5 Fall Weekend Getaways on the West Coast • The Blonde Abroad

Few places on earth are as beautiful and diverse as the Pacific coastline. From the beaches of California to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, this coast is truly magical.

As a California native, maybe I am partial, but I don’t think anyone can visit the West Coast without falling in love. Ready to see for yourself?

Check out a few of my fave fall weekend getaways on the West Coast!

Napa Valley

Attention, foodies: the mother ship is in Napa Valley. They have turned the simple, everyday acts of eating amazing food and drinking great wine into art. With some of the greatest chefs and vineyards on the planet, this is the perfect place to indulge. With farm-to-table restaurants, gourmet grocery stores, and endless wine tasting, you will definitely want to bring your appetite.

One of the prime times to visit Napa is during the fall. In September and October, you can see the vineyards in full swing.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is the perfect way to get to know the area. Over the course of three hours, you will have a delectable meal, sample wine, and get a view of the wineries in Napa, Rutherford, Yountville, Oakville, and Saint Helena.

*Note: The Napa and Sonoma regions have been hit hard by wildfires in 2020, so be sure to check on conditions and vineyard openings before you travel.

Portland

There is always something new to see in Portland. When I first visited, Portland had just transformed the historical Carriage and Baggage building into Pine Street Market, the first food hall in Portland! It was so so cool. Once you have worked up a thirst there, check out the local breweries and the much-loved House Spirits Distillery.

Of course, Portland still has all of its old classics. The largest used bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books, continues to impress. The Portland Japanese Garden still shines while the Portland Saturday Market will always rank as one of my favorite places to shop. And of course, you have to get some Stumptown Coffee and Voodoo Doughnuts if you’re nearby!

San Francisco

As one of California’s greatest cities, San Francisco has something for everyone. Explore America’s largest Chinatown for international treasures, and then check out San Fran’s hippest and most happening neighborhood, The Mission. While this area is often overlooked by tourists, it’s a thriving community that’s adored by the locals.

When you are ready to do the tourist thing, hop on the Magic Bus for a trippy ride. This groovy bus will take you through some of the old hippie hangouts and give you insight into the culture of the 1960s.

Eat your heart out with the best food in San Francisco!

Of course, no trip to The City by the Bay is complete without a trip around Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge on the San Francisco Bay Boat Cruise.

The Coolest Airbnbs in San Francisco

Seattle

If you have never been to Seattle, you have got to get to the Space Needle first thing. From 605 feet above the city, you can see it all. Grab your selfies, and then have a look through the telescope to see beyond the cityscape and into the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains.

To dive into Seattle culture head first, grab a coffee from one of the local shops and check out Pioneer Square.

Ready to shop? For more than a century, Pike Place Market has been a center for tourists and locals alike. As one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the country, this place is an icon of Seattle and you definitely won’t want to leave the city without a visit here.

Looking for some nature? Stroll through Seward Park, about 20-minutes from downtown. If you have more than a few hours, take the ferry over to Bainbridge Island and explore the beautiful Bloedel Reserve.

The Coolest Airbnbs in the Pacific Northwest

Denver

I probably don’t need to tell you that Denver is amazing in the winter. At the doorstep of some of the greatest ski resorts on earth, this city comes alive when the cold weather arrives.

Far from just a winter destination, Denver is gorgeous year-round. In fact, I actually think that fall is one of the best times to visit Colorado.

Did you know that Colorado has the longest period of fall foliage in the country? Because the area around Denver spans a whopping five climate zones, you can admire the autumn colors anytime from September to November. Just change your elevation and you’ll completely transform your surroundings.

If you are lucky enough to be in Denver during the first weekend of the month, you have got to check out First Friday. There are art walks all over town with incredibly impressive displays in the Santa Fe, RiNo, Tennyson, LoHi, and Belmar neighborhoods. It is a totally different experience every month so check the calendar before you go.