Whether you're after a romantic beach getaway or a dose of the great outdoors, an adrenaline fix or relaxed Northern Californian vibes, discover perfectly packaged quick trips to make the most of your weekend free time, courtesy of the "36 Hours" column in the New York Times. From kayaking through Kachemak Bay in Alaska to bird-watching for night herons in Hawaii, each itinerary delivers expert insights on what to see, eat, and experience in the Western U.S. and Canada, captured in tantalizing color photographs.