The USA’s West Coast is home to some of the country’s most iconic road trips.
You’ll find rugged coastlines, towering forests, famous cities, and incredible national parks all along the way.
These 16 stops take you from Washington to Southern California and cover the places that are worth adding to your itinerary.
The 16 Best Stops on a West Coast USA Road Trip
Ranked from north to south, these are the places you shouldn’t miss if you’re driving the West Coast for the first time.
1. Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park is unlike anywhere else on the West Coast. You can visit mountains, rainforests, and rugged Pacific beaches all in the one park.
Don’t miss Hurricane Ridge for the views, the Hoh Rain Forest for its giant moss-covered trees, and Rialto Beach for its dramatic sea stacks.
2. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the perfect place to start a West Coast road trip. It combines great food, waterfront views, and some of Washington’s most famous attractions.
Visit Pike Place Market, head up the Space Needle, and spend some time exploring the city’s lively waterfront.
3. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in Washington and dominates the skyline on a clear day. It’s one of the state’s most impressive natural attractions.
Visit in summer to see colourful wildflowers, or enjoy one of the scenic drives through the park.
4. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is one of the most famous beach towns in Oregon. It’s best known for Haystack Rock, which rises out of the sand just offshore.
Take a walk along the beach, browse the local shops, and stay for sunset if you have the chance.
5. Oregon Coast Highway
Driving Highway 101 is one of the highlights of any West Coast road trip. The scenery changes around every corner.
You’ll pass rugged cliffs, sea stacks, quiet beaches, lighthouses, and plenty of small coastal towns worth stopping in.
6. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake is famous for its deep blue water and incredible views. It’s also the deepest lake in the United States.
Drive the Rim Road for the best lookouts, or take a boat trip to Wizard Island during summer.
7. Redwood National & State Parks, California
Redwood National and State Parks are famous for their towering redwood trees. It’s one of those places that feels even more impressive in person.
Take a scenic drive beneath the giant trees, enjoy one of the walking trails, and keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk.
8. Mendocino, California
Mendocino is a small coastal town with dramatic ocean views and plenty of character. It’s an easy place to slow down for a night.
Walk along the clifftops, explore the historic streets, and enjoy the relaxed pace before continuing south.
9. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the most recognisable cities in the USA. The Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and Alcatraz are just the beginning.
Take a ferry to Alcatraz, wander through Chinatown, and make time for a walk along Fisherman’s Wharf.
10. Big Sur, California
Big Sur is the highlight of California’s Pacific Coast Highway. The scenery here is why so many people dream of driving the West Coast.
Stop at Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and the many ocean lookouts scattered along the drive.
11. Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea are two of California’s prettiest coastal towns. They’re close enough to visit together in a single day.
Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, drive the famous 17-Mile Drive, and wander the charming streets of Carmel.
12. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is worth leaving the coast for. Few places in America can match its waterfalls, giant granite cliffs, and ancient sequoias.
Don’t miss El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Tunnel View while you’re there.
13. Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara feels a little different to the rest of California. Spanish-style buildings, palm trees, and beautiful beaches give it a relaxed atmosphere.
Walk along Stearns Wharf, explore the historic centre, and spend some time by the ocean.
14. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is packed with famous attractions and classic California experiences. There’s something here for almost every type of traveller.
Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach.
15. Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is one of Southern California’s most scenic beach towns. It’s known for its hidden coves, walking trails, and crystal-clear water.
Spend a few hours relaxing on the beach, or enjoy the coastal views from Heisler Park.
16. San Diego, California
San Diego is the perfect place to finish your West Coast road trip. It has beautiful beaches, great weather, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Explore Balboa Park, wander through the Gaslamp Quarter, or simply enjoy one last afternoon by the ocean.
Final Thoughts on the Best West Coast USA Road Trip Stops
Driving the West Coast is one of the best ways to experience the USA. You’ll pass famous cities, incredible national parks, charming beach towns, and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
Whether you’re planning two weeks or a month, these 16 stops will help you make the most of your road trip.
Looking for more USA travel inspiration? Check out these popular reads:
- The Least Welcoming States in America
- The Friendliest States in America
- The Best Islands Near the USA
And you’ll find plenty more destination guides, road trip ideas, and travel inspiration over on our USA travel blog.
