These Iconic Cities Deliver a True Taste of the West
These are the cities we’re excited about exploring right now.
Courtesy of Visit Reno Tahoe
The Sunset Travel Awards celebrate the best in travel in the West. These four destinations are the 2026 winners of the Where to Go: Urban Escapes 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.
Beverly Hills, California
Courtesy of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau
With world-class shopping and dining, beautiful parks and gardens, and cultural institutions of the highest level, this is one of the most inviting and accessible communities in the West. The California dream is in full effect in this city that epitomizes luxury and the good life.
San Francisco
Courtesy of San Francisco Travel
Beautiful San Francisco and its immediately recognizable Golden Gate Bridge remain one of the most iconic destinations in the West. With an influx of innovation in tech, food, hotels, and design, it’s back on the map as a destination well worthy of celebration.
Reno Tahoe
Courtesy of Visit Reno Tahoe
This cool and iconoclastic community caters to creatives and adventure seekers alike with its dynamic arts scene and status as the gateway to Burning Man. With diverse lodging options from grand resort casino hotels to charming boutique properties, visitors can enjoy easy access to outdoor activities at Lake Tahoe, just 30 minutes away, where opportunities for hiking, biking, and skiing at premier resorts like Mt. Rose and Northstar abound.
Albuquerque
Jay Blackwood
Albuquerque, nestled between the Sandia Mountains and ancient Native American pueblos, offers a unique vacation destination with rich history, year-round outdoor activities, and more than 310 sunny days a year. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Albuquerque encompasses a unique multicultural history and heritage where Native American, Spanish, and Latino cultural influences are a part of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy diverse experiences, from hot air balloon rides and hiking in the Sandias to sampling the culinary scene and cruising Route 66.
