From Seattle to San Francisco: Road Trip Along USA’s West Coast

In the shadow of the West Coast’s other metropoles, Seattle has developed its own charm. Here, eclectic architecture alternates between old redbrick buildings and ultra-modern designs, while the city’s coffee shop culture, eco-friendly nature and location on the Pacific make it an inviting place to wander and explore. Seattle also lays claim to some big-name brands including Starbucks and Boeing, and is the cradle of music legends like Jimi Hendrix and Pearl Jam.

We’ll arrange for you to visit ‘MoPOP’ while you’re here, otherwise known as the Museum of Pop Culture. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this incredible building is a masterpiece of the Deconstructivism movement. Inside, you’ll find immersive exhibitions about music, video games, films, comics and other facets of pop culture.

The rest of your day can be spent at leisure soaking up this exciting city: enjoy some fish and chips for lunch in 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 soak up the skyline and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. The Fremont district is a great option if you’re interested in street art and Indie boutiques, while a trip up the 605ft Space Needle is a must to take in the view. If ‘MoPOP’ has given you the museum bug, try the Seattle Art Museum, Flight Museum or even the Pacific Science Center.

This morning you’ll pick up your rental car and drive to Astoria, which takes about three hours. You’ll spend the next two nights in elegant 20th-century accommodation with modern touches that will help make you feel right at home. While you’re here, don’t miss a trip up to the rooftop for a view of the Victorian district.

Astoria lies at the north-western tip of Oregon, a state full of stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, ocean and forests. The city also sits at the mouth of Columbia River, which flows from Canada to the United States before meeting the Pacific Ocean. Naturally, this means Astoria offers beautiful views across the water, particularly along its famous three-mile Columbia Riverwalk. While you’re here, we can arrange for you to take a boat trip on the river abord a historic towing boat, or even take surfing lessons at nearby Cannon Beach.

If you didn’t make it to Cannon Beach yesterday, you’ll have some time this morning to visit this immense stretch of sand that’s home to Haystack Rock. This 235ft sea stack is best enjoyed at sunrise when the crowds have not yet arrived, and the light is spectacular. At low tide, you can get close to it on foot, taking in the beautiful giant green anemones and starfish in the surrounding tidepools as you go. Afterwards, head into Cannon Beach’s resort town to browse the art galleries and shops that line the flower-filled streets. When you’ve finished exploring, drive along the coast to Depoe Bay, which takes just over two-and-a-half hours. Your home for the next two nights is a friendly guest house full of homey touches and with a magnificent view of the Pacific.

Depoe Bay is the smallest navigable port in the world, and the starting point for your whale-watching cruise today. This trip is an opportunity to discover the rugged coastline, sea caves and, of course, the spectacular grey whales that live and migrate through here. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to see humpback whales, blue whales, rorquals and sea lions in their natural habitats. Afterwards, head to the charming port town of Newport to enjoy some delicious seafood in one of the many friendly restaurants, and to explore Nye Beach. One of the best ways to see Nye is to rent a fat bike (a bike with very thick tyres) so you can easily cover ground across the sand as you breathe in the salty air.

Today you’ll drive to Bandon, which takes just under three hours. This tranquil town has a pretty historic centre, an immense wild beach and a penchant for crab fishing. You’ll spend the night in a cosy, unpretentious hotel with rooms overlooking the old town or the ocean.

Every summer, the beautiful Bandon Beach is transformed into a playground for artists such as Denny Dyke, founder of Circles in the Sand. This project involves forming labyrinths and ephemeral artwork in the sand and was created to encourage joy and kindness as you walk through them. If your trip is during the summer, it’s well worth experiencing. Aside from the artwork, this natural setting really lends itself to contemplation as you walk along the shoreline and peer into the natural tide pools to see anemones and starfish clinging to the rocks.

After a peaceful morning, drive for just over three-and-a-half hours until you reach Eureka. Nestled between Arcata Bay and Humboldt Bay, this former mining town is full of charm thanks to its old brick architecture. In addition to its welcoming atmosphere, Eureka is known for the incredible Carson Mansion, a Queen Anne-style house that’s considered to be the grandest Victorian home in America. The house is also just a stone’s throw from your accommodation for the night, a small hotel with elegant and comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving tasty meals with ingredients from the organic vegetable garden.

Your next stop is the small coastal village of Mendocino. Perched on a cliff overlooking the steel blue Pacific, it can be reached in just over three hours. The town’s colourful architecture and majestic setting have made it a favourite among artists, romantics and nature lovers who come seeking inspiration. While you’re here, you’ll stay in a charming hotel that’s been run by the same family for over 75 years. Naturally, all rooms have a view of the ocean.

This morning, you’ll drive for just over two hours to Guerneville, a small town on the banks of the Russian River. From the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 19th century, this was a favourite holiday spot among San Francisco’s locals who were enticed by the pleasant climate and majestic landscapes of Sonoma County. Around two miles north of the city is the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, home to 790 acres of redwoods, the world’s largest tree; within a 20-minute drive of Guerneville, you’ll find no less than 50 vineyards; and if you want to relax, there’s no need to head all the way to the ocean: Johnson's Beach, a river beach bordered by forest, is located right in the city centre.

Your accommodation for the night is a little bit different. You’ll be saying in an authentic Airstream: a legendary metal caravan that’s been transformed into a cosy cocoon in the woods. Inside, the caravan is spacious and bright, with contemporary furnishings and a small private terrace where you can soak up the natural setting.

Napa Valley is one of the country’s most famous wine regions and your next stop, just an hour or so from Guerneville. A visit to a vineyard is a must while you’re here, so we’ll arrange for you sample some excellent Californian wines at the prestigious Robert Mondavi estate. Tonight, you’ll stay in the city of Napa along the river of the same name. This pleasant city has plenty of bars and restaurants where you can unwind, while your colonial-style hotel boasts both a spa and swimming pool.

You’ll drive for about an hour today until you reach San Francisco, your final stop. You won’t need a car while you’re here, so return your rental vehicle before making your way to your relaxed hotel in Union Square, close to the financial district, Chinatown and Nob Hill. Once you’ve settled in, head to the restaurant to refuel before exploring this iconic city.

San Francisco is one of those cities that puts you in a good mood. Large yet intimate, its steep hills and splendid setting on the bay give it that something special. In San Francisco, everything is legendary, from the bridges surrounding misty Alcatraz to the winding Lombard Street; and from the colourful Haight-Ashbury district ¬– former centre of the hippie movement – to The Castro, one of the first gay neighbourhoods in the United States. Don’t miss a morning or afternoon in the Mission district, where locals grab brunch in hip cafes, dine in old-school taquerias and dance in lively clubs. Clarion Alley is another great spot, full of street art with political, cultural and historical messages. In Alamo Square, you’ll find a peaceful park and colourful Victorian homes including the house used in the 90s sitcom Full House. Fisherman's Wharf, meanwhile, is the place to see sea lions lazing on the decks. At sunset, go for a stroll on Ocean Beach or take in the view of the legendary Golden Gate Bridge. If you’d like to get a bit of local knowledge while you’re here, we can arrange a tour of the Haight-Ashbury district with a local guide, so you can learn more about this hippie neighbourhood that was the birthplace of the Summer of Love.

On your final full day in the US, we’ll arrange for you to spend the day cycling through the city across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. San Francisco’s iconic bridge is one of the largest in the world and can be crossed safely by bike as you take in the fantastic views across the bay. You’ll begin your journey at Fisherman's Wharf before cycling along the beach and crossing the bridge to Sausalito, a former fishing village that’s now a chic seaside town full of floating houses. To get a different perspective of the legendary bay, you’ll return to San Francisco by ferry.