West Coast Tour

Upon the arrival of all tour participants, we convene for an orientation session dedicated to the West Coast Tour. This meeting will address the itinerary, along with essential details and preparations for motorcycle and car rental checkouts. Rest assured, the motorcycle you’ve reserved is ready for the journey, complete with all required insurance. The evening is planned to foster camaraderie among us, featuring a dinner that epitomizes American culinary tradition. For those with energy to spare after their travels, an outing to a local bar in the vicinity is an available option. This initial gathering sets the stage for an adventure filled with shared experiences and discoveries.

Our Magical West Coast tour kicks off as we mount our bikes, setting out on a 2,600 km odyssey along the iconic Pacific 101/HWY-1, journeying from the vibrant city of Seattle to the sunny shores of San Diego. As Seattle fades into the distance, we’re on course for an unparalleled adventure filled with excitement.

The first highlight is a ferry crossing via Edmonds Ferry, bringing together locals and visitors for a scenic trip across Puget Sound. Our route then leads us to the breathtaking Olympic National Park, followed by a ride toward Ocean Shores. Known as Washington State’s premier beach destination, Ocean Shores boasts around 10 km of accessible sandy beaches, complemented by a variety of entertaining activities suitable for visitors of all ages.

Departing from Ocean Shores, we head south, spending the day on the enchanting Pacific Highway 101 that straddles Washington and Oregon. This route, beloved for its curvy and twisted paths, promises pure enjoyment for those on the West Coast tour. We’ll cruise past Port Bruce and visit the “Lewis and Clark National Historical Park,” capturing the essence of early American exploration.

A notable highlight is crossing a two-lane bridge, with the drama of large waves crashing below, leading us to Cannon Beach. Nestled near the Oregon border, Cannon Beach is famed for Haystack Rock, providing an iconic backdrop for one of the tour’s standout photographs. Cannon Beach, a quaint town where large US chains are noticeably absent to preserve local charm and economy, offers a memorable lunch stop. Continuing south, we’re treated to breathtaking views of colorful cliffs and the Pacific’s waves against a backdrop of hills on the Pacific Coast Highway 101—a truly unforgettable experience. Our journey for the day concludes in Newport, Oregon, a charming coastal town where we’ll spend the evening soaking in its serene atmosphere.

Heading further south along the Pacific coast, our journey takes us through a series of charming coastal towns, including Florence, Reedsport, Coos Bay, Bandon, and Brookings. Each town offers its unique beauty and coastal allure, making the ride an immersive experience into the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s seaside culture.

Our destination for the day is Crescent City, a picturesque beach town renowned for its distinctive crescent-shaped and rocky shoreline. Entering Crescent City signifies our exciting entry into “The Golden State” of California. Here, we embark on the California leg of our adventure, continuing along the stunning Pacific coast and the legendary Pacific Highway 1. This transition marks a new chapter in our journey, promising more breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences along one of America’s most iconic roadways.

“Spectacular” aptly captures the essence of our journey through Redwood National Park en route to Fort Bragg. In this part of California, the redwoods stand as colossal guardians of the forest, ranking among the tallest and most voluminous trees on the planet. These giants reach up to 100 meters in height and can span as wide as 7.5 meters. As we proceed southward, enveloped in the cool, misty fog, our path takes us to Fort Bragg, marking a significant moment in our adventure. Here, we transition from the Pacific HWY 101 to the legendary Pacific Highway 1, inviting you to savor the experience of driving on one of the most scenic routes the West Coast has to offer.

Today’s journey to Mendocino and San Francisco promises unparalleled beauty, with stunning coastal views, rugged landscapes, and the azure Pacific waves as our constant companions. Our first stop, Mendocino, is a sanctuary for the artistically inclined, offering serene beauty and inspiration at every turn. We’ll then proceed along the spectacular Pacific Highway 1, soaking in every moment of this scenic drive.

Our path leads us to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, where we’ll pause to take in the magnificent views of the bridge and the picturesque San Francisco skyline. Crossing this famous structure, we enter San Francisco, ready to explore the vibrant Embarcadero area and its myriad attractions. This leg of our journey combines natural splendor with cultural richness, making for an unforgettable day on the road.

Today’s ride on the Pacific Highway 1 will surpass all expectations of natural beauty, leaving you awe-struck. With mountains to our left and the expansive Pacific Ocean to our right, we’ll traverse past Big Sur, where the warm Californian sun and the refreshing sea breeze blend perfectly on your skin. This stretch offers miles of breathtaking views where the Santa Lucia Mountains gracefully meet the ocean, showcasing one of the most stunning segments of the California coastline. Expect to bask in a warm breeze and witness a spectacular sunset that will linger in your memories.

Our journey then takes us through the charming beach resort of Pismo Beach en route to Solvang, a quaint “Danish” town mirroring Aarhus. Our stay in a Danish “Gjæstgiveri” (inn), dining in a Danish beer restaurant, and breakfasting at a Danish bakery, offers an authentic European experience.

After departing from the charming Solvang, our journey leads us into the heart of southern California, towards the iconic landscapes of Hollywood, and through some of the country’s most picturesque scenery. Our next stop is Santa Barbara, often dubbed America’s Riviera, celebrated for its Riviera-like climate and coastal beauty reminiscent of France and Italy.

Once we’ve soaked in the allure of Santa Barbara, we’ll make our way down the Pacific Coast Highway 1, stopping at the renowned Neptune’s Net biker restaurant and the scenic shores of Malibu. Our adventure culminates in Los Angeles, where we’ll return our bikes and swap our riding attire for casual summer clothes. The afternoon offers a relaxed time near our hotel to reflect on our journey together. Our trip concludes with a farewell dinner, where we’ll share memories and prepare for our journey home, marking the end of an unforgettable exploration of California’s stunning vistas.

As we bid farewell to the stunning landscapes of America’s West Coast and Los Angeles, our journey together concludes. We’ll travel as a group by shuttle to the airport, reflecting on the incredible experiences shared. A heartfelt thanks for joining us on this adventure with Explorify. We wish you a safe journey home and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore new horizons together, be it in the US, South America, Asia, Oceania, Africa, or Europe.

Note: Please keep in mind that due to the time difference, travelers from Europe will arrive home the day after departing the US, extending your journey by an additional day.

Furthermore, this itinerary serves as a framework for the tour’s planned activities and experiences. While we strive to adhere to the outlined program, there may be instances of deviation. Rest assured, our enthusiastic tour leaders are committed to implementing the itinerary as closely as possible, within the bounds of feasibility and prevailing circumstances. Our ongoing efforts to refine and enhance the tour mean you might encounter pleasant surprises along the way.