Press "Enter" to skip to content

Wander the West

Head west where adventure, incredible weather, and beauty await you.  

CALIFORNIA


Auburn State Recreation Area – Auburn, California 
Explore the heart of the gold country along the American River. 

San Francisco Botanical Garden – San Francisco, California
Smell the roses and visit the stunning urban oasis of extraordinary beauty. Enjoy more than 8,000 different kinds of plants from all around the world.  

The Getty Center – Los Angeles, California 
The Getty Center is an incredible combination of art, gardens, and architecture. It boasts impressive collections by tons of renowned artists and don’t forget about the striking views.  

March Field Air Museum – Riverside, California 
Visit one of the largest displays of military aircrafts and artifacts in Southern California.  

Big Sur – San Simeon, California 
Take in the rugged stretch of California’s coast and hike along the seaside cliffs, go camping, and soak up the views.  

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Palm Springs, California 
Uncover the world’s largest rotating tram car and take in the views while traveling along the beautiful cliffs of the Chino Canyon.  

Moaning Caverns – Vallecito, California 
Calling all spelunkers! Climb or rappel into the largest public cavern in California. The Moaning Caverns cave chamber so large it can fit the entire Statue of Liberty. 

Dutton Goldfield Winery – Sebastopol, California 
Cheers to drinking world-class wines on a beautiful patio in the sweet summer air.  

San Mateo Japanese Gardens– San Mateo, California 
Experience tranquility while roaming the Japanese gardens in San Mateo. Stop by the tea house or sit and read by the koi pond.  

Castello di Amorosa – Calistoga, California
Raise your glasses to a medieval-style Tuscan castle winery in Napa Valley.  

 

La Verne
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Porches & Places

Book your room for extra night in order to fit in all there is to do in La Verne in LA County. Some top attractions are the NHRA Motorsports Museum for hot-rod enthusiasts along with the RailGiants Train Museum. Beat the heat with the Raging Water Los Angeles and the Puddingstone Reservoir. If you are traveling by RV book a space at the Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort & Campground, complete with a pool, lake and fishing areas.

 

Palm Springs
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Leaskou Partners

Make the iconic Palm Springs a stop in your Californian itinerary. Palm Springs is known for it’s style, pampering and architecture. While in town, visit the  Living Desert Zoo and Garden and the Moorten Botanical Garden. Take a hike in the Indian Canyons and then head out for restaurants and spas galore. The entire Coachella Valley offers hiking, horseback riding and biking trails.

San Francisco
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Thrive

You’ll leave your heart in stunning San Francisco too, once you visit some of their famous landmarks and sights. Your first stop needs to be driving over the mile-wide suspension bridge better known as The Golden Gate Bridge. Nearby you’ll find the beautiful Golden Gate Park, which is over 1000 acres. Looking for something more captivating? Take a boat ride around tourist favorite Alcatraz Island, for scenic views and insight into this historic prison’s history.

 

HAWAII


Honolulu
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty

Away from the crowds of Waikiki, Maunalua Bay has a myriad of relaxing and energizing activities, creating the perfect balance for you and your family. Find serenity as you cruise the pristine waters of Koko Head Marina on a standup paddle board. Test your strength with the stair-master hike touring an old WWII railway deemed the ‘Koko Head Crater Trail.’ The stunning view from the volcanic top is the ultimate reward after the challenging 1,000 steps. Cool off at the historic Hanauma Bay, a protected cove populated with beautiful Native Hawaiian fish, known for snorkeling excursions and reef conservation.

Indulge your taste buds with traditional malasadas as you admire sunset at ‘Chinawalls,’ an iconic sea cliff encompassing a panorama stretching from Maunalua Bay to beyond Diamond Head’s Gold Coast.

Featured Listing: 6015 Kalanianaole Highway Honolulu, HI

Pololu Valley – Kamuela/Waimea Hawaii 
Soak up exceptional views and hike through the valleys that are carved into the Kohala volcano.  

 

NEVADA


National Automobile Museum – Reno, Nevada 
Drive on over to The National Automobile Museum, The Harrah’s Car Collection, that has more than 200 eye-popping cars with authentic street scenes and sounds.   

Seven Magic Mountains – Henderson, Nevada 
Take a trip to these brightly colored 30-foot-tall totems known as the Seven Magic Mountains. This public art instillation lights up the desert sky and is worth checking out. 

Sand Harbor – Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Swim on over to the largest alpine lake in North America. Kayak, swim, and soak up the sun at Sand Harbor, while peering off into Lake Tahoe’s cobalt blue crystal-clear waters.   

The Neon Boneyard – Las Vegas, Nevada
Visit the graveyard where neon signs from Las Vegas’ past find their final resting place after it’s no longer their time to shine.  

Las Vegas
Submitted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Universal

Las Vegas is more than just “The Strip.” When it comes to family activities, Las Vegas has a lot to offer. Indoor skydiving is a great alternative to the real thing. It offers a secure setting with the same feeling of free-falling, so you’re sure to have an amazing time. If that isn’t enough of a rush, why not try zip-lining above Freemont Street or at the Rio while the crowds below cheer and wave. What about renting some dune buggies and blasting through the desert?

Still not extreme enough? Why not have the family do some heavy construction then? That’s right. If you’re 14 or over, you can operate big bulldozers for up to 90 minutes, after proper training by the folks at Dig This, of course. If you’re not a group of daredevils, maybe try hiking, biking, swimming, or camping in any of the beautiful mountainous state and national parks surrounding family-friendly Las Vegas. Lake Mead, which has camping and beaches right by the Hoover Dam, is the 16th largest man-made lake in the world. Boat rides and fishing are also offered year-round. Mount Charleston is a welcome retreat from the heat during the summer, and as Nevada’s third tallest mountain peak, you may even see some snow. Red Rock Canyon is a great place to view Mojave wildlife and also offers guided hikes for families. As the name implies, you’ll also see intricate rock formations in vibrant red hues, and it’s unlike anywhere else. Nature in Las Vegas just takes your breath away.

Explore other regions:

Northeast  |  Southwest  |  Southeast  |  Northwest  |  Midwest 

Staying home this summer?

Click here for backyard fun! 

#SummerOfFunWithBHGRE