Who isn’t eager to escape the hustle of everyday life? If you’re ready to disconnect, spend some time in nature, and go glamping in a tiny cabin then go to Getaway House Big Bear for your perfect retreat. I even included a special promotional deal for you.
Since my husband and I love to spend time in nature any chance we get, we have found that secluded nature getaways are the best types of vacations. This year we booked our trip to Getaway House Big Bear to celebrate our wedding anniversary.
In this post, I will share everything you’ll need to know about these enchanting tiny cabins and creating your own self-care experience. Full transparency, this is not a sponsored post. We paid full price for our stay at Getaway House Big Bear and are eager to go again.
Here’s a secret…want to know how to book the best cabin and get some pro tips for Getaway House Big Bear? Make sure to keep reading this post to the end so you’ll have the greatest possible stay without any regrets.
What is Getaway House?
Getaway House is the best introduction to experience what it’s like to live in a tiny home. These tiny homes are small cabins in the woods. They are located just outside some of the biggest cities in the US, which makes them ideal for a road trip vacation.
The best way to think of your Getaway House is that it’s a simplified and perfect glamping experience. You won’t have to pitch a tent or sleep on the ground and all the amenities are right at your fingertips.
The company’s mission is to give people time, space, and “permission to be off”. They have fourteen locations across the country, with a new outpost coming up soon near Seattle, WA.
Describe what the Getaway House cabin is like
Each Getaway cabin offers 140 to 200 square feet of interior space. It is ideal for two people and the loft beds are perfect for a total of four people.
This space is small but you won’t feel cramped because of the huge window which looks out to the most Instagrammable feature.
In addition, your outdoor space is cozy and you’ll rotate between being indoors and outdoors.
Since it was just my husband and me, our cabin Renata was intimate and sublime. We enjoyed cuddling in bed while looking out at our astonishing view.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, it’s a great place to bring your dog along. There’s a $40 pet fee which includes dog snacks, water and food bowl.
Is Getaway House Big Bear good for kids?
This particular location is an excellent place to bring kids because you can take them to Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead for diverse activities.
In addition, the cabin accommodates up to four people so your kiddos will enjoy the loft bed.
Can I go alone?
Getaway House cabins are perfect for the solo traveler.
In addition to safety, solitude, and the serenity of nature, you have all the conveniences of home available to you.
If you get cabin fever, Getaway House Big Bear is located 5 minutes from Running Springs so you can go out to LuluBelle’s Coffee House and Bakery or other eateries in town.
This is an ideal vacation for a solo traveler to decompress, disconnect and unwind. If you’re an artist, check out the Getaway House fellowship program to “use nature as the ultimate canvas to explore their creative sides.”
Where are the Getaway Houses located?
Currently, Getaway House has 14 locations nationwide with a new one coming up near Seattle, WA. These are the locations listed on the map on the Getaway House website. Each destination is about 2 hours outside of the major city listed.
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Dallas
- Austin/San Antonio
- Houston
- Charlotte + Raleigh
- Los Angeles (Big Bear)
- New York (Catskill)
- Pittsburgh/Cleveland
- DC
- Portland
The best part of Getaway House is that it’s a road trip to go glamping. These locations were selected so that you can reach an outpost within a short drive by car. This makes it easy to take a break, even if you only have one or two free nights to spare.
Imagine the following when you’re going to Getaway House Big Bear: stargazing, campfires, and solitude in nature.
How do you make reservations for Getaway House?
It’s easy to make a reservation online and you can use my promo code to get $25 off. Hop onto the Getaway House website to select your location, dates, and number of guests.
If you prefer to make a reservation by phone or have any questions, you can call them directly at 617-914-0021 Monday-Friday, 12pm-8pm EST.
How much does a Getaway House cost?
The cost of your Getaway House will depend on the location, time of year, and weekend or weekday stay. I recommend a minimum of a 2-night stay to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
We ended up spending $229 per night for our stay which felt reasonable for us especially with the comfortable amenities.
However, you can save money if you go to Getaway House Big Bear during the weekday and pay around $149 per night.
Since Getaway House cabins are nationwide, they offer escapes for as low as $99, so you’ll just have to search for different locations and dates.
You can also use their easy referral program and my promo code which gets you $25 off.
Where are Getaway Houses located in California?
Getaway House Log Angeles is located in a town called Running Springs which is about 30 minutes from Big Bear Lake or Lake Arrowhead.
Since Running Springs is perfectly situated between the two lakes, the outpost offers you numerous outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring the wilderness.
Is the Getaway House safe?
Yes, it’s safe and secure to stay at Getaway House with contact less check-in and check-out.
Each cabin (named after the grandparent of a staff member) is secured with a digital lock code. On the morning of your arrival, you’ll receive a text and email with a unique code to unlock the door along with a map of the outpost.
Since you’re glamping, there’s no front desk, however, you’ll be able to text Getaway House 24-7 if you need something (like more towels or firewood).
All your belongings are secure in the cabin, and both my husband and I felt protected in the outpost.
Are Getaway House cabins worth it?
Absolutely! The staff at Getaway House Big Bear went above and beyond to acknowledge our wedding anniversary with a box of chocolate, a s’mores kit, popcorn, and a personalized card.
In addition, being in nature is relaxing, comforting, and healing. I took this time to unplug and put my phone in their “cellphone lockbox.”
This experience was so profound for me that I now have a “cellphone lockbox” at home to store my phone in it. This requires me to unplug from technology and social media.
Having an opportunity to practice self-care in a calming environment was just what I needed after a few stressful weeks working at the hospital as a medical social worker.
Waking up every morning to a majestic view and meditating outside while listening to the birds helped me feel more centered.
Interestingly enough, every time I disconnect and unplug from my routine and hustle of daily life, I become more grounded and present. I love that Getaway House encourages you to set a physical boundary to disconnect in order to reconnect with yourself.
Spending time outdoors inspires you to disconnect in order to connect with what is truly important.
Do Getaway Houses have bathrooms?
The bathroom comes with a flushing toilet and a hot shower. You’ll also have plush towels, a first-aid kit, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and tampons (all biodegradable) at your disposal.
The bathroom and shower worked perfectly and I loved the plush white towels. The shower does not have strong water pressure so it’s best to keep your shower short.
Does the Getaway House have Wi-Fi and electricity?
Yes, you will have electricity.
According to Getaway FAQ: “There is no Wi-Fi and never will be.”
Remember, if you’re going on a vacation to unplug, not having Wi-Fi should not be a problem. Think about how often we’re connected to our phones and computers.
Take this time to do a digital detox since you have no access to Wi-Fi.
What’s inside the Getaway House?
What my husband and I love about our Getaway House Big Bear experience is that despite the tiny cabin size (approximately 140-200 square feet) it was aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Here is everything you can expect to find in your cabin:
- AC/Heat
- Queen Bed with down comforter and pillows, or two lofted queen beds if you opt for a cabin for 4
- Storage space for your duffle bags (avoid suitcases)
- A small mirror
- Stocked Kitchenette
- Mini fridge, sink (with drinkable water), stove, and kettle
- Basic cooking/ dining essentials (pan, pot, mixing bowl, plates, cups, silverware, cutting board, etc.)
- Paper towels, foil, soap, sponge
- Bottle openers, lighters
- Grilling utensils for the campfire
- Complimentary olive oil, salt, pepper, cream, and sugar
- Provisions for purchase (coffee, tea, oatmeal, cookies, jerky, etc)
- Small dining table with adequate seating for 2
- Bathroom with a toilet, hot shower
- AM/FM radio, wireless speakers, books, and games
- Lantern
- Outlets
- Firepit, grilling grate, picnic table, and chairs
- Wood and fire starter available for purchase
What should I bring to my Getaway cabin?
Now’s your chance to practice minimalism since you are glamping and staying in a tiny cabin in the woods.
The nice part of packing minimally is that it really makes you stop and think: what is truly essential in your life?
To make this easy and fun for you, I have prepared a detailed packing checklist so you have everything you need for your glamping vacation at Getaway House.
Here’s the essential packing list for your Getaway House glamping vacation:
Keep in mind that less is more when you start packing and optimize for functionality.
Clothing, toiletries, and personal care items
- Toiletries (you can skip shampoo, conditioner, and soap)
- Eye mask (it’s bright in the morning)
- A good headlamp (especially if you’re going to barbeque)
- Slippers to wear in the cabin
- Daytime clothes, pajamas, hiking attire
- Bring layers and a warm jacket (it’s warm during the daytime and cold at night)
- Good walking and hiking shoes
- Sunblock
- Moisturizer & chapstick
- Gloves, hat, and layers for winter
- Bug spray for the warmer months
- Blankets to cozy up by the fire
Pro Tip: The cabins don’t have room for suitcases so use a duffle bag or backpack
Food and drinks
- Groceries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (you can also drive to Jensen’s Market)
- Favorite wine or beer
- Beverages like tea, coffee, hot chocolate (available for purchase but pricey)
Pro Tip: To avoid a delay with barbeque, bring charcoal and use firewood for a campfire
Fun and recreation
- Your favorite board game
- Books
- Journal and pen
Pro Tip: Bring your yoga mat and practice yoga on the picnic table
Activities near Getaway House Big Bear
If you want to go on a stroll, Getaway House Big Bear has a nature walk that’s approximately 2 miles roundtrip. You can simply walk out of your cabin and head towards the trail.
In addition to hiking, several Getaway House outposts are also close to lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Since we love spending time outdoors, we went hiking near Lake Arrowhead.
For our first adventure, we took a walk around the Heaps Peak Arboretum which is a short 5-minute drive from the outpost.
Then we drove to Lake Arrowhead Village, walked around the lake, and had a picnic. We ended our afternoon with an active walk around the Lake Gregory Trail which is about 2.3 miles. This is a great lake to go fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the summer.
On day two, we went to Keller Peak Fire Lookout. You can hike this trail which is 12.5 miles roundtrip but we opted to drive to the top. It’s worth going because you have a beautiful view from the top.
What else can you do?
It is hard for me to sit around and do nothing. I feel guilty about not being productive and busy. Even on the weekends, I feel compelled to keep myself and my family entertained.
However, this can be exhausting and draining. Though self-care means something different for everybody, learning to do nothing is important to help you re-set.
In fact, while Getaway provides information on exploring the area, they also encourage you to do nothing.
So take some walks around the property, build a campfire, read a book, journal, and meditate. Start your gratitude practice and take pleasure in the luxury of doing nothing.
Is there easy parking?
Each Getaway House location is a little bit different, but you will either have designated parking that is marked or you will be able to park right next to your cabin.
Which are the best cabins at Getaway House Big Bear?
Although Getaway cannot guarantee your cabin requests, they will do their best to accommodate them.
After booking our glamping vacation on their website, I called customer service and gave them the names of my top 3 preferred cabins.
In addition, I shared with them that my husband and I were going to Getaway House Big Bear to celebrate our wedding anniversary so it was a special occasion for us.
On the morning of our departure, I was pleased when I received an email confirming our reservation and request to stay at Renata. As you can see from the photos, this is one of the best cabins they offer.
Having taken a walk around the area to explore and rate the different cabins, my husband and I think that the best cabins which have picturesque views are Tom, Mary, Stuart, Lataine.
Moreover, if you don’t want to feel like you’re staying at an RV park, then avoid booking a cabin along Big Bear Ridge. You won’t have a view and it’s enclosed.
Overall, there are a total of 40 cabins at Getaway House Big Bear and some offer better views than others.
You will have a wonderful experience no matter which cabin you are in, however, it will pay off for you to invest some time putting in your special request.
Wrap-up
I am passionate about traveling abroad, but the pandemic has put a temporary pause on air travel. Going on trips is part of my self-care routine and I realized how relaxed and grounded I felt after our Getaway House experience.
Getaway House is perfect if want the camping experience without the hassle of tents and public bathrooms. They provide you all the amenities and comfort while simultaneously connecting you to the serenity of nature.
My husband and I enjoyed our evenings stargazing, making s’mores in our firepit, and celebrating our wedding anniversary. Getaway House provided us a unique experience to be outdoors, enjoy nature, and a vacation to connect with what truly matters.
