One could say the East Coast of the United States has must-see history and tradition, but the West Coast has an incredible vibe of its own, and from north to south, it’s just stunningly beautiful. Travelers heading west will find no shortage of spectacular places to visit.

Swipe through this list of West Coast vacation destinations to see where you should go next.

No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the renowned San Diego Zoo, where you’ll find more than 650 species of animals. It’s located in Balboa Park, which also holds art galleries, museums and gardens. Water enthusiasts will love San Diego’s surfing and kayaking opportunities. Don’t forget to sample a few of the city’s famous fish tacos!

The world-famous Space Needle may dominate Seattle’s skyline, but there’s plenty else to see in this Pacific Northwest city. Don't miss the Pacific Science Center and the Seattle Art Museum, and marvel at the architectural beauty of the Central Public Library. Visit the original Starbucks and more than 200 other vendors at the Pike Place Market.

Winter or summer, there’s lots to do in the Lake Tahoe area, which straddles the California-Nevada state line. Renowned for its numerous ski resorts, Lake Tahoe also offers plenty of summertime fun in its namesake lake. Whether you want to snow ski or water ski — or even go for a hike—Lake Tahoe is an outdoor adventure paradise.

Portland is beloved for its energetic downtown area, which has many restaurants, bars and shops. The 5,200-acre Forest Park is a must-see for hikers and nature lovers, and many visitors love the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Within the expansive Washington Park, you’ll find numerous attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden, where you can see more than 10,000 rose bushes in bloom May-October.

The spectacular redwood forests of Northern California are worth the drive. Camp among the giants at Richardson Grove state park. At Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, you can hike on trails through dense old-growth woods. Don’t miss Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, where the Canyon walls are lined with spectacular greenery.

In northern Idaho, you’ll find Coeur d’Alene, a small city hugging a big, beautiful lake. Boating, waterskiing, hiking and golfing (with a famous floating green!) are among the activities visitors enjoy during a visit to Coeur d’Alene. Stroll the charming downtown area, popping into boutiques and art galleries.

San Francisco’s legendary status as a tourist destination is well-deserved. Packed with character, the city offers the Fisherman’s Wharf, the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, crazy, crooked Lombard Street, and one of the most stunning settings for professional baseball. Don’t miss a boat ride over to Alcatraz, from which you’ll also have a view of the famous Golden Gate Bridge.

A visit to Los Angeles should include at least one of the fabulous art museums, such as The Getty or the Broad, and don’t miss checking out the stunning architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. For a bird’s eye view of the famous Hollywood sign, consider a trip to Griffith Observatory. Stroll around Hollywood, and find your favorite actor’s star on the Walk of Fame. Drive over to Santa Monica for some beach time.