SCRATCH THE ITCH WITHOUT A HITCH
Romance, nostalgia and freedom of the road all come together in those shiny time machines called Airstream travel trailers. Great road trippin’ memories of the ’50s are difficult — and expensive — to re-create, but the tug of the Airstream dream is so strong and entrepreneurs so accommodating that you can now stay in one without pulling a heavy trailer.
Airstream “hotels” are popping up throughout California. From north to south, here’s your chance to experience Airstream travel without a hitch:
Guerneville: Russian River Autocamp, in the heart of Sonoma County, has 23 customized Airstreams with a deck and fire pit at each site. If guests tire of wine-tasting and strolling through nearby Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve, they can canoe, bicycle and play tennis or boccie ball. Info: 14120 Old Cazadero Road, Guerneville; (888) 405-7553, www.lat.ms/ russianriver. From $200 a night.
Petaluma: The colorful and quirky French-inspired Metro Hotel has two Airstreams: a 22-foot Bambi model (with silver, wood and red interior) and a 28-foot International (silver with fuchsia carpeting). Each comes with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a stove, a microwave and a French press coffee maker. Info: 508 Petaluma Blvd. South, Petaluma; (707) 773-4900, www .metrolodging.com. From $149 a night.
Watsonville: The Santa Cruz/
Monterey Bay KOA campground rents six Airstreams with queen beds, mini kitchens and full baths with showers. The couches and dinettes can be converted into twin beds. Info: 1186 San Andreas Road, Watsonville; (831) 722-0551, koa.com/campgrounds/santa -cruz. From $195 a night.
Cayucos: Wellspring Ranch, a “private retreat and sanctuary for couples” northwest of San Luis Obispo, has a luxury International-series Airstream that has never been on the road (other than getting to the ranch). Meals, served in the garden or café, are included. Guests can ramble on hiking trails, practice yoga or drive 20 minutes to Paso Robles wine country. The ranch has a Tesla charging station. Info: 9150 Santa Rita Road, Cayucos; (805) 9951644, www.wellspringranch .com. $450 a night plus one-time cleaning fee starting at $50.
Buellton: Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground rents nine Airstreams that have been refurbished with themed interiors such as Mod Squad and Urban Cowboy. Microwaves, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, flat-panel cable TVs, Wi-Fi and a barbecue or fire pit are included. Info: 180 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton; (877) 783-5247, www.lat.ms/ flyingflags. From $99 a night.
Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Autocamp, one of the first Airstream “hotels,” has five of the silvery trailers that have been refurbished with pillow-top mattresses and down comforters on the beds, free Wi-Fi and outdoor decks with electric barbecues. Guests can use free bikes for rides to Stearns Wharf and East Beach. Info: 2717 De la Vina St., Santa Barbara; (888) 405-7553, www .lat.ms/SBautocamp. From $174 a night.
Ojai: The funky but cool Caravan Outpost has 11 Airstreams, mostly from the 2000s, but one named Sam is a “1959 Land Yacht.” All have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and colorfully patterned pillows and throws that brighten the sleek wood-and-metal interiors. The Outpost also offers yoga classes and beach-cruiser bikes. Info: 317 Bryant St., Ojai; (805) 836-4891, caravanoutpost.com. From $179 a night.
Landers: Adults-only Kate’s Lazy Desert, 20 miles north of Joshua Tree National Park, reflects the style of its owner, Kate Pierson of the B-52s. She hired eccentric artists to decorate the six Airstreams with themes such as Tiki, Tinkerbell and Planet Air. Hot Lava is decorated with vivid red polka dots and blobs — it’s a little like being trapped inside a lava lamp. If the lava’s too hot, take a dip in the above-ground pool. Info: 58380 Botkin Road, Landers; (845) 688-7200, www.lat .ms/lazydesert. From $175 per night.
Joshua Tree: Hicksville Trailer Palace & Artist Retreat is a hoot. Two of its nine trailers are Airstreams: the Sweet and the Integratrailor. The 22-foot Sweet is a throwback to the ’70s with orange walls and turquoise shag carpeting. Guests can sleep on two large curvy couches (there’s no bed) while listening to tunes on a record player. The Integratrailor has a queen bed, sink, heat and air conditioning and an “alien communication system.” All guests share a bathroom. Info: (310) 584-1086, hicksville.com /joshuatree/motel. From $75 a night.
Borrego Springs: Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, in AnzaBorrego Desert State Park, has four Airstreams: Life’s a Trip, Shelley, Baby Blues and Moon Walker. All have small kitchens, private patios and outdoor grills; two have their own small bathrooms. Info: 221 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs; (800) 242-0044, www.lat.ms/palm canyon. From $119 a night. Closed June 1-Sept. 15.