8 Places You Must Visit In West Coast, USA

From the spirited city of Seattle, through the staggering forests and coastline of Oregon, all the way to the diverse state of California; USA west coast is one of the most stunning road trips in the whole wide world. This trip offers so much - ferry rides in the Seattle harbour, hikes across the redwood forests in Oregon, tasting of wines in Napa Valley, the breezy roads of San Francisco, luxuriating on Cannon Beach, the glamour and dazzle of Las Vegas, and remarkable coastal drives for hours. A tour to West Coast, America will satiate your wanderlust in more ways than one!

There are a ton of hot spots that are worth visiting along the coast, as well as a few places further inland that are great if you have some extra time to kill. USA’s West Coast has a number of places to visit, but the following are ones you should not miss:

1. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the most unique and vibrant cities in the world, with something new happening every day. The city has a buzzing atmosphere along with a ton of things to do. The locals are extremely friendly and down to earth; they are truly the ones that make the city so special.

Take a stroll down to Fisherman’s Wharf to spot some seals, ride the cable car like a true tourist, and visit the famous Full House street straight from your favourite childhood sitcom. No American trip of the West Coast should exclude San Francisco! Haight Street and Lombard Street are both bustling areas with amazing restaurants, shopping, and quirky cafes. And, of course, you have to take a trip to the famous Golden Gate Bridge before you head out of town.

2. Napa Valley, California

Who doesn’t love a generous glass of California Pinot? Napa Valley is home to some of the best wineries and vineyards in the country with some pretty spectacular views to complement a day of wine tasting. It’s guaranteed that you will be spoiled for choice by the number of options you have in terms of wineries, from big scale guys to some smaller, quaint options.

Some spots to consider include Pride Mountain Vineyards, Castello di Amorosa, and the St. Clair Brown Winery and Brewery. Make sure that your West Coast USA itinerary includes wine tasting at Napa Valley! While you are at it, find yourself a designated driver throughout your time here as it is almost impossible to stop at just a few tastings.

3. Seattle, Washington

Welcome to the city where Starbucks was born! Seattle might not be on the top of everyone’s bucket list as compared to cities like New York City and Chicago, but you’d miss out on so much if you didn’t drop by here during your West Coast tour of USA. It’s got an epic art scene, some legendary clam chowder and beautiful ferry rides along the bay. Visit the Pike Place Market for some local and fresh produce, the fine glass art exhibit at the Seattle Centre (go at night to see the colours pop!) and stop by the waterfront Olympic Sculpture Park.

4. Yosemite National Park, California

This is another one to add to your West Coast itinerary for America. The gorgeous hikes, stunning waterfalls, vast wildlife, and the overall magical atmosphere that the Yosemite National Park provides, is just blissful. It’s the place of dreams for outdoor enthusiasts, rock-climbers, and avid hikers alike; you will leave this place so amazed and humbled by these amazing rock structures.

El Capitan and Half Dome are two of the most famous summits to hike if you are up for a challenge. Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove, and Yosemite Valley are also spots you cannot miss out on before leaving. As one of the most popular places to visit in West Coast USA, it’s the perfect spot to pitch a tent for a night in order to fit in all of the amazing spots this park has to offer. Once here, you will surely want to stay longer!

5. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Everyone knows all about the spectacular Grand Canyon, probably as the most famous canyon in the world. This is a place you must visit during your tour of the USA’s West Coast. The Canyon itself is over 200 miles long and a mile deep, and that doesn’t even cover the rest of the national park! There is so much to discover beyond the classic tourist view of the canyon, with quite a few hiking trails such as Horseshoe Bend taking you to the mesmerizing Havasu Falls.

While this spot is quite a drive from the coast, it is definitely worth visiting to experience these epic and picturesque views for oneself.  Make sure your trip planner for the West coast of America has the Grand Canyon as a part of the travel itinerary. Stay for sunset or get out of bed for sunrise to witness the red and orange colours of the rocks light up like fire.

6. Portland, Oregon

Portland is a haven for hipsters and foodies with an amazing craft beer scene and graffiti-filled streets with quirky cafes. In fact, you can find breweries all throughout the city, a major reason why this is one of the best places to visit in West Coast USA. Also, consider it a treat if you are a vegan as the city is full of amazing vegan restaurants. Portland is a must-visit the city during your West Coast tour of the USA if you enjoy food and beer. You could wander through the streets all day and not get bored, as there is always something interesting around every corner.

7. Big Sur, California

No travel itinerary to West Coast America is truly complete without driving to the Big Sur, world-renowned as one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. It’s an almost untouched stretch of empty beaches, hidden coves, and views that are out of this world! The winding roads of the coast will have you stopping every few minutes to take in the views with that fresh ocean breeze making you feel like a new human.

This place is so very magical that those who have visited find difficulty in explaining it for themselves; you simply have to go to and see it for yourself. With 90-miles of driving from beginning to end, you will likely be coasting along here for at least a couple of days.

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

Get ready for the glitz and glam of Viva Las Vegas! Even if you are not into the ‘Vegas scene’, it is still one of the best places to visit in West Coast USA that you should explore at least for a day. This city is like no other, with interesting characters roaming the streets at all hours of the day, world-renowned performances every night, legendary hotel pool parties, and, of course, plenty of casinos. This is precisely why you’ll find Las Vegas as a part of almost every USA holiday package there is. It is truly an experience in itself to just set foot in this city, with fluorescent signs and buildings that light it up and create an amazingly buzzing atmosphere.

The Wild West of the United States of America is an absolutely fantastic place to travel to. You’ll find refreshing new experiences, especially if you like the sea and chilling on the beaches. There are plenty of activities to partake in, like surfing and gliding around the coasts of various beaches you come across. Let your wanderlust fuel you!