With Christmas right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan a festive holiday getaway. From the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast and everywhere in between, December is an excellent time of year to travel somewhere new. Whether you want a relaxing outdoor escape or an exciting city adventure, these Christmas destinations have it all.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is one of my favorite cities, especially around the holidays. There’s so much to do around town and plenty of festive activities, from expansive markets to gingerbread house-building competitions and dazzling light displays.
I recommend grabbing a cup of hot cocoa to explore Candy Cane Lane, a row of 20+ houses in the heart of the city that go all out with the Christmas decorations. From Seattle, you can also take day trips to places like Mount Rainier National Park, Snoqualmie, Bainbridge Island, Leavenworth, and Stevens Pass Ski Resort.
Breckenridge is a can’t-miss Colorado Christmas town. This charming ski destination has endless holiday cheer in December. Hit the slopes, sip local brews, go shopping downtown, and enjoy unique events like Race of the Santas and Ullr Fest.
While Dahlonega is quaint year-round, it shines during the holiday season. Situated in the North Georgia mountains, it’s a quiet college town famous for its gold rush roots and proximity to the Appalachian Trail. Dahlonega is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, giving you an authentic small town feel. While there, make sure to check out picturesque nearby spots like Amicalola Falls State Park, Clayton, and Helen.
Washington, D.C. offers festive fun for the entire family. With countless museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks, you could spend weeks there and see something new every day. Whether you love history, art, or food, D.C. truly has something for everyone.
Park City, Utah
I’ve had the incredible opportunity to take two winter trips to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival, and it holds a special place in my heart. It’s tucked among the mountains, and its one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries overflow with merriment for the holidays. There’s excellent skiing in and around Park City, and many scenic outdoor areas for snowshoeing and skating.
If you’re planning an Oregon coast vacation, make sure to check out all the fun things to do in Newport. This quaint coastal town is famous for its marine life, coastlines, and family-friendly activities. My parents just celebrated one year of living in Newport, so it’s the perfect time for me to share a local’s guide to the best Newport things to do.
Top 15 Things to Do in Newport, Oregon
1. Shop on the Bayfront
Newport’s historic bayfront has fun souvenir shops, candy stores, art galleries, and clothing boutiques. Spend an afternoon strolling the area and browsing the local stores.
2. Grab a Drink at a Brewery
Oregon is an excellent vacation spot for fans of beer and cider, and Newport has several top-notch craft breweries:
Rogue Brewer’s on the Bay – this spot is located inside Rogue’s headquarters. Enjoy tasty bites, specialty brews, and stunning waterfront views.
Pelican Brewing Company – technically, this spot is in Lincoln City, but it’s only 30 minutes north of Newport. The Siletz Bay location has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, modern design. There’s tons of seating, so it’s the perfect place to grab a drink with friends or family.
Beachcrest Brewing Company – another place a bit north of Newport but worth the drive. Beachcrest is across the street from the Salishan Coastal Lodge, a beautiful resort with classic PNW vibes.
3. Hunt for Agates
The beaches in and around Newport are fantastic for agate-hunting. This area of the Oregon coast is famous for its rocky shorelines, which often have tons of these fascinating rocks. Unsurprisingly, Agate Beach is a popular spot to find agates.
4. Tour a Lighthouse
Visit Yaquina Bay or Yaquina Head Lighthouse to learn more about the local history. Both are still in operation but open to visitors. Admire their viewpoints of the rugged coastline while diving into their storied pasts, stretching back over 100 years.
5. Watch Sea Lions on the Dock
If you hear a strange barking noise or catch a whiff of something fishy in Newport, it’s probably the resident sea lions. They’ve been spotted on Newport’s public docks for almost two decades. The sea lions usually stay in Newport 11 months out of the year, migrating to California the other month.
See Newport’s iconic sea lions at Port Dock One. You can usually find them by following their noise, which can be heard throughout town.
6. See Tide Pools
In Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area lies Cobble Beach. This is one of Newport’s best tide pool spots. At low tide, Cobble Beach reveals pools of various sizes teeming with starfish, chitons, crabs, anemones, urchins, and so much more. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some adorable harbor seals.
7. Go Whale-Watching
Newport is a wonderful place to see gray whales and orcas. There are many tours that will take you on the water to get up close and personal with the whales. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can often spot the whales spouting and breaching around kelp beds.
8. Head to Devil’s Punchbowl and/or Thor’s Well
There are some unforgettable rock formations near Newport. Devil’s Punchbowl is a distinctive sea arch you can hike into at low tide. It’s also interesting to view from above at high tide as the waves crash and swirl.
Another cool spot is Thor’s Well, which appears to be a sinkhole on the ocean’s edge. It’s only around 20 feet deep but looks wonderfully dramatic, with waves pouring over at high tide.
9. Visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center
I’ve heard great things about the Oregon Coast Aquarium but haven’t visited yet. However, I can recommend the Hatfield Marine Science Center. It’s a laboratory owned by Oregon State University with some entertaining, interactive exhibits.
The touch tank teaches you about sea urchins, anemones, and sea cucumbers. Other display areas feature fascinating fossils and skeletons of marine animals like sea lions and whales. Admission is only $5, so it’s also a cheaper afternoon activity than the aquarium.
10. Take a Trip to Pacific Sourdough
Set an alarm to drive to Waldport first thing in the morning and line up for Pacific Sourdough. This beloved bakery almost always has a line out the door and down the street. I completely understand after sampling the treats myself! Everything here is tasty, but you must try the chocolate chunk cookies, marionberry muffins, and lemon bars.
11. Eat Local Seafood
Seafood lovers will be in heaven with all the mouthwatering restaurants. Whether you’re craving sushi, oysters, fish ‘n chips, or smoked salmon, Newport has it all. Here are some of my favorite seafood spots:
South Beach Fish Market – some of the best fish ‘n chips I’ve ever had! Almost always busy, so visit during an off-time.
Rogue Bayfront Public House – this is the sister restaurant to Brewer’s on the Bay—visit for delicious clam chowder and salmon, plus there are pool tables in the back.
The Taphouse at Nye Creek – laid-back atmosphere, tasty cocktails, yummy fish ‘n chips, hearty oyster shooters, and vegetarian/vegan-friendly options. What else could you need?
Get your daily dose of outdoor adventure at the Yaquina Bay Recreation Site. It has a lighthouse, bluff overlooks, forests, and rolling dunes. Bring the entire family, including furry friends, to check out what Yaquina Bay offers.
13. Get Coffee at a Stand
Coffee stands are one of my favorite aspects of the PNW, and Newport has several worth visiting. I recommend The Surfing Bean Coffee Company or Camp One Coffee.
14. Watch Otters from the Public Fishing Pier
You’ll likely see at least one otter from the public fishing pier. Crabbing is popular at the dock, but it’s also a great spot to watch for otters and see the boats. Otters are very playful and social, so where there’s one, there’s usually more!
15. Walk Across the Bridge
You can’t go to Newport without crossing the Yaquina Bay Bridge. It’s a good place for a morning walk and provides views of Newport from above. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot animals in the water below.
BONUS: Admire Art at the Visual Arts Center
Many fantastic artists call Newport home, and the Visual Arts Center showcases everything from photographs to paintings and sculptures. I’m biased, but my dad’s astrophotography exhibition, The Dynamic Poetry of Nature, is out of this world and runs until October 6, 2024!
I hope you’re inspired to visit the charming town of Newport next time you’re on the Oregon coast. Let me know if I missed any of your favorite Newport spots!
Over the years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to visit 11 of the 63 National Parks that can be found throughout the U.S. While all were unique and interesting in their own way, there were definitely some I loved more than others. This is my ranking of the Top 5 U.S. National Parks that I’ve visited so far. As a bonus, I’m also sharing the top 3 National Parks on my travel bucket list that I haven’t yet been to!
Top 5 U.S. National Parks
5. Badlands
Fun fact: I actually used to live in South Dakota as a kid! I have a lot of family there and still love going back to visit because I think South Dakota is a super underrated state. Similarly, I don’t see too many people talking about Badlands National Park, even though it’s one of my favorites. The landscape is super unique and looks like something you might find on another planet. Plus, the park is full of wildlife ranging from bison and bighorn sheep to prairie dogs.
4. Yellowstone
I would actually love to return to Yellowstone National Park and explore some more because my husband and I only got to spend one day in the park when we visited. Still, Yellowstone is such a classic that I highly recommend everyone take a visit. There’s a huge variety of wildlife and landscapes, and it’s unreal to see the massive hot springs and geysers in person. There’s a reason Yellowstone is one of the most popular National Parks!
3. Olympic
Olympic National Park is one of those places you have to see for yourself to believe. I mean, where else in the U.S. can you spend a day exploring rocky beaches, snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers, and thick rainforests? Olympic National Park is full of biodiversity that makes every visit unique from the last.
2. Grand Teton
In my humble opinion, Grand Teton National Park is probably one of the prettiest areas in the entire country. The mountains look absolutely unreal in person, and the whole park feels wild and rugged. Grand Teton is another park I’d love to return to and spend more time exploring because there’s so much to see and do!
1. Mount Rainier
Of all the National Parks I’ve gotten to visit so far, Mount Rainier National Park is undoubtedly my favorite. Seeing Mount Rainier up close and personal is an amazing experience, and you truly can’t fathom its grandeur until you’re seeing it with your own eyes. Plus, Mount Rainier National Park is where I saw my first wild bear! The whole park feels so magical and is absolutely stunning year-round.
Top 3 U.S. National Parks Bucket List
3. Glacier
Glacier National Park in Montana is one National Park I’ve been wanting to visit for years. The mountains look insanely dramatic and I’ve heard the park is absolutely full of wildlife. Plus, I’d love to pay a visit to RightOnTrek’s EDGE Backpacking Gear Rental Facility that just opened this year. I love that RightOnTrek works to make the outdoors accessible for as many people as possible. And, they make delicious backpacking meals!
2. Yosemite
As someone who loves both hiking and rock-climbing, Yosemite National Park sounds like an absolute dream. I’ve seen so many documentaries about Yosemite and I would love to pay the park a visit in the next couple years. I’ve actually never been to California, so I hope to make a trip out of it and explore a few different areas throughout the state!
Alaska seems to be one of the last truly wild places left in the U.S., and I would absolutely love to spend some time exploring Gates of the Arctic National Park. The wilderness of Alaska looks intimidating but also incredibly beautiful, and I definitely plan on taking a trip to the state – hopefully, sooner rather than later!
What’s your favorite U.S. National Park, and which one would you like to visit next? Let me know in the comments!
McMinnville is a charming Oregon town just an hour southwest of Portland. The town is well-known for its historic ties to the Oregon Trail and for the various wineries that can be found throughout the area. I recently spent a few days in McMinnville over July 4, and these are some of my favorite things I did while visiting!
Check out the historic homes
The town of McMinnville was first established in the mid-1800s, and the area’s rich history is still evident today. There are tons of historic homes throughout McMinnville, and many can be found on sidestreets near the main downtown area. A great way to enjoy these homes is taking a drive or walk through town!
Go shopping downtown
McMinnville’s downtown area, which primarily runs down NE 3rd St, is super cute and full of awesome shops. You can shop for everything from clothes to art and locally-made treats. I highly recommend taking a stroll down NE 3rd St and popping into any stores that catch your eye.
Learn about the local history
McMinnville is home to a number of museums that educate visitors on various facets of the town and its history. One of the most well-known museums in the area is Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, a huge museum that holds a number of civilian and military aircrafts. Another great option is the Yamhill Valley Heritage Center, which focuses on McMinnville’s agricultural history.
Taste some local wine
A visit to McMinnville would truly be incomplete without sampling some local wine! There are a lot of tasting rooms and wine bars in downtown McMinnville, and all offer unique blends and offerings. I was thoroughly impressed with my visit to R. Stuart, but you really can’t go wrong in McMinnville.
Keep your eyes on the skies
Did you know McMinnville is home to the country’s second largest annual UFO festival (with Roswell, New Mexico being the location of the first largest)? In 1950, a number of UFO photographs taken on a local McMinnville farm were published in the city’s newspaper. Since then, the small town has become a surprising hub for UFO-chasers. Whether or not you believe in aliens, it is fun to keep an eye on the skies during your visit. In fact, my dad is big into astrophotography, and he captured some amazing star photos during our time in McMinnville (though we didn’t spot any UFOs). Check out his website to see more incredible astrophotography!
I highly recommend a visit to this charming Oregon town, and if you’ve been before I’d love to hear what your favorite activities in the area are!
Newport is a quaint town on the coast of Oregon that is teeming with things to see and do. Located just 2 hours southwest of Portland and 5 hours south of Seattle, Newport is the perfect coastal escape. From rugged coastline to charming shops and some delicious food, Newport truly has it all. If it’s your first time visiting Newport, these are some of the top activities to make the most out of your trip.
Start your day with some coffee
Newport is home to a number of great coffee spots, so make sure to kick off your visit with a cup of Joe. If you prefer something quick, check out one of the coffee stands in town, such as Bonnie’s Espresso or Camp One. There are also a lot of roasters in town where you can enjoy a more laidback coffeeshop experience. My favorite is Surf Town Coffee – make sure to try their lavender chai!
Grab some treats
Another activity I recommend doing in the morning is paying a visit to Pacific Sourdough, which is technically 20 minutes down the road in Waldport. Pacific Sourdough is a legendary bakery that is well-known throughout the Pacific Northwest. They offer a wide variety of breads and both sweet and savory baked goods. I’ve sample the sourdough baguette, lemon rosemary sourdough, lemon bar, lemon poppyseed loaf, chocolate chunk cookie, marionberry muffin, and old-fashioned sugar cookie, and all were to die for! Warning: be prepared to wait in line if you don’t arrive before opening.
Go seal-spotting and explore some tidal pools
You can spot all kinds of animals throughout Newport, from eagles to whales and seals and so much more. One of the best places to do some wildlife-spotting is Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Near the Yaquina Head Lighthouse you can find a set of stairs leading right down to the rocky beaches below. At low tide, countless tidal pools of all shapes and sizes are formed where you can spot anemones, starfish, crabs, and other marine life. You’re also likely to spot some seals in the distance! The Yaquina Head area is not only beautiful but also an incredible opportunity to experience Newport’s biodiversity firsthand.
Enjoy some local grub
Unsurprisingly, Newport is known for serving up some exceptionally delicious seafood. You can find everything from small hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale culinary experiences, and almost all are sure to impress. Clam chowder, oyster shooters, and fish and chips abound in Newport, and there are some amazing restaurant options to sample some of freshest and most flavorful seafood I’ve had in the PNW.
Buy fish straight from the source
For seafood-lovers, Newport is a true paradise. There are several great markets in town where you can buy some incredible seafood. One of the coolest options for purchasing seafood is Chelsea Rose, where you can buy a variety of items straight off the boat! Just head down to the pier off of Bay Boulevard and keep an eye out for the vessel. Right down the road is Local Ocean Seafoods, which is another awesome spot to purchase seafood as well.
Get high (in the sky)
Just 15-20 minutes north of Newport you can find Cape Foulweather, a beautiful land formation rising several hundred feet above the sea. There’s a stunning view from this point and you’re guaranteed to get some amazing photos. I also think this would be an amazing place to go stargazing or do some astrophotography, which my dad is really into (you can see some of photos right here).
Despite its small size, Newport offers a surprising amount of activities and sights that make it the perfect weekend destination. I hope you find this guide helpful as you plan your trip, and if you’ve been to Newport before I’d love to hear your top recommendations!
When you think of the city of Seattle, a few images probably come to mind: the Space Needle, rain, Starbucks, and, of course, Pike Place Market. Pike Place Market is the most popular tourist attraction in Seattle, and one of the most popular in the entire world! Every year, more than 10 million visitors from all over the world come to Pike Place Market to experience this iconic place for themselves. Pike Place Market is one of the few tourist attractions in Seattle that I actually consider worth the hype, and I think everyone who finds themselves in Seattle should make time to stop by. If you’ve never visited, here are 5 things to know about Pike Place Market before you go.
Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously-operated farmer’s markets in the entire country! Pike Place Market has an incredibly rich history dating all the way back to 1907, when the market first opened. The market presents the amazing opportunity for visitors to experience a slice of Seattle history firsthand as they walk through the various levels consisting of local vendors, shops, and restaurants.
The unofficial mascot of Pike Place Market is Rachel, a bronze piggy bank statue! This isn’t your average childhood piggy bank, though: Rachel weighs 550 pounds and receives anywhere from $6,000-$9,000 every year in the form of all different kinds of currency. Rachel can be found under the “Public Market Center” sign where she was first placed in 1986.
Inside the market you can find Pike Place Fish Market, which is world-famous for its fish-throwing fishmongers! The quirky tradition first began in 1980 when the former owner decided it would be more efficient to toss the seafood rather than walk it over to his employees on busy days. Since then, the fishmongers – who can be identified with their signture orange waders – have become known for this practice which they do when a fish is purchased, a donation is made, or randomly for tourists who may be watching.
Pictured is Jack’s Fish Spot, another fish vendor in Pike Place Market
Just across the street from the market is the “original” Starbucks. Technically, the first Starbucks originally opened in another location before moving to this storefront on Pike Place. There is almost always a massive line out the door of visitors who want to experience the original Starbucks for themselves. I’ll be honest – it’s not too special, and resembles pretty much any other Starbucks you can find in the country. If you’re a lover of Starbucks, I recommend visiting the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, which is right down the street, instead!
Pike Place Market is truly a cornerstone of the Seattle community. For years it has been a place where locals and tourists alike can gather to support the local economy by purchasing from small businesses. Pike Place Market has undergone a number of renovations and restorations over the years, but its original purpose has remained through it all. When you go to Pike Place Market you’re not just visiting any other tourist attraction: you’re supporting the community by putting money directly into the pockets of local business owners!
With summer quickly approaching, I want to highlight one of my favoite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park: Skyline Tail. Skyline Trail, also know as Skyline Loop Trail, is a 5.5-mile-long loop in the Paradise area of the park. Skyline Trail is a challenging hike, but along the way you’ll experience some of the best features that Mount Rainier National Park has to offer, from glaciers to alpine meadows and waterfalls. If you only have time for one hike in Mount Rainier National Park, and you’re up for the challenge, I highly recommend the Skyline Trail.
The Skyline Trail begins at the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise. If you choose to hike the loop clockwise, as most do, you’ll immediately begin gaining elevation as you make your way to Panorama Point. Panorama Point is an amazing viewpoint, and some even choose to turn back here after stopping to rest and enjoy the views. It was actually along this section of the trail that we encountered a bear, which was my first ever run-in with a wild bear!
If you choose to continue your hike past Panorama Point, you’ll head east on the Skyline Trail. You’ll soon come across the junction with Golden Gate Trail, which can be used to shorten the hike. To complete the full loop, continue heading east and you’ll eventually reach the Stevens-Van Trump Memorial. You’ll begin to descend into Paradise Valley, with a brief uphill portion taking you Myrtle Falls, before finally arriving back at the Jackson Visitor Center.
All in all, Skyline Trail is an amazing hike that highlights some of the most beautiful natural features of Mount Rainier National Park. I highly recommend adding this hike to your summer bucketlist, and I would do it again in a heartbeat! Let me know in the comments what your favorite hike is in Mount Rainier National Park.
Seattle is an amazing town with so much to offer, it can often feel overwhelming when you’re trying to decide what to do and see. If you need some inspiration for your Seattle bucket list, here are 10 must-see sights and experiences to add ASAP!
Journey to the top of the Space Needle – you can experience this iconic Seattle landmark through general admission or by grabbing a cocktail in their revolving lounge
Do some shopping at Pike Place Market – Pike Place Market is full of unique shops, vendors, and restaurants, making it a great place to wander around for an afternoon
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture – MoPop is truly one of the coolest and most unique museums I’ve ever visited
Picnic at Gas Works Park – Gas Works Park is one of my top recommendations for first-time visitors to Seattle because you’ll get fantastic views of the skyline and Lake Union. Plus, you may recognize it from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You
Pay a visit to the Ballard Locks – the Ballard Locks are interesting and educational, truly the best of both worlds
Admire the architecture of Seattle Central Library – visiting the Seattle Central Library is the perfect rainy day activity: check out my photo diary from a recent visit by clicking right here
Go sailing or paddle-boarding in Lake Union – enjoying Lake Union is a classic summertime activity
Looking for a unique (and free!) activity in Seattle? Consider paying a visit to Seattle Central Library. Seattle Central Library is a public library in the heart of downtown Seattle that features some stunning architecture. The building, which is constructed largely out of glass and steel, has a very geometric and striking appearance, giving you plenty of great photo opps. The library is also massive with 11 stories and capacity to hold over 1 million books. Seattle Central Library is well-known for its unique architecture and is visited by millions of people every year. I love wandering around the library and people-watching on a rainy day, and I highly recommend a visit if you’ve never been.
Despite the ominous name, Deception Falls is a beautiful waterfall and hiking area located near Skykomish, Washington. At only half a mile roundtrip, the hike to Deception Falls is a great spot to stretch your legs, take some photos, or bring friends and family who are visiting from out of town.
The Deception Falls Recreation Area is located along the north side of US Highway 2 by mile marker 56. There is a large parking lot with restrooms and picnic tables, making it a great lunch spot, and an interpretive trail that leads you through the forest and to the falls.
Even though the falls are located right off the highway, you’ll feel as though you’re worlds away from civilization. When I visited Deception Falls in late October/early November, the water was incredibly high thanks to a lot of recent rainfall.
Deception Falls is a great option for those seeking beautiful waterfall views without a significant hike, and is well-suited for hikers of all ages and experience levels.
Wandering the Gap 