Fun Factory Tours in the Western USA : Food, Tech & Fun Stops!
Welcome back to our factory tour adventure across America! After exploring the South, North, and Midwest, it’s time to show the factory tours in the Western USA.
Not all the places we visited offer traditional factory tours. Some are visitor centers, museums, or retail experiences. However, each destination provides unique insights into famous American companies and brands that make them absolutely worth visiting!
From Seattle’s aerospace marvels to Silicon Valley’s tech innovations, and from quirky food museums to fashion headquarters, the American West offers an incredible variety of brand experiences. Let’s dive into our western adventure!
Boeing Future of Flight (Mukilteo, WA) This was the highlight of our tech tour! As travelers from Japan, we’d always wanted to visit Boeing, and it’s incredibly popular among Japanese tourists. The guided factory tour was absolutely fascinating – seeing those massive aircraft being built was mind-blowing.
Important Planning Note: This factory tour requires advance reservations, and available dates are very limited, so book as early as possible! Since this is an actual assembly plant where real aircraft are being built, there are strict safety regulations you must follow during the tour. Make sure to check Boeing’s official website for all the rules and requirements before your visit – some items may not be allowed inside, and there are specific guidelines you need to follow for safety reasons.
The tour is highly informative and fun, showing you exactly how these giant planes come together. Don’t miss the gift shop – it’s packed with amazing souvenirs. After much deliberation, I chose a high-quality T-shirt and tumbler that I still treasure today!
Microsoft Visitor Center (Redmond, WA)
Microsoft Visitor Center (Redmond, WA) A cool place to learn about Microsoft’s incredible history and impact on technology. The visitor center offers great insights into the company’s evolution, and the souvenir shop has some unique Microsoft-branded items you won’t find anywhere else.
First Starbucks Store (Seattle, WA)
First Starbucks Store (Seattle, WA) No Seattle trip is complete without visiting where it all began! This tiny historic store gets incredibly crowded, so expect to wait. The limited space means only a few people can enter at once, but the atmosphere inside is wonderful and truly captures the coffee culture that started it all.
Silicon Valley
Apple Park Visitor Center (Cupertino, CA)
Apple Park Visitor Center (Cupertino, CA) I was hoping to see Apple’s famous round headquarters building, but unfortunately, it’s not visible from the visitor center. However, the Apple Store experience is fantastic, with products and exclusive merchandise you can’t get elsewhere. It’s still worth the visit for any Apple fan!
Google Visitor Experience (Mountain View, CA)
Google Visitor Experience (Mountain View, CA) The building itself is absolutely beautiful, showcasing Google’s innovative design philosophy. They have a lovely café next to the museum area, making it a perfect spot to relax and learn about Google’s journey and impact on our digital world.
Intel Museum (Santa Clara, CA)
Intel Museum (Santa Clara, CA) This museum is incredibly informative, but I’ll be honest – due to my limited technology knowledge, much of the content was quite challenging to understand. If you’re a tech enthusiast or have a strong background in computer technology, I highly recommend this place. For general visitors, it might be a bit overwhelming.
Iconic American Brands
Food & Beverage Heritage
Idaho Potato Museum & Cafe (Blackfoot, ID)
Idaho Potato Museum & Cafe (Blackfoot, ID) What a delightful surprise! When most people think of Idaho, potatoes immediately come to mind, so we absolutely had to visit. We expected a quick, small museum visit, but the exhibits were genuinely interesting and engaging.
The real treat was their small restaurant – we had a fresh baked potato with butter, and it was absolutely amazing! The taste immediately reminded me of Hokkaido’s famous potatoes back in Japan. Hokkaido potatoes are incredibly well-known throughout Japan for their exceptional quality and delicious flavor. As I took that first bite of the Idaho potato, I couldn’t believe how similar it tasted – the same creamy texture and rich, earthy flavor that makes Hokkaido potatoes so special. I genuinely think Idaho potatoes are on the same incredible level as Hokkaido’s finest! Sometimes the simplest experiences are the most memorable, especially when they connect you to flavors from home.
Ghirardelli Square (San Francisco, CA)
Ghirardelli Square (San Francisco, CA) While not a factory tour, this is a chocolate lover’s paradise! This location is actually the first Ghirardelli chocolate shop, making it a historic destination for chocolate enthusiasts. You can buy an incredible variety of Ghirardelli chocolates and learn about the brand’s history. It’s more of a shopping destination, but the quality and selection make it worthwhile.
Original McDonald's Museum (San Bernardino, CA)
Unfortunately, Original McDonald’s Museum (San Bernardino, CA) was closed when we arrived. We could only take photos from outside, which was disappointing after making the trip.
We tried to find the official HP but we couldn’t. This museum might be open 10AM – 5PM Mon-Sun but please double check when you go there. The inside looks interesting.
Sun-Maid Market (Kingsburg, CA)
Sun-Maid Market (Kingsburg, CA) Same story here – closed upon arrival. We did get photos of the famous giant raisin box, but missed the full experience.
Pro Tip: Always check websites or call ahead before visiting…
Fashion & Retail History
Strauss & Co. Headquarters (San Francisco, CA)
Levi Strauss & Co. Headquarters (San Francisco, CA) We only viewed the building from the outside, but it’s still exciting to see where the iconic denim brand began. The headquarters is located in Levi’s Plaza, which makes for a perfect photo stop if you’re exploring San Francisco!
Factory Tour Quick Reference Guide
Click the facility name then you can go to the official HP.
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Facility
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Factory Tour
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TABLE HEADER 3
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Guided
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8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA
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Self-Guided
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15010 NE 36th St, Redmond, WA
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Cafe experience
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1912 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA
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Self-Guided
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10600 North Tantau Avenue
Cupertino, CA
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Self-Guided
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2000 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA
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Self-Guided
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2200 Mission College Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA
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Self-Guided
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130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID
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Shop experience
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900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA
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External Viewing Only
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1155 Battery St, San Francisco, CA
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Practical Tips for Your West Coast Adventure
Before You Go
- Research hours carefully – smaller museums and attractions often have limited schedules
- Book Boeing tours in advance – they’re very popular and fill up quickly
- Expect crowds at famous locations like the first Starbucks
During Your Visit
- Allow extra time -some museums or factory tour might be super interesting for you. In that case, you need extra time. I recommend that you make your travel plan with a room for adjustment.
- Bring a camera – even external visits make great photo opportunities
- Try the food at places like the Idaho Potato Museum – it’s often surprisingly good!
Shopping Smart
- Compare prices at outlet stores – “outlet” doesn’t always mean bargain
- Check out gift shops at tech companies for unique souvenirs
- Ask about exclusive items available only at visitor centers
Final Thoughts
The Western U.S. offers a wide mix of factory-related travel spots—from cutting-edge tech companies to tasty treats and nostalgic brand stops. My two favorites were the Boeing Future of Flight (it was so impressive!) and the Idaho Potato Museum (simple but surprisingly memorable and delicious!).
If you’re planning a road trip, these places can make your journey extra fun. Just be sure to check opening hours before you go—and enjoy exploring the West through food, innovation, and fun brands!
What’s your favorite American brand you’d love to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
