The MLK Long Weekend: 3 Winter Escapes You Can Reach in an RV

Looking for a reason to hit the road this January? With Martin Luther King Jr. Day falling on Monday, January 19, 2026, you have the perfect excuse for a 3-day winter reset.

While the mountains are covered in snow, the Southern California desert is in its "prime" season: cool enough to hike all day, but warm enough to enjoy a campfire at night. We’ve rounded up three incredible destinations all within a 2-hour drive of our two pick-up locations - Hemet, CA and Coachella CA -  that are built for an RV long weekend.

1. Joshua Tree National Park: The Stargazer’s Paradise

Drive time: 

• From Hemet: ~1 hour 15 minutes

• From Coachella: ~55 minutes

The Vibe: 

• Otherworldly rock formations and the clearest night skies in SoCal. 
• January is the "secret season" for Joshua Tree. The summer heat is gone, making the famous 3-mile Ryan Mountain hike a breeze.

Where to stay:

• If you can’t snag a spot inside the park at Jumbo Rocks, check out Black Rock Campground—it offers water and electric hookups, which are a lifesaver for keeping the RV cozy during chilly desert nights. If you're new to the RV scene, our specialists at RV Rentals Way of Life can deliver and set-up your rig directly to your campground. Don't need to worry about leveling or making sure everything is connected correctly. Just imply show up to Joshua Tree and begin to enjoy your retreat. 

Pro Tip:

•  Pack a telescope! Joshua Tree is an International Dark Sky Park, and the winter Milky Way is stunning. Our RVs are equipped with ample outdoor storage to make sure you have all the gear you need for a stress-free and memorable experience. Click here for a list of all our rigs that include a pass-thru storage, a convenient solution for all your larger camping items.
• If you want to fully immerse yourself under the stars, browse through our RVs with bathroom skylights.

2. Anza-Borrego Desert: The Adventure Hub

Drive time:

• From Hemet: ~1 hour 45 minutes
• From Coachella: ~1 hour 30 minutes

The Vibe: 

• Massive slot canyons, metal sculptures, and total "off-the-grid" peace.
• Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park, and January offers the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the Slot Canyon trail.

Where to stay:

•  For a luxury experience, book a spot at The Springs at Borrego RV Resort. They have a saltwater pool and hot tub to soak in after a long day of hiking.

Must-See:

• Drive the RV over to see the Galleta Meadows Sky Art, over 130 massive metal sculptures of dragons, mammoths, and dinosaurs scattered across the desert.
• Anza- Borrego State Park is known for their poppy wildflower spectacle, "The Superbloom". While peak bloom is usually February-March, the California winter rains can trigger early wildflowers, making it a good time for scouting spots like Henderson Canyon for early blooms. 

3. Big Bear Lake: The Winter Wonderland

Drive time:

• From Hemet: ~1 hour 20 minutes

• From Coachella: ~2 hours

The Vibe: 

• Traditional winter fun: skiing, snowboarding, and hot cocoa by the fire (whether outdoor embracing the fabricated patio with our outdoor kitchens, or indoors by our built-in fireplaces.)
• If you want a true "winter" experience, head up the hill. Big Bear Mountain Resort holds special events for MLK weekend (Jan 16-19), including night skiing and snow tubing.

Where to stay:

• Holloway’s Marina & RV Park stays open year-round and offers full hookups right on the water. Imagine waking up to this beautiful California view!

• Safety Note: Remember that our rigs require a bit of extra care in the snow. Make sure to check the weather for chain requirements before you head up the 330! Check out our blog for winter/snow safety tips and preparation. 

More Than Just a Long Weekend

While we’re excited to help you explore the beauty of Southern California, we recognize that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is first and foremost a "Day of Service." Dr. King famously said:

"We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes, but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the earth like brothers." 

As you "walk the earth" (or drive across it!) this MLK weekend, we encourage our rental community to embrace the 2026 theme: 

"Building Community, Uniting a Nation."

 Whether you're at a trailhead in Joshua Tree or a campsite in Big Bear, here are three simple ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy while on your road trip:

• Leave it Better: Spend 15 minutes of your Saturday morning doing a "Campsite Clean-up." Gathering litter around your rig is a small act of service that protects the "green trees" Dr. King so admired.

• Support Local: By renting with RV Rentals Way of Life, you are already supporting a small, family owned business, and we thank you immensely for aiding in the growth of small communities. Continue advocating by choosing to buy your campfire wood or groceries from small, minority-owned businesses in the Hemet, Coachella, Joshua Tree, Anza-Borrego, or Big Bear communities.

• Listen & Reflect: Use the drive time to listen to a podcast about the Civil Rights movement or Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. It’s a powerful way to turn a family road trip into a living history lesson.

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Supporting these spots is a great way to "Build Community" while on the road.

📍 Historical Markers & Cultural Stops

Integrating a bit of history into your road trip adds depth to the miles you cover.

• The McCallum Adobe (Palm Springs): While heading out of Coachella, stop by the oldest building in Palm Springs. It houses the Historical Society and often features exhibits on the diverse pioneers who built the valley.

• The "I Have a Dream" Mural (Indio): Located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, this massive public art piece is a perfect spot for a quick photo and a moment of reflection before you hit the open highway.

• Ramona Bowl (Hemet): While famous for the pageant, this site is a testament to Southern California's complex history with its Indigenous people. Walking the grounds offers a quiet space for reflection on civil rights and heritage.

☕ Local & Minority-Owned Businesses to Support

Stock up on supplies at these local favorites before you reach your campsite:

If you're starting in/near Hemet:

• Downtown Deli & Coffeehouse: A great spot to grab sandwiches for the road. They are a staple of the local community and always offer a warm welcome to travelers. For all you espresso enthusiasts, I encourage you to try some of their specialty lattes. My personal favorite is their Old Fashioned Butterscotch Latte!

• Hemet Farmers Market: If you're leaving on Saturday morning, stop here to buy fresh produce directly from local family farms.

If you're starting in/near Coachella:

• Tacos El Cunado: A legendary local spot in Coachella. Grab a family-pack of street tacos to enjoy at your first night's campsite! The Quesabirria is a staple item for me!

• Sixth Street Coffee: Located in Coachella, this is a fantastic minority-owned coffee shop. Grab a bag of their house-roasted beans to brew in your RV’s French press (not included with your rental) while you watch the sunrise in Big Bear or Joshua Tree. Or try their Honey Con Conela, a unique and most popular latte choice!

MLK Weekend Rental Checklist:

Before you head out, make sure your "winter" rig is ready:

1. Propane Check: We ensure all our rentals go out with full tanks so your furnace stays humming.
2. Water Management: If you’re heading to Big Bear, we’ll show you how to manage your pipes in freezing temps.
3. The "Cozy Kit": Don't forget to pack your favorite blankets and your favorite s’mores ingredients!
4. The "Slippers Rule": RV floors can be chilly. Bring thick wool socks or slippers to wear inside so you can leave your snowy boots at the door.
5. Research Local Eats: Instead of stopping at a major fast-food chain on the way to the desert, look for a "Mom and Pop" shop in Beaumont or Banning.
6. Donation Drop: Since you're already cleaning out the house to pack the RV, take a bag of gently used winter clothes to a local Hemet or Coachella shelter on your way to the rental hub!

Ready to claim your long weekend? We still have a few units available for the Jan 16–19 window! Hurry and reserve your luxury RV before it goes away!