Check out Howland Hill Road, Bald Hills Road, Coastal Drive Loop, and/or Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. A few recommended stops between Coos Bay and Cannon Beach, where well be ending the drive today. And plus, those vineyards and wineries come with beautiful grounds, lush rolling hills, and boast fantastic views of the area my favorites for non-drinkers here! Theres SO much food worthy of making this list, as Portland earns its title as a foodie city, and youd burst from attempting to eat at all the hot spots. If you cant afford to lose one day getting off the coastal route (in case you are doing Seattle to San Francisco road trip 5 days), simply skip the two below stops and head straight to Crescent City, Oregon. Day 1: Fly into Seattle and pick up your rental car (or, leave from Seattle if you live here!). Obviously sunny and clear is sought after, as the mountain may be hidden beneath lots of fog and cloud cover if not! If its not too late, have a look at Carson Mansion. Youll find dozens and dozens of vineyards dotting the area, from small, family run wineries to ridiculously large name box-brands (think Mondavi or Chandon), each with their own flare. But really, all views of the lake deserve a thumbs up (or 2 or 5). Fun fact: Oregon residents, who wish to support Crater Lake national park, can order Crater lake license plates for their vehicles at some extra fee! But whats another two hours, amiright? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. *** Want to extend your trip even further?! My favorites are Mendocino, Crater Lake, Lassen, and Cannon Beach! The straight drive from San Francisco to Seattle is 808 miles and takes about 14 hours. 10 Best Places To See On A Seattle-San Francisco Road Trip - DoItYourselfRV This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Both areas have roughly the same number of wineries, but Sonomas are spread over twice the land, ultimately making it feel way less crowded. Get ready for big mountain views today, as Mt. . Hood, Willamette, and Siuslaw National Forests, and Redwood National and State Parks. Plus, all my snack suggestions. The time in the car doesnt have to be absolutely horrible. If you decide Napas your town of choice, I prefer the, The Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley, Time to start making your way to the coast, because were heading north on the PCH towards Mendocino and Fort Bragg! Check this guide for more hiking ideas in Mt. Check out. Yachats is at one of the most beautiful parts of Oregon Coast. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spend a fun day exploring the neighborhood, watch the fishermen unload their catch and sample fresh seafood at one of the numerous waterfront restaurants. Other moderately priced options include: Tolovana Inn (beachfront with a pool), Hallmark Resort Hotel and Spa (pets welcome! Another good stop for hiking is in the city of Bend in Oregon. Thats for sure. If all of this sounds too familiar (didnt we already see those things in Newport, Oregon? Before we head to Newport, there is an interesting stop along the way that you should visit Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. and leave at 8:38 pm. Crescent City is all about outdoors and nature activities. Youll probably be skipping this area and heading north as, are on everyones spring weekend itinerary. Seattle to San Francisco road trip is one of the best ways to explore three different states while traveling through various climate zones. Yachats shore is rough and rugged shores due to volcano lava flows forming black basalt rock. Day 1 - Seattle to Hood River via Maryhill Day 2 - Hood River area Day 3 - Hood River to Bandon via Columbia Gorge, I-5, Oregon Hwy 38 and US 101 Day 4 - Bandon to Eureka area via US 101. ), ziplining through the redwoods, farmers market visits, wildflower hiking, and mud baths to tickle your fancy (yes, I just said mud baths). Sure, Californias Highway One surely steals the show when it comes to coastal road trips, but Oregons coast is one for the bucket list as well! Ready for some waterfall fun and stinky sulphur in your life? Ultimate USA West Coast Road Trip: 7, 10 or 15 Days Itinerary Ideas With quiet seaside coves, bustling beach towns, and secluded hideaways, you wont want to miss the beauty that is Oregon. #noshame. Seattle to San Francisco: Tips for a Highway 101 Road Trip - DIY Playbook Oregon Museum of Science and Industry science and technology museum features large-screen theatre, planetarium, and exhibition halls with a variety of hands-on permanent exhibits. San Francisco To Seattle Road Trip: 55+ Stops To Make In Between In the morning, head to Stout Grove loop trail that shows you some of the best tall redwood trees the Jedidiah Smith State Park has to offer. Youll know when you see it. (If youve rented a car, you can return it now avoid paying for an extra few days you wont need your own wheels within the city itself). Re: 7 day road trip from San Francisco to Seattle 9 years ago Save 1. Might be easiest to save this map and bookmark this page to have handy for future reference. The beautiful Victorian Mansion has a haunted house look. Marvel at the unusual multi-colored soil, and watch the boiling pools of water. . If AirBnBs not your thing, check out the super cute and modestly priced Hill House Inn, Joshua Grindle Inn, and Agate Cove Inn. Wear or pack your bathing suit, but beware, the falls are chilly year-round, even in the 100 degree F scorching heat! And once you get back, you can definitely say you earned your donut/s. Looking to check something off your bucket list? What makes the two designated wine spots a tad different from each other? Another stop worth embracing is the picturesque wine region of Sonoma. The ability to track prices (and get email notifications when the price drops) is top notch and one of my favorite features. The most beautiful city to visit on the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is Fort Bragg. The historic 75-mile drive on Columbia River Highway connects Troutdale in Oregon with the Dalles. Before hopping onto the automobile, visitors must rent a car from legitimate and affordable sources, such as RentalCars.com, which offers rentals of various car brands. Where to Stay: The nearby town of Redding is a great place to base yourself for these two days wandering around Lassen and Burney! If youve never visited the city before and/or have ample time to explore, check out my favorite things to do in San Francisco (Ive listed out all my favorite tourist attractions, big city views, restaurants, and oh so much more). Any suggestions on the must sees (or what to save for another trip) so we can fit it in? Stop 1: San Francisco (0-5 Nights) More Things to Do in San Francisco. 2023 Tigrest Travel Blog - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. If youre itching to get out of the city, or just need to burn off a few of those delicious-donut-calories, go on a hike! Since this is in fact a road trip, youll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Look no further-a multi-day drive from San Francisco to Seattle is calling your name! Just my recommendation but Id hate to miss that amazing area! Sadly, its a private club so visitors are not allowed inside but good photo ops are just in front of the building. The time in the car doesnt have to be absolutely horrible. Otherwise, Evergreen Inn & Suites Portland offer good rates, although you might have to drive in order to see the main attractions. The complete drive around the lake is 33 miles, which is completely paved and easily drivable in the summer months, with tons of scenic overlooks to view and ooh and awe at! If youre not pressed on time you can easily spread these activities/stops out over two days. Spend the night in one of Eurekas cozy guesthouses, such as Rodeway Inn Humboldt Bay, Clarion Hotel By Humboldt Bay 3* or Red Lion Hotel Eureka 3*. Where to Stay: I highly encourage you to make it to the famed Cannon Beach on this day (if you arent splitting the drive up), which you can check out tomorrow morning (dont worry about making it here before dark). 7-10 days will give you more time to explore along the way, both the beautiful landscapes at places like Crater Lake and Mount Rainier, and amazing cities like Bend, Portland, and Healdsburg. National Park Inn is open year round, while Paradise Inn only operates between mid-May through early-October. Both book up super quick, so if youd like to stay directly within the park, its a good idea to make your arrangements as soon as possible. It is full of beautiful scenery - tall waterfalls, old mossy bridges, and greenery, hiking trails and mountain views. I never thought I would say that the driving part of a trip could compete with . For starters, dont miss the obvious super twisty Lombard Street, Alamo Squares Painted Ladies (those iconic Full House houses), Twin Peaks for an awesome birds eye view of the city, Ghirardelli Square for some ice cream sundaes, and eerie yet surprisingly alluring Alcatraz. And lucky for you (any myself), I already did this same exact road trip from San Francisco to Mendocino. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. Where to Stay: You wont be able to stay directly within the parks as there is no accomodation options, but dont fret lodging is available in nearby communities. Another better option is to rent a Campervan or an RV from Outdoorsy to make one's life easier regarding accommodation. Mendocino is designated as a Historic Preservation District with lots of historic mansions and other attractions as well as homely diners and cute inns. , but we booked too late and most were sold out. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. As I mentioned in yesterday's San Francisco recap, we had a total BLAST exploring San Francisco what a unique place! However, another road trip that allows visitors to the western side of the US to explore the Pacific Northwest is equally attractive to the Los Angeles-San Francisco drive. On this driving/exploring/sightseeing loop, youll venture into three Oregon State Parks, watch a ton of seals and sea lions play, as well as stop at numerous breathtaking vantage points. The jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the city of Portland is a popular stop for nature and hiking lovers and foodies. The latter is famous for its Glass Beach in the Noyo Headlands Park that boasts mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean. An artistic stop full of galleries in the coastal town of Mendocino that boasts a gallery in a water tower. Next on the road is the Muir Woods National Monument that boasts 600-years old 75-meters long redwood trees and diverse wildlife. These cookies do not store any personal information. Perfect San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip Itinerary 2023 Guided tours take you through the entire boat and tell you about its past. Unfortunately, just about 5% of the old growth redwood forests remain in California, with Redwood National and State Parks preserving over 35% of all the remaining. How to Plan an Amazing San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most spectacular national parks in Washington, with stunning Mount Rainier being the highlight of this park. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Another museum worth visiting in Tillamook is the Naval Air Museum. It is recommended to wear boots, but you will be fine with sneakers too. Youll find plenty of options in Redding, I can promise you that. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This park is a perfect getaway from the busy city streets. If its your first time in Seattle, youll probably want to stay in one of the more touristy areas near all the attractions: Waterfront (check out the Seattle Marriott Waterfront and The Edgewater Hotel) or Belltown/Pike Place Market (consider Kimpton Palladian Hotel and Hotel Andra, or for those on a tight budget the Green Tortoise Hostel, practically on the markets edge). Where to Stay: There are tons of great accomodation options in both Napa and Sonoma. On your way to San Francisco, you'll pass through iconic cities such as Portland, Eugene, Redding, and Santa Rosa. Phew, made it (finally)! Washington Park is highly rated among both locals and visitors A great retreat in a busy city. And then some. This enormous lake makes for beautiful pictures, and you can hire boats, water skis, and fishing rods to make the most of your trip to the lake. You must wait in line for Cowlicks Ice Cream. with Mission burritos (found in, you guessed it, the Mission District), some ice cream from Bi-Rite or Mitchells (both equally orgasmic choices), a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery, and homemade Italian in North Beach. Housed in a former US Navy blimp hangar, built in 1942. On your way back to the coast, visit Kuchel Visitor Center for very detailed information about redwoods and nice exhibits as well as meet knowledgeable rangers. Seattle to San Francisco - Road Trips Forum - Tripadvisor Now lets get this San Francisco to Seattle road trip under way! : The perfect stop for a late lunch, depending on how much exploring/sand-duning you did earlier. On your San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip, you'll pass plenty of beauty spots. Search for the best car rental prices here. You can even take a buggy or ATV tour of the dunes! Getting from San Francisco to Seattle The distance on the drive from San Francisco to Seattle is about 808 miles (1300 kilometres) and the drive time is around 12 hours and 45 minutes non-stop if travelling on the I-5 Highway route from San Francisco. (an absolute wonder you NEED to go here), the trio of waterfalls McCloud Falls (which you can easily drive between), and Mossbrae Falls if youve got some extra time. As always, thanks for the support. Welcome to Seattle, dubbed the Emerald City and surrounded by mountains, forests, and water oh and the coffee and donuts in this part of the world are plentiful and then some. Take advantage of Skyscanner, you guys! If you choose to venture on over to Napa for a few days, your best bet is to drive West to Bodega Bay from Napa, and continue your drive up north via Highway 1 (also commonly referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway all my favorite stops here!). Mount Rainier is most definitely a landmark in Washingtons landscape. A few not to miss: Burney Falls (an absolute wonder you NEED to go here), the trio of waterfalls McCloud Falls (which you can easily drive between), and Mossbrae Falls if youve got some extra time. Head out on an, early morning balloon flight above the valley, Most wineries dont mind if you have a look around and relax for a bit, even if youre not ordering a flight or doing a tasting. I promise that each park will give you those towering redwoods youre so looking forward to (and theres actually three different types!) See Sundial Bridge. Stay at an AirBnB directly in the forest (with star gazing opportunities at night) and you wont be disappointed. Be sure to dress appropriately, as there WILL be snow on the mountain no matter what time of year you visit. And thankfully, Portland is less than two hours from the coast! 7 day road trip from San Francisco to Seattle - California Forum Resident of SF? Another popular stop is the marvelous Shasta Lake, surrounded by mountains with barren trees that create a magnificent effect with the lake's crystal clear waters and the blue color of the sky. Other spots we looked at included. People can go on hiking trips in Sausalito, learn about the natural habitat and the preserved seashore, among other activities. The easiest way to get on the road to Seattle from San Francisco is via Interstate 5. The hike is roughly three miles and takes about an hour to get down to the boardwalk. Diablo Lake (GORGEOUS but requires even more driving time), and Snoqualmie Falls, all ranging from easy to moderate with absolutely fantastic views. Rainier. Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); There is a circular road going around the lake, so you can drive to various Overlook points and take memorable photos. Please let us know what your main interests are. A recommended source is iCarHireInsurance which offers insurances at lower rates when compared to cad rental companies. We recommend spending one full day here, so book 2 nights. Stop 2: Napa Valley (2 Nights) Stop 3: Redwood Forests (2 Nights) Stop 4: Optional Coastal Stops. Tip go to Mos Seafood and Chowder for the best crab in town! Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert, Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards. Thankfully there are numerous options outside the park in nearby communities, including Packwood, Lewis County, and Mineral Lake. If youll be following this itinerary and heading north (without driving the direct 15+ hours back to San Francisco), youll want to book two one-way tickets. The Alcatraz Island served as a military fortification and a lighthouse before it was turned into a prison. If you dont feel like walking so much, you can easily hike just the part of the trail, for example up until Panorama Point. Make sure to check out the rose garden if its open and the Zoo. , but dont blame me if you cant get into your pants the next day. Flying kites on the beach in Lincoln City in Oregon is fun during the road trip. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Walk the Golden Gate Bridge and climb down Lombard Street. Promise. All the portions are very generous so you can split starters and dessert. The majority of people are used to the most famous road trip in the United States, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Promise me you wont miss a day or two in. ), Bumpass Hell Trail Hike (its not really thaaaaat bad), Lake Helen, and. Its a good idea to make your way back to Portland to slice off a few hours of drive time to Mt. Looking for a top hotel recommendation? Bring your binoculars! The 960-mile road trip from Seattle to San Francisco takes 20 hours 30 minutes. ), ziplining through the redwoods, farmers market visits, wildflower hiking, and mud baths to tickle your fancy (yes, I just said mud baths). San Francisco to Seattle drive - plan a road trip These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Read Next: Two Perfect Days in Crater Lake, Oregon. Drive past Netarts all the way to Cape Lookout. And those photos youve seen of all the colorful sea glass on the beach? Your email address will not be published. We recommend spending the time at the Redwoods National Park the most famous local attraction and home of the worlds tallest trees. Rainier does not disappoint in that department! Seattle To San Francisco Road Trip (Day 1 &2) Since Seattle is the starting pointand five days is like a few minutes on this tripone should get to Seattle early enough. 14+ days would be best, but we also know that you might not have that kind of vacation time to burn. The distance between Seattle to San Francisco is 808 miles. A Waterfall Weekend in Lassen National Park, You wont be able to stay directly within the parks as there is no accomodation options, but dont fret lodging is available in nearby communities. Check out lodging in Crescent City, Arcata, and Trinidad. Make an early start for a roughly 2-hour drive to Toketee Falls. San Francisco to Seattle - Road Trips Forum - Tripadvisor Grandiose. Whatever you do, dont miss these highlights in Crater Lake: admire the sheer force of Vidae Falls, head off the coast to Wizard Island, and then cruise along Rim Drive. Located a little north of San Francisco, Sonoma is composed of small and picturesque towns such as Healdsburg, Guerneville (the best option to a night of party) and Forestville. MADE IT to the last stop on this San Francisco to Seattle road trip itinerary! Pacific Coast Highway road trip summer washington Post Summary: The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary + All The Stops Along The Way The Pacific Coast Highway is easily considered to be one of the most iconic road trip routes in the world! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You. Oregon Maritime Museum gives you a chance to visit historic steam-powered sternwheel ship-assist tugboat. Have a picnic at one of the tables underneath the soaring redwoods, but please remember to do your part and properly store and dispose of all food and garbageeven crumbs. Report inappropriate content Noelh57 Where to Stay: Seattle is split between tons of different neighborhoods, each with their own distinct flare and character. Where to Stay: Pretend to be a hipster for a few days and book yourself a room at the Ace Hotel; the cool vibes wont disappoint (bonus: youll find Stumptown Coffee right next door). After your story, I really wanted to see that beauty on San Francisco! Multnomah Falls - plunges from a height of 620 feet and is easy to access, but crowded. However, most of the aircraft were moved to other museums over the years, leaving a modest collection of 25 airplanes. Search for the best car rental prices here, my favorite things to do in San Francisco, Pacific Coast Highway all my favorite stops here! Through his work, Gabi will transport you into a world of marvelous attractions where you will learn about the various landmarks and places of interest that distinguish any country around the planet. If you are not up for the challenge, consider stopping at Cape Lookout Viewpoint for some great photos of the ocean. Related: Road Trip Patagonia: Driving Scenic Ruta 40 From Esquel To Bariloche. I strongly encourage you to go up during both daytime and at night as you get totally different aspects of the city this way. Iconic. Later (or the following morning), head to Castle Lake Road to get fantastic views of Mount Shasta with the city beneath it. Rainier (STOP #11) if you prefer, TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours, 30 min // ~ 5 hours, 45 min roundtrip. A gem of the Pacific Northwest is the Willamette Valley, known for its 1300 wineries and vineyards. Start off early and head to the park before everyone else arrives. That journey consists of the Drive from San Francisco to Washington's largest city, Seattle. Read your head at El Dorado Hotel (breezy rooms with a wine bar), MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa (warm and sophisticated), or Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn (spa with mineral baths). And right near the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass, another not-to-miss spot in Seattle. Take your time and have lunch, as we are about to take a long ride straight to Golden Gate viewpoint a must-see stop just before the sunset! The drive and suggested route below is best done as a day trip from Portland, as youll need to make your way back to Portland before heading to our next stop (Mt. He loves traveling, reading, partying, and making friends. The quicker, more direct route along the I-5 is still a hefty 807-mile drive. Plan would be to fly into Seattle and out from SF. Hit the road and head south to Portland for the next fun day. Seattle To San Francisco Road Trip & Drive (2023 Edition) TIP: hike counter-clockwise, this way you will meet fewer crowds along the way. ), Once you arrive, get ready for some small-town nature fun. surely steals the show when it comes to coastal road trips, but Oregons coast is one for the bucket list as well! Dont get confused though Redwood National Park is actually a series of a few stunning National and State parks of protected forests, beaches and grasslands along the rugged Northern California coast. You always hear about the gloominess and rain, never the sunshine and green space. Take advantage of, If youll be following this itinerary and heading north (without driving the direct 15+ hours back to, ), youll want to book two one-way tickets. The first stop on the San Francisco to Seattle drive is the Town of Sausalito, known for its breathtaking nature and relaxing atmosphere. There are numerous look out points around the Cape Arago Beach Loop for viewing purposes. dont miss the obvious super twisty Lombard Street, Alamo Squares Painted Ladies (those iconic Full House houses), Twin Peaks for an awesome birds eye view of the city, Ghirardelli Square for some ice cream sundaes, and eerie yet surprisingly alluring Alcatraz. , Seattle has a lot to offer. And then some. Moreover, a visitor must issue a travel insurance policy to cover themselves in case of incidents. Historic Bayfront is a must-visit for shopping, strolling through the streets, sea lion watching and of course, amazing seafood! Go wine tasting, stomp on some grapes (true story), and admire the perfectly aligned vineyard rows just waiting to be produced. Doesnt get much better than that! stay at Ace Hotel. The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (25 Stops + 3 If youve never visited the City by the Bay before (SF), you should really stay and wander for a few days. The amount of land spread between the wineries. During your few days in Portland, dont miss the International Rose Test Garden (best during the summer months), Portland Japanese Gardens (uber authentic and super zen), Pittock Mansion (for those birds eye views of the city down below), Portland Saturday Market (open-air arts and crafts market, open on weekends only), the Aerial Tram (for even more views), and Powells Books. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SF Chinatown is one of the best areas for walking around. San Francisco to Mendocino Weekend Road Trip, The Mini Guide to Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Ready for some waterfall fun and stinky sulphur in your life? Beware that the line to get on one of those can reach up to 2 hours! Road Trip San Francisco to Seattle in 3 Days - Enterprise Rent-A-Car Seattle to San Francisco drive time is approximately 13 hours, driving distance from Seattle to San Francisco is around 800 miles via direct highway. San Francisco to Seattle - A 12-day Road Trip - Leisurely Drives Our original plan was to a San Francisco to Portland drive, but we found a cheaper one-way fare coming back from Seattle. stay for about 1 hour. The Golden Gate Bridge has a walkway, so you're free to stroll or ride a bike here. :p, Check out my road trip packing guide for must-have items and other handy tips and tricks (helpful even if youre an experienced road tripper, promise!). Youre in luck, because today is alllll about those ancient giants. Visitor? Psst check out the recommended Portland hotels above, and book an extra night if youre totally feeling this day trip. Youll find plenty of options in Redding, I can promise you that. Good call! Newport, Oregon 5.