Travel Ideas: Tips, Guides & Road Trips for the Western U.S. - Sunset

These 10 Stargazing Destinations Are Truly Stellar

In the West, where protected parks and way-high mountain towns reign, there’s no shortage of great vantage points from which to admire the night sky

April 9, 2018

June 25, 2019

Outdoor Essentials for the Season

Outdoor Adventure

8 Chic Blankets for Every Outdoor Activity

Whether you’re kicking back on a beach or picnicking at the park, there’s a blanket for that

June 28, 2018

August 7, 2018

Outdoor Adventure

7 Genius Pieces of Compact Outdoor Gear

Live in a city or just don’t have the storage for large outdoor gear? Fit these items anywhere, no matter your home’s size

June 8, 2018

July 31, 2018

Gifts & Shopping

10 Stylish Beach Bags You’ll Want This Season

Tote your beach essentials and look great while doing it

June 5, 2018

July 13, 2018

Outdoor Adventure

9 Stylish Beach Towels to Bring Everywhere This Summer

Personalize your spot on the sand with these statement-making beach towels

June 15, 2018

July 13, 2018

Plan a Last-Minute Camping Trip

National Parks

The Procrastinator’s Guide to Booking a Last-Minute Campsite

Prime sites at bucket-list national parks are harder to score than Stones tickets—but there's more than one way to book an awesome campground. In fact, there's nine!

March 27, 2019

Camping

Out of BLM’s 245 Million Acres of Public Land, These Are the 7 Best Places to Camp

The Bureau of Land Management's vast holdings offers untold opportunities for wilderness exploration—often for free! These are our favorites, from deserts to rivers to untamed coastline

April 24, 2018

June 20, 2019

Camping

13 Best Beach Camping Spots

Fall asleep to the sound of the waves hitting the shore and wake up to explore some of the best beaches in the West

April 20, 2018

June 11, 2019

Camping

Campsite Booking Is a Pain. Will These Apps Be Its Airbnb and Yelp?

We tested two apps that claim to make campsite booking a breeze

May 6, 2019

May 30, 2019

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Outdoor Adventure

Sunsets, Seafood, and Killer Waves at the West’s Best Surf Towns

Cool restaurants, beautiful beaches, and stellar competitions—these are the best surf towns for a day or weekend trip

May 21, 2019

June 20, 2019

Northwest

Breathtaking Scenery Awaits on This Oregon Coast Road Trip

Discover the picture-perfect beaches, lighthouses, and natural attractions of Western Oregon on a grand road trip up the coast

June 20, 2017

June 20, 2019

Outdoor Adventure

Epic National Parks Road Trip

Joyride along U.S. 89, which connects six of the country’s greatest parks and winds through some of the West’s most iconic landscapes

June 8, 2016

June 4, 2019

Road Trips

Utah Hot Springs Road Trip

Stop for a soak at one of the many natural hot springs along this scenic route

June 7, 2018

May 17, 2019

Travel

6 Fun Fourth of July Parades

Before the fireworks take off, celebrate with the biggest patriotic parades

February 22, 2017

June 25, 2019

Travel

7 Best Places to See Fourth of July Fireworks

You don’t want to miss these Independence Day fireworks shows

February 22, 2017

June 21, 2018

Travel

6 Best Small-Town Fourth of July Block Parties

Join in on summer fun at these free, family-friendly Independence Day festivals and parties

February 23, 2017

June 18, 2019

Travel

10 July 4th Weekend Trips You Can’t Miss

Ring in the Fourth with these Western adventures that celebrate an independent spirit

May 9, 2018

June 12, 2018

Travel

From Views to Amenities, These 11 Hotel Pools Are Our Faves

When you need a reset, booking a weekend at a hotel with a stellar pool is an instant cure. We’ve collectively waded in hundreds. Here are the standouts

April 7, 2016

June 11, 2019

Camping

These Outdoor Gear Rental Companies Will Change the Way You Experience the Outdoors

These outdoor gear rental companies will kit you out with what you need, right when you need it

April 25, 2019

May 20, 2019

Outdoor Adventure

Your Complete Guide to Surviving Tick Season

Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise—but we've got your guide to keeping yourself and your pet safe this summer

May 8, 2019

May 28, 2019

Outdoor Adventure

12 Ways to Have the Best-Ever Beach Day with Your Dog

The 5 best dog-friendly beaches in the West, plus essential products and safety tips for maximizing your pup’s fun in the sun, surf, and sand

May 15, 2017

May 14, 2019

Travel the West

Outdoor Essentials for the Season

Plan a Last-Minute Camping Trip

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