With about 8,000 miles of coastline spanning Canada to Mexico, there are plenty of places to visit on the west coast. And you don’t have to just stay on the coast. There are plenty of inland adventures to be had in Washington, Oregon, California, and British Columbia.
Because there are so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to visit. This guide is here to help. It includes the must-visit places on the west coast regardless of whether you’re looking for wine country, beaches, national parks, city life, or once-in-a-lifetime views.
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Places to Visit on the West Coast
Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll keep this updated with the best places to visit on the west coast!
Overwhelmed by the thought of trip planning? Want to make it a road trip, but not sure where to start? Let me plan you a custom itinerary!
If you’re just exploring, let’s dive into the list of the best west coast travel destinations! Feel free to jump to a specific state if you’re looking to keep your travels to a certain geographic region:
Washington
Washington is the 18th largest state in the US and is known for a lot of interesting things. On one hand its a huge farming state known for being the number one producer of apples, cherries, blueberries, and hops in the country. It’s also the second largest wine producing region in the US, so obviously, the people like their alcoholic beverages.
Washington isn’t just all farmland, though. It has the most glaciers out of any contiguous state, so there are a ton of mountains to explore (hence The Evergreen State moniker). Thanks to being on the coast, the state is also known for orcas, fishing, oysters, and having the largest ferry system in the US. So no matter what type of landscape you prefer, Washington has it all. Let’s dive into the best places to visit in the state.
Seattle
nearest airport: ~15 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (get directions) | best for: food, art, & city life
Considering I live here, I can’t help but start this list of the best places to visit on the west coast with The Emerald City. Located along the Puget Sound in western Washington, Seattle is known for its music, art, and food scene. To prove my point, Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, Dale Chihuly, and Starbucks are just some of the famous names that came from the Seattle area.
Seattle is one of the few spots that caters to adults and families, as there seems to be a rooftop bar and alongside family restaurants everywhere you turn.
A benefit of visiting Seattle is that you’re perfectly situated to take scenic day trips, or you can kick back in a swanky hotel and explore hidden gems even locals don’t know about. I have a ton of guides to exploring Seattle, but here are some of the most relevant to get you started:
- Take the Ultimate Seattle Self-Guided Food Tour
- Seattle Bucket List: 70+ Adventures to Take in Your Lifetime
- How to Spend the Perfect Day in Seattle
- The Ultimate Seattle 3-Day Itinerary
- Unique Things to Do in Seattle
Seattle also has ferries to nearby Vashon Island and Bainbridge Island if you want to get a taste of island life not too far from a major city.
San Juan Islands
nearest airport: ~48 miles from Bellingham International Airport (get directions) | best for: whale watching & the slow life
The San Juan Islands are my favorite of the 11 islands near Seattle and hands down one of the best places to visit on the west coast. There are three main islands people visit: Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island. Lopez is the quieter, more family/bike-friendly island, while Orcas is known for its adorable downtown. San Juan is the most populated island where most of the state’s infamous whale watching happens.
You can visit all three in one trip by taking a ferry from Anacortes on the mainland to San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and then Lopez Island. Do it in that order because you only have to pay for the ferry on routes traveling westbound. Leave time to explore the port town of Anacortes if you can, as there are a lot of adorable restaurants and a great farmers market!
Bellingham
nearest airport: ~6 miles from Bellingham International Airport (get directions) | best for: beer & biking
Known for its hip, college-town vibe, Bellingham is the last major city before you reach Canada. There’s an adorable downtown with great restaurants and more than 20 craft breweries. There’s also plenty of walking and biking trails. In fact, the historic Fairhaven neighborhood is the start of the famous Chuckanut Drive. This ~40-mile route weaves along the coast and offers countless viewpoints, hikes, and Larrabee, the first state park.
Bellingham is perfectly situated for exploring a lot of nearby Washington destinations. For example, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest is a popular spot for breathtaking hikes. Mt. Baker Ski Area is popular come winter because it has the most snowfall out of any resort in the state.
Since most people fly into Seattle and drive the ~2 hours north to Bellingham, it’s the perfect excuse to also stop in the agriculturally-rich Skagit Valley to explore all the best things to do and eat. Oh, and it’s close to the San Juan Islands and Lummi Island, so you can hit up those destinations too!
I can go on and on about Bellingham. Read my Bellingham guide to get the lowdown on even more to do in this gem of an places to visit on the west coast.
North Cascades National Park
nearest airport: ~76 miles from Bellingham International Airport (get directions) | best for: hiking
I’ve always said the North Cascades National Park is the most underrated park in Washington. Not only is it free to enter, but it’s freaking gorgeous, with jagged cliff sides, glaciers, meadows, and hidden lakes to boot. Make sure to read my itinerary before you head out for all the best viewpoints and hikes. If you happen to visit in fall, check out my guide to best larch hikes for incredible fall colors.
Because it starts about 1.5 from Bellingham, North Cascades National Park is a popular destination to tack on. Be warned that the park is remote though, with mostly camping and no amenities in the park boundaries. I always recommend ending your trip in Winthrop to the east of the park. It’s a quaint pioneer town that has some surprisingly good restaurants and is a popular winter destination thanks to its cross-country skiing and hot air balloon festival. Note, North Cascades NP is closed in winter.
If you plan to stay overnight in the North Cascades area, consider booking one of the cute cabins in Winthrop since there aren’t many accommodations in the park proper.
Olympic National Park
nearest airport: ~130 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (get directions) | best for: hiking & coastal views
Driving the Olympic Peninsula is the perfect way to explore western Washington because it gives you a dose of everything. You’ll be able to drive along the Washington coast and explore Olympic National Park, which is comprised of over a million acres of forest, rainforest, and coastal views.
Like North Cascades National Park, the Olympic one is remote, but it draws way more crowds. Once you get past the entrance though, it may feel like you’re all alone at points because the park is very spread out. I recommend staying in the Port Angeles area and staying in the area at least 3 days to do all the best attractions. A bonus is that you can also add on a day trip to Victoria, BC because there’s a ferry departing from Port Angeles.
If you have even more time still, don’t miss the quaint Victorian town of Port Townsend. The architecture is stunning and it has a two cool historic forts. From there you can even catch a ferry to explore Whidbey Island, another one of the Washington islands that has a lot of parks, great food, and wineries. Or check out Poulsbo, Washington’s “Little Norway”.
Mt. Rainier National Park
nearest airport: ~73 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (get directions) | best for: hiking & wildflowers
No trip to Washington would be complete without experiencing Mt. Rainier National Park. Considering you can see its majesty on a sunny days from most areas in Washington, it’s no wonder it was the US’ 5th designated national park. There are over 100 trails catering to all skill levels that take you to old-growth forests, wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and incredible vista views.
There’s a lot going on in this park, and it can easily get confusing, so I organized my favorite hikes based on the 5 park entrances. I also wrote an itinerary for a day trip that includes the best spot to catch the sunset.
You’ll drive by Tacoma on your way to Mt. Rainier from Seattle, which is a great place to explore and grab a bite to eat!
Mt. St. Helens
nearest airport: ~72 miles from Portland International Airport (get directions) | best for: hikes & caves
You may recognize this destination from its infamous volcanic eruption in the 80s. Mt. St. Helens is still an active stratovolcano in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that has an interesting crater-like peak as a result of the eruption. It’s worth visiting if you’re an avid hiker, though you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to summit, as permits are required.
That said, there are easier hikes that offer a great view, like the one from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. If you’re traveling with little ones, they’ll love walking through the Ape Caves. It’s a little spooky at first, but the unique rock formations are worth it.
Chelan County
nearest airport: ~130 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (get directions) | best for: outdoor adventures & wine
Chelan County is nestled about 2.5 hours to the east of Seattle in the Cascade Mountains. While there are smaller nearby airports that service state flights, most people fly into Sea-Tac Airport so they can make the scenic drive.
There are plenty of small towns worth exploring in Chelan County, but the three most popular are Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Lake Chelan.
Leavenworth is the first one you’ll hit coming from Seattle. This adorable Bavarian-themed town is nestled in the mountains so it offers stunning views. Come winter the whole area is lit by thousands of glimmering Christmas lights and blanketed in snow, so it’s a popular spot to rent a cozy cabin and visit in winter. There are plenty of hikes if you come during the warmer months, or you can shop its cute downtown and explore its restaurants and wineries anytime of year.
Wenatchee is the next destination you’ll pass going east from Leavenworth. It’s the largest producer of apples in the world and is much larger than Leavenworth, so there are a lot of fun things to do. You’ll find a ton of wineries, breweries, and the famous Pybus Public Market. It sits right on the water, so after you explore you can take a leisurely walk or bike on the paved Apple Capitol Loop Trail.
Lake Chelan is about an hour north of Wenatchee and south of Winthrop. It’s best known for its water activities and wine. It has one of the deepest lakes in the US, which makes the soil surrounding it perfect for growing grapes. As a result, you’ll find a ton of great Chelan wineries and restaurants. There are also quite a few surrounding hikes in summer and cross-country skiing in winter. One of my favorite things to do is to rent a cozy place to stay in Chelan and check out all the fun nearby winter activities.
Walla Walla
nearest airport: ~4.5 miles from Walla Walla Regional Airport (get directions) | best for: wine tasting
Washington makes some seriously good wine, and 95% of that wine comes from eastern Washington. One of my favorite road trips from Seattle is to drive through Washington wine country, starting in Yakima to stop at a few wineries and then ending in Walla Walla.
There are 130+ wineries in Walla Walla specializing in red varietals like cabernet and syrah. The downtown is cute, and there are enough restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops perfect for a romantic weekend exploring all the fun things to do in Walla Walla.
Spokane
nearest airport: ~6.7 miles from Spokane International Airport (get directions) | best for: city life & shopping
Just 40 minutes from the Idaho border, Spokane is as east as it gets in Washington. I’m always amazed by the architecture and abundance of things to do whenever I go. The city has so much character, with old brick buildings, historic hotels, and a bustling restaurant and shopping scene. Plus, there’s enough to do in the winter for a quick getaway.
Since it’s not on the coast a lot of people skip Spokane, but it deserves a spot on this list of places to visit on the west coast!
Columbia River Gorge
nearest airport: ~58 miles from Portland International Airport (get directions) | best for: wineries & waterfalls
Starting just 30 minutes from Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is a canyon that separates the Washington and Oregon border. With over 50 wineries and more waterfalls than any other place in the country, this 90-mile stretch packs in a lot of fun for couples and road-tripping families. Since this national scenic area spans both states, you’ll find attractions on both sides of the border.
I’ve written guides on the best Gorge wineries and waterfalls. For a bit of both, check out my Gorge itinerary and guide to visiting Columbia River Gorge!
Oregon
Oregon was founded on Valentine’s Day in 1859, which is fitting because there’s a lot to love about the Beaver State. It’s the 9th largest state in the US, yet half of it is covered in forest so it’s a natural lover’s paradise. It has the deepest lake in the US, the only scenic bikeway program in the country, and is the third largest wine producing state behind California and Washington. And since there’s no sales tax, it’s one of the best places to visit on the west coast. Let’s dive into the must-see spots around the state.
Portland
nearest airport: ~8 miles from Portland International Airport (get directions) | best for: food & shopping
Portland is the quintessential hipster PNW city known for being bike-friendly and having a high density of food truck hubs, stellar restaurants, microbreweries, and coffee roasters. It’s also kid-friendly and a shoppers paradise thanks to plenty of antique shops, thrift stores, gift shops, and ceramic artists.
Ready to plan your trip? Follow my Portland itinerary so you don’t miss anything!
Willamette Valley
nearest airport: ~35 miles from Portland International Airport (get directions) | best for: wine tasting
Did you know that Oregon’s wine country lies just 20 minutes south of Portland? Most people don’t even know Oregon has a wine country, let alone some of the best pinot noir and chardonnay in the world.
The Willamette Valley encompasses 700+ wineries across 150 miles, but my favorite jumping-off towns are Newberg or McMinnville for visiting the best Willamette wineries within an hour of the city. There’s also a great Willamette restaurant scene too, particularly in McMinnville. This is low key my favorite wine region in the PNW, so it’s one of the best places to visit on the west coast!
Bend
nearest airport: ~8 miles from Bend Municipal Airport (get directions) | best for: outdoorsy fun
I love visiting Bend because it has the perfect mix of outdoor activities like hiking and biking, yet it’s reminiscent of Portland with a thriving craft beer and food scene. Some of the must-see outdoor attractions include hiking at Smith Rock State Park, exploring Boyd Cave and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, or tubing on the Deschutes River.
Bend is only 1.5 hours from Crater Lake National Park, one of my favorite winter spots in Bend. I tend to visit Bend every winter because it has a great cross-country and downhill skiing scene. In fact, Mt. Bachelor is one of the best downhill skiing resorts in the Pacific Northwest!
Mt. Hood
nearest airport: ~40 miles from Portland International Airport (get directions) | best for: outdoor adventures
Just as Washingtonians see Mt. Rainier in the distance, Mt. Hood is visible from most of northern Oregon. The biggest draw is the countless hiking, snowshoeing, and nordic skiing trails the area has to offer. You may even recognize one of the resorts: Timberline Lodge was where they filmed The Shining!
My favorite time to visit is winter because Mt. Hood has 5 ski areas. I used to work at a snowboard company and found myself mortified trying to snowboard at Mt. Hood with all the pro athletes they sponsor. Yes, pros are drawn to Mt. Hood the ski conditions are that good.
Eugene
nearest airport: ~10 miles from Eugene Airport (get directions) | best for: shopping, food, and farms
I think Eugene is one of the coolest Oregon towns too many people skip. It’s home to Oregon State University and Nike, so it has a big college and running town feel. I’m not interested in either of those things, but I’m drawn to the city’s quaint downtown, charming markets, and bike paths. Plus it’s a great home base for exploring the southern Willamette Valley wineries.
My recommendation is to book one of the cute boutique hotels in Eugene right in 5th Street Public Market. From there you can walk or bike to all the fun things to do in Eugene. Just make sure to save time for exploring the quaint town of Springfield nearby, the birthplace of The Simpsons.
Oregon coast
nearest airport: ~61 miles from Salem Municipal Airport (get directions) | best for: cute coastal towns
The Oregon coast is one of the quintessential best places to visit on the west coast. It runs ~360 miles long and is lined with cute coastal towns, starting with Astoria to the north, an old cannery town known for its rainy seaside vibe and budding brewery scene.
Next, there’s Cannon Beach, home to Haystack Rock (though there’s way more to this town than haystacks), followed by Lincoln City, Florence, and Coos Bay. The latter is home to Oregon’s best oysters and one of my favorite resorts in the PNW.
If you aren’t able to book a separate vacation to the coast, you can get to Cannon Beach from PDX or Florence from Eugene in about an hour.
California
As the third largest state in the US, the Golden State has something for every type of travel. You’ll find big cities, countless beaches, nine national parks, and the country’s largest wine producing region. Plus it puts you in driving distance from other noteworthy destinations in the US like Las Vegas and Arizona.
You can spend a lifetime trying to explore everything there is to see in this state. If you want to fit in as many stops as possible, check out my itinerary for taking a road trip from San Francisco to San Diego. Or use this list of the best places to visit on the west coast as your guide!
Los Angeles
nearest airport: ~15 miles from Burbank Airport (get directions) | best for: food, city life, & amusement parks
LA is the epitome of the California vibe. It’s most famous for Hollywood, museums, luxury shopping, but newcomers are often surprised to learn there’s actually a huge outdoor scene thanks to the hundreds of miles of trails in the surrounding canyons. And giving that its a melting pot of cultures, the food scene is unbeatable on the west coast.
There’s a ton to see and do in the city, so I created a 4-day LA itinerary for exploring a mix of the must-see tourist attractions and more low-key spots loved by locals.
Of course, there’s way more to LA than it’s downtown. The city is under 2 hours from Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands NP. You could even take a day trip to Vegas or the Grand Canyon. If you’re traveling with kids (or you’re young at heart), don’t forget to visit Universal Studios and Disneyland!
PS – Always fly into Burbank if you can. LAX Airport is a nightmare!
San Francisco
nearest airport: ~14 miles from San Francisco International Airport (get directions) | best for: food & shopping
If LA is the star-studded city in California, San Francisco is its punk rock artsy cousin. But don’t let that fool you. SF is just as concentrated with ritzy restaurants, late-night bars, clubs, and shops. It just also happens to have a ton of bookstores, quaint Victorian-era homes, and record shops as well.
It’s also home to the Golden Gate Bridge, where you can get the perfect view from this hike. Afterward, you can head to Sacramento for a quick day trip.
Napa & Sonoma County
nearest airport: ~55 miles from Sacramento International Airport (get directions) | best for: wine tasting
If you’re planning on visiting San Francisco or Sacramento, you’re just over an hour away from Napa and Sonoma, the two premiere wine regions in California. Napa is better if you’re seeking the luxury experience, though I’m partial to the more laid-back atmosphere of Sonoma.
If you’re up for a tour, you can hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train. It’s a steam whistling locomotive that escorts you through the vineyards as you sip on the local juice and take in the sights. If kicking it solo is more your speed, here are some not-to-miss wineries:
- Napa
- Stonyhill Vineyard – Great whites in a cool mid mod estate
- Truchard Vineyards – One of the area’s more low-key hidden gems
- Cade Winery – Exceptional wines in a stunning modern space
- Conn Creek – One of the larger wineries with a great blending class
- Sonoma
- Grand Cru Custom Crush – Multiple emerging winemakers under one roof
- 32 Winds – Beautiful hidden winery off the beaten path
- Reeve Wines – Stunning hipster winery with excellent zippy reds
- Quivira – An excellent sustainable winery with casual vibes
- Benovia – Adorable little winery with pretty patio views
- The Barlow – Complex full of shops, wineries, breweries, and eateries
To end your experience in the area, try to snag a reservation at the 3 Michelin starred SingleThread. It’s one of the top 3 meals I’ve ever had in my life!
San Diego
nearest airport: ~3 miles from San Diego International Airport (get directions) | best for: beaches & beer
San Diego might be my favorite city in California and a must stop on this list of places to visit on the west coast. It has a ton of coastline and parks to explore, plus breweries to relax at afterwards. You’ll have a blast eating at the best restaurants, relaxing on the beach, or taking the kids to the San Diego Zoo. Check out my San Diego 3 day itinerary for all the best things to do in the city.
If time allows, I highly suggest taking road trips from San Diego so you can experience all the great nearby attractions like Temecula, Borrego Springs, and Valle de Guadalupe. Or use SD use as a jumping-off point for your next Scottsdale vacation.
San Luis Obispo
nearest airport: ~3 miles from San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (get directions) | best for: wineries & good food
SLO is an underrated California town on the central coast with so much to do. For starters, it’s close to the coast, wine country, and it’s surrounded by mountains. You don’t need to leave downtown to explore dozens of cute shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms, but if you want to go for a drive, you’re only 30 minutes from Paso Robles wine country and 15 minutes from Pismo Beach.
Redwoods National Park
nearest airport: ~26 miles from California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (get directions) | best for: massive trees
Visiting the redwood trees should be at the top of everyone’s California bucket list. They grow to be the tallest trees in the world, up to 350 feet!
Four parks contain most of California’s redwoods: Redwood National Park, Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek. Book in advance, as camping spots fill up fast, and some trails require day-use permits.
Big Sur
nearest airport: ~31 miles from Monterey Regional Airport (get directions) | best for: coastal views
One of the most awe-inspiring road trips you can take along the west coast is through Big Sur. It’s a narrow stretch of highway with winding turns that take you over seaside cliffs, giving you an unfettered view of the Pacific.
Unfortunately, this gets harder every year because of rock slides degrading the roads, so double-check the conditions before heading out. If you have to change your plans, fear not! Simply head north to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea for the perfect coastal town experience.
Palm Springs
nearest airport: ~3 miles from Palm Springs International Airport (get directions) | best for: desert oasis & mid century modern architecture
Palm Springs is quite literally an oasis in the middle of a desert. The weather is to die for, and the abundant shops, unique architecture, and exceptional restaurants push the envelope of what’s considered luxury. It’s also near several hikes, like the Tahquitz Canyon Loop, which delivers you to a waterfall and pool.
If you love house-watching, Palm Springs is known for their IG-worthy doors, and Whimsy Soul did a great door tour of the town.
Joshua Tree National Park
nearest airport: ~40 miles from Palm Springs International Airport (get directions) | best for: large rock formations & Joshua trees
If you find yourself in Palm Springs, you might as well dip into the Joshua Tree National Park. It’s unlike any national park you’ve been to with its martian-like landscape, and you can access most of the most-visited spots with a quick hike.
I wrote an entire itinerary for spending a day in Joshua Tree, so give it a look before you head out! Make sure to save time for exploring the funky and woo woo nearby towns of Twin Palms, Joshua Tree, and Pioneertown.
Death Valley National Park
nearest airport: ~105 miles from Harry Reid International Airport (get directions) | best for: a true desert experience
Aptly named, Death Valley National Park is the driest, lowest, and hottest place in the country. But don’t let that stop you from going. It’s one of the most popular parks for its surprisingly diverse ecosystem and geological wonders, like the sailing stones on Racetrack Playa that seem to roll across the flat landscape with no gravitational cause. If you like martian-like landscapes, Death Valley is one of the best places to visit on the west coast!
Sequoia National Park
nearest airport: ~65 miles from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (get directions) | best for: sequoia trees
Redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, but let me tell you, you don’t know massive until you’re staring up at a sequoia. They’re the biggest trees by volume in the world and can live to be over 3,000 years old, and Sequoia National Park is dedicated to their preservation.
You don’t need to leave your car to appreciate these giants, but getting up close is recommended. The General Sherman Trail is an easy 1.2-mile hike that delivers you to the largest tree in the world, or you can take the 0.5-mile moderate hike to Moro Rock for an awe-inspiring view of the entire park.
Yosemite National Park
nearest airport: ~64 miles from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (get directions) | best for: hiking & rock climbing
If I had to pick which national park in California to prioritize, Yosemite would be high on the list. That’s because you get a bit of everything, like sequoias, massive granite cliffs, waterfalls, winter activities, ecological diversity, and countless hiking trails.
Reservations are required at some points during the year, so check before you go, and don’t forget to drive through the Wawona Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in California.
Lake Tahoe
nearest airport: ~10 miles from Lake Tahoe Airport (get directions) | best for: lake view & outdoor adventures
Situated between Nevada and California among the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is the largest, purest alpine lake in North America. Its gorgeous weather conditions and surrounding mountainscape make it a year-round vacation destination.
In the summer, you’ll want to relax by the lake or hike one of the 10 state parks. Come winter, there are 14 ski resorts to choose from. Swimming is possible, though you’ll want to take precautions as it will always be cold, even in the peak summer season.
British Columbia, Canada
You may have only been expecting destinations in the US on this list of the best places to visit on the west coast. But given Canada is just a ~2.5 hour drive north of Seattle, it’d be a shame to miss some of the beautiful areas in British Columbia. Since Canada is massive, I’ll stick to the must-see areas within ~3 hours from Seattle.
Vancouver, BC
nearest airport: ~7 miles from Vancouver International Airport (get directions) | best for: food & urban outdoorsy adventures
Vancouver (not to be confused with the adorable Vancouver, WA near Portland), is the largest city in British Columbia and is only about 2.5 hours north of Seattle. A lot of people not from the Pacific Northwest probably couldn’t tell you much about it, but Vancouver has some really impressive stats.
For example, it’s the largest port city in Canada and the third in North America. When it comes to cruise ships specifically, it’s the fourth largest port in the world. So it should come as no surprise that Vancouver is surrounded by water and all the fun activities like kayaking, whale watching, and paddle boarding that comes along with it.
What many people don’t know is that Vancouver is called “The Hollywood of the North”, coming second in entertainment production only behind LA. For example, the award-worthy Twilight series was mostly filmed here. In fact, one of the quintessential things to do in Vancouver is take a movie tour!
There are a ton of other fun things to do in Vancouver, ranging from biking Stanley Park to eating your weight in Asian food in Richmond. That’s why it’s one of the best places to visit on the west coast!
Whistler, BC
nearest airport: ~83 miles from Vancouver International Airport (get directions) | best for: skiing, hiking, & mountain biking
Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It’s the perfect destination to tack on to a Vancouver visit because it’s only 1.5 hours north. Plus it’s an excuse to gawk at the views along the Sea to Sky Highway on your way there.
I went to a snowboard camp in Whistler one summer when I was in college, but for the most part I’ve only ever visited in winter. In fact, I go every year to snowboard and am always updating my list of the best places to eat in Whistler Village.
But my sister goes every summer with my nieces and the views look absolutely unreal. Yes, I see them in winter when the area is blanketed in snow, but there’s something about wildflowers and more active wildlife that just hits different! So if you like summer activities like hiking and mountain biking, Whistler is a bucket list destination on the west coast.
Vancouver Island, BC
nearest airport: ~16 miles from Victoria International Airport (get directions) | best for: farms, food, and outdoor activities
Vancouver Island is one of the best islands near Seattle. It’s home to BC’s capital, Victoria, which has a ton of great hidden gem restaurants and unique things to do. The city has a British vibe given its historic roots, so you can expect a lot of cobblestones, manicured gardens, and afternoon tea.
Vancouver Island is a nature lover’s playground beyond Victoria. There are a ton of provincial parks and hiking or biking opportunities, many of which run along historic railroad trestles. Just beyond Victoria in the Cowichan Valley you’ll also find a lot of farms, breweries, and wineries to please any foodie.
Vancouver Island is huge and would take weeks to explore in full, but one of the most popular destinations is Tofino about 4.5 hours away from Victoria by car. It’s a quiet part of the island known for hiking and water activities, particularly surfing. Its plethora of beaches and unique location make the waves perfect for riding in the summer or gawking at while storm watching in the winter.
Kelowna, BC
nearest airport: ~9 miles from Kelowna International Airport (get directions) | best for: farms & wines
If you get a chance to visit Lake Chelan, one of the other spots on this list of best places to visit on the west coast, you can get an idea of what to expect in Kelowna. The two cities are similar in that it revolves around a large, beautiful lake and all the fun water activities that come along with it. And given the fertile soil, both offer a prime location for wineries.
I highly recommend carving out at least a weekend in Kelowna to explore its quaint downtown and wine region. If you have time to extend your trip, one bucket list destination a short 1-hour flight away is Banff and Jasper National Park near the hip town of Calgary, Alberta!
More to explore on the west coast
After exploring these best places to visit on the west coast, here are more ideas for your next adventure.
