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Best pacific islands to visit.

You may have to trek a bit to reach the thousands of islands that comprise the South Pacific, but the journey is well worth the effort. In this vast area, you'll discover unspoiled beaches, impressive historical sites and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for a relaxing getaway. But with so many islands within Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia to choose from, deciding which remote paradise to prioritize may be a challenge – that's where we come in. To determine the best Pacific Islands, U.S. News considered user votes and expert opinions, plus factors like diversity of attractions, accessibility and affordability. Use these recommendations to plan your next vacation, and cast your vote below to have a say in next year's list.

Cook Islands

Solomon islands.

For a dreamy vacation set amid turquoise waters, lush jungle and extensive coral reefs, book your ticket to Palau. This tiny country in the western Pacific Ocean is known for its premier scuba diving sites and incredible scenery. Get a taste of local culture in Koror, Palau's capital, where you'll find an assortment of craft shops, restaurants, bars and small museums. Other must-do activities include swimming with thousands of non-stinging jellyfish, kayaking Nikko Bay and taking a boat or flight tour of the breathtaking Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Head to one of Fiji's 330-plus islands if you appreciate cultural activities and attractions as much as you enjoy spending time outdoors. In Suva, Fiji's capital city, you can participate in a traditional kava ceremony (which involves drinking yaqona, a root-based drink with mild sedative properties), watch a firewalking festival at Mariamma Temple and explore the Fiji Museum. Meanwhile, Fiji's smaller destinations – including the Yasawa Islands and Taveuni – feature incredible coral gardens, stunning rainforests and some of the world's best beaches . When you tire of sunbathing, snorkeling and hiking, retreat to a rustic bungalow, a trendy boutique hotel or a luxe five-star resort.

One of the smallest countries in the world, Tuvalu is comprised of nine low-lying islands featuring unspoiled white sand beaches, abundant marine life and a laid-back atmosphere. Most of your days here will be spent snorkeling, scuba diving or simply lounging on the beach. However, remember to save time for visiting the Tuvalu Post, which is home to a wide collection of rare decades-old stamps, and checking out the destination's World War II wreckage sites. Despite its beauty, Tuvalu is off many travelers' radars, meaning you won't have to fight hordes of tourists for a spot on the sand.

Newlyweds who want to see a lesser-known side of French Polynesia should consider honeymooning on Moorea. This awe-inspiring island features the same kind of striking natural wonders and romantic accommodations couples will find on Bora Bora, but with a more relaxed atmosphere and lower price tags. What's more, Moorea only sits 10 miles away from Tahiti, making it easy to reach from French Polynesia's main international airport or by ferry. Once travelers arrive on the island, they'll discover eight towering mountains and two beautiful bays, plus several noteworthy attractions, including the Moorea Dolphin Center and Temae Beach.

This string of more than 80 volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean is a picture-perfect getaway that is well off the beaten path. Port Vila, the country's capital located on the island of Efate, is where you'll find many of Vanuatu's tourism facilities, including a selection of restaurants, shops and accommodations. Top activities in Vanuatu include hiking to the summit of Mount Yasur (an active volcano), swimming in the Blue Lagoon and snorkeling Mystery Island's crystal-clear waters.

Despite its small size, this group of 15 islands midway between New Zealand and Hawaii offers something for everyone. Popular activities range from snorkeling excursions and hikes to waterfalls to village tours. The striking white sand beaches on Rarotonga and Aitutaki also can't be missed. After exploring, savor local staples like ika mata (marinated raw fish) and poke (a pudding-like dish made with tropical fruit) at a market. Meanwhile, make sure to attend an island night celebration, which combines traditional dancing with an umukai (a feast prepared in an underground oven). Because the Cook Islands are associated with New Zealand, visitors can easily fly here from Auckland.

This French Polynesian island is the perfect place to go if you're looking to reconnect with nature, dial up the romance and pamper yourself while on vacation. In Bora Bora, you'll find overwater bungalows and luxurious spas made for honeymooners , plus a beautiful turquoise lagoon and lush Mount Otemanu to explore. For an overview of the island and an adrenaline rush, sign up for a four-wheel-drive excursion or a boat tour that includes a shark and stingray feeding. Then, head to Matira Beach or your resort's private stretch of sand to relax as you watch the sun set.

Tahiti's international airport and variety of big-city amenities (think: diverse restaurants, exciting cultural events and abundant five-star resorts) make it a natural choice for a South Pacific vacation. But don't let the French Polynesian island's hustle and bustle fool you: Tahiti also boasts plenty of rushing waterfalls, towering mountains and pristine beaches to set the scene for your relaxing island getaway. Start your visit by checking out the markets, boutiques and nightlife venues in Papeete (Tahiti's capital city) before escaping to one of the island's jaw-dropping natural wonders. Can't-miss spots include Fautaua Waterfall, the Water Gardens of Vaipahi and Papenoo Beach.

Home to about 170 islands, Tonga is known as the last Polynesian monarchy. Tonga vacationers can spend time relaxing on crowd-free beaches, touring the Mapu'a 'a Vaca blowholes and enjoying a traditional Tongan feast. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, don't miss an opportunity to swim with Tonga's graceful humpback whales, an activity that is possible between July and October. Other adventurous travelers will want to go for a dip in the 'Anahulu Cave, an underground freshwater pool surrounded by ancient stalactites and stalagmites.

Water lovers, eco-tourists and culture hounds will all love visiting tranquil Samoa. Here, you'll find breathtaking natural wonders like the To Sua ocean trench (a giant swimming hole), the Alofaaga Blowholes and the Sopoaga and Papapapaitai waterfalls. Additionally, Samoa offers an array of cultural attractions, including the Samoa Cultural Village (with traditional tattooing and tapa cloth-making demonstrations) and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. Once you've gotten your fill of sightseeing, head to a local market for fresh produce or seafood before retiring to a fale (a rustic beachfront accommodation) for the night.

Thanks to its abundance of untouched natural wonders and lack of traditional accommodations, the Solomon Islands are an ideal destination for eco-tourists. Visitors can explore dense jungles, surf uncrowded waves and even climb a dormant volcano. The country was also a battle site during World War II, so history buffs can find historic relics like abandoned tanks and amphibious vehicles scattered throughout the islands. But perhaps the most unique sights are those found in the islands' surrounding waters. Divers from around the world flock here to see the Solomon Islands' sunken WWII seaplanes, submarines and oil tankers.

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American Samoa

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South Pacific Tours & Vacations

There is so much more to the South Pacific than cruise ships and resorts.

These remote islands – and there’s a lot of them – are bursting with ancient cultures, fascinating festivals and wallpaper-worthy scenery. But our South Pacific tours aren’t your typical beach holiday. While there’ll be plenty of time to kick back on the sand and swim in bright blue lagoons, we’ll also get you trekking up volcanoes in  Vanuatu , splashing around in Fiji ’s dreamiest waterfalls, experiencing traditional village life in New Caledonia  or hiking the historic Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea . These are Intrepid adventures, so you’ll discover the real South Pacific while supporting local communities along the way. Isn’t that what traveling’s all about?

Our South Pacific trips

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South Pacific highlights

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Vanuatu Expedition

Samoa Adventure

10 reasons to visit Samoa

8 unique experiences in Papua New Guinea

The 5 best things to do in Vanuatu

5 bucket list-worthy things to do in New Caledonia

5 of the best New Caledonian beaches to get some sun on

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South pacific travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

What’s the weather like in the South Pacific?

The South Pacific islands have a tropical climate with only two seasons: a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October.

The weather is hot all year round, though it's hotter and stickier in the wet season and tropical cyclones and typhoons can occur.

The dry season sees clearer skies and cooler temperatures, though daytime highs rarely dip below the low 60s (F).

The water temperatures don't fluctuate much, with average temperatures lingering between a pleasant 81°F and 84°F.

When is the best time to visit the South Pacific?

The most popular time to visit the South Pacific is in the dry season from May to October when skies are clear and humidity is low.

However, these months also see the biggest influx of tourists so expect busier beaches and higher prices for things like accommodation.

The wet season is the quietest time in the South Pacific and if you don't mind hotter, stickier and wetter weather, it can be a great time to enjoy the islands in their most idyllic state.

What do I pack for the South Pacific?

The South Pacific region experiences tropical weather, so packing sandals, sunscreen and plenty of swimwear is a must. Because of the high temperatures and often humid conditions (depending on the time of year), packing lightweight, breathable clothing (think linen or cotton) is also a good idea. You might also want to consider packing comfortable walking shoes for exploring the islands and insect repellant for those pesky tropical bugs. 

What is the internet access like in the South Pacific?

While the South Pacific is largely remote as a region (the only way to get there from neighboring countries is to fly), it's fairly connected with great internet access across Samoa, the Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. However, there are some exceptions as each island boasts lush tropical rainforests that can interfere with your mobile coverage. Having said that, if you stick to the populated areas, most hotels and restaurants should have wifi for you to connect to. 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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Pacific Northwest & California

About this tour.

From the wilds of Mount St. Helens to the shadow of giants in the Redwoods, fall under the spell of the Pacific Northwest and California. Travel along Oregon’s beautiful coast, making stops at Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Bandon and Coos Bay. Explore Oregon's wilderness on a Rogue River cruise. Visit Redwood National Park's Avenue of the Giants. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and discover the “City by the Bay,” San Francisco. Explore the natural beauty from Seattle to San Francisco.

Your Tour Includes

• 5 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Mount St. Helens Visitor Center
• Columbia River Gorge

Your Tour at a Glance

6 Breakfasts

2 - Moderate

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Embark on a sightseeing tour of Seattle, the "Emerald City."

Explore Oregon’s diverse coast featuring sea stacks and rock formations.

• Behold the majestic beauty of the Redwood Forest's "Avenue of the Giants."

Cultural Experiences:

• Visit lively Pike Place Market, Seattle's famous fish and vegetable market.

Venture to Mount St. Helens Visitor Center to learn about its volcanic activity.

Visit Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls.

Culinary Inclusions:

Savor a wine-tasting while gazing at views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.

• Yaquina Head Lighthouse
• Bandon State Natural Area
• Rogue River Cruise
• Redwood National Park
• Avenue of the Giants
• San Francisco

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Add a night in Seattle before your tour begins. Your hotel, the Thompson Seattle, is conveniently located steps away from Pike Place Market on a bustling street lined with cafes, shops and restaurants (the original Starbucks is right around the corner from your hotel). Also within walking distance are museums and local landmarks. Enjoy a guided "Insider's" tour of Pike Place market followed by a visit to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, a monument to art as glass featuring an astounding display of Dale Chihuly's installations. Hosted You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager part of the time, for some guided excursions. The rest of the time, you’re at leisure to explore the destination your own way.

• Seattle, Washington
• Arrive in Seattle, the Emerald City on Puget Sound. Check into your hotel and enjoy time on your own to settle in. A local representative will meet you at the hotel to assist with recommendations on how you can spend your afternoon and evening.
• After breakfast, join a local guide on a walking tour of the famed Pike Place Market – one of the country’s oldest farmers markets – on Seattle’s bustling waterfront. All of your senses will be engaged as you have fun exploring the historic arcade and winding alleys. Later, travel like a local on Seattle’s Monorail to the Seattle Center. Take your time visiting the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass – a monument to art as glass featuring an astounding display of Dale Chihuly’s installations. Your entry includes 8 galleries, the central Glasshouse, and a sculpture garden.

Hotel-Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Seattle, the "Emerald City."

Behold the majestic beauty of the Redwood Forest's "Avenue of the Giants."

Visit lively Pike Place Market, Seattle's famous fish and vegetable market.

Accommodations

Thompson seattle, portland marriott downtown waterfront, the mill casino, best western plus bayshore inn, hyatt regency san francisco downtown soma, stay longer.

Post Night: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA From $160 per night

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Sights of The Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its natural beauty and sophisticated yet quirky cities. Experience the best of both worlds on this journey from Seattle to San Francisco. With high peaks, deep lakes, and giant trees, it’s the ultimate coastal road trip through three stunning states.

• Visit Mount St. Helens and learn about the most destructive volcanic eruption in American history
• Look out at the crystal clear waters of America’s deepest lake on a day trip to Crater Lake National Park
• Stand in awe of the towering redwoods, the tallest trees in the world, at Redwood National Park
• Enjoy city tours from Seattle to San Francisco
• See the 600-foot-tall waterfall at Multnomah Falls
• Uncover fascinating fish facts at Oregon Coast Aquarium

Seattle Space Needle & Dinner At Buca Di Beppo

Take in sweeping views from the Space Needle.

Winery Visit With Wine Tasting & Charcuterie Board

Sample some exceptional wines and local cheese!

Activity level

• Very Active

Tour Includes

Sightseeing

• Mount St. Helens
• Cascade Range
• Mt. Hood National Forest
• Crater Lake National Park
• Redwood National Park
• San Francisco

Hotel Accommodations

• Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
• 10 Breakfasts and 2 Lunches
• A professionally trained tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.

Baggage Handling

• To and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of Checked Baggage per person.

Seattle, Washington

San Francisco, California

Welcome to beautiful Seattle, Washington! Guests who have purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations will be welcomed in the baggage claim area by a representative who will arrange your transfer to the hotel. If you made other flight arrangements, please make your own way to the hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Head to some of the city’s popular sites including Pike Place Market, Space Needle and Pioneer Square.

Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center or similar

Add-On : Seattle Space Needle & Dinner at Bucca Di Beppo

Continue your journey to Mount St. Helens, the site of the deadliest volcanic event in U.S. history. Take in stunning views of the mountain, including the crater caused by the 1980 eruption, and continue on to Portland. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B, L)

Hyatt Place Portland Airport/Cascade Station or similar

Travel into the Cascade Mountains this morning to enjoy some of Oregon’s most breathtaking scenery. Highlights of your tour include the Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall waterfall found in the Mount Hood National Forest. Enjoy lunch on your own at Cascade Locks, then return to Portland for a city tour. You’ll spend free time at the International Rose Test Garden, where (depending on the season) you can see over 650 varieties of roses, as well as other blooms and plants. (B)

Note: Depending on season Rose Garden may be substituted with Bonneville Fish Hatchery

Add-On : Portland Dinner Cruise

Take a stunning scenic drive down the Oregon coast to Newport. Here you’ll enjoy a tour of the Oregon Coast Aquarium, a world-class facility dedicated to marine wildlife. Enjoy a relaxed evening on your own. Newport has plenty of museums, impressive mansions and some great dining options. (B)

Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn or similar

Travel down to Medford, a town in the heart of the breathtaking Rogue Valley. Many of Oregon’s finest wines are produced right here in Medford. You can learn more about them on an optional wine tasting in the evening. (B)

Comfort Inn South or similar

Add-On : Winery Visit with Wine Tasting and Charcuterie Board

Experience a day at the world-famous Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. Surrounded by towering cliffs and a thick forest of old growth pines, Crater Lake is nestled in what remains of a dormant volcano that erupted nearly 8,000 years ago. This crystal clear blue lake is one of the prettiest in the country. (B)

Continue south on a beautiful drive to the Golden State. Your first stop is Redwood National Park, home of the world’s tallest trees. Enjoy a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, where some trees are over 370 feet tall. Stop for lunch on your own at Klamath and then continue on to Eureka. The Old Town in Eureka is famous for its classic Victorian homes, and you’ll get a chance to see them on an informative panoramic tour. (B)

Red Lion Hotel Eureka or similar

See more amazing Redwoods at Avenue of the Giants on your way to San Francisco. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B)

Hotel Caza or similar

Your day starts with a city tour including Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the world’s most photographed suspension bridges. Don’t forget to look out into the bay at the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary! You’ll enjoy a farewell lunch at Pier 39 (included). For an additional fee, join us on a bay cruise, or a cable car tour with a dinner on Pier 39, or add both for a complete experience. (B, L)

Add-On : Red & White San Francisco Bay Cruises

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

Inquire Now

Per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare. Passport required.

Add airfare?

We’ll get back to you soon. To secure an exclusive limited-time offer for your trip, call 888-860-1969 now to uncover our best-kept secret deals!

We liked the iternary, pace, meeting nice people

Great food and service in very unique interesting spots.

Unfortunately, additional nights are not available from YMT Vacations for this tour. Your YMT Sales Consultant will confirm the specific hotel related to your departure date, and you can then contact the hotel directly to arrange an extended stay.

Yes, triples are permitted (depending on availability) in 2 beds.

You should arrive in Seattle no later than 4pm.

No, none are required.

You will visit Crater Lake, which is at an elevation of over 6,000 ft.

For tips on managing altitude sickness, please read our blog .

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Call us for pricing, and remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Here are the pricing guidelines for reference: $ – Less than $100 USD $$ – Between $100 and $200 USD $$$ – More than $200 USD

We have put together an evening of great food and stunning views. First we will head to the Space Needle and ascend the 520 feet to the observation deck, from where you can see all of Seattle and beyond. Then, get to know your fellow travelers at an informal Italian family-style dinner at a downtown Seattle restaurant!

• Italian family-style dinner at a downtown Seattle restaurant. Menu includes: mixed green & Caesar salad, spaghetti marinara, fettuccine Alfredo and chicken parmigiana; followed by cheesecake; with included soft drinks, coffee and tea. Menu subject to change. Taxes & gratuities are included.
• Admission to the Space Needle and its observation deck
• Take the 43-second elevator ride to the observation deck from where you can see not only the downtown Seattle skyline, but also the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and surrounding islands
• The iconic tower was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, during which time nearly 20,000 people a day used the elevators, totaling over 2.3 million visitors in all

Duration: Approx. 3 Hours (Evening)

Activity Level: Easy

Visit one of Oregon’s original wineries, where you will enjoy learning about the regions wines with a flight of 6 different wines. Enjoy sampling local cheeses, meats and other savories from a gourmet charcuterie board. Eden Valley Orchards was founded in 1885 and the entire property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been a hallmark of agricultural innovation and gracious hospitality since its pioneer beginnings in the Rogue River Valley in Southern Oregon.

• Visit to an Oregon Winery
• Sampling of wines and a gourmet charcuterie board

Duration: Approx. 1.5 – 2 Hours (Afternoon)

Cruise under the bridges that make Portland famous and enjoy a freshly-prepared dinner onboard. Take in views of the historic Portland Waterfront from a vibrant setting enhanced by dazzling city sights and city lights. Enjoy a dinner of scrumptious cuisine, locally sourced and prepared fresh on board with live piano music for one amazing experience!

• 2.5-hour dinner cruise aboard the Portland Spirit from Downtown Portland
• Menu includes plated entree (selected onboard), house salad, bread, signature dessert, coffee, hot tea, fountain sodas. Appetizers, premium desserts and other beverages from the full service bar are available for purchase onboard.
• Live piano music and service gratuity
• Round trip transportation

Cruise between Pier 43.5 and Fisherman’s Wharf while transiting along San Francisco’s breathtaking waterfront, passing under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz! Learn the history of San Francisco Bay and observe local marine life such as sea lions, pelicans, whales and more.

• 1-hour cruise voyage along the San Francisco Waterfront

Duration: Approx. 1-1.5 Hours (Morning)

A ride on one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars is an essential part of any trip to the City by the Bay. Ride one of these National Historic Landmarks to Pier 39 for the ultimate San Francisco experience. All aboard! Your evening tour begins with a ride up and down the hilly streets of San Francisco via cable car. Cable cars were invented in San Francisco 150 years ago to help the city’s residents get up and down the legendarily steep streets. Today, an estimated 13 million people hope on and off these not-so-modern marvels every year. Which is no wonder—cable cars are the most fun way to get around! Tonight’s dinner will be at Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant on Pier 39. You’ll enjoy delicious Italian specialties and one of the best views in San Francisco. Enjoy your dinner as you take in the sights of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. For music, you can expect to be serenaded by Pier 39’s famous barking sea lions.

• San Francisco Cable Car tour
• 3-course dinner at Swiss Louis Italian & Seafood Restaurant

Note : This tour does not allow for any leisure time on your own and requires the ability to walk approximately 0.75 miles to and from the cable car pick up and drop off locations. This excursion is unable to accommodate guests in wheelchairs as the cable car is not wheelchair accessible. High step up into cable car

Duration: Approx. 3-3.5 Hours (Afternoon/Evening)

Activity Level: Moderate

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Small, Customized Travel Experiences for Individuals & Organizations. Balanced Itineraries. More Meaningful Experiences.

We’re a woman-owned business specializing in personalized, small group, escorted experiences across the Pacific Northwest and to the most intriguing corners of the globe.

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Customized Experiences

We are committed to learning about - and listening to - our customers ahead of travel to build a customized and meaningful experience that reflects their interests, passions, and goals. Whether your interest is in winemaking, the outdoors, art, agriculture, and so much more, we proactively get to know each guest prior to a trip, so we can tailor your experience to match your interests and create a one-of-a-kind experience.

Small Groups

Unlike other companies, we limit the size of our groups to provide a more intimate experience that lets our clients connect with the local communities they visit. With an average group size of 8-16, you’ll never feel like just a number or that you’re lost in a crowd. Instead, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy good conversation, make new friends, or simply have the space to get to know yourself a little better.

Balanced itineraries

We understand the importance of a balance of structured and independent exploration. We provide space and time for personal exploration and empowerment as we build travel experiences throughout the Pacific Northwest and worldwide. Every tour prioritizes time to relax and explore on your own, so you don’t feel hurried from place to place.

Woman-Owned

We’re proud to be a woman-owned small business, prioritizing work with other women-owned small businesses wherever possible.

Partnerships with Local Small Businesses

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Pacific Northwest & California From $3,299 $2,949 pp* Featuring Washington, Oregon and California

*Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date. Please select a date below for more details.

• Exploration

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Your Tour at a Glance

Tour Activity Level

The activity level for this tour:

You’re a leisurely traveler. You typically take it easy and discover the energy of a new place by people-watching or soaking in the atmosphere at a local café. You can climb at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes without difficulty. You can easily handle altitudes up to 5,000 feet.

You like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet.

You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.

You’re ready to seize the day, whatever it may bring. You lead an active life at home (walking, biking, and half or full day hikes are things you may enjoy) and 10,000 steps a day is normal for you. You can handle longer walking tours (more than 3 hours covering 3+ miles at a steady clip) and activities that involve traversing uneven terrain, steep slopes, standing for periods of time, and varying altitudes and temperatures. You don’t mind being on the go with some early starts, late-nights, and full days. You can handle altitudes of 9,000 feet or higher with little to no issue. This level is not appropriate for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices.

Pacific Northwest & California featuring Washington, Oregon and California

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Enhance your trip, optional excursions.

Add some more spice to your tour with this optional excursions.

Pre and Post Night Stays

Enjoy arriving early or checking out late with our Pre and Post night stays.

Tour Extensions

Extension style.

The extension style for this tour:

Independent

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager part of the time, for some guided excursions. The rest of the time, you’re at leisure to explore the destination your own way.

You’re not accompanied by a Tour Manager during your extension stay. You’ll access locales you wish to visit on your own, and are free to create your own adventure.

Traveler Reviews

From $2,949 pp *

8 Days • 11 Meals

Thank you for your review! We look forward to traveling with you again soon.

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Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and a member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Hello, thank you for sharing your experience with us regarding your Pacific Northwest & California tour. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and the member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Hello, thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and a member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Thank you for joining us and for sharing your feedback! We look forward to traveling with you again soon.

Hello, we have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and a member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Hello, thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and the member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Review on 09/28/2022

Review on 09/27/2022, review on 09/18/2022.

We are pleased to hear you had a great time on our Pacific Northwest and California tour! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, we hope to see you again soon!

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and the member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Great trip, would highly recommend it!

The tour was very well organized and the guide was excellent..

We are pleased to hear you had a great time on our Pacific Northwest & California tour! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and for recommending Collette to family and friends. We hope to see you again soon!

Excellent tour. Very well organized. Would definitely recommend Collette.

We are pleased to hear you had a great time on our Pacific Northwest & California tour! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, we hope to see you again soon!

We are pleased to hear you had a great time on our Pacific Northwest & California tour! Thank you so much for sharing your feedback, we hope to see you again soon!

Thank you for joining us on our Pacific Northwest and California tour, we hope to see you again soon!

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our product team. They will review it and use it to improve the tour for future guests. If you would like to set up time with one of our customer care representatives to share more about your experience we would be happy to set that up for you. We appreciate you being a loyal traveler with us and hope to travel with you again soon.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback about the meals to our product team. They will review it and use it to improve the tour for future guests.

Review on 05/31/2022

Thanks for sharing your experience of this tour. We have passed along your feedback to members of our product team to review so they can improve the tour for future guests. We appreciate your business. If there's anything else you would like to share about the tour, please be sure to reach out.

Review on 05/21/2022

Review on 05/18/2022, review on 05/17/2022.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Pacific Northwest and California tour. We're sorry to hear you experienced trip interruptions while on tour. Your feedback will be reviewed by our Product Design Team so that the overall touring experience for our guests can be improved.

Best Tour Guide Ever!!!

Tour was excellent. we enjoyed our time in the pacific northwest., very professional, very happy traveler, cal. coast breathtaking, redwood forest fantastic..

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Pacific Northwest & California Coast tours. We're very sorry to hear about the issues you experienced with your tour manager for your California Coast tour. Your feedback will be reviewed by your tour manager's Team Leader so that the overall touring experience for our guests can be improved.

Collette Offers the Best

Outstanding tour of the pacific northwest, well planned, relaxing and enjoying., good experience, wonderful company..

Thank you for traveling with Collette to the Pacific Northwest and California. We're very sorry to hear about the issues you experienced on tour. A member of the Guest Relations Team will be reaching out to discuss your comments.

Loved everything -- the food - the hotels etc etc

Great vacation, a wonderful overview of the pacific northwest and northern california., great tour wonderful scenery the whole way highly recommend this tour to, really enjoyed the trip, great trip.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to the Pacific Northwest & California. A member of the Guest Relations Team will be reaching out to discuss your feedback.

Pacific Northwest was superb!

Fantastic sites, the best hotels and also outstanding dining.

Nothing but good feelings about this experience., collette tours - trips to remember for a lifetime, great customer service, wonderful tour, but ..., nothing short of excellent, tour director, driver, hotel selection, meals, were all excellent., pleasant and friendly trip., hope to take another collette tour, disappointed in quick "drive-by" tours of the 3 cities..

5 Star Experience

Will refer others to this service, wonderful trip to west coast.

Hello, thank you for bringing this to our attention.  Would you like us to set up time with our guest relations team to share more about your experience and what you feel we could improve upon?

Too much bus riding and little time at stops.

Hello Thomas, we have forwarded your feedback to a member of our guest relations team.  They will be reaching out to you to hear more about your experience.  

the car service to and from the airport was very good

Hello Patricia, we have passed along both your feedback and Thomas' feedback to our guest relations team and they will be reaching out to you shortly. 

Both these individuals made the trip great. Without their expertise, it wou

What a fun trip, love, love collette, excellent tour, relaxing while learning and seeing the sights, very good most of the time, tour guide and driver couldn't have been better. made every minute great , collette (especially mark godin) conducted a great vacation trip., well planned trip, smooth northwest passage, polite and useful, good trip. weather in the two northern states cooler than expected..

Poor service by Collette US

Hello Roger, Thanks for sharing your feedback with us.  We have passed it along to members of our tour manager and product team to use in improving the tours for future guests. 

Due to a mix-up we spent about an hour and a half waiting for transportatio...

Highly recommend this tour to anybody, we live in an amazing country with many beautiful cities and landscapes., well organized. guide was friendly and as we traveled from one site to anot..., this tour was not as great as previous collette tours., excellent trip, excellent service by collette us, wonderful trip, wonderful service, excellent hotels, would not recommend trip..

Hello Barbara, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your dissatisfaction with the optional tours.  We have passed it along to our Guest Relations and product team for review.   Please accept our sincere apology and thank you for bringing this to our attention.  We want to constantly better our product, service, and customer satisfaction. We encourage all feedback as it allows us the opportunity to identify problems and strive to make the necessary corrections.  We are thankful for your business and look forward to seeing you on another tour.

Great Pacific Northwest experience

I have used collette many times and the always provide many wonderful places to see our rooms are always excellent ., great planning for our trip., good trip. would use collette again., disappointed..

Thanks for reaching out Patricia!  I contacted our guest relations team and they said they had reached out a few times and left you a voicemail with their contact information.  They'd love to go over your feedback with you and hear more about your experience. We have also passed along your feedback about the tour manager to our tour manager department for review.   If you need help getting in contact with the guest relations team just let us know. 

Disappointing but still fun

Excellent customer servie.

Thank you for sharing your feedback of the tour, we apologize for the experience you had with the tour manager and the hotels.  We have passed your review on to our product development and tour manager teams to review.   They will address these issues in order to help improve the tour experience for future guests.  We appreciate your feedback.  

Casinos Stink

Very good tour., more time should have been given in seattle,portland and sf, average service., it was amazing.

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The Best of the Pacific Northwest

Lavish forests, a gorgeous coastline, it's impossible to escape nature here. urban, forest, desert, beaches or snowy peaks greet you at every turn., 14-day journey, your journey.

Personalized journeys by our travel designers from start to finish

Our travel designers have been around the world and back again

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Our team is available 24/7/365 before, during and after your journey

What's Included in your Best of the Pacific Northwest Itinerary

• 2-Nights in Seattle, Washington
• 1-Night in Townsend, Washington
• 1-Night in Sequim, Washington
• 2-Nights in Snoqualmie, Washington
• 3-Nights in Newberg, Oregon
• 1-Night in Portland, Oregon
• 3-Nights in Walla, Washington
• All Arrival and Departure Transfers
• All Entrance Fees
• All Local Taxes and Fees
• Your Travel Designer available 24/7

Your Best of the Pacific Northwest Itinerary

Day 1-4 Seattle, Washington

Seattle, a city on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, is surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, and contains thousands of acres of parkland. Washington State’s largest city, it’s home to a large tech industry, with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in its metropolitan area. The futuristic Space Needle, a 1962 World’s Fair legacy, is its most iconic landmark.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

• Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Downtown Seattle’s premier luxury hotel, the Fairmont Olympic captures the charm and elegance of the Italian Renaissance. Built in 1924 and located in the heart of the city, this legendary hotel offers breathtaking architecture, acclaimed dining and impeccable service. With spacious rooms and corridors, as well as a full-service fitness center and indoor pool/spa, The Fairmont Olympic shines as the classic must-experience hotel in Seattle.

Named the No. 1 best hotel in Seattle by the U.S. News & World Report for 2018, The Fairmont Olympic is also a local favorite for dining in Seattle and host to award-winning restaurants.

ACTIVITIES:

• Seattle City Tour

You will visit the ever-enchanting Pike Place Market , trace our way through Seattle’s colorful history in Pioneer Square , pass by our two new stadiums, and tour the charming Chinatown International District.

We’ll roll down “ Skid Road,” tour the waterfront and Seattle Center and climb Queen Anne Hill for stunning views of Seattle and its residential architecture. Quaint Fisherman’s Terminal and the Hiram Chittenden Locks are not to be missed, nor is funky Fremont, the “Sleepless” Houseboat and, very likely, a trip past the University of Washington campus across the world’s longest floating bridge .

You will also visit the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Music Experience.

• Art of the Table/Wine Pairing

At art of the table, we celebrate food and those who dedicate their lives to raising, growing, foraging, and catching the pacific northwest’s finest, freshest products.

• Underground Tour

Seattle’s most unusual attraction, a humorous stroll through intriguing subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889.

The 75-minute guided walking tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House, then spills into historic Pioneer Square, Seattle’s birthplace, before plunging underground for an exclusive, time-capsule view of the buried city.

It’s the only way to tour the interconnecting tunnels of the world-famous Seattle Underground—don’t be fooled by impostors. All the while, tour guides regale you with sidesplitting stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with punch lines!

The tour ends in Rogues Gallery and the Underground Gift Shop, where you’ll find displays depicting the past and Northwest memorabilia. Sons of the Profits , the book by Bill Speidel upon which the tour is based, is our most popular souvenir.

Doc Maynard’s Public House, suitable for the entire family, offers affordable snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner, including fresh Northwest seasonal fare, and a full bar.

• Historic Ghost & True Crime Tour

Seattle’s Historic Ghost & True Crime Tours offers a scenic, entertaining and unique way to see the city. Seattle’s past wasn’t always pretty. Seattle, being a port city, has always had a darker side. Some say it is because Seattle is a Scorpio town, founded in November 1851.

Visit the scenes of both infamous and forgotten crimes and hear about the notorious & colorful characters that made Seattle what it is today.

Day 4-5 Port Townsend, and Sequim Washington

Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport town set on the northeastern tip of the strikingly beautiful Olympic Peninsula , surrounded by water and towering mountains, was named one of America’s Best Small Towns by Fodor’s Travel Guides and even earned the distinction as the “City of Dreams” when it was officially settled by in 1851, with the hopes that it would become the largest harbor on the west coast.

While that didn’t happen, it is still considered a city of dreams today, with people of all types and backgrounds giving up more lucrative careers in larger cities for the chance to live in one of the most picturesque places on the planet. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of artists, writers, musicians, mariners and outdoor adventurers as well as streets lined with magnificent, century-old buildings that house a variety of restaurants and cafes, galleries and boutiques.

A CCOMODATIONS:

• One night at  Ravenscroft Inn

Tucked into a quiet neighborhood in uptown Port Townsend WA is Ravenscroft Inn, the ideal place for you to experience the beauty and charm of the Olympic Peninsula. Our bed and breakfast is ideally located just blocks from the draws of downtown Port Townsend and the bay, and is close enough to Olympic National Park for guests to easily explore its natural beauty. Our uptown location offers access to all the area has to offer with a short walk to restaurants, a local bakery, Saturday Farmers’ Market, the corner grocery, and live music & theater.

• Visit the Lavender Fields

Leave for a one-hour scenic drive from Port Townsend to Sequim, (on the Olympic Peninsula)

Surrounded by natural beauty and full of small-town charm, Sequim is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and lavender lovers and is one of the driest places in western Washington. An active arts community, vibrant downtown , and diverse culinary options make Sequim the cultural and commercial heart of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley on the magnificent Olympic Peninsula .

• One night at  Lost Mountain Lodge
• Feast your eyes on their  lavish gardens, tranquil ponds, and gentle wildlife . 
• Feed your soul with their gourmet cuisine , prepared with the finest local ingredients. 
• Relax in sheer bliss next to a wood-burning fireplace, or atop their cloud-like king-sized beds, and let them surround you with five-star accommodations. 
• Visit Olympic National Park (Approximately a 2-hour drive)

• Day 6-7 Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

Snoqualmie Falls: The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls, and Snoqualmie Falls is one of the best. The fast-moving whitewater tumbles 286 feet from the Snoqualmie River into a 65-foot-deep pool below.

The falls are surrounded by a picturesque park that includes a gift shop, small café, and observation deck as well as a large grassy area, perfect for an afternoon picnic. Film and television trivia buffs will likely recognize the area as the falls have appeared in the cult TV series, “Twin Peaks,” as well as the 1993 flick “The Vanishing.”

• Salish Lodge and Spa

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting than Snoqualmie Falls, or a more iconic and distinctive Washington State resort getaway than Salish Lodge & Spa. Only 30 minutes from Seattle, Salish Lodge provides a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. 

All Guest rooms have gas fireplaces, spa-like showers with dual showerheads or oversized soaking tubs, and many have views of the Snoqualmie River. It’s the perfect place to create an incredible romantic getaway.

The Spa at Salish Lodge specializes in Northwest-inspired treatments featuring herbs from our garden and honey from our on-site apiary. Our two restaurants bring you mouthwatering Pacific Northwest cuisine. The Dining Room provides a first-of-the-season experience featuring flavors that sing the virtues of local and homegrown, and The Attic offers casual surroundings and wood-fired pizza and sandwiches. You’ll find our signature Salish honey on those menus too! Just look for the Salish bee highlighting our sweet offerings.

• Mt. Rainier Gondola Ride / Crystal Mountain

Take a scenic ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola over meadows of wildflowers and climb over 2,000 vertical feet to the summit of Crystal Mountain. At the top, you’ll find an unparalleled view of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Range, as well as the Summit House – the highest elevation restaurant in Washington State!

Soak in the views from one of the slingback chairs situated along the ridge. You’ll also find access to miles of hiking trails and the Summit Gift Shop, located under the gondola station. Interpretive guided walks are also offered where you’ll learn about the local history, geology, wildlife and more. Afterward, drive from Mt. Rainier to Snoqualmie and check in to your accommodations.

• Day 8-10 Newberg, Oregon

Drive from Snoqualmie Falls to The Allison Inn & Spa (Approximately a 3.5-hour drive)

• The Allison Inn & Spa

The Allison Inn & Spa, an Oregon Wine Country Resort in Willamette Valley, Oregon, offers visitors an unmatched resort experience amid the lush natural beauty of the Willamette Valley. Thoughtfully placed on 35 hillside acres, our luxury resort welcomes guests as they enter the property and drive past 7 scenic acres of estate vineyards.

• Soter Vineyards – Lunch above the Vines

At nearby Soter Vineyards, climb the winding road to the airy tasting room for picture-postcard views over the vineyards. Enjoy the Provisions Tasting, which features ambitious pairings like chèvre crostini with wild nettles alongside the winery’s crisp 2012 Mineral Springs Sparkling Rosé. With six different wines and seven or eight small bites.

The Provisions Tasting is a culinary tasting experience focused on the art of food and wine pairing. While sampling our current release wines, their chef will serve you small plates and delicious bites crafted from the produce and meat they grow on their biodynamic farm.

• Alloro Vinyard Experience

Classically Styled Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from a Living Farm in the Chehalem Mountains . Caring for the land, cultivating its greatest offering, and joining friends at the table. These are the things they love to do, and they’re all right here on the estate farm. Their founder caught sight of a vision as a boy from his relatives in Italy and Croatia: “Staying close to the earth is staying close to the riches of life”.  Alloro Vineyard is how they take that tradition forward—thoughtfully growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Muscat and handcrafting them with utmost care into wines that recall a heritage of hard work, conviviality, and shared leisure.

• Horses, Friends & Wine: Exploring the Willamette Valley in the Saddle

Only an hour from Portland, Wine Country Farm Bed and Breakfast is a historic romantic getaway built-in 1910. Located near the town of Dayton, the Inn offers spectacular views of the Willamette Valley and the Cascade Mountains.

The vines at this stunning estate, planted in 1970, are the second oldest in the area and include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Muller Thurgau, and Riesling varietals.

The tour is approximately 2.5 hours for the three-vineyard tour. Owners Jake and Shirley Price, who started this operation 8 years ago, have a passion for Tennessee Walking Horses. Of the 30 Tennessee Walking Horses at Jake Price Stables , seven of them are rescue horses.

After selecting your Equine Companion, you will be led on a private tour of some of the best vineyards in Yamhill County . We ride side-by-side through the lush vineyards listening to Price tell stories of past trail rides.

Your first stop will be White Rose Estate , which offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in the area. The tasting room is cozy and romantic, and guests are offered espresso in addition to a sampling of three superb varieties of pinot noir.

After a leisurely stroll around the ground, we continue to Winter’s Hill Vineyard , which is larger and more rustic, we are treated to pairings of chocolate and smoked meats with our tasting, which included Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Port.

We continue to Vista Hills Vineyard and Winery , arriving just as the sun is setting. We sip another flight of exquisite wines from inside the sophisticated tasting room, drifting outside to take in a spectacular view of the undulating vineyards from the adjacent elevated deck as our equine companions patiently waited under the oak grove. We couldn’t leave without taking a few more pictures as the sun gently set over the Dundee Hills.

• Day 11 Portland Oregon
• Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland
• Brewery and Bike Tour (Approximately 3 hours)

Take a leisurely ride to see several of the 40 microbreweries and brewpubs that make Portland “ Beervana ” and get to know America’s bicycle capital like a local! Work up your thirst with this fun and easy paced 3-hour, 5-mile tour past many of Oregon’s best-loved breweries. Includes beer from 3 breweries, with a bonus beer from the shop keg after the tour!

You’ll even tour one of the breweries and see how the magic is made! Along the way, we’ll point out all the best bars, restaurants and many Portland sights including Powell’s Books, Stumptown Coffee, Downtown, the Pearl District and Northwest Portland. We’ll ride past 8 local brewpubs , stop into 3 of them , and finish the tour with a glass of tasty, local brew at our shop. You’ll leave the tour with plenty of places to return to so that you can continue sampling some of the best beer in Oregon!

• Private Portland Progressive Dining Tour

Experience Portland’s famous farm-to-table scene on this progressive dinner tour through the city! You will visit three distinctly PDX locations , from urban wineries, fine-dining restaurants, local breweries, and award-winning patisseries .

Each stop features one course on this delicious adventure: appetizers, entree, and dessert – all with a tasty beverage pairing.

Tour Highlights

• Appetizers and wine tasting
• Guests can choose their own entree for the dinner course, complete with local beer tasting
• Dessert and locally roasted coffee or dessert cocktail

• Day 12-14 Walla Walla, Washington
• Drive from Portland to Multnomah Falls via Columbia River Gorge Highway (Approximately 30 minutes)

Spend approximately 1.5 hours visiting Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring, awe-inspiring cascade of icy water, lets you experience the power and beauty of nature up close and with ease.

From the parking area off I-84, a 5-minute walk is all that separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls.

To make the outing complete, visit the Multnomah Falls Lodge which was built in 1925 to serve throngs of tourists who came to view the spectacular sights of the Columbia Gorge . Today, the historic structure (made of every type of rock found in the gorge) houses a gift shop with plenty of postcards, a restaurant with Northwest Cuisine and unbeatable views of the falls, and a US Forest Service Information Center where you can find trail maps. During the summer months, vendors offer ice cream, coffee, sodas and other quick snacks from booths and carts in front of the lodge.

• Drive from Multnomah Falls via Columbia River Gorge Highway to Mt. Hood (Approx. 1.5 hours)

Towering over northern Oregon and within eyesight from the streets of Portland, Mount Hood stands at 11,240 feet and is the highest mountain in the state. The main attractions of Mount Hood National Forest , including the Timberline Lodge, (where they filmed part of Stephen King’s “The Shining”), and the Mount Hood Cultural Center , can be reached from downtown Portland by car in less than 90 minutes.

Scenic charms in the national forest range from waterfalls, hot springs, and glaciers to varied wildlife and alpine wildflowers. In summer, the evergreen landscape of Mount Hood National Forest offers activities that are a little more varied, including abundant hiking trails, climbing opportunities, and numerous campgrounds .

• The Inn at Abeja

A place that awakens the senses and soothes the heart… The Inn at Abeja is a stunning, turn-of-the-century farmstead where original outbuildings have been restored to lovely, spacious, individual, and private guest accommodations. Just minutes from the heart of downtown Walla Walla, the winery and Inn are surrounded by thirty-eight private acres of gardens, lawns, creeks, and vineyards for guests to enjoy.

Abeja is a place that encourages one to curl up in a hammock with a good book , socialize with our team and other Abeja guests over gourmet breakfast or a tasting in our Tasting Room , or watch a hawk ride the wind currents over the nearby wheat fields. Our beautiful sunsets and a vivid night sky are cause for celebration and our hospitality is truly one-of-a-kind.

• Dinner Reservations at The Marc Restaurant at the Marcus Whitman Hotel

Dine in the rich surroundings of The Marc Restaurant’s formal dining room—where gourmet cuisine and award-winning wines are brought together, to create the ultimate Walla Walla dining experience.

Our six in-house chefs meticulously prepare the region’s finest menu of Pacific Northwest delicacies including—jumbo diver scallops with risotto, wild spinach, and roasted peppers; Wagyu boneless short ribs with roasted carrots, Italian sweet peas, and caramelized sweet onion jus; and New York strip steak with potato puree, garden carrots, mushroom ragoût, and truffle-infused hollandaise.

Recently awarded “Restaurant of The Year” by the Washington Wine Commission, The Marc Restaurant in Walla Walla’s top destination for wine-paired dining.

ACTIVITY OPTIONS:

• El Corazon Winery

In 2006, Spencer Sievers started his wine career buying 1,200lbs of grapes and fermenting them in his apartment in Northwest Portland. With some experimentation and a passion for making the terroir-driven, fruit-forward, vineyard and varietal specific wines, the El Corazon style was born.

• Basel Cellars

When you open a bottle of Basel Cellars wine–be it red, white, or rosé, you will be inspired to learn more. You will immediately recognize it as a Washington wine. After the first sip, you will distinguish Eastern Washington. Then, you will know Basel Cellars: wines with rich fruit flavors, and the distinct characteristics of Columbia Valley and Walla Walla dirt; full-bodied red wines with smooth tannins and supple texture. These beautiful wines, coupled with a superior tasting experience, and the chance to live like royalty at our magnificent estate truly make Basel Cellars Walla Walla’s Premier Destination Winery.

• The Vine Restaurant at Cameo Heights Mansion

 Luxury Ride & Dine in our Stylish Lincoln. Go ahead and be a little extravagant! You have earned it. Why shouldn’t you dine in style? The Vine is offering an exceptional opportunity for you and your sweetheart or some friends and family to be picked up from anywhere in Tri-Cities or Walla Walla in our eight-seat Lincoln limousines and transported in style and safety to Southeast Washington’s finest restaurant, The Vine @ Cameo Heights Mansion.

• L’Ecole N° 41

L’Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation family-owned, artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on our label. Founded in 1983, we were the third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley. We have become one of the most prominent and visible Walla Walla Valley wineries with national and international distribution.

• Maison Bleue Winery/ Wine Education Class

Maison Bleue is dedicated to the production of terroir-driven wines from the Walla Walla Valley, focused primarily on Rhone varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and a Viognier. Our winemaking is an uncompromised style of traditional techniques, gentle handling and modest use of French oak. Our wines combine European sensibility with a controlled New World opulence.

• Walla Walla Vintners

Visitors returning to the Walla Walla Vintners tasting room will notice significant changes. But one thing we’ll never change is our commitment to producing the same elegant wines we have for the last 20 years. We source fruit not only from our own Estate Vineyard but also from some of the oldest and most acclaimed vineyards in the Walla Walla and Columbia Valleys.

We work directly with these growers to ensure the highest quality fruit, monitoring our blocks and rows throughout the growing season, many of which we’ve been working with since the winery opened its doors in 1995.

Small lot fermentations, punch-downs, and our small basket press all promote gentle extraction of color and skin tannins without the harsh and bitter seed tannins. Oak aging provides the ideal conditions for the flavors to develop while using barrels from several different cooperages allows us to add subtle layers of oak tannin and aromas to the final blend.

Lastly, by blending varietals and lots from different vineyard sites, we can combine those specific flavor profiles into the bottle you see before you.

Return home with Memories that Last a Lifetime

Contact your travel designer today, lisa crawford.

Luxury Travel Advisor, Founder, and CEO

Contact Lisa Crawford today at 954-456-0419 

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The Ultimate Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip

By: Author Bram Reusen

Posted on Last updated: September 24, 2023

One of America’s most diverse regions, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is home to massive volcanoes, pristine temperate rain forests, high desert plains, sea stack-lined coasts and spectacular mountain ranges.

The amazing national parks of the Pacific Northwest reflect its diversity beautifully.

In this post, I talk about the many must-visit Pacific Northwest national parks and offer a couple of suggested road trip itineraries, based on my many trips around the PNW.

Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip

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First of all, though, let me start by clarifying the definition of “Pacific Northwest” I’ve used here. There is, after all, not a single clearly outlined conception of this region in the North American northwest .

The most common definition considers the Pacific Northwest to consist of the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho (as well as Canada’s British Columbia). Broader definitions may also include southeastern Alaska, northern California and even western Montana and Wyoming.

For the purpose of this Pacific Northwest national parks road trip post, I chose the following states as making up the Pacific Northwest: Washington, Oregon and northern California.

This is basically the span of the Cascade Mountains in the United States—the Pacific Northwest is sometimes also referred to as “Cascadia”—and makes for the most convenient road trip opportunities. Washington, Oregon and northern California also have similar landscapes, natural features and ecosystems.

The vast majority of the national parks in the Pacific Northwest are either in the Cascade Range or along the Pacific Coasts of Washington, Oregon and northern California. This offers amazing opportunities for one-way road trips or longer loops.

No matter how much time you have—whether it’s a week or a month—you can explore several, if not all, of the Pacific Northwest national parks on a world-class road trip.

This Pacific Northwest national parks road trip post contains affiliate links. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here .

12+ National Parks in the Pacific Northwest

The following overview of the national parks of the Pacific Northwest is roughly from north to south, from Washington, through Oregon, to northern California.

Note that this is not necessarily the precise order in which you’ll want to do your road trip, though. You can find a couple of specific road trip itinerary suggestions after the descriptions of the individual parks.

Also, a few of the destinations below are not managed by the National Park Service, but by the U.S. Forest Service.

The reason I decided to include them is because they’re both amazing places to visit in the Pacific Northwest and part of America’s extensive national public lands system.

• Highlights: Alpine peaks, temperate rain forests, rugged coastal scenery, waterfalls, lakes, and abundant wildlife
• How long to stay: 4 days

Olympic National Park is a pristine wilderness unlike any other on the planet. Known as “three parks in one”, the park’s ecological variety is of such importance that it’s both an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the heart of the park stands 7,980-foot Mount Olympus, dominating the mountain ranges in the interior of the Olympic Peninsula, west of Seattle.

Glaciers radiate down from its slopes toward primeval pine forests, lush rain forests and wide valleys. Rivers and waterfalls abound in this rugged region, while glacial lakes dot lower areas.

A wide range of wildlife and iconic American bird species thrive here as well, most notably large herds of Roosevelt elk , black bears, bald eagles and marmots.

There is enough natural beauty in the Olympic Mountains alone to make it worthy of being a national park on its own. Yet, Olympic National Park’s diversity doesn’t end there. Arguably the park’s most extraordinary feature is its temperate rain forests.

On the western slopes of the mountains, thick blankets of moss drape towering trees. Carpets of ferns cover the forest floor. Mist lingers in the air.

This is one of only a few temperate rain forests left in the world. Moreover, the combined areas of the Hoh, Queets and Quinault Rain Forests make up the largest rain forest of its kind on Earth.

A number of easy hikes in Olympic National Park ‘s rain forests allow you to immerse yourself in this stunning environment.

And then there’s the park’s third ecosystem, separated from the two above: the wild Pacific Northwest coast.

A narrow 73-mile-long (117 kilometers) strip of coastal forests, sandy beaches, huge sea stacks, tidepools and headlands, this is the one of longest undeveloped stretches of coastline in the contiguous U.S.

It’s known appropriately as “ The Wilderness Coast .”

• Highlights: Historic sites, beautiful coastal views, and orca watching
• How long to stay: 1 day

One of the greatest National Park Service sites near Seattle , San Juan Island National Historical Park offers superb outdoor activities and fascinating history.

In 1859, the United States and Great Britain almost started a war over possession of San Juan Island, a crisis that got started by—of all things—the death of a pig.

Important sites in the park commemorate the 12 years of American Army and British Royal Navy presence on the island, located near the United States-Canada border, most notably American Camp and English Camp.

Nowadays, San Juan Island is as peaceful as can be, featuring great views, beautiful shores and, above all, fantastic orca viewing opportunities.

In fact, this park may just be the best place in the entire United States to see killer whales, which is why it’s a must-visit destination on any Pacific Northwest national parks road trip.

• Highlights: Solitude, turquoise glacial lakes, spectacular mountains, wildlife, boating and hiking
• How long to stay: 2 days

Even though it’s only three hours by car from downtown Seattle , North Cascades National Park boasts some of the most spectacular and remote wilderness areas south of Canada and Alaska.

In this park, finding adventure and solitude is a piece of cake.

North Cascades is also among the least-developed national parks in the U.S., crossed only by scenic Route 20 and home to only a few small towns.

This park encompasses over 300 glaciers, a third of all glaciers in the lower 48 states! This massive amount of ice feeds countless rivers and lakes, occupying upper slopes and flowing through lower valleys.

The landscapes in North Cascades National Park are also beautifully diverse. They include towering mountain peaks, as well as also thundering waterfalls and old-growth forests.

Attracting fewer than 30,000 visitors each year, this park, despite its accessibility, is all about isolation and solitude.

A weekend exploring its landscapes , enjoying scenic drives and hitting a couple of trails is perfect to get a real feel for this wilderness park.

The main features of the North Cascades are endless series of sawtooth-like peaks, stunningly blue alpine lakes, and lots of wildlife.

In fact, this is one of only a few national parks that have grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. That said, though, the North Cascades grizzly bear population is really small and sightings are extremely uncommon.

Other high-profile mammals that call these mountains home include gray wolves, black bears , mountain lions, elk and mountain goats.

This vast national park complex consists of North Cascades National Park itself, but also comprises of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

• Highlights: Tallest mountain/volcano in the Pacific Northwest, massive glaciers, spectacular wildflowers, old-growth forests, still alpine lakes, and world-class hiking
• How long to stay: 3 days

Rising 14,410 feet toward the often-cloudy Pacific Northwest sky, Mount Rainier dominates the landscape in central Washington State. This national park is roughly halfway between Seattle and Portland and easily accessible from both major cities.

Moreover, this mighty active volcano is so prominent—the highest peak in the Cascade Range —that it’s an integral part of the skyline of Seattle. It’s also visible from certain viewpoints near Portland.

Mount Rainier National Park encompasses everything from old-growth forests to gorgeous subalpine wildflower meadows to spectacular waterfalls. While Rainier itself might be the star attraction, I highly recommend exploring some of its other ecosystems as well.

The huge, ancient trees in the Grove of the Patriarchs, for example, are absolutely worth seeing, while the summer wildflowers in the Paradise area are nothing short of breathtaking.

Hiking the Skyline Trail Loop , which starts at the historic and rustic Paradise Inn , is the best way to explore this wonderful alpine area. As you walk this fantastic trail, you’ll have amazing up-close views of Mount Rainier almost the entire way.

Other highlights along the Skyline Trail Loop include gorgeous meadows, beautiful Myrtle Falls and occasional wildlife sightings, such as mountain goats and black bears.

I recommend dedicating three days to this glorious Pacific Northwest national park. That way, you’ll have much more time to explore other areas in the park and hit some of the Mount Rainier trails .

Make sure to explore Tipsoo Lake and the Sunrise Area, too. Both areas are especially spectacular in the fall .

• Highlights: Volcanic crater, aftermath of a volcanic eruption, spectacular views, and wildflowers
• How long to stay: ½ day

Established in 1982 and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument was the first monument of its kind in the United States.

It was created after the massive 1980 eruption of the volcano, which is still the most devastating volcanic event in U.S. history—in terms of both number of deaths and economic destruction. The purpose of this national volcanic monument is multifold, including research, education and recreation.

Because it was protected, the area around Mount St. Helens was able to respond to this natural disaster in a natural way.

Nowadays, you can still see thousands of fallen trees on slopes and floating on lakes, while evidence of enormous landslides and pyroclastic flows is visible all around.

The view of the blown-away crater from the Johnston Ridge Observatory is spectacular. If you’re there in late-spring or early-summer, an amazing display of wildflowers will cover the fertile valleys, slopes and ridges.

If you’re up for a half-day hike, I highly recommend the 8.5-mile round-trip Harry’s Ridge Trail.

It may not technically be a “national park”—as in, managed by the National Park Service—but this public park is absolutely worth visiting on your Pacific Northwest national parks road trip.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument lies conveniently between Mount Rainier National Park and Portland, Oregon. In fact, the mountain’s flattened summit is clearly visible from many places in and around Portland.

• Highlights: Full-scale replica of a 19 th -century Hudson’s Bay Company fort
• How long to stay: 2-3 hours

Situated on the Columbia River’s northern bank in Vancouver, Washington, just across the river from Portland, Oregon, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site highlights the story of pioneers, settlers, Native Americans and explorers.

The closest National Park Service unit to Portland, it’s located at the site of the 19 th -century headquarters of the Columbia Department of the Hudson’s Bay Company. This former frontier fur trading post grew into a powerful military fort.

Named after Captain George Vancouver, it was an important crossroads of multiple trade routes, including those coming overland from the East Coast, ships from places as varied as Britain and China, and several Native American trails.

Nowadays, the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site has a full-scale replica of the fort, including buildings like a carpenter shop, bakery, blacksmith shop and kitchen.

• Highlights: Spectacular waterfalls, abundant wildflowers, lush forests, and great views

Just like nearby Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Carved through the Cascade Mountains by the mighty Columbia River, the Gorge is home to lush forests and myriad gorgeous waterfalls , including famous Multnomah Falls.

Its verdant western part starts just past Portland’s eastern boundary and runs to charming Hood River, while the eastern part, situated in the mountains’ rain shadow, is characterized by much drier landscapes and canyons.

The eastern Gorge is famous for its spectacular wildflowers in spring . Between April and May, its hills, plateaus and meadows attracts thousands of hikers, photographers and other nature lovers.

The Columbia River Gorge is a super-popular day trip from Portland , but also makes for the perfect transition from Oregon’s vibrant largest city to its high desert interior.

Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway for the best views and scenery, and access to waterfalls and trailheads. I’d recommend planning your visit to this area on a weekday. Weekends and holidays get extremely crowded in this beautiful area.

Alternatively, if you’re after more mountain scenery, you could opt to drive the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway through Mt. Hood National Forest. This brings you right past towering Mt. Hood , as well as lakes, forest scenery and some amazing Mt. Hood hiking trails . The Columbia River Gorge, however, would be my personal first choice.

• Highlights: Rich fossil deposits, spectacular multi-colored hills, and extraordinary desert scenery

Just like the Columbia River Gorge and Crater Lake (see below), John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon .

It’s unlike anything you might imagine when you think about Oregon national parks —which is most likely wild coasts, thundering waterfalls, rain clouds and evergreen forests.

There’s also an entirely different side to this large state in the American West, though. Located in north-central Oregon, 4.5 hours by car from Portland , this landscape of canyons and cliffs, desert plains and multi-colored badlands is absolutely spectacular.

As its name implies, it’s preserved mainly for its rich fossil deposits. Its fossil record spans no fewer than 40 million years and includes fossils of countless plants and animals, as well as evidence of ancient climate change.

The most popular unit in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is home to the famous Painted Hills of Oregon , which features stunning multi-colored hills.

Other units are the Clarno and Sheep Rock Units. Each unit has trails that allow you see these amazing landscapes from up close and learn more about the fossils found here. This is a worthwhile detour on the way from Portland to Crater Lake on your Pacific Northwest national parks road trip.

• Highlights: Beautiful alpine lakes, scenic drives, all kinds of outdoor activities, and volcanoes, including the largest volcano in the Pacific Northwest

A sprawling national forest in central Oregon, Deschutes National Forest preserves huge tracts of forests, lakes, volcanoes and mountains south(west) of Bend. It’s a dream destination for hikers, kayakers, rock climbers and other adventurists.

Located partially in four Oregon counties—Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath and Lake—on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, this national forest comprises no fewer than 1.8 million acres (7,300 km 2 ).

It’s also home to five designated wilderness areas, all of which also extend into other, adjacent national forests.

It’s amazingly diverse, featuring shimmering lakes and scenic rivers, cinder cones and sweeping summit vistas.

While there are several different areas to explore in Deschutes National Forest, I recommend focusing on the following two. They’re easily accessible from  Bend , as well as gloriously beautiful and filled with attractions.

• Cascades Lakes Area (west of Route 97): A series of glorious alpine lakes linked together by the fantastic Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, great for hiking and boating.
• Newberry National Volcanic Monument (along and east of Route 97): The Newberry Volcano is the largest volcano in the Cascade Range, home to two caldera lakes, cinder cones, lava flows and other awesome volcanic features.

If you decide to make Deschutes National Forest a part of your Pacific Northwest parks road trip, I suggest doing it justice and not simply driving through.

Both the Cascade Lakes Area and the Newberry Volcano deserve at least one full day of your time. You can read about the best things to do in Deschutes National Forest here .

• Highlights: America’s deepest and clearest lake, scenic drive, and stargazing

Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake National Park lies in the southern part of the state. An awe-inspiring, glorious park, it’s centered on eponymous Crater Lake.

This water-filled caldera was created after the massive eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama, once a mighty volcano in the Pacific Northwest, about 7,700 years ago. Although its origins are undeniably violent, Crater Lake is now a prime example of peacefulness and tranquility .

Dependent entirely on rainfall and snow melt as its water sources, the lake has some of the cleanest, and clearest water of any North American lake.

Additionally, it’s also the deepest lake in the U.S.—it’s average depth is 1,943 feet (592 meters). The water surface is usually perfectly still, too, which results in stunning reflections of the caldera walls around it.

That ripple-less water often reflects a blue sky, making it “the bluest lake on earth”, while at night it twinkles with the lights of a thousand stars .

Crater Lake National Park is also super-easy to explore. The scenic Rim Drive encircles the entire lake, offering access to Crater Lake viewpoints and hiking trails .

The historic Rim Village is home to the amazing Crater Lake Lodge , while Mazama Village down the road below has cabins, a store, gas station and a large campground.

• Highlights: Beautiful marble caves in the Siskiyou Mountains, wildlife watching

Located deep within southern Oregon’s Siskiyou Mountains lie the renowned Oregon Caves.

These “Marble Halls of Oregon” are home to spectacular marble formations and passageways , a major tourist attraction in this remote part of the Pacific Northwest.

Cave tours are the obvious top attraction here and you can go on Discovery Cave Tours, Candlelight Cave Tour, and Kids and Family Tours. Experienced speleologists can go on off-trail tours, too. Other popular activities at the Oregon Caves are hiking and wildlife watching.

• Highlights: Some of the world’s largest trees, abundant wildlife, scenic drives, (mountain) biking, and camping

Redwood National Park could be considered one of the most remote national parks on the U.S. West Coast. There aren’t any major cities nearby.

The drive from San Francisco to Redwood National Park is about 5.5 hours, while the nearest other major city, Portland is also approximately 5.5 hours away.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Redwood National and State Parks are certainly a place worth visiting. They’re an essential destination on a Pacific Northwest national parks road trip.

This amazing park complex consists of four parks :

• Redwood National Park
• Jedediah Smith State Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast State Park

Together, the Redwood National and State Parks protect no less than 45% of all remaining old-growth coastal redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens ) forests in the world. These massive trees are some of the tallest, most voluminous and oldest on the planet.

There’s a lot more than redwoods to be discovered here, though. In addition to the coastal redwood forests, the parks preserve huge expanses of prairie, oak forests, wild rivers and streams, and almost 40 miles of spectacular coastline.

Wildlife abounds in these pristine forests, coasts and grasslands, and is often seen from the many hiking trails in Redwood National and State Parks . High-profile animals range from Chinook salmon and Steller’s sea lions to black bears, Roosevelt elk, mountain lions and river otters.

The abundance of animals in Redwood National and State Parks, combined with its extraordinary flora, is a main reason this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Popular activities include the classics, such as camping and hiking, but also road cycling on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and other park roads.

If you’re camping, I strongly recommend the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, which is my all-time favorite national park campground .

Additionally, Redwood is also one of very few U.S. national parks where backcountry mountain biking is allowed .

• Highlights: Volcanic landscapes, including all four types of volcanoes on Earth, hydrothermal areas, stargazing and hiking

Situated at the meeting point of the Great Basin desert, the Sierra Nevada mountains and the volcanoes of the Cascade Range, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers natural thrills unlike anywhere else in California.

Just over 500,000 people visit Lassen Volcanic annually, making it one of the quietest national parks in the Pacific Northwest and California.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a place of shimmering lakes, cinder cones and age-old lava beds. The namesake and star attraction of the park is Lassen Peak , the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range.

In fact, Lassen Peak is one of America’s most active volcanoes . It’s also the biggest plug dome volcano on the planet, a massive natural landmark surrounded by many smaller volcanoes, fumaroles, boiling mud pools, pristine lakes, hot springs and wildflower-filled meadows.

This park is exceptional for various reasons, but the most interesting one is that you’ll find every existing type of volcano here. Composite, plug dome, cinder cone and shield volcanoes are all present in this underrated park in the very southern part of the Pacific Northwest.

Because of that exceptional volcanic diversity, Lassen Volcanic National Park is the only American national park that comes (relatively) close to Yellowstone in terms of hydrothermal features.

There’s plenty of great camping, boating, cycling and hiking in Lassen Volcanic National Park . Additionally, the night sky is amazing, too.

Moreover, the park is also open in winter , offering all kinds of fun winter adventures.

• Highlights: A massive shield volcano, Native American rock art, hundreds of caves, colorful dunes, and desert landscapes

Arguably the least known of all these Pacific Northwest parks, Lava Beds National Monument lies in northeastern California.

This is yet another volcanic park in the Cascade Range, home to Medicine Lake Volcano, a massive shield volcano with a surface area of over 770 square miles (2,000 km 2 ). In terms of sheer volume, it’s the biggest volcano in the Cascades!

Volcanic eruptions have occurred on and off for 500,000 years here. Unlike Mount St. Helens, however, these eruptions were fairly gentle, covering the flanks of the volcano by layer after layer of basaltic lava.

These geological events created a landscape of various volcanic features.

At Lava Beds National Monument, which occupies the volcano’s northeastern side, you’ll find no fewer than 800 caves, historic battlefields, spectacular high desert wilderness and Native American rock art sites.

You can visit caves like Crystal Ice Cave and Fern Cave, go for scenic drives and hikes, and camp at one of the Pacific Northwest’s most underrated National Park Service units.

Lava Beds is key destination on the National Park Service’s fantastic Circle of Discovery Tour . This scenic loop drive around southern Oregon and northern California takes in the region’s seven NPS sites, including above-mentioned Crater Lake, Oregon Caves, Lassen Volcanic and Redwood, too!

Suggested Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip Itineraries

You’re free to connect these amazing national parks in the Pacific Northwest as you want.

Generally speaking, however, there are two main clusters of parks in the region: (1) the parks around Seattle in northern and central Washington, and (2) the parks in southern Oregon and northern California.

You can either start this epic road trip in Seattle and finish in Portland, or pick Portland as both your start and end points.

For a loop drive, I recommend Portland because it is roughly in the middle of the Pacific Northwest region.

Additionally, my suggested Portland itinerary also allows you to drive Route 101 along the coasts of both Washington and Oregon. This is a phenomenal bucket list-worthy drive.

Feel free to play around with possible itineraries, though!

• Olympic National Park, WA
• San Juan Island National Historical Park, WA
• North Cascades National Park, WA
• Mount Rainier National Park, WA
• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA *
• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, WA
• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR *
• John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, OR
• Deschutes National Forest, OR *
• Crater Lake National Park, OR
• Lava Beds National Monument, CA
• Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
• Redwood National Park, CA
• Oregon Caves National Park, OR
• (Pacific Coast Highway Route 101 north to Portland)

* = Not a National Park Service site, but managed by the U.S. Forest Service

• (Pacific Coast Highway 101 south through Washington and Oregon)
• Oregon Caves National Monument, OR

Have You Ever Been on a Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip? What Were Your Favorite Parks in the PNW? Share Your National Parks Experience Below!

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Sunday 22nd of August 2021

[…] Pacific Northwest National Parks […]

Privacy Overview

Best Pacific Northwest Road Trips (and When to Take Them)

Updated : October 11, 2023

AAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome

Everything you need to know about taking a Pacific Northwest road trip , including scenic drives in Oregon and Washington plus day trips from Seattle and Portland.

The Pacific Northwest States

By definition, the “Pacific Northwest” is the northwestern region of the United States near the Pacific Ocean. For our purposes, the Pacific Northwest region includes the following states:

• Washington

People sometimes include Idaho and British Columbia, Canada, in the Pacific Northwest. But we cover these areas in separate AAA road trip guides. (See for drives in Idaho and surrounding states. See Western Canada Road Trips for drives through British Columbia.)

Best Pacific Northwest Road Trips for Scenic Views

If you’re planning on taking a road trip in the Pacific Northwest, you may be overwhelmed by the options. Active volcanoes, dramatic ocean cliffs, towering waterfalls and temperate rainforests are just a few things to see. There’s a wide range of geography to marvel over in this region.

If you have a full day or more to spare, consider one of these popular scenic drives. (Click the links for a sample road trip itinerary and interactive maps.)

• Grand Pacific Northwest Road Trip - A scenic loop through northern Oregon and southern Washington. The trip includes Portland, the Historic Columbia River Highway, Multnomah Falls, Yakima Valley and Mount Rainier National Park.

• Northern CA & Southern OR Coast Road Trip - A one-way journey that starts in the Central Valley of California and includes driving Oregon’s coast. You'll have views of state parks and quaint beach towns along the way.

• Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon Coast Road Trip - A one-way trip up Oregon’s coast on the Oregon Coast Highway (US 101). The route features some of the best whale watching opportunities in Oregon. You'll see the Heceta Head Lighthouse, the Sea Lion Caves, Haystack Rock and other noteworthy sights.

• Olympic Peninsula Road Trip - A scenic loop from Seattle that circles the Olympic Peninsula and the lush rain forests of Olympic National Park. Stops include Tacoma, Olympia, Port Angeles and Port Townsend. A great northwest national park road trip.

Best Time of Year for a Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Figuring out the best time of year to visit the Pacific Northwest largely depends on what you want to see. It also depends on what sort of weather conditions you can handle. The climate can vary widely across the area, so it’s best to be prepared for all types of conditions.

In areas west of the Cascade Range near the Pacific Ocean, the climate is mild, with sunny and dry summers and wet, cloudy winters.

Rainy season typically starts in October and lasts through March in this part of the Pacific Northwest. But clouds, fog and a light drizzle can linger along the coastline year-round. If you don’t mind a drizzle, the rainy season could be a good time for a road trip, as hotel rates may be cheaper and crowds are lighter.

In areas east of the Cascade Range, the climate is much drier, but seasonal temperature swings can be more dramatic.

What to Know About Winter Road Trips

The first snowfall of the season can arrive as early as October in Oregon and Washington. From the first snowfall through April or May, expect road closures on mountain roads and around some national parks. After a heavy snowfall, snow plows typically work on the areas near ski resorts first. Some mountain passes in the Cascade Range are open year-round.If you want to experience the Pacific Northwest mountains in winter, the is a great option. The route is accessible year-round and offers views of Mount Rainier.To see Oregon’s Mount Hood up close, consider the .

How to Tour Washington and Oregon Wine Country

Did you know that Oregon’s leading wine region is just south of Portland? Explore the wineries of the Willamette Valley — they number more than 500 — on a scenic drive through the Oregon countryside. Here are two road trips in Oregon’s southern Willamette Valley that are close to wineries and vineyards:

• Willamette Scenic Highway - See a historic covered bridge and venture into Willamette National Forest. The trip ends at the foothills of the Cascade Range.

• Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway Road Trip - Begin near Roseburg, home to many wineries. Then travel into the mountains of Umpqua National Forest before stopping near Crater Lake.

In Washington state, you’ll find the most wineries and vineyards in the Yakima and Walla Walla valleys. The best way to explore this region is on the , which takes you through Kennewick, Richland, Prosser, Yakima, Zillah and other cities with wineries.

Inspiration for a National Park Road Trip

Whether you want to go hiking or just admire the scenery from your car window, national parks make great road trip destinations. Visit the parks in spring or summer to see wildflowers in full bloom. Or plan your trip during the fall for plenty of leaf peeping opportunities.To see Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, consider the or the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway Road Trip . (Note that the latter is closed in winter.)Olympic National Park is best explored on the . The best time to visit the Olympic Peninsula is in July when you can see colorful fields of lavender near Sequim.Considered one of the most beautiful drives in the United States, the cuts through North Cascades National Park on SR 20. The road passes mountains, forests and glacial lakes.If Crater Lake National Park is on your vacation itinerary, take the . The trip begins in Roseburg, Oregon, and ends near Diamond Lake.

Quick Day Trips from Seattle

Here are a few ideas for scenic road trips that would be an easy day trip from Seattle, Washington:

• Drive along the Hood Canal to see mountain peaks on the Hood Canal Scenic Route Road Trip and Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Hood Canal Area Road Trip .

• Take a ferry ride across the sparkling waters of Puget Sound on the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way Road Trip .

• Explore ice caves in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest on the Mountain Loop Scenic Highway Road Trip .

• Check out horse country and see snowcapped Mount Rainier on the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway Road Trip .

Scenic Road Trips from Portland

If you’re visiting Portland, Oregon, and have a few hours to spare, consider heading out on one of these scenic road trips:

• See Mount Hood from across the Columbia River on the North Shore Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Byway .

• Travel deeper into Mount Hood National Forest on the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop, Hood River County Tour Route Road Trip .

Start Your Next Vacation with AAA

AAA Travel provides peace of mind for travelers — from the first mile of the journey to the last. Get inspiration for your next road trip with AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner , or browse pre-planned road trip itineraries on AAA.com/RoadTrips or in the AAA Digital TourBook® . Estimating fuel costs is easy with the AAA Gas Cost Calculator , and if your car needs a quick tune-up before the trip, find a AAA Approved auto repair facility near you at AAA.com/AutoRepair . For printed maps, AAA TourBook guides and trip planning advice, visit your local AAA office .

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Skip to Main Content of WWII

Victory in the pacific tour.

This unique, inaugural journey from The National WWII Museum takes guests to the sites of the Pacific war, from Pearl Harbor to Iwo Jima and more. Travel luxuriously while experiencing history up close, with help from renowned historians and eyewitnesses to World War II.

Introducing The National WWII Museum’s Tour of the Pacific Theater. Take a journey that centers around the story of the Americans who forged a road to Tokyo through courage, ingenuity, and sacrifice, and ended the war, at last. Retrace the grueling trail that led from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay, explore the evolving strategy for fighting relentless Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific, and examine cultural differences, logistical challenges, and the staggering range of extreme conditions that confronted American military forces.

Steeped in WWII history, the present-day serenity found at these stunning locations is a stark contrast to ferocious fighting that once took place here. Breathtaking landscapes with secluded volcanic mountain peaks, clear waters surrounding coral fringed islets, and grottos filled with sea turtles—discover the Marianas with The National WWII Museum Educational Travel program and revel in the hidden treasures of these Pacific islands. From the blazing white shorelines of Saipan to the black volcanic ash on Iwo Jima’s landing beaches, walk in the everlasting footsteps of the servicemen who gave their all for victory.

Explore Further

On the Road with The National WWII Museum

There is nothing like seeing the sights of World War II firsthand.

Experience the Victory

Travel to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans to explore, remember, and reflect on World War II through exclusive access to the Museum’s campus.

Victory in the Pacific: Battle of Guadalcanal

With its position in the South Pacific, Guadalcanal was an ideal location for a Japanese airfield that could threaten vital US sea lanes to Australia.

Megastructures: Forced Labor and Massive Works in the Third Reich

Join Dr. Alexandra Richie on a poignant tour of Poland to discover the remnants of the vast construction projects initiated by the Third Reich and hear the stories of those who were forced to build them.

Victory in the Pacific: Japan & Okinawa

The National WWII Museum’s newest tour brings you to Japan, where World War II ultimately ended. Beginning in Tokyo, guests will investigate the Japanese perspective on the end of the war at the Yushukan War Memorial Museum and also explore the Japanese civilian experience at the National Showa Memorial Museum.

Italy: 1944

Join The National WWII Museum Educational Travel Program on this Italian journey of “Mud, Mountains, and Mules,” with all of its sacrifices, heartbreak, and triumphs. With exquisite hotels in Rome and Florence and expert battlefield guides throughout, you will experience the best that Italy has to offer.

World War II in the Philippines

This fascinating journey will begin in the lush province of Bataan, where tour participants will walk the first kilometer of the Death March and visit the remains of the prisoner of war camp at Cabanatuan, which was liberated by American Army Rangers and Filipino Scouts on the eve of the Battle of Manila.

Philosophy and War: World War II in the Balkans

Aboard the iconic Sea Cloud Featuring Robert M. Citino, PhD

The all-new land-and-cruise tour Philosophy and War: World War II in the Balkans begins with two nights in Athens to explore the German occupation of Greece and the civil war that followed.

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2024 Masters tee times, pairings: Complete schedule on TV, groups for Round 1 on Thursday at Augusta National

A number of star-studded groups will be featured throughout the first round at augusta national.

The 2024 Masters tee times feature some eye-catching pairings as play begins at Augusta National on Thursday. Of course, the tournament kicks off with the Honorary Starters as Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson hit tee shots at 10:10 a.m. ET. This was pushed back after Augusta National announced Thursday morning that Round 1 of the 2024 Masters will begin at 10:30 a.m. due to weather. 

Heavy rain and thunderstorms were forecasted  through noon, but play is officially underway after Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson served as Honorary Starters  hitting their ceremonial tee shots .

Erik van Rooyen and Jake Knapp kicked off the competition at 10:30 a.m. with the Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood bringing up the rear six hours later at 4:30 p.m. In between, there were a number of star-studded groupings, including one which features arguably the two biggest storylines of the tournament.

Be sure to check out a complete 2024 Masters TV schedule and coverage guide , and if you are unable to watch live, our 2024 Masters live leaderboard updates should keep you satisfied until you can get to a TV or pull up a live stream.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler opened his first two rounds alongside Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele at 1:12 p.m., and this grouping followed that of the reigning champion, Jon Rahm, who drew the reigning U.S. Amateur champion Nick Dunlap and Matt Fitzpatrick at 1 p.m.

Other notable groupings to go off early Thursday included Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris at 12:48 p.m., plus Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland and Cameron Smith at 1:24 p.m..

More stars will trickle onto the golf course as the day progresses with the afternoon wave highlighted by Tiger Woods at 3:54 p.m. The 15-time major champion aims to make his 24th consecutive cut at the Masters; he will be next to Max Homa and Jason Day in a comfortable grouping the first two days. Also featured in the afternoon are Brooks Koepka, Tom Kim and Brian Harman along with Ludvig Aberg, Jordan Spieth and Sahith Theegala minutes later.

Check out 2024 Masters picks and expert predictions from our CBS Sports staff along with Kyle Porter's 1-89 ranking of the entire Masters field .

Watch all four rounds of the 2024 Masters starting Thursday with  Masters Live  as we follow the best golfers in the world through Augusta National with  Featured Groups , check in at the famed  Amen Corner  and see leaders round the turn on  holes 15 & 16 . Watch live on  CBSSports.com , the  CBS Sports app  and  Paramount+ .

All times Eastern

2024 Masters tee times, Thursday pairings

• 10:30 a.m. — Erik van Rooyen, Jake Knapp
• 10:42 a.m. — Jose Maria Olazabal, Taylor Moore, Santiago de la Fuente
• 10:54 a.m. — Danny Willett, Austin Eckroat, Stephan Jaeger
• 11:06 a.m. — Charl Schwartzel, Luke List, Christo Lamprecht
• 11:18 a.m. — Gary Woodland, Thorbjorn Olesen, Bryson DeChambeau
• 11:30 a.m. — Zach Johnson, Corey Conners, Jasper Stubbs
• 11:42 a.m. — Sergio Garcia, Chris Kirk, Ryan Fox
• 11:54 a.m. — Lucas Glover, Byeong Hun An, Harris English
• 12:06 p.m. — Phil Mickelson, Sepp Straka, Tony Finau
• 12:18 p.m. — Nick Taylor, Joaquin Niemann, Russell Henley
• 12:36 p.m. — Patrick Cantlay, Min Woo Lee, Rickie Fowler
• 12:48 p.m. — Hideki Matsuyama, Will Zalatoris, Justin Thomas
• 1 p.m. — Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Dunlap 
• 1:12 p.m. — Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele
• 1:24 p.m. — Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith
• 1:36 p.m. — Lee Hodges, Adrian Meronk, Grayson Murray
• 1:48 p.m. — Camilo Villegas, Denny McCarthy, Cameron Davis
• 2 p.m. — Mike Weir, Ryo Hisatsune, Neal Shipley
• 2:12 p.m. — Vijay Singh, Si Woo Kim, Emiliano Grillo
• 2:24 p.m. — Fred Couples, Adam Hadwin, Stewart Hagestad
• 2:42 p.m. — Justin Rose, Eric Cole, Peter Malnati
• 2:54 p.m. — Akshay Bhatia, J.T. Poston, Shane Lowry
• 3:06 p.m. — Bubba Watson, Nicolai Hojgaard, Adam Schenk
• 3:18 p.m. — Patrick Reed, Sungjae Im, Kurt Kitayama
• 3:30 p.m. — Keegan Bradley, Matthieu Pavon, Tyrrell Hatton
• 3:42 p.m. — Adam Scott, Sam Burns, Cameron Young
• 3:54 p.m. — Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Max Homa
• 4:06 p.m. — Brian Harman, Brooks Koepka, Tom Kim
• 4:18 p.m. — Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Aberg, Sahith Theegala
• 4:30 p.m. — Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood

2024 Masters tee times, Friday pairings

• 8 a.m. — Lee Hodges, Adrian Meronk, Grayson Murray
• 8:12 a.m. — Camilo Villegas, Denny McCarthy, Cameron Davis
• 8:24 a.m. — Mike Weir, Ryo Hisatsune, Neal Shipley
• 8:36 a.m. — Vijay Singh, Si Woo Kim, Emiliano Grillo
• 8:48 a.m. — Fred Couples, Adam Hadwin, Stewart Hagestad
• 9 a.m. — Justin Rose, Eric Cole, Peter Malnati
• 9:12 a.m. — Akshay Bhatia, J.T. Poston, Shane Lowry
• 9:24 a.m. — Bubba Watson, Nicolai Hojgaard, Adam Schenk
• 9:36 a.m. — Patrick Reed, Sungjae Im, Kurt Kitayama
• 9:48 a.m. — Keegan Bradley, Matthieu Pavon, Tyrrell Hatton
• 10:06 a.m. — Adam Scott, Sam Burns, Cameron Young
• 10:18 a.m. — Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Max Homa
• 10:30 a.m. — Brian Harman, Brooks Koepka, Tom Kim
• 10:42 a.m. — Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Aberg, Sahith Theegala
• 10:54 a.m. — Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood
• 11:06 a.m. — Erik van Rooyen, Jake Knapp
• 11:18 a.m. — Jose Maria Olazabal, Taylor Moore, Santiago de la Fuente
• 11:30 a.m. — Danny Willett, Austin Eckroat, Stephan Jaeger
• 11:42 a.m. — Charl Schwartzel, Luke List, Christo Lamprecht
• 11:54 a.m. — Gary Woodland, Thorbjorn Olesen, Bryson DeChambeau
• 12:12 p.m. — Zach Johnson, Corey Conners, Jasper Stubbs
• 12:24 p.m. — Sergio Garcia, Chris Kirk, Ryan Fox
• 12:36 p.m. — Lucas Glover, Byeong Hun An, Harris English
• 12:48 p.m. — Phil Mickelson, Sepp Straka, Tony Finau
• 1 p.m. — Nick Taylor, Joaquin Niemann, Russell Henley
• 1:12 p.m. — Patrick Cantlay, Min Woo Lee, Rickie Fowler
• 1:24 p.m. — Hideki Matsuyama, Will Zalatoris, Justin Thomas
• 1:36 p.m. — Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Dunlap 
• 1:48 p.m. — Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele
• 2 p.m. — Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith

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Best Places to Retire in California

Spend your retirement years enjoying Pacific Ocean sunsets and ancient forests, if you can cope with the exorbitant housing costs.

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The natural wonders of California will charm even the most exhausted and jaded retiree.

Key Takeaways:

• California has a diverse climate, cultural attractions, world-class medical care and plenty of outdoor activities for retirees to enjoy.
• When considering retirement, factors like quality of life, cost of living and health care options all play key roles.
• The cost of living can be high, especially in popular urban centers, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.

California has long been a place where people go to create a new life. The natural wonders, including stunning ocean views, dramatic mountains and venerable forests, will charm even the most exhausted and jaded retiree.

“Its diverse climate offers everything from sunny beaches to mountain retreats to the dry air of the desert,” says Jon Ekoniak, managing partner at Bordeaux Wealth Advisors in Menlo Park, California. “In particular, living in the desert may be very beneficial for those suffering from respiratory conditions or allergies, as the dry air helps moderate symptoms.”

Ekoniak says the biggest downside is the cost of living in the Golden State, especially for those who continue to generate significant income in retirement. “California is known for aggressively taxing its citizens,” he says. The cost of living is typically higher in urban centers, but Ekoniak says there are more economical options available, specifically inland regions. “Cities like Stockton, Vallejo, Santa Rosa and Salinas are more affordable, yet still provide access to the many amenities of the Bay Area,” he adds.

High quality of life, prolific job opportunities and top-rated health care options make California a desirable place to retire, according to a recent U.S. News analysis of the 150 largest U.S. metropolitan areas as potential retirement spots . The study includes data about housing affordability, happiness, desirability, retiree taxes, the job market and access to quality health care. Consider these California cities for retirement.

14. San Jose 13. Stockton 12. Vallejo and Fairfield 11. Santa Rosa 10. Salinas 9. Bakersfield 8. San Francisco 7. Modesto 6. Santa Barbara 5. Visalia 4. Fresno 3. Sacramento 2. Los Angeles 1. San Diego

14. San Jose

Population: 1,995,351 Share of population age 65+ : 13.5% Median monthly mortgage cost: $2,844 Median monthly rent: $2,511

The San Jose metro area has the highest housing prices in the country, according to a U.S. News analysis of Census Bureau data. The median home price is out of reach for most retirees. Newcomers will probably need to rent an apartment . As the headquarters for many global tech companies including PayPal, Cisco and Adobe, the area has ample job opportunities and is one of the wealthiest cities in the world. This is also a college town , home to San Jose State University , the oldest public university on the West Coast. San Jose offers a prime environment for outdoorsy residents, with its proximity to the ocean, the Sierra Nevada and the vineyards – not to mention about 300 sunny days a year.

13. Stockton

Population: 771,406 Share of population age 65+: 12.6% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,506 Median monthly rent: $1,387

Stockton is an inland California city located about an hour and a half drive from San Francisco and San Jose and less than an hour from Sacramento. Housing is considerably more affordable in Stockton than in many other parts of California, but could still feel expensive to people relocating from out of state. Those interested in the arts can enjoy the Haggin Museum and shows at the Bob Hope Theatre. The area tends to have very hot summer weather, but temperatures are mild in the winter.

12. Vallejo and Fairfield

Population: 451,432 Share of population age 65+: 15.9% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,745 Median monthly rent: $1,802

The median home price in Vallejo and Fairfield is less than half the cost of a home in nearby San Francisco, but housing will still feel expensive to retirees on a limited budget. Seniors ages 65 and older can take a ferry from Vallejo to San Francisco for the discounted price of $5.50. Unique entertainment options include a visit to the amusement park Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo or sampling the jelly beans on a factory tour of the Jelly Belly Candy Company in Fairfield.

11. Santa Rosa

Population: 492,498 Share of population age 65+: 19.9% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,970 Median monthly rent: $1,856

If your retirement dream is to live among scenic vineyards, or even tend a few grapes of your own, consider retirement in California's famed Sonoma and Napa valleys. Those interested in wine could find a part-time job at a winery chatting about the latest vintage or leading tours of the facility. Santa Rosa scored particularly well on the happiness metric, with many residents enjoying where they live.

10. Salinas

Population: 438,953 Share of population age 65+: 13.7% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,837 Median monthly rent: $1,718

Salinas has considerably more affordable housing than the nearby San Francisco Bay Area, but home prices are still high compared with other parts of the country. Salinas scored well on the happiness metric, with residents reporting that they enjoy where they live. Salinas is the hometown of author John Steinbeck, and the area is featured prominently in many of his novels, including "The Grapes of Wrath." The city is surrounded by prolific farmland, and its location near the Pacific Ocean helps to keep temperatures cool.

9. Bakersfield

Population: 905,644 Share of population age 65+: 10.9% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,181 Median monthly rent: $1,063

This inland city is among the most affordable places to live in California. Housing costs in Bakersfield are some of the lowest in California. The hot and dry summers and mild winters make the area ideal for growing a wide variety of crops. The city is surrounded by productive farmland, with year-round fresh local produce. Bakersfield has a variety of music venues, and musicians in the area developed a subgenre of country music know as the Bakersfield Sound, which includes a mix of guitars, drums, fiddle and steel guitar.

8. San Francisco

Population: 4,725,584 Share of population age 65+: 15.6% Median monthly mortgage cost: $2,562 Median monthly rent: $2,155

The City by the Bay has a hot job market with plenty of high-paying Silicon Valley jobs, ranging from innovative new startups to famous tech companies. You'll probably need to work in retirement to afford San Francisco ' s astronomical housing prices. UCSF Medical Center and Stanford Hospital are both ranked among the top 20 hospitals in the country by U.S. News. San Francisco's famously cool summers make this a great place to escape the heat. Watching the summer fog envelope the Golden Gate Bridge is a sight you won't see anywhere else.

Population: 829,992 Share of population age 65+: 12.3% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,260 Median monthly rent: $1,315

This inland city is considerably more affordable than California's larger metro areas on the coast. Located in the Central Valley, Modesto is surrounded by rich farmland used to produce almonds, milk, cattle and a variety of other crops. The local minor league baseball team is called the Modesto Nuts to reflect the region's crops. Star Wars creator George Lucas wrote the film "American Graffiti" about growing up in Modesto, and the movie is commemorated with a festival each summer.

6. Santa Barbara

Population: 447,651 Share of population age 65+: 15.2% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,841 Median monthly rent: $1,810

You could spend your retirement years watching Pacific Coast sunsets framed by Mission-style architecture and tropical foliage in Santa Barbara. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, this southern California city is a popular place to surf and relax at the beach. Santa Barbara 's warm winters and cool summers allow retirees to enjoy the outdoors year-round. When you're ready for an adventure, there is plenty to explore at the 1.75 million-acre Los Padres National Forest and Channel Islands National Park. However, housing prices could be out of reach for retirees on a budget.

Population: 470,999 Share of population age 65+: 11.3% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,090 Median monthly rent: $1,037

Visalia is an ideal home base from which to explore California's most impressive natural wonders. You can marvel at the world's largest trees at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains include the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney. Yet this central California city is much more affordable than many other parts of the state. Housing costs far less in Visalia than in California's larger coastal cities.

Population: 1,003,150 Share of population age 65+: 12.1% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,199 Median monthly rent: $1,098

Fresno is an ideal retirement spot to launch outdoor adventures. The city offers convenient access to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the Sierra National Forest and a variety of lakes. You can enjoy the 62-mile blooming spectacle of fruit and nut trees along the Fresno County Blossom Trail each spring and the abundant fresh fruit the region produces each summer and fall. This central California city is much more affordable than many other parts of the state.

3. Sacramento

Population: 2,379,368 Share of population age 65+: 15.4% Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,597 Median monthly rent: $1,465

California's state capital city is the political center of the country's most populous state and a hub for government jobs, lobbying and think tanks. The area is home to several colleges, including Sacramento State University and the University of California, Davis . Major health care providers include UC Davis Medical Center and Sutter Medical Center . Housing costs less in the Sacramento metro area than it does in coastal communities, but it's still expensive when compared with the rest of the country.

2. Los Angeles

Population: 18,628,215 Share of population age 65+: 13.8% Median monthly mortgage cost: $2,102 Median monthly rent: $1,737

Filmmakers, actors, writers, dancers and musicians often relocate to the Los Angeles area to be part of the motion picture and television industries and network with other creative people. The consistently sunny days and Mediterranean climate – along with the potential to land a part on a TV show, sell a screenplay or bump into Hollywood stars – might draw you into the area. However, the high home prices could make it difficult to live comfortably, and a creative retirement job might not pay enough to cover rent. Los Angeles is fortunate to have two hospitals ranked by U.S. News among the top 20 in the nation: UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center .

1. San Diego

Population: 3,296,317 Share of population age 65+: 14.1% Median monthly mortgage cost: $2,081 Median monthly rent: $1,842

San Diego is an ideal place to enjoy Pacific Ocean sunsets and lazy days strolling along the California coastline. Those who prefer an active beach retirement will find opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive at La Jolla Cove or surf at Swami's Beach. This southern California city enjoys year-round pleasant temperatures . Health care is available at the Scripps La Jolla Hospitals and the UC San Diego Health-La Jolla and Hillcrest Hospitals . However, finding affordable housing in San Diego can be a challenge.

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Tags: real estate , housing , retirement , California , money , moving

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Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips in Pacific

Explore a wide diversity of ocean cruise tours through Pacific. We have 104 adventures that vary from 4 days to 96 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.

104 ocean cruise Pacific tours with 178 positive reviews

• Ocean Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Galápagos Multisport

Our Galapagos Multisport trip with G Adventures was amazing! Our guide Lienke was incredible! Detail oriented, and knowledgeable about everything from the history of the area to the language, as well as the plants and wildlife. She was awesome about giving us a heads up on what to expect from terrain, to good footwear and clothing to wear, and how long to expect each part of the day to last. G Adventures is lucky to have her! G Adventures was great about having us stay in local hostels and home stays, and brought us to several restaurants that were owned & operated by people in the community. We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the Galapagos Islands.

Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Overall, it was great. The guide Johan and the crew were nice and helpful, paying attention to safety. The ship was clean. The hot tub could be a little hotter. The shower handle was marked wrong, pointing cold for hot water, though we figured out on the 2nd day (another passenger told me). Meals were pretty good, but snacks served at the deck when we return from a day trip were the most enjoyable. Coffee/tea cups were not enough - I would have taken a personal mug if told in advance. The last night/morning harbored at Puerto Ayora was very hard for us. The choppy water caused us motion sickness, and we felt swaying for a few days after the trip.

Galápagos — North, West & Central Islands aboard the Yolita

Great organisation and excellent staff

Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)

I booked Intrepid's 'Ultimate Galapagos' tour and went in 2017. Whilst the tour was great, it was somewhat blighted by the aircon in our room on the boat being broken, meaning our room smelt so strongly we couldn't keep the door closed for long periods of time and woke up to an unpleasant stench every morning (we had to close the door to sleep). We also woke up to dripping wet walls and soggy belonging as it leaked a lot. We flagged this when we got on the boat as the smell was unmissable, the crew (who were lovely) advised this was an issue with the room that couldn't be fixed during our stay unfortunately as it needed to be taken to another island. So we made the best of it, constantly hung our clothes off the back of the boat to dry them to wear the next day, and kept our door open as much as possible, as there was no alternative. When I got back I naturally picked this up with Intrepid, being disappointed that this was a known issue not flagged or fixed before our stay, on the holiday of a lifetime. Especially given we'd paid more for a top deck room, which turned out to be far worse than the cheaper rooms on the lower deck (which didn't have broken aircon). Intrepid offered a 15% discount if I booked with them again, given they are constantly promoting discounts this isn't helpful. Plus given the experience I had with them, there was no way I was going to consider booking my next holiday (for my 30th) with them, and risking another subpar experience (compared to the other guests and advertised trip) just for a discount. I suspect I was just unlucky, and the Galapagos itself was amazing, but it was very annoying having wet belongings and a very unpleasant smelling room for the whole 8 days, and I'd have expected them to handle it better on such an expensive tour. Overall disappointed with Interpid's customer service.

Monserrat Galapagos Cruise - South East Islands in 4 Days

Everything was excellent. The guides were excellent, the cruise was excellent. I only wish I booked a longer cruise. Couple concerns with the website for the actual booking. First, it said the flight to Galapagos was included, and then added $500 for the flight. Secondly, there was no mention about Insurance being required until the very end, and it was very complicated to actually get the insurance set up. Because of these two things, the actual price for the tour wound up being over $1000 more than initially advertised.

• Hiking & Trekking

Guide Galapagos Luxury Cruise 9 Days Tour

The combination of cruising at the Galapagos Islands, walking through fascinating unique natural sites, meeting friendly local people, swimming in clear waters admiring sea life and being fed delicious healthy Sea food in good company - is just a winner. It is the best holiday we have ever had in South America. Many thanks for your meticulous attention to our comfort. We definitely recommend Guidecuador Travel to anyone who is looking for a 5-star service!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Monserrat Galapagos Cruise - Discover Central, North & West Islands in 8 Days

The staff was excellent. Our guide Oswaldo was extremely attentive and very knowledgeable. The second guide for the second 4 days, Adrian, was also very knowledgeable. The trip was a little more strenuous than we expected with 2 hikes and 2 snorkels most days. Loved the dinghy rides along the cliffs! Saw all the birds and animals we wanted to see. Food was good. The boat could use some maintenance and the shade for our bathroom window could be seen through by anyone walking by. Very glad wecwent!

Nature and Adventure: 5 Days in Santa Cruz and Isabela.

Very good tour. The attention was very personalized and allowed me to know more things. I only wish I could have gone to the tunnels tour instead of the dry cleaners, otherwise, everything was excellent.

• River Cruise

Ecuador & Its Galápagos Islands 2024

Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary B)

Galapagos Encounter - Archipel I (Itinerary C)

Galapagos Discovered - 6 days

• In-depth Cultural

Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend

Galapagos Encounters - 7 days

Complete Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

7.5 days on the boat was just about the right amount of time. You do not want to do a shorter trip.

What people love about Ocean Cruise Tours in Pacific

This tour is intended for people who are physically fit,able to walk 6 kilometers a day, love to kayak/snorkel/swim/bike, and still have plenty of energy to enjoy the wildlife. I cannot cope up with the group, but luckily our CEO offered me options like museum visit, tour to Tntoreras. I still was able yo see all the wildlife I need to see exvept the cormorant. I did not expect to stay in a 5 star hotel. I find the accommodation suitable enough for my needs: comfortable bed, air condition, water, electricity, wifi. Special thanks to Sandra, CEO. She is one of the best tour guides I met in my years of travel. She is a great listener and teacher. She was born in Santa Cruz. She knows Galapagos like the palm of her hand.

Travel Styles

Other types in pacific.

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• 10 Amazing Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips 2024/2025

Taylor Swift reveals double album in '2 a.m. surprise'. Here are the best fan reactions

The day all Swifties have been waiting for has finally arrived. Taylor Swift's 15th album, " The Tortured Poets Department ," dropped at 11 p.m. CST Thursday night.

Swift, chairman of the "Tortured Poets Department," did not disappoint.

People are also reading: When does 'Tortured Poets Department' come out? What we know about Taylor Swift's new album

'It's a 2 a.m. surprise'

The Eras Tour singer barely gave fans time to process TTPD before releasing an additional 15 songs under "TTPD: The Anthology."

"It's a 2 a.m. surprise," Swift wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The double album's new tracks went live at 1 a.m. CST early Friday morning.

The secret double album's new tracks include:

• "The Black Dog"
• "imgonnagetyouback"
• "The Albatross"
• "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus"
• "How Did It End?"
• "So High School"
• "I Hate It Here"
• "thanK you aiMee"
• "I Look in People's Windows"
• "The Prophecy"
• "Cassandra"
• "The Bolter"
• "The Manuscript"

The Eras Tour singer joined Threads at midnight, which shares parent company Meta with Facebook and Instagram.

As part of the week leading up to the announcement, Swift worked behind the scenes with Threads to create a countdown when users pulled down on her Instagram page. The interface connected them to pre-follow the singer. At the stroke of 12 a.m., a new pull-down countdown revealed two hours.

TTPD's track titles are brutal. Fans speculated the album was about Swift’s six-year relationship with English actor Joe Alwyn and their breakup. Both stars kept the relationship out of the public eye. The back of the first version of the album reads, “I love you, it’s ruining me,” serving as a dagger-to-the-chest harbinger.

More on TTPD: Taylor Swift's new album, 'Error 321' and historic Grammy win: Everything you need to know

Swifties react to 'Tortured Poets Department'

Swift's double album reveal had fans reacting in all caps − the social media version of screaming.

"YOU ARE LITERALLY A GENIUS AND MY WORST NIGHTMARE AT THE SAME TIME I LOVE YOU," one user wrote on X .

"TAYLOR WE STILL HAVEN’T RECOVERED FROM THE FIRST ONE," another said .

Swifties are already busy making connections between some "TTPD" lyrics and lyrics in previous albums.

Power Rankings: Corales Puntacana Championship

Power Rankings

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There are opportunities, and then there are opportunities. The Corales Puntacana Championship is, well, both.

The second Additional Event of 2024 is one of three tournaments with a PGA TOUR-long three consecutive breakthrough winners. Four of its six champions since debuting in 2018 were first-timers. But while a coronation awaits all in the field of 132 in the Dominican Republic, there are many secondary goals in play as well.

For details of what they are, how Corales Golf Club will play and more, continue reading below.

OTHER TO CONSIDER

• Mark Hubbard … He’s cashed in all 10 starts in 2024 with a season-best T4 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am where he’s been teasing something special for a long time, notwithstanding his successful marriage proposal in 2015. Profiles best on shorter courses like those on that rota but he’s T5 in par-5 scoring and firing well enough on all cylinders in his prime to be a threat just about everywhere.
• Rafael Campos … The native of Puerto Rico has been a long-time visitor to the Dominican Republic, so it’s not surprising at all that he’s never missed an edition of this tournament despite limited action as a PGA TOUR member. His career-best finish occurred at Corales Puntacana in 2021 when he fell one short of pushing Joel Dahmen into a playoff. With a similar ethos with which he’s familiar at home, it’s like a sixth major even though he’s never made a start in a defined major and the Puerto Rico Open (on paspalum) is the non-major nearest and dearest. It’s also where he recorded a season-best T18 a little over a month ago.
• Chan Kim … After a few flashes of his potential sprinkled across six seasons, including nine starts in 2021-22 that eliminated his rookie eligibility as a first-time member in 2024, the 34-year-old has found a pocket that allows his ball-striking to shine. He’s cashed in seven straight upon arrival and eight overall with a T8 on paspalum at the Mexico Open at Vidanta and a pair of T14s, including his most recent start at the Valero Texas Open. A weapon has been his play with the cut line in view. Currently fifth on TOUR in second-round scoring average with nothing but scores of par and better contributing.

Additional Events, like this annual trip to the eastern edge of Hispaniola, pay forward into so many objectives.

That’s an important lane because winners of opposite events don’t automatically qualify for Signature Events, just as they don’t get into the next Masters with the same victory. However, berths into the 2024 PGA Championship and the 2025 editions of The Sentry and THE PLAYERS Championship are promised.

The Corales Puntacana champ also banks 300 FedExCup points and will be set with a PGA TOUR membership exemption in the winners category through 2026.

At 7,670 yards, Corales Golf Club is long by anyone’s standards, but it’s a stock par 72 that’s surrendered scoring averages from a half-shot to a full shot under par most of the time. That’s a proper target again this week as the weather will be seasonable, so it will be predictable. Passing clouds will cover daytime highs in the low 80s while prevailing breezes pushing in from easterly directions will be steady but not significant.

Corales Puntacana is the third track in the last nine weeks that’s blanketed with paspalum, specifically Supreme. The fourth and final course on TOUR equipped with paspalum is El Cardonal at Diamante, host of the World Wide Technology Championship in the FedExCup Fall. Paspalum has paid off handsomely for a subset of veterans, including Garnett who prevailed in the inaugural edition at Corales Puntacana in 2018. His victory in Puerto Rico a month ago also was on the surface.

As a resort course, fairways at Corales Puntacana are welcoming. The field can have at it off the tee as the only rough is just an inch or so deep, but average-sized greens prepped to run 12½ feet on the Stimpmeter help protect scoring.

While Quail Hollow Club, which will host the Wells Fargo in three weeks, never will be confused with Corales Golf Club, the duo shares a trio of challenging holes at the conclusion of their rounds. Before the field at Quail Hollow contends with The Green Mile that wraps that trek, this week’s entrants will be tackling The Devil’s Elbow, a par-4-3-4 test at the finish line. Each of the holes has averaged over par in all five editions of the tournament when it’s been held in the spring. So, there’s likely to be more surrendering of a lead than emerging to grab it late.

NOTE: ShotLink is not utilized for this tournament.

ROB BOLTON’S SCHEDULE

MONDAY: Power Rankings (RBC Heritage) TUESDAY: Power Rankings (Corales Puntacana); Sleepers (Heritage) WEDNESDAY: Golfbet Insider SUNDAY: Points and Payouts (Heritage); Points and Payouts (Corales); Medical Extensions; Qualifiers; Reshuffle

* Rob is a member of the panel for PGATOUR.COM’s Expert Picks for PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf, which also publishes on Tuesday.

Rob Bolton is a Golfbet columnist for the PGA TOUR. The Chicagoland native has been playing fantasy golf since 1994, so he was just waiting for the Internet to catch up with him. Follow Rob Bolton on Twitter .