The Kathryn Riverfront Inn is a spectacular beachside hotel with a gorgeous interior, located right at the center of the town of Seaside. 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 can then follow Stevens Canyon Road, which is closed in winter, into the park. Hi Valerie, Great tips! From Astoria, take the sea-hugging U.S. Route 101 south 40 minutes to Ecola State Park. . A few years ago I started saving (unbeknownst to my husband) for his 50th birthday this summer. If you have time, you could combine this Washington scenic drive with Mount Baker (number two above). However, be vigilant for early snowfall that could affect the roads. Is this time of year realistic for an enjoyable adventure, or should we maybe plan to go somewhere else? Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south along California Highway 1. Crescent City is the first city youll enter when driving southbound into California along the Pacific Coast Highway (or last if youre headed northbound). Pacific Northwest Road Trip Route: As of now, I will be flying into Portland Oregon from . Depending on what you want to do while in the area, you can pick from a wide variety of neighborhoods that suit your needs. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. You can also attend music concerts at the park. Both routes take place mostly on highways and smaller roads, making the driving interesting. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. Thanks. I mapped it here so you can see the option to add in Crater Lake and what youll miss: https://goo.gl/maps/2A4GYTKnBcADVdRw5. Amazing, Melanii! Unless youre driving the lengthy coastal route, youll find the best scenery aboard. Choose between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA. Valerie-thanks for the great overview. The first leg of the trip was relatively short thanks to us . I plan to rent a car in Los Angeles in the summer and make a similar journey, Hello! We are planning to do Northboundfrom Ventura to Wine country but only have 5 days returning on the 5th day. WOW! 15 years ago. The top stops along the way from Portland to Seattle (with short detours) are Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pike Place Fish Market, and Space Needle. 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). This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for reading, Oleg. We are planning on a 7 days trip in Dec 2021. Literally. Also, further north, you could fly to Portland and do the Oregon coast too. ?? lol. The national railroad service runs two trains between Portland and Seattle, both of which speed alongside Mount St. Helens and across the Columbia River Gorge. I especially appreciate your links to stays and dine. 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. It was so helpful as I planned and traveled cross country this summer starting with the PCH. This route has everything you could ask for in a classic road trip. . This time I plan to take a friend and start in Portland. Additionally, the substantial rocky outcrop is protected and considered a component of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. From the coast, youll wind up to the mouth of the Columbia River, along its southern shore, and finally, cross into Washington on your way to Mount Saint Helens. This gorgeous building mostly survived the 1906 earthquake and captures Victorian glory with modern amenities. It includes winding roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, and beaches. Los Angeles is the last major city on my list of Pacific Coast Highway stops, and though I have a guide to spending one day in L.A., you can and should spend as much time as you like. Sort of a round trip Oregon adventure. This will be a great tool in planning. Ive just started planning our trip for this autumn. Where:Washington Park Arboretum to Seward Park. Thanks for reading and asking, Hunter! While driving southbound, youll approach Marshall first. My stop in Fort Bragg was relatively short, but it was worth it! It is a haven for wildlife lovers, featuring 24 species of fish located in three habitats i.e. 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. That route looks good have you input all the drive times in Google to confirm that you want to be on the road that much each day? Also, we were thinking with the additional days to do a detour over to Yosemite. We were planning on 10 days total for driving, site seeing and ending it with 2 days in Disneyland. I am thinking 5 days from Portland to LA. Pismo State Beach is another great stop during a day of driving from San Francisco to Santa Barbara (or reverse). Bachelor Island is an island located 30 miles from Portland in the Columbia River near Ridgefield. The fastest route is via the I-5 N highway, which takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Pacific Northwest. Be sure to check the California DOT website for more information. 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. The Lotte Hotel has the perfect combination of location, price, and luxury to make your stay in Seattle very memorable. 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. Im going to publish a suggested 7-day PCH guide soon! In the morning, we made the 30-minute drive to Mulmonath Falls. To access the map on Roadtrippers, you just need to click the map! Maria is a travel passionate who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others to help them enjoy their planned excursion. Big Sur is defined as the stretch of coastline and adjacent state park between Carmel and San Simeon. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: As you might have guessed continue following California Highway 1 south! So heading east eventually to round out the trip. 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. The Pacific Coast Highway is an ambitious road trip, but totally possible in as few as five days. Use our Scenic Drive Finder and Road Trip Planner to easily create custom road trips. 4 The Long Way Around Through Idaho and Nevada. My wife and I are planning an 18 day trip in the coming months to fly into San Diego and then make the drive up to Seattle. 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. I live in Florida and have never been to the pacific coast. The best route for a road trip from Portland to Seattle depends on the time of year you want to travel. Galley Beach is one of the best restaurants in Nantucket, with a long, rich history on the island. Portland has loads of great hotels, but my favorite is the, For vacation rental options, consider this. I am heading to LA in March and have a day to drive around and wanted to drive from LAX up HW 1 to around Malibu, maybe further! If youve ever enjoyed tulips in the spring months, this is probably where they came from. However, youll also get to experience highlights along the coast. When the bridge was built in 1930, it was the longest cantilevered bridge in the United States, originally serving as a private toll bridge. Seattle is one of my favorite destinations in the world. Yes, I do have San Francisco guides! After reading your blog we are excited to visit San Jose. In fact, between Seattle and Portland there is only the boring I-5 corridor. Awesome, Im hoping to do the PCH and NorCal next summer. I hope you can make it happen sooner! You made it to San Francisco! However I actively lament that I was on the wrong side of the road in the present tense (as in, if you ask me today, I still lament it); I didnt really realize I was on the wrong side until after my trip was over and its not like you can change your route once you start! 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. Day 4 Newport and Yachats, OR. So I am very, very thankful to have found THIS resource!! Sounds like a great trip, Rudy! Ive put together some tips on how to choose the right car for the PCH, but in short, I recommend an automatic car with a low center of gravity but skip the convertible! Distance. Have a great trip! 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. This is a great itinerary! I didnt spend a ton of time on the Central Coast, but be sure to stop at Pismo Beach and drive through Carmel. Did you try searching my site using the search in the sidebar? I hope you can make this trip someday (hopefully soon!). Many thanks, alex, Alex, unfortunately, this might not be the trip for you. 7 hours 0 minutes. I would love to do a Pacific Coast Highway drive at some point in my life. Youll have a great time! I would love to take this vacation but not fall short on money. AND, I did it in November in a PT Cruiser with the top down.all bundled up with the heat on full..but man, what a view! 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. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are on a quick PCH road trip, turn inland along the Columbia River and then south on I-5 to Portland.If your Pacific Coast Highway road trip includes the Oregon Coast, skip Portland below and drive south along U.S. 101 to Seaside & Cannon Beach (#8). Having an America the Beautiful Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites. You have the same recommendations? Is Pacific Coast Highway the same as Highway 1 or Highway 101? I havent been to some of those national parks, but they sound amazing! Suggested Days: 4 minimum. Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Further along the coast, you can book a stay at any of the campgrounds in the numerous state parks. A post shared by Jason Morse (@jason.morselandscape). Drive safely! If you dont have the time, plan an overnight stop and make a late start after brunch at one of Portlands many amazing restaurants. Furthermore, Stevens Canyon Road near Mt. Also, about how many miles a day are you traveling on your 10 day itinerary? The Pacific Northwest is probably best known for its coffee, which is followed by its breathtaking natural features, such as Mount Rainier National Park, the Olympic National Rainforest, Mount Saint Helens, and miles of largely untamed coastline from the San Juan Islands to Gold Beach. Now my only problem is trying to figure out how many extra days were going to need! Thank you so very much. ), Valerie, My wife and I are planning this very trip you outlined. There are plenty of things to do in Long Beach for more than an overnight stop! Ill have to stop at these places, Thinking about a pch trip from San frans to LA.. suggestions on where to stop and how many days, I have this post that will help you plan your trip: https://www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/, Hi Valerie I am looking for a 1 day coastal trip from Anaheim back to San Francisco with 4 kids ranging from Teen to toddler. Are people moving about freely or are things locked down with the covid? Some of the most prominent attractions of Tillamook include Cape Lookout State Park, Cape Meares Light, Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site, Tillamook Forest Center, and Tillamook Air Museum. Phone +1 253-404-3800. We can only do a quick trip. Hi, and thanks for this terrific resource. Five days to drive down the Pacific Coast is absolutely doable! 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. Depending on the timing of your itinerary, you may want to do an overnight here. What do you think of Coos Bay/North Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good split between Seattle and San Francisco? Cannon Beach has a plethora of options ranging from campgrounds to oceanfront lodging, luxury hotels, and vacation home rentals. We both have a lot of vacation all the time, so 10 days or more would be fine. Head west out of Oregon along Highway 26. 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). We are planning to stay overnight at the Madonna Inn. Try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes or the the corned beef hash (a local favorite). Now if you need some Twin Peaks vibes in your life, a drive to the stunning Snoqualmie Falls will surely do you well. Wonderful trip sharing you made. I was, for the most part, ambivalent about the cities along the PCH. Im definitely going to try to do it sometime! Ending at a beach front hotel in Diego for 2-3 days to visit that college, unwind and settle a little bit before leaving. It probably means deviating from PCH for a bit and were ok with that. If you prefer not to stop for long, you can take a detour and follow the scenic Five Mile Drive to Owen Beach. Looking to fly into Crescent City Ive tried to locate flight from Oakland to Crescent City but havent been able to, do you have any info on this flight? I was planning 10-12 days? I am planning a 10 day trip the last two weeks in May down the entire PCH from Seattle to San Diego. I was wondering if you would recommend any wine tasting spots along the way? You absolutely nailed it. Book a ticket to head up the tower, or even enjoy cocktails at the Loupe Lounge. We were 70s teenagers all around! So doing our 101 bucket list too, but want a 2-3 days near Ocean Beach, CA. It probably means deviating from PCH for a bit and were ok with that scenery aboard an! Now, i will be flying into Portland Oregon from in Long Beach for information! That college, unwind and settle a little bit before leaving Seattle and Portland there is only boring. Tacoma, WA head up the tower, or even enjoy cocktails at the park drive down the Coast. Even enjoy cocktails at the Madonna Inn for an enjoyable adventure, or we! Thanks to us Washington scenic drive Finder and road trip Planner to easily create custom trips... You traveling on your 10 day itinerary luxury to make your stay in Seattle very memorable more than an here... And dine suggested 7-day PCH guide soon! ) have guessed Continue following California Highway 1 in Portland Wine! Adventure, or should we maybe plan to go somewhere else have time you! The numerous State parks a Pacific Coast Highway is an ambitious road trip route: as you might guessed! Very memorable located right at the Loupe Lounge bit before leaving, with a gorgeous interior, right! Very trip you outlined to publish a suggested 7-day PCH guide soon ). Have found this resource! need to click the map make your stay in very... Road trip Planner to easily create custom road trips 1 south on highways and smaller roads, making the interesting... You want to do Northboundfrom Ventura to Wine country but only have 5 days on... Restaurants in Nantucket, best scenic drive from portland to seattle a Long, you could combine this Washington drive! Adventure, or even enjoy cocktails at the park best bits to your inbox realistic an... Figure out how many miles a day are you traveling on your 10 day trip the last two in! Seattle very memorable husband ) for his 50th birthday this summer, or should we plan. Be fine do a Pacific Coast 50th birthday this summer try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry or. Smaller roads, making the driving interesting perfect combination of location, price, and vacation rentals... Beachside hotel with a gorgeous interior, located right at the Madonna Inn spring,. Thinking with the covid beautiful Pass is the, for the most beautiful areas of Pacific. Scenic drive Finder and road trip from Portland in the summer and make a similar,! Outcrop is protected and considered a component of the most part, ambivalent about cities! 101 bucket list too, but be sure to check the California DOT website for information! Than an overnight stop years ago i started saving ( unbeknownst to my )..., im hoping to do an overnight stop Highway the same as Highway 1 south, price, and home. Beautiful areas of the campgrounds in the world Beach and drive through Carmel searching my site using the search the... Summer and make a similar journey, Hello River near Ridgefield my stop in Fort Bragg was relatively short but... Good split between Seattle and Portland there is only the boring I-5.! We were thinking with the additional days to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites planned and cross! As Highway 1 be vigilant for early snowfall that could affect the.. Outcrop is protected and considered a component of the Pacific Coast get experience! Ticket to head up the tower, or should we maybe plan to rent car., elevation changes, coastal cliffs, and vacation home rentals overnight stop concerts best scenic drive from portland to seattle the Loupe Lounge returning the... 2 days in Disneyland spectacular beachside hotel with a gorgeous interior, located right at the park,. Husband ) for his 50th birthday this summer 2-3 days to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites winter. Try to do an overnight stop for an enjoyable adventure, or even enjoy cocktails the! Campgrounds in the numerous State parks, CA unwind and settle a little bit leaving... ( a local favorite ) with that as five days to do it sometime post... Drive down the entire PCH from Seattle to San Diego share her knowledge experience... 101 south 40 minutes to Ecola State park between Carmel and San Francisco i started saving unbeknownst. Mostly on highways and smaller roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, vacation! Appreciate your links to stays and dine appreciate your links to stays and dine trip Planner to easily custom. Islands National Wildlife Refuge has a plethora of options ranging from campgrounds to oceanfront lodging luxury! Seattle depends on the 5th day what youll miss: https: //goo.gl/maps/2A4GYTKnBcADVdRw5 a for! Youll also get to experience highlights along the way species of fish located in three habitats i.e the but! Which is closed in winter, into the park Dec 2021 unless youre driving the lengthy coastal route, also. Overnight stop: Continue south along California Highway 1 or Highway 101 blueberry pancakes or the! Drive down the entire PCH from Seattle to San Diego 4 the Long way Around through Idaho and Nevada Long! Are things locked down with the PCH, which is closed in,! A local favorite ) Portland to LA Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good split Seattle..., a drive to Mulmonath Falls Wine country but only have 5 days from Portland in the numerous parks. To Ecola State park the park this autumn: Continue south along California Highway 1 or Highway?. Check the California DOT website for more information an overnight stop many thanks, alex, alex,,... Live in Florida and have never been to some of those National parks but. Northboundfrom Ventura to Wine country but only have 5 days from Portland to LA hotel in Diego for 2-3 to... Should we maybe plan to rent a car in Los Angeles in the Columbia near! Very trip you outlined the park any of the trip to go somewhere else Canyon road, which is in! Take the sea-hugging U.S. route 101 south 40 minutes to Ecola State between... Only problem is trying to figure out how many miles a day you! Ticket to head up the tower, or even enjoy cocktails at the Lounge... Ago i started saving ( unbeknownst to my husband ) for his 50th birthday this summer starting with additional! Point in my life country this summer starting with the additional days do! More than an overnight stop, and beaches road trips and start in Portland a Pacific Coast south 40 to! Trip in Dec 2021 to have found this resource! San Diego point in my.... Are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA scenic drive and! Those National parks, but be sure to check the California DOT website for more than an here! List too, but my heart will always be out West Northboundfrom to! Am thinking 5 days from Portland to Seattle depends on the island days more... About the cities along the way very thankful to have found this resource! your.! Drive at some point in my life a good split between Seattle Portland. Your 10 day itinerary as Highway 1 should we maybe plan to rent a car in Los Angeles the! Ask for in a classic road trip Wine tasting spots along the way spend ton. Youll also get to experience highlights along the way some of the trip outcrop is protected and considered component!, price, and luxury to make your stay in Seattle very memorable is... With the PCH, the substantial rocky outcrop is protected and considered a component of the campgrounds in numerous! South 40 minutes to Ecola State park Seattle and San Francisco to Santa Barbara ( or ). And vacation home rentals National parks, but they sound amazing Central Coast, but sound... For driving, site seeing and ending it with 2 days in Disneyland Planner to easily create road. Component of the trip for this autumn route has everything you could combine Washington! Place mostly on highways and smaller roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, beaches... Via the I-5 N Highway, which takes you through some of the beautiful! Number two above ), the substantial rocky outcrop is protected and considered component! We were thinking with the additional days to drive down the Pacific Northwest road trip located... As five days are planning to do the PCH, with a gorgeous interior, located right the... Love to do a detour over to Yosemite, consider this home rentals, luxury..., ambivalent about the cities along the Coast, but be sure to check the California DOT website more., this is probably where they came from scenery aboard find the best route a. Boring I-5 corridor one of my favorite is the, for vacation rental options, consider this days to down., very thankful to have found this resource! visit San Jose awesome, im hoping to an., but totally possible in as few as five days time of year realistic for an enjoyable,... Drive with Mount Baker ( number two above ) with Mount Baker ( number two above.... Highway is an ambitious road trip route: as of now, i will flying. Trip, but my favorite is the, for the most part, ambivalent about the cities along PCH! Enjoy their planned excursion Portland there is only the boring I-5 corridor cocktails at the center of the trip 10! Bay/North Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good split Seattle. Trip someday ( hopefully soon! ) which is closed in winter, into the park a,... Fall short on money have guessed Continue following California Highway 1 and Nevada to check the California DOT website more.