Before UCLA and USC leave the Pac-12 in 2024, fans have a chance to hit the road and check out the conference’s best outposts.
Our panel of four college sports writers have traversed Pac-12 country for years, arriving early and leaving late. They explored the Arizona desert, mountains of Utah and Colorado and vast landscape along the Pacific coast.
We’ve ranked every Pac-12 city and shared hidden gems that help convert them from quick game-day getaways to ultimate road trip weekends.
We omitted the Los Angeles schools from our rankings because it’s too difficult to evaluate the place we live as a road trip. However, we included L.A. recommendations in our guide in case you’re hosting out of town visitors or planning a visit.
Will Pacific Northwest gem Seattle rank No. 1 or will the elite mountain town of Boulder, Colo., take the top spot? And how much will one sports writer’s love of a Washington winery skew our rankings?
Scroll down to find out or follow our Ultimate Pac-12 Tour Guide in map form.
Ben Bolch has traveled regularly in the Pac-12 footprint since it was the Pac-10, starting in 2005 as an understudy on the UCLA football beat to late, great Times sportswriter Lonnie White. Bolch later became the first writer on record to covet trips to Spokane while serving a three-season sentence — er, stint — on USC basketball. Covering UCLA football and basketball as the full-time beat writer since 2016 has allowed him to further cultivate his appreciation of every wine region near a Pac-12 school. If you find one within a day’s drive of Tucson, please let him know.
Brady McCollough was born in Texas, grew up in Louisiana, finished high school in Buffalo, N.Y., went to college at Michigan and has worked as a sports reporter in Kansas City, Pittsburgh and now Los Angeles. In short, he’s a ramblin’ man. Leaning fully into his nomadic reputation, he recently visited his 50th state — Alaska — before turning 40. So, while only spending one season enjoying the Pac-12 travel circuit as the Times’ USC beat writer in 2018-19, he prides himself on knowing how to maximize any destination’s potential.
Ryan Kartje grew up in the heart of Big Ten country, but has called the Pac-12 home since 2012, when he moved to Los Angeles to cover UCLA for the Orange County Register. He has done his best to hit every brewery in the Pac-12 footprint since, but only just recently got back on the road as USC beat writer for The Times. A disciple of tasting menus and street carts alike, food may be the only thing he loves more than football.
Thuc Nhi Nguyen is born and raised in the Pac-12. A Seattle native, she traveled the Pac-12 as a student reporter at Washington, the UCLA beat reporter for the Southern California News Group and now as a college reporter for The Times. The best place to eat in the conference is her mom’s kitchen, but there are plenty of great second-place options in this list too.
Full disclosure: No. 2 on this list is not a typo. As he explains below in our guide, Ben loves a winery relatively close to Pullman and it prompted him to award Washington State a surprisingly high ranking.
Full disclosure: Brady has not visited Pullman yet, but he was not swayed by Ben’s love of a winery near Pullman.
Ease of getting there:
Getting harder. Nonstop flights into Tucson are becoming increasingly rare, meaning you’ll either have to connect elsewhere or fly the handful of airlines that still offer this route. —Ben Bolch
Where to stay:
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Assuming you can get a decent rate, this is worth the somewhat lengthy drive into town given the plush rooms and sprawling grounds nestled comfortably into picturesque hillsides. Just keep an eye out for snakes and scorpions while walking outdoors. —Ben Bolch
Stadium skinny:
It’s probably going to be a “Pac-12 After Dark” affair given the Pac-12’s penchant for scheduling night games at Arizona Stadium to beat the desert heat, meaning almost anything can happen (except, in recent seasons, a Wildcats win). —Ben Bolch
Best eats:
You’ll likely be in for a night game in the desert, which means you’ll have time for pre-game brunch. Prep & Pastry, which has two locations in Tucson has all the standards and a rotating selection of fresh baked goods every day. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
Many restaurants have staked the claim that they invented the chimichanga, each with a similar story of accidentally dropping a burrito in the fryer. But El Charro Cafe may have the most compelling case. It’s the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant, having opened in Tucson in 1922. The restaurant has been operated by the same family ever since, and they’re still serving a wide assortment of chimichangas. —Ryan Kartje
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
Pima Air & Space Museum. Aviation buffs will love the fleet of nearly 400 aircraft “preserved” in the desert heat, including a modified Boeing 707 that came to be known as “Freedom One” after transporting the American hostages held in Iran back home in 1981. —Ben Bolch
Ease of getting there:
Where to stay:
Westin Tempe. Aside from the oddity of this hotel being out of shampoo during a recent stay (yes, really), it’s a gleaming star of the Marriott chain. Rooms are modern and spacious (upgrades can include two-bathroom suites) and you’re within easy walking distance of Sun Devil Stadium. Just make sure to bring extra shampoo. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
Cibo puts the “home” in homemade Italian. The downtown Phoenix restaurant serves diners in a restored bungalow you can enjoy a home-cooked meal in a living room without any dishes. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
Hoping to really channel your college years? There are few places better for that in the Pac-12 than Mill Avenue, the nucleus of Tempe’s college nightlife, where loud music is blasting and cheap well drinks are flowing. —Ryan Kartje
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
Grand Canyon National Park is a four-hour drive from Tempe. We recommend spending a night in Flagstaff as part of the adventure. —J. Brady McCollough
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Ease of getting there:
Where to stay:
Graduate Berkeley. Formerly known as the Durant, this boutique hotel a block from campus is hopping on game days. And as the name implies, expect to find a poster of Dustin Hoffman from “The Graduate” in your room. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza (the College Avenue location). This stuff is legit, with enough gooey goodness to fill you up after a slice or two. That means you can get your stuffed pizza fix without the four-hour flight needed for a trip to Gino’s East or Giordano’s in Chicago. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
To visit one of the oldest bars in California, go to Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon at Jack London Square in Oakland. —J. Brady McCollough
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
Forests, mountains and the occasional bear, oh my. Yosemite National Park is three hours east of Berkeley and perfect for a scenic lunch spot or an outdoorsy weekend. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Ease of getting there:
Where to stay:
Hotel Clio, Cherry Creek. Sure, there are much closer (and cheaper) hotel options, including the Renaissance Boulder Flatiron in Broomfield, just a short drive from Boulder, but anyone who enjoys high-end dining and shopping won’t want to miss Cherry Creek’s plentiful boutiques and restaurants. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
Barolo Grill, Denver. How does chilled jumbo lump crab with citrus crema followed by house-made spaghetti with wild boar ragu followed by Barolo-braised duck sound? Those are just a few of the seasonal items on the tantalizing four-course tasting menu. At $89 per person (with optional $55 wine pairing), it may not be something you can put on an expense account, but it’s worth the splurge. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
If you love to get caught up in the student flavor, you have to check out the underground Sundown Saloon off the Pearl Street Mall. —J. Brady McCollough
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
There are 25 peaks of 14,000 feet or higher in the Rocky Mountains, and one of them is a short drive away. It takes a full day to summit Pikes Peak by foot, but only an hour or two in your car. The stunning view is well worth the drive. Take it slow on the winding road to the top – limited guardrails! – and give yourself enough time to grab a donut at the new Visitor’s Center at the summit. —Ryan Kartje
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Ease of getting there:
Where to stay:
Valley River Inn. As the name implies, the hotel is situated along a river (the Willamette) and features a rustic lobby with an inviting fireplace. Even though the place has a dated feel, its warmth and cozy lobby bar (SweetWaters on the River) make it such a coveted spot that both the UCLA and USC basketball teams used to stay here simultaneously under previous coaches. (Highlights included Kevin O’Neill buying rounds of drinks at the lobby bar and the famously rigid Ben Howland loosening up with reporters during off-the-record fireside chats.) —Ben Bolch
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
Rogue is one of the best breweries in the state, and they have a location in Eugene that’s a must visit for beer drinkers. —J. Brady McCollough
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
Runners should check out Pre’s trail, named for the legendary Oregon distance runner Steve Prefontaine. Fans of Pre can also still visit Pre’s rock, the site of the tragic car accident that prematurely ended his life. —J. Brady McCollough
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
The Hood River Fruit Loop. About an hour east of Portland lies one of the gems of the Pacific Northwest. The Fruit Loop is a 35-mile scenic drive through the splendor of the Hood River Valley, filled with fruit stands, wineries, breweries and fields of beautiful flowers. Set aside a day to casually wander and be sure to take plenty of pictures of Mt. Hood, which towers triumphantly over the scenery. When you’re finished wandering, stop by Pfriem Family Brewers for a fruit-forward pint to finish your journey. —Ryan Kartje
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Ease of getting there:
Fairly easy. Fly into nearby Eugene (just don’t tell anyone you’re there to see a Beavers game) or make the 90-minute drive from Portland. —Ben Bolch
Where to stay:
If you’re going for game-time convenience, pick the Hilton Garden Inn. It’s so close to Reser Stadium that your bed might as well be in the stands. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
The Angry Beaver Grill is one of the best campus sports bars in the Pac-12, decorated wall to wall with Oregon State memorabilia. Don’t miss it. —J. Brady McCollough
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
Given that the livelier Eugene is about 45 minutes away, don’t feel obligated to stay in Corvallis. But those who prefer a slower pace will appreciate the small-town charm that can be found here. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
The Oregon coastline is worth a visit. —J. Brady McCollough
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Ease of getting there:
Depends. San Jose International Airport is only minutes away and super convenient unless you’re a devotee of United Airlines. In that case, you’ll have to fly into San Francisco International Airport and make the roughly 45-minute (depending on traffic) drive down Highway 101. —Ben Bolch
No sweat with airport options in San Francisco and San Jose. And if you’re in for the road trip, consider the scenic route up Route 1 for ocean views and hikes in Big Sur and the Redwoods. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
Where to stay:
The Nest Hotel. The closer you can get to Stanford’s campus, the better, and this modern boutique hotel, which is just three miles away from the stadium, won’t break the bank. The hotel wine bar sometimes even offers complimentary tastings. —Ryan Kartje
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
Amber India. Yes, this requires a short drive to San Jose (or San Francisco, if you are so inclined to visit that location), but you’ll thank yourself the moment you take that first bite into a flaky, succulent vegetable samosa. This upscale Indian joint combines a soothing ambience with fresh, tasty dishes. The Tandoori Kebab Sampler is a divine melding of flavors. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
Architecture buffs won’t want to miss Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hanna House, designed in the 1930s for a Stanford professor and now open to the public. —Ben Bolch
Best side trip:
About 90 minutes south of Palo Alto, Monterey has a form of sea creature roulette while whale watching. There are humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, seals and otters in the bay and each trip on the boat brings a different group of animals. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Ease of getting there:
Where to stay:
The Langham. This upscale hotel in Pasadena exudes old-world charm and used to house UCLA’s football team on nights before games until the Luskin Center was erected on campus. —Ben Bolch
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
Amigo’s Restaurant and Cantina. Skip the smoke-choked tailgate and head to this homestyle Mexican eatery on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena for cheese-smothered enchiladas and strong, flavorful margaritas. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
Near Pasadena in La Canada Flintridge is Descanso Gardens, a beautiful, enchanting botanical garden that’s worth a visit if staying near the stadium. —J. Brady McCollough
Best side trip:
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The historical archives at this Simi Valley museum take a backseat to the Air Force One housed inside three-story windows. You can board and tour the Boeing 707 that served seven U.S. presidents, including Richard M. Nixon on his somber flight home to Southern California after his 1974 resignation. —Ben Bolch
Ease of getting there:
On a clear day you’ll be able to spot the Coliseum out the right side of the plane on final approach into Los Angeles International Airport, meaning you’ll also know the basics of how to get there. —Ben Bolch
Where to stay:
JW Marriott L.A. Live. This downtown hotel that’s just a few miles from the USC campus also resides across the street from Crypto.com Arena, allowing you to catch a Lakers or Kings game if your schedule permits. It’s also surrounded by restaurants and features a fun lobby bar populated by sportswriters after deadline. —Ben Bolch
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
Bestia is a can’t-miss dinner in downtown L.A., where you must get the Peruvian scallop crudo which changes ingredients depending on the season. —Ryan Kartje
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
Skip the overpriced parking hawked by opportunistic neighbors ($50 for a spot in some random dude’s driveway? Are you kidding?) and take the Metro’s Expo Line, making the short walk from the Expo Park/USC or Expo/Vermont stations. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
Still hungry? Keep driving up the PCH to Ventura County and have some fried fish platters at Neptune’s Net. —J. Brady McCollough
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Ease of getting there:
Where to stay:
Marriott City Center. We preferred this hotel’s warm charm prior to a recent renovation that resulted in sterile rooms, but it’s still the best downtown spot, within walking distance of a slew of restaurants and just a short Uber ride from Rice-Eccles Stadium. —Ben Bolch
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
Red Iguana is a Salt Lake City mainstay. Its Mexican food is so popular that it had to expand to a second location. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
Staying at the Marriott City Center comes with the bonus of an adjacent outdoor ice-skating rink that’s open in winter months and perfect for people-watching if you don’t want to lace up some skates. —Ben Bolch
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
It’s an ambitious side trip if you’re already in Salt Lake City, but if you can plan a stop on the way at Zion National Park, it would be well worth your time. The Narrows and Angel’s Landing are two of the most thrilling hikes America has to offer. —Ryan Kartje
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Ease of getting there:
Where to stay:
The Ace Hotel chain excels at hipster vibes and where better to partake in that than Seattle? Also, the price shouldn’t be too astronomic for the value. —J. Brady McCollough
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Stadium skinny:
Best eats:
Pike Place Market is a tourist trap, but a stop at Piroshky Piroshky makes the crowds worth it. Grab one of the sweet or savory offerings from the famed Russian bakery and watch the fish fly. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
Hear me out: Cream cheese on a hot dog. The Seattle dog, which is traditionally served with cream cheese and sauteed onions, is an underrated food staple of the city. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
The San Juan Islands are a three-hour drive away, but well worth it if you’re at all interested in whale watching. There’s no place better in the world to see Orcas in the wild. Resident orcas live in the area year-round; though, it’s best to see them between March and October. —Ryan Kartje
Ease of getting there:
Where to stay:
Courtyard by Marriott Pullman. Before this hotel recently sprouted roughly a half-mile from Martin Stadium, many traveling beat writers schlepped from Spokane or slummed it at the Best Western Plus University Inn in Moscow, Idaho (the only hotel where I’ve ever scratched my face by turning my head on a pillow). This Courtyard comes with everything that makes it the industry standard: lobby bistro and comfortable if somewhat utilitarian rooms. But the fact that you can walk to Martin Stadium in 15 minutes makes it a winner. —Ben Bolch
Stadium skinny:
Martin Stadium can be sneaky loud for a 32,952-seat stadium nestled in a city of 33,598 (where do the other 646 people go on game nights?), but it’s never going to be confused with Michigan Stadium or Beaver Stadium as far as college football meccas go. —Ben Bolch
Best eats:
For a sweet treat, stop by Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe, where students scoop old-fashioned ice cream and sell canned cheese within walking distance to Martin Stadium. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Local intel:
When in Spokane, take an hour or so to walk along its Riverfront Park on your way to Spokane Falls, a refreshing slice of nature that runs right through the heart of the city. On your way back are plenty of nearby options for a glass of red, if that’s more your speed. —Ryan Kartje
For more recommendations, check out our aggregated map of Pac-12 cities recommendations.
Best side trip:
Walla Walla wine country. If you ever wanted to know what life on Mars looks like, make the 2¼-hour drive to Walla Walla for some wine tasting. (Just don’t expect to get cellphone reception for most of the trip.) Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy some of the best Syrah in the United States. Recommended tasting stops include Reynvaan, Abeja and L’Ecole No. 41, followed by dinner at Brasserie Four. Call ahead for the reservation policy at each winery. —Ben Bolch
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Eduardo Gonzalez is a sports web producer and writer. He started at the Los Angeles Times in 2014 and is a graduate from the University of Southern California and Georgetown University.
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Ben Bolch has been a Los Angeles Times staff writer since 1999. He is serving his second stint as the UCLA beat writer, which seems fitting since he has covered almost every sports beat except hockey and horse racing. Bolch is also the author of the recently released book “100 Things UCLA Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die.” He previously covered UCLA basketball from 2010-11 before going on to cover the NBA and the Clippers for five years. He happily traded in gobs of hotel points and airline miles to return to cover UCLA basketball and football in the summer of 2016. Bolch was once selected by NBA TV’s “The Starters” as the “Worst of the Week” after questioning their celebrity journalism-style questions at an NBA All-Star game and considers it one of his finer moments.
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Ryan Kartje is the USC beat writer at the Los Angeles Times. He joined The Times after six years with the Southern California News Group. A Michigan native and University of Michigan graduate, Kartje previously wrote for Fox Sports Wisconsin and the Bloomington (Ind.) Herald-Times.
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Thuc Nhi Nguyen covers college sports and the NBA for the Los Angeles Times. She previously covered UCLA, professional soccer and preps for the Southern California News Group. Because she doesn’t use her University of Washington mathematics degree for work, it makes great decoration in her parents’ Seattle home.
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J. Brady McCollough is a sports enterprise reporter for the Los Angeles Times, focusing on national college football and basketball topics. Before joining the Times in May 2018, he was a projects reporter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and a 2017 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.
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