From Rodeos to Wine Country to Flower Fields and Beyond, This Is the Essence of Western Travel

The Sunset Travel Awards celebrate the best in travel in the West. These five experiences and destinations are the 2026 winners of the What to Do: Classic Western Experiences category. Check out the complete list of winners here. For our definitive and searchable travel directory to help you plan your next trip in the West, click here.

Inn at 500 Rodeo Experience in Boise, Idaho

Caldwell Night Rodeo

Few experiences capture the spirit of the West quite like a rodeo, and this Boise-based getaway makes it easy for newcomers to dive in. Pairing tickets and behind-the-scenes access at the legendary Snake River Stampede or Caldwell Night Rodeo with stylish lodging and memorable dining, it offers an inviting introduction to one of the region’s most enduring traditions. 

Santa Ynez Valley in California

Craft & Cluster courtesy of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley

With rolling hills dotted with vines, a density of Michelin-recognized restaurants, charming towns, and a laid-back vibe with just the right amount of city influence, this remains one of our favorite nearby L.A. escapes. 

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad, California

The Flower Fields

Each spring, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch—one of the world’s largest ranunculus flower fields—transforms the coastal landscape into a living rainbow. Spanning 55 acres and featuring approximately 80 million vibrant blooms, visitors can step into a sea of color overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Each year, from March 1 through Mother’s Day, guests are invited to stroll scenic walking paths, explore beautifully curated gardens, enjoy live music, shop local vendors, and experience seasonal events designed for all ages. Located in Carlsbad, California, The Flower Fields are minutes from some of San Diego County’s best resorts, restaurants, and beaches, making it easy for guests to pair Southern California’s most iconic springtime spectacle with the region’s coastal charm.

Beverly Gardens Park in Beverly Hills, California

Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau

Beverly Gardens Park is a 1.9-mile stretch of landscaped gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills, offering a quintessential Southern California experience that blends art, history, and accessible walkability. Stretching along Santa Monica Boulevard—part of historic Route 66—the park was originally conceived in the early 1900s as part of the city’s master plan and remains one of its most defining landmarks. Today, visitors can enjoy specialty gardens including the Rose Garden and Cactus Garden, pass historic fountains that have served as iconic filming locations, and explore a curated collection of public art along a granite walking path. At the park center sits the iconic Beverly Hills Sign and Lily Pond, one of the most photographed spots in the world. Thoughtfully restored with sustainable landscaping and preserved historic features, Beverly Gardens Park offers a timeless, relaxed way for the whole family to experience outdoor fun in Beverly Hills.

Arts District Liberty Station in San Diego, California

Arts District Liberty Station

Arts District at Liberty Station, a newly designated California Cultural District, is a vibrant cultural hub that blends historic character with a creative community, making it one of San Diego’s most distinctive destinations for arts, culture, and creativity. Located within the repurposed buildings of the former Naval Training Center, this is a place where history, innovation, and creativity coexist with working artists, galleries, and cultural organizations, offering opportunities to explore studios, exhibitions, and performances across visual arts, design, dance, live theater, and music. A welcoming, walkable environment features both indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging exploration and gathering. Public art installations throughout the district activate outdoor spaces and reinforce its identity as an open-air cultural destination. Regular events such as open studios, art walks, workshops, and performances invite community participation and foster meaningful connections between artists and community.