16 Epic West Coast USA Road Trip Ideas & Itinerary
The West Coast of the United States is a stunning haven, an ideal mix of large cities, national parks, and natural beaches. And the best way to explore this beauty is by road trip. In this post - 16 Best West Coast USA Road Trip Ideas, we have chosen some awesome routes that you can work on from state lights and city lights to twinkling stars - experience it all!
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| West Coast USA Road Trip The West Coast is also called the Pacific Coast and is the coast along which the continental western United States meets the North Pacific Ocean. The west coast of the United States includes the coastal states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
The west coast road trip itinerary listed below highlights the routes, the journey and the duration of the journey ranges from a short weekend trip to a 10-day itinerary. The starting point is on the west coast and then drives to explore more of the United States.
16 BEST WEST COAST USA ROAD TRIP IDEAS & ROUTE
ITINERARY
West Coast USA Road Trip
Preparing for a Road TRP - Road Trip Packing List / Executive
Before you begin the Pacific Coast Highway road trip, it is important that you be prepared and keep the following essential things to make your trip less stressful and enjoyable.
• Emergency Car Kit - This 90 piece emergency car kit should be included when you start your journey. The kit includes a portable air compressor, tow strap and jumper cable and more. Buy your emergency car kit here
• First Aid Kit - Carry a small first aid kit (2-4 persons or more) depending on the number of passengers. Buy first aid kit here
• GPS or offline map - carry a GPS for road navigation. Buy GPS here. If you prefer offline map system through your smartphone, then MapSem is a good option. It is also free.
• Car adapter - to charge your smartphone and / or other electronics. Buy your car adapter here
• Phono cable - to connect your cell phone or iPod to the music system inside the car (leave it if you are using a CD player or have wireless connectivity). Buy your phono cable from amazon here
• Music - Great Playlist
• Clothing - including a waterproof jacket. Buy my all time favorite jacket here
• Scarf - Casual or as a cover up
• Flip Flops - for walking on the beach. Buy your flip flop here
Camera - Don't forget your camera to capture your moments. Buy our mirror-less camera here
• Sunscreen and any OTC medicines - buy sunscreen here
• And of course don't forget car insurance and roadside assistance service. Get this Nifty holder to keep details.
LOS ANGELES TO
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About Road Trip:
One of the most spectacular road trips you can take from Los Angeles is the beautiful desert community of the Palm Desert. Palm Springs is not only a desirable destination for itself, it is also the perfect base for day trips to a couple of many gorgeous California desert parks: Joshua Tree National Park, and Anja Borrego State Park.
LA to Palm Springs: Five days of planning for a road trip, including a drive from LA to Palm Springs and back. Start the first day and drive to Palm Springs, which is about 106 miles, and normal traffic takes about 3 hours.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Palm Springs. Discover beautiful examples of mid-century modern architecture, take a stroll in the city of Palm Canyon Boulevard, or take a hike in the nearby Indian Valley.
Joshua Tree National Park: Two days, take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park has many fun things including hiking, bouldering, watching the sunset from Keyes View and exploring the flora and fauna in the park.
The names Joshua tree and Chola cactus are two examples of unique flora that you can see in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is about 38 miles from Palm Springs, and you can drive in about an hour. Although you can camp in the park or stay in Twenty-one Pailles outside the park's gate, Palm Springs is a great place to stay.
Palm Desert and Thousand Palms: On day four, you can explore the communities of Palm Desert, which have some desert gardens and a zoo, and Thousand Palms, where you can hike some desert hikes. Both of these places are just minutes from Palm Springs.
Drive to LA: Go back to Los Angeles five days ago, experiencing the magic of California's desert!
Related by: Dhara is not about miles
Major activities and excursions on this route
• Take a day trip from Palm Springs to Joshua National Park
• One day tour from LA to Palm Springs and shopping outlets - book your tour here
About Road Trip:
Yosemite National Park is the ideal place for a road trip. This Yosemite road trip can be completed in 3 days or can be extended as long as you want. All stops are found in the periphery of the park.
Mariposa Grove: Start your road trip in Mariposa Grove near the park's southern entrance, where you can see some of the world's largest trees. From here you will drive to the historic Vavona Hotel. It is a very beautiful hotel with a fantastic restaurant. If you are hungry, take advantage of the opportunity. This may be your last great meal for a few days.
Tunnel View Lookout: After lunch, you will stop at the famous Tunnel View Lookout. Find a parking spot and take your time, it's worth every minute. After Tunnel View you will make your way to Yosemite Valley. Come back to your accommodation and go outside to explore the valley.
Your next several stops can be seen walking around the valley floor. Use your park map to locate Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley: In the afternoon you will sit back in the car to get to Glacier Point. This is another famous lookout for photographs. The drive will take approximately one hour and 15 minutes each way. You can relax on your second night back in the Yosemite Valley and see the stars on a clear night.
Tiaga Pass: The next morning you will visit the infamous Tioga Pass. You will follow the Tiaga Pass all the way to Tuloga Meadows. The drive may take 90 minutes, but the object is to take your time.
There are tons of lookouts and rivers and mountains along the way. Stop wherever you feel interesting and enjoy this peaceful and serene side of Yosemite. I assure you, there will be no rush here. Bring a lot of water and snacks with you as you will not find anywhere to buy anything on the road.
Contracted by: Rock Eden from a short trip
Major activities and excursions on this route
3 Day Camping Adventure in Yosemite National Park - Learn more here
About Road Trip:
Zion, Bryce and Arches are three of my favorite national parks in the world. Take it from Park Ranger, who has worked and camped in his fair share of parks, these Utah gems are clearly of perfection. If you haven't fallen in love with the raging charm of the Red Rock Desert yet, oh boy, get ready to fall hard.
That said, these three beauties are still deep in their own way. The starting point of the trip is Moab, Utah.
Arches National Park: On the east side of the state, the arches are like a desert, but everywhere you look, with a forest of red slabs and quaint arches. The arches are in the best area, in my opinion; The entrance city of Moab is full of red and fun adventure activities. Moab Brewery has great food and superior beer.
Bryce National Park: Bryce, in between the two, known for its human-like hoodoo, almost feels like a Grand Canyon with its rim hikes and cedar forests.
To see these parks properly, I recommend at least two solid days in each and camp as often as possible. Fortunately, the longest drive of this road trip - which is between Arches and Bryce - is 244 miles through only a few scenic areas. The road trip in its entirety (not including every park's quest to your heart's content) totals just 317 miles.
I spend the most time in and around the Archean and in and around Zion. Bryce is lovely, but smaller and more easily appreciated in a day or so.
Plus, you can't spend every empty moment hiking in every park wrong. In particular, the landing of Nairo and Angel in Zion is virtually world famous, for good reason (you need a permit for Nairo, so plan ahead).
You can travel to this Utah National Park in less than a week, or really take your time and pull it out. I've done it both ways, and have never been disappointed.
Verified by: how to travel from glamor ganola
Major activities and excursions on this route
• Small Group Zion and Bryce National Park Camping Tour - Book Tour here
• Full day National Park and Driving 4 × 4 Tour - Book Tour with Canyonlands
• Book a beautiful flight trip over Arches National Park
About Road Trip:
One of the best road trips in California is the route between San Francisco and Northern California's Redwoods. The journey takes about 4 days and will take you through the sleepy coastal cities of Mendocino and Fort Bragg before reaching your final destination at Humboldt Redwoods State Park (part of Redwood National Park, California).
Mendocino: Mendocino is best known for its beautiful iconic rocks that extend into the Pacific Ocean. Hike along the cliffs at Mendocino Headland State Park to explore the inside of the kayak cliffs in the sea caves or take in the gorgeous ocean views. Check out the quaint town area for a small town vibe and some fudge.
Fort Bragg - Be sure to explore the stained glass beach at Fort Bragg. It is famous in California for its amber, white, green and sometimes blue sea glass. Noyo Headlands Park also offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
Humboldt Redwoods State Park: Finally, you will reach Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to some of the world's tallest redwood trees. Don't miss the drive through the Avenue of the Giants, nowhere else will you feel so small as you coast among the towering redwood trees. The hiking trails within the park are also amazing, especially in Founders Grove and Rockefeller Forest.
Related by: The Adventures of Panda Bear Constance
Major activities and excursions on this route
• Redwoods and Vine County Tour - Learn more here
LOVE AFFAIR WITH
About Road Trip:
If you were surfing in Southern California, there is no doubt that you had a love affair with Baja California. The Baja Peninsula is visually stunning, the beaches are mesmerizing and the restaurant industry has grown into the envy of Mexico.
La to Ensenada: Ensenada has the soul of Baja but is only 200 miles from Los Angeles. It is perfect for a three-day weekend. Leave before daylight on Saturday morning and you will cruise through San Diego in less than two hours, cross the border quickly and be in Enseda and surfing in just over three.
San Ysidro: It is mandatory to purchase Mexican car insurance. I like to buy it via drive in San Ysidro. It takes 5 minutes and the great tacos are a block away. Everyone from the US is remodeling similar policies from the three big Mexican insurance companies. The policy has to be from a Mexican company.
Tutano Takeria: The best birria tacos (slow-roasted beef with Chilean rub and beef broth) are served on this side of Tijuana. If Bill Esparza of @StreetGourmetLA fame is a fan, you should be too.
Tijuana to Ensenada: The coastal highway from Tijuana to Enseda is a toll highway, with three toll booths, totaling approximately US $ 10. It is fast, with views of most of the ocean in perfect condition.
Ensenada: At the last toll booth before entering Ensenada is the world famous San Miguel Surf Spot. It is a right-handed mouth, which breaks like trestles, but with a small section of the crowd. After surfing all morning you have to decide whether you are going to the Asenada or from the hill to the Valle de Guadalupe wine region.
• Tostadas La Gurerens - Fresh, exotic seafood Tostada, which won a street food world competition in Singapore and mesmerized Anthony Bordain. La Guerrerense recently opened a sit-down restaurant in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City.
• Manzilla Hotel - helps define regional cuisines from Harbor to Table and Ranch to Table Staples. Behind this famous restaurant is the team of celebrity chefs Benito Molina and Solange Muris.
• Valle de Guadupup - Cinlon Ranch style breakfast made with local ingredients and lots of lamb. Highly regarded as one of the best meals in the Valle de Guadalupe, the wait can last for hours. Go here fast
• Cuatro Cuartos - The Vineyard shines with a rustic wine bar, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most Instagram-friendly locations in the valley due to its dramatic views of the beach.
West Coast USA Road Trip
One of the most spectacular road trips you can take from Los Angeles is the beautiful desert community of the Palm Desert. Palm Springs is not only a desirable destination for itself, it is also the perfect base for day trips to a couple of many gorgeous California desert parks: Joshua Tree National Park, and Anja Borrego State Park.
LA to Palm Springs: Five days of planning for a road trip, including a drive from LA to Palm Springs and back. Start the first day and drive to Palm Springs, which is about 106 miles, and normal traffic takes about 3 hours.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Palm Springs. Discover beautiful examples of mid-century modern architecture, take a stroll in the city of Palm Canyon Boulevard, or take a hike in the nearby Indian Valley.
Joshua Tree National Park: Two days, take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park has many fun things including hiking, bouldering, watching the sunset from Keyes View and exploring the flora and fauna in the park.
The names Joshua tree and Chola cactus are two examples of unique flora that you can see in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is about 38 miles from Palm Springs, and you can drive in about an hour. Although you can camp in the park or stay in Twenty-one Pailles outside the park's gate, Palm Springs is a great place to stay.
West Coast USA Road Trip
Anza Borrego State Park: For three days, take a day trip to Anza Borrego State Park, which is about 100 miles away, about 1.45 hours drive. Especially if you travel in the spring of a glorious year, be sure to take a trip in the Anza Borrego Desert with carpets of wildflowers that provide color. The park also has huge sculptures in metal, which are interesting to photograph. On the way, stop at the Salton Sea, a huge saltwater body with lots of birds.Palm Desert and Thousand Palms: On day four, you can explore the communities of Palm Desert, which have some desert gardens and a zoo, and Thousand Palms, where you can hike some desert hikes. Both of these places are just minutes from Palm Springs.
Drive to LA: Go back to Los Angeles five days ago, experiencing the magic of California's desert!
Related by: Dhara is not about miles
Major activities and excursions on this route
• Take a day trip from Palm Springs to Joshua National Park
• One day tour from LA to Palm Springs and shopping outlets - book your tour here
YOSEMITE VALLEY ROAD
ROUTE : Mariposa
Grove to Tuolumne Meadows via the Tioga
Pass
DAYS: 3
ROUTE STOPS: Yosemite Valley Stops
·
Mariposa Grove to Tunnel View – 28 miles
·
Mariposa Grove to Glacier Point – 34 miles
·
Mariposa Grove to Tuolumne Meadows – 43 miles
·
Mariposa Grove to Pacific Crest Trail – 72 miles
MILES COVERED : 144 miles
(231.75 kilometres) round trip
About Road Trip:
Yosemite National Park is the ideal place for a road trip. This Yosemite road trip can be completed in 3 days or can be extended as long as you want. All stops are found in the periphery of the park.
Mariposa Grove: Start your road trip in Mariposa Grove near the park's southern entrance, where you can see some of the world's largest trees. From here you will drive to the historic Vavona Hotel. It is a very beautiful hotel with a fantastic restaurant. If you are hungry, take advantage of the opportunity. This may be your last great meal for a few days.
Tunnel View Lookout: After lunch, you will stop at the famous Tunnel View Lookout. Find a parking spot and take your time, it's worth every minute. After Tunnel View you will make your way to Yosemite Valley. Come back to your accommodation and go outside to explore the valley.
Your next several stops can be seen walking around the valley floor. Use your park map to locate Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
West Coast USA Road Trip
Mist Trail, Vernal and Nevada Falls: The next morning you will tackle the Mist Trail to get a closer look at Vernal and Nevada Falls.Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley: In the afternoon you will sit back in the car to get to Glacier Point. This is another famous lookout for photographs. The drive will take approximately one hour and 15 minutes each way. You can relax on your second night back in the Yosemite Valley and see the stars on a clear night.
Tiaga Pass: The next morning you will visit the infamous Tioga Pass. You will follow the Tiaga Pass all the way to Tuloga Meadows. The drive may take 90 minutes, but the object is to take your time.
There are tons of lookouts and rivers and mountains along the way. Stop wherever you feel interesting and enjoy this peaceful and serene side of Yosemite. I assure you, there will be no rush here. Bring a lot of water and snacks with you as you will not find anywhere to buy anything on the road.
West Coast USA Road Trip
Tuolumne Meadows and Pacific Crest Trail: Once you reach the Tuolumne Meadows, you can go on a picnic, take a walk, or even see part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Whenever you are ready, you can start the slow drive back to Yosemite Valley for your final rest night in the park.Contracted by: Rock Eden from a short trip
Major activities and excursions on this route
3 Day Camping Adventure in Yosemite National Park - Learn more here
UTAH WEST COAST
USA ROAD
ROUTE: Moab – Arches
National Park – Bryce
Canyon National
Park – Zion
National Park
DAYS: 6
ROUTE STOPS:
·
Arches National Park to Bryce Canyon
National Park
·
Bryce Canyon National Park
to Zion National Park
MILES COVERED : 634 miles
(1020 kilometres) round trip
About Road Trip:
Zion, Bryce and Arches are three of my favorite national parks in the world. Take it from Park Ranger, who has worked and camped in his fair share of parks, these Utah gems are clearly of perfection. If you haven't fallen in love with the raging charm of the Red Rock Desert yet, oh boy, get ready to fall hard.
That said, these three beauties are still deep in their own way. The starting point of the trip is Moab, Utah.
Arches National Park: On the east side of the state, the arches are like a desert, but everywhere you look, with a forest of red slabs and quaint arches. The arches are in the best area, in my opinion; The entrance city of Moab is full of red and fun adventure activities. Moab Brewery has great food and superior beer.
Bryce National Park: Bryce, in between the two, known for its human-like hoodoo, almost feels like a Grand Canyon with its rim hikes and cedar forests.
West Coast USA Road Trip
Zion National Park: Zion is famous for needing the most shuttle bus in a year, as it is just so popular, it is named "Paradise" for a reason.To see these parks properly, I recommend at least two solid days in each and camp as often as possible. Fortunately, the longest drive of this road trip - which is between Arches and Bryce - is 244 miles through only a few scenic areas. The road trip in its entirety (not including every park's quest to your heart's content) totals just 317 miles.
I spend the most time in and around the Archean and in and around Zion. Bryce is lovely, but smaller and more easily appreciated in a day or so.
Plus, you can't spend every empty moment hiking in every park wrong. In particular, the landing of Nairo and Angel in Zion is virtually world famous, for good reason (you need a permit for Nairo, so plan ahead).
You can travel to this Utah National Park in less than a week, or really take your time and pull it out. I've done it both ways, and have never been disappointed.
Verified by: how to travel from glamor ganola
Major activities and excursions on this route
• Small Group Zion and Bryce National Park Camping Tour - Book Tour here
• Full day National Park and Driving 4 × 4 Tour - Book Tour with Canyonlands
• Book a beautiful flight trip over Arches National Park
SAN FRANCISCO TO REDWOODS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
WEST COAST USA ROAD
ROUTE : Mendocino
– towns of Fort Bragg & Leggett – Humboldt Redwoods
State Park
DAYS: 4
ROUTE STOPS:
·
San Francisco
·
Mendocino to Fort
Bragg
·
Fort Bragg
·
Leggett to Humbolt
Redwoods State
Park
MILES COVERED : 500 miles
(805 kilometres) round trip
About Road Trip:
One of the best road trips in California is the route between San Francisco and Northern California's Redwoods. The journey takes about 4 days and will take you through the sleepy coastal cities of Mendocino and Fort Bragg before reaching your final destination at Humboldt Redwoods State Park (part of Redwood National Park, California).
Mendocino: Mendocino is best known for its beautiful iconic rocks that extend into the Pacific Ocean. Hike along the cliffs at Mendocino Headland State Park to explore the inside of the kayak cliffs in the sea caves or take in the gorgeous ocean views. Check out the quaint town area for a small town vibe and some fudge.
Fort Bragg - Be sure to explore the stained glass beach at Fort Bragg. It is famous in California for its amber, white, green and sometimes blue sea glass. Noyo Headlands Park also offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
West Coast USA Road Trip
Town of Leggett - Another place to stop en route to the Redwoods is the town of Leggett. Here you will find the Chandelier Drive-Through Tree, a remnant of bygone days, when it was socially acceptable for cars to drive through trees as a road trip sight to see.Humboldt Redwoods State Park: Finally, you will reach Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to some of the world's tallest redwood trees. Don't miss the drive through the Avenue of the Giants, nowhere else will you feel so small as you coast among the towering redwood trees. The hiking trails within the park are also amazing, especially in Founders Grove and Rockefeller Forest.
Related by: The Adventures of Panda Bear Constance
Major activities and excursions on this route
• Redwoods and Vine County Tour - Learn more here
LOVE AFFAIR WITH BAJA CALIFORNIA
(LOS ANGELES TO ENSENADA MEXICO
ROUTE: Los Angeles – San Ysidro – Tuetano Taqueria – Tijuana – Ensenada
DAYS: 3
ROUTE STOPS:
·
LA to San Ysidro – 137 miles
·
San Ysidro , USA to Tijuana ,
Mexico
·
Tijuana to Ensenada
MILES COVERED: 245 miles (395 kilometers) round trip
About Road Trip:
If you were surfing in Southern California, there is no doubt that you had a love affair with Baja California. The Baja Peninsula is visually stunning, the beaches are mesmerizing and the restaurant industry has grown into the envy of Mexico.
La to Ensenada: Ensenada has the soul of Baja but is only 200 miles from Los Angeles. It is perfect for a three-day weekend. Leave before daylight on Saturday morning and you will cruise through San Diego in less than two hours, cross the border quickly and be in Enseda and surfing in just over three.
San Ysidro: It is mandatory to purchase Mexican car insurance. I like to buy it via drive in San Ysidro. It takes 5 minutes and the great tacos are a block away. Everyone from the US is remodeling similar policies from the three big Mexican insurance companies. The policy has to be from a Mexican company.
Tutano Takeria: The best birria tacos (slow-roasted beef with Chilean rub and beef broth) are served on this side of Tijuana. If Bill Esparza of @StreetGourmetLA fame is a fan, you should be too.
Tijuana to Ensenada: The coastal highway from Tijuana to Enseda is a toll highway, with three toll booths, totaling approximately US $ 10. It is fast, with views of most of the ocean in perfect condition.
Ensenada: At the last toll booth before entering Ensenada is the world famous San Miguel Surf Spot. It is a right-handed mouth, which breaks like trestles, but with a small section of the crowd. After surfing all morning you have to decide whether you are going to the Asenada or from the hill to the Valle de Guadalupe wine region.
West Coast USA Road Trip
Mule 3 Restaurant - Seafood Harbor, located just a few steps from the seafood market, is different from the rest of the seafood restaurant in the Mule 3 block. Excellent salads, grilled fish filters and European style steamed muscles make it one of the best restaurants in the city.• Tostadas La Gurerens - Fresh, exotic seafood Tostada, which won a street food world competition in Singapore and mesmerized Anthony Bordain. La Guerrerense recently opened a sit-down restaurant in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City.
• Manzilla Hotel - helps define regional cuisines from Harbor to Table and Ranch to Table Staples. Behind this famous restaurant is the team of celebrity chefs Benito Molina and Solange Muris.
• Valle de Guadupup - Cinlon Ranch style breakfast made with local ingredients and lots of lamb. Highly regarded as one of the best meals in the Valle de Guadalupe, the wait can last for hours. Go here fast
• Cuatro Cuartos - The Vineyard shines with a rustic wine bar, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most Instagram-friendly locations in the valley due to its dramatic views of the beach.
CONTRIBUTED BY: Paul Hudson from Playas y Plazas
Key Activities and Tours
·
Canopy Tour at the Ensenada
·
Book a Wine tour at Valle de Guadalupe – Book here
We hope you liked our West Coast America road trip itinerary. More USA travel posts below
• USA Bucket List - Top places to travel in USA
• Winter destination in the United States - Best places to visit in the winter in the states
• Hotel Guide for Las Vegas - Where to Stay in Las Vegas USA
• Romantic Things in Las Vegas
• Grand Canyon National Park - Which Rim to Walk on?
• Top 5 Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Day Tours
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Pin: USA West Coast Road Trip
16 Epic West Coast USA Road Trip Ideas & Itinerary
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