West Coast Weekend Getaways

West Coast weekend getaways in a pinch.

/content/dam/betcom/AD_Sales/Rav4_WESTCOAST_Weekend_Getaways_fb-cover.jpg

1 / 12

Palm Springs, CA - Why: Hiking, spa- and gay-friendly resorts and star-gazing tours in the dessert. The city is not short on all different sorts of entertainment, from water fun to dining to the arts.To do: Take a heart-stopping 10-minute ride aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, which takes you up the cliffs of Chino Canyon. Take it a step further and book a reservation for dinner 8,500 feet in the air! Then drive to Joshua Tree National Park, hike and end with a massage or thermal soak at the Desert Hot Springs.  Stay: Accommodations are as varied as the landscape. Palm Springs has LBGT hot spots, mid-sized hotels and resorts, boutique hotels and condo rentals for as low as $112/night. (Photo: GettyImages)Written and reported by N. Jamiyla Chisholm

2 / 12

Palm Springs, CA - Why: Hiking, spa- and gay-friendly resorts and star-gazing tours in the dessert. The city is not short on all different sorts of entertainment, from water fun to dining to the arts.To do: Take a heart-stopping 10-minute ride aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, which takes you up the cliffs of Chino Canyon. Take it a step further and book a reservation for dinner 8,500 feet in the air! Then drive to Joshua Tree National Park, hike and end with a massage or thermal soak at the Desert Hot Springs.  Stay: Accommodations are as varied as the landscape. Palm Springs has LBGT hot spots, mid-sized hotels and resorts, boutique hotels and condo rentals for as low as $112/night. (Photo: GettyImages)Written and reported by N. Jamiyla Chisholm

Sonoma Valley, CA (Wine Country) - Why: Sonoma Valley has generations of families who have produced the broadest range of delicious and award-winning wines. It’s the perfect place to escape to for a quick jaunt.  To do: This city isn’t short on things to do. Of course Sonoma Valley is almost synonymous with wine, but there’s also delicious dining, hiking tours and canoe and kayaking excursions through the Red Woods from Forestville to Guerneville.  Stay: Choose from cottages to B&Bs to cabins — the different options are there. Rentals at cottages can start around $150 with bed and breakfasts as low as $100.(Photo: Wikicommons)

3 / 12

Sonoma Valley, CA (Wine Country) - Why: Sonoma Valley has generations of families who have produced the broadest range of delicious and award-winning wines. It’s the perfect place to escape to for a quick jaunt. To do: This city isn’t short on things to do. Of course Sonoma Valley is almost synonymous with wine, but there’s also delicious dining, hiking tours and canoe and kayaking excursions through the Red Woods from Forestville to Guerneville. Stay: Choose from cottages to B&Bs to cabins — the different options are there. Rentals at cottages can start around $150 with bed and breakfasts as low as $100.(Photo: Wikicommons)

Puget Sound, WA - Why: Puget Sound is a string of waterways and islands and easy to get to from Seattle by ferry or bridge. It’s also a nature haven offering easy access to whale and eagle sightings.To do: Be a kid and visit the zoo, Fort Casey State Park or head over to the beach.Stay: Puget Sound offers an abundance of waterfront B&Bs, inns and resorts along the shorelines. Snag a spot at a spa hotel for under $200/night where rooms are furnished with queen- or king-sized beds.(Photo: GettyImages)

4 / 12

Puget Sound, WA - Why: Puget Sound is a string of waterways and islands and easy to get to from Seattle by ferry or bridge. It’s also a nature haven offering easy access to whale and eagle sightings.To do: Be a kid and visit the zoo, Fort Casey State Park or head over to the beach.Stay: Puget Sound offers an abundance of waterfront B&Bs, inns and resorts along the shorelines. Snag a spot at a spa hotel for under $200/night where rooms are furnished with queen- or king-sized beds.(Photo: GettyImages)

Big Sur, CA - Why: Nestled in California’s central coast, the Big “South” lives up to it’s name with grand landscapes of wildflowers, soaring condors and gray whales that migrate north along the coast during the spring and summer seasons. The drive through on Highway 1 is a marvel in itself. To do: Hike or pull out the camera and play photographer amid the area’s scenery. Visit the federally protected Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Hurricane Point and one of the beaches or do absolutely nothing but take in the beauty of Mother Nature. Stay: Big Sur is not only fun getting to, it's also great for a weekend trip. From spas to luxury hotels to rustic campgrounds, the options are wide open. Some inns with wood burning fireplace rooms range from $180 to about $360/night. Post Range Inn welcomes sexy couples as every room has a king-sized bed and a wood-burning firepl...

5 / 12

Big Sur, CA - Why: Nestled in California’s central coast, the Big “South” lives up to it’s name with grand landscapes of wildflowers, soaring condors and gray whales that migrate north along the coast during the spring and summer seasons. The drive through on Highway 1 is a marvel in itself. To do: Hike or pull out the camera and play photographer amid the area’s scenery. Visit the federally protected Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Hurricane Point and one of the beaches or do absolutely nothing but take in the beauty of Mother Nature. Stay: Big Sur is not only fun getting to, it's also great for a weekend trip. From spas to luxury hotels to rustic campgrounds, the options are wide open. Some inns with wood burning fireplace rooms range from $180 to about $360/night. Post Range Inn welcomes sexy couples as every room has a king-sized bed and a wood-burning firepl...

ADVERTISEMENT
Olympic National Park, WA - Why: Washington State is absolutely stunning and Olympic National Park is one of its treasures. This West Coast Eden is teeming with wildlife and a lush green forest. From mountains to colorful ocean tide pools, it’s a trip worth taking.To do: While camping and hiking are two of the more popular activities to do in Olympic National Park, water lovers won’t be disappointed. Explore the tide pools at Hole in the Wall, where a ranger will introduce you to exotic sea life while the tide is low.Stay: This hot spot offers four unique accommodations, including a resort and cabins. Until October 15, 2012, one can rest their weary bones at the Sol Duce Hot Springs Cabin, which has heated mineral pools and stunning views for a reasonable $200/night. (Photo: nps.gov/olym)

6 / 12

Olympic National Park, WA - Why: Washington State is absolutely stunning and Olympic National Park is one of its treasures. This West Coast Eden is teeming with wildlife and a lush green forest. From mountains to colorful ocean tide pools, it’s a trip worth taking.To do: While camping and hiking are two of the more popular activities to do in Olympic National Park, water lovers won’t be disappointed. Explore the tide pools at Hole in the Wall, where a ranger will introduce you to exotic sea life while the tide is low.Stay: This hot spot offers four unique accommodations, including a resort and cabins. Until October 15, 2012, one can rest their weary bones at the Sol Duce Hot Springs Cabin, which has heated mineral pools and stunning views for a reasonable $200/night. (Photo: nps.gov/olym)

Crater Lake, OR - Why: Crater Lake is so pretty that the Native Americans even had few words to describe it, simply calling it “Deep Blue Lake.” At 1,932 feet, it’s one of the world’s deepest lakes and one of the bluest. Even more stunning are the 2,000-foot high lava cliffs surrounding it.To do: Aimlessly bike along a path, hike a trail brimming with wildflowers or “climb” mountains to find breathtaking views. Of course, there’s always swimming. It is a huge, beautiful lake after all.Stay: Get the full experience and stay at one of the three Crater Lake lodges, the only lodges inside of the park’s grounds. If this is too rustic, the surrounding area offers an abundance of B&Bs, resorts and inns.(Photo: crater.lake.national-park.com)

7 / 12

Crater Lake, OR - Why: Crater Lake is so pretty that the Native Americans even had few words to describe it, simply calling it “Deep Blue Lake.” At 1,932 feet, it’s one of the world’s deepest lakes and one of the bluest. Even more stunning are the 2,000-foot high lava cliffs surrounding it.To do: Aimlessly bike along a path, hike a trail brimming with wildflowers or “climb” mountains to find breathtaking views. Of course, there’s always swimming. It is a huge, beautiful lake after all.Stay: Get the full experience and stay at one of the three Crater Lake lodges, the only lodges inside of the park’s grounds. If this is too rustic, the surrounding area offers an abundance of B&Bs, resorts and inns.(Photo: crater.lake.national-park.com)

Long Beach, WA - Why: Driving from Astoria, OR, to Long Beach in Washington is a treat. Water is the star of the show and the beaches, with their sand dunes, are a hit with everyone.To do: Dine at some of the finest gourmet restaurants, check out the two lighthouses or sign up for a day trip to Astoria.Stay: Chilling in Long Beach for the weekend is a great time not to be missed. Finding accommodations should be easy as the area offers B&Bs and inns, hotels and cottages, vacation rental homes and even RV areas.(Photo: Tia Channell co.pacific.wa.us)

8 / 12

Long Beach, WA - Why: Driving from Astoria, OR, to Long Beach in Washington is a treat. Water is the star of the show and the beaches, with their sand dunes, are a hit with everyone.To do: Dine at some of the finest gourmet restaurants, check out the two lighthouses or sign up for a day trip to Astoria.Stay: Chilling in Long Beach for the weekend is a great time not to be missed. Finding accommodations should be easy as the area offers B&Bs and inns, hotels and cottages, vacation rental homes and even RV areas.(Photo: Tia Channell co.pacific.wa.us)

Oak Harbor, WA - Why: About an hour and 45-minute drive from Seattle, Oak Harbor should be on your list. Located on Whidbey Island, the location is great for golfing, boating, scuba diving and hiking. Take the kids to one of the artist studios or hit up the farmers markets for some fresh produce.To do: Visit the state park and search for beautiful, water-beaten rocks in the water, hit up charming boutiques or big shopping malls, drive out to the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station or even think about catching a show while on the island.Stay: Everything from private rentals to B&Bs to even on-board overnight accommodation is available. (Photo: oakharbor.org)

9 / 12

Oak Harbor, WA - Why: About an hour and 45-minute drive from Seattle, Oak Harbor should be on your list. Located on Whidbey Island, the location is great for golfing, boating, scuba diving and hiking. Take the kids to one of the artist studios or hit up the farmers markets for some fresh produce.To do: Visit the state park and search for beautiful, water-beaten rocks in the water, hit up charming boutiques or big shopping malls, drive out to the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station or even think about catching a show while on the island.Stay: Everything from private rentals to B&Bs to even on-board overnight accommodation is available. (Photo: oakharbor.org)

Mount Rainier, WA - Why: The tallest mountain in the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier has a circumference landscape area of 100 miles. As far as the eye can see, there’s beauty: glaciers, an abundance of wildlife, trails to hike and wildflowers everywhere. It can take your stay-cation to another level.To do: There’s kayaking and golf, of course, but also Washington Wine Country. Jump in the whip and visit the vineyards and kick back as you sample homegrown grapes. Check out Sunrise and Paradise Areas.Stay: Rainier has 17 communities in the area. Rest up in a cabin that has a wood-burning fireplace and cedar hot tub. Or stay at one that has a spa and hot tubs overlooking a Trout Pond.(Photo: mount.rainier.national-park.com)

10 / 12

Mount Rainier, WA - Why: The tallest mountain in the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier has a circumference landscape area of 100 miles. As far as the eye can see, there’s beauty: glaciers, an abundance of wildlife, trails to hike and wildflowers everywhere. It can take your stay-cation to another level.To do: There’s kayaking and golf, of course, but also Washington Wine Country. Jump in the whip and visit the vineyards and kick back as you sample homegrown grapes. Check out Sunrise and Paradise Areas.Stay: Rainier has 17 communities in the area. Rest up in a cabin that has a wood-burning fireplace and cedar hot tub. Or stay at one that has a spa and hot tubs overlooking a Trout Pond.(Photo: mount.rainier.national-park.com)

ADVERTISEMENT
Jacksonville, OR - Why: Home of the Fritillaria gentneri, a flower found only in Southern Oregon, Jacksonville has a golden history and is ripe with arts and music events, wineries, rivers and lakes.To do: Catch a classic play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival held every year for eight months. Go on winery and orchard tours. Take to Rogue River and go rafting, kayaking and jet-boating.Stay: Book a resting pad in town at a bed & breakfast, hotel or cabin or look in the surrounding area for a place to stay. Some spots have spas on site while others have heated pools.(Photo: jacksonvilleoregon.org)

11 / 12

Jacksonville, OR - Why: Home of the Fritillaria gentneri, a flower found only in Southern Oregon, Jacksonville has a golden history and is ripe with arts and music events, wineries, rivers and lakes.To do: Catch a classic play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival held every year for eight months. Go on winery and orchard tours. Take to Rogue River and go rafting, kayaking and jet-boating.Stay: Book a resting pad in town at a bed & breakfast, hotel or cabin or look in the surrounding area for a place to stay. Some spots have spas on site while others have heated pools.(Photo: jacksonvilleoregon.org)

Orcas Island, WA - Why: Birds and deer are everywhere, the eagles are forever overhead and whales leap out of the water. It’s a quiet area with miles of shoreline and beaches. Plus, the weather is nice year round.To do: Definitely go on whale watching expeditions, enjoy the water boating or sailing, or gorge yourself on delicious Pacific Ocean seafood. Action enthusiasts have the opportunity to kayak, rent mopeds and see the island faster, or slow it down in yoga classes.Stay: Vacation rentals, pet-friendly B&Bs and suites as well as cabins and cottages are everywhere on Orcas Islands. Rosario Resort is close to outdoor recreation, like biking and whale watching.(Photo: orcasislandchamber.com)

12 / 12

Orcas Island, WA - Why: Birds and deer are everywhere, the eagles are forever overhead and whales leap out of the water. It’s a quiet area with miles of shoreline and beaches. Plus, the weather is nice year round.To do: Definitely go on whale watching expeditions, enjoy the water boating or sailing, or gorge yourself on delicious Pacific Ocean seafood. Action enthusiasts have the opportunity to kayak, rent mopeds and see the island faster, or slow it down in yoga classes.Stay: Vacation rentals, pet-friendly B&Bs and suites as well as cabins and cottages are everywhere on Orcas Islands. Rosario Resort is close to outdoor recreation, like biking and whale watching.(Photo: orcasislandchamber.com)