{"id":8488,"date":"2025-09-14T04:29:30","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T04:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/12-best-places-see-around-west-coast-usa\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T09:51:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T09:51:55","slug":"12-best-places-see-around-west-coast-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/12-best-places-see-around-west-coast-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Best Places to See Around the West Coast, USA You Can\u2019t Miss"},"content":{"rendered":"

The USA is a diverse country. In fact, I\u2019d go so far as to say it can be completely different depending on which state you visit. From places like Hawaii<\/a>, Washington<\/a> and Florida<\/a>, the expanse of places to explore is totally mind-boggling to me. Now, one place I always love returning to is the West Coast, with some of the best places to see. It’s an area of the USA that’s got everything you could think of. And a place you should consider exploring while in the USA (especially if it’s your first time).<\/p>\n

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The whole region is filled with glitzy cities<\/a>, stunning national parks<\/a>, beautiful drives and In-N-Out Burgers<\/em> (which are still my guilty pleasure).<\/p>\n

Anyway, before I embarrass myself by articulating the number of burgers I actually eat, I wanted to share some of the best places to see on the West Coast. Some spots I\u2019ve mentioned are right on the Pacific Coast of the US, whilst others require a drive in the western region of the country, and further from the coast, I just couldn\u2019t miss them out. <\/p>\n

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Take a look at 12 of the best places to see in and around the West Coast and western regions of the USA.<\/p>\n

1.) Seattle, Washington<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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I keep wanting to label Seattle<\/a> as an \u2018alternative\u2019 US city, but it\u2019s so much more than that. We spent 5 days here and loved every second!<\/p>\n

The city itself is brimming with an impressive coffee culture that doesn\u2019t just involve Starbucks, an amazing live art scene (I name you, CoCA and Venue) and loads of microbreweries (like Georgetown Brewing Company) where you can wet your whistle<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019ve never been to Seattle before, spend some time at the Pike Place Market<\/a>, sip a cappuccino at the first Starbucks outlet that opened here in 1971, pop to the top of the Space Needle for some killer views and gorge on all the clam chowder you can find.<\/p>\n

If you do have time, take a ferry to go whale watching and explore the magnificent Mount Rainier or take the commuter ferry over to Bainbridge Island (a sleepy little community that\u2019s so gorgeous to explore).<\/p>\n

Looking for the best hotel in Seattle<\/a>? Make sure to book the 1 Hotel Seattle<\/a>. It’s such a chic place to stay in Seattle and right in the heart of downtown. This makes it one of the best spots to explore the city from<\/a>, especially for a city break on the West Coast. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Seattle<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

2.) San Francisco, California<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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When it comes to the best places on the West Coast to visit, San Francisco<\/a> is firmly up there and I place I\u2019ve returned to twice \u2013 it really is that amazing!<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s your first time, you\u2019ll want to see some of the popular spots like Fisherman\u2019s Wharf, Alcatraz, Haight Street, Lombard Street and see the Golden Gate Bridge \u2013 but there\u2019s lots more to the city than just this<\/a>. Just watch out for all the seals in Fisherman’s Wharf… they have some funky-smelling breath! <\/p>\n

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One of my favourite things to do is to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and head to Muir Woods to see some of those massive redwood trees. There are loads of trails here too \u2013 so take your walking shoes.<\/p>\n

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For one of the tastiest breakfasts on the West Coast, head into Acme Bread. They make an epic apple turnover, just be prepared for some queues if you’re visiting on the weekend.<\/p>\n

Looking for the best hotel in San Francisco<\/a>? Make sure to book this suite at the Palace Hotel<\/a>. It’s a Luxury Collection Hotel<\/a> in the heart of San Francisco and is stunning inside. Plus, the Chadelier Restaurant inside can’t be missed. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in San Francisco<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3.) Los Angeles, California<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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I\u2019ve gotta be honest, I\u2019ve visited Los Angeles<\/a> twice and still have not truly found my place in the city. I\u2019ve heard people rave about the city, but I just never had that experience.<\/p>\n

That being said, you have to head to Los Angeles for a little jaunt around the city. Now, the city itself isn\u2019t \u2018walkable\u2019 like places like London, but you can easily get around by car.<\/p>\n

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For some of the top places, pop over to Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame, and the Hollywood sign for some views of the city. If you\u2019re feeling more cultural, pop into the Los Angeles County Museum of Art<\/a> and the J. Paul Getty Center.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m heading back to Los Angeles and hoping to \u2018find my tribe\u2019 so to speak, but don\u2019t let my disappointment put you off \u2013 it\u2019s a spot you should experience.<\/p>\n

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For the best hotel in Los Angeles, stay at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel<\/a>. It’s a member of Design Hotels<\/a> and is totally chic and stunning. Yes, it’s around 14 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, but it’s a short Uber ride and, like most things in Los Angeles, you will need to get around by cab or car. This Los Angeles hotel is stunning<\/a>, and these suites are so beautiful. <\/p>\n

 Read more: Free things to do in Los Angeles<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

4.) Death Valley, California<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Okay, technically quite a distance from the coast itself, but Death Valley<\/a> is most certainly still within the west of the USA and a spot I just had to share with you. Oh, and don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not as scary as it sounds. It is pretty damn magnificent.<\/p>\n

Considered to be one of the hottest places on earth (literally), this desert is located between California<\/a> and Nevada<\/a> and about 8 8-hour drive from LA.<\/p>\n

On my first visit, I was refused entry for not carrying enough water (in hindsight, I was silly), so make sure you plan before you visit.<\/p>\n

Once there, head to Dante\u2019s View to get uninterrupted views of Death Valley<\/a>, explore Zabriskie Point (Google Maps pin<\/a>), visit Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America, and drive through Artists\u2019 Drive. Remember to carry plenty of water.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best places in Death Valley to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5.) Napa Valley, California<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Ah, a wine lover\u2019s paradise… I can already hear my wine glass clinking. Ha! Truthfully, though, Napa Valley has some of the best (and tastiest) wineries and vineyards<\/a> in the country and has some stunning views to boot.<\/p>\n

To be honest, the thing I find hardest about Napa Valley<\/a> is which vineyards to choose to visit. There’s a huge array of options, like Pride Mountain Vineyards, Modus Operandi Cellars, V Sattui, Castello di Amorosa, and the St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery (which are all great starting points).<\/p>\n

Just make sure to get a designated driver, as you will get sloshed. No joke… It’s almost inevitable you won’t be tipsy!<\/p>\n

For a great hotel in Napa Valley, make sure to check into The Estate Yountville<\/a>. It’s such a beautiful hotel in Napa Valley<\/a>, and the rooms are so gorgeous. Perfect for a little wine vacation! <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Napa Valley<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

6.) Lake Tahoe, California<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Lake Tahoe<\/a> changes so much depending on the time of year you visit; it can get bitterly cold, but also be a gorgeous summer haven.<\/p>\n

Whatever time you visit, though, Lake Tahoe is gorgeous and has an almost hippie\/chilled-partying vibe that just seems to work for the area.<\/p>\n

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I visited in summer (and lounged around quite a bit on the beach), but there are no excuses not to explore the area in the deepest winter. The lake is gorgeous and there are so many walking trails, sports and even a little beach to enjoy on the lake.<\/p>\n

Oh, and if you’re hungry, head over to Evan’s American Gourmet Cafe, which serves up some of the tastiest pies in the state. <\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do around Lake Tahoe<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

7.) San Diego, California<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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With some pretty mild temperatures all year round and caked in the sunshine, San Diego<\/a> has a totally laidback vibe that is top-notch to experience!<\/p>\n

Enjoy the windswept beaches, go whale watching on their migratory path or try hang gliding and surfing and explore the historic harbourfront district.<\/p>\n

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For some grub, there\u2019s literally every food you can ever imagine, but my favourite has to be at Casa Guadalajara, which is one of the best Mexican eateries in the city.<\/p>\n

I swear, they make the biggest fajitas you can imagine. Side note, and slightly controversial, I still feel that the UK doesn\u2019t do Mexican food well. Well, this is my excuse to gorge when I\u2019m in San Diego<\/a> anyway. Ha!<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for a day trip from the city, pop over to Salvation Mountain<\/a>. It’s one of the more unique places to see in the USA and about 3 to 4 hours away.<\/p>\n

After all, that exploring, pop over to La Jolla Cove to watch the sun go down. It really is a special place.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in San Diego<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

 8.) <\/strong>Yosemite National Park, California<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Honestly, with five totally epic waterfalls, gorgeous hiking trails, masses of wildlife, and stunning views, Yosemite National Park is what dreams are made of (well, for me anyway).<\/p>\n

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Some of the best must-visit sites include: Glacier Point, Taft Point, Mariposa Grove, Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Dome, El Capitan and Half Dome (which I swear I found so tough to hike). You can take a guided astronomy walk or go on a night bike ride to experience the amazing night sky here.<\/p>\n

Oh, and don\u2019t forget your camera! If you\u2019re looking for a place to rest your head, stay at Firefall Ranch Yosemite<\/a> for a totally sumptuous experience. We loved it.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Yosemite<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

9.) Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Yup, you\u2019re gonna know this one for sure… after all, it\u2019s probably the most famous canyon in the world!<\/p>\n

Although it\u2019s not on the coast itself (actually, it\u2019s quite far), it certainly is situated within the western region of the US and an amazing spot to discover. The National Park covers a huge area, while the Canyon itself is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and an epic 1 mile deep. Wow!<\/p>\n

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Hiking to the Horseshoe Bend is a must-do if you\u2019re into earning your views, and let’s not forget seeing Havasu Falls, too.<\/p>\n

While there\u2019s no denying that the Grand Canyon<\/a> is spectacular, watching the sunrise and sunset here is something else altogether. You\u2019ll love it.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best places to see in the Grand Canyon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

10.) Redwood National Park, California<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Feel like a dwarf among the majestic Redwood trees at this National Park (well, I did anyway). Some of them are over 2000 years old and are almost five times the size of the Statue of Liberty.<\/p>\n

Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, the Big Tree, and drive through the trunk of the Chandelier Tree. It\u2019s an experience you won\u2019t forget easily \u2013 these trees are iconic!<\/p>\n

You can also join a ranger-led program that features experiences like Kayaking, nature walks and even tidepool walks. Best of all, they’re all free. You can see the most up-to-date schedule here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

11.) Portland, Oregon<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Portland<\/a> is known for its hipsters, indie food scene, funky neighbourhoods and independent coffee shops that are just amazing for a first-time visit.<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re looking to earn your calorie intake, explore the city on a bike, then try some amazing (and cheap!) food at one of the many food carts (Aybla, Bing Mi, and Koi Fusion are yummy BTW), grab a doughnut at the iconic Voodoo Doughnut, and slow down to match the pace.<\/p>\n

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Also, if you\u2019re a literary fiend, you\u2019ll love Powell\u2019s bookshop (which seems to have every book under the sun). If nature is more your thing, head to the impressive Multnomah Falls. Either way, Portland is a stunning city that has a totally cool identity.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Portland<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

12.) Las Vegas, Nevada<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Cheesy or glitzy, whatever your take, Las Vegas is one spot that always catches our eyes. <\/p>\n

After visiting twice, I\u2019ve gotta say I love Las Vegas<\/a>, but it does feel like a bubble somewhat, so I\u2019d always recommend a quick jaunt out to Hoover Dam\/Lake Mead or to see the Grand Canyon or Death Valley during your stay.<\/p>\n

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If it\u2019s the glitz you\u2019re after, pop into the casino and spend a few dollars. My luck is always terrible, and I leave empty-handed. Ha! After a night at the slots, pop to see one of the iconic shows or explore some of the other experiences that each of the Las Vegas hotels offers<\/a> \u2013 they\u2019re a world of their own.<\/p>\n

For the tastiest breakfast in the city, pop into The Egg & I. You won’t be disappointed. <\/p>\n

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14 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles (Ultimate City Guide + Google Maps Pins)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n