2023 Tigrest Travel Blog - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. HAYSTACK ROCK, enough said. , but dont blame me if you cant get into your pants the next day. I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. To say its simply stunning is a huge understatement. Rainier national park, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Portland City Center. Its a good idea to make your way back to Portland to slice off a few hours of drive time to Mt. Therefore, we will list the 3 best museums and let you decide which one youd like to visit first thing in the morning. You. If you are looking for centrally located hotels, we recommend looking into The Society Hotel 3* or Washington Plaza Portland. 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. The iconic Napa Valley in California is the most famous stop on the San Francisco to Seattle road trip. You can either make a well-deserved detour to wine country (and lets face it, get your wine on), or. Visiting the Falls requires a 1.3 km hike, including some stairs to climb. 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. Tillamook cheese factory, or creamery, is a must-stop for all fans of a farmer and natural dairy products! The Three Capes Scenic Drive takes us south from Oceanside on our drive from Seattle to San Francisco on 101. You always hear about the gloominess and rain, never the sunshine and green space. The distance between Seattle to San Francisco is 808 miles. Rainier. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry science and technology museum features large-screen theatre, planetarium, and exhibition halls with a variety of hands-on permanent exhibits. Yes, parts of this area reek, but youll quickly see why after taking note to the bubbling mud pots and steaming sulphuric vents. That journey consists of the Drive from San Francisco to Washington's largest city, Seattle. Grandiose. Report inappropriate content Noelh57 Newport, Oregon 5. While the town is wickedly small (youll see what I mean), the surrounding area completely makes up for it. Avenue of the Giants is a 31-mile portion of old Highway 101 running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. In May the many waterfalls along the Gorge walls will be at their best, full of water from melting. The quicker, more direct route along the I-5 is still a hefty 807-mile drive. 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. Plan would be to fly into Seattle and out from SF. Looking for more sweets and treats? On your way to San Francisco, you'll pass through iconic cities such as Portland, Eugene, Redding, and Santa Rosa. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. are located a few miles south. Unfortunately, just about 5% of the old growth redwood forests remain in California, with Redwood National and State Parks preserving over 35% of all the remaining. , , youll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Yachats is at one of the most beautiful parts of Oregon Coast. Youll probably be skipping this area and heading north as day trips to Napa are on everyones spring weekend itinerary. 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. And right near the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass, another not-to-miss spot in Seattle. Had enough of the trees and craving some 1,940+ foot deep lake time? Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! Guided tours take you through the entire boat and tell you about its past. Many people wonder what the best stops from San Francisco to Seattle are, and there are plenty. and at less than $100 a night (inclusive of free breakfast! If you are not up for the challenge, consider stopping at Cape Lookout Viewpoint for some great photos of the ocean. 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. and youll receive up to $35 off your first stay! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you want something a bit different, consider a seaplane tour which will provide you aerial views of all of Seattles most iconic sites (think the Space Needle and such). However, another road trip that allows visitors to the western side of the US to explore the Pacific Northwest is equally attractive to the Los Angeles-San Francisco drive. However, there are things to do and to explore in Tillamook itself! But really, all views of the lake deserve a thumbs up (or 2 or 5). Cape Kiwanda is our next stop, with its beautiful dunes and rocks. Drive to Port Angeles, with a stop at Nourish Sequim along the way for a delicious (and gluten free) lunch. ), then simply enjoy the San Francisco vibe, buy some local souvenirs or plan your next adventure. The complete drive around the lake is 33 miles, which is completely paved and easily drivable in the summer months, with tons of scenic overlooks to view and ooh and awe at! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Start off early and head to the park before everyone else arrives. Taking the quicker route can get you there in about 12 hours without stops or major traffic, and while the more scenic route is harder to predict, a good estimate would be over 20 hours. stay at Ace Hotel. Read Next: Multnomah Falls and the Colombia River Gorge. Recommended short walks include: Stout Grove Trail, Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, Circle Trail, Revelation Trail, and Yurok Loop Trail, all under 1.5 miles. Getting from San Francisco to Seattle The distance on the drive from San Francisco to Seattle is about 808 miles (1300 kilometres) and the drive time is around 12 hours and 45 minutes non-stop if travelling on the I-5 Highway route from San Francisco. Obviously sunny and clear is sought after, as the mountain may be hidden beneath lots of fog and cloud cover if not! However, if finding accomodation inside the park is important to you, book super early, as there are only two inns located within. Your San Francisco to Seattle road trip starts off with the right foot by paying a visit to the gorgeous region of Sonoma. As always, thanks for the support. 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). Other moderately priced options include: Pretend to be a hipster for a few days and book yourself a room at the. Marvel at the unusual multi-colored soil, and watch the boiling pools of water. Where to Stay: I highly encourage you to make it to the famed Cannon Beach on this day (if you arent splitting the drive up), which you can check out tomorrow morning (dont worry about making it here before dark). Check out Howland Hill Road, Bald Hills Road, Coastal Drive Loop, and/or Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip Itinerary Overview Stop 1: San Francisco, California (2-3 days) Stop 2: Wine Country: Napa/Sonoma (1-2 days) Stop 3: Mendocino/Fort Bragg (1 day) Stop 4: Lassen/Mt. Rainier around the weather. Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most spectacular national parks in Washington, with stunning Mount Rainier being the highlight of this park. After your story, I really wanted to see that beauty on San Francisco! 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. National Park Inn is open year round, while Paradise Inn only operates between mid-May through early-October. Head out on an early morning balloon flight above the valley, worth the ridiculous AF wake-up call. It can be done in 3-5 hours, depending on your skills and physical shape. In terms of what we want: - a couple of days either end to explore both cities. Sadly, its a private club so visitors are not allowed inside but good photo ops are just in front of the building. Looking for more sweets and treats? You have two options the long way (6 hour drive with more exploration of the southern Oregon coast), or the shorter way (3 and a half hours cutting straight to Coos Bay from Crater Lake). It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. TIP: hike counter-clockwise, this way you will meet fewer crowds along the way. Another good stop for hiking is in the city of Bend in Oregon. Look no further-a multi-day drive from San Francisco to Seattle is calling your name! Road Trip from San Francisco to Seattle - 3 Day Itinerary. Once you are finished with the hike, relax and have lunch at Paradise Inn lunch room. I agree Olympic NP is absolutely amazing! Historic Bayfront is a must-visit for shopping, strolling through the streets, sea lion watching and of course, amazing seafood! The trail is very easy and quite short, so be there early before everyone else arrives. Its full of all my favorite spots (sweets and treats included!). On your San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip, you'll pass plenty of beauty spots. Burney Falls State Park. We highly recommend taking the submarine tour. If you do decide on the longer trek, youll need to dip back south into California (yes, for real) in order to get back on Highway 1. Your pick wine or coastline. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. Hop on I-5 North, and you can drive from San Francisco to Seattle in around 13-14 hours. With quiet seaside coves, bustling beach towns, and secluded hideaways, you wont want to miss the beauty that is Oregon. Favorites include Rattlesnake Ledge, Thunder Knob Trail Hike at Diablo Lake (GORGEOUS but requires even more driving time), and Snoqualmie Falls, all ranging from easy to moderate with absolutely fantastic views. I strongly encourage you to go up during both daytime and at night as you get totally different aspects of the city this way. WIth that being said, please appreciate the park and leave no human trace behind. 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). day 2 driving 6.5 hours. Youll find plenty of options in Redding, I can promise you that. Youll know when youre getting close youll smell the sulphur! Whatever you do, dont miss these highlights in Crater Lake: admire the sheer force of Vidae Falls, head off the coast to Wizard Island, and then cruise along Rim Drive. The trail is well maintained and quite easy. Check out Surfsand Resort you can see Haystack Rock from your balcony! The best thing is that you can get in the water accompanied by professional divers to get an even closer look. Chose Sonoma? I completely agree with the opinion that the modern United States is still different. The best part about the Redwoods National Park is the possibility to drive through the park rather than taking long walks. San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip: Take a Pacific Northwest Drive. (preferably two if you want to do all the things). However, if finding accomodation inside the park is important to you, book super early, as there are only two inns located within. Just saying . Portland - Columbia River Gorge 7. Crater Lake Lodge actually overlooks the lake, while The Cabins at Mazama Village are located a few miles south. A few recommended stops between Coos Bay and Cannon Beach, where well be ending the drive today. Read More: Seven of Seattles Top Tourist Attractions, Where to Eat all the Noms in Seattle, Seattle Seaplane Experience, Seattle Tourist City Guide. : Who could resist some fine, fine creamy cheese samples? If youve never visited the city before and/or have ample time to explore, check out my favorite things to do in San Francisco (Ive listed out all my favorite tourist attractions, big city views, restaurants, and oh so much more). Just did a 14 day roadtrip from Seattle to San Francisco last summer and Id recommend going that way instead (so that you work your way from rainy and cold to sunny and warm) but this itinerary left off my favorite part of the trip, which was going around the Olympic peninsula which took us through Sequim to see some lavender fields, to Hurricane Ridge, and staying a night at Cresent Lake then to the coast where we stopped at Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach. A crucial step to take is to issue a car insurance policy to hedge against any sudden accidents. The trails starting in Paradise intersect with several waterfalls along the way. This museum is especially great for families with kids. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This itinerary looks amazing but we only have one week to travel from San Fran to Seattle. Both areas have roughly the same number of wineries, but Sonomas are spread over twice the land, ultimately making it feel way less crowded. Any scuba enthusiasts in the house? Visiting Crater Lake National Park is a must when on a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. Resident of SF? Plus, all my snack suggestions. Trust me, its hard to describe those views. 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 . This San Francisco to Seattle drive to the Pacific Northwest will have you wondering why you havent explored the region before! Beware that the line to get on one of those can reach up to 2 hours! Read your head at El Dorado Hotel (breezy rooms with a wine bar), MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa (warm and sophisticated), or Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn (spa with mineral baths). My favorites are Mendocino, Crater Lake, Lassen, and Cannon Beach! Road Trip The Best Road Trip from Seattle to San Francisco By Jess Moss That Pacific Coast Highway route from San Francisco to Los Angeles gets all the attention, but it's not the only West Coast drive that should be on your map. Thanks! French press coffee and Belgian waffles will melt in your mouth! Yachats shore is rough and rugged shores due to volcano lava flows forming black basalt rock. ), ziplining through the redwoods, farmers market visits, wildflower hiking, and mud baths to tickle your fancy (yes, I just said mud baths). Theres a whole long list of. 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). Sure, the bed and breakfasts look cozy, but they come with a hefty price tag. He loves traveling, reading, partying, and making friends. Paradise is located just 2h 30 min from Seattle and is a great base for a day hike in the mountains. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Youll also find scuba diving here as well! Dedicate Day 1 to a full exploration of the national park, and dont miss Sulphur Works, Emerald Lake (an absolute dream! 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). 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. The easiest way to get on the road to Seattle from San Francisco is via Interstate 5. WorldNomads offers travel insurance for attractive rates. An artistic stop full of galleries in the coastal town of Mendocino that boasts a gallery in a water tower. I picked out some glass for the photos guilty! If youve never visited the City by the Bay before (SF), you should really stay and wander for a few days. 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. There are tons of great accomodation options in both Napa and Sonoma. Read Next: A Waterfall Weekend in Lassen National Park. I'd say the big cities for another time since they're easier to get to (SF, Portland, Seattle). Plan accordingly and bring snacks! 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. Pay a visit to Point Arena Lighthouse dating back to 1908 and enjoy the view of the rugged coastline. Since this is such a beautiful part of the country, with numerous national parks, scenic vistas, and iconic destinations, you'll want to spend some time at each location. Glad you loved it as well! : The first of numerous lighthouses on our list, and this one just happens to be the brightest light on the Oregon coast and most photographed in the whole state. Read Next: Two Perfect Days in Crater Lake, Oregon. Search for the best car rental prices here. In order to see the best of both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mount Shasta, its best to give yourself, Dedicate Day 1 to a full exploration of the national park, and dont miss Sulphur Works, Emerald Lake (an absolute dream! all the way to the Mendo/Fort Bragg area. Sea lions can be spotted at the docks, too. The museum used to be one of the top US private World War II aircraft collections. No other landmark in San Francisco is as famous as the Golden Gate Bridge, it's the city's icon! Day 5 - Eureka area to San Francisco via US 101 and Avenue of the Giants. Hoping to get down to those dazzling blue waters yourself? Sure, Californias Highway One surely steals the show when it comes to coastal road trips, but Oregons coast is one for the bucket list as well! FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. What makes the two designated wine spots a tad different from each other? Make a short detour to meet friendly owners and taste their wines while being educated about each wine and how to drink them. Other moderately priced options include: Tolovana Inn (beachfront with a pool), Hallmark Resort Hotel and Spa (pets welcome! The place is perfect for whale watching and great photo opportunities. 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! Portland is the largest city in Oregon. 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. ), dont miss these highlights in Crater Lake, The Two-Day Portland Itinerary Youll Want to Copy, Multnomah Falls and the Colombia River Gorge, 20 Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Antigua, Guatemala: Where to Find the Perfect Cup, 35+ Best Things to do in Antigua: The Colonial Gem of Guatemala, Best Pastel de Nata in Porto, Portugal (All My Favorite Porto Egg Tarts), Flying Over the Great Blue Hole in Belize: Everything You Need to Know, Checking into the Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispos Quirkiest and Most Eccentric Hotel, Fall in San Francisco: 25+ Fall Activities in the SF Bay Area You Cant Miss, Things to do in Cambria, California (The Cutest Seaside Village on the Central Coast). The hike is roughly three miles and takes about an hour to get down to the boardwalk. Get ready for big mountain views today, as Mt. You can choose to stay within the park or just outside, your choice. Craving some ice cream? Not too many people know that! The proposed itinerary for 7-day Seattle to San Francisco road trip Day 1 Mount Rainier National Park, WA Day 2 Portland, OR Day 3 Tillamook, OR and Three Capes Scenic Drive Day 4 Newport and Yachats, OR Day 5 Toketee Falls and Crater Lake, OR Day 6 Crescent City and Redwoods National Park, OR Day 7 Avenue of the Giants and Mendocino, CA The place is not a must-visit unless you are an aviation fan. Rainier. 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. 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. Yes, cheese! 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). 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! Rainier national park. Read More: One Day in Mount Rainier from Seattle. 1) HOME SFO, 2) SEA HOME. MADE IT to the last stop on this San Francisco to Seattle road trip itinerary! Youll find dozens and dozens of vineyards dotting the area, from small, family run wineries to ridiculously large name box-brands (think Mondavi or Chandon), each with their own flare. Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets. And once you get back, you can definitely say you earned your donut/s. ), ziplining through the redwoods, farmers market visits, wildflower hiking, and mud baths to tickle your fancy (yes, I just said mud baths). Youre in luck, because today is alllll about those ancient giants. 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! Road-tripping individuals will have the chance to behold the unique views on the Pacific Coast Highway in California. 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. Re: San Francisco to Seattle. Required fields are marked *. #noshame. Seattle to San Francisco drive time is approximately 13 hours, driving distance from Seattle to San Francisco is around 800 miles via direct highway. Its more of a mixture of rocks, sea glass, and sand. Next is a stop at the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon, the unique Toketee Falls. ), Bumpass Hell Trail Hike (its not really thaaaaat bad), Lake Helen, and. See Sundial Bridge. Hit the road and head south to Portland for the next fun day. The drive's signature stops include the cities of Portland and Sacramento, Mt. Before your coastal road trip continues, meet a local fisherman for a crabbing outing in one of the protected coastal bays. As usual, here are some budget-friendly options, for example, Pacific Inn. Rainier. Take advantage of, If youll be following this itinerary and heading north (without driving the direct 15+ hours back to, ), youll want to book two one-way tickets. Moreover, visiting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum would be a good idea when in Willamette Valley. Uber and Lyft are more than sufficient. *EXTRA ADD-ON: STOP #10 >> can go directly to Mt. From sculpture parks and waterfront activities, to bacon brie Belgian waffles and homemade mac and cheese, Seattle has a lot to offer. Youll still fall in love with Napa and/or Sonoma I promise. Drive past Netarts all the way to Cape Lookout. (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. Majestic. The south trail will take you to a variety of sea life, whereas the north offers offshore colonies of seals and sea lions (closed March-June to protect the baby seal pups!) If youll be following this itinerary and heading north (without driving the direct 15+ hours back to San Francisco), youll want to book two one-way tickets. How Long Is The Road Trip From Seattle To San Francisco? 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!). The time in the car doesnt have to be absolutely horrible. First things first, if youre not a resident of San Francisco, youll of course need to get yourself there. 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! The drive is not super long, but youll definitely want the better portion of the day to stop and soak it all in!