Table of contents for Travel Awards 2025 in Sunset

Congratulations. You’ve won the lottery. It’s a thought I had not long ago, looking out at the Santa Barbara Coast after a morning run that took me past seal rookeries and a public native plant park with an ocean view as stunning as any in the world. If you live in the West and, most importantly, know how to access its wonders, you’ve won the lottery too. At Sunset, it’s our job to help you make the most of that winning ticket. As an editor, it can be delightfully difficult to separate our lives from our jobs as the two blur because our experiences are our stories. Case in point is this letter, which comes from a road trip I recently took a sum total of 67 minutes from my…

Situated on the north shore of Kauai on perhaps the most picturesque bay in all of Hawaii, 1 Hotel is a tropical fantasia of the highest order and the newest and most spectacular resort on the island. The property offers stylishly appointed boho-luxe rooms, an open-air lobby that lets in the breezes and stunning views, and a cocktail program with drinks nearly as spectacular as the surroundings. Don’t miss the Hanalei Sour, the All Piña No Colada, and the classic 1944 Mai Tai that pays homage to tropical cocktail traditions. This is one of those resorts that you’ll never want to leave, thanks to the just-right tropical fantasy beach, the shaded patios off guest rooms, and the diversity of dining experiences that match the cocktail program in its respect for…

PLANT ▶ Sow a pollinator cover crop mix with California and Southwest natives by broadcasting seeds of arroyo lupine, California poppy, yarrow, and desert bluebells before the rains. ▶ Plant a small grove of drought-tolerant trees for shade and wildlife. Try manzanita for hummingbirds or desert willow for pollinators; both offer habitat, flowers, and sculptural form with minimal water. ▶ Pot up fall herbs for indoor use later. Dig up and pot lemon balm, yerba buena, or creeping rosemary before frost and place in a sunny kitchen window for fresh winter teas. HARVEST ▶ Make a native herb smudge or wreath bundle. Snip and dry stems of sagebrush, mugwort, and coyote mint. Tie together with twine for calming bundles or fall decor. ▶ Gather and cure fall chiles for holiday…

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel Emerging from the jagged rocks of the Cabo Coast with an open-air, beautiful modernist brutalism, this is one of the most dramatic resorts in Mexico for posing by the pool, eating at the restaurant from star chef Enrique Olvera, and basking in stylish Baja luxury. Chileno Bay Boasting a swimmable beach (a rarity in Cabo) with numerous watersports offerings, an infinity pool for cooling off, a beachside tequila and taco joint, and stunning views from its restaurants (book a sunset dinner at COMAL for a view of the coast you’ll never forget), and a robust activity calendar, this is a something for everyone Baja getaway. Surya Valle de Guadalupe This newcomer boutique hotel in Baja’s bucolic wine region is situated in the rolling hills of…

Adventures and Explorations Spirit of the West Adventures Spirit of the West’s private campsite on remote Swanson Island in British Columbia’s Blackfish Sound is a little piece of heaven. Spirit of the West has luxury tents and real beds, an oceanside hot tub, an on-site chef, hot showers, world-class sea kayaking, and B.C.’s diverse wildlife surrounding you, including many humpback and orca whales. Fess Parker Ranch Horseback Adventures Saddle up for a scenic ride through the old-growth oak groves of Santa Ynez Valley with Fess Parker Ranch Horseback Adventures, a family-run experience led by rancher Katie Parker that blends deep local history, sweeping wine country views, and a post-ride pour at the family’s namesake winery and vineyard. Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures Schweitzer, the largest ski resort in Idaho, is known for…

California brags that it’s the state where adventure lovers’ dreams come true. Powdery snow-covered mountains with worldclass slopes and trails, clean, cool lakes for fishing and boating, and bluebird days year-round to enjoy just about anything adventure you can dream of. But even here, locations that have access to all these outdoor perks and four equally beautiful seasons are rare. North Lake Tahoe is on the top of that very short list. Martis Camp, a private community positioned on 2,100 pristine acres outside Truckee, California, is taking full advantage of those gifts, selling lots and new-build homes to those who like their activities with a side of luxury. It’s a place tailor-made for dream houses and core memory holidays, and Tahoe City-based architect Clare Walton is helping families make it…

Inspired by the legendary Ruth Bancroft Garden located in Walnut Creek, Designing the Lush Dry Garden reimagines what a drought-tolerant landscape can look like: layered, colorful, bold, and bursting with texture. Through smart design and thoughtful planting, authors Cricket Riley, Alice Kitajima, and Kier Holmes show that climate-resilient gardening is not only possible but also beautiful. Whether you’re refreshing a container on your balcony or removing your lawn to create a waterwise paradise, landscape designer and author Kier Holmes shares her expert tips and inspiration for gardeners across the West, just in time for the fall planting season. Resilience is the New Necessary In the Western states, gardening for resilience isn’t optional—it’s essential. With rising temps, shifting rain patterns, and longer fire seasons, the landscapes that thrive are designed to…

Each year, when we gather to judge the Sunset Travel Awards, we’re reminded just how extraordinary the West truly is. From the iconic landscapes of our national parks to the creative energy pulsing through our cities and the quiet magic of under-the-radar small towns, the West continues to surprise, delight, and inspire. We’re seeing more: more innovation, more sustainability, more design-forward hotels, next-level food, and unforgettable experiences. That’s why this year, in response to the sheer volume of standout entries, we’ve expanded our list to 200 winners. Whether you’re searching for a luxurious escape, a charming roadside motel, a hot new restaurant, or your next great hike, these winners represent the very best of the West. Dive into the full list ahead—and head to sunset.com/traveldirectory for our searchable database to…

Beautiful Beaches Montecito With the reopening of the legendary Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore, immersive botanical gardens, beachy elegance, and thrilling restaurant openings from Michelin-recognized chefs (hello Thomas Keller and Ramón Velazquez), the glamorous neighbor to Santa Barbara is having a moment. Savor it now. Pismo Beach This quaint little beach town on California’s Central Coast embodies Western living, with its excellent surf, charming restaurants, and ample access to wildlife, including the migratory monarchs and whales in the springtime. It’s easily accessible by Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, which also allows travelers to explore nearby Grover Beach. Avila Beach This tiny Central Coast town packs a lot in, with excellent surf and plenty for the whole family to do. Think ample trails and bike paths, hot springs resorts, and the recently reopened…

Aero With elite lounge snacks from Erewhon and curbside check-in just 20 minutes before your flight, the luxe experience starts well before boarding on this semi-private, book-by-the-seat jet service, which seamlessly connects travelers with desirable getaway destinations like Aspen and Los Cabos. The Boat Company These conservation-focused cruises through Alaska’s wild Inside Passage feel exclusive, with just 20 to 24 guests aboard intimate ships exploring remote coves, glacier-fed streams, and native lands of the Tongass National Forest with guided hikes, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and gourmet onboard meals. AdventureSmith Explorations For deep access to the West’s most remote wilderness, AdventureSmith Explorations offers small-ship cruises that combine comfort with adventure—think kayaking, hiking, and dining in secluded coves from Alaska to Baja—thanks to nimble vessels, expert guides, and all-inclusive itineraries designed to immerse…

Entertainer’s Dream Adapting the concept of an Argentine “quincho” for a Seattle family with DeForest Architects, Dyna Builders consulted with the owners’ Buenos Aires-based family on how to master the concept of an outdoor space dedicated to elaborate open-fire grilling and entertaining. “It’s just shy of 1,000 square feet, with a small office loft upstairs, a bathroom, and a bedroom,” says Dyna’s Gus Poole. “That leaves a big space with high ceilings, fully open walls and doors, integrated cabinetry, and beautiful lighting for year-round gatherings.” Artist’s Enclave Seattle-based GO’C Studio created a shingle-clad backyard ceramics studio and teaching space for a client, a talented artist who grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada as a member of the First Nations Denesuline community. With ample natural light, easy access to two exterior kilns,…

MONTEREY COUNTY BIG SUR LODGE The Original Road Trip leads you to Big Sur – 80 miles of rugged coastline where mountains meet the sea in harmony. Make your stop at historic Big Sur Lodge, nestled amongst the redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Rest, relax, and reconnect with nature like never before. Book now with “SUNSET” at BIGSURLODGE.COM MONTEREY COUNTY CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA Step into storybook Carmel-by-the-Sea, a whimsical village where charm and beauty come to life. Stroll from your cozy inn or hotel to vibrant restaurants, intimate wine tastings, unique boutiques, and inspiring art galleries—all within walking distance in this coastal haven. CARMELCALIFORNIA.COM SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Discover Santa Cruz County, where diminutive seaside towns juxtapose against towering redwood forests. The region’s classic west coast vibe is…

Better Bars Tell Your Friends Opulence and decadence abound at this new speakeasy in Scottsdale that fulfills all your nostalgic dreams of what nightlife should be. With live music, craft cocktails, food from local legend Beau MacMillan, a maximalist and moody room that’s all velvet and brass and floral supergraphics, plus live music keeping the energy up and sophisticated, it’s the after hours place to be in Scottsdale. The Rooftop Bar Oceanside’s open-minded attitude toward good times is on full display at this sunny, inviting bar, expanding the idea of what al fresco fun can be. Great cocktails, light Cali bites, and DJ sets, plus a new digital nomad-friendly “work from roof” policy, The Rooftop Bar is the California third-space dream realized. Call Me Pearl This cocktail lounge near Denver’s…

The new location of Mana Up at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows in West Maui is a true celebration of local talent and craftsmanship, showcasing a curated selection of the Hawaiian Islands’ best locally made crafts, snacks, and skincare. Here, its cofounder shares her favorite places to enjoy while in the region, which is welcoming mindful travelers back with open arms after the Lahaina fires. EAT Leilani’s on the Beach is one of my go-tos for a sunset dinner. It has fresh fish, great cocktails, and it is right off the beach. It instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you live here. Right on the water in Lahaina is Star Noodle where famed chef Sheldon Simeon cut his teeth. This must-visit spot is known for house-made…