21st November 2022

Take a trip along the Pacific Coast of America. Stretching from the border of Mexico, it winds its way through national parks and mountain ranges till it reaches Oregon, then finally Washington state. Here are just a few of the best cities you can find on along the way.

Los Angeles 

Los Angeles is a sprawling city with some of the most diverse and unique neighbourhoods in America. Tinsel-town offers the Walk of Fame and Sunset Boulevard, but it is also home to internationally acclaimed art museums like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and architectural delights such as the Getty Center. Backstage tours of Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Studios allow tourists to see how their favourite TV and movies are brought to life. There are also a number of highly acclaimed restaurants in the City of Angels, which provide diverse culinary offerings from famed celebrity chefs.

When you step away from the downtown area, you can enjoy beach life in Malibu and Santa Monica or a spot of people-watching in Venice Beach. If you want to get out into nature, Griffith Park also offers fantastic hiking opportunities, along with gorgeous city views.

San Francisco

San Francisco embodies the hustle and bustle of its southern sibling Los Angeles, while maintaining a small-town feel. In San Francisco's many vibrant districts, you can find a mosaic of cultural influences. There are plenty of exciting things to do in the city; it's got world-famous sightseeing, incredible restaurants, a cosy cafe culture,and vibrant nightlife.

Explore the touristy Fisherman's Wharf area, where you can witness spectacular views of Alcatraz. For a true San Francisco experience, ride the cable car or join the Golden Gate Bridge boat tour.

Seattle 

Laid-back Seattle has a thriving arts scene, history, culture and plenty to do in the vast outdoors. With its location between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle offers kayaking, hiking, camping, and whale-watching opportunities. Time your visit right and you can even head to the mountains for a spot of skiing.

If outdoor pursuits aren't your thing, there are still plenty of things you can do. There is glass blowing and installations at the Seattle Art Museum, or you can wander around the stalls of Pike Place Market. Local artisans have been selling their wares here since 1907. Wander the delicious food stalls, or buy flowers, records and more. The city also boasts dozens of craft breweries and restaurants, making it one of the USA's premier foodie spots.

San Diego

With consistently sunny weather and 70 miles of gorgeous coastline, sun-seekers flock to San Diego throughout the year. Its close proximity to the border means it offers some of the most authentic Mexican food in America and it is also home to one of the country's best-loved zoos, whose residents include elephants, lions and hippopotamuses.

The beaches are stunning too. Spend the day at Mission Beach surfing, lazing in the sun at La Jolla or strolling along the shore at Coronado. Explore the historic Old Town and discover what life was like in the times of the Gold Rush. As evening falls, head to the historic Gaslamp Quarter. This busy district bustles with bars and restaurants that you don't want to miss.

Want to visit more American ports? Take a look at our selection here