• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Big Sur, California ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big Sur, California
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2. Ellensburg, Washington ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ellensburg, Washington
© Courtesy of Sergey Novikov - Fotolia.com

3. Healdsburg, California

Healdsburg, California
© Courtesy of Gary Saxe - Fotolia.com

4. Hood River, Oregon

Category: Activities
Hood River, Oregon
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5. Walla Walla, Washington

Walla Walla, Washington
© Courtesy of Rex Wholster - Fotolia.com

6. San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo, California
© Courtesy of Zack Frank - Fotolia.com

7. Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington
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8. Astoria, Oregon

Astoria, Oregon
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9. Coronado, California

Coronado, California
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10. The Dalles, Oregon

The Dalles, Oregon
© Courtesy of Siegfried Schnepf - Fotolia.com

11. McMinnville, Oregon

McMinnville, Oregon
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12. La Jolla, California

La Jolla, California
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13. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Category: Beaches
Cannon Beach, Oregon
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14. Palm Springs, California

Category: Activities
Palm Springs, California
© Courtesy of Tomasz Zajda - Fotolia.com

15. Ventura, California

Ventura, California
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16. Santa Barbara, California

Category: Food & Drink
Santa Barbara, California
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17. Fort Bragg, California

Category: Activities
Fort Bragg, California
© Courtesy of Gary Saxe - Fotolia.com

18. Nevada City, California

Nevada City, California
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19. Sausalito, California

Sausalito, California
© Courtesy of Frank Fennema - Fotolia.com

20. Truckee, California

Truckee, California
© Courtesy of hammon photo - Fotolia.com

21. Two Harbors, Catalina Island, California

Category: Activities
Two Harbors, Catalina Island, California
© Courtesy of Ian Holland - Fotolia.com

22. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
© Courtesy of Melastmohican - Fotolia.com

23. Langley on Whidbey Island, Washington

Romantic Islands
Langley on Whidbey Island, Washington
© Courtesy of Carolina K Smith MD - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Question: What types of scenery can be found on the West Coast of the United States?
  • Answer: The West Coast of the United States is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, ranging from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to lush vineyards and refined downtown areas.
  • Question: Are all destinations on the West Coast well-known?
  • Answer: A few of the destinations on our West Coast vacations list are world-famous, while others are hidden gems known to a relatively small number of travelers.

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