Taking an American road trip is a bucket list-worthy entry for many travelers. But since the United States is so big, many aspiring adventurers don’t even know where to begin their journey!
Well, the West Coast is a great place to start, especially for newbie travelers who wish to hit the road behind the wheel. It crosses through iconic cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
Ready to embark on your West Coast road trip? Read up on our guide for newbies:
Before Your Road Trip
It’s imperative that you make the necessary preparations before taking a lengthy drive across the West Coast or anywhere, really. Make sure that you’ve got your international driver’s license with you as well as your passport and credit card for payments to be made along the way.
If you are renting a car, make sure that the terms and conditions of the service you are availing are all clear to you. Moreover, run through the insurance policies that cover the vehicle you’re borrowing.
For a comprehensive guide about insurance policies and driving in the U.S. as a foreigner, read this.
Exciting Routes
Dive Into The Music Scene Of The West Coast
Washington State → Oregon → California → Nevada
The West Coast is home to some of America’s greatest musicians and most vibrant music scenes. In fact, legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle. A rock band of ‘90s fame Pearl Jam also saw their early beginnings here.
If you’re into indie music, then head south to reach Portland. Widely known as a hipster haven, this city is the beating heart of the States’ independent rock and roll scene. Treat your ears to some good music before continuing to California and Las Vegas, where you can catch incredible live music performances.
Full Length: Approximately 2,927 km
Estimated Number of Days: 15 days
Suggested Itinerary
Seattle
Recommended Stay: 2 Days
In the 1960s, Seattle-born musician Jimi Hendrix made the world turn their attention to the city through his impeccable electric guitar playing skills. Later, in the ‘90s, rock band Pearl Jam started to gain popularity for their grunge, hard-rock style. To this day, the city of Seattle still inspires many aspiring musicians.
Sights to See:
For a dose of pop culture history: Museum of Pop Culture (Google Maps)
For a live show of Seattle rock: The Showbox (Google Maps)
Seattle Tours and Essentials:
1-Day Seattle City Tour
Seattle City Pass
The University of Washington and Big Four Ice Caves Day Tour from Seattle
Olympic National Park
Recommended Stay: 2 Days
While you’re in Washington State, don’t miss the chance to see the Olympic National Park, where you will find the world’s largest temperate primeval forest. Visit during the daytime, so you can take a hike up the mountain and admire the hills blanketed with snow as well as the magnificent glaciers. As the day wears on, take a break and watch the coast’s beautiful sunset.
Tours:
Olympic National Park Day Tour from Seattle
Mount Rainier National Park Day Tour from Seattle
Portland
Recommended Stay: 2 Days
Known as America’s indie rock capital, Portland has a music scene that’s simply unparalleled in this world. It hosts massive music festivals like summer’s PDX Pop Now and the two-day waterfront festival MusicfestNW.
After a day of sightseeing, cool down at the Riverside Park next to Willamette River in downtown Portland or shop till you drop, as this huge city in Oregon is one of the few duty-free cities in the United States!
Coos Bay
Recommended Stay: 1 Day
The road to Coos Bay is an interesting one—you’ll be driving along the Oregon Coastal Highway, and you’ll be passing through quaint towns and healing seascapes.
Coos Bay is best visited in summer when the sea view is at its most stunning. The Oregon Coast Music Festival is also held around that time of the year. Festival-goers are treated to countless pop, rock, and classical tunes all day long.
San Francisco
Recommended Stay: 2 Days
San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the States’ hottest tourist destinations. But beyond the hustles and bustles of the city is a rich music history, as San Francisco is the center of the American hippie movement in the ’60s, making it a major town of art and culture. Perhaps among the greatest rock bands to have come from San Francisco is Grateful Dead—a band hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the “Greatest Voicemakers in History.”
Sights to See:
For fans of Grateful Dead: Grateful Dead House (Google Maps)
For a dose of music history: The Filmore (Google Maps), where the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, and Prince performed
For fans of The Beatles: Candlestick Park (Google Maps), known as the last concert venue of the band
Tour:
San Francisco Sightseeing Tour
California Coast
Recommended Stay: 1 Day
After leaving San Francisco, drive along Highway 1 and enjoy the scenery of the coastline, while carrying on your musical journey. First, through Monterey, where the Monterey Jazz Fest, one of the longest jazz festivals in the world, is held every September. Then choose a comfortable coastal town on the shores of California like San Simeon, Cambria, or Morro Bay for a relaxing night.
Los Angeles
What’s a trip to California without stopping by the City of Angels? The focal point of the US film and television entertainment industry, Los Angeles is also where you will find the headquarters of America’s most influential record companies like Capitol Records and A&M Records.
Of course, to the film buff, Los Angeles is almost synonymous with Hollywood. For the ultimate cinematic experience, stop by Universal Studios—the world-famous theme park where you can “ride the movies.”
Sights to See:
The Grammy Museum (Google Maps) – walk through America’s greatest music history
Capitol Records Building (Google Maps), a prominent landmark on Hollywood Boulevard
Palm Springs
Recommended Stay: 1 Day
A well-known recreational destination, Palm Springs is famous for its hot springs, posh hotels, golf courses, and spas. Every year, the much-anticipated Coachella Festival and Stagecoach Festival are held near Palm Springs, making it a hot spot for tourists and concert-goers around the month of April.
Las Vegas
Recommended Stay: 2 days
Wrap up your road trip in Las Vegas, the capital of world entertainment. While most people think of casinos at the mere mention of Vegas, this city is actually a memorable place for many music icons like King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley, vocal powerhouse Celine Dion, and Pop Princess Britney Spears.
Tickets and Tours:
Las Vegas Helicopter Tour
Las Vegas Card Pass
Las Vegas High Roller Ticket
Bonus Recommendation: Jazz Music Discovery Tour
Texas → Louisiana → Mississippi → Alabama → Tennessee → North Carolina → Georgia → South Carolina
The United States isn’t just about rock and roll! If you’re a true music fan, then head south for a jazz tour!
Start your journey in Austin, Texas, which earned the title Live Music Capital of the World. Texas boasts a hodgepodge of music genres from country to jazz to the blues!
Go On A National Park Tour
Nevada → Utah → Nevada
The United States is awash with National Parks that appeals to nature lovers of all ages. In this route, you will be driving by Flame Canyon State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Zion National Park and other sites that boast the wonders of nature.
Full Length: Approximately 1,706 km
Estimated Number of Days: 9 Days
If you’re not in the mood to drive, try these alternatives instead:
2-Day Camping Tour from Las Vegas: Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon
3-Day Tour from Las Vegas: Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon & Zion National Park
National Park 2-Day Tour from Las Vegas: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Upper Antelope Canyon & Grand Canyon
Suggested Itinerary
Las Vegas
Las Vegas isn’t just a destination for entertainment. It’s also a great jumping point to some of Nevada’s most notable parks, including Valley of Fire State Park, the oldest state park in the entire state, having survived 150 million years. It boasts a variety of wildlife, gigantic sandstones, and ancient rock paintings that will give you a glimpse of mankind’s history.
Sight to See:
Valley of Fire State Park (Google Maps)
Bryce Canyon National Park
Recommended Stay: 2 days
Before arriving at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, drive along Interstate 15 and pass through the Virgin River Gorge, a popular tourist attraction that you might want to take a moment to admire. There are also camping grounds on the side of the canyon if you’re up for some outdoorsy experiences overnight.
Continue your journey and drive straight to Bryce Canyon National Park, which features a natural amphitheater formed by staggering rock pillars from erosion.
Sights to See:
Virgin River Canyon (Google Maps)
Bryce Canyon National Park (Google Maps)
Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park
Recommended Stay: 2 days
The most famous view of the Capitol Reef National Park is a pale white dome rock that resembles the roof of the US Capitol. Another attraction is the Cathedral Valley, a towering rock that looks like a church.
Not too far from Capitol Reef is Arches National Park, where you will find more than 2,000 arched rocks that look spectacular. You may take one of the hiking trails for an up-close view of the rocks.
Sights to See:
Capitol Reef National Park (Google Maps)
Arches National Park (Google Maps)
*Book a tour with KKday here!
Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley
Recommended Stay: 1 Day
Canyon National Park was formed by erosion of the Colorado River. Since the entire park is incredibly massive, it might take you a while to explore its entirety. You can also opt to spend half of your day checking out the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, which flaunts small minarets surrounded by miles of rocks, cellars, and shrubs.
Cap off your day in Page City, the entrance to Powell Lake, which is popular for boating and fishing.
Canyonlands National Park (Google Maps)
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Google Maps)
Zion Canyon National Park
Recommended Stay: 2 days
Zion Canyon National Park is among the United States’ most well-known national parks. Its most defining feature is a huge red canyon rock with a blue and green river flowing along it, making this destination popular among adventurers who want to try upstream activities.
Sight to See:
Zion National Park (Google Map)
*Book your tour with KKday here!
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Recommended Stay: 1 day
Your trip will come full circle at Lad Mead National Recreation Area, which is near Las Vegas. Here, you can try various relaxing activities such as fishing, boating, and even swimming! Don’t miss Hoover Dam, which is the most classic attraction in the area.
Sight to See:
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Google Maps)
Discover The Vineyards And Wineries Of The West Coast
California → Oregon
Feeling fancy? How about a drive to some of America’s best vineyards? In this route, you’ll be driving from San Francisco to Napa Valley to Portland. Don’t forget to drink moderately in your destinations, and above all, don’t drink and drive!
Full Length: Approximately 1,120 km
Estimated Number of Days: 7 days
Suggested Itinerary
San Francisco
On the way to Napa Valley from San Francisco, you’ll pass the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which is perhaps one of the most photographed bridges in the world. The total length of the bridge is 2,737.4 meters, which makes for a quick but unforgettable drive-through.
Sight to See:
Golden Gate Bridge (Google Maps)
*Book your tours with KKday!
San Francisco Sightseeing Tour
San Francisco 1.5-Hour Cruise: Oakland Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge & Alcatraz (with Audio Guide)
Napa Valley
Recommended Stay: 2 Days
Napa Valley is home to numerous wine gardens and wineries, including the well-known wine brands Cakebread Cellars and Rutherford Estates. Here, you can witness the processing of wine and even have a picnic on the sun-drenched grass as you take sips of fine wines.
Sights to See:
Domaine Chandon (Google Maps)
Cakebread Cellars (Google Maps)
Rutherford Estates (Google Maps)
*Book your tour with KKday here!
Redding
Recommended Stay: 1 Day
Redding is a sommelier’s dream come true, and near it is the historic town of Manton, which has land ideal for growing high-quality grapes. On your visit, try a selection of wines, or if you make it by the weekend, join locals as they extract juice from the grapes with their feet!
Sights to see:
Indian Hilltop Vineyard (Google Maps)
Moseley Family Cellars (Google Maps)
Rogue Valley
Take a break from taking swigs of wine at Rogue Valley, a picturesque site that treats visitors to breathtaking vistas. Head on over to Crater Lake National Park, which is formed by volcanic eruptions. Here, you will find the crater lake, which is the deepest in the U.S. In winter, its deep blue color perfectly complements the snow-capped mountains.
Sights to See:
Del Rio Vineyard Estate (Google Maps) – taste wines at a historic hotel and enjoy a pleasant picnic.
Schmidt Family Vineyard (Google Maps) – sneak a peeking an elegant tasting room and enjoy freshly-cooked food after tasting wines.
Woolridge Creek Vineyard (Google Maps) – organic vineyard that overlooks the Applegate River.
Eugene & Willamette Valley
Recommended Stay: 2 days
Eugene’s suburbs is best known for growing pinot noir, a variety of grape that grows in cooler climates. It is typically used to make red wine, though it’s also used in making champagne. Have a taste of Eugene’s Pinot Noir during your trip and continue to the north to explore more wine cities and towns like Dundee.
Sights to See:
Silvan Ridge Winery (Google Map) – have a glass of pinot noir in a beautiful winery
Sarver Winery (Google Map) – enjoy regional wines and delicacies with a view
Portland
Recommended Stay: 1 Day
In case you’ve had enough wine, how about some beer in Portland? It hosts the Oregon Beer Festival every July, so if you’re taking your trip around that time of the year, you might want to join the event.
Witness Incredible Nature
California → Nevada
If you couldn’t get enough of nature at the national parks, then we’re finishing off our list with another nature-themed route! Starting in San Francisco, visit the Murwoods National Memorial Forest, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Pacific Ridge Trail, and towards the beautiful Lake Tahoe. Go forth on your journey then cross Sierra Nevada and visit the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park.
Full Length: Approximately 1,049 km
Estimated Number of Days: 6 days
Suggested Itinerary
San Francisco
Recommended Stay: 2 days
As most of the trips listed here started, your journey through the West Coast’s best nature spots will begin in San Francisco. On your way, visit the Moor Woods National Memorial Forest Area in the Golden Gate National Park, walk into the trail surrounded by lush mahogany, and watch these historic sites. Whether you’re young or old, this place sure has something to offer!
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Recommended Stay: 1 day
Bask in the rich volcanic landscape of the Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is awash with boiling hot springs, steaming sulfur, and mud springs. Nearby, you will find the green Lake Helen and King Creek. There are picnic spots in the area, if you want to sit down for some RnR.
Sight to See:
Lassen Volcanic National Park (Google Maps)
Lake Tahoe
Recommended Stay: 1 day
After crossing the Lassen Volcanic National Park, follow the trail to Lake Tahoe. The locals really love coming to Lake Tahoe for a holiday, as it offers a great escape from the city! Around the elliptical Lake Tahoe, you can take leisurely walks to admire the blue waters and green mountains in summer. Come winter, South Lake Tahoe transforms into a ski resort.
*Book your Lake Tahoe tour with KKday now!
Yosemite National Park
Recommended Stay: 2 Days
Upon arriving at Yosemite National Park, spend a day exploring its major attractions like the Yosemite Falls, which is the highest drop in North America, and the white gauze waterfall, which resembles a bride’s veil. If you come in the summer, it’s recommended that you go see Glacier Point and Mirror Lake, where you can look out over Yosemite Valley and admire its beautiful scenery. You can also check out the various strange rock formations cut from glaciers. Should you want to stay for more than a day, see to it that you’ve booked your accommodation in advance, as this park is very popular among tourists and locals.
Sight to See:
Yosemite National Park (Google Maps)
*Book your tour with KKday now!
Isn’t the West Coast exciting? If you’re setting forth for an adventure in this region, feel free to choose among our suggested routes or DIY your trip! It really depends on you. All you gotta do is start!
For your road trip, make sure you’ve got these essentials covered:
USA, Canada, Mexico T-Mobile Unlimited 4G SIM Card (Delivery to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau)
Universal Studios Hollywood 1 & 2 Day Ticket and Express Pass
Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park Day Ticket
