23

TOTALLY EPIC
SUPER CHILL
1
Central
Oregon
Why Go? active adventures, craft beer,
food scene, live music

T
his pristine region on the eastern slopes
of the Cascade Range lures adventurous
souls like a siren song. It’s where glacier-
fed wilderness meets lava-strewn plains and
the high-desert plateau, so you can hike
to emerald-forest waterfalls (Sahalie and
Koosah Falls Loop) one day and scale craggy
cliffs (Misery Ridge Trail) the next.
“Mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys,
trails—we have them all,” says Deschutes
Brewery owner Gary Fish, who united this
region’s outdoorsy lifestyle with a craft
beer revolution when he launched his first
brewpub in Bend in 1988. Bend remains the
beating heart of Central Oregon’s outdoor
Lake Arrowhead
Why Go? lakeside retreat,
spa, outdoor activities

Nestled in the San Bernardino

National Forest, the AAA Four
Diamond Lake Arrowhead Resort
and Spa (rates start at $179) is a
low-key, rustic-chic retreat where

absolutely epicurean
guests can enjoy an elevated
playground. In the summer, tubers float
nature escape—and we’re not
down the Deschutes River, surfers catch
just referring to the 5,174-foot
waves at Bend Whitewater Park, and music

POSSIBLY EXTRA
altitude. Want to hunker down
fans groove to big-name acts at the recently
surrounded by comfort? You can
renovated Hayden Homes Amphitheater.
spend an entire weekend without
But Bend’s Central Oregon neighbors are
leaving this 171-room lakefront
increasingly popping up on savvy travelers’
property, whose history dates

UNQUESTIONABLY LIT
radars. New taprooms and restaurants give
to 1923. Slip into vacation mode
a modern sheen to the Western-themed
with a spa treatment, then soak

GETAWAYS
artist enclave of Sisters, the gateway to
in views of the ponderosa pines
the Mount Washington and Three Sisters
from the pool or private beach.
wilderness areas.
The on-site Bin 189 Restaurant
New nonstop flights from Burbank and
& Bar serves contemporary

in SoCal and Beyond

Palm Springs (plus flights from LAX and San
American cuisine in a cozy dining
Diego) connect to the hub’s airport in the
room decorated with tree stumps
fast-growing city of Redmond, near Smith
and antler chandeliers. If you
Rock State Park, a rock-climbing mecca.
decide to explore off-property,
The SCP Redmond Hotel (rates start at
walk to Lake Arrowhead Village
$149), in a revitalized 1927 building, draws

F
(shops, outlets, restaurants) and
guests to its rooftop bar and Terra Kitchen,
or some of us, a getaway can mean simply checking take a 1-hour narrated boat ride
its plant-forward fine-dining restaurant. And
into a comfy hotel for a few days. For others, it might with Lake Arrowhead Queen
while Bend is widely recognized as one of the
Boat Tours. Hike one of the many
mean exploring a small town, hitting an unfamiliar most brewery-dense cities in the country,

GETTY IMAGES/IMAGE SOURCE/HELBERT RUIZ

Falls nearby trails, then reward yourself
Koosah
beach, or sipping and noshing in wine country. Some 4 of the 30 breweries on the Bend Ale Trail
with a meal at Jetties Waterfront
are in downtown Redmond—within walking
travelers won’t be satisfied unless they’ve crossed state lines. Kitchen + Drink or see what’s on
distance of the SCP Redmond Hotel. So you
Whatever your jam, we know that time is often limited. To inspire tap at Lake Arrowhead Brewing
can toast to your outdoor exploits and stroll
Company. A short drive away is
your next trip, we’ve compiled 23 great destinations for 2023, all back to your room. a Brad Wright
SkyPark at Santa’s Village (open
of which you can reach within roughly a 6-hour drive or 3-hour
year-round despite its name),
flight (from L.A.), so you can spend less time getting there and where you can go zip lining, rock
Find a 4-day itinerary for Central
more time being there. Oregon, plus all 23 destinations, climbing, and mountain biking.
at AAA.com/23getaways. a Leslie Mieko Yap

36 | WESTWAYS SUMMER 2023 SUMMER 2023 WESTWAYS | 37

 MURPHYS
Why Go? gold rush town, cave
touring, hiking, wine tasting
14 W
PASO ROBLES
Why Go? wine tasting, olive oil sampling, vineyard views, Sensorio

7
ith sprawling wineries, ambitious restaurants, and mineral hot springs,
Paso Robles has long been a feast for the senses, but the feast is now
more bountiful than ever. Artist Bruce Munro’s solar-powered light
installation is no small factor. On Thursday through Sunday evenings, 100,000
multihued lights illuminate rolling fields, giving strolling visitors an ethereal
experience. Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio opened in 2019, but it continues to
evolve: A Light Towers exhibit was added in 2021, an on-site restaurant opened
earlier this year, and more installations are planned. Buy tickets in advance; the
Terrace Experience includes guaranteed seating, a drink, and elevated views—a
great way to cap a day spent exploring the area.
Where to begin? For lunch, head to Calcareous Vineyard, whose hilltop
Santa
Barbara
Given its prime location in perch affords sweeping views. Stop by Pasolivo’s olive groves to sample more
Why Go? shopping,
the Sierra foothills between than a dozen olive oils made on-site. If the harvest is underway (usually in early
dining, the beach
Yosemite National Park and November), watch as the freshly plucked fruit is transformed into liquid gold.
Lake Tahoe, Murphys should be (Pasolivo has a storefront in downtown Paso, too.) Consider exploring the town’s Of all the SoCal streets
a household name. Yet many many wine-tasting rooms: Herman Story Wines, for example, showcases delicious transformed during
Californians have never heard of blends from this region dubbed America’s “Rhône Zone.” For dinner, make a the pandemic, perhaps
this gold rush town (population beeline to In Bloom, where the fresh take on California cuisine recently earned the none was altered
restaurant a place in the Michelin Guide. If you’re staying in one of the new Lofts at as dramatically—or

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

2,000) that’s big on history
and adventure, not to mention Paso Market Walk (rates start at $229), it’s only a few paces back to your modern, invitingly—as Santa
great food and wine. The town comfortable suite. a Jim Benning Barbara’s State Street.
Los Alamos was founded by brothers Daniel A 10-block stretch
Why Go? shopping, dining, wine country, Old West vibe
and John Murphy, who settled from Sola to Gutierrez
The 2004 movie Sideways put this Central California 101 in the area in 1848. Check in streets in the heart of
wine region on the map, and today it’s thriving, thanks to to the 167-year-old Murphys downtown has been
inviting small towns, great dining, and at times transcendent Los closed to cars since
Historic Hotel (rates start at
pinot noir and other varietals. Base yourself at the new Inn at Olivos 2020, and plans are
$100) and browse the shops,
Zaca Creek (rates start at $364) in Buellton. You’ll enjoy the inn’s 101 galleries, and restaurants on underway to make the
old-world ambience, lively tavern, and hilltop pool—and easy 154
leafy Main Street. Then head out change permanent. The
access to this trio of walkable towns, each just a 10- to 15-minute to see some caves. At Mercer result? The mile-long,
o's
drive away. a Meghan O’Dell Buellton Caverns, you can descend Pasoliv t newly dubbed State
r ves
70
Santa 160 feet on a guided tour olive ha Street Promenade
Ynez

3 4
Santa Ynez
This tiny town
delights with period-
building facades,
hitching posts, and
horseshoe-embedded
Los Olivos
More than 25 tasting
rooms in just 2.5
square miles make Los
Olivos an oenophile’s
dream. Beer lovers
5
experience the kind of darkness
Los Alamos
Los Alamos’ 7-block
thoroughfare is studded
with restaurants, tasting
rooms, and shops.
New retailers include
and, with the flip of a switch, feels like Santa
Barbara’s answer to
that prospectors endured Barcelona’s La Rambla:
during mining’s heyday. To a lively pedestrian
explore more caves, check thoroughfare with
out California Cavern State shops, restaurants, and
Historic Landmark, the state’s outdoor dining. Throw
longest cavern system. Rest in a couple of nights
and refresh with a picnic lunch at Drift Santa Barbara
at Ironstone Vineyards before (rates start at $284),
which opened on State
COURTESY PASOLIVO/CHRIS LESCHINSKY

crosswalks. Grab
coffee and breakfast
tacos at Pony
Espresso and peruse
the modern Western
apparel at Santa Ynez
and foodies will also
be content: The Other
Room serves hard-to-
find wines and local
brews, while Nella
Kitchen & Bar whips
Elder Flat Farm Store,
featuring organic
produce and cheese,
and home goods
purveyor Campover.
Finish the day with a
driving 12 miles to Calaveras
Big Trees State Park to hike Street in February, for
amid majestic giant sequoias. a refreshing seaside
a Jennie Nunn escape. And for a
carless getaway,
take the Amtrak
CHUCK PLACE

General store. Be sure up inventive cocktails fireside drink at Pacific Surfliner to

to take in the views at
Roblar Winery.
and delicious the Alamo Motel’s Be sure to designate the downtown Santa
a driver if you plan to
Cal-Italian cuisine. new Bar Alamo. Barbara station. a J.B.
drink alcohol.

38 | WESTWAYS SUMMER 2023 AAA.COM AAA.COM SUMMER 2023 WESTWAYS | 39

9 SCOTTSDALE
ARIZONA
Why Go? sun, spa, stroll
S
ure, Scottsdale is making headlines as a
top choice for bachelorette parties, but
you don’t have to be getting hitched—or
know someone who is—to enjoy a memorable
desert getaway here. In fact, for anyone
looking to check in and chill out, the Phoenix
suburb’s world-class resorts, spas, and golf
14
C
Coronado Island
Why Go? beach town, bicycling, baseball, live music
11
oronado Island may not technically be an island, but
with golden beaches, a chill bike path, and people
grooving to live classic rock on sandy shores on a Sunday
afternoon, who cares? It feels like you’ve escaped to an island.
And the beauty of this paradisiacal peninsula is that you can
Act early to reserve one of the 35 rooms
at the Crown City Inn & Bistro (rates start
at $149), which is perfectly situated midway
between the Coronado Ferry Landing and
Coronado Central Beach and within walking
distance of shops and restaurants. The inn
even provides complimentary bicycle rentals.
Serious riders can tackle the 24-mile Bayshore
courses make it a supremely compelling enjoy all the charms of this beach town during the day and then Bikeway, while leisurely vacationers can simply
destination. take the Coronado Ferry across San Diego Bay to see a concert cruise the 6-mile loop around town, stopping
Luxury seekers should unwind at the or a Padres game in the evening. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, to soak up live music oceanside at the Hotel
newly opened AAA Five Diamond Privado which opened in 2021 as the summer home of the San Diego del Coronado’s new Beach & Taco Shack or
Villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (rates Symphony, is like a mini Hollywood Bowl, with acts ranging from bayside at the ferry landing’s weekend concert
start at $669), which provides chauffeur jazz to rock. Baseball fans can make the short walk to Petco Park, series. Or both. Good vibes and breezy tunes
service. Those who want to commune with which on Fridays offers a pregame party in Gallagher Square with will follow you everywhere on this fantasy
the Sonoran Desert should head to the a live band and drink specials starting at $5. “island.” a Brad Wright
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon
North (rates start at $750). Its spa’s Desert
Bathing experience—a twist on the Japanese SONOMA
wellness practice of forest bathing—includes
a meditative hike amid saguaro cacti.
COUNTY
Meanwhile, fans of mid-mod decor and Why Go? pampering,
moderate prices should consider the retro fine dining, luxury digs
boutique Hotel Valley Ho (rates start at $206).
For a getaway splurge in one
To see more of the area, check out Taliesen
of California’s most fabled
West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home. Or
wine regions, settle in for
take a 2-hour golf-cart tour with JoyRidesAZ;
a few special nights at the
stops include the 1933 Old Adobe Mission
Farmhouse Inn (rates start at
and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum
$703), helmed by a brother
of the West. Historic Old Town is filled with
and sister who are fifth-
art galleries and restaurants, not to mention
generation Sonoma farmers.
hitching posts that will remind you of
This intimate property in
Scottsdale’s Old West roots. a Jennie Nunn
Forestville, anchored by
pale yellow farmhouse-
style structures, exudes a
's

12
ons Resort
Four Seas
welcoming country-chic feel. [ stay ] [ eat ]
athing
Desert B
Guests can partake in the Check in to one of the adobe- New on the desert dining scene,
experi nce
e standout spa, as well as the style bungalows at The Paloma Porta Via in Palm Desert stands
culinary program, highlighted Resort (rates start at $195) in out with sustainable seafood and
by the AAA Four Diamond
Farmhouse Restaurant,
which fuses fine dining
Greater Palm Springs Cathedral City, about 8 miles
southeast of downtown Palm
meat selections and plush green
velvet booths. Don’t miss the ‘ahi
Springs. The new property has tuna tower appetizer with fresh
with farm-to-table fare. A
Why Go? art, hot springs, boutique hotels, dining scene
a lively pool scene and neon- mango and avocado over sticky
daily wine hour with a local Palm Springs and the towns around it draw people from covered walls. The on-site white rice.
winemaker offers a chance the world over looking to bask in the sun, take in the restaurant Sol Y Sombra serves
to taste something new. But mid-mod architecture, and generally play in the glorious tapas-style dishes. [ relax ]
you’ll want to also venture desert. But the area is always evolving, giving visitors Soak in one of 5 mineral pools at
COURTESY FOUR SEASONS RESORT

off the property. The staff new spots to explore. Case in point: the soon-to-open [ explore ] Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort
BENNYMARTY/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

is happy to arrange curated Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, which tells the story of The new Modernism Museum & Day Spa Oasis in Desert Hot
experiences for guests—from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Located in in Palm Springs showcases Springs. Also access gas-fired
tastings at some of the area’s the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the plaza features the best of midcentury saunas, winding reflexology
more than 400 wineries and a wellness spa, which opened in April, at the site of an modernism. Snap a selfie in the paths, and a yoga studio.
tasting rooms to kayaking ancient hot mineral spring. A hands-on, 48,000-square- over-the-top ’70s Mellow Yellow Overnight guests can try the
excursions on the Russian foot museum and an interpretive walking trail are room or in the heart-shaped Himalayan salt room and the
River. a Lizbeth Scordo scheduled to open later this year. a Elisabeth Abrahamson pink bathtub. desert ice room.

40 | WESTWAYS SUMMER 2023 AAA.COM AAA.COM SUMMER 2023 WESTWAYS | 41

 13 Colorado Vail

14
70
Denver
Why Go? arts, culture, concerts, craft beer, 70
outdoor adventure, family-friendly 9

14 O
utdoorsy Americans flocked to Colorado Breckenridge

13
ski towns to play during the pandemic,
but the allure of the Rockies is, of course,
Breckenridge
timeless. Choose any one of these Colorado
cities for a quick summer escape or combine all 16 Step back in time at this former gold rush town,
preserved as a National Historic District. The Blue River
3 into a longer trip: Fly into Denver and spend a

COSTA
couple of nights in the Mile High City, then rent
a car and head to Breckenridge. Got more time?
trickles through town, and brightly colored Victorian buildings from
the 1880s and ’90s—now housing shops, restaurants, and galleries—
line Main Street. Learn about Breck’s transformation from mining

MESA
Continue on to Vail. Each place showcases the town to ski resort at the Welcome Center’s free museum. Beyond
Rockies in all their glory while rocking its own that, the sky’s the limit for recreation: mountain biking, white-water
distinct personality. a Leslie Mieko Yap rafting, fly-fishing, and hiking opportunities abound in summer. A
Why Go? theater, art museum,
shopping, dining free downtown shuttle stops at several trailheads. Families will love
the free gondola from town up to Epic Discovery (open June 17
This city’s eminently walkable Denver
15
through Labor Day), an adventure park (fee required) with an alpine
Theater and Arts District The region’s arts and culture hub boasts slide, a zip line, a coaster, and more.
was already drawing visitors world-class museums, including the
from afar thanks to ambitious Denver Art Museum, which opened 3 new galleries
Vail
17
productions at the Segerstrom last year—one of them spotlighting African art.
Center for the Arts. But the For a psychedelic good time, head to Meow Wolf With their Bavarian-inspired architecture, cobblestone
district got a major boost last Denver. The immersive art experience conceived streets, and flowing fountains, Vail’s 2 ski villages may
fall with the opening of the in Santa Fe recently opened its largest (4 stories give off Disneyland vibes, but their charm is the real deal. Start
Orange County Museum of Art’s high) outpost here with more than 70 whimsical your visit at the free Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall
rooms, installations, and portals. Concertgoers of Fame, which covers everything from ski fashion to the 10th
brand-new home. Designed by
from around the country flock to the 9,545-seat Mountain Division troopers of World War II. From there, stroll the
k Hotel Pritzker Prize–winning architect
Whitney Pea Thom Mayne, the glittering
Red Rocks Amphitheater for its unmatchable path along Gore Creek to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, which
ambience and acoustics. Beer aficionados can specializes in mountain plants from around the world and is said
museum showcases the work
sample Denver’s craft beer scene at one of its to be North America’s highest-elevation botanical garden. Then
of artists with California ties and
100-plus taprooms or time their visit for the Great head outside of town for some world-class hiking, mountain
is free to the public. Reserve

RENO, NEVADA
American Beer Festival (September 21–23), one of biking—or even llama trekking—or sign on to raft down one of the
tickets for a show or two at the the largest such events in the country. area’s coursing rivers.
Segerstrom Center, then plan
the rest of your getaway around
Why Go? river adventures, bike paths, arts festivals, epic climbing wall them. To be within strolling

I
f you think Reno is just a mini Las Vegas, think again. Casinos, once the distance of, well, everywhere
main attraction in the “Biggest Little City in the World,” don’t even make you need to be, check in to the
the cut for many visitors. These days, those in the know go for outdoor Westin South Coast Plaza (rates

Breckenrid
adventures and to hang in the trendy Midtown district, with its public art start at $199). A free self-guided
tours, eclectic restaurants, breweries, and festivals centered on music, film, Costa Mesa Art Walk audio
tour will lead you to 20-plus art
ge
and dance.
Summertime visitors should float down the Truckee River—part lazy pieces around the city, some
river, part gentle rapids—which flows through the town. Sierra Adventures hidden in plain sight. When
provides tubes, rafts, and kayaks, as well as transportation upriver. To you’ve worked up an appetite,
COURTESY RENO TAHOE/JEREMY FUKUNAGA

explore on foot, walk the Tom Cooke Trail, an easy 3.7-mile dog-friendly try Singapore-based Paradise
loop next to the river. If you prefer 2-wheeled adventures, ride the Truckee Dynasty (which opened its first
River Bike Path, a 12-mile-long, relatively flat paved trail. (A number of local U.S. outpost here in 2021 and
hotels loan bikes to guests.) Be sure to stop by The Eddy, a collection of features mouthwatering Asian
dumplings) or Michelin-starred
NICK/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

shipping containers that was transformed into a funky outdoor community

space with yard games, beer on tap, and wine and cocktails. Climbers, Knife Pleat. Both restaurants
take note: The world’s largest outdoor artificial climbing wall (according to are located in South Coast
Guinness World Records) is on the exterior of the Whitney Peak Hotel. Plaza—a shopping mall so huge
it’s a destination on international
a Melinda Fulmer
itineraries. a Lorna Corpus

42 | WESTWAYS SUMMER 2023 AAA.COM AAA.COM SUMMER 2023 WESTWAYS | 43

SPOKANE
WASHINGTON
Why Go? large urban park, scenic river float,
botanic gardens, emerging restaurant scene

P
erhaps best known as the home of Gonzaga University, 18
Washington’s second-largest city might surprise you with
its numerous attractions, many within walking distance (or a short Uber ride)
of its spiffed-up 8-square-block downtown.
Settle in at the AAA Four Diamond Historic Davenport Hotel (rates start at
$174). Opened in 1914, this storied hotel has hosted luminaries from Amelia Earhart
to Elvis Presley. From there, stroll to the city’s centerpiece: the recently renovated
19
100-acre Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World’s Fair. The city preserved several
fair attractions, like the gondola ride over Lower Spokane Falls and the hand-
Idyllwild
carved Looff Carrousel, and created a roller-skating “ribbon” (instead of a rink), Why Go? hiking,
an open-air concert venue, and kids’ play spaces. cute cafés, live music
Hotel guests can use the Davenport’s complimentary bikes to follow the

14
Artists and outdoor enthusiasts
Centennial Trail through the park to Kendall Yards, a mixed-use neighborhood
have been flocking to this
with shops, restaurants, and unobscured views of the city and the Spokane River.
mountain village for decades
Grab a bite to eat at The Yards Bruncheon, a popular, elevated diner helmed by
for good reason: It’s eclectic,
James Beard Award nominee Adam Hegsted, whose menu features such items as
walkable, and welcoming.
bulgogi kalbi short ribs and braised cabbage in corned beef hash. For dinner, try
Today, people still make the trek
the Baja-inspired tacos and seafood at Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar, opened by James
to enjoy familiar mainstays while
Beard finalist Chad White, who returned to his hometown after appearing on Top
also discovering something
Chef. White and Hegsted are among the chefs creating a buzz around Spokane’s
new. Fuel up at Alpaca Brunch
dining scene. Says White, “More and more chefs here are pushing the envelope.”
Café before hiking the 5-mile
What to do next? Take a scenic float on the Spokane River with outfitter
round-trip Ernie Maxwell Scenic
Wiley E. Waters. Or stroll around Manito Park and its 5 distinct gardens. At the
Trail, then reward yourself
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, view one of the largest collections of
with a bubble waffle or Nutella
Plateau Indian artifacts while learning about the region’s history. a Leslie Mieko Yap
crepe at the new Mamma Mia’s
Crepes & Desserts. Check

de in out shops like Hunky Dory, a

Gondola ri record store that invites you
t Park
Riverfron to listen to music on the patio,
and Ephemera, a bazaar for all
things vintage and pop culture.
In the evening, enjoy live music
at Idyll Awhile or sip a glass of
natural wine or craft beer at the
new Wine Finch as you watch
the sunset’s fiery reflection
$
on Tahquitz Peak. At Ferro,
indulge in authentic Italian fare
79.00
under brilliantly starry skies
before hitting the hay at the
newly renovated Creekstone
KIRK FISHER/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Inn (rates start at $175) or in

one of Hicksville Pines’ colorful
A-frame cabins (rates start at
$165), with themed rooms that
range from Dolly Parton to
Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.
a Meghan O’Dell

44 | WESTWAYS SUMMER 2023 AAA.COM

 20
SANTA CRUZ
Why Go? rugged outdoors, beach culture, seaside boardwalk

W
ith an expanding culinary scene, quirky attractions, and ragged coast, this
Northern California town charms with its mix of beachy culture, nature, and chill
Hit The Road With
vibes. And you can reconnect with a vital swath of the Santa Cruz Mountains at
California’s oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, about an hour outside of
Best Western® Hotels & Resorts
town. The park has partially reopened (reservation required) after suffering a devastating
Members save with the AAA rate,
wildfire in 2020.
plus earn bonus points and
In Santa Cruz, start by exploring Lighthouse Field State Beach and the Santa Cruz
elite member status when
Surfing Museum inside the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. From there, you can easily
joining the AAA PreferredSM
drive or bike to the city’s other beacon, the Walton Lighthouse, for a photo op. Next,
hit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the classic seaside amusement park where the Best Western Rewards® program.
1924 Giant Dipper still thrills. For a unique dining experience in nearby Capitola, head to
Shadowbrook. At this sprawling institution that opened in 1947, you can ride a funicular
from the parking lot down to the front door. PARTNER
Base yourself at Chaminade Resort & Spa (rates start at $329), perched high in the
OF THE YEAR
Lodging

Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Monterey Bay. The recently updated resort started
in 1904 as a private residence and now has a disc golf course, pickleball courts, and a
AAA.com/bestwestern
splashy pool complex. a Derrik J. Lang

Walton
e
Lighthous Restrictions apply. Visit bestwestern.com/AAA for program terms and conditions. *Amenities and extras may be available only in North America. Each Best Western® branded hotel
is independently owned and operated. AAA and the AAA marks are service marks or registered service marks of the American Automobile Association. Best Western and the Best
Western marks are service marks or registered service marks of Best Western International, Inc. ©2023 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved.

2747 AAA Westways half page.indd 1 3/8/23 9:05 AM

6
FROM TOP: GETTY IMAGES/IMAGE SOURCE; SPIRITOFAMERICA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

21 Santa Fe, New Mexico

Why Go? art, culture, history, Southwestern fare
A haven for artists since the late 1800s, Santa Fe is now home to more than
250 art galleries—not to mention award-winning restaurants, the beloved
Santa Fe Opera, and the original Meow Wolf interactive museum. Start
at Museum Hill, the site of 4 world-class museums, including the Museum
of Indian Arts & Culture, which recently unveiled a collection of 600
Indigenous items spanning tribes and generations. Then make your way to
Canyon Road to explore its galleries and studios. Treat yourself to a classic
Southwestern meal at La Plazuela, located in the historic La Fonda Hotel.
Then sip a lavender-infused cocktail at the new Bar Norte before calling it
a night at The Inn and Spa at Loretto (rates start at $167). a Allison Belda

46 | WESTWAYS SUMMER 2023 AAA.COM AAA.COM SUMMER 2023 WESTWAYS | 47


Ojai
Why Go? small-town pace,
artsy vibe, wellness focus
Ojai feels a world apart
from frenetic urban life
thanks to the idyllic town’s
artsy aura and embrace
of all things wellness. In
recent years, this diminutive
town (population 7,400)
has undergone a quiet
renaissance, with new
restaurants, shops, art
galleries, and hotels
cropping up. Two beloved
Ojai experiences not to
miss: browsing the mostly
secondhand titles at Bart’s
Books, said to be the
world’s largest outdoor
bookstore, and capturing
the sunset view of the
Topatopa Mountains from
Meditation Mount, a hilltop
nonprofit meditation center
(open by appointment). If
you’re in town on a Sunday,
stop by the Ojai Certified
Farmers’ Market, where
you’ll brush elbows with
locals while browsing not
only fruits and veggies, but
also hot sauces, jams and
preserves, olive oils, and
breads. a Tanvi Chheda
Pick up free maps at your
local Auto Club branch.
They feature places to stay
or camp, along with parks,
landmarks, and designated
scenic routes.
48 | WESTWAYS SUMMER 2023
San Francisco Presidio
19
Why Go? family-friendly, outdoor activities,
Golden Gate Bridge photo ops
V
isitors to San Francisco have stopped by the
Presidio for years to stroll along the bay and
take in postcard views of the Golden Gate
23
Bridge. But thanks to recent developments at the 1,500-acre parkland—a small
but critical slice of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area—there’s never
been a better time to base yourself here and soak in the outdoorsy NorCal vibes.
Switch TO T-MOBILE
AND GET UP TO $100*
THAT’S ON TOP OF OTHER DEALS & SAVINGS!
Via rebate. $50/line/max 2.
Requires port, registration,
validation & new account.
After checking in to the 42-room Lodge at the Presidio (rates start at
$350), housed in a former 1890s U.S. military building, get out and explore. It’s
about a 30-minute walk to the bridge, but that’s just the start. You’ll find 24
miles of hiking trails, 25 miles of biking trails, 8 scenic overlooks, 2 museums,
and abundant green space. Tunnel Tops is a new 14-acre section of parkland
built over the Presidio Parkway (US 101) that has picnic areas and a nature
14
playscape for kids. Carless? Not a problem. Presidio Go, the area’s free public
shuttle system, offers rides around the park and connects with the city’s major
transit hubs.
When hunger calls, check out the new Colibrí Mexican Bistro, housed
in the Presidio Officers’ Club building, for cuisine such as pan-seared duck
breast served over green mole. Grab dessert at the Presidio Social Club; try
the Neapolitan rum baba (sponge cake drenched in a boozy, citrusy syrup).
Beyond that, you might catch a performance at the Presidio Theatre, which
reopened in late 2019 after a $44 million renovation, or explore the Walt Disney
Family Museum, which is now celebrating 100 years of the life and work of its
namesake animator. a Elisabeth Abrahamson
View of
Golden Gat
e Bridge
from Fort P
oint
in the Pres
idio
Scan or visit AAA.com/GetT-Mobile
for more details
or call 877-896-8797
CHRIS LABASCO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
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