12 Breathtaking US Spots for Your West Coast Road Trip
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Taking a road trip up or down the US West Coast is a dream vacation for many. Whether you hanker after the golden beaches of California or the ice fields of Alaska, there’s something for every traveler on the Pacific Seaboard. From south to north, here are a dozen wonderful spots to stop at when driving the US West Coast.
San Diego, California
San Diego is a famous surfing spot, and the city’s craft brewery scene is also making a name for itself. The settlement by the sea is also abundant in lovely parks and beautiful beaches. USS Midway at the harbor, San Diego Zoo, and many art galleries and studios are also among the attractions.
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Santa Monica, California
The Los Angeles seaside enclave of Santa Monica is worth stopping at if you fancy a slice of LA life. It’s the smarter, glossier sister of Venice Beach, and as the two blend seamlessly together, it’s easy to visit both. Palisades Park offers amazing views over the ocean, and you can enjoy the rides at Pacific Park amusement park on the pier. Stop at a cafe here; there’s a chance your waiter will be a Hollywood wannabe.
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Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
This lovely little place on the Monterey Peninsula is picturesque, with pretty buildings clustered in the center. Many of these are home to stylish boutiques and slick art galleries. You can also surf, scuba dive, or do some bird watching at the local beaches. Should you want to stretch your legs, take a stroll along the Scenic Bluff Path. You can also delve into the history of the Carmel Mission at the local museum.
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Big Sur, California
Big Sur is the rugged coastline between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon. Follow State Route 1 to see the jagged cliffs, twisting turns, redwood forests, and untamed waters that characterize the area. Big Sur has inspired many creative types and makes the perfect playground for outdoor types.
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San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay is not to be missed so you can see the awesome Golden Gate Bridge for yourself. It’s also famous for its steep streets lined with pastel-painted homes and the offshore Alcatraz prison. You can also take a tram trip between Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, which is packed with bold shops and brash restaurants.
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Portland, Oregon
Though it lies 60 miles inland, Portland, Oregon, is a pleasing place known for its leafy parks, cycle paths, coffee shops, and craft breweries. Mount Hood looms over the skyline, and the Columbia and Willamette rivers run through the city. Culture is big news in Portland, with thriving music, arts, and performance scenes, while vast Washington Park offers Oregon Zoo, a Japanese Garden, and more. Expect to experience a relaxed, eco-friendly lifestyle in Portland.
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Cannon Beach, Oregon
Head northwest of Portland, back towards the Oregon coast, and you’ll hit Cannon Beach. This long stretch of pristine sand, dotted with large boulders, is featured in The Goonies movie. The charming town has an arty vibe, too, and is lined with art galleries. Back at the beach, look out for tidal pools or walk to Haystack Rock, where you might spot sea anemones, small crabs, and starfish in the water.
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La Push, Washington
La Push in Olympic National Park has three gorgeous Washington state beaches and starred on the silver screen in the Twilight movies. Strewn with smooth pebbles and mossy boulders, it’s a photogenic spot. The area is around 15 miles west of Fork, and the fact that Third Beach lies within the Quileute Indian Reservation keeps it relatively peaceful.
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Seattle, Washington
The biggest city in Washington State is situated on Puget Sound and is known for its tech industry, the Space Needle, Starbucks, and the spectacular setting. Seattle also has a generous sprinkling of appealing parks and something of an alternative scene. Grunge music originated here, and indie music is still popular. This is also another West Coast destination with numerous craft breweries.
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San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest offer all sorts of outdoor pastimes, including whale-watching tours. San Juan Island, Lopez Island, and Orcas Island are the most popular ones to visit. San Juan is the best for art fans and wildlife lovers, while Orcas is a true foodie destination. Lopez is the most peaceful of these three and, at an hour by ferry, the fastest to get to. There are around 170 San Juan islands in all.
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Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Though a relatively unknown US National Park, Kenai Fjords in Alaska covers almost 670,000 acres, it’s located west of Seward, in the southwest of the state. As well as the Kenai Fjords, you can also see the Harding Icefield, glaciers, and a series of islands. The thick forests of the Kenai Peninsula are also favored by wildlife lovers.
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Anchorage, Alaska
If you continue your West Coast trio beyond Washington, Anchorage in Alaska beckons. Indigenous culture is a big thing here; you can learn about crafts, dance, and lifestyle at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. While in the area, you could also visit Chugach State Park, just outside the city limits, the Gold Rush town of Talkeetna, and the ski resort of Girdwood.
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
