On a recent search for motels for an upcoming trip, I came across a few I would characterize as kitschy – original motor inns, catering to the auto traveler from days past. I thought these were worth sharing, if you are looking for a nostalgic trip back in time.

Ocean Park Motel

Built in 1936 (the same year as the Golden Gate Bridge) this art-deco landmark, located near the San Francisco Zoo and Ocean Beach, has not changed much since it was first built. Designed by Conrad Kett in a nautical theme, original visitors would stay while visiting Sutro Baths, Playland-at-the-Beach and Fleischhacker Zoo.

Red Victorian Bed, Breakfast & Art

Originally the Jefferson Hotel, built in 1904, the Red Victorian rose to prominence during the “Summer of Love” when it became a haven for flower children and hippies. In 1977, Sami Sunchild acquired the property, giving Red Vic its name and mission to foster peace, ecology and global friendship. Run as a Bed & Breakfast, guests can chose from 18 creatively decorated room, and are invited to join other travelers for morning Breakfast Conversations.

Madonna Inn

Construction began in 1966 on this over-the-top inn in San Luis Obispo. Phyllis and Alex Madonna designed each of the 109 rooms around a unique theme, incorporating many personal favorites (Phyllis loves the color pink and Alex is fond of rocks). Great for families who love kitsch, this inn features rooms and suites with several different configurations. If you plan to stay more than one night, don’t be afraid to ask to switch rooms for a new experience, apparently it is the thing to do!

As long as you are near San Luis Obispo, be sure to stop and see what remains of the Motel Inn, the world’s first motel, built in 1925 by Los Angeles architect Arthur Heineman. This new motor lodge, designed around a central courtyard with a swimming pool and picnic tables, was revolutionary for the time. Until then, most travelers camped or stayed home. With the advent of the Milestone Motel, travelers rested in comfortable two-room bungalows for $1.25 a night with a private adjoining garage.

What is your favorite kitschy motel and why? How about kitschy roadside attraction? Giant Bob’s Big Boy, anyone?

Photo courtesy of Ocean Park Motel.

Girl’s Getaway and Camping don’t usually go together in the same sentence, except when you are talking about my girlfriends and Costanoa, the something-for-everyone camp experience located half way between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Last month, I dragged my two intrepid girlfriends, Kim and Marie, with me for a weekend away from the boys and kids. Wow, what a great girl’s getaway!

We arrived on Friday afternoon to find our Pine Village Tent Bungalow all ready for us. A bit of a tight squeeze for three friends, it nevertheless offered us the opportunity to channel our inner 12-year old and pretend we were on a sleepover! That, and conveniently located comfort stations, allowed us to relax while still communing with nature.

As much as I enjoy lugging out my Dutch oven to cook dinner when we family camp at Big Basin, I was thrilled to visit the Cascade Bar & Grill for our meals. Wonderful local cuisine and wines ensured the three of us were well fed. After dinner, while my friends went back to our bungalow, I stayed at the lodge to meet up with a group of other travelers for a little Naked Eye Stargazing.

Saturday morning, we had our choice of many activities, including horseback riding, surfing lessons and yoga – in the end, we decided to join a hike to Franklin Point with a local tour guide. On the way, my friend Kim ooh’d and aah’d over the coastal flora and we took in the gorgeous views of the Northern California coast. We had to hurry back, as we had reservations for massages at the spa – well worth it, as the masseuses erased all of the week’s tension.

On Sunday, after check out, we headed out to Harley Farms Goat and Dairy Ranch for a “behind-the-scenes” tour of the operation, plus a special cheese tasting at the end. I also insisted we stop at the Pie Ranch Farm Stand to pick up pie, claiming this was much easier than actually picking our own berries at Swanton Berry Farms!

Driving back home over the hill, I reveled in the time spent with my good friends and the chance to get away from my everyday life in such a beautiful retreat. Already looking forward to our next girl’s getaway. Paris, anyone?

Photo courtesy of Henryk Kotoviski 

With a family of 4, it feels as though standard hotel accommodations can break the bank when we travel. Friends of ours, who have 4 kids, told us a little secret – they stay in hostels!

Hostels use to be the accommodation of choice for teenagers and young adults, 18-25 years, primarily while traveling through Europe. These days, more and more hostels cater to families, offering private rooms, ensuite bathrooms, and events geared towards all ages. Whether you are single and carefree, or traveling with your family, Northern California has many hostels to suit your needs.

San Francisco has dozens of hostel options, from guest houses in the Castro to several hostels within walking distance of Union Square and downtown. Check out Pacific Tradewinds Hostel on Sacramento or the Adelaide Hostel, a 5 minute walk from Moscone Center. Most of the hostels in San Francisco are geared towards student travelers, so if you take your family, be prepared for late night noise and possibly some unusual questions from your kids!

If you are adventuring outside of the City, I recommend checking out one of the beautiful coast-side hostels, including two lighthouses, Pigeon Point and Point Montara. Pigeon Point is near enough to Año Nuevo State Reserve, where you can visit the resident elephant seals. Both these hostels have close up views of the Pacific Ocean, offering a truly memorable travel experience.

Farther down the Peninsula, close to the UpTake offices, is a favorite local gem – Hidden Villa. As the name suggests, this hostel is tucked up at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is the oldest operating hostel in the United States. Known for its organic gardens and kids programs, the Hidden Villa property showcases several environmentally sustainable designs. Whether you stay overnight or visit for the day, guests of all ages enjoy the working farm and miles of hiking trails.

Have you stayed at a hostel recently? Any recommendations for your favorite in Northern California?

Photo courtesy of Hidden Villa.