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Fast Facts About The West Coast

  • States And Regions That Make Up The West Coast: California, Hawaii, Nevada
  • Timezones include: Pacific Standard Time (PST), Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST)
  • Most Populous Cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Oahu, Hawaii

Geographic Places of Note

  • Mountains to see: Sierra Nevada Mountains, White Mountains
  • Hawaii has several active volcanoes including Kilauea and Mauna Lau.
  • Notable bodies of water include the Pacific Ocean and Lake Tahoe in California.
  • Nevada is home to the Mojave Desert.

WEST COAST DESTINATIONS

CALIFORNIA - Accommodations, beaches, activities & food

Accommodations

Budget-Friendly

Budget-friendly options are less than $100/night-- no-frills accommodations that offer guests basic amenities such as air conditioning, wireless internet, television, and refrigerator. Most people choose these accommodations because they tend to have clean rooms at reasonable prices; while their locations and amenities are not top-notch, they have the best overall value.

Mid-Range

Mid Range accommodations generally range between $100-$200/night, and often have additional amenities such as free breakfast, or an on-site pool. Mid range properties are also usually centrally-located close to local attractions, making them a more convenient option for those looking to explore.

High-End

High-End accommodations are $300 and up/night and offer the best amenities that often include pool(s), saunas/jacuzzi, on-site spas, etc. Often the location is the destination, as these accommodations are known for their luxe rooms, dazzling, decor, and fabulous locations (usually with a view).

California Travel Guides

Best Hikes In California

California is known for its stunning outdoor beauty, including a little bit of everything--sky-high mountain ranges; crystal clear lakes, and towering redwood forests that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Most of California's state parks are ideal for hiking, and offer options for everyone from the casual outdoor aficionado to the expert backpacker.

Best Beaches In California

California's coastline is world-famous because of its stunning beaches that offer sun, sand, and surfing. Gorgeous weather; amazing views; and the lovely Pacific waves make this Western state a top tourist destination for some of America's best beaches.

Top Sights In California

California is home to some of the country's most beautiful National Parks--full of jaw-dropping scenery, there's something for everyone, whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to relax and take in the spectacular views.

Visit Disneyland

Disneyland is one of California's top tourist attractions--and it's easy to see why. Family-friendly and with a myriad of attractions, Disneyland is the perfect escape for visitors who want a little bit of adventure-and magic.

Things To Do In California

From beaches to forests; charming towns to bustling big cities--California has it all. Sightsee in some of the state's most well-known cities, or take to the great outdoors for spectacular scenery and plenty of fun things to do--whatever your vacation plans, California has something for everyone.

Travel Guides for San Francisco

The city by the bay is one of California's most well-known cities--known for its lovely weather and popular tourist attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Chinatown, there's plenty to see and do in this diverse and bustling Northern California city.

Food To Discover In California

Best Restaurants In California

California's food scene is both eclectic and exciting; and, depending on where you stay, you will be able to find everything from the freshest seafood to world-class, intercontinental cuisine. Wineries, breweries,

HAWAII - Things to do, top sights & cuisine

Accommodations

Budget-Friendly

Budget-friendly options are less than $100/night-- no-frills accommodations that offer guests basic amenities such as air conditioning, wireless internet, television, and refrigerator--but, unlike other places, Hawaii's budget-friendly options also usually come with a view, so you often don't have to sacrifice location to save money.

Mid-Range

Mid Range accommodations in Hawaii generally range between $150-$300/night, and are considered a distinct upgrade from budget-friendly options, usually because of additional luxe amenities (such as pools, onsite spas, and rooms with a view) and a resort-like atmosphere. All of the options below offer spectacular views and unique experiences that make the extra splurge worthwhile.

High-End

Hawaii's high-end accommodations are typically $500-$1,000 and up/night and offer the best amenities and luxury experiences. They are often a full resort experience that includes a plethora of top-notch amenities, stellar views, and lush atmospheres that make for a vacation of a lifetime. A high-end accommodation in Hawaii is definitely an investment--but those who want a full island experience will appreciate the grandeur of these top-of-the-line spots.

Hawaii Travel Guides

Best Hiking In Hawaii

The islands of Hawaii are filled with diverse outdoor adventures that are also some of the best ways to see and experience all this top tourist destination has to offer. Hawaii is filled with fun activities for every type of adventurer--especially those who love a good hike.

Best Beaches In Hawaii

Hawaii is famous for its glorious beaches that are some of the world's most beautiful spots. Pristine and perfect, the sand and sun of the state's best beaches are definitely worth a look--sunbathe, sightsee, or take a dip in the clear blue waters while enjoying the beaches Hawaii is known for.

Top Sights In Hawaii

Hawaii is filled with wonderful and exotic attractions and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet. Its many volcanoes and beaches are just the tip of the iceberg--there's something for everyone who wants to embrace Hawaii's unique culture, scenic landscapes, and impressive local attractions.

Things To Do In Hawaii

While it's worth it to visit Hawaii just for the beaches, there's plenty of other fun activities that make the islands a fun and unique vacation destination.

Food To Discover In Hawaii

Top Hawaiian Cuisine

Hawaii's unique culture extends to its world-class cuisine that is both fresh and exotic--colorful fruits, delicious seafood, and signature cultural classics are just the beginning when sampling the best island cuisine.

NEVADA - Accommodations & guide to Las Vegas

Accommodations

Budget-Friendly

Budget-friendly options are between $20-$50/night--but in Nevada (especially Las Vegas), even no-frills accommodations can go above and beyond basic amenities like air conditioning, wireless internet, television, and refrigerator. Most people choose these accommodations because they tend to have clean rooms at reasonable prices, though some do offer extra amenities like an on-site pool and proximity to local attractions.

Mid-Range

Mid Range accommodations generally range between $100-$200/night, and often have additional amenities that are upgrades to budget-friendly locations. Better views, more luxe decor and atmosphere, and popular, centrally located addresses make these spots more desirable for those looking for some luxury without breaking the bank.

High-End

High-End accommodations in Nevada are $300 and up/night and offer the best amenities that often include pool(s), saunas/jacuzzi, on-site spas, etc. Resort-level amenities are designed to impress and these luxe spots are usually close to the action. Known for top-level rooms, dazzling, decor, and fabulous locations (usually with a view), these accommodations are the best money can buy.

Nevada Travel Guides

Outdoor Activities In Nevada

Nevada has its own distinctive outdoor scenery that goes beyond its desert sands. For those who want to explore the great outdoors, there are plenty of parks that are great for hiking, camping, sightseeing, and scoping out the state's natural beauty.

Top Sights In Nevada

While Las Vegas is one of Nevada's most visited cities, this Western state has plenty of natural beauty that is worth a trip away from the city. And don't let the state's desert reputation fool you--there are plenty of lakes and forests filled with their own stellar scenery in addition to the hot sands of the Mojave Desert.

Guide For Las Vegas

Las Vegas may seem overwhelming for first-time visitors--the lights, the casinos, the shows; it's truly a unique and singular experience. Having a basic itinerary before visiting is a great way to introduce you to Sin City before you even get there.

Things To Do In Nevada

Nevada is so much more than Las Vegas--a Wild West vibe, a history of extraterrestrial sightings, and the Biggest Little City in the World are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring The Silver State.

Food To Discover In Nevada

Top Nevada Cuisine

Nevada cuisine is as varied as the state itself--and one only needs to visit Las Vegas to get a taste of some of the best cuisine the state is known for. From high-end restaurants to sumptuous buffets, there are plenty of fab finds for foodies everywhere.

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