Top 30+ Vintage Family Vacations That Defined a Generation

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Post-war prosperity in the 50s and 60s had given ordinary American families something previous generations could barely imagine: enough time and money to pack up and explore their backyard continent. These weren’t just trips; they were family traditions that introduced children to natural wonders, American history, and the simple joy of being together without the distractions of everyday life. And without screens! Here are some of the iconic vacation destinations that defined an era.

#1: Road Trips on Route 66

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Families packed into station wagons, rolled down the windows, and hit the “Mother Road” from Chicago to California. The journey itself became the destination, with kids counting license plates while parents navigated with paper maps. Gas was cheap, motels were plentiful, and every family seemed to have their own Route 66 story to tell for years afterward.

#3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955)

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

The happiest place on Earth was a must-visit for families in the 1950s, representing Walt Disney’s revolutionary vision of entertainment. Opening just as television was transforming American culture, Disneyland offered something entirely new: a clean, safe fantasyland where parents and children could enjoy attractions together. Families saved for months to afford the California trip, often combining it with visits to Hollywood and the beach for the full West Coast adventure.

#4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

The Catskills Mountains provided a cooler escape from sweltering city summers, with luxurious resorts featuring swimming pools, entertainment, and elaborate dining rooms. Meanwhile, the Jersey Shore drew families with its carnival atmosphere, fishing piers, and endless stretches of sand. Both destinations created lasting memories of carefree summer days.

#6: Driving to Mount Rushmore

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Families crossed vast grasslands, stayed in roadside motor courts, and visited quirky attractions like Wall Drug along the way. The four presidential faces carved into granite represented American achievement that resonated deeply with postwar families. Children marveled at the engineering feat while parents felt a surge of patriotic pride, making Mount Rushmore a mix of education, adventure, and national identity.

#7: Cross-Country Train Trips

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Back in the days before technology, the Santa Fe Super Chief and other luxury trains turned travel into an experience, complete with white tablecloths and uniformed porters. Children pressed their faces against oversized windows, watching America roll by, while parents enjoyed sophisticated amenities. These rail journeys offered a glamorous alternative to driving, allowing families to arrive at their destination ready for adventure.

#9: Touring Washington D.C.

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Both educational and patriotic, these trips included visits to the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian museums, and the White House gates, especially during the cherry blossom season. The country’s capital offered families a chance to walk through American history while children learned about democracy and government.

#10: Niagara Falls Vacations

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Visiting Niagara Falls was considered essential to any well-rounded American childhood, combining natural wonder with accessible tourism infrastructure. Families posed for photos in yellow raincoats, took boat rides into the mist, and marveled at the sheer power of cascading water. Honeymoon couples weren’t the only visitors; families discovered that Niagara Falls provided an awe-inspiring spectacle that left lasting impressions on children and adults alike.

#12: Vacationing in the Ozarks

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Cheap cabins, scenic drives, and country music shows made the Ozarks a popular inland escape for tight-budget families. Families could enjoy fishing, hiking, and exploring caves while experiencing genuine Southern hospitality. The area’s affordability made it accessible to working-class families who might not afford more expensive vacation spots.

#13: California Coast Road Trips

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Cruising Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles, stopping at Big Sur or Hearst Castle, represents the best scenic drive for adventurous families. Hearst Castle provided a glimpse into unimaginable wealth and vast European transplanted to California hillsides. These road trips combined natural beauty with cultural attractions, creating memories of coastlines, crashing waves, and the golden California sunshine.

#15: Smoky Mountains Retreats

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Log cabins, misty mornings, and potential black bear sightings made this southern mountain range an unforgettable family escape destination. Families could explore historic cabins, learn about mountain life, and enjoy the area’s famous morning fog that gave the mountains their name. The combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage provided both adventure and education.

#16: Mackinac Island Getaways

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

This car-free Michigan island transported families back to a simpler time where horse-drawn carriages replaced automobiles and fudge shops lined every street. The Grand Hotel’s massive front porch became a symbol of refined leisure while bicycles served as the primary mode of family transportation. Ferry rides to the island created anticipation and excitement, making the destination feel like a special world apart from mainland life.

#18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

These motor lodges represented freedom and spontaneity, allowing families to travel without rigid itineraries or planning. The standardized comfort of motor courts meant families knew what to expect: clean rooms, television, and often a restaurant attached. Swimming pools became evening entertainment while parents planned the next day’s journey over coffee and donuts.

#19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65)

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Families from across the nation gathered to witness futuristic inventions, animatronics, and early space-age technology that promised to transform daily life. The fair showcased American optimism and technological prowess during the height of the space race and cultural revolution. Corporate pavilions demonstrated everything from computers to color television, while international exhibits offered tastes of foreign cultures.

#21: Cape Cod Summers

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

This peninsula offered a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxed coastal living that appealed to families seeking both education and recreation. Quaint villages, antique shops, and lobster rolls provided authentic regional flavor while beaches and sailing offered endless entertainment. Many families established annual traditions, returning to the same rental cottages or campgrounds year after year.

#22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Cotton candy, carnival rides, and beachside arcades represented the absolute epitome of carefree family fun and nostalgic Americana. These boardwalks combined beach relaxation with amusement park excitement, creating destinations where families could spend entire days without leaving the area. Roller coasters, funhouses, and fortune tellers provided thrills while sandy beaches offered quieter moments.

#24: Southern California Theme Parks

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Beyond Disneyland, families discovered attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm, which offered Western themes, boysenberry pie, and wholesome entertainment for the entire family. These parks represented a uniquely American form of entertainment that combined education with thrills, often featuring historical themes or cultural exhibits alongside rides and games.

#25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

A common “vacation” involved piling into the family car for cross-country drives to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins scattered across America’s heartland. These trips strengthened family bonds while exposing children to different regional cultures, accents, and ways of life within their own country. Southern hospitality, Midwestern farming communities, and extended family gatherings provided education about American diversity and family heritage.

#27: Rocky Mountain National Park

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Families from the Midwest frequently headed to Colorado seeking cool mountain air, challenging hiking trails, and family-operated lodges that offered rustic charm. Wildlife viewing, mountain climbing, and scenic drives through alpine meadows created lasting memories of natural wonder. The park’s accessibility and developed infrastructure made wilderness experiences safe and comfortable for families.

#28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

Curious families took scenic drives through Lancaster County to observe horse-drawn buggies, traditional farming methods, and quilt shops while learning about simpler ways of life. This cultural tourism offered children glimpses of pre-industrial America while parents contemplated alternative lifestyles and values. Amish hospitality, traditional crafts, and agricultural demonstrations provided educational entertainment that felt both foreign and authentically American.

#30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

#1: Road Trips on Route 66, #3: Visiting Disneyland (Opened in 1955), #4: Beach Vacations in the Catskills or Jersey Shore, #6: Driving to Mount Rushmore, #7: Cross-Country Train Trips, #9: Touring Washington D.C., #10: Niagara Falls Vacations, #12: Vacationing in the Ozarks, #13: California Coast Road Trips, #15: Smoky Mountains Retreats, #16: Mackinac Island Getaways, #18: Motel Hopping on the Open Road, #19: Visiting the World’s Fair (New York 1964–65), #21: Cape Cod Summers, #22: Santa Cruz or Coney Island Boardwalks, #24: Southern California Theme Parks, #25: Visiting Relatives in the South or Midwest, #27: Rocky Mountain National Park, #28: Amish Country in Pennsylvania, #30: Aloha Adventures to Hawaii (Post-1959)

After achieving statehood, Hawaii transformed from a distant territory into the best American dream vacation destination, offering a tropical paradise with familiar comforts. Lei greetings, luaus, and hula dancers provided cultural immersion while modern hotels and transportation ensured comfortable accommodations. The islands offered perfect weather, diverse activities from surfing to sightseeing, and the romance of the Pacific paradise.