Travel Guide
Travel Experts Name 3 West Coast Destinations As Summer’s Biggest Surprises
May
Condè Nast is at it again, revealing some of the best destinations we might not think to visit.
While many Americans venture south of the border to resort-laden shores, there are 3 surprising destinations awaiting you should you head west.
With one destination in California, Oregon, and Washington, Condè Nast is hyping up all 3 West Coast states — and it’s not the places you might expect to hear, like Los Angeles, San Diego, or Seattle.
According to Condè Nast, these 3 destinations are set to be summer’s biggest surprises on the West Coast:
San Juan Islands, Washington: The West Coast’s Top Weekend Getaway
One of Washington’s 400 islands is San Juan, a tranquil island Condè Nast claims is the best of the bunch.
Hyped as the ultimate weekend getaway, San Juan is equal parts charm and thrills, as the Orca season has already begun.
Skip Sea World to see these ‘killers’ in their natural habitat with top-rated San Juan Safaris, or opt for a more idyllic day spent perusing the picturesque main drag of Friday Harbor, lined with inviting boutiques, cozy cafes with waterfront views like The Salty Fox, and even world-class spas to level up your stay.
San Juan is a great place to escape brutal heat waves impacting much of the United States. The island stays a cool 65 – 70 degrees throughout summer, making it perfect for enjoying the outdoors, whether from a scenic restaurant patio or hiking or biking on ample nature trails.
The island doesn’t offer many eyesore chain hotels, rather embracing its roots with timeless inns and rustic cabins like traveler favorite hideaway, West Beach Resort, with some of the most astounding views of San Juan’s unblemished scenery.
Although Condè Nast recommends Lakedale, as there are accommodations for every type of traveler.
Portland, Oregon: Get Weird This Summer
Since Austin has transformed from a big city with a small-town feel to the second coming of Dallas/ southern Silicon Valley, Texas’s capital is no longer the ‘weird’ destination it used to be, leaving Portland with the crown of America’s weirdest destination.
As someone who had the pleasure of recently visiting Oregon’s most populous city for the first time, I can attest there’s certainly no shame embracing the bizarre oddities and occult that encapsulate Portland.
Within 15 minutes of exploring the city, I found drag shows in the middle of food truck parks, slam poetry groups in parking lots,” Karaoke from Hell” taking center stage at Dante’s Live, and off-the-wall murals splattering facades of historic buildings.
It’s best to arrive hungry in Portland. The city is laden with sensational made-to-order food truck parks throughout downtown and nearby Mississippi Avenue, but its claim to fame is coffee.
I’m not sure I’ve been to a city with more independent cafes, but it makes sense as Portland is an introvert’s dream with the largest independent bookstore in the world.
Come summer, venturing outside the city limits is well worth it as there’s are numerous hiking trails beneath the towering pines and scenic waterfalls to enjoy — even a dedicated waterfall shuttle.
Condè Nast recommends the upscale Kimpton Riverplace Hotel for the perfect stay, but for those on a budget like me, I highly recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites Portland-Pearl District, set in a revamped historic building with a spacious rooftop with unmatched city views.
Catalina Island: California’s Heaven on Earth’
Believe it or not, the Catalina Wine Mixer is real! Time your trip right, and you can live out Dale and Brennan’s dream at the end of May.
Reaching Catalina is fairly simple, even if you’re not besties with a yacht owner — hop aboard the ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point.
Described as ‘heaven on Earth’ by Condè Nast, California’s most notable island escape it gleaming with pristine turquoise water, vibrant coves, and scenic hillside townscape in Avalon.
There’s something for everyone in Catalina. Heck, even the ferry is pet-friendly. Whether you’re a wino, a seafood lover, or simply looking for new shores to unwind, this ritzy island is just the place.
Condè Nast recommends the Bellanca Hotel as the top stay, but if it were me, I’d opt for a vintage stay at nearly century-old The Old Turner Inn with a perfect 5.0 Google rating and walking distance to one of the best seafood shacks, The Lobster Trap.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
