If you’re thinking about taking a road trip along the west coast of America then you are in for an amazing time! There is lots to think about when planning a big road trip like this so that you don’t miss out on any of the incredible places you want to visit along the way.
Luckily, it’s easy to get from one spectacular destination on the west coast to the next with minimal time in between. Calculate how much time you think you need for your trip, and then add a few days if you can! This is one road trip you don’t want to rush through. There are so many things to do and see, and Highway 1 is all you expect it to be and more. Ideally, you want to be able to take your time and enjoy the spectacular views the beautiful West Coast has to offer.
All that you need to do is get yourself equipped and then make a route plan. Make sure that you have New Vauxhall Cars at the ready or you’ve chosen your reliable car so you’re ready to make plans. Then it’s onto budgeting and choosing your locations. Let’s take a look.
The Ultimate Guide for the Best West Coast Road Trip
Trip budget
If you have started looking into a trip to the US then you are probably already aware that it can get expensive so you need to plan out your budget ahead of time. Unexpected expenses are sure to pop up, so having an emergency fund on hand is important as well.
When calculating your budget, factor in gas (or petrol to us!), food, lodging, admission, and extras. Food and gas are much more expensive in California than throughout most of the country, so don’t underestimate how much you’ll spend.
Think about booking extended-stay hotels because they are more affordable, but also they have a kitchenette, which means that you can cook at least a few meals at the hotel instead of spending $40+ to eat out.
Picking up a cheap coolbox once you’re there is also a great idea to save some money. You can then have cereal, fruit, or granola for breakfast, and make your own sandwiches to take out with you. You could also consider eating your main meal out at lunchtime because it’s at least a third less than paying for dinner. Always save a few bucks for dessert, though. The West Coast has some seriously cool dessert spots!
Pro tip: If you plan on visiting National Parks, the America the Beautiful Pass is worth investing in.
The Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is more than 600 miles long and extends from Southern California up to the northern portion of the state. Driving north to south, the driver will have the best views. Driving south to north, the passengers will. The PCH is one of the most famous road trips in the U.S. for good reason, so either way you go is going to be spectacular.
Because the West Coast is more than just California, we are going to cover Washington and Oregon, too.
California
San Diego is a famous tourist destination and a wonderful place to live. You could make a weeklong trip just to see the city itself, but the surrounding areas are also worth a gander.
San Diego Area
Coronado Island
If you’ve been to San Diego but haven’t made the short drive over to Coronado Island, now’s your chance! The lodging here can be even more expensive than in town, but it’s still worth a day trip.
La Jolla
La Jolla, California is an amazing place to visit. You can see the sea lions and seals year-round, and even during the busy season, La Jolla Cove isn’t unbearable. Take a tour of the Sea Cave, enjoy a kayaking adventure, pack a lunch and have a picnic at The Cove.
Lodging here is a bit more expensive than in surrounding areas. If you’re going to stay for the night, it’s worth getting a hotel right on the beach. Go for a sunrise or sunset walk and get tons of Instagram-worthy photos.
Santa Barbara
Whether you want to catch the perfect wave (or fish!), or just chill on the beach, the vibe in Santa Barbara is super relaxed.
San Francisco
When visiting San Francisco, you have to decide if you want to experience it as a tourist – or as a local.
As a tourist, I recommend the usual, touristy spots like:
- The Golden Gate Bridge
- Ride a trolley
- Fisherman’s Wharf: a tourist trap with decent food and great photo opps.
- Alcatraz: Worth a visit at least once.
- 16th Ave Tiled Steps: another photo opp, and a chance to get in some extra steps!
- The Wave Organ: one-of-a-kind!
As a local, I recommend off the beaten path spots such as:
- Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line: an art installation tucked into the forest floor in Presidio.
- Japanese Tea Garden: get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Land’s End Labyrinth: not the easiest hike, but well worth it.
- Coit Tower: 360-degree views of the Bay.
- Sutro Baths: ruins by the seaside.
Wine Country
About 50 miles to the north of San Francisco, you’ll find wine country and Napa Valley. Even if you aren’t a wine drinker, the drive offers some pretty awesome views.
Yosemite
140 miles east of San Francisco, you’ll find Yosemite National Park. Famous for its giant sequoia trees and stunning 2,425-foot waterfall, the park just celebrated 140 years. Yosemite is still 95 per cent wilderness, making it a unique experience – nothing can compete! Oh, and don’t miss the photo opp at Tunnel View on your way out.
Washington
Space Needle
Talk about the ultimate photo opp: almost everyone has heard of this famous 605-foot tall landmark. Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, it was designed to showcase humanity’s “Space Age aspirations”.
A 10mph wind gust can cause the Space Needle to sway up to an inch. Thankfully, Seattle isn’t usually too windy, and the Space Needle is able to withstand winds of up to 200mph. Feeling extra brave? You can actually bungee jump off the Space Needle!
Mount Rainier National Park
There is so much to do at Mount Rainier National Park. Some favourites include:
- Gondola Rides: ride up, then hike down to enjoy the wildflowers.
- Ex-Nihilo Sculpture Park: random collection of animals, motorcycle riders, and monsters, all from materials found by the artist.
- Crystal Mountain: enjoy interpretive walks and guided horseback rides in the summer, and skiing in the winter.
- Photo opps: Mount Rainier is packed with social-media worthy photo opps, like Christine Falls, Crystal Mountain, and Grove of the Patriarchs.
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens was once referred to as the Mount Fuji of America. In 1980, it erupted and the upper 1,300 feet of the summit was removed due to a debris avalanche. There is now a horseshoe-shaped crater partially filled in by a lava dome and glacier. Watch the VolcanoCam before you visit!
The Visitor’s Center has a large step-in model of the volcano, as well as theatre programs and a functioning seismograph.
Love hiking? Check out one of the longest lava tubes in the world, the Ape Cave. Mount St. Helen’s has hikes as short as one hour, and longer hikes that can span multiple days. Be sure to check the park’s status and road conditions before heading out.
Oregon
The Oregon Coast is just as beautiful as the California coast! A few stops to consider are:
- Seaside Aquarium: feed the seals!
- Crescent Beach Hike: a 3.6 mile easy hike.
- Haystack Rock: 235-foot monolith formed by lava.
- Short Sands Beach: a serene beach away from the crowds.
- Tillamook Creamery: take a yummy tour!
Portland
The slogan is “keep Portland weird”, and Portland folks whole-heartedly stand behind it. Portland is a one-of-a-kind city that is fun to wander through aimlessly for a few hours. You’ll probably land at a vegan cafe or a single-origin coffee bar, both of which are sure to delight your whole family.
Multnomah Falls
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is picturesque all year long. To get to the top of the falls, you’ll need to take a moderate 2-mile hike.
Your West Coast road trip
There are thousands of things to do and see on the West Coast. While we’ve covered lots of them, you could easily take a year-long road trip and still not see everything that each state has to offer. Pick the few things that are “must-sees” for your family, and fill in the gaps with other adventures if you have extra time. Don’t try to stuff too much into your trip, or you will not get a chance to enjoy the stops you really want to make in their full glory.
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