West

Unmatched natural beauty awaits groups who venture to the Western region of the country. With a multitude of national parks and a variety of natural wonders, the West is one of the most scenic regions on earth. California alone is home to nine of the country’s 62 national parks, including rugged Joshua Tree (populated by vast stands of Joshua trees); majestic Sequoia (which boasts some of the world’s tallest trees); and the granddaddy of them all: Yosemite, internationally renowned for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, glaciers and incredible sightlines. Not to be outdone, Alaska boasts eight national parks that accompany its wide array of spectacular natural wonders that include snow-capped glaciers, crystal blue waters, exotic wildlife and even volatile volcanoes.

The West is also renowned for its noteworthy cities including Seattle and Portland, two cultural metropolises that combine bustling metro areas with celebrated outdoor scenes. Lest we not forget Nevada, which sports eye-catching outdoor destinations like Red Rock Canyon and the Ruby Mountains. Nevada, as you probably know, is also home to one of the world’s most popular destinations: Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps, rarely rests and always delivers a memorable outing.

Crater Lake

CALIFORNIA

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is a must-visit attraction in Southern California. Featuring hundreds of artifacts and dozens of interactive displays for visitors of all ages to explore, the library also offers groups the chance to step aboard the same Air Force One that flew President Reagan. Eighteen galleries pay tribute to America’s 40th president and his many accomplishments. In February of 2021, it is offering a new exhibit called FBI – From Al Capone to Al-Qaeda, a new 11,000-square-foot exhibition which covers the history of the storied agency from inception to its modern-day efforts to fight domestic terrorism in the United States. >> reaganfoundation.org

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the world’s largest rotating tram car—travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your approximately ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station— elevation 8,516 feet—enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails. >> pstramway.com

Photo courtesy of Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

NEVADA

Portland, OR

The Silver State is filled with iconic sites like the Hoover Dam, the Las Vegas Strip and Lake Tahoe, which welcomes groups of all ages. In downtown Las Vegas, learn about the history of organized crime at the Mob Museum, which offers guided tours through exhibits filled with Prohibition-era artifacts. Other Las Vegas attractions include the National Atomic Testing Museum (where you can learn about Cold War history and nuclear science), the Bellagio Conservatory (which features rotating seasonal displays) the brand-new Allegiant Stadium (home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders). If your group prefers outdoor activities, you can embark on a boat excursion on Lake Mead, hike through the rust-colored formations in Red Rock Canyon or walk amongst ancient forests in Great Basin National Park.

OREGON

Home to forward-thinking cities, a rugged coastline and millions of acres of pine forests, Oregon is a striking place for your next group tour. Popular sites include Crater Lake National Park (where you can ride a boat across the result of an ancient volcanic eruption), Columbia River Gorge (the site of beautiful waterfalls) and Cannon Beach (a landscape of jagged coastal rocks bordered by charming seaside villages). Portland, the state’s largest city, is home to Japanese-inspired gardens, trendy art galleries and an internationally renowned dining scene that emphasizes local agriculture.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

WASHINGTON

Visitors will want to spend time in Seattle, a dynamic city with cultural attractions such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. Venture outside the city to experience Mount Rainier National Park, where you can hike along the Carbon River admire Myrtle Falls and enjoy lunch at the historic Paradise Inn. Another region popular with groups is the Olympic Peninsula—home of the state capital and rugged coastline in Area’s like Ruby Beach. Beyond Pugent Sound are the San Juan Islands—a landscape dotted by lighthouses built by early European settlers, schools of playful dolphins and coastlines of pristine spruce trees available for hiking.