Western USA

USA

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
Bridger Mountains in Montana.

Bridger Mountains in Montana.

Why visit Western USA

Landscapes and legends draw adventurers to the West, where a good day includes locavore dining, vineyard wine-sipping, wildlife-watching, Native American history and outdoor adventure.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Western USA? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

10 days / 9 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
  2. 2 Hiking Monterey Bay’s sprawling coastal trails for dramatic waterfront views
  3. 3 Touring an organic farm with a local farmer specializing in sustainable, small-scale agriculture
from $4,940

per person

Explore more trips

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Western USA

Discover the best attractions in Western USA from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Travel Guides

Western USA travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Things to Know

Despite America’s automobile obsession, your visit doesn’t have to be dictated by a car. Here's how to visit epic cities along the west coast by train.


Read full article

Best Road Trips

There's nothing like it – driving through the peaks and valleys of a mountain range with your windows down and the music playing in time with the curves…


Read full article

Traveling with Kids

Dude ranches can bring you a taste of frontier life, including fishing, horseback riding and that sweet fresh air – here's how to choose the best one.


Read full article

Western USA and beyond