Planning the ultimate American adventure? The western states and West Coast USA have so much to offer when it comes to unforgettable experiences and astonishing landscapes.
From the cultural highlights of San Francisco to the heady excess of Las Vegas, the American West offers an eclectic take on city living, while nature lovers will be wowed with awesome sights like the majestic Grand Canyon and Mojave Desert. Here we’ve rounded up the top things to see and do in West Coast USA, state by state.
Best things to do in California
Year-round sunshine, world-class wine, unbeatable natural wonders and a seductive, laid-back style, America’s Golden State really does have it all.
Los Angeles
Home to action-packed Universal Studios and the iconic Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles may be known for its glitz and glamour, but there’s so much more to discover behind the bright lights. Experience the bustle of Chinatown and savour in some of the best dim sum in the U.S., then get your culture fix at L.A.’s Getty Centre, with its outstanding modern art collection and spectacular city views. If music is your thing, catch a live show at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl or, for an authentic slice of Los Angeles, head to downtown L.A. for the daily Grand Central Market. And you can’t leave the city without a spot of people watching at Venice Beach. Grab a table at one of the many colourful cafes that line the beachfront and soak up the weird and wonderful sights.
San Diego
The waterfront city of San Diego serves up all the chilled-out surfer vibes, offering picture-perfect white sandy beaches and glistening Pacific Ocean vistas, alongside a vibrant foodie scene. While the city is famous for its big waves, picturesque La Jolla Cove, tucked between sandstone cliffs, offers calm waters perfect for a spot of snorkelling or diving. San Diego is one of the best locations in the world for whale watching, particularly through mid-October to November and again in March and April, with regular cruises offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these incredible mammals up close. Animal lovers shouldn’t miss San Diego Zoo, either. With a focus on conservation, this spacious zoo is home to a wide variety of animals including sloths, jaguars, koala bears, and rhinos. San Diego also has a fascinating naval history, so head to the city’s immersive USS Midway Museum where you’ll get to board the legendary naval aircraft carrier, exploring above and below deck.
Route 101
With idyllic stretches of pristine beaches along the coast, it’s not hard to see how California gained its Golden State moniker. Just off the classic Route 101 you’ll find Pismo Beach, famous for its idyllic coastline, excellent wine, and the monarch butterflies that head to the city’s eucalyptus trees in their thousands in late October through February. Further north is Monterey, famed for its rugged coastline, colourful waterfront houses, dynamic community, and marine life – the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see.
Sonoma and Nappa Valley
California is a dream for foodies and wine buffs. Sonoma County and Napa Valley are the best places to visit for world-class wines and unforgettable wine tasting experiences. Cheers to a crisp glass of Californian Chardonnay as you watch the sun set across acres of picturesque vineyards.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is the home to some of California’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. From the giant sequoias and unique wildlife to the cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs of El Capitan, Yosemite wows with its majestic natural beauty. It’s an absolute must-visit on your Californian adventure.
San Francisco
Of course, a visit to California wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the cosmopolitan city of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is an essential stop on your city sightseeing tour, whether you take in the extraordinary sight of this man-made wonder from one of the scenic viewing points or enjoy the 30-minute walk along the length of the bridge – just beware of the heavy fog that can cloud the bridge during summer. Whether it’s seal-spotting at Pier 39 on Fisherman’s Wharf or taking a windswept boat trip across to Alcatraz Island to discover its fascinating history, this is a city full of surprises. San Fran’s famous cable cars are the perfect way to explore the city without having to tackle those steep hills on foot – hop on and off to discover hidden gems like laid-back North Beach (San Francisco’s “Little Italy”).
Best things to do in Nevada
Home to vast deserts, lush national parks, historic cowboy culture, and the undeniably bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada is a state of contrasts.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is like no other city on earth. Forget about New York, this is the city that never sleeps, with 45 casinos lining the iconic Las Vegas Strip alone. From $1 slot machines to high-stakes poker games, Vegas’ dazzling casinos has something to suit every pocket if you’re keen to try your luck. While the casinos are meant to be the main draw, it’s the jaw-dropping Las Vegas hotels that need to be seen to be believed. These sprawling hotels are like theme parks – don’t miss your chance to experience an indoor and outdoor gondola ride at The Venetian or the awesome water show courtesy of the famous Fountains of Bellagio. Just off The Strip you’ll find the Las Vegas Sphere, a cutting-edge arena which boasts the highest-resolution screen in the world. Book a ticket to the Sphere Experience, for a multi-sensory, immersive film screening like nothing else. Head downtown to Fremont Street, where it all began, for retro casinos, open-air bars, light shows, and – if you dare – a thrilling zipline ride soaring high above the crowds. For more high-octane entertainment, catch one of the city’s beloved NASCAR races at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Nevada’s National and State Parks
But Vegas isn’t the only highlight, Nevada’s spectacular landscape has so much to offer visitors to the Silver State. Straddling the California and Nevada border and surrounded by the dramatic Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a huge alpine lake with sparkling blue waters that’s well worth a visit. In contrast, the red rock Mojave Desert delivers the kind of dusty, barren scenery straight out of a Western, while the Valley of Fire State Park is home to some of the state’s most striking rock formations.
Best things to do in Arizona
Delivering take-your-breath-away scenery in abundance, Arizona is a fascinating state where nature rules supreme.
The Grand Canyon
First stop on any Arizona adventure has to be the Grand Canyon. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this majestic landmark belongs on everyone’s travel bucket list. Unimaginably vast, awe-inspiring, and unique, you will never forget the moment you first lay eyes on this magnificent sight. Stretching 277 miles through Arizona, the Grand Canyon stands over a mile tall, with the Colorado River raging below. The gorges dazzle in vibrant and ever-changing shades of rusty reds, creamy orange, pinks and purples – whether you explore this geological beauty on foot or helicopter, it’s an absolute must-see.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is another of Arizona’s natural wonders, offering a world-famous panorama of the Navajo Tribal Park’s bizarre rock formations. Millions of years of wind and rain has transformed the landscape revealing these dusty red sandstone buttes, towering high above the ground.
Antelope Canyon
You might not recognise the name Antelope Canyon, but you’ll definitely be familiar with this striking natural phenomenon. This otherworldly slot canyon is one of Arizona’s most photographed landscapes. Here, under the care of an expert guide, you can walk through the swirling natural sandstone sculptures, marvelling at the colourful canyon walls as the sunlight streaks through.
Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park in Tucson is perfect for exploring either on foot on one of the many hiking trails, or by car following the park’s loop drive. The desert blooms with colour during spring flower season, peaking mid to late March, and during cactus flower season which typically runs from April through May. The region is home to America’s largest cacti – the giant saguaro – and at the park you’ll get the chance to see these enormous plants up close, surrounded by the inimitable desert landscape.
Hoover Dam
As well as natural wonders, Arizona is home to one of the most impressive man-made landmarks in the U.S. – the Hoover Dam. Sat on the Arizona-Nevada border, this 221m high concrete dam is a marvel of modern engineering. With capacity to store up to 36 trillion litres of water, the sheer size of the Hoover Dam is mind-blowing. You can learn about the history of the design and build at the visitor centre and – if you’re brave enough – walk across the bridge for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Route 66
Road trips don’t come any more iconic than America’s Route 66. Experience American culture first hand on this nostalgic drive through Arizona state, taking in old towns filled with classic Americana, retro neon signs, kitsch roadside motels and old-school diners.
Tombstone
If you want to get your Wild West fix, head to Tombstone – home of the infamous Gunfight at the OK Corral. Step back in time with historical re-enactments, gunfight shows and memorabilia – and don’t forget to check out the bullet-ridden Bird Cage Theatres, said to be haunted by numerous resident ghosts.
Phoenix
For a spot of city life, spend time in Phoenix. This vibrant city has a thriving arts scene and a fantastic foodie culture, all with the enchanting Sonoran Desert on its doorstep.
Best things to do in Oregon
Sitting along America’s West Coast, Oregon is a natural playground for lovers of the great outdoors. There’s so much to explore here, including secluded beaches along the expansive coastline and spectacular mountain ranges.
Mt Hood
Mount Hood is Oregon’s tallest mountain, reaching roughly 3,430m above sea level. Although it’s defined as an active volcano, it last erupted over 150 years ago and geologists believe the chances of it erupting again in the next 30 years are slim, so don’t let that put you off visiting. Drive the 35 miles of scenic country roads around the base of this snow-capped mountain, known as the Hood River Valley “Fruit Loop”, to discover 30 pop-up on-the-farm fruit stands, wineries and more. Here you can pick up delicious fresh produce while supporting the smallest local businesses.
Columbia River Gorge
Oregon certainly delivers when it comes to waterfalls, with the Columbia River Gorge alone boasting more than 90. The Gorge is home to Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls, best visited in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and the snow runoff means the falls are at their peak.
Portland
Culture vultures will love Portland, Oregon’s largest city and a cosmopolitan hub for the arts, theatre, and live music scenes. The Pearl District is a stylish part of town with numerous galleries and elegant wine bars to while away an afternoon. If you’re after a more down-to-earth Portland experience, take a trip downtown to Pioneer Courthouse Square. Affectionately known as Portland’s “living room” it’s a bustling urban park where friends and families gather on the steps around the square to listen to free live music performances and eat from the local food trucks. If you want an authentic taste of the city, this is where you need to head.
Holidays to the America West
