Where in USA should I go for vacation to see some mountains and ocean at the same time?

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Knowitall

I think I've got just the place for you. The Northern California coast. Not only do you have the ocean and mountains, you have the most beautiful and tallest trees in the world, the Redwood Forest. Some of my favorite places are Fort Bragg, Caspar, Arcata. Immediately upon leaving the coast and heading east, you start climbing into the Coast Range and huge old growth Douglas Fir and Pine trees where there are many nice campgrounds. I suggest you go to www.redwood.info for more information or just google northern california coast. I'm positive it's a trip you'll enjoy. One word of warning though. When people think of California, they think of warm or hot weather. During the summer months, it can be quite cool along the No. California coast, so be prepared. It's actually nicer in late September or early October than any other time.

Dan

Tucson, Arizona is a beautiful location to visit, with snow-peaked mountains a short distance away, and majestic lakes, both natural and man-made at their foothills. Even in the summer months, the altitude of Tucson keeps temperatures relatively nice, with cool evenings and mornings, and warm afternoons. The landscape is utterly breathtaking - definitely a must-see.

Wish you all the best.

nothinbutwoman

California because ocean surrounds it there are mountains everywhere plus you can go to Vegas. south beach north snowy mountains

home schooling mother

I love Big Sur, California!
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/
http://virtualguidebooks.com/CentralCalif/BigSurCentralCoast/BigSurValley/AboveBigSurGorge_FS.html

fatsausage

The San Juan Islands in Washington State.

toogerq

I live in Oregon. The coastal range is right next to the ocean. You can often face the ocean and have the mountains right behind you. There are often areas of thick forrest with hiking trails that suddenly clear away and expose the Pacific Ocean. If you are interested in camping there are numerous state parks that offer both forrest and ocean access. If camping isn't your thing, then there are plenty of motels, hotels, condos, and vacation rentals in cities along the coast. Tempuratures on the Oregon Coast are usually very moderate. The average high for the summer is probably around 70 degrees or less. The average high for the winter is probably in the 40's or even 50's. Remember that it does tend to rain a lot on the Oregon Coast.

Tim

In my opinion, since Alaska is not possible for you, the next most beautiful combination of mountains and ocean in the US is in Washington state. This includes especially Puget Sound starting around Seattle and going north. There are the Olympic Mountains, Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and Mt. Ranier which can all be seen in combination with the water from Puget Sound. From the San Juan Islands you can see Mt. Baker and the Olympics, both of which are covered with glaciers and snow all year around (as is Mt. Ranier.) Use the ferry system for day trips on the sound if you get a chance.

If you want to be on the Ocean proper, you can visit the coast side of Olympic National Park. Kalalock Lodge is a nice place to stay for this if something a bit rustic is to your taste.

Weather on most of Puget sound is pretty good in the summer (not much rain, temperature not too high.) On the coast side you are likely to run into some rain.

California is always nice (I live there now) but you won't find snow-covered mountains near the coast, just some hills. It is beautiful up and down the coast from the Oregon border down to San Diego. The Santa Cruz area is very nice.

Similarly, the Oregon coast is beautiful and rugged in many spots but not so close to high mountains.

dukalink6000

Think about Oregon and Washington as well.

ASTORROSE

New England. You got the Atlantic Coast line and in-land you have the beautiful White Mountains. That would be my pick.

ray of sunshine

Southern Calif. Maybe near San Diego? The mountains are about 2 hours away- Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear.
The water is about 30 minutes away... It's soooo beautiful.
ps. desert is about 1 hour away!

bella_mexicana_rellena

Have you put any thought into baja California. Or perhaps even Washington State? I'm not sure if you'll find mountains in places like Arizona or maybe even New Mexico, but you will see ocean. Then there's always the east coast. You can see the Atlantic ocean and some mountains in New Hampshire if you're willing to travel a bit to reach the mountains from the ocean.

buck

buy an atlas and plan it yourself. Most have the state tourism website included for each state

IndySteve1563

From personal and professional experience(Resident of Del Norte County, which is the furthest north county in Northwest California; traveller and Owner of a Travel Agency), I would recommend the section of California that consists of Fort Bragg(just north of San Francisco) and northward up towards Del Norte County(Crescent City, Klamath, Smith River).

What you will find in that stretch are plenty of rivers(to kayak, fish), mountainous terrain(Not Mt McKinley but not molehills either). The further north you go the cooler the temperatures will be(Crescent City averages around 60-65 during the summers, warmer the further south you go).

Not only is that stretch of California scenic, but there are plenty of quality accomodations up and down this stretch of California as well. If you could kindly either call, email me at: indysteve1563@yahoo.com, or reach me through Yahoo Messenger with your proposed itinerary, we can give you some suggestions on vacation locales and accomodations.

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