Travel the West

These Are the Winners of the 2026 Sunset Travel Awards

From the coast to the mountains to the desert and beyond, the West is where travelers can live life to the fullest. Here are the most transporting experiences in this beautiful place we call home.

September 9, 2026

September 11, 2026

Hotels

Your Vacation Deserves an Upgrade. These Luxury Hotels Deliver.

An unforgettable vacation awaits.

September 9, 2026

Hotels

From the Beach to the Desert to the Alaskan Wild, These Resorts and Retreats Embody the West

Book these editor-approved accommodations.

September 9, 2026

September 18, 2026

Hotels

Wild West Meets the Luxe Life at These Iconic Ranches

Make all your cowboy dreams come true without sacrificing comfort.

September 9, 2026

September 10, 2026

The Latest From Sunset

Travel

You’re 3 Steps Away from a Restful Red-Eye If You Follow These Tips

Sweet dreams are made of these.

September 18, 2026

September 16, 2026

Hotels

Your Bubble Bath Could Be So, So Much Better—Here’s How According to a ‘Bath Butler’

How to build the perfect bath.

September 16, 2026

September 15, 2026

Hotels

Get Away from It All at These Hotels Nestled in Nature

Where to go when touching grass is the goal.

September 9, 2026

September 14, 2026

Hotels

Time-Travel to the Glory Days of the West at These Historic Hotels

Travel across distance and time at these award-winning historic properties.

September 9, 2026

September 10, 2026

Plan Your Next Trip

Outdoor Adventure

From Analog Escapes to Viking Cycling Weekenders, Here Are the Fall Travel Trends You Need to Know

It’s time to start planning your fall adventures.

September 14, 2026

September 17, 2026

Hotels

42 Coastal Escapes to Book for Your Next Weekend Getaway

We’ve got your next seaside getaway here.

September 9, 2026

September 11, 2026

Hotels

The Best Mountain Resorts for Skiing, Hiking, or Doing Absolutely Nothing

Head to the mountains for relaxation, adventure, and everything in between.

September 9, 2026

September 15, 2026

Outdoor Adventure

Dreaming of the Coast? These Classic Destinations Deliver Seaside Bliss

Head to these spots for rest and relaxation.

September 9, 2026

Travel

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

You’ve got to check out these iconic experiences.

September 9, 2026

Travel

The Coolest Ways to Travel Around the West

These are the coolest ways to get around the West, including air and scenic rail options.

September 9, 2026

Travel

You Need a Wellness Reset. Here’s Where to Go Now.

De-stress and unwind at these spas and resorts.

September 9, 2026

Culinary Travel

Here’s How to Have the Ultimate Foodie Vacation

Because isn’t food the best part of travel?

September 9, 2026

Take Some Advice from the Insiders

Insider Guides

This Underrated Quirky Mountain Town in California Deserves a Visit

Hit up these local favorites.

August 24, 2026

August 25, 2026

Wickaninnish Inn Exterior Pointe Building and Ocean with Surfers

Insider Guides

Is This Canada’s Coziest Coastal Town?

Wander through forest trails and pop into charming shops in this mellow beach town.

August 3, 2026

July 31, 2026

Hawaii

The Perfect Locals-Only Kona Itinerary

Local favorites you don’t want to miss on your next trip.

July 23, 2026

August 5, 2026

Insider Guides

This Charming Small Town in California Wine Country Is Straight out of a Nancy Meyers Movie

Tasting tips from a local.

June 22, 2026

September 18, 2026

Hood River Lightwell Hotel Lobby Living Room

Insider Guides

This Oregon City Is a Hidden Gem Filled with Scenic Hiking Trails, Craft Breweries, and More

Here’s your weekend itinerary.

June 15, 2026

June 16, 2026

Insider Guides

The Ultimate Taos, New Mexico Itinerary

Keep your days humming along briskly in this artsy, outdoorsy four-season destination.

May 28, 2026

May 27, 2026

Get Outside

Outdoor Adventure

Attention Skiers: These Are the Mountain Getaways You Need to Visit Now

Not just for ski season, these high-altitude hangouts offer year-round outdoor activities, sophisticated dining options, and surprising cultural offerings.

September 9, 2026

Brown Bears at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, Alaska

National Parks

Indulge Your Adventurous Side with These Outdoor Excursions

Climb a tree, go rafting, even get pulled behind a horse with one of these adventurous Western activities.

September 9, 2026

Outdoor Adventure

I Went West to Ride Horses. I Came Back with an Unexpected Lesson.

At a men’s retreat in the Arizona desert, a skeptical rider finds that the hardest part isn’t staying in the saddle—it’s learning when to stop pushing.

September 15, 2026

September 14, 2026

Camping

These Are the West’s Best Campsites, According to People Who Actually Camp There

Consider these for your next trip.

August 21, 2026

August 24, 2026

Fun for the Whole Family

Beach Tree Pool Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Family

My Son Attended a Hotel Kids’ Camp Designed for Toddlers—and It Was the Best Decision Ever

Why the Four Seasons Hualalai is a must-visit locale for parents and kids.

September 4, 2026

September 8, 2026

Family

A Flight Attendant Shares the 6 Things She Wishes All Parents Knew Before Traveling with Kids

Consider this your checklist for a (hopefully) fuss-free flight.

July 31, 2026

August 4, 2026

Camping

Stop Playing Tetris with Your Luggage. Here’s How to Pack Smart for a Family Road Trip.

Sunset staff shares their road-tested tips for packing strategies this summer.

July 24, 2026

July 22, 2026

Have Wine, Will Travel

Culinary Travel

Everyone Needs a Wine Weekend—Here’s Where to Go

The West is full of wine destinations. Here are our favorites.

September 9, 2026

Wine Country

These Are the Best Hotels, Wineries, and Destinations to Visit in Wine Country

There’s nothing like the thrill of tapping into terroir to the fullest and tasting wine where it was made. Here are the Sunset Travel Award-winning hotels, wineries, and destinations to visit now.

January 28, 2026