Having only previously been to Black's Beach in San Diego, we didn't have very high expectations for a ""resort"" out in the middle of nowhere. I figured it would be some rundown old campground with a single pool and maybe a shabby clubhouse. Well I was wrong. Very wrong.
Laguna Del Sol is one of the most relaxing vacation spots I've been to, full stop (including Hawaii). It handily earns its ""resort"" moniker and then some. The grounds are green, pretty and teeming with life and the facilities are very well maintained, including four major pools (one indoor), several jacuzzis, a gym, a game room (billiards, ping pong), a remote gazebo with hammocks, a huge lake with free use of paddle boats, a full-service restaurant, a modern clubhouse, bar and dance floor and tons more.
It's impossible to do the place justice with mere words, but suffice it to say that we're convinced. We've had some of the most relaxing times in recent (and non-recent) memory here, including meeting overwhelmingly friendly people, floating on the lake or just chilling out alone in the hammocks. The grounds are expansive so it's easy to get away if you want, or to stick around the main pool where most people congregate in the summer.
The camping facilities are as good or better than any other campgrounds you'd find in California, including full hookups. There are hundreds of spots, many of which are on the shore of the lake. We've tent camped twice with success, though that becomes less feasible as summer comes to a close.
The quick summary: try a weekend day at Laguna during the summer just to get away and relax. There's a good chance that you'll also become enamored and spend your weekends away in a not-so-distant version of paradise.
Pros: Close to SF/Sac, expansive grounds, friendly people
Cons: Membership prices are steep (though not required)
more