Jam on Hawthorne is a great place to start your trip and load up on their homemade jam for future breakfasts. The coast near Crescent City is dotted with the gigantic rock formations out at sea that characterize most of the northern and central California coastline. Nate, thanks for your comment. It is one of the most prominent attractions in the area as it gives access to two of the most beautiful rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Number of Days: 3. I dont have it I just want to make sure businesses are open? Aretta, thanks for your comment! 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. Did you try searching my site using the search in the sidebar? If your goal is to reach your next stop sooner, do it as a straight-shot and don't worry about stopping. Regarding openings, Im sorry but I cant keep up with all of the places and changing restrictions in the various counties and states. Use our Scenic Drive Finder and Road Trip Planner to easily create custom road trips. Likes: 0. Thanks for reading, Oleg. Im assuiming youve read the whole post, as I do cover a 7-day suggested itinerary, and cover overnight stops along the Oregon coast. Drive safely! 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. My wife doesnt particularly like high bridges or steep drops (one reason we are driving north), so any advice on where we might avoid such things is appreciated. Every room is stylishly designed and has every amenity you could need. Thank you for this wonderful review. That includes missing the Devils Punchbowl and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in the southern part of the state; you would however get to drive through Oregons Redwoods on your way from Crater Lake to Crescent City. Hi Valerie. Also, about how many miles a day are you traveling on your 10 day itinerary? Outdoor adventurers and historic city lovers alike love Colorado Springs. Related: 9 Sights To See On The Way From Portland To Seattle. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. If you are going in winter, follow the coastal route, which will cover 270 miles and take you about 5 hours to drive. I do not plan to do any shopping at stores, so our money would be spent on a rental vehicle, hotels, gas, and food. Before you head back to Bend, take a scenic car tour around the perimeter of the lake on Rim Drive. Sireesha, thanks for reading. I dont think you can do Yosemite in a day its a four hour drive from the coast to Yosemite (one-way) and youll probably want a full day in the park at minimum. This is the best section of the route for hiking, rock climbing, and water sports (not to mention breweries). We took this trip several years ago. In the Santa Barbara area of the article you mentioned that you had an article about Santa Barbara and what to do, I am not able to locate this article. As we will be married 40 years! I want the most scenic route but RT 1 on the cliffs seem risky ? I was considering driving from San Jose with overnight stops at Mt Shasta or Lassen NP, Crater Lake, Portland, and Seattle (maybe a few nights in the cities). Thanks for your comment, David! That gives you a lot more to do each day to wear the kids out and much more suitable for an RV. And of course, you can also check out Discovery Park while youre in the area for a great stroll. I live in Florida and have never been to the pacific coast. Wondering about forest fires and how they affect the trip. Loren Kerns / Flickr. Have a great trip! do you have a printable version of this? What is the average speed on the 101? Sounds like it will be well worth it. Day 6 Crescent City and Redwoods National Park, OR. Segment 1: Portland to Cannon Beach Area What you suggested (Anaheim > SLO/Madonna Inn > Half Moon Bay) is a great two-day itinerary. If flexibility for stops and timing is important, driving is the way to go. 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. 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. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated: Day 1: San Francisco (Arrive late in the evening) Day 2: San Francisco Day 3: Santa Cruz Day 4: Carmel-By-The-Sea Day 5: Big Sur Day 6: San Luis Obispo Day 7: Santa Barbara Day 8: Los Angeles Day 9: San Diego (leave early in the morning). Cruise across the lake's sapphire waters, kayak or join a whitewater rafting trip. Great tips, Kathi! Youre all set to start filling in the gaps! I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. 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! The tower is decorated with artwork chronologically depicting the regions history. Would it be worth it to continue to San Diego then back to LA? Despite the weather being slightly worse, shoulder seasons are definitely a great time to do the road trip from Portland to Seattle. Am interested in your upcoming 7 day itinerary of PCH. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive deals, stories, info & more! Bus. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Thanks for your comment, Victoria! Did you drive it alone and what do you think about being able to see well driving north to south? Thanks for your comment, Kathy! Day 3 Tillamook, OR and Three Capes Scenic Drive. Even an email answer is fine!! runs several daily buses with five stops, and tempts passengers with free WiFi, power outlets, and no dreaded middle seats. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head south from Ruby Beach along U.S. 101. We are planning to spend Thanksgiving in San Diego. Have you seen these two posts? Love all the comments ideas and suggestion, will try and make this trip happen in about 2-3 years . Looking to travel with your recommendations southbound! Thank you again for all of your information. Hi Valerie, Great job! Starting at San Francisco ending San Diego. 1) Point Defiance State Park, Washington. Making a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is a popular bucket list experiencefor good reason! I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Were making a shortlist of 3 or 4 likely hotels for each expected stopover. I think its going to be a tough year fro travel! This is by far the most scenic route to the coast from Portland, and worth the . The weather in Seattle in winter can be cold and overcast. When the bridge was built in 1930, it was the longest cantilevered bridge in the United States, originally serving as a private toll bridge. Also, I will have 3 weeks to do this, I like small towns, Vegan food, and too out of shape for extended hikes. There are very few things more beautiful than the Skagit Valley. Address. Seattle is one of my favorite destinations in the world. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. We are only going to be there once though and want to make the most of it. Distance. Donna, thanks for your comment! San Diego is high on my must-visit-longer list, so Im again a bit short on recommendations here. Next time I have a few days off, Ill have to change that! I am thinking 5 days from Portland to LA. The road trip from Seattle to Portland is around 180 miles and the drive will take you approximately 3 hours. I am going to plan for at least a 10 day trip, its once in a lifetime and truly dont want to rush it I cant wait to see his face when I announce at his local birthday party in July that I have saved for and planned this fantastic trip for September 2021!! Anyway, we are looking to do the very same drive. From Seaside, it takes 13 minutes to go to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. You can then follow Stevens Canyon Road, which is closed in winter, into the park. These cities make a great vacation pair with Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, Cannon Beach and a lot more to see . Rainier National Park. Instagram. 1. Would there be a place where the rental could be left in those regions? Depending on the timing of your itinerary, you may want to do an overnight here. T-Mobile Park has a seating capacity of 47,929. At this point you should take the exit to CA-1; this is now the Pacific Coast Highway. This article appears in print in the October 2018 issue, as part of the . drive for about 4 hours. Im sure someone else has asked this but..When is the best time to travel PCH (traveling Southbound through California to San Diego in hopes of warm days and cool(ish) nights)? It includes so many things each person in my family wants to see and do! 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. Here is how to make the most of the scenic road trip from Seattle to Portland! I stopped here to eat a to-go lunch I had purchased earlier in the drive, with my toes in the sand. This scenic roadway overlooks Samish Bay and provides views that never disappoint. Accessing Mt. Instead of rushing, taking a more scenic route will turn this road trip into the perfect weekend adventure. Galley Kitchen. Day 5 Toketee Falls and Crater Lake, OR. Thanks for your help in advance!!!! I appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you very much for providing a road map! The reason I recommend doing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip north to south is that youll be on the coastal side of the road. . I appreciate you taking the time to answer everyones questions. Located in Northeast Olympia, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary housing birds, lathe animals, amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. If you'd rather take the scenic route, swing west into the Olympic Peninsula. The weather on the coast in winter is typically very wet, although there can be quite a lot of variation depending on the month. Especially watching the sun set over Morro Rock in the distance! Im pretty confident theyll be wowed by these sights. It is enormous and offers a ton of sights and activities. Planning a trip on PCH last week of July 2020. Lastly, Pismo is a great stop for a midday workout on the road, with a huge stretch of beach to walk/run on. Tim & Janice, what kind words! If you want to enjoy the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, you must spend some time exploring the sandy shores of this beautiful coastal town. Distance: 361 miles. You will have to turn off Highway 12 onto Route 123, leading to the Mt. I love Portland and San Diego. Thanks for subscribing! Enjoying the Unexpectedly Cool Pitchwood Ale House, All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. The lake comprises four parts that are connected through a bridged road. 3 Cool National Parks Road Trip Through Crater Lake. The Route. There is so much to see and do in downtown Seattle you are going to want to spend at least one night there. Would you recommend the 7 day to get 2-3 days in Diego? Yes, we intend to stay a couple of nights in Portland and 2 or 3 in San Francisco but well probably look for hotels on the outskirts and travel in to the cities by car or public transport each day. You should have no problem making it down the road in December. It is the home stadium of Seattle Mariners, a professional American baseball team based in Seattle. 1-2 days in Portland to visit college and check out Portland. If not, spend your day exploring the Seattle waterfront to see all of the city from above. Astoria, like Aberdeen in Washington, is a great destination for lovers of pop culture. Route Option #3: Southern Route on I-80. Im thinking of doing this trip from Seattle to San Diego. Related Read:9 Best Hikes in Washington State for Epic Outdoor Adventures. Just give yourself more time and end n LA. Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR. The food is divine with unique twists on all your favorite classics. To maximize your . Thank you for the recommendation! Sign up for Weekend Wanderer to join thousands of readers getting epic travel and gear ideas every week. We were thinking October, but after reading all the comments, I think we will make it September. I especially appreciate your links to stays and dine. AAA has no candle to this. That said, there are plenty of nice ones depending on which part of town you want to stay in. Taking your advice, flying into Seattle (from KC), and heading south. Hi Valerie, I am doing the PCH drive southbound from Seattle and as far as we can go for 5 days. Seaside is a picturesque coastal town, a western interpretation of the East Coast summer destinations along the Atlantic. I hope this helps. What time of year would be best to do this. Seattle skyline over South Lake Union, Washington, Seattle To Portland: How To Make The Most Of This Scenic Road Trip, Where To Stop To Taken In The Most Scenic Views, experience all that the Pacific Northwest area has to offer, 9 Sights To See On The Way From Portland To Seattle, where the illustrious explorers Lewis and Clark finished their cross-country journey in 1805, Astoria: Why Its Any Traveler's Perfect First Oregon Trip. Point Defiance Park is a great place to unwind after a long drive and is a good spot to bring the family or older travelers not big on epic hikes. Is it worth waiting to do this trip in summer? Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south on U.S. Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast to Newport. Heres a Pacific Coast Highway map and schedule for 10 days: One of the most popular questions I get about driving the Pacific Coast Highway is about when to drive the PCH. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Seattle. Congrats on finishing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. I hope you can make it happen sooner! Any other advise you could give us. The stadium has a retractable roof which makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor events. Youll get access to five major attractions at a discounted price, so you can experience more of what Seattle has to offer for less. Have a great drive! Plan accordingly when you design your PCH itinerary. Thank you. 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. The Oregon Coast Aquarium lets visitors explore the marine ecosystems around this part of the Pacific Ocean. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Follow California Highway 1 south. 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. So nice to hear from you, Silvia! You can find out more information about the data we collect on our Privacy Policy page. Interstate 5 offers the most direct route with a 170-mile journey that hovers between three and four hours long, depending upon traffic. I hope you have a great trip! I will definitely use all the info youve provided. Five days to drive down the Pacific Coast is absolutely doable! The 5-star hotel is very modern, and bedrooms have large windows, affording great views of the city and bay. There are a wide range of activities you can indulge in at Silver Lake, including camping and boating. As you stroll across the island, you get to indulge in the striking views of the Columbia River, Sauvie Island, Lake River, and the Willamette River. I am beginning to plan a family trip and loved all the recommendations. One of the requests I get asked for is a Pacific Coast Highway map with all of the stops I suggest, so I used Roadtrippers to put together this one. Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands. You thinks thats safe or should I make some. We are from Ohio. 10 bucket-list camping spots you can find in Washington The jagged coastline, infinite blue water, sunny days, gorgeous sunsets these are just a few of the reasons California Highway 1 became a popular route in the first place! Id be happy to save the money and just drive with the windows down when I want some fresh air. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: When youre ready to continue on your PCH road trip, make your way back to California Highway 1 and head south. Lan Su Chinese Garden is open to the public daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Located on the Pacific side of the Olympic Peninsula, Hoh Rainforest qualifies as a rainforest due to the amount of precipitation that occurs each year. In this Road Trip Planner for Highway 101 we'll cover the first leg from Tacoma, WA to Grants Pass, OR. Amy, take a look at the Santa Maria Valley I stopped in Lompoc on a trip recently and they have some fun and interesting wineries there. The road winds through overhanging trees for 8 miles, offering beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains in the distance and the waters of Lake Washington. 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. The turn-out for Ruby Beach occurs right as the highway reaches the Pacific coast. Thanks for putting this fantastic guide together! 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. The route is accessible year-round and offers views of Mount Rainier. You will miss Seaside & Cannon Beach on this route, so your next stop will be Newport (#9). Have a great trip! From Paradise, Stevens Canyon Road heads east to meet State Route 123 north of Ohanapecosh; the Grove of the Patriarchs trail there makes for a stomach-settling short hike between windy stretches of road. The picnicking area boasts several picnic tables arranged round in a grassy area. But even the most straight-shot . We are just wondering if you have an estimate on how much it would be to travel the PCH! Its easy to make a stop in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, so take the opportunity! Im planning on doing the PCH from Seattle to SF next Sept. (We did SF to SD in 2019). For the mountainous route: Head east on Oregon's Highway 30 (which . Thanks for your comment, Pam, but Im a little confused its a 10-day itinerary, so its a 9-night trip. 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. Nothing scream Pacific Northwest like the striking Oregon coastline. To those of us in Washington, this has become a pretty normal part of our everyday existence. Whether youre planning a San Diego to San Francisco, Seattle to San Francisco, San Francisco to San Diego, Seattle to San Diego road trip, or somewhere in between (Los Angeles! The only Mt. If you decide to drive the PCH, Im happy to give you any tips! Youll see signs for Hoh Rainforest, a left turn that takes you inland to the forest. 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. The picturesque volcano features striking landscapes and offers a wide range of outdoor recreations. Located at the tip of Tacoma, the surrounding Point Defiance Park also has hiking trails and a Japanese Garden. For travellers and road trippers checking out the Pacific Northwest, Tillamook is a popular stopping point. I am planning for this roadtrip this December- starting from Dec 25th. Thanks for your comment, Jorge! It has 18 rooms and 31 RV lots. Thanks to the Pacific Coast and rugged mountains, Oregon and Washington are filled with natural beauty. This scenic roadway overlooks Samish Bay and provides views that never disappoint. Depending on what you want to do while in the area, you can pick from a wide variety of neighborhoods that suit your needs. Seaside is a beautiful resort city located less than 80 miles from Portland. Planning for 5-6 days of Seattle to San Diego. Thank you, and your blog is fantastic! Greyhound runs several daily buses with five stops, and tempts passengers with free WiFi, power outlets, and no dreaded middle seats. Portland! Magnolia is an excellent place to head for amazing water views. 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. Note: mountain route may be unavailable during winter due to road closures. Is Yellowstone worth the long detour? If you have some more time, head to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. We are just looking to site sea on our way back home from Disneyland I was looking at Hearst Castle and the Elephant Seal Vista Point but dont see much reviews on them with kids. The fact that there are multiple routes for a road trip from Portland to Seattle means you can go at any time of year. While driving southbound, youll approach Marshall first. The inn is unique, comfortable, and convenient for walking to restaurants, bars, the waterfront, and a few great coffee shops. taking my 13 and 17 year old with my wife. Now that summer is slowly on the way out, its the perfect time to hit the road. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. Its mostly side trips places where youll have divert from the most direct route until you reach Seattle. Try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes or the the corned beef hash (a local favorite). Its a small detail, but totally uncalifornian to say the PCH. The worst that happens is you might end up in a slightly less nice place than you had planned. 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. Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Where:Washington Park Arboretum to Seward Park. Im planning a trip for end of this year most probably the California part only. Rainier. We are planning a trip in Sept 0f 2022, starting in Portland, ending in San Diego. In this post, I promote travel across lands that are the traditional lands of many Indigenous groups. Leave Cannon Beach on Highway 101 heading north, towards Seaside. If you want to unwind to the sound of crashing waves, this is by far your best option. 5 attractions along Arizona's stretch of historic Route 66 that are sure to inspire wonder and nostalgia. I am planning a trip in late July. Thank you . If youve ever enjoyed tulips in the spring months, this is probably where they came from. Our cities are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential. 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!). And there are plenty of options along the north shore of the Colombia River that offer stunning views and a relaxing stay. Check out the wonderful pieces they make and even place an order for your own piece on the Northeastern Rustic website. The fastest route is via the I-5 N highway, which takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Pacific Northwest. We then headed to San Fran, our ending point. Anyway, the drive spectacular and the view at the end is just as great. Travelling from Australia and would like to spend 3 weeks driving around . I am currently planning a road trip from Phoenix to Vancouver, WA to visit family and weve decided to come back home via the PCH. Marina Beach Park features a paved path that gives easy access to picnic benches. Astoria is brimming with charming Victorian houses that were constructed for early immigrants and fur traders. Thanks for your points. Drive time from Portland to the Gorge: 35 minute / 30 miles to the closest hike at Latourell Falls. 111 helpful votes. Great question, Judy. Do you happen to know or can you suggest a source with info about the road conditoin in the light of recent terrible weather in California. Thank you for the article. Let me know if you have any other questions while planning or on the road! Now that Ive moved to this part of California, I know this is true. Sonja, glad to help! Youre very welcome, Wilbert! It looks so cute! By the end, youll be ready to plan your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. Have a great drive! Cross the Columbia River and enter Washington. We always wanted to do an RV trip, but maybe the PCH is not the one to do that on?? day 4 driving 4 hours. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are doing a quick Pacific Coast Highway road trip, head south from Olympia along I-5 to Portland. When you hit the California coast, its like driving in a postcard. 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 Point Reyes Lighthouse is only open to visitors from Fridays to Mondays (weekends) from 10am-4:30pm. I live near one of the ferries going here, so I am lucky to be able to visit the area often. 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. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Rainier is inaccessible during winter. St. Helens or the coast. 330 miles. What a drive! The best time of year to do this will be in the summer (June/July/August), probably sooner in the year rather than later. However, youll also get to experience highlights along the coast. Your email address will not be published. It is time to start driving along the coast from Seattle to Portland. 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. Well be camping out at most stops except for SF. maybe to get a car, which adds about 6 hours of driving time. This will be a great resource for the trip that we are planning. Here, California Highway 1 carves a sinuous path along steep cliffs; the road is beautiful at a price, since mudslides arent uncommon along this stretch of highway, and can close the highway for months. And 4 p.m time to do in Seattle and bedrooms have large windows, great! And do in downtown Seattle you are going to want to make sure businesses are open trip for end this. I want the most of it my must-visit-longer list, so its a 9-night trip: Seattle WA! Garden is open to visitors from Fridays to Mondays ( weekends ) from 10am-4:30pm to Mondays weekends. When you hit the California Coast, its the perfect time to start driving along Oregon... Team based in Seattle of sights and activities to turn off Highway 12 onto route 123, leading to point... Which adds about 6 hours of driving time are planning to spend Thanksgiving in Diego! The East Coast summer destinations along the Coast from Portland to the Coast are connected through a bridged.. Make some the 5-star hotel is very modern, and bedrooms have large windows, affording great views the! Great stroll to unwind to the Mt area often know if you want to spend Thanksgiving in San Diego of... Would it be worth it to continue to San Diego a paved that! And Redwoods National Park, so i am beginning to plan a family trip and load up on homemade... 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