Socially Distanced Road Trip Ideas

Socially Distanced Road Trip Ideas

  • Bill Ruane

Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have been cooped up in our homes. We want to keep ourselves and our families safe and take precautions to remain healthy. Part of maintaining our health, both mental and physical, is spending time outdoors in the sunshine, getting exercise, and doing things we enjoy. Going on a bit of getaway after being stuck in the house for months could be the perfect thing to reset and reclaim your health.

Of course, when you’re traveling, you’ll want to do so in a way that maintains social distancing protocols so you can revel in the freedom of travel without ending up ill or spreading the virus to others. Many campgrounds, hotels, and resorts have adjusted to social distancing to make your trip as fun and safe as possible. Make your escape to one of these fantastic vacation destinations.

Camping and cabins

What could be a better way to escape civilization than a camping trip? Various campgrounds adhere to social distancing regulations, making it easy to bask in Mother Nature’s beauty without creating adverse outcomes. Check out one of these fabulous camping destinations for a secluded holiday. 


Yosemite National Park
is nearly a five-hour drive away from South Bay, but it is well worth the trip. Most campgrounds in Yosemite Valley are currently operating on a reservation-only basis, alleviating the stress of being in proximity to strangers. Upper Pines is a large campground near the Merced River that gives Yosemite fantastic offerings. Open year-round 24/7, this campground features tent and RV camping in proximity to various trailheads. It is located on the complimentary shuttle route, giving visitors access to food and marketplaces in Curry Village and Yosemite Village. With stunning waterfalls, deep valleys, vast meadows, towering sequoias, and more, Yosemite is a serene and scenic destination for your next road trip.

Big Bear Lake is gorgeous and only a two-hour drive from South Bay. Stay in a lovely and rustic cabin surrounded by mountains with endless recreation opportunities. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is perfect for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, and more. Visit Snow Summit Ski Resort in summer for over 60 miles of cross-country trails, zip-lining, and free concerts. During winter, this location is a premier destination for snowboarding and skiing down the slopes. Get out on the lake with a relaxing day of kayaking or an exhilarating day of jet skiing. Finding a resort cabin rental is a breeze, and many options feature standard amenities, including WiFi, full kitchens, fireplaces, and many pet-friendly options. Make Big Bear Lake your next romantic or family-friendly getaway.

Camp in style at San Diego Metro Koa Resort. Only a quick 2.5-hour drive away with amenities galore, this may just be your new home away from home. This treasure is 20 minutes from the premier offerings of San Diego, including Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, making it an excellent location for your next family vacation. You can opt to camp in a tent, cabin or bring your RV. This KOA resort offers a pool, cabins with full bathrooms, and various indoor and outdoor facilities your whole family will adore. KOA has developed social distancing activities to keep your kids entertained, including family games, tie-dye, arts and crafts, and flashlight lollipop hunts! Adults will love the craft beer and local wine tastings hosted by Sandcastle Cafe. Bring your canines along to enjoy the 7000 square-foot dog park, Kamp K9. The campground has everything imaginable for the optimal glamping experience, including WiFi, a hot tub, pavilion, kitchen, cable TV, and more! If you’re seeking a campground that’s close by with minimal “roughing it” involved, this is your best bet!

Hotels and Inns

Charming enclaves are studded throughout Southern California and feature an array of fabulous inns and hotels. Whether you’re seeking an ideal location for lounging or an exciting trip full of activities, SoCal has it all. From small wine country neighborhoods to oceanside cities and more, your next spectacular vacation is waiting for you. 


For an all-encompassing paradise, Santa Barbara is a must-visit. A magical place with stunning mountains, incredible beaches, lush vineyards, and more, this paradise has everything you’ve been looking for in a perfect vacation. Hotel Milo offers a romantic package featuring locally produced chocolates, a bottle of vino, and an oceanfront room for a luxurious and romantic experience. Coast Village Inn offers two-bedroom suites and six other lodging accommodations to cater to guest needs. Each room offers many amenities, including turn-down service and complimentary WiFi, while apartment suites accommodate six guests, offer 55” LED TVs and king-size beds.

Santa Barbara is teeming with incredible restaurants. Enjoy an upscale meal on the patio of Bouchon, a fine dining restaurant boasting fresh, local cuisine that’s French with a California coastal twist. Relish in the fantastic seafood this beachside town has to offer with casual waterfront dining at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company. Take a horseback ride on the beach, savor some sumptuous wine, or spend your time sunbathing and dining on fabulous food. Santa Barbara is a premier location for luxury vacations.

A quaint town a short 2-hour road trip away, Buellton is located in the Santa Ynez mountains, boasts sunshine year-round, and is home to exceptional pinot noirs and chardonnays. Lodging is an easy find, with lovely inns like Pea Soup Anderson's Inn and Sideways Inn taking necessary precautions to ensure you have a leisurely and safe getaway. For a fun and educational family day trip to get in touch with nature, visit Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden. Feast on a savory steak and revel in a fabulous wine tasting with your partner at the Hitching Post Winery, where pinot noirs, syrahs, and a cabernet franc blend are the focal point. Dine with the family at Ellen's Danish Pancake House, where you can try tasty Danish and American breakfast dishes. With golfing, hiking, horseback riding, nearby beaches, and more at your fingertips, the adventurer in you will fall in love with everything Buellton has to offer for adults and families alike. 

Resorts

Sometimes all you need is some R&R, spa treatments, and poolside lounging. Revel in a getaway in the lap of luxury with a resort stay. Depending on location and trip itinerary, your visit could be full of exploration and adventure or tranquil and quiet. The choice is yours.

There’s no need to travel far to relish an unforgettable vacation. Terranea Resort is just a stone’s throw away in Rancho Palos Verdes. This luxury coastal resort is brimming with amenities and leisure activities. Terranea has eight different dining options to satisfy all your cravings. Head to the Lobby Bar & Lounge for jackfruit quesadillas and The Art of Smoke cocktail made with Vida mezcal, Cynar, Suze, and rhubarb bitters, or try Nelson’s for a casual oceanside lunch complete with a lobster roll and a 310 Blonde ale. The spa has various offerings, including CBD massages and skin-specific facial treatments. Pamper yourself with a native essence mani-pedi or meditate through movement with a seaside yoga class.

Once you’re primed and ready for some relaxing activities, hit The Links oceanfront golf course, complete with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, or have a relaxing swim in one of the four resort pools. An array of recreation opportunities are available to guests, including fishing excursions, archery, kids’ pony rides, guided horseback riding, and coastal hikes, beach access, and even kids club activity boxes that your children can enjoy in the privacy of your suite or outdoor areas. The Tide Pool Kids Club takes care of all your children’s creative and adventuring desires while you lounge poolside, golf, or visit the spa. It’s an unforgettable retreat fit for the whole family.

Hotel de Coronado, Credit: cultivar413


Not too far and just far enough, Hotel de Coronado’s Beach Village in San Diego offers beachfront cottages and villas for a luxurious destination that couples and families treasure. This gated community has everything you’d want in a relaxing and exciting resort. Recline on a rented day bed or lounge while your kids build sandcastles on the shore, or get active with an instructed paddleboard lesson. Beach spin, mermaid fitness, beach yoga classes (complimentary for overnight guests), and more are available to get you moving in a fun and unique way. Once you’ve got a good workout in, take a load off at the spa with a massage or facial. You can even opt to get your hair and makeup done in preparation for date night. With beachfront dining options, surf camps, traditional bonfires on the beach, and more, this resort provides all the luxury amenities and activities for a perfect getaway.

If you are enticed by the vast number of vacation options in Southern California and are looking for your own SoCal luxury home, please contact me. I am highly knowledgeable and specialize in selling/buying South Bay luxury real estate. Let my endless experience and drive for top-tier client care find you a condo in Marina del Rey, a home for sale in Culver City, or any of the fantastic luxury properties I service in South Bay. 

 

Nearby Properties

Work With Bill

Bill wholeheartedly believes in building wealth with a well planned portfolio of residential, commercial and multi-unit properties. His honest approach and reputation for maximum client care have earned him the respect and loyalty of hundreds of clients.