If you want to go for a family trip or a road trip with your buddies, the Western Coast of America is a good choice. More than 1500 km long and from snow capped mountains and pine forests to boiling hot deserts, this coast offers a lot to explore. The fact that most of the coastline can be covered by road makes this as a great road trip too. Being the birthplace of most of the technology companies in the world, the culture here is young and modern. Also, being an immigrant hub, means that you can get anything from the world in these coastal cities!
Getting there
There is a flight from Mumbai/New Delhi to Seattle, where you can start your trip. Flight prices start from INR 36000 for a one way ticket.
Visa
Indians need to have a valid US visa, before entering. A US visa can be applied for through their online system and you have to get an appointment at the embassy. The approximate cost to get a US visa is around INR 10,000.
You can start your trip in this wonderful city in the state of Washington. Seattle is located around a bay, just across the border from Canada. If you go in summer, the temperature will be cool here. You can start the day by visiting the -
You can look at the sound (which is like a bay) from the Discovery Park. The park has walking trails, beaches, wetlands and offers splendid views of the city and the mountains.
You can stop here and just have a look at the art of the Pacific Northwest. As this is located right in the city you can walk around, have lunch and stop at the famous Seattle central Library.
In the evening you can go and visit the Pike Place market. Some shopping and a wonderful array of seafood will get you going for the evening. Ypu can get a good meal for $10 at Pike Place Chowder.
One of the most famous landmarks of Seattle, this tall tower is best seen at night. Go on top the observation deck, which also has a rotating restaurant and look down at the night scene of Seattle. It is a perfect way to end the day. You can sleep at the Travelodge for about $60.
You can take a boat and head out to this small island located in the middle of the sound. It is a four hour cruise and leaves from Pier 55 in Seattle. There are Native American tribal dances and performances including food at the Tillicum Village. The whole excursion costs about $91 or INR 6000.
You can walk around the city, stopping at a few coffee houses along the way. Seattle is famous for its coffee and bookshops, so that can be a nice way to spend a relaxing evening.
Head over to Portland via bus or car if doing a road trip. Portland is in Oregon, but it is located near Seattle.
Explore this city’s café culture and sustainable initiatives! A good place to rest for the night is Northwest Portland hostel for $45.
If you’ve had too much of the city, you can take a full day tour to Mt. Hood and enjoy the stunning landscape of Oregon. With pine forests, snow peaks and waterfalls this is natures at its best. Try a good handmade pasta at Grassa for just $10 in the night!
Drive down to this lake which was made by a meteor impact millions of years ago. Enjoy a full day here and its one of America’s greatest places for boating and having a picnic.
This city will never bore you. One of California’s biggest cities and an icon of the west coast, with its new hipster culture, old restaurants, taverns, seafood and parks, San Francisco is truly a delight.
No matter at what time of the day you go, this architectural wonder will always be shrouded in mist and fog. If you’re very lucky then you might be able to see the full length of this bridge. Visit the Golden gate park nearby and gaze at the bridge.
Drive down the world’s most crooked and steep road. This is a good challenge to test your driving skills! After you’ve come down, it is probably a good idea to explore the city via cable car (tram).
This is a nice neighborhood along the waterfront and a good place to spend the evening. Dotted with nice and fancy restaurants, you can decide to splurge a bit and go to places like Gary Denko or Eight AM, where for $90 you can get a 3 course meal. You can get a nice room at The Mosser for $90 for the night.
You can take a leisure trip to Napa Valley – the wine country of America. Rolling hills, small towns and wineries all around will leave you feeling like a wine expert in no time! Visit one out of the hundreds of vineyards located in Napa County. Sterling is a good choice as it is on top of a hill and they have a nice tour of the winery. You can grab lunch at the winery itself or at the Napa Valley Bistro for around $15. Spend the night at Travelodge which will cost you $50.
Visit this surreal natural park. Located in a steep valley with forests and cliffs around you, this place is straight out of a painting. Go and see the one of the world’s highest waterfalls here. Sleep here in one of the many lodges or cabins and appreciate the eerie silence that will engulf you at night.
Hike around Yosemite national Park and try and visit the glacier point or the half dome point to get a view from above. Some of the world’s tallest trees – the redwoods are also located here, which makes Yosemite a must see of California. Sleep inside the park, in tents or log cabins for an average price of $150 at The Half Dome Village.
The home of entertainment and celebrities, Los Angeles is the global capital of cinema and glamour. Luxury finds a new meaning here, with swanky mansions, restaurants and super cars on the street.
Start the day, by taking a bus tour ($30) around Beverly Hills. This is where the rich and famous of Hollywood live and it’s a treat to see their houses. You might even see a celebrity! After this tour you can come down to Sunset Boulevard and then go and see the Hollywood walk of fame.
In the evening, you can lie down on the beach at the Santa Monica pier. It’s a good idea to buy a burger from the Pier Burger for about $8 or get seafood at the Albright. Laze away your evening watching the Pacific ocean and maybe even some beach performers. Stay at the Monterey Inn nearby for just $80.
It is the first of the many such theme parks. Enjoy a full day here, watching splendid parades, charades, and performances from your favorite Disney characters. The sets of the castles and palaces are must sees as well. You can easily spend a whole day here and there are many options for food inside. There are activities for kids and adults alike, and no matter who you come with you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Disneyland is located in Anaheim, about 40 minutes from downtown. Get a one day ticket for $90 here.
Getting Around
Although the US has public transport, it is best to drive around, renting a car. Avis and Hertz are good companies to rent one. Rentals start as low as $25 per day. If you dont prefer driving, you can use the train.
Costs
Flight to Seattle - INR 36000
Rental Car - INR 1700 per day
Meals - INR 1800 per day (cheaper in fast food)
Hotels - If you're planning a budget trip, hostels and motels can cheaper. About $60 (INR 4000)