Here on the East Coast we are used to a certain style of IPA; unimaginatively called the East Coast IPA. The whales come from Tree House and Trillium and of course, the original Heady Topper from Alchemist. There are so many newer breweries that are giving them a run for their money, but there is something special about the beers from these destination breweries.
On the West Coast, the OG of breweries is Russian River Brewing. They were the original destination brewery in California, known as the exemplar of the best the US IPA style could be until Alchemist came along with their East Coast version. They are best known for two of their everyday offerings: Blind Pig and more so Pliny the Elder. Even more, they are known for the long lines for their annual release of their triple IPA, Pliny the Younger.
Where East Coast tends to be cloudy and fruity, West Coast tends to be clear and piny (line pine cones; and probably where the Pliny name comes from) with a stronger bitter component. This is clear with a creamy head and the classic bitter components, albeit a little less that others I've had, but where I expect pine this has notes of caramel and even bell peppers, almost like a good German Marzen. Well worth a taste if you get to visit this destination brewery.
