Top Attractions and Points of Interest in the Western United States

Category

Tours & Excursions

About

"This is a narrow gauge steam train trip between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonio, Colorado. Built in 1881, very little has changed. This is a day-long excursion through some of the most varied and beautiful scenery the San Juan Mountains have to offer. Also included in your ticket price is a home-cooked lunch of either turkey, meatloaf, or soup, and salad bar plus homemade desserts. The trains are powered by 1925 steam locomotives and there are three classes of accommodations. Chama, New Mexico, is also a charming town with several types of lodging (including a very nice RV park!) and lots of shops and restaurants. This trip will transport you back to the 1880s where it's you, the train, and mother nature at her finest! This is a must-see!"

Nearby Attractions

"The other end of the line at Antonio, Colorado, is near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Chama, New Mexico, is less than an hour's drive to Pagosa Springs, Colorado."

Submitted By

Jeffrey McConnell

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Jeffrey McConnell

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Of all of the parks and natural sights we've seen (and in the west we've seen a lot), this is by far the most spectacular place we've seen. Antelope Canyon is within the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park. Mostly the Navajo lead the tours into Antelope Canyon. Unaccompanied visitors to the Antelope Canyon are prohibited due to potential flash floods. Antelope Canyon is the most famous slot canyon in the southwest."

Nearby Attractions

"The House on the Rock, Spring Green, Wisconsin. The House on the Rock is amazing!"

Submitted By

Peter Frank, Connie Buckley

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Takashi Muramatsu, Christian Keller

Category

Tours & Excursions

About

"You can tour two caverns. The tour is informative about caves as an ecosystem and the formations are stunning inside. It’s not expensive and it’s family friendly. The parking lot has plenty of room to park your LTV. We stayed at the Whetstone campgrounds. Very cheap!! From there, we went to Bisbee, Tombstone, and the caverns."

Nearby Attractions

"Bisbee – an artsy town with a lot of ghost stories. Famous for the Bisbee copper and turquoise mines. Tombstone – a must see. Historic site of the gunfight at OK Corral. Fun re-enactments, historic museums, pubs, and restaurants, with stories and history in each one. Be sure to tour the graveyard there as well. It’s a somber reminder that many didn’t live to be old in the Wild West."

Submitted By

Dawn Floen

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Dawn Floen

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is another incredible geologic feature of the northern Arizona landscape. Sunset Crater offers intriguing trails, a scenic drive, and a page of local history. Apollo astronauts trained here before heading to the moon. One of the nicest campgrounds on the Coconino National Forest is located right next door, Bonito Campground. This Forest Service campground is open from spring to fall, and offers flush toilets, water, weekly summer ranger programs, and incredible dark night skies. Half of the 44 sites are reservable on recreation.gov. Dump stations available close by in Flagstaff. Fees are only $26/night, $13 with Federal Interagency Senior Pass."

Nearby Attractions

"From Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, it's a lovely drive to visit Wupatki National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument, to appreciate how people lived here hundreds of years ago."

Submitted By

Karen Malis-Clark

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Coconino National Forest, Jeff Hollett

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Hoodoos, ancient ruins, scenic overlooks into the canyon. You can take a guide with a Jeep into the floor of canyon."

Submitted By

Rich Flaugh

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tsaiproject

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Chiricahua, New Mexico, is a bit out of the way, but well worth it! The landscape is like no other, particularly hiking the Echo Canyon Loop Trail – a must-see, must-do if in Chiricahua National Monument. There’s also a nice scenic drive through the National Monument with many overlooks, for those who prefer driving to hiking. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to fully appreciate all Chiricahua has to offer of, in my opinion, breath-taking scenery. We stayed in Sagebrush Mobile Home and RV Park, about 30 miles from Chiricahua National Monument. It was clean and well maintained. Without an abundance of shade trees, it would be hot in the summer. Staff was very friendly and attentive. My husband works when on the road, and he found no problem with connectivity. Based in our positive experience we would recommend Sagebrush. Not many options in the area. Please read reviews for it and other campgrounds near by." "Fabulous scenery of the surrounding sky mountains and hoodoos. Great hiking trails. There is a campground in the park."

Nearby Attractions

"We hiked in the Cochise Stronghold. A great place to visit for those who enjoy history." "Kartchner Caverns State Park."

Submitted By

Rhonda Penning, Cynthia Muskin

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Rhonda Penning

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Set in the heart of the Sonoma Valley wine country, Healdsburg is one of California’s most darling towns. I’m recommending it not just as a destination in and of itself, though it’s populated with great restaurants, tiny shops, and tons of wine tasting rooms. But it’s also a great jumping off point to hundreds of Sonoma’s best and most beautiful wineries. A wine-tasting trip is becoming all the more accessible to RVers, thanks to Harvest Hosts, where an ever-growing number of wineries will host you overnight, often for free. Russian River RV Campground, in Cloverdale, California, sits along the Russian River, which is great for a gentle raft or kayak float for miles through Sonoma Valley. For a quick, easy few-days stay, check on the Cloverdale Citrus Fair, which offers sites on a first-come basis for $33 a night."

Nearby Attractions

"While it’s not my favorite winery, Coppola Winery is one of the most interesting of destinations for its Rustic restaurant and for its exhibit of movie props, costumes, and sundry paraphernalia thanks to its owner and founder, director Francis Ford Coppola."

Submitted By

Patrick Houston

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Patrick Houston

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Just outside of Lone Pine, California, just off of the Mt. Whitney Portal Road, we found the perfect boondocking spot. We camped for FREE for five days over Memorial Day weekend. Turns out that over 400 movies have been filmed here, mostly old  black and white westerns from 'back in the day'. Now I watch old westerns to see our 'favorite campground'. There's lots of camping around here. Tuttle Creek Campground is inexpensive and has assigned sites. It is located close to Alabama Hills and has more creature comforts."

Nearby Attractions

"Breakfast at the café in Lone Pine (arrive early), and also visit the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine."

Submitted By

Tom Hirst

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Tom Hirst

Category

Zoos & Aquariums

About

"San Diego Zoo is world-class and top-notch! A day spent at this zoo is something you won't quickly forget – the zoo in and of itself is beautiful and a nice place to meander through. But the real attraction here are the animals from around the world, and the zoologists and keepers who provide the very best care for them possible. You will not only enjoy the animals, you will learn much as well!"

Submitted By

Shelly Duffer

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MattCC716

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"The Leadville Railroad was extremely scenic with a lot of geographical and wildlife information provided along the way. Lots of choices to sit indoors, outdoors, or in between. Stay at Sugar Loafin Campground at over 10,000 feet altitude, with great views of the two highest mountain peaks in Colorado."

Nearby Attractions

"Numerous lakes, and the town of Leadville was worth a visit."

Submitted By

Leo Martinez

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Leo Martinez

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Frisco, Colorado, is a central spot to lots of other Colorado attractions. It provides easy access to Dillon Reservoir, Silverthorn, Breckenridge, and Keystone. There are a network of paved cycling paths that connect all the locations and provide easy access to trails, fishing locations, and the small, unique towns with shopping, breweries, and dining. There is also an extensive system of hiking and mountain biking trails, giving a variety of scenic views. Stay at Heaton Bay Campground, Prospector Campground, or Windy Point Campground.

Nearby Attractions

"Numerous lakes, and the town of Leadville was worth a visit."

Submitted By

Kurt Pennington

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Kurt Pennington

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Beautiful mountain setting. Many hiking trails leaving from downtown and the surrounding area. Very nice public hot springs swimming pool. Several beautiful waterfalls near town. Stay at Amphitheater Campground."

Nearby Attractions

"Telluride is a good nearby day trip. Especially enjoyed the free gondola from the center of town."

Submitted By

Tom Funkhouser

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Mike McBey

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Beautiful lake with fishing and hiking. Very nice trail, approximately 2 miles going completely around the lake. Very nice mountain setting. Big Meadows Campground is one of our favorites. Campsites are well spread out on the hillside with views of the lake. Very flat and private."

Nearby Attractions

"Nearest town of any size is Pagosa Springs, which we would like to check out for the large hot spring facility located there."

Submitted By

Tom Funkhouser

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Tom Funkhouser

Category

Tours & Excursions

About

"Bucket list item! Stay at Swiftwater RV Park."

Submitted By

Squire Smith

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Squire Smith

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Spectacular views, hiking, camping, photography, wildlife, and one of the most scenic drives in the world. Stay at St. Mary Campground."

Nearby Attractions

"Going to the Sun Road is a must but it is closed early in the summer season and our Wonder was too big to pass it. We chartered on the Red Bus – fantastic!"

Submitted By

Bruce Mathewson, David Guzman

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David Guzman

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Livingston, Montana, is in the heart of the mountains, in the Paradise Valley. One visit and you'll know why it's called that. Just north of Yellowstone, with lots of camping. 'A River Runs Through It' was filmed in part here. World famous trout fishing both on its famed and difficult spring creeks that will definitely hone your fly fishing skills (Nelson's, DePuys, and Armstrong), not to mention guided trips available on the Yellowstone where Lewis and Clark explored. Great western-style shops. Mark's for ice cream and malts. Across the pass from the university town of Bozeman and Museum of the Rockies. Stay at Pine Creek NFS campground (no hookups, but what a location), Livingston KOA for something more traditional, or Mallard's Rest campground (no hookups, but you're on the Yellowstone River, so who cares)."

Nearby Attractions

"Yellowstone is an hour or so away. Bozeman and the Gallatin River (more camping)."

Submitted By

Bill Semion

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Bill Semion

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"If you find yourself in northern Arizona, a detour to cross Navajo Bridge is well worth your time. Stunning scenery, and you might be able to watch condors nesting among the cliffs!"

Submitted By

Shelly Duffer

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Don Graham

Category

Historic Areas

About

"Taos Pueblo is a 1000-year-old indigenous cultural site."

Nearby Attractions

"Taos art colony"

Submitted By

Ed Weir

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Phillip Capper

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"We enjoyed 3 different hikes in Bandelier, New Mexico, highlighting beautifully preserved ruins which echo the existence of an ancient civilization. The history in the ruins is definitely the reason to visit Bandelier National Monument. No need to be an avid hiker here. That being said, being hikers, we enjoyed two hikes which gave a great bird’s eye view of the ruins. The third 'hike' was more of an up-close and personal walk, touring the well-preserved ruins. Very interesting. For camping, we would recommend the White Rock Visitors Center. $20 per night, electrical hookup, water available, and dump station, and fairly level paved parking lot. Propane gas grills allowed. Nicely maintained. Nothing fancy, but in a nice quiet town away from the busyness of Santa Fe, New Mexico, which is approximately a 30-minute drive."

Nearby Attractions

"Overlook Point, a 5-minute drive from the White Rock Visitors Center, has an awesome trail, Blue Dot Trail, which takes you down to the Rio Grand River. The vistas are jaw-dropping! It’s not an easy trail, but hubby and I, physically fit seniors at 71 years young, thoroughly enjoyed it!"

Submitted By

Rhonda Penning

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jaygannett

Category

Attractions

About

"This beautiful outdoor theater is built in a hill. Medora Musical is an ode to patriotism, Theodore Roosevelt, and the Old West, Great theater production."

Submitted By

Rich Flaugh

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Roderick Eime

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"The views of this lake by driving around the lake are stunning. We were not able to do any hikes due to snow (Memorial Day weekend!), but they are reported to be even more spectacular. Crater Lake is one of the deepest lakes in the United States. The look-out areas have nice big spots to park your LTV. We recommend staying at Diamond Lake RV Resort, only 15 minutes from the north entrance to Crater Lake."

Nearby Attractions

"Numerous waterfalls and parks along Highway 138. They are easy to get to, enough parking if you are driving your LTV, and gorgeous for a picnic lunch. Do not visit Crater Lake before Memorial Day as the road that goes around the lake may not be fully open."

Submitted By

Lani Moss

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Lani Moss

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"So much to do in one spot! Easy access. Beautiful birds, whales, and tide pools. You will find a wonderful visitors center with many enthusiastic people to answer all your questions. Camp at Tillicum Beach Campground, where they take reservations as well as first-come, first-served. Gorgeous spot on the water."

Nearby Attractions

"Any spot on the Oregon coast!"

Submitted By

Lori Romer

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Jim Bauer

Category

Historical Areas

About

"The Sumpter Gold Mining Dredge is open to the public and the restored railroad depot is very nice."

Nearby Attractions

"Forest campgrounds and boondocking opportunities available."

Submitted By

Sandy Basse

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Baker County Tourism Travel Baker County

Category

Historical Areas

About

"A bit out of the way but very worthwhile, this national historical site features two locomotives at the meeting of the east and west railroads. We recommend camping at Century RV Park in Ogden, Utah, or Village of Trees RV Resort in Declo, Idaho."

Nearby Attractions

"Nearby is the Great Salt Lake."

Submitted By

John Jorgensen

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John Jorgensen

Category

National Park

About

We have enjoyed scores of national parks and keep going back to Zion. The photographic and hiking opportunities are awesome. If you are leaving the park to the east (say to go to Bryce Canyon), be sure to take the Zion Mount Carmel Highway, a stunning 40 mile stretch that connects up with US Route 89. If you are traveling in an RV, you will need to purchase a tunnel permit for the main park entrance.

Submitted By

Mike E, Paul Aucoin

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Mike E, Paul Aucoin

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"The hoodoos are absolutely magical to see. It is like a fairy wonderland for the eyes!" "The most unique formations I have seen anywhere."

Nearby Attractions

"Zion National Park is nice."

Submitted By

Sandy Basse, Bill Rudd

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Sandy Basse

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Scenic 6-mile round-trip hike to a beautiful waterfall, located near a charming little campground."

Submitted By

Marcia Flaugh

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Ken Lund

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Natural beauty kept natural. Residential and businesses kept in town, unlike other places where homes are mixed with nature. Really feels like you're out there like in the early days. We stayed at Canyonlands RV Resorts and Campgrounds. I suggest not making reservations using their phone number listed, it's to some person somewhere in America who doesn't know this park. We ended up just arriving to the park and asked for a place on the spot. No problem getting a place. Easy walk to town."

Submitted By

Carolyn Libby

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Carolyn Libby

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Yellowstone is the first and most magnificent national park in the USA! The unique hydrothermal and geologic wonders, together with the abundant and visible wildlife, make Yellowstone the ultimate outdoor destination. The Park is home to the largest concentration of mammals in the lower 48 states. As well as bears, moose, bighorn sheep, wolves, and all 69 species of mammal, look out for the huge numbers of birds, the otters, et al. The geothermic wonders (including 'Old Faithful') are amazing and the whole area is beautiful to look at."

Submitted By

Steve Dorrington, Glenn Bolden

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Irene Steeves

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Devils Tower is an amazing geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. The most popular hike is the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile paved hiked that starts at the Visitor Center parking lot. There are many interesting spots to take photos on the hike around the base of the tower. Recommend taking binoculars on the hike as you will see climbers heading up to the top of the tower (permits are required to climb to the top). Parking is adequate for RVs. The tower was featured in the 1977 movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', which adds a little extra fun to this natural wonder. Check the Devils Tower website for information regarding campgrounds."

Submitted By

Joe Mirizzi

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Joe Mirizzi

Category

Museums & Galleries

About

"This is the finest museum of operational military vehicles I have ever seen. The gentleman who owns this museum is a billionaire who is putting his funds into providing the public with a history of vehicles, from WWI through current vehicles used today. All are operational and I had the privilege to be in Dubois, Wyoming, and went through the tour lead by the owner of the museum. I watched children and adults alike thrilled by the displays, and my own grandson, who is 8 years old, asked a thousand questions. I am a former Special Forces soldier and the museum mentioned the MACV/SOG operations. Well worth the drive if headed to the Grand Tetons or Yellowstone. I recommend staying at Dubois/Wind River KOA."

Nearby Attractions

"National Bighorn Sheep Center was also a worthwhile stop."

Submitted By

Larry Sills

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GeordieMac Pics

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is home to blue pupfish, and is the largest oasis in the Mojave Desert. Find 30 species of plants and animals that don't exist anywhere else."

Nearby Attractions

Death Valley National Park

Submitted By

Rich Flaugh

Photo Credit

Ron Gilbert, USFWS Pacific Southwest Region

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Enjoy the surreal landscape of an inland salt water lake, with special plants and animals that have adapted to the habitat."

Nearby Attractions

"Close to the Lee Vining entrance to Yosemite National Park, which is a great way to enter that park."

Submitted By

Jim Becker

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Jim Becker

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Spend some time among the giants! Redwood National and State Parks encompass many miles of California’s northernmost coast. With old growth redwood forests, spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, plus beaches and rivers, there’s an endless supply of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities, from hiking and biking to paddling, fishing, and swimming. Several campgrounds with friendly rangers and camp hosts await eager LTVers for memorable stays. We stayed at dog-friendly Jedediah Smith Campground, but there are others such as Mill Creek, Elk Prairie, and Gold Bluffs Beach, plus several other nearby public campgrounds and private RV parks. Public campgrounds have showers, water fills, and dump stations."

Nearby Attractions

"Be sure to stop at Trinidad, just south of the parks, for supplies, art galleries, wine tasting, and restaurants. Don’t miss Moonstone Beach and Big Lagoon county parks for coastal access with calm waters."

Submitted By

Mary Williams

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Mary Williams

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Very scenic and famous rock climbing canyon. Easy hike along the river and open observation of big wall climbers. Mountain biking and trail running. A day venue with no RV camping but well worth a visit. Bend, Oregon, is an RVer's dream, with multiple and ample opportunities for outdoor activities and RV camping."

Submitted By

Jerry Northern

Photo Credit

Doug Kerr

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"The second least-visited national park, North Cascades and the nearby Ross Lake Recreation Area and Mount Baker provide some of the most remote, majestic, and yet accessible wilderness in the United States. Campsites, national forest roads, and RV parks surround the area and day hikes and more challenging hikes and climbs abound."

Nearby Attractions

"The nearby town of Winthrop on the east side of the park is a not-to-be-missed recreation of a town of the old west, full of shops, restaurants, and scenery — including the Methow River for fishing or tubing."

Submitted By

Michael Graham

Photo Credit

Jeff Hollett

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Breathtaking scenery, especially early in the morning, and very easy access. Included with our favorite places in Olympic National Park. We recommend camping at Kalaloch Campground on the beach or Hoh Campground in the rainforest."

Nearby Attractions

"We found every aspect of Olympic National Park beautiful. Everything is so green. Beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, hiking. This park has everything."

Submitted By

Tom Funkhouser

Photo Credit

Tom Funkhouser

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"Franklin Falls Trail is a beautiful walk along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, from its confluence with Denny Creek to Franklin Falls. An easy hike with several viewpoints through a hemlock and cedar woods. The falls are fabulous, and the adventurous can dip in the pool at their foot. Stay at Denny Creek Campground – though you get noise from the I-90 above, at night the white noise of the river is wonderful."

Nearby Attractions

"Denny Creek Trail to the Falls, or Melakwa Lake; also near Snow Lake Trail into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness."

Submitted By

Michael Graham

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Sean O'Neill

Category

Outdoors & Recreation

About

"The magnificent California central coast is blessed with beauty and many things to do from Santa Barbara to San Simeon. Any place you choose to stop, whatever you choose to see or do, you will be happy. Take the scenic drive – 154 off the 101 (just as you approach Santa Barbara) – up to Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Solvang Buellton, and more, or down from there. Spectacular drive up or down the mountain, but I do recommend driving down 154 to the 101 and Santa Barbara. While on the central coast, check out the hundreds of wineries, especially in Paso Robles. Cambria, like the other small towns along the way, is charm on steroids. Don't miss Harmony. The last time I stopped by to visit the population was posted as 18. Restaurants along the way are outstanding. Don't miss the famous clam chowder in Pismo Beach. I recommend Splash Cafe for this. Good hiking and walks can be found in Los Osos. All the other places and spots that can be named are well-known and all are worth your time for a visit, hike, meal, photos, etc. Of course, Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground in Buellton should be on any list if you want to stay at a resort, for this lovely spot is, indeed, a fun, well-maintained resort. Once it was simply a well-maintained RV park with the option of dry camping at the back of the park (where the autumn leaves stole the show), but those wonderful days are long gone."

Nearby Attractions

"There is a pretty, easy walk along the San Luis Obispo Creek in Avila Beach. This was not on the beaten path in the past, so you could possibly hope to be among only locals and maybe a few visitors who know about this quiet, charming walk. The farmer's market in Avila Beach is exceptional, a destination in its own right."

Submitted By

Shelley Pitchford

Photo Credit

Rennett Stowe

Category

Museums & Galleries

About

"Hearst Castle’s history begins in 1865, when George Hearst purchased 40,000 acres of ranchland. After his mother’s death in 1919, William Randolph Hearst inherited thousands of acres around San Simeon, and over time, he purchased more. The spread eventually encompassed about 250,000 acres. With architect Julia Morgan, Hearst conceived a retreat he called La Cuesta Encantada—Spanish for “Enchanted Hill.” By 1947, when Hearst had to leave the remote location because of his fragile health, the estate was still unfinished even though it comprised 165 rooms and 123 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways—all built to Hearst’s specifications and showcasing a legendary art collection."

Submitted By

Michael Henderson

Photo Credit

Anna Irene

Category

Zoos & Aquariums

About

"A fascinating combination of zoo and outdoor museum that provides something of interest for all ages."

Submitted By

Ginny Ansell

Photo Credit

Anna Irene