WEST COAST HOLIDAYS

San Francisco

San Francisco’s charm comes from its colourful streets, historic landmarks and a creative energy that fills the air. Take a stroll along the Embarcadero to watch the bustling ferries and sea lions at Pier 39, then ride a classic cable car up the city’s famously steep hills. The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see, whether you walk, cycle or admire it from nearby parks. Explore diverse neighbourhoods like Chinatown, the Mission District or North Beach, each offering unique eateries, shops and vibrant street art. For a day trip, catch a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore its intriguing history.

Seattle

Set between water and mountains, Seattle offers stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor options. At the centre of it all is Pike Place Market, famous for its lively fishmongers, colourful farmers’ stalls and fresh flower stands. Watch the fish fly as vendors toss the catch of the day. For views that take your breath away, head up to the Space Needle or Kerry Park, where you can see Mount Rainier in the distance. Just a short drive away, Olympic National Park offers diverse landscapes, from rugged peaks and alpine lakes to lush rainforests and wild Pacific coastline, making it a perfect day trip for hikers and nature lovers.

Portland

Portland is a city that celebrates individuality and creativity. Known for its food cart culture, you’ll find an incredible variety of dishes from around the world, often served alongside locally brewed craft beers. Spend a morning exploring the Portland Saturday Market for handmade crafts and fresh produce, or take a leisurely walk through the Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. The city’s many independent bookstores, vintage shops and art galleries are perfect for exploring. Outdoor enthusiasts can escape to Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States, which offers miles of trails within city limits.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a sun-drenched desert retreat known for its stylish mid-century modern architecture and relaxing atmosphere. It’s a place to unwind by the pool, explore trendy boutiques and enjoy top-notch dining. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a ride up the nearby San Jacinto Mountains, where cooler temperatures and hiking trails await. The desert landscape around Palm Springs is dotted with unique parks like Joshua Tree, famous for its striking rock formations and star-filled night skies.

San Diego

San Diego offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle with plenty to explore for visitors of all ages. Balboa Park is the place to be, boasting museums, gardens and beautiful walking trails. For beach lovers, the city’s coastline stretches from the surfing waves of Pacific Beach to the tide pools of La Jolla Cove. Old Town San Diego gives a glimpse into California’s early history with its preserved buildings and lively markets.

National Parks

The West Coast’s national parks feature some of America’s most spectacular natural wonders. Yosemite National Park is famous for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and ancient giant trees. Nearby, Sequoia National Park offers the chance to walk among the largest trees on Earth and explore rugged mountain landscapes. 

Redwood National and State Parks protect some of the tallest trees in the world, along with wild rivers and dramatic coastline. Death Valley National Park, known for its extreme temperatures and vast salt flats, is home to striking desert scenery, towering sand dunes and colourful rock formations that feel like another world. Further north, Olympic National Park showcases a rare combination of snow-capped peaks, lush rainforests and unspoilt coastline, all within one vast wilderness. For alpine beauty and year-round outdoor activities, Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes both offer hiking, cycling and water sports in the summer.

What’s the best way to travel between West Coast states?

Flying is the fastest and often the most practical for longer distances, while driving lets you explore at your own pace. Buses are a budget-friendly choice, but take longer. There’s also a train that runs from Los Angeles to San Francisco, making exploring the West Coast a breeze.

What’s the public transport situation like in major West Coast cities compared to renting a car?

Public transport is good in cities like San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle, with buses, trams, and trains. However, renting a car gives more flexibility, especially for day trips or areas outside the city. Los Angeles also has a Metro network that connects many key neighbourhoods, including Downtown, Hollywood, Santa Monica and even out to Pasadena and Long Beach.

Are there popular coastal drives or scenic routes worth planning into my itinerary?

Yes, the Pacific Coast Highway is a popular route, stretching along the coast from Southern California, near the Mexican border, all the way up to Seattle, Washington. Along the way, consider including the 17-Mile Drive around the Monterey Peninsula, a scenic loop famous for its dramatic ocean views, rugged coastline, and landmarks such as Pebble Beach and the iconic Lone Cypress. 

What are the highlights to visit along the Pacific Coast Highway?

The most popular section of the Pacific Coast Highway is between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and it’s packed with must-see stops. Santa Cruz offers surf culture and classic beachfront boardwalks, while Monterey is home to the famous 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. Carmel-by-the-Sea has a charming village feel with galleries and white-sand beaches. The stretch through Big Sur is especially breathtaking, with cliffs, redwood forests and dramatic sea views. Further south, San Luis Obispo and coastal towns like Morro Bay and Pismo Beach add to the route’s appeal with good food, local wine and a relaxed pace.