West Coast

Best Beaches on the West Coast

Beaches on the West Coast are some of the most unique and awe-inspiring coastal escapes in the United States. They’re easily among my favorite places for both adventure and relaxation.

Things to Do in Alameda

I love how Alameda blends island vibes with history, charm, and a relaxed coastal feel. It’s the best kind of getaway when you want something different without going too far.

Cool & Unusual Things to Do in Southern California

If you are planning a vacation with many different things to do, family fun, as well as diverse history and art to discover and appreciate, then Southern California is the best place to visit.

Places to Visit in the Bay Area

For me, the Bay Area is one of the best and most unique regions in California offering the perfect mix of culture, nature, and coastal beauty.

Day Trips from Spokane, WA

From mountain lakes to historic towns, Spokane delivers the best mix of scenery, relaxation, and adventure. The best part is the variety: lakes, mountains, wineries, and historic downtowns.

Romantic Weekend Destinations on the West Coast

When I’m dreaming of a quick romantic escape, the West Coast is always one of my favorite regions to explore. For me, it’s one of the best places for couples because it offers such a unique mix of coastal towns, wine country retreats, mountain getaways, and vibrant cities

My photo of tulips during Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Best Places to Visit in Washington

The first time I came to see the whales. Now I keep going back because I think that Washington State is one of the best places to visit in the U.S. It combines unique landscapes, vibrant cities, and underrated gems that always leave me with new favorite memories.

I took this photo of palm three at Huntington Beach

Best Day Trips in Southern California

SoCal is packed with some of the best and most exciting day trip destinations, and I’ve loved exploring so many of them.

I took this photo of the beach in Santa Barbara on a sunny day

Best Places to Visit in Southern (and Central) California

Southern California is one of the best regions for a vacation in the U.S. Over the years, it’s become one of my favorite destinations for sunshine, culture, and adventure.

My photo of coastal Oregon from the boat

Best Things to Do in Oregon on a Road Trip

The best part about the places to visit in Oregon is the variety: coastal escapes, vibrant cities, wine country, and mountain adventures.

I took this photo in an orchard in Northern California

Best Things to Do in Northern California on a Road Trip

Northern California is a land of dramatic contrasts, windswept coasts, towering redwoods, misty valleys, alpine lakes, and volcanic landscapes. From wine country vineyards to rugged wilderness, it offers some of the most enchanting scenery in the U.S. On my many road trips across the region, these were the highlights.

Tillamook: Cheese Factory Tours, Hiking & Ocean Views

Tillamook is the delightful county seat of Tillamook County, Oregon, located along the southeastern edge of the Pacific Ocean's beautiful Tillamook Bay.

The Largest Cities in Oregon

Oregon is the 9th largest state in terms of area and the 27th largest in terms of population.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. What started as a simple travel blog for regular people who love to travel like us evolved into a 30-year life-long endeavor - this website. My husband, son are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! I live in the USA with my husband and son. More about us.