Kauaʻi, Hawaii
Kauaʻi certainly doesn’t suffer in the looks department. The Hawaiian island is famous for its rich biodiversity, legendary mountainous shoreline, and because it’s made a starring appearance in more than 100 movies including “Jurassic Park." Kauaʻi is home to the spectacular Waimea Canyon State Park, a colorful natural wonder that’s been dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Another accolade is that it’s the coldest place that cacao trees—which typically thrive in humid equatorial climates—can grow, thus earning it the nickname “North Pole of Cacao." Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to a chocolate estate or feast your eyes on postcard-worthy views of the dramatically rugged Nāpali Coast, which can only be seen by sea or air. A helicopter ride over its cinematic cliffs is an unforgettable experience that any traveler would dream of.
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San Juan Islands, Washington
Tucked between three major cities (Vancouver B.C, Victoria B.C., and Seattle), Washington’s San Juan Islands are a hotbed for outdoor activities. Many come for sightings of the black and white killer orca whales that reside in the archipelago year-round. Fishing expeditions, sailing trips, hikes, and visually arresting drives on the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway keep visitors busy, too. Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan (singular) are the three main island destinations. On the latter, head to Friday Harbor any day of the week to kickstart your adventures. It’s the only incorporated town in the archipelago with an assemblage of boutiques, bookstores, cultural centers, and a museum dedicated to the region’s star mammal.