For Valentine’s Day, we skipped the big romantic gestures and took a peaceful road trip to Three Rivers near Sequoia National Park — with our dog in tow. We found a $90 dog-friendly motel with mountain charm, drove through snowy forest roads, and ended it all with brunch by a rushing river. No hikes, no pressure — just a cozy, low-stress escape that filled our hearts (and our pup’s paws) with joy.

Thinking of visiting Anza-Borrego? I stayed at Casa del Zorro and found desert quiet, epic stars, slot canyon hikes, and the kind of peace that hits different. This guide covers everything I wish I knew beforehand — where to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of the stillness (without losing your mind to the heat or forgetting your water bottle).