America’s legendary Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Highway, is an unforgettable stretch of road. Stretching from Seattle in the north to Los Angeles in the south, it takes in all the glory and grandeur of the United States and offers up some of the most beautiful landscapes and scenery in the country.
As a road trip route, it’s hard to beat. There are over 1,500 miles of road through rainforests and woodlands, on top of cliffs and alongside coastal beaches, and through valleys and up and over mountains. If you put the pedal to the metal and just kept driving it would take around 30 hours to get from windswept Washington to sunny California, but there are so many places to stop and things to see along the way that it could take a week, two, or even more!
So if you are thinking of an alternative vacation option, or planning on taking a cruise from California but would like to add something a little different to your trip, consider this classic American road trip. Here are eight of the most amazing things you can see and do along the route.
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Seattle
Seattle is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the Pacific North West and is the perfect place to start a West Coast road trip. Check out the lively atmosphere of Pike Place Market, grab some fresh fishy treats, and try a coffee at the very first Starbucks in the world. Explore the Space Needle and the Seattle Centre, and head over to Bainbridge Island for some fantastic views and wonderful hiking trails.
La Push
Made famous by the Twilight novels and films, La Push Beach is a wildly beautiful spot in its own right and well worth a visit even if you don’t know your Cullens from your Volturi. Situated in the middle of the Quileute Indian Reservation, it is a secluded and tranquil spot despite its celebrity and is a wonderful example of the astonishing natural beauty of Washington state.
Cannon Beach
Another famous film location, Cannon Beach is most recognizable for its iconic Haystack Rock, which featured at the end of cult classic The Goonies. Oregon’s coastline is dotted with small, beautiful beaches, but Cannon Beach stands out for its tidal pools full of orange starfish and waving sea anemones. The local town is also a bit of a gem, full of quaint cafes, small independent art galleries, and charming places to stay.
Avenue of the Giants
As you head into northern California you will be entering redwood country. These awesome trees are the spiritual heart of the state, remarkable, ancient sights that are many hundreds of years old. Hiking beneath these enormous, majestic trees is an awe-inspiring experience, and it is hard not to be humbled by living things that were around before the United States existed! In the Redwood National Park, you can even drive through the trunk of one redwood, the Chandelier Tree.
Yosemite
Continuing down into California, you’ll find yourself arriving at the great wilderness of Yosemite National Park. This is California’s most exciting scenery, with North America’s highest waterfall (Yosemite Falls), a 3,000-foot granite monolith (El Capitan), and vast forests of centuries-old sequoia trees. You can even take a detour to explore the grim desert beauty of Death Valley National Park along the Death Valley Scenic Byway.
San Francisco
No West Coast road trip would be complete without a stop in San Francisco. This bustling, vibrant, flamboyant city is one of the jewels of California and offers up incredible experiences, amazing cuisine, and a wonderful cultural hotspot that is one of the most exciting in the United States. Exploring the steep hills and sweeping views of San Fran is a treat itself, but don’t stop there! Jump on a tram to Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf and indulge in a little retail therapy. Head over to the gloomy fortress of Alcatraz and discover one of the US’s most notorious prisons. And of course, eat out every chance you get! The food scene in the Bay Area is incredible, with mouthwatering delights from around the globe on every corner and some of the best chefs in the world playing their trade.
Big Sur
The final stretch of your journey is down the iconic Route One highway, and nothing finishes off a road trip better than a visit to gorgeous Big Sur. This desolate stretch of California coastline is sprinkled with dramatic cliffs and gorgeous, secret bays, as well as the wide, rugged beaches where the surf community risks life and limb on amazing breaks. Drink in the views, take a dip in the ocean, and relax – you’ve earned it!
A West Coast road trip is something you’ll remember all your life, so start planning your adventure today!