Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Seattle - Astoria - Cannon Beach - Coos Bay - Mendocino - Napa - San Francisco
100% customisable for you
After taking advantage of our fast-track airport services and complimentary lounge access, board your direct ten-hour flight to Seattle, Washington. Upon arrival, you’ll be whisked away by private transfer to your centrally located hotel for the next two nights.
After a long day of travelling, you might not feel like venturing far from your hotel for dinner. Our clued-up Concierge can recommend their favourite spots for a bite to eat nearby, before you hit the hay.
Today, discover everything Seattle has to offer, from its eclectic architecture and thriving coffee shop culture to its numerous parks. Kick off your exploration with a visit to ‘MoPOP’, also known as the Museum of Pop Culture. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum is a masterpiece of the Deconstructivism movement. Inside, marvel at immersive exhibitions about music, video games, films and comics.
The rest of the day is yours to spend soaking up this exciting city. Enjoy fish and chips at Pike Place Market before an afternoon at the impressive aquarium; grab a coffee in the picturesque Pioneer Square as you marvel at its Romanesque Revival architecture; or take a trip to Alki Beach to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. The Fremont district is a great option if you’re interested in street art and independent boutiques, while a trip up the 605ft-tall Space Needle offers unforgettable views.
This morning, pick up your rental car and drive for three hours to your next destination, Astoria, where you’ll spend two nights. Sitting at the northwestern tip of Oregon, Astoria is a historic port city located at the mouth of the Columbia River.
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore this charming city, whether you’d rather peruse the vintage shops, restaurants and cafes downtown, or check out one of Astoria’s fascinating museums (we like the Columbia River Maritime Museum). Astoria is famous as the setting of the iconic 1985 film, The Goonies, so film fans can seek out various filming locations around the city and even check out the Oregon Film Museum. Come evening, consult our jam-packed Dossier for restaurant recommendations.
Thanks to its proximity to the Columbia River, Astoria boasts beautiful views across the water, particularly along its famous three-mile Columbia Riverwalk. Don’t fancy walking? Hop on the historic Astoria Riverfront Trolley for a scenic ride. While here, we can also arrange boat trips on the river aboard a historic towing boat, or even surfing lessons at nearby Cannon Beach.
There’s plenty more to see in town, too. Climb to the top of the 125ft-tall Astoria Column for panoramic views of the surrounding area, marvel at historic homes like the Flavel House Museum, or familiarise yourself with the local brewery scene.
Don’t worry if you didn’t make it to Cannon Beach yesterday; you’ll have plenty of time to explore this fantastic four-mile stretch of sand today. Located around 40 minutes from Astoria and home to the 235ft-tall sea stack, Haystack Rock, the beach is best enjoyed at sunrise (when the crowds are yet to arrive and the light is spectacular). Don’t fancy the early start? Cannon Beach is beautiful at any time of day, and at low tide, you can spot giant green anemones and starfish in the surrounding tidepools.
After ample beach exploring, head into the town to check into your cosy hotel for two nights. Browse the boutiques, art galleries and restaurants before finding a spot to watch the sun sink low over the Pacific.
Rise and shine early to make the most of your day in Cannon Beach. We recommend lacing up your hiking boots and exploring the nearby state parks, such as Ecola, Oswald West and Hug Point. Hike along coastal trails and wind through dense forests, stopping at waterfalls, secluded beaches and spectacular viewpoints. You might even get lucky and spot a whale in the distance (especially during their migration).
Back at Cannon Beach, familiarise yourself with the town’s brewery scene and revisit your favourite galleries. Come evening, we can arrange a private beach bonfire complete with s’mores for an iconic American experience.
Wave goodbye to Cannon Beach this morning and drive two hours south to Depoe Bay, the starting point for your whale-watching cruise. This stretch of coast is home to a number of the ocean’s giants, but is most famous for its year-round gray whale population. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll also have the chance to spot humpback whales, blue whales, rorquals and sea lions in their natural habitat. Worked up an appetite? Head to the nearby port town of Newport to enjoy some delicious seafood before hitting the road again. Drive for just over two hours to reach Coos Bay, where you’ll spend the night.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning before buckling up for the next leg of your road trip. Today, drive along a scenic coastal route for around four hours to Eureka, California. Nestled between Arcata Bay and Humboldt Bay, this former mining town is chock full of charm thanks to its Victorian-era architecture.
Upon arrival, settle into your small hotel for the night. Then, wander the quaint Old Town district, marvel at the grand Carson Mansion, pop into a museum or visit the beautiful Sequoia Park Garden. Our Concierge can recommend the best spots in town for a bite to eat and a well-deserved drink or two.
Another day, another destination. Your tour of Northern California continues with a three-hour drive to Mendocino, where you’ll spend the night. Perched on a cliff overlooking the steel-blue Pacific, the town’s colourful architecture and majestic setting have made it a favourite among artists, romantics and nature lovers seeking inspiration. Browse the independent shops and galleries in town, and explore the picturesque Mendocino Headlands State Park.
Fancy more of an adventure? We can also arrange a railbike tour through the redwood forests near Fort Bragg. Marvel at the towering trees as you pedal your way through the woods along the historic train track.
Hop back in your trusty hire car for a three-hour drive to Napa Valley, one of the country’s most famous wine regions. Here, we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a delicious lunch and sample some excellent Californian wines at a prestigious winery (what else?). After you’ve soaked up the beautiful surroundings and the non-drivers have drunk their fill, head to the city of Napa for the night. Set along the river of the same name, enjoy the buzz of its bars and restaurants, as well as an obligatory glass or two of local wine.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Napa before hitting the road again for around an hour to San Francisco, the final stop on your trip. You won’t need to drive while you’re here, so return your rental car before heading to your hotel in the city centre. Once you’ve settled in, find a bite to eat nearby before getting your bearings. Whether you’d rather stroll through Golden Gate Park, hang out with sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf or enjoy a ride in the city’s historic cable car, there’s no shortage of things to do. Alternatively, simply put your feet up for the rest of the day and leave the exploring until tomorrow…
Today is yours to discover this legendary city. Fancy a bit of local knowledge? We can arrange a tour of the colourful Haight-Ashbury district – former centre of the hippie movement and birthplace of the Summer of Love – with a local guide. If you’d rather explore in your own time, spend a morning or afternoon in the trendy Mission District, where locals grab brunch in hip cafes, dine in old-school taquerias and dance in lively clubs. Marvel at the street art in Clarion Alley, and colourful Victorian homes around Alamo Square, including the house used in the 90s sitcom Full House. At sunset, stroll along the sprawling Ocean Beach or take in the view of the legendary Golden Gate Bridge.
Hungry? San Francisco’s diverse food scene always delivers. Whether you want to tuck into dim sum in a Chinatown restaurant, sample seafood at the wharf or munch on an original mission-style burrito, check out our detailed Dossier for all of our recommendations.
How best to spend your final full day stateside? Cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, of course. Begin your eight-mile journey at Fisherman's Wharf before cycling along the beach and crossing the iconic suspension bridge to Sausalito, a former fishing village that’s now a chic seaside town. Chances are you’ll have worked up an appetite, so treat yourselves to a tasty lunch along the waterfront. Peruse Sausalito’s boutiques and colourful houseboats before returning to San Francisco; don’t worry if your legs are tired – you’ll be hopping on the ferry back.
On your final night in San Francisco, we recommend asking your Concierge for their favourite wining and dining spots in the city. Toast to a trip of a lifetime as you reminisce on your adventures over the last two weeks.
Sadly, your West Coast adventure has come to an end. Make the most of your final morning in San Francisco by packing in some final sightseeing. Then, bid the city a fond farewell and take a private transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving the next morning full of memories from your trip.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
