The United States West Coast stretches the length of the country’s Western Seaboard along the Pacific Ocean. It’s comprised of California, Washington, and Oregon. Though there are just three states that make up the West Coast, these states are packed with plenty to see and enjoy. Many RVers dream of exploring this Pacific paradise during a West Coast road trip. With plenty of RV camping spots, sights, and activities for visitors of all ages, there’s no shortage of fun! The West Coast is easy to see with your RV, motorhome, or fifth wheel RV. If you’re planning your dream West Coast USA road trip, check out these popular destinations.
Planning Your West Coast Road Trip
Before hitting the road, make sure you’re planning your adventure at the right time of year. Snowy seasons can impact the northern portions of the West Coast, so make sure to keep the weather in mind. If you’re ready to have a winter wonderland adventure, then make sure to travel during snowy months of the year. But if you’re not too interested in driving through the snow or enjoying colder activities, make sure to aim for the fall, spring, or summer.
It’s also important to make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get from one stop to the next. The West Coast is much larger than many visitors realize, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
West Coast Road Trip Routes
With so much to see along the Pacific Coast, it can feel like there’s so much to plan. Many adventurers look for pre-planned West Coast road trips, but we think planning your own route can be just as exciting! So in that spirit of adventure, we’re sharing our favorite West Coast road trip destinations that can be easily added to your itinerary.
Essential West Coast Destinations
Ready to plan your perfect West Coast road trip? Check out these popular stops in California, Oregon, and Washington State.
California Road Trip Stops
At 163,695 square miles, California is the largest state on the West Coast [1]. This includes countless miles of coastline along the famous Pacific Ocean, with sights to enjoy at every turn. With so much to see, California earns its own standing as a road trip paradise. Popular California road trip destinations include:
- Big Sur for incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and coast.
- Joshua Tree National Park for camping and photos of its namesake famous trees.
- San Francisco for quintessential California sights, including the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea to enjoy old-world charm with calming seaside town vibes.
- Los Angeles to see the hustle and bustle of California along with the Hollywood Sign.
- Crescent City for exploring seaside lighthouses, beaches, and sights.
- Redwood National and State Parks for memorable natural wonders.
- San Luis Obispo for Americana stops and museums.
- Pismo Beach for memorable surfing.
- Laguna Beach for tide pools brimming with up-close marine life.
This is just the beginning of California Road Trip stops, and many of these stops are coastal-focused. If you’re looking to head inland for your California trip, you’ll be impressed with the full array of landscapes and sights available to see. The state offers mountains, deserts, and destinations for any adventure.
Oregon Road Trip Stops
Heading north through California will eventually lead to Oregon, where you can continue hugging the coast for your road trip along the Oregon Coast Highway. This highway runs along the western coast of the state, allowing for scenic views at practically every turn. You can stay along the coast to see plenty of destinations, and there are also spots to visit further east in the state.
Popular Oregon road trip destinations include:
- Ecola State Park for beaches and even rainforests.
- Coos Bay to partake in the area’s world-class seafood. Locals and visitors alike go crabbing and clamming in the Coos Bay and North Bend area.
- Portland for the city’s famous weird-centric attractions.
- Florence for the Spouting Horn, a rocky area of the beach that shoots seawater into the air like a geyser.
- Cannon Beach to enjoy incredible sunsets and natural rock formations along the water.
- Mount Hood National Forest with sights of the famous volcano and plenty of recreation activities.
- Astoria for beachside city charms, sights, and historic buildings.
- Willamette National Forest to enjoy hiking and hot springs.
As with its southern neighbor, this is just the beginning of Oregon Road trip stops you can enjoy during your drive. The state is filled with natural sights including parks, forests, and even rainforests. There is plenty to see on your Oregon road trip, including weird roadside attractions.
Washington Road Trip Stops
Driving further north, Washington is the next state on a complete West Coast road trip. The northernmost state of this drive, it includes coastal stops along U.S. Route 101 and inland destinations as well.
Top Washington road trip destinations include:
- Seattle, where visitors can see local landmarks such as The Space Needle, the first Starbucks, Pike Place Market, and so much more.
- Mount Rainier National Park offers sights of the volcano, trails, and beautiful scenery.
- Anacortes for whale watching, museums, and parks.
- North Cascades National Park, which offers glaciers, hiking, lakes, and even a remote town to explore.
- Walla Walla, though further inland, is a winery and valley area perfect for a stop on your Washington road trip.
- Leavenworth, a German-style village in the mountains that offers quaint streets and beautiful backdrops.
- Tacoma to enjoy museums, aquariums, and a large display of Dale Chihuly glass art creations.
- Olympic National Park for hiking, glacier spotting, and a marine sanctuary.
You guessed it, this is just the beginning of the stops you can explore on your Washington road trip. The state stretches further east with plenty to see for any type of adventure.
Visiting the West Coast by RV
There are plenty of areas to visit on your West Coast Road trip, and RVing is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful part of the country. We offer a wide selection of new and used motorhomes for sale, with RVs and towables of all types available. Stop by your local Lazydays RV dealership to find your dream RV!
Sources:
- US Census Bureau, State Area Measurements and Internal Point Coordinates
