Are you planning a road trip along the West Coast? It’s a fantastic way to explore diverse landscapes and cities, from the rugged coastlines of Oregon to the sunny beaches of California.
But how long would it take to drive the entire West Coast, and what are some essential stops along the way? Let’s break it down.
Starting Point and Route
Before we estimate the duration of your road trip, let’s determine where you’ll start and which route you’ll take. The West Coast typically refers to the states of California, Oregon, and Washington.
You could start in Seattle, Washington, and drive south towards San Diego, California. Alternatively, you could begin in San Diego and head north towards Seattle. We’ll assume that you’re starting in Seattle for this article.
Essential Stops
There are countless attractions along the West Coast, but here are some must-see destinations:
- Olympic National Park: This stunning park covers over a million acres of wilderness, including mountains, rainforests, and beaches.
- Portland: Known for its vibrant music scene, craft beer breweries, and food carts serving international cuisine.
- San Francisco: Famous for its Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island prison tours, and cable cars.
- Santa Barbara: A charming coastal town with Spanish-style architecture and picturesque beaches.
- Los Angeles: Home to Hollywood movie studios like Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Resort theme park.
- San Diego: Known for its year-round perfect weather conditions with attractions such as San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Estimated Driving Time
Assuming you take the most direct route along the West Coast, it would take around 22 hours to drive from Seattle to San Diego without any stops or traffic. However, that wouldn’t be much of a road trip, would it? You’ll want to take your time and enjoy the sights along the way.
A more realistic timeframe for your West Coast road trip would be around two weeks. This would give you enough time to see all the essential stops mentioned above and also allow for some unplanned detours or relaxation time at the beach.
Conclusion
A West Coast road trip is an unforgettable adventure that offers a diverse range of landscapes and attractions. Whether you have just a few days or several weeks, there’s always something new to discover on this iconic journey. So pack your bags, grab some snacks for the ride, and hit the open road!