Best Day Trips from Major West Coast Cities

Landscapes and legends draw adventurers to the West, where a good day includes locavore dining, vineyard wine-sipping, Native American history, and outdoor adventure. Western cities have distinct personalities. In California, there’s the Hollywood flash of Los Angeles and silicon-meets-bohemian in San Francisco. Further north in Seattle, cutting-edge joins homegrown, often over a cup of joe. Opportunities for day trips abound to get to know the West Coast a little better.

Editor’s note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

Best Day Trips from Seattle

Snoqualmie Valley

Seat of farm-to-table dining, dairy farms, lush orchards, and small-town Americana, this mountain-framed valley offers an enchanting drive and delightful destination. Head to Duvall for boutique shopping and wine tasting, or to North Bend for Twin Peaks nostalgia. Additionally, don’t miss the impressive 82m Snoqualmie Falls from Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie town. 30 min by car.

Leavenworth

Bavaria too far? Fortunately, Leavenworth welcomes you with German sausages, frosty beers, and a lively atmosphere that feels reminiscent of The Sound of Music. Here, Bavarian music fills the air streets as you explore numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding area. Moreover, Christmas here is truly magical. 2 hr 20 min by car.

Diablo Lake

The intensely turquoise Diablo Lake is nestled in a basin surrounded by mesmerizing, often snow-capped peaks. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a plethora of trails for breathtaking hikes or drop into a canoe for paddling or fishing. Do not miss the Diablo Dam Overlook, where you can revel in breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains. 2 hr 30 min by car.

Best Day Trips from Portland

Sauvie Island

With pick-your-own fruit farms during the summer, corn mazes and hayrides in the fall, as well as beautiful beaches, trails, and waterways to explore year-round, Sauvie Island is an easy trip to pastoral bliss that delights both kids and adults alike. As the largest island in Columbia River, any land not dedicated to farming is a protected wildlife area. Expect to see ospreys, herons, bald eagles, and maybe even a beaver. 40 min by car.

Cannon Beach

The Oregon Coast features some incredibly grand yet lesser-known beaches in the contiguous USA. Cannon Beach serves as the ideal, easily accessible introduction to the region, showcasing miles of pristine white sand and picturesque landscapes, including the iconic 235ft Haystack Rock—a perfect silhouette against the horizon. In town, visitors can explore art galleries, chic boutiques, and indulge in incredible dining options (be sure to try the chowder). 1 hr 30 min by car.

Johnston Ridge Observatory, Mt St Helens

Gaze into the monumental crater of Mt St Helens from the state-of-the-art Johnston Ridge Observatory. Whether this is your destination or you’re preparing for a longer hiking expedition through the National Volcanic Monument, you’ll learn about the 1980 eruption, comparable to the power of 1500 atomic bombs. Then, embark on the 1-mile Eruption Trail loop for more striking views of volcanic devastation. Closed in winter; 2 hr 30 min by car.

Best Day Trips from San Francisco

Sausalito

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito presents a picturesque town center with a charming strip of art galleries, ice cream parlors, cafes, and boutiques, all nestled within beautifully pastel-painted Victorian buildings. Beyond the town, visitors can explore a fascinating artistic houseboat community. Fort Baker, once a military garrison, is another noteworthy stop where you can visit the family-friendly Bay Area Discovery Museum. 30 min by car or ferry.

Muir Woods

Forget San Francisco’s skyscrapers; instead, head north to marvel at nature’s towering giants—trees that soar over 250ft. Muir Woods, named in honor of the naturalist John Muir, became a national monument in 1908. This stunning nature reserve allows visitors to walk amongst the massive redwoods, immersing in the beauty of an old-growth forest. Note that advance parking and shuttle reservations are required. 30 min by car.

Half Moon Bay

One of three self-defined “Pumpkin Capitals” in America, Half Moon Bay is particularly vibrant in October. The rest of the year, visitors enjoy horseback riding or cycling along the coast, or checking out the famous surf spot Mavericks during the winter months. At Pillar Point Harbor, you can observe crabs being sold fresh from the fishing boats. 30 min by car.

Sonoma Valley

Sonoma is historically notable as the site of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt against the Mexican government. Visitors can stroll around the historic town square, the largest plaza in California, which features excellent restaurants, shops, and the Mission San Francisco Solano. Additionally, head north on Hwy 12 to discover a variety of wineries and Jack London Historic State Park. 1 hr by car.

Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is characterized by secluded coves, romantic cliffs, azure waves, and waterfront parks, giving it a Riviera-like ambiance. However, this city is not just about nature; it boasts a strong tradition in the arts, starting with plein air impressionists in the early 1900s. Today, the city is home to renowned art festivals, galleries, a well-known museum, and beautifully preserved arts-and-crafts cottages and bungalows. 1 hr by car.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara combines history and art within its Spanish-style beachfront ambiance, offering visitors a wealth of attractions, including missions, art museums, and renowned painters. This vibrant city provides excellent weather, stunning architecture, outstanding dining experiences, and activities for varied tastes and budgets, making Santa Barbara a must-see destination in Southern California. Be sure to start with the Spanish Mission church (the museum and tours are currently closed), and then allow your exploration to guide you. 1 hr 30 min by car.

Catalina Island

The secret to a peaceful getaway on Catalina Island lies in heading out to explore after the ferry docks in charming Avalon. Options include going on foot, taking a tour, or traveling by bike, kayak, or golf cart—cars are extremely limited on the island. This is also a great opportunity to spot Catalina’s resident bison, descendants of a herd left by a movie crew in 1924. 40 min by car to ferry terminals in San Pedro & Long Beach, then 1 hr ferry.

Alabama Hills

Whether for films like Star Trek, Iron Man, Django Unchained, or Gladiator, Alabama Hills offers a stunningly unique, otherworldly landscape for filmmakers. Located just west of Lone Pine, its desert-like scrub and striking geological formations have served as the backdrop for over 400 movie shoots. Just off Movie Flat Rd is the Mobius Arch Loop Trail, where visitors can hike and see the arch framing Mt Whitney. 3 hr by car.