Visit Seattle, Olympic NP, Oregon Coast, Portland, Crater Lake NP, Redwood NP, Napa Valley, San Francisco, Big Sur & Los Angeles

You'll start your west coast of America holiday in Seattle. If you have any energy left after your flight, then why not have dinner at one of Seattle’s amazing restaurants, we highly recommend the seafood joints found in Pike Place Market. Just need a cup of coffee to help you stay awake? Then head over to first-ever Starbucks, which is also located in Pike Place.

Emerald City is one of the fastest-growing cities in North America, famous for its coffee, grunge music and a growing tech sector. Visitor highlights including The Space Needle, Pioneer Square and The Museum of Flight.

The words rugged, craggy and remote come to mind when thinking of Olympic National Park. Situated in the far northwest of Washington State, Olympic is one of the wettest places you’ll ever visit. The unique climate makes this National Park a unique and atmospheric place to explore. Visitors will usually witness wild Roosevelt Elk living amongst the moss-covered trees, alpine meadows and the waterfalls of the area.

The west coast of America has many magnificent beaches, and Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach are two of the most magical. Sea stacks, black sand and huge pieces of driftwood beach all get battered by the Pacific. Your personalised Road Trip Pack will show you how to find these and many more places of outstanding natural beauty on this wild and wonderful coastline.

Time to remove your hiking boots and enjoy the second city on this 3-week itinerary. You’ll find plenty of trendy shops, cool cafes and hip restaurants on the streets of Portland. Plus, this is a Tax-Free shopping area, so if you intend to shop whilst you're road-tripping then this is a great place to do it. If shopping is not your thing, then Portland's other highlights include a Japanese Garden, the Pittock Mansion and the Portland Art Museum.

Your second day in Portland can be sent exploring the city's streets or on a day trip along the magnificent Columbia River Gorge. If the latter appeals, then head east on the super scenic Historic Columbia River Highway to visit wonders like Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood and the Bonneville Dam.

Massive sandstone boulders look like they have been dropped from the heavens along this 360 mile stretch of coast. Rugged, wild and windswept - Oregon’s beauty is up with the best of them.

Drive south on the legendary Highway 101, this famous old road spans from Seattle in the north to LA in the south. Along with Route 1, Highway 101 will be your chosen road as you drive the west coast of America. The Oregon section of Highway 101 is less developed than certain parts of California. So relax and enjoy nature's artistry at work, as you cruise through mist-covered forests and past sun-soaked beaches.

Crater Lake National Park has inspired people for hundreds of years. No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in colour; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. Its a place of immeasurable beauty, and a worthwhile detour away from the west coast.

Today, you'll start the California section of this tour along America's west coast. First, you'll visit the majestic Redwood National Park, which is located in the very north of California.

The largest trees on Earth are found on America's west coast. Redwoods were once common throughout America, but sadly they're only really found in Oregon and California now. These trees are truly giant, at up to 100m high and 11m in diameter. Spend the day just walking amongst them and let your stresses just melt away.

You don't have to like wine to enjoy this beautiful area (but it helps). These two neighbouring valleys offer stunning scenery made up of perfectly manicured vineyards, stretched across rolling hills. These can be enjoyed by car, a train or even by an early morning hot air balloon ride.

Spanning the headlands between Marin County and San Francisco. Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world's most beautiful structures, whether you walk, bike or drive across it. You can also gain stunning views of the bridge and San Francisco beyond by driving up Conzelman Road on the north side of the bridge. Once you hit town, you’ll spend 3 fun-filled days enjoying all that this west coast city has to offer.

Once the morning fog lifts, one of America’s favourite cities will be revealed. Ride a cable car, climb the steep streets and get into the vibe that only this city can offer. Packed with Victorian charm, remarkable restaurants, spectacular shopping and famous movie locations, this iconic city really has it all.

Alcatraz Island is often near the top of people's to-do lists when visiting the west coast of America. Not only will you enjoy the unique experience of Alcatraz, but you'll also take in spectacular views of San Francisco, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge as you ferry across the Bay to this iconic tourist destination. Once you're back on the mainland, you should grab a meal in Fisherman's Wharf before riding a cable car back to your hotel.

Monterey was once California’s capital, today its best known for the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. In years gone by Monterey was most famous for its whaling and sardine industry, now it focuses on marine education and preservation. Take a whale-watching trip during spring or autumn to see whales migrating along the west coast of America. Later, take 17-Mile-Drive which connects Monterey and pretty Carmel-by-the-Sea. This scenic toll road takes people on a short tour past rugged beaches, millionaire homes and wind-blown cypress trees. Along the way, you'll notice seals basking in the sun on coastal rocks and sea otters bobbing up and down in the waves.

Point Lobos marks the start of the Big Sur coastal area, and such is the beauty of this reserve that it demands to be visited before you continue down the coast tomorrow. Seal lions give birth to pups on inaccessible beaches, sea otters frolic in the bays and whales slowly migrate through the 750 underwater acres of the park. Pure beauty that can only be fully enjoyed through hiking the many short walks. After Point Lobos, head back to beautiful Carmel for lunch before spending the afternoon on one of the west coasts finest beaches. In fact, Carmel Beach is so special, that you'll do well to find a better beach anywhere on the planet.

Big Sur is known as the best driving experience on the west coast of America. Experience curvy roads, enchanting State Parks and stunning coastal vistas. At the end of this 100-mile scenic drive, you'll find Hearst Castle perched upon “The Enchanted Hill”, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Hearst Castle is truly the product of one man's ambition, wealth and imagination - If time allows then consider popping by for a visit.

This affluent, sun-soaked town, built in a charming mediterranean style is one of the central coast's finest destinations. Highlights include State Street's shopping and restaurants, wine tasting in the Funk Zone and enjoying the cities beaches.

Hollywood is synonymous with glitz and glamour, and although many of the studios have now moved on to other parts of town, it's still fun to visit the home of the Oscars and walk Hollywood Boulevard looking for the handprints of your favourite movie stars. Just a short drive northeast lies the Griffith Observatory, perched high on a hill overlooking the urban sprawl of LA, this recently renovated landmark is well worth a visit. It's also a great place to view the iconic Hollywood sign from.

The Santa Monica Pier brings your west coast USA holiday to a glorious end, Santa Monica's beaches and old-fashioned pier are a worthy finishing point for any road trip. You can hire a bike and cruise the boardwalk to Venice Beach or shop your heart out on 3rd Street. Or, perhaps you’ll prefer to watch some of La La Land's crazy characters play basketball or push weights, while you enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes. Lastly, if you have a few extra days to spend away, then this trip can be extended to visit Orange County and San Diego. If you have four weeks or more then Palm Springs and Las Vegas can also be added to our Ultimate West Coast road trip.