While 2020 certainly wasn’t the year we all expected, many of us discovered our resilience. While 2021 may still have restrictions in place, there are safe ways to travel. If you’re thinking about your 2021 travel goals, consider these safe getaways that will bring you closer to nature while remaining socially distanced.
Goals: Sunny Springtime Getaway
The elegant springtime blooms of Dogwood trees in Yosemite draw many during April and May.
For many places throughout the United States, the winter is a long, dark, and snowy season. If you’re looking for a place to escape where you can feel the sun on your skin and enjoy the beauty of mother nature, look no further than Yosemite National Park.
Where to Go
Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park and is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Spring in Yosemite National Park brings with it sunshine and warm weather. Starting in March, temperatures range from the low 30s to the high 50s. With a couple of layers and sunshine at your back, that’s plenty warm to enjoy time outside. By May, temperatures in Yosemite National Park are in the mid-70s with nighttime lows in the mid-40s. In general, May experiences only 3 days of rain, so you’re sure to enjoy days full of warm temperatures and sunshine.
Many flock to Yosemite National Park in the spring to enjoy it’s beautiful scenery and refreshing weather, but there is something majestic that adds to this allure, waterfalls. Yosemite’s waterfalls are a spectacular sight and the best time to see them is in the springtime when the snowmelt is most prevalent. Some notable falls include Bridalveil, Sentinel, and Yosemite Falls. Be sure to check out our guide to Explore Waterfalls at Yosemite to learn more about these illustrious beauties.
What to Do
Half Dome’s elevation, in Yosemite National Park, clocks in at 8,846 feet (2,696 meters).
Yosemite is home to a wide variety and levels of hikes. If you’re looking for something strenuous, you can summit Half Dome — but beware, this is for experienced hikers only and a permit is required. For more casual hikers, you’ll find a variety of hikes depending on the distance and elevation gain you’re interested in.
One of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park is the hike into the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. This hike takes you into one of three groves of giant sequoias located in the park. Along the hike, you’ll see breathtaking nature and experience solitude away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular sights.
Where to Stay
Wake up and smell the crisp spring air at The Ahwahnee.
If you’re planning a multi-day trip to Yosemite National Park, one of the best places to stay is The Ahwahnee. This historic hotel is known for its interior design, historic architecture, and the views outside its windows. Located in the heart of the park, The Ahwahnee is not only a beautiful place to stay, it offers you convenient access to the park so you can spend as much time outside as you want.
Goals: Romantic Couples Getaway
Explore the romantic seascape of Asilomar State Beach with the one you love.
Spring is also the perfect time to plan a romantic or relaxing couples getaway. What better place to do that than at the beach. Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a romantic stroll along the beach together, and soak in the bounteous gifts of nature.
Where to Go
Asilomar State Beach is home to some of the most diverse coastline in the world. The coastal dunes, rocky shore, and tide pools are home to thousands of different species. Whether you’re looking to simply walk along the sand with your toes in the water or want to learn more about the biosphere around you, there’s plenty to do during your stay.
What To Do
Romantic walks on the beach? Check!
One of the most beautiful aspects of the beach is the sheer number of different ways in which you can spend your time and enjoy the outdoors. As a couples getaway, Asilomar is perfect for long walks, self-guided tours to learn about the local ecology, or simply stretch out on the sand with a good book. If you decide you need something a little more adventurous, you can rent surfboards and wetsuits, skim the waters in a kayak, or go deep-sea fishing.
Where to Stay
The warm, rustic aesthetic of the Asilomar Hotel has couples getaway written all over it!
If you’re visiting the Pacific Coastline, there’s truly only one place to stay: Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds. With 107 acres of beachfront property, breathtaking ocean views, and Arts and Crafts-style architecture, this peaceful retreat is just the place to get away from it all. Before your arrival, be sure to check for any COVID-19 regulation updates.
Goals: Best Summer Vacation Ever
Wakesurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, what’s your water sport of choice?
Got kids at home and need to plan the Best Summer Vacation Ever? Look no further than an adventure-filled, water-logged, fun-in-the-sun trip to Lake Powell. Your trip will be jam-packed with outdoor adventures and water activities.
Where to Go
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly getaway this summer that will also let you remain socially distant from those not in your family, Lake Powell is the place to be. Lake Powell is the second-largest man-made lake in the United States. While the water might be all you need to be enticed to this location, there’s so much more. Surrounding Lake Powell, you’ll find some of the most beautiful natural formations, such as sandstone arches, canyons, and winding waterways.
What to Do
Imagine sunning on this deck on a houseboat in Lake Powell? What’re you waiting for?
Most visitors to Lake Powell spend as much of their stay on the water as possible. In fact, if you’re looking for a truly unique adventure, consider renting a houseboat. With a houseboat, you can literally spend your entire vacation on the water.
Other water activities include fishing, boat tours, water toy rentals, and powerboat rentals. If you do decide you need a break from the water, you can spend some time admiring the endless stars in the night sky or taking a hike through the awe-inspiring natural formations.
Where to Stay
The Family Units at Lake Powell are great for social distancing and small gatherings.
If you’re planning a trip to Lake Powell, you have a number of choices on where to stay. If the houseboat isn’t for you, consider one of the Family Units available at Bullfrog Marina, Halls Crossing, and Hite Marina.
The Family Units are so much more than a place to stay. Unlike a traditional hotel room, the Family Units are standalone and include a living room, full kitchen, and bedrooms.
Before your arrival at Lake Powell, be sure to check for any updates related to COVID-19.
Goals: Relaxing Summer Escape
Sign us up for jet skiing in Zephyr Cove this summer!
While watersports and adventure might be just what the kids need for their summer getaway, sometimes the adults just want to relax and put their feet up. If you’re looking for a slower, more leisurely summer escape, check out Lake Tahoe and all it has to offer.
Where to Go
Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada. This picturesque lake has some of the clearest most beautiful waters in the United States. During the summer, Lake Tahoe has sunny weather almost every day with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 80s. The views, the nature, and the weather make this a perfect escape for a relaxing summer vacation.
What to Do
Summers on Lake Tahoe should definitely include renting a boat from Zephyr Cove Marina.
There are endless ways to spend your time in Lake Tahoe. You can find a cozy spot to hole up and dive into a good book, get your heart rate up with a parasailing adventure, spend some time on the water skiing, or just enjoy the sand between your toes. Zephyr Cove Marina has plenty of rental options if you’re looking for an adventure. With the rapidly changing situation that is COVID-19, be sure to check for closures and changes prior to your arrival at Lake Tahoe.
Where to Stay
Zephyr Cove Lodge provides the cozy cabin experience.
Zephyr Cove Lodge provides guests with a quiet getaway from the usual summertime tourism of South Lake Tahoe. The resort is also conveniently located near Zephyr Cove Marina for those who want to spend time on the water. If you’re looking for a little more distance from other guests, Zephyr Cove Lodge also has 28 cabins available for rent. Each cabin has lake views, fireplaces, private decks, and a full kitchen and are dog-friendly.
No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for in 2021, the national parks of the United States have just the getaway that you’re looking for. The best part: you can be close to nature and remain socially distanced.
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