The West Coast USA is truly special, offering a pleasant climate, unique landscapes, culturally diverse cities, and a dynamic lifestyle. From its captivating coastline to its sun-drenched beaches, the West Coast offers a diverse array of experiences.
If you’re planning a trip in October, the West Coast is definitely one of the best choices. The summer crowds have thinned out, yet the weather remains beautiful. Let’s get into some of the best things to do on the West Coast for a fall trip you won’t forget.
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Is October a Good Time to Visit the West Coast?
Of course, October is arguably the best time to visit the West Coast. The intense summer heat has subsided, making outdoor activities much more comfortable. For instance, in Seattle, average temperatures range from 46–60°F (8–16°C), offering a refreshingly cool climate. Meanwhile, Los Angeles enjoys sunny days with average temperatures of 59–79°F (15–26°C).
Popular tourist attractions are less crowded during this season, providing more opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture. The golden autumn glow creates perfect conditions for photography, with red leaves beginning to appear in the mountains and vineyards. And the mild temperatures and clear skies create perfect conditions for all kinds of activities, from hiking in national parks to exploring new cities.
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do on the West Coast in October
The West Coast offers numerous cities and destinations well worth visiting, and October provides unique opportunities unavailable in other seasons. From world-renowned wine regions to prime spots for fall foliage viewing, here are some of the best West Coast travel ideas to inspire your getaway.
National Park Adventure
If you’re a nature lover, a West Coast trip centered around national parks would be a great idea. October is an especially good time to visit, with fewer crowds, cooler weather, and different scenery.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most worthwhile destinations among the national parks on the West Coast. It features spectacular granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, and tranquil valleys. By October, the peak tourist season has passed, offering you better views of the scenery. Although the waterfalls will have lower flow rates at this time, the landscape reveals new characteristics, with leaves turning a golden yellow.
The average temperature in Yosemite in October ranges from 51 to 71°F (11 to 22°C), making it the ideal time for hiking.
Things to do
Hiking and sightseeing: You can hike the iconic Mist Trail to see Vernal and Nevada Falls, or take a walk on the paved paths in Yosemite Valley to see the base of Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. The best way to get a full view of the valley is to drive up to Glacier Point, where you can see the Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the high country.
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Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is an active volcano and the most glacier-rich peak in the United States. It features subalpine meadows, forests, and mountain summits. In October, you can witness stunning foliage changes as colors transition from green to red, orange, and gold. However, October also brings potential snowfall, and the Sunrise Corridor typically closes by mid-October. Check the park’s official website for current conditions before your visit. The average temperature in October ranges from 36 to 54°F (2 to 12°C).
Things to do
Hiking: Hike the Skyline Trail, one of the most popular in the park, for incredible panoramic views and waterfalls. You can also take the shortcut via the Golden Gate Track to reach Myrtle Falls directly.
Scenic Drives: Two more waterfalls within the park are accessible by car: Christine Falls and the larger Narada Falls. Afterward, you can head to Reflection Lake, the most popular lake, where snow-capped mountains are reflected on clear days.
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Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks are home to the world’s tallest trees, the California redwoods. They also feature expansive grasslands, oak woodlands, and a continuous coastline. Wildlife activity increases significantly in October, offering opportunities to spot Roosevelt elk. Average temperatures in October range from 50 to 65°F (10 to 19°C), providing very comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
Things to do
Cycling: The park features several trails, with the most popular being the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. This 10-mile route winds through towering redwood forests.
Hiking: Multiple trails explore different areas of the park. Follow the Trillium Falls Trail to stroll among towering giants, circling through old-growth forest. Or choose the Coast Trail to observe massive Sitka spruce trees.
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Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is where two distinct desert ecosystems meet, the Mojave and the Colorado. The park features Joshua trees reaching up to 12 meters tall, cacti, and massive boulders. Unique desert landscapes like the distinctive Arch Rock and the Cholla Cactus Garden stand out, while October’s clear desert skies offer ideal conditions for stargazing. With average temperatures ranging from 57 to 84°F (14 to 29°C), October here delivers a warm autumn experience.
Things to do
Hiking: You can easily stroll along the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, which winds through a valley surrounded by rock formations and dotted with Joshua trees. The Barker Dam Nature Trail is also a popular choice. If you’re seeking a more challenging route, hike up Ryan Mountain for panoramic views of the entire park.
Stargazing: Joshua Tree National Park is an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it boasts Southern California’s most spectacular night skies. After sunset, you can marvel at the dazzling starry canopy here. Four designated stargazing areas are Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Ryan Mountain.
Birdwatching: At Joshua Tree National Park, you have the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species, including the greater roadrunner, phainopepla, mockingbird, red-tailed hawk, and American kestrel.
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Visiting a Winery
If you’re a wine enthusiast, this is the perfect choice. The West Coast is one of the world’s renowned wine regions, primarily centered in California, Oregon, and Washington. October is especially the harvest season, when you might witness grape picking and processing, offering a chance to observe the winemaking process up close.
Here are several specific locations for wine tasting tours to choose from:
California Wine Country: Napa & Sonoma
Napa and Sonoma are the most renowned regions, located close together, allowing visitors to explore both in two days. Napa Valley, one hour’s drive from San Francisco, is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Robert Mondavi Winery stands as a representative estate here, producing celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, which won acclaim at the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting, is also well worth a visit.
Sonoma is also about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, boasting even more wineries where Pinot Noir and Zinfandel are represented. Among the wineries worth visiting is Buena Vista Winery, one of California’s oldest. Rodney Strong Vineyards also produces high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir at more accessible prices.
Things to do
Wine Tasting: Each winery offers tasting sessions where you’ll sample their most representative wines within a set timeframe. Guided tours of the estate allow you to explore the scenery and learn about the brand’s story.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Multiple balloon companies in Napa Valley and Sonoma provide flight experiences. Take to the skies over vineyards at dawn and witness the sunrise.
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Oregon Wine Country: Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley in Oregon is the state’s largest wine region, located about an hour’s drive from Portland. Its most iconic wines are Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, with Eyrie Vineyards pioneering Pinot Gris in Oregon. Domaine Serene, meanwhile, produces premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Things to do
Grape Stomping: A special event at Willamette Valley Vineyards, typically held during the harvest season from August to October.
Washington Wine Country: Columbia Valley
Washington State has the second-largest number of wineries after California, with Riesling being the state’s most renowned wine. Columbia Valley is Washington’s largest wine-growing region. Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the oldest wineries here, particularly famous for its Riesling. Visitors can also tour Quilceda Creek, a premium winery known for its signature Cabernet Sauvignon.
Things to do
Harvest Festival Parties: From September to October, many wineries host various events to celebrate the harvest, such as music festivals and special wine tasting experiences.
Fall Foliage Tour
October is when leaves begin to change color in many places. While the West Coast may not be as renowned for its fall foliage as the East Coast, there are still plenty of spots to enjoy the scenery here.
Washington Park Arboretum, Washington
Washington Park Arboretum, located in Seattle, spans 230 acres. It features over 4,000 plant species from around the world, five distinct gardens, and several walking trails. The best time to view the autumn foliage here is from mid-October to the end of October.
Autumn and spring are the most popular seasons to visit, with fall being particularly renowned for showcasing one of North America’s most extensive collections of maple trees. This includes Japanese maples, red maples, and sugar maples, allowing visitors to experience the magic of autumn foliage right in the city.
Things to do
Maple Viewing: The prime viewing area is Azalea Way, a walking path lined with maple and cherry trees on both sides. The Japanese Garden also offers a variety of maple trees and a koi pond, creating an exotic atmosphere. Please note that separate admission tickets are required to enter the Japanese Garden.
Boating: You can rent a canoe or kayak to tour Foster Island, which also offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, as many waterfowl, such as beavers, nest in the protected waters.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
In Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge boasts breathtaking maple foliage, with the Historic Columbia River Highway lined with maple trees that display their most vibrant colors in mid-October. From Vista House at Crown Point, you can gaze out over the gorge filled with shades of red and gold. Then there’s Multnomah Falls. Once the surrounding trees turn crimson, you’ll capture classic autumn scenery at this iconic landmark.
Things to do
Fruit Picking: Beyond maple viewing, Hood River offers visitors the chance to pick fruits during harvest season. You can experience picking apples and pears, and sample local cider.
Water Activities: If the weather permits, you can still try kayaking, rafting, and other water activities. Hood River also offers windsurfing for spectators.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers its best viewing in early to mid-October. Here you’ll witness golden poplars and crimson maples, with Emerald Bay being the prime spot. The striking contrast between the lake’s waters and the golden hillsides creates the most iconic Lake Tahoe scene. Alternatively, head to the overlook at Fallen Leaf Lake for sweeping views of autumn colors and the blue lake below.
Things to do
Gondola Tour: Ride the Heavenly Gondola for the best vantage point to overlook Lake Tahoe and the surrounding golden hillsides. Please note the gondola operates Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 1st to October 5th. It will reopen thereafter until November 21st.
Observing Ecology and Wildlife: October offers a rare ecological spectacle with the salmon run at Taylor Creek, and autumn brings heightened wildlife activity, with opportunities to spot black bears, mule deer, and bobcats.
Halloween Event
You probably don’t need me to remind you that October is the month of Halloween. If you love all things spooky and fun activities, there are plenty of places to add to your list of things to do on the West Coast.
Theme Park: Universal Studios & Disneyland
Every year, Universal Studios Hollywood hosts its Halloween event, which this year will run on select nights from September 4th to November 2nd. Featuring various haunted houses and tram tours, it is not suitable for children under 13. If you’re seeking a family-friendly Halloween celebration, we recommend attending the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park. Held on select nights throughout August, September, and October, you can dress up in costumes and enjoy Halloween-themed festivities at Disney.
Things to do
Terror House Experience: Universal Studios Hollywood will debut eight brand-new terror houses, including A Quiet Place, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and Insidious: The Further, immersing guests in terrifying scenes straight from the movies.
Terror Tram: Under the Enter the Blumhouse theme at Universal Studios Hollywood, face challenges from horror characters like The Black Phone, Freaky, and M3GAN.
Character Meet & Greet: At Disney, guests will have the chance to take photos with Disney villains, including classic characters like Maleficent and Hades.
Candy Trail: Disney will organize “Trick-or-Treat Trails” for children, where they can collect an abundance of candy and souvenirs.
Ghost Tours: San Francisco, San Diego & Seattle
The West Coast has many historic cities offering unique ghost tours. For example, San Francisco’s notorious Alcatraz Island provides Alcatraz Night Tours lasting 150 minutes. You’ll tour Alcatraz Prison after dark, hearing eerie tales of its former inmates. Alternatively, visit San Diego’s Whaley House, considered one of America’s most haunted residences. Underground passages beneath Seattle’s Pioneer Square also rank among popular ghost tour destinations, exploring the historic district’s subterranean tunnels and ghostly legends.
Things to do
Adventure: Join a guided tour through historic buildings or underground passages at dusk or night to learn about their history and ghost stories.
Photography: Capture ancient architecture, street lamps, and dimly lit alleys at night, and you might just catch some supernatural phenomena.
Tips for Traveling West Coast USA
When you’ve decided on trips to the West Coast of the USA, check out these simple tips to better prepare for your adventure.
- Book in Advance: Although October is the off-season, popular destinations can still fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book flights, car rentals, and accommodations ahead of time to secure the best prices and options.
- Sufficient clothing: Weather varies slightly across West Coast cities and changes quickly, so pack an extra jacket just in case.
- Plan your driving time: If you’re road tripping, note that the West Coast is vast—plan your route carefully. Consider traffic conditions, especially around major cities like Los Angeles and Seattle. Use GPS and drive during off-peak hours to save time.
- Note destination conditions: If visiting a national park, check the official website in advance for entrance fees, parking lots, shuttle schedules, and seasonal road closures.
- Bring your camera: No matter your destination or purpose, the scenery along the West Coast is worth capturing with your camera.
FAQ
How long do you need to do the West Coast?
A 10- to 14-day road trip from California to Washington allows you to visit several major cities. For specific cities, a week is sufficient. If you have a month, you can embark on the ultimate adventure along the West Coast.
What is the best state to visit out west?
California is an excellent choice if you enjoy diverse landscapes ranging from beaches to mountains and deserts. If you prefer lush green scenery, a more laid-back atmosphere, and delicious food and coffee, Washington or Oregon might be the place for you.
Where to start a West Coast road trip?
Typically, major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Seattle serve as the most common starting points for West Coast road trips. These cities feature large airports, making it convenient to fly in and rent a car. Then, you can drive north or south along the coast, depending on your route. A classic route is to travel from San Francisco to San Diego along Highway 1. Another option is to start in Seattle and head south through Oregon into California.
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