West Coast Travel Guide
Is the West Coast the best coast? It’s certainly difficult to argue otherwise. If your ideal vacation involves sun and surf, look no further than the beautiful beaches of Southern California. Wine connoisseurs will want to make a pilgrimage to the world-class vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. And outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with California’s National Parks (it has more than any other state!) and the incredible mountains and forests in Washington and Oregon.
The West Coast is also the only region that stretches beyond the continental U.S.
Discover a tropical paradise on the island of Hawaii. With crystal-clear waters, remarkable scenery, and Native Hawaiian culture, it’s one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the country. The most adventurous travelers won’t want to miss a trip to the vast and rugged wilderness of Alaska. Don your parka and head to this remote land to discover towering mountains, glaciers, and abundant wildlife.
Destinations
West Coast Basics
States: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington
Timezones: Pacific Standard/Pacific Daylight, Alaska Standard/Alaska Daylight, & Hawaii-Aleutian Standard
Climate: Varies widely from arid desert to alpine tundra
Major Airports:
Los Angeles (LAX) – California
San Francisco (SFO) – California
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) – Washington
Portland (PDX) – Oregon
Ted Stevens Anchorage (ANC) – Alaska
Inouye Honolulu (HNL) – Hawaii
Kahului (OGG) – Hawaii
Best Time to Visit
SUMMER
June through early September is peak tourist season for most of the West Coast. Temperatures range from nearly perfect in northern states like Washington to scorching in the deserts of California. June also marks the start of wildfire season on the West Coast.
AUTUMN
Late September through October is a great time to visit the West Coast. The weather is generally moderate, and the summer crowds thin; however, the possibility of wildfires remains until around November.
WINTER
Winter on the West Coast varies widely. Northern states are cold and dark (especially in Alaska where some regions go up to two months without sunlight). Winters in Southern California are mild, and Hawaii hits peak tourist season with nearly perfect weather.
SPRING
Weather from March through May can be a bit unpredictable on the West Coast. Depending on your location, you may experience snow, warm sunshine, or anything in between.
bucket list experiences
west coast road trip playlists
Genre: Indie, Pop, Surf Rock, Ska
Featured Artists: She & Him, The Beach Boys, Sublime, BØRNS, Barrie, Weezer, & more.
Genre: Grunge, Alt-Rock
Featured Artists: Nirvana, Garbage, Courtney Barnett, Arctic Monkeys, The White Stripes, & more.
Genre: Indie, Alternative, Modern Psychedelia
Featured Artists: The Shins, STRFKR, Tame Impala, BØRNS, Phoenix, MGMT, Cage the Elephant, & more.
Genres: Retro Pop, Blues Roots, Soft Indie
Featured Artists: Michael Kiwanuka, Leon Bridges, Alabama Shakes, Mik Cool, Fleetwood Mac, & more.
Genres: Dream Pop, Synthwave
Featured Artists: Billie Eilish, Cannons, St. Vincent, Suki Waterhouse, The Marías, & more.
Genre: 1960s Rock, Modern Psychedelia
Featured Artists: Jefferson Airplane, The Zombies, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Tame Impala, & more.
Genre: Chill, Atmospheric Indie
Featured Artists: Bon Iver, Beach House, The Shins, Sufjan Stevens, Novo Amor, & more.
