There’s a lot more to the West Coast than the Golden Gate Bridge. This beautiful stretch of land is as diverse as its scenery—from mountains to beaches, forests to waterfalls.
This region has it all and then some. You’ll want to pack your camera. The sights are seriously stunning! Whether you choose one destination or visit them all, we promise these west coast cities you need to visit this summer won’t let you down.
San Diego, California
San Diego is known for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches. La Jolla Beach and Balboa Park are two of the best places to visit in this city. Balboa Park is the largest urban park in the US and includes a dozen museums. When you’re done exploring the beaches and whale watching san diego, you must try some food from one of San Diego’s many Mexican restaurants. Due to its proximity to Mexico as the southernmost city of California, San Diego is home to a large Mexican-American population. The area has become known for its flavorful cuisine.
Seattle, Washington
This evergreen city is stunning! Known for the first-ever Starbucks, Seattle is filled with eye-catching views of waterways, forests, and towering mountains. If you’re interested in spending a few days in Seattle—and we encourage it! —make sure to include these spots on your itinerary:
- The Space Needle—Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this iconic tourist destination offers 360-degree views of the city and its surrounding areas. The building also holds a rotating restaurant and an observation deck where visitors can learn more about the history of Seattle.
- The Seattle Waterfront—Famous for its seafood restaurants, this is also a great place to take a boat ride on the sound.
Newberg, Oregon
Nestled next to Portland, Newberg is home to the Allison Inn and Spa, a luxury resort on 35 acres overlooking the Willamette Valley. Newberg is a top weekend trip near Portland, Oregon. With its impressive collection of breweries and coffee shops, this city was rated one of the best small-town food scenes in America! Newberg is a short drive to Willamette Valley, the gateway to Oregon’s wine country, where you can visit exceptional vineyards, attend wine tastings, and experience stunning views.
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a beautiful beachfront city in western Los Angeles County, California. It’s known for its temperate weather, massive white sand beaches, and America’s most famous pier. The Santa Monica Pier marks the end of Route 66, which gives it historical and cultural recognition. This city itself is more than just the pier though; Santa Monica is in LA County, so you might bump into a Hollywood celebrity at one of the many delicious downtown restaurants.
Vancouver, British Columbia
If you have a passport and want to use it, there is no better place to visit than Vancouver. This gateway to the glaciers of Alaska was voted the world’s most livable city. Vancouver is a place that offers nature and urban life. Surrounded on three sides by water and with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Vancouver visitors can witness some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery.
Summer is short, and you could choose to spend your time in many places. This list is meant to be a guide to some often-overlooked west coast cities you need to visit this summer. With something for everyone, you’re sure to find the perfect location for your vacation.
