If you want to see huge coastal scenery, perfect weather, and super-hip cities, the USA West Coast of the United States is not to be missed. This coast has many fascinating experiences to offer, from the picturesque shores of Oregon to the bustling metropolises of Seattle and San Francisco.
If you’re seeking for adventure in the great outdoors, drive south to California’s redwood forests or visit Washington’s Olympic National Park, which has some of America’s most beautiful hiking routes.
While it may be tempting to leave the experience to chance, the West Coast USA is vast, and planning your trip around an itinerary allows you to prepare for many travel options.
It’s also the simplest method to ensure that you’ve budgeted for all key attractions, required expenses, and affordable lodging alternatives.
Renting a Campervan, RV or Car for Your West Coast Road Trip
First things first: what are your wheels for your road trip? Are you going to hire a campervan or rent a vehicle and stay in a different place each night?
Renting a car or driving your own is the most convenient method to navigate about the West Coast. The roads along the trip are normally in decent shape, so you don’t require 4WD. (However, it may be a whole different story in the winter for sections of the Sierra Nevada, so if a 4-wheel drive is more comfortable for you, go for it.)
It is never difficult to find a rental vehicle business in this area, and the process is always quick and simple.
Motorhomes may be costly—they consume more petrol and typically cost more at campgrounds than tents. However, if you’re going on a longer road trip, saving money on lodgings and having your own cooking area may be worthwhile. There are plenty of opportunities along the way to replenish water tanks and clear the trash at appropriate facilities.
I’ve never had issues renting from Outdoorsy. They don’t just cater to motorhomes; they also provide a number of van alternatives to accommodate any tourist. Couples may pick from tiny two-person Volkswagens, while families can choose a Class C that sleeps up to five people.
The Best Time for a West Coast Road Trip
The best time to plan your vacation depends on when you want to explore the nearby locations. Each season has its own set of benefits and a generally comfortable atmosphere; even in winter, the environment is free of extremes.
Despite the dismal and dreary weather, the north of the West Coast boasts a wetter climate with lush landscapes and spectacular waterfalls. Prepare for bright and dry weather in southern California, which is great for beachgoers.
- Summer (June – September) is the most popular period for a West Coast road trip, but it also means more crowded campgrounds and higher pricing. The weather is nearly certain to be fantastic, lakes are accessible for swimming, camping is easier with milder evenings, and dry roads provide for easy travel.
Autumn (September – December) is an excellent season to take a road trip in search of Washington’s golden larches. The temperatures during the day are good, but you’ll need to be warm if you’re camping in the northern half of the route.
Winter (December – March): If you stick to coastal roads, snow is uncommon, and temperatures are manageable. - Spring (March – June): Spring provides the sunlight of summer but with fewer crowds. The south of the West Coast is often greener at this time, allowing for beautiful hiking scenery with less rain.
10-Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
The West Coast of the United States is often known as the Pacific Coast since its shoreline runs along the North Pacific Ocean. It is bounded on the east by coastal mountain ranges and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific Coast Highway, which runs from Washington to California, is one of the most popular road trip routes in the United States. From seaside cliffs to lively metropolitan areas, the route caters to tourists of different backgrounds.
The road begins at US 101 and continues through Washington, Oregon, and sections of California. It then connects to California Highway 1, which showcases the majority of California. The total distance traveled is 1,675 miles.
If you want to complete the full journey, you need allow around ten days for your trip. This allows you to take the journey at your own speed. You’ll still have time to enjoy the scenery and see attractions.
It’s a huge list of locations, so don’t worry if it appears overwhelming. If you choose to spend more time in one location, I have divided the tour into areas.
Keep in mind that you can start in either San Diego or Seattle. This tour begins in Seattle, where you will see the Olympic National Park, and concludes at the beach in San Diego. However, the reverse way is also enticing.
Day 1: Seattle
As one of the largest cities in the South Pacific, you’ll quickly get immersed in a varied culture. This might involve trying out different cuisines (many of which can be found at the Pike Park Market), enjoying the vibrant nightlife, and visiting art museums such as the Museum of Pop Culture.
However, Seattle is not only a city-slicking destination; it also has rolling hills, green neighborhoods, and plenty of parks. The Washington Park Arboretum is located along the banks of Washington Lake, and Kerry Park offers panoramic views of the city.
Because your road trip begins here, you may spend several nights in the city before heading out. I recommend staying in Downtown Seattle so that you can easily visit the nicest sections.
Day 2: Olympic National Park
The travel to Olympic National Park takes about two hours. However, the early bird gets the worm here; starting the day early gives you plenty of time to explore the national park. With over a million acres, the park has a diverse range of habitats and spectacular scenery.
Now is the time to put on your hiking boots and explore old-growth rainforests, untamed beaches, and glacier-capped mountaintops. There are several things to add to your agenda here, including hiking, fly fishing, boating, animal watching, and ranger-led activities.
Each year, more than 50,000 people camp in the national park. Olympic National Park has around a dozen campgrounds for hikers and campers (bear in mind that automobile camping is only permitted at select campsites).
Day 3: Portland
The travel from the National Park to Portland takes around 3 hours. Before traveling into the city, take a trip to the Witch’s Castle, a decaying and spooky ancient mansion located in Portland’s Forest Park.
Once you arrive in the city, you can expect a day full of activity. The city has a thriving gastronomy culture, so if you want to get to know it better, treat yourself and go on a culinary tour.
If you want to take a break from driving, walking about the Mississippi Neighborhood will bring you to unique stores, fashionable pubs, and secret libraries.
Day 4: Coos Bay
The Pacific Coast is teeming with delightful little villages that are less well-known than the larger cities but no less beautiful. Coos Bay is a beachfront jewel that is 3 hours and 45 minutes from Portland, giving you plenty of time to get into the road trip spirit.
The isolated beach is nestled among lush trees, with the Coos River running into the Pacific. Today, it is renowned for its shipbuilding and timber production. To relive the town’s history, visit the Coos History Museum & Maritime Collection.
Coos Bay is an excellent location for catching the distinctive West Coast sunsets. Locals and travelers congregate along the beach, armed with cameras and picnic baskets.
Day 5: Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park is about two and a half hours from the Coos Bay shoreline. You may stop by the park to admire the world’s tallest trees. However, there is much more to see and do in the park.
This park is ideal for road trippers because it has several lovely routes. This allows you to just travel through the national park or prolong your journey with a camping experience.
The park features four built campsites with minimal facilities for campers and RVs, including showers and firewood. If you want to rough it, reserve one of the backcountry campsites, which are located along more than 200 miles of hiking trails.
Day 6: San Francisco
Of course, a vacation to the West Coast of the United States would be incomplete without a stop in San Francisco, a vibrant city. From the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park to Alcatraz Island, the city never stops surprising you. Just make sure to start your day early, as it is a 5.5-hour trip from Redwood National Forest.
Taking the cable car is the greatest method to move about the city. The first cable car was built in 1873, and 23 more were constructed since then. Today, just three make their way around (they’re largely seen as a tourist attraction, which is OK).
Day 7: Big Sur
Big Sur has 90 miles of rough coastline, and it’s more about the trip than the destination. The drive offers the best of both worlds, as the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean.
You may expect to spend the entire day in the car, exploring the numerous sights along the way. Camel-by-the-Sea on the north side, the Henry Miller Memorial Library, and Partington Cove are all must-see destinations.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located on the Santa Lucia Mountains’ slopes. You may roam among the maple trees, conifers, redwoods, and oaks. Pfeiffer Beach is also home to Keyhole Rock, a massive rock structure with a stunning natural arch.
Day 8: Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a long journey from Big Sur, and depending on where you ended your 7th day, you may spend roughly 5 hours in the car.
Los Angeles has a slice of magic for every type of traveler. You may spend your day wandering through museums, as Los Angeles is famed for, or you can devote the day to studio tours and amusement park visits.
For beachgoers, the gentle sands aren’t a bad place to spend the day. If you want to catch some rays (or possibly a wave), visit Paradise Cove Beach or Venice Beach.
Day 9: San Diego
After a crazy (or possibly quiet) night in Los Angeles, take a leisurely drive to San Diego. It’s a city famed for its pleasant weather, art galleries, museums, lush gardens, and laid-back vibe.
If you enjoy the sun and the outdoors, this is the place for you. La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, and Torrey Pines are all wonderful reasons to spend a few nights here.
North of the California border, there is a Mexican influence; expect to find delicious cuisine, Mexican landmarks, and the Spanish Revival Balboa Park here.
Day 10: Death Valley
Moving inland, Death Valley is four hours from Los Angeles.
As California’s driest and hottest desert region, it is a country of extremes, making its moniker all the more fitting. It gives you the impression that you’re roaming about a different world, yet it has a completely magical sense.
While it may appear impossible for creatures to live here, Death Valley supports a vast range of life. In the unusual event of a tropical rainfall, the valley explodes with color from hundreds of wildflower fields. Willows and cottonwood trees, which are home to over 80 species of birds, dot the landscape all year.