Seattle is one (Matt lived there for 15+ years), San Francisco is the second (we met and lived there for juuuust shy of a decade), and Alysha also lived in Santa Barbara in college. Sorry about the delay, Scott. After all, a little time on the road never hurts. Valerie, I am so glad I found your guide to the PCH! I do not plan to do any shopping at stores, so our money would be spent on a rental vehicle, hotels, gas, and food. Ending at a beach front hotel in Diego for 2-3 days to visit that college, unwind and settle a little bit before leaving. We are planning a west coast trip and are considering renting an RV one way from Portland or Seattle to San Francisco. Valerie I just came across this post. The lake features aquamarine water that is pumped from the Cowlitz River and passes to the south end into the Columbia River. We planned to start in Seattle and drive to San Diego. Olympia is the capital of Washington located about 60 miles from Seattle. The shoulder seasons can be a great time to visit Mt. I hope you can see it for yourself someday too. Hello Valerie; my family and i are thinking about a trip from northern CA to San Diego along the coast. Related Read:11 Awe-Inspiring Glamping Spots in Oregon. We want to make the best out of drive there. There are very few things more beautiful than the Skagit Valley. Starting point: 107 miles from Seattle. I would like to follow the route on the map. Just give yourself more time and end n LA. If you want an even more detailed guide to west coast road trips, I recommend this Moon Pacific . If they have time, travelers should not miss stopping and perhaps camping at the astonishing Mount Rainier National Park. We want a mix of National/State Parks, cities, and coasts. It's a quick trip into the city, though traffic can build in the early . My problem is going to be deciding what not to do because Ill only have so much time (and money). My wife and I have been to Cali a couple of times, our daughter once from Diego to Fran (Berkeley) and loved it, and just us once to Seattle and Portland, but flying in and out only. Check out the wonderful pieces they make and even place an order for your own piece on the Northeastern Rustic website. Would love to do the northern parts of PCH though I loved Portland and Seattle, but would like to see more of the coastal regions! Below are some recommendations or places to stop overnight along the route. Were staying just outside of Long Beach, in cute little Ilwaco, WA, at Salt Hotel & Pub. I did a bit of research into this seems like its a Los Angeles thing to drop the the but as I lived up in Northern California, we use the the. Since my post is referring to a much larger area than just SoCal, Im still going to keep the the. Thanks for providing me this opportunity to learn about a quirky bit of California lingo! Unless youre driving the lengthy coastal route, youll find the best scenery aboard Amtrak. Rudy. During these days, you have time to experience the highlights of the coast, and whet your appetite for another future trip! Just wondering about restrictions? A post shared by Elliot McGucken 45EPIC (@elliotmcgucken). Planning for 5-6 days of Seattle to San Diego. This is my idea of an itinerary but I need to cut out one of these days or consolidate one since I really only have 8 days. 1 Most Scenic Ocean Drive: Pacific Coast Highway. Theres a link to that at the end of the post. Follow Interstate 5 through the suburbs and into the center of Seattle. Thanks Teena. If I can make a recommendation? Plan accordingly when you design your PCH itinerary. This is such a great article. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. My best advice is to take a look at the app Roadtrippers and start plugging in where you might want to go to get a sense of travel time then you can decide whats must-do, what extra you have time for, and what needs to be cut.I hope that helps! Thank you for any other tips. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: As you might have guessed continue following California Highway 1 south! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: South of Humboldt Redwoods, theres a junction where California Highway 1 (CA-1) begins. Day 2: Coos Bay OR, to Redwood National Park, CA. I had a question regarding travel to California present time as in next week(August 14, 2021). Thanks for your comment, Manny. 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. Washington State eventually bought the bridge and renamed the Lewis and Clark Bridge in 1965 in honor of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Return west to U.S. 101 and turn south. Follow Interstate 5 north out of Portland alongside the Columbia River. Lan Su Chinese Garden is open to the public daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. There are plenty of things to do in Long Beach for more than an overnight stop! Follow Highway 12 past Riffe Lake towards Mt. Also, about how many miles a day are you traveling on your 10 day itinerary? Plus you can cruise up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy some tasty eats and local shopping. It is also home to two bustling metropolises, and a Seattle to Portland drive is the perfect way to take in . As this post is over 6,000 words long, I typically dont provide extra additional itinerary services for free. Youll also find a lot of luxurious resorts near the lake, including Silver Cove RV Resort, Streeters Resort, Silverlake Resort, and Mt. San Luis Obispo with Paso Robles). skip Santa Cruz, skip San Francisco Day 2 and just hit the highway) OR if you had a suggestion on swapping out one of the spots with a different one (ex. To help you plan your road trip, here are two possible road trip itineraries you could take. To access the map on Roadtrippers, you just need to click the map! Accessing Mt. We will only have 7 days. Jam on Hawthorne is a great place to start your trip and load up on their homemade jam for future breakfasts. The lookout also gives access to many hiking trails. Crater lake was amazing!! Old Highway 101 is now called the Avenue of the Giants, and I highly recommend slowing down to enjoy this 31-mile stretch through some of Californias oldest living and tallest! Soak In The Scenic Panorama Of Astoria, Oregon. We are planning a trip next year from New Orleans while my husband has a conference in Portlandwe were thinking of driving Hwy 1 down to Disneylandand catching some of the beautiful beaches and state parks. We are only going to be there once though and want to make the most of it. Have a great trip! This stunning road winds through the Columbia River Gorge along the river, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and more. If you want to unwind to the sound of crashing waves, this is by far your best option. This is such a great resource. Best PCH road trips from Portland. I am saving this to research more of the places you mentioned !! We then headed to San Fran, our ending point. I drove part of this back in 2009 from LA to San Francisco (northbound..) and would also recommend stops in Morro Bay and Monterey I enjoyed both very much! However, a pleasant drive along I-5 is the best alternative if tourists desire to drive a car in either city and if the cost of using the rail or the air is too expensive. My husband, myself and our four kids always take adventurous vacations every summer. Got to save some $$$$$. Just 15 minutes from the California border, the 12-mile long forested park clings to a spectacular, craggy coastline dotted with sandy beaches and sea stacks, which . Travelers can stop in Tacoma proper, which is only a little over an hour south of Seattle if they wish to spend a little extra time there. Do you think we could do it in 7 days?? Okay, now youve got your car, youve got your basic itinerary. They should keep an eye out for a variety of possibilities to veer off I-5 and then back on it as they travel between the splendid Seattle and the awesome Portland. Sorry; I dont have any suggestions for that! Do you have any tips? How Long is it? We just did this trip in October 2019, We started in Portland to Cannons beach then headed south on HWY 101. 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. Im glad to surpass the AAA level. I am planning to take this trip with my family of 5 as you have lined out for the 10 days this coming June. runs several daily buses with five stops, and tempts passengers with free WiFi, power outlets, and no dreaded middle seats. A perfect short road trip taking you through some amazing nature with plenty of options to stop and break up the journey. . Great article! Thanks for your comment, Erin! I was curious about which one you suggest if you were to slim down this itinerary by 1 day (ex. This 20-mile (one way) detour will take you out on Point Reyes, and has a stark and beautiful landscape because its so far out at sea. Additionally, youll get a sense of the magnitude of the San Andreas fault line, which comes inland along the northern part of Point Reyes. If you're heading up north you can't go wrong with a cruise on Chuckanut Drive. Even an email answer is fine!! I did drive it alone and I still recommend heading southbound. I have 22 foot van camper are their any length height(9.5 ft) restrictions I am hoping their are amp sites along the way? Liz is a freelance writer and editor who lives on the road. Maybe Im AAAA ? Route Option #3: Southern Route on I-80. However, the area around the National Park is also bewitching. Its worth it! 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! Its not a long drive from Seattle to Olympia, so I recommend just making a waypoint stop here to stretch your legs before the rest of your driving today whether thats to Port Angeles or Portland. 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA. I think its going to be a tough year fro travel! I love all the details that you are recommended here. Related Read:When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Seattle? San Diego was the starting point of my Pacific Coast Highway road trip; for you, it may be the end. What are must see spots. I do have OCD though, and Im having a really hard time getting past your use of the word lament in the paragraph suggesting to drive on southbound. I am flying into Portland to meet my niece and we will rent a car and drive down the coast to LA to meet another nephew. In particular, plan a long foray out to Point Reyes State Park and Lighthouse. Both have unique vibes, great restaurants, and access to the outdoors. If flexibility for stops and timing is important, driving is the way to go. You should have no problem making it down the road in December. You can meander the quaint shops in Langley, go kayaking, explore Whidbey Island wineries, eat at the best Whidbey Island restaurants, and more. If I were going to recommend a route, Id do something like the National Parks in California or the Utah/Arizona/SoCal loop. From chinook salmon to starry flounder to shiner perch, you can find all rare varieties of fish here. I was a truck driver for 29 years and could not drive that road. If you just want the best of the best in Airbnb rentals, this list will get you to the right place. The Greyhound-owned company that successfully lured a younger generation with sleek, tech-friendly coaches offers incredibly inexpensive fares when it releases schedules six months in advance (yet, like airfare, prices increase as the date gets closer). 151 reviews. We already have this email. Thanks for sharing this great itinerary. Congrats on finishing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Ruby Beach is only a short drive from Hoh Rainforest but its the most picturesque beach on Washingtons Pacific Coast. Thanks! 2. Dont rush, and youll notice plenty of beautiful sights. Your second choice is where to start your road trip. Kim, December should be a pretty good time, but plan for classic marine layer weather (chilly and cloudy this is whats normal on the Pacific coast!). We are planning to stay overnight at the Madonna Inn. Show only these on map. Home / North America / Top 15 Best Stops on the Portland to Seattle Drive, A much-traveled road trip between two of the most popular cities in the NorthWest of the USA, this is a route that will take through some of the most stunning natural scenery in America. Would there be a place where the rental could be left in those regions? Ive just started planning our trip for this autumn. Thank you so much for passing on your wisdom and experience. Travelers may stroll around and visit the town's many shops, cafs, and art galleries whenever they have free time or want to get some exercise. 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. Such a thorough guide! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head west along U.S. 101 until it turns south along the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula. Related Read: 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington to Take Your Sweetheart. But for a straightforward two-city visit, there are a few easy options. 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. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south along U.S. 101. This is the nearest national park to Portland, Oregon and, on clear days, the mountain is even visible from Portland. So deciding where to stay can be tricky, especially since there are plenty of places to stay along this segment. Its a very winding cliff-side road and doing it in an RV is going to be laboriously slow and probably make you a bit nervous at times. Get onto the 520 bridge and take Lake Washington Boulevard to Washington Park for one of the easiest Seattle scenic drives. Seattle is perfect for anywhere between one day and three days if you have the time. taking my 13 and 17 year old with my wife. It was a great help! These seem to be the hardest parts to figure out for this type of trip! Seattle to San Diego Road Trip: Route Options. Tim and Janice. 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. I appreciate any help you can provide. When you merge with Highway 101, turn south for a short detour into Cannon Beach. 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. When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Seattle? Also, its not exactly the most stimulating view its a bit better for older kids than younger ones. lol. Lake Sacajawea is an artificial lake located less than 50 miles from Portland. Pacific Coast Highway Map, Direction & Start/End Points. Awesome, you can sign up using the forms in this post to get the PDF! Extremely informative. Hi, and thanks for this terrific resource. I do have the same recommendations youll see A LOT of fellow bikers/trikers out on the PCH; its a great ride on 2-3 wheels as well as 4 wheels . Lake Sacajawea is located inside Lake Sacajawea Park, a state park covering 67 acres of the city area. Do you have any recommendations or modifications while traveling with kids. 33 votes, 34 comments. Please drop the the. Seattle to Portland. It is about a 90-minute drive west of Portland and an excellent stop on the Seattle to San Francisco drive. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: From Aberdeen, continue south along U.S. Highway 101. I loved the harbor and wharf, was surprised by the food scene, and lightly dabbled in the historical significance of Santa Barbara enough for me to want to return. Additionally, there are various hiking routes and lovely, fragrant wildflower meadows in Paradise Overlook, which is 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) lower. November should be a good time, but you may experience some days where the Marine Layer rolls in be sure to pack layers in case its cooler/less sunny than expected! If youre camping, you wont have to drive far too find a campground or RV park. Drive safe in between those beer stops! The weather in Seattle in winter can be cold and overcast. Thank you for sharing! I am planning a 10 day trip the last two weeks in May down the entire PCH from Seattle to San Diego. Seaside has a nice range of shops and dining options, and the beach is popular with surfers. Im going to publish a suggested 7-day PCH guide soon! Also, for a map, I use the app Roadtrippers, which is linked in the post. 10 out of 12 places below were experienced by us and our kids (3, 6, and 11 y/o) in July 2020. flickr/ Maciek Lulko. Its less than 10 minutes drive from Newport to Devils Punch Bowl. I do you can sign up using the email forms in this post to receive a short version! Im looking forward to have the same experience with my wife and my son. Whidbey Island is one of the best road trips from Seattle and can easily be covered in a single day. Yes, I do have San Francisco guides! Oregon & California are both pretty vegan friendly states so Id expect lots of restaurants have at least an option thats animal-free. Looking forward to follow your tips. I live in Florida and have never been to the pacific coast. This blog has been incredibly helpful. Ronald, I dont know for sure as I dont recommend people drive in an RV. I appreciate this guide. I appreciate all the information! 1. from Seattle to San Diego along this route . riverine, estuarine, or the Nisqually Reach nearshore. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Although mighty, the falls are extremely accessible! Thanks for your comment, Vicky! Have a great trip!! A visit to Tillamook is not just about the cheese; however, a stop by the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do. Portland is the only city on this list thatisnton the coast, and its definitely a trip extender if you want to visit Portland while driving the Pacific Coast Highway. We are from Ohio. What day of the week would you recommend starting from WA? If you want to unwind after a busy day, you can have a drink in the beautiful hotel bar. The Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory is only open from May to October, making a visit to this famous mountain more difficult. The first leg of the trip was relatively short thanks to us . Technically, Seattle is not on the Pacific Coast Highway, but you can fly into Seattle and drive one hour south to Olympia to start your PCH road trip. After all, seeing some snow can do all of us well. The city boasts a broad array of tourist attractions, including Washington State Capitol Building, Capitol Lake, Capitol Theater, and Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Thanks for asking, Helen! This post was originally published in August 2014, and was updated regularly including most recently in May 2022. Amazing, Melanii! Sort of the opposite of sea stacks like Haystack Rock,Devils Punchbowlis another beautiful natural rock formation along the Oregon Coast. Thanks again! Awesome suggestions and itinerary! Related Read:The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Washington. San Jose is a creative and thriving high-tech culture epicenter. Donna, thanks for your comment! 1. Lan Su Chinese Garden is a Chinese botanical garden in Northwest Portland. Furthermore, Stevens Canyon Road near Mt. Let me know in the comments! Take the coastal route for a longer, more scenic drive, and you can hit up Canon Beach or even Tillamook, where you can tour the Tillamook Creamery. Great info . We sure cant. After some great urban exploration, pull out the hiking shoes, drive a bit out of the city, and check out some of the fantastic hikes that the Seattle area has to offer. Great post. 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? Day 3 Tillamook, OR and Three Capes Scenic Drive. A scenic 1.5-hour drive from Portland will lead you directly to the salty sea. Whats your thought on late availability rooms at that time of year? Thanks for reading and asking, Hunter! The next stop on this tour is the north end of Tacoma, Washington. The big complex has two aquariums, a zoo, and several botanical gardens. Its easy to make a stop in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, so take the opportunity! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head south from Ruby Beach along U.S. 101. The turn-out for Ruby Beach occurs right as the highway reaches the Pacific coast. For bigger cities, there are probably enough options that you can wait until you arrive to book, even during that time of year. Day 1 Mount Rainier National Park, WA. The Kathryn Riverfront Inn also has special king rooms with fireplaces and hot tubs. This is great information and very helpful! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are doing a quick Pacific Coast Highway road trip, head south from Olympia along I-5 to Portland. To maximize your . Be sure to stop at Nicks Cove in Marshall, CA for a meal or Hog Island Oyster if you love oysters! Thank you for sharing. If you're driving directly from Portland to Seattle by car the journey is around 173 miles or 278 km will take around 2 hours 40 mins via I-5 N. Although, for many of us, there is nothing to beat taking a car and driving a route, stopping where you please, and going off the beaten track. Tickets cost $35 - $50 and the journey takes 3h 25m. Thanks, CJ! Good morning from Australia. Rainier, plenty of coastlines, and Redwoods. Head to the Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center to learn more about the area and history, then head out on the trails to explore the region on foot. Foodies will appreciate the local food and beverage program, including a notable clam chowder, on the Cascades route. Im glad it was helpful. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Follow CA-1 south out of L.A. to avoid the citys notorious traffic as you make your way along the coast. Where:Washington Park Arboretum to Seward Park. Not sure it matters when you set out from Seattle; itll be great no matter when you go! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Send me a pic if you remember . As I mentioned above, both are southbound itineraries. From the perspective of California Highway 1, it might seem like just a few buildings alongside the road. So we used really about a day off the coast but well worth it. Did you drive it alone and what do you think about being able to see well driving north to south? Hoping to do this mid Sept 2020. I appreciated your take on the drive, and now Im sorry we will be going north rather than south, but we are planning on going back the I-5 and stopping in Ashland. A post shared by Jason Morse (@jason.morselandscape). Hi Valerie, Great job! The Greyhound-owned company that successfully lured a younger generation with sleek, tech-friendly coaches offers incredibly inexpensive fares when it releases schedules six months in advance (yet, like airfare, prices increase as the date gets closer). The Pacific Northwest is probably best-known for its coffee (thanks, Starbucks), followed by its stunning nature, including Mount Rainier, Mount Saint Helens, the Olympic National Rainforest, and miles upon miles or largely unadulterated coastline from the San Juan Islands to Gold Beach. 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. Thanks for subscribing! So if youre looking forward to hiking, scenic drives, sights seeing or mountain climbing this a spot you have to see. They also offer a complimentary breakfast and free coffee and cookies in the lobby. Best of all, theres no cell service so theyll have to look around to see them . Portland has loads of great hotels, but my favorite is the, For vacation rental options, consider this. Try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes or the the corned beef hash (a local favorite). This means traffic shouldn't be a problem anywhere along the route. In this post, I promote travel across lands that are the traditional lands of many Indigenous groups. From Vancouver, drive 35 kilometers south on Highway 99 to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and board the B.C. It adds a couple hours and 140 miles to the journey. 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! 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. You can then follow Stevens Canyon Road, which is closed in winter, into the park. Ive done Yosemite and Sequoia, so no need for inland stops. I was, for the most part, ambivalent about the cities along the PCH. 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?) The longer you spend, the more youll get to see and enjoy. It is a time consuming drive but the most worthwhile time you will ever spend traveling. The only Mt. Thank you for this wonderful review. I would love to receive the PDF version of this, please. Now that summer is slowly on the way out, its the perfect time to hit the road. We were planning on a 7day road trip with our 8, 6 and 20 month olds in June. You could easily spend a weekend here, so give it an extra day if you like playing outside. Seattle is one of my favorite destinations in the world. Is this possible? Drive time: 2-3.5 hours. Briefly, here are some of the other must-see attractions in Seattle: If you want to spend a few days in Seattle, consider purchasing the Seattle CityPass. I have been reading your blog posts about the PCH and think I read where you mentioned a couple of crossover vehicles that would be good rental cars. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Amazingly great article. You can see the famous Great Northern Hotel in all its glory although sorry to burst your bubble, the interior shots were not filmed here. This location has some historical significance since it is close to where the illustrious explorers Lewis and Clark finished their cross-country journey in 1805. There is so much to see and do in downtown Seattle you are going to want to spend at least one night there. The mountain route will take you past the famous Mount St. Helens and into the spectacular Mt. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are on a shorter Pacific Coast Highway road trip, continue south along I-5 to Grants Pass, then turn southwest to Crescent City (#11).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. About how many miles a day off the Coast, and whet your appetite for another future trip five! Into Cannon Beach the the were staying just outside of Long Beach for more than an overnight stop the Coast! In December or mountain climbing this a spot you have to see and enjoy some tasty eats and local.. Area than just SoCal, im still going to be there once though want. By 1 day ( ex get you to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and board the B.C recommend heading southbound from! Beautiful hotel bar to make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my and. Drives in Washington to take your Sweetheart bridge in 1965 in honor of best... Board the B.C is not just about the cities along the Coast Florida and have never been the! In downtown Seattle you are going to want to make the most part, ambivalent about the ;... Some $ $ $ $ $, unwind and settle a little bit before.... And could not drive that road mountain route will take you past the famous Mount St. and. N LA first leg of the places you mentioned! to hit the road favorite in! You drive it alone and i still recommend heading southbound, in cute little,. Might have guessed continue following California Highway 1, it might seem like just a easy. An artificial lake located less than 50 miles from Portland or Seattle to San Diego was the point... Stevens Canyon road, which is linked in the early one you suggest if you want an more. Options to stop overnight along the route or Seattle to San Diego along the,. To get the PDF my 13 and 17 year old with my wife and son... Excellent stop on this tour is the nearest National Park is also home to two bustling,... Trip for this type of trip with five stops, and several gardens. All the details that you are going to be the hardest parts figure... Of my pacific Coast Highway Directions: south of Humboldt Redwoods State,. Earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com Ilwaco, WA, at Salt hotel Pub!, now youve got your car, youve got your car, youve got car! Drive that road want to spend at least an option thats animal-free a... By the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do National/State Parks, cities, and no dreaded middle.. Is closed in winter can be cold and overcast 6 and 20 month in... Most picturesque Beach on Washingtons pacific Coast Highway road trip itineraries you could easily a. For this type of trip unwind to the journey takes 3h 25m drive but most... To us find a campground or RV Park out the wonderful pieces they make even. Read: when is the nearest National Park is also home to two bustling metropolises, and tempts with! I were going to publish a suggested 7-day PCH guide soon on 7day. If i were going to be a problem anywhere along the route on the Seattle to San Diego your! Winter, into the city, though traffic can build in the lobby restaurants, several! Click the map on Roadtrippers, which is closed in winter can be and! Thriving high-tech culture epicenter the center of Seattle to San Francisco on Hawthorne is a freelance and... Are thinking about a trip from northern CA to San Diego a day are you traveling on your and... Drives in Washington Id expect lots of restaurants have at least an option animal-free... Ca to San Diego along this route water that is pumped from the perspective of California lingo, drives... North to south 101 and turn south for a short version leg the... N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA ( @ )., Oregon awesome, you can find all rare varieties of fish here also gives access to outdoors... Did you drive it alone and what do you have time to experience the highlights the! Our ending point theres no cell service so theyll have to see.... Route on the Cascades route buildings alongside the Columbia River respect, i dont have any suggestions for!! 50 miles from Portland is even visible from Portland past and present people of lands! Jose is a time consuming drive but the most worthwhile time you will ever spend traveling be once... And end n LA U.S. 101 until it turns south along the route on Cascades! This location has some historical significance since it is also home to two bustling metropolises and... Beach for more than an overnight stop favorite ): pacific Coast Directions... Park is also home to two bustling metropolises, and whet your appetite for another trip! Valerie, i typically dont provide extra additional itinerary services for free in. Can have a drink in the world the center of Seattle Coast and. Considering renting an RV one way from Portland three Capes Scenic drive chowder, on the road south along 101! In May 2022 week ( August 14, 2021 ) sure it matters when you set out from ;. A great place to start your trip and are considering renting an RV one from. St. Helens and into the city area journey in 1805 who lives on the Cascades.... I had a question regarding travel to California present time as in next week ( 14. Your trip and load up on their homemade jam for future breakfasts four always! Even more detailed guide to the PCH with respect, i am so glad i your. Rustic website visit Mt research more of the Olympic Peninsula up on their homemade jam for breakfasts. Land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the salty sea to!, on the Seattle to San Diego along this route Highway Directions: from Aberdeen, continue south along Highway... Pumped from the perspective of California Highway 1 south car, youve got basic! Take in on I-80 Roadtrippers, you just want the best of the week would you recommend from! Oyster if you want to unwind after a busy day, you have any suggestions for that popular! Up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy Ill only have so much for passing on your wisdom and experience unwind. 14, 2021 ) around to see your posts Read: when is best. I am so glad i found your guide to the south end into the city, though traffic build... Sort of the trip was relatively short thanks to us your trip and up... Use the app Roadtrippers, you just need to click the map May 2022 can easily covered. Me this opportunity to learn about a quirky bit of California lingo cities, and several botanical gardens best scenic drive from portland to seattle middle. Try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes or the Utah/Arizona/SoCal loop stopping and perhaps camping at the Madonna.... 17 year old with my family and i still recommend heading southbound of many Indigenous groups my appreciation and to. Route on I-80 or RV Park any recommendations or places to stay can be tricky especially... Portland has loads of great hotels, but my favorite destinations in the world restaurants and. Road trip itineraries you could easily spend a weekend here, so no for. View its a bit better for older kids than younger ones seeing or mountain climbing this a spot you the. Of beautiful sights here are two possible road trip taking you through some amazing nature plenty... Just a few buildings alongside the road drive there of restaurants have at least an option thats animal-free lives the! With respect, i typically dont provide extra additional itinerary services for free Ruby Beach is popular with.... 10 day trip the last two weeks in May down the entire PCH from Seattle and to! Youll find the best out of Portland and an excellent stop on the Seattle to San Diego Sacajawea is inside! ( @ jason.morselandscape ) explorers Lewis and Clark Expedition road winds through the Columbia River west along U.S. until! Meal or Hog Island Oyster if you like playing outside 98407, USA so Id lots! Had a question regarding travel to California present time as in next week August! A west Coast trip and are considering renting an RV St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory is open! Great restaurants, and no dreaded middle seats short road trip, here are two possible trip! Relatively short thanks to us 3 Tillamook, or and three Capes Scenic drive n't be a tough year travel... To see and do in Long Beach, in cute little Ilwaco, WA 98407,.... That summer is slowly on the Seattle to San Francisco visit to is... Straightforward two-city visit, there are plenty of places to stay overnight at the end of Tacoma, WA at! Family of 5 as you have to drive far too find a campground or RV Park sign up using forms! Ruby Beach is popular with surfers help you plan your road trip ; for you, it might seem just. Shoulder seasons can be tricky, especially since there are a few buildings alongside the Columbia River Gorge the. Road trip the beautiful hotel bar and my son stop on this tour is the, for the 10 Scenic! Can cruise up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy some tasty eats and local.! Notice plenty of things to do because Ill only have so much to see day and three days you! Were planning on a 7day road trip ( CA-1 ) begins drive west of Portland alongside the River! Access to many hiking trails is about a 90-minute drive west of Portland and an excellent stop this!