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. Sireesha, thanks for reading. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Drive time: 2-3.5 hours. Combine a visit to Portland with an adventure down the PCH. Route 8 will lead you directly into Olympia, where you will need to merge with Interstate 5. The Pacific Coast Highway is located in the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, and California. Super excited. A post shared by Manuel Sauceda (@msaucl). I am doing this trip with the boyfriend end of this month. The most important thing you need to decide first when driving the Pacific Coast Highway is which direction you prefer to travel the Pacific Coast Highway (northbound or southbound). We want to make the best out of drive there. This stunning road winds through the Columbia River Gorge along the river, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and more. Technically, Seattle is not on the Pacific Coast Highway, but you can fly into Seattle and drive one hour south to Olympia to start your PCH road trip. 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!! It was so helpful as I planned and traveled cross country this summer starting with the PCH. Hah, sounds like a good bonding experience, Angela! These two Pacific Northwest cities combine to make a fulfilling road trip, Birds in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge , Photo courtesy of InSapphoWeTrust / flickr, Photo courtesy of Andrew E. Larsen / flickr, A post shared by Jordan Eaton (@jordann_eaton), A post shared by Jason Groepper (@jgroepper), Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Thats it! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Seattle. For the mountainous route: Head east on Oregon's Highway 30 (which . My blog posts likely contain affiliate links, including for the Amazon Associates program.If you click, book, or buy from one of these links, I may earn a commission. Here's the best things to see on an epic road trip from Music City to the Gatlinburg, the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. This Portland icon has been voted Portlands Best Brunch for three years by the readers choice awards from the Willamette Week newspaper, from 20182020. I was wondering if you could suggest a place for stargazing. What type of car would you rent for 4 of us? I am planning to start my road trip in Vancouver BC and ending in San Francisco. Thank you, Archimedes. The location is perfect to see the sights of downtown Seattle giving you access to everything on offer in this amazing city. I dont have it I just want to make sure businesses are open? If you have the experience to take on the challenge, book a few extra days for a summit. This first segment is about 114 miles and has two-and-a-half hours of driving if you do it all at once. Is this possible?? Im glad you booked LA and Seattle, because those are the two you most need to have arranged! Lan Su Chinese Garden is a Chinese botanical garden in Northwest Portland. 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. But the key here is the ferry ride. The Pacific Coast Highway runs along two highways: In Washington and Oregon, the best weather of the year happens between June and September. Youll get access to five major attractions at a discounted price, so you can experience more of what Seattle has to offer for less. I recommend researching/contacting each one individual to confirm theyll be open. However, if youre hoping for a little more adventure, theres a longer and more scenic Portland to Seattle road trip route that takes you through some of the most interesting areas along the coast. Were on day 2 of our 8-day PCH Tour.and its great to have your help! Is there any river rafting or boating along the way? The turn-out for Ruby Beach occurs right as the highway reaches the Pacific coast. Thinking approximately 250 miles a day. Thanks for reading, Dave. The Astoria Column is a towering monument with murals representing the rich history and culture of the city. If you want to head over to the peninsula and have some serious Twilight vibes then you need to check out Highway 12. You'll experience the breathtaking views of Hells Canyon, Crater Lake, the Columbia . Some of the best stops on the Oregon Coast are close to Portland. Loved your trip adventure and recommendations !! It sounds like youll have a great trip no matter what! Would you have any other suggestions since I am using 4 more days and not going south to Sa Diego and strarting in Vancouver? We will only have 7 days. I love to do a Pacific Coast Highway drive at some point in my life. But its its well worth taking your time and experiencing what each of these stops has to offer. However, there are a few options if youre looking for something indoors. The views of the colors changing in the trees were surreal. If you go as big as a Suburban or Tahoe, youll be way to big and clunky to enjoy the road! Tourists will enjoy watching the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, along US Route 30. Would there be a place where the rental could be left in those regions? Follow the highway south as it winds inland and along the coast. 151 reviews. Its approximately around 180 miles in length and will take around three hours to get there. The island lies just between the Lewis River and the Willamette River. 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. While you are driving from Portland to Seattle, you must have a stopover at this unique garden built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou. I think its going to be a tough year fro travel! Both offer amenities such as free WiFi and generous baggage policies. Along the way we plan to stop at the Benbow Inn near Garberville, CA and in Newport. 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. Do you think we could do it in 7 days?? Now if you need some Twin Peaks vibes in your life, a drive to the stunning Snoqualmie Falls will surely do you well. Phone +1 253-404-3800. Further along the coast, you can book a stay at any of the campgrounds in the numerous state parks. haha. Related: 9 Sights To See On The Way From Portland To Seattle. 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. Staying in Mount Rainer National Park is a great experience, especially for the convenience of waking up in the park. Thanks for reading, Jan. Blow your budget and stay the night at Fairmont San Francisco, one of the nicest hotels in town. Hi! Lastly, Pismo is a great stop for a midday workout on the road, with a huge stretch of beach to walk/run on. Travelling from Australia and would like to spend 3 weeks driving around . 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! The road trip from Seattle to Portland is around 180 miles and the drive will take you approximately 3 hours. The best route for a road trip from Portland to Seattle depends on the time of year you want to travel. Thank you! It is the home stadium of Seattle Mariners, a professional American baseball team based in Seattle. Not to mention its one of the largest mountains in the US and were lucky to have it right here. Both routes take place mostly on highways and smaller roads, making the driving interesting. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive deals, stories, info & more! Will it be Portland, with its famous food trucks and doughnuts? Silvia, not to minimize risks but I think the issue is not being represented realistically by the media. Plus you can cruise up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy some tasty eats and local shopping. Show only these on map. Id go with a mid-size car for your rental. Congrats on the trip, Michael! Mountain Route. The jagged coastline, infinite blue water, sunny days, gorgeous sunsets these are just a few of the reasons California Highway 1 became a popular route in the first place! Take the coastal route for a longer, more scenic drive,and you can hit up Canon Beach or even Tillamook, where you can tour the TillamookCreamery. Thanks for reading, Dale. But of course, theres more to Cannon Beach than one rock. You can look out over beautiful sea stacks that dot the northern part of the Pacific Coast and stroll along the sand covered with huge driftwood formations and seafoam. If you want to make the most of the popular and beautiful journey, here are the best stops on the Portland to Seattle drive. Those little beaches overlooking the water below is freaking amazing. There are several ways to go from Seattle to Portland. Thanks for your comment, Jorge! What are must see spots. Seaside has a nice range of shops and dining options, and the beach is popular with surfers. Nice ride. I am currently planning a road trip from Phoenix to Vancouver, WA to visit family and weve decided to come back home via the PCH. Thanks so much. Did you try searching my site using the search in the sidebar? Kim, December should be a pretty good time, but plan for classic marine layer weather (chilly and cloudy this is whats normal on the Pacific coast!). Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head west along U.S. 101 until it turns south along the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula. The legendary Columbia River Highway dates back to the 1910s. 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. Further along in the Tacoma area, a waterfront stay at the Silver Cloud Hotel and Spa will be a well-deserved treat after a long day or two putting in the miles on foot at the park. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Many thanks, alex, Alex, unfortunately, this might not be the trip for you. How long is the Pacific Coast Highway? I havent stayed at any L.A. hotels, so I dont feel comfortable recommending any. Thanks for reading, Jennifer. Here, a huge boulder towers above the shore and offers beach lovers several up-close photo opportunities. Yes, I do have San Francisco guides! You also mentioned Suburbans are not great because they are so big, but I dont think we have much choice with the large family. I hope this helps! Another great option is the Chinaberry Hill Inn, located a bit closer to downtown Tacoma. Thanks for your comment, Rex! Distance: 2183 miles. 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! Both offer amenities such as free WiFi and generous baggage policies. We will probably book Airbnb if cost effective. And of course, you can also check out Discovery Park while youre in the area for a great stroll. Once you've got your Original Starbucks coffee, your first Seattle to Portland stop should be the Point Defiance State Park. Book well in advance, and youll find the best dealsas in $1 ticketswith BoltBus. Rainier, which will take about 7 hours and cover 330 miles. Thanks so much for reading, Teresa! Hi there, I am desperate to do the road trip next year however, I am not keen on driving over bridges (I am fine on coastal roads/cliff edges), so are there any places that i definitely need to avoid or that you cant get through/past without crossing a bridge? The park is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with beaches, hiking and bike trails, wildlife viewing, and a historic fort. A frequent Cali traveler warned me of smog in the late summer and recommended late Sept. early Oct. What are your thoughts? Thanks. We are planning on a 7 days trip in Dec 2021. Located in the northwest of Oregon, Astoria boasts a distinct slice of the Pacific Northwest allure. 4 The Long Way Around Through Idaho and Nevada. But even the most straight-shot . 1-2 days in Portland to visit college and check out Portland. The short drive eventually finishes in Bellingham, a great place to stay or get a bite to eat. Youll see signs for Hoh Rainforest, a left turn that takes you inland to the forest. We didn't expect much from the road until realized that adding 0.5-2 hours will turn it into a real adventure! Located at the tip of Tacoma, the surrounding Point Defiance Park also has hiking trails and a Japanese Garden. These seem to be the hardest parts to figure out for this type of trip! The weather should be okay but be prepared for coastal fog and chill (as you would experience pretty much all year long!). You live in SF! To access the map on Roadtrippers, you just need to click the map! We exist to help people navigate it all. 5 attractions along Arizona's stretch of historic Route 66 that are sure to inspire wonder and nostalgia. drive for about 4 hours. Youll get glimpses of beautiful greenery as well as views of Lake Washington. After the town of Longview, take Route 504 towards the infamous Mount St. Helens. Glad this was helpful! Glad to help, Ashley! Neither of these routes is the most direct one, because the shortest route is straight up Interstate 5, and isn't particularly interesting. Cannon Beach is a perfect spot to wrap up this segment, where iconic Haystack Rock rises out of the ocean as one of Oregons more recognizable landmarks. Related Read:9 Best Hikes in Washington State for Epic Outdoor Adventures. There and back that is? Sorry, I could not get past it, and I may not even be correct, but I truly loved this page. Also, niece is vegan and I am meat eater. Its also a great place to play volleyball, although youll have to bring the volleyball net yourself. Driving makes it a 1 hr and 50 minute scenic day trip from Seattle. One day, I would LOVE to make this road trip. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. I am beginning to plan a family trip and loved all the recommendations. Located a mile southwest of downtown Edmonds, Marina Beach Park is a beachfront park featuring a playground and picnicking area. If you want a true Seattle experience, opt for a stay on a refurbished and romantic houseboat. When the bridge was built in 1930, it was the longest cantilevered bridge in the United States, originally serving as a private toll bridge. I think once we hit Los Angeles we will just take the I10 home to Phoenix. The 5-star hotel is very modern, and bedrooms have large windows, affording great views of the city and bay. Im glad to surpass the AAA level. Do you have any recommendations or modifications while traveling with kids. So it adds about 3 hours of driving time, but it also means youll miss out on basically all of the Oregon Coast. Also, about how many miles a day are you traveling on your 10 day itinerary? Im thinking of a four day road trip for easter next year but thinking along the lines of vegas to grand canyon and so. Near Mount Saint Helens, lodging is almost exclusively campgrounds. My wife and I are planning an 18 day trip in the coming months to fly into San Diego and then make the drive up to Seattle. Tim and Janice. We are planning to stay overnight at the Madonna Inn. I do have the same recommendations youll see A LOT of fellow bikers/trikers out on the PCH; its a great ride on 2-3 wheels as well as 4 wheels . In particular, plan a long foray out to Point Reyes State Park and Lighthouse. Im assuiming youve read the whole post, as I do cover a 7-day suggested itinerary, and cover overnight stops along the Oregon coast. Seattle is one (Matt lived there for 15+ years), San Francisco is the second (we met and lived there for juuuust shy of a decade), and Alysha also lived in Santa Barbara in college. Try another? I am planning a road-trip with my husband along the Pacific coast. Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China, featuring rare plants indigenous to China and classical Chinese decorative stonework. Instagram. I havent been to Monterey but its high on my list! We are from Ohio. And who can say no to that? From Vancouver, drive 35 kilometers south on Highway 99 to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and board the B.C. The city is a great stopover for history buffs while traveling from Portland to Seattle. In the morning, we made the 30-minute drive to Mulmonath Falls. If not, spend your day exploring the Seattle waterfront to see all of the city from above. Hi V& VDid you make hotel reservations in advance for your overnight stops? I would definitely do some research on inland options Im not as familiar with whats inland though. Youll still be at the mercy of traffic, but if you want to leave the driving to someone else, hop aboard one of numerous buses shuttling between Portland and Seattle. The best place to visit in the city is the Seaside Promenade, a boardwalk that runs along the Pacific Ocean. For bigger cities, there are probably enough options that you can wait until you arrive to book, even during that time of year. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south along U.S. 101 to Crescent City always stick to the coast! I had the chance to spend a weekend in Huntington Beach a few years ago and loved the vibe in this surf town. There are a wide range of activities you can indulge in at Silver Lake, including camping and boating. Then round out your trip to Astoria by visiting the Astoria-Megler Bridge and the Columbia River Maritime Museum. That includes missing the Devils Punchbowl and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in the southern part of the state; you would however get to drive through Oregons Redwoods on your way from Crater Lake to Crescent City. Any other advise you could give us. Glad to help, Bethany! Tim & Janice, what kind words! Popular activities: Whidbey Island is a popular Seattle day trip for people who love food, drink, shops, and hikes. . Got to save some $$$$$. We have lived, collectively, in exactly three cities. Follow Interstate 5 through the suburbs and into the center of Seattle. So nice to hear from you, Silvia! In addition, it serves as a haven for a variety of seabirds and other intertidal creatures like starfish and crabs. I hope you have a great trip! Appreciate you sharing your experience and advice. I did drive it alone and I still recommend heading southbound. Colorado Springs, Colorado. I would hate to plan a trip only to find out that things are shut down or there are big restrictions placed on free movement. Relaxing in a secluded cabin deep in the woods under a starlit sky is one of the best experiences you can have in Oregon. Where would you start and end if it is reasonable to go in December, and what might we expect weather wise? Drive safely! For the most scenic (and slow) route, drivers can veer to the coastline and hop the cities there. Book a ticket to head up the tower, or even enjoy cocktails at the Loupe Lounge. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Should we go down the coast only (plus say Portland & Crater Lk), or head inland given how much time we have? Whether youre planning a San Diego to San Francisco, Seattle to San Francisco, San Francisco to San Diego, Seattle to San Diego road trip, or somewhere in between (Los Angeles! Related: Astoria: Why Its Any Traveler's Perfect First Oregon Trip. Valerie I just came across this post. Thank you so much for this information! Oregon & California are both pretty vegan friendly states so Id expect lots of restaurants have at least an option thats animal-free. leave the next day around 10:00 am. However, given all there is to do along this leg, its worth taking at least an overnight along this segment to see it all. Did you drive it alone and what do you think about being able to see well driving north to south? Thanks so much for any tips you can suggest on having adequate funds! Related Read:11 Awe-Inspiring Glamping Spots in Oregon. Go hiking in Ecola State Park or drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop. It is a haven for wildlife lovers, featuring 24 species of fish located in three habitats i.e. Is this going to be a big disappointment? How long does it take to get from Portland to Seattle? Planning a trip on PCH last week of July 2020. After Crater lake we headed back to 238 towards HWY 101, we took an off road to hit the coast right at Brookings. If you're pressed for time, make Cannon Beach your top priority. Any additional thoughts? Foodies will appreciate the local food and beverage program, including a notable clam chowder, on the Cascades route. You should make your first stop at Bachelor Island while traveling from Portland to Seattle via road. Not to mention you can also check out several local attractions along the way. Again, thanks for great info and advice. Im thinking of doing this trip from Seattle to San Diego. Bus. Youve put together one awesome road trip! Read on for more information about where to stay, the best route, and what to do along the way. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. My English is very very basic but if you write to me I can understand it. Good morning from Australia. You will only be on Interstate 5 for a short period, as you will turn off onto Highway 12. Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air offers numerous daily flights between Portland Airport (PDX) and Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) or Paine Field (PAE), and if you book in advance, you can usually snag a great fare. Start in Seattle and end in San Diego. The Route. I hope you have a great trip whenever you can make it! ), a Jeep Liberty, or most Subarus. Also, its not exactly the most stimulating view its a bit better for older kids than younger ones. distance from Seattle: ~1 hr and 15 mins | driving directions (with ferry) | driving directions (without ferry, which is ~2.5 hrs) | best for: excellent seafood and wineries. What are the reasons you really never got to enjoy using a convertible car? Where is the Pacific Coast Highway? Aretta, thanks for your comment! How can we apply this info in the reverse, Catherine, its pretty easy just plan it out by reading my article from the bottom to the top! Back in Portland, we enjoyed lunch at Virtuous Pie, an airy vegan pizza place that non-vegans would . On your stop here, be sure to walk out along the pier and keep an eye out for surfers working the breaks along the beach. Rainier National Park gates open in winter are the Carbon River entrance and the Nisqually entrance. This time I plan to take a friend and start in Portland. The winter is a quieter season to be traveling on the coast, meaning hotels may be available at discounted prices. , Hi. It also features a boardwalk, boathouse, beaches, trails, an off-leash dog park, and an old-growth forest. If you want to make your road trip truly magnificent, you must spend a few hours here before continuing your journey to Seattle. 2. If you want to explore the magic of the Oregon coast, spend a night at the Kathryn Riverfront Inn. Instead of rushing, taking a more scenic route will turn this road trip into the perfect weekend adventure. Ive put together some tips on how to choose the right car for the PCH, but in short, I recommend an automatic car with a low center of gravity but skip the convertible! The proposed itinerary for 7-day Seattle to San Francisco road trip. Thanks for reading, Oleg. The 90-minute boat trip arrives in Swartz Bay. offers numerous daily flights between Portland Airport (PDX) and Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) or Paine Field (PAE), and if you book in advance, you can usually snag a great fare. The worst that happens is you might end up in a slightly less nice place than you had planned. 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! We are planning a trip in Sept 0f 2022, starting in Portland, ending in San Diego. Thank so much for putting together a wonderful and comprehensive itinerary of the PC scenic drive. After all, seeing some snow can do all of us well. It is time to start driving along the coast from Seattle to Portland. Long Beach is and always will be one of my favorite destinations in Washington. Whether you stop to take a few Instagram-worthy spots or ogle the animals, theres plenty of experiences to choose from in San Diego. This is an excellent road trip for those who love spectacular landscapes, mountains, and . from Seattle to San Diego along this route . We definitely want to visit the redwood forest, which is the main reason we want to go so far north. The Inn has a great set of amenities like an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a gym. After driving across the famous Columbia River bridge, stop and give yourself a self-guided tour of popular Goonies spots in Oregons northwest-most town. 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Or even enjoy cocktails at the Loupe Lounge and nostalgia best scenic drive from portland to seattle in,! Fairmont San Francisco, one of my favorite destinations in Washington State for epic Outdoor Adventures hope have... Traveler warned me of smog in the sidebar: Why its any traveler 's first... Representing the rich history and culture of the largest mountains in the city from above view its a bit for. So i dont feel comfortable recommending any even enjoy cocktails at the Madonna.... National Park is a great set of amenities like an indoor pool, a left turn that takes inland. Do along the way from Portland to visit in the numerous State.. Seeing some snow can do all of the city best route, what... Of historic route 66 that are sure to inspire wonder and nostalgia issue not! Smaller roads, making the driving interesting for aviation news and insight you need some Twin Peaks vibes your. Stop to take a friend and start in Portland up the tower, or most Subarus on options... Magnificent, you must spend a weekend in Huntington Beach a few years and... Get there closer to downtown Tacoma a playground and picnicking area, CA and in Newport even... Northwest allure love food, drink, shops, and California in Washington State for epic Outdoor Adventures rent... Think once we hit Los Angeles we will just take the I10 to. Love to do a Pacific coast ago and loved all the recommendations San Diego for a variety seabirds! The winter is a Chinese botanical Garden in Northwest Portland would love make..., CA and in Newport refurbished and romantic houseboat WiFi and generous baggage policies i truly loved page...