where to go on west coast
 

I have a week off in September and already i am thinking of where to go. I have narrowed it down to the west coast as I have seen all of the east.

Are you more inclined toward the SW or the NW? Would you be more interested in scenic highlights (Zion NP, Mt. Rainier) or cities (Las Vegas, Seattle)?

Spend it in San Francisco,you cant go wrong there.Paul

I would start in Portland go to Mt Saint Helens in Washington then travel down the coast of Oregon to Crater Lake and back to Portland

There are so many options.

If it were my first visit to the west coast and I had only a week, I would start in San Francisco, drive Highway 1 as far as Cambria, and pop over to Yosemite before returning to San Francisco and home.

However, there are many other satisfying ways to spend a week in the SW or NW. For instance, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, etc. make a great trip in September.

Depends what you like to do--let us know and we can give you suggestions.

Fly to San Francisco, rent a car at SFO and drive to Napa. You will be there in an hour/two.......tour Napa then make your way back to San Francisco for several more days. Check your Hertz rental car in downtown and then take a cab to the a/p when you leave. Have a nice trip.

I would spend most of my time in SF, though I do like Happy Trail's loop idea with Cambria to Yosemite and back to SF.

A week isn't very much time. Is there a particular state?

Second full week of September visit the Pendleton Round-Up and then continue into the Wallowas. Round-Up is the nations largest 4 day rodeo. It includes many Native American events, art shows, concerts and speakers. It is put on by 500 volunteers and is lots of fun whether you like rodeo or not.

Fly to Portland, rent a car drive down the gorge. Spend a couple of nights in Pendleton (reserve now - town of 15,000 gets 50,000 visitors). Continue into the Wallowa mountains. Spend 3 nights. Return down the gorge, but drive on the Washington side. Last night at Skamania lodge. Fly home from Portland.

This same time of year there is also an event called Cycle Oregon if the bike in bike girl means you like long distance cycling.

Eastern Oregon is my home. If you decide to visit Oregon I can give you lots of advice about where to get off the beaten trail.

All of Northern California is a treat to visit.

San Francisco is amazing. If you are into wine there is Napa/Sonoma - (both of which are in harvest at that time) If you are into beer - there are tons of breweries in the area.

The food choices are atronomical - the weather is beautiful (althoug a little cold and foggy in the mornings)

The shopping is awesome.

Hwy 1 in itself is a treat.

Monteray is a delight, so is Carmel