The Pacific West Coast
From sun-kissed beaches to misty rainforests
West Coast States
California
Capital: Sacramento
Highlights: Yosemite, Big Sur, San Francisco, Los Angeles
Oregon
Capital: Salem
Highlights: Crater Lake, Portland, Oregon Coast, Columbia Gorge
Washington
Capital: Olympia
Highlights: Seattle, Olympic Peninsula, San Juan Islands, Mount Rainier
Legendary Coastal Drives
The most scenic routes in America
Big Sur Coastline
Location: California
Stretch: Carmel to San Simeon
Must-See: Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls
Drive Time: 2-3 hours (90 miles)
Best Time: April-October
Oregon Coast
Location: Oregon
Stretch: Astoria to Brookings
Must-See: Cannon Rock, Thor's Well, Heceta Head
Drive Time: 8-10 hours (362 miles)
Best Time: June-September
Olympic Peninsula
Location: Washington
Stretch: Port Angeles to Forks
Must-See: Ruby Beach, Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge
Drive Time: 4-5 hours loop
Best Time: July-September
Mendocino Coast
Location: Northern California
Stretch: Bodega Bay to Fort Bragg
Must-See: Glass Beach, Mendocino Headlands
Drive Time: 3-4 hours
Best Time: September-November
National Parks
From deserts to rainforests, glaciers to giant trees
Yosemite
California
Famous for: El Capitan, Half Dome, waterfalls
Best Visit: May-June for waterfalls, September for weather
Crowds: Very High (summer)
Olympic
Washington
Famous for: Temperate rainforest, tide pools, glaciers
Best Visit: July-September for trails
Crowds: Moderate to High
Redwood
California
Famous for: Tallest trees on Earth
Best Visit: May-September
Crowds: Moderate
Crater Lake
Oregon
Famous for: Deepest lake in USA, pure blue water
Best Visit: July-September (road access)
Crowds: Moderate
Joshua Tree
California
Famous for: Desert rock formations, stargazing
Best Visit: October-May
Crowds: High (spring)
Mount Rainier
Washington
Famous for: Glaciated peak, wildflower meadows
Best Visit: July-August for wildflowers
Crowds: High (summer)
Vibrant West Coast Cities
Urban adventures from LA to Seattle
San Francisco
Tech hub meets bohemian culture
Must-Do Experiences:
- • Golden Gate Bridge walk
- • Alcatraz tour
- • Ferry Building market
- • Cable car ride
Cool Neighborhoods:
Los Angeles
Entertainment capital and beach life
Must-Do Experiences:
- • Santa Monica Pier
- • Hollywood Sign hike
- • Getty Center
- • Venice Beach
Cool Neighborhoods:
Seattle
Coffee culture and innovation
Must-Do Experiences:
- • Pike Place Market
- • Space Needle
- • Chihuly Garden
- • Ferry to islands
Cool Neighborhoods:
Portland
Quirky, foodie, and eco-friendly
Must-Do Experiences:
- • Food cart pods
- • Powell's Books
- • Japanese Garden
- • Brewery tours
Cool Neighborhoods:
San Diego
Year-round sunshine and laid-back
Must-Do Experiences:
- • Balboa Park
- • La Jolla Cove
- • Gaslamp Quarter
- • Coronado Beach
Cool Neighborhoods:
World-Class Wine Country
Taste the terroir of the Pacific Coast
Napa Valley
California
Known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, luxury estates
Best Season: September-October harvest
Tours: Reservations essential
Sonoma County
California
Known for: Pinot Noir, family wineries
Best Season: August-October
Tours: More casual than Napa
Willamette Valley
Oregon
Known for: World-class Pinot Noir
Best Season: September-October
Tours: Intimate tasting rooms
Paso Robles
California
Known for: Zinfandel, Rhône varietals
Best Season: April-November
Tours: Laid-back atmosphere
Epic Road Trip Routes
The ultimate West Coast driving adventures
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
656 miles
3-5 days minimum
San Diego to San Francisco
Major Stops:
Cascade Loop
440 miles
4-5 days
Seattle circular route
Major Stops:
Highway 101 Oregon Coast
362 miles
3-4 days
California border to Washington
Major Stops:
Secret Coastal Spots
Hidden treasures away from the crowds
Pfeiffer Beach
Big Sur, CA
Purple sand and keyhole rock
Access: Unmarked road, limited parking
Jade Cove
Big Sur, CA
Jade hunting at low tide
Access: Steep trail to beach
Samuel H. Boardman
Oregon Coast
Natural rock arches and sea stacks
Access: Multiple viewpoints along Highway 101
Bowling Ball Beach
Mendocino, CA
Spherical rock formations
Access: Low tide only
Cape Flattery
Washington
Northwestern tip of continental US
Access: 0.75 mile trail
Mono Lake
Eastern California
Otherworldly tufa towers
Access: Easy boardwalk
West Coast Seasons
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers & whales
- • Whale migration peak
- • Wildflower blooms
- • Mild temperatures
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Beach season & festivals
- • Perfect beach weather
- • Music festivals
- • Marine layer mornings
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Best weather & harvest
- • Wine harvest season
- • Warm, clear days
- • Fewer crowds
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Storm watching & skiing
- • Dramatic storm watching
- • Mountain skiing
- • Gray whale migration
West Coast Travel Tips
Coastal Essentials
- •Layer clothing - coastal weather changes quickly
- •Book accommodations early in summer
- •Check tide tables for beach exploration
- •Reserve campsites months in advance
- •Bring binoculars for whale watching
City Navigation
- •Use public transit in SF, Seattle, Portland
- •Rent a car for LA and San Diego
- •Download parking apps for city centers
- •Make dinner reservations in advance
- •Check for local events and street closures
Experience the Pacific Coast
From world-class cities to pristine wilderness, the West Coast offers endless adventures