Thinking about a vacation. Well, there’s nothing like a west coast road trip. Traveling alongside the Pacific shoreline. Taking in all there is to see. Enjoying the views. Creating treasured memories. Take lots of pictures. Having that togetherness. These are the things that make a road trip the most fun.
The road trip itself will be what is remembered the most. A road trip is what you make of it. Your experiences have memories. Creativity is the key to your memories.
Earlier, in starting on your trip, set some boundaries and or rules. What is allowed during your road trip, should be discussed ahead of time. Meanwhile, rules are in place for a reason. A road trip mends families. Don’t judge the beginning of your road trip. The ending triumphs.
With being so busy, and how technology has taken over our lives, going on a road trip brings families closer together. Road trips do not have to take a lot of planning, and it does not need a schedule. All that is needed is a vehicle full of gas, a map, some travel essentials, something to eat, and a little imagination.
A couple of choices can be camping outdoors with a bonfire and creating your meals or staying in a hotel with a complimentary breakfast. What about, renting a minivan, SUV, or even an RV?
Road trips are also convenient for pets. Being able to stop anywhere along the way allows everyone to stretch their legs and to allow man’s best friend to do business when needed.
This post is about taking a west coast road trip
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Traveling with Technology
Currently, nowadays, navigation technology allows you to detect your surrounding areas for hotels, restaurants, and known attractions in the areas that you are traveling. It even allows you to see how far away you are from large bodies of water such as beaches and lakes.
At last, this allows the other members of your road trip to follow along with their phones, and this eliminates the need for them to ask, “how much longer is it” or “are we almost there yet?”.
Benefits of a Travel Journal
How about providing everyone with a travel journal? Encouraging everyone to write about their experiences. Everyone’s experience will be different. Subsequently, asking ask each person to share their best part of the road trip. I am sure at least one person will state that being together is what they enjoyed the most. Afterward, looking back and reading about these experiences will be the most memorable.
Big Sur California
A west coast road trip should include Big Sur. Which is on the California coastline. It is about 25 miles south of Carmel, California, and about 25 north of Lucia, California. From the San Francisco area, Big Sur is about 145 miles south. Los Angeles is located about 295 south of Big Sur.
It is located along the center of California’s coastline. Big Sur runs along State Hwy Route 1. Which is a 2-lane highway that runs approximately 656 miles along the California coastline.
It is known for its beautiful scenic views, hiking trails, and just for enjoying the beach. Don’t worry about looking for somewhere to stay. There are plenty of camping grounds, and lodges to accommodate your needs.
Golden Gate Bridge – West Coast Road Trip
The Golden Gate Bridge has to be listed in planning a west coast road trip. It has always been known to be a beautiful scenic attraction. It spans from the San Francisco Bay area across a portion of the Pacific Ocean over to Marin County.
Also, known for its height of 746 ft, and its length of 1.7 miles. As of this date, the Golden Gate is considered the longest suspension bridge in the world. They charge tolls to cross the bridge by vehicle. Those tolls are charged by a vehicle’s axle weight.
This bridge has attracted over 10 million visitors. Twice a week they offer a walking tour across the bridge. But also, it can take about 30-35 minutes to walk across the Golden Gate bridge.
Seattle Seaport
The Seattle Seaport is located in the upper Northwest Region of the United States. This should be an added attraction on your west coast road trip. It is known as the largest city in the state of Washington and is one of the fastest-growing regions. Nestling right off the Pacific coast.
Another known fact is technology. It is in the center of this city. While Microsoft is a tenant in Seattle, so is one of Boeing Aircrafts Headquarters. Also, Amazon was founded in Seattle, and it is the home of the original Starbucks Coffee.
Best known venues in Seattle is the Seattle’s Seaport, and Pike’s Place Fish Market. Both, are a visitor’s treat.
Seattle is a great place to go fishing for dad. It is also, known for the giant Ferris Wheel at Pier 57 for the kids. Also, taking an 8-mile ferry ride on the Bainbridge Ferry over to Bainbridge Island for the whole family.
A must-do adventure.
Malibu Shoreline
In Addition to, your love for beaches, your west coast road trip has to include Malibu’s shoreline. Malibu is known for lovers of the beach. It is located along the coastline between Los Angeles and the Santa Monica mountains. It has over 20 miles of oceanfront.
Not only, does it have a beautiful shoreline, but it also has multiple beaches to choose from. Furthermore, try videotaping as the sun sets over the ocean.
A Malibu Shoreline sunset is a photo’s winning prize. As well as, the never-ending view of the ocean. Just sit and watch the beautiful movement of the water.
Besides, the rough sounds of the waves that hit the shoreline are the best method to put you to sleep. But also, remember to set your phone to video instead of a photo, to capture the sounds of the ocean.
Oregon Coast – West Coast Road Trip
There’s nothing like a west coast road trip experience while traveling along the Oregon Coast. U. S. Highway 101 runs along the Oregon coastline with a length of 363 miles. The Oregon coast goes from north Astoria to south Brookings.
Don’t forget some must-see historical attractions. Such as the Seaside’s Turnaround and Promenade, the Three Capes Scenic Loop, Cape Perpetua, Cape Arago, Bandon’s Beach, Yaquina Head, and the Oregon Dunes.
In the same way, parts of the Pacific ocean are not meant for swimming. Neither are parts of the coast of Oregon. Consequently, the ocean waters are really cold, with rough deadly rip tides. Even on the good days.
Just soak up the view, and the memories will last forever.
Downtown Los Angeles – West Coast Road Trip
Finally, your west coast road trip is not complete unless you make your way through Los Angeles, California. Equally important is the must-see Hollywood sign that sits upon the hilltop. From downtown, you have a beautiful view of the mountainsides.
Downtown Los Angeles has its well-known diverse sides. As a result, for instance, there is the Arts District, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and the Commercial District.
Los Angeles is known as a movie production city. There are studios like Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, TCL Chinese Theatre, Universal Studios, and more.
As well as the Broadway Theater sections. Not only, do you have a lot of places to eat, drink and stay. But also, you have a scenic view of the mountains.
Moreover, there are parts of Los Angeles that are memorable. If you have a chance take a chartered bus tour around to the well-known spots. Just remember to have your map handy.