USA West Coast

From cities to desert sands, the western region of the United States of America has a unique place in our shared consciousness. Think of ‘The West’ and you’ll often be taken back to the ‘Old West’, conjuring up images of cowboys, Indians and the frontier. Of course, a lot has changed in the western states since the cowboy reigned supreme but it still retains that frontier spirit with a lot of enterprising businesses taking place here – just think of Microsoft, Silicon Valley and Starbucks. It's also where you will find Hollywood, Las Vagas, stunning Californian beaches and the amazing Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park among many others.
History & Culture

Natural Wonders

Outdoor Adventures

Must-do Experiences

Points of Interest
Most Australian citizens are able to travel to the United States without a visa by using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), with an approved ESTA. For more details go to http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english.html
Useful Phrases
How much do I tip the bell boy? | How much do I tip the bell boy? | |
Put my bags in the boot of the car | Put the luggage in the trunk | |
Put it in the rubbish bin | Throw this in the trash can | |
We need some petrol | We need gas | |
New York is quite nice in autumn | New York is beautiful in the fall | |
I'll have a burger with no tomato | I'll have a burger, hold the tomato | |
I'll have a filter coffee with Half & Half [Half milk & half cream] | I'll have a coffee with half n' half | |
I'll just a small soft-drink | Give us a big gulp | |
That's quite nice | Oh My God, that's awesome! |
Getting Around
The USA is the perfect self-drive destination, so don’t be scared of driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road! With so many fancy cars available for hire at very reasonable prices, why not spoil yourself and hire that ruby red Mustang you’ve always wanted to drive? Put the top down and let the wind blow through your hair as you cruise from destination to destination at your own pace.
If you’re not quite ready to jump in the driver’s seat of a canary yellow Chevy Camaro or on a Harley-Davidson motorbike, there is always the fantastic rail network to transport you around the country. Amtrak is quite extensive, and connects with a lot of other transport options, like buses and ferries, to make getting from point A to B a breeze.
Dining
The west coast is home to a huge variety of dining options; from funky little food trucks in Portland and the enviable coffee culture in Seattle, to celebrity-owned restaurants in Los Angeles and an endless supply of doughnuts in San Francisco. You will be spoilt for choice with something new around every corner.
Most importantly, if you’re driving out to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, make sure you stop in at Peggy Sue’s '50’s Diner. This iconic little diner, originally built in 1954, is about half way between the two cities and is the perfect place to stop for a Buddy Holly Bacon Cheeseburger and the best vanilla malt milkshake you’ve ever tasted!
Shopping
Los Angeles is definitely the best place to start if you’re heading out on the world’s best shopping spree. Whether you want to sift through vintage stores for that one-of-a-kind treasure, window-shop for extravagant luxury goods, or anything in between, Los Angeles has you covered.
Not keen on emptying your wallet into a slot machine, why not hit the shops in Las Vegas and take home a new suitcase filled with goodies? As this city never sleeps, you are guaranteed to get your shopping fix around the clock at a multitude of different locations, including two outlet shopping centres to the north and south of Vegas.
What to Pack
The weather on the beautiful west coast of the United States of America is quite mild year round. Make sure you bring your swimwear for the summer time, to hit the beautiful Californian coast, and a jacket and umbrella during those chilly winter months. Depending on where you’re heading on your trip, you may need a snow jacket. There will definitely be some glorious snow on the ground during the winter months at inland places like Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon – a stunning alternative to the photos you’re used to of these incredible places.
There is so much to do and see in this part of the world – no matter who you are and what you enjoy, you can find it here on the west coast of the USA. Go swimming or surfing on the Californian coast, or explore the Hollywood hills on a horse-riding tour. Try your luck at celebrity-spotting, ride the roller coasters at Disneyland, or spend a full day shopping at the outlet malls.
Why not cycle your way across the Golden Gate Bridge, or spend the day hiking through spectacular Yosemite National Park? Perhaps you would enjoy a leisurely drive through the Redwood National Park, or getting your adrenalin pumping by sitting on the edge of Horse Shoe Bend? Be sure to admire the Grand Canyon’s natural beauty from the glass skywalk, or get a bird's-eye-view while on a helicopter tour. And head to Las Vegas to experience the night life and incredible stage shows, or hit the poker machines if you’re feeling lucky! The list really is endless ... what will you do?