Itinerary ● West Coast (USA) in 1 Month.
Easily one of the most diverse and spell-binding regions, the three U.S. States that comprise the West Coast form an epic road trip that has captivated the dreams of countless individuals over the years — and all for good reason.
Temperate climates in the north result in year-round rain befalling the Pacific Northwest, which nurtures the gorgeous, dense forests that define the region. Here, you will find yourself immersed in fairy-tale woodlands painted with deep shades of green that simply must be seen to be believed.
Venture southbound, where the monumental Redwoods stand guard over those entering the Golden State of California. From here, embark on a journey to conquer the stunning mountains and valleys on inland Cali, before finishing off in the immortal City of Angels.
💰 Includes Interactive Price Guide.
Seattle ● Mt. Rainier ● Portland ● Hood River ● Eugene ● Trinidad ● San Francisco ●
Yosemite Valley ● Santa Cruz ● Los Angeles
📚 Resources.
Planning your unforgettable West Coast adventure is easy with this Interactive Price Guide.
💰 25-day itinerary from £1,530 per person.
Seattle ● 3 nights.
Seattle is Washington state’s iconic coastal metropolis. Renowned as a hot-spot for creatives, with countless contributions to technology, business, and the arts, this is perfect place to absorb culture before venturing out to the vast wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.
Presiding over the centre of town, the futuristic Space Needle is one of the most striking modern structures in the world. Buy a ticket and ascend to the revolving platform, where a scenic drink at the on-site café and wine bar can be enjoyed.
Set aside a full day to uncover the stunning and mysterious Olympic National Park (📷) — located 2-hours from Downtown Seattle. Here, lush temperate forests are replete with hanging moss and entrancing shades of green. Make sure to bring waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots and light snacks to keep you going throughout the day!
Mount Rainier ● 1 or 2 nights.
Leave Seattle, headed southbound for the serene wilderness that surrounds Mount Rainier. A quick 2-hour drive is all that separates you from total immersion in pristine nature. Numerous trails weave through whimsical verdant fields, back-dropped by the imposing snow-capped peak of Mt. Rainier (📷) — a volcano that remains active to this day.
There are countless options for lodging available within the confines of the park. Famed Paradise Inn is favoured amongst visitors looking for an unbeatable location, beset in front of rolling fields with an unobstructed view of the mountain. A brief drive from the national park itself, Wellspring Spa Resort offers a peaceful retreat to log-cabins, kitted out with hot tubs.
Portland ● 2 or 3 nights.
Over the past few decades, Portland has continually asserted itself as a vibrant and forward-thinking city. Artisan coffee-shops line the streets, expansive outdoor food courts offer cheap eating, and an abundance of microbreweries concoct home-made craft brews to satisfy the thirst of locals.
An emergence of modern ideals has swept across Portland in ways that few other cities in the US can rival. Care-free and relaxed is often the attitude of locals, so expect a warm welcome wherever you may find yourself.
Mount Hood casts a formidable presence (📷) over Portland’s rapidly expanding skyline, acting as a call to action for hikers and naturists to explore.
If you’re visiting during summer, set aside an evening to enjoy a nice meal and drinks on one of the countless backyard patios strewn across the city.
Columbia River Gorge ● 2 or 3 nights.
A short 1-hour drive from the heart of Portland, a sprawling fairy-tale wonderland centres itself around the Columbia River. Dense, opulent forests conceal countless spellbinding waterfalls; many buried deep within rugged, untamed terrain.
A small close-knit port community, Hood River will likely serve as your base for exploring the bountiful treasures of the surrounding area. With a high concentration of astounding natural splendour, intrepid explorers can uncover their very own hidden piece of paradise here.
Located an hour’s drive north of the Columbia River, the picturesque Panther Creek Falls (📷) makes for an excellent day-trip. Access entails a short walk from the nearest car park, where a viewing platform affords incredible views of endless streams of water trickling down from the mossy slopes.
There is a staggering amount of top-notch sights; so much that it really can’t be overstated. You could dedicate months to this region and still not discover all of its treasures. Follow the established Eagle Creek Trail to the thundering Tunnel Falls (📷) — so named for a man-made passage that allows awe-struck hikers to walk behind the cascade.
Nestled on a rocky confluence at Tanner Creek, Wahclella Falls (📷) roars as it spills out from between mossy ballast and tumbles into a rocky pool below. Meanwhile, Oregon’s tallest waterfall — Multnomah Falls — is a gorgeous two-tiered cascade that attracts droves of visitors to collectively gaze in wonderment as the falls elegantly glide over the edge, back-dropped by an iconic and enchanting bridge.
Eugene (OR) ● 1 or 2 nights.
A 3-hour southbound journey leads to the idyllic city of Eugene. Despite its city status and relatively large population, Eugene provides a reserved, peaceful getaway, and is ideal for day-trippers.
Dedicate a full day to the majestic Crater Lake (📷). With heavenly panoramic vistas and profoundly clear deep-blue waters, this blissful natural utopia is an essential visit.
Contrary to its name, the lake was formed in the aftermath of a monumental collapse at the summit of Mount Mazama, where the lake presides today.
Trinidad (CA) ● 1 or 2 nights.
Trinidad is a place of tranquility. Kick back with a drink overlooking one of the nearby picturesque beaches. Relax and admire your first Californian sunset unfold.
Here we are, the first big push of your adventure. Don’t worry though, the 6-hour drive between Eugene and the tiny NoCal town of Trinidad is far from mundane!
As you leave behind wispy moss-coated forests, you find yourself under the shadow of an awe-inspiring presence; Californian Redwoods. The sheer scale of these monolithic trees captivates every soul that crosses their path. To stroll amid the spacious groves carved out by these giants is humbling and magical experience to behold.
Numerous Redwood parks can be found in this region, and the Jedediah Smith Redwoods (📷) are among the most impressive examples.
San Francisco ● 3 nights.
A thriving epicentre for innovation, so much of what defines modernity has origins here in the Bay Area. From establishing itself as arguably the tech capital of the world, to prominence in counter-culture and liberation movements which the city has offered its fervent support.
Hopefully you feel well-rested after your short stay in Trinidad and excited to continue forth along the American West Coast. A somewhat lengthy drive across the interstate separates the rugged north of California and your first major metropolis — San Francisco.
Etched into the global psyche, there are fewer sights more universally recognisable than the Golden Gate Bridge (📷). A staggering monument to American ingenuity and design, the flagrant red-iron structure straddles the Pacific Ocean across a 1-mile gap in the San Francisco Bay.
East of the bridge, within the bay itself, Alcatraz Prison is found on a small island. Deliberately isolated to prevent escapes from its high-risk inmates, organised tours grant visitors an opportunity to peer into what was once the most notorious prison ever constructed.
Lake Tahoe ● 2 nights.
After your time basking in the ultra-modernity of the Bay Area, it is time to re-connect with nature. On the stunningly serene banks of alpine Lake Tahoe, a blissful retreat and astounding scenery awaits.
🔼 Above: Sunset at Fallen Leaf Lake (📷).
From the bright lights of low-lying San Francisco, ascend into the Sierra Nevada Mountains for a scenic drive of under 4 hours. Despite its high-elevation, inland location, Tahoe is a sought-after beach destination due to its several sandy coves.
This stunning alpine lake is encapsulated by decadent rows of conifer trees, best viewed from the incredible viewpoint in the Emerald Bay State Park (📷).
Most of the beaches are found on the Californian side. Popular Baldwin Beach is abuzz in the summer, whilst Calawee Cove lies ever-so-slightly off-the-beaten track. Incorporate a visit to Zephyr Cove on the Nevadian side to tick-off another state.
Yosemite Valley ● 3 nights.
To conjure up worlds that accurately depict the immense natural beauty found within the fabled Yosemite Valley is a near impossible task. These stupendous landscape are the subject of endless gushing from flabbergasted writers, explorers, geologists, and everyday travellers who have found themselves amid this expansive wonderland.
A veritable Garden of Eden, Yosemite Valley crams a myriad of stunning sights in a compact 7.5-mile glacial valley carved out in the western Sierra Nevada Mountains.
With just how well-established the park is, and the relative close proximity of sights, experienced hikers and city-slickers alike can maximise their time in Yosemite thanks to immaculately maintained trails.
Imposing peaks El Capitan and Half Dome serve as gargantuan bookends at opposing ends of the Valley. Between these two landmarks, the Valley is replete with more grandiose waterfalls than you can shake your hiking poles at. Most visitors ensure to set eyes upon the largest cascades in the park — the eponymous Yosemite Falls — where water tumbles from over 2,000 feet above.
Significantly smaller, although certainly no less impressive, Vernal Fall (📷) is an absolute must-visit when exploring the Valley. The strong current that ushers the water over the steep edge of this waterfall results in a thunderous curtain of water flowing from its rocky veneer.
The crowning jewel of Yosemite is undoubtedly the mind-blowing view from Glacier Point. Suspended 7,000 feet above the valley floor, you can gaze for miles in every direction.
Santa Cruz ● 2 nights.
Hop back in your car for a scenic 5-hour drive to rejoin the Californian coast for the final stretch of your West Coast adventure. You are bound for care-free city of Santa Cruz; a vibrant and eclectic community. This breezy town is the perfect spot to recuperate after tackling the wilds of inland California.
A bustling university city, the locale of Santa Cruz are young, welcoming, and lively. Integrate yourself with the way-of-life here by frequenting Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk — a bustling promenade lined by bars, amusement rides, and quirky cafes for light lunches.
Straying just outside of town reveals even more options to whittle away the hours. Nearby Capitola Beach (📷) offers a chilled vibe back-dropped by charming pastel-hued buildings. The Henry Cowell Redwoods lie a short 15-minute drive north for those who can’t shake the Redwood fever.
Los Angeles ● 3 nights.
The emblematic City of Angels signals the final stop on the incredible West Coast journey you have embarked upon — and it is surely a fitting send-off. Spend roughly 3 nights here to soak up as much of the atmosphere as possible.
Show no restraint in living the quintessential West Coast lifestyle here in LA. Stroll the golden sands of Santa Monica Beach, all the way along to artsy Venice Beach — the birthplace of so much pop culture.
Whether you get embroiled in a high-intensity game of beach volleyball, sip a cocktail from a swanky bar, or sample some of California’s best new produce, it’s all fair game.
