The American West Coast has some of the best scenic spots, beaches, and cities in the country. Explore the best things to do and epic road trip stops in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington in this West Coast travel guide.
Famous for its iconic orange-red Golden Gate Bridge which might as well be the symbol for the West Coast. Try the sourdough bowl clam chowder soup at Boudin’s Bakery and the Irish Coffee at Cafe Buena Vista.
In Big Sur, the Santa Lucia mountains directly meet with the Pacific Ocean creating a scenic landscape of rugged hills, rocky coastline, and hidden beaches and coves.
Most famous studios like Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, and Sony are located in the city. The TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre which hosts the Oscars are also a must-visit.
Explore the Pike Place Market where only local businesses are allowed to operate and try local delicacies or buy jewelry and crafts from Seattle-based artists. Head up to the top of the iconic symbol of Seattle: The Space Needle.
Known for its beaches and its world-famous zoo, San Diego offers something for every type of vacation. Explore the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park and the city’s largest urban park—Balboa Park.
The city is known for craft beer, good food, and delicious coffee. It is also home to lots of nature and beautiful scenery. Visit Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore.
The Columbia River Gorge is a nature preserve on the border of Oregon and Washington. Only 30 mins. outside of Portland, you can find an abundance of waterfalls and hikes for all levels.
The lake rests on a volcano. It’s the deepest lake in the country filled with intensely bright blue water. The rocky cliffs and old-growth forests that encircle the lake make for an incredibly beautiful setting and plentiful hiking trails.
As a small coastal town, Mendocino boasts access to beautiful beaches, a charming downtown with shopping and restaurants, wineries, breweries, state parks, and outdoor fun.
The best way to explore Mount Rainier is by hiking through the forests, river valleys, and alpine meadows that constitute the park. Visitors can take a stroll around the Nisqually Vista trail that weaves through blooming meadows and dense trees, with Mount Rainier in the backdrop.
Located at the northern border of Oregon, Astoria boasts beautiful coastal scenery, an adorable downtown with great shopping, and plenty of history.
Solvang is a former settler village that was founded by Danes in 1911. It is located in Santa Barbara County and has since been incorporated as a city and retained its Danish heritage and culture.
Visit the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls on the Snoqualmie River! This Washington gem offers a hiking trail and a large 268-foot waterfall which comes together for some beautiful scenery.