Best Time to Visit West Coast, USA

The most beautiful places on the West Coast

Get ready to discover one of the most scenic regions in the world. The West Coast is rolling in coastal beauty, vineyards, spots to watch wildlife and places to have a breathtaking outdoor adventure. 
 
You may think California has it all wrapped up when it comes to beaches, nature and picture-perfect cities like San Francisco, after all, the Golden State has plenty of all three of these things. But, don't forget that Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington are two of the most dynamic cities on the USA's West Coast. 

And many people don't know that Oregon's beaches are on another level. They may not have the charming fairground rides and star power of California, but their raw beauty is spellbinding. In Washington, you can explore fascinating towns like Spokane and Olympia before heading to the remote nature of the mountains and woods in places like the San Juan Islands.  

Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit on the West Coast. 

For beach bums 
 

• Santa Monica, California 
• Big Sur, California 
• Monterey, California 
• Cannon Beach, Oregon 
• Gold Beach, Oregon

• Yosemite National Park, California 
• Mendocino, California 
• The Dalles, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
• Joseph, Oregon 
• Cottage Grove, Oregon
• Leavenworth, Washington 
• San Juan Islands, Washington 
• Ellensburg, Washington 

• Spokane, Washington
• Olympia, Washington 
• Seattle, Washington 
• San Francisco, California
• Santa Barbara, California 
• San Diego, California 
• Portland, Oregon 

West Coast vacation ideas for families

One of the best ways to spend time as a family to deepen your bond and make memories is by travelling together. The USA's West Coast has plenty for grown-up kids, young adults and even your little ones. We've outlined two incredible trips below!

ITINERARY 1

• Yosemite National Park: Depart from San Francisco and make your way through California's famous Gold Rush Country towards Yosemite National Park. On reaching your destination, you'll have a chance to explore a little before enjoying dinner in your rustic mountain lodge. 
• Mammoth Lakes: As you make your way to Mammoth Lakes, you'll cover some incredible ground. Experience the Sierras of Tuolumne and iconic sights like Tenaya Lake. When you reach Mammoth Lake, you can take a gondola ride up into the mountains. 
• Ansel Adams Wilderness - Named in honour of a famous nature photographer, the Ansel Adam Wilderness is an area in the Sierra Nevada region and is renowned for the Devil's Postpile National Monument. 
• Lake Tahoe - Choose your own family adventure today on Lake Tahoe. Go hiking or kayaking, or simply enjoy a picnic beside the crystal blue water. 

• Seattle: Meet your guide along the Seattle waterfront and take a ferry across Elliott Bay towards Bainbridge Island where your adventure really begins. 
• Olympic National Park: In Olympic National Park you can show the kids the moss-draped Hoh Rain Forest which looks like something out of a fairytale. Enjoy a little bit of sand and sea at Ocean Shores, and following an afternoon at the beach, enjoy some more family time over dinner in Astoria. 
• Portland: Next, it's on to the exciting city of Portland. It may be the city of hipsters, but it's a fun place for families too. Make sure you get hold of delicious treats like Voodoo Doughnuts. 
• Mount Rainier National Park: Spend the day visiting Mount Rainier National Park. There won't be enough time to climb this famous mountain, but you can still explore some of the stunning trails in the area. 

West Coast vacation ideas for couples

Whether you're hoping to rekindle your romance, go on a honeymoon, or just looking for a special vacation with your loved one, the West Coast is a playground for couples. Let the two itineraries below inspire your next trip together.
 
ITINERARY 1

• San Francisco: After exploring this beautiful city on foot, enjoy dinner on Fisherman's Wharf while overlooking the bay and stop by the Golden Gate Bridge. 
• Tuolumne: Pass through the foothills of Sierra Nevada, stopping by at a local farm and some vineyards on the way to Tuolumne to get a real taste of central California. 
• Yosemite National Park: Explore the unique rock formations, deep valleys, alpine meadows and wilderness of this famous national park. 
• Sacramento: Walk Sacramento's charming historic district hand-in-hand. You'll find 60 restored Gold Rush-era buildings, wooden sidewalks and cobblestone streets and antique lamps, all of it perfect for those cute couple pictures! 
• Lake Tahoe: Lose yourselves to mesmerizing colours of blue and green. You'll remember Lake Tahoe's crystal blue waters and towering peaks forever. 
• Sonoma: There's no better way to end your getaway together than in Sonoma. What could be more romantic than a sunset in the vineyards of Californa's wine country?  

• Seattle: Diamonds may be forever, but in Seattle, USA's Emerald City, who needs sparkly rocks when you can have lush green scenery? 
• Portland: Discover one of USA's most dynamic cities! Portland is a little bit of everything: cosmopolitan but charming, and ever-so-cool without trying too hard. It's great for discovering food, the arts and culture! 
• Cascade Mountains: Explore the astonishing landscapes of Columbia River and Multnomah Falls. 
• Willamette Valley:  For the pioneers that followed the Oregon Trail, Willamette Valley was the "Promised Land." Find out what brought them here all those years ago. 
• Redwood National Park: Have you ever seen trees that grow to almost 300ft? You have to see California's redwood country to believe it. 
• San Francisco: End your vacation by exploring the sights and attractions of San Francisco. Have dinner together by the ocean and stroll below the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. 

Best cities to visit in the USA in 2020

Asheville, North Carolina - With its burgeoning craft brewery scene and mouthwatering cuisine it was easy for Asheville to sweep a spot on this list. Along with food and drink, Asheville has other surprises in store: old-world architecture, a spooky history and the must-see Biltmore Estate.
 
Santa Fe, New Mexico - Looking for a bit of adventure or maybe some much-needed TLC? Santa Fe is perfect for both. For those that need a little boost in 2020, a visit to Sante Fe's fabulous spas, vibrant restaurants, natural wonders and hiking trails are a must.
 
Nashville, Tennessee - Nashville has been gaining popularity in recent years for a reason! If you haven't been yet, make 2020 the year you check out the city's incredible music history, famous food and hipster neighbourhoods.
 
Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Not far from Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole is the place to lose yourself to natural beauty and observe American wildlife. There's more to this destination than its cosy wild west vibes; you'll also find luxury ski resorts and elegant spas. 
 
Baltimore, Maryland - Baltimore is going through a renaissance of sorts. Boutique hotels and trendy restaurants have put this city on the verge of a tourism boom. Add an array of local attractions and historic sites into the mix, and you've got the perfect getaway!