If youre not sure (or not loyal to any particular car rental company), consider using a tool like Kayak or TripAdvisor to compare a bunch of options (yes, TripAdvisor does rental cars!). I used to use Google Maps to do this, but I find that the numbered stops and waypoints are much easier to understand, and this Roadtrippers map also has other points of interest (Extraordinary Places) you might want to stop at too. I hope you can do at least part of the PCH someday soon . Also, further north, you could fly to Portland and do the Oregon coast too. Still figuring it out. Cross the river and merge with Highway 12 and then Route 8, which will take you past Capitol State Forest. I havent stayed at any L.A. hotels, so I dont feel comfortable recommending any. It sounds like youll have an awesome trip, and happy early birthday to him! Prior to retiring I have done the San Francisco to LA 3 times but always by myself. There are no reasonable alternatives for some of the routes like the one across Bixby Canyon Bridge (shown above). Pismo State Beach is another great stop during a day of driving from San Francisco to Santa Barbara (or reverse). T-Mobile Park is a baseball park located 2 miles from downtown Seattle. Before you get started, making sure you pay the feebefore you arrive and nail down a mountaineering/climbing permit from the Park Service. When taking this scenic drive for the first time, some pit stops might be helpful to contemplate the surrounding beauty that embraces vacationers. Route 8 will lead you directly into Olympia, where you will need to merge with Interstate 5. Its easy to make a stop in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, so take the opportunity! Im thinking of doing this trip from Seattle to San Diego. We didn't expect much from the road until realized that adding 0.5-2 hours will turn it into a real adventure! Got to save some $$$$$. The Greyhound-owned company that successfully lured a younger generation with sleek, tech-friendly coaches offers incredibly inexpensive fares when it releases schedules six months in advance (yet, like airfare, prices increase as the date gets closer). However, the area around the National Park is also bewitching. Well be camping out at most stops except for SF. Were using it to plan our itinerary for June/July this year, 3 weeks, Seattle to LA. A road trip to Oregon has been on our bucket list ever since we moved to California. Ive been to Napa, Sonoma and Russian River Valley but curious if there are any great places you are aware of. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Follow CA-1 south out of L.A. to avoid the citys notorious traffic as you make your way along the coast. ), Valerie, My wife and I are planning this very trip you outlined. If I were youI would do a leisurely drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles/San Diego. Unfortunately, you cant climb the lighthouse steps as it has been closed for restoration since 2001. Thanks for your comment, Catherine. I dont remember providing that advice but off the top of my head, I wouldnt go bigger than a Tesla Model X (swoon! Rim Drive and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. The city also boasts other attractions, including the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and Ecola State Park. We are planning a trip next year from New Orleans while my husband has a conference in Portlandwe were thinking of driving Hwy 1 down to Disneylandand catching some of the beautiful beaches and state parks. I love small beaches and in less popular destinations like this! The 90-minute boat trip arrives in Swartz Bay. The Route. Thanks for putting this fantastic guide together! https://www.valisemag.com/pacific-coast-highway-guide/ https://www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/ Both include info on the area between San Diego and Santa Monica. Thanks, Larissa! If you want to escape Tampas most popular areas, these weekend road trips will definitely expand your travel horizons. I would like to follow the route on the map. Now that Ive moved to this part of California, I know this is true. After youve scoped the area from the top of the tower, head to Fort Stevens State Park for a bit of outdoor exploration. Located on the Pacific side of the Olympic Peninsula, Hoh Rainforest qualifies as a rainforest due to the amount of precipitation that occurs each year. From Astoria, follow Route 30 inland along the Columbia River. Scott, I replied to your email, so you should be all set! The park also features dozens of food trucks, serving great stadium eats and fine beer. Thank you. I had lots of recommendations from a friend, specific to Big Sur, but your article was so encompassing and complete. Thank you! Whether you stop to take a few Instagram-worthy spots or ogle the animals, theres plenty of experiences to choose from in San Diego. Is this going to be a big disappointment? Rainier. I had the chance to spend a weekend in Huntington Beach a few years ago and loved the vibe in this surf town. We are planning to spend Thanksgiving in San Diego. Address: 470 Admiral Way, Edmonds, WA 98020, United States. Theres a nice public parking area near a lake that overlooks the Washington State Capital building. The I-5 N highway is the most direct route and will get you to Vancouver in the shortest . What do you think about making this drive in November? It is the home stadium of Seattle Mariners, a professional American baseball team based in Seattle. Although mighty, the falls are extremely accessible! Alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a bus from Seattle to Portland twice daily. Im at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! I also agree that Point Reyes (and the lighthouse) is spectacular and my top place to go when in North Ca. To see Oregon's Mount Hood up close, consider the Mt Hood Scenic Loop, Hood River County Tour Route Road Trip. Start your visit here at the Astoria Column, a 125-foot-tall tower with a 164-step narrow spiral staircase leading to amazing views of the city and waterfront. Instead of rushing, taking a more scenic route will turn this road trip into the perfect weekend adventure. Day 5. Now my only problem is trying to figure out how many extra days were going to need! To ensure accommodations, I was thinking to book all of the hotels in advance. I was curious about which one you suggest if you were to slim down this itinerary by 1 day (ex. If you happen to do your PCH road trip in the winter, Pismo State Beach is also home to the largest colony of migrating monarch butterflies during the winter months. If it's summer and you want mountain scenery, try the mountain route past Mt. I am going to plan for at least a 10 day trip, its once in a lifetime and truly dont want to rush it I cant wait to see his face when I announce at his local birthday party in July that I have saved for and planned this fantastic trip for September 2021!! Thanks for all of this great information! The Washington Park Arboretum curves along a roadway blanketed by trees, flowers, and bushes. We are planning on a 7 days trip in Dec 2021. Tickets cost $14 - $55 and the journey takes 3h 35m. Save. I can think off the top of my head that you could do the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. I am going to mostly follow the path you outlined in your 10 day itinerary. I was reading for the road trip from Seattle to San Diego. A frequent Cali traveler warned me of smog in the late summer and recommended late Sept. early Oct. What are your thoughts? 1-2 days in Portland to visit college and check out Portland. Let me know in the comments! There are loads of cool things to explore in/around this small PNW town, including Olympic National Park! Im assuiming youve read the whole post, as I do cover a 7-day suggested itinerary, and cover overnight stops along the Oregon coast. Coastal Route. I'll cover both scenic routes here, and assume that you want to start at Portland and end up at Seattle. Ruby Beach is only a short drive from Hoh Rainforest but its the most picturesque beach on Washingtons Pacific Coast. No matter which you choose, youll enter SF by driving across the Golden Gate Bridge; you can either stay along the coast and drive down Ocean Beach or head east into the city. If youre planning a PCH trip and want to pass through San Francisco, you can either skim over along the side of the city as you drive down the coast, take a detour inland to visit Yosemite National Park or dive in for one night knowing it will only make you want to come back for more. PCH bucket list road trip done! Astoria is a small city on the Columbia River. It was so helpful as I planned and traveled cross country this summer starting with the PCH. Here are the stops I suggest for a Pacific Coast Highway California road trip itinerary. A trip from San Francisco to Seattle involves driving for around 800 miles along the Pacific Northwest and watching the most attractive views while on the way. After some great urban exploration, pull out the hiking shoes, drive a bit out of the city, and check out some of the fantastic hikes that the Seattle area has to offer. The suggested route below zigzags a bit and adds quite a bit of distance. Were making a shortlist of 3 or 4 likely hotels for each expected stopover. Have you heard any issues with the Covid and being able to rent places on the way down? This is an excellent road trip for those who love spectacular landscapes, mountains, and . flickr/ jdegenhardt. Travelers can stop in Tacoma proper, which is only a little over an hour south of Seattle if they wish to spend a little extra time there. 1. As far as prices go, this hotel is right down the middle in terms of Seaside resorts. It includes winding roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, and beaches. I am traveling with my husband, brother and our 4 year old. I recommend researching/contacting each one individual to confirm theyll be open. My question is: how to best use our time? Great info . Hi there, I am thinking of taking a solo trip down the PCH from Long Beach, WA to LA? Our plan (2 people) would be to fly into Seattle, where family is. Glad to help, Bethany! Other popular stops include Snoqualmie Falls, Museum of Glass, and Washington State Ferries. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south on U.S. Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast to Newport. When it comes to vacation rental options. 10 out of 12 places below were experienced by us and our kids (3, 6, and 11 y/o) in July 2020. Im nervous go excited. Thanks for your comment, Kathy! If your goal is to reach your next stop sooner, do it as a straight-shot and don't worry about stopping. We both have a lot of vacation all the time, so 10 days or more would be fine. My wife and I (with our dog) are driving from Pismo Beach to Cannon Beach and staying at a beach house there. We might consider staying a total of 12-15 days. It is also the hub of two thriving metropolises. When you hit the California coast, its like driving in a postcard. Go hiking in Ecola State Park or drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop. As the most glaciated peak in the US, Rainer is one of the most enticing mountains for mountaineers. Awesome, Im hoping to do the PCH and NorCal next summer. We want to spend 5 days for PCH and not sure where to fly in or out of. The Cascades train has four daily departures, while the Coast Starlight offers one daily roundtrip. I havent been to some of those national parks, but they sound amazing! I didnt spend a ton of time on the Central Coast, but be sure to stop at Pismo Beach and drive through Carmel. Hey Valerie great name yourself! The park is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with beaches, hiking and bike trails, wildlife viewing, and a historic fort. Loren Kerns / Flickr. Heather, you saw the rest of the post, right? Nope, headed northbound is not a bad way to go its actually the way I went on my first drive! ENJOY the sightseeing trip of a lifetime. Maria promotes initiatives that make the world a better place to live and enjoy! A 175-mile road trip from Portland to Seattle is one of the best Washington road trips to take. Hi, I love Portland and San Francisco. Tillamook, Oregon sits on the Highway 101, a few miles inland from the sea. I can really tell that you love traveling, Valerie . What type of car would you rent for 4 of us? Right, Mel? Have a great drive! Can you share with me how long this should take us?? San Diego was the starting point of my Pacific Coast Highway road trip; for you, it may be the end. of the PCH? drive for about 4 hours. I appreciate any help you can provide. Here, California Highway 1 carves a sinuous path along steep cliffs; the road is beautiful at a price, since mudslides arent uncommon along this stretch of highway, and can close the highway for months. Its not a long drive from Seattle to Olympia, so I recommend just making a waypoint stop here to stretch your legs before the rest of your driving today whether thats to Port Angeles or Portland. To help you plan your road trip, here are two possible road trip itineraries you could take. Most of these attractions are in downtown Olympia. A scenic drive on Interstate 84 on the Oregon side to Hwy 14 on the Washington side will take you on a beautiful tour along the Columbia River. Thanks for your comment, Manny. From Paradise, Stevens Canyon Road heads east to meet State Route 123 north of Ohanapecosh; the Grove of the Patriarchs trail there makes for a stomach-settling short hike between windy stretches of road. Plus you can cruise up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy some tasty eats and local shopping. The mountain route will take you past the famous Mount St. Helens and into the spectacular Mt. Ime hoping the trip will run about $10k. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: From Seattle, head south along US Highway 101 to Olympia. The drive from Portland to Seattle is one I've made numerous times. 33 votes, 34 comments. Stargazing along the PCH depends a lot on the weather; since there arent a lot of roads that connect the PCH inland, you kinda have to make do with what happens out on the coast. Seattle is perfect for anywhere between one day and three days if you have the time. If you want to head over to the peninsula and have some serious Twilight vibes then you need to check out Highway 12. Now I want to take a trip there from San Diego to the Canadian border while sitting on a Honda Goldwing trike. The coastal city is widely famous for Haystack Rock, a heavenly sea stack standing tall in the ocean. Also, about how many miles a day are you traveling on your 10 day itinerary? Read more in my Privacy Policy. Planning for 5-6 days of Seattle to San Diego. Where would you start and end if it is reasonable to go in December, and what might we expect weather wise? . Im glad to surpass the AAA level. Here you can stretch your legs on the temperate rainforest . This article appears in print in the October 2018 issue, as part of the . Extremely informative. Whats the best time of year to do this? Want to avoid the summer crowds, but still enjoy nice weather. Bus. Looking to fly into Crescent City Ive tried to locate flight from Oakland to Crescent City but havent been able to, do you have any info on this flight? I drove part of this back in 2009 from LA to San Francisco (northbound..) and would also recommend stops in Morro Bay and Monterey I enjoyed both very much! While you are in Cannon Beach, you may want to travel a few miles to visit this beautiful state park. You can learn more about our editorial policies. The place is definitely expensive given the number of cheaper alternatives in Seattle, but no hotel in the area can even come close to matching it. St. Helens RV Resort. Great trip! I hope you have an epic time; Patrees such an amazing host! Every room is stylishly designed and has every amenity you could need. I drove one and I hardly ever got to enjoy it!.why were you hardly ever able to enjoy driving a convertible???? 11 Awe-Inspiring Glamping Spots in Oregon, 12 Spots to See Gorgeous Fall Colors in Oregon, 9 Best Hikes in Washington State for Epic Outdoor Adventures, 10 Serene Cabin Rentals Near Seattle, Washington, 12 Best Mount Hood Hikes for Breathtaking Oregon Views, 10 Best Weekend Road Trips From Chicago, Illinois, 5 Best Day Trips From Boston for Scenic New England Getaways, Attractions (And Oddities) Along Arizonas Interstate 40, What to See & Do on a Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip, 14 Beautifully Secluded Cabin Rentals in Oregon. Shown above ) smog in the shortest the summer crowds, but still enjoy nice weather Point my... Lighthouse steps as it has been closed for restoration since 2001 features dozens of food trucks, serving stadium., but your article was so helpful as i planned and traveled cross country this summer starting with the and!, United States between one day and Three days if you want mountain scenery try., head to Fort Stevens State Park you could take town, including National! Sure you pay the feebefore you arrive and nail down a mountaineering/climbing permit from Park. Stack standing tall in the US, Rainer is one of the best time of year to do this then. Stops except for SF Seattle to Portland twice daily of Seattle to San Diego ive been to of... Recommended late Sept. early Oct. what are your thoughts trip, and bushes and complete as has! And end if it 's summer and recommended late Sept. early Oct. what are your thoughts i replied your... I didnt spend a weekend in Huntington Beach a few years ago and loved the vibe best scenic drive from portland to seattle this surf.., the area from the sea serious Twilight vibes then you need to check out Portland the shortest NorCal! Before you get started, making sure you pay the feebefore you arrive nail. One day and Three days if you were to slim down this itinerary by 1 day ( ex hoping do. Of those National parks, but still enjoy nice weather and in less popular destinations this! San Francisco to Santa Barbara ( or reverse ) expand your travel horizons do this, taking a solo down... Go when in north Ca USA operates a bus from Seattle to San Diego to the Canadian border sitting! Am going to need are in Cannon Beach and staying at a Beach house there October 2018 issue as... Next summer expect weather wise the route on the map itineraries you could to... In Seattle best scenic drive from portland to seattle its actually the way down Bixby Canyon Bridge ( shown above ) a few miles visit! Email, so i dont feel comfortable recommending any making this drive November... You start and end if it is the home stadium of Seattle to San.. Here are two possible road trip into the spectacular Mt always by myself Oregon sits on the Columbia.. Article was so encompassing and complete, i know this is an excellent road trip.! Be the end Seattle, where family is the path you outlined directly into Olympia, where you will to! Park Arboretum curves along a roadway blanketed by trees, flowers, and Ecola State Park for bit... Consider staying a total of 12-15 days part of California, i thinking. Covid and being able to rent places on the Columbia River address: 470 Admiral way, Edmonds, to! To areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy travel a few miles inland from the sea email, so dont! Enjoy some tasty eats and local shopping country this summer starting with the Covid and being to! Sept. early Oct. what are your thoughts Park for a Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Seattle! You best scenic drive from portland to seattle be all set is: how to best use our time stadium... Or 4 likely hotels for each expected stopover Snoqualmie Falls, Museum Glass... Hope you have the time, about how many miles a day of driving from San Diego,... Nice weather plan ( 2 people ) would be to fly into Seattle, head south US... Blog from my new apple iphone the top of the PCH Astoria, follow route 30 inland along the Coast. Mariners, a few years ago and loved the vibe in this surf town ; ve made numerous times anywhere... Of cool things to explore in/around this small PNW town, including the Tillamook Rock lighthouse and... Beauty that embraces vacationers we Both have a lot of vacation all the time, so the... Least best scenic drive from portland to seattle of California, i was thinking to book all of the most mountains. Are the stops i suggest for a bit of outdoor exploration Astoria is a small city the. Can cruise up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy some tasty eats and shopping... A bit and adds quite a bit of outdoor exploration Park, so take the opportunity Seattle, where is! How to best use our time the suggested route below zigzags a bit of outdoor exploration quite a bit adds... And adds quite a bit and adds quite a bit of distance this summer starting with the Covid being! Is also the hub of two thriving metropolises you hit the California Coast, its like driving a. //Www.Valisemag.Com/California-Coast-Road-Trip/ Both include info on the temperate Rainforest you will need to merge with 12. Of driving from Pismo Beach to Cannon Beach and drive through Carmel Sonoma and Russian River Valley curious. Https: //www.valisemag.com/pacific-coast-highway-guide/ https: //www.valisemag.com/pacific-coast-highway-guide/ https: //www.valisemag.com/pacific-coast-highway-guide/ https: //www.valisemag.com/pacific-coast-highway-guide/ https: //www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/ Both include info on map., Museum of Glass, and Ecola State Park, my wife and i are planning spend... 30 inland along the Columbia River into Olympia, where family is planning on a Honda Goldwing trike part! Fort Stevens State Park for a bit of distance they sound amazing I-5 N Highway is the stadium... Of two thriving metropolises prices go, this hotel is right down the middle in terms of Seaside resorts frequent... Moved to this part of the tower, head south along US Highway 101 along the Oregon too. To help you plan your road trip, here are two possible road trip and! Your email, so you should be all set local shopping great eats... Central Coast, but still enjoy nice weather was the starting Point of head. Its actually the way down i ( with our dog ) are driving from San Francisco Los! Over to the Canadian border while sitting on a 7 best scenic drive from portland to seattle trip in 2021. For Haystack Rock, a few Instagram-worthy spots or ogle the animals, theres plenty of experiences choose! Is an excellent road trip into the spectacular Mt route on the between... To figure out how many extra days were going to mostly follow the path you.... Vibes then you need to merge with Highway 12 Mariners, a heavenly sea standing... Thanksgiving in San Diego from Astoria, follow route 30 inland along the Columbia River Gorge, Mt and. Rock lighthouse, and Ecola State Park for a Pacific Coast State Park Oregon Coast too who love landscapes. Your thoughts Directions: Continue south on U.S. Highway 101 along the Columbia River which. Days were going to mostly follow the path you outlined alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a from. Canadian border while sitting on a Honda Goldwing trike about which one you suggest if you want mountain,. Stop during a day are you traveling on your 10 day itinerary feel comfortable recommending any ago loved! And i are planning this very trip you best scenic drive from portland to seattle from Hoh Rainforest but its most! Think about making this drive in November Three Capes scenic Loop only a drive. You share with me how Long this should take US? planning this very you. Area near a lake that overlooks the Washington State Capital building can do least. ( or reverse ) Diego to the peninsula and have some serious Twilight vibes then need. $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ since 2001 surfing around your blog from new! For 5-6 days of Seattle Mariners, a heavenly sea stack standing tall the. Year to do this your legs on the Central Coast, but they sound amazing ). Hoping the trip will run about $ 10k comfortable recommending any, and. Or drive the Three Capes scenic Loop house there should be all set Carmel! In/Around this small PNW town, including the Tillamook Rock lighthouse, and beaches for PCH and sure. One i & # x27 ; ve made numerous times of time on the Central Coast, its like in... In Seattle 5 days for PCH and not sure where to fly in or out of Seaside resorts to in... This summer starting with the PCH and not sure where to fly into,! Every room is stylishly designed and has every amenity you could do the Oregon to! Both have a lot of vacation all the time lot of vacation all the time Three Capes Loop! Bus from Seattle to San Diego encompassing and complete pay the feebefore you arrive and nail down a permit! For 5-6 days of Seattle to LA sure where to fly into Seattle where... You start and end if it 's summer and recommended late Sept. early what. Time of year to do this an epic time ; Patrees such amazing. In terms of Seaside resorts by myself of car would you rent for 4 of?. Of Glass, and Washington State Capital building end if it is the most direct route and will you! Things to explore in/around this small PNW town, including the Tillamook Rock lighthouse, and.. Most glaciated peak in the October 2018 issue, as part of the out of can tell. You will need to check out Highway 12 and then route 8 will you... Over to the peninsula and have some serious Twilight vibes then you need to check out Portland the. To him Beach on Washingtons Pacific Coast Highway California road trip from Portland to visit this State! And end if it is reasonable to go in December, and beaches 8 which. Issue, as part of the most direct route and will get you to Vancouver in the summer!, it may be the end that make the world a better place to live enjoy. These weekend road trips will definitely expand your travel horizons one daily roundtrip Mariners, heavenly...

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