People have been coming to the West for opportunities since before many of the states were in the Union of the United States. Americans and foreigners alike are coming to the West for jobs and to start a business, but nowadays they are also coming for vacation. The Western side of the United States is huge. There are many different places to visit. Whether you want to shop, eat out, drink, or see some beautiful scenery, below are the best destinations to visit in the West.
The Parks in Utah
Utah is known for a few things—Mormonism and national parks. The south of the state is gorgeous. It is beyond beautiful. Zion National Park is not to be missed. It is amazing. You can hike through tight narrow rocks, river water, and up to Angel’s Landing. Go camping in Zion. There is also Arches National Park, a beautiful open desert landscape with all kinds of rock formations. Canyonlands has amazing colors in the rocks. It is a canyon not unlike the Grand Canyon. Bryce Canyon is also awesome. Capitol Reef National Park is an incredible option as well. In Utah, you could spend weeks just exploring the state’s national parks.
The Mountains in Colorado
Denver is great, but you go to Colorado for the mountains. The Rocky Mountains are never far away in Colorado. You can go skiing or snowboarding in Telluride, Vail, Aspen, and many other places. Estes Park is a charming gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park where there is great hiking. It is difficult to decide where to camp in Colorado. There are plenty of non-nature things to do too, like going to a casino or visiting a brewery. Whether you’re into mountain climbing, through hiking, mountain biking, hanging out in hot springs, or simply taking in the beauty of a lake, Colorado is not to be missed.
The Beach in California
California has much more to offer than the beach, but it is possibly the number one reason to come to the state. Its coastline is huge. There are all kinds of destinations along the coast, and beautiful views of the ocean and cliffs all the way up. Between San Diego, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, all the way up to the Redwoods, the coast of California is special. Of course, you can hit cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco on your trip, but really the beauty in California is natural. You can go to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where you can hike and camp in Sequoia and Yosemite, but don’t miss out on the classic California coast.
The Cities & Ranches in Texas
It’s a cliché for a reason, everything is bigger in Texas. You could spend your whole life in the Lone Star State and never see it all. Between the cities and rural areas of Texas, you have so much to see. Barbecue should be high up on your list of things to do. Houston is a diverse city with many cultures, foods, and ways of life. Hotels in Houston are varied and interesting. Austin is an artistic yet business-oriented place that is both weird and eclectic. Like many capital cities, Austin is its own entity. In West Texas, you have some amazing scenery like Big Bend National Park. Here you can find your Texas fantasy. Find a ranch you can visit, stay for a while, and enjoy the true Texan way of life.
The Towns in Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona is gorgeous in general. It is beautiful during the summer, but perhaps it is even prettier during the winter. Sedona offers mystics and spirituality. It is a perfect place to vacation. Not only can you relax in Sedona, but the views are also amazing. Hiking here is great. Camping is an awesome option, but there are also some fantastic hotels. Flagstaff is another town not to miss. It is charming and quaint, with artists and people who love the outdoors. Stopping at a bar in Flagstaff, you will meet someone interesting. Anyone in Northern Arizona is worth visiting. It will always be beautiful.
The West of America is one of the most gorgeous places in the world. It’s diverse, with bustling cities and open landscapes. Whether you’ve been to the West before or are just diving in, there is no shortage of incredible places to go and things to see.
Ryan Beitler is a writer and traveler who has covered dozens of destinations for various publications.
