There is a claim that the USA’s west coast is the “best coast,” but which destinations and cities should you visit first on your bucket list? We thought we would share our bucket list destinations on the US West Coast. These locations include some breathtaking national parks in addition to the typical cities! Even though WorldAtlas states that California is home to four of the five most popular US West Coast cities, we still made an effort to include other beach towns in our list.
Notwithstanding, here are some of the top-rated places you must visit.
Best Of West Coast
We are including some of our favorite spots on the West Coast. Get packing because you won’t be able to resist their charm.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Less than one square mile in size, this seaside village is the perfect place for strolls. As you stroll, you’ll pass quaint cafes and galleries, soft-sanded Carmel Beach, and fairytale cottages—note that real people live there. After that, embark on the well-known 17-mile Drive, circumnavigating the Monterey Peninsula while keeping an eye out for endemic Monterey cypress trees. If you want to make it cozy, you will find many romantic restaurants here to go with your special someone.
Point Reyes
Situated approximately 60 miles north of San Francisco on a peninsula shaped like a hammer lies Point Reyes National Seashore. Allocate several hours for a misty, round-trip hike along the Tomales Point Trail, which offers views of tule elk and wildflowers. Alternatively, consider the brief yet breathtaking Chimney Rock Trail. Then stop at any oyster shack along Tomales Bay to pick up some oysters.
Friday Harbor
The San Juan Islands in Washington are stunning all year round. Although there are hundreds of islands in the archipelago, only a few are easily accessible by ferry, including San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island. Known as the center of the area, Friday Harbor is an excellent starting point for exploration. Take tours of farms and wineries, go hiking in preserves like Lime Kiln Point State Park, or just watch orcas.
Muir Woods
Although Muir Woods National Monument is only 558 acres in size, its resident trees are anything but tiny. Here are some enormous, nearly millennium-old redwoods that reach heights of more than 250 feet. Explore beneath these imposing behemoths for a few hours while reading the placards to discover more about the area’s past. The monument is the state’s most accessible redwood grove and is located less than 20 miles from San Francisco. Due to the extremely limited number of spots, parking reservations are always required.
Russian River Valley
Thanks to its many vineyards, well-liked cafes, and markets, the Russian River Valley is lush, green, and even delicious. Stroll through Guerneville town, stopping at Big Bottom Market for lunch (Oprah loves these biscuits!), and then take a hike through the Armstong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Make time to enjoy wine tastings at neighboring establishments such as Hartford Family Wines and Equality Vines while you plan to float the Russian River (Steelhead Beach is a great place to start).
Silver Falls State Park
Who knew there were so many waterfalls in Oregon? Try the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park to enjoy these natural gems. The 7.2-mile loop trail has a fairly moderate elevation gain (800 feet) and passes ten waterfalls in addition to dense forest. If you have the time, take the entire journey to fully enjoy the sections that go up the canyon and along the forest floor. Aim early to beat the crowds.
Redwood National and State Parks
Nothing on Earth grows taller than a redwood tree, which is found only in coastal California and southern Oregon. These parks are dedicated to safeguarding this extremely rare and magnificent tree. There are miles of trails to hike here, but Tall Trees Grove Loop and Trillium Falls Trail are good places to start. Go to Lady Bird Johnson Grove to just sit and admire the redwoods.
Mendocino
A tiny town perched on a bluff with a view of the ocean has a certain allure, and Mendocino is one such place. Take in the scenery on as many trails as you can after grabbing coffee and pastries in this charming historic town that has been preserved. The best routes are in Russian Gulch State Park for a beach stroll, Mendocino Headlands State Park for bird’s-eye ocean views, and Hendy Woods State Park for redwood viewing.
Thor’s Well
It’s impressive to see Thor’s Well. Scientists say that although it resembles a hole in the ocean where rushing waters descend to unknown depths, it’s probably the remains of a sea cave that collapsed. For the full impact of this “drainpipe of the Pacific,” visit during high tide. When gray whales migrate south for the winter in December and January, the area is also good for seeing them.
Wrapping Up
It’s a challenging task to narrow down your bucket list to just 25 unique places, not just in California but throughout the entire West Coast. While it is by no means exhaustive, this list should help you get ideas for new destinations to add to your West Coast bucket list.
Which West Coast location is your favorite? Tell us. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
