The American West has long seized the imagination of people around the world, thanks to the region's association with the silver screen, the early days of Wild West cinema, and the stars that grace the red carpets of Hollywood premieres. From the ruggedly beautiful Pacific coast to the deserts of the interior, America's West is simply waiting to be explored.

A Glamorous Coastline

The 'Golden State' of California best sums up the American dream with its glitzy cities, vast wilderness areas and beautiful coastline. The Pacific Coast Highway, a breathtaking road-trip along the longest state-route in California, takes you via the white sands of Monterey Bay and the cliffside at Half Moon Bay to the wild surf coast at Big Sur. And of course, Los Angeles is home to the celebrity-laden Beverly Hills, the famous Rodeo Drive and the sprawling sands of Santa Monica Beach.

Newport Beach, California

Vast Deserts

The wide desert vistas of Arizona and Utah are full of natural wonders and Native American heritage. In Arizona's south is the arid Sonoran Desert, while further north a landscape of plateaus, deep canyons and mountains, like those you've seen in classic cowboy Western movies, emerges. And in Nevada’s Mojave Desert, the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip are a beacon for pleasure seekers in the remotest of places.

 The Wave, Coyote Buttes, Arizona

Southwestern Cities

In the Lone Star State of Texas, the cities of Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth offer warm Southern hospitality played out in honkytonk bars, and  a glimpse of life as a cowboy in the Wild West at authentic Rodeo shows. Cookouts and steakhouses serve up big American eats, and a thriving blues, rock and country music scene can be heard across the state. Meanwhile in New Mexico, a rich history of Native American and Hispanic cultures has created a vibrant art scene and creative centre in America's oldest capital, Santa Fe.

Texas State Fair