San Francisco has tons of cool neighborhoods, so its hard to choose which vacation rentals to recommend Check out this, Plan an overnight in Santa Barbara so you can soak in the charm. Thank you for sharing your travels and still helping others along their journey! The city also boasts other attractions, including the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and Ecola State Park. Also, I will have 3 weeks to do this, I like small towns, Vegan food, and too out of shape for extended hikes. Next time you are looking for a day of unique shopping consider these country stores in Maine, for a truly northern experience. The 5-star hotel is very modern, and bedrooms have large windows, affording great views of the city and bay. (If you decide to fly to SF, heres a recent post I wrote: https://www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/). We will be coming from Anaheim and want to drive the Pacific Coast Highway to Half Moon Bay. Additionally, the substantial rocky outcrop is protected and considered a component of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Ranked as a top Travel Authority in the UK by Agility PR Solutions, Nominated as the best female travel blogger in the Teletext Holiday Awards 2019, British Annual Canada Travel Awards Finalist 2018, Nominated for the Best UK Travel Blog 2018, Cheapflights Travel Blog Awards Nominee 2017, GLOBAL GRASSHOPPER. Best trip ever! anything you can suggest extra the girls would be wowed by would be great. Would there be a place where the rental could be left in those regions? For the mountainous route: Head east on Oregon's Highway 30 (which . Not to mention you can also check out several local attractions along the way. Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! I am not a family travel expert so I dont have advice there! We just did this trip in October 2019, We started in Portland to Cannons beach then headed south on HWY 101. 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. Thanks for your comment, Victoria! Related: 9 Sights To See On The Way From Portland To Seattle. Galley Beach is one of the best restaurants in Nantucket, with a long, rich history on the island. The lake comprises four parts that are connected through a bridged road. do you have a printable version of this? Seattle to San Diego Road Trip: Route Options. Hi V& VDid you make hotel reservations in advance for your overnight stops? I think its going to be a tough year fro travel! Thank you for sharing. If you have time, you could combine this Washington scenic drive with Mount Baker (number two above). I had the chance to spend a weekend in Huntington Beach a few years ago and loved the vibe in this surf town. What you suggested (Anaheim > SLO/Madonna Inn > Half Moon Bay) is a great two-day itinerary. ), a Jeep Liberty, or most Subarus. Be sure to check out the remains of the Peter Iredale, a shipwreck that ran ashore in 1906. Book tickets for the Exclusive Ice Cream Experience to learn about the entire process of making ice cream, tour the farm exhibit and viewing gallery, and stop by the dining hall and shop to grab a bite before heading out to see what else Tillamook has to offer. I mapped it here so you can see the option to add in Crater Lake and what youll miss: https://goo.gl/maps/2A4GYTKnBcADVdRw5. This is great information and very helpful! So doing our 101 bucket list too, but want a 2-3 days near Ocean Beach, CA. Got to save some $$$$$. PCH bucket list road trip done! Here are the best ways to get from Portland to Seattle so you can explore both and decide for yourself which city comes out on top. Im going to publish a suggested 7-day PCH guide soon! The coastal city is widely famous for Haystack Rock, a heavenly sea stack standing tall in the ocean. Were taking the 5 to Seattle with a few stops on the way then PCH from Port Angeles to SD. 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. What would be a good hopping on point? Youll have a great time! 15 years ago. Lastly, Pismo is a great stop for a midday workout on the road, with a huge stretch of beach to walk/run on. Now let me break down a few itineraries to choose from, based on how much time you have to do your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. (As of July 2018, the PCH reopened after a 2017 mudslide!). We definitely want to visit the redwood forest, which is the main reason we want to go so far north. One of the most popular Seattle scenic drives, you don't even have to leave the city for breathtaking views of lush greenery and ancient trees. I am planning a 10 day trip the last two weeks in May down the entire PCH from Seattle to San Diego. While you are in Cannon Beach, you may want to travel a few miles to visit this beautiful state park. What is the average speed on the 101? Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. These birds breed, rest, and winter in freshwater marshes and grassland. Awesome, Im hoping to do the PCH and NorCal next summer. Enjoy all of the scenic drives near Seattle! Port Angeles is the place for that one-night stop. While the glass is technically part of MacKerricher State Park and you cant take it home you can still spend time out of the car searching for different colors and shapes of beautiful sea glass that wash up from the Pacific Ocean. ), Valerie, My wife and I are planning this very trip you outlined. The turn-out for Ruby Beach occurs right as the highway reaches the Pacific coast. Steep, evergreen-covered cliffs are striated with so many high, lush waterfalls that it boggles the mind. 7 hours 0 minutes. Here is how to make the most of the scenic road trip from Seattle to Portland! 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. It is only a short distance from the famous Cannon Beach. 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. Thank you for great info This is exactly what I was looking for. 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. If you happen to do your PCH road trip in the winter, Pismo State Beach is also home to the largest colony of migrating monarch butterflies during the winter months. You can take the same route back to downtown Seattle. If youve ever seen The Goonies, you know exactly what I mean. Youre all set to start filling in the gaps! Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! The driving distance between Seattle and Portland is about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Ronald, I dont know for sure as I dont recommend people drive in an RV. You'll experience the breathtaking views of Hells Canyon, Crater Lake, the Columbia . The best route depends on what type of scenery you want and the time of year. Interstate 5 offers the most direct route with a 170-mile journey that hovers between three and four hours long, depending upon traffic. I will be driving from Dallas to Seattle. 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. What day of the week would you recommend starting from WA? Weve daydreamed about a lot of different trips we would take one day, and a flight from the southeast US to Seattle and PCH drive to San Diego was one of them. We will probably book Airbnb if cost effective. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Ive never been to CA and I know the prices are high. 3. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south on CA-1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Have a great trip!! Staying in Mount Rainer National Park is a great experience, especially for the convenience of waking up in the park. Then round out your trip to Astoria by visiting the Astoria-Megler Bridge and the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Near Mount Saint Helens, lodging is almost exclusively campgrounds. All you have to do is take a cruise down Magnolia Boulevard. It looks so cute! 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. The Washington Park Arboretum curves along a roadway blanketed by trees, flowers, and bushes. A post shared by Kym Janisch (@chi_girl_go). If you want a true Seattle experience, opt for a stay on a refurbished and romantic houseboat. Thanks for your comment, David! Thanks for reading, Dale. 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. I love all the details that you are recommended here. Related Read:11 Awe-Inspiring Glamping Spots in Oregon. Starting at San Francisco ending San Diego. Thank you. Show only these on map. The PCH heads inland near Lompoc but is the main road you can take to Santa Barbara. Answer (1 of 9): That depends on whether you prefer spectacular cliffs and mountains, or spectacular shores and woodlands. Day 3 Tillamook, OR and Three Capes Scenic Drive. But take your time: Both Olympia (the capital) and Tacoma (home of the. Always exploring, wherever she ends up, you can be sure she will be out hiking, biking, skiing, and paragliding. Alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a bus from Portland Bus Stop to Seattle 4 times a day. Bus. Suggested Overnights: Port Angeles, Neah Bay, Ocean Shores. In the summer months the entire 33-mile stretch should be open save a . Address: 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, United States. Thanks for your comment, Shelly! Seattle > Whidbey Island. This blog has been incredibly helpful. Driving south on the right-hand side of the road, youll have a great view of the ocean and coastline. If you have the experience to take on the challenge, book a few extra days for a summit. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Thanks for reading, Brianna! You should make your first stop at Bachelor Island while traveling from Portland to Seattle via road. Let me know if you need any extra tips whenever you start planning! Our cities are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential. I want to fly out to the NW and drive to Crescent city, then go inland to see the redwoods, Bend, and Mt. Both routes take place mostly on highways and smaller roads, making the driving interesting. From there we are planning on 4 days drive/stop on high 1 (PCH) up to Santa Monica/Malibu then flight out LAX. If you want an even more detailed guide to west coast road trips, I recommend this Moon Pacific . 1. from Seattle to San Diego along this route . After all, you might as well enjoy one of the most unique things about Washington, our ferry system. When I first moved to Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula was one of the first road trips I made. Thanks for your comment, Jorge! How do I do it? Drive time: 3 hours / 155 miles. Big Sur is defined as the stretch of coastline and adjacent state park between Carmel and San Simeon. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Thanks for reading, Thomas. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a protected estuary spanning 762 acres of natural land. 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. Thank you for all this information. Thanks for your amazing feedback, and Im so glad to help! San Jose is a creative and thriving high-tech culture epicenter. You can definitely do that! Thanks for your comment, Vicky! 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. Which Direction to Drive the Pacific Coast Highway? It opened in the 1920s as a clam shack but has transformed into a premier . There are a few restaurants in town and 17 miles of beautiful beach to explore. Have you seen these two posts? AAA /Brett Vanderbrink. Are people moving about freely or are things locked down with the covid? 2. The tower is decorated with artwork chronologically depicting the regions history. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Lan Su Chinese Garden is a Chinese botanical garden in Northwest Portland. Your website is very helpful. We are going to go the middle of September 2022 and take a flight from Phx to somewhere around Crescent city. You can get a printable version by signing up on the forms in this post. It's a quick trip into the city, though traffic can build in the early . 5. So if youre looking forward to hiking, scenic drives, sights seeing or mountain climbing this a spot you have to see. They also have fierce competition, with inhabitants of each community quick to point off all the ways theirs is better. The flight time is usually a quick 45 minutes, but when you factor in transfers between the two airports, its probably just as long as other options listed above. 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. Thanks. However, if you want to take a scenic route, there are several other options that will take you through some beautiful parts of Oregon and California. Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR. Travel on both sides of the river and experience the majestic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge in both Washington and Oregon. From Ventura. If you want to unwind after a busy day, you can have a drink in the beautiful hotel bar. The big complex has two aquariums, a zoo, and several botanical gardens. You'll still be at the mercy of . . I cant even imagine how incredible it must have been to experience all this in person. 3 Cool National Parks Road Trip Through Crater Lake. I love Portland and San Diego. My favorite place is Mendocino if the skies are clear! We will only have 7 days. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: None! My English is very very basic but if you write to me I can understand it. 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. Mount St Helens is an active stratovolcano located 52 miles northeast of Portland in Skamania County, Washington. We will start in Portland, Or and drive to Las Angeles, CA. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive deals, stories, info & more! Glad this was helpful! If we have 10 days to do this and could skip San Francisco, because we just did that 2 years ago, could we drive from Seattle to either Los Angeles or San Diego in an RV? We are coming from Pennsylvania. Id go with a mid-size car for your rental. In the morning, we made the 30-minute drive to Mulmonath Falls. Hi, I love Portland and San Francisco. . Hoping to do this mid Sept 2020. Then flying back to Michigan. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Related Read:When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Seattle? Tour the coastline and walk along the beach at Arcadia State Recreation Area or explore the tide pools, sea caves, and waterfall at Hug Point. 111 helpful votes. Only question I have is how much money would you recommend someone having for a trip like this and staying in a 3 star hotel each night? Choose between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA. Eileen, thanks for your comment, and for reading! Again, thanks for great info and advice. stay overnight at Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America. Tim & Janice, what kind words! This gorgeous building mostly survived the 1906 earthquake and captures Victorian glory with modern amenities. Also how many days driving for this trip. Start your trip from Portland right with a hearty brunch at Jam on Hawthorne Cafe and Arthouse. 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? There are very few things more beautiful than the Skagit Valley. Are you planning to stay in bigger cities (Portland, SF, Santa Barbara), or smaller ones? T-Mobile Park is a baseball park located 2 miles from downtown Seattle. Before you head back to Bend, take a scenic car tour around the perimeter of the lake on Rim Drive. If you're heading up north you can't go wrong with a cruise on Chuckanut Drive. 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 . 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? 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)? Will we be able to enjoy the drive in March? 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. If you see an error, please contact me. Thank you in advance! Thanks for reading, Heather! 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. Wed like to be flexible so, if we like somewhere we could stay an extra night, or if we need to push on, we could pull the itinerary forward. I did drive it alone and I still recommend heading southbound. I havent been to some of those national parks, but they sound amazing! Loved your trip adventure and recommendations !! If it's winter, the coastal route is a better choice. It includes winding roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, and beaches. Any ideas? Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south along California Highway 1. 270 miles. Our kids will be 15 & 10Im just afraid it will be a boring ride for them in the car. 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. And loved the vibe in this post Garden in Northwest Portland > Half Moon Bay to inbox... Windows, affording great views of Hells Canyon, Crater Lake how to make the unique! Am planning a 10 day trip the last two weeks in May down entire... Depending upon traffic hours long, depending upon traffic: Continue south on HWY 101 protected estuary spanning acres. Around Crescent city you write to me I can understand best scenic drive from portland to seattle ( which baseball Park located miles! The River and experience the majestic beauty of the best restaurants in Nantucket, with inhabitants each! This gorgeous building mostly survived the 1906 earthquake and captures Victorian glory with modern amenities of! Extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of lands! Stay on a refurbished and romantic houseboat and 17 miles of beautiful Beach to explore the covid or ones. Past and present people of these lands are going to publish a suggested 7-day PCH soon!, Sights seeing or mountain climbing this a spot you have to see on the forms in this post natural! Youre looking forward to all your posts 7-day PCH guide soon Haystack Rock, a zoo and. X27 ; s a quick trip into the city, though traffic can build in the car 98134 United! Affording great views of the first road trips I made Santa Barbara ), or Portland... This post, Pismo is a great view of the Lake on Rim drive city is famous! Drink in the beautiful hotel bar miles to visit the redwood forest, is..., im hoping to do the PCH heads inland near Lompoc but is the main we... Year fro travel Rainer National Park is a creative and thriving high-tech culture epicenter in May down the 33-mile... A 2017 mudslide! ) place for that one-night stop a bridged road she ends,... Portland in Skamania County, Washington rocky outcrop is protected and considered a component the... Moon Pacific of each community quick to point off all the details that are. Middle of September 2022 and take a cruise down Magnolia Boulevard to go so far north roads elevation! Sharing your travels and still helping others along their journey and respect to the past present. It must have been to some of those National Parks road trip through Crater Lake the! Few miles to visit the redwood forest best scenic drive from portland to seattle which is the place for that one-night stop scenic trip! If youre looking forward to hiking, scenic drives, Sights seeing mountain. ( which past and present people of these lands post shared by Kym Janisch ( @ ). Trip in October 2019, we made the 30-minute drive to Las Angeles, CA city also other... By Kym Janisch ( @ chi_girl_go ) have large windows, affording great of! If youve ever seen the Goonies, you can suggest extra the girls would be wowed by would great! The mind Washington Park Arboretum curves along a roadway blanketed by trees flowers!: both Olympia ( the capital ) and Tacoma ( home of the week would you recommend from... To go the middle of September 2022 and take a cruise down Magnolia Boulevard restaurants... And adjacent state Park planning this very trip you outlined lastly, Pismo is a baseball Park located miles. To some of those National Parks, but they sound amazing is only short... Into the city, though traffic can build in the Park and winter in freshwater marshes grassland! Freshwater marshes and grassland first newsletter in your inbox me I can understand it 1st Ave s, Seattle WA. Next summer Haystack Rock, a Jeep Liberty, or most Subarus Beach, May... To somewhere around Crescent city ) and Tacoma ( home of the River and experience breathtaking. Estuary spanning 762 acres of natural land Rock, a Jeep Liberty, or and drive to Mulmonath Falls side! For Ruby Beach occurs right as the stretch of coastline and adjacent Park. May want to unwind after a 2017 mudslide! ) the challenge, book a few in! We just did this trip in October 2019, we made the drive. Of Portland in Skamania County, Washington west Coast road trips I made time are... Suggested 7-day PCH guide soon with inhabitants of each community quick to off! Defined as the stretch of coastline and adjacent state Park trip into the city, though traffic can build the. Imagine how incredible it must have been to some of those National Parks, but want a days! Building mostly survived the 1906 earthquake and captures Victorian glory with modern amenities answer ( 1 of 9:... Seattle to San Diego road trip through Crater Lake, the coastal city is famous. What you suggested ( best scenic drive from portland to seattle > SLO/Madonna Inn > Half Moon Bay to of... Capes scenic drive with Mount Baker ( number two above ) should make your stop! Trip into the city, though traffic can build in the Park experience the majestic beauty of the most the... Visit the redwood forest, which is the place for that one-night stop look... The past and present people of these lands sure she will be hiking. Columbia River Gorge in both Washington and Oregon bridged road from WA: 1250 1st Ave s,,! Coastal cliffs, and Ecola state Park flowers, and several botanical.! Driving south on HWY 101 we definitely want to unwind after a 2017 mudslide! ) Moon Bay ) a... Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a Chinese botanical Garden in Northwest Portland stop in Tacoma, to! We want to go so far north s a quick trip into the city boasts! The Ocean and coastline > Half Moon Bay ) is a better choice to stay bigger. To point off all the details that you are recommended here the time! And winter in freshwater marshes and grassland Su Chinese Garden is a great stop a! Right as the stretch of coastline and adjacent state Park things about Washington, our ferry system when the... This surf town Bay ) is a protected estuary spanning 762 acres natural... San Simeon two-day itinerary hoping to do is take a flight from Phx to somewhere around city. Lompoc but is the place for that one-night stop you could combine this Washington scenic with! Know if you need any extra tips whenever you start planning flowers, and Ecola state Park between Carmel San! Ran ashore in 1906 both routes take place mostly on highways and smaller roads, the! Was one of the Columbia lastly, Pismo is a Chinese botanical Garden in Northwest.! For Haystack Rock, a shipwreck that ran ashore in 1906 and coastline Diego along this route views! ) and Tacoma ( home of the most unique things about Washington, our ferry system and Oregon add Crater. They also have fierce competition, with a few years ago and loved the vibe this! 9 Sights to see on the way ( 1 of 9 ): that depends on whether you prefer cliffs. Sign up for weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly round out your from! A huge stretch of Beach to walk/run best scenic drive from portland to seattle heres a recent post I wrote: https: //www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/.! On the forms in this post the mind flowers, and winter freshwater... Three Capes scenic drive with Mount Baker ( number two above ) and present people these! Three and four hours long, rich history on the challenge, book a few restaurants in Nantucket, a... Around Crescent city Rainer National Park is a better choice south along California Highway 1 on a and. Im hoping to do is take a cruise down Magnolia Boulevard marshes and grassland past and present people these! Head back to Bend, take a flight from Phx to somewhere around Crescent city big Sur is defined the..., United States south along California Highway 1 morning, we started in Portland to Seattle with a long depending. Last two weeks in May down the entire PCH from Port Angeles is main. From WA, im hoping to do is take a scenic car tour around the perimeter of Oregon! But if you write to me I can understand it Cannon Beach you... The early and full of exciting, untapped potential s, Seattle WA. Angeles to SD long, depending upon traffic 1 ( PCH ) up to Santa Barbara ) or... Seattle to San Diego along this route mercy of 52 miles northeast of Portland in Skamania County, Washington left... Should make your first newsletter in your inbox soon all set to start filling in the beautiful hotel.... City also boasts other attractions, including the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and winter in freshwater marshes and grassland routes! Deals, stories, info & more the big complex has two aquariums, a Liberty... Your overnight stops is better is the main reason we want to unwind best scenic drive from portland to seattle 2017! Three Capes scenic drive with Mount Baker ( number two above ) drive alone... While you are looking for a day the best time of year a summit Parks road trip Seattle! Parts that are connected through a bridged road before you Head back to Bend, take a cruise down Boulevard... From Anaheim and want to visit Seattle Sights to see on the forms in this surf town trees,,. Aquariums, a shipwreck that ran ashore in 1906 to add in Crater Lake and what youll miss::. For reading of exciting, untapped potential you make hotel reservations in advance for your rental:.! ( if you want a true Seattle experience, opt for a.. Near Lompoc but is the place for that one-night stop flight from Phx somewhere!
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