The West Coast, as the saying goes, is the best coast (or at least, all West Coasters certainly think so). It’s not without merit, this idea that life on the West Coast is something to be pursued — even if it’s only as a tourist. Tourists who visit this side of America are treated to a number of things: verdant forests and national parks, lots of historically significant locations, and a plethora of entertaining and exciting outdoor activities. Instead of planning for a classic sunny summer vacation, opt for the road less traveled and check out these high-end vacation and sightseeing spots on the West Coast instead.
Redwood National and State Parks
As the name implies, Redwood National and State Parks are home to some of the tallest and most imposing trees in the world: California redwoods. Touch down at Arcata/Eureka airport (which accepts both commercial flights and luxury jet charter flights) and make your way straight to your first adventure. Collected in this one magical place, you’ll be able to see everything from the rugged coastline (40 miles of it) to prairies, lush green forests, and tinkling waterways. This one is for the explorers and wanderers out there who don’t mind hiking for a few miles and getting a little dirt on their hands if the payoff is magnificent views. This park is definitely on the West Coast tourist trail, so if you prefer a quiet setting and want to avoid the crowds, make your way there by mid-spring at the latest.
The Place To Stay: Historic Requa Inn
This gorgeous, cozy inn really represents the historic charm of the area, and it’s an excellent choice if you’re traveling with kids. Here, in what was once a bustling fishing village as far back as the 1800s, sits an inn that has welcomed guests for a hundred years. Each room is styled differently, so you’ll be able to select a room that’s in keeping with your “vibe.” Some offer magnificent views of the Klamath River, and every room is furnished with beautifully restored and maintained antiques. The inn is in the heart of the redwood parks, so you’ll be able to get the most out of your exploration.
Sant Barbara, California
Now for something a little more obviously luxe. Santa Barbara is one of the best-known coastal towns in the world. Perched on an absolutely pristine stretch of central California coastline, Santa Barbara is a paradise for travelers who love the finer things. The blend of Californian Spanish design that can be seen all over town, the laid-back “beach town” mentality that persists year-round, and the upscale sensibilities that are at home here come together to create a really unique place. The wine produced in this area is now so good it rivals both Napa and Sonoma in quality — so you can be sure there’s some fine dining and sipping to be had.
The Place To Stay: San Ysidro Ranch, a Ty Warner Property.
The high level of clientele that the ranch has welcomed over the years has given it a certain prestige. Winston Churchill and Groucho Marx stayed here, Vivien Leigh and Lawrence Olivier exchanged their “I do’s” on the grounds, and John and Jackie Kennedy took their honeymoon in one of the cottages. The beauty of the location certainly explains the elite guests it has attracted: here, you’ll find privacy in the extreme and a special kind of peace. The leafy foothills around Santa Barbara offer seclusion, and the gardens on the property itself are full of blooms (in the spring and summer) and exquisitely landscaped so that each guest gets their own little slice of paradise.
Newport, Oregon
If you’re looking for a place that will treat you to the best of the Pacific Northwest and something that’s not already well-known by hordes of tourists, you’ll find it in Eugene, Oregon. The Dungeness Crab Capital of the World has more to offer than just fishing. Here, you can experience all the best parts of life in Oregon and do it in style, too. Take a craft brewery tour, enjoy some of the freshest and most delicious seafood anywhere in the States, sample pastries at La Maison, stroll through the farmer’s market over the weekends, visit Beverly Beach State Park to see local flora and fauna, or take a hike along the Ocean to Bay Trail.
The Place To Stay: The Inn at Nye Beach
Just down the road from Newport itself lies the Inn at Nye Beach. It is well known as the premier luxury boutique hotel in the area, and it has a lot to offer after a full day of exploration in Oregon. Treat your aching muscles to one of the many bodywork options the in-house spa has to offer: try Trigger Point, Swedish, or Deep Tissue massage, among others. When you wake up feeling fresh in the morning, tuck into a made-from-scratch complimentary breakfast before you head out again for the day. If you like to travel with your furry friends, you can even select a pet-friendly room.
The West Coast Awaits
These West Coast getaways are a little different from each other, so there’s something on offer for whatever kind of person you are — the bed-in-breakfast, the rough-it-the-outdoors, or the beer and seafood appreciation type. Now that your West Coast options are on the table, it’s time to pick your favorite and head on over.
