Planning a west coast road trip is one of those things that sounds perfect in theory—endless ocean views, perfect weather, and the freedom of the open road. But if you’ve actually done it, or spent time thinking about it, you know the reality gets messier, more complicated, and honestly? More rewarding because of it. Weather changes. Landslides close Highway 1. You find a tiny restaurant you didn’t expect to love. Your original timeline doesn’t survive the first day.That’s completely normal. A good west coast road trip isn’t something you can fully plan on a spreadsheet, though it helps to try. It’s a mixture of structure and flexibility, practical research and willingness to adapt. This guide walks you through the best routes, what to budget, when to go, and how to handle the real complications (like current closures and permit requirements) so you can build a trip that actually works for your schedule and travel style. Continue Reading