Travel Ideas: Tips, Guides & Road Trips for the Western U.S.

These Are the Winners of the 2023 Sunset Travel Awards

Hot hotels, new and classic restaurants, and the top destinations and activities from the desert to the coast—these are the 125 best ways to experience the West now.

September 5, 2023

September 7, 2023

Travel

These 5 National Forests Have the Best Fall Leaf Peeping in the West

You don't have to visit a National Park to see the seasons changing. Here are some of the best spots to camp.

September 11, 2023

September 12, 2023

Travel

Book a Bucket List Stay at These Seriously Luxurious Resorts

It's time to treat yourself to a trip to one of these spots.

September 5, 2023

Travel

Old West Meets Luxury at These Epic Western Ranch Retreats

Cowboy hats and boots not included.

September 5, 2023

The Latest From Sunset

Scribe Chicory Salad with Anchovy Vinaigrette

Chicory Salad with Anchovy Vinaigrette and Torn Croutons

The bold flavor of chicories can stand up to the punchy, garlicky, funky, briny vinaigrette.

September 12, 2023

Grilled Treviso with Pancetta Vinaigrette

Radicchio is an incredibly versatile ingredient in the kitchen. The outer leaves crisp up on the grill, and the inner leaves get perfectly tender.

September 12, 2023

Chicories with Dates and Parmesan Walnut Vinaigrette

Chicories with Dates, Parmesan, and Walnut Vinaigrette

This salad is all about texture. The crispy chicories, jammy dates, and crunchy walnuts are very satisfying.

September 12, 2023

Escarole Galette with Black Olives and Pine Nuts

Flaky, salty, and decadent.

September 12, 2023

Book Your Next Trip

Travel

You Don’t Have to Travel to Italy to Experience Epic Agritourismo Farm Stays—There Are Some Right Here in the West

Sagra will be opening up their farm stays this summer and fall.

July 10, 2023

July 14, 2023

Travel

These National Park Lodges Are Straight out of a Wes Anderson Movie, and You Can Book Them Now

A new book celebrates historic lodges in the West’s national parks, from the opulent Ahwahnee in Yosemite to the Spanish Revival Inn at Death Valley.

July 10, 2023

July 21, 2023

Food & Drink

This Is Exactly What to Order at the Best Ice Cream Shops in the West

You're going to want to try them all.

July 14, 2023

July 23, 2023

A sitting area at the newly renovated Sea Ranch Lodge in Sonoma, California

Hotels

The Historic Sea Ranch Lodge Just Underwent a Major Renovation—Tour the Stunning Space

Originally built in the '60s, the property has a new look that stays true to its natural roots.

July 7, 2023

August 31, 2023

Road Trips

It’s Not Too Late to Book an Epic Last-Minute Road Trip—Here’s How

Use these 7 essential tips to get out of town, even on short notice.

June 30, 2023

August 30, 2023

Restaurants

Is This City the Capital of Vegan Dining in America?

Our guide to the perfect weekend in Oakland, the most unexpected capital of meat-free cuisine.

June 15, 2023

June 16, 2023

Take Some Advice from the Insiders

Rideoside Electric Scooter Rental Top Gun House

Insider Guides

This Sleepy Little Beach Town Is the Perfect Road Trip Getaway

Check out these craft-driven spots in the area.

July 17, 2023

August 1, 2023

Insider Guides

A Food Writer’s Top Tips for Visiting Tijuana

Bill Esparza's favorite spots in the Mexican city.

July 3, 2023

July 14, 2023

Insider Guides

The Best Basecamp for Glacier National Park Is This Charming Old Western Town

It's an oasis for outdoor adventure.

June 26, 2023

July 14, 2023

Insider Guides

A Local Chef’s Guide to Eating in the San Gabriel Valley

What to eat, drink, and do in this vibrant region in Los Angeles county.

May 15, 2023

July 19, 2023

Insider Guides

How to Visit Jackson Hole Like a Local

Here's why it's the perfect vacation spot year-round.

April 10, 2023

April 11, 2023

Insider Guides

Here’s Why You Should Visit Reno Now (No Gambling Required)

A local shares the best restaurants, coffee shops, and museums in the Nevada city.

April 17, 2023

June 27, 2023

Get Outside

Travel

I Survived Survival School, and Here’s What I Learned to Take with Me on a Hike

These are the items that survival specialists recommend carrying on your next hike, all of which will fit in a small pack.

July 12, 2023

July 25, 2023

Camping

It’s Never Been So Hard to Get a Campsite—These Hacks Will Score You the Best Spot

Tips for both seasoned campers and first-timers.

July 7, 2023

July 14, 2023

Travel

The Cutest Camping Clothes to Wear This Summer

This season's new adventure-friendly fashion can take you from base camp to grocery store and everywhere in between.

June 19, 2023

August 30, 2023

Travel

3 Top Tips for Accessible Travel Planning

The founders of Tapooz Travel share tips for putting travel within reach.

May 29, 2023

June 3, 2023

Fun for the Whole Family

Camping

10 Best Kid-Friendly RV and Camping Destinations

A family of RV experts share their top spots to take the kids, from Oregon to Montana.

June 2, 2022

May 31, 2022

exterior trees surround a cabin with sun breaking through

Travel

Family Reunion Trips to Book Now, from Utah Camping to Montana Resorts

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

April 27, 2022

July 27, 2022

WildLands

‘We Belong in These Spaces’: This Family Wants Outdoor Adventures for All

Camp Yoshi expeditions bring together people of color and their allies in spaces often considered inaccessible.

May 5, 2022

May 22, 2022

Have Wine, Will Travel

Wine Country

5 Tasting Rooms Where You’ll Come for the Wine, But Stay for the Vibes

These tasting rooms are works of art just as notable as the wines you'll enjoy inside them.

November 29, 2022

Wine Country

The Columbia Gorge Is a Wine Region to Watch—and a Majestic Getaway

In the Columbia Gorge, there's a natural wonder—or good glass of wine—around every corner.

October 1, 2021

February 22, 2022

Hotels

From Ranch-Style Farmstays to Revamped Historic Hotels, These Are the Places to Stay on Your Next Wine Tasting Getaway

These new properties are redefining wine country style.

January 12, 2023

January 17, 2023

What's New in Travel

Travel

What Heat Wave? Keep Cool During Summer Trips with These 13 Items.

These travel essentials will help you keep you sane as the seasonal temps soar.

July 27, 2023

July 31, 2023

Travel

Pickleball Is Officially America’s Fastest-Growing Sport—Here Are the Most Stunning Courts in the West

The popular sport was invented in the West, where it gets a design-forward flourish, complete with stylish new gear and luxe hotels offering lessons.

June 5, 2023

June 2, 2023

Travel

From Bright Pink Birkenstocks to Fluorescent Suitcases, Bring Barbiecore and Ken-Ergy on Your Next Trip with This Gear

Barbie has infiltrated pop culture, including these vacay-friendly items.

July 26, 2023

Travel the West

The Latest From Sunset

Book Your Next Trip

Take Some Advice from the Insiders

Get Outside

Fun for the Whole Family

Have Wine, Will Travel

What's New in Travel

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