Travel America’s West Coast This Summer in an RV

There’s so much to take in

The west coast has much to offer everyone, from crowded sunny beaches, lush woods, and sand dunes to magnificent rocky coasts. As more families are renting RVs for their family vacations take a look at these stunning locations in California, Oregon, and Washington to add to your trip itinerary.

There are also some of the top restaurants and museums in the country.

Interstate 1

Highway 1 runs along the coast for more than 655 miles, beginning at Dana Point, just south of Los Angeles, and providing vistas and intriguing stops along the way.

Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Solvang

Santa Barbara and Ventura are located halfway between the large cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Santa Barbara is a little more formal, but Ventura has a more carefree surfer attitude. Despite their distinct differences, these two cities have a lot to keep tourists occupied.

Try Faria Beach Park in Ventura for beachfront RV camping, with breathtaking views of the Channel Islands.

Look into Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort if breathtaking mountain vistas, riding horses, and convenient museum access to the Sea Center at Santa Barbara are more to your liking. 

Consider taking a day excursion to Solvang if you plan to remain in this region for a few days. There are many things to do in this “small piece of Denmark,” including wine sampling and delectable Danish pastries. 

Big Sur

Big Sur, a rocky coastline with breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas, may be found farther along Highway 1. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, dubbed “little Yosemite” and located on the Big Sur River, provides 1,000 acres of hiking and animals under the forest’s magnificent and ancient West Coast monarch. You can only find these oldest living trees along the West Coast.

While in the area, you may want to think about going to Hearst Castle to see the magnificent house of the late William Randolph Hearst, which has spectacular pools and unrivaled vistas of the San Simeon region. After the tour, stop by the Hearst Ranch Winery, close to the museum entrance, for a quick sample of regional wine. 

Oregon 

Although there are many lovely places in California, it’s not the only western state. Oregon boasts numerous worthwhile interior road excursions and stunning and distinctive coasts. 

Crater Lake

Go inland to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, a deep lake inside a dormant volcano. A massive volcanic explosion 7,700 years ago resulted in the crystal-clear, deep-blue lake formation. It’s incredible, to put it mildly. 

Coast of Oregon

Oregon’s shoreline is distinct and stunning, marked by spires and other rock formations, dunes, and lush woods. These West Coast road journeys will likely pass through many lush vegetation and woodlands.

Bandon

Bandon is a stunning section of the Oregon coastline that is home to an abundance of marine birds and is well-known for more than just its granite spires and offshore rock formations. Consider lodging at Bullards Beach State Park, which has a lighthouse at the end of the beach and provides plenty of hiking opportunities.

Portland Dunes

Don’t overlook the Oregon Dunes, stretching over forty miles along the shore. You may find great day-use places, just south of Florence, including Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park and the Oregon Dunes Overlook.

Tillamook

Are you an ice cream fan? Or is eating cheese more your style? Visit the Tillamook Creamery for lunch and a behind-the-scenes tour of their business. If dairy does not satisfy your appetite, try fresh seafood or a craft beer from the North Coast Food Trail, which includes establishments from all over Oregon’s North Coast. Before continuing your journey north, stop to see “Terrible Tilly,” the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.

Washington State

Both Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens are stunning in their unique ways. At almost 14,000 feet above sea level, Mt. Rainier provides breathtaking vistas and outdoor recreation. At the same time, Mt. St. Helens is home to a museum that overlooks and honors the location of the amazing 1980 eruption.

Island of Orcas

Horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island, located among the magnificent San Juan Islands, is a must-see. This beautiful paradise provides infinite outdoor activity, fine art and culture, clear lakes, and thick woods. Moran State Park, Mount Constitution, and the many farms dotted across the island are other must-see locations. Also, don’t pass on taking the island’s breathtaking driving tour.

Try Oceanfront Camping at Quinault Casino in Washington if you want a break from your west coast road adventures.