FANTASTIC 3 WEEKS ON WEST COAST USA (2023)

The US is such a massive country that has so much to offer to its visitors and also locals. Due to its diverse magnificent attractions, you can easily explore different worlds featuring various natural wonders on the same day. While the west coast of the US has one of the most fantastic national parks to explore. Road tripping in the US is one of the best ways to explore the country, especially on the west coast.

This guide will help you plan two different ways to explore the west coast of the US. You can explore it by road or a mixture of driving and taking domestic flights. Renting a car in the US is pretty easy, most cars can be picked up right at the airport, while finding flights should also not be a big problem.

These itineraries for 3 weeks on west coast USA are all suitable both for travelling in any season of the country, but good planning is required if you want to go during the peak season. The months of June until August is the busiest months travelling around the US.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO WEST COAST USA

Planning a trip to a new place you have never been can be challenging. The best way to start is to begin with something easy such as deciding the places you really want to see and the time of the year you want to go. Here are things to know to help you plan and write your trip itinerary.

Getting around

We highly recommend you rent a car which is very easy to do in the US. It will give you the freedom to go anytime and anywhere. Don’t worry about spending too much time in the car, you can also chop up the entire 3 weeks on west coast USA by travelling the places near each other by car then the further one by air.

You can also use public transportation such as a bus or train, although much cheaper, they can be unreliable and not very flexible. Again, if you plan to travel during peak season, make sure to book your flight and car in advance, especially if you want a specific car such as a camping van or an electric one.

Best time to go

The best time to visit the west coast of US depends on the activity you want to do. There are many places for hiking and camping here which are great to do during spring, summer, and even autumn. But if you want to do skiing, you definitely have to plan a trip for winter.

Visa and COVID-19 protocol

The US have one of the strictest visa policies in the world. Only a limited number of nationalities are allowed to enter the country and enjoy visa-free. If your passport is from Europe, Canada, some parts of Latin America, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia can enter and travel around the US without applying for a visa for 6 months maximum.

The US has opened its borders to visitors. Although the testing requirement has been lifted, visitors are required to be fully vaccinated. Those who are not should contact the nearest US Embassy to check if they can enter the country.

Those nationalities can enter and stay in the US for up to 90 to 180 days. Even after applying for a tourist visa, that also allows you to stay in the country for up to 6 months. That is plenty enough time for your 2-weeks in USA holiday.

The US borders have been open for a while now and require all travellers to present a negative test result, taken 24 hours before departure (antigen or RT-PCR) and must be fully-vaccinated except for US citizens.

Other travel tips

During your planning your holiday, these websites and tools will help you book everything. From flight, accommodations, car rental, and even buying your travel insurance. These are the sites I always use for my personal trips/ I love how a lot of these travel services have a flexible cancellation policy which allows me to snatch good prices even though I’m not sure about being able to do the trip.

WEST COAST USA ATTRACTIONS (pinned map)

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

2 WAYS TO TRAVEL THE WEST COAST

In this guide of 3 weeks in west coast USA, you will see two different ways how to travel. You can either travel around by doing a road trip all the way or do it with a mixture of driving and flying. Check below which one looks more appealing for you.

Full Road Trip

• Duration: 21 days
• Distance to cover: 2,027 miles (3,262.14 km)
• Total driving hours: approx 35 hours
• Average daily driving time: approx 4 hours/ day
• Start: Los Angeles
• End: Portland

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1-3: Los Angeles
• Day 4-5: Las Vegas
• Day 6-8: Grand Canyon
• Day 9-10: Zion National Park
• Day 11-14: Salt Lake City
• Day 12-15: Craters of The Moon National Monument
• Day 15-18: Malheur National Forest
• Day19-21: Portland

Road Trip and Flying

• Duration: 20 days
• Total driving hours: approx 25 hours
• Total Flying hours: 7.5 hours
• Start: Los Angeles
• End: Seattle

Itinerary Overview

• Day 1-3: Los Angeles
• Day 4-5: Las Vegas
• Day 6-8: Grand Canyon
• Day 9-10: Zion National Park
• Day 11: Fly to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
• Day 11-14: Yellowstone National Park
• Day 15-18: Bridget-Teton National Forest
• Day 18: fly from Jackson Hole Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Day 18-21: Seattle

3 WEEKS IN WEST COAST USA

There are 12 states that make up the west coast of USA. This includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. However, for this trip, we will only be covering 6 states which are California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, and Washington.

Exploring the west coast of the US means you will see the country’s great ancient and natural attractions. You will also get to explore the big cities, try out local dishes, and visit Starbucks’ home state. Below is a quick overview of your 3 weeks on the US west coast.

If it’s your first time in the US, we have 3 weeks in the US itinerary that takes you to the most popular places across the entire country.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is also renowned as the “City of Angels” and the location of celebrity-owned mansions. It is a great starting point on your 20 days on West Coast USA trip since it is home to amazing beaches, regional art, and varied culture that every traveller should see. If you’re looking for glamour and excitement, then Los Angeles is for you.

Rather than exploring the city with public transportation, book a rental car to make the most out of your trip, and ensure to consult with the rental company if it’s possible to drop off the car in Seattle or other airports you plan to stop and switch to taking a flight. You can even go on a 26-mile day trip to Disneyland on I-5 South which takes around 30 minutes.

Apart from theme parks, Los Angeles is also known for amazing surfing spots. Head to 27th St Manhattan Beach or to the famous Venice Beach for some great waves. You can also explore your way around Los Angeles through its food culture. There are so many places to eat in LA if you are looking for instagrammable spots, quick bites, or splurge at fancy restaurants.

Things to do in Los Angeles

• Visit the Hollywood Sign
• Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Day trip to Angeles National Forest
• Day trip to Griffith Park
• Visit Bradbury Building
• Shop at Amoeba Music
• Stroll along Sunset Strip
• Attend a concert at Hollywood Bowl

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is referred to as the ultimate playground and attracts a wide range of tourists who want to experience its entertainment, gastronomy, and nightlife scene. There are various options available for people of all ages to enjoy. From incredible museums, performances, and interactive games to renowned hotels and restaurants, Vegas offers it all.

Depending on the route you choose, expect to allocate at least 4 hrs on the road from Los Angeles to Vegas. The shortest and most common route, the I-15 N, takes roughly 4 hrs and 15 mins to complete across a distance of 270 miles (425 km). You’ll enjoy the famous drive between Barstow and Victorville while travelling along this route.

Things to do in Las Vegas

• Ride the High Roller
• Explore The Strip
• Explore the Mob Museum
• Stroll along Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
• Sightseeing at Stratosphere Tower
• Visit the Fountains at Bellagio
• Visit The Peppermill

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is frequently visited by tourists due to its timeless beauty, which was made possible by untouched nature. In addition, the canyon itself provides a close-up view of the fascinating geological features, the array of rocks, and the numerous desert habitats that are otherwise impossible to witness without travelling to the location. There are tons of activities you can do including hiking, horseback riding, rafting, swimming, or just taking a leisurely stroll.

Grand Canyon West Rim, about 128 miles (206 km) or roughly a 2h 30 mins’ drive from Las Vegas, is the nearest entry point. The route passes through areas of Arizona as well as notable locations including Boulder City, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead.

Spend at least a night inside the Grand Canyon Village, located on Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, where most tourists head while exploring the Canyon. While there are various places to stay overnight, the most renowned sought-after is El Tovar, which sits directly on the rim of the Canyon and offers an incredible view. Make sure to book ahead of time for cheaper rates.

Things to do in Grand Canyon

• Hike the Grand Canyon
• Rafting Trip in the Grand Canyon National Park
• Go on a Helicopter Tour Over the Canyon
• Visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk
• Explore the Grand Canyon National Park by Riding a Mule

Zion National Park

When you visit Zion National Park in Southern Utah, you’ll be surrounded by the Earth’s tallest sandstone skyscrapers, a vast night sky filled with a sea of stars, and a few of the most famous trails in the entire world. If you prefer being in nature and seeing wildlife, then this park is for you.!

Zion National Park is home to 68 different species of mammals, ranging from bighorn sheep to the little kangaroo rat. The most frequently sighted animals here are mule deer, foxes, rock squirrels, bighorn sheep, and bats.

Your road trip starts in Desert View, which is close to the park’s Eastern border. Leave Grand Canyon through the east entrance andtake Arizona State Route 64 in the direction of Highway 89 for about 30 miles (48 km). With a total distance of 252 miles (404.5 km), it takes around 5 hrs and 40 mins to travel directly from Grand Canyon to Zion National Park.

Springdale, just outside Zion National Park and set against one of the most spectacular mountain backdrops you will ever encounter, is the place to book accommodations for your Zion visit. This area is home to locally owned and operated hotels, bed and breakfasts, art galleries, restaurants, markets, tour guides, gift shops, and many more.

Things to do in Zion National Park

• Sightseeing along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
• Hike the Angel’s Landing
• Hike the Narrows
• Experience Rock Climbing and Canyoneering

Salt Lake City

The capital of Utah, Salt Lake City, is a vibrant city that is filled with natural and historic attractions and often hosts the Olympic Winter Games. It is also known as the Mormons’ spiritual home. Today, you can find excellent dining, shops, and a wide range of activities here, whether it’s summer or winter.

The atmosphere is welcoming and laidback and provides easy access to both urban and outdoor activities for tourists to enjoy. You’ll notice that things are generally hassle-free as soon as you arrive. Services and facilities are always nearby, the streets are clear and easy to travel, public transportation runs on time, and there is a bike program that allows you to roam the downtown area for a fee.

The direct drive from Zion National Park to Salt Lake City is around 4 hrs 30 mins, covering a distance of 300 miles (483 km). The majority of the journey is along Interstate 15, which offers a number of stunning sights and attractions. As you go, you’ll pass numerous attractions worth stopping at, including lakes, canyons, sand dunes, and more.

Despite the fact that tourists frequently pass through Salt Lake City on their route to the neighbouring ski resorts and the bizarre red-rock landscapes, this increasingly diverse city is worth a comprehensive exploration. Learn about the city’s Mormon background, see the unique museums’ exhibits, and dine at one of the city’s hippest restaurants -The Park Cafe,s to try the local cuisine and drinks.

Things to do in Salt Lake City

• Visit Temple Square
• Visit Mormon Temple
• Explore the National History Museum of Utah
• Explore the Big Cottonwood Canyon
• See Bird Exhibits at Tracy Aviary
• Ski at nearby Ski Resorts
• Tour the State Capitol
• Unwind at Liberty Park

Craters of The Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon is a massive national park. It is nearly the same size as Rhode Island at around 750,000 acres. In South-Central Idaho, the monument covers over 53,500 acres of lava flows and volcanic landforms on the Northern edge of the Snake River Plain. Although there aren’t many tours available here, there are many camping options.

While Craters of the Moon may appear barren, it is home to small desert rodents including bobcats, bats, foxes, owls, mountain lions, and nighthawks. The park’s animals will be active depending on the weather and the time of the day.

The direct drive from Salt Lake City to Craters of the Moon National Monument takes around 3h 4m through the US-26 W and I-15 N, covering a distance of 345 miles (555 km).

If you’re looking for a place to stay then head over to Pocatello which is the largest city in Southeast Idaho. It is an excellent starting point due to its convenient location at the junction of Highways 15 and 86. To secure a slot near the tourist centre, make sure to plan your stay accordingly.!

Things to do in Craters of The Moon National Monument

• Explore the Craters of the Moon Center
• Explore a Cave
• Hike the Tree Molds Trail
• Hike the Inferno Cone
• Drive the Scenic Loop Road

Malheur National Forest

The Malheur National Forest is a secluded and stunning landscape located in Eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains. Adventure awaits everyone with its 1.7 million acres of land, wilderness areas, lakes, streams, and hundreds of peaks.

Nearly every sort of camping is possible here, including developed campgrounds, backpacking, roadside camping, and RV camping. The Scenic Malheur Rivers as well as other noteworthy locations like the Cedar Grove Botanical Area can be reached by over 240 miles (386 km) of trails that are mostly in wilderness areas.

The direct drive from Idaho to Malheur National Forest takes around 6h 35m via I-84 W and US-20 W, covering a distance of 307.7 miles (495 km).

Things to do in Malheur National Forest

• Explore Strawberry Mountain Wilderness
• Explore Monument Rock Wilderness
• Hike the Cedar Grove Botanical Trail
• Visit Malheur River
• Visit Magone Lake

Seattle

Due to its spectacular evergreen forests, Seattle is frequently called the “Emerald City”. You’ll never run out of things to do and sights to see here. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, camping, kayaking, and even whale watching!

Seattle is also the largest city in Washington and is also home to major tech industries, including the corporate headquarters of Amazon and Microsoft. It is also famous for being the birthplace of Starbucks. It is guaranteed to be popular with coffee lovers, especially considering that there are reportedly close to 2,000 coffee shops spread out around the city.

The direct drive from Malheur National Forest to Seattle is around 7 hours and 40 minutes, travelling through (90 and E and 81 E.

This city is a great place to end your three weeks on west coast USAusa trip since it has many food and music festivals. Not only that, ski slopes are only a short trip away, and several locations in the city offer views of the massive Mount Rainier and the adjacent Olympic Mountains. Take a break from long drives and spend some time in the town, which has a ton of recreational activities and cocktail establishments.

Things to do in Salt Lake City

• Day Trip to Mount Si
• Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass
• Visit Space Needle
• Visit Sky View Observatory
• Explore Pike Place Market
• Explore Woodland Park Zoo
• Explore the Museum of Flight
• Stroll along Discovery Park

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER FOR THOSE FLYING AND DRIVING

For those mixing flying and driving, after Zion National Park, it’s time to leave your car at St. George Regional Airport and take a flight to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from St. George Regional Airport (Utah) to Bozeman Yellowstone Airport. The shortest flight has one layover and takes around 4 hrs 30 mins.

Yellowstone National Park

3 weeks on west coast USA is not complete without visiting Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is an active volcano that many scientists always keep an eye on for the possibility of an eruption. Every year, there are 700-3,000 earthquakes caused by the volcano.

With its breathtaking peaks and crystal-clear lakes, Yellowstone National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hot springs are surrounded by colourful pools, lush woods wind through wide-open meadows, and erratic geysers shoot streams of scorching water into the air. Expect to share the trails with year-round dwellers like elk, buffalo, and occasionally even grizzlies as you trek through this over 3,000-square miles landscape.

If you enjoy staying active while travelling, then this park is perfect for you since it offers limitless hiking opportunities. There are approximately 900 miles (1449 km) of trails in Yellowstone that can be travelled. Some treks are short and straightforward, while others are long and difficult, rising over 7,000 ft. above sea level.

It is recommended to rent a car in Bozeman to effectively explore the area. Make sure to book early to obtain the best rental car deal for your trip. Get lodging close to the Bozeman Airport to avoid traffic delays and to get a good night’s rest before your departure.

Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

• Hike Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon
• Visit Mammoth Hot Springs
• Visit Old Faithful
• Visit the Grand Prismatic Springs

Bridget-Teton National Forest

With 3.4 million acres, the Bridger-Teton National Forest is close to Grand Teton, National Elk Refuge, and Yellowstone. One of the many activities offered to visitors on the Bridger-Teton includes horseback riding, off-road vehicle tours, mountain biking, and rock climbing. In addition, the Bridger-Teton has three ski resorts, all of which provide thrilling downhill routes for snowboarders and skiers every winter.

Meanwhile, the 2,200 miles of trails for varying skill levels in the Bridger-Teton National Forest include 37 constructed campgrounds, and 34 marked trailheads, which are ideal for both novice and experienced hikers. If you have a hunting license from the Wyoming Department, you can even take advantage of the hunting opportunities.

The distance from Bozeman to Bridget-Teton National Forest is 190 miles (306 km) and takes around 4 hrs and 2 mins to travel during normal traffic.

Things to do in Bridget-Teton National Forest

• Try Skiing and Snowboarding at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
• Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art
• Hike the Teston Crest Trail
• Explore Jackson Town Square

Flight from Jackson Hole Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 2-6 hours depending on the connection.

SUMMARY OF 3-WEEKS IN WEST COAST USA

2 closing paragraphs – don’t add final tips here, only closing paragraphs, such as why it’s worth a visit, pros of visiting etc – this is your last chance to convince the reader to go

The West Coast is the ideal playground for people who are happiest outdoors. There is a lot to discover in this region of the United States, which offers breathtaking sceneries, music festivals, deserts, and abundant rivers.

Whether you’re interested in hiking the mountains, kayaking around mirror-effect lakes, or engaging in snow sports, the West Coast offers one of the greatest outdoor lifestyles in America. There will never be a dull moment during your 3 weeks on west Coast USA trip!

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