Let’s be honest—if the West Coast were a person, she’d be effortlessly cool, slightly mysterious, and always up for an adventure. She’s that friend who knows the best wine bars, hikes at sunrise, and still has perfect hair by dinner. And she definitely doesn’t skip the housework—because she’s too busy living her best life on scenic coastal drives and snapping selfies with redwoods. So if your travel bug’s been whispering, “Let’s go,” then listen up. This list has everything your wanderlust soul needs: iconic cities, quirky neighborhoods, soul-stirring nature, and enough fun to fill your next scrapbook (or photo dump).
9 Can’t-Miss West Coast Destinations
1. Alcatraz Island
Cue the dramatic music! Alcatraz isn’t just a former prison—it’s a full-on experience. Dive into stories of escape attempts, infamous inmates, and eerie silence as you tour this island with killer Pacific views. If you love true crime podcasts, this is your next obsession.
2. Balboa Park
Balboa Park is basically Central Park’s more cultured cousin. With over a dozen museums, stunning gardens, and the San Diego Zoo (hi, adorable pandas), you’ll feel like you’ve traveled the world without ever leaving the park. Wear comfy shoes and bring your curiosity—it’s an all-day adventure.
3. Legoland
Step aside, kids—the grown-ups are here to build, ride, and relive their Lego-obsessed youth. Legoland’s 60+ rides, 4D movies, and life-size Lego creations make this a bucket list stop for anyone who secretly (or not so secretly) still loves miniature brick castles.
4. Venice Boardwalk
Where do muscle men on rollerblades, tarot readers, drum circles, and vegan tacos collide? Venice Beach, of course and the Venice Boardwalk is an iconic locale that appears in countless movies. This stretch of weird and wonderful energy is pure California magic. Soak it all in—from the skate park tricks to the colorful murals.
5. Monterey Bay Aquarium
This isn’t just an aquarium—it’s an oceanic deep dive into pure awe. Watch jellyfish float like ballerinas, sea otters charm the socks off everyone, and massive tanks give you a front-row seat to the wonders of the Pacific. Don’t miss the deck for wild whale-spotting!
6. Haight Street
Ready to channel your inner flower child? Haight Street in San Francisco serves up bold colors, vintage boutiques, groovy murals, and enough tie-dye to make you question your neutral wardrobe. It’s a mix of hippie history and hipster heaven—yes, both can coexist.
7. Napa Valley
Whether you’re here for the wine, the food, or the excuse to wear a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses, Napa is peak grown-up getaway. In this county, you can tour charming vineyards by hot air balloon, book the Napa Wine Train for max bougie points, and indulge in cheese plates like the classy traveler you are.
8. Redwood National Park
Feeling small has never felt so powerful. Redwood National Park will have you craning your neck and reevaluating your place in the universe—in the best way. These trees are ancient, massive, and majestic. Perfect for a solo hike, a romantic stroll, or a family photo that screams wanderlust goals.
9. Pike Place Market
Finish strong in Seattle at the iconic Pike Place Market, where flying fish, fresh blooms, homemade jams, and latte art live in perfect harmony. Pop into the OG Starbucks, sip something fabulous, and browse stalls filled with Pacific Northwest charm. Warning: you may leave with a full suitcase (and stomach).
Check a full feature of Pike Place Market we wrote earlier on here.
Travel Like a Tech-Savvy Queen: Tips for the US
Now that your itinerary is bursting with epic stops, don’t let tech troubles ruin the vibe. Traveling smart is just as important as packing the perfect layered outfit.
1. Use a VPN
Whether you’re catching up on shows from home or just browsing while sipping espresso at a café, a VPN keeps your data safe from digital creepers. Plus, it lets you virtually hop countries for your favorite streaming content—because no one should miss the finale while abroad.At the same time, it’s super easy to access content from your home country in case you need to while traveling. Simply change your USA VPN to a server in a different country.
2. Download an eSIM App
Ditch the old-school SIM card swaps (we’re not in 2012 anymore). An eSIM app lets you jump onto local networks like a boss, avoiding sky-high roaming fees and the dreaded “No Service” panic attack.
3. Bring a Portable Charger
We’ve all been there—your phone dies just when you’re trying to call an Uber, snap a skyline pic, or Google “best sushi near me.” A portable charger is your travel MVP. Toss one in your bag and thank yourself later.
So there you have it. A West Coast itinerary worthy of your Pinterest board and a tech checklist to keep everything running smoother than your airport espresso shot. Whether you’re diving into history at Alcatraz or clinking glasses in Napa, your unforgettable journey starts now.
Pack your bags, charge your phone, and get ready for some serious main character energy.