ZAP Wanderlust: West Coast Road Trip

I caught the travel bug at an early age, so I try to take one big trip each year to somewhere new. I love the opportunity to see new places and cultures and of course, some of my favorite memories are from trips I’ve taken with family and friends.

Now, as someone who considers travel such an important part of my life, until recently, I had never been to the Pacific Northwest. This past August, I finally did a west coast road trip with a friend of mine. Here is a list of some of the highlights and recommendations for all you travelers out there:

Seattle, WA: If you’re a foodie, you absolutely need to visit Seattle. Pike Place Market (aka birthplace of the flying fish) is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the city. I recommend going first thing in the morning to watch the local vendors set up. Trust me, it’s worth the early wake-up call. And, if you’re craving caffeine, be sure to hit up the first ever Starbucks. It’s adorable and vintage and almost unrecognizable. You also don’t need me to tell you that the restaurants in Seattle are top-notch. From Bon Appetit rated, The Whale Wins and Joule to Food & Wine’s top pick, The Walrus and the Carpenter, Seattle’s food scene is clearly only going to get bigger.

Portland, OR: Portland is a hipster’s dream. Hailed for being one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation, you can rent a bike and take it anywhere in the city. I highly recommend doing it, and it’s a great way to see the city. With endless amounts of local beer and breweries, you won’t go thirsty either. If shopping is your thing, be sure to check out the Alphabet District (23rd street) to browse the local shops and swanky boutiques.

San Francisco, CA: San Francisco is probably one of my favorite cities in the US. The weekend farmers market at the Ferry Building is must-see…pick up an assortment of items from local vendors for a picnic and take it to Golden Gate Park. If seafood is your thing and you can handle a lot of tourists, be sure to check out Fisherman’s Wharf too. A word to the wise, the hills are killer so bring your walking shoes.

Of course, the best part about traveling is coming home to the best city in the world. Check back with me in a month or two when the weather drops and I may be singing a different tune :)

- Morgan Bellock, Account Director

BlogZapwater Communications