What about “stay-cations”? We’ve had a lot of fun exploring places near us that we didn’t know much about with short (half or full-day) trips. Where would you take non-local family and friends? And go there.
Really? I guess I haven’t been in a while, and it probably isn’t any fun if you don’t do some of the paying stuff. We just went to the look out and then we stopped by the Petrified Forest National park. Not sure if it is within your driving distance, but Arizona has Slide Rock state Park (which is super fun for kids, Sedona, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, all in the same area. We went when I was a teen (I have some family in the area), and it was a ton of fun (though I did get motion sick on the drive up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross).
Some of the parks, IMS, have cabins and the like, i.e. Camping gear would not be needed.
By the way, there are probably exceptions, but a lot of National Park cabins are off the charts expensive for what you get. Expect $200ish on National Park land.
We were forced to cancel a vacation at the last minute one year (forest fire at the destination), and had a week of day trips. It was one of the most fun vacations we ever had. When you cut out lodging and most of your travel costs, you have a lot more money to play with, too.What about “stay-cations”? We’ve had a lot of fun exploring places near us that we didn’t know much about with short (half or full-day) trips. Where would you take non-local family and friends? And go there.
I have only visited California twice in my life and my memory of its geography and distance may not be exact but I believe that the National Shrine of Saint Junipero Serra would be right at five hours from Los Angeles. I remember it as being impressive if not supremely elaborate. It was at one of the missions which was established by the Saint…named for Saint Charles Borromeo and in Carmel, California. That seemed like a very charming place, although my visit there was brief.
I actually wanted to do that and then I was looking at packages they were WAY too expensive for me there was a package for the train ride 2 nights at a lodge was about $800 ONLY 2 nights … but now that I see Bryce I will do some searching … Thank You!
yes that is in San Diego only a 2 hour drive for me ! thank you for the information !
How many days, what is your total budget and what have vacations have you already taken?
Nonetheless, DH and DD and I had an absolutely wonderful time last fall when we flew to one city, rented a car, and then drove around to various national parks which we’d visit and explore…and then return to a hotel and a restaurant with a hot meal in the evening. 
I can highly recommend that setup!Many of the National parks have lodgings at various price points, you don’t have to camp. I’d love to see either Yosemite or Yellowstone!