Get ready for a Road Trippin’ USA adventure! We’re showcasing 30 ‘Insider Guide’ self-drive itineraries to help you experience all that the great states of America have to offer.
There’s no better way to truly get an authentic feel for the vast diversity of people and place across the United States of America than by car.
From Seattle’s grunge to San Francisco’s Summer of Love, the Pacific Coast Music Trail will take you through some epic musical history and incredible landscapes of Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada.
Explore all of Brand USA’s 30 Amazing Self Drive Road Trip itineraries.
PACIFIC COAST MUSIC TRAIL ROAD TRIP: ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
1. SEATTLE – OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON
(178kms: 2 hours 22 mins drive time)
From Hendrix to Nirvana, Seattle’s thriving music scene is celebrated at the Museum of Pop Culture. After exploring Seattle, hit the road….
Depart Seattle’s thriving music scene and hit the road to go outdoors and explore Olympic National Park, a diverse park spanning many different ecosystems, from the glaciated peaks of the Olympic Mountains, to ancient rainforests and the shores of Lake Crescent and the Pacific Ocean.
2. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON – PORTLAND, OREGON
(262kms: 2 hours 48 mins drive time)
Rejoin the quest to hear great music in Portland, known as “America’s Indie Rock Mecca,”
As well as being home to record stores of all sizes, Portland hosts many music events and festivals, including Concerts in the Park, MusicFestNW and PDX Pop Now.
Enjoy the counter-culture character of Portland at its many microbreweries, downtown food truck scene and the Willamette River waterfront.
3. PORTLAND – COOS BAY, OREGON
(356kms: 4 hours drive time)
Take a detour along this stunning route to the explore Oregon Wine Country in the Willamette Valley, to sample its exceptional pinot noir.
More than 550 wineries operate in the region, check out the Red Hills Market in Dundee and afterwards, head across the street to the tasting room at the Argyle Winery.
Follow the Oregon Coastal Highway, exploring quaint towns and seascapes, before arriving in Coos Bay, home to the Oregon Coast Music Festival featuring classical concerts with musicians from around the USA and Canada. While here, enjoy local seafood and beautiful beaches.
4. COOS BAY, OREGON – SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
(1,020kms: 9 hours and 54 mins drive time)
Follow the famed 101 route south and plan time to explore the incredible Redwood National State Park, Sonoma County and the plethora of natural wonders along the way.
Arrive in San Francisco and bask in the musical history of this city, which was the heart of the 1960s hippie subculture.
In the city where Green Day, Journey and Credence Clearwater Revival got their start, must-visit music venues include Club Deluxe for great Jazz, 1912 venue; The Fillmore, Bottom of the Hill for local Indie and Hip-Hop artists and Feinstein’s at the Nikko for shows with a Broadway flair. See where the Grateful Dead band lived, walk to colourful Buena Vista Park and mix history with current music by catching today’s big names.
5. CALIFORNIA COAST – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
(325kms: 3 hours and 47 mins drive time)
Continue your journey along the breathtaking California coast, stopping in Santa Barbara, before arriving in Los Angeles.
A multi-year year host of the Grammy Awards ceremony at the Staples Center, L.A also features iconic venues like the Troubadour, Greek Theatre and Hollywood Bowl. The famed Sunset Strip in West Hollywood continues to attract music fans to Whiskey a Go-Go, which once hosted the Doors and Led Zeppelin; the Viper Room, the one-time home of the Pussycat Dolls; and the Roxy, a legendary stage where new artists kick-start their careers.
6. LOS ANGELES – PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA
(172kms: 2 hours 9 mins drive time)
Leave the Pacific Coast for the two-hour drive to Palm Springs, where the stars go to relax.
Home to the famous Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals, the Empire Polo Club has become a major music event venue. Coachella spans two weekends in April, with all genres of music represented.
Stagecoach, also in April, focuses on Country music, and stars have included Shania Twain, Willie Nelson, Brooks and Dunn, and Carrie Underwood. Palm Springs has great live music venues that are open all year round including Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, The Purple Room Supper Club and the McCallum Theatre.
7. PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
(373kms: 3 hours 59 mins drive time)
Drive north for four hours to Las Vegas, known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”
Although famous for mega-casinos, Las Vegas has played home to a veritable who’s who in the history of music. Legends like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton The Rat Park, Elton John, and Tom Jones. Don’t miss out on spectacular performances by current residencies, by the likes of Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Cher.
In addition to great headlining acts, Las Vegas’ resorts also feature some of the best lounge entertainment in the world.
Download the complete ‘Pacific Coast Music Trail itinerary here!’
GET THE ROAD TRIP PLAYLIST!
You’ll love bopping to these tunes while cruising the Pacific Coast Music Trail! From Nirvana and Seattle’s grunge movement to the Summer of Love in San Francisco and the Rat Pack in Palm Springs and Vegas, discover the sounds that encapsulate these iconic destinations.
AGENTS: JOIN THE USA DISCOVERY PROGRAM!
The USA Discovery Program is Brand USA’s official trade training platform for the USA. The Pacific Coast Music Trail features five destinations with training badges. Get clicking and complete your Portland, Oregon, California, Greater Palm Springs and Las Vegas badges and get the edge on your colleagues to see this amazing itinerary.
Click here to register and get all the knowledge for the USA.
PLUS! DESIGN YOUR OWN TRIP WITH THE USA TRIP PLANNER
The Visit USA Trip Planner is an amazing (and free!) tool that matches your personal travel preferences and style.
With over 230 million data points including the best places & times to visit, reviews and hidden gems, this is one smart piece of travel tech.
This little travel genius optimises your itinerary to minimise travel time, checks when attractions are open and even recommends how much time to spend at each stop off. Brilliant!
Finally, it lets you share & collaborate with your fellow road trippers and is easy to add or revise points of interest as you go.
Find out more: www.trip-planner.visittheusa.com
GET ALL THE TOOLS ON BRAND USA’S TRAVEL TRADE SITE
From Trip Planners to Itineraries and the Discovery Program and Destination information, Brand USA Travel Trade Site for agents has you covered.
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