8 Destinations in the Western U.S. That Will Give You a Taste of Traveling Abroad
Experience Italy, Germany, New Zealand, and more without leaving the U.S.
Do you ever wish you could travel to a cozy Scandinavian town or the black-sand beaches of New Zealand without having to endure an international flight? Well, reader, we're here to tell you that you can have your far-flung vacation without even setting foot out of the American West.
Whether you're crunched for time, low on travel funds, or waiting to receive your updated passport, there are a host of reasons why a big international trip might not be in the cards. That doesn't mean you have to forgo the feeling of skiing in the Swiss Alps or sipping wine while looking out over the grapevine-cloaked Tuscan countryside. These eight destinations in Washington, California, and Colorado will send your brain abroad while keeping your body planted firmly in the U.S.
Solvang, California
Along California's Central Coast in Santa Barbara County, the charming village of Solvang is home to buildings that look like gingerbread houses, twirling windmills, and exceptionally friendly people. Founded in 1911 by Danish Americans from the Midwest, Solvang (Danish for “sunny fields”) also boasts a variety of wine tasting rooms, trendy boutiques, and farm-to-fork restaurants like First & Oak. The Nordic-themed town honors its Danish heritage with traditional bakeries (example: Olsen's), chocolatiers (Ingeborg's), and souvenir shops selling everything from hygge slippers to Scandinavian ceramics along Copenhagen Street. Must-try treats include stroopwafels, fruit strudels, and aebleskivers, a classic Danish pastry that’s similar to a doughnut hole, but puffier.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley attracts wine lovers from around the world to Northern California. With its acres of rolling vineyards and beautiful golden sunsets, this region can make travelers feel as if they’re in Tuscany. Besides rows upon rows of grapevines, Napa also has the Castello di Amorosa, a 14th-century-style castle that looks like it was plucked straight out of the Italian countryside. The valley is home to more than 400 fantastic wineries, each with its own unique offerings. This destination is ideal for any type of traveler, from couples to friend groups to families.
Related: Travel + Leisure's guide to Napa Valley
Vail, Colorado
At the base of a mountain that shares its name, Vail has the charming look of a Bavarian village and the invigorating atmosphere of a bustling European ski resort. The town transports visitors back in time as they follow cobblestone walkways between historic-looking buildings. After a day of adventure on the mountain, make a stop at The Red Lion, Vail’s classic après-ski bar. In the warmer months, the bar opens up its windows and hosts live music sessions.
Nearby, the popular eatery Almresi honors the owner’s roots in Germany’s Black Forest region with a menu featuring schmorbraten (German pot roast) and fondue made with Kirschwasser (traditional cherry liqueur). Additionally, the Swiss Chalet restaurant serves fondue and raclette (a traditional Swiss cheese) inside the luxurious boutique hotel Sonnenalp, the perfect lodging option for travelers wanting to fully immerse themselves in a Euro-style ski town nearer to home.
Avalon, California
The surrounding mountains, colorful cliffside homes, and sweeping ocean vistas of Avalon resemble those in Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Just off the coast of Los Angeles, the Catalina Island town offers beautiful sightseeing opportunities and year-round sunshine. Travelers dreaming of a trip to the Mediterranean can get their fill of laid-back beach days, epic snorkeling, and fresh seafood. Explore on foot or rent a golf cart from one of the local shops to see more of the island and take in the scenic views. After a day of sightseeing, you can relax with a cocktail in hand at the Descanso Beach Club, which offers a stretch of sand and comfy cabanas.
Black Sands Beach, California
The Lost Coast region of Northern California is one of the state’s most off-the-beaten-path adventure spots, with no major roads to access this area wrapped in ocean. Like the name suggests, the 3.5-mile stretch of Black Sands Beach, located along a quiet backpacking trail in Humboldt County, is covered in dark-colored sand resembling certain beaches in Hawaii or New Zealand. If you've ever seen Karekare Beach near the Kiwi capital of Auckland, you'll probably be struck by its resemblance to this California gem. Bring a magnet and drag it through the sand, dark in hue due to its rich iron content — you'll find that some of the minerals, such as magnetite, stick to it.
Mono Lake, California
Reflecting the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada, Mono Lake is known for the unique tufa towers (mineral structures) protruding from its waters. It's the oldest lake in the Western Hemisphere and one of the state’s hidden gems. You could easily compare Mono Lake to Israel's Dead Sea — thanks to its high salt content (about 280 million tons of dissolved salts), swimmers can naturally float on the surface.
Death Valley, California
One of Death Valley National Park's most beautiful features, the salt flats at Badwater Basin, can be compared to the scenery in Uyuni, Bolivia, from the patchwork honeycomb pattern under your feet to the mountains in the distance (except these are the Sierras, not the Andes). Sitting at 282 feet below sea level, it's officially the lowest point in North America. The expansive stretch of land has been formed over thousands of years from minerals settling into the earth, creating a striking view.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascades. The town boasts beautiful old-world architecture, an outdoor theater, more than a dozen tasting rooms with beer and wine, plenty of German eateries serving up brats and schnitzel, and 800 miles of nearby hiking trails to explore. The Leavenworth Sausage Garten’s sausages are made on-site using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Book your stay at the Bavarian Lodge or Enzian Inn for the full experience.
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