Yachats is at one of the most beautiful parts of Oregon Coast. The place is perfect for whale watching and great photo opportunities. Day 1: Fly into Seattle and pick up your rental car (or, leave from Seattle if you live here!). Seattle vs. San Francisco for Vacation - Which one is better? Head out on an early morning balloon flight above the valley, worth the ridiculous AF wake-up call. Now I am carefully planning my trip to the States, the country is huge and so colorful that it is impossible to determine the priorities! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If AirBnBs not your thing, check out the super cute and modestly priced Hill House Inn, Joshua Grindle Inn, and Agate Cove Inn. The best way to experience a true San Francisco is by taking a local cable car he worlds last manually operated cable car system! Time to start making your way to the coast, because were heading north on the PCH towards Mendocino and Fort Bragg! Where to Stay: There are SO many hotel choices when it comes to the city, at all different price points as well. I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. Note that many rental car shops charge extra for returning their cars at different pick up/drop off locations just something to keep in mind (worth the extra cost to me I would rather pay an extra fee than drive an extra 15+ hours (with gas! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This itinerary looks amazing but we only have one week to travel from San Fran to Seattle. You can even take a buggy or ATV tour of the dunes! No words truly capture that feeling you get staring up at it. 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. 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! French press coffee and Belgian waffles will melt in your mouth! If I were you, Id stay away from the hotels near Fishermans Wharf as this place is tourist central and therefore uber crowded ALL THE TIME (although, First Time Visitors Guide to San Francisco, Where to Find the Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, You kinda have two choices on how you make your way to Mendocino (stop #3 and our first coastal town on this itinerary). Read Next: Things to Do in Napa Besides Drink Wine, The Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley, A Girls Getaway to Wine Country, Hot Air Ballooning Above Napa Valley, TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours, 45 min without drive the PCH. Oregon Maritime Museum gives you a chance to visit historic steam-powered sternwheel ship-assist tugboat. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Related: Need A Day Trip from Las Vegas? Seattleites, your secrets out! In May the many waterfalls along the Gorge walls will be at their best, full of water from melting. You can see the falls from the parking area or take a short mile loop to get more views up close. 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. Youll also find scuba diving here as well! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The so-called old town, the heart of Newport, almost Victorian docking area. The 129-foot-tall, 250-foot-wide Burney Falls is both gorgeous and very easy to reach. 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. *EXTRA ADD-ON: STOP #10 >> can go directly to Mt. The ability to track prices (and get email notifications when the price drops) is top notch and one of my favorite features. If you dont feel like walking so much, you can easily hike just the part of the trail, for example up until Panorama Point. San Franciscos Golden Gate Park is like New York Central Park but is 20% larger. The 960-mile road trip from Seattle to San Francisco takes 20 hours 30 minutes. Nice story and great photos. Consider heading to Olympic National Park, Vancouver, and/or Vancouver Island up North, or Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, and the southern California coastlinedown south. Day 5, 6 and 7. It can be done in 3-5 hours, depending on your skills and physical shape. There is a possibility to hike to the tip of the cape but bear in mind it is an almost 5-mile hike! Stop 1: San Francisco (0-5 Nights) More Things to Do in San Francisco. Thanks! Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums on the west coast with a large collection of Native American and Asian art. I picked out some glass for the photos guilty! So you wanna take the epic road trip from San Francisco to Seattle?! 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! Rainier national park, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Portland City Center. Resident of SF? 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? If youve never visited the City by the Bay before (SF), you should really stay and wander for a few days. If you are not up for the challenge, consider stopping at Cape Lookout Viewpoint for some great photos of the ocean. 2. 12 Awesome Stops on a San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip in 2023 Fort Bragg is only a few miles north, and a great way to spend a few hours. Drive to Port Angeles, with a stop at Nourish Sequim along the way for a delicious (and gluten free) lunch. ), dont miss these highlights in Crater Lake, The Two-Day Portland Itinerary Youll Want to Copy, Multnomah Falls and the Colombia River Gorge, 20 Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Antigua, Guatemala: Where to Find the Perfect Cup, 35+ Best Things to do in Antigua: The Colonial Gem of Guatemala, Best Pastel de Nata in Porto, Portugal (All My Favorite Porto Egg Tarts), Flying Over the Great Blue Hole in Belize: Everything You Need to Know, Checking into the Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispos Quirkiest and Most Eccentric Hotel, Fall in San Francisco: 25+ Fall Activities in the SF Bay Area You Cant Miss, Things to do in Cambria, California (The Cutest Seaside Village on the Central Coast). Psst check out the recommended Portland hotels above, and book an extra night if youre totally feeling this day trip. On your San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip, you'll pass plenty of beauty spots. If you want to ensure youll be able to drive around the perimeter of the lake (Rim Drive), schedule your trip for late July, August, or September. It is also worth stopping at Crescent city to visit Redwood National and State Parks. The time in the car doesnt have to be absolutely horrible. Hit the road and head south to Portland for the next fun day. You'll get stunning views of the bridge at Conzelman road. Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert, Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards. Youre in luck, because next up on this San Francisco to Seattle road trip itinerary is. From Seattle, drive straight to Mt. Choose Sonoma if youd like a lower-cost, laid-back and intimate afternoon, enjoy a variety of wines (everything from pinot to zinfandel and charbono to gewurztraminer), and want to get off the beaten track a bit. Of course, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Mt. Yes, you read that right the EARTH! San Francisco To Seattle: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary - TheTravel A crucial step to take is to issue a car insurance policy to hedge against any sudden accidents. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Visit the creamery to find out why their products are so delicious, peek inside the making and packing of the cheese and finally taste the samples. Seattleites, your secrets out! Therefore, we will list the 3 best museums and let you decide which one youd like to visit first thing in the morning. Diablo Lake (GORGEOUS but requires even more driving time), and Snoqualmie Falls, all ranging from easy to moderate with absolutely fantastic views. are located a few miles south. The Ace is close to all the sites with plenty of public transport options nearby as well if needed. Read Next: Two Perfect Days in Crater Lake, Oregon. The museum used to be one of the top US private World War II aircraft collections. Yachats shore is rough and rugged shores due to volcano lava flows forming black basalt rock. Stop 5: Crater Lake National Park (2 Nights) I like to search. Once you are finished with the hike, relax and have lunch at Paradise Inn lunch room. San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip Itinerary Overview Stop 1: San Francisco, California (2-3 days) Stop 2: Wine Country: Napa/Sonoma (1-2 days) Stop 3: Mendocino/Fort Bragg (1 day) Stop 4: Lassen/Mt. Youll probably be skipping this area and heading north as, are on everyones spring weekend itinerary. This museum is especially great for families with kids. Yachats other name is the gem of the Oregon coast, and there is a good reason for that. If youve never visited the City by the Bay before (SF), you should really stay and wander for a few days. 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. I guesssss you could do both, but thatll add another hour or two to your driving time. Bandon, Oregon 4. Yes, parts of this area reek, but youll quickly see why after taking note to the bubbling mud pots and steaming sulphuric vents. Visiting Mount Rainier National Park is optional but very much advisable, especially in summer. Catch a ferry from Pier 33 to what once was the most secure prison on the west coast! Gabi also works as a consultant and writer for several travel agencies and business organizations. Doesnt get much better than that! Renting a bike will be a good idea as the park is huge! . Road Trip San Francisco to Seattle in 3 Days - Enterprise Rent-A-Car However, there are things to do and to explore in Tillamook itself! Other spots we looked at included. This is also a great place to spend the night if youll be splitting the drive from Coos Bay to Cannon Beach into two days. Your pick wine or coastline. If I were you, Id stay away from the hotels near Fishermans Wharf as this place is tourist central and therefore uber crowded ALL THE TIME (although Hotel Zephyr looks pretty rad). Theres a whole long list of. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Make an early start for a roughly 2-hour drive to Toketee Falls. From the cold and foggy State of Washington to sunny California this almost 1000-mile road trip offers many exciting ways to explore the West Coast and its natural beauty. Looking to check something off your bucket list? Promise me you wont miss a day or two in. Heck, their slogan is Keep Portland Weird, and it definitely lives up to its reputation. Next on the road is the Muir Woods National Monument that boasts 600-years old 75-meters long redwood trees and diverse wildlife. The city-to-city road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is arguably one of the best West Coast road trips, especially with this itinerary. Since SFO is a major international airport, and a hub for many airlines, you can easily find cheap airfare within the states. Hi, Im Jess. Despite its small size, the place is known as the home of the largest colony of breeding tufted puffins, the largest common murre colony south of Alaska and pupping site for the threatened Steller sea lion. And then some. Look no further-a multi-day drive from San Francisco to Seattle is calling your name! 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). Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most spectacular national parks in Washington, with stunning Mount Rainier being the highlight of this park. Slightly better one: Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn 3*. 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, ) or Belltown/Pike Place Market (consider, Seven of Seattles Top Tourist Attractions. Seattle to San Francisco: Tips for a Highway 101 Road Trip - DIY Playbook Otherwise, Evergreen Inn & Suites Portland offer good rates, although you might have to drive in order to see the main attractions. I went a few years ago and would love to go back! Trust me, its hard to describe those views. The easiest way to get on the road to Seattle from San Francisco is via Interstate 5. The state park also has a campground with over a hundred sites for tents and RVs without hookups. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a must-see spot if you have limited time. From sculpture parks and waterfront activities, to bacon brie Belgian waffles and homemade mac and cheese, Seattle has a lot to offer. WIth that being said, please appreciate the park and leave no human trace behind. In terms of what we want: - a couple of days either end to explore both cities. day 2 driving 6.5 hours. Oh, and dont leave without sipping some coffee at Stumptown, noshing on wings from Pok Pok (yes, wait in line), biscuits from Pine State, and donuts from Blue Star and of course Voodoo. Road Trip From San Francisco To Seattle - LazyTrips Where to Stay: There are tons of great accomodation options in both Napa and Sonoma. The trails starting in Paradise intersect with several waterfalls along the way. How To Plan An Amazing Seattle To San Francisco Road Trip The Ultimate San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip stay at Ace Hotel. Enjoy the ride all the way until you reach our next stop Eureka, CA. 1) HOME SFO, 2) SEA HOME. If all of this sounds too familiar (didnt we already see those things in Newport, Oregon? As always, thanks for the support. 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. It's not hard to believe either. ), ziplining through the redwoods, farmers market visits, wildflower hiking, and mud baths to tickle your fancy (yes, I just said mud baths). If cheese alone doesnt satisfy your appetite, have a look at the ice cream counter, taste wood fire pizza or local yogurt. Flying kites on the beach in Lincoln City in Oregon is fun during the road trip. Since youll probably be pressed on time during this San Francisco to Seattle road trip, itll be difficult to plan your day in Mt. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Stop 2: Napa Valley (2 Nights) Stop 3: Redwood Forests (2 Nights) Stop 4: Optional Coastal Stops. Youll know when youre getting close youll smell the sulphur! Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: November 2, 2022california crater lake lassen national park mendocino napa oregon portland road trip san francisco Seattle Washington. ), ziplining through the redwoods, farmers market visits, wildflower hiking, and mud baths to tickle your fancy (yes, I just said mud baths). Staying near the airport has some advantages you can return the rental car at the airport and visit all SF attractions via Uber or public transport AND you will be staying close to the Airport for your return flight. Long road trips can get boring, so consider printing out these 100 fun Questions for a Road trip. Make sure to check out the rose garden if its open and the Zoo. Iconic. The Three Capes Scenic Drive takes us south from Oceanside on our drive from Seattle to San Francisco on 101. If you follow this San Francisco to Seattle road trip itinerary, I can promise that youll discover more rugged nature, towering trees, glistening lakes, and tasty wine than you thought possible along the way. Also, as the name suggests, theres a hollow rock formation shaped like a huge punch bowl. He loves traveling, reading, partying, and making friends. First things first, if youre not a resident of San Francisco, youll of course need to get yourself there. Get some ideas from ourUSA West Coast Road Trip. The place is not a must-visit unless you are an aviation fan. Just did a 14 day roadtrip from Seattle to San Francisco last summer and Id recommend going that way instead (so that you work your way from rainy and cold to sunny and warm) but this itinerary left off my favorite part of the trip, which was going around the Olympic peninsula which took us through Sequim to see some lavender fields, to Hurricane Ridge, and staying a night at Cresent Lake then to the coast where we stopped at Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach. San Francisco To Seattle Road Trip: Top Routes & 5 Stops Along the Way Mendocino is designated as a Historic Preservation District with lots of historic mansions and other attractions as well as homely diners and cute inns. Fun fact: Mount Rainier is actually a volcano! With quiet seaside coves, bustling beach towns, and secluded hideaways, you wont want to miss the beauty that is Oregon. The distance between Seattle to San Francisco is 808 miles. The route would take you through Portland to the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River and Mount Hood. Three days in the city is the perfect amount of time for any first-time visitor to San Francisco. Hop on I-5 North, and you can drive from San Francisco to Seattle in around 13-14 hours. 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. However, if one wants to enjoy most of the attractions along the San Franciso-Seattle road, they must spend at least an extra 5 to 7 days. 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. Try to make an early start, as today we are driving west, towards the ocean. You will enjoy reading his ultimate guides to undiscovered destinations and his articles about various travel experiences. , including olive-oil tasting (carb-loaded drizzled tastings, anyone? Recommended short walks include: Stout Grove Trail, Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, Circle Trail, Revelation Trail, and Yurok Loop Trail, all under 1.5 miles. The time in the car doesnt have to be absolutely horrible. - a national park or lake such as Yosemite, Lake Tahoe - redwoods - some of the coastal drive - ideally no more than 4 hours driving on a leg Thankfully there are numerous options outside the park in nearby communities, including, You always hear about the gloominess and rain, never the sunshine and green space. We decided to stay at The Best Western Anderson Inn and at less than $100 a night (inclusive of free breakfast! #noshame. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I suggest opting for the short route as in my opinion, you wont be missing out on too much by skipping the southern coast below (as Coos Bay is one of most scenic areas on the Oregon Coast)- but obviously, your choice! While the town is wickedly small (youll see what I mean), the surrounding area completely makes up for it. MADE IT to the last stop on this San Francisco to Seattle road trip itinerary! ), Bumpass Hell Trail Hike (its not really thaaaaat bad), Lake Helen, and. While the futuristic Space Needle is an obvious choice, the observation deck just cant be beat. Visiting Crater Lake National Park is a must when on a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. Visitor? Because Crater Lake is fed entirely by rain and snow (and not from rivers), its marvelously pure, meaning the water is as blue and clear as its gonna get. Read More: One Day in Mount Rainier from Seattle. 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. Although the park is open every single day of the year, many of the parks roads, trails, and facilities are closed seasonally due to snow, which usually do not reopen until summer (June/July). Probably all the same: both here and there. Shasta (2 days) Stop 5: Redwood National Park (1-2 days) Stop 6: Crater Lake (2 days) Stop 7: Coos Bay / Southern Oregon Coast (1 day) 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. ), plus the cost of hotels on the way back). Seattle To San Fran: What To Do During This Epic Road Trip Ready for some waterfall fun and stinky sulphur in your life? However, if finding accomodation inside the park is important to you, book super early, as there are only two inns located within. The Alcatraz Island served as a military fortification and a lighthouse before it was turned into a prison. Promise. The beautiful Victorian Mansion has a haunted house look. Seattle is split between tons of different neighborhoods, each with their own distinct flare and character. I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights whenever searching for tickets, and more often times than not, find the cheapest prices on one of them. Seattle To San Francisco Road Trip & Drive (2023 Edition) Walk the Golden Gate Bridge and climb down Lombard Street. IMPORTANT NOTE: You kinda have two choices on how you make your way to Mendocino (stop #3 and our first coastal town on this itinerary). The iconic Napa Valley in California is the most famous stop on the San Francisco to Seattle road trip. Rainier. With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 12 hours and 47 mins to drive. some of the most notorious criminals spent their time here. If you do decide on the longer trek, youll need to dip back south into California (yes, for real) in order to get back on Highway 1. 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. 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. With its varied menu and lots to choose from for any taste, Mothers Bistro & Bar is a perfect place for a tasty lunch or dinner while in Portland. The trail is well maintained and quite easy. So in theory you could do it in two days, but to make it into a road trip, we'd recommend at least five days, and ideally two weeks or more. No other landmark in San Francisco is as famous as the Golden Gate Bridge, it's the city's icon! I never thought I would say that the driving part of a trip could compete with . Redwood National Park - Trinidad 3. When you get hungry, have a look at Sea Grill for a wide selection of premium seafood, Brick & Fire for wood-fired oven pizzas or Humboldt Smokehouse for delicious BBQ. Stop by Baker Beach, Crissy Field, and/or the Marin Headlands for my favorite views of the Golden Gate (more Golden Gate Bridge photo spots here). 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. There are numerous look out points around the Cape Arago Beach Loop for viewing purposes. (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. Oh, and well be stopping in a few cities known for their donuts what could possibly go wrong? However, please note that if you are interested in seeing seals, there is a good opportunity to spot them at low tide at the Yaquina bay tide pools. You can either make a well-deserved detour to wine country (and lets face it, get your wine on), or drive up the Pacific Coast Highway all the way to the Mendo/Fort Bragg area. 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. So incredibly good. Chose Sonoma? , Filed Under: North America, USA Tagged With: california, crater lake, lassen national park, mendocino, napa, oregon, portland, road trip, san francisco, Seattle, Washington, Your email address will not be published. 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! Other spots we looked at included TownePlace Suites Redding, Fairfield Inn and Suites, and Hilton Garden Inn, but we booked too late and most were sold out. The drive's signature stops include the cities of Portland and Sacramento, Mt. 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. San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip: A Trip to The Pacific Northwest + More : The perfect stop for a late lunch, depending on how much exploring/sand-duning you did earlier. The trail is very easy and quite short, so be there early before everyone else arrives. 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. USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary: Seattle to San Francisco The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (25 Stops + 3