Stay: Make the Sorrento – Seattle’s oldest, largest, most classy hotel – the base from which you can explore this Pacific Northwest. But here’s the thing: While the city’s famous landmarks, public spaces, and abundant trails (challenging enough to carry around a suitcase full of Eddie Bauer) are a treat, the luxury hotel rooms (no two rooms are alike), broody-slash- romantic nooks and crannies, and delicious food that can make it hard to leave its warm embrace. With
said, leaving definitively — there’s much to see… and
eat and do.

Eat: For an early dinner (which can turn out to be a late dinner because this popular spot doesn’t take reservations), head to Walrus and the Carpenter. The menu is mainly seafood, with the participation of plump, fresh oysters. Washington is awash with natural bivalve-friendly waters, and this casual spot is the place to take advantage of the bounty. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves — first, lunch: On weekends, Pablo y Pablo is open all day (instead of just dinner and an epic happy hour on weekdays) serving tacos and tequila.

Do: Is it a cliché to say that hiking is the favorite pastime of Washingtonians? Probably. Is it right? You bet it is your boot. About an hour outside of Seattle, you’ll find the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, a moderate 5-mile hike with views of Mount Si and Mount Washington. Below, Lake Rattlesnake is perfect for a cool dip. Meanwhile, Golden Gardens Park on Puget Sound has it all: beaches, trails, fishing, etc.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Sorrento, Feed It Creative, Annie Park, Dorothée Brand, Geoffrey Smith Photos

Stay: This stretch of California’s central coast is home to literary legends (see: Kerouac, Miller, Steinbeck). All jagged cliffs and dramatic redwoods, it’s a vibe that attracts hiking enthusiasts, wellness enthusiasts and honeymooners alike. Coincidentally, the luxury (very luxurious) campsite at Ventana Big Sur can accommodate all three: The trick-or-treating tents are conveniently located near some of the best trails in the area and come with individual fireplaces, rustic decorations and buttery linens. to sleep in… or not sleep much. Note: Children are not allowed.

Eat: Like the area itself, local restaurants serve history in a healthy way with every dish. Deetjen’s seemingly untouched dining rooms have been the go-to place for tourists and locals alike for home-cooked dinners since the 1930s; more recently, it started serving burgers at breakfast al fresco. And Big Sur Bakery is the go-to spot for carb-loaded snacks and prehikes (pastry chef Raquel Bagatini baked at NYC’s Balthazar before moving West) or produce-inspired dinners. seasonal locality.

Do: You don’t need much on how to set up an itinerary here. Pick a local, ask for their favorite hiking trail or beach spot, and go. If you plan ahead, make sure that the Esalen Institute has classes running on schedule. While you should book a stay to enjoy everything this spiritually beautiful place has to offer, non-women can call ahead to inquire about a la carte massages and the Healing Arts center. sick. Then there are the hot springs. The folks at Esalen generally allow anyone to reserve a 1am to 3am soak, although due to COVID it’s a good idea to call ahead to double check.

Photo courtesy of Alila Ventana Big Sur, @stephanielewisphotography