I live only a few hours from Las Vegas but has never been over there, are there the places for hiking and kayaking? I think if one has the chance to drive through and explore HWY 1 along west cost and HWY 101 through WA and British Columbia, it would sum up the most beautiful mountains and oceansides. I love Big Sur- Central California- no mobile-phone, no newspapers, no T.V; just mountain ranges meeting the blue ocean. I also fall for Ashland in Oregon because it rains beautifully-it's the most beautiful place to be in spring and fall.