The West Coast, also known as the Pacific Coast, the Western Seaboard, and the Pacific Seaboard, is the coastline along which the North Pacific Ocean meets the Western United States. It includes the states of Oregon, Washington, and California, and sometimes Alaska and Hawaii.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!If you are fond of road trips and open spaces, West Coast is the perfect place for you to visit. Imagine experiencing those settings in Wild West movies in real life. Despite being one of its most famous tourist spots, the West Coast is more than the Grand Canyons.
That’s why you’ll need to stay for at least 14 days to see the most memorable places and experience a couple of activities it offers. This 2 weeks West Coast USA itinerary offers 3 options on how to travel around this region plus travel tips.
We also have itineraries for 2 weeks in the US and 2 weeks in the East Coast of the US.
BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR THE WEST COAST OF USA
Let’s first talk about things that you should know about vacationing in this part of the US. Below are some tips on when to go, how many days to spend, travel costs, and more:
When is the best time to travel to the West Coast USA
The best time to visit the West Coast of the USA largely depends on what you’re looking to experience. Peak season is generally from June to August, where you’ll find the warmest weather and lots of outdoor activities, but also more crowds and higher prices.
If you prefer a quieter but still pleasant experience, consider the shoulder months of April-May and September-October.
If you’re looking to avoid the rain, steer clear of the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington) from November to April, as that’s when it’s wettest. California tends to be more temperate, but the northern parts can also be rainy in the winter.
When it comes to Nevada (Las Vegas), you want to visit either in spring or fall when the temperatures are better. the Grand Canyon can be icy and cold during winter months.
With that, I personally think the best time to visit the West Coast USA is either from March to May or September to November. You can avoid the big crowds of tourists and also the high temperatures and rainy months or snow season.
Are 2 weeks enough for the West Coast
Two weeks can be a good amount of time to get a taste of what the West Coast has to offer, but it won’t cover everything. You could explore a few key cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, along with some natural wonders like Yosemite and the Oregon Coast.
If you’re into road-tripping, you can hit some highlights along the coast and even venture inland to spots like Lake Tahoe or Joshua Tree.
You should also take into consideration your mode of transportation as it will affect your time a lot. We’ll discuss more about it in the next part.
How to get around
The most flexible way to explore the West Coast, including Nevada, is by renting a car. This is especially true if you plan to cross state lines, visit national parks, or explore areas that aren’t easily accessible by public transport. Interstates and scenic highways connect key destinations, making road trips convenient and enjoyable.
For city hopping, you can also consider flights; major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Las Vegas are well-connected by air. Once in the cities, public transit options like buses, trams, and subways are usually available and efficient. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely used for shorter distances.
If you’re environmentally conscious, some cities like Portland and San Francisco have robust bike-sharing systems. So, depending on your itinerary, a mix of driving, flying, and local transport can offer the most comprehensive and convenient experience.
Language and currency
English is the main language in the US. However, when you visit California, especially the southern part, Spanish is more common and can come in handy while exploring. This is also true for Las Vegas, which is a melting pot of culture and you’ll even hear more languages and meet people from many places around the globe.
US Dollars ($USD) is the currency used in the US. Payment with a card is very accessible, while cardless payment (using your phone) might also be available. But plan to have at least $200 cash on you, especially if you plan to hike or do a road trip. In some rural areas, cash payment might be the only option.
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Cost of 2 weeks in West Coast USA
Costs for a 2-week West Coast USA trip can vary significantly depending on your travel style, choices, and season. Here’s a bit of an estimate cost to give you some ideas:
- Affordable: Budget around $1,500-$2,000 per person. This includes staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating at inexpensive restaurants or cooking, and using public transportation or economical rental cars. Activities would be low-cost or free, like hiking or beach visits.
- Mid-Range: Estimate $3,000-$5,000 per person. This level includes staying in 3-star hotels, dining in a mix of budget and mid-range restaurants, and perhaps a domestic flight. You’d also include some paid activities like guided tours.
- Luxury: Budget at least $7,000-$10,000+ per person. Luxury travel would include 4-5 star hotels, fine dining, and perhaps first-class flights between cities. You could also include private tours and high-end activities like helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon.
These costs don’t cover your main flight and travel insurance. Having medical travel insurance is a necessity when visiting in the US. If you’re entering with a free visa, an immigration office might ask you to show your insurance.
Plus, medical services are the most expensive in the US. If you get into an emergency, you are looking at thousands of dollars in bills for a simple visit. Sure, you might be able to leave the US without paying your bill, but they will mail it to you back home or get you in trouble in case you visit the US again in the future.
Travel arrangement tips
Once you decide when to go to the West Coast of the US and create your itinerary, it’s time to make some travel arrangements. Book your accommodation as soon as you know the dates. This is because the good ones (good price, good reviews, good location) get booked fast, even during shoulder season.
You can book the tours even at the last minute, including travel insurance. For car rental, best to book it at least a month before your arrival unless you’re visiting during peak season; do this at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
MAP OF TOP SITES AND ACTIVITIES IN THE WEST COAST USA
Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google
2 WEEKS WEST COAST USA ITINERARY
If road trips and vast landscapes are your jam, then the West Coast of the USA is your next must-see destination. Sure, the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles get all the postcard love, but there’s so much more on offer.
From the tech buzz of Silicon Valley to the misty magic of the Pacific Northwest hiking trails, a trip to the West Coast of the US is one of the must-do when visiting this part of the world.
Below are three travel itineraries from which you can choose or get inspiration. Further below are lists of things to do, food to eat, and recommendations of where to stay,
Itinerary #1: First-timer (Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Yosemite, Los Angeles)
This 2 weeks West Coast USA itinerary is suitable for first-timers who are fond of the entertainment scene. In the locations included here, you’ll see the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, which is a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard known for its concentration of resorts and casinos.
However, the said establishments aren’t the usual resorts and casinos as they are themed, so you’ll feel like you also went to another country with each hotel that you visit/pass by.
Aside from that, there’s also the Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, which is a must-visit for those who are fascinated with the entertainment industry. Aside from that, if you prefer nature, there’s also Grand Canyon and Yosemite to look forward to.
Las Vegas for 3 days (Day trip to Grand Canyon)
Las Vegas is a massive city famous for its shopping malls, casinos, fine dining, entertainment, and unparalleled nightlife. It is in the top three destinations in the US for business conventions and is annually ranked as one of the world’s most-visited tourist destinations.
In this part of the itinerary, I included family-friendly must-visit locations. You can visit Hershey’s Chocolate World, Fun Dungeon at Excalibur Arcade, Shark Reef Aquarium, Marvel’s Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N, Discovery Children’s Museum, and more.
For those who are quite adventurous, don’t worry because I got you covered. You can try out thrill rides at the STRAT Hotel or a more mellow ride, which is the high roller Ferris Wheel. You must take day trips from here to the Grand Canyon as well, which can be done via a bus or helicopter.
This is the perfect place to start your trip as it is the liveliest and busiest, and you’ll basically find anything here. Transportation is also easy as it is interconnected with almost any state on the West Coast.
San Francisco for 4 days
San Francisco is Northern California’s commercial, cultural, and financial centre. It is the fourth most populous city in California and is well-known for its fog, cool summers, eclectic mix of architecture, and world-renowned landmarks, one of which is The Golden Gate Bridge.
A couple of other must-visit locations here include Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz Island, Twin Peaks, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more. You can also take day trips to San Jose, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.
The most recommended option for getting to San Franciso from Las Vegas is by plane because you’ll reach your destination the fastest that way, with a travel time of as fast as less than 2 hours. Other options include riding the bus then train, or driving, with more than 9 hours of travel.
Los Angeles for 5 days
Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, is the most populous city in the US state of California. This city is famous for Hollywood and gorgeous beaches, complete with themed restaurants and ice cream shops reminiscent of Coney Island.
Some of its tourist attractions include The Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Santa Monica Pier, which is featured in many TV shows and movies.
Universal Studios isn’t the only theme park that you could visit here. You can also do a day trip to Disneyland and San Diego. This is the perfect place to end your trip as it has warm and sunny weather almost all year long, and it is easy to go everywhere as they have 2,200 buses and 6 rail lines.
The most recommended option from San Francisco to Los Angeles is to fly as it is the fastest, with a travel duration of 2 hours. Other options include riding the Caltrain, driving, or by bus, with a travel time of 6 to 9 hours.
Itinerary #2: California, Oregon, and Washington
This itinerary is perfect for those who are looking for a mix of the usual city hustle and bustle and serenity, then throw coastal sceneries into the mix. You’ll start off strong with Los Angeles, which is the busiest city among all that’s included in this itinerary.
Then, we’ll gradually work our way towards the less crowded areas filled with natural scenery like Oregon and Washington, which are great places for hiking but also amazing cities.
Los Angeles for 3 days
Aside from the landmarks previously mentioned, other reasons why Los Angeles is a must-visit are because of the diversity in terms of food and culture, the comedy scene, the live theatre, and music.
In fact, new and established alternative and rock acts perform at The Sunset Strip. There’s also a wide variety of festivals almost every weekend. From food to film or cultural and art festivals, you name it.
Other must-see attractions here include the Getty Center, Huntington Library, Grand Central Market, Hollywood Bowl, Venice Beach Boardwalk, and more.
This is the perfect place to start your trip because of the balance of the things that you’ll see and experience.
Los Angeles is brimming with culture and live entertainment, but if you prefer to see nature, some spots highlight the place’s natural beauty as well, and of course, for history buffs, there are also numerous museums here.
You can also simply spend 2 weeks in California and make your itinerary simpler, but maximising your time.
San Francisco for 3 days
Francisco should definitely be included in your 2 weeks West Coast USA itinerary because of their world-renowned symphony, opera, theatre, ballet, and tons of outdoor activities for the adventurous.
Food lovers are also in for a treat as they have many cuisines ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to themed food trucks.
A couple of tourist spots here are Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, Asian Art Museum, Exploratorium, Oracle Park, where you could watch a live baseball game, and more.
If you’re travelling from Los Angeles to San Francisco, I highly recommend that you fly as riding the train, which is the cheapest option, takes more than 11 hours while flying has a travel duration of more than 3 hours. Other options include riding the bus or driving.
Oregon for 4 days
Oregon is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of The United States. It has been home to a lot of indigenous people for thousands of years and is known for its lush forests, beautiful lakes, scenic bikeways, and diverse landscapes. It also offers tons of outdoor activities.
A couple of tourist spots here include Crater Lake National Park, Portland Japanese Garden, Haystack Rock, and Malheur National Forest, which consists of 1.7 million acres of desert grasslands, pines, and junipers, as well as alpine lakes and meadows.
The distance between San Francisco to Oregon is approximately 530.4 miles (853.6 km) so I highly recommend that you fly to reach your destination. Travel duration is almost 4 hours. Other options include riding a train, bus, or driving, with a travel duration of more than 10 hours.
Washington for 4 days
Washington is the 18th largest and the 13th most populous state. It is famous for its college basketball teams, mountainous landscapes, and Seattle, which is renowned for its coffee culture.
In fact, you’ll find the oldest Starbucks here and, aside from that, Seattle’s Best, which is another large coffee chain. And, of course, the stunning Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
A couple of must-see attractions here include Mouna Rainer National Park, Seattle’s Space Needle, Olympic National Park, San Juan Islands, and Pike Place Market in Seattle.
The distance between Portland (Oregon) and Seattle (Washington) is 183 miles (294.5 km), so I can recommend two main options when going to Washington. You can either fly, which is around 1 hour. You can also ride the train or the bus for 4 to 5 hours.
This is the perfect place to finish your trip because despite being near the previous location, Washington has a massive airport with international flights.
Itinerary #3: National Parks For Hikers (Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Yosemite, Sequoia, Mt. Hood, Willamette, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests/Parks)
This itinerary is perfect for those who love hiking and outdoor adventure. I highly recommend staying in California for this specific itinerary because there are tons of national forests here.
You can use this as your base and then go to Oregon, Seattle, and San Francisco. It is also advisable for you to rent a car for easier transportation and flexibility in schedule.
Los Angeles for 4 days (Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park)
Since this itinerary is focused on suggesting great national parks for hikers, I am going to highlight Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park in this portion of the article.
Joshua Tree has 2 distinct ecosystems called The Mojave and The Colorado. It is filled with rock formations, cacti, and desert animals. They offer many activities besides hiking, including camping, rock climbing, and even ranger programs.
Death Valley National Park, on the other hand, is the lowest, driest, and hottest national park. However, there are some extreme opposite phenomena here that are amazing to witness, such as towering peaks frosted with winter snow and rare rainstorms which produce a vast of wildflowers.
You can easily spend a weekend in the Death Valley. It has nearly 400 native wildlife species and more than 1,000 plant species. Los Angeles, in general, is a perfect place to start your trip because, aside from the adventures of waiting, it also has a great international airport that can basically take you anywhere in the US and even outside the country.
San Francisco for 3 days (Yosemite and Sequoia National Park)
From San Francisco, you can plan hikes to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.
Yosemite National Park is famous for its waterfalls, grand meadows, deep valleys, and overall vast wilderness filled with numerous plant and animal species. Some activities that you can do here include camping, birdwatching, fishing, horseback riding, stargazing, rock climbing, and more.
Sequoia National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its huge sequoia trees, hence the name. Aside from that, you can also find deep canyons, vast caverns, mountains, and rugged foothills.
The distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco is approximately 381.6 miles (613 km), and the travel time through driving is more than 6 hours. So, I highly recommend that you fly to reach your destination if you’re short in time. Other options include riding the bus or train, which would take more than 11 hours to reach your goal.
Portland for 4 days (Mt. Hood and Willamette National Forest)
Mount Hood is the highest peak in the state of Oregon and one of the most climbed mountains in the world, so you definitely wouldn’t want to miss it. Mount Hood is famous during the winter for its numerous activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, campfires, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing.
When travelling to Portland from San Francisco, I highly recommend that you fly because driving lasts more than 10 hours while flying takes less than 2 hours. Other travel options are riding the bus or the train, which both take longer time to reach your destination but are cheaper than flying.
Seattle for 4 days (Okanogan-Wenatchee and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest encompasses 3.8 million diverse landscapes. A couple of attractions found in the national forest include Dewey Lakes Overlook, Smithbrook Trailhead, Lake Valhalla, Alta Mountain, Blue Lake Trail, and more.
While Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is filled with mountain meadows, old-growth forests, and snow-capped mountains. Both national parks have decent marked trails for first-time visitors. But it’s available to do your research before heading out.
The distance between Portland and Seattle is 173.8 miles (279.7 km), so flying isn’t necessary. I highly recommend that you travel by train so you can see the scenery along the way as well.
Travel duration is around 3 hours and 25 minutes. Other options include riding the bus or driving. You could fly as well, but the travel duration isn’t that different, with a travel time of almost 3 hours. Besides that, it’s more expensive.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN THE WEST COAST USA (per city)
Since you now have an idea of cities that you can include in your 2 weeks West Coast USA itinerary, it’s time to show a list of things you can doo and tours that you can book:
Las Vegas, Nevada
- Ride the High Roller – get your tickers here
- Explore The Strip
- Explore the Mob Museum
- Stroll along Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
- See a show at MGM Grand – such as David Copperfield
- Sightseeing at Stratosphere Tower
- Fly above Las Vegas at night – book a night helicopter tour
- Visit the Fountains at Bellagio
- Go on a Mojave Desert ATV drive – read reviews and look at the price
- Take a photo at the Las Vegas sign
- You can also get a “Go City All-inclusive Pass”, which allows you to enter 30+ attractions
Los Angeles, California
- Visit the Hollywood Sign
- Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Day trip to Angeles National Forest
- Tour the Warner Bros. Studio – look at the cost
- Day trip to Griffith Park
- Visit Bradbury Building
- Explore Universal Studios – check the schedule
- Shop at Amoeba Music
- Stroll along Sunset Strip
- Attend a concert at Hollywood Bowl
- You can also sign up for the “Ultimate Tour” that covers all must-see spots to save time
San Francisco, California
- Goldate Gate Bridge Cruise – see the tour cost
- Golden Gate Park
- Go hiking – the Mui Woods and wine tour at Napa and Sonoma Valley or compare with this tour price
- Exploratorium
- The Walt Disney Family Museum
- Alcatraz – with a hop-on, hop-off bus (good combo to save money and maximise your time) or this one with Fisherman’s Wharf lunch
- Coit Tower
- PIER 39
- Join a culinary walking tour – in Chinatown or this street food walking tour
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Go wine-tasting – half-day tour in wine country
- Twin Peaks
- See filming locations – via a bus tour
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- Go on a sunset cruise – on a luxury Catamaran or this more affordable choice
- Ferry Building
- Explore the Yosemite – this one also stops in Giant Sequoias on a day trip
Seattle, Washington
- Day Trip to Mount Si
- Sign up for the Underground History Tour – get your tickets in advance
- Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Pop Culture
- Visit Space Needle – must book your ticket in advance
- Visit Sky View Observatory
- Do a Day Trip to Mt. Rainier – check the price
- Seattle Central Public Library
- Explore the Museum of Flight
- Explore Pike Place Market – do the famous food tour and/or the tasty chocolate tour
- Visit Starbucks Reserve Roastery
- Pacific Northwest Ballet
- Don’t miss the Harbour Cruise – book the affordable tour
- Explore Woodland Park Zoo
- Make sure to do a Half-day Tour of Snoqualmie Falls – join a tour
- Stroll along Discovery Park
- Get a City Pass and use it at the top attractions in Seattle
Portland, Oregon
- Explore Portland on this 2-hour bike tour
- Washington Park
- Hike the Columbia River Gorge and waterfalls – read the reviews
- OMSI Museum
- Drive along the scenic Oregon Coast – full-day guided tour
- International Rose Test Garden
- Go on a dinner cruise – along the Willamette River or go on a Willamette Valley wine tour
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Hike the Mount Hood to Multnomah Falls – see the tour cost
- Pittock Mansion
- Explore the Portland food scene or this donut-tasting tour
- Powell’s City of Books
- Join the spooky Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel tour with Brewery tasting – read more about the tour
LOCAL AMERICAN DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY
The West Coast of the USA offers a diverse culinary scene that beautifully merges traditional American fare with international influences. Here’s a list of dishes, desserts, and drinks you shouldn’t miss when visiting:
- Fish Tacos – A Southern California staple, usually made with grilled or battered fish
- Clam Chowder in a Sourdough Bowl – A must-try in San Francisco
- In-N-Out Burger – The iconic West Coast fast-food burger
- Poke Bowls – Hawaiian-inspired, found throughout the coast
- Street Tacos – Especially in areas with a strong Mexican influence
- Dungeness Crab – Popular in Oregon and Northern California
- Cioppino – A seafood stew, another San Francisco classic
- Pacific Northwest Salmon – Often grilled, smoked, or prepared as sushi
- Avocado Toast – Ubiquitous but always delicious
- Korean BBQ – LA is famous for its Korean food
- Ghirardelli Chocolate – Originally from San Francisco, available in various forms
- Salt & Straw Ice Cream – Known for its unique flavours, based in Portland
- S’mores – Classic American dessert you can make while camping
- Macarons from Bottega Louie – An LA favourite
- Donuts from Voodoo Doughnut – A Portland institution
- Craft Beer – The West Coast is a craft beer haven, with IPA being particularly popular.
- California Wines – Napa and Sonoma have some of the best vineyards in the U.S.
- Margarita – Especially popular in Southern California
- Coffee from Third-Wave Cafés – Think Stumptown in Portland or Blue Bottle in San Francisco
- Fresh-Pressed Juices – Popular throughout California for health-conscious travellers
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE WEST COAST
For final touches, here’s a quick list of accommodations that you can check out regardless of your budget:
Las Vegas, Nevada
- Affordable: The STRAT Hotel or The D Las Vegas
- Mid-range: Bally’s or Downtown Grand Hotels & Casino
- Luxury: Bellagio or The Palazzo
Los Angeles, California
- Affordable: Samesun Venice Beach or HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
- Mid-range: Hotel Figueroa by Hyatt or H Hotel by Hilton
- Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills or Four Season Beverly Hills
San Francisco, California
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
Seattle, Washington
- Affordable: Duo Housing or Duo Nomad
- Mid-range: Washington Plaza Hotel or citizenM Washington DC
- Luxury: JW Marriott or Sofitel Lafayette Square
Portland, Oregon
- Affordable:
- Mid-range:
- Luxury:
SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS WEST COAST USA ITINERARY
With everything that the West Coast has to offer, I’m sure that you’ll barely notice that you already spent 14 days in the West Coast USA as it is perfect for both those who want to experience nightlife like no other and those who prefer serene places. It is basically the best of both worlds.
Aside from that, people are also very laid back and easygoing, It is home to a wine-growing country such as Napa Valley, there are hidden beaches everywhere, the national parks are epic, and you can try out any outdoor activity that you can possibly think of.
I really hope that you found some inspiration on this list of 2 weeks in West Coast USA itinerary when it comes to planning and creating your own travel plan.
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