The Pacific Coast, from the sun-drenched stretches of golden sand in California to the lush, wild landscapes of the Pacific NorthWest, is one of the most beautiful places in North America. With an extraordinary variety of stunning landscapes and natural beauty mixed with exciting, vibrant cities and cultural hubs, a holiday taking in as much of the Pacific Coast as possible is a wonderful choice.
From Mexico to the Canadian border, the Pacific Coast stretches for over 1,290 miles, so presents a unique challenge for adventurous travellers wanting to explore as much of it as they can. There are a number of ways to discover this wonderful stretch, each one guaranteeing adventure, excitement and new experiences galore. Read on for some of the best ways to see the Pacific Coast.
Pacific Coast Highway
State Route One, better known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the most famous and most scenic stretches of road in the world. Stretching over 650 miles from Oregon to Mexico, hugging the coastline the entire way, this remarkable route makes for an epic road trip. With no stops the journey takes around ten hours…but doing it all in one go is really missing the point. Taking a more leisurely approach to the open road is an immensely rewarding experience, and the journey will provide wonderful sights and exciting experiences at every stage along the way.
The main attraction of a coastal road trip is undoubtedly the stunning coastal views, which the Pacific Coast Highway has in spades. But don’t neglect the charming seaside villages and acres of untouched forest along the way, not to mention the exceptional vineyards of California’s famous wine-making districts. In reality the only trouble you’ll encounter on your trip is that 650 miles is nowhere near long enough!
Cruise the West Coast
Of course, California is only a small part of the Pacific Coast story. To really get to grips with the true beauty and diversity of the West Coast, you need to see it from the ocean. A cruise from LA is the perfect way to take in the entirety of the Pacific Coast, in comfort, style and luxury, and is a pretty exciting experience in its own right!
Cruising up the West Coast is a unique and unforgettable experience. Not only will you enjoy the finest hospitality and comfort on board, but you’ll have the opportunity to take in every bit of this gorgeous part of the world. Watch the golden sand and sun of California slip past, and shift into the magical pine forests of Oregon, and finally the lush green rainforest of Washington State. Explore Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and even the delights of Vancouver and British Columbia just across the Canadian border, and take advantage of everything these excellent cities have to offer.
From Canada to Mexico on two wheels
If you are after a serious adventure, something a bit more off the beaten track, and an experience that you will remember for a lifetime, then jumping on a bike and attempting to cycle some (or all) of the West Coast of the US could be just the ticket. A coastal bike trek down the Pacific Coast is a remarkable endeavour, and experiencing waves breaking on the beach to your right as cars pass on your left is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
A bike trip down the coast will leave you feeling connected to the road, and the region, in a way that nothing else can. For adventurers, explorers and cycling fanatics there is nothing quite like hitting the bike for miles on end, camping when tired, with a refreshing dip in the ocean at the end of the day to ease weary muscles. The entire journey takes around two months, with some time to explore the amazing locations along the way. The best time to hit the road is late summer, cycling north to south with the wind at your back, aiming to hit California in the fall. With the slower pace of travel on two wheels you’ll discover secret beaches, stunning rock structures, and delicious craft breweries, as well as the remarkable landscapes and stunning natural beauty of the coastline itself.
However you choose to experience it, the Pacific Coast makes for a stunning and exciting holiday destination. With so many wonderful spots along the entire stretch of coastline a road trip or cruise will get the most out of your holiday, but heading for shorter breaks at any point along the way is a great idea too. Whether you are after adventure, luxury, a wild outdoor experience or a superb city break, this part of the world has a little something for every kind of traveller.
