Where to Visit on a West Coast U.S. Road Trip

Easily one of the most legendary road trips you can embark on, cruising down the United States's West Coast is on almost every traveler's bucket list. Between bustling cities like San Francisco and jaw-dropping national parks like Yosemite, this adventure will take you through an incredibly diverse line-up of destinations.Where you start and finish your trip is totally up to you. Many travel from Seattle and head south until they reach San Diego, while others do this by driving in reverse or choosing a portion of the Pacific Coast Highway to explore.No matter where you opt to visit, you'll be assured of an unforgettable journey, and we've put together a list of some of our top picks to give you some inspiration.

Seattle

A popular starting and ending point, Seattle is a thriving city in Washington State with a bunch of must-see spots to check out. As the home of Starbucks, you'll find the first-ever location of the famous coffee chain here, which has retained much of its old-school decor. While in the area, tuck into some artisanal bites at Pike Place Market before making your way to the soaring Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture.

Portland

Oregon's gorgeous port city, Portland, is around three hours south of Seattle. Lying amongst two rivers and overlooked by the majestic Mount Hood, Portland is an urban center that's embraced its beautiful surroundings.The Japanese Gardens, Washington Park, and Oregon Zoo are all fantastic places to add to your itinerary, but ensure you leave room in your schedule to explore the stunning Columbia River Gorge. Here, you'll find remarkable waterfalls, hiking trails, and amazing vistas.

Redwood National Park

If marveling at the world's tallest trees is on your to-do list, pencil in a visit to Redwood National Park. Lying halfway between Portland and San Francisco, this is the ideal place to enjoy some tranquility while gazing at the imposing sequoias. Depending on how much time you have, you'll have the option to drive through, camp in, or hike parts of the park. Some worthwhile stops to make during your visit include Stout Grove and Fern Canyon.

San Francisco

A city that needs no introduction, San Francisco is home to the Golen Gate Bridge, the elusive Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and more hills than you can count! Dig a little deeper, and you'll find dozens of eclectic neighborhoods, each with its own personality. There's the hipster Haight Ashbury, the affluent Nob Hill, and the Italian-influenced North Beach, to name a few. If you have time and fancy yourself a wine connoisseur, make the hour-long trip north to explore the vineyards of Napa Valley.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake that straddles the states of California and Nevada. A buzzing ski resort in the winter and a hotspot for watersports in the summer, this is a year-round destination for those who love the great outdoors.If winter sports aren't your thing, plan a visit for the warmer months and spend your days jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. Be sure to stop by Sand Harbor when you want to escape the crowds.

Yosemite National Park

Another mecca for nature enthusiasts is Yosemite National Park. To say there's a wealth of things to see and do here would be quite an understatement. The striking sequoia trees, enormous granite rock formations, and endless hiking trails are just some of the highlights.Easy trails like the Lower Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point are ideal for all fitness levels, while thrill-seekers will get their fix with the El Captain and Half Dome climbs.

Big Sur

Give yourself some much-needed downtime as you travel through the breathtaking Big Sur, a lengthy stretch of Californian coastline that perfectly encapsulates the scenery this road trip is famed for.Snap some photos at the renowned Bixby Bridge, be blown away by the beauty of Pfeiffer State Park, and spend some time in nearby cities like Monterey. Bursting with charm, the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea is a wonderful place to unwind for a few days.

Los Angeles

The City of Angels is an unmissable stop on any West Coast road trip. There's a little something for everyone here, from the sun-drenched Venice Beach to the exhilarating Universal Studios theme park. That's all before mentioning the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, the Griffith Observatory, and the swanky Beverly Hills. Also a hub for culture and history buffs, be sure to check out the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum.

Las Vegas 

Head west from Los Angeles and spend a few nights taking in the sights and sounds of Las Vegas. An epicenter for world-class entertainment, shopping, and dining, there's much more to Sin City than gambling and partying (though there's plenty of those, too!). The hotels are among the biggest and brightest on the planet, and walking along the strip is an event in itself. As a gateway to the phenomenal Grand Canyon, Las Vegas is the perfect base for an adventure through this magical national park.

San Diego

Wrap up or begin your West Coast expedition in San Diego, a city that epitomizes all things California. Located a mere 17 miles north of the Mexican border, San Diego's Latin American influence sets it apart from other cities in the region, and it also means its gastronomic scene is top-tier! Balboa Park and the USS Midway Museum should be at the top of your must-do list during your stay. If you're keen to spend most of your time here along the coast, you'll fall in love with spots like Coronado, La Jolla, and Pacific Beach.

Let’s Hit the Open Road!

With such an abundance of iconic sights, vibrant cities, and natural wonders at every turn, there's no wrong or right way to journey along the West Coast of the U.S. Where else in the world can you experience surf-ready beaches, scenic vineyards, soaring mountains, and charming seaside towns all in one trip? Imagine enjoying all of these sensational spots while enjoying the enviable Californian sunshine. Begin mapping out your West Coast U.S. Road Trip now!