san francisco to seattle road trip 7 days

Historic Bayfront is a must-visit for shopping, strolling through the streets, sea lion watching and of course, amazing seafood! San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip: A Trip to The Pacific Northwest + More Cape Kiwanda is our next stop, with its beautiful dunes and rocks. , but dont blame me if you cant get into your pants the next day. Bring your binoculars! Mmmm Im salivating just thinking about the Top Pot donuts. 2023 Tigrest Travel Blog - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. ), then simply enjoy the San Francisco vibe, buy some local souvenirs or plan your next adventure. The Three Capes Scenic Drive takes us south from Oceanside on our drive from Seattle to San Francisco on 101. If you are looking for centrally located hotels, we recommend looking into The Society Hotel 3* or Washington Plaza Portland. 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*. Required fields are marked *. : The first of numerous lighthouses on our list, and this one just happens to be the brightest light on the Oregon coast and most photographed in the whole state. Staying near the airport has some advantages you can return the rental car at the airport and visit all SF attractions via Uber or public transport AND you will be staying close to the Airport for your return flight. 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). Oregon Maritime Museum gives you a chance to visit historic steam-powered sternwheel ship-assist tugboat. If youre feeling fancy definitely check out the Palace Hotel, Hotel Vitale (complete with rooftop yoga), and. Check out. Youll absolutely love it here. Seattle We could come up with many combinations. I like to search. are located a few miles south. You can take two main routes on a Seattle to San Francisco road trip, each with differing lengths. Read Next: A Waterfall Weekend in Lassen National Park. This park is a perfect getaway from the busy city streets. For all wine lovers, there is a fantastic stop along the way Briceland Vineyards Winery. A gem of the Pacific Northwest is the Willamette Valley, known for its 1300 wineries and vineyards. Your email address will not be published. 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. French press coffee and Belgian waffles will melt in your mouth! And as a plus, the beach isnt too sore on the eyes! That mountain sure is something. It is also worth stopping at Crescent city to visit Redwood National and State Parks. Diablo Lake (GORGEOUS but requires even more driving time), and Snoqualmie Falls, all ranging from easy to moderate with absolutely fantastic views. Worth mentioning so you dont forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this San Francisco to Seattle itinerary! Youll know when youre getting close youll smell the sulphur! Get close to harbor seals, sea lions, seabirds, sharks, turtles in this amazing, 25-year-old aquarium. Promise me you wont miss a day or two in. Yes, parts of this area reek, but youll quickly see why after taking note to the bubbling mud pots and steaming sulphuric vents. Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets. If you are flying into San Francisco International Airport and road-tripping north, you can simply hop on US Highway 101 N. From there, you can merge onto I-5 N, which you can follow all the way to Seattle. Expect to drive 2-6 hours a day with 1 or 2 longer days. Ready for some waterfall fun and stinky sulphur in your life? 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). Then you could pick up the rest of this itinerary working your way south. Seattle To San Francisco Road Trip (Day 1 &2) Since Seattle is the starting pointand five days is like a few minutes on this tripone should get to Seattle early enough. 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. An artistic stop full of galleries in the coastal town of Mendocino that boasts a gallery in a water tower. After the tour and quick cheese bites, head to Oceanside to admire the scenic Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge three large and six small rocky islands located about a half-mile offshore. The easiest way to get on the road to Seattle from San Francisco is via Interstate 5. 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. However, most of the aircraft were moved to other museums over the years, leaving a modest collection of 25 airplanes. Looking for a top hotel recommendation? The time in the car doesnt have to be absolutely horrible. Before your coastal road trip continues, meet a local fisherman for a crabbing outing in one of the protected coastal bays. Napa / Sonoma 2. ), Bumpass Hell Trail Hike (its not really thaaaaat bad), Lake Helen, and Manzanita Lake. Wind-sculpted sand dunes for days (literally, miles and miles and miles). National Park Inn is open year round, while Paradise Inn only operates between mid-May through early-October. We decided to stay at The Best Western Anderson Inn and at less than $100 a night (inclusive of free breakfast! However, if finding accomodation inside the park is important to you, book super early, as there are only two inns located within. Have a picnic at one of the tables underneath the soaring redwoods, but please remember to do your part and properly store and dispose of all food and garbageeven crumbs. Looking at Seattle to San Fran road trip about 14 days available to do it. However, if finding accomodation inside the park is important to you, book super early, as there are only two inns located within. As usual, here are some budget-friendly options, for example, Pacific Inn. Rainier. 14+ days would be best, but we also know that you might not have that kind of vacation time to burn. : This is a popular whale watching site and displays an intriguing geology. 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. (in the super cute Nob Hill) if quirky boutique hotels are more your thing. Resident of SF? We decided to stay at. Doesnt get much better than that! Stop by Baker Beach, Crissy Field, and/or the Marin Headlands for my favorite views of the Golden Gate (more Golden Gate Bridge photo spots here). After lunch (hopefully of freshly caught crustaceans), your route south connects the jutting headlands of the Three Capes Scenic Loop and winds through green pastures, small beach towns, sand dunes and . The best part about the Redwoods National Park is the possibility to drive through the park rather than taking long walks. The state park also has a campground with over a hundred sites for tents and RVs without hookups. Theres SO much food worthy of making this list, as Portland earns its title as a foodie city, and youd burst from attempting to eat at all the hot spots. Get ready for big mountain views today, as Mt. Trust me, its hard to describe those views. No other landmark in San Francisco is as famous as the Golden Gate Bridge, it's the city's icon! and youll receive up to $35 off your first stay! Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Travel Tips and Practicalities. Stay at an AirBnB directly in the forest (with star gazing opportunities at night) and you wont be disappointed. Take advantage of Skyscanner, you guys! *** Want to extend your trip even further?! So you wanna take the epic road trip from San Francisco to Seattle?! Crater Lake Lodge actually overlooks the lake, while The Cabins at Mazama Village are located a few miles south. Go wine tasting, stomp on some grapes (true story), and admire the perfectly aligned vineyard rows just waiting to be produced. Take your time and enjoy the waves crashing into the rocks. If its not too late, have a look at Carson Mansion. San Francisco - 2 Days End your West Coast trip in San Francisco. Day 5, 6 and 7. San Francisco to Seattle - A 12-day Road Trip - Leisurely Drives Youll probably be skipping this area and heading north as day trips to Napa are on everyones spring weekend itinerary. Probably all the same: both here and there. Where to Stay: 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. Dedicate Day 1 to a full exploration of the national park, and dont miss Sulphur Works, Emerald Lake (an absolute dream! Check out lodging in, Had enough of the trees and craving some 1,940+ foot deep lake time? While the town is wickedly small (youll see what I mean), the surrounding area completely makes up for it. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. A recommended source is iCarHireInsurance which offers insurances at lower rates when compared to cad rental companies. Try to make an early start, as today we are driving west, towards the ocean. Later (or the following morning), head to Castle Lake Road to get fantastic views of Mount Shasta with the city beneath it. (preferably two if you want to do all the things). If you want something a bit different, consider a seaplane tour which will provide you aerial views of all of Seattles most iconic sites (think the Space Needle and such). I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. And plus, those vineyards and wineries come with beautiful grounds, lush rolling hills, and boast fantastic views of the area . These cookies do not store any personal information. Get some ideas from ourUSA West Coast Road Trip. Another stop worth embracing is the picturesque wine region of Sonoma. Ready to cross this trip to the Pacific Northwest off your bucket list?! The best thing is that you can get in the water accompanied by professional divers to get an even closer look. There is a possibility to hike to the tip of the cape but bear in mind it is an almost 5-mile hike! Visitor? Uber and Lyft are more than sufficient. Day 1: Seattle, Washington (3 days) Day 4: Seattle - Willamette Valley (222 miles/357 km) Day 5: Willamette Valley - Pacific City (63 miles/101 km) Multnomah Falls - plunges from a height of 620 feet and is easy to access, but crowded. Keep driving south until you reach Fort Bragg. (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. Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more! You can either make a well-deserved detour to wine country (and lets face it, get your wine on), or drive up the Pacific Coast Highway all the way to the Mendo/Fort Bragg area. Recommended short walks include: Stout Grove Trail, Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, Circle Trail, Revelation Trail, and Yurok Loop Trail, all under 1.5 miles. for your few days in the city: take a harbor tour along the Puget Sound for unbeatable city and water views, check out the madness of the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the EMP Museum), take photos at Olympic Sculpture Park, eat everything at Pike Place Market, visit the gum wall and the first Starbucks, and stuff your face with, If you want something a bit different, consider a. which will provide you aerial views of all of Seattles most iconic sites (think the Space Needle and such). Seattle to San Francisco drive time is approximately 13 hours, driving distance from Seattle to San Francisco is around 800 miles via direct highway. San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip: Take a Pacific Northwest Drive. Hop on I-5 North, and you can drive from San Francisco to Seattle in around 13-14 hours. 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. Once you are finished with the hike, relax and have lunch at Paradise Inn lunch room. What makes the two designated wine spots a tad different from each other? As much as we loved San Fran, getting there was just as gorgeous (if not even more so). Both areas have roughly the same number of wineries, but Sonomas are spread over twice the land, ultimately making it feel way less crowded. and at less than $100 a night (inclusive of free breakfast! 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). Sure, the bed and breakfasts look cozy, but they come with a hefty price tag. A few recommended stops between Coos Bay and Cannon Beach, where well be ending the drive today. Before we head to Newport, there is an interesting stop along the way that you should visit Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. Read More: One Day in Mount Rainier from Seattle. And thankfully, Portland is less than two hours from the coast! Renting a bike will be a good idea as the park is huge! We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations! Next is a stop at the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon, the unique Toketee Falls. Youll probably be skipping this area and heading north as, are on everyones spring weekend itinerary. ), Bumpass Hell Trail Hike (its not really thaaaaat bad), Lake Helen, and. There are tons of great accomodation options in both Napa and Sonoma. Because Crater Lake is fed entirely by rain and snow (and not from rivers), its marvelously pure, meaning the water is as blue and clear as its gonna get. Hi, Im Jess. When you get hungry, have a look at Sea Grill for a wide selection of premium seafood, Brick & Fire for wood-fired oven pizzas or Humboldt Smokehouse for delicious BBQ. Dont fret if all the rooms are sold out (but what a bummer), as there are numerous towns nearby with more accommodation options. And those photos youve seen of all the colorful sea glass on the beach? Tip go to Mos Seafood and Chowder for the best crab in town! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There is a good chance to see lots of wildlife, including marmots and bears! Not a wino? Portland is the largest city in Oregon. We recommend spending one full day here, so book 2 nights. San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip: Where to stop and what to see! 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. drive for about 2.5 hours. Slightly better one: Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn 3*. The city-to-city road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is arguably one of the best West Coast road trips, especially with this itinerary. Both book up super quick, so if youd like to stay directly within the park, its a good idea to make your arrangements as soon as possible. Not I, thats for sure! June 27, 2015. Have lunch at one of Oceanside cafes before you continue to the next adventure Three Capes Scenic Drive. Many people wonder what the best stops from San Francisco to Seattle are, and there are plenty. 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. Check out Surfsand Resort you can see Haystack Rock from your balcony! The Ace is close to all the sites with plenty of public transport options nearby as well if needed. However, our proposed itinerary has been designed to enable visiting all the cool attractions along the way, especially small charming towns along the coastline. On your way back to the coast, visit Kuchel Visitor Center for very detailed information about redwoods and nice exhibits as well as meet knowledgeable rangers. SureStay Hotel by Best Western Portland City Center is a good deal in terms of price and location (only 2 km from the city center). It's not hard to believe either. I suggest opting for the short route as in my opinion, you wont be missing out on too much by skipping the southern coast below (as Coos Bay is one of most scenic areas on the Oregon Coast)- but obviously, your choice! You can even take a buggy or ATV tour of the dunes! If you are not up for the challenge, consider stopping at Cape Lookout Viewpoint for some great photos of the ocean. If AirBnBs not your thing, check out the super cute and modestly priced Hill House Inn, Joshua Grindle Inn, and Agate Cove Inn. , Seattle has a lot to offer. Start off early and head to the park before everyone else arrives. 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. The quicker, more direct route along the I-5 is still a hefty 807-mile drive. You can either make a well-deserved detour to wine country (and lets face it, get your wine on), or. There are numerous look out points around the Cape Arago Beach Loop for viewing purposes. Search for the best car rental prices here. When venturing from the i5 highway, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving. WorldNomads offers travel insurance for attractive rates. This museum is especially great for families with kids. Rather stay in the car (why though?) San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip Itinerary Overview Stop 1: San Francisco, California (2-3 days) Stop 2: Wine Country: Napa/Sonoma (1-2 days) Stop 3: Mendocino/Fort Bragg (1 day) Stop 4: Lassen/Mt. If you choose to venture on over to Napa for a few days, your best bet is to drive West to Bodega Bay from Napa, and continue your drive up north via Highway 1 (also commonly referred to as the Pacific Coast Highway all my favorite stops here!). You always hear about the gloominess and rain, never the sunshine and green space. Plan would be to fly into Seattle and out from SF. The majority of people are used to the most famous road trip in the United States, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Sign up using my link and youll receive up to $35 off your first stay! Feeding wild animals is a big no-no, and can actually do way more harm than good. The drive and suggested route below is best done as a day trip from Portland, as youll need to make your way back to Portland before heading to our next stop (Mt. Crescent City is all about outdoors and nature activities. and leave at 5:22 pm. Seattle vs. San Francisco for Vacation - Which one is better? Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert, Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards. I guesssss you could do both, but thatll add another hour or two to your driving time. Read Next: Things to Do in Napa Besides Drink Wine, The Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley, A Girls Getaway to Wine Country, Hot Air Ballooning Above Napa Valley, TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours, 45 min without drive the PCH. By the way, if you enjoy road trips, have a look at our 2-day Route 66 Las Vegas to Grand Canyon itinerary. Shasta Lake. Glad you loved it as well! Read Next: The Two-Day Portland Itinerary Youll Want to Copy. is your best friend around here. 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. 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! Fingers crossed the weather cooperates for your visit, because once you see the mountain, wow, just wow. Located a little north of San Francisco, Sonoma is composed of small and picturesque towns such as Healdsburg, Guerneville (the best option to a night of party) and Forestville. . ), ziplining through the redwoods, farmers market visits, wildflower hiking, and mud baths to tickle your fancy (yes, I just said mud baths). The historic 75-mile drive on Columbia River Highway connects Troutdale in Oregon with the Dalles. This NRA is actually one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, so yea, I wasnt kidding when I said Oregons coastline is on par with. Thanks! Bandon, Oregon 4. San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip Click on the link below for a list of the West Coast USA road trip itinerary. Chose Sonoma? And you cant really determine where they are real in metropolitan cities or in some American outback. Seattle To San Fran: What To Do During This Epic Road Trip 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. A few other Seattle suggestions for your few days in the city: take a harbor tour along the Puget Sound for unbeatable city and water views, check out the madness of the Museum of Pop Culture (formerly the EMP Museum), take photos at Olympic Sculpture Park, eat everything at Pike Place Market, visit the gum wall and the first Starbucks, and stuff your face with all the noms throughout the city. Hoping to get down to those dazzling blue waters yourself? Hiking, snowshoeing, and picnicking are all good options in the park! I promise that each park will give you those towering redwoods youre so looking forward to (and theres actually three different types!) Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If you are up for a short hike, head to YaXaik Trail (1.15 mile long). If you decide Napas your town of choice, I prefer the Andaz Napa (hip boutique-ish), Harvest Inn (rustic upscale), Napa Valley Inn (Mediterranean-style), or RiverPointe Napa Valley (colorful cottages). A few not to miss: Burney Falls (an absolute wonder you NEED to go here), the trio of waterfalls McCloud Falls (which you can easily drive between), and Mossbrae Falls if youve got some extra time. San Francisco is not a cheap city, so picking a nice and budget-friendly place to stay me be difficult. If you dont feel like walking so much, you can easily hike just the part of the trail, for example up until Panorama Point. 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. Take your time and have lunch, as we are about to take a long ride straight to Golden Gate viewpoint a must-see stop just before the sunset! Hike the 1.1 mile (2.2 roundtrip) Cleetwood Cove Trail, short, but very steep, which offers access to the shore. Burney Falls State Park. A crucial step to take is to issue a car insurance policy to hedge against any sudden accidents. Psst check out the recommended Portland hotels above, and book an extra night if youre totally feeling this day trip. Make sure to search for one-way flights when booking tickets. To say its simply stunning is a huge understatement. We have already seen many redwoods along the way, so this time it is totally up to you whether youd like to make many stops or simply drive through. Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most spectacular national parks in Washington, with stunning Mount Rainier being the highlight of this park.
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