The best time to visit the west coast of the United States is springtime when the weather is pleasant and everything’s in bloom. The best place to start your trip is in Los Angeles, which is known for its world-class beaches, fantastic shopping, and amazing food scene (don’t miss out on the tacos!). From LA, you can drive up to San Francisco, Oregon, and Washington, head down to San Diego along the Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH), or hit Route 66 to see Arizona and New Mexico where you can detour to Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Whichever route you take, you’ll see beautiful beaches, cliffside forests, and desert landscapes like no other! To make sure you’re comfortable during your road trip, be sure to get yourself a luxury van rental and experience everything the West Coast has to offer in style.
Visit the Coast
California’s stunning coastline is something you can’t experience from your couch, so hop in a rental van and go for a drive. To get you started, here are some of the sites you should visit along California’s coast during your spring road trip.
- Big Sur: Arguably one of the most iconic parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, there are so many amazing things to see in Big Sur. For example, Pfeiffer Beach is the epitome of the picture-perfect beach. You won’t find any umbrella-shaded lounge chairs or coolers full of fruity drinks here—just miles of pure white sand that stretches toward jagged cliffs overlooking crystal blue waters. Hearst Castle is another important landmark here that you can’t miss!
- San Francisco: Of course you have to stop here to gaze at one of the most iconic landmarks in the country – The Golden Gate Bridge. However, that’s not all there is to do in the city. Make sure you drive down the famous Lombard Street and check out the Painted Ladies. But, don’t forget to pack a jacket since it can get pretty chilly here even for California.
- Santa Barbara: If you’re looking for coastal living, then this is definitely a place you should check out. There is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy from wine tasting and the Santa Barbara Zoo to the Old Mission Santa Barbara.
- Los Angeles: If you’re taking a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, the city of angels is one of the biggest stops on everyone’s list. Feel like a star when you stop by some of the most famous spots in the city including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and much more! LA is sure to be a place that you will never forget.
Go to the Mountains
Spring is great for road tripping on both coasts, but if you’re looking for a little more variety, head to your nearest west coast mountain town. Some of the most popular resort locations are Big Bear and Mammoth Mountain in California, Park City in Utah, or Colorado. Instead of crowds and lines, you’ll find less pollution and greener trees. During spring road trips on the west coast, it’s best not to drive straight to these resorts like most people would expect. Instead, take your time getting from one place to another. The extra time in each location allows for better sightseeing without being rushed. This can also give you a chance of spotting wildlife along the way and discover more opportunities for picture taking.
See the Desert
Visiting places like Arizona or Nevada in the spring is the perfect time to really enjoy everything these states have to offer before the sweltering, summer heat shows up. Some places that are especially beautiful in springtime include The Grand Canyon in Arizona or Nevada, Colorado Springs, and Monument Valley in Utah. However, driving through the desert can be a bit long and tedious at times, so make sure you get a luxury van rental that is equipped with good air conditioning and roadside assistance. This will help ensure that you get the most sightseeing in during your West Coast road trip.
Go Camping
Camping is a budget-friendly, adventurous way to travel. There are tons of ways to camp for cheap or even free – it’s definitely not just for those who can afford expensive equipment and trips. Camping in spring is a great time to get out of town, explore nature, and save money! If you plan ahead, you can rent a van and make your camping trip more comfortable and affordable than ever. These vehicles are perfect for road-tripping from California to Washington State and anywhere in between. With features like air conditioning, comfortable seating, storage space, and more, these vans allow you to focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about where you are going to sleep for the night. If you’re planning a road trip with friends or family in spring, renting a van will help keep costs down while still allowing everyone to have fun exploring new places together!
Keep it Budget Friendly
There are plenty of ways you can enjoy all that California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah have to offer while not breaking the bank. If you’re planning a trip out to the west coast but don’t have a big budget, you should consider renting a luxury van. We know it might seem more affordable to take your own vehicle rather than book your dream road trip in a van rental. But trust us when we say that a van rental is definitely worth it. Not only is it economical but it also allows you to fit everything you and your travel companions need in one place.
Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
The west coast of North America has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty and eye-opening cultural experiences. It’s made up of several large cities, dozens of smaller cities, mountains and plains, oceans, forests, and deserts – it’s truly a diverse area. The best part is that there are plenty of great seasonal road trip itineraries that will allow you to see all or most of these attractions without driving yourself crazy. If you are ready to get out and explore the West Coast with a road trip this spring, contact us and find the perfect van rental for you. Get a custom quote today and hit the road in style!
