10 Unique and Fun Places in California to Spend the Night

Unusual Lodging in California

California is diverse, from its coastline and beaches to its mountains and deserts. So it's really no wonder it has so many unique places to stay. Whether traveling as a couple, group, or family, there are lots of locations to stay that are quite different than a standard hotel room. Here's a sample of ten of the fun places to rest for the night.

1. Delta King-A Paddlewheel Riverboat

Docked at Old Sacramento, the Delta King Hotel originated as a riverboat that carried passengers between Sacramento and San Francisco. The ship has quite an interesting history, including being used as a troop transport and hospital ship during WWII. After being completely renovated, the ship opened its doors as a hotel in 1989.

The hotel has 44 rooms, including a unique suite known as the Captain's Quarters, which, at one time, was actually the captain's wheelhouse. Also onboard are two restaurants, with The Pilothouse Restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A great perk for staying here is that when you get off the ship, you're in Old Sacramento, which is the historic area where the city was first built. There are numerous shops and restaurants, museums, and even a comedy club. If you want to get an overview of the area, take a horse-drawn carriage ride. At the end of your time there, it's just a short walk back to the hotel, where you can end your day enjoying a cocktail at the Delta Bar and Grill.

2. Railroad Park Resort

Should you want to experience something different, spend the night in a caboose at the Railroad Park Resort in Dunsmuir. Several cabooses can be occupied and sleep two to five guests, depending on which caboose you choose. Some even have ladders you climb up so you can sit in a cupola and view the outdoors.

To keep with the theme, the onsite restaurant is actually a dining car that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's also a vintage 1927 Willamette locomotive on the grounds.

If you prefer camping, the resort features tent sites along with RV sites. If you want to travel there in the winter, check with the resort to see what's open. There are also cabins available for rent, which come with bedding, towels, cookware, utensils, and dishes

The resort has a swimming pool, hot tub, swing set, and game room. In the warmer weather months, the staff provides outdoor yard games for kids as well as a trackless train ride around the property where you can learn the history of the area.

3. Wigwam Motel in San Bernadino

A cute little motel along the Historic Route 66 in San Bernardino is the Wigwam Hotel. The motel has 19 tipis, and each one comes with a flat-screen TV and mini refrigerator. While some rooms can only accommodate two people, others can accommodate up to four guests.

The property has a swimming pool, barbecue, and a nice lawn area. What's really impressive is how well they keep the property up. The grounds look great, and the rooms are super clean.

There is no restaurant on-site, but there are several nearby, including the Mitla Cafe, which is a historic restaurant that serves really good, authentic Mexican food and comes recommended by the motel.

Recommended

Amazing Experience of the 1000 Islands Cruise in Ontario, Canada

4. Legoland Castle Hotel

A super fun place to stay with young kids is the Legoland Castle Hotel in Carlsbad. This hotel is totally themed inside and out, from the lobby to the guestrooms and even the elevators.

The hotel has three kinds of themed rooms. There are Knights & Dragons, Royal Princess, and Magic Wizard. The theme is carried out throughout each of the rooms, from the wall décor to the rugs and even the ice bucket. A separate sleeping area with a TV is provided in every room, along with a container of Legos for kids to play with. There's also an in-room treasure hunt.

Outside, kids can swim and enjoy the water-centric play area. There's also a playground and a spot to watch movies outdoors. Each night, there is themed entertainment for the kids. In the morning, a complimentary full hot breakfast is served.

Dragon's Den Restaurant and Bar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and room service is provided.

5. East Brother Light Station

If you love lighthouses and have dreamed of staying in one, you will thoroughly enjoy an overnight visit to East Brother Light Station. Located on East Brother Island in Richmond, your adventure begins when you're picked up at Point San Pablo Yacht Harbor by boat for a ten-minute scenic trip to the island.

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with champagne and Hors d'oeuvres. As delicious as they taste, don't eat too many since a four-course gourmet dinner with wine will be served to you. This is all included in the cost of your stay. Also included is a gourmet breakfast in the morning as well as a historical tour of the property ending with a foghorn demonstration.

There are a couple of things you should know if you are planning to stay here. There are no phones, TVs, or Wi-Fi. Also, guests are only allowed to shower if staying more than one night since water is very limited on the island.

6. Safari West Glamping

Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve in Santa Rosa. Visitors can embark on a three-hour safari to see over 900 animals consisting of over 90 species. Giraffes, cheetahs, lemurs, and warthogs are just some of the animals that make this preserve their home, along with numerous species of birds. However, the day doesn't have to end when the safari is over.

There are three glamping areas in the preserve, each with luxury tents. Built on stilts, these tents are completely furnished with private baths and viewing decks. When spending the night, there's a good chance you'll hear the sounds of some of the animals. If it gets too much for you, ask the staff for some earplugs.

Each room comes with an overhead ceiling fan and electric blanket since there is no heating or air conditioning. There's also no TV, so you may want to bring some books and toys if traveling with kids. In the morning, a free continental breakfast is served that includes eggs, oatmeal, muffins, pastries, and fruit, as well as coffee and juice.

7. Big Sur Treebones Resort

Treebones Resort in Big Sur is a campground offering tent spaces and yurts for a relaxing stay in nature. However, that isn't what makes this place unique. Staying in either the Twig Hut or Human Nest is.

Pictured above is the Human Nest. Made of tree branches, it comes with a full-size futon, but you'll have to bring your own sleeping bag and pillows. You need to climb a ladder to get inside. Once inside, check out the spectacular ocean view.

The Twig Hut is similar to the Human Nest, although it has a metal roof. It also has a deck with chairs on the same level. As with the Human Nest, you'll need to bring your own sleeping gear, although a full-size futon pad is provided.

Keep in mind that both of these are open-air lodging, so you're subject to the current weather conditions. Also, be aware that the local critters may stop by for a visit.

There is both a swimming pool and hot tub at Treebones Resort as well as two restaurants. The Lodge serves breakfast, lunch, and a four-course dinner, or you can stop by Wild Coast Sushi Bar and try some of their awesome sushi.

8. Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo

Opening in 1958 with only 12 rooms, the Madonna Inn has grown into a glamorous resort featuring 110 individually themed rooms. The inn has several romantic hideaways, including the Love Nest, which features French-style furnishings and different shades of pink. There's even a spiral staircase that will take you up to your own private viewing tower.

If you feel like something more nostalgic, book the Old Fashioned room with lovely Victorian-style furnishings. Want to bring out your inner caveman? Then check out the Caveman room, complete with rock walls, animal prints, and even a waterfall in the shower. These are just a mere sampling of the numerous themed rooms available at this hotel.

For casual dining, there's the Madonna Inn Copper Cafe. If you'd like to experience dinner in an elegant setting, then make a reservation for Alex Madonna's Gold Rush Steak House, which features a variety of fine steaks along with lobster, salmon, swordfish, and prime rib.

One thing not to be missed is picking up a treat at the bakery. The cakes there are absolutely decadent, with their pink champagne being the favorite. In addition, the inn boasts hiking trails, athletic courts, horseback riding, swimming, and a spa.

9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp-Resort

Yogi's Bear's Jellystone Camp is way more than just a campground. It's a kids' playing paradise. The camp has both tent and RV sites, along with cottages and cabins you can rent. Best of all is that the grounds are filled with multiple activities for kids, including:

• swimming pools
• miniature golf
• horseshoes
• basketball
• water playland
• hay rides
• scavenger hunts
• playgrounds

All of the above are included in the price of your stay. Additional activities are available for a fee.

On-site dining is available. Grab a burger or pizza at the food truck or enjoy a sit-down meal at the Waterfront Grill, which has an awesome view of the Sacramento Delta.

Located in Lodi, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp is about a 45-minute drive from Sacramento. If this sounds like fun, but you're not interested in spending the night, day passes are available during peak season.

10. Gingerbread Mansion Inn

The Gingerbread Mansion Inn in Ferndale is as beautiful and charming on the inside as it is on the outside. Meticulously decorated, you'll truly feel like you have stepped back in time in this historic Victorian home with 11 themed guest rooms, each with its own fireplace.

Every afternoon from 4:30–6:00 p.m., complimentary tea and wine are served along with an assortment of Hors d'oeuvres and desserts. You can enjoy these in the parlor or take them outside to the English garden to savor while admiring the beauty of your surroundings. Additionally, a free gourmet breakfast will await you in the morning.

Bottled water, tea, and coffee are available all day, and when you get to your room, lush bathrobes and plush slippers will await you. You even get to take the slippers home with you!

Overnight Lodging in California

As you can see, there are a lot of unique and fun places to stay in the Golden State. Hopefully, one of the above will work for your travel plans. I suggest making your reservations as early as possible, as some of these places fill up quickly. Enjoy your stay wherever it is you end up!

More California Fun

• Long Beach: Visit This Southern California Playground
  It's not just L.A.'s little sister.
• California Slang: How to Speak Like a Californian (Surfer Accent)
  Are you wondering how to sound like a native Californian? Are you looking to adopt a Californian accent? Between the slow surfer speak and the "valley girl" accent of LA, find out how to sound like you're from California.
• The 5 Best California Weekend Getaways
  Want to get away for the weekend? My five best recommendations for California weekend getaways are Lake Tahoe, San Diego, Highway 1, Yosemite and Northern California hot springs.