Water in the West: Best Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, and More

Outdoor Adventure

These 8 Hidden Swimming Holes Will Make Your Summer

When temperatures rise, there's nothing better than cooling off at a pool deep in the wilds—and nowhere in the West more beautiful than these jaw-dropping spots.

June 4, 2019

January 31, 2024

Outdoor Adventure

10 Epic Fishing Trips in the West

From fly-fishing in Jackson Hole to deep-sea fishing in Baja or salmon fishing in Alaska, these Western spots are an angler’s dream

February 21, 2018

July 26, 2019

Top Hot Springs Experiences in the West

Seek out these natural hot springs for an unforgettably soothing and scenic soak in the outdoors.

February 16, 2018

January 20, 2021

Traveler Surf Club Coastal Outpost

Outdoor Adventure

Finally! Surf Clubs Hit the West

Surf clubs are newly popping up around the West, bringing together surf gear rental, retail, and a convivial space to gather before and after hitting the waves

July 15, 2019

January 15, 2020

The Latest From Sunset

Modern Elder Academy Santa Fe Drogheda House

How to Navigate Midlife, According to a Longevity Expert

Hospitality entrepreneur and author of 'Learning to Love Midlife' Chip Conley shares insights from his newly opened location of Modern Elder Academy in Santa Fe.

October 15, 2024

October 11, 2024

Garden Tools Pine House Edible

You Need a Cool-Weather Garden Tool Kit. Here’s What Should Be Inside It.

The must-haves to plant and prepare for the growing seasons ahead.

October 15, 2024

October 11, 2024

Filson Cruising Coat Lifestyle Shot

Gifts & Shopping

These Are the Best Shackets for Fall (and They Work for Every Body)

A fall style essential.

October 14, 2024

October 11, 2024

Kitchen in Queen Anne SF House by Danielle Novy in Queen Anne SF House by Danielle Novy

A Queen Anne House Was Slowly Designed Over Four Years—the End Result Was Worth the Wait

It was a labor love for the owner, who just so happens to be an interior designer.

October 14, 2024

October 10, 2024

Beach

Sand castle on the beach seagull in background

Outdoor Adventure

30 Iconic West Coast Beach Experiences

Ignite your love for the shore with these quintessential beach activities. From strolling boardwalks to stoking bonfires, here are our favorite ways to dive in

June 11, 2013

September 17, 2019

beach towns on the west coast bandon, oregon people walking on beach

The 14 Dreamiest Unsung Beach Towns on the West Coast

From California fishing towns to rugged Washington escapes, these quintessential beach towns are downright magical. But better keep these underrated spots (relatively) secret

August 6, 2012

September 16, 2019

Ultimate Coastal Combo, Laguna Beach

The 10 Most Outstanding Beaches in the West

Whether you’re seeking the ultimate wave or hunting for treasures in the sand, these stunning beaches will draw you back over and over again.

June 29, 2015

May 11, 2021

The 20 Best Beach Hotels On the West Coast

Don’t end summer without sneaking off to the coast, even if it’s just for the weekend—here are our favorite hotels by the sea

August 23, 2010

July 25, 2019

20 Best California Beach Vacation Spots

You think you know the Cali Coast? Take it from us: There are still lots of surprises. Here are the best places to eat, drink, hike, and more

July 14, 2015

December 17, 2021

Our 9 Favorite National Park Beaches

Scenic spots to swim, float, and soak in the sun at the West’s amazing national parks

July 19, 2010

August 22, 2019

Outdoor Adventure

Plan 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

July 14, 2021

Outdoor Adventure

Top 30 Island Escapes in the West

Plot your escape to one of the West's best islands—places so lovely you won't want your time there to end

June 12, 2013

July 25, 2019

Surfing

The Best Surfing Towns of the West

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

July 26, 2019

Custom Boards

Surfing Essentials for a Day on the Water

Ready to hang loose? This surfing gear will have you catching waves in style.

June 20, 2017

March 3, 2021

The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, Cabo San Lucas, MX

The Best Hotels in Our Favorite Surf Towns, from Maui to Malibu

These coastal hotels have solid amenities for everyone, but especially surfers—with access to great breaks, gear rental, and more

June 26, 2019

August 27, 2019

Outdoor Adventure

Surf Camps That’ll Teach You to Shred Like a Pro

If learning how to surf has always been on your bucket list, why wait another year? These surf camps will have you catching waves in no time

June 20, 2017

September 5, 2019

Lake

Outdoor Adventure

The 10 Best Lake Vacations in the West

From pristine lakes in national parks to iconic Lake Tahoe, the West is blessed with some of the most beautiful lakes in the country for swimming, boating, fishing, and all-around summer splashing

June 28, 2012

September 14, 2019

Redfish Lake Lodge, Stanley, ID

6 Lake Retreats Where You Can Relive Your Summer-Camp Days

Beat the heat at these lakeside lodges and resorts with nostalgic summer camp vibes

July 15, 2019

January 15, 2020

Outdoor Adventure

The Ultimate California and Oregon Lakes Road Trip

Dive into the essence of summer on this meandering road trip past stunning lakes and scenic wilderness along the California and Oregon border

June 26, 2017

July 26, 2019

Suttle Lake, OR

Outdoor Adventure

Lake Effect: On Reviving a Family Tradition with Your Closest Friends

Retreat to Oregon’s Suttle Lake to revive a childhood tradition with friends

July 3, 2019

July 25, 2019

River

Green River, Utah

Outdoor Adventure

10 Best River Trips in the West

From white-water rafting on rushing rapids to floating along placid stretches, there’s no better place to cool off than on our mountains’ waterways

April 17, 2018

January 28, 2022

Outdoor Adventure

California’s Winter Rains Ended the Drought—and Now Summer Means Epic Rafting

We asked California rafting experts to tell us how winter and spring rain will affect summer rafting—and where you should head out on the water

June 14, 2019

January 18, 2022

Outdoor Adventure

This Food-Fueled Oregon Rafting Trip Elevates Backcountry Cooking

Gourmet cuisine powers a rafting trip on Oregon’s Klamath River

July 1, 2019

July 25, 2019

Upper Klamath River

Outdoor Adventure

Best Rafting Trips for Foodies

Outdoor adventure and gourmet dining aren’t mutually exclusive. Here are our favorite rafting trips for filling your sense of adventure—and your belly

July 1, 2019

August 8, 2019

Camping

The 13 Best Beach Camping Spots in the West

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

October 12, 2021

Canoeing

Outdoor Adventure

How to Boat Camp the Russian River

No more excuses—it’s time to check Russian River canoe camping off your bucket list

February 15, 2018

March 31, 2021

How to Do Kayak Camping Right

Kayak camping keeps you off your feet and offers a chance to escape it all

April 6, 2017

March 24, 2021

Outdoor Adventure

11 Best Waterproof Camping Items

Whether you’re camping on the beach, by a river or lake, or in a sudden downpour, this gear can withstand the elements and keep you blissfully dry

April 5, 2017

March 17, 2020

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This Luxurious Travel Trailer Has Better Interior Style Than Most Homes

This Luxurious Travel Trailer Has Better Interior Style Than Most Homes

Here's How to Livestream the Total Solar Eclipse for Free on April 8

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A 'Once-in-a-Lifetime' Star System Explosion Is Coming Soon—Here's How to See It

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Get the 'Cowboy Carter' Look with the Best Cowboy Boots Made in the West

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The April Solar Eclipse Is a Life-Changing, Bucket-List Event. Here's How to See It Safely.

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Time Is Already Running out on Your Rare Chance to Kayak on Death Valley’s Lake

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Dude, Where's My Ranch? These Getaways Reinvent the Iconic Western Vacation

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This Wyoming Dude Ranch Is the Ultimate Throwback Wild West Vacation

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Reservations for the Most Coveted Camping Destination Open Up Tomorrow. Here's How to Get a Spot.

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Birds of Prey Are More Important Than You Think. Here's Why.

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How I Found Peace This Winter on a Cold-Plunging, Snow-Shoeing, Forest-Bathing Adventure

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Don't Miss Your Chance to Get Your Best Look at the Planet Mercury This Friday

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The First Meteor Shower of the Year Is About to Hit... With Fireballs!

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Killer Whales Are Swimming Along the California Coast. Here's What to Know About This Incredibly Rare Event.

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These Are the 8 Winter Reads You Need to Snuggle Up with Right Now

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