10 Best U.S. Road Trips on the West Coast

The Pacific Coast Highway is the ultimate West Coast road trip, covering approximately 1,650 miles along U.S. 101 and California Highway 1. This route stretches from San Diego, near the Mexican border, all the way up to Seattle, close to Canada. This journey undoubtedly deserves the title "epic."

Whether you're seeking the atmospheric fishing communities and forests of Washington, the unbeatable rocky cliffs and sunsets along the Oregon coastline, or the big cities of San Francisco, LA, and San Diego in California, the Pacific Coast Highway is certain to delight you. Try to allow 10–14 days to complete the route, with additional time scheduled for must-see cities along the way.

The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile circular driving route located north of Seattle and south of the Canadian border. It's an ideal way to experience the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest, including coastal towns, river valleys, and mountain landscapes.

The loop encompasses several impressive landscapes, such as the North Cascades mountain range, the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest, and the Chelan River. Hikers will have plenty of options, as the trails in this part of Washington State are abundant. For an added quirky element, make a stop at the alpine-styled town of Leavenworth, a destination that wouldn't look out of place in Germany.

West Coast's National Parks offer a winding road trip that showcases the best of their beauty. If you have 3 weeks or more to spare, consider embarking on this adventure. While you may already be familiar with popular parks like Yosemite, Death Valley, and Crater Lake, there are over 20 more parks on this side of the United States waiting to be explored.

The route covers nearly 4,000 miles, so be prepared for a considerable distance. However, if you take the time, you'll have the opportunity to experience the finest aspects of California, Oregon, and Washington states on a circular journey that exhibits America's vast array of landscapes, ranging from deserts to forests to oceans.

This San Diego to Santa Barbara road trip will take you through the southern and central parts of California along a 220-mile route. Start in San Diego to experience a fusion of Mexican and American cultures, while enjoying the unmistakable Californian beach vibes at Coronado and La Jolla.

Make a stop at Disneyland on your way through Anaheim, and then explore the best of LA's many neighborhoods. Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills will provide you with a great overview of the city. And, of course, you mustn't forget to check out the Hollywood sign before you leave. As you continue northward, take some time to bask in the sun on Malibu's magnificent beaches before reaching the upscale and picturesque Santa Barbara.

Often referred to as the “King of Roads,” the Columbia River Scenic Byway was constructed in the early 1900s with the aim of showcasing the 75 miles of breathtaking scenery in the least intrusive manner. The main attraction is the Columbia River Gorge, which reaches a depth of over 4,000 ft, providing incredible vistas.

However, the byway also traverses past cascading waterfalls, including the 620-ft Multnomah Falls. Drive along cliff tops to take in views from 900 ft above the Columbia River, and don't miss the charming Vista House museum. While it is possible to see all of this in a single day, it’s advisable to spread out your visit over 2 or 3 days for a more enjoyable experience.

If you're familiar with wines, then this road trip from San Francisco to California's Napa Valley is ideal. It's conveniently short, with an overall road time of a little over an hour. However, with numerous wineries enticing you along the way, you may want to consider spending several days on this journey.

Before you embark on the trip, take some time in San Francisco to explore the sights. The penitentiary island of Alcatraz and experiencing Pier 39 are excellent options. As you head north across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County; a coastal region known for its breathtaking cliffside views of crashing waves. Before long, the scenery transitions to vineyards, and that's when this road trip truly shines.

Driving along the Oregon Coast Highway is a true pleasure. Portland's home state is often overlooked in favor of flashy California or nature-loving Washington, but Oregon boasts a coastline that is unsurpassed by any other state. Allotting approximately a week, commence this 350-mile road trip in Astoria, Oregon's most northerly coastal city.

As you head south, make sure to stop at Seaside to visit one of the West Coast's oldest aquariums. Continue to Ecola State Park for a delightful seaside stroll, and then visit Cannon Beach to experience Oregon's wildlife. Further south, in Oregon Dunes you can try your hand at sandboarding. Finally, relish the spectacular views for the last dozen miles until you reach your destination in Brookings.

The 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is one of the west coast’s lesser-known road trips, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most thrilling. This volcanic route takes you on a fascinating journey through Earth's volcanic past and present, allowing you to witness firsthand the profound impact of these powerful natural forces.

Begin your adventure in California's Lassen Volcanic National Park, where you'll encounter hydrothermal neighborhoods featuring pools of boiling water and bubbling mud. Continue your journey to Shasta Mountain, a towering 14,000-ft volcanic peak located next to a charming town that shares its name. However, the true highlight of this scenic byway is Crater Lake, a magnificent 6-mile-wide caldera formed by the collapse of the mighty Mount Mazama.

The Olympic Peninsula Loop is in the most north-westerly part of the continental U.S. To the east of Seattle, the Loop is a 329-mile route that showcases the region's most breathtaking landscapes, including lush rainforests, secluded lakes, and stunning wilderness beaches.

Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the 600 miles of hiking trails, while Twilight fans can relish a visit to Forks, the home of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Make sure to explore the Olympic National Forest, an expansive area filled with ridges and canyons. For the best panoramic views of the entire road trip, head to Hurricane Ridge, which stands at a vantage point of 5,242 ft and offers glimpses of the snow-capped peaks of Olympic National Park.

Big Sur is a renowned stretch of picturesque coastline between Carmel-by-the-Sea to the north and San Simeon to the south. The route spans approximately 90 miles, but there are numerous attractions along the way, so be sure to take your time.

Begin in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you can wander along its delightful main street adorned with galleries and boutique shops. As you head south, stop at Point Lobos State Park for breathtaking ocean views and leisurely hikes. Proceed to the famous Bixby Bridge, a must-visit spot for a memorable photo opportunity, and then continue to Pfeiffer Beach, known for its distinctive purple sands. Conclude at Sand Dollar Beach, an ideal location to witness a stunning sunset, before reaching San Simeon.