Exploring the top places to visit on the US West Coast reveals a journey through iconic national parks, vibrant cities, and stunning coastal towns.
You’ll also find historical landmarks, spectacular mountains, and barren wilderness.
The West Coast of America has everything to deserve the number 1 spot on your travel list.
Let’s explore its best places to visit!
25. Redwood National and State Parks, California
Let’s start with one of the most enchanting places on the West Coast.
Established back in 1968, Redwood National Park houses gigantic redwood trees, some of which are as old as the Roman Empire.
There are plenty of easy hiking trails, picnic spots, camping sites, and restaurants inside the park. You won’t regret your visit there!
24. Solvang, California
This beautiful city in central California is also known as the danish capital of America.
Solvang reflects rich danish history with unique architecture, delicious danish food, and exclusive wineries.
Once you visit Solvang, the unparalleled charm and taste of Denmark in California will keep you bringing back for more!
23. Santa Barbara, California
On a 45-minute drive from Solvang is Santa Barbara, one of the most beautiful towns to visit on the West Coast.
With its unique location between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is the legitimate highlight of California.
Rent a surrey bike and roam around the city watching live street performances. The romantic beaches and extravagant resorts make Santa Barbara a perfect honeymoon spot!
If you love both hiking and relaxing on the beach, Santa Barbara is one of the best places to visit on the US West Coast for you!
22. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the coziest and most welcoming cities in America.
This fourth most populous city in California has a rich history and diverse culture. San Francisco offers so much to explore.
Just to name a few: The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the Exploratorium, Lombard Street, the Asian Art Museum, the Legion of Honor, Baker Beach, the Zoo, Oracle Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39 will get your attention.
No matter how many times you visit this city, you’ll always keep coming back for more.
21. Seattle, Washington
In the mood to go fishing? Book a flight to Seattle!
The emerald city located in the pacific northwest region of the West Coast is home to some renowned commercial enterprises like Starbucks and Microsoft.
Surrounded by water and mountains, the city offers countless hikes, legendary museums, live music clubs, and cascading mountains.
You can stop by Pike Place Market to get freshly caught fish and other goodies like jewelry and art pieces.
Don’t forget to head up to the Space Needle and have a 360-degree view of the city at dawn or dusk.
20. Aplets and Cotlets Candy Kitchen, Washington
If you’re a candy lover, then Aplets and Cotlets Candy Kitchen is your ultimate dream-come-true place.
Situated at 117 Mission Avenue in Cashmere, Washington, Aplets and Cotlets Candy Kitchen is best known for its varieties of fresh Turkish delights.
Your sweet tooth will love the diversity of candies and chocolates there.
You can also munch on free candy samples and enjoy a tour around the kitchen to eye-witness the delicate candy-making process.
19. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
This is the most densely glaciated National Park in the contiguous United States.
It’s home to gorgeous wildflowers, old growth forests, crystal clear rivers, rich wildlife, and much more.
Mount Rainier, an active volcano, rises to almost fourteen and a half thousand feet above sea level and makes for stunning views.
18. San Diego, California
You’re in the mood for finger-licking good Mexican food by stunning beaches? San Diego should definitely be the next spot on your travel list.
With year-round good weather, every day is a perfect day to explore something new in America’s finest city.
If you get tired of beaches and surfing, then get into the city and roam around the historical landmarks and amusement parks.
Some worth visiting places include the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, Birch Aquarium, USS Midway, Balboa Park with all the museums, Old Town San Diego, Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter.
17. Legoland California
If you’re driving around with kids, then you must stop at Legoland in Carlsbad. It’s only a little over 30 miles from San Diego.
Based on the lego toy brand, this place houses a theme park, a miniature park and an aquarium based water park.
Get ready to sail through the water, soar into the skies and hit the road with over 55 crazy rides. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance!
Legoland is definitely one of the top places to visit on the US West Coast with kids!
16. La Push Beach, Washington
If you’re still single, it’s high time you find your Edward or Bella. And what could be a better place than the Twilight filming location itself?
The three wild beaches of La Push are connected via the first trail leading to the second and third beaches.
These wild Pacific beaches present a majestic seascape to behold!
15. Palm Springs, California
How about spending these winters in hot springs and relaxing spas? Sounds great? Then book your flight to Palm Springs, a cozy resort city.
From natural hot springs, amazing restaurants, and vast golf courses to a sunshiny atmosphere, Palm Springs is everything you wish for in Winter.
No wonder why celebrities like Sia, Dean Martin and Elvis Presley have and had their homes in this city of California.
14. Sand Mountain, Nevada
These sand dunes are two miles long and 590 feet high, and really one of a kind.
Long hiking trails might give you a tough time but they’re worth it.
There are a few places to rent ATVs nearby for a day of fun!
I must warn you about the heat wave during mid-day though, so prepare accordingly and check the weather beforehand.
13. Olympic National Park, Washington
The best time to visit the Olympic National Park is from July to August. During these months, the weather is perfect to explore this rainforest all day and all night.
The variety of wildlife and scenery there is breathtaking.
From sky-high mountains, scenic waterfalls, and gorgeous beaches to rugged coastlines, blissful lakes, and enchanting meadows, Olympic National Park is a nature lover’s dream.
12. Cannon Beach, Oregon
If you’re in a frame of mind for a romantic walk with your loved one along long sandy shores, then head to Cannon Beach right now!
Located in the southwest of Oregon, Cannon Beach is one of the best beaches in the country.
The seashore town has many art galleries, shops, and amazing restaurants apart from the beach.
11. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
Stretching along the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and stands out as one of the best places to visit on the US West Coast.
This lake is celebrated for its crystal-clear blue waters and a plethora of water and ski activities.
Choose a picturesque picnic spot around the lake to enjoy quality family time and make the most of this breathtaking West Coast destination!
10. Mendocino, California
If you’re heading to Seattle from San Francisco, then you must stop at Mendocino, a small coastal town along the Pacific Coast Highway.
The town boasts fresh, cool air and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
It is most famous for its historical art galleries, amazing restaurants, beautiful beaches, lovely state parks, and unique wineries and breweries.
9. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-sea is another coastal town on the US West Coast that you must see. It has beautiful beaches and rich art history.
Some of the worth visiting spots in and near the city include Carmel beach, the 17-mile Drive, Caracciolo Cellars, Demetra Cafe, Mission Trail Park, Asilomar State Beach, the Clinton Walker House, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, one of the most beautiful state parks in California.
8. Portland, Oregon
Are you ready to have the best donuts and coffee of your life? Then grab your backpacks and head to Portland.
No matter if you’re a foodie, bibliophile or a tree hugger, you’re going to love Portland.
From amazing coffee shops like Stumptown, lavish book bars, vegan restaurants, craft breweries, and cheap food stalls to slow-paced rooftop bars, this hipster city is a millennial’s dream.
Don’t forget to try the freshly made Voodoo Doughnuts if you pay it a visit.
7. The Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
WELCOME TO VEGAS BABY!
If you want to have your best party trip, than Las Vegas is the destination!
Driving by the neon-soaked strip, you’ll find countless casinos, dancing fountains, luxe hotels, art centers, amusements parks, live music shows, shopping and more.
Nearby are other attractions like the Hoover Dam, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend.
No matter who you are, this is the city that you must visit at least once in your lifetime; A city that never sleeps!
6. Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a coastal city in the west of LA.
It is sometimes called the beach haven of Los Angeles, although it is technically a separate city.
A ferris wheel, award-winning dining, famous shopping centers, and peaceful cycling along the beach render a relaxing beach town adventure.
You may also be able to do some celebrity spotting at places like the Third Street Promenade.
5. Los Angeles, California
If you are in Santa Monica, you may as well visit LA too.
Imagine you’re walking down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see your favorite celebrity passing by; could anything be more envisioning than this?
LA secures the fifth spot on our list of best places to visit on the US West Coast.
The brimming city is most famous for being the hotspot of the nation’s film industry and its iconic Hollywood Sign.
Some places that are worth having a peek at include the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Memorial Colosseum, Dodgers Stadium, and the Grand Central Market.
For more to do in LA, check out our LA Bucket List!
4. Death Valley National Park, California
Never judge a place by its name!
I know the name sounds scary, but Death Valley is one of the most beautiful and unparalleled places.
There‘s nothing like this anywhere in the world.
It has mind-blowing landscapes, great hiking trails, colorful mountains, and slot canyons. Entrance to Death Valley takes you to an entirely different world.
I must warn you of its temperature though. Be sure to wear light layers and carry lots of water with you. It gets hotter and hotter in summer, but at night it can be freezing cold.
3. Disneyland, California
Number 3 on the list is the happiest place on earth, Disneyland.
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is home to two theme parks, three hotels, and an outdoor shopping center called Downtown Disney.
Get ready to meet your favorite characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Donald Duck, and board some crazy classical rides including Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and the Mad Tea Party spinning cups.
Even if you visit Disney multiple times, you will never have a dull moment there. A quick tip is to upgrade your tickets to genie plus to shorten long wait times.
If you are planning to visit California with your kids, check out our list to get the best tips!
2. Yosemite National Park, California
Being one of the most popular public places on the west coast, Yosemite National Park is home to enchanting waterfalls, granite cliffs, countless hiking trails, and diversity of fauna and flora.
This place is a paradise to spend quality time with your family.
You get to see North America’s tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls, the giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove, and the famous El Capitan.
Yosemite National Park is a picture-perfect spot for hiking, fishing, bird watching, biking, and rock climbing.
The night view there offers a starry sky which is very hypnotizing and out of this world.
The top spot on our list of the best places to visit on the US West Coast secures:
1. Big Sur, California
Big Sur in Central California is one of the most beautiful rugged coastlines in the world.
This place lets you experience an enchanting panorama where the Santa Lucia Mountains directly meet the Pacific Ocean with its rugged coastlines, rocky hills, and hidden beaches. One even has purple sand.
Trust me, you’ll want to stop at every single vista point.
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