It’s hard to pick one favorite thing about summers in the Pacific Northwest. From hiking and camping to boating and days spent at the beach, there’s so much to do, and, honestly, so little time. Whether you’re planning a trip abroad or sticking closer to home, we’ve got you covered with some of our top summer vacation titles to help you escape – to the Italian coast, the fjords of Scandinavia, or even a hot air balloon around the world!
Lounge by the Sea
Visit the luxurious resort town of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, where Bella Ainsworth and her family run the upscale Hotel Portofino. Set during the Roaring 20s, Hotel Portofino finds our cast of characters devoting their energy to making the hotel a success while still finding time for leisure and romance - and of course, navigating the looming cloud of fascist Italy. The new season of Hotel Portofino premieres July 28, 2024 at 8 PM EST. Stream Hotel Portofino now.
At Andersen's Seaside Hotel by the North Sea dunes, meet the chambermaid Fie, the merchant's daughter Amanda, and the local fisherman Morten, whose fates are intertwined, as they seek to emancipate themselves from the plans other people have made on their behalf. Stream Seaside Hotel now.
Sanditon follows Charlotte Heywood, a young woman who leaves her rural home for the seaside resort town of Sanditon to reinvent herself. The story is known for its romance, intrigue, and period detail. Stream Sanditon now.
Visit the island of Corfu, where Louisa Durrell raises her four children single-handedly after her husband's death. This series is based on the autobiographical novel by Gerald Durrell, the naturalist, explorer, writer, and conservationist, which tells the story of his family settling on Corfu in 1933 after his father's untimely death and living there until 1939. Stream The Durrells in Corfu now.
Discover the Outdoors
The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature's most spectacular locales, the film is a story of people from every conceivable background—rich and poor, soldiers and scientists, natives and newcomers—who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy. Stream The National Parks: America’s Best Idea now.
Join Emily Graslie for a summer road trip through America's dinosaur country on a search for mysterious creatures and bizarre ecosystems that have shaped Earth. Stream Prehistoric Road Trip now.
Immerse yourself in these breathtaking Scandinavian landscapes – beautiful fjords, magical forests, fiery volcanoes, and arctic extremes. Watch as surprising wildlife stories, myth, and modernity are all woven into this icy natural world. Stream Wild Scandinavia now.
Sir David Attenborough travels the globe to reveal the secret lives of plants. Using pioneering camera techniques, the series takes viewers on a magical journey inside the hidden world of plants, on which all animals — including humans — are dependent. Stream The Green Planet now.
America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston
Travel with the best-selling writer, podcaster, and comedian as he travels the country to uncover our complex relationship with the outdoors. From biologists saving snapping turtles to BIPOC mountain bikers, Baratunde meets a fascinating cast of characters with one thing in common: a passion for being outside. Stream America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston now.
Journey to New Cities
Antiques Roadshow is part adventure, part history lesson, and part treasure hunt! Watch as specialists from the country's leading auction houses and independent dealers offer free appraisals of antiques and collectibles, revealing fascinating truths about family treasures and flea market finds. Stream Antiques Roadshow now.
The Express Way with Dule Hill
The Express Way with Dulé Hill is a premium documentary series that explores the power of the arts. Led by renowned actor, dancer, and singer, Dulé Hill, the series captures diverse artists’ stories from across America, celebrating community, humanity, and the transformative potential of creative expression. Stream The Express Way with Dule Hill now.
Great music. No limits. Now the longest-running music series in American television history, Austin City Limits showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre. Stream Austin City Limits now.
Follows the biggest archaeological excavation in Pompeii for a generation. Exciting discoveries and fresco-inspired animations tell the story of life in Pompeii AD 79. It also imagines the horrors faced by resident as Vesuvius erupted. Stream Pompeii: The New Dig now.
The Great Muslim American Roadtrip
Follow a millennial Muslim American couple on a cross-country journey along historic Route 66. As they meet new friends and explore more than a dozen stops, Mona and Sebastian weave a colorful story about what it means to be Muslim in America today. Stream The Great Muslim American Roadtrip now.
Explore the PNW
Come explore Oregon and the Pacific NW with the Oregon Field Guide. It is a valuable source of information about outdoor recreation, ecological issues, natural resources ,and travel destinations. Stream Oregon Field Guide now.
Journey through the history of the Pacific Northwest with Knute Berger on Mossback’s Northwest! Learn the hidden backstories behind the region’s most interesting treasures, and discover why they’re still relevant today. Stream Mossback's Northwest now.
Celebrate local craft, food, and beverage products made right here in Washington! We’ll travel across the region to explore the humble beginnings of small businesses, the creativity and enthusiasm that goes into their success, and learn a few helpful tips along the way. The new season of Made There premieres July 6, 2024 at 8:50 PM. Stream Made There now.
Join author, activitist, and runner Alison Mariella Désir as she explores the Pacific Northwest with the change-makers who are reclaiming the outdoors and creating opportunities for BIPOC communities to find joy and healing. Alison explores the particular struggles both past and present that prevent marginalized communities from opportunities to get outdoors, and what is being done by individuals and organizations to change that. A new Out & Back special is coming July 8, 2024 at 6:30 PM. Stream Out & Back now.
Take a hike with nationally recognized geologist Nick Zentner through some of Washington’s most diverse landscapes. From adventures through massive lava flows to exploring the impact of Ice Age floods on the terrain, Zentner explores the stories of deep time in our region and how they continue to impact us today. Stream Nick on the Rocks now.
Alli Rico
Alli Rico is the Social Media Editor for Cascade PBS.
Mason Starkman
Mason Starkman is the Marketing Specialist at Cascade PBS.
