I yearn to see the world, but deep down I am a homebody. I like my routine and my schedule without any interruptions. Being in college is hard. You have tests and organizations of which you are responsible. Sometimes it’s good to bypass a routine, however, and just relax. So let’s do just that. Let’s press the off button on our smartphones and our busy college lives. It’s time to plan our West coast road trip!
Washington. Seattle Underground (located in Seattle, Washington) is a historic walking tour of what the city once appeared to be. It showcases shops, hotels, and bars from yesteryear until a blaze swept through the city in 1889 and destroyed a majority of the wooden buildings. This tour gives guests a glimpse into what life was like in the olden days.
Mount Rainer is another must-see on your road trip. It stands nearly 14,000 feet above sea level and is covered in 20 glaciers. Climbers often use these glaciers to ascend to the peak of Mount Rainer, which is an extraordinary volcano.
Oregon. The Sea Lion Caves are a must-visit attraction while in Oregon. During spring and summer, sea lions birth their young. There are caves to explore with glow-in-the-dark algae. This alone is worth an excellent picture. Likewise, visitors to the site can view bald eagles through a viewing area. This is where the eagles are known to nest, among other types of birds.
Next, head over to Oregon City, Oregon. Here you can learn to climb trees at the Tree Climbing Planet. You’ll learn how to tie knots and safely hang hammocks, as well as how to professionally descend from a tree branch. Just because you’re a kid doesn’t mean you can’t monkey around in the treetops!
California. Next, we come to California. One of my best adventures here was at Death Valley State Park. While the scenery is breathtaking, it’s one of the hottest and driest places in North America. I suggest bringing at least 2-3 jumbo-sized bottles of water. You’re going to need them.
Lake Tahoe is also worth a visit. This lake was formed nearly two million years ago. It’s roughly from the border of California and Nevada. Many people go to the lake for winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding. You can also sail or kayak on the lake.
Nevada. While Vegas is most well-known in Nevada, I’m going to skip over that. Instead, let’s go to the National Automobile Museum. This showcases the history that cars have had on society. Here you’ll find vintage and celebrity cars. You’ll find one-of-a-kind models, while exhibits detail facts of each car.
Don’t also forget to check out the Pinball Hall of Fame. This museum is 10,000 square feet. It’s the largest collection of pinball machines in the world. You’re going to find pinball machines as old as the 1950s to as recent as modern day. It’s a fun way to kill time on a boring afternoon.
Arizona. Finally, we have made our way down the West coast! The Grand Canyon is the most popular attraction within the state. It was formed millions of years ago. You’ll be amazed by the wildlife and the canyons within the Grand Canyon. There are opportunities to go hiking, take photos of the wildlife and camp within the park.
Lastly, don’t miss out on Tombstone, Arizona. This was once a real-life wild west town but now is a ghost town. Its historical significance still is important. There are several historical sites and museums to take in the scenery, such as the Boothill Graveyard that contains remains of real outlaws.
As you make your way down the western border, I hope you stop at all these fun places. There’s so much to do each time we venture away from home! editor@urbanmediatoday.com