12 Tropical Destinations for West Coasters That Are Just a Short Flight Away

If you live on the West Coast, you can easily fly to amazing tropical destinations. From tropical islands to jungles, these are the best tropical destinations if you live on the West Coast. 

The West Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, striking landscapes, and culturally rich cities. It’s also known for being fairly cold, especially in places like Seattle and San Francisco. 

If the fog and gloomy weather are getting to you, hang up your flannel and put down your latte. It’s time to go to the tropics. Below are 12 tropical destinations if you live on the West Coast.

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Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas is the closest tropical destination to the West Coast. You can fly there from LAX in just a couple of hours, and when you arrive, you’ll be in paradise. 

This desert city has everything from warm tropical water and beaches to all-inclusive resorts. You can head out on a deep-sea fishing adventure or spend the day golfing overlooking the coast. 

In town, try amazing cuisine and local seafood. Head out on the town at night to enjoy non-stop nightlife and exciting events. There’s also world-class surfing and hiking, making this destination ideal for adventurous travel.

Travel Tips

• Join a Whale Watching Tour: Visit between December and April for a chance to go whale watching.
• Try Flyboarding on Medano Beach: Hover above the water with a jet-powered pack.

Read also: Beach Towns on the West Coast

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a stunning city in the Mexican state of Jalisco. It’s under three hours from LA and under five hours from Seattle. 

The city is a tropical gem surrounded by gorgeous beaches and protected jungles. You can lounge on the beaches and take in nature before shopping and dining. If you love history, there are incredible historical monuments, such as the Zona Romantica. 

You can head outside town to visit charming villages and towns with hidden beaches and amazing sights. Or try hiking, surfing, and kayaking to experience the city’s beautiful natural surroundings. Whatever your mission on your vacation, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Puerto Vallarta.

Travel Tips

• Hike to Quimixto Waterfall: Hike through lush landscapes and swim in the natural pool at the base.
• Experience the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk: Explore local galleries for free between late October and June.

Read also: Tropical Vacation Spots in the World

Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara has Mexico’s second-largest metro area and is packed with amazing things to see and do. It’s also near postcard-worthy natural wonders ripe with adventures. 

You can arrive from LA and get right to exploring in under two hours. Start by sampling the local birria tacos and exploring the monuments in the city center. Then, check out the museums and sights like the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan. 

After enjoying the city, take a tour of a tequila distillery and agave farm. You’ll learn about the drink and its history—and sample some of the best tequilas on the planet.

Travel Tips

• Attend a Lucha Libre Match: Experience Mexican wrestling at a local arena.
• Take a Day Trip to Lake Chapala: Mexico’s largest lake offers outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

Read also: Underrated Tropical Destinations

Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca is just under four hours from Los Angeles, yet it feels like a world away. If you love history, food, and beautiful places, it’s hard to beat this Mexican state. 

Start in Oaxaca City and explore the historical city center and sights like Monte Alban. Then, head off to see natural monuments like Hierve el Agua or tour an artisanal mezcal distillery. 

For pristine tropical beaches, drive to the coast, stay in the deluxe resorts of Mazunte, and see sea turtles and dramatic sunsets. Head to Puerto Escondido to see the world’s best surfers take on the massive waves. You can do all this in under a week, so start planning your Oaxaca dream tour!

Travel Tips

• Visit the Tlacolula Sunday Market: This weekend market is about 45 minutes from Oaxaca City.
• Explore the Ethnobotanical Garden: Visit this beautiful garden near the city center to explore Oaxaca’s diverse plant life.

Read also: Hidden Tropical Islands

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is Hawaii’s laid-back capital city. It’s under six hours from most major cities on the West Coast and offers a wide range of sights and experiences. 

First, learn about the island’s history at the Bishop Museum. Then, check out the Iolani Palace, the original palace of Hawaii’s first monarchs. 

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After getting your fill of culture and history, don’t miss out on the beaches of Waikiki. Here, you’ll see the birthplace of surfing and even get to try the sport yourself. When you’re done, head back to your hotel for some relaxation or enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Travel Tips

• Visit the Lyon Arboretum: This beautiful botanical garden features lush tropical plants and hiking trails.
• Hike the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail: The trail leads to a historic lighthouse and offers great photo opportunities.

Read also: World’s Top Dangerous Beaches

Guatemala

Guatemala is just under five hours from LA, making it an ideal stop for a tropical destination. Although it doesn’t have the all-inclusive resorts of its neighbors, the country is full of cultural highlights worth visiting. 

After you arrive, you can head to Antigua, Guatemala. Here, you can enjoy the colonial architecture or explore the surrounding natural sights. 

For an unforgettable experience, book a hotel or resort on Lago de Atlitlán. This gorgeous destination is full of unbelievable natural scenery. Nearby, you can find adventurous activities and experiences that will make you want to return next year.

Travel Tips

• Explore the Coffee Plantations: Visit a local coffee finca (plantation) to learn about Guatemala’s coffee production.
• Discover Semuc Champey: This natural monument is known for its turquoise pools and natural limestone bridge.

Read also: World’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a lush and beautiful country with spectacular forests and tropical beaches. It’s also less than six hours away from Los Angeles. 

The country is famous for its adventurous activities, from zip-lining to scuba diving. It’s also one of the world’s top surfing destinations, with world-class waves on both coasts. 

If the stresses of daily life are getting too much, you can take part in one of the country’s popular retreats. After relaxing, visit a coffee farm or take part in a jungle adventure to see rare wildlife and striking waterfalls.

Travel Tips

• Experience Bioluminescent Kayaking: Paddle through waters that glow with bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon caused by microscopic organisms.
• Visit Tortuguero National Park: Take a boat trip to this park famous for its turtle nesting sites and rich biodiversity.

Read also: Secret Beaches Around the Globe

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is another Hawaiian island that’s close to the West Coast’s major cities. It has a laid-back vibe and endless options for relaxing by the beautiful coast. 

Start at an all-inclusive by the beach and get right into vacation mode. After soaking in the sun, rent kayaks or take a cruise to see whales and other marine life in their natural habitats. 

You can experience the culture of Hawaii by attending a popular cooking class. For the ultimate experience, rent a car and drive around the island, stopping in the culturally rich towns and villages along the way.

Travel Tips

• Visit the Maui Ocean Center: Explore this aquarium to learn about Hawaii’s marine life and see sharks, rays, and colorful fish up close.
• Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Kihei: Rent a stand-up paddleboard in Kihei for a fun way to explore the coastline.

Read also: Whitest Sand Beaches in the World

Miami, Florida

Miami is an East Coast city just over six hours from LA. If you want a tropical getaway while still being in a big city, this is the destination for you. 

The city is home to diverse cultures and incredible cuisine. Visit areas such as Little Havana and Coconut Grove to sample the best dishes from the growing food scene. After eating to your heart’s content, head to the beaches to kick back in the tropical waters. 

Miami has world-famous nightlife, with iconic clubs and bars in neighborhoods like South Beach. No matter what vacation style you’re looking for, this tropical US city will deliver.

Travel Tips

• Explore the Wynwood Walls: Visit this outdoor street art museum featuring large murals by renowned artists from around the world.
• Take a Historic Boat Tour of Biscayne Bay: Join a boat tour to explore sights like Stiltsville, a collection of colorful houses on stilts in the water.

Read also: Bluest Beach Waters Globally

Panama

Panama is a country famous for the Panama Canal and endless natural wonders. You can arrive from many West Coast cities in just under eight hours. 

Start in Panama City and experience its exciting nightlife and events. Then, visit the famous Panama Canal before exploring hiking trails and jungle treks. 

The beaches of Panama are pristine, and you’ll find hotels, resorts, and short-term rentals right on the sand. Try staying in the San Blas Islands of the Caribbean or the beautiful island destinations of the Pacific.

Travel Tips

• Explore Casco Viejo: Visit this historic district in Panama City, known for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
• Explore Los Cangilones de Gualaca: This natural canyon near Boquete is great for activities like cliff jumping and swimming.

Read also: Colorful Beach Destinations

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is just over four hours from LA and six hours from Seattle. Right when you step off the plane, you can grab a margarita and head to your resort or hotel. Hop in the pool or head straight for the white-sand beaches. 

This tropical destination is made for vacations. You’ll find all the amenities and adventures you need for a great time. Plus, there are heart-pounding activities to fill your day, such as snorkeling, paragliding, and even deep-sea fishing. 

For cultural activities and cuisine, Cancun is one of the best destinations in the world. You’ll find historical monuments a few hours away, like the temples and pyramids of Chichen Itza. Or, you can spend your entire time relaxing poolside without a care in the world.

Travel Tips

• Explore the El Rey Archaeological Zone: Visit this lesser-known Mayan ruin and explore ancient structures while spotting iguanas.
• Kayak in Nichupté Lagoon: Paddle through the lagoon filled with mangroves and wildlife.

Read also: Top Beaches in the World

Colombia

Colombia is a beautiful country just under ten hours from many West Coast destinations. It has enthralling cities, beautiful beaches, and plenty of cultural highlights. 

In its exciting capital of Bogota, you’ll see world-famous museums and architecture. In Medellin, you can find natural wonders and plenty of world-class nightlife. 

For beaches, nothing beats the city of Cartagena. Here, you’ll get to walk amongst colonial-style buildings and cobblestone streets. Then, spend the day soaking in the sun at an all-inclusive resort to end your tropical holiday.

Travel Tips

• Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: This underground cathedral, carved from salt mines, features sculptures and religious art.
• Hike to Caño Cristales: Known as the “River of Five Colors,” this river is famous for its vibrant colors during certain seasons.

Read also: Best White Sand Beaches Worldwide

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