Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I completely agree with the opinion that the modern United States is still different. Psst check out the recommended Portland hotels above, and book an extra night if youre totally feeling this day trip. However, most of the aircraft were moved to other museums over the years, leaving a modest collection of 25 airplanes. San Franciscos Golden Gate Park is like New York Central Park but is 20% larger. Be sure to stop at 1) Bastendorff Beach (never-crowded and always beautiful), 2) Sunset Bay State Park (protected by towering sea cliffs with beautiful sandy beaches and amazing tide pools), 3) Cape Arago Lighthouse Viewpoint (cant go in but you can get fantastic views from here), 4) Shore Acres State Park and Botanical Gardens (for those who cant get enough blooms in their life), 5) Simpson Beach (tons of migrating whales and hundreds of seals and sea lions among other wildlife), 6) Shell Island (breeding and rest areas for seabirds and Marine mammals), and finally 7) Cape Arago State Park. 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. However, if one wants to enjoy most of the attractions along the San Franciso-Seattle road, they must spend at least an extra 5 to 7 days. Gabi also works as a consultant and writer for several travel agencies and business organizations. : The perfect stop for a late lunch, depending on how much exploring/sand-duning you did earlier. My favorites are Mendocino, Crater Lake, Lassen, and Cannon Beach! Rainier national park. San Francisco To Seattle: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary - TheTravel In terms of what we want: - a couple of days either end to explore both cities. And you cant really determine where they are real in metropolitan cities or in some American outback. Seattle to San Francisco - Road Trips Forum - Tripadvisor Ill receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which Ill totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. The nearby town of Redding is a great place to base yourself for these two days wandering around Lassen and Burney! For more information about local wildlife, visit Wilderness Information Center as well as Henry M Jackson Visitor Center. Day 1: Fly into Seattle and pick up your rental car (or, leave from Seattle if you live here!). How to Plan an Amazing San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip Not I, thats for sure! Beware that the line to get on one of those can reach up to 2 hours! Drive to Port Angeles, with a stop at Nourish Sequim along the way for a delicious (and gluten free) lunch. Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets. 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. See Sundial Bridge. Slightly better one: Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn 3*. Yachats other name is the gem of the Oregon coast, and there is a good reason for that. Search for the best car rental prices here, my favorite things to do in San Francisco, Pacific Coast Highway all my favorite stops here! Read More: One Day in Mount Rainier from Seattle. Perfect San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip Itinerary 2023 Thank). Eugene city, the birthplace of NIKE, is next on the list and is best to visit during summer for hiking trails. The Ultimate San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip The beautiful Victorian Mansion has a haunted house look. Make sure to join free tours offered several times daily. Mount Rainier is most definitely a landmark in Washingtons landscape. If youre feeling fancy definitely check out the Palace Hotel, Hotel Vitale (complete with rooftop yoga), and Intercontinental Hotel Mark Hopkins SF (super elegant and sophisticated), and Hotel Zetta (Yerba Buena), the Phoenix Hotel (funky and a pastel paradise), and Clift Hotel (in the super cute Nob Hill) if quirky boutique hotels are more your thing. Choose Sonoma if youd like a lower-cost, laid-back and intimate afternoon, enjoy a variety of wines (everything from pinot to zinfandel and charbono to gewurztraminer), and want to get off the beaten track a bit. 2 Week Road Trip Itinerary Overview Over the course of 2 weeks, we drove approximately 1650 miles (2330km) at a moderate pace. 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. 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. From sculpture parks and waterfront activities, to bacon brie Belgian waffles and homemade mac and cheese, Seattle has a lot to offer. The best part about the Redwoods National Park is the possibility to drive through the park rather than taking long walks. Rainier). Your pick wine or coastline. Visit the creamery to find out why their products are so delicious, peek inside the making and packing of the cheese and finally taste the samples. Iconic. Time to start making your way to the coast, because were heading north on the PCH towards Mendocino and Fort Bragg! The trail is well maintained and quite easy. Feeding wild animals is a big no-no, and can actually do way more harm than good. 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. 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). On the drive to Mendo, dont miss Patricks Saltwater Taffy, Wild Flour Bread, a quick stop in the spooky town of Jenner, Salt Point State Park, and the Point Arena Lighthouse (my favorite!). You can choose to stay within the park or just outside, your choice. People on a high budget go to world-class Michelin-starred restaurants, such as The French Laundry or Auberge Du Soleil, to eat in Napa Valley. Make sure to check out the rose garden if its open and the Zoo. Get some ideas from ourUSA West Coast Road Trip. So incredibly good. San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip: Take a Pacific Northwest Drive. Once you have satisfied your curiosity, have lunch and continue your southbound journey to Klamath Tour Thru Tree massive redwood tree with a drive-thru tunnel carved out of its trunk. Try to make an early start, as today we are driving west, towards the ocean. He loves traveling, reading, partying, and making friends. Seattle We could come up with many combinations. Sea lions can be spotted at the docks, too. . Todays adventure is a bit out of the way, but 100% worth it since you probably wont be back anytime soon (but fingers crossed you will!) It can be done in 3-5 hours, depending on your skills and physical shape. Learn how your comment data is processed. These cookies do not store any personal information. Plus, all my snack suggestions. The 960-mile road trip from Seattle to San Francisco takes 20 hours 30 minutes. The easiest way to get on the road to Seattle from San Francisco is via Interstate 5. and leave at 8:38 pm. Spend the night in one of Eurekas cozy guesthouses, such as Rodeway Inn Humboldt Bay, Clarion Hotel By Humboldt Bay 3* or Red Lion Hotel Eureka 3*. Dont get confused though Redwood National Park is actually a series of a few stunning National and State parks of protected forests, beaches and grasslands along the rugged Northern California coast. Napa / Sonoma 2. Not sure the best way to see everything (without zig zagging around the city)? Sadly, its a private club so visitors are not allowed inside but good photo ops are just in front of the building. : This is a popular whale watching site and displays an intriguing geology. 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). 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. I went a few years ago and would love to go back! Stay at an AirBnB directly in the forest (with star gazing opportunities at night) and you wont be disappointed. Psst check out the recommended Portland hotels above, and book an extra night if youre totally feeling this day trip. It is full of beautiful scenery - tall waterfalls, old mossy bridges, and greenery, hiking trails and mountain views. As always, thanks for the support. 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. That journey consists of the Drive from San Francisco to Washington's largest city, Seattle. Other moderately priced options include: Tolovana Inn (beachfront with a pool), Hallmark Resort Hotel and Spa (pets welcome! Over the course of the road trip, expect to drive approximately, 38 hours (one way) and around 1800 miles. However, there are things to do and to explore in Tillamook itself! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SF Chinatown is one of the best areas for walking around. Devils Punchbowl is a rock formation in the shape of a bowl that roars when the waves enter it and crash into rocks (especially during winter storms). This 1200 feet above sea level trail is often in the clouds but nevertheless very scenic and bright! Grandiose. Where to Stay: You can choose to stay within the park or just outside, your choice. Read Next: First Time Visitors Guide to San Francisco, Where to Find the Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Best Desserts in San Francisco, Ultimate San Francisco Food Bucket List, Three Perfect Days in San Francisco (the ultimate itinerary). The small-town Tillamook is a spectacular stop on our Seattle to San Francisco road trip and the starting point of the seaside route. 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. 9:19 pm arrive in Seattle. In order to see the best of both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mount Shasta, its best to give yourself two full days in the area. Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert. This enormous lake makes for beautiful pictures, and you can hire boats, water skis, and fishing rods to make the most of your trip to the lake. San Francisco To Seattle Road Trip: Top Routes & 5 Stops Along the Way 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! Day 1 - Seattle to Hood River via Maryhill Day 2 - Hood River area Day 3 - Hood River to Bandon via Columbia Gorge, I-5, Oregon Hwy 38 and US 101 Day 4 - Bandon to Eureka area via US 101. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Today is the final day of our trip the day we cross the Golden Gate Bridge into The City by the Bay. Head out to the Olympic Peninsula by taking the Bainbridge Island Ferry. Our original plan was to a San Francisco to Portland drive, but we found a cheaper one-way fare coming back from Seattle. 7-10 days will give you more time to explore along the way, both the beautiful landscapes at places like Crater Lake and Mount Rainier, and amazing cities like Bend, Portland, and Healdsburg. 7 day road trip from San Francisco to Seattle - California Forum Tillamook cheese factory, or creamery, is a must-stop for all fans of a farmer and natural dairy products! And thankfully, Portland is less than two hours from the coast! Other trendy recommendations include: The Society Hotel (budget funky), McMenamins Kennedy School (yes, an old elementary school! If youre itching to get out of the city, or just need to burn off a few of those delicious-donut-calories, go on a hike! Pay a visit to Point Arena Lighthouse dating back to 1908 and enjoy the view of the rugged coastline. 1) HOME SFO, 2) SEA HOME. 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). Yes, parts of this area reek, but youll quickly see why after taking note to the bubbling mud pots and steaming sulphuric vents. Good call! Another popular stop is the marvelous Shasta Lake, surrounded by mountains with barren trees that create a magnificent effect with the lake's crystal clear waters and the blue color of the sky. Its a good idea to make your way back to Portland to slice off a few hours of drive time to Mt. Day 6: Drive from Brookings to Yachats - this will give you time to explore some of the Oregon Coast such as Samuel boardman scenic byway, (101), Gold Beach, Bandon, and Florence (giant sand dunes). Rainier (STOP #11) if you prefer, TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours, 30 min // ~ 5 hours, 45 min roundtrip. We decided to stay at. Due to many cold months, Portland has great coffee culture as well as numerous microbreweries. Stop 1: San Francisco (0-5 Nights) More Things to Do in San Francisco. Be sure to check out Merriam Point, Watchman Overlook, and Pinnacles Overlook all absolutely stunning! Now lets get this San Francisco to Seattle road trip under way! If you are not up for the challenge, consider stopping at Cape Lookout Viewpoint for some great photos of the ocean. drive for about 41 minutes. However, there is an almost 5-hour journey before we reach city borders. As much as we loved San Fran, getting there was just as gorgeous (if not even more so). ), plus the cost of hotels on the way back). Rainier. There is a good chance to see lots of wildlife, including marmots and bears! Plan accordingly and bring snacks! First of all, youll probably want to spend the morning and early afternoon in Cannon Beach since you most likely arrived at night the previous day. Looking for more sweets and treats? 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! Never bother any animals you see on the beach (or anywhere for that matter), and this includes feeding, touching, etc, and please, keep your distance. We decided to stay at The Best Western Anderson Inn and at less than $100 a night (inclusive of free breakfast! If you enjoy quiet walks and being alone with nature, this park may be for you! From waterfall hiking, epic sunsets, a killer botanical garden, and another light station (Im a killer for these if you couldnt already tell), dont underestimate, Fort Bragg is only a few miles north, and a great way to spend a few hours. Have lunch at one of Oceanside cafes before you continue to the next adventure Three Capes Scenic Drive. Additionally, a lot of visitors head to Domaine Chandon to taste US's best sparkling wines. Get close to harbor seals, sea lions, seabirds, sharks, turtles in this amazing, 25-year-old aquarium. 5 day road trip Seattle to San Francisco - Road Trips Forum ), Bumpass Hell Trail Hike (its not really thaaaaat bad), Lake Helen, and. San Francisco is not a cheap city, so picking a nice and budget-friendly place to stay me be difficult. Youll still fall in love with Napa and/or Sonoma I promise. (If youve rented a car, you can return it now avoid paying for an extra few days you wont need your own wheels within the city itself). Seattle to San Francisco: Tips for a Highway 101 Road Trip - DIY Playbook Youll know when you see it. Rather stay in the car (why though?) The trail is very easy and quite short, so be there early before everyone else arrives. Tip: Good hotels for the relatively acceptable price can be found near the International Airport, for example, Hotel 1550 SFO Airport West and Bayhill Inn. Get ready for big mountain views today, as Mt. Next is a stop at the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon, the unique Toketee Falls. Seattle to San Francisco road trip is one of the best ways to explore three different states while traveling through various climate zones. Once you are finished with the hike, relax and have lunch at Paradise Inn lunch room. It's not hard to believe either. 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. The place is perfect for whale watching and great photo opportunities. This was a 13 day road trip to the Pacific Northwest starting in San Francisco. 2. With quiet seaside coves, bustling beach towns, and secluded hideaways, you wont want to miss the beauty that is Oregon. Mmmm Im salivating just thinking about the Top Pot donuts. Ultimate USA West Coast Road Trip: 7, 10 or 15 Days Itinerary Ideas Portland is the largest city in Oregon. 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. There is a possibility to hike to the tip of the cape but bear in mind it is an almost 5-mile hike! Please let us know what your main interests are. TIP: hike counter-clockwise, this way you will meet fewer crowds along the way. Youll absolutely love it here. Just saying . Youll probably be skipping this area and heading north as, are on everyones spring weekend itinerary. The best thing is that you can get in the water accompanied by professional divers to get an even closer look. Enjoy the colorful streets, shops and traditional restaurants, find out how the fortune cookies are made and shop for unusual souvenirs. We highly recommend taking the submarine tour. Bring your binoculars! Stay at an AirBnB directly in the forest (with star gazing opportunities at night) and you wont be disappointed. HAYSTACK ROCK, enough said. Check this guide for more hiking ideas in Mt. ), we couldnt have been more pleased. dont miss the obvious super twisty Lombard Street, Alamo Squares Painted Ladies (those iconic Full House houses), Twin Peaks for an awesome birds eye view of the city, Ghirardelli Square for some ice cream sundaes, and eerie yet surprisingly alluring Alcatraz. Theres a whole long list of. The quicker, more direct route along the I-5 is still a hefty 807-mile drive. Seattle vs. San Francisco for Vacation - Which one is better? The majority of people are used to the most famous road trip in the United States, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. If you had to choose between Napa and Sonoma, which one would you? Youll know when youre getting close youll smell the sulphur! We will want to leave San Fran about 3:30 on Wed . June 27, 2015. Resident of SF? However, we believe that Shasta Lake is one of the most stunning spots in California to visit.. With its varied menu and lots to choose from for any taste, Mothers Bistro & Bar is a perfect place for a tasty lunch or dinner while in Portland. Check out lodging in Crescent City, Arcata, and Trinidad. Three days in the city is the perfect amount of time for any first-time visitor to San Francisco. Looking to check something off your bucket list? Other spots we looked at included TownePlace Suites Redding, Fairfield Inn and Suites, and Hilton Garden Inn, but we booked too late and most were sold out. As I mentioned in yesterday's San Francisco recap, we had a total BLAST exploring San Francisco what a unique place! I recommend spending a few days here, as the city is weird, wacky, and downright wonderful. No visit to Northern California is complete without sipping some of the good stuff (wine, duh) in either Napa Valley or Sonoma (both excellent and similar choices). There are numerous look out points around the Cape Arago Beach Loop for viewing purposes. So incredibly good. I like to search. By the way, if you enjoy road trips, have a look at our 2-day Route 66 Las Vegas to Grand Canyon itinerary. Its more of a mixture of rocks, sea glass, and sand. Theyre both absolutely stunning and feature lush, rolling hills full of vineyards, so the scenery wont really help make up your mind. Not too many people know that! The time in the car doesnt have to be absolutely horrible. 6. Stuff your face with Mission burritos (found in, you guessed it, the Mission District), some ice cream from Bi-Rite or Mitchells (both equally orgasmic choices), a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery, and homemade Italian in North Beach. 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. The amount of land spread between the wineries. In the morning, head to Stout Grove loop trail that shows you some of the best tall redwood trees the Jedidiah Smith State Park has to offer. How To Plan An Amazing Seattle To San Francisco Road Trip