2018 Sunset Travel Awards Include DMA West-member Destinations

Congratulations to Walla Walla, Santa Barbara, McMinnville, and Santa Monica for their special category awards. Read details about each destination award.

Walla Walla, WA: Widely known for its wheat and sweet onions, Walla Walla is also gaining recognition for its 120 wineries and tasting rooms, many of which occupy restored early-20th-century buildings. Sunset Magazine named Walla Walla best “Wine Town” in its 2018 Travel Awards.

Santa Barbara, CA:In response to the devastating Thomas Fire, which began in December 2017, and the January 2018 Montecito mudslide, Santa Barbara area residents have a renewed sense of community and purpose. Their resolve has only strengthened the city’s mission of making over warehouses and historic buildings into modern places to gather. Sunset Magazine named Santa Barbara the “Comeback Kid” in its 2018 Travel Awards. 

McMinnville, OR: Sunset Magazine named McMinnville the “Willamette Valley Must” in its 2018 Travel Awards. This small agricultural community has responded to the Pinot Noir-driven tourist boom, and now visitors hardly need to leave its limits to experience the valley’s riches. Downtown, on picturesque Third Street, visitors will find 19th-century brick buildings housing restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and boutiques, as well as 15 wine-tasting establishments.

Santa Monica, CA: Honoring the city’s laid-back spirit and wealth of options, Sunset Magazine recently named Santa Monica the best “Window Shopping Mecca” in its 2018 Travel Awards. With eight distinct neighborhoods, the Santa Monica shopping scene covers the spectrum, from downtown’s open-air Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place, to upscale boutiques along Montana Avenue and the eclectic retail mix on Main Street and Pico Boulevard.