Reservations & More Information: 310-780-3411

The Virtues of Staycationing, Nearcationing, or Just Enjoying Southern California

It seems that in the life of every Southern Californian there comes a time when you look at your spouse and say, “You know, I just realized we haven’t been to Disneyland since your Uncle Harold visited us back in 2007.  I think they’ve got a couple of new attractions.”

Well, actually, they do! And so for this week’s blog, we’re going to encourage all our Southern California friends to dive in and participate in the recently-coined activities of a “staycation” or “nearcation.” As the names imply, some folks are electing to stay closer to home for upcoming vacations, and we’re here to encourage that. We’ve got some of the most luxurious accommodations available near Southern California beaches, so you can plan out an amazing vacation very near home.

Staycations are a great new trend, and with a Five Star Vacation Rental, you can maximize both the fun and value of staying near home for your upcoming getaway. Here are just a few of the advantages:

Resistance is futile. Go see the mouse.

Plan a vacation with your kids and their friends. Many of our kids have friends they will miss over the summer, and would love to have them along on a vacation. Since most of our Southern California beach properties have large sleeping capacities, it can be a great getaway with room for all your kids’ friends in tow. It’ll be a delight to listen to them laughing and giggling late into the night in the luxury of one of our vacation rentals. Get them all out of bed the following morning for a quick drive to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, or just a short walk to the beach. No plane tickets, no airports, no rental cars – just great fun in a luxury vacation rental near the beach.

Feel the Ocean Breeze

You can finally get caught up with friends and relatives. Count up the number of times you’ve told some family member or friend, “Let’s make some time to get together.” Most of us can sadly count up quite a few of those. Well, renting one of our big luxury homes nearby is a great way to make that happen.

Call each of those friends and relatives and tell them to set aside that special night when you’re going to have them over for a barbecue at your vacation rental beach home. Imagine how much more special that night will be as you all enjoy the cool evening breeze and watch the sun set on the ocean from the deck of your Five Star Vacation Rental. It’ll make the time all that more special to have them spend the night in one of the guest suites and just pick up in the morning where you left off the night before.  Or have everybody meet at Disneyland.  Enjoy a great day at the park, and then caravan back to your vacation rental home at the beach.  You can all get up the next morning and walk down to the beach to continue the fun.  This is an amazing way to finally make the time to get together with those you care about the most.

Romantic Beach Wedding

Plan the perfect summer wedding, family event, or church retreat. Do you have a wedding coming up with guests coming in from out of town?   Five Star Vacation Rentals can be a perfect solution that everyone will remember as a wonderful time.  Do yourself and your loved ones a favor.  Skip that thought you had that went something like this:  “Well, if we move Johnny out to the couch, and have Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary take his bed, then we’ll get the rollaway out of storage and . . . ”  Don’t do it!  Make this a special time filled with joy, not old lumpy bedding and long lines for your bathroom.

Last November we had a bridal party rent one of our Laguna Beach homes. Jessica was the bride and she wrote us a note to tell us her family’s stay leading up to her wedding was “absolutely amazing.”  Her entire bridal party enjoyed nightly sunsets on the ocean with lots of room to move around.   They had no musty old roll-away beds and no lines for the bathrooms!   Jessica and her family took a joyous occasion and turned it into a wonderful experience for everyone involved, not just the bride and groom.   Read more of her comments and see which of our homes she chose here. So whether you’re planning a wedding on the beach or anywhere in Southern California, one of our Five Star Vacation Rental beach homes is certain to make this an amazing time.

Laguna Beach Arts Festival -- Book Early!

Book now for your stay during the Laguna Beach Sawdust Arts Festival. This year’s festival runs from June 29th through September 2nd, and attracts visitors from all over the world.  We sell out most years during the festival, so be sure to book early.  The festival is a great event for the entire family with over 200 skilled artisans displaying creations from fine portraiture to delicately blown glass.  There’s also great entertainment and a huge variety of great food.

Call us today 310-780-3411 and we’ll be glad to have one of our friendly staff help you plan the ideal Southern California getaway.  We have beach homes available for rent in Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, Manhattan Beach, La Jolla, and Laguna Niguel.  Visit our Southern California Beaches page to see all our available properties. We also have vacation rentals available in Park City, Palm Springs/La QuintaMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

 

 

Sun’s Out, Surf’s Up: Sunny So Cal Beach Escapes

Pack the swimsuits, grab the sunscreen and toss on your shades! From San Diego to Santa Barbara, the sunny Southern California coast is the perfect beach getaway destination. Whether you catch a few waves or work on your tan, SoCal beaches offer the perfect blend of fun in the sun and relaxation.
From family-friendly visits to romantic getaways, a luxury vacation rental is the best way to enjoy the sun-soaked SoCal beaches. Vacation rentals allow the discerning traveler to stay in the most sought-after SoCal beach communities. After all, nothing beats stepping out your front door each morning and feeling the sand between your toes! Live like the locals and enjoy exclusive beachfront access without paying a premium for overcrowded, overpriced hotels. After a day on the beach, watch the sunset from your private hot tub while sipping a glass of California wine.
Not sure which SoCal beach is right for you? Check out three of our favorite SoCal destinations.

Laguna Beach Luxury

Laguna Beach

For clear waters, beautiful coves, and equally beautiful people, head straight to picturesque Laguna Beach. This picturesque seaside village started as an Art Colony in the 1900s. Today, it boasts seven miles of spectacular coastline, with more than 30 unique coves and beaches. Palm trees, colorful bougainvilleas, and tropical gardens adorn the charming cottages along the beach. A vacation rental in one of the charming beach cottages is the perfect way to feel like a local.

 

Monarch Beach
This exclusive community in Dana Point not only gives vacationers private beachfront access, but also boasts some of the area’s best golfing and tennis. Discerning travelers enjoy the exclusive privileges that come with a gated community by staying in one of Monarch Beach’s popular vacation rentals. Visit the Dana Point Yacht Club and charter a sailboat or yacht and watch the sunset over the Pacific. Don’t miss the family-friendly Festival of Whales held every March over two weekends or the Dana Point California Wine Festival held each April.

 

Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Shoreline

Enjoy the small-town feel of this family-friendly beach that’s a paradise for surfers, beach volleyball players and sun worshipers alike. Take in the coastline while biking along the 22-mile South Bay Bicycle Trail, or take a stroll along the “Strand”, a paved pedestrian walkway. Like all the SoCal beaches, Manhattan Beach is lined with luxury condos and homes. Fortunately, you don’t need a star on the walk of fame to live like a Hollywood star during your stay. A beachfront vacation rental brings the beach to your doorsteps. Watch the sunset from your private balcony and fall asleep to the crashing surf – a SoCal beach vacation doesn’t get any better than this!

Call Five Star Vacation Rentals at 310-800-5454 today to book your getaway to the beach.

A November Wedding . . . Relaxing Family Time . . . And Amazing Laguna Beach Views

Laguna Beach Sunset
A Five Star Sunset

We recently received a note from one of our guests who stayed at our Laguna Beach Gem.   Jessica rented this beautiful home for her entire family to spend the week of her wedding together. They had a great time. She notes in her letter that they found the house to be “absolutely amazing” and it was a great home base for the entire family.

View From Kitchen
Drink In the Kitchen View

We pride ourselves on our professional photography, but she said our photos don’t do justice to the property. Of course, you’ll have to judge that for yourself after you spend some quality time soaking up the sunsets, ocean breezes and luxurious appointments that you’ll find in this stunning property.

Take a closer look at some of the amenities that Jessica noted in her letter: She says “the kitchen has GIANT windows with unobstructed views of the ocean so every sunset was enjoyed over wine while making dinner.” She also loved the floor plan and overall roominess of the property: “It gives enough space and you never feel cramped.”

And while the amenities at our lovely Laguna Beach home will keep you smiling all day, Jessica notes that the luxury continues to impress even when you sleep: “The beds are VERY comfortable.”

A short walk to the beach
A Short Walk To The Beach

The experience continues if you want the party to expand outside. This unique property has three ocean-view decks and a back yard. It’s a short walk to the beach, or a short drive to downtown Laguna Beach with its art galleries, world-class restaurants, and unique shopping.

Our Laguna Beach Gem has 3 bedrooms,  2-1/2 baths with room for up to 11 guests.  We usually rent this home on a monthly basis, but we can sometimes carve out a weekly rental.  Click here to view more details on this home. Call Five Star Vacation Rentals at 310-780-3411 to start planning your amazing getaway. But don’t delay, our summer schedule is already starting to fill.

Be Mine at Big Bear: Why Big Bear is the Perfect Destination for Romance

Rent a cabin for Valentine's Day

 

What could be more romantic?

Surprise your sweetheart with a romantic escape to Big Bear luxury rentals, the perfect couples-only winter getaway.

Snow falling gently outside, you and your sweetheart snuggling by the fire, champagne on ice… it just doesn’t get more romantic than this! Even if you waited until the last minute to make your Valentine’s Day plans, it’s never too late to surprise your sweetheart with a romantic escape to Big Bear. Let us play cupid and help you plan the perfect romantic getaway!
Luxury Big Bear Vacation Homes Create Romance
Discerning travelers know that the right accommodation sets the mood for romance and adults-only fun. So why stay in a cramped hotel room when you could enjoy a spacious home? Get the romance started at one of the exclusive Big Bear luxury vacation homes. These rentals feature custom amenities, private hot tubs and luxurious master suites. Nothing says romance like sipping champagne in your own private hot tub or snuggling up together by the fire!
After a day on the slopes, enjoy a romantic meal together at one of Big Bear’s fine dining restaurants. Many restaurants offer special romance packages and tasting menus, such as Sweet Basil Bistro’s five-course Valentine’s Day dinner served in this intimate, charming bistro.
And whether you hit the slopes or cuddle up indoors, there’s plenty of action to set your heart a-flutter.
Top 5 Big Bear Winter Romance Activities
1. Bear Mountain Snow Summit: Old Man Winter is back, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of a packed powder-to-powder natural snow surface under beautiful sunny skies! Spend the day skiing down the slopes on Snow Summit’s beginner, intermediate, advanced or expert snow runs.
2. Alpine Slides at Magic Mountain: Take a break from the slopes and zip down the alpine slide in your own private toboggan for two. Your hearts will be racing after a ride down this authentic bobsled experience.
3. Big Bear Snow Play: Reconnect with your inner-child on the largest snow play hill in the San Bernardino Mountains! The lift-assisted inner tubing takes you straight to the top for a fun, laughter-filled glide down the mountain.
4. Action Zip Line: Get some action this Valentine’s Day with a Big Bear Action Zipline tour! Suspended high above the forest floor, you’ll zip through stunning snowy scenery, across rocky canyons, and end with an adrenaline high!
5. Helicopter Big Bear: Lovebirds can take in the stunning winter scenery with a 20-minute private sightseeing tour. Special romance packages include champagne or Perrier sparkling water, fine chocolates, a stuffed teddy bear and a long stem red rose.