Get Outdoors in the USA: West Coast

Bright green mountains. Desert plains. Towering trees that reach to the heavens. America’s West Coast is a nature lover’s dream. 

Here, breathtaking beauty is everywhere you look, from the evergreen forests of Washington state to the southern tip of California, where humpback whales migrate from Mexico each winter. This dazzling coast is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, ripe for outdoor adventures big and small, like mountain hikes and biking trails, surf lessons, paragliding, and much more. 

Experience the wonders of America’s West Coast and get outdoors with Independent Collection’s summer guide.

Try Rock Climbing in the West Texas Desert

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park is an El Paso icon. Once a glamorous hideaway for Old Hollywood starlets, this 1930s Art Deco gem unveiled a full renovation in 2020, reimagined with local art, a live-fire Mexican restaurant, and a modern rooftop lounge that looks out to the Franklin Mountains. 

Yes, mountains in Texas! Did you know the Lone Star State has over 2,100 peaks and mountains strewn about? In El Paso, the rocky Franklin Mountains are a wild backdrop for biking and hiking. Up for a challenge? Trek the Ron Coleman trail, the most demanding trail in El Paso, and you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the U.S.-Mexico border. And for the rock climbers, McKelligon Canyon makes for an awesome afternoon of bouldering and top rope climbing—or head a bit farther out to Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, world-renowned for its incredible bouldering routes and ancient pictographs.

The 22-mile River Park Trail offers a more leisurely path for biking and birding. This quiet, secluded trail winds along the Rio Grande with views of the Franklin Mountains and New Mexico’s flat-topped mesas. 

For a more relaxed stroll, check out El Paso’s Municipal Rose Garden, a colorful Eden with 430 rose varieties. Tack on a visit to the San Elizario Historic District, an ‘old west’ town with over 400 years of history, and take advantage of the district’s free walking tour, held every fourth Sunday of the month. Learn about Billy the Kid’s famous jailbreak from the Old County Jail, check out a historic re-enactment, or brave the afterlife with a guided ghost tour of 18th-century missions.

Snorkel Ancient Sea Caves in San Diego

Across state lines in San Diego, California, outdoor adventures come with epic ocean views. Carté Hotel puts travelers in the heart of it all, steps from the San Diego Bay and famous trattorias in Little Italy. Plus, top-rated beaches for swimming, surfing, and sporty excursions. 

Kick things off with a kayak tour of La Jolla’s Sea Caves, a stunning rock formation carved from ancient sandstone. Paddle across azure waters and keep your eyes peeled for the locals – leopard sharks and sea lions are known to take up residence! La Jolla’s diverse wildlife is popular with snorkelers, too. Join a guided snorkel tour and learn the local legend of Sunny Jim’s cave, a secret ‘ocean tunnel’ with Prohibition history. 

Need a break from fun in the sun? Check out the Gaslamp Quarter, a buzzy downtown area with sidewalk cafes, indoor-outdoor shops, and weekend artisan markets – all just a five-minute drive from Carte Hotel. 

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a day at Balboa Park, a sprawling public park with several museums, botanical gardens, and stunning architecture that looks straight out of Seville, Spain.

Hike Through Forests and Wildflowers Near San Francisco Bay

Further up the coast near San Francisco, Hotel Nia is a high-tech haven with one of the city’s best locations: close to Silicon Valley and Palo Alto, a stone’s throw away from San Jose, and a quick drive to California’s famous scenery. 

Start off at the Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, where thousands of wildflowers bloom each spring. The massive outdoor park protects over 550 different plants and wildlife species, like nesting bald eagles and native butterflies. Take a self-guided tour through the serpentine grasslands and enjoy stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.

Also near Hotel Nia, the Almaden Quicksilver County Park is great for hiking and casual bike rides. Almaden is a popular spot for horseback riding, too, with over 30 miles of equestrian trails.  

Fancy an old-fashioned picnic? Take a road trip to Portola Redwoods National Park, the more secluded and lesser-known sister of Big Basin. Fewer visitors mean more peace and quiet, but do come prepared; this place is rugged. Bring everything you need ‘cause amenities are scarce! 

End the day poolside at Hotel Nia and soak up the sun from the outdoor lounge, topped with tasty craft cocktails, interactive lawn games, cabanas, and more.

Catch a Wave – and a Bottle of Wine – in Monterey Bay

Dancing on the shores of Monterey Bay, The Sanctuary Beach Resort is an oceanfront playground for those who like to pair outdoor activities with a bit of luxury, like boutique shopping, bonfires, and classic California wineries.

Start your mornings on the Monterey Recreation Trail, a popular paved route with sparkling coastline views. Rent a surrey bike and cruise to Fisherman’s Wharf, get active with in-line skating, or plan a scenic picnic with a bottle of wine from nearby vineyards. 

Marina State Beach is a must for thrill-seekers. This place is a global destination for hang gliding thanks to steady winds and unbelievable views from above. 

Sky-high heights not your thing? Chill out earthside with a game of golf at the world-famous Pebble Beach, one of the top-rated public golf courses in America. 

Or hit the road for a spectacular drive through Big Sur, Southern California’s famous, rugged coastline. This 90-mile stretch is home to otherworldly landscapes shaped by canyons, cliffs, turquoise ocean, waterfalls, beaches, and so much more. Go for a hike, cycle the winding roads, and stay for lunch with a side of ocean views.

Cast Your Line From the Famous Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica is where Hollywood glitz and glamour meets coastal Cali coolness. The Ambrose Hotel embodies this vibe; a chic boutique hotel in the heart of LA, steps from the best shops and restaurants and tucked in a quiet residential corner for a truly cool Santa Monica stay. 

The Ambrose’s prime location is perfect for outdoor sports and leisure hangs alike. Take things easy at Will Rogers Beach and cruise the longest oceanfront bicycle trail in the world, or make your way to Santa Monica Beach for sunbathing, surfing, and silent disco parties.

Along the Santa Monica Mountains, vacationers have their pick of scenery and sport. Try mountain biking through Malibu Creek State Park, or giddy-up for a horseback ride through Paramount Ranch, a former film set for Western movies.

Ready to get on the water? Hop a private fishing charter from Marina Del Rey and cast your line for rockfish and halibut, or venture to Santa Catalina Island for a shot at trophy fish such as yellowtail tuna, bluefin, and enormous grouper. And for a quintessential LA experience, toss your line from the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

From redwood forests to seaside cliffs, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures waiting. Looking to roam a little farther? See what’s waiting in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, and South Florida. And if you’re planning ahead, don’t miss our summer offer: between June 2–30, 2025, receive a $25 bonus gift card for every $100 gift card purchased.