West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA
West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Vancouver, Canada - Just over the border adventures await
Nestled along the coastal mountains and shores of British Columbia, Vancouver combines breathtaking natural scenery with vibrant global influences. For West Coast travelers craving exploration beyond their own borders, Vancouver makes for an ideal international getaway just over three hours north of Seattle.
Those with only a long weekend to spare will find no shortage of ways to make the most of their time in VanCity. From Stanley Park's towering trees and seawall trails to bustling Granville Island Public Market, you can immerse yourself in lush urban ecosystems steps from the downtown core. Be sure to head up to Grouse Mountain via the famous Skyride to take in sweeping Pacific vistas from the top.
For a more active adventure, the ski slopes of Cypress Mountain and hiking trails of North Vancouver's Grouse Grind offer breathtaking ways to take in the rugged coastline. Those seeking a cultural experience won't want to miss the Vancouver Art Gallery's collection or checking out fashion-forward neighborhoods like Gastown and Yaletown. You'll find plenty of globally-inspired cuisine in cities like Richmond to fuel your exploration of this Pacific gateway.
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- West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Vancouver, Canada - Just over the border adventures await
- West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - From Los Angeles to San Jose, Costa Rica - Central American culture within reach
- West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Mexico City - A bustling metropolis with ancient ruins
- West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Oaxaca, Mexico - Colourful colonial city known for artistry and cuisine
- West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Tropical beaches and fishing villages
- West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Manzanillo, Mexico - Tropical escape along the Pacific coast
- West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Mazatlan, Mexico - Vibrant seaport surrounded by resort towns and beaches
West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - From Los Angeles to San Jose, Costa Rica - Central American culture within reach
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica offers travelers a vibrant taste of Central America less than 6 hours from Los Angeles. Daily nonstop flights connect LAX with San Jose, placing you within easy reach of discovering Costa Rica's storied history, stunning biodiversity, and pura vida lifestyle.
Touching down in the Costa Rican capital opens the doors to a multi-faceted cultural experience. The Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica complex houses some of the country's most important art and artifacts spanning 3,000 years of human habitation. Nearby, the neoclassical National Theater opened in 1897 as a premier venue for the performing arts. Vibrant public art murals around San Jose showcase the works of local artists.
Beyond the capital, opportunities for cultural immersion await across Costa Rica. Heading north of San Jose leads you to the province of Guanacaste, where you can experience authentic life on a hacienda-style ranch. To the south along the Pacific coast, the remote Osa Peninsula holds traces of its indigenous history along with a slower pace of life. On the Caribbean side, you’ll find an Afro-Caribbean influence in the food and music of port towns like Limón.
Amid Costa Rica’s diversity, the pura vida philosophy shines through in everyday life. Translating loosely to “pure life,” it’s a mindset embracing life’s simple pleasures. Spending time with Ticos and experiencing their warmth and hospitality provides the chance to live pura vida. Sharing meals like gallo pinto and tamales gives you a taste of Costa Rican home cooking. Swaying to the lively rhythms of salsa or calypso music connects you to the diversity of artistic expression.
West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Mexico City - A bustling metropolis with ancient ruins
Just under 5 hours from LAX, Mexico City offers the chance to immerse yourself in one of Latin America's largest and most fascinating urban landscapes. As a sprawling metropolis home to over 20 million residents, the sheer scale of Mexico City can feel overwhelming. Yet those who look beyond the initial chaos uncover a city brimming with culture, cuisine and contradictions waiting to be explored.
Flying into Mexico City places you at the heart of Mexico’s historical narrative. The Zócalo main plaza stands on the symbolic center of the Aztec universe, today surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace. Nearby ruins like the Templo Mayor give glimpse into Tenochtitlan, the ancient capital of the Aztec empire. Wandering the neighborhood of Coyoacán transports you back to the 20th century Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo called home.
Beyond the historic core, Mexico City’s distinct neighborhoods each have their own identity. Artsy Roma and Condesa are dotted with trendy cafés, boutiques and leafy parks. The imposing Modernist structures of the Polanco financial district contrast with the craft shops in traditional villages like Coyoacán and San Ángel. After dark, join locals barhopping along the pedestrian nightlife havens of Zona Rosa and Plaza Garibaldi.
The sheer diversity across Mexico City’s urban fabric often disguises its wealth of green spaces. Oozing with history and charm, the floating gardens of Xochimilco comprise miles of canals and artificial islands dating back to Aztec times. Escape the city rush at Chapultepec Park, where locals flock on weekends to picnic and paddle along the lake. For more active endeavors, climb the Desierto de los Leones National Park trails tucked within pine forests on the city’s edge.
West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Oaxaca, Mexico - Colourful colonial city known for artistry and cuisine
Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most vibrant cultural destinations. As you walk the cobblestone streets of the well-preserved historic center, your senses will be awakened by the city's incredibly rich artistic heritage evident on every corner.
Brightly colored balconies, doorways and architectural details provide a feast for the eyes inspired by indigenous craft traditions still practiced today. The heart of handwoven textile artisans can be found in the Taller de los Maestros, a collective showcase of master weavers from regional villages. Stop to marvel at intricate patterns before exploring other specialties like alebrije woodcarving figures and ceramics.
Of course, no visit to Mexico would be complete without immersing yourself in the local cuisine. Oaxaca's culinary identity stems from its ethnic diversity and agricultural wealth cultivated across dozens of microclimates. One must start their day in the bustling market streets surrounding the central plaza, popping into tiny taquerias for tlayudas - thick tortillas topped with pulled pork, cheese and smoky chiles.
As the day warms, lunch may call you to Alcalde, a social enterprise restaurant celebrating indigenous ingredients through modern preparations. Meanwhile ice cream lovers won't want to miss Gelateria Oaxaquena'a downtown counter serving creative flavors like mezcal with chile or mole. Come evening, feast on moles such as the seven chili chocolate variety at well-loved Restaurante Los Danzantes.
West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Tropical beaches and fishing villages
Nestled along the Bahía de Banderas on Mexico's central Pacific coastline, Puerto Vallarta steals hearts with its tropical Old World charm. What was once a series of small fishing villages dotting the sandy coves and jungled headlands has evolved into a premier beach escape attracting travelers from around the globe. Yet wander beyond the golden sands of its namesake beaches and you'll find the spirit of Old Vallarta still thrives.
Venture down narrow alleys in the Historic Center neighborhood to uncover art galleries, traditional craft shops and restaurants spilling out onto the cobblestone streets. The scent of wood-fired grill smoke signals stopping for tacos al pastor, and you may catch an artist setting up an impromptu outdoor studio. Neighborhoods like Romantic Zone and nearly 3 miles of Malecon boardwalk offer ideal spots for soaking in the city's dreamy atmosphere. Don't forget your camera when strolling Puerto Vallarta at dusk as the dazzling sunset lights up the bay and surrounding palm trees.
Those wishing to glimpse a more traditional way of life should explore the coastal villages just north or south of downtown. In places like Yelapa and Mismaloya only accessible by water taxi, simple life among the fishing families carries on much as it did for generations. Spending a day lounging on secluded beaches, snorkeling alongside colorful reefs or sampling fresh-caught seafood straight off the panga boats creates memories to last beyond your Puerto Vallarta vacation.
West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Manzanillo, Mexico - Tropical escape along the Pacific coast
Nestled along Mexico's Pacific coastline midway between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco sits the port city of Manzanillo, providing the ideal launching point for a laidback tropical escape. What Manzanillo lacks in mega-resort glitz, it more than makes up for in tranquil beaches, relaxed atmosphere and access to watersports galore.
By day, stretch out on the golden sands of Playa Las Brisas north of the city center, or head south to lively Playa La Audiencia where locals and visitors mingle in the beach clubs. Snorkeling and scuba diving the coral reefs offshore rewards with sights of colorful fish, turtles and even humpback whales during their winter migration. Charter a fishing boat and try your hand hooking dorado, sailfish or yellowfin tuna in the bountiful waters offshore. For more leisurely afternoon adventures, hop aboard the jungle canopy zipline course at Las Hadas resort or stroll the restored colonial fort of Santiago de Manzanillo.
As the sun sets with brilliant displays over the Pacific, Manzanillo comes alive. Stroll down the palm-lined boardwalk of the Malecon, pausing to admire the offshore islands silhouetted in the evening light. Sit down for sunset cocktails and tapas at a seaside restaurant, then join locals promenading along the water's edge. Catch an outdoor concert under swaying palms or stop into one of Manzanillo's late-night bars or clubs for dancing until dawn.
Venturing beyond the city, opportunities for cultural and nature immersion abound. At the small fishing village of Boca de Pascuales, chat with locals cleaning the morning catch while feasting on fresh ceviche for lunch. Head into the foothills of the Sierra Madre for jungle adventures in El Salto Falls, where you can hike through canyons to hidden waterfalls for a refreshing swim. For beach lovers, tiny coastal towns like Cuyutlán and Armeria boast stretches of sand where your only company might be soaring frigate birds and diving pelicans.
West Coast Wanderlust: 15 Quick International Getaways Under 6 Hours from LAX, SFO, and SEA - Mazatlan, Mexico - Vibrant seaport surrounded by resort towns and beaches
Brimming with historic charm and natural beauty along Mexico's Pacific coastline, Mazatlán has long charmed visitors as the country’s premier beach resort destination. Yet beyond the high-rise towers and long golden beaches defining its image lies a vibrant port city rich in culture, cuisine and experiences waiting to be discovered.
Wandering the streets of Old Mazatlán transports you back to when this was just a remote fishing village. Picturesque neighborhoods lined with 19th-century architecture built after its designation as an official port feel reminiscent of New Orleans or Havana. The magnificent 1870s Teatro Ángela Peralta theater pays tribute to the city’s strong arts culture, while central Plazuela Machado comes alive at night with diners spilling out from its many restaurants.
Mazatlán’s crowning jewel is unquestionably its beaches, which stretch over 10 miles from the rocky outcroppings in Old Mazatlán to tourist-centric Zona Dorada and beyond. Golden sands lined with resorts dominate the northern Zona Dorada and Sábalo Centro neighborhoods, while southern Playa Olas Altas offers a cozier vibe. Seek out less crowded stretches further south in the seaside villages lining the coast down to El Quelite.
Offshore islands like Deer and Stone Island make for easy day trips to enjoy snorkeling crystalline waters or lounging beneath swaying palms. Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss climbing the winding trail to the lighthouse atop El Faro Lighthouse for panoramic vistas. Charter a fishing boat in search of dorado, sailfish and other sport fish bountiful in these waters.