Where should I go and what should I do in the West Coast?
Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Big Sur – Iconic 200-mile clifftop drive with Michelin-starred Nepenthe restaurant, Pfeiffer Beach's purple sand, and sunset views rivaling any coastline on Earth.
Napa & Sonoma Wine Country Fine Dining – Michelin-starred restaurants like The French Laundry (Napa) and Cyrus (Healdsburg) paired with private vineyard tours and wine tastings at legendary estates.
Yosemite, Redwoods & Big Sur Wilderness Escapes – Explore ancient sequoia groves, El Capitan granite formations, and dramatic coastal Big Sur canyons with private hiking guides and luxury lodge stays.
Seattle to Portland Waterfront Cities + Mount Rainier – Cosmopolitan coffee culture, fine dining scenes, and easy access to snow-capped volcanoes, hiking trails, and Pacific Northwest old-growth forests.
Los Angeles to San Diego Coastal Luxury Resorts – Malibu cliffside estates, Laguna Beach art galleries, and San Diego's Michelin-restaurants combine California glamour with year-round beach perfection.
When should I go to the West Coast?
April–May (Spring Peak) – Wildflowers bloom, temps mild (60–75°F), fewer summer crowds, and spring snow melt creates waterfall displays
September–October (Fall Sweet Spot) – Post-summer crowds, golden light ideal for photography, wine harvest season in Napa/Sonoma, and comfortable 65–80°F weather
What do I need to know for a trip to the West Coast?
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is the Star – Drive California's Big Sur route (Highway 1) north-to-south or south-to-north; allow 2–3 full days for scenic stops and hikes
Book Napa/Sonoma Fine Dining 2–3 Months Ahead – Michelin-starred restaurants and popular wine estates fill quickly year-round; use concierge services for guaranteed reservations
San Francisco is Gateway Hub – Fly into SFO for Napa, Big Sur, and central coast; excellent starting point for multi-region West Coast itineraries
Olympic Mountains & Pacific Coast (Washington) – Olympic National Park combines rainforests, alpine peaks, and pristine beaches; worth 2–3 days from Seattle
Highway 101 Consistency – US-101 connects California coast, Pacific Northwest, and major cities; predictable but sometimes slower than taking interior highways
Pack Layers for Temperature Swings – Coastal fog can drop temps 20°F in minutes; mountains stay cool year-round; inland wine country hot during summer
Discover relaxed island elegance at The Lodge at Kukui‘ula, where private club living, Hawaiian heritage, and sweeping ocean views create an elevated escape on Kaua‘i’s South Shore.
Situated on California’s pristine Laguna Beach, Surf & Sand is an idyllic escape for those looking to enjoy a true barefoot luxury experience, with every room offering views of the ocean from private balconies.
A glamorous icon reborn, Fairmont Breakers Long Beach blends historic elegance, rooftop luxury, and vibrant dining with sweeping views of the Southern California coast.
A serene wine-country sanctuary in Sonoma, MacArthur Place blends historic charm, lush garden surroundings, farm-inspired dining, and indulgent spa experiences for a truly refined escape.
From your first welcoming floral lei to your private full floor suite above the shoreline, the ESPACIO experience is steeped in timeless Hawaiʻi hospitality and rooted in dedicated service to your exceptional experience.
Discover a different side of San Diego, where the tranquility and natural beauty of Southern California truly comes alive, at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe...
California dreaming on the golden coast; find a gracious welcome at the historically exclusive Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach, California...
Modern Elegance In The Epicenter of Innovation. Rising from 5th Avenue and Marion Street in supreme style, Lotte Hotel Seattle presents the pinnacle of luxury escapism in a class all its own—through infinitely spacious suites, contemporary dining experiences and distinctly high-touch service that’s simply unforgettable.
Tommy Bahama Miramonte is an oasis at the heart of it all: a destination where guests come to escape the deadlines and demands of the everyday; where they’re inspired to soak up life’s simple pleasures and celebrate its greatest moments.
Sunriver Resort is the Pacific Northwest’s treasured outpost for adventure. Our one-of-a-kind wilderness setting is abundant with natural beauty and features four award-winning golf courses, a full-service wellness spa, restaurants and cafes, an indoor-outdoor aquatics center and more!
It’s where a legendary metropolis meets a golden coastline, where the vibrant pulse of the City of Angels reaches the glittering expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
Perched on the iconic lava cliffs of Keauhou Bay, OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa provides an immersive journey into the vibrant history and traditions of Hawai’i Island.
Thompson Palm Springs offers a captivating blend of desert tranquility and modern luxury, nestled against the majestic backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains in Southern California.
Soulful Boutique Hotel In Downtown San Diego. Alma is an ego-less beacon of Southern California cool. Our stylish hotel, neighboring the historic Gaslamp District and Little Italy, puts you right where you want to be—in the soul of the city.
A quintessential Napa Valley escape, The Meritage Resort and Spa pairs vineyard views, award-winning dining, and a one-of-a-kind wine cave spa for a luxurious stay at the heart of wine country.
Come to explore the Inn at Mattei's award-winning vineyards and admired horse ranches, then unwind in our reimagined guestrooms and cottage-style accommodations nestled among acres of old-growth palm trees.
Settle in with family and friends in one of our opulent three-bedroom Ho‘olei Villas, which provide stunning tropical and ocean views from their secluded mountainside perch.
Beach Village at The Del is a private enclave of residential-style cottages and villas nestled on one of the world’s most beloved beaches at Hotel del Coronado.
Rising at the southernmost point of the legendary Hotel del Coronado, Shore House at The Del® offers an elevated hotel experience in an extraordinary neighborhood of 75 one, two and three bedroom seaside residences.
The West Coast stretches from Southern California to Washington State, encompassing some of the most recognizable landscapes in the United States. While its cities often steal the spotlight, much of the region's appeal lies beyond them, reached along winding coastal roads and nestled beneath ancient redwood groves. In seaside towns, life remains closely tied to the ocean.
California often attracts the most attention, whether through the vineyards of Napa Valley, the cliffs of Big Sur, or the beaches of Malibu. Further north, Oregon's coastline delivers a wilder experience, where sea stacks rise from the ocean and fishing towns sit beneath evergreen-covered hills.
Washington introduces another side entirely. Here, islands are scattered throughout Puget Sound, and snow-capped peaks are visible from Seattle. Some of the best luxury resorts on the West Coast take advantage of these settings, pairing ocean views, wine country access, or mountain scenery with a strong sense of place.
Travel is remarkably straightforward thanks to major international airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. What makes the West Coast compelling isn't a single attraction but the sheer variety available within one region.