Destination: USA
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Pacific Coast Dreams
THREE TO SIX WEEKS/SEATTLE TO SAN DIEGO
Traversing the USA's West Coast is a dream trip, including a wealth of natural and cultural highlights. However, it can be extremely slow. You might want to pick and choose destinations, and then leave the coast in between (inland on I-5) to make better time.
The diversity of the Pacific Coast is unmatched. The country's best wine, beer and coffee? Here. The country's cultural dream-makers and trendsetters? Here. Robust native cultures and thriving immigrant communities? Here. Ancient forests? Here. Beaches and surfing? Here. The best coastal drive in the USA? Most definitely the 1500 curvy miles here.
Seattle is the main entry point in the Pacific Northwest. Grab a coffee, then head straight for the ancient rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula. From here, take Hwy 101 south along the rugged, scenic Oregon Coast. It's also worth a sidetrip to livable, liberal Portland.
When you reach California's North Coast, you pass through towering old-growth redwood forests. If you have time, stick to the coast along the Pacific Coast Hwy (Hwy 1), or zip more quickly along Hwy 101 to San Francisco. Vibrant, beautiful and hedonistic, the 'City that Knows How' is worth two to four days.
Next up are funky Santa Cruz and the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, which offer lots of opportunities to play outdoors. Whatever you do, don't miss the stretch of Hwy 1 through the natural splendor of Big Sur or the ostentatious splendor of Hearst Castle.
Los Angeles is the next major destination, and it's easy to stretch out and enjoy its fine art, Hollywood glamour and warm beaches. Then don a pair of mouse ears at Disneyland and complete the journey in San Diego, which has interesting museums and great beaches, and allows for an easy jaunt into Tijuana, Mexico.
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