed (for an additional fee).
Check Availability4. Spectacular Lakefront Views
Why you should stay: Upgrade your Big Bear vacation with this awesome lakefront hot tub cabin.
- Nearest town: Big Bear
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $475/night
This is lakeside living at its finest, and the hosts at this three-bedroom, three-bath home claim that it offers the best lake views in town. That’s because it’s elevated over the lake, giving the sapphire water an expansive feeling, whether you’re sipping wine in the hot tub or sun bathing on the deck.
Indoors, guests will be pleased to find traditional cabin fare (think natural wood accents, leather sofas, and Southwestern textiles). Plus, there’s airy vaulted ceilings, a full kitchen, a pool table, and loads of natural light.
Check Availability5. Cozy Pet-Friendly Cabin
Why you should stay: Unwind in colorful, funky décor at this petite cabin near Big Bear Lake.
- Nearest town: Big Bear
- Sleeps: 3
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $99/night
Though its exterior may look like a vintage Swiss chalet, the interior is full of modern amenities, like an HD flatscreen TV, fast wifi, air conditioning, and a full kitchen. The two bedrooms here are small but thoughtfully designed, and the living room’s wood burning fireplace practically begs for nights spent home by the fire.
A hammock in the private front yard makes the perfect daytime reading nook and, best of all, Fido is welcome here.
Check Availability6. Romantic Idyllwild Getaway
Why you should stay: This comfortable casita offers impressive outdoor living space, as well as a wood burning fireplace, just three minutes from town.
- Nearest town: Idyllwild
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $200/night
Skip the Big bear crowds and head for sleepier Idyllwild for a real city escape among the towering pines. This cool log cabin is the platonic ideal of what we think of when we plan a rural getaway–roomy outdoor deck, wood-burning fireplace, ruched curtains, quirky antiques, and warm plaid bedspreads.
A swing, al fresco dining area, and a grill await guests outside the cabin, while inside, you’ll uncover a fully stocked kitchen, large living room, dining nook, and two adorable bedrooms.
Check Availability7. Shadowlands: Designer Sanctuary
Why you should stay: Skip hipster Joshua Tree in favor of high aesthetic vibes in nearby Landers, CA, home of the Integratron.
- Nearest town: Joshua Tree, Landers
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $253/night
If you’re looking for a meditative high desert escape, may I humbly suggest stepping away from the traditional Joshua Tree throngs and heading up to nearby Landers, where you’ll find Shadowlands, a gorgeous homestead cabin set on five pristine acres of arid wilderness.
Outdoors, you’ll enjoy many of the trending high desert amenities the area is known for (like a hot tub, cowboy tub, hanging egg chairs, fire pit, and grill), plus miles of breathtaking views. Indoors, a clean, modern aesthetic is reminiscent of the 1960s, with warm-hued rugs, a walk-in shower, and original artwork.
Check Availability8. Chic A-Frame
Why you should stay: Not only is Lake Arrowhead closer than Big Bear, it’s also smaller, cozier, and less crowded!
- Nearest town: Lake Arrowhead
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2-3 nights, depending on the month
- Rates from: $246/night
A-frames are all the rage these days, and this well-apointed gem in Lake Arrowhead features all the creature comforts of home, surrounded by fragrant conifers and modern design.
Grab a board game from the host’s collection and spend some family time around the fireplace, dine outdoors on the large deck, sip your morning coffee in the comfort of a gorgeous full kitchen, or simply hit snooze and sleep in on the plush two king and two twin beds (trundles available if you have extra little ones).
Check Availability9. Modern Bright Carpinteria Cabin
Why you should stay: Feeling beachy? Head north towards Carpinteria for a breezy modern cabin escape.
- Nearest town: Carpinteria
- Sleeps: 5
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $475/night
Revel in stylish indoor/outdoor beach living at this wonderful two-bedroom Carpinteria cabin that’s brimming with thoughtful touches.
A large stand-alone soaking tub, modern kitchen, plush bedding, and washer and dryer beckon guests to hole up indoors, while the property’s 10-acre avocado orchard, outdoor dining area, and beach access (a ten-minute walk away) will have you California dreaming in no time.
Enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and coastal breezes that make Southern Cali so special.
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Seen in: Cabins, California, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in California
