Sunset at the beach in California (Photo: Shutterstock)
Passover is on the horizon, and with it comes the daunting task of preparation. From scouring every corner for chametz to the endless search for kosher-for-Passover ingredients, the build-up to this holiday can feel like a marathon. It's a season filled with love and tradition, but let's be honest—it's also a lot of work. For those of us not eager to board a plane for a far-flung Passover program, the quest for a simpler celebration is real. Imagine a Pesach that's both meaningful and manageable, right here on the West Coast.
If you're nestled in Los Angeles, or basking in the Southern California sunshine in San Diego or Carlsbad, or admiring Arizona's natural wonders, relief is closer than you think. There's a local Passover program ready to sweep you off your feet and into a hassle-free holiday. And for those with a taste for adventure but a preference for proximity, Puerto Vallarta offers a tropical twist without the lengthy flight. Why not make this Passover a blend of tradition and relaxation, minus the extensive prep work?
From seaside serenity in California to desert tranquility in Arizona—and even a splash of Mexican paradise—we've curated a selection of West Coast-friendly programs that promise accessibility and an exceptional Pesach experience. Dive into our guide and discover how this Passover can be one of effortless celebration and unforgettable memories, all without straying too far from home.
Embracing Tradition by the Pacific: California Passover Programs
California's stunning Pacific coastline sets the stage for a Passover celebration where tradition meets the tranquility of the sea. From the luxurious enclaves of San Diego to the vibrant shores near Los Angeles, here are programs that promise an unforgettable Pesach experience:
- Luxury Passover Group Passover Program at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego: A five-star resort experience with 4 pools, spa, golf, horseback riding, and more. Indulge in gourmet meals, enjoy entertainment, scholars-in-residence, themed evenings, and kids' programming. Nearby attractions include SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and Safari, Legoland, and Torrey Pines Natural Reserve.
- Upscale Legacy Passover Program at Riviera Resort & Spa: Palm Springs: Escape to a glamorous desert oasis featuring chic mid-century design, spacious accommodations, and luxurious pools framed by mountain views. Guests will enjoy gourmet dining by Executive Chef Eyal Aviv, lively themed events, inspiring lectures, and world-class entertainment. Family programming includes engaging kids’ and teen activities, while evenings feature BBQs, buffets, and elegant Sedarim. Nearby attractions include Joshua Tree National Park, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, championship golf courses, and boutique shopping and galleries in downtown Palm Springs.
- World Wide Kosher Passover Program at the Sonesta Redondo Beach Oceanfront Resort & Marina: Set along the Southern California coastline just south of Los Angeles, this beachfront resort offers oceanview accommodations, Glatt Kosher gourmet dining, private and community seders, and full kids and teen programming. Guests enjoy a heated oceanfront pool, spa and fitness facilities, marina access, and direct boardwalk walking and biking paths. Close to beaches, theme parks, museums, and major LA attractions, this fully private hotel program delivers a relaxed yet upscale Passover experience by the sea.
Hot air balloon over the desert in Arizona (Photo: Shutterstock)
Desert Bloom: Arizona Passover Programs
Arizona transforms into a haven of spiritual renewal and family fun during Passover, offering programs that leverage its stunning desert landscapes. From luxurious resorts in Scottsdale and Tucson to a community-centered celebration in Flagstaff, here's where tradition and natural beauty meet:
- Chabad of Flagstaff Passover Program at The Molly Blank Jewish Community Center: Experience an uplifting Yom Tov with delicious meals, a tea room, inspirational shiurim, entertainment, and Minyanim at the Chabad of Flagstaff. Enjoy proximity to the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Walnut Canyon. Accommodations are booked separately. There are a number of options within walking distance to the Chabad House.
- Kosherica & Leisure Time Tours Passover Program at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort: Enjoy a luxurious all-suite resort surrounded by the stunning Phoenix North Mountain Preserve. Highlights include eight pools with waterfalls and a waterslide, a full-service spa, and an award-winning golf course. Guests will savor gourmet cuisine by Prestige Caterers, featuring lavish buffets, afternoon BBQs, and themed dinners. Nearby attractions: Desert Botanical Gardens, Chase Field, Arizona Science Center, and scenic hiking in the North Mountain Preserve.
- Elegant Essen Passover Program at The Wigwam Resort, Arizona: Celebrate Pesach in style at The Wigwam Resort, a historic desert oasis just outside Phoenix. The resort features three outdoor pools with waterslides, a championship golf course, tennis courts, and a luxurious spa. Guests can look forward to gourmet dining by Greenwald Caterers, known for exceptional cuisine and elegant presentation. The program includes scholars in residence, exciting entertainment, and a day camp led by Fayge Weinberg, offering creative and engaging programming for kids (babysitting available for an additional fee). Nearby attractions include Camelback Mountain, the Desert Botanical Garden, and Old Town Scottsdale.
Sunset over the water in Puerto Vallarta (Photo: Envato)
Mexican Passover Programs: Embracing Pesach in Puerto Vallarta
Discover the warmth of a tropical Pesach with our handpicked Passover programs in Mexico, specifically tailored for those near the West Coast seeking a blend of exotic allure and convenience. Puerto Vallarta is as premier destination, offering stunning retreats amidst their breathtaking landscapes. With flight times around two and half to three hours from most West Coast cities, Puerto Vallarta provides an ideal setting for those wishing to celebrate Passover against a backdrop of ocean vistas and mountain ranges, without the lengthy travel.
- Organization Hafikoman Passover Program at The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta: Celebrate Pesach in tropical luxury at this oceanfront resort surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the sparkling Banderas Bay. The Westin offers spacious ocean-view rooms with private balconies, multiple pools, a full-service spa, tennis courts, and nearby golf. Guests will enjoy gourmet kosher cuisine served daily, inspiring shiurim, and both Ashkenazi and Sephardic minyanim. The program features engaging entertainment and children’s programming, creating a warm and festive holiday atmosphere for the entire family. Located just minutes from the airport and downtown Puerto Vallarta, guests can explore local attractions including the Marina Vallarta Golf Club, Botanical Gardens, and scenic whale-watching excursions.
The Benefits of West Coast Passover Programs
Choosing a West Coast Passover program is like hitting the holiday jackpot for those of us lucky enough to call this vibrant coast our home. These programs eliminate the need for extensive holiday preparation. There's no need to clean your house from top to bottom or cook for days. Instead, you can walk into a setting that's already chametz-free and fully prepared to let you experience the essence of Passover.
For the professionals juggling deadlines with davening, these West Coast gems are a godsend. With flexible schedules that cater to the modern worker, including options for remote work amidst breathtaking scenery, you're offered a rare blend of devotion and duty. This means you can answer emails by day and by the shores of the Pacific or beneath the Arizona stars by night, all without missing a beat of the holiday's rhythm.
When selecting a Passover program, consider what aspects of the holiday are most important to you. Is it the opportunity for relaxation and luxury, the adventure of exploring new landscapes, or the chance to deepen your spiritual and cultural connections? Look for programs that offer activities that interest you, and provide the type of accommodations that will make your holiday comfortable and memorable.
San Diego (Photo: Envato)
Conclusion
As we wrap up our 2026 guide to West Coast Passover programs, imagine a Pesach that's effortless, meaningful, and close to home. These selected programs, spanning from the beaches of California and Arizona's deserts to the tropical paradise of Puerto Vallarta, promise a Pesach free from the rigors of preparation and filled with enriching experiences. Whether you're drawn to the tranquil shores of Mexico or the majestic landscapes closer to home, each destination offers a unique way to blend tradition with relaxation.
If you’re considering other regions this year, you can also explore our guide to Passover programs in Florida for warm weather, beachside Yom Tov experiences, and endless Chol Hamoed activities. For those staying closer to the tri-state area, our roundup of Passover programs on the East Coast highlights convenient options within easy driving distance.
If you’re considering other regions this year, you can also explore our guide to Passover programs in Florida for warm weather, beachside Yom Tov experiences, and endless Chol Hamoed activities. For those staying closer to the tri-state area, our roundup of Passover programs on the East Coast highlights convenient options within easy driving distance.
Choose your escape to a Pesach filled with peace, tradition, and unforgettable moments, all without venturing far. Embrace a simpler, yet profoundly beautiful Passover right here on the West Coast. Time is running out, and spots are filling up fast—explore your options today to secure your ideal West Coast Passover experience!