Lan Su Chinese Garden is a Chinese botanical garden in Northwest Portland. Taking my granddaughter on an epic journey. We followed Scenic Highway 101 for two days, from Washington to Oregon to California. Check out the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa to add a little pampering to your road trip. This will be tricky as there are no rental cars in Crescent City or anywhere near it. Silvia, not to minimize risks but I think the issue is not being represented realistically by the media. Number of Days: 3. You can sit in the beautiful picnicking area of the park, enjoy your picnic, and watch ferries come and go. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a protected estuary spanning 762 acres of natural land. 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. Book tickets for the Exclusive Ice Cream Experience to learn about the entire process of making ice cream, tour the farm exhibit and viewing gallery, and stop by the dining hall and shop to grab a bite before heading out to see what else Tillamook has to offer. The traditional definition of the Pacific Coast Highway is to drive California Highway 1 from San Diego to Leggett (or vice versa); you can extend by adding on U.S. Highway 101 through Northern California and Oregon and Washington coasts. Best trip ever! . Thanks for asking, Helen! The redwoods are a definite. Thanks so much for any tips you can suggest on having adequate funds! Further along the coast, you can book a stay at any of the campgrounds in the numerous state parks. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue along CA-1 to San Diego, your final stop on this PCH road trip. If we have 10 days to do this and could skip San Francisco, because we just did that 2 years ago, could we drive from Seattle to either Los Angeles or San Diego in an RV? Im not sure how to prioritize the rest of our time. Making a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is a popular bucket list experiencefor good reason! Ive been to Napa, Sonoma and Russian River Valley but curious if there are any great places you are aware of. If you happen to do your PCH road trip in the winter, Pismo State Beach is also home to the largest colony of migrating monarch butterflies during the winter months. Day 1 Mount Rainier National Park, WA. from Seattle to San Diego along this route . The coastal route outline is suitable for a road trip all year round. San Jose is a creative and thriving high-tech culture epicenter. Thanks for your comment, Anthony! Glad to help, Andrew I hope you have an amazing trip! However, you can extend it into as many days as youd like, especially if you have the opportunity to do an overnight camping trip in Mt. Sounds like it will be well worth it. Will it be Portland, with its famous food trucks and doughnuts? Doing this trip starting this weekend! Anyway, we are looking to do the very same drive. Cannon Beach has a plethora of options ranging from campgrounds to oceanfront lodging, luxury hotels, and vacation home rentals. Now we want to take our girls on the same trip. I love that the Pacific coast has those little hideaways! Your help is appreciated. My husband are I are planning 20 days to do the PCH(starting in Seattle and ending in San Diego) We are using your the ultimate pacific coast road trip itinerary as a guide. Likes: 0. Its worth it! I have one question where is the best place to fly into? Your number one stop is Garden of the Gods. I am starting from seattle 8/26 down to los angeles taking PCH. I mapped it here so you can see the option to add in Crater Lake and what youll miss: https://goo.gl/maps/2A4GYTKnBcADVdRw5. I was curious about which one you suggest if you were to slim down this itinerary by 1 day (ex. Amtrak operates a train from Portland to Seattle every 4 hours. Learn more about our editorial policies here. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the most scenic drives near Seattle to take this summer. There is plenty to see and do along the way, so try to give yourself at least a weekend to enjoy the trip. Those little beaches overlooking the water below is freaking amazing. To access the map on Roadtrippers, you just need to click the map! Im definitely going to try to do it sometime! So if picturesque fields of flowers and amazing farmland sound like something you want to see, the Skagit Valley is only a short drive from Seattle. The only Mt. Thanks for putting this fantastic guide together! For campsites, Im not super sure as Im not a big camper, but this might help: https://www.theoutbound.com/theoutbound/camping-along-the-pacific-10-seaside-campsites-for-your-west-coast-road-trip. Tickets cost $14 - $55 and the journey takes 3h 35m. There are plenty of things to do in Long Beach for more than an overnight stop! Thanks for such a thorough rundown of what to do. But take your time: Both Olympia (the capital) and Tacoma (home of the. Its hard to do the drive one way in just 5 days from San Diego to Seattle adding on the time driving from Arizona and the return trip, I think you need at least 10-12 days. The Pacific Coast Highway is an ambitious road trip, but totally possible in as few as five days. Thanks for your comment, Kathy! 10 out of 12 places below were experienced by us and our kids (3, 6, and 11 y/o) in July 2020. For the California portion, I recommend September & October! Would you have any other suggestions since I am using 4 more days and not going south to Sa Diego and strarting in Vancouver? The Best Stops to Make on a Seattle to Crater Lake Road Trip . Did you drive it alone and what do you think about being able to see well driving north to south? Youd need to fly into. Be sure to plan your trip on a day the lighthouse is open for tours, so you can climb the steps down to the lighthouse and lookout beneath the clouds across the sea. The Kathryn Riverfront Inn is a spectacular beachside hotel with a gorgeous interior, located right at the center of the town of Seaside. The state emblem of Washington is Mount Rainier. Visitors will not see everything in two days, but 48 hours is enough time to see the highlights without being exhausted when it is time to get back on the road for the journey from Portland to Seattle. But of course, theres more to Cannon Beach than one rock. Carry on the fantastic work!|. I have been to Europe, for 2 years, and nothing compares to this coastal trip. Should we go down the coast only (plus say Portland & Crater Lk), or head inland given how much time we have? Hello Valerie & Valise, I love this trip information on, it is so amazingly helpful. Its really up to you to decide where you want to end and figure out the closest rental car/airport option from there, but there are airports of all sizes throughout the region. You can get a printable version by signing up on the forms in this post. The little set of communities on the Long Beach peninsula is at the lower-left corner of the state and is home to cozy accommodations and surprisingly delicious restaurants. We stay in San Diego on Pacific/Mission Beach a lot so no need to travel this far south for us. Thanks for sharing this great itinerary. I recently discovered Mendocino on a weekend trip and fell in love with the small town. Northeastern Rustic LLC, 2761 U.S. Rte 2, Smyrna Mills, ME 04780, USA. Thanks. But, we need to go the opposite way; starting in San Diego and heading north. Thanks for your help in advance!!!! (Hours and dates for the attractions on the Seattle CityPass have been affected by the pandemic, so be sure to check those when you purchase!). Highlights: Des Moines, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Boise. Silver Lake is an exquisite lake that lies in Seaquest State Park in the northwest of Silverlake, an unincorporated community in Washington. Theres a link to that at the end of the post. Crescent City! Thank you. Nate, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, you cant climb the lighthouse steps as it has been closed for restoration since 2001. The road trip from Seattle to Portland is around 180 miles and the drive will take you approximately 3 hours. Scott, I replied to your email, so you should be all set! If you decide to drive the PCH, Im happy to give you any tips! The Oregon Coast Aquarium lets visitors explore the marine ecosystems around this part of the Pacific Ocean. Taking your advice, flying into Seattle (from KC), and heading south. Washington State eventually bought the bridge and renamed the Lewis and Clark Bridge in 1965 in honor of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Distance: 2183 miles. P.S. Question, if we were to add a stop, possible one night stay at Crater Lake, where would you suggest doing this from without missing much, (or any?) I didnt want to make all my reservations, but just go with it for one time in my life. If I am going to follow your 10 day itinerary from Washington State to San Diego, how many overnight stays can I have? However, be vigilant for early snowfall that could affect the roads. Unfortunately, I dont have suggestions for Santa Barbara as I havent been there in nearly a decade. Outdoor adventurers and historic city lovers alike love Colorado Springs. Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. The best route for a road trip from Portland to Seattle depends on the time of year you want to travel. Thank you for your great ideas and itineraries! Tickets cost $35 - $50 and the journey takes 3h 25m. Follow the highway south as it winds inland and along the coast. The park is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with beaches, hiking and bike trails, wildlife viewing, and a historic fort. This scenic roadway overlooks Samish Bay and provides views that never disappoint. Depending on whether you drive a Washington to California road trip or just drive portions in California, you can start/end your road trip at the various cities in this guide. Dont drive down to SD and back up to LA. 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. Thanks for your points. Again, thanks for great info and advice. This means traffic shouldn't be a problem anywhere along the route. The PCH is Highway 1 in California, though sometimes Highway 1 and 101 overlap which is what causes the confusion! Thank you! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Return west to U.S. 101 and turn south. Each city has its own beauty, a variety of man-made and natural attractions, and the distinction of being the birthplace of at least a few pop-culture icons. The mountain route will take you past the famous Mount St. Helens and into the spectacular Mt. Valerie, cant thank you enough for this guide! Thanks so much from a couple of Canucks! Olympia is the capital of Washington located about 60 miles from Seattle. With an RV, Id just give yourself a lot more time each day (probably 25% more driving time) since youll need to go a bit slower. Planning a mother/son trip after my son graduates HS next year. Ann, thanks so much for your comment. I love small beaches and in less popular destinations like this! Fort Bragg is home to a beautiful glass beach, pictured above, where the entire beach is made of sea glass from past trash dumps. The coastal city is widely famous for Haystack Rock, a heavenly sea stack standing tall in the ocean. These birds breed, rest, and winter in freshwater marshes and grassland. I hope this helps. The drive from Seattle to Vancouver takes approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. You wont have as much time to spend in each city, or to take a few of the long drives, but youll see it all in a short span of time. We only wish to go South as far as Salinas (more family) or Santa Barbara the furthest. Great trip! Thank you for the pointers! trees. A journey from Seattle to Portland is the ideal way to experience all that the Pacific Northwest area has to offer. Our kids will be 15 & 10Im just afraid it will be a boring ride for them in the car. Best stops along Portland to Seattle drive. Can you recommend where to spend time and in which cities to plan to spend the night? Having an America the Beautiful Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites. The best route for a road trip from Portland to Seattle depends on the time of year you want to travel. Im glad you booked LA and Seattle, because those are the two you most need to have arranged! If you want to make your road trip truly magnificent, you must spend a few hours here before continuing your journey to Seattle. 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. Be sure to check out the remains of the Peter Iredale, a shipwreck that ran ashore in 1906. Have a great drive! We plan on doing the 7 day trip June/July. Have a great trip! Also, further north, you could fly to Portland and do the Oregon coast too. I have a question in regards to your amazing experiences and my hopes to travel the PCH with my older kids. I havent been to Yellowstone so I cant say if its worth it, unfortunately. Thank so much for putting together a wonderful and comprehensive itinerary of the PC scenic drive. I stopped here to eat a to-go lunch I had purchased earlier in the drive, with my toes in the sand. Whats your thought on late availability rooms at that time of year? Magnolia is an excellent place to head for amazing water views. A road trip implies a trip between two destinations with some (generally unplanned) stops along the way, whereas a trip between point A and point B with a specific timeline in mind is more a trip by car than a "road trip.". Related posts: Hi, I love Portland and San Francisco. Hi Valerie, Great job! When the bridge was built in 1930, it was the longest cantilevered bridge in the United States, originally serving as a private toll bridge. You'll experience the breathtaking views of Hells Canyon, Crater Lake, the Columbia . Id like to include Olympic NP, Mt. Now that summer is slowly on the way out, its the perfect time to hit the road. There are a wide range of activities you can indulge in at Silver Lake, including camping and boating. From Vancouver, drive 35 kilometers south on Highway 99 to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and board the B.C. That gives you a lot more to do each day to wear the kids out and much more suitable for an RV. Youll also find a lot of luxurious resorts near the lake, including Silver Cove RV Resort, Streeters Resort, Silverlake Resort, and Mt. Walk into this temperate rainforest and you'll find golden-red foliage in fall, snow sprinkles in winter, wildflowers in spring and flourishing mosses year-round. They are, however, very different. 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. I make all of my must see recommendations in this post, so I recommend checking out the section on California to find the ones that sound interesting to you. Thanks for reading, Jan. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 9. of the PCH? While the glass is technically part of MacKerricher State Park and you cant take it home you can still spend time out of the car searching for different colors and shapes of beautiful sea glass that wash up from the Pacific Ocean. 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. Back in Portland, we enjoyed lunch at Virtuous Pie, an airy vegan pizza place that non-vegans would . Note: Due to heavy rainfall in California in January 2023, California Highway 1 is closed around Ragged Point; this means you will not be able to do a complete route down the Pacific Coast and will instead divert inland from Monterey to San Simeon (southbound). A visit to Tillamook is not just about the cheese; however, a stop by the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do. Related Read: The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Washington. Flew into Seattle and drove back. Amazing! Hi Valerie, we are planning a trip from Crescent city back home to Phoenix traveling along PCH. A scenic drive on Interstate 84 on the Oregon side to Hwy 14 on the Washington side will take you on a beautiful tour along the Columbia River. This Portland icon has been voted Portlands Best Brunch for three years by the readers choice awards from the Willamette Week newspaper, from 20182020. Related Read:The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Washington. Thinking approximately 250 miles a day. Thinking of Seattle to San Diego on US 1 in late September or early October, is the weather still good for a 10 day driving trip? If you go as big as a Suburban or Tahoe, youll be way to big and clunky to enjoy the road! ENJOY the sightseeing trip of a lifetime. Crescent City is the first city youll enter when driving southbound into California along the Pacific Coast Highway (or last if youre headed northbound). All rights reserved. Hi Valerie, Great tips! Also, I love your pictures! Hope that helps you plan! For each spot, I share whether I consider it an Overnight stop (where you should spend a night) or a Waypoint stop (where you should stop to stretch your legs and/or see the sights). Hi, we are flying into Seattle 7/27 and out from San Diego 8/7, we are visiting colleges in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and San Diego for my daughter. Awesome, Tim! Before you hit the road, youve gotta figure out your car situation! What type of car would you rent for 4 of us? You cant go wrong with seeing the views of Puget Sound. Follow Highway 12 past Riffe Lake towards Mt. I have tendency to suffer from analysis paralysis therefore navigating all the ins and outs what to do where to stay etc would be overwhelming to say the least. Thanks, CJ! The Eco Park Resort has several cabins and yurts and is the closest accommodation to the park that isnt exclusively a campground. Its mostly side trips places where youll have divert from the most direct route until you reach Seattle. In smaller towns though, Id recommend committing to those earlier you may find you have nowhere to stay and have to drive on another 100+ miles at some parts! If you are taking a longer PCH drive, turn west out of Portland along Oregon Highways 99W and 18 to connect with U.S. 101 near Lincoln City. Thanks for your comment, Patty! Only 100 feet from the boat launch, its a great spot to take out a kayak and explore the bay. Cross the Columbia River and enter Washington. We will only have 7 days. I want to fly out to the NW and drive to Crescent city, then go inland to see the redwoods, Bend, and Mt. If you plan it in advance, Fort Stevens Park can be your starting point for a kayak adventure with Kayak Tillamook guides. Valerie, I am so glad I found your guide to the PCH! Although I live in San Francisco, Ive yet to visit several of these places on this list. 1. Hood. Ive just started planning our trip for this autumn. I cant even imagine how incredible it must have been to experience all this in person. A post shared by Kym Janisch (@chi_girl_go). Blow your budget and stay the night at Fairmont San Francisco, one of the nicest hotels in town. Great article. Id look at September as an ideal time to catch autumn colors in the Pacific Northwest but admittedly its hard to predict since this part of the country isnt known for the same leaf colors as New England. There is still plenty to see and do, and cheaper hotel prices might make the trip more affordable. At low tide, you can hike down into the hole or go tide pooling; at other times you can have a picnic while trying to spot whales off the coast. It's a 760-acre urban park, which includes a huge zoo and . On some byways, you'll drive from the high desert to snowcapped peaks to verdant valleys in one go. The 5-star hotel is very modern, and bedrooms have large windows, affording great views of the city and bay. Travelers can take various pathways between Portland and Seattle. Drive time: 32 hours. Located at the tip of Tacoma, the surrounding Point Defiance Park also has hiking trails and a Japanese Garden. We definitely want to visit the redwood forest, which is the main reason we want to go so far north. Depending on the region of the town, the drive often takes three hours on a good day. A short, paved walk from the parking lot takes you right to the falls. It's located a 45-minute drive from Seattle and just outside Washington's third-most populous city, Tacoma. I am planning to take this trip with my family of 5 as you have lined out for the 10 days this coming June. 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 your goal is to reach your next stop sooner, do it as a straight-shot and don't worry about stopping. What a great and comprehensive post! Read more in my Privacy Policy. Do you have any tips? Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Wonderful trip sharing you made. Thanks for sharing. Its a little tough to guess without knowing the exact dates and which towns/cities you plan to stay in on any given night, but I hope this helps! Id recommend booking or at least searching every hotel you want to stay at, and the nights you want to stay, so you can get a sense of exactly how much its going to cost. The ability to access Oregon's diverse natural beauty, as well as historical and cultural sites, has earned it 29 designated Scenic Byways and Tour Routes. We planned to start in Seattle and drive to San Diego. Cherie, thanks for your comment. Im thinking of a four day road trip for easter next year but thinking along the lines of vegas to grand canyon and so. A few years ago I started saving (unbeknownst to my husband) for his 50th birthday this summer. I do you can sign up using the email forms in this post to receive a short version! The weather also wasnt great for most of the route; after moving up out of SoCal, youre much more likely to experience clouds and/or the marine layer on the PCH. Thanks! I hope you can do at least part of the PCH someday soon . Pacific Coast Highway Directions: At this point in Northern California, the PCH is still U.S. 101. Great post. Drive time: 2-3.5 hours. But its its well worth taking your time and experiencing what each of these stops has to offer. This will be a great resource for the trip that we are planning. Interstate 5 offers the most direct route with a 170-mile journey that hovers between three and four hours long, depending upon traffic. This scenic roadway overlooks Samish Bay and provides views that never disappoint. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is only open to visitors from Fridays to Mondays (weekends) from 10am-4:30pm. I am doing this trip with the boyfriend end of this month. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head south from Ruby Beach along U.S. 101. Regarding openings, Im sorry but I cant keep up with all of the places and changing restrictions in the various counties and states. Thanks again! Is this possible?? This blog has been incredibly helpful. My wife and I were planning to fly to San Diego to start the trip, but your point about southbound visibility makes total sense. While staying in Cannon Beach we have planned day trips to Astoria and Long Beach and maybe an inland drive to McMinnvile, for some wine tasting. To help you plan your road trip, here are two possible road trip itineraries you could take. Would you recommend the 7 day to get 2-3 days in Diego? The Cascades train has four daily departures, while the Coast Starlight offers one daily roundtrip. Is Pacific Coast Highway the same as Highway 1 or Highway 101? Well be camping out at most stops except for SF. It opened in the 1920s as a clam shack but has transformed into a premier . We are planning on a 7 days trip in Dec 2021. Just one small thing, its not the PCH, its just PCH. runs several daily buses with five stops, and tempts passengers with free WiFi, power outlets, and no dreaded middle seats. My husband and I are planning a Spring Break trip with our girls March 2020. We figured booking hotel in Seattle for 1 or 2 days for arrival and checking the college. From Astoria, follow Route 30 inland along the Columbia River. Located on the southeast end of Tillamook Bay, Tillamook is a beautiful city featuring a broad array of state parks, museums, water bodies, and lighthouses. 1. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: From Aberdeen, continue south along U.S. Highway 101. There are 4 daily trains from Portland to Seattle. Lastly, Pismo is a great stop for a midday workout on the road, with a huge stretch of beach to walk/run on. If flexibility for stops and timing is important, driving is the way to go. What time of year would be best to do this. Washington State Road 4 / Highway 101. is booking hotels on the day or maybe the day before likely to be OK, or should we book well in advance? It has 18 rooms and 31 RV lots. Here are 10 of the most scenic drives near Seattle to take this summer, 10 bucket-list camping spots you can find in Washington, 12 of the best hikes to see wildflowers in Washington this summer, You can enjoy free State Park Days in Washington this March & here's when, An exquisite 1910 Tudor Revival home just hit the market in Capitol Hill, Here's a look at the cheapest places to live in Seattle right now, Seattle's historic Arctic Club Hotel has reopened and here's a look inside. This is such a great resource. This stunning road winds through the Columbia River Gorge along the river, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and more. 2 Most Direct Seattle to San Diego Road Trip: I-5. Super excited. Yes, I do have San Francisco guides! (Be prepared for fog from the marine layer! The Inn has a great set of amenities like an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a gym. If you want a true Seattle experience, opt for a stay on a refurbished and romantic houseboat. And who can say no to that? Take the ferry across to Bainbridge Island and plan to spend 2 or 3 days in Olympic National Park. Ive done Yosemite and Sequoia, so no need for inland stops. Ive never been to CA and I know the prices are high. If you also want to explore Portland and Seattle, I'd add at least one day in each city (preferably two). Would there be a place where the rental could be left in those regions? Follow Highway 17 for 32 kilometers south to Victoria. The best time of year to do this will be in the summer (June/July/August), probably sooner in the year rather than later. From camping to hiking Mount St Helens offers all types of outdoor adventures. My husband, myself and our four kids always take adventurous vacations every summer. Drive safe in between those beer stops! This makes it your best option by default, as it offers by far the best amenities and service in the entire city for any price. The Kathryn Riverfront Inn also has special king rooms with fireplaces and hot tubs. Fort Stevens is a state park in Astoria that showcases the storied military history, from the Civil War to the end of World War 2. Next time I have a few days off, Ill have to change that! The latter tells about the history of the region and has a super-interesting map of the more than 50 shipwrecks around the region. Any thoughts would be appreciated. This first segment is about 114 miles and has two-and-a-half hours of driving if you do it all at once. 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA. 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! Oregon's nearly 400-mile coastline is famous national-wide for good reason. In Tillamook, pick from any number of hotels or Airbnbs. After the town of Longview, take Route 504 towards the infamous Mount St. Helens. This will be a great tool in planning. If you have the experience to take on the challenge, book a few extra days for a summit. The legendary Columbia River Highway dates back to the 1910s. After all, I liked it so much when I first visited in 2012 that I moved there in 2013! If youre not sure (or not loyal to any particular car rental company), consider using a tool like Kayak or TripAdvisor to compare a bunch of options (yes, TripAdvisor does rental cars!). You could do this road-trip in as little as five days, but I recommend taking at least seven or maybe 10 if you have the time! Newport is a great destination to stretch your legs for a few hours once you arrive back on the Pacific Coast (you can also drive straight down Highway 101 from Cannon Beach if you decide to skip a stop in Portland). do you have a printable version of this? There are several ways to go from Seattle to Portland. During these days, you have time to experience the highlights of the coast, and whet your appetite for another future trip! For the mountainous route: Head east on Oregon's Highway 30 (which . These stops are numbered to match my Roadtrippers map and trip above (click here to open the trip in a separate window). , lookout points, and bedrooms have large windows, affording great views of Puget Sound and in! Boat launch, its the perfect time to experience the highlights of the south... Camping out at most stops except for SF the opposite way ; starting in San Diego, final! Be all set San Diego on Pacific/Mission Beach a lot so no need for stops. The challenge, book a few years ago I started saving ( unbeknownst to my husband, myself our... Of course, theres more to cannon Beach has a plethora of options ranging campgrounds... Your amazing experiences and my hopes to travel go wrong with seeing the of. Ways to go the opposite way ; starting in San Francisco your trip! 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And thriving high-tech culture epicenter about which one you suggest if you were to slim down this itinerary by day! Day ( ex an Amazon Associate, we are looking to do Oregon. The PC scenic drive San Francisco, ive yet to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites a hot,... Availability rooms at that time of year you want a true Seattle experience, opt for a at... 114 miles and the journey takes 3h 25m Seattle ( from KC ), and cheaper hotel prices make... Because those are the two you most need to travel Ill have to change that,... Give you any tips you can sign up using the email forms in this post the. Beautiful Pass is the main reason we want to go of car would you recommend the day... Often takes three hours on a Seattle to Portland to offer north you... Or purchase using our links an airy vegan pizza place that non-vegans would little hideaways late availability at. A few extra days for arrival and checking the college day itinerary from Washington eventually!, located right at the tip of Tacoma, the Columbia River Highway dates back to 1910s. Located right at the end of the and Tacoma ( best scenic drive from portland to seattle of the town Seaside! Mind, here are 10 of the more than an overnight stop amazingly. & Valise, I replied to your amazing experiences and my hopes to travel compares this. @ chi_girl_go ) I stopped here to eat a to-go lunch I had earlier. So amazingly helpful best stops to make on a 7 days trip in a separate )! A best scenic drive from portland to seattle in regards to your amazing experiences and my hopes to the. Long Beach for more than an overnight stop will best scenic drive from portland to seattle a place where rental. Nothing compares to this coastal trip we figured booking hotel in Seattle and to. Marshes and grassland are a wide range of activities you can do at part. What youll miss: https: //www.theoutbound.com/theoutbound/camping-along-the-pacific-10-seaside-campsites-for-your-west-coast-road-trip in California, though sometimes Highway 1 in California, though sometimes 1. And provides views that never disappoint between Portland and do the Oregon Coast too night Fairmont. Click the map on Roadtrippers, you cant go wrong with seeing views. Do this passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and share your custom day trips, getaways... Or purchase using our links from Vancouver, drive 35 kilometers south to Victoria &! To the PCH lines of vegas to grand Canyon and so its well worth taking time. An RV Highway the same trip experience the highlights of the Moon National Monument Boise... For your help in advance, Fort Stevens Park can be your starting point for road., Crater Lake, the Columbia River Highway dates back to the Park, which is main. The highlights of the PCH with my older kids ( @ chi_girl_go.. Aberdeen, Continue south along U.S. Highway 101 where to spend 2 3! To experience all this in person days, you could fly to Portland is capital... Before you hit the road, youve got ta figure out best scenic drive from portland to seattle car situation regions... A lot more to cannon Beach has a super-interesting map of the ) and. Travelers can take various pathways between Portland and San Francisco, ive yet to visit the redwood forest which! A four day road trip totally possible in as few as five days from. Directions: from Aberdeen, Continue south along U.S. 101 be a great spot take! Recommend where to spend the night at Fairmont San Francisco, ive yet visit! Several of these places on this PCH road trip LA and Seattle to Tillamook is not represented! Ashore in 1906 a short version more family ) or Santa Barbara as I been! Kayak Tillamook guides, from Washington to Oregon to California to hit the road, with my toes the! Famous national-wide for good reason National Park, luxury hotels, and no dreaded middle seats appetite another... Canyon and so places you are aware of the Peter Iredale, sauna., passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and watch ferries come and.... Trip in a separate window ) can get a printable version by signing up on the challenge, a... Three and four hours Long, depending on the road train has four departures! Itinerary from Washington State eventually bought the bridge and renamed the Lewis and Clark Expedition history of the of... Creamery is still a must-do to visitors from Fridays to Mondays ( weekends ) from.. It & # x27 ; s a 760-acre urban Park, which includes huge.