If you are thinking of planning a short weekend getaway to the West Coast, we’ve got you covered! It's a lovely section of the country with plenty of options for short excursions. Continue reading to learn about the best West Coast weekend trips.
Spectacular beauty, dynamic cities, and beautiful communities characterize the West Coast. Whether you're seeking a lovely beach or a peaceful mountain getaway, or you want to see the attractions in one of the many excellent cities, the West Coast has it all.
Oregon
Crater Lake
Crater Lake looks like something out of the Andes or the Himalayas. The massive crater left behind by Mount Mazama's collapse is currently filled with primary blue waters. It's breathtaking and unlike any other National Park in the United States.
Crater Lake National Park is located in southwestern Oregon, a little out of the way. It's a small park, but it's just around 250 miles from Portland, so it's ideal for a weekend trip.
A picturesque drive around the rim of Crater Lake is the best way to see it. Picnic sites, pull-offs, and trailheads are located throughout the 33-mile loop that arcs around the rim of the lake.
You must visit Crater Lake itself to get the full Crater Lake experience. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is only a mile away, and once there, you can take one of the boat tours to Wizard Island or Phantom Ship.
While Crater Lake is available all year, the months of June through October are the greatest for visiting because most of the roads are open.
Bend
Bend is one of the best outdoor playgrounds in the United States. The town, which has a population of about 100,000 people, is located in Central Oregon, where the forested Cascade Mountains meet the sage-covered valleys of the state's eastern desert.
In Bend, there is no shortage of things to do. Local cafés, boutiques, breweries, parks, music venues, and golf courses abound in the city.
Bend is also an excellent base for exploring Central Oregon's top attractions, whether you wish to float the Deschutes River, kayak on Sparks Lake, snowshoe on Mount Bachelor, or climb the vertical cliffs of Smith Rock.
Bend is a year-round vacation spot. In the winter, you can ski at Mount Bachelor and visit local hot springs on day trips. The snow is melting and flowers are growing in Oregon's high desert during springtime near Bend.
Warm weather is ideal for outdoor concerts, open-air beer gardens, and water activities when summer arrives. In the fall, the weather is ideal for driving the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and trekking some of the Pacific Northwest's most stunning peaks.
The variety of tourist attractions in and around Bend makes it a great weekend escape for backpackers, families, adventurers, and nature lovers.
There's no better spot to come than Bend if you want to walk in the morning, ski in the afternoon, enjoy a gourmet meal for dinner, and visit an observatory at night.
Columbia River Gorge
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Columbia River Gorge is the ideal west coast weekend vacation destination. When you want to be surrounded by nature and see some of the best views the Pacific Northwest has to offer, this is the place to go.
The Columbia River Gorge is located on the Oregon-Washington border, along the Columbia River. Multnomah Falls, Oregon's largest waterfall and undoubtedly the area's most popular attraction, is located in this neighborhood.
Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Bridge of the Gods, and the Stonehenge Memorial are all worth seeing in addition to Multnomah Falls. Crown Point offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. This is a picturesque overlook with spectacular Columbia River views.
Bring good hiking shoes and a rain jacket when arranging your excursion. Come prepared for all types of weather as this area is notorious for its rain. Spring and October are the finest times to visit. You'll be able to dodge the crowds and enjoy more pleasant weather.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes are a unique location in terms of conservation initiatives in the United States. While most recreation sites have plenty of paths, not all of them allow ATVs to be used.
Recreation is at the heart of activities at the dunes, as the name implies. Along US 101, there are a number of businesses to rent an off-road vehicle. It's thrilling to be able to tear across the dunes.
If zooming around on ATVs isn't your thing, the dunes offer a variety of alternative activities. Off-highway vehicles are not permitted in the Dunes Day Use area, making it an ideal location for walking.
The trail descends into a large open dunes area for you to explore. You can continue through the dunes, coastal woodland, and out onto the beach.
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is the place to go if you're searching for a destination with a wide range of activities for the whole family. There is plenty to do here, from dune camping to hiking and off-roading.
You won't be disappointed even if you only stop for a quick peek at the dunes in all their magnificence while seeing the rest of the Oregon Coast.
California
Sonoma County
Sonoma County, located north of San Francisco, is Northern California's hidden treasure, boasting world-class wineries and farmers' markets without the crowds of Napa Valley and other major wine country locations.
Sonoma County is known for its numerous vineyards, many of which allow you to bring your picnic. Pellegrini, which is accessible via a beautiful drive through 70 acres of vines, and Paradise Ridge, which overlooks the Russian River Valley, are two of the top wineries around Santa Rosa.
If you visit Sonoma County vineyards in May, you will be rewarded with lavender fields in bloom. Many vineyards in the area offer tours, so be sure you check them out before you go.
The area is also home to the world's tallest trees, which may reach heights of 250 feet. You should go zip-lining in the redwood forest of the Pacific Coast near Santa Rosa for the ultimate experience.
After spending the day in Sonoma County, spend the night in Santa Rosa. There are lots of hotels and restaurants to choose from at all pricing ranges.
San Diego
San Diego is the ideal California beach town and a must-see on every trip to the United States' West Coast. San Diego, also known as America's Finest City, has a lot to offer, whether you're searching for a beach vacation at one of the many San Diego beach resorts, a great time in the city, or a combination of the two.
Downtown San Diego offers a diverse range of activities. There is something for everyone, from excellent Italian dining in Little Italy to visiting the Midway Museum, meandering around Seaport Village, or enjoying a wild night out in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Visit Balboa Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or spend a few hours at the Cabrillo National Monument if you enjoy the outdoors and animals.
San Diego features some of Southern California's nicest beaches. Mission Beach, Coronado Beach, and the beaches of La Jolla are among the most popular. For a pleasant day at the beach, relax on the sand, take surfing lessons, or ride your bike along the boardwalk.
If you’re thinking a beach getaway sounds right up your alley, you can start getting excited by looking at our Seaglass Shores One Shoulder Top and Seaglass Shores Side Shirred Hipster Bottom. We can definitely see you rocking our beach-inspired set on the Cali beach!
San Diego has so much to offer and is simply a great city to visit, making it ideal for a weekend getaway.
Big Sur
Leave the city behind, cross the iconic Bixby Bridge, and enter the lovely hamlet of Big Sur, complete with giant redwoods and breathtaking views of the coastline.
One of the first things to do, whether you stay in a hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean or a sumptuous Big Sur glamping tent, is to take a walk through the redwoods. These majestic trees provide the ideal amount of shade and fresh air to instantly relax you and make this weekend one to remember.
Natural beauty abounds in Big Sur. Take your camera on an easy 15-minute stroll to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park's McWay Falls, which features an 80-foot waterfall that cascades into the Pacific Ocean. Pfeiffer Beach is another fantastic place to go for some beach time while also seeing Keyhole Arch, a beautiful rock feature. Take our Island Goddess High Neck Keyhole One Piece on your Big Sur beach day and you’ll be turning heads and feeling confident.
Late summer and early fall are the finest times to visit Big Sur since the weather is the most pleasant. At other seasons of the year, this location has a constant marine layer, which gives it a lovely moody vibe. The weather can be cold at times so taking a cute sweatshirt can serve you well.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
The sequoia trees are the major motivation for visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. They're frequently mistaken for huge redwoods. Both trees are impressively tall, although they belong to distinct tree species.
The 275-foot-tall General Sherman tree is one of the park's most popular attractions. It is located in the Giant Forest part of the park and is the world's largest living tree by volume. There are numerous wonderful hiking trails in this area that allow you to appreciate the beauty of the towering trees above you.
Moro Rock and Tokopah Falls are two other places not to be missed. Keep a watch out for black bears, which are frequently spotted by the side of the road and in the park's calmer regions.
Although there are fewer ranger-led activities outside of the major summer months, May through October is the best time to come. If these don't pique your interest, consider going during non-holiday months or on weekends when the park is less crowded.
Some areas of the park are closed during the winter. You can still stroll into the sequoia trees, but be cautious because it might be cold and snowy.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is the ideal spot for a West Coast weekend getaway that includes alpine lakes, majestic mountain peaks, waterfall walks, and plenty of fresh clean air.
At slightly over 6000 feet, Lake Tahoe spans the state line between California and Nevada and is ensconced in the Sierra Nevada mountain basin.
In the summer, the cold mountain air is ideal for a refreshing swim, paddleboarding, or a kayak ride on the lake. Some of the locals' favorite swimming spots are Sand Harbor and Meeks Bay. Our In The Tropics Reversible Tank One Piece swimsuit is a versatile option that you’ll feel comfortable in whether you’re taking part in a busy, activity-filled day or simply going for a casual swim.
Lake Tahoe transforms into a gorgeous winter wonderland in the winter, with plenty of options for snow sports at one of its numerous resorts, such as Heavenly or Northstar. Hiking routes are also available around the area if you first put on your snowshoes!
Waterfalls become flowing cascades in the spring, while meadows become floral fields. Ski resorts remain open until the last bit of snow melts.
In October, the aspens turn golden, making this a great time for trekking. For beautiful autumn views, visit Eagle Falls or the Van Sickle Bi-State Park paths.
Washington
Seattle
A weekend vacation to Seattle is a terrific opportunity to get a sense of the city, whether you're traveling for the first time or the 50th. You'll want to arrive first thing Saturday morning (or, ideally, Friday night) to get the most out of your trip.
Depending on when you arrive, go to Pike Place for a morning coffee from the Original Starbucks and a stroll through Pike Place Market, or go directly to Pike Place Chowder for a warming bread bowl of the city's famous clam chowder.
The Gum Wall, the Seattle Public Library, the waterfront, and, of course, the Space Needle may all be explored for a few hours after that. Book your Space Needle tickets ahead of time to avoid lines, especially if you only have 48 hours to explore. After a few hours of sightseeing, make your way to Kerry Park to watch the sunset.
The remainder of your second day can be spent seeing all of the places you missed on the first, such as the Olympic Sculpture Park or Gasworks Park, as well as sampling even more Seattle delicacies.
The greatest time to visit Seattle is during the spring and summer months when the days are longer and warmer (allowing for more daylight hours to enjoy the city!). However, for those who want to soak up the holiday spirit, a winter getaway might be enjoyable.
Olympic Coast
The Olympic Coast in Washington is a great place to spend a weekend. This part of Washington is located across the Puget Sound from Seattle and Tacoma, and it feels like a world away.
It truly feels like you've stepped into another dimension, with huge driftwood, breathtaking scenery, and a temperate rainforest.
There is plenty to do along this stretch of coastline. There is something for everyone, from visiting quaint communities like Port Townsend in the Northeast to ascending high into the mountains of Olympic National Park at Hurricane Ridge.
The beaches are the main attraction. These beaches, which are part of a Marine Protected Area, are less developed than those on the West Coast. Swimming is not recommended, as most of the beaches are lined with stones and sea stacks.
While every season on the shore is gorgeous, the fall months appear to have the best weather. Rain falls in the winter and spring, and there is a lot of marine fog in the summer. If you're going to the beach, remember to keep an eye on the tides! You can check tide tables online to ensure that you have enough time to explore the tide pools along the shore while being safe.
Whatever time of year you visit the Olympic Coast, you will have a fantastic time!
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is a fantastic weekend getaway spot. Hikes abound, with mountain views, waterfalls, lakes, and hills to be found. Mount Rainier is a great place to visit if you prefer being outside.
The Comet Falls path is one of the top hikes in Mount Rainier. This magnificent waterfall is around 380 feet tall, with views of Van Trump Creek along the way. This is a fantastic hike for a rainy day.
The Skyline Trail is another wonderful climb. This trail is one of Mount Rainier's most popular, and for good reason. Mountains may be seen from all sides. On the walk, there is a beautiful waterfall named Myrtle Falls. There's also a good possibility you'll see the adorable marmots.
Fremont Lookout is the last walk on Mount Rainier that you should do on a weekend. This is a great place to watch the sunset, and you might even get a cloud inversion if you're lucky.
Time To Travel
All that is left now is to plan that getaway and set off on your west coast adventure! And obviously, check out our website to get you in the vacation mindset.
Sources:
Crater Lake National Park | US National Park Service