With summer around the corner and the ability to travel more freely, booking a vacation is a top priority. No matter what you are looking for, whether it is a family vacation on the water or a couple’s retreat in the mountains, the west coast has endless options and opportunities for you to find your slice of paradise. Below are six destinations where you can have the vacation of your dreams.
1. Seattle
Seattle is an ocean-side smaller city in the Pacific Northwest. It boasts green parks, delectable restaurants, and numerous fun sites, like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. There are nearly 200 art galleries for those interested in art, and opportunities to sail, fish, kayak and swim as well. You can also take the ferry over from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and walk or bike around the beautiful area. If you want to visit a city and also experience nature, consider embarking on any of the cruises from Seattle. You can travel up to Alaska and see more beautiful sites.
2. Alaska
Whether you take a cruise from Seattle, or just fly directly to the state, visiting and vacationing in Alaska will be a great adventure. With long summer days and awe-dropping scenic views, you can eat fresh salmon, go on a nature trail excursion through a rainforest or ride on a dogsled. If you are tired of the heat and humidity in your hometown in the summer, stay cool while visiting one of the 100,000 glaciers that are in Alaska.
3. Napa Valley
Napa Valley, located in northern California, is a mecca for food, wine, and fun. There are more than 400 wineries in Napa Valley, and endless accommodations, including bed and breakfasts, inns, resorts and hotels. Many of the wineries offer tours and tastings, and some include more hands-on experiences, including stomping grapes. If wine is not your thing, there are also many microbreweries in the valley. While there are many beverages, the food is top-notch as well; visit Michelin star restaurants, farmers’ markets and olive oil companies to satiate your taste buds.
You can ride a bicycle or walk along the Napa Valley Vine Trail, and soak up the sun while playing golf, hiking or kayaking along the Napa River.
4. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach, which is along the coast of Oregon, is not popular by accident. It boasts waterfalls, marine life, art galleries, boutiques and more. The home to Haystack Rock, which is a 235-foot high sea stack, is Cannon Beach. Surrounding Haystack Rock are tidepools that many creatures call home, including starfish, crabs, and sea slugs. While humans cannot climb it, many terns, puffins and other sea birds like to rest on it. Other things to check out in Cannon Beach include a whiskey distillery, the arts festival and Ecola State Park. Cannon Beach is a perfect family-friendly location to travel to!
5. Los Angeles
Los Angeles, which is in southern California, boasts beautiful weather year-round, exceptional restaurants and countless places to visit. Home to many celebrities, it is not unlikely to walk by a known actor or actress as well. Places to visit include Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame, and the Hollywood sign nestled in the mountains. Los Angeles is close to the beach, so you can experience a city vacation and beach vacation all in one location too.
6. Death Valley
Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States. It is located in eastern California, and is one of the hottest places on Earth, with a recorded high temperature of 134 degrees one summer. Although it can get very hot, it still gets many visitors in the summer. Keeping plenty of water on hand and staying on paved roads can ensure you stay safe, while also being able to take in the fascinating mineral deposits, geology, canyons and mountains. If you are interested in hiking, there are many hikes at higher elevations you can do too.