The 14 best places to visit on the West Coast of the US
Our favourite places to drop by if you’re way out West
The West Coast has a magical draw that it’s hard not to understand. From year-round perfect weather to the glitz and glam to the stunning scenery, there’s absolutely tons to see and do from border to border.
We’ve picked some of the best places on the West Coast to stop by, whether that’s on a road trip or if you’re making a whole break out of one or two destinations.
1 of 14
Monterey
Monterey's natural beauty is rugged and untamed, making it an excellent escape from the Metropolis’ of the West Coast. Expect fantastic Pacific views, magnificent houses, and sprawling woodlands if you take the scenic 17-Mile Drive – just make sure you’ve hired a drop-top, as there’s really no other way to do it in style.
Take a whale-watching excursion from the cosmopolitan Cannery Row. Don't miss the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove where millions of orange-and-black-winged monarch butterflies migrate from October to March swarming on pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees.
The area is also a golfer's dream with magnificent courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links enticing even non-golfers. Book into the nearby Quail Lodge for an unforgettable stay.
2 of 14
Yosemite National Park
Although not on the coast, it only takes a few hours to get to this unique and amazing National Park.
The majestic Yosemite Valley is encircled by steep granite cliffs and domes formed by glaciers millions of years ago making it one of Mother Nature's most dramatic creations. Yosemite National Park attracts roughly four million tourists each year to marvel at its breathtaking natural beauty but, thanks to its grand scale, you can still explore Yosemite without bumping into other visitors.
You can tuck into1,200 square miles of essentially untouched wilderness including 800 kilometres of hiking routes. Make sure you don’t miss an inch by booking a personalised, guided tour of Yosemite – and skip the traffic.
Along the rushing Tuolumne River, one of the most amazing walks in the area is the Pacific Crest Trail. The park's broad meadows, free-flowing waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams, as well as the huge sequoia tree groves, are all breathtaking.
3 of 14
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the place to go if you want to see a resort town in the heart of the desert. The city is recognised for its tropical landscape, palm trees and hot springs as well as its magnificent midcentury modern architecture.
You can stay at chic hotels, play golf in idyllic resorts and unwind in luxurious spas. See exotic animals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or go antique shopping at a store along Palm Canyon Drive. To see some quirky bits of Palm Springs, try a tailored Palm Springs guided tour.
4 of 14
San Diego
San Diego is one of those cities where it feels like there’s always something amazing going on. Visit Balboa Park with its gorgeous gardens and museums and the San Diego Zoo.
Explore the sea caves of La Jolla and watch the sunset from the cliffs of Point Loma before heading back to your luxury suite at the Lodge at Torrey Pines which sits right on one of California’s most unique natural sites. Or, if you want to, you can just spend the whole time pretending to be Ron Burgundy…
5 of 14
Seattle
Seattle may be the birthplace of Starbucks but there's so much more to see and do here. Start with the gorgeous green parks then head to the trendy Pioneer Square, before climbing the spectacular Space Needle observation tower for an unbeatable view.
The busy Pike Place Market (one of the country's oldest farmer's markets) is a top breakfast, lunch or dinner spot. Round out your trip at the bohemian Fremont district for public art, wonderful food and some excellent people-watching. Our Seattle luxury hotel pick is the sublime Four Seasons with amazing bay views and an incredible infinity pool.
6 of 14
Lake Tahoe
Again, it’s a few hours from the ocean, but in a country the size of the US, that’s nothing! This captivating lake, surrounded by imposing mountains, is a haven of great beauty and tranquillity.
The lake's waters are a dazzling turquoise with little glints in the sand – pieces of real gold from the rivers that flow into Lake Tahoe. One of the best ways to take in the stunning views is to take a drive along the lakeside route or, even better, hop on a Lake Tahoe sailing cruise and see the mountains from the water.
The surrounding hills and valleys are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, water sports and lakefront sunbathing in the summer. In winter, skiing is the reason and the runs are some of the best in the USA.
7 of 14
San Francisco
San Francisco is jam-packed with world-famous sites, sounds and smells. From Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, to the expansive parks, to the bustling Union Square, to the picture-perfect Painted Ladies and the twisted Lombard Street, you really won’t run out of things to see and do in San Francisco. An obvious one is the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge – visit at sunset for an extra special view but check the weather for fog first!
Stay on topic with a night or two at the Mansion on Sutter. This unique hotel is inside a Victorian mansion that doesn’t look too dissimilar to a Painted Lady. The 5-star rating and unique styling helps too.
8 of 14
Oakland
If you’re in the Bay Area, a stop off in Oakland is well worth it, even just for a bite. For fresh fruit, stop by Swan's Market or, if you’re felling naughty, grab a delectable taco from one of the many taco trucks that line the Fruitvale strip.
The city also features some of the top beer bars in the Bay Area. Spend some time relaxing at the beautiful Lake Merritt or Mountain View Cemetery, which feels more like a park than a cemetery.
If you still have time, drop into the Oakland Museum of California, where you can enjoy some great modern art, or go see a classic play at the Paramount Theatre.
9 of 14
Portland
Portland is famous for its progressive beliefs and is taking serious action toward sustainability so you’ll see plenty of independent retailers that go the extra mile to deliver something that’s both high quality and environmentally friendly. It’s also incredibly easy to get to nature quickly from downtown.
Take a trip to Forest Park, one of Portland's most beautiful parks and gardens, or head a little further out to Mount Hood for a real walk on the wild side. Closer to the city, get in touch with your inner hipster at Powell's Books store – a must-see for avid readers.
10 of 14
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a wonderful beachfront college town in Southern California that is famous for two things: surfing and celeb spotting. With mild weather, a broad beachfront of golden-sand shoreline and magnificent sunsets, this luxury resort area is sometimes referred to as "The American Riviera."
The downtown area of Santa Barbara is pretty, with historic Spanish-style buildings, tile-adorned sidewalks and palm-fringed streets. You can easily spend hours wandering around the downtown's art galleries, open-air markets and locally owned retail stores, before grabbing a snack at a sidewalk café.
If you’re a little hungrier then a Santa Barbara food tour, visiting some of the best restaurants and food joints in the city, should do the trick.
11 of 14
Mendocino
Few sites in the world can match Mendocino's breathtaking coastline, where the Pacific's deep blue waters slam up against high cliffs and lap into calm, hidden bays. The fresh air refreshes visitors, while the spectacular seaside vistas motivate them.
The weather in Northern California is generally chilly and foggy making it ideal for trekking rather than sunbathing. At Mendocino County's many state parks, nature lovers can take walks along the ocean cliffs and isolated beaches as well as through dark redwood trees.
12 of 14
Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers it all, whether you're into celeb spotting on Rodeo Drive or just want to take a stroll along the beach. At the Warner Bros Studio, you can even sit in the famed Central Perk couch from Friends and hop on the official studio tour.
Head up to Griffith Observatory for some spectacular views, shop ‘til you drop downtown or relax at Santa Monica Pier with a refreshing ocean breeze. Fancy something extra special? Try a private nighttime LA helicopter tour for a truly unforgettable experience.
13 of 14
Big Sur
The Big Sur is a stunning 90-mile length of hilly coastline that is frequently rated as one of the best drives in the world and the staple of any California road trip. The two-lane Highway One winds through treacherous hairpin turns overlooking the ocean, so you’ll need to pay attention – but what an adrenaline rush.
The scenery of craggy coastline bluffs, shaded redwood woods and sheer cliffs that drop out into the roaring surf of the Pacific are all awe-inspiring. If you want to stop off, then hiking is a great way to take in the breathtaking scenery too.
If you want to break your journey up, check out the Alila Ventana Big Sur, but be warned – you may not want to leave in a hurry…
14 of 14
Humboldt County
Lush forests, secluded beaches and rushing rivers all make Humboldt County a getaway to the great outdoors. The revitalising quality of the air comes from the combination of scented trees and salty beach breezes.
But the real reasons for visiting Humboldt County are the giant redwoods that tower hundreds of feet into the air. There’s something special about these gorgeous giants and you’ll get a feeling that the world is a bigger place than you could ever imagine just standing next to one.
Share with a friend
Read next
