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The Best Destinations for a Foodie-Focused Mother-Daughter Trip Out West

From wine country mainstays to desert dining, here’s where to go for a culinary-focused girls’ trip out West.

When it comes to mother-daughter travel, some duos like to spa, some like to shop, and some like adventure. As for those who want to experience a true sense of place? They like to eat. In the wise words of Anthony Bourdain, “Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma.” 

Though eating is nothing more than a necessity for some, those who appreciate all things culinary will find that the best trips tend to revolve around the meals you encounter. Whether you’re a pair of vino lovers looking to enjoy a bonding weekend in wine country or a couple of desert enthusiasts wanting to explore Santa Fe’s thriving Mexican food scene, the western side of the United States boasts some of the best places for a food-focused escape. 

Napa Valley and Healdsburg are home to several of California’s most talked-about restaurants, but in nearby Marin County, charming small town vibes meet a clam chowder and oyster scene that rivals the East Coast. For moms and daughters who prefer a more upbeat city vibe, Los Angeles delivers one of the most diverse and dynamic dining landscapes in the country, while Seattle shines a light on what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. From Portland’s thriving pizza scene to the upscale eateries and unexpected wineries in Scottsdale, we’ve rounded up the top destinations for a foodie-forward mother-daughter trip out West. 

The 8 Best Mother-Daughter Foodie Destinations

One of the most famous food destinations in the country, Napa Valley is replete with Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned bistros and farm-to-table eateries. Mother-daughter duos looking to enjoy a blend of award-winning wines and culinary expertise will find no shortage of options in this vibrant valley, but given Napa's commercialized, touristy nature, knowing where to go is crucial. St. Helena’s Clif Family Winery is a family-run operation that offers a wine tasting that gets paired with three seasonal, chef-driven bites—don’t forget to visit the food truck on the back patio for an order of crispy polenta bites (they’re out of this world). For lunch, head to Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch and share a few dishes like the beef tartare, wood-grilled artichoke and a side of white cheddar grits. Once you’ve fueled up, head to your private tour and tasting at The Terraces, where you’ll be taken on an exclusive tour of the vineyards and grounds by the owner or one of his family members. Though The Terraces doesn’t offer a formal food and wine pairing, you will get to taste a 25-year-old balsamic vinegar in a special stone barrel room on the property—a true treat for any foodie.Yountville is regarded as the valley’s most culinary-focused area, famous for chef Thomas Keller’s restaurants like Bouchon and The French Laundry. However, if I have to choose between Bouchon and Bistro Jeanty, I’m going with the latter—you can always pop by Bouchon Bakery for a warm cheese roll and latte in the morning. Bistro Jeanty is quaint and cozy, with little antiques, trinkets and Parisian memorabilia scattered throughout. All the food is fantastic, from the escargot to the beef bourguignon, but the buttered egg noodles are an (albeit unexpected) must-order. If you want to snap some adorable family photos to commemorate your girls’ trip, Clementine provides the perfect backdrop. Sit on the lush patio with pastel pinks, vintage accents and whimsical olive trees while you sip one of the many Aperol-based cocktails or a pomegranate paloma.Where to Stay:Though you’ll find a few different Auberge properties in Napa Valley, Rutherford’s Auberge du Soleil is the collection’s culinary crème de la crème. The on-site restaurant—simply called The Restaurant—offers a Michelin-starred dinner complete with sweeping valley and vineyard views. In the morning, fuel up before wine tasting with a complimentary breakfast, featuring fresh-squeezed orange juice, a rotating selection of housemade pastries and a traditional (yet perfectly executed) eggs Benny. Those wanting to stay closer to the gourmet action in Yountville should opt for a stay at the two-Michelin-key Bardessono Hotel and Spa.

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