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Just outside of San Diego, the tranquility of rolling mountains and charming cabin rentals beckon.
San Diego may be known for its beaches and urban attractions, but the surrounding county is also home to some of Southern California’s most beautiful mountain ranges, forests, and small towns. Best of all, you don’t need to travel far to experience them.
Quaint destinations like Palomar Mountain and Julian offer some of the best cabin retreats near the city. These small mountain towns are known for their proximity to the great outdoors and attractions like local wineries and the Hale Telescope, not to mention designated natural sites like the nearby Cleveland National Forest and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. So, next time you’re craving an outdoor escape, here are some of the best cabin rentals near San Diego.
1. Fat Bottom Farm
Why you should stay: A cabin complex perched atop a hill overlooking the surrounding mountains of SoCal and the distant Pacific Ocean.
- Location: Escondido
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $598/night
Tucked away just 40 minutes north of San Diego lies a sprawling property dubbed Fat Bottom Farm. This impressive cabin getaway has everything you’d expect to find at a resort, like a luxurious pool deck and in-ground pool where guests can tan, swim, and play.
The cabin has additional outdoor spaces too, including a small balcony and an expansive wraparound deck furnished with ping pong, a fire pit, and an outdoor dining table. As if that wasn’t great enough, nestled into the hillside is a little hot tub area perfect for enjoying a soak under the stars. Inside this four-bedroom, you’ll find classic cabin decor consisting of log accent walls and knotty pine, creating a cozy space ideal for large groups.
Check AvailabilityFollow ‘em: @Fat.Bottom.Farms
2. Majestic Julian Lodge
Why you should stay: A breathtaking mountaintop lodge with modern conveniences designed to accommodate large groups.
- Location: Julian
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 1-2 nights
- Rates from: $362/night
The Majestic Julian Lodge is a dog-friendly four-bedroom cabin on a semi-secluded property. Inside, expansive windows create a sunny atmosphere illuminating the home’s minimalist charm. The well-equipped kitchen makes enjoying a family meal easy thanks to its two ovens and cozy breakfast nook. The lodge also boasts six outdoor decks and a bocce ball court, offering plenty of areas to soak up the peaceful surroundings.
The lodge is a short drive from downtown Julian, a charming mountain best known for its apple orchards and historic downtown streets. There are also miles and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails to explore nearby. Julian is about an hour and fifteen minutes from San Diego.
Check AvailabilityFollow ‘em: @MajesticJulianLodge
3. The Weekender Cabin
Why you should stay: A property with three stylish A-frame cabins about an hour and a half from the city.
- Location: Palomar Mountain
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $199/night
From the white shiplap walls to the exposed rafters and the trendy touches in between, The Weekender Cabin oozes a bohemian-meets-modern charm. This three-bedroom cabin has limited Wi-Fi and features an iron wood-burning stove and a healthy supply of board games, encouraging quality time together.
Behind the main cabin is a studio A-frame complete with a plush bed, chimera fireplace, and a half bath that offers privacy for multi-family groups. The property also has a meditation A-frame, lawn games, and a fire pit encircled by comfy outdoor seating. Plus, guests can relax on the front deck or drive to nearby Palomar Mountain State Park to enjoy pet-friendly hiking trails.
Check AvailabilityFollow ‘em: @TheWeekenderCabin
4. Starhaus
Why you should stay: A rustic, dog-friendly A-frame cabin with a Japanese-inspired interior on a remote corner of the mountainside.
- Location: Palomar Mountain
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $269/night
For a memorable and unique cabin experience, venture to Starhaus, an exquisite A-frame home noted for its simple elegance meant to foster utmost relaxation. The open floor plan connects the home’s three bedrooms, spacious living area, and lofted lounge. Exceptional amenities like a wood-burning stove and an elevated deck help add to the cabin’s outdoorsy charm.
The property’s towering pines create a woodsy oasis that guests can appreciate through the home’s dramatic all-glass facade. As the sun sets, light a bonfire and take in the stars glittering above. This cabin is about an hour and a half north of San Diego.
Check Availability5. Retreat in the Trees
Why you should stay: A solar-powered two-bedroom home in the charming mountain town of Julian.
- Location: Julian
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $250/night
This lovely retreat in the trees may be just what the doctor ordered for San Diegans seeking a reprieve in nature. Striking floor-to-ceiling windows allow forest views and sunshine to pour in, filling every corner of the living room’s lofted ceilings and open floor plan. Through glass doors, a deck with a dining table offers an excellent place to dine al fresco and sip your morning coffee. The property is about two miles from downtown Julian in a quiet residential area immersed in nature.
Guest Misty shares, “The view is spectacular. The house itself is well equipped and set up nicely for family gatherings or just a simple weekend getaway. Can highly recommend this property.”
Check Availability6. Luxury Cabin
Why you should stay: A recently-updated cabin brimming with personality in an ideal location just outside of Julian.
- Location: Julian
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $275/night
At this luxury cabin, contemporary amenities have been married beautifully with vintage charm. During your stay, guests have access to modern conveniences like a Nest thermostat, a Keurig coffee maker, and new kitchen appliances. But it wouldn’t be a cabin stay without rustic touches like the iron wood-burning stove and natural elements.
Behind the home, the yard is set up much like a campsite, where a picnic table and grassy yard are lit by the glow of magical string lights, encouraging time spent outdoors. The home also features an outdoor deck with a fire table, seating, and a grill. This cabin rental is only an hour and fifteen minutes from San Diego.
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Seen in: Cabins, California, Where to Stay in California
