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New Viking River Cruise Routes Drop You at the Door of One of Kentucky’s Most Underrated Artsy Towns

On July 5, 2022, I boarded one of the coolest river cruise boats that ever sailed: the American Queen. The impressive 1995 recreation of a 19th-century paddle steamer took me and my partner on a journey along a small part of America’s most storied waterway: from Memphis to Nashville on the Mighty Mississippi.

It was only my second time in the United States and my first time in the American South. Our itinerary took us to some small towns along the river that I had never heard of before and would never even have considered visiting, including the very trendy and very underrated town of Paducah, Kentucky, which has since been awarded the title of UNESCO Creative City.

While American Queen Voyages, the cruise line that owned and operated the American Queen, is no more, Paducah is now on another cruise line’s itinerary: Viking.

Viking offers several sailings calling on Paducah: the Grand Mississippi Voyage and the Upper Mississippi Explorer in 2024, and the Big Easy to the Gateway City and the Mississippi River Odyssey in 2025.

Arriving in Paducah by the river is an incredibly easy way to see the best of this colorful, lesser-known destination. The port is right in the center of the small town, where everything worth a stop is within walking distance — and there’s a lot that’s worth stopping at.

Key stops for a day in Paducah’s city centerPhoto: Jesse AdamsPhoto: Jesse Adams

First on the itinerary is Paducah’s flood wall. Erected out of necessity to protect the town from the waters of the Ohio River, today, it’s one of Paducah’s most defining and interesting features. From the riverside, where the visiting vessels dock, the fortifications set the tone with a large white-and-red sign reading “Port of Paducah, KY – Welcome”. A large passage in the wall allows cruisers to come in and admire what the defenses look like from the other side. Like a never-ending multi-artist mural, every concrete slab has been beautifully painted to tell the story of the town. There’s barely enough time in one day to see them all in detail, but you should at least dedicate a couple of hours to it. I was lucky enough to be in Paducah when some of the artists were restoring their pieces and seeing them at work was a lucky treat.

"Puffins" by Shirley P. Kelley. Photo: Jesse Adams"Forest Walk" by Pat Durbin. Photo: Jesse AdamsPhoto: Jesse AdamsQuilt made of wood by Fraser Smith. Photo: Jesse Adams

Next up is the nearby National Quilt Museum, the pride and joy of the town and its claim to fame in the world of textile art — Paducah is also known as Quilt City USA, after all. Far from being a display of old-fashioned quilts, the National Quilt Museum is an art museum showing the world of incredibly talented creators who chose quilts as their medium of expression. Don’t pass on this place because you think you’re too cool for a quilt museum — you’re not. Everything about it is absolutely mindblowing, from the wood quilt in the foyer to the fun gift shop full of irresistible items (including quilts, of course).

Photo: Jesse AdamsPhoto: Jesse AdamsPhoto: Jesse Adams

From there, make your way to Broadway Street where you’ll find a ridiculously quaint gazebo on your right (a good place to find shade if you’re visiting in the summer), and historic buildings lining the street on your left. A multitude of independent shops and art galleries beckon you in for a browse, including PAPA Gallery and the Paducah Visitors Bureau where you can pick up a map and purchase local souvenirs. Explore the alleys, including Maiden Alley for a look at an old-fashioned movie theater, and Market House Square where you’ll not only find the historic Kirchhoff’s Bakery and Deli with its vintage sign and great pastries, but also a wealth of great artisan and creative shops, including Lepa Jewelry Design Studio & Boutique for hand-made, elegant jewelry and Bricolage Art Collective for various local creations and vintage clothing. Stop by the popular Etcetera Squared for a cup of coffee or a refreshing bubble tea. Walk farther up Broadway to look at the beautiful historic architecture on both sides of the stret and pop inside the many antique shops to find a local treasure. Three blocks off Broadway is Paducah’s city hall in front of which you can find the leafy and peaceful Dolly McNutt Memorial Plaza. Take the time to look at the sculptures and memorials paying homage to veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism.

In the same part of the town center, close to the flood wall and the port, also worth a look is the impressive Mikado steam engine parked by the flood wall — it’s a well-preserved piece of railroad history. While you should pass on the nearby Railroad Museum, if you have time, the kid-friendly Inland Waterways Museum is another good place to stop and learn about the river and the town’s relationship to it.

What to see outside the town centerPhoto: Jesse AdamsPhoto: Zen Greenlee Horsemaship/Shutterstock

Once you’ve explored the center of town, head to the Lower Town Arts District. The neighborhood is only a 10-minute walk from Market House Square and you would be remiss to pass on the short stroll. The leafy streets of this quiet, residential area are lined with stunning grand historic houses, all surrounded by well-tended gardens and often flying pride flags on their porch, letting travelers know this is a safe place for everyone. The neighborhood, being home to the Paducah School of Art & Design campus, is an artsy, creative place, with more art galleries to check out. The Kitchens Café, located on the campus of the Paducah School of Art & Design on Harrison Street, is a great spot to stop for sustenance.

Some of Viking’s offered excursions in Paducah

Some of the excursions offered by Viking in Paducah include a guided visit about the historical architecture of Lower Town to learn more about the beautiful buildings that make up the town center; a visit of the Historic Hotel Metropolitan, today an African American history museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and quilting classes to fully immerse in Quilt City USA.

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A Gorgeous Caribbean Island Is Getting Its First Direct Flight From the US

Turks and Caicos Islands, which include 40 islands south of Bermuda designated as a British overseas territory, are a popular tourist destination. They’re generally less crowded than other Caribbean islands, and are known for fantastic beaches, watersports like scuba diving and paddling, and excellent food featuring conch, one of the islands’ local specialties. There are eight airports scattered across the various islands, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get to, as only a select few offer realistic options from the US.

Until recently, the only option for Turks and Caicos airports for travelers coming from the US was Providenciales International Airport. It’s the largest and busiest airport in Turks and Caicos Islands, handling a significant volume of daily flights from the US, the Caribbean, and Europe. PLS serves as the primary gateway to the islands, and most visitors either stay in the vicinity of Providenciales (the most populated island), switch to a smaller flight to reach a domestic airport, or take a ferry to North Caicos.

South Caicos is less developed than most othr islands. Photo: Experience Turks & Caicos

But starting in February of 2025, visitors to the South Caicos can avoid an entire connection by flying on American Airlines directly from Miami. The flight launches on February 15 and will fly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Flights will start around $210 each way, according to Google Flights.

While February may seem far away, it’s good timing for catching the most popular season in Turks and Caicos, running from about December to April. Winter on the islands has warm weather with low humidity, calm and clear seas ideal for watersports and snorkeling and diving, and a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and shops open. Of course, it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

About the various islands of Turks and Caicos

South Caicos. Photo: Experience Turks & Caicos

Providenciales (known as Provo), is the largest and most developed island and the undisputed tourism hub. It’s known for luxurious resorts, pristine beaches like the iconic Grace Bay Beach, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Closest to Provo is North Caicos, nicknamed the “garden island,” and considered a more lush and less-developed paradise. Limited lodging options consisting of eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and vacation rentals are where most people stay. Activities have an outdoorsy focus, including hiking, horseback riding, paddling through mangrove forests, and visiting historical sites like the Wade’s Green Plantation ruins.

Also popular is Grand Turk, the historic former capital. The island is steeped in cultural heritage, with a small-town atmosphere and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cockburn Town. Options for sleeping range from hotels and guesthouses to vacation rentals, and visitors can explore the Grand Turk Lighthouse and National Museum alongside excellent diving opportunities, particularly around the dramatic underwater reef system known as the Grand Turk Wall.

But thanks to now having a second international Turks and Caicos airport, the even-less-developed South Caicos is now a realistic travel destination. It’s more natural still than North Caicos, and caters to a specific kind of traveler: scuba divers or saltwater-flat fishers. On South Caicos, the focus is firmly on water-based activities, and most dive sites are pristine, thanks to their inclusion in the protected area called Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park.

Where to stay on South Caicos

 

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Flying into the airport on South Caicos is useless if you can’t stay there, but the new flight is likely to encourage even more businesses to open on the pretty island. Currently, lodging options are somewhat limited and include convenient South Caicos Ocean & Beach Resort near Cockburn Town, and the gorgeous (if expensive) Salt Rock Resort, catering to well-heeled travelers looking for high-end dining and included activities. There are also several high-end home rentals on the northwestern part of the island.

However, one new resort is opening in time to take advantage of the increased accessibility of the Turks and Caicos’ second international airport: Salterra Resort & Spa. It’ll open in early 2025, with 100 beachfront rooms and six restaurants. It’s a renovation of the former East Bay Resort South Caicos, which closed in summer 2023. The resort will also run an on-site dive shop and school, making it the only dive operator based on South Caicos.

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All the Oregon Trail Hotspots You Can Visit on a Nebraska Road Trip

The Oregon Trail is legendary. No, not the video game cosplaying it, but the actual trail itself, which saw emigrants from the eastern United States depart from locations including Independence, MIssouri, and other midwest hubs in th3 1800s to reach the Willamette River at Oregon City, Oregon. Pioneers traveled by covered wagon for some 2,000 miles, facing river crossings, disease, and harsh weather along the way. The journey took most travelers about three months to complete.

Many of the trail’s most iconic stops and markers are in Nebraska, and the state has developed a series of museums, parks, and points of interest to highlight the Oregon Trail’s importance in American history. Four to five days is enough to take in the historical stops throughout Nebraska, with Interstate 80 serving as the spine of your trip. Fortunately, you can easily avoid the dysentery, adverse weather, and rugged river crossings the pioneers faced en route.

We hope you love this Nebraska Oregon Trail road trip! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Start in Fairbury

Photo courtesy Nebraska Tourism

The Nebraska Oregon Trail road trip starts in Fairbury, about three hours’ drive from the official start of the Oregon Trail north of Independence, Missouri. Begin the trek at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park, a lifeline for emigrants on the Oregon Trail. Surrounded by lush greenery, the spot offered travelers a chance to rest, resupply, and make repairs before continuing their westward journeys. In those days, it took caravans several days to get to Rock Creek Station from their launch point, and those days tended to be an initiation of sorts, as travelers were finding their footing. You can imagine that having a common stop to recoup and share trials and tribulations (and seek advice) was incredibly important in lifting morale for the rest of the trip.

The station provided essential goods like food, tools, and medicine, along with blacksmith services to fix broken wagon parts. This crucial stopover helped ensure the success of countless treks along the Oregon Trail.
Rock Creek Station’s significance extended beyond the Oregon Trail era. It briefly served as a Pony Express station in the early 1860s. Later, the station became a stop for the Overland Stage, another important transportation route in the West. Today, the park preserves this rich history through reconstructed buildings and well-worn wagon ruts.

Where to stay in Fairbury



Spend a few days in Kearney

Photo: marekuliasz /Shutterstock

Kearney is home to two important Oregon Trail sites. First is The Archway, which bridges Interstate 80. The Archway symbolically bridges the past with the present, standing at the very spot where the historic trail once intersected with modern highways. Inside, visitors can explore a self-guided exhibit that brings the Oregon Trail to life through life-sized figures and narration. But the Archway’s commemoration extends beyond the Oregon Trail. It acknowledges the rich history of the Platte River Valley, showcasing the evolution of transportation across Nebraska with exhibits on the Pony Express, the transcontinental railroad, and the Lincoln Highway. It opened in 2000 and is comprised of moving walkways and exhibits that document the life of trail emigrants.

After spending a day exploring The Archway, the best places to eat in Kearney are The Alley Rose, a steakhouse with an iconic salad bar, or Cunningham’s Journal On The Lake, a more casual taphouse and restaurant south of the city center.

In the morning, head to Fort Kearney State Historical Park to do some hiking and check out an old fort with an interpretive center and museum documenting the history of the fort and the region.

Where to stay in Kearney



Pass through Bridgeport to see Courthouse and Jail Rocks

Photo courtesy Nebraska Tourism

Traversing the seemingly endless plains of middle America could often be a demoralizing experience for Oregon Trail emigrants. One welcome sight that broke the monotony and offered a much-needed psychological boost was Courthouse and Jail Rocks. These towering natural landmarks jutted dramatically from the flat landscape, easily visible for miles (potentially for days, depending on the speed at which the travelers were moving). They served as a crucial navigational tool, confirming that travelers hadn’t strayed on their westward path. Their prominence on the trail landed them a place in countless diaries and journals kept by emigrants.

Where to stay in Bridgeport



Hit the Chimney Rock Museum in Bayard

Photo courtesy Nebraska Tourism

Chimney Rock was a crucial signpost guiding Oregon Trail emigrants westward. Frequently described as “grand and splendid,” it was the most frequently mentioned landmark in emigrant diaries. For pioneers unfamiliar with the West’s geology, Chimney Rock’s unique form provided a thrilling glimpse of the wonders ahead. You can get out on newly created hiking trails to get close to the landmark, and if you’re traveling with kids, hit the Chimney Rock Museum for interactive activities and more historical context.

Where to stay in Bayard



Round out the trip in Scottsbluff and Gering

You’ll want to spend a couple days in Scottsbluff and Gering, not least because it’s the culmination point of your Nebraska Oregon Trail road trip and a good place to celebrate over a round at Flyover Brewing Company. Spend a day at Scotts Bluff National Monument, which protects over 3,000 acres of badlands, bluffs, and prairie along the North Platte River. The monument itself risesg 800 feet above the riparian habitat below and played a key role in guiding Native Americans to emigrants on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. In the afternoon, hit the Legacy of the Plains Museum, which documents this history and that of the entire state, including its role in hosting Oregon Trail emigrants.

Scottsbluff is a regional hub and home to some of western Nebraska’s best restaurants. The Steel Grill is an iconic local steakhouse that epitomizes midwest dining. The Mixing Bowl in Gering specializes in German cuisine, and Papa Moon Vineyards and Winery serves house-made wines and barbecue with locally-sourced ingredients.

Where to stay in Scottsbluff



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A Road Trip Is the Ultimate Way to See the Modern Wild West, From the Rockies to the Desert

Midway between Ouray and Durango, a pair of mountain towns on Colorado’s Western Slope, I had to turn off the car stereo. Anything other than silence would have seemed like sacrilege. I was approaching a hairpin turn on the Million Dollar Highway — a gravity-defying byway through the Rockies — when snow-crowned peaks came into full view. Far below, a green sea of forest canopy stretched to the horizon. The sky at 11,000 feet is as boundless and clear as the primordial deep. My adrenaline surged, but the rush came less from the harrowing drive than from sheer awe.

Such moments when the landscape’s beauty stopped me in my tracks came often on my two-week road trip through the Four Corners states. There were clear nights in the New Mexican desert with stars as vivid as peyote visions. Arizona highways framed by colossal saguaro cacti. Lonely miles through Utah’s badlands on two-lane roads twisting past rock towers and canyons. I understand now why writers from Black Elk to John Muir and Jack Kerouac described the West’s majesty in near-religious language.

My route began in Denver and finished in Salt Lake City, tracing a horseshoe on the map through Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Distances between stops were occasionally long, but with the sublime views and a good driving playlist, the hours on the road passed as serenely as drifting tumbleweeds. And in each destination, the man-made delights — Colorado’s storied breweries, Park City’s exuberant saloons, Tucson and Santa Fe’s restaurants — were almost as wonderful as Mother Nature’s.

We hope you love the spaces we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Start: Denver, Colorado

Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock

Denver, like many early settlements in the Rockies, began as a mining camp. After gold was discovered in nearby Pikes Peak in 1858, fortune hunters from far and wide flooded into Denver, a frontier outpost clogged with brothels, saloons, and gambling halls. Denver today is better known for its arts scene, culinary verve, and proximity to outdoor pastimes, but the devil-may-care ethos of the bygone boomtown lives on in the Mile High City’s soul.

Grab a coffee and a fortifying breakfast at Fox & The Hen before spending a morning soaking in the street art and quirky restaurants of the RiNo Arts District. For dinner, book a table at Safta, a Levantine restaurant helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya. Chef Shaya draws inspiration from the loving cooking of his Israeli grandmother, and his garnishes of colorful pickles, salt-cured lemons, and fresh herbs makes his plates as pleasing to the eye as to the palate. The salmon ceviche, served atop a bed of tangy labneh and embellished with pickled jalapenos, is a showstopper. After dinner, saunter up the street to Gold Point, a sleek cocktail bar, or Zeppelin Station, a food hall with an on-site bar near the top of RiNo.

The Rally Hotel, across from Coors Field in McGregor Square, is a comfy and convenient base for exploring Denver. Rooms offer panoramic views of the skyline, and the local neighborhood, LoDo, brims with lively bars, restaurants, and some of Denver’s most iconic architecture. Stop by Call Me Pearl, the Rally Hotel’s lobby bar, for craft cocktails paired with caviar bumps and eclectic light bites.

More like thisEpic StaysThese Denver Airbnbs Put You in the City's Coolest NeighborhoodsOuray, Colorado

Distance from Denver: 333 miles

Photo: Johnny Motley

Welcome to the Switzerland of America. Ouray’s nickname refers to both the sharp, Matterhorn-like peaks of the San Juan Mountains (as well as the world-famous ice climbing that takes place on said mountains) and the town’s cozy ambiance — a storybook village evoking nights by the fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa and falling snow outside.

Start the day with espresso elixirs at Kami’s Samis, a downhome diner and grocer on Main Street. Within a quick walk of Main Street, the trails of Box Cañon treat hikers to slot canyons, waterfalls, and exceptional bird-watching. Ouray’s medicinal hot springs, said to restore health and ease ailments ranging from arthritis to depression, have long beckoned wellness seekers to this remote section of Colorado. Orvis Hot Springs, an outdoor geothermal spa 20 minutes from Ouray, is famous for its mineral baths, saunas, and cold plunges. Orvis is clothing-optional, and an air bath in the fresh mountain air is as refreshing as a dip in the pools.

The Western, a Victorian belle constructed in 1891 during Ouray’s mining boom, combines Old West charm with five-star luxury. Rooms come with delightful touches like clawfoot bathtubs, Navajo blankets, and balconies overlooking the mountains. The lobby saloon, as polished and sleek as an ivory-handled six-shooter, is the type of joint that would have elicited an admiring salute from Doc Holliday, the notorious gunslinger with a taste for whiskey. An homage to the West’s al fresco cooking traditions, the restaurant’s wood-fired hearth roasts Colorado beef, lamb, and chicken to charred perfection.

Durango, Colorado

Distance from Ouray: 70 miles

Photos: bartender, Johnny Motley; train, Nick Fox/Shutterstock

Charge your camera, fill up your gas tank, and hit the Million Dollar Highway for Durango. Competing theories explain the highway’s name — priceless views, astronomical construction costs, precious metals found in the mountains — and a century since its construction, the Million Dollar Highway remains one of most breathtaking drives in America.

Durango boasts all the appeals of a chic mountain town like Aspen or Vail — exciting restaurants, luxury hotels, colorful nightlife — but without the pretensions, tourist traps, and congestion. Amble along Main Street’s ski shops, clothing boutiques, and stately architecture to El Moro Tavern, a buzzy restaurant serving boards of local charcuterie, stick-to-your-ribs pastas, and choice Colorado beers. For a nightcap, head for the neon glow of the entrance sign to the Rochester Hotel, where my bartender for the night, Alexis, served up craft cocktails and Colorado travel tips.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, built in 1882, originally transported gold and silver from mines in the San Juan Mountains to Durango and Silverton. The railroad no longer serves industrial purposes but now shuttles sightseers up the San Juan’s ridges and gorges into pristine alpine wilderness. Restored to Victorian splendor, the trains have bars, spacious tables, and cafe cars. The ride lasts about seven hours, departing Durango’s train depot at 9 AM and returning mid-afternoon. WiFi and phone service are refreshingly non-existent after the first hour of the journey.

More like thisEpic StaysThese Airbnbs Near Telluride Offer an Authentic Mountain GetawaySanta Fe, New Mexico

Distance from Durango: 212 miles

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Four hours in the car through the high desert’s lunar-esque landscapes and empty highways takes you from Durango to New Mexico’s capital. Founded in 1610, Santa Fe is one of America’s oldest European settlements. However, compared to the antiquity of the nearby New Mexican Pueblos, Santa Fe’s 400-year-old history is but a brief moment on the timeline.

From Georgia O’Keeffe to Cormac McCarthy, Santa Fe has long been a haven for artists and writers. The city’s creative flair extends to gastronomy as well, with a cuisine amalgamating the flavors of Spain, Mexico, and New Mexican Indigenous cultures.

The New Mexico Museum of Art is one of the nation’s finest collections of Southwestern art, and the museum houses the authoritative collection of paintings by artists from the Taos Pueblos. After an hour of cultural edification, reward yourself with a dopamine splurge at Kakawa Chocolate House, where confectioners enliven velvety truffles with chili peppers and piñones (desert pine nuts).

The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, a luxury boutique hotel in downtown Santa Fe, showcases the enchanting artwork, architecture, and cuisine of the Southwest. Anasazi Restaurant elevates New Mexico’s colorful, earthy ingredients — blue corn, pine nuts, and a seemingly endless number of varieties of chiles and beans — with Michelin-level finesse. After dinner, visit the hotel’s bar to sample pours from the encyclopedic tequila list. Guided tastings with a tequila sommelier are available by appointment.

More like thisEpic Stays9 Santa Fe Airbnbs That’ll Make New Mexico's Capital Feel Like HomeTucson, Arizona

Distance from Santa Fe: 514 miles

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

I braved the long drive from Santa Fe to Tucson in one sitting, soaring through the Sonoran scrublands in my Toyota Camry while quoting lines from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas about the desert, bats, and mescaline. If you prefer to break up the drive, stop in El Paso, roughly halfway between Santa Fe and Tucson. The tacos and hikes through the Franklin Mountains alone make the detour worthwhile.

Home to the University of Arizona, Tucson has no shortage of patio bars, neon-colored drinks, and public houses catering to merry young scholars. The city’s charms, however, extend far beyond the college-age draws. UNESCO honors Tucson as an International City of Gastronomy, largely due to the Indigenous foodways that have survived in southern Arizona over the centuries.

Photo: Johnny Motley

Tucson’s complex cuisine is a blend of Sonoran, Spanish, and Chinese influences. Maynard’s serves small plates enlivened with mesquite berries, cactus fruits, and the classic trio of corn, squash, and beans, a combo known as the Three Sisters in Indigenous gastronomy. Century Room is a love letter to Sonoran spirits — tequila, of course, but also lesser-known cacti libations like bacanora and sotol. The mole and tacos at Penca are the finest you’ll find this side of the border, and the osso buco, paired with chimichurri and served in a charred bone, is tasty enough to inspire the most flowery of descriptions.

As for where to stay, Hotel McCoy is a former motel retrofitted into a hip guesthouse, complete with a bar stocked with Southwestern craft beer, vivid wall murals, and a busy food truck in the parking lot.

More like thisEpic Stays12 Top-Rated Airbnbs in Tucson for a Charming Southwest AdventurePhoenix

Distance from Tucson: 112 miles

Photo: Visit Phoenix/dspaz.com

Picture Phoenix and Tucson as sisters. Tucson, the older sibling, is artsy and laid-back; she spends her free time catching underground shows, thrifting, and frequenting museums. Phoenix, on the other hand, dreams of moving to Hollywood and lives for glamorous pool parties and flashy restaurants.

Every pizza nerd knows Phoenix for Pizzeria Bianco, which many food writers have crowned the best pizzeria in America. It’s just one spot that’s turned Phoenix into a pizza capital in its own right. As a New Yorker, I raise an eyebrow at Arizonan claims to cheesy supremacy, but Chris Bianco, originally from Brooklyn, does make masterfully crafted pizza well worth the long wait times. For a postprandial digestif after all that delectable cheese and dough, head to Little Rituals, Phoenix’s answer to Death & Co.

Rise Uptown Hotel in Phoenix is a Mid-Century Modern gem in the Uptown neighborhood, a quick walk from scores of fun restaurants, quirky shops, and lively bars. From the poolside bar to vintage vinyl players in the rooms and a pet-friendly policy, Rise Uptown is as relaxed as it is comfy.

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Distance from Phoenix: 470 miles

Photo: Johnny Motley

The seven-hour drive from Phoenix to Escalante cuts through the heart of Arizona’s red, saguaro cacti-strewn desert. For a lunch break or stroll to stretch the legs, stop in Tombstone, a charming desert town and the setting for the eponymous cult-classic Western.

Photo: Johnny Motley

Southern Utah, a swath of badlands, mesas, and gnarled canyons, was one of the last pockets of the Lower Forty-Eight to be settled. Escalante is hardly more than an outpost, but nearby Bryce Canyon National Park draws enough visitors for the town to support an excellent coffee shop, Escalante Outfitters, and a funky, gourmet general store, Escalante Mercantile.

Ofland Escalante is a glamping retreat par excellence, treating guests to jacuzzis, outdoor fire pits, and cabins blending rustic charm with refinement. Light-years removed from the rush and roar of modern civilization, Ofland is tailor-made for devouring books, snuggling up with a lover, and sipping wine under starry skies. Ask the concierge about guided tours of Bryce Canyon National Park and Spooky Canyon, a narrow gorge slashing through the badlands.

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Distance from Escalante: 280 miles

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

What comes to mind when you think of dining and drinking in Utah? Strict alcohol guidelines of 2 percent ABV “near beer”? Jello salad paired with funeral potatoes? Park City, a vibrant ski town outside Salt Lake City, shatters these stereotypes. While Park City is world-famous for skiing, the town’s rip-roaring saloons and gourmet restaurants make it as appealing to epicureans as to powderhounds.

Imagine cowboy chow—buttermilk fried chicken, wood-fired steaks, and lamb shanks—but prepared by a chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu. That’s the vibe at Handle, an upscale restaurant in downtown Park City. While slicing into perfectly charred steaks, sampling boards of local charcuterie, and sipping choice pours from High West Distillery, save room for the bourbon-infused bread pudding.

If the whiskey world were to convene a Holy Synod, they would sanctify High West Distillery in Park City as an international shrine. High West produces world-class ryes and bourbons year after year, with whiskeys often aged in ex-Port and ex-sherry casks. Indulge in rare pours of High West on a distillery tour or at , a watering hole worthy of Park City’s early history of outlaws and rowdy miners.

Hotels can be pricey in Park City, especially during the high season of winter, but the Marriott Mountainside is affordable, comfortable, and located within walking distance of Park City’s liveliest streets.

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Distance from Park City: 32 miles

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The final stop on my western highway odyssey was Brother Brigham’s New Zion on the Great Salt Lake. Like the poet Walt Whitman, Salt Lake City contains multitudes — sometimes contradictory elements juxtaposed harmoniously. It serves as the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, yet it is also one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the country. While many residents abstain from alcohol, the city boasts a dynamic craft cocktail and brewery culture. Additionally, Salt Lake City is an excellent launching point for exploring nearby national parks such as Zion and Arches.

Water Witch Bar is an SLC institution for innovative craft cocktails and small bites. Try the Jicara cocktail, a weekly special served in a dried gourd in homage to Utah’s Indigenous culture. Utah nails downhome diner classics like smash burgers (always served with fry sauce), fried chicken, and meatloaf. Stop by The Copper Onion for soul-satisfying All-American fare jazzed up with epicurean flair.

More like thisEpic StaysSalt Lake City Airbnbs to Base Your Utah Adventure Trip

Photo: Matt Morgan

For an only-in-Utah experience, visit Ogden, a small town 40 miles outside SLC. Ogden, once a bustling junction on the transcontinental railroad, has seen its share of economic vicissitudes over the decades, but its rich history, architecture, and breweries make it well worth a day trip. After admiring the magnificent architecture of Main Street and the railroad depot, tie one on at Roosters Brewing Co., a brewery serving splendid suds paired with pub grub like bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, wings, and smothered enchiladas.

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Rivian to Open First-of-Its-Kind EV Charging Center and Hub in Groveland, California

The future of fueling up on the road will look much different than today’s gas stations. But what, exactly, will change? Electric vehicle maker Rivian has more than a few ideas, and will debut them in a new EV charging center in Groveland, California, just west of Yosemite National Park and near many of the park’s closet accommodations.

Given the nature of electric vehicles taking longer to top off than those with internal combustion engines, travelers will need a place to spend half an hour or so rather than just a few minutes. The facility, dubbed The Outpost, will operate as both a charging center and community hub. Customers can learn about EV charging and road trip basics, enjoy coffee and other food and beverage options more akin to a simple cafe than a typical convenience store, and spend time planning their trip into Yosemite or elsewhere while their car juices up.

Rendering of the interior of Outpost. Courtesy Rivian

For the project, Rivian repurposed an existing building that throughout its history has served as a blacksmith shop, a repair shop, and a gas station, retrofitting it for a future continuing to assist travelers and outdoor adventures en route to the nearby national park and beyond. Rivian hopes to open more Outpost locations in the future. Drivers of all types of electric vehicles, not just Rivians, will be able to enjoy the amenities, though The Rivian Adventure Network of DC fast chargers is currently open only to Rivian drivers. The company plans to open the network to drivers of other electric vehicles later this year. Rivian owners don’t even need to touch a button to charge at Outpost or any of the forthcoming 3,500+ chargers in the network, which will be installed in the coming years at approximately 600 initial sites along popular routes and highways. Rivian drivers can add up to 140 miles of range in 20 minutes, according to the company.

Photo Sara Essex Bradley, courtesy Rivian

This first Outpost will produce zero emissions in its daily operations, thanks to a donation from US Solar. The building will be outfitted with enough solar power to cover what it uses, which given its primary purpose as a place for drivers to charge their cars, is set to be a lot. Snacks look to be available in bulk, avoiding the use of single-use plastic bags as much as possible. Travelers will also have the opportunity to stock up on simple adventure basics and souvenirs – think t-shirts and reusable water bottles.

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The US National Park Service Just Added a New Site in Marfa, Texas

As of July 17. 2024, the US National Park Service now has 430 sites across the country.

The newest addition is the Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas, designated as the Blackwell School National Historic Site this July. The bill to honor the site was  passed in Congress and signed by President Biden in 2022, but it stipulated that the historic schoolhouse wouldn’t officially become part of the National Park Service until ownership of it transferred to the federal government — which just happened in July 2024.

Built in 1909, the adobe brick structure served as the sole public education institution for Marfa’s Hispanic students from that year until 1965. Today, it’s a landmark in the tiny town of Marfa, and a museum to the history of the building and challenges children faced in the era of segregation of Mexican and Mexican-American students.

 

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Though Texas had no laws mandating separate schools, the practice of de facto segregation prevailed throughout the South in the middle of the 20th century, and Marfa was no exception. Following the construction of a new school for European-descended students in 1892, Hispanic children continued attending school in the town’s original school building. However, by 1909, the need for a dedicated space arose, leading the district to construct the two-room schoolhouse that became known as the Ward or Mexican School. It was later named the Blackwell School after Jesse Blackwell, a longtime principal beloved at the school.

The Blackwell school tells a story of a changing time, as it both provided benefits to students, and represented a continuation of the racist principle of “separate but equal.” It was a source of educational opportunities for a marginalized community with a rigorous curriculum, and served as meetinghouse to celebrate Mexican heritage in Marfa, with alumni and their descendants still living and working in the town today.

Photo: The Blackwell School National Historic Site/NPS

However, the school also embodied the discriminatory practices of the era. Students faced strict punishments and were actively discouraged from speaking Spanish. Teachers even held mock funerals where Spanish words were buried, signifying the attempted suppression of their cultural identity.

The Blackwell School closed in 1965 when Marfa’s public schools became fully integrated. In 2006, alumni founded the Blackwell School Alliance, which worked with the National Parks Conservation Association to lobby to make the school into a federally protected site. Today, it’s only the second site managed by the National Park Service that celebrates Latino history, joining the César Chávez National Monument in California.

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Norwegian Cruise Line To Launch Cruises From Philadelphia in 2026

Big-line cruising is coming to Philly in 2026. Norwegian Cruise Line announced this week that the Norwegian Jewel will launch cruises departing from the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex in Philadelphia and calling on Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard. Itineraries will last seven to nine days, with the first departure on April 16, 2026.

“We remain committed to delivering more experiences for our guests to create unforgettable memories, so they can vacation better with us,” David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a press release. “We are particularly proud to partner with PhilaPort to launch cruising in the area, making it even more accessible to the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region.”

The announcement came as part of Norwegian’s expanded lineup for the Spring/Summer 2026 season, which will see the company call on ports in 30 destinations across the Americas and Caribbean. The Philadelphia cruises stand as the first commercial cruises to depart from the city in more than a decade, even as Philly remains an iconic American travel destination for those seeking history, sports, or live music.

Passengers seeking more information can visit the dedicated page on Norwegian’s website for trip dates and costs for specific departures. Pricing starts at $1,197 per person, with free airfare offers for second guests standing as a current special available to early bookers.

“The Port of Philadelphia is extremely excited to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the world’s premier cruise lines,” Jeff Theobald, executive director and CEO of PhilaPort, said in the release. “Philadelphia has so much to offer, as the birthplace of freedom and the home to much of our nation’s history, we look forward to connecting cruisers with our world class city. This new service rounds out the portfolio of services offered at PhilaPort, and we look forward to this next phase of growth.”

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This App Is Making It Easier for LGBTQ+ Cruisers to Connect During a Sailing

Meetmeonboard, a website that’s been helping LGBTQ+ travelers meet up during sailings with major cruise lines, as well as book chartered cruises with LGBTQ+ cruise lines like Vacaya, Brand G, and Daddy Cruise, now has an app. Since June 3, 2024, Meetmeonboard is available for download on your phone for free via the Apple App Store.

Thanks to the app, LGBTQ cruisers can book cruises on most of the big cruise lines out there and see the number of other Meetmeonboard users who have done the same. Users can also visualize which cruises are the most popular among Meetmeonboard users and opt to book the same voyage if they wish to do so. Currently there are more than 500 cruises available for booking on the app.

Photo: Meetmeonboard

Right now, the app has a Community section where users can ask a myriad of questions about the app and the cruises available for booking. They can also use the Resource section to find people who are booked on the same cruise as them, or even find people to share a cabin with. Soon the app will be updated to provide users with the ability to chat with each other and a cabin-sharing feature will be added, explains Adam Martindale, owner of Meetmeonboard, during an interview with Travel Pulse‘s Paul Heney.

Photo: Meetmeonboard

The Resource section of the app provides users information about the cruise lines, especially how inclusive they are so travelers can make informed decisions about their trips.

Photo: Meetmeonboard

“We are nearing 1,000 registered users, with over 500 cruises joined. We are early in the process of getting the word out, but we believe the app will grow organically by word of mouth as more and more LGBTQ travelers discover it,” Martindale says.

The goal of Meetmeonboard is for LGBTQ+ cruisers have a space to develop a community where they can find travel companions, make new friends, and even plan events, meet-ups, or trips together.

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Travel Expert Bruce Wallin on the Pros and Cons of Modern Travel’s Luxuries

Luxury travel is designed to take the friction out of seeing somewhere new. Yet it can be all too easy to fall into the catered amenities, never leave the resort or designated activities, and return home without any real sense of the place.

That doesn’t have to be the case. It’s something that Bruce Wallin knows well.

Wallin has a couple decades of experience working in travel media. In his 20s, he started a magazine out of his garage called Trip Magazine centered on backpacking. He then moved to Robb Report, where his focus was on luxury travel. Today, he has a podcast called Travel That Matters and is an executive at the media company North & Warren.

There’s a common misconception “that luxury travel removes you from real authentic experiences,” Wallin says on the Matador Network podcast No Fixed Address: The World’s Most Extraordinary People. In a wide-ranging conversation with Michael Motamedi and Vanessa Salas, Wallin discussed the changes in travel that he’s seen over the years and how, as with all types of travel, the trip is what you make of it.

Coming from the backpacker world, Wallin admits, he loves the spontaneity of things like bumping into a stranger on the street and making fast friends. Luxury often equates to a certain level of seclusion from the day to day of people who call a place home, however. Doors are opened that otherwise wouldn’t be. Putting yourself out there and making an effort to connect can still lead to those authentic experiences — whether that’s communing with a local guide or mingling with high society at a grand hotel bar.

Wallin recalls a trip to Lima staying at Hotel B. The bar was filled with locals, and “I was drinking a pisco sour and just feeling like I was part of high society in Lima,” Wallin says. There are advantages to both luxury trips and spontaneous budget trips when you approach it right and find a way to see a slice of life in an area. “No question about it,” he adds.

Photo credits: Bruce Wallin, left; Yann Allègre, right

What’s considered standard today would have been a major luxury not so long ago, though. Even compared to a decade or two ago, travel is incredibly seamless. The friction of things like language barriers, paper maps, and scrambling to find a hotel or a ride have all been lifted by what our phones can do.

“When I really started traveling a lot, not everybody spoke English,” Wallin says. “You’d go places and people would not speak any English and you had to figure it out. And now, everywhere I go, people speak really good English.”

In some ways, that’s great,” Wallin continues. “If I’m lost in China somewhere, it’s really nice that I can find someone who can help me out. But in some ways, I feel like you’re missing out on an experience in that regard.”

There are obvious benefits: travel is much more accessible, affordable, and in many ways safer for everyone. The drawbacks include overtourism, with cities like Amsterdam aggressively trying to cut back the number of visitors. The rush to a viral photo spot easily flattens the appeal. Sometimes it’s not too hard to wonder if some places should be a little less accessible.

To hear more about Wallin’s life in travel, why travel is important for children, and the kindness of the people we meet when we’re somewhere new, listen to the full episode on your favorite listening platform.

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The Best Spots to Camp on the Beach Along the US West Coast

Dreaming of driving along the West Coast with your window down, hair blowing in the ocean breeze, and pitching a tent along the way, but you haven’t committed because the logistics are just too annoying to figure out where the camping beaches are at? Well, you no longer have an excuse. This list maps the campable beaches along the West Coast from San Diego, CA to Bellingham, WA, worth checking out.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Southern California

Photo: Pictor Pictures/Shutterstock

Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu

A stunning beach camping spot just north of Malibu proper. For the photographers reading, this park is well known for the beachside caves you can explore and photograph sunset from within.

Cost: $45Funny comment: “I loathe to rate this 5 stars because I don’t want anyone else finding out about it and the rates to increase anymore (I’ve seen them go from ~10 bucks to $60 a night) and availability to greatly decrease. So please don’t go here . Also, the critters in the tide pools have mostly been picked, as it’s pretty barren compared to what it once was, so if you do go, please don’t touch anything.” Evan Aldrich

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Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach

Crystal Cove is a 3.2-mile-long beach in Laguna Beach that can provide a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the Los Angeles area. Since campsites are not on the beach, these coastal campsites are often not booked out months in advance, so Crystal Cove is perfect for any last-minute arrivals.

Cost: $25Funny comment: “Honestly, all there is there is sand and water, and clean bathrooms without any needles. Ok, it really is a 5-star place, but I want to keep it for myself. Don’t hate.” -Robert Rogers

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San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas

If you are a surfer, this is a must-stay because you are centrally located in all the north county surf spots of San Diego. If you are not a surfer, San Elijo is a great family spot to camp along the coast. Pro Tip: bring an e-bike to explore the coastline and town.

Cost: $35Helpful comment: “The beach is nice, but make sure you look at the map before selecting a campsite. The campground is right beside a busy road (that quiets down significantly after 9 pm) but is also within 100 yards of a very active railroad line. The trains sound their horns right next to the campground all night.” Alex Miller

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Carpinteria State Beach in Carpinteria

Located halfway between Santa Barbara and Ventura, this campground is a great place to camp with a tent, RV, or van. The water is accessible for swimming and surf breaks are found north and south only a few miles. Lastly, make sure to walk along the beach for sunset, they are stellar here!

Cost: $45Helpful comment: “Laid back!!! This place is a definition of a beautiful sleepy California beach town. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the big touristy beach towns, stay here. It’s got some good mom-and-pop restaurants and a small shopping plaza for your basic needs, some hotels and inns and even a brewery. Due to the severe high waves weather advisory, we didn’t stay long, but we still enjoyed the morning walk on the beach.” -Dut Kasilag

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Pacific Dunes Ranch Campground in Pismo Beach

While this campground is geared towards RVs and vans, the Pacific Dunes Ranch is as close as you can get to the OHV sand dunes that give Pismo Beach its namesake. These rolling dunes are a haven for all those who love a good time in the sand. If you are like me, getting sand everywhere isn’t my kind of fun, so make sure to walk to the beach and enjoy a casual body surf.

Cost: $70Helpful comment: “Great campground for the family. I have two younger kids and they love the dunes access and sledding down the sand dunes. Sites are slightly snug if you have a larger trailer but great place to stay if you plan to visit the surrounding beaches. The newly added, “clubhouse,” is great for playing board games while the kids watch Disney+ on the tv in the evening or if their is rainy/windy weather.” -Ashley Hazelton

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Northern California

Photo: Eric Surprenant /Shutterstock

Kirk Creek Campground in Big Sur

Wake up to stunning ocean views outside of your tent, or RV. Located at the bottom of the Big Sur area, with 33 first-come first-serve sites, make sure to reserve your site before you go because this campground is almost always full by mid-morning.

Cost: $45Helpful comment: “Great campground. Located right on the California coast, this campground is probably one of the prettiest in the state. Camping here means you are basically cut off from the rest of the world: no wifi, no cell signal, just you and the waves.” -Hannah Lin

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Glamping Tent in Soquel

No need to pack a tent, this forest glamping Airbnb has you covered with everything you need to enjoy both the forest and the beach. The glamping sites, complete with a bed and deck, are only 10 minutes from the beach. Guests have dubbed these sites as the perfect spot “to decompress and recharge.”

Cost: $181Helpful comment: “Absolutely loved this beautiful spot. Unbelievably cozy beds and linens, we were toasty warm. The setting in the forest is incredibly atmospheric with owls and deer. I would return in a heartbeat!” -Natasha and Tom

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An Airstream Overlooking the Beach in Half Moon Bay

The most unique stay on this list of campsites is this Airstream comes with a large deck, fire pit, and Adirondack chairs overlooking the ocean. Drive up and park your car, then wander into this cute and cozy Airstream with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged cliffs around the Half Moon Bay area. There is plenty of room for you to roll out a yoga mat and get your zen on.

Cost: $399Helpful comment: “BOOK. THIS. NOW. We loved staying in the Airstream! I was dubious if the scenery would actually match the pictures online—but real life was actually better! You get panoramic views of the Pacific coast and can hear the surf crashing the beach and rocks! I was also a little worried about staying in the Airstream because I had never “camped” before, but a quick orientation phone call from the owners and everything was SO EASY! We had no problems with having enough battery power or water… it was like being in a very private condo with a million dollar view!” -Rebecca

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Coast Campground Point Reyes National Seashore

Pack your backpack and head to Coast Campground with a few friends for a great night of sleep in Point Reyes National Seashore. The sites here are limited, 14 in total, and require a 1.8-mile hike, keeping most people away. This added effort keeps the sites quiet for a great night of sleep with a “private” beach as the day trippers leave around sunset.

Cost: $30Helpful comment: “Perfect beginner’s backpacking trip for families. Three flat miles in via Coast Trail and two miles out via Fire Lane/Laguna trails. Beautiful beach, potable water from two faucets, relatively clean pit toilets. I would recommend groups and campers with kids stay in sites 8-14.” -Justin Steele

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Lost Coast Backpacking Route

Spanning 53 miles of Northern Califonia’s Coastline, this backpacking trip goes beyond car camping. Taking an average of three nights and four days, the Lost Coast Trail is an iconic California backpacking trip with views of coastal cliffs and sea life that will bring you a joyful reprieve from the sand walking.

Cost: $12 per person for 14 nights max

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Oregon

Photo: Jerod Beeson/Shutterstock

Cape Lookout State Park in Tillamook

Featuring beachfront campsites for tents and RVs with stunning ocean views and access to hiking trails on the quintessential Oregon coast. Keep an eye out along the cliff band as you might spot a few hang gliders ridge soaring. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your bug spray.

Cost: $23Funny comment: “Easy layout, SUPER close to the beach…which is a double-edged sword. We camped in January and there was a storm that destroyed our stuff; 2.5″ of rain, 70mph winds, flooded the campground trails, flooded our campsite, flooded the road in/out and the raccoons are especially devious here; They figured out how to open our difficult-to-open cooler and dragged food items into the bushes, opened a latched box with shoes and carried the box away and they ran off with our unopened half & half…” -Gary DeBro

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Cornerstone Ranch in Brookings

Cornerstone Ranch is an alternative camping site inland of the Instagram famous Harris Beach State Park in Brookings, Oregon. While this camping is not at the beach, like Harris’s, there is almost always a place to pitch your tent, or park your RV, on the 500 acres along the Rogue River.

Cost: $45Helpful comment: “This was a beautiful farm stay! Really enjoyed seeing the animals and being able to buy fresh eggs for breakfast. Love the shade from the old trees. Will stay longer next time. Liked the location to the ocean beaches. Thanks!” -Steve C.

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Wright’s for Camping at Cannon Beach

Want to see Tufted Puffins at Haystack Rock? Well, Wright’s for Camping is a family-owned and operated campground a half mile from the famous Haystack Rocks. With 22 campsites, Wright’s for Camping is a walkable distance to the town and the famous rock, making this family-friendly spot a great stop along the coast.

Cost: $50Helpful comment: “Our family of 4 (2 adults / 2 children) and dog enjoyed the woodsy feel of the campground, which by far was the cleanest campground we’ve ever stayed at… We had site 10 on night 1 and 11 on nights 2 and 3. We booked several months in advance as this place is popular. Campsites are spacious and some are less private than others. I loved 10 and 11…” -Erin P

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South Beach State Park, Newport

The largest campground along the Oregon Coastline, this family-friendly state park boasts 315 total sites. Don’t let the number of sites turn you away because this campground has figured out how to provide a cozy stay for tent campers, yurt lovers, RV goers, and pet lovers alike.

Cost: $24 for tent site, $47 for yurt, $62 for pet-friendly yurtFunny comment: “Ranger locked bathrooms for “cleaning” then sat in the truck watching people walk up and not be able to get in and just watched them leave.” -Cory Gage

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Rock Creek Campground

Located on the eastern side of Highway One, Rock Creek Campground proved the best of both worlds when camping in Oregon; the forest and the beach. This campground is a short walk to the beach, which can occasionally have good surf but is typically known for the tide pools.

Cost: $24Helpful comment: “This is the best of both environments – mossy big pine forest and stream, just a short walk to a beautiful Oregon coast beach.” -Julie Sanders

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Washington

Photo: Emily Marie Wilson/Shutterstock

Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco

A wonderful escape from the city, this coastal camping offers lighthouse access and ample trails to wander. Make sure to hike to Bell’s Viewpoint, this will grant you a stellar view of the Lighthouse at sunset.

Cost: $27 to $37.00Punny comment: “Definitely did not a disappoint.” -Vee K

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Kalaloch Campground in Olympic National Park

Kalaloch offers stunning views right from your tent in Olympic National Park. Make sure you pay for your park entrance fee as well to avoid a ticket. The best part of this campground is the walkability to the tide pools and trail system within the national park.

Cost: $24Helpful comment: “What a beautiful place. We arrived at 4PM on a weekday in May. No oceanfront sites available, but we stayed on D23 and it was great! Right beside the oceanfront. Honestly, alot of ocean sites aren’t great for a tent. Our site was huge, we placed our tent in a little nook. The ocean drowned out the highway. Lovely walk on the beach… Watch out for the hungry ravens.” -Meg Pill

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Moran State Park on Orcas Island

Put your car on the ferry, or begin a sea kayaking adventure, and land yourself a campsite at Moran State Park for beach camping on Orcas Island. The surrounding area has waterfalls, the ocean, hiking trails, and best of all, it is kid-friendly. So, bring your whole family.

Cost: $10Helpful comment: “Went to Orcas for the day with the wife and 9 yr old daughter and ended up in Moran State Park. Did the Cascade Lake Loop, absolutely gorgeous and perfect hike for the kiddo, just under 3 miles, not much elevation and beautiful views of the lake almost all the way around.” -Kevin Star

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Deception Pass State Park in Oak Harbor

Deception Pass is known for its beachside campsites with stunning views of the Deception Pass Bridge. On a sunny evening, the bridge glows in the golden light and is a favorite photo location among visitors and locals.

Cost: $27 to $37Helpful comment: “The drive here is beautiful and the views from the bridge are something worth stopping and enjoying. I was here on this trip in the morning, but could only imagine a sunset view from the bridge as the sun disappeared into the Pacific Ocean. There are two bridges and a little pull out and observatory in between the two bridges.” -Edwin Rushton

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Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend

This historical landmark hosts two campgrounds serving backpackers, car campers, and RVs. This multi-purpose camping area is centered around Fort Worden, founded in the 1890s as one of the three strategic defenses for the Puget Sound. So, camping here is like a blast into the past.

Cost: $12 primitive campsite, $27 to $37 standard campsiteHelpful comment: “Hit and miss depending on what you’re going there for. Beautiful setting, the beaches, lighthouse, park, stunning views and walks. Good camping, but the cottages and buildings are in pretty rough shape…” -Tree of No Return

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