One argument that can never be settled is which coast is the best coast. While the East Coast has spectacular sights from Maine, all the way down to Florida, the West Coast welcomes you with sandy shorelines from the tip of Washington to the toes of Southern California.
Let’s take a journey together through forests and beaches, over mountains and volcanoes, through redwood forests, and onto some of the world’s most pristine beaches.
Port Angeles, WA
Although we’ll be spending some time in and around the City of Angels, let’s start with Washington State’s Port Angeles. This is the entry point to Olympic National Park – something we’ll discuss in just a moment as a must-see. It’s also the departure point to Victoria, Canada.
Located along the northern shorelines of the Olympic Peninsula, this slice of heaven has everything from stunning trails and charming vistas to the cutest little downtown. With lush hotels, delicious eateries, and a downtown waterfront district, you’ll feel instantly at ease in Port Angeles.
Olympic National Park, WA
One thing Washington does right is wide, open spaces. Even if you only visit the West Coast to see this national park, it will be well worth your while.
Spanning most of the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll find everything here, including forests, rivers, and even a few sandy beaches. Ruby Beach is one of the most precious gems in this jewel box.
Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA
While you’re in Olympic National Park, make sure you seek out Sol Duc Hot Springs. There’s a fabulous resort by the name with rooms, suites, and cabins overlooking the Sol Duc River and its fertile green surroundings.
From the resort, you can dip in and out of healing mineral pools and spas. You can also purchase a day pass if you’re just hiking through or, for something more affordable, stay a night at the adjacent campground.
Seattle, WA
Of course, while you’re in Washington, don’t let the savors of Seattle pass you by. As one of the coffee shop capitals of the world, you could easily enjoy a day of bookshop and coffee shop hopping.
Pike Place Market will easily absorb you into its maze of stalls and shops, as well. But, much like Olympic National Park, there are gorgeous, green spaces all throughout this sleepy city to enthrall and entrance you.
Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth doesn’t get nearly enough attention. It’s a former logging town turned Bavarian Village. After the logging industry went timber, residents sought a second chance with this new makeover.
If you’re up in this corner of the country around Christmas Time, you’ll be able to indulge in the town’s many festivals and holiday light celebrations.
Bellingham, WA
North of Seattle, you’ll find another coastal city to embrace you. When in Bellingham, head to their famous Fairhaven Historic District to pick up a few new pieces of art and savor a meal on one of the many restaurants’ outdoor patios.
Tacoma, WA
Another lovely option for city dwellers is Tacoma. Like Leavenworth, it’s undergone a major transformation over the years and, boy, does it have a lot to offer.
With several cultural touchpoints, you’ll enjoy world-class museums and eateries in this city. One destination people often seek out is the Museum of Glass. While there, make sure you marvel at the Bridge of Glass – a truly marvelous work of art.
Puget Sound, WA
The backdrop of the mountains, clear blue waters, and dense evergreens make Puget Sound one-of-a-kind.
Located on the western border of the state, it separates the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle. Filled with inlets, islands, and beautiful greenscapes, this is one of the best places in the country to rent a kayak or hop aboard a ferry for some seriously magnificent sights.
San Juan Islands, WA
One of the islands you’ll get a glance at is the San Juan Islands. They’re a grouping of islands and the four largest are easily accessible by ferry.
While here, you can rent a kayak to tool around in its cleansing waters or poke around each of its downtown areas, dotted with galleries, public parks, and some of the best seafood restaurants this side of heaven.
Spokane, WA
Although Seattle is often noted as the star of the state, don’t overlook Spokane. One thing you’ll quickly notice is that the east side of the state stands in stark contrast to the west.
There’s a lot more sunlight, for starters, and several more farmlands. Spokane is close to the border of Idaho and brimming with downtown delights, gardens, parks, and museums.
Bend, OR
Before we get to the more notable city of Portland, let’s discuss Bend. This small city is packed full of local breweries, food carts, and even a cider house or two.
The restaurant scene in Bend is known to be one of the best in the state, with an array of eclectic eateries. But, Bend’s natural wonders don’t disappoint, either. This city is the entry point to Deschutes National Forest, which is a magical place to get lost for the day.
Newport, OR
Also a lesser-known city, families flock to Newport for its array of amenities. Kids, in particular, get a lot of enjoyment out of the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
There are also several beaches for everyone to splash around in, as well as the Ocean to Bay Trail which will leave you breathless.
Astoria, OR
In a word, Astoria is simply fascinating. Okay, that’s two. But, it’s worth every accolade it receives, as the setting for over a dozen movies, including The Goonies.
Filled with beautiful Victorian homes, expansive vistas overlooking the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean, and a host of bistros and breweries, you’ll love every moment in this seaswept town.
Seaside, OR
Speaking of feeling seaswept, Seaside is another family favorite in the beautiful state of Oregon. It’s a small town with a whole heck of a lot of charm. You can take the family for a stroll down the beachfront promenade or dip in and out of the Seaside Aquarium.
For something a little more outdoorsy, you’re within easy reach to a buffet of hiking trails: Ecola State Park, Lewis and Clark Historical Park, and Tillamook Head. Take your pick and get ready to be swept off your feet.
Florence, OR
Pretty as a picture, Florence deserves an honorable mention. Like many of its comrades within the state, you’ll have your fill of quaint art galleries, cafes, bistros, and restaurants.
Be sure to seek out the Heceta Head Lighthouse as you walk the beach or, better yet, ride horseback on these sandy shorelines. You can also explore the largest sea cave in the country, Sea Lion Caves, for something truly unique and spectacular.
Portland, OR
It’s quite possible Portland has it all. With its bustling downtown scene, you’ll gladly snack your way through the day. Then, you can walk it all off in Forest Park – one of the nation’s largest urban parks.
Or, if you’d like to spend a little more time indoors, Powell’s City of Books is an absolute must – as the oldest independent bookstore in the world – along with Portland Art Museum – the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest.
Mount Bachelor, OR
As you can see, there are many gem-like cities to explore in Oregon. They stand as the gateways to countless trails, forests, and national parks.
But, if skiing is more your style, Mount Bachelor is the spot. It has the perfect mix of trails for every skill level. Its coolest claim to fame is the fact that the mountain is actually a dormant volcano that sees a healthy dusting of over 400 inches of snow throughout the ski season.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument, OR
If Mount Bachelor enthralled you, Newberry National Volcanic Monument might still be able to top that. Located about 10 miles south of the Deschutes National Forest, these 55,000 acres are brimming with lava flows, a lava river cave, and a lava field.
You can also climb Paulina Peak for panoramic views over this unique landscape. With oodles of hiking, boating, and fishing on tap, you’ll be a world away in Newberry, never wanting to leave.
Crater Lake National Park, OR
Speaking of unique, you may never see waters the exact same shade of blue as Crater Lake National Park. Flowing between towering mountain ranges and lush green forests, this is the place to paddle all your cares away.
As the nation’s deepest lake, this is certainly the area to plan a lakeside vacation with family and friends. Come in the summer when the weather is perfection and drive around the perimeter of the lake or hike your way through its many magical miles.
Brookings, OR
We’ll end in Brookings because it’s just a few miles north of the California border. The town is small, but mighty. It’s a great place to stop and refuel your soul on your journey down the coastline.
While here, the place to be is Harris Beach State Park. With tide pools, tufted puffins, and sea stacks, it’s about as picturesque as it gets.
Redwood National and State Parks, CA
Once you’ve crossed state lines, you simply must make your way to Redwood National and State Parks. No one can describe these natural wonders adequately; it’s just something you have to see for yourself.
You can hike here, camp here, or linger a little while, basking in its natural wonder. With nearly 40 miles of rocky coastline to explore, this could simply be a glorious afternoon drive, as well.
If, however, you choose to camp here for the night, make sure you make your way over to Trillium Falls Trail to take in the prettiest little falls you’ll ever see.
Sacramento, CA
As the state’s capital, Sacramento doesn’t disappoint with an amalgamation of things to do for everybody in your party.
Historic Old Sacramento is particularly picturesque, thanks to its historic riverfront district. With cobblestone streets, Gold Rush-era houses, and horse drawn carriages, you can easily slip through the portal of time in this vast and alluring city.
Temecula, CA
We’ll sip the savors of Napa in a moment. But, it’s worth giving the southern portion of the region – Temecula – a nod, as well. Here, you’ll enjoy one of the region’s most expansive varieties of vineyards, featuring everything from Cabernet to Chardonnay.
Head to Old Town for a gently bustling downtown dance, or make the most of any one of its gorgeous wineries that open up to some of the most stunning vistas.
Napa, CA
A bit more bustling than Temecula, Napa’s downtown delights are unrivaled. Here, you’ll enjoy some of the best cuisine in the entire world, not just the sophisticated state of California.
With a huge menu of wineries to tuck into for the weekend or week, the list of options is long. If you can snag a spot in Auberge du Soleil, for example, its picturesque setting – along with its extensive wine list – will wash your cares away.
San Francisco, CA
Movin’ on to San Fran, it’s worth mentioning this city pairs well with Seattle. With its hilly streets, beautiful bookshops, unrivaled restaurant scene, and waterfront spectacles, this is a charming getaway for any type of traveler.
While here, if you can make time for the Japanese Tea Garden, your spirits will instantly lift. After a quiet, meandering stroll through this oasis, you’ll emerge a different person.
Lake Tahoe, CA
Lake Tahoe is another heavy-hitter in a state filled with natural wonders. Located on the eastern side of the state – just about 40 miles west of Reno – you’ll find panoramic vistas to rival any of the other natural wonders on this list.
Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, Lake Tahoe will steal your heart. Emerald Bay State Park is certainly one of the spots people flock to in the summer to bob the day away on a boat. In the winter season, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better slopes to sail down.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Moving down to Central California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is everything and more. It’s an idyllic coastal town with – surprise, surprise – top-shelf wine tastings and out-of-this-world eateries.
The best way to do this is to stay in a classic inn so you’re well-positioned to stroll the streets, patronize art galleries, pick up a few trinkets in the local boutiques, and dip your toes in the water of its white, sandy beaches.
San Diego, CA
For a healthy dose of sunshine, surfers, and sandy shorelines, San Diego is an absolute must. You’ll be instantly charmed by every cafe, restaurant, and boutique downtown.
But, it’s the beaches that can’t be beat. You don’t even need a book or a boombox to make the most of this day at the beach. Watch the surfers ride the waves before taking in some of the most golden and glowing sunsets you’ll ever see.
Santa Barbara, CA
Its nickname, the “American Riviera,” sums it all up. Tucked neatly between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara can (almost) say it has perfect weather all year ‘round.
Known for its neatly trimmed palm tree beaches, there’s not a care in this world that these waves can’t wash away. To no surprise, this city is also a muse for a host of artists, taking the art and culinary scenes to new heights.
Imperial Beach, CA
This beach city has the privilege of being close enough to kiss the mists of Mexico. As Florida’s southernmost beach town, it has a four-mile stretch of beach where, like San Diego, you can watch the surfers ride the waves, get in a few rounds of beach volleyball, or even horseback ride on the beach again.
If you plan to cross the border and end your West Coast travels in a luxurious resort in Cabo, this is the perfect stopping point for one more gulp of fresh Californian air after a gorgeous stay in a truly enamoring state.
The West Coast Has It All
What do you think? Is the west coast the best coast? Or is the East Coast where it’s at? Check out our comparable guide of the most charming spots to visit on the East Coast to see for yourself.
From forests to beaches, the West Coast is someplace you could easily call home or just go back to visit, time and time again.
Whether you’re heading north to Victoria or south to Cabo, we have a destination guide to help you craft the perfect itinerary for all your travels – stateside or international. We hope to see you luxuriating