Pacific Coast Explorer

Arrive in Seattle and pick up your rental car. Make time this afternoon to visit the Space Needle or the superb Explore Music Project before enjoying dinner and coffee at one of Seattle's excellent restaurants.

Depart Seattle today en route to Mt Rainier National Park, one of the outstanding scenic wonders of the Northwest. Cross the Columbia River for a stop at Mt St Helens that will reveal the devastation created by the 1980 eruption of this active volcano. Continue to Portland in the evening.

The dramatic coastline of Oregon has panoramic vistas and picturesque images for you to enjoy today. The peaceful drive through ever-changing terrain will take you through small towns which reflect the essence of the American spirit. May we suggest packing a picnic and pulling off the highway at one of the many trails you will find along the way.

Pass former Russian fishing settlements as you continue your drive today. The giant redwoods are protected in state and national parks that are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Follow the coastline of California south to the village of Mendocino. The town of Mendocino is a Historic Preservation District on the National Register of Historic Places with a superb coastal setting and is the perfect place to linger before continuing south to San Francisco. There will be time to explore the city this evening.

Enjoy a wonderful day touring the city. See places like Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman's Wharf, where you can take a short boat trip to tour infamous Alcatraz Island.

Today's drive takes you down the California coast to Monterey. Stroll along Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row before continuing along the stunning landscape of 17-Mile Drive en route to the village of Carmel.

Follow Pacific Coast Highway south along the Big Sur Peninsula. On the way enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean pounding the cliffs and rocks below. Why not take time to visit Hearst Castle and learn about its fascinating history? Overnight in the heart of California's Central Coast.

Continue south today passing through Santa Barbara, yet another beautiful stretch of coast in Malibu and the seaside town of Santa Monica prior to arriving in Los Angeles.

A full day to explore Hollywood or Beverly Hills. Go behind the scenes at Universal Studios Hollywood, or head to Anaheim's ever-popular Disneyland theme park.

Return your car to the airport before your departure flight.