Head West for Your Next Adventure
Known for beautiful weather, lengthy stretches of scenic highway, and diversity of natural terrain, the West Coast is a feast for the eyes, and an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Plan an epic adventure to the colossal West Coast of the United States, and see it for yourself.
A region that liberally spans Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California, and Hawaii for good measure, the West Coast basically has it all. From some of the country’s most beautiful beaches to internationally renowned treasures like Glacier Bay National Park, west coast nature is truly on another level. Add to that the distinctive flavors of urban life found in San Francisco, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles, and you’ve got plenty to be ‘stoked’ about -- that’s west coast-speak for “excited.”
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is famous for the many movies that get made there, not to mention all of the famous people who call it their home. This eclectic city is filled with “characters”-- many of whom have flocked to the area to see their dreams come true. Aside from Hollywood, though, LA has become central to the international art world, as well as a gathering point for spiritual seekers, and more recently, tech entrepreneurs.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- While in Venice, stop by the iconic Gjelina for a meal on the trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
- California-chill gets energized at West Hollywood’s Night + Market.
- If LA had an official food, it would be the taco. For a yummy fish version, visit Ricky’s Fish Tacos in Los Feliz.
What to Do:
- Known for its colorful residents and bohemian spirit, Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier are worth a visit.
- Go see Hollywood! And while you’re there, take the requisite Walk of Fame.
- For an urban hike, climb the hill to the Griffith Observatory, where you’ll get a view of the famous Hollywood sign.
- If you’re into movies, make sure you take the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour.
San Francisco, California
Hop a cable-car tour to cover the San Francisco's classic destinations in plein air--just don’t forget a light jacket, a year-round essential in the Bay Area. Riding the hills on the famous cable cars--now designated as a National Historic Landmark--you’ll see Fisherman’s Wharf and Alamo Square, where you’ll visit sea lions and the famous “Painted Ladies,” from the classic American television show, Full House. Other stops will include some of the city’s historic neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, Nob Hill and the Presidio, as well as a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Other unmissable neighborhoods: The Castro, which was a center for the gay rights movement in the 1970’s, hippie-haven– Haight-Ashbury– the site of the 1967 “Summer of Love,” and The Mission, a colorful neighborhood with latin roots and hipster vibes.
Once you’ve seen the city, rent a car and head 18 kilometers north to Muir Woods National Monument, otherwise known as The Redwood Forest, and one of the last old-growth forests on the planet. Then, on your way out of town, make a stop in the Napa Valley for a day of world-class wine tasting.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Head to San Francisco’s trendy Mission District to dine among vintage theater-inspired decor at Foreign Cinema.
- SF staples– clam chowder and sourdough bread– can be found in abundance along the Fisherman’s Wharf. We recommend Nick’s Lighthouse for versions that some consider the best.
- Burritos are big in San Francisco. Grab one from El Castillito in The Castro.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate treat at Ghirardelli Square.
What to See:
- For panoramic views of the city and the bay, head to 64-meter tall Coit Tower in the city’s Telegraph Hill neighborhood.
- Walk along The Embarcadero, the city’s eastern shoreline for markets, views and ferries to Alcatraz.
- Stroll through Golden Gate Park, where more than 4 square kilometers of public grounds house a japanese tea garden, and a botanical garden, as well the California Academy of Sciences, the De Young Museum and yes, buffalo!
Hawaii
Hawaii’s warm tropical climate and abundance of public beaches make it the perfect place to rest after a few weeks on the road. Don’t get too comfortable, though--hiking, surfing and scoping out volcanos are all on offer on the Big Island, as Hawaii’s main island is often called.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- The Mill House in Maui brings the table to the farm, offering upscale eats on a tropical plantation.
- Head to Ethel’s Grill for comfort food inspired by the restaurant's namesake’s Japanese-Okinawan-Mexican-local family heritage.
- For a traditional island meal, stop by Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Honolulu.
What to Do:
- On a short trip to Hawaii, we suggest starting at the beaches in Kona.
- Next, head to Kealakekua Bay for snorkeling and a glimpse of their massive coral reef.
- Take a hike amidst the volcanoes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Portland, Oregon
Consider it a chance to take in the epic nature of the Pacific Northwest--part of the magic inherent to this corner of the world. Once you get to Portland, you’re in for, well, weirdness. The city’s motto is “Keep Portland Weird,” and many are doing their best to do just that--in a good way, of course. Make like a local and tour the city by bike, making sure not to miss what makes Portland, Portland: the live music scene, the craft brewery scene and arguably the doughnut scene.
Where to Stay:
- Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
- Portland Marriott City Center
- Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Pearl District
What to Eat:
- Remember the doughnut thing? Yeah, we weren’t kidding. Head to Voodoo Doughnut for “quirky” flavors like bubblegum and bacon.
- Pok Pok is a Thai staple in Portland, and offers a few different locations throughout the city.
- Visit Bollywood Theater for an excellent Indian menu in the downtown arts district.
What to Do:
- Visit the legendary Powell’s City of Books to see the world’s largest independent bookstore.
- Walk the 100-year-old Steel Bridge, the second oldest vertical-lift bridge in North America.
- Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the country, combining sprawling views and endless green pastures.
- See the city by bike with Pedal Bike Tours.
- Visit Mount Hood for camping, hiking and nearly year round skiing.
Seattle, Washington
The state’s largest city sits on Puget Sound, surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests--covering all the quintessential features of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is home to several major tech companies, as well as perhaps the most famous coffee maker in the world– Starbucks. And besides commerce, there’s plenty of culture, nature and recreation to take in, too.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Make a day of it at Pike Place Market where you can dine with dozens of vendors. Plus, you can grab groceries at the farmer’s markets and shop for souvenirs made by local artisans.
- Try Stateside for Vietnamese fusion in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
- For upscale Italian, we recommend Bisato in Pioneer Square.
- Though there’s one on every corner, this Starbucks is different. Visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for a cup of joe and a peak into the brand’s brewing, roasting and innovation processes.
What to Do:
- Raining? Fear not. There are plenty of indoor attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Art Museum, and an entire underground city that can be visited via tour.
- For 360-degree views of the city from nearly 160 meters above it, visit the iconic Space Needle.
- Drive, then ferry to the San Juan Islands, where you can kayak, hike, bike and try to see some whales.
Alaska
Expect to see some of the most breathtaking natural environments in the world, inclusive of glaciers, mountains and if you’re lucky, whales. Alaska Natives, or the indigenous people of Alaska, have lived in parts of the area for over 10,000 years, and their cultures still carry heavy influence in modern-day Alaska.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- King Crab is a local favorite in Alaska and we hear you can get some of the best at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau.
- Head to Simon & Seafort’s in Anchorage for the area’s other staple: halibut.
- Ever had a yak burger? Now’s your chance. Head to 49th Street Brewery in Anchorage or Denali.
What to Do:
- Visit Ketchikan, Alaska’s first city and the home of the world’s largest totem pole collection.
- Go whale watching in Juneau.
- Visit Glacier Bay National Park to see massive glaciers and wild coastlines.
- Take an unforgettable train ride from the Skagway to the summit at White Pass.
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