LET'S EXPLORE THE UNITED STATES' REGIONS

The United States is comprised of 50 states and 1 federal district, the district of Columbia, that serves as the seat of our Nation Capital plus several territories and islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Of the main 50 States only 2 are not found in the continental United States -- Alaska and Hawaii both on the pacific side respectively North and South.

The land area of the entire United States is approximately 3,800,000 square miles (9,841,955 km2), with the contiguous United States making up 2,959,064 square miles (7,663,940.6 km2.)

Quick Stats 
Horizontal Width: 2,680 miles (4313 km.)
Vertical Length: 1,582 miles (2546 km.).
United States area: 3,800,000 square miles (9,841,955 km2)*
* You could easily compare the United States to the size of Europe (10,180,000 sq. km.)

Suffice to see the nation is frequently divided into regions and subregions to better differentiate the territory based on climate, culture, geographical location and so on.  Although each governmental agency has a slightly different way to categorize and dive the US territory in regions, we can at least identify 5 different regions -- Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and The West.

Although this is possibly the most typical way to divide the US mainland into separate sub-regions, we opt to use the 7-region division which allow to better present the different territories.  

The US divided in 7 Regions

New England
Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Midwest
The Rocky Mountains
Southwest
Pacific Coastal



The United States Map divided by 7 Region

There is really no absolute right or wrong when it comes to dividing the United State Territory, and probably if you have already conducted some researches regarding the United States, you may have come across these names once or twice and found that they can be pretty much interchangeable.

As we go into exploring in a bit more detail these different regions, we will utilize the 7-region subdivision as it allows us to better dive the national parks and things to explore/do in each.

THE NEW ENGLAND

FOR: The Birth of a Nation

Brief Introduction:
The region of New England extends for almost 72,00 sq. mi. Possibly one of the oldest regions of the United States dating back to the 1620s with the arrival of the Pilgrims out of the coast of Cape Cod aboard the famous Mayflower. This is a region deep in culture and tradition, the bedrock of America Heritage, home to some of the most important cultural institutions & educational centers including a couple of Ivy-league Universities.

WHAT TO VISIT HERE

Largest Cities:
Boston (MA), Providence(RI), Portland (ME)

Towns worth stopping: 
Provincetown (Capecod) the iconic village at the end of the peninsula, Hyannis (Capecod) because who doesn't love the Kennedys, Gloucester (MA) for its tradition in the Fishing Industry, Kennebunkport (ME) for its elegance and gorgeous Mansions, Bar Harbor (ME) as the "main gate" to the Acadia National Park, Stowe and Montpelier (VT) especially in the Fall and Winter for some snow wonderland.

National/State Park:

• Acadia National Park found in Maine with its 47,000 acres of pines trees and birches that extend all the way to the water.
• Cape Cod National Seashore Park with over 43,000 acres of shoreline along the coast of Cape Cod, a paradise for all beach, sand dune and pristine waters' lovers.
• Mount Washington State Park found in New Hampshire. Love the mountains and drastic climate changes? Well, then this is the place for you.

Best Way to Visit the Region:
Leaving Boston aside for a moment, probably the easiest way to explore New England is by car. Although you have trains and domestic flights that connect the major cities in each State, this is an area that is meant to be explored as a road-trip or you won't be able to really witness the beauty of New England. We recommend at least 1 to 2 weeks to dedicate to the entire area. Starting from the southern area of New England which is the State of Connecticut and Cape Cod you can drive North along the coast visiting the most quaint villages on the Atlantic Shore and reach the Acadia National Park and then cut West to explore New Hampshire and Vermont.

Recommended for:
This region is definitely for the lovers of nature, long deserted sandy beaches, mountains, cliffs and pine trees that basically reach the ocean, and of course lobsters! Maine is the state that supplies 90% of fresh lobsters consumed annually in the United States. If you love mountains & cool temperatures landscapes but can't quite give up on the ocean and beaches, this is for you! A unique mix of the two.

Most dramatic time to visit:
Fall Foliage is one of the most sought after season. The entire region basically colors up in the hues of orange, red and yellow. Alternatively, late spring and summer are great seasons with warm days and cool nights. Possibly avoid Winter months, as snowfall can be heavy and driving around won't be as easy and fun.
Itineraries & Trips: New England Triangle:On The Road for 10 Days

MID ATLANTIC

FOR: Lovers of Metropolises, Big Cities & History

Brief Introduction:
This is the most infrastructurally-advanced, industry-heavy, economically-developed region of the US, home to some of the most densely populated cities in America. Here, you find the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and our capital Washington DC.

WHAT TO VISIT HERE

Largest Cities:
New York City (NY), Philadelphia (PA), Washington (DC), Baltimore (MD), and Pittsburgh (PA).

Towns worth stopping:
There are plenty of small towns in the Mid-Atlantic region from those found along the Hudson River (NY) to those along the Jersey Shore (NJ) or the Chesapeake Bay (MD). However, if you want to visit historical villages you may want to start with Annapolis (MD), Gettysburg (PA), St Michaels (MD), West Point (NY) and Old Town Alexandria (VA).

National/State Park:
There are actually no National Park in this region, however, we'll point out a couple of State Park and National Monument that are definitely worth visiting.

• Niagara Falls State Park (NY) located right at the border with Canada the place to be if you want to explore the impressive strength and power of the Niagara Falls.
• Bear Mountain State Park (NY) for hikes especially during the Foliage season and for panoramic views of the Hudson Valley.
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island National Monument (NY) for a visit to Lady liberty.
• Gettysburg National Military Park (PA) to learn about the historic battle of Gettysburg.
• Assateague Island National Seashore (MD) a gorgeous island and park home to wild horses that run freely on the water.
• The National Mall (DC) for the most important National Memorials and to learn American History.

Best Way to visit the Region:
This area is possibly the most highly-populated, well-connected by public transportation region of the United States. So, if you want to focus on the large metropolis, you might be able to simply use commercial transportation such as trains, buses, or flights between the major hubs of New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC. The cities are also a great home-base for day-trips to visit the surrounding areas and parks.

Recommended for:
Those that love history and big-city vibes slightly mixed with some touches of Mother Nature. Especially if it's your first time visiting the US, you might want to start with cities such as NYC and Washington DC to get acquainted with both the American culture and history, plus they won't require you renting a car, driving around for long hours and extensive researches. You will have plenty of opportunities to visit the big cities and surrounding areas with daily excursions and activities.

Most Dramatic Time to Visit:
Mid-Spring during the Cherry Blossoms is an amazing time to visit the region especially for cities such as NYC and DC. Alternatively Fall, to experience some Foliage. The Holidays are always much-appreciated thanks to the Christmas decorations but be prepared for cold temperatures and snow. Early and late Summer are good for those that love warm weather while sightseeing. Avoid mid-July to the end of August as it's the warmest, most humid and rain-heavy time of the year.

THE SOUTH

FOR: Small Town Lovers, Country Music, Sweet Tea & Comfort Foods

Brief Introduction:
The South is known for its incredible hospitality & unique culture steeped in traditions. Throughout the centuries, this region has developed some very particular customs when it comes to foods, sports, music, religions, etc. to make it a very particular and self-contained region different from anywhere else in the United States. This is where we can discover and learn about the plantations' economy, as well as facts regarding the civil war, the confederate states, segregation and the consequential fight for civil rights. No trip to the US is complete without a visit to the South especially for those interested in learning more about today's American Culture and its deep divisions.

WHAT TO VISIT HERE

Largest Cities:
Miami (FL), Atlanta (GA), New Orleans (LA), Nashville (TN)

Towns Worth Stopping:
The South is the epitome of Small Town USA. You will have a plethora of quaint seaside villages and charming towns to visit.

• Dahlonega (GA) a historic town surrounded by wine farms and vineyards.
• Savannah (GA) to get your fill of cobblestone streets, antebellum homes, and horse-drawn carriages.
• Memphis (TN) to discover the Legend of Rock and Roll Elvis Persley.
• Charleston (SC) the seaside town with Old World charm and antebellum-style houses.
• Beaufort (SC) for perfect walks along the waterfront and the historic downtown.
• St Augustine (FL) to discover the oldest town in the continental United States and its Spanish roots.
• Fairhope (AL) a quaint town in Alabama overlooking the Mobile Bay with lots of traditions and historical houses.
• Baton Rouge (LA) where you can visit the old Old Louisiana State Capitol and original antebellum plantations.
• Natchez (MI) known as the first settlement along the Mississippi River and the town with the most antebellum houses in the US.
• Eureka Springs (AR) with its iconic Historic District full of Victorian buildings and houses.

National/State Parks:
Although what makes the South so unique is culture, tradition, and small-town vibes, the region also does offer a couple of National Parks definitely worth visiting.

• Shenandoah National Park (VA) found along the Blue Ridge Mountains and part of the Appalachian Trail perfect for lovers of hikes and forests; home to some popular local "inhabitants" including the black bear!
• The Great Smoky Mountain National Park (TN & NC) with the popular 11-mile long Cades Cove Scenic Loop. Incredible scenery.
• Mammoth Cave’s National Park (KY) with its almost 400 miles of explored caverns is the longest known cave system in the world.
• Hot Springs National Parks (AR) taking the name for the neighboring city of Hot Springs and famous for its bathing waters.

Best Way to Visit the Region:
The South is pretty spread-out so you might find that a flight & drive combination will work best to explore the most of this territory. Unless you have over 3+ weeks at your disposal, we don't recommend simply driving all around. It's best if you select 3 major cities where you can easily fly in & out and then rent cars to explore the region.

Recommended for:
For those that want to explore the South with its culture and traditions. If you have watched at least once "Gone with the Wind" and fell in love with the scenery, if Country Music is your jam, if you want to try some real BBQ, if you hear sweet tea and your eyes light up, this region is for you.

Most Dramatic Time to Visit:
The weather and the scenery are definitely more appealing during the mid-seasons Spring and Fall. Winters are not too cold but the scenery is not as nice. Avoid July and August as they are the worst months for both humidity and heavy rainfall.

THE MIDWEST

FOR: Lakeshore Towns, Frontier Villages & The Wild Wild West 

Brief Introduction:
The region is known for its vast prairie land, buffalo roaming the country, small-town vibes and laid-back life. In this region, you can learn the history of the Frontier Life West of the Mississippi. If you are interested in lakeshore villages especially to spend a couple of summer days, you will love the Great Lake Region especially along Michigan's and Wisconsin's lakeshores. Here you will have plenty of towns and lakeside resorts with historic main streets, art galleries, and boutiques. Instead, if you want to dwell more in the Frontier Land, then head south-west towards the Dakotas and Missouri, plenty of small towns that still exuberate the frontier culture and tradition today.

WHAT TO VISIT HERE

Largest Cities:
Chicago (Il), Detroit (MI), Indianapolis (IN), St Luis (Mo)

Towns worth stopping:
From Lakefront Towns to Western Frontier Villages, you will have plenty of places to visit and stop for a couple of days.

• Petoskey & Charlevoix (MI) for their pebbles lake-beaches and historic center with shops and galleries.
• Madison (IN) for historic buildings dating back to the first half of the 19th century.
• Sainte Genevieve(MO) is one of the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River known for the unique French Colonial architecture.
• Jamestown (ND) because if you want to see the buffalos then you will find them here leisurely crossing the street at this frontier village.
• Lebanon (OH) if you love antiques, you will have plenty to see and shop, also you can stay at the popular 200-year old Inn where Charles Dickens himself stayed -- Golden Lamb Inn.

National/State Parks:

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH) a great natural paradise and refuge for many flora and fauna species.
• Isle Royale (MI) is a car-free forest famous for its scenery of lakes and waterways and its wilderness with moose and wolves.
• Voyageurs National Park (MN) a vast area of forests, lakes and camping sites. Famous for "The Ellsworth Rock Gardens" created by Jack Ellsworth in the 1940s by using a variety of natural elements of the native Northern-Minnesota landscape.
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park (ND) one of the best places if you want to admire the iconic wildlife of the MidWest including bison, elks, longhorns, horses, and many others.
• Badlands National Park (SD) an incredible park to admire a dramatic landscape comprised of rock formations, canyons and huge spires inhabited by "local residents" such as the bighorn sheep, bison and prairie dogs. Make sure to drive along Highway 240 (Badlands Loop Road) to admire the scenery from various look-out points.
• Wind Cave National Park (SD) one of the largest parks known for its underground cave system which can only be visited with a tour led by rangers. One of the oldest National Parks in the US with extensive prairie land and local animals. (Please note that due to Elevator repairs there are no tours in the caves as of October 2019)

Best Way to visit the Region:
Definitely rent a car and go! You might want to divide the area into sub-regions and take advantage of domestic flights to connect to major hubs and then drive around each area. You could theoretically divide your trip to the Midwest into 2 parts. One part will be the Great Lake region towards the North-East and the second part will more towards the West with the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas, this is where the land gets more prairie-like, the towns get more "wild wild west", and the landscape, in general, gets a bit drier.

Recommended for:
Lovers of the Frontier History and the Wild Wild West. This region will give you just the right mix of small-town vibes, cowboy life, ranches and cattle farms, prairies, as well as lakeside villages famous for their art-galleries and food & wines offerings. This is definitely a region that can entice different tastes and needs.

Most dramatic time to visit:
Early and Late Summers when the days are cooling down and less humid. Mid Seasons like Spring and Fall, especially if you want to see the different vegetation along the lakeshore. Summers can be really hot and humid and winters can be long, cold and gray, especially in the northern Midwest.

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION

FOR: Discover the Rocky Mountains, Best Ski Resorts and Western Towns

Brief Introduction:
If you are looking to explore even more of the Frontier Life, learn about the Western Explorations and the Mining Industry of the mid 19th-century, than this is also your region along with the Mid-West (see above for details.) The Rocky Mountains region offers diverse landscapes and adventures for taste. Make sure to explore some of the most iconic National Parks including the Rocky Mountain National Park with one of the few protected Alpine Tundra left in the Unites States.

WHAT TO VISIT HERE

Largest Cities:
Denver (Co), Salt Lake City (UT), Las Vegas (NV)

Towns worth stopping:
Plenty of small town and villages are found in this region and some date back to the early 19th Century. 

• If you want to relive the years of Western Explorations when miners set west to look for gold and silver in the Colorado Mountains, then you must stop at Durango and Ouray in Colorado where not only you can recall the history of the West of the mid 19th century, but where you will also have the possibility to relive that era visiting authentic saloons for yummy lunch or dinner.
• Bozeman (Montana) which is a great town to visit on your way to Yellowstone and West Glacier National Park(Montana).
• This is also a region known for amazing sky resorts, so especially in Winter when it is open for the season, we highly recommend Jackson in Jackson-Hole Wyoming.
• Aspen and Vail in Colorado are other 2 popular destinations, especially Aspen offers something for each season and you should not miss a visit to the iconic Maroon Bells!

National/State Parks:
Lovers of National Parks, you won't be disappointed apointed by this region.

• Yellowstone National Park (WY) probably the most-visited park in the US with over 3,500 square miles of wilderness located right on top of a volcanic hot spot. The park is mainly located in Wyoming but certain areas do extend into Montana and Idaho. If you only have one park to visit, Yellowstone should be at the top of your list with its mix of canyons, geysers, forests, hot springs, and an amazing variety of animals including wolves, bison, elk, bears, and antelope.
• Rocky Mountain National Park (CO) one of the most amazing parks home to the protected Alpine Tundra the park develops along the Continental Divide, the actual ridge that divides the Atlantic from the Pacific.
• Glacier National Park (MT) with over 1,583 square miles of mountains, alpine lakes, hundreds of hiking trails and the popular and often-photographed Hidden Lake. In this park, you can also encounter the iconic mountain goat and the now endangered grizzly bear.
• Great Sand Dunes (CO) if you want to climb or snowboard down sandy dunes, this park is for you!
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison (CO) is an incredible park in the middle of Colorado with amazing look-out points over the black canyon, you can even decide to join a brief adventure and drive down to the bottom of the canyon (make sure you have the right car!)
• Monument Valley (UT) found right along the Arizona-Utah border is the park famous for those iconic red-stone buttes towering the desert.
• Zion National Park (UT) known also for its connection to the Mormon culture and history. The park offers amazing scenic drives to admire the red-rock formations scattered throughout the desert landscape.
• Bryce Canyon (UT) is probably the only park with natural red-colored hoodoos (aka tall rock spires). It's best to visit the park at sunset and sunrise to admire the colors of the rocks change with the sun rising/setting; you won't be disappointed!
• Arches National Park (UT) to complete National Park found in Utah with over 2,000 natural sandstone arches including the popular red-hued Delicate Arch.

Best Way to visit the Region:
The Rocky Mountain region is such a vast area you do need to pick-and-choose where you want to go and drive. It's best to divide the area into sub-regions, also the weather will be different in the northern states of Wyoming and Montana compared to the central states of Colorado, Utah, and Nevada especially during the mid-season, you might still find heavy snowfall up north and milder temperatures the southern you drive.

Recommended for:
This region is recommended to those that love the Mountains and High Peeks with permanent glaciers, geyser and hot springs, desert with giant red-rock formations and other natural formations. This is definitely a region for all of you looking to learn more about geology as well as the Native American culture.

Most dramatic time to visit:
Fall is a great season for the Foliage especially in the state of Colorado around Aspen when those aspen trees start turning yellow and orange. Winter is your season, if you love snowstorms and Holiday-vibes, although most of the areas except for Ski Resorts could be closed due to inclement weather.

SOUTH-WEST

FOR: Tex-Mex Lovers, Desert & Canyons, Native American Culture

Brief Introduction:
This is probably one of the most unique regions in the United States where we can still find the most examples of ancient Native American villages where we can still learn about their culture, tradition and heritage. The region offers national parks and historic towns to make it a perfect destination for a trip dedicated to both nature and culture.

WHAT TO VISIT HERE

Largest Cities:
Dallas (TX) , Phoenix (AZ) , Houston (TX), San Antonio (TX), Austin (TX), and Albuquerque (NM)

Towns worth stopping:

• Kerrville (TX) this small town in Texas often compared to the South of France thanks to its mix of water basins, wineries, and cypress-clad hills, it's also famous for the many annual festivals and arts events held here.
• Palestine (TX) famous for its beaux-arts architecture and stately homes.
• Sugar Land (TX) considered one of the best places to live in the US that has become a hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining options
• Ruidoso (NM) a quaint town with a great mix of South meets West and stucco-clad boutiques alongside log-paneled cabins.
• Queen Creek (AZ) famous for the many farms and agritourism where you can discover the rural and agricultural heritage of this area as well as stroll around orchards and olive trees.

National/State Parks:

• Grand Canyon (AZ) go back millions of years to discover how this area came to be. There are plenty of look-put points throughout the park to admire how the Colorado River carved his path down into the rocks including Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, Desert View Watchtower and more.
• Petrified Forest (AZ) located in northeastern Arizona, here you will find several colorful and petrified kinds of wood, the Rainbow Forest Museum, and the incredible archeological site called Puerco Pueblo which dates back to 1300 A.D. with over 100 rooms and original petroglyphs and a Hopi Murals Museum.
• Carlsbad Caverns (NM) located in the Chihuahuan Desert with more than 100 caves famous for the stalactites especially those of the Big Room, a huge underground chamber in the cavern. If you rather drive around, you should take the Walnut Canyon Desert Loop which offers several look-out points into the adjacent desert home to many rattlesnakes and birds.
• Big Bend (TX) home to the Chisos mountain range and a large section of the Chihuahuan Desert. Great place to discover the desert wildlife, drive along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive for great panoramic views over the Santa Elena Canyon and the Rio Grande and visit the ruins of Sam Nail Ranch.
• Guadalupe Mountains (TX) Guadalupe Mountains National Park located east of El Paso, Texas, and it features the most extensive well-preserved Permian fossil reef in the US. Here you can admire canyons, dunes, mountains and an incredible variety of flora and fauna.
• Padre Island National Seashore (TX) one of the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world extending over 70 miles. This area serves as a refuge to many animal species and long stretches of pristine gulf beaches. Most of the area is left uncontaminated although camping is available. Laguna Madre located on the west coast side is a famous spot for windsurfing.

Best Way to visit the Region:
You need to be willing to drive, and a lot! This is a great region to explore by car or camper. You could probably save some time factoring in some domestic flights here and there, but if you want to explore most of the area, be ready for long drives.

Recommended for:
The South-West is often, and wrongly, described as flat arid open land that won't offer much dynamic and variation. Although this couldn't be farthest from the truth. Yes, the region is indeed quite vast, but it does offer much diversity. Driving through this region you can admire the different landscapes that the territory offers from mountain ranges to dessert & canyons. Here you can explore some of the oldest archeological sites left in the United States as well as Native American villages rich in cultural traditions, i.e. the pueblos. We highly recommend a visit to the Zuni and Acoma Pueblos, as well as the iconic Taos Pueblo located near the town of Taos (NM). If you want to learn more about the Native America tradition, history and culture, this is the area that you don't want to miss! Last tip -- make sure to taste some of the delicious Tex-Mex cuisines while you are down there.

Most dramatic time to visit:
As per many other states /regions, the mid-seasons are usually the most recommended time to travel so you can take advantage of mild temperatures and sunny days. Summer int the South-West can be brutal with temperatures that often go well above 100F although the region is known for its dry climate which helps a bit, still, we do not recommend visiting this area in August! Winters are a bit unpredictable, it could snow (or not) and temperatures vary greatly from day to night.

THE PACIFIC COAST

FOR: Lovers of Sun & Ocean, Laid Back Lifestyle and Mountains

Brief Introduction:
Who hasn't been California-dreaming at least once in their life? This ia the home to the longest beaches, surfing competitions, quaint seaside vilages, arts & cultures, as well as plenty of mountains to appease those looking for hiking trails and scenic drives.

WHAT TO VISIT HERE

Largest Cities:
Los Angeles (CA), San Francisco (CA), Seattle (WA), Portland (OR), and San Diego (CA)

Towns worth stopping:

• Carmel and Monterey (CA) are beautiful, quaint seaside villages along the California Central Coast.
• Santa Barbara (CA) is probably one of the most visited towns north of LA famous for its vineyards, boutiques, art galleries and more.
• If you love wine, you should visit the wine-making county of Sonoma and Napa (CA), plenty of small towns, vineyards, and delicious restaurants to choose from.
• Ashland (OR) is a great small-town for those that love hikes and rafting, plus every summer is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
• Hood River (OR) famous area for windsurfers.
• Mendocino (CA) famous seaside village where you can spot the gray whales and their little ones swimming around the bay.
• Inverness (CA) famous for its Cypress Tree Tunnel that looks like an enchanted forest straight out of a Disney story.
• Leavenworth (WA) a very German-vibes town that looks just like a Bavarian alpine village and famous for its Oktoberfest festivities!
• Friday Harbor - San Juan Island (WA) to watch orcas swimming in the harbor, admire the beautiful lavender fields and take long walks around farms and orchards.

National/State Parks:

• Yosemite National Park (CA) where you can admire the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the tall Sequoias Trees. Some of the most iconic views include El Capitan, Bridalveil, and Half Dome.
• Death Valley National Park (CA) to discover the lowest point in North America -- Badwater Basin with its 282 feet below sea-level. Some of the most iconic places include Zabriskie Point and Dante's View.
• Joshua Tree National Park (CA) another popular park in California located close to the Mojave Desert and famous for its namesake tree -- the Joshua Trees, desert landscape, cactuses, and other snake plants.
• Muir Woods National Monument (CA) although it is not technically a National Park( It's a National Monument) you don't want to miss this park north of San Francisco where you can discover those giant sequoias, they are some of the tallest trees in the world.
• Olympic National Park (WA) the only National park located in the state of Washington. Here, you will admire high mountain peaks, glaciers, and forests. The park is located in a peninsula offering amazing views of the Pacific Coast.

Best Way to visit the Region:
If you are into road-trips and you have a couple of weeks at your disposal, you may want to drive the Pacific Coast north-south or vice-versa. However, if you are running on a tighter schedule, you might want to first explore the North-West with the states of Oregon and Washington and then hop on a flight to San Francisco and from there explore the central part of California.

Recommended for:
This region is definitely recommended to those that want a mix of some big city vibes and incredible oceanic beaches, lovers of surf & shoreline life, or those that are looking for mountains and hiking trails with incredible open views across the coastline.
The Pacific Coast does offer every kind of adventure someone might be looking for from hikes along mountain-top glaciers to strolls along sun-drenched beaches. If you select the right time and travel the pacific coast south to north you could probably experience 4 distinct seasons in one single trip!

Most dramatic time to visit:
Mid-seasons such as Spring and Fall are always a great time to visit the West Coast. Especially if you want to focus on the Southern region, you might want to avoid August and the heat of Summer. Fall is a great season to visit Oregon and Washington to admire the Foliage. If you decide to go in the Winter be prepared for heavy snowfall up north, although if you love to ski, then definitely hit Lake Tahoe, Stevens Pass, and Crystal Mountain.

Escorted Group Tours Departing from Los Angeles