Looking for a SoCal weekend that will take you back to a simpler way of life (who isn’t!)? Then look no further than San Clemente’s newest holiday spot, The Holidays Ca. Sitting on the bluffs above San Clemente State Beach, you’ll find four 1950’s camping trailers, modernised to perfection to give you and the family the perfect opportunity to vacation in nature, without sacrificing any of modern day luxurious you love. The beach is minutes away, the campfire will keep you warm at night and nearly everything (including the kitchen sink) is provided to make this camping community the perfect way to holiday in an easy and enjoyable way.
Image Credit: Chrissy J Powers via The Holidays Ca
Thoroughly Modern Retro Accommodation
Step inside your remodelled trailer and you’ll find the perfect combination of old and new. Modern upgrades, a sink with running water, USB ports and speakers with bluetooth make this accomodation decidedly 2015. Each trailer has a double bed, two twin beds and a smaller kiddo can fit in the overhead bunk. If you have a little one, there’s enough floor space to fit your own pack-n-play so the whole family can sleep together. You won’t need to pack up the linen cupboard either as all bedding and linens are provided.
Image Credit: The Holidays Ca
The kitchenette is perfect for a casual family meal, with a small refrigerator and 3-burner stove. It comes equipped with bowls, plates, cups, utensils and pots and pans, so you’ll be able to whip up a perfect dinner after a day at the beach. Eat together in the dinette or take your meal to the outdoor seating for an alfresco dining experience. If cooking in a kitchen sounds all too un-camping-like, each trailer comes with its own fire pit and you’ll find a cast iron pot available in the activity shed to roast up a camp fire special.
Image Credit: The Holidays Ca
The trailers are a dry camping site, so while there is running water in the kitchen, you won’t find a bathroom or shower in your accommodation. In fact, the old shower stall has been turned into a luggage cupboard! Never fear, there is a shower and toilet block on either side of the Holidays Ca. They are basic, but you’ll find coin operated showers and clean flushing toilets. Electricity comes from a generator you can hire for a small fee and that will provide power to the outlets, AC or even a microwave to use. If you want to true camping experience, you can go sans power and work by the light of mother nature (and a little bit of solar power to boot).
Image Credit: The Holidays Ca Instagram
Activities Galore
The Holidays Ca is surrounded by amazing views, beaches, trails and fresh sea air. A quick walk down the steep but picturesque private trail will see you at the water edge. San Clemente State Beach has miles of crystal clear blue water and a wide sandy planes. Here you can swim, surf and build sand castles to your hearts content. The Holiday Ca provides beach towels for your trip free of charge.
Check out the 3-mile running and bike path that borders the beach and train tracks all the way to the San Clemente pier. When you head back to the campgrounds you’ll keep the family-bonding going with the Holiday Ca’s activity shed. Choose from complimentary ring toss, ladder ball, Boccee, horse shoes, cornhole or Frisbee’s for some family fun. As the day finishes, head out to the cliffs to take in a breathtaking sunset then take a seat at the communal fire pit where you can make new friends while you roast s’mores around the campfire.
Image Credit: The Holidays Ca
Hanging Around Town
Check out the town of San Clemente for sight-seeing adventures. It’s only a few few-minute drive or a mile or so walk into downtown. Known as the Spanish Jewel Of The Sea, there’s no shortage of restaurants, cafes and parks to check out. The Vista Hermosa Sports Park has a huge sandcastle inspired kids playground, green open spaces and for a $2 entry, an olympic sized laps pool and kids splash pool complete with the most amazing playground, sitting right in the middle of the water. If a burger is calling check out The Riders Club on El Camino Real. Don’t be deterred by the less than glamorous surroundings, this place is voted best burger of San Clemente! Check out the chalkboard for instructions, then choose build your own burger masterpiece. If you feel like mixing things up there are also hot dogs, carnitas and salads to choose from as well as a large range of bottled drinks and beers on tap.
Image Credit: Chrissy J Powers via The Holidays Ca
Prices and Bookings
Prices for The Holiday Ca include overnight trailer rental, all amenities, activities and campground fees. The price starts at $189 per night in non-peak season (Nov. 1 – Mar. 31) and $209 per night in peak season (April 1 – Oct. 31). A generator rental costs $25 per night and all rentals require a $200 security deposit. Don’t worry though; it will be refunded the day you check out as long as the trailer is in tip top condition. If you’re planning a weekend stay, there is a two night minimum and a three night minimum for holidays. All bookings can be done directly through Reserve America.
Image Credit: Chrissy J Powers via The Holidays Ca
Getting There
The Holidays Ca is a very family friendly 55 minutes away from downtown San Diego. Head north on the Interstate 5 and you’ll be there before the kids can even hit their stride in their, “Are we there yet? questions. When you get beyond Carlsbad and Oceanside, you’ll get some beautiful views of the SoCal coast and you may even see a few helicopters fly over Camp Pendleton. Parking is available next to your trailer and keys can be picked up at the gates.
The Holidays Ca
225 Avenida Calafia
San Clemente, Ca 92672
760-707-9141
Online: theholidaysca.com
Does The Holidays Ca seem like a place you’ll be vacationing? Tell us about your experience if you’ve visited the campgrounds!
— Lenya McGrath
