The American West Coast is known for its sweeping, panoramic views of Mother Nature’s wonders. They offer a completely different vibe to the cities on the East Coast and in the Mid-West.
The Pacific Ocean and its magnificence feature prominently in West Coast destinations. Along the West Coast, there are new and exciting experiences for travelers and residents to indulge in. If you love the great outdoors, the West Coast is the place for you!
For those looking to try the West Coast as a holiday or permanent destination, here are some cities to consider visiting:
1. Portland, Oregon
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This city is a unique microcosm of society. There’s a sense of counter-culture in Portland that makes it stand out from a lot of other cities.
What makes Portland special? 🦄
- The city is nestled in the heart of some of the most picturesque landscapes in the U.S. It only takes a short drive to reach the great outdoors.
- The Portland community is environmentally conscious of ensuring the sustainability of the city.
- The city has a first-class public transport system.
- The rooms in Portland boast competitive prices.
- There are more than 22 microbreweries for beer-lovers to visit.
- There is an eclectic choice of neighborhoods such as Nob Hill and Arlington Heights.
2. San Diego, California
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California’s second largest city, beautiful San Diego boasts an undeniable beauty and a sunny climate all year round.
What makes San Diego special? ⭐
- The city has spectacular beaches for tourists and residents alike. Choose to surf at Black’s Beach or visit family-friendly Mission Beach. Ocean Beach is pet-friendly with its dog beach, perfect for your canine kids.
- Old Town San Diego is well-preserved and a living representation of the city’s roots.
- Animal lovers will feel right at home in San Diego. The city is home to a world-famous zoo, safari park, and aquarium. SeaWorld attracts millions of visitors each year.
- There is a thriving nightlife in the city in neighborhoods such as the Gaslamp Quarter and Hillcrest.
3. San Francisco, California
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Aside from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, there are lots of other exciting reasons to visit or move to San Francisco.
What makes San Francisco special? 🌉
- You can take a historical tour of the now-defunct Alcatraz prison with its rich history.
- A short drive from the city lies Muir Woods which is full of incredibly tall redwood trees.1,000-year-old trees are topping 77 meters in height.
- Golden Gate Park offers all manner of outdoor pursuits for the nature lover. These include cycling and horse-riding. The park is also home to a museum and digital planetarium.
- San Francisco is home to the Major League Baseball team, the San Francisco Giants and their home stadium, the AT&T Park.
4. Los Angeles, California
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Home to the largest segment of the world’s entertainment industry, Los Angeles is a must for all movie-lovers. However, the city boasts some other great attractions.
What makes Los Angeles special? ☀️
- LA is home to many beaches, each with its own character. Visit Venice Beach with its shops, stalls, and bodybuilders. Santa Monica beach is perfect for a laid-back beach day. Further along the coast, Malibu Beaches offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Rodeo Drive is a shopper’s paradise with its exclusive boutiques and unique offerings. Other shopping areas include The LA Fashion District and The Grove.
- Beverley Hills is full of beautiful mansions, many of which have been the backdrops in very famous films and television series.
5. Seattle, Washington
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The stereotypical picture of Seattle is a city in which it’s always raining. In truth, the city has a very temperate climate and offers some exciting features:
What makes Seattle special? 🌲
- Seattle is surrounded by nature, and a short drive will see you outside the city and enjoying the great outdoors.
- For those seeking to move to Seattle, it is home to Microsoft and Amazon which means there are plenty of job opportunities.
- Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks. You can visit the chain’s very first store in Pike Place Market.
- The symbolic Space Needle gives the visitor a wide-reaching view of the city and beyond.
- Seattle is also the birthplace of grunge music and has a vibrant nightlife.
6. Santa Barbara, California
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Often referred to as the American Riviera, beautiful Santa Barbara has a distinctive cultural vibe. The city offers all its visitors and residents something unique.
What makes Santa Barbara special? 🌊
- The city is currently experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with efforts being concentrated on connecting the beach, the waterfront, and the busy shopping center.
- Despite being primarily rebuilt after a devastating earthquake, Santa Barbara’s architecture has remained true to its history. A lot of the buildings were constructed in the Spanish Colonial style.
- The Funk Zone was an industrial area. Today it is full of restaurants and interesting shops to visit.
- Santa Barbara is surrounded by wine-growing areas with over two dozen wineries to visit for wine tasting.
7. Berkeley, California
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This city is best-known as the home of the University of California, Berkeley. This makes the city an attractive prospect for academics. However, there are lots of other reasons to visit or move to Berkley.
What makes Berkley special? 👩🎓
- There is an active art scene in Berkley in the Downtown Arts District and at the Berkley Art Museum.
- The city offers easy access to nature with nearby Tilden Park offering a bountiful green space. The park offers hiking trails and swimming on the shores of Lake Anza.
- The Berkley Marina is the perfect place for outdoor lovers to visit. It’s ideal for hikers, cyclists, and birdwatchers.
- The University’s Botanical Garden is well-preserved and maintained. The garden is home to thousands of plant species.
Conclusion
A visit to America’s West Coast is essential as it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You might like it so much that you decide to make it your permanent home. With such a variety of places to choose from, the West Coast offers something for everyone.