The West Coast is packed with iconic beaches, lush forests, charming towns, and some of the best national parks the country has to offer. While that may be a delight for some tourists, most feel overwhelmed with all the options, especially those who don’t have the time to tackle the entire coast from Los Angeles to Seattle.
If you’ve been thinking about taking on a West Coast road trip, there are routes you can take that allow you to see a lot in an area while having shorter, more manageable routes that are perfect for different travel styles and timeframes.
Let’s dive into the adventures that await you on the West Coast!
1. The Classic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is the ultimate West Coast road trip, and this drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is one of the most iconic drives in the world.
Start near San Francisco, and make sure you take some time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf and ride the famous cable cars. From there, you’ll want to head south along California’s coast and pass through the stunning 17-mile drive near Monterey and Carmel.
But the real highlight of the Pacific Coast Highway road trip is Big Sur. Driving along the Big Sur portion is as though it was pulled right from a movie, as the road winds along the dramatic cliffs of the Santa Lucia Mountains, plunging into the crystal waters of the Pacific Ocean. These views are breathtaking. Make sure you stop at the Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, and McWay Falls for pictures.
After you enjoy Big Sur to your heart’s content, continue south. Stop to admire the charming towns of Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. The final leg of your journey will take you through the relaxed beach towns of Santa Barbara and Malibu. Finally, end your journey in bustling Los Angeles.
The best time to go on this epic West Coast road trip is in spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner.
2. Pacific Northwest Adventure
Oregon and Washington are dominated by rugged coastlines, offering a road trip experience very different from the Pacific Coast Highway route from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
This Pacific Northwest Adventure is perfect if you want to find dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and charming coastal towns on your road trip.
Start this road trip north in Seattle. Here, head to the famous Space Needle and Pike Place Market to experience some of the most popular attractions of the city. Then, head west to Olympic National Park to explore diverse ecosystems, from the lush Hoh Rainforest to rugged Pacific beaches. If there’s one beach you shouldn’t miss, it’s Cannon Beach, home to the photogenic and out-of-this-world Haystack Rock.
A drive further south will take you to the Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, where a volcanic caldera forms a deep blue lake surrounded by steep cliffs. This is a great stopping point, but remember, there is so much you can see through Oregon and Washington!
3. Northern California Explorer
The Northern California route creates an excellent road trip experience as it blends world-class wine areas with ancient woodlands. You’ll want to start in San Francisco and go north to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys to sample wine amidst undulating vineyards.
After savoring the region’s finest wines, continue towards Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Avenue of the Giants. Here, you will find yourself in a totally unique landscape as you walk amidst towering trees.
Further north, visit the Redwood National Park, where you can hike through old-growth forests and discover coastal viewpoints offering panoramic photo opportunities. Finally, detour over to Mendocino to see beautiful Victorian villages and botanical gardens — an excellent way to end your road trip with a peaceful retreat.
It’s best to visit during spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the vineyards are most beautiful.
4. Desert to the Sierras
Many tourists visiting California ignore the interior of the state and only appreciate the state for its scenic coastal beauty. But the interior is full of desert landscapes and snow-capped mountains that are worth visiting.
Begin in Southern California near Palm Springs and head east to Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll be amazed to see the surreal desert landscape full of twisted Joshua trees and large rock formations. Then, continue towards Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest places on Earth, where you’ll find salt flats, dunes, and rugged canyons.
From the heat of the desert, start trekking north towards Eastern Sierra and the mountains surrounding this area. After you enjoy this area, keep heading up and go over to Mammoth Lakes, an alpine retreat offering stunning views of the mountains and crystal-clear lakes. If the timing is right, you might want to take a detour through Tioga Pass to Yosemite National Park, where granite cliffs and giant sequoias will impress you.
5. Olympic Peninsula Loop
Did you enjoy your time in the Pacific Northwest? Well, there is still a ton to see throughout this region, and the Olympic Peninsula offers a road trip filled with dramatic coastal views, lush rainforests, and peaceful lakes.
Start your road trip in Seattle and head right on over to Olympic National Park. Here, the Hoh Rainforest will enchant you with its misty atmosphere, and you can see the beautiful moss-draped trees that make you feel like you’re in a different world.
The Pacific Coast beaches you can find right inside of Olympic National Park are known for their sea stacks and driftwood beauty, which will probably enchant you into staying there for way longer than you intended to.
Next, stop at Lake Quinault, which is beautiful and surrounded by lush forest, and then head up to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. From here, you will be greeted by the towns of Port Angeles and then eventually head down south to the infamous Forks, which is famous for their Twilight connection.
The ideal time to go on this trip is summer when the weather is driest and higher elevations are fully accessible, but be aware of the possible tourist crowds!
6. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Forget typical road trips — the Volcanic Legacy Scenic route offers a unique experience through rare volcanic landscapes.
Start your road trip in Northern California at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you can hike trails that take you to bubbling mud pots and steaming vents and even climb volcanic peaks for jaw-dropping panoramic views.
Continue north to Burney Falls State Park. The tumbling waterfall surrounded by volcanic rock formations creates a breathtaking landscape shot. Mount Shasta is next on the itinerary and is known for its striking beauty, hiking, and climbing opportunities. Spiritual seekers love this place for its many legends and a palpable sense of spiritual energy.
Next, cross the border and head to Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park, where the volcanic caldera provides mesmerizing views of deep blue waters surrounded by steep cliffs. For a deeper exploration of the region’s volcanic past, take a side trip to Lava Beds National Monument in Northern California to explore lava flows and caves.
Summer and early fall are the ideal seasons to take this road trip, as you will enjoy excellent access and scenic beauty.
7. The Inland Northwest Explorer
If you are looking for a road trip off the beaten path of the West, you should explore the inland gems of the Pacific Northwest.
For this road trip, start in Leavenworth, Washington — a beautiful Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Enjoy its charming streets and local wineries, which offer a unique cultural experience.
From Leavenworth, head east to Spokane, Washington. Explore the city before continuing east into Idaho to Lake Coeur d’Alene, which is famous for its outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.
Next, explore the scenic Hiawatha Trail, a fantastic biking route through scenic tunnels and trestles, easily accessible from the Coeur d’Alene area.
Continue east into Montana to Glacier National Park. The hikes here are stunning, thanks to the beautiful lakes and the wide variety of wildlife. The Going-to-the-Sun Road will be the highlight of your road trip through the park as it winds through the heart of the park and gives you an up-close look at its dramatic landscapes.
Go in summer and early fall for the best weather and outdoor activities across all these locations.