Seattle to San Francisco road trip is one of the best ways to explore three different states while traveling through various climate zones. Yes, you read that right the EARTH! 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. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Iconic. Get some ideas from ourUSA West Coast Road Trip. You need to choose! If you get hungry, Rim Village Caf will offer hot drinks and snacks. Check out Surfsand Resort you can see Haystack Rock from your balcony! 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. Worth mentioning so you dont forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this San Francisco to Seattle itinerary! 2. Trust me, its hard to describe those views. We recommend spending one full day here, so book 2 nights. . It is recommended to wear boots, but you will be fine with sneakers too. Flying kites on the beach in Lincoln City in Oregon is fun during the road trip. Portland is the largest city in Oregon. 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. 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. 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. 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). Hood, Willamette, and Siuslaw National Forests, and Redwood National and State Parks. Seattleites, your secrets out! Hiking, snowshoeing, and picnicking are all good options in the park! There are tons of great accomodation options in both Napa and Sonoma. In May the many waterfalls along the Gorge walls will be at their best, full of water from melting. While the futuristic Space Needle is an obvious choice, the observation deck just cant be beat. ; the cool vibes wont disappoint (bonus: youll find Stumptown Coffee right next door). 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. 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! Make a short detour to meet friendly owners and taste their wines while being educated about each wine and how to drink them. Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile portion of old Highway 101 running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert. Day 1: Fly into Seattle and pick up your rental car (or, leave from Seattle if you live here!). When venturing from the i5 highway, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving. Better yet, go at sunset if you want to see something spectacular. 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. Search for the best car rental prices here. You can choose to stay within the park or just outside, your choice. Depending on how many days you have at hand for your Seattle to San Francisco road trip itinerary, there is an interesting detour option to spend the night in Eugene, Oregon and explore Toketee Falls / Crater Lake the next day. Moreover, visiting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum would be a good idea when in Willamette Valley. 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). : This is a popular whale watching site and displays an intriguing geology. However, most of the aircraft were moved to other museums over the years, leaving a modest collection of 25 airplanes. :p, And of course you need to feast your eyes on the crimson cutie, aka the Golden Gate Bridge. 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. drive for about 2.5 hours. Enjoy the colorful streets, shops and traditional restaurants, find out how the fortune cookies are made and shop for unusual souvenirs. 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. you can see Haystack Rock from your balcony! 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). Since SFO is a major international airport, and a hub for many airlines, you can easily find cheap airfare within the states. Dont fret if all the rooms are sold out (but what a bummer), as there are numerous towns nearby with more accommodation options. Rainier. The drive is not super long, but youll definitely want the better portion of the day to stop and soak it all in! Theres a whole long list of. A few suggested options include Best Western Holiday Hotel Coos Bay, Red Lion Hotel Coos Bay, and Old Tower House Bed and Breakfast. Mmmm Im salivating just thinking about the Top Pot donuts. 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. Looking for a top hotel recommendation? Since this is in fact a road trip, youll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Rainier. On the drive to Mendo, dont miss Patricks Saltwater Taffy, Wild Flour Bread, a quick stop in the spooky town of Jenner, Salt Point State Park, and the Point Arena Lighthouse (my favorite!). And you cant really determine where they are real in metropolitan cities or in some American outback. The time in the car doesnt have to be absolutely horrible. Next, people usually stop in Tillamook to have ice cream and for cheese tasting. The majority of people are used to the most famous road trip in the United States, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. This is a great beach to watch the sunset! Rainier national park, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Portland City Center. And as a plus, the beach isnt too sore on the eyes! A few other Seattle suggestions for your few days in the city: take a harbor tour along the Puget Sound for unbeatable city and water views, check out the madness of the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the EMP Museum), take photos at Olympic Sculpture Park, eat everything at Pike Place Market, visit the gum wall and the first Starbucks, and stuff your face with all the noms throughout the city. Before your coastal road trip continues, meet a local fisherman for a crabbing outing in one of the protected coastal bays. Where to Stay: Crater Lake National Park boasts two hotels/motels within the park itself (which are only open in the summer; May September). Resident of SF? Day 1: Seattle, Washington (3 days) Day 4: Seattle - Willamette Valley (222 miles/357 km) Day 5: Willamette Valley - Pacific City (63 miles/101 km) The museum used to be one of the top US private World War II aircraft collections. Sure, the bed and breakfasts look cozy, but they come with a hefty price tag. Seattle to San Francisco drive time is approximately 13 hours, driving distance from Seattle to San Francisco is around 800 miles via direct highway. Paradise is located just 2h 30 min from Seattle and is a great base for a day hike in the mountains. A road trip through the Pacific Northwest and Northern California is equally epic, but with less traffic. However, if finding accomodation inside the park is important to you, book super early, as there are only two inns located within. Otherwise, Evergreen Inn & Suites Portland offer good rates, although you might have to drive in order to see the main attractions. Any scuba enthusiasts in the house? Expect to drive 2-6 hours a day with 1 or 2 longer days. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a must-see spot if you have limited time. Looking to check something off your bucket list? The Alcatraz Island served as a military fortification and a lighthouse before it was turned into a prison. Consider heading to Olympic National Park, ; everything you can possibly think of for any long road trip! From waterfall hiking, epic sunsets, a killer botanical garden, and another light station (Im a killer for these if you couldnt already tell), dont underestimate, Fort Bragg is only a few miles north, and a great way to spend a few hours. Report inappropriate content Noelh57 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); When it comes to visiting museums, everyones taste is different. There are numerous look out points around the Cape Arago Beach Loop for viewing purposes. Be sure to stop at 1) Bastendorff Beach (never-crowded and always beautiful), 2) Sunset Bay State Park (protected by towering sea cliffs with beautiful sandy beaches and amazing tide pools), 3) Cape Arago Lighthouse Viewpoint (cant go in but you can get fantastic views from here), 4) Shore Acres State Park and Botanical Gardens (for those who cant get enough blooms in their life), 5) Simpson Beach (tons of migrating whales and hundreds of seals and sea lions among other wildlife), 6) Shell Island (breeding and rest areas for seabirds and Marine mammals), and finally 7) Cape Arago State Park. This San Francisco to Seattle drive to the Pacific Northwest will have you wondering why you havent explored the region before! A gem of the Pacific Northwest is the Willamette Valley, known for its 1300 wineries and vineyards. Portland 6. Where to Stay: The nearby town of Redding is a great place to base yourself for these two days wandering around Lassen and Burney! 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? The trail is well maintained and quite easy. After the tour and quick cheese bites, head to Oceanside to admire the scenic Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge three large and six small rocky islands located about a half-mile offshore. So incredibly good. 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! We highly recommend taking the submarine tour. Next on the road is the Muir Woods National Monument that boasts 600-years old 75-meters long redwood trees and diverse wildlife. 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. And then some. Sea lions can be spotted at the docks, too. Stop 1: San Francisco (0-5 Nights) More Things to Do in San Francisco. Check out Howland Hill Road, Bald Hills Road, Coastal Drive Loop, and/or Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. ), ziplining through the redwoods, farmers market visits, wildflower hiking, and mud baths to tickle your fancy (yes, I just said mud baths). 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. Your email address will not be published. *** Want to extend your trip even further?! , Seattle has a lot to offer. But really, all views of the lake deserve a thumbs up (or 2 or 5). Burney Falls State Park. The trails starting in Paradise intersect with several waterfalls along the way. 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! Plan accordingly and bring snacks! However, if finding accomodation inside the park is important to you, book super early, as there are only two inns located within. Check this guide for more hiking ideas in Mt. These cookies do not store any personal information. No wonder there are so many great options to choose from scenic beaches, hikes among giant redwoods, fishing, surfing, horseback riding, whale watching. Cape Kiwanda is our next stop, with its beautiful dunes and rocks. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Rainier throughout your hike. 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). Eugene city, the birthplace of NIKE, is next on the list and is best to visit during summer for hiking trails. Not I, thats for sure! MADE IT to the last stop on this San Francisco to Seattle road trip itinerary! Plan accordingly and bring snacks! Yachats is at one of the most beautiful parts of Oregon Coast. Also, as the name suggests, theres a hollow rock formation shaped like a huge punch bowl. No visit to Northern California is complete without sipping some of the good stuff (wine, duh) in either Napa Valley or Sonoma (both excellent and similar choices). It's not hard to believe either. Hop on I-5 North, and you can drive from San Francisco to Seattle in around 13-14 hours. Rainier around the weather. Looking for more sweets and treats? Before we head to Newport, there is an interesting stop along the way that you should visit Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. Time to start making your way to the coast, because were heading north on the PCH towards Mendocino and Fort Bragg! Youre in luck, because today is alllll about those ancient giants. *EXTRA ADD-ON: STOP #10 >> can go directly to Mt. Please let us know what your main interests are. Note that visitors are not allowed on Shell Island due to the large abundance of wildlife. I guesssss you could do both, but thatll add another hour or two to your driving time. 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. Todays adventure is a bit out of the way, but 100% worth it since you probably wont be back anytime soon (but fingers crossed you will!) Day 5, 6 and 7. Other stops in Oregon include Columbia River Gorge and Cannon Beach. If you are flying into San Francisco International Airport and road-tripping north, you can simply hop on US Highway 101 N. From there, you can merge onto I-5 N, which you can follow all the way to Seattle. . Other moderately priced options include: Tolovana Inn (beachfront with a pool), Hallmark Resort Hotel and Spa (pets welcome! : Who could resist some fine, fine creamy cheese samples? This NRA is actually one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, so yea, I wasnt kidding when I said Oregons coastline is on par with. ), then simply enjoy the San Francisco vibe, buy some local souvenirs or plan your next adventure. Diablo Lake (GORGEOUS but requires even more driving time), and Snoqualmie Falls, all ranging from easy to moderate with absolutely fantastic views. Check out lodging in, Had enough of the trees and craving some 1,940+ foot deep lake time? Youll still fall in love with Napa and/or Sonoma I promise. The ability to track prices (and get email notifications when the price drops) is top notch and one of my favorite features. Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert, Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards. Ready for some waterfall fun and stinky sulphur in your life? If you are looking for centrally located hotels, we recommend looking into The Society Hotel 3* or Washington Plaza Portland. 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. 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. ), we couldnt have been more pleased. We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Try to leave early, as there will be a 4-hour journey to Crescent City our final stop for the day. From sculpture parks and waterfront activities, to bacon brie Belgian waffles and homemade mac and cheese, Seattle has a lot to offer. Enjoy the ride all the way until you reach our next stop Eureka, CA. Visitor? French press coffee and Belgian waffles will melt in your mouth! So you wanna take the epic road trip from San Francisco to Seattle?! Both areas have roughly the same number of wineries, but Sonomas are spread over twice the land, ultimately making it feel way less crowded. 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 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! WIth that being said, please appreciate the park and leave no human trace behind. *** Want to extend your trip even further?! 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. In order to see the best of both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mount Shasta, its best to give yourself, Dedicate Day 1 to a full exploration of the national park, and dont miss Sulphur Works, Emerald Lake (an absolute dream! Dont plan on visiting them all, as you definitely wont have time on this San Francisco to Seattle road trip, and to be honest, feature similar things (yes, those redwoods). Moreover, a visitor must issue a travel insurance policy to cover themselves in case of incidents. And then some. Related: Road Trip Patagonia: Driving Scenic Ruta 40 From Esquel To Bariloche. 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! As much as we loved San Fran, getting there was just as gorgeous (if not even more so). Promise me you wont miss a day or two in. Just my recommendation but Id hate to miss that amazing area! However, our proposed itinerary has been designed to enable visiting all the cool attractions along the way, especially small charming towns along the coastline. Bring your binoculars! surely steals the show when it comes to coastal road trips, but Oregons coast is one for the bucket list as well! Make sure to join free tours offered several times daily. 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. Three days in the city is the perfect amount of time for any first-time visitor to San Francisco. The jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the city of Portland is a popular stop for nature and hiking lovers and foodies. San Franciscos Golden Gate Park is like New York Central Park but is 20% larger. The iconic Napa Valley in California is the most famous stop on the San Francisco to Seattle road trip. Take your time and enjoy the waves crashing into the rocks. When venturing from the i5 highway, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving. Crater lake is the deepest lake in the United States 594m at its deepest point. 1) HOME SFO, 2) SEA HOME. It is also worth stopping at Crescent city to visit Redwood National and State Parks. 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). If all of this sounds too familiar (didnt we already see those things in Newport, Oregon? :p, whenever searching for tickets, and more often times than not, find the cheapest prices on one of them. Wind-sculpted sand dunes for days (literally, miles and miles and miles). The beautiful Victorian Mansion has a haunted house look. And plus, those vineyards and wineries come with beautiful grounds, lush rolling hills, and boast fantastic views of the area . Be sure to check out my 3-day San Francisco itinerary. This place is particularly known for its Glass beach which is sadly almost gone due to numerous visitors taking pieces of this beach back home with them. Youre in luck, because next up on this San Francisco to Seattle road trip itinerary is Crater Lake National Park, one of the deepest lakes in the USA and quite possibly the most pristine on Earth! Oregon Maritime Museum gives you a chance to visit historic steam-powered sternwheel ship-assist tugboat. Keep driving south until you reach Fort Bragg. Stop 2: Napa Valley (2 Nights) Stop 3: Redwood Forests (2 Nights) Stop 4: Optional Coastal Stops. for your few days in the city: take a harbor tour along the Puget Sound for unbeatable city and water views, check out the madness of the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the EMP Museum), take photos at Olympic Sculpture Park, eat everything at Pike Place Market, visit the gum wall and the first Starbucks, and stuff your face with, If you want something a bit different, consider a. which will provide you aerial views of all of Seattles most iconic sites (think the Space Needle and such). 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). I picked out some glass for the photos guilty! Once you arrive, get ready for some small-town nature fun. Re: 7 day road trip from San Francisco to Seattle 9 years ago Save 1. It can be done in 3-5 hours, depending on your skills and physical shape. Other spots we looked at included. To say its simply stunning is a huge understatement. Just saying . A crucial step to take is to issue a car insurance policy to hedge against any sudden accidents. Visit the Cape Perpetua for scenic views of the ocean. Read Next: First Time Visitors Guide to San Francisco, Where to Find the Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Best Desserts in San Francisco, Ultimate San Francisco Food Bucket List, Three Perfect Days in San Francisco (the ultimate itinerary). Next is a stop at the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon, the unique Toketee Falls. Another better option is to rent a Campervan or an RV from Outdoorsy to make one's life easier regarding accommodation. ), we couldnt have been more pleased. If its not too late, have a look at Carson Mansion. 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 like to search. , but dont blame me if you cant get into your pants the next day. TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 1 hour, 30 min (traffic dependent). First things first, if youre not a resident of San Francisco, youll of course need to get yourself there. Of course, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Mt. Housed in a former US Navy blimp hangar, built in 1942. With an early-morning flight booked well in advance, it's possible. We decided to stay at The Best Western Anderson Inn and at less than $100 a night (inclusive of free breakfast! You'll get stunning views of the bridge at Conzelman road. Visitor? ), ziplining through the redwoods, farmers market visits, wildflower hiking, and mud baths to tickle your fancy (yes, I just said mud baths). Ready for some redwoods? Highway 101 from Seattle to San Francisco. , but we booked too late and most were sold out. Where to Stay: There are tons of great accomodation options in both Napa and Sonoma. 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. Visiting Mount Rainier National Park is optional but very much advisable, especially in summer. Sure, the bed and breakfasts look cozy, but they come with a hefty price tag. Be sure to check out Merriam Point, Watchman Overlook, and Pinnacles Overlook all absolutely stunning! However, there is an almost 5-hour journey before we reach city borders. If you are not up for the challenge, consider stopping at Cape Lookout Viewpoint for some great photos of the ocean. Next: Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards, Gabi is a travel writer passionate about nature, geographical wonders, various cuisines, writing, and living life to the fullest. Looking for more sweets and treats? 2 Week Road Trip Itinerary Overview Over the course of 2 weeks, we drove approximately 1650 miles (2330km) at a moderate pace. Together, they make up a World Heritage Site, so definitely not to be missed, considering they are the tallest trees on Earth! The best way to experience a true San Francisco is by taking a local cable car he worlds last manually operated cable car system! You can even take a buggy or ATV tour of the dunes! Yes, parts of this area reek, but youll quickly see why after taking note to the bubbling mud pots and steaming sulphuric vents. 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. 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. The easiest way to get on the road to Seattle from San Francisco is via Interstate 5. 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. Many people wonder what the best stops from San Francisco to Seattle are, and there are plenty. We will want to leave San Fran about 3:30 on Wed . In order to drive from San Francisco to Seattle in a reasonable amount of time (1-2+ weeks depending on the length of your trip), youll be driving almost every day, with some being longer driving days than others. As always, thanks for the support. Historic Bayfront is a must-visit for shopping, strolling through the streets, sea lion watching and of course, amazing seafood! There is a good chance to see lots of wildlife, including marmots and bears! Rainier (STOP #11) if you prefer, TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours, 30 min // ~ 5 hours, 45 min roundtrip. Where to Stay: Its a good idea to make your way back to Portland to slice off a few hours of drive time to Mt. Once you are done walking, head back to the city for a dinner and finish the day in Portland at one of the numerous restaurants. 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. Your email address will not be published. Washington Park is highly rated among both locals and visitors A great retreat in a busy city. wait in line for Cowlicks Ice Cream. 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). Stay at an AirBnB directly in the forest (with star gazing opportunities at night) and you wont be disappointed. The lake was formed in a 2,148-foot (655 m) deep caldera around 7,700 years ago and is only filled with snow and rainfall. 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. Get one last look at Crater Lake, then hit the road; its time to make our way to the Oregon coast! You can see the falls from the parking area or take a short mile loop to get more views up close. : The perfect stop for a late lunch, depending on how much exploring/sand-duning you did earlier. Heck, their slogan is Keep Portland Weird, and it definitely lives up to its reputation. Rainier national park. 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.