Pacific Coast Explorer

About the destination: Seattle is a major coastal seaport and the seat of King County, in the state of Washington. Seattle lies on seven hills including Capitol Hill, First Hill, West Seattle, Beacon Hill, Magnolia, Denny Hill and Queen Anne. The Kitsap and the Olympic peninsulas along with the Olympic Mountains lie to the west of Puget Sound, while the Cascade Range and Lake Sammamish lie to the east of Lake Washington. An iconic feature of Seattle's skyline is the Space Needle. The view from the top is stunning with a revolving restaurant, undoubtedly Seattle's most famous landmark. Mount Rainier, towering over Seattle, is 50 miles from the city. There's a national park with camping and hiking activities. One of Seattle's most popular attractions is Pike Place Market. The farmer's market is over 100 years old and still maintains local flavour. The Seattle Aquarium showcases a wide variety of colourful marine species. To relive Seattle's history visit the city's oldest neighbourhood around Pioneer Square. Moreover, it's packed with exciting night clubs, restaurants and galleries. Seattle is one of the beautiful cities of the Pacific Northwest. Eclectic, urban, outdoorsy, artsy, gritty and down-to-earth, this vibrant city is well worth a visit.

About the destination: Olympia is a city where everyone can find something to love. It's a city fueled by government activity, but where people enjoy the outdoors during its mild winters and warm summers. Splashed throughout the city, hiking and biking trails wander through the evergreen forests and lead to saltwater beaches. We might be small as far a cities go, but we have plenty of activities for every interest. With a rich history, vibrant culture, modern ammenities, and a beautiful setting on the Puget sound, Olympia is a great place to visit for work or play. Numerous unique restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues are conveniently located in Olympia’s historic downtown, just north of the State’s Capitol Campus. The Olympia Downtown Association provides more information at DowntownOlympia.com external link. The FREE Dash Shuttle, operated by Intercity Transit, runs on 12 and 15 minute schedules from the Capitol to downtown, Monday through Saturday. Get DASH information and other bus schedules at IntercityTransit.com The Olympia|Lacey|Tumwater Vistor Convention Bureau provides information about attractions and events, as well as dining, lodging and transportation services in the greater Thurston County area at VisitOlympia.com

About the destination: Just six miles outside the Nisqually Entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park sits the mountain community of Ashford. Tucked away in the forested foothills discover lodging establishments from cozy cabins to friendly motels, all serving as a base camp for Mt. Rainier adventures.

About the destination: Portland is a city located in the state of Oregon, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Portland is Oregon's most populous city, and the third most populous city in the Pacific Northwest region, after Seattle and Vancouver. Downtown Portland has a well-planned, thriving urban centre with many great restaurants, wide pedestrian areas and entertainment options. Nearby, the historic renaissance style City Hall stands. The four-story building is home of the Portland city government. All over town there are many museums perfect for family entertainment. Situated on a hill overlooking Portland we find the stunning Japanese Garden. This magnificently landscaped garden is considered one of the best Japanese gardens outside of Japan. It’s hard to miss the majestic Mount Hood when you're in Portland. Oregon's highest mountain offers plenty of outdoor activities year-round. Dubbed “The City of Roses", Portland is a laid-back city with a small town feel to it. But don’t worry, the food, beer, wine and spirits scene is the best on the West Coast and the city has gained a reputation as the Beer and Food Cart Capital of the World.

About the destination: Newport is a city in Lincoln County, Oregon, United States. It was incorporated in 1882, though the name dates back to the establishment of a post office in 1868. Newport was named for Newport, Rhode Island. Newport has mild, wet weather throughout the year with the heaviest precipitation falling during the winter months. The city averages 0.4 afternoons annually with maximum temperatures equalling or exceeding 90 °F or 32.2 °C and 29 mornings with minimum temperatures of 32 °F or 0 °C or lower. Newport is also home to the Hatfield Marine Science Center, operated by Oregon State University in collaboration with state and federal agencies. The center conducts research and educational programs associated with the marine environment and serves as a primary field station for the university's College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences.

About the destination: Coos Bay is a city located in Coos County, Oregon, United States, where the Coos River enters Coos Bay on the Pacific Ocean. The city borders the city of North Bend, and together they are often referred to as one entity called either Coos Bay-North Bend or the Bay Area. Coos Bay's population as of the 2010 census was 15,967 residents, making it the largest city on the Oregon Coast.

About the destination: Eureka is the principal city and county seat of Humboldt County in the Redwood Empire region of California. The city is located on U.S. Route 101 on the shores of Humboldt Bay, 270 miles north of San Francisco and 100 miles south of the Oregon border. At the 2010 census, the population of the city was 27,191, and the population of Greater Eureka was 45,034.

About the destination: Napa is the largest city and the county seat of Napa County, in California's Wine Country. It is the second-largest city in California's Wine Country, after Santa Rosa. Napa was incorporated as a city in 1872.

About the destination: San Francisco is a major, lively and cosmopolitan city in California. In San Francisco, history and modernity combine to give visitors an unforgettable experience. From Mission Dolores, the city's first stone building or the city’s legendary cable cars to the high-tech Financial District. A trip to San Francisco is bound to leave you with incredible memories. A boat trip is a great way to explore the “City by the Bay.” Explore Fisherman's Wharf, full of shops, galleries and restaurant offering delicious seafood. Stroll down the Golden Gate and admire the views over the bay and the Pacific Ocean, visit the various maritime museums, and , of course, no visit to San Francisco is complete without an excursion to Alcatraz, the island prison that once held some of the country’s most notorious criminals, such as Al Capone. If it’s a more relaxed environment you’re after, pass through the stately architecture and flowing lagoon of the Palace of Fine Arts. The Transamerica Pyramid has become the city's most famous landmark. The 260 metre high pyramid structure is situated in the heart of the Financial District. Located between three hills, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese settlement outside Asia with pagodas, colourful bunting, decorated balconies and Chinese characters combining with the sounds and exotic aromas of this fascinating area. The Painted Ladies are charming Victorian wooden houses situated on the fringe of Alamo Square and the Haas-Lilienthal House is a well-maintained jewel of a bygone era. San Francisco thrives on variety and has a contagious energy. This city is magical and everyone should come here at least once.

About the destination: Monterey is a town in the Monterey County are of Monterey Bay in California. Monterey is one of the more beautiful coastal cities of California and can make for a great two day trip for those visiting San Francisco or a weekend gateway for California natives. It was originally the state capital of California, and has more historic builddings in its downtown than any other city west of Santa Fe. Today it is best known for its beautiful coastline, its world-class aquaruium and from te many John Steinbeck novels set here, including Cannery Row ant Tortilla Flat. The Monterey Peninsula has the largest population of sea otters on the California coast. The abundance of marine wildlife visible from the shoreline is one of the primary attractions of the region. Seals, sea lions, and sea otters are visible all year-round, and migrating whales are commonly seen in the fall and spring months. Alvarado Street serves as downtown Monterey's main drag. It has superb restaurants, a selections of bars and unique shops.

About the destination: Pismo Beach is a city in San Luis Obispo County, in the Central Coast area of California, United States. The estimated population was 7,931 in 2014, up from 7,655 in the 2010 census. It is part of the Five Cities Area, a cluster of cities in that area of San Luis Obispo County. The "5 Cities" is actually only 3 cities; Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, and Arroyo Grande. Oceano is a Community Service District and Shell Beach is part of Pismo Beach. Its motto is "Clam Capital of the World".

About the destination:

Nicknamed the City of Angels, Los Angeles is a leading world centre of business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, and education.

Los Angeles is architecturally diverse and its attractions are spread over a large area. Downtown is a thriving urban centre, a business district and home to the Grand Avenue cultural corridor. Everyone knows about Hollywood and you have got to visit the Hollywood sign, when in Los Angeles, as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Hollywood celebrates its contribution to entertainment through these celebrity stars. Experience the colourful lifestyle of the West Coast on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Here, you will find a festive atmosphere, eclectic entertainers and funky shops. By the scene at Santa Monica

Beach, is the famous Pier with a perennial carnival like setting. Draws locals, as well as visitors from around the world. Located in Griffith Park on Mt. Hollywood is the Griffith Observatory. This great public observatory has state of the art facilities and excellent views of Los Angeles. If you are a shopping buff, you will love Rodeo Drive. A glamorous shopping District, Rodeo Drive is full of upscale and fashionable shops. Take a walk around Beverly Hills, you might even spot a celebrity in this neighbourhood. This city offers great weather, good shopping, lots of diversity, great cultural events, excellent dining, and friendly people. Los Angeles is cool, fake, stylized, vast and never boring.