I'm a big fan of staycations. Not that I have anything against vacations in Cabo, Hawaii, France and the such, but we live in an amazing place here in southern California- why would you want to go anywhere else?! I also don't have $10k lying around the house for a trip to Tavarua but that's another story.
The point is, there's lots of amazing places within a short drive of north county San Diego to recharge your batteries. Like a new spot I found- The Holidays Camp Community in San Clemente. Looking to get away from it all? Check. Only have a couple days to spare? Check. Don't want to take a 2nd out on your mortgage to finance your vacation? Check. And get some surf while you're at it? Check.
'Camping' you say? Already done that? Not like this. North County San Diego residents Andy Jones and Kellen Ausdal have made it a hassle free experience called 'The Holidays'. Basically I see there's three ways to camp:
1. Sleep on the ground in a tent that's as flimsy as a wet noodle (and will be wet when it rains)
2. Or the trendy 'Glamping' in which you take a 5 star hotel room and stick it outside. Which really isn't 'roughing it' and you've now just spent $500 a night to sleep with bugs.
3. Or get your own RV/camper which means you just spent a ton of money you didn't have, the neighbors are thrilled that it's parked in front of your house 51 weeks out of the year, and driving it is a nightmare at: (insert your favorite location):
- winding sketchy icy mountain roads
- narrow crowded streets at the beach with no parking and I swear you just sideswiped 3 cars
- 110 degree desert heat with windy blowing dust that's doing it's darnedest to push your trailer off the road
That's where The Holidays comes in. Andy and Kellen basically wrote a list of pros and cons for camping and just kept the pros. They bought 4 vintage trailers, added amenities, made them modern, and put them permanently at San Clemente State Beach. You just show up and have a good time. All you need to do is bring the groceries. Actually- scratch that- they can do that for you too if you'd like. And when your done, you just leave the trailer, hop in our car, and head back to your thrilling 9-5 job (sorry).
Sounds easy, huh? A little too easy? That's because it is. The Holidays has thought of everything. Games for the kids (board games, bocce ball, bean bag toss, scavenger hunt, etc. etc. etc.). Not into games? No worries, the campsite is on the bluff above San Clemente State Beach. So relax on the sand all day or surf State Beach, Riviera, T-Street, or Trestles. And the trailers have everything you need:
- Sleeping for 5 (full bed, 2 twin beds, and overhead bunk for a little grom)
- heater
- luggage storage
- 3 burner stove
- refrigerator
- sink
- couch
- USB chargers
- dinette
- pots, pans, bowls, plates, cups, utensils, soap, paper towels
- beach towels and bath towels
- bedding/linens
- coffee!
- soap/shampoo
As far as showers and restrooms go, they're about 10' away from The Holidays campsite and clean! (Which I'm assuming is due to the fact they're also next to the Park Ranger's permanent campsite and not open to the general public).
What's unique about the campsite is that The Holidays has 4 permanent spots and the trailers all form a circle around a communal fire pit. It's a great way to bring everyone together. Outside your trailer you have your own teak chairs, large mat to spread out on, picnic bench with veranda, and outdoor grill. And did I mention they have bluetooth speakers inside AND outside the trailers so all you Beliebers can get your groove on. Not that I would know.
So why the ringing endorsement? I just spent the weekend there. And you need to give credit where credit is due; nice accommodations, all the amenities, great setting, and an all around good time for the family. And it doesn't hurt that you can run to Trestles to rinse off that desk job. So if you're looking to take a breather soon and have limited time/budget, you need The Holidays for your next holiday. Give Andy and Kellen a shout at theholidaysca@gmail.com or (760) 707-9141 or click here.
