Interstate 5 is the main highway of America's West Coast, running parallel to the Pacific Ocean and U.S. Route 99, from Mexico to Canada. The major states I-5 goes through include California, Oregon and Washington. It runs through some pretty cool cities too: Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It also happens to be the only continuous Interstate highway to touch the borders of both Canada and Mexico. These are a few of the best stops along I-5!
Whether or not you were alive when the Mount St. Helens volcano erupted in 1980 or not, it's still a formidable sight to see. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center offers amazing views of the mountain, excellent exhibits, and a trail. If you're feeling daring, you can buy a permit to climb to the top and stare into the crater. It's ideal for beginner mountaineers, but make sure you check up on the status of the volcano before you attempt to conquer it.
Ahh...back to nature, since the beauty along I-5 in the Pacific Northwest is legendary. The secluded forests and lake (complete with swimming beach!) at Millersylvania State Park are completely relaxing. It also has awesome camping if you find yourself so enchanted by the surroundings that you can't pull yourself away.
After you cruise through Olympia, you'll hit the city of Tacoma. Learn firsthand about Tacoma's prominent past with a tour of Lakewold Gardens Estate. Developed by a shipping magnate as a country retreat in the early 20th century, the gardens were designed by the Olmsteads, the country's most prominent landscaping firm (Frederick Law Olmstead designed Central Park!) Soak in the beauty of the well-manicured property as you stroll along.
Glass isn't just for cups, windows, and spectacles! The Museum of Glass is dedicated to the artistry of glassblowing. Cross the Bridge of Glass, lined with pieces by famed glass artist Dale Chihuly, and check out the museum. See some mindblowing sculptures, watch live demonstrations, and check out the gift shop.
In search of a hotel in Tacoma? The Hotel Murano and the Courtyard in Downtown Tacoma are super nice.
And since I-5 passes through Seattle, you should stop at Pike's Place Market. If you want something grungy to see in this punk rock city, head to the Market Theater Gum Wall. In November of 2015, it was scrubbed clean of chewed up wads of gum for the first time in 20 years. Over 2,300 pounds of gooey gunk was removed from the brick wall at Pike Place Market's Market Theater. Naturally, the moment cleaning was complete, people began to add gum back to the walls. Help bring this weird local monument back to its former glory by contributing a piece!
You can see the classic Space Needle from all across the city, but the view from the top is out of this world. Built in only 400 days for the 1962 World's Fair, it remains one of the most iconic spots in Seattle!
Some cool hotels in Seattle include the Ace Hotel, the Palladian Hotel, and the Alexis Hotel.
As you leave Seattle and drive up I-5, you'll find plenty of natural coastal beauty. Howarth Park in Everett is a total hidden gem. Get your toes in the sand and wade in the water at this quiet little beach.
Then take in awesome views of Puget Sound from Deception Pass State Park's bridge, check out their well-established trails, or just relax on the beach. Bonus: you can camp here as well!
Or cross the mossy stone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park and check out the waterfalls, which make this park the perfect place for a shorter hike. You can also see the fish hatcheries where salmon are raised.
As you continue to head north, you'll hit Birch Bay State Park, which has verdant old-growth cedar trees and tidepools filled with delicate and beautiful marine life, both of which are ripe for the exploring. It also features a campsite.
Your final destination is Vancouver, BC in Canada. The glass elevator ride up to Vancouver Lookout provides the perfect prelude to the 360-degree panoramic views of Vancouver. Go at sunset or at night to see the city lit up in all of its splendor!
The Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the Metropolitan Hotel, and the Loden Vancouver are some really sweet hotels in Vancouver if you're looking to celebrate your arrival in Canada.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge and Cliffwalk is another classic Vancouver tourist stop, and once you experience the adrenaline rush of crossing it, you'll see why. The park also has a cliffwalk, ropes course, and more, so you can make a full day of taking in the temperate rainforest beauty of British Columbia.
The best time to road trip down I-5: In the summer there's a significant amount of fog along the northern part of the route. The best weather is generally from September through early October, as well as late April and May. Also keep in mind that the summers are high tourist season, and road conditions in winter can be slightly precarious, especially up north.