san francisco to seattle road trip 7 days san francisco to seattle road trip 7 days

some of the most notorious criminals spent their time here. We recommend spending one full day here, so book 2 nights. A gem of the Pacific Northwest is the Willamette Valley, known for its 1300 wineries and vineyards. 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. drive for about 2.5 hours. And lucky for you (any myself), I already did this same exact road trip from San Francisco to Mendocino. ), plus the cost of hotels on the way back). Heck, their slogan is Keep Portland Weird, and it definitely lives up to its reputation. This was a 13 day road trip to the Pacific Northwest starting in San Francisco. ), we couldnt have been more pleased. Not a wino? 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! Rainier. 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). . Make a short detour to meet friendly owners and taste their wines while being educated about each wine and how to drink them. After lunch (hopefully of freshly caught crustaceans), your route south connects the jutting headlands of the Three Capes Scenic Loop and winds through green pastures, small beach towns, sand dunes and . Bypassing part of the coast isnt really an option since there are no major highways through the National Forest between Crater Lake and the coast. 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! Yachats shore is rough and rugged shores due to volcano lava flows forming black basalt rock. Thankfully there are numerous options outside the park in nearby communities, including Packwood, Lewis County, and Mineral Lake. All the portions are very generous so you can split starters and dessert. Spend the night in Pacific city or drive further south to Lincoln City (23 miles) for more affordable options, such as Americas Best Inn Lincoln City 3* or Westshore Oceanfront 3*. However, there is an almost 5-hour journey before we reach city borders. The beautiful Victorian Mansion has a haunted house look. Your email address will not be published. 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). t: Being the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, you cant miss this towering beauty. Once you have taken the pictures, continue your trip to the Crater lake (another 2-hour drive). Just saying . Visiting the Falls requires a 1.3 km hike, including some stairs to climb. Beware that the line to get on one of those can reach up to 2 hours! Other trendy recommendations include: The Society Hotel (budget funky), McMenamins Kennedy School (yes, an old elementary school! Be sure to check out Merriam Point, Watchman Overlook, and Pinnacles Overlook all absolutely stunning! Rather stay in the car (why though?) Check out lodging in Crescent City, Arcata, and Trinidad. 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. I never thought I would say that the driving part of a trip could compete with . 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! In order to see the best of both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mount Shasta, its best to give yourself two full days in the area. No wonder there are so many great options to choose from scenic beaches, hikes among giant redwoods, fishing, surfing, horseback riding, whale watching. ), Once you arrive, get ready for some small-town nature fun. 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. The ability to track prices (and get email notifications when the price drops) is top notch and one of my favorite features. is your best friend around here. Get close to harbor seals, sea lions, seabirds, sharks, turtles in this amazing, 25-year-old aquarium. 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. Again, please do your part and keep wildlife wild. 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). We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! 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) Just my recommendation but Id hate to miss that amazing area! Majestic. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Youll find plenty of options in Redding, I can promise you that. Housed in a former US Navy blimp hangar, built in 1942. ), Be sure to check out my Ultimate Road Trip Packing Guide; everything you can possibly think of for any long road trip! Hop on I-5 North, and you can drive from San Francisco to Seattle in around 13-14 hours. *** Want to extend your trip even further?! And as a plus, the beach isnt too sore on the eyes! 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. Be sure to dress appropriately, as there WILL be snow on the mountain no matter what time of year you visit. . Theres a whole long list of things to do in Napa besides drink, including olive-oil tasting (carb-loaded drizzled tastings, anyone? (preferably two if you want to do all the things). 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 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! Day 5, 6 and 7. Marvel at the unusual multi-colored soil, and watch the boiling pools of water. Rainier national park, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Portland City Center. Rainier does not disappoint in that department! Had enough of the trees and craving some 1,940+ foot deep lake time? (in the super cute Nob Hill) if quirky boutique hotels are more your thing. If you get hungry, Rim Village Caf will offer hot drinks and snacks. You need to choose! A crucial step to take is to issue a car insurance policy to hedge against any sudden accidents. 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. If youre feeling fancy definitely check out the Palace Hotel, Hotel Vitale (complete with rooftop yoga), and Intercontinental Hotel Mark Hopkins SF (super elegant and sophisticated), and Hotel Zetta (Yerba Buena), the Phoenix Hotel (funky and a pastel paradise), and Clift Hotel (in the super cute Nob Hill) if quirky boutique hotels are more your thing. Next on the road is the Muir Woods National Monument that boasts 600-years old 75-meters long redwood trees and diverse wildlife. The trip from San Francisco to Seattle can span 810 to 980 miles depending on your route of choice. French press coffee and Belgian waffles will melt in your mouth! To say its simply stunning is a huge understatement. 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. If you cant afford to lose one day getting off the coastal route (in case you are doing Seattle to San Francisco road trip 5 days), simply skip the two below stops and head straight to Crescent City, Oregon. Drive to Port Angeles, with a stop at Nourish Sequim along the way for a delicious (and gluten free) lunch. Obviously sunny and clear is sought after, as the mountain may be hidden beneath lots of fog and cloud cover if not! , 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. And once you get back, you can definitely say you earned your donut/s. 2023 Tigrest Travel Blog - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Re: San Francisco to Seattle. Ready for some waterfall fun and stinky sulphur in your life? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Spend a fun day exploring the neighborhood, watch the fishermen unload their catch and sample fresh seafood at one of the numerous waterfront restaurants. 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. The time in the car doesnt have to be absolutely horrible. Seattle to San Francisco drive time is approximately 13 hours, driving distance from Seattle to San Francisco is around 800 miles via direct highway. stay for about 1 hour. 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. Go to Napa if you want to be where all the people are, love a good cab and other classic Bordeaux varietals, and want to buy and taste some of the best-known wines in the world. , Seattle has a lot to offer. Gabi also works as a consultant and writer for several travel agencies and business organizations. Where to Stay: Pretend to be a hipster for a few days and book yourself a room at the Ace Hotel; the cool vibes wont disappoint (bonus: youll find Stumptown Coffee right next door). Where to Stay: The nearby town of Redding is a great place to base yourself for these two days wandering around Lassen and Burney! and at less than $100 a night (inclusive of free breakfast! Also, as the name suggests, theres a hollow rock formation shaped like a huge punch bowl. Where to Stay: You wont find any fancy resorts over here this stretch of coastline is mostly made up of motels and small, low-cost hotels. If you dont feel like walking so much, you can easily hike just the part of the trail, for example up until Panorama Point. I picked out some glass for the photos guilty! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Fun fact: Mount Rainier is actually a volcano! (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. Grandiose. 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. Today, this is an open museum, and anybody can come and visit. Youll absolutely love it here. Other stops in Oregon include Columbia River Gorge and Cannon Beach. Settle in for the night, as we have a full day to explore this beautiful city tomorrow! Better yet, go at sunset if you want to see something spectacular. Doesnt get much better than that! San Francisco is not a cheap city, so picking a nice and budget-friendly place to stay me be difficult. #noshame. Rainier (STOP #11) if you prefer, TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours, 30 min // ~ 5 hours, 45 min roundtrip. Its a good idea to make your way back to Portland to slice off a few hours of drive time to Mt. Day 1: Fly into Seattle and pick up your rental car (or, leave from Seattle if you live here!). 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. *EXTRA ADD-ON: STOP #10 >> can go directly to Mt. The easiest way to get on the road to Seattle from San Francisco is via Interstate 5. You can see the falls from the parking area or take a short mile loop to get more views up close. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. However, most of the aircraft were moved to other museums over the years, leaving a modest collection of 25 airplanes. 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. 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. 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! Multnomah Falls - plunges from a height of 620 feet and is easy to access, but crowded. Burney Falls State Park. 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. 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). : This is a popular whale watching site and displays an intriguing geology. Uber and Lyft are more than sufficient. If you choose to venture on over to Napa for a few days, your best bet is to drive West to Bodega Bay from Napa, and continue your drive up north via Highway 1 (also commonly referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway all my favorite stops here!). San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip: Take a Pacific Northwest Drive. stay at Ace Hotel. From Seattle, drive straight to Mt. While the futuristic Space Needle is an obvious choice, the observation deck just cant be beat. 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. The ability to track prices (and get email notifications when the price drops) is top notch and one of my favorite features. Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets. If you are looking for centrally located hotels, we recommend looking into The Society Hotel 3* or Washington Plaza Portland. Rainier. If its not too late, have a look at Carson Mansion. 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. ; the cool vibes wont disappoint (bonus: youll find Stumptown Coffee right next door). Many people wonder what the best stops from San Francisco to Seattle are, and there are plenty. SureStay Hotel by Best Western Portland City Center is a good deal in terms of price and location (only 2 km from the city center). 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). Cape Kiwanda is our next stop, with its beautiful dunes and rocks. ), Bumpass Hell Trail Hike (its not really thaaaaat bad), Lake Helen, and Manzanita Lake. If you are up for a short hike, head to YaXaik Trail (1.15 mile long). Craving some ice cream? Moreover, visiting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum would be a good idea when in Willamette Valley. 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. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Day 3 Tillamook, OR and Three Capes Scenic Drive, Day 6 Crescent City and Redwoods National Park, OR, Day 7 Avenue of the Giants and Mendocino, CA. 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!) Catch a ferry from Pier 33 to what once was the most secure prison on the west coast! The most beautiful city to visit on the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is Fort Bragg. See Sundial Bridge. Required fields are marked *. You. Enjoy the ride all the way until you reach our next stop Eureka, CA. Your pick wine or coastline. Next, people usually stop in Tillamook to have ice cream and for cheese tasting. We will want to leave San Fran about 3:30 on Wed . This San Francisco to Seattle drive to the Pacific Northwest will have you wondering why you havent explored the region before! 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. Visitor? : The perfect stop for a late lunch, depending on how much exploring/sand-duning you did earlier. The route would take you through Portland to the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River and Mount Hood. He loves traveling, reading, partying, and making friends. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates for your visit, because once you see the mountain, wow, just wow. The amount of land spread between the wineries. The nearby town of Redding is a great place to base yourself for these two days wandering around Lassen and Burney! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. The Ultimate San Francisco To Seattle Road Trip: 55+ Stops You Need To Make In Between July 26, 2022 Looking for a West Coast road trip that features unbelievable waterfalls, coastal villages, wineries, redwoods, or volcanic geological sights? Before we head to Newport, there is an interesting stop along the way that you should visit Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. 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. Crater Lake Lodge actually overlooks the lake, while The Cabins at Mazama Village are located a few miles south. With quiet seaside coves, bustling beach towns, and secluded hideaways, you wont want to miss the beauty that is Oregon. Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile portion of old Highway 101 running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This museum is especially great for families with kids. Plus, all my snack suggestions. Stuff your face 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. : Who could resist some fine, fine creamy cheese samples? Promise me you wont miss a day or two in Californias wine country (preferably two if you want to do all the things). 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. Historic Bayfront is a must-visit for shopping, strolling through the streets, sea lion watching and of course, amazing seafood! A road trip through the Pacific Northwest and Northern California is equally epic, but with less traffic. With several stops on their way, allowing them to see the beautiful nature, relaxed beach towns, busy cities, and unique attractions, commuters will experience a once-In-a-lifetime adventure that they have never gone through before. Yachats is at one of the most beautiful parts of Oregon Coast. TIP: hike counter-clockwise, this way you will meet fewer crowds along the way. What makes the two designated wine spots a tad different from each other? Todays primarily a driving day, but dont worry, theres tons of scenic stops along the way, including scenic seaside towns, sand dunes, spectacular lighthouses, and cheese! 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. Not sure the best way to see everything (without zig zagging around the city)? Read More: Seven of Seattles Top Tourist Attractions, Where to Eat all the Noms in Seattle, Seattle Seaplane Experience, Seattle Tourist City Guide. 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. Trust me, its hard to describe those views. And then some. It is also worth stopping at Crescent city to visit Redwood National and State Parks. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The so-called old town, the heart of Newport, almost Victorian docking area. :p, And of course you need to feast your eyes on the crimson cutie, aka the Golden Gate Bridge. Make sure to join free tours offered several times daily. A few suggested options include Best Western Holiday Hotel Coos Bay, Red Lion Hotel Coos Bay, and Old Tower House Bed and Breakfast. We have already seen many redwoods along the way, so this time it is totally up to you whether youd like to make many stops or simply drive through. If youre feeling fancy definitely check out the Palace Hotel, Hotel Vitale (complete with rooftop yoga), and. The city is known for being eco-friendly with numerous parks, bike paths, and outdoor areas. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SF Chinatown is one of the best areas for walking around. By the way, if you enjoy road trips, have a look at our 2-day Route 66 Las Vegas to Grand Canyon itinerary. 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. ), Bumpass Hell Trail Hike (its not really thaaaaat bad), Lake Helen, and. Three days in the city is the perfect amount of time for any first-time visitor to San Francisco. Together, they make up a World Heritage Site, so definitely not to be missed, considering they are the tallest trees on Earth! Youll still fall in love with Napa and/or Sonoma I promise. Head out to the Olympic Peninsula by taking the Bainbridge Island Ferry. Yup, thats over here in Fort Bragg, although if youre expecting a beach made of primarily smooth glass, youll be wildly disappointed. 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. If youve never visited the City by the Bay before (SF), you should really stay and wander for a few days. Start off early and head to the park before everyone else arrives. It is full of beautiful scenery - tall waterfalls, old mossy bridges, and greenery, hiking trails and mountain views. For more sea glass you may want to visit the Sea Glass Museum. 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. From sculpture parks and waterfront activities, to bacon brie Belgian waffles and homemade mac and cheese, Seattle has a lot to offer. If cheese alone doesnt satisfy your appetite, have a look at the ice cream counter, taste wood fire pizza or local yogurt. Youre in luck, because next up on this San Francisco to Seattle road trip itinerary is. Japanese Garden in Portland is believed to be the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan! Additionally, a lot of visitors head to Domaine Chandon to taste US's best sparkling wines. Road Trip from San Francisco to Seattle - 3 Day Itinerary. Portland - Columbia River Gorge 7. Phew, made it (finally)! Before hopping onto the automobile, visitors must rent a car from legitimate and affordable sources, such as RentalCars.com, which offers rentals of various car brands. Youll probably be skipping this area and heading north as day trips to Napa are on everyones spring weekend itinerary. Skyline Trail is one of the best day hikes from Paradise. The quicker, more direct route along the I-5 is still a hefty 807-mile drive. The museum used to be one of the top US private World War II aircraft collections. Rainier). Day 6: Drive from Brookings to Yachats - this will give you time to explore some of the Oregon Coast such as Samuel boardman scenic byway, (101), Gold Beach, Bandon, and Florence (giant sand dunes). Seattleites, your secrets out! Try to make an early start, as today we are driving west, towards the ocean. 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? 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. Check out Howland Hill Road, Bald Hills Road, Coastal Drive Loop, and/or Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. The historic 75-mile drive on Columbia River Highway connects Troutdale in Oregon with the Dalles. Mmmm Im salivating just thinking about the Top Pot donuts. HAYSTACK ROCK, enough said. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Rainier. Chose Sonoma? I strongly encourage you to go up during both daytime and at night as you get totally different aspects of the city this way. The trail is well maintained and quite easy. Portland 6. Looking for more sweets and treats? drive for about 41 minutes. 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! Bring your binoculars! Since youll probably be pressed on time during this San Francisco to Seattle road trip, itll be difficult to plan your day in Mt. Where to Stay: Seattle is split between tons of different neighborhoods, each with their own distinct flare and character. Take your time and enjoy the waves crashing into the rocks. Your San Francisco to Seattle road trip starts off with the right foot by paying a visit to the gorgeous region of Sonoma. Resident of SF? This is a great beach to watch the sunset! If youre not pressed on time you can easily spread these activities/stops out over two days. Related: Road Trip Patagonia: Driving Scenic Ruta 40 From Esquel To Bariloche. You'll get stunning views of the bridge at Conzelman road. . However, there are things to do and to explore in Tillamook itself! Note that visitors are not allowed on Shell Island due to the large abundance of wildlife. Required fields are marked *. Read More: One Day in Mount Rainier from Seattle. You will enjoy reading his ultimate guides to undiscovered destinations and his articles about various travel experiences. It is recommended to wear boots, but you will be fine with sneakers too. Youll probably be skipping this area and heading north as, are on everyones spring weekend itinerary. Once you arrive, get ready for some small-town nature fun. Welcome to Seattle, dubbed the Emerald City and surrounded by mountains, forests, and water oh and the coffee and donuts in this part of the world are plentiful and then some. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a must-see spot if you have limited time. 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!