Olympic Peninsula, Washington

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its winter storms, and the Olympic Peninsula may be the best place to watch them. It’s also the backdrop for the famous vampire drama, "Twilight," filmed in Forks, Washington.

What to do: Storm watch from a hotel on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean—you can watch the tides roll in on the jagged rocks below from the safety of your cozy room. Because most visitors come during the summer, you'll have the seven surrounding beaches mostly to yourself. Or take a "Twilight"-themed tour through Forks to check out the locations described in the novels.

Where to stay: Kalaloch Lodge on the Pacific Ocean. Situated between two rainforests, Kalaloch is part of the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and is the permanently protected home to puffins, sea otters, and the largest populations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states; 866/525-2562 or visitkalaloch.com.