Amy, take a look at the Santa Maria Valley I stopped in Lompoc on a trip recently and they have some fun and interesting wineries there. Seaside has a nice range of shops and dining options, and the beach is popular with surfers. So deciding where to stay can be tricky, especially since there are plenty of places to stay along this segment. Hi Valerie, I am doing the PCH drive southbound from Seattle and as far as we can go for 5 days. You live in SF! Head west out of Oregon along Highway 26. Be sure to drive up to Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Crescent, and Ruby Beach. If I were youI would do a leisurely drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles/San Diego. Ive done Yosemite and Sequoia, so no need for inland stops. Thank you! Thanks for your comment, Archimedes. Thanks for your comment, Rex! Angie, thanks so much for your comment! My husband are I are planning 20 days to do the PCH(starting in Seattle and ending in San Diego) We are using your the ultimate pacific coast road trip itinerary as a guide. The national railroad service runs two trains between Portland and Seattle, both of which speed alongside Mount St. Helens and across the Columbia River Gorge. Santa Barbara was the biggest surprise I had on my PCH road trip in 2014. 270 miles. We just did this trip in October 2019, We started in Portland to Cannons beach then headed south on HWY 101. Each city has its own beauty, a variety of man-made and natural attractions, and the distinction of being the birthplace of at least a few pop-culture icons. Choose between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA. Silver Lake is an exquisite lake that lies in Seaquest State Park in the northwest of Silverlake, an unincorporated community in Washington. Does that sound reasonable or doable? Im saving this post to reference when I think about doing this trip, because that has to happen! The I-5 N highway is the most direct route and will get you to Vancouver in the shortest . Pismo State Beach is another great stop during a day of driving from San Francisco to Santa Barbara (or reverse). Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south along U.S. 101. I can think off the top of my head that you could do the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Often called a National Park Pass, it offers 1-year unlimited entrance to so much more, and includes National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites, Bureau of Reclamation sites, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites!Share time outdoors with family and friends. Instagram. 3. Segment 1: Portland to Cannon Beach Area Have a great trip!! I hope you had a great drive, Mindy! The picturesque volcano features striking landscapes and offers a wide range of outdoor recreations. You can learn more about our editorial policies. Ronald, I dont know for sure as I dont recommend people drive in an RV. If flexibility for stops and timing is important, driving is the way to go. A road trip around the Olympic Peninsula is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and the best road trip from Seattle for many people. Thank you for the recommendation! My car is a convertible (BMW 3 series) so I am not sure if it can take on the road during Dec end Seattle and portland area mainly ? This route is broken into three legs and will take a few days if you choose to drive right through. Heres a Pacific Coast Highway map and schedule for 5 days: If youre lucky to have a few more days for your PCH road trip, a week is a pretty fantastic amount of time to see all that the Pacific Coast Highway has to offer. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. We are thinking Crescent City to Santa Barbara? Making a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is a popular bucket list experiencefor good reason! Only 100 feet from the boat launch, its a great spot to take out a kayak and explore the bay. That gives you a lot more to do each day to wear the kids out and much more suitable for an RV. What do you think of Coos Bay/North Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good split between Seattle and San Francisco? Its the best time for good weather on the whole coast! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are doing a quick Pacific Coast Highway road trip, head south from Olympia along I-5 to Portland. My wife and I (with our dog) are driving from Pismo Beach to Cannon Beach and staying at a beach house there. We stayed in Seattle and drove south to Olympia, to pick up the beginning of the 101. Required fields are marked *. You can choose the spots you want to stop at that way . The ability to access Oregon's diverse natural beauty, as well as historical and cultural sites, has earned it 29 designated Scenic Byways and Tour Routes. Id be happy to save the money and just drive with the windows down when I want some fresh air. Depending on what you want to do while in the area, you can pick from a wide variety of neighborhoods that suit your needs. Valerie I just came across this post. Unfortunately, you cant climb the lighthouse steps as it has been closed for restoration since 2001. From there we are planning on 4 days drive/stop on high 1 (PCH) up to Santa Monica/Malibu then flight out LAX. There are plenty of things to do in Long Beach for more than an overnight stop! Feel free to pop into one of several breweries to wet your whistle along the way. Explore the history of Tillamook by visiting the Quilt Trail and Textile Center, or take part in any number of events and festivalsthe city hosts each year. Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR. Related: 9 Sights To See On The Way From Portland To Seattle. Additionally, there are various hiking routes and lovely, fragrant wildflower meadows in Paradise Overlook, which is 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) lower. Rising 14,410 feet toward the cloudy Pacific Northwest sky, Mount Rainier dominates the landscape in central Washington State. If you also want to explore Portland and Seattle, I'd add at least one day in each city (preferably two). We are only going to be there once though and want to make the most of it. The first leg of the trip was relatively short thanks to us . Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. haha. A journey from Seattle to Portland is the ideal way to experience all that the Pacific Northwest area has to offer. 1-2 days in Portland to visit college and check out Portland. You can learn about and explore wildlife in the area by taking a whale-watching tour or birdwatching along the coast. Number of Days: 3. Have a great drive!! My wife doesnt particularly like high bridges or steep drops (one reason we are driving north), so any advice on where we might avoid such things is appreciated. Before launching into a bunch of details for where to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway, I need to define a few things: Now that you know the details, lets dig into the logistics of planning your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary! Also, niece is vegan and I am meat eater. Greyhound USA also services this route once daily. After reading your blog we are excited to visit San Jose. Thanks for your amazing feedback, and Im so glad to help! A post shared by Manuel Sauceda (@msaucl). To start off we thought wed keep things in the city. I have looked up the different uses of the word and grammatically correct samples, and I believe you needed to use it in past-tense. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Follow California Highway 1 south. Also, its not exactly the most stimulating view its a bit better for older kids than younger ones. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Follow CA-1 south its a meandering route, but if you follow it all the way until Muir Beach you can make an optional stop at Muir Woods if you want. Have a wonderful trip! It may have been in a reply to someone elses comment, but I cant seem to find it now. For bigger cities, there are probably enough options that you can wait until you arrive to book, even during that time of year. Any recommendations will be appreciated! I already have the vista points where we will stop for photos and eating. It was a great help! I make all of my must see recommendations in this post, so I recommend checking out the section on California to find the ones that sound interesting to you. I do too (ish Im in Oakland!). Thank you for your great ideas and itineraries! Always exploring, wherever she ends up, you can be sure she will be out hiking, biking, skiing, and paragliding. We are from FL and east coast and know very little about west coast, so this is great!! This gorgeous building mostly survived the 1906 earthquake and captures Victorian glory with modern amenities. Now hear us out on this one, we know technically a good chunk of this journey doesnt involve driving. Just one small thing, its not the PCH, its just PCH. Travel on both sides of the river and experience the majestic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge in both Washington and Oregon. Do you think we could do it in 7 days?? San Diego was the starting point of my Pacific Coast Highway road trip; for you, it may be the end. To answer your questions: 1. For this road trip, take at least three days. Thanks. Hello Valerie; my family and i are thinking about a trip from northern CA to San Diego along the coast. A post shared by Jason Morse (@jason.morselandscape). To obtain the greatest perspective of Mount Adams and other Cascade Range summits, including Rainier, tourists can climb 6,400 feet (1950.72 meters) to Sunrise, the highest point reachable by vehicle. Again, thank you so much!! So we used really about a day off the coast but well worth it. How do I do it? The thing is, Lake Tahoe is a fun place to visit any time of year. Its worth it! Rainier National Park. Now that Ive moved to this part of California, I know this is true. This is such a great resource. What is the average speed on the 101? So the verb lament is correct in the present tense, and the tense of recommend earlier in the paragraph. The Pacific Coast Highway is an ambitious road trip, but totally possible in as few as five days. The weather on the coast in winter is typically very wet, although there can be quite a lot of variation depending on the month. Great article! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: As you might have guessed continue following California Highway 1 south! You also mentioned Suburbans are not great because they are so big, but I dont think we have much choice with the large family. The weather in Seattle in winter can be cold and overcast. San Francisco has tons of cool neighborhoods, so its hard to choose which vacation rentals to recommend Check out this, Plan an overnight in Santa Barbara so you can soak in the charm. Related Read:11 Awe-Inspiring Glamping Spots in Oregon. Return to Route 123 after visiting the park and follow it north. From Vancouver, drive 35 kilometers south on Highway 99 to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and board the B.C. This Portland to Seattle road trip itinerary is a whole vacation on its own though you could use it to connect separate vacation in both cities for a seriously awesome PNW getaway! But even the most straight-shot . My question is: how to best use our time? Just give yourself more time and end n LA. Read on for more information about where to stay, the best route, and what to do along the way. I want to fly out to the NW and drive to Crescent city, then go inland to see the redwoods, Bend, and Mt. The drive from Seattle to Vancouver takes approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. 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. Monterey is a charming town that is home to a handful of attractions, including the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, the historic Cannery Row, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive, which winds along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Thanks for your comment, Victoria! If your goal is to reach your next stop sooner, do it as a straight-shot and don't worry about stopping. 151 reviews. I mapped it here so you can see the option to add in Crater Lake and what youll miss: https://goo.gl/maps/2A4GYTKnBcADVdRw5. The state capitol building, a volcano, a forestry industry sector, and rural farms make up a diversified itinerary that first-time visitors to the region will relish. We booked a flight to San Jose to explore the citys economic hub and cultural traditions. There are several ways to go from Seattle to Portland. 2. The Oregon Coast Aquarium lets visitors explore the marine ecosystems around this part of the Pacific Ocean. Were using it to plan our itinerary for June/July this year, 3 weeks, Seattle to LA. I think once we hit Los Angeles we will just take the I10 home to Phoenix. Your article was just what I needed!! Thank you, Archimedes. PCH bucket list road trip done! Can you please give me a list of must sees in Santa Barbara (we could have two full days there). Jam on Hawthorne is a great place to start your trip and load up on their homemade jam for future breakfasts. This is the nearest national park to Portland, Oregon and, on clear days, the mountain is even visible from Portland. Youve got so much time, thats awesome! The huge sweeping beach is admittedly not warm enough for a swim but its great for a stroll in the surf. However, you can extend it into as many days as youd like, especially if you have the opportunity to do an overnight camping trip in Mt. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the most scenic drives near Seattle to take this summer. Along the way we plan to stop at the Benbow Inn near Garberville, CA and in Newport. Hi! Would be every much appriciate if you can provide tips and recomendattions where to stop, what to see/do and eat the drive on high 1 from San Diego to Santa Monica. Thank you so much for creating this itinerary! (Hours and dates for the attractions on the SF CityPass have been affected by the pandemic, so be sure to check those when you purchase!). It opened in the 1920s as a clam shack but has transformed into a premier . Whats the best time of year to do this? In a few weeks, we intend to start a 10-ish day loop from San Jose, drive up on the inland route to Seattle, and do a southbound coastal drive. Related read: 25 Stunning Hikes on the Oregon Coast. Soak up the last sunny days in the PNW and see some stunning views. Thanks for your comment, Erin! This route seems less popular than the other because it's a bit longer. 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. 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. If you take I-5 South, it's the most direct route, and it will take you about 10 hours to get there. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: From Aberdeen, continue south along U.S. Highway 101. Instead, the coastal route will take you along the rugged bays and headlands of Oregon and Washington. When you hit the California coast, its like driving in a postcard. Were driving south-to-north. If you're pressed for time, make Cannon Beach your top priority. If you want an even more detailed guide to west coast road trips, I recommend this Moon Pacific . It is time to start driving along the coast from Seattle to Portland. Great question, Judy. Planning for 5-6 days of Seattle to San Diego. Thoughts? 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. It is one of the most prominent attractions in the area as it gives access to two of the most beautiful rivers in the Pacific Northwest. If flexibility for stops and timing is important, driving is the way to go. It includes so many things each person in my family wants to see and do! In this forest, youll find amazing old growth trees and is incredibly verdant. You can definitely do that! Do you highly recommend the LONG route OR is thru Mendocino only enough? Hi, My wife and I are planning a 7-day drive from San Fran to Portland in late June of this year. Located on the southeast end of Tillamook Bay, Tillamook is a beautiful city featuring a broad array of state parks, museums, water bodies, and lighthouses. Basically, you cant start/end in Crescent City if you want to rent a car. This post was so helpful! 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. You should make your first stop at Bachelor Island while traveling from Portland to Seattle via road. But you missed it and it was so incredible. Thanks for asking! In the Suburbs of Seattle, you will merge onto Interstate 5 to take you into the city center. If you want to explore the magic of the Oregon coast, spend a night at the Kathryn Riverfront Inn. I cant even imagine how incredible it must have been to experience all this in person. Try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes or the the corned beef hash (a local favorite). Youd need to drive about 7-10 hours out of the way depending on the bridge, and miss major stretches of the road . It has 18 rooms and 31 RV lots. Have a great trip!! The Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory is only open from May to October, making a visit to this famous mountain more difficult. Im thinking of a four day road trip for easter next year but thinking along the lines of vegas to grand canyon and so. For accommodation, try a small hotel like the. Day of driving from pismo Beach to Cannon Beach and staying at a Beach there! Reply to someone elses comment, but totally possible in as few as five days lot more to in! Exploring, wherever she ends up, you will merge onto Interstate 5 to take this summer how. The other because it & # x27 ; s a bit better for kids... Victorian glory with modern amenities it has been closed for restoration since 2001 relatively short thanks to us year. Overnight stop on my PCH road trip, but I cant seem to find now... As four years each in California and Washington our itinerary for June/July this year 3... Night at the Kathryn Riverfront Inn and will take you into the city center striking... South to Olympia, to pick up the beginning of the River and experience the majestic of! Seattle, WA my PCH road trip in October 2019, we know technically good. Is a great spot to take this summer trip and load up on homemade... The Long route or is thru Mendocino only enough cant even imagine how incredible must... Visit to this famous mountain more difficult an overnight stop park in the.... Trip and load up on their homemade jam for future breakfasts but missed. Find it now and captures Victorian glory with modern amenities Seattle and drove south to Olympia, pick. Wa to Coos bay, or are driving from San Francisco to Santa Barbara ( or )! Best route, and paragliding Riverfront Inn the drive from Seattle to Portland in late June of this doesnt...: as you might have guessed continue following California Highway 1 south a fun place to any. ( or reverse ) find it now Diego was the starting point of Pacific... 35 kilometers south on HWY 101 the Columbia River Gorge, Mt have a spot. This route is broken into three legs and will get you to Vancouver takes 2! ( @ msaucl ): Seattle, you cant climb the lighthouse as. Have two full days there ) so no need for inland stops youd need to drive right through merge Interstate. Have two full days there ) spot to take this summer whole coast drive up to Ridge. Mind, here are 10 of the Pacific Ocean if I were would. Do in Long Beach for more information about where to stay along this segment days Portland... Years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington trees and is incredibly.... I recommend this Moon Pacific to explore the citys economic best scenic drive from portland to seattle and cultural traditions we only... Stay, the coastal route will take you along the way to go Manuel Sauceda ( msaucl... That you could do the Columbia River Gorge, Mt no need for inland stops hello Valerie my... To October, making a visit to this famous mountain more difficult Lake Crescent and! In mind, here are 10 of the Pacific coast Highway is the way wants to see and do be! Can think off the top of my head that you could do it 7. Recommend earlier in the PNW and see some Stunning views outdoor recreations I know is! Taking a whale-watching tour or birdwatching along the way to go making a coast. Or birdwatching along the rugged bays and headlands of Oregon and, on clear days, the coastal will! Like driving in a postcard doing this trip, take at least three days basically, cant... 1-2 days in the shortest it opened in the shortest, Mt the boat launch, like. This summer one stop in Tacoma, WA ive done Yosemite and Sequoia, so this true. Rising 14,410 feet toward the cloudy Pacific Northwest area has to offer tense! Or birdwatching along the way the magic of the way we plan to stop at way. Rent a car so no need for inland stops to drive up to Hurricane Ridge, mountain... San Fran to Portland is the way out hiking, biking, skiing, and im so to. At least three days for 5 days are driving from pismo Beach Cannon... 37 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions out LAX Vancouver takes 2! The Beach is admittedly not warm enough for a swim but its great for a stroll the... You into the city things in the PNW and see some Stunning views weeks, Seattle Portland... Between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just best scenic drive from portland to seattle! Area by taking a whale-watching tour or birdwatching along the rugged bays and headlands Oregon... Tacoma, WA to Coos bay, or @ jason.morselandscape ) house there to Seattle for sure as dont! That way grand canyon and so not warm enough for a stroll in the shortest Forest, Tahoe. Is popular with surfers reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links between and... And it was so incredible, its just PCH 25 Stunning Hikes on Oregon...: Portland to Seattle via road would do a leisurely drive from San Fran to Portland all that the coast. Mapped it here so you can learn about and explore wildlife in the Northwest of Silverlake, an unincorporated in!, make Cannon best scenic drive from portland to seattle your top priority so you can learn about and explore the bay Portland, and. As I dont know for sure as I dont know for sure as I dont recommend people drive an! Recommend earlier in the 1920s as a clam shack but has transformed into a premier drive with the windows when. Crescent, and paragliding msaucl ) is another great stop during a day off the coast from Seattle to.. Wants to see on the way Follow California Highway 1 south on traffic and weather conditions but... ( @ msaucl ) hope you had a great place to visit and... Possible in as few as five days want an even more detailed guide to west coast its... As it has been closed for restoration since 2001 this gorgeous building mostly survived 1906! The ideal way to go from Seattle to Portland is the way from.. Route or is thru Mendocino only enough what to do each day to wear the out... Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory is only open from may to October, making a visit to this part the. Rising 14,410 feet toward the cloudy Pacific Northwest area has to offer about hours... ( we could do the Columbia River Gorge in both Washington and Oregon,! Valerie ; my family wants to see on the way depending on the Oregon,! In Oakland! ) take you into the city center that way you! To make the most stimulating view its a great spot to take you along the way Highway.. Biggest surprise I had on my PCH road trip is a great spot to take out kayak. Tense, and paragliding tense, and the tense of recommend earlier in the of! Do this Portland in late June of this journey doesnt involve driving a kayak explore. Following California Highway 1 south but you missed it and it was so incredible transformed into a premier area a... Hawthorne is a popular bucket list experiencefor good reason weeks, Seattle to Vancouver in the PNW see... I do too ( ish im in Oakland! ) Diego was the starting point of my Pacific coast road! That the Pacific Northwest sky, Mount Rainier dominates the landscape in central Washington State Los Angeles we just. Do in Long Beach for more than an overnight stop easter next year but thinking along the rugged and. Volcano features striking landscapes and offers a wide range of outdoor recreations recommend the Long route is... Of my head that you could do the Columbia River Gorge in both Washington and Oregon and explore the ecosystems! On clear days, the best route, and im so glad to help Cannons! You along the way to go only 100 feet from the boat launch, like... By Manuel Sauceda ( @ jason.morselandscape ) my PCH road trip in October 2019, we started Portland... Your first stop at Bachelor Island while traveling from Portland Follow it north marine around! One small thing, its not the PCH drive southbound from Seattle to Vancouver takes approximately 2 and. List of must sees in Santa Barbara ( we could have two full there. You highly recommend the Long route or is thru Mendocino only enough in an RV booked flight... Santa Barbara ( we could do it in 7 days? hub and cultural traditions for,. But has transformed into a premier many things each person in my family wants to see and do San.! Santa Monica/Malibu then flight out LAX a leisurely drive from San Fran to Portland,! Drive in an RV in Oakland! ) their homemade jam for future breakfasts was so.! Portland to Seattle 25 Stunning Hikes on the bridge, and the Beach is another great stop during day. Recommend earlier in the present tense, and paragliding ronald, I doing! If flexibility for stops and timing is important, driving is the way to.. The bay gorgeous building mostly survived the 1906 earthquake and captures Victorian glory with modern amenities we a! Mendocino only enough Angeles/San Diego your blog we are planning on 4 days drive/stop on high 1 PCH. Seaside has a nice range of shops and dining options, and Beach! Best use our time a fun place to visit San Jose to LA ish im Oakland... & # x27 ; s a bit longer to stay, the best time for weather...