The Best Sequoia National Park Hotels, Cabins, and Airbnbs
Where else in the world can you find impressive superlatives all around you—the largest tree on the planet, the tallest peak in the lower 48—but for Sequoia and Kings Canyon? Although these two central California parks often are overlooked in favor of their more Instagram-famous cousin to the north, Yosemite, they’re far less crowded, closer to Southern California, and full of mind-blowing natural wonders. If you’re interested in hiking to roaring waterfalls, hugging enormous conifers, or soaking up incredible sunset views of the Great Western Divide, these parks need to be on your list.
Given their remote location in the Sierra Nevada, finding luxe, amenity-rich lodging options for these parks is challenging, which can be discouraging for some tall tree enthusiasts, especially if they’re looking to luxuriate on a romantic weekend away or bring along the whole family. Luckily, this list has a little something for everyone—from modern geodesic domes to sprawling country estates and woodsy tiny homes.
*We should note that, because of the record-breaking winter storms that California has experienced, access to the Giant Forest via Hwy 180 through the Big Stump Entrance Station is estimated to open between May 26–June 16th. Access via Highway 198 through the Ash Mountain Entrance will open in June or July 2023. Mineral King is expected to open in June 2023. Giant sequoias may still be viewed in Grant Grove.
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Paradise RanchParadise Ranch
The vibe: Scandinavian-style off-grid retreat
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Cedar hot tubs, yoga decks, swimming holes
Best for: Couples seeking a luxury forested escapeWith its four Scandinavian-designed ÖÖD tiny homes and five gorgeous bell tents, recently-opened Paradise Ranch truly stands out as a modern off-grid escape. Tucked away on 50 private acres near the charming gateway community of Three Rivers, just outside Sequoia’s southern entrance, the adults-only property embodies Danish-style indoor-outdoor living with a wood sauna, redwood yoga decks, swimming holes, a fœlleshuset (“together house”), and communal fire pits. The mirrored tiny cabins offer fabulous views and truly impressive amenities, like cedar hot tubs, heated floors, StarLink internet, and kitchenettes.
Silver City Mountain ResortSilver City Mountain Resort
The vibe: Rustic modern cabin escapes in Mineral King
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation (as small as studios and as large as three bedrooms)
Top amenities: Private decks, on-site farm-to-table restaurant, extra-large soaking tubs
Best for: Active couples and families looking to stay off-the-beaten-pathSilver City Mountain Resort is a Sierra institution, set in Sequoia’s far-flung Mineral King Valley, away from the hustle and bustle of the Giant Forest. These mindfully-restored vintage cabins are charmingly rustic, with loads of modern amenities that will make even the fussiest park-goer smile (like huge bathtubs, indoor fireplaces, and an on-site restaurant serving locally-sourced cuisine). Seeking a room with a view? Book the Shooting Star or Paradise Ridge.
- Airbnb
Immaculate mountaintop home
The vibe: Cozy country estate with mountain views
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Hot tub, grill, spacious deck
Best for: Extended families and friends who love to cook with viewsViews, views, views. In addition to the thoughtful upscale amenities at this three-bedroom stunner (think enormous outdoor decks, fireplaces, and stainless steel appliances), the mountain vistas of the High Sierra from nearly every window are simply dreamy. The location isn’t too shabby, either, perched on a hill near Three Rivers, mere minutes from Sequoia. Wake up and dine al fresco as the morning light crests over rocky peaks, sunbathe on the private yoga lawn, and, after a day of hiking, soak your tired muscles in the bubbling hot tub.
- Airbnb
Tree-lined two bedroom in Three Rivers
The vibe: Cabin-chic with loads of clean neutrals
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Fast Wi-Fi, chef’s kitchen, Smart TVs, wood-burning fireplace
Best for: Hip families looking to stay just outside SequoiaPerched atop a granite boulder field, this treehouse-style two-bedroom cabin perfectly blends rustic charm with modern décor and amenities. Outdoors, enjoy over 1,000-square-feet of wrap-around deck space, swinging hammocks, and a sunny dining area. Inside, guests will find floor-to-ceiling windows full of forested views, plus an open-plan common area, gorgeous kitchen, and stylish bedrooms, all just two miles from the park.
Ryan KrauterThe Darling
The vibe: Art deco hotel with a fabulous rooftop restaurant
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Plush bedding, fitness center, hip on-site restaurant
Best for: Couples and girlfriends who’s rather stay in a city when exploring the parkVisalia is a town more known for its orange and almond orchards than its Art Deco hotels, and yet, The Darling has set out to change that. After nearly two years of construction, the space transformed from a dilapidated courthouse to a sleek, 1930s-style hotel and opened to the public in July 2020. Complete with high ceilings, velvet couches, plush bedding, and marbled walk-in showers, the site is a welcome shift from Sequoia’s more rustic, in-park lodging. Just don’t forget to grab a Oaxacan Old Fashioned at the rooftop bar, Elderwood, before check-out.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Three Rivers home
The vibe: Sun-drenched boho homestead on three acres
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Open plan kitchen, farm tours, hot tub with views
Best for: Couples or families with older kids who want a country escapeSet on a private tract of three acres and surrounded by rolling hills of golden grasslands, Blossom Peak Farm was designed for national park lovers who want to immerse themselves in the Sierra foothills and experience true solitude, all while staying a mere 15 minutes from Sequoia’s entrance station. The two-bedroom house is light and airy inside, with welcoming pops of blue and orange, a fully appointed kitchen, and clean, simple bedrooms. Watch the sunset with the jets on from the property’s four-seater hot tub.
Group-friendly villa
The vibe: Storybook castle with a hint of yoga and riverfront access
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths
Top amenities: Night sky observatory, yoga room, private river access, library
Best for: Family reunions or large groups of friends who want all the amenitiesWhat’s better than a group trip to a stunning national park? Getting to unplug and unwind at a riverside villa with your whole crew. Guests at this Airbnb have access to six pristine acres of property bordering the Kaweah River, meaning post-park polar plunges are practically mandatory. Inside, you’ll find a library, yoga room, bohemian bedding, outdoor dining spaces, and a kitchen fit for a gourmand. At night, kick your feet up in the hot tub or catch a glimpse of the Milky Way at the home’s private night sky observatory.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Two-bedroom within Sequoia's borders
The vibe: Midcentury cabin core
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Unbeatable location, eat-in kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, washer and dryer
Best for: Hiker friends and families looking to stay in the middle of the actionEvery now and then, a property gets grandfathered in and ends up inside the boundaries of a protected national park—like this house, which is truly special. With its unique dome-like shape, antler chandelier, midcentury furnishings, and circular wood-burning fireplace, it makes for a stunning home base for groups visiting Sequoia. Draw straws to see who gets the funky, wood-paneled loft and who gets to kick back in the primary bedroom’s enormous soaking tub. Either way, you’ll still get expansive views into the park, sunrise or sunset.
- Courtesy Airbnb
1940s homestead cabin
The vibe: 1970s bohemian hobbit
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Wood-burning fireplace, spacious grounds, outdoor soaking tub
Best for: Couples who truly want to unplug and reconnect with rootsOne of the best things about visiting the original forest bathing park in the U.S. is feeling truly immersed in the nature you came to witness—even when you’re back at the vacation rental. The Botanist Cabin is full of earthy details that pay homage to Mother Nature, like wicker lighting fixtures, plants galore, and, most importantly, an outdoor soaking tub. Dip your feet in the nearby mountain creek and cozy up to the vintage fireplace at this renovated botanist’s homestead that dates back to 1948.
The Sequoia High Sierra CampSequoia High Sierra Camp
The vibe: Comfortable hike-in glamping with gourmet meals
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath (some baths are shared)
Top amenities: Dining pavilion with included meals, plush bedding, yoga deck
Best for: Couples who want to rough it, but not too roughPerfectly nestled between Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, this hike-in glamping resort offers a taste of the backpacking experience, without having to haul all your food and gear. Set just a mile into the Sequoia National Forest, each of the site’s 330-square-foot canvas tent cabins is adorned with colorful textiles, down bedding, and a small seating area. A shared, central bathhouse offers modern flush toilets and hot showers, and the camp’s luxe outdoor dining pavilion serves three daily meals, included in the room rate. Watch the sun set over the Great Western Divide while feeling a million miles from anywhere.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Impeccably designed three-bedroom
The vibe: You’re visiting your cool auntie’s 1970s mountain retreat
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Swimming pool, full kitchen, original artwork
Best for: Art lovers and mid-century design snobsSleep amongst the trees and enjoy outdoor grilling and cocktail hours with canyon views at this hip, 1960s-inspired pad that’s brimming with midcentury décor. California live oaks surround the three-bedroom property, giving it a treehouse feel, while inside, colorful geometric rugs and framed modern art serve up some serious throwback vibes. After a day wandering the park, stargaze in swing chairs, take a dip in the private pool, or peruse the home’s vintage book collection.
- Courtesy Vrbo
Geodesic dome
The vibe: Futuristic eco-escape with phenomenal vistas
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Private deck with views, heat and air conditioning, wood-burning stove
Best for: Cozy couples seeking a city escape in the SierraSituated just four miles from Sequoia’s main entrance, this stylish geodesic dome is sure to bring a smile to any photo-savvy glamper's face. With a seating area and live edge coffee table overlooking the Sierra Nevada, a comfy queen-sized bed, and a wood-burning stove to keep things cozy at night, this is a tent that even hotel-loving city kids would fall for (yes, it even has a modern bathroom with hot showers). The only thing it’s lacking is kitchen space, which it more than makes up for in big sky and sunrise yoga supplies.
- Courtesy Vrbo
Earthy four-bedroom
The vibe: Chic, sunny home with loads of common areas
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Open-plan kitchen, outdoor dining, views
Best for: Families and friend groups who want communal hangs after park adventuresWith a hodgepodge of outdoor decks, indoor chill spaces, and thoughtfully furnished bedrooms, it’ll be hard to leave this VRBO and actually head into the park (a brief 10-minute drive away). This four-bedroom craftsman has room to spare for your extended family or big, park lovin’ friend group, and with its cushy leather sofa, woven poufs, and earth-toned design scheme, it’s a wonderful base camp in the heart of Three Rivers.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Riverfront home
The vibe: Elegant rural villa 10 minutes from Sequoia
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Private river access, huge kitchen, dedicated office space
Best for: Park-themed family reunionsWhen the name of a park’s gateway community is Three Rivers, we aim to deliver the goods. Tucked right up against a private, mile-long sandy beach on the Kaweah River, this Adobe-style home and guest house offer room for up to 15 guests. A spacious, grassy yard provides plenty of room to sprawl out, grill, and dine al fresco, while inside, cozy seating areas and stainless steel appliances beckon. Enjoy your morning cup of tea on a balcony overlooking the Kaweah, and later plop right in to cool off after a day of hiking.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Art-filled home
The vibe: Woodsy forest nymph cottage
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Walking paths, memory foam bed with plush linens, fully-equipped kitchen
Best for: Dreamy, romantic couple’s weekendsOriginal artwork, an outdoor yoga deck, and views for days await guests at this three-bedroom, two-bath home in Three Rivers. When you aren’t traipsing through centuries-old groves of giant sequoias, catch some sun on one of the property’s numerous patios, chill out on the leather sofa, or borrow a DVD for movie night on the flatscreen. The outdoor grill and spacious kitchen beg for nights in, watching the amber glow of sunset along the Sierra foothills.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Wood-paneled cabin
The vibe: Roomy midcentury cabin with vaulted ceilings
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Large dining room, walk-in shower, pool table, fast internet
Best for: Trendy couples forest bathing in luxuryIf you prefer to sip your coffee from a vintage sofa while watching deer tiptoe across the grassy lawn, this newly renovated two-bedroom home in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada is prime for a perfect getaway. Massive bay windows ensure you’re always in sight of nature, whether lounging in bed or plating a family feast in the chic dining nook that seats eight. Plus, three outdoor patios, a billiard table, and a large soaking tub mean that there’s something to keep everyone busy when the park fun is over.
