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rocky butte formation in a flat brown landscape in Utah, as seen from the window of a car

Plan the ultimate American West road trip with 13 state-by-state itineraries that’ll take you to glaciers, canyons, hot springs, beaches, volcanoes, and wide-open skies.

March 18, 2026 09:13 AM

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Ashlea Halpern

Road Trips

An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast

From crabbing to kayaking, Oregon’s stretch of 101 has nature, scenic beauty, and adventure in spades.

May 8, 2024 01:21 PM

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Ami Kealoha

A blue and gold train passes a small pond, with mountains in the background

Trains

From the Swiss Alps to the Outback: 9 Scenic Train Rides to Book Right Now

Planes may be much faster, but trains show you the world in more relaxed, scenic manner.

August 25, 2025 01:48 PM

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Alesandra Dubin

Rocky coastline of Lake Superior in Big Bay State Park in La Pointe on Madeline Island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin USA

Outdoor Adventure

Scout For Shipwrecks and Glimpse the Northern Lights on This Underrated Coastline in the Midwest

Wisconsin’s coast—with its cliff jumping, sea kayaking, and winter surfing—offers plenty of fun experiences.

May 21, 2025 02:40 PM

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Jacqueline Kehoe

The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway

Road Trips

16 Great Places to Stop Along California’s Pacific Coast Highway

Sunny days, sandy beaches, incredible surf—this part of California’s State Route 1 may be the best road trip out there.

June 28, 2023 09:34 AM

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Sara Button

Huntington Beach California Pier Surf Waves Visit Huntington Beach

Water Sports

How Huntington Beach Keeps Surf History Alive

Retro ice cream shops, vintage stores, and an iconic surf scene keep Huntington Beach rooted in its coastal past.

A year after twin wildfires tore through Los Angeles and destroyed her home, a writer looks at how survivors across the region are still grieving, demanding accountability, and rebuilding.

January 29, 2026 01:37 PM

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Juliana Shallcross

An overlook of the Pacific Ocean near San Luis Obispo

Road Trips

The 8 Best Things to Do, Eat, and See in and Around San Luis Obispo, California

From feasting on pastries at the Madonna Inn to sipping chardonnay at Chamisal Vineyards, these are some of the best things to do in and around the Central Coast city.

July 30, 2023 08:00 AM

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Mae Hamilton

Big Sur bridge spanningn two low mountains with the ocean underneath

Weekend Getaways

11 Easy Weekend Getaways in California—From Wine Country to Coastal Escapes

Take a much-needed break with one of these easy weekend getaways in California—you can taste wines, shuck oysters, go kayaking, visit a field of flowers, or even visit a tattoo museum.

July 29, 2025 10:20 AM

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Jessie Beck

Hotels

14 Upscale Motels in California with 1950s-Style Pools, Retro Design, and Pacific Ocean Views

Midcentury charm meets modern comfort at these 14 hotels all over California.

July 23, 2025 12:21 PM

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Mae Hamilton

Off The Tourist Trail

How To Enjoy Costa Rica’s Beaches and Wildlife Without the Crowds

In this Central American paradise, you can see tapirs and sloths, surf the Caribbean or Pacific, and dance to calypso music—all without joining the tourist masses.

August 4, 2025 02:58 PM

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Mona Gable

Monterey County California Pebble Beach Couple Coastline See Monterey

Hotels

10 Stunning Resorts and Hotels Along the Monterey and Big Sur Coast

Rave-worthy restaurants, spas, and wineries at these hotels let visitors relax and recharge along the California Coast.

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