America's West Coast is a sight to see, no matter if you go by boat, bike or car. The PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) offers visitors a great view of the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington, and it runs over twenty thousand miles from Alaska to Argentina's southern tip. Here are some tips on making the most of your vacation time, and why traveling to the west coast is such a good idea.
- Research your options as far as tours go. Boat tours are the most regulated and expensive of the choices, and if you choose a boat tour, you have to choose your land excursions based on when the boat docks. Bike tours are cheaper and offer more freedom, but they require a long time and a sufficient level of fitness. Touring by car is a good choice, because it gives you the freedom to stop and sightsee whenever you want.
- Make a list of places you want to visit, which will plan your route. Trips that include cities are good options for those looking for nightlife and excitement, and for those who want to explore nature, campsites and hiking are great choices.
- Figure out a schedule, ensuring that it is realistic. For instance, if you only have a week, just choose a portion of the coast to visit so you won't spend your entire vacation in a car.
- Plan ahead. Pinpoint your hotel on a map before you leave, highlight your route and mark the places you are going to stay. It's not necessary to stop at every mark, but planning ahead will help minimize the stress that can come with a road trip.
- Look up the schedules for tourist sites. Some close at a certain hour, or on holidays. Avoid disappointment by looking up their hours ahead of time, and schedule driving or biking during the daylight hours. Some portions of the PCH hug the cliffs, giving you an amazing view, but it can be risky to do at dark.
- Don't forget to check the weather. The climate changes drastically as you travel from north to south; the northern states are likely to be foggy and rainy during the summer. Temperatures are cool until you pass the Sierra Nevada mountains. Familiarizing yourself with the changes in climate will help you plan more effectively.
Vacationing on the West Coast requires some flexibility. The best vacation events are those that are spontaneous; a chance encounter with a local or some wildlife can make a memory that lasts forever.