The dramatic West Coast lines three states with differences as much as their natural gifts. California’s shore presents ebb and flow with crashing waves against stark cliff sides. Further north, Oregon’s woods stretch skyward with leaves standing guard on trunks through centuries. No matter where the West’s wild beauty finds you, its diverse vistas leave lasting impressions on all visitors. We know traveling, so this week, we’ve compiled our list of the top 10 best places to vacation on the West Coast, sharing cool destinations from the coast and providing ideas for West Coast travel destinations for your next adventure.
West Coast Travel Destinations
San Francisco, California
San Francisco has delightful diversions from its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island to Lombard Street’s sinuous slopes. Colorful cable cars also convey sightseers amongst the hills’ heights, heights holding histories of the lively locals who have long called this locale home. Few find finer facets of West Coast travel destinations for living than within this fascinating metropolis: a place where charm and change are perpetually in the air.
Must-see attractions:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Painted Ladies
- Lombard Street
This would be a great West Coast travel recommendation for urban/grit with a coastal lifestyle.
Yosemite National Park, In California
Sierra Nevada mountains, like Yosemite, are a true natural wonder filled with immense beauty. Towering waterfalls cascade down the granite cliffs whilst giant sequoias stand tall on the valley floor, caring little for the passage of time. Visitors can enjoy various activities on West Coast travel destinations from leisurely trails winding through pristine woodlands to more challenging hikes up majestic peaks. Also explore hidden gem in the northeast, Any adventurers looking for 21 West Coast vacation ideas centered around the great outdoors should make Yosemite a must-stop on their list.
Highlights include:
- El Capitan
- Half Dome
- Yosemite Falls
- Mariposa Grove
If you want a bit of reprieve from all the cyber and gothic hustling and bustling, one of the luxury West Coast vacations to do is go to Yosemite.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle—where natural beauty meets urban sophistication—is one of the coolest places on the West Coast. It is known for its iconic Space Needle and coffee culture, stunning waterfronts, lively markets, and the beautiful Mount Rainier in the backdrop.
Key attractions:
- Space Needle
- Pike Place Market
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Pop Culture
- Day trip to Mount Rainier National Park
While outdoorsy types recharge in nature, Whether your interests lie within Seattle’s urban or beyond in its natural domains, West Coast travel destinations visit here promises experiences to delight visitors both city-loving and nature-loving Ali.
Portland, Oregon
It is a very nice destination with all the urban life you could want, with loads of green space to make it awesome. A regular on the west coast best-of lists, Portland is a paradise for foodies, artsy types and outdoor junkies.
Top spots to visit:
- Washington Park
- Powell’s City of Books
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Multnomah Falls (Less than 30-minute drive from the city)
- Forest Park
Hike the winding trails flanked by ferns and giant Douglas firs for exceptional views of the raging waters, the top West Coast travel destinations for travelers. Leave your cares at the gate and find peaceful respite in each zen garden.
Los Angeles, California
When we think of Los Angeles, it brings the glitzy & glamorous lifestyle and endless entertainment, all while basking in sunshine and remembering palm trees. Having the kind of iconic travel many enjoy on the West Coast, LA is famous for its Hollywood history, and it is also a world-renowned spot for getting off your tan and into life. In Beverly Hills, you may sit back and watch people go by. Or in Malibu, you will be catching waves–whatever the occasion, there is always something to do in the City of Angels.
Must-see locations:
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Venice Beach
- Getty Center
- Griffith Observatory
- Santa Monica Pier
One of the charms of California is that no trip on a West Coast USA holiday can be seen whole without experiencing Los Angeles.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur is home to one of the most beautiful drives in the US–cliffs riddled with rugged rocks, Tee waves far below, crashing on shores surrounding this area, and mountains covered in towering verdant green pine trees.
It is a good place for those who crave cool West Coast vacation stops to ramble through this website slowly.
Some highlights include:
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- Pfeiffer Beach
- McWay Falls
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Any good list of beautiful places to visit on the West Coast travel destinations has to include Big Sur–if pure serenity is what you’re after.
San Diego, California
San Diego is a laid-back place. Its beautiful beaches, good weather, and numerous attractions for families make it an excellent travel destination. Whether it‘s for a holiday with the kids, a romantic retreat with your sweetheart, or just on your lonesome – it has never gone out of style. From the famous San Diego Zoo to La Jolla Cove, there’s entertainment for all tastes in this Southern California city.
San Diego is indeed one of the best West Coast towns to visit for travelers who want to combine relaxation and activity.
Top attractions:
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla Cove
- USS Midway Museum
- Old Town San Diego
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
For everyone passionate about natural wonders on the West Coast, its deep blue water, and majestic mountain views, visiting The Crater Lake National Park makes perfect sense at any time of year.
Certain attractions:
- Crater LakeNational ParkWizard Island
- Rim Drive
- CleetwoodCove Trail
Visiting Crater Lake is bound to be an unforgettable outdoor recreation. That ranks it among America’s West Coast’s best places to visit.
Santa Barbara, California
This is a wonderful small coastal town where luxury meets history, and beautiful beaches are all around. As one of the finest vacation destinations in the western states of America, those looking for relaxation mixed with more strenuous activities might wish to spend some time here. West Coast travel destinations Often known as the “American Riviera,” this city is one of the best places to vacation on the West Coast for relaxation and upscale activities.
Santa Barbara Zoo Stearns Wharf Old Mission Santa Barbara State Street is a must-see place. With its full year-round Mediterranean climate, Santa Barbara is an ideal Pacific Coast vacation destination where one can quickly get away.
Must-see spots:
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- Stearns Wharf
- Old Mission Santa Barbara
- State Street
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
It’s no wonder why Mount Rainier National Park is one of the best vacation spots in the West. There’s so much to see and do there for folks who love hiking wildlife or taking photos, and my memory card was full after a week of backpacking around this beautiful place!
What You Can See:
Sunrise- Reflection Lake- Paradise- Grove of the PatriarchsMount Rainier is a thing that most people who live on the West Coast would like to do.
Highlights:
- Paradise
- Reflection Lake
- Sunrise Visitor Center
- Grove of the Patriarchs
- Mount Rainier is on most West Coast travel wish lists.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re a lover of the fine dining scene or a fan of fly fishing, the West Coast travel destinations have something for everyone. There are so many possibilities here. Here. House of Power has twenty-four-hour showrooms on Big Sur–or windows to contemporary art exhibition halls northwest on the other side…from places around everywhere, there’s nothing like it all over this beautiful part of America get away and restore balance. Get tickets!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. What are the best places to vacation on the West Coast?
The compilation of the best places to experience West Coast outdoor attractions, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, is where culture-seekers and nature-lovers both find what they seek. Yosemite Valley and the rugged, verdant Big Sur coastline are among visitor favorites for extensive holiday activity choices.
Q2. What are the great places to have fun on the West Coast?
A span of rewarding destinations litter the West Coast. Portland and Seattle were in the north strike travelers rich with culture, fine food, and music scenes, while lush forests and volcanoes lie at the very edge of these two cities.
Q3. Which West Coast cities are best for families?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are ‘child’s play’ cities with various entertainment venues for people of any age. San Diego’s famous zoo, befitting a whole town that thrives on aquatic life, and SeaWorld would fall into this same category.
Q4. What season is the best time to visit the West Coast travel destinations?
The most pleasant and least crowded times to go are spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to November). Summer is the high season for beaches, theme parks–and crowds. Avoid high summer if you’d rather have the cool fog of San Francisco’s coast than the balmy climate on San Diego’s shores.
