From the hilly landscapes of San Francisco to charming Portland, there is nothing that bests a West Coast adventure. But the main question is where do one even start?
This Top 10 list has you covered! We’ll take you on a journey through the five must-see destinations for your next West Coast road trip.
1) Los Angeles, California:
While LA is famously known as the entertainment hub of the world, it offers a vibrant cultural scene, diverse cuisine, stunning beaches, and exciting nightlife, too!
- Dive into LA’s diverse cultural scene by hopping aboard a bus for the infamous TMZ Tour.
- Learn about LA’s rich film history by visiting the Hollywood Museum and Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
- Take your pick along the vast 75-mile coastline of stunning beach spots from Malibu to Long Beach.
- End the day by visiting the Griffith Observatory for 180º city views, including the famous Hollywood sign.
It’s a no-brainer to see why many travelers include LA in their Pacific Coast cruise or road trip itinerary!
2) San Francisco, California:
The 126 sq km (49 sq mi) of San Francisco are packed full of unique neighborhoods, each contributing to its flavor and charm. So, you’re going to want to set aside a few days to give yourself enough time to take it all in.
- Crossing the most famous bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge, is a definite must. Enjoy unbeatable river and city views while spanning the 2.7 km (1.7 mi) bridge on foot, cycling, or driving.
- Choose from three routes and take a cable car for a more scenic view in the city. Then, find a quirky café at the end of your stop for a tasty bite to eat.
- Get out on the water and take a ferry to visit the notorious Alcatraz prison. Book an audio tour to learn all about its fascinating history.
- Make a trip to Pier 39, one of the city’s most popular festive waterfront marketplaces. Pop by Fisherman’s Wharf and spot the local family of sea lions that have made the docks their home.
3) Big Sur, California:
Nature lovers, this one’s for you!
- Drive along California’s iconic Highway 1, over the Bixby Bridge, and take in the breathtaking scenes of the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Ocean and the vast Santa Lucia Mountain range.
- Enjoy lazy beach days at Pfeiffer and Sand Dollar Beach.
- Hit the hiking trails through Redwood and Andrew Molera State Park. And keep an eye out for sea otters, seals, and the occasional humpback whale!
4) Portland, Oregon:
Portland is a must-see for its quirky, progressive culture, vibrant food, craft beer, coffee scene, and accessible green spaces.
- Work your way through over 500 food carts and abundant craft breweries. Enjoy tax-free shopping sprees in Portland’s maker scene
- Stop by the world’s largest bookstore: Powell’s City of Books.
- Take advantage of the city’s easy access to lush greenery with various hiking trails, including Forest Park and the International Rose Test Garden.
Tip: Don’t forget to leave enough space in your bag to pack your souvenirs for this one!
5) Seattle, Washington:
Located between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, Seattle offers the perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty.
- Explore Seattle’s cultural landmarks like Pike Place Market, Space Needle, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Enjoy a strong coffee culture, since it is the birthplace of Starbucks, after all!
- Learn about Seattle’s rich musical and pop culture history.
- Visit the Seattle Waterfront and enjoy views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
- Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island and explore its forested Bloedel Reserve, coastal Fay Bainbridge Park, and beaches showcasing views of the Cascade Mountains.
6) San Diego, California:
San Diego, known as the Birthplace of California, was the first site on the West Coast of the United States to be settled by Europeans
- San Diego boasts a laid-back vibe with sunny beaches, a vibrant downtown, and a rich maritime history.
- Explore Balboa Park, a massive urban park with museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
- Enjoy the beaches of Coronado Island, Mission Beach, or La Jolla, perfect for surfing, sunbathing, or kayaking.
- Visit the USS Midway Museum, a retired aircraft carrier turned museum, and learn about naval history.
- Stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter, a historic neighborhood with Victorian architecture, restaurants, and nightlife.
7) Santa Barbara, California:
Santa Barbara, often referred to as The American Riviera, is renowned for its distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, largely resulting from the city’s reconstruction after a devastating 1925 earthquake.
- Known for its beautiful beaches and wine country.
- Visit the historic Mission Santa Barbara, a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture.
- Explore State Street, the main thoroughfare, lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Relax on East Beach or Butterfly Beach, enjoying the scenic coastline.
- Take a wine-tasting tour in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley.
- Enjoy the views from the Santa Barbara courthouse clock tower.
8) Redwood National and State Parks, California:
This majestic place protects nearly half of the world’s remaining old-growth redwood forests, and it is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth.
- Providing a truly awe-inspiring natural experience with its tall redwood trees.
- Drive along the scenic Newton B. Drury Parkway, winding through towering redwood forests.
- Hike the trails in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, known for its pristine beauty.
- Visit the Tall Trees Grove, home to some of the world’s tallest redwood trees.
- Enjoy the coastal trails that also exist within the parks.
- Take pictures of the Roosevelt elk.
9) Bend, Oregon:
Nestled in the high desert, Bend is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing, all set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains
- An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering a wide range of activities from hiking and biking to skiing and kayaking.
- Explore the Deschutes River, perfect for kayaking, rafting, or fishing.
- Hike or bike the trails in the Deschutes National Forest, with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
- Visit the High Desert Museum, showcasing the natural and cultural history of the region.
- Enjoy the craft beer scene, with numerous breweries in the area.
- Visit the Lava River Cave.
10) Olympic National Park, Washington:
Encompassing nearly more than 400,000 hectares (1 million acres) of diverse ecosystems, from glacier-capped mountains and old-growth rainforests to over 113 km (70 mi) of wild Pacific coastline
- Explore the Hoh Rainforest, a lush temperate rainforest with moss-covered trees.
- Hike to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
- Visit Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach, known for their dramatic sea stacks and driftwood.
- Visit lake Quinault and the surrounding rainforest.
- Enjoy the hot springs located within the park.
Plan Your Next Adventure:
From the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge to the birthplace of Starbucks, the West Coast has a little something for everyone to enjoy, and regardless of where you go, you’re in for a treat of natural wonders, diverse cultures, unbelievable cuisines, and rich history.