Pacific Coast Highway: A Road Trip Along the U.S. Coast

About the destination: Seattle is a major coastal seaport and the seat of King County, in the state of Washington. Seattle lies on seven hills including Capitol Hill, First Hill, West Seattle, Beacon Hill, Magnolia, Denny Hill and Queen Anne. The Kitsap and the Olympic peninsulas along with the Olympic Mountains lie to the west of Puget Sound, while the Cascade Range and Lake Sammamish lie to the east of Lake Washington. An iconic feature of Seattle's skyline is the Space Needle. The view from the top is stunning with a revolving restaurant, undoubtedly Seattle's most famous landmark. Mount Rainier, towering over Seattle, is 50 miles from the city. There's a national park with camping and hiking activities. One of Seattle's most popular attractions is Pike Place Market. The farmer's market is over 100 years old and still maintains local flavour. The Seattle Aquarium showcases a wide variety of colourful marine species. To relive Seattle's history visit the city's oldest neighbourhood around Pioneer Square. Moreover, it's packed with exciting night clubs, restaurants and galleries. Seattle is one of the beautiful cities of the Pacific Northwest. Eclectic, urban, outdoorsy, artsy, gritty and down-to-earth, this vibrant city is well worth a visit.

About the destination: Tacoma + Pierce County is a place for people unafraid to trek through the woods of Mount Rainier in the rain, fearless of breaking a sweat in the heat of the hot shop while blowing glass and resiliently tilling the soil that grows some of the world's best rhubarb. From the Puget Sound waters to Mount Rainier and everything in between Pierce County communities are unique. Check out rhubarb pie in Sumner or antiques in Puyallup. Maritime can be found in Gig Harbor, while majestic gardens are in Lakewood. Discover history in Fife or connect with nature at Mount Rainier. With each just a car-ride away from Tacoma's glass art scene, it's easy to go out and explore.

About the destination: Olympia is a city where everyone can find something to love. It's a city fueled by government activity, but where people enjoy the outdoors during its mild winters and warm summers. Splashed throughout the city, hiking and biking trails wander through the evergreen forests and lead to saltwater beaches. We might be small as far a cities go, but we have plenty of activities for every interest. With a rich history, vibrant culture, modern ammenities, and a beautiful setting on the Puget sound, Olympia is a great place to visit for work or play. Numerous unique restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues are conveniently located in Olympia’s historic downtown, just north of the State’s Capitol Campus. The Olympia Downtown Association provides more information at DowntownOlympia.com external link. The FREE Dash Shuttle, operated by Intercity Transit, runs on 12 and 15 minute schedules from the Capitol to downtown, Monday through Saturday. Get DASH information and other bus schedules at IntercityTransit.com The Olympia|Lacey|Tumwater Vistor Convention Bureau provides information about attractions and events, as well as dining, lodging and transportation services in the greater Thurston County area at VisitOlympia.com

About the destination: Lake Quinault, located in the heart of the Olympic National Forest in Washington State, is a pristine natural haven surrounded by lush temperate rainforests and majestic mountains. This serene lake offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the clear, tranquil waters. The area boasts numerous hiking trails, including the Quinault Rainforest Loop, where you can marvel at ancient trees, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Accommodations range from rustic cabins to the historic Lake Quinault Lodge, providing cozy spots to relax and take in the breathtaking views. With its stunning landscapes and tranquil ambiance, Lake Quinault is a perfect destination for those seeking to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

About the destination: Ocean Shores is a city that belongs to the American state of Washington and its located Grays Harbour County. Whenever you visit this you’ll discover why it’s one of people’s favorite getaway, vacation and convention destinations. Obviously is known for his wonderful beaches in which you will be able to relax and to sunbathe. But Ocean Shores is not only beaches, in this city you will be able to realize a multitude of activities of any type, not only aquatic. The culture lovers, will be able to visit museums as the Fusions Gallery or The Gallery of Ocean Shores, where you will be able to enjoy a few excellent exhibitions of all kinds. In addition you will be able to visit his natural reserves as the Ocean City State Park or the Damon Point. Separate of the daily world and come to relax in this fresh and marine climate and forget all your problems in these fabulous beaches.

About the destination: Cannon Beach is a city in Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. The population was 1,690 at the 2010 census. Cannon Beach is a popular coastal tourist destination in Oregon, famous for Haystack Rock, a 235 ft sea stack that juts out along the Pacific Coast. In 2013, National Geographic listed Cannon Beach as "one of the world’s 100 most beautiful places.

About the destination: Newport is a city in Lincoln County, Oregon, United States. It was incorporated in 1882, though the name dates back to the establishment of a post office in 1868. Newport was named for Newport, Rhode Island. Newport has mild, wet weather throughout the year with the heaviest precipitation falling during the winter months. The city averages 0.4 afternoons annually with maximum temperatures equalling or exceeding 90 °F or 32.2 °C and 29 mornings with minimum temperatures of 32 °F or 0 °C or lower. Newport is also home to the Hatfield Marine Science Center, operated by Oregon State University in collaboration with state and federal agencies. The center conducts research and educational programs associated with the marine environment and serves as a primary field station for the university's College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences.

About the destination: Crescent City is the county seat and only incorporated city in Del Norte County, California. Named for the crescent-shaped stretch of sandy beach south of the city, Crescent City had a total population of 7,643 in the 2010 census, up from 4,006 in the 2000 census. The population includes inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison, also within the city limits, and the former census-designated place Crescent City North annexed to the city. The city is also the site of the Redwood National Park headquarters, as well as the historic Battery Point Light. Due to the richness of the local Pacific Ocean waters and the related catch, and ease of access, Crescent City Harbor serves as home port for numerous commercial fishing vessels. The city is located on the Pacific coast in the upper northwestern part of California, about 20 miles (32 km) south of the Oregon border. Crescent City's offshore geography makes it unusually susceptible to tsunamis.[12] Much of the city was destroyed by four tsunami waves generated by the Good Friday earthquake off Anchorage, Alaska in 1964. More recently, the city's harbor suffered extensive damage and destruction due to tsunamis generated by the March 11, 2011 earthquake off Sendai, Japan. Several dozen vessels and many of the docks they were moored to were destroyed as wave cycles related to the tsunamis exceeded 8 feet (2.4 m). Its climate is also very moderate, with very cool summers for its latitude as a result of intense maritime moderation. Nearby inland areas behind the mountains have significantly warmer summers.

About the destination: Redwood National And State Parks is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the North Coast of the state of California. This park has 133,000 total acres, 40 miles of pristine coastline and 45 percent of all the remaining coast redwood, with more than 300-foot-high trees. An extensive network of trails and roadways allows visitors of every ability level to experience the forest.

About the destination: Mendocino (Spanish for "of Mendoza") is an unincorporated community in Mendocino County, California, United States. Mendocino is located 9.5 miles (15 km) south of Fort Bragg, at an elevation of 154 feet (47 m). The population of the census-designated place (CDP) was 894 at the 2010 census, up from 824 at the 2000 census. The town's name comes from Cape Mendocino, named by early Spanish navigators in honor of Antonio de Mendoza, Viceroy of New Spain. Despite its small size, the town's scenic location on a headland surrounded by the Pacific Ocean has made it extremely popular as an artists' colony and with vacationers. With its spectacular cliffs overlooking a metallic blue sea, this coastal village is a natural magnet for artists, romantics and lovers of the wild and rugged. As the closest point to the California town of New England, Mendocino allows you to stroll near beautiful old two-storey cottages wrapped in roses and wooden fences, and wind chimes ringing in the breeze. This tucked-away town wasn't always so charming and quiet: during the logging boom of the mid- to late 1800s, Mendocino was bustling with people and commerce, a thriving port full of saloons and bustling hotels. Now, luxurious accommodations welcome you and invite you to curl up by the fire; restaurants serve freshly caught seafood and local organic wines; and galleries showcase high-end art and crafts. Festivals are many and often celebrate the region's bounty, whether it's sweet Dungeness crab, craft beers or mushrooms in winter.

About the destination: San Francisco is a major, lively and cosmopolitan city in California. In San Francisco, history and modernity combine to give visitors an unforgettable experience. From Mission Dolores, the city's first stone building or the city’s legendary cable cars to the high-tech Financial District. A trip to San Francisco is bound to leave you with incredible memories. A boat trip is a great way to explore the “City by the Bay.” Explore Fisherman's Wharf, full of shops, galleries and restaurant offering delicious seafood. Stroll down the Golden Gate and admire the views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean, visit the various maritime museums, and , of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without an excursion to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held some of the country’s most notorious criminals, such as Al Capone. If it’s a more relaxed environment you’re after, pass through the stately architecture and flowing lagoon of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city's most famous landmark. The 260 metre high pyramid structure is situated in the heart of the Financial District. Located between three hills, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia with pagodas, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area. The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses situated on the fringe of Alamo Square and the Haas-Lilienthal House is a well-maintained jewel of a bygone era. San Francisco thrives on variety and has a contagious energy. This city is magical and everyone should come here at least once.

About the destination: Napa is the largest city and the county seat of Napa County, in California's Wine Country. It is the second-largest city in California's Wine Country, after Santa Rosa. Napa was incorporated as a city in 1872.

About the destination: San Francisco is a major, lively and cosmopolitan city in California. In San Francisco, history and modernity combine to give visitors an unforgettable experience. From Mission Dolores, the city's first stone building or the city’s legendary cable cars to the high-tech Financial District. A trip to San Francisco is bound to leave you with incredible memories. A boat trip is a great way to explore the “City by the Bay.” Explore Fisherman's Wharf, full of shops, galleries and restaurant offering delicious seafood. Stroll down the Golden Gate and admire the views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean, visit the various maritime museums, and , of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without an excursion to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held some of the country’s most notorious criminals, such as Al Capone. If it’s a more relaxed environment you’re after, pass through the stately architecture and flowing lagoon of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city's most famous landmark. The 260 metre high pyramid structure is situated in the heart of the Financial District. Located between three hills, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia with pagodas, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area. The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses situated on the fringe of Alamo Square and the Haas-Lilienthal House is a well-maintained jewel of a bygone era. San Francisco thrives on variety and has a contagious energy. This city is magical and everyone should come here at least once.

About the destination: Monterey is a town in the Monterey County are of Monterey Bay in California. Monterey is one of the more beautiful coastal cities of California and can make for a great two day trip for those visiting San Francisco or a weekend gateway for California natives. It was originally the state capital of California, and has more historic builddings in its downtown than any other city west of Santa Fe. Today it is best known for its beautiful coastline, its world-class aquaruium and from te many John Steinbeck novels set here, including Cannery Row ant Tortilla Flat. The Monterey Peninsula has the largest population of sea otters on the California coast. The abundance of marine wildlife visible from the shoreline is one of the primary attractions of the region. Seals, sea lions, and sea otters are visible all year-round, and migrating whales are commonly seen in the fall and spring months. Alvarado Street serves as downtown Monterey's main drag. It has superb restaurants, a selections of bars and unique shops.

About the destination: Pismo Beach is a city in San Luis Obispo County, in the Central Coast area of California, United States. The estimated population was 7,931 in 2014, up from 7,655 in the 2010 census. It is part of the Five Cities Area, a cluster of cities in that area of San Luis Obispo County. The "5 Cities" is actually only 3 cities; Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, and Arroyo Grande. Oceano is a Community Service District and Shell Beach is part of Pismo Beach. Its motto is "Clam Capital of the World".

About the destination: The city of San Luis Bishop is the headquarters of the San Luis Obispo County in the State of California. The city known for tourism focused above all on natural features, such as guided tours of the mountain range that is a few miles from the city, the visit to the farmers market or gastronomic visits I tasting beer that are made are certainly tourism.

About the destination: Santa Barbara is a city and metropolitan area in California. Santa Barbara is also called the American Riviera. Santa Barbara is a perfect holidays destinations for the whole family, with zoo, museums, many activities to do, many restaurants, guided tours and an excursion to the amazing Channel Islands.

About the destination: Nicknamed the City of Angels, Los Angeles is a leading world centre of business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, and education. Los Angeles is architecturally diverse and its attractions are spread over a large area. Downtown is a thriving urban centre, a business district and home to the Grand Avenue cultural corridor. Everyone knows about Hollywood and you have got to visit the Hollywood sign, when in Los Angeles, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Hollywood celebrates its contribution to entertainment through these celebrity stars. Experience the colourful lifestyle of the West Coast on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Here, you will find a festive atmosphere, eclectic entertainers and funky shops. By the scene at Santa Monica Beach, is the famous Pier with a perennial carnival like setting. Draws locals, as well as visitors from around the world. Located in Griffith Park on Mt. Hollywood is the Griffith Observatory. This great public observatory has state of the art facilities and excellent views of Los Angeles. If you are a shopping buff, you will love Rodeo Drive. A glamorous shopping District, Rodeo Drive is full of upscale and fashionable shops. Take a walk around Beverly Hills, you might even spot a celebrity in this neighbourhood. This city offers great weather, good shopping, lots of diversity, great cultural events, excellent dining, and friendly people. Los Angeles is cool, fake, stylized, vast and never boring.