Fun in The Sun
Restore spirit and body with easy travels from Seattle Paine Field to sunny locales
By Ellen Hiatt and contributing writers
Planes, trains and automobiles may all sound like fun, but if it’s relaxation you’re looking for, there’s no easier way to find it than the luxury of Paine Field, with its easy, no-hassle flights to the sunniest, most relaxing locations of the Western United States.
If you’re longing for a change of scenery for a few days or a week, here are some great destinations to consider:
In sunny California, it’s a quick flight to San Diego, “where good vibes and awesomeness shine day and night.” That’s their tourism tagline and it’s perfect. Who doesn’t like good vibes and awesomeness? San Diego has plenty of both!
Or visit San Francisco, one of the world’s great coastal cities. Los Angeles, with its red-carpet glamor and endless possibilities, is calling. Palm Springs…ahhhh… Palm Springs. Enough said.
Las Vegas can capture you with glitz and big dreams. But it’s also a great jumping-off point to the road trip of a lifetime across Nevada’s 60-million acres of public land, wildly divergent landscapes and ecosystems, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
With a launching point of Seattle Paine Field Airport, it’s a cosmopolitan start to a trouble-free vacation.
Unique wellness experiences range from outdoor mineral pools (shown) to luxurious resort spas.
Palm Springs
Find your oasis in Greater Palm Springs
Photos courtesy Visit Greater Palm Springs
There’s no better time to escape to Greater Palm Springs, where 300+ days of sunshine and boundless relaxation await. Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, this Southern California oasis is a haven for those seeking rejuvenation and adventure.
Indulge in the ultimate wellness experience at one of the many renowned spas, where healing, hot mineral springs and innovative treatments promise to renew both body and spirit. For the culinary enthusiast, Greater Palm Springs offers a vibrant dining scene blending farm-to-table freshness with global flavors, for a celebration of taste, culture and community.
Hike through stunning desert landscapes, discover hidden palm groves and waterfalls or simply bask in the sunshine as you take in the beauty of the region’s unique flora and fauna. Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate the region’s commitment to preserving its natural splendor.
Palm Springs is the ultimate destination for those who seek the extraordinary.
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Honolulu to Maui
Rediscover the Valley Isle’s true treasures
Photos courtesy Hawaii Tourism Authority
Rediscover Maui, a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and unforgettable experiences. From pristine beaches and lush valleys to the awe-inspiring Haleakalā National Park, Maui offers a tapestry of natural wonders to explore. This fall and winter, the island warmly invites visitors with enticing offers at GoHawaii.com/MauiOffers, featuring free nights, discounted rates up to 30% off and generous daily resort credits.
“Maui is still open. It’s still the beautiful destination that it’s always been,” explains Maui chef Kyle Kawakami in a new destination campaign, The People. The Place. The Hawaiian Islands. “Yes, we have beautiful beaches. Yes, we have great food. But if you dig a little deeper and go a little below the surface, it’s the culture and the people that make the islands.”
As Maui continues its inspiring rebuilding process after last year’s devastating wildfires, the island welcomes back visitors with aloha. While some parts of Lahaina have yet to reopen, several restaurants, businesses and activities in Lahaina have resumed operations.
Choosing to visit Maui is more than selecting a vacation destination — it’s a powerful way to support the island’s rebuilding process and resilient residents.
Laguna Beach
A year-round retreat for art lovers, outdoor adventurers, beachgoers, families and romantics
Photos courtesy Visit Laguna Beach
Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, along the southern coast of Orange County, Laguna Beach is often referred to as the Riviera of the Americas for its nine secluded coves and more than 30 beaches with crystal clear waters. Its Marine Protected Area (MPA) holds amazing tide pools and abundant sea life for water-centric experiences, like snorkeling and more.
Laguna Beach boasts more beachfront lodging than any other city in the state. Coastal restaurants provide an evening respite after a day of hiking, golfing, tide-pool exploring, and art-gallery browsing.
Founded as an artists’ colony, it’s authentically a place to connect with nature, yourself, and community — a mecca for people who want to live well and enjoy life’s moments.
Massages. Tea and spice shops. Crystal healing. Outdoor yoga. All of it overlooking the ocean. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in a California Original!
Greater Phoenix
The Sonoran Desert offers ample sunshine, outdoor attractions and world-class cuisine
Photos courtesy Visit Phoenix
Come for the finest destination meals by award-winning chefs, true farm-to-table dining experiences and the chance to explore the most stunning, temperate climate desert landscapes.
The Phoenix area is the proud home to more than a handful of James Beard Award nominees, semi-finalists and winners. The James Beard Awards are often referred to as “the Oscars of the food world.” The 2024 finalists include two Phoenix names: Rene Andrade’s Bacanora, an intimate space that offers mesquite-cooked Sonoran Desert fare and an extensive list of cocktails, and Valentine, famous for its modern farm-to-table experience, boasting locally sourced ingredients, vibrant Sonoran Desert flavors and an outstanding pastry menu by Krystal Cass.
Founded as an artists’ colony, it’s authentically a place to connect with nature, yourself, and community — a mecca for people who want to live well and enjoy life’s moments.
While you’re here to enjoy the world’s best food, check out the Desert Botanical Garden, the world’s finest collection of arid plants with over 50,000 desert plants on display throughout five thematic outdoor trails. Papago Park with the iconic hole-in-the-rock formation and the Camelback Mountain, the Southwest’s most iconic hiking location, are calling all outdoor lovers.
With a launching point of Seattle Paine Field, it’s a cosmopolitan start to a trouble-free vacation.
