15 Stunning Stops on a Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip

I’ve driven this stretch of the West Coast in pieces across multiple trips over the years, and I keep coming back to it. While Big Sur is one of my favorite drives in the entire country, the Oregon coast rivals it most closely.

The difference is that a Big Sur road trip hits you with dramatic views in a concentrated stretch, while the Oregon coast keeps going. You can drive for hours with the Pacific on one side and not get tired of it. Cute beach towns, state parks, sea stacks, seafood shacks. It’s the kind of drive where you keep telling yourself you’ll stop less, and then you don’t.

A Seattle to San Francisco road trip gives you the best of both. The Oregon coast on the way down and Northern California’s redwoods before you hit the city. I’ve done different sections of this route on different trips, and every time I find something new. Here’s everything I’d tell a friend who was planning it.

Tips for a Seattle to San Francisco Drive

Can You Drive From Seattle to San Francisco in a Day?

If you’re a superhuman, then you can definitely drive from Seattle to San Francisco in a day. However, I don’t recommend this at all, as you’ll be extremely tired and see nothing along the way. The Seattle to San Francisco drive time is 13 hours, assuming there’s no traffic or stopping for anything (which won’t happen if we’re being realistic).

The last thing you want is to not enjoy the drive through this breathtaking part of the country by driving from Seattle to San Francisco in one day. I recommend spreading the journey over three days if you travel along the I-5 and five days if you take the Pacific Route along US-101.

You’ll also want to have some trivia for car rides ready to go to entertain your passengers for the drive.

How Far is the Seattle to San Francisco Drive?

You can take two main routes on a Seattle to San Francisco road trip, each with differing lengths. 

The quicker, more direct route along the I-5 is still a hefty 807-mile drive. On your way to San Francisco, you’ll pass through iconic cities such as Portland, Eugene, Redding, and Sonoma. Exploring places like Mount Hood National Park, Willamette National Forest, and the Shasta Trinity National Forest should definitely be on your list of to-dos during the trip.

The more scenic but slightly longer option is the Pacific route around the US-101, which is a 976-mile drive. You’ll pass through quaint towns that line the coast while seeing some of the best Redwood forests in America.

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Where to Fly Into and Out of for Your Road Trip

What makes a road trip so unique? For starters, you can enjoy the journey from either direction, so you may choose to do a San Francisco to Seattle road trip or vice versa.

If you’re planning this journey but live on the other side of the world, you may want to fly into either of these fantastic cities. If you’re flying into Seattle, you’ll want to catch a plane to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), 12 miles from the city center.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling from San Francisco, you’ll want to fly to the San Francisco Internal Airport (SFO), 12 miles from downtown. You could also fly into the San Jose International Airport, which is a bit further south but is always less crowded, in my experience.

Whichever city you decide to fly in or out of, renting a car from one airport and driving it to the other is easy. When booking your rental car, you can do this using the alternative pick-up and drop-off option. I did this on my drive from LA to Joshua Tree, and it was worth it.

Tip: For flights and car rentals, try booking them as early as possible to get the best deals. Also, take the tourist season (aka summer in Seattle and San Francisco) into consideration, as this can affect the pricing.

Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip Map

Here’s a map of your Seattle to San Francisco drive so you can see where you’re going.

15 Stops on a Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip

A road trip along America’s Pacific coastline was made to make multiple stops. To make the most of your journey from Seattle to San Francisco, here are some of the best destinations for an unforgettable drive.

1. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is about 90 minutes southeast of Seattle and truly one of my favorite places on earth. I’ve probably been a dozen times across every season — snowshoeing in winter, chasing wildflowers and waterfalls in summer, watching the mountain turn every shade of pink at sunset in fall.

My favorite way to do it is getting up at 4am (with a large coffee, of course!) and hitting the road before the summer crowds arrive. There’s something about having Paradise almost to yourself in the early morning that never gets old. It’d be impossible to list all the trails I recommend, but Skyline Loop and Naches Peak Loop are always good ones.

The southwest Nisqually entrance is the main entry point and where you’ll pay the $35 per vehicle fee. From there, the most popular area is Paradise, which lives up to its name. If you want something quieter, Longmire is the historic district at the base and is worth a stop before heading up.

Want to go north? Head out on a Seattle road trip from Vancouver.

2. Portland

I’ve been to Portland more times than I can count, including bachelorette weekends, brewery crawls, a travel conference, and, most memorably, the 2017 solar eclipse. Portland wasn’t quite in the path of full totality, but it was close enough that the sky went pretty dark in the middle of the morning. We were in a local park with our eclipse glasses watching the sun disappear, and it was one of the strangest and most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

For breweries, Portland is one of the best cities in the country. Lazy Days Brewing, 10 Barrel, and Backwoods are all worth your time, though. It’s hard to go wrong here. The Alberta Arts District is my favorite neighborhood to wander for an afternoon — good coffee, local shops, street art everywhere. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside is mandatory even if you don’t buy anything. It takes up an entire city block and has a section for everything.

Since it’s a big city, it’s also an ideal place to stock up on road trip food for kids and yourself, so everyone stays satiated. You can always change your trip to a Los Angeles road trip from Portland. You may also want to check your family road trip checklist before continuing on.

Need a shorter trip? You’ll love this Portland to San Francisco itinerary, or you can go on a Portland road trip from Seattle!

3. Cannon Beach

I’ll be honest — despite being a Seattle local who’s been going to the Oregon coast my whole life, I didn’t actually make it to Cannon Beach until 2025. My friends had been raving about it for years, and they were right.

We went in classic PNW fashion (rainy and stormy), and it was perfect. We had a hotel room with a balcony at the Surfsand Resort looking straight at Haystack Rock, and we spent a solid chunk of time just watching the waves crash while the storm rolled in. I wouldn’t have traded the weather for anything. There’s something about watching a Pacific storm from a warm hotel room that you can’t get on a sunny day.

Cannon Beach is also very walkable, which I appreciated. We had lunch and a sampler flight at Pelican Brewery, wandered downtown for coffee and window shopping, and just took our time. This town will force you to slow down.

Haystack Rock is the obvious centerpiece and worth walking out to at low tide when the tide pools are full of starfish and anemones. Check the tide tables before you go. This town is a must on your road trip from Seattle to San Francisco.

You can also head on a Cannon Beach to Seattle road trip from here.

4. Tillamook Creamery

The Tillamook Creamery is one of those stops that turns into a full afternoon without you meaning it to. We ended up staying so late on our way back from a big Oregon loop that we didn’t get home to Seattle until 1 am. No regrets.

The self-guided factory tour is fun, especially with kids. Mine loved milking the pretend cows, watching how the cheese gets made on the factory floor, and riding the pretend milk truck. It’s hands-on in a way that keeps them engaged for way longer than you’d expect from a cheese factory.

Then there’s the gift shop. If you’re lactose intolerant, turn around now. They have every dairy product imaginable, and it’s all excellent. We stocked up on cheese to take home, and I’d recommend doing the same. They also have plenty of fun souvenirs (I still drink out of my Tillamook coffee mug every morning!).

But the real reason there’s always a line is the ice cream counter. Get in it. Whatever flavor looks good, get it. You won’t be disappointed.

Plan at least two hours here if you’re going with kids and want to experience it all. Admission to the factory tour is free, which makes it an easy yes.

5. Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda is one of those places that looks almost too dramatic to be real. The sandstone headland juts out into the Pacific, and the waves crash against it constantly. It’s worth climbing to the top for the views down the coast if conditions allow, but you could stand at the base and watch the surf for an hour.

I went just after sunrise, and the light on the water was incredible. There were surfers out catching waves, and the whole scene felt very Pacific Northwest in the best way. Pacific City, right next door, has a relaxed beach town vibe that’s easy to settle into.

Before or after you visit, stop at Stimulus Coffee and Bakery right across from the cape. It’s a small place with ocean views, great pastries, and the kind of coffee you need after a morning on the coast. It opens at 7 am, making it a perfect first stop before heading down to the beach.

6. Neskowin Ghost Forest and Lincoln City

The Neskowin Ghost Forest is one of the more eerie and fascinating stops on this whole drive. At low tide, ancient Sitka spruce stumps emerge from the sand, estimated at around 2,000 years old, preserved in the wet sand after a series of earthquakes sank the forest into the ocean. It’s a short walk from the parking area, and it’s worth timing it around low tide so you can actually see them. Check tide tables before you go.

Lincoln City is the largest town on the central Oregon coast and a natural stopping point for a meal or an overnight. For seafood with an ocean view, Kyllo’s Seafood and Grill has been on the beach for over 30 years and is consistently one of the top-rated spots in town. For something more casual, Pub Fish and Chips is currently the most talked-about place in Lincoln City for chowder and fish and chips.

Lincoln City is also known for its kite flying. The beaches here get reliable wind, and the town holds kite festivals in spring and fall if your timing lines up. Luckily, we thought to bring our kite for our trip and were not disappointed with the high winds!

7. Siuslaw National Forest and Cape Perpetua

The Siuslaw National Forest stretches along a large stretch of the Oregon coast and has more to stop for than most people realize. The standout is Cape Perpetua, where you’ll find two of the most dramatic natural features on the entire coast right next to each other. You’ll also want to do a quick stop at Heceta Head Lighthouse while you’re in the area.

One of my favorite spots is Thor’s Well, which looks like a drain hole in the ocean. At high tide, the waves surge in and explode back out in a way that doesn’t look real. We almost skipped it because we were tired from the drive, and I’m glad we didn’t. The walk out to it is short, but the rocks are uneven and slippery, so watch your footing, especially if you’re carrying kids. I had my baby in a hiking backpack and had to be careful.

Right next to it is Devil’s Churn, a narrow inlet where the waves funnel in and crash with a lot of force. Both are worth seeing together since they’re steps apart.

The best time to visit is around high tide for the most dramatic effect. Check the tide tables before you go and give yourself at least an hour here.

8. Bandon

Bandon is one of the most photogenic spots on the Oregon coast. The beach is scattered with dramatic sea stacks rising out of the sand, and at low tide, you can walk right out among them. Face Rock is the most famous one, named for a Coquille tribal legend about a maiden turned to stone by an evil spirit.

Old Town is right on the waterfront and worth a wander for an hour. The harbor has a working fishing fleet, which gives it a grittier feel than some of the more polished coastal towns. For food, Bandon Fish Market on the harbor is the go-to for fish and chips and chowder, and Edgewaters is the local pick for a sit-down meal with harbor views.

Fun fact: Bandon is also known as the cranberry capital of Oregon and has a small but worthwhile farmers’ market scene if you’re passing through in season.

If you want to take a detour, this is a great point to head east to go on a Crater Lake road trip to explore Oregon’s only national park.

For a longer trip, go on a Seattle to Las Vegas drive to see four different states.

9. Crescent City

Crescent City is the last major stop before you cross into California and a good place to stay overnight or fuel up. It sits right on the coast and has a working harbor, giving it a more rugged, lived-in feel than the touristy towns further north.

Battery Point Lighthouse is the main attraction, a historic lighthouse on a small island you can walk to at low tide. Tours run on weekends, and it’s worth timing your arrival around low tide if you can. The Point St. George area, just north of town, has a long stretch of beach that’s usually quiet and good for a leg stretch.

For food, Chart Room Restaurant on the harbor is the long-standing local choice for seafood. Good Harbor Cafe is another well-reviewed option for a more casual meal.

Looking for more California road trip ideas? You’ll love the Los Angeles to San Francisco drive.

10. Redwood National and State Parks

Nothing really prepares you for how big these trees are. I’d seen photos before my 2019 visit, but standing next to them is a completely different experience. The scale doesn’t register until you’re actually there.

What got me most were the overturned root systems of fallen trees. When a redwood comes down, the root ball that comes with it is enormous, sometimes as tall as a house. It stops you in your tracks.

The northern section of the park near Crescent City has some of the most accessible old-growth groves. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is the standout up here, with a trail through dense old growth right along the Smith River. If you only have time for one stop in the park, make it this one.

Give yourself more time than you think you need. Everyone says they’ll do a quick walk and ends up staying two hours.

11. Eureka

Eureka is a good practical stop for gas, food, and a stretch before continuing south. It’s a real working city rather than a tourist town, which gives it a different energy than the coastal stops you’ve been making.

Old Town Eureka is the most interesting part, a historic Victorian district right on Humboldt Bay with well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The Carson Mansion on M Street is one of the most photographed Victorian houses in the country and is worth driving past even if you don’t go inside.

For food, Brick and Fire Bistro in Old Town is consistently the most-recommended restaurant in the city, known for its wood-fired pizza and use of local ingredients. Lost Coast Brewery is the local craft-beer institution for a pint and a casual meal.

The waterfront boardwalk along the bay is a good place to walk off the drive before getting back on the road.

12. Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is a 32-mile scenic drive that runs parallel to Highway 101 through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It’s one of the most concentrated stretches of old-growth redwood forest in the world and a natural continuation from Redwood National Park if you’re driving south.

The drive itself is the attraction. You weave through massive trees on a quiet two-lane road that feels completely removed from the highway. Pullouts along the way let you get out and walk into the groves whenever you want.

The Founders Grove is one of the most popular stops, with a short half-mile loop through some of the largest trees in the park. Immortal Tree is another well-known stop, a redwood that has survived floods, lightning strikes, and logging attempts for over 950 years.

Budget at least 2 hours for the full drive, including stops. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute stretch of it is worth the detour off 101.

Want more? You can continue your trip by driving from San Francisco to Yosemite.

13. Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg is a working fishing town on the Mendocino coast with a lot more character than its utilitarian name suggests. It sits about 10 miles north of the more famous Mendocino village and is generally less crowded and more affordable.

The main attraction is Glass Beach, a stretch of shoreline covered in sea glass that was smoothed over decades from a former coastal dump site. It’s an unusual and beautiful spot. Note that taking glass from the beach is not allowed.

The Skunk Train is a historic narrow-gauge railroad that runs through the redwood forests inland from Fort Bragg and is a popular family activity. Noyo Harbor is a working fishing harbor and a good place to watch the boats come in and grab fresh seafood.

For food, North Coast Brewing Company is the local institution — they’ve been brewing here since 1988, and the restaurant attached to the brewery is a reliable stop.

Love national parks? Head out on the drive from San Francisco to Joshua Tree.

14. Sonoma

I went to Sonoma expecting wine country and left obsessed with the coast. I’d only ever seen pictures of the vineyards before going and had no idea the Pacific Ocean was basically right there. One afternoon, we drove out to the Sonoma Coast, and I just stood there watching people kayak in the waves, completely stunned that this was the same trip as the wineries I’d been at that morning. That combination alone is worth the detour.

Coming back into town after the coast felt like exhaling. Sonoma has this quiet, unhurried energy that’s hard to find. The wine tasting here is more relaxed than in Napa, smaller producers, less of a scene. We just went from place to place at our own pace, and it was exactly what I needed.

What surprised me most was how much else there is to do beyond wine tasting. On my last trip, I went kayaking on the Russian River, biked through wine country, and went horseback riding through the vineyards. All three are things I’d do again without hesitation.

The Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve just outside Guerneville is worth a half day. It’s a smaller redwood grove than the national park further north but much easier to access and the old growth trail is flat and beautiful.

If you want a unique place to stay, AutoCamp Russian River has Airstream trailers set up in the redwoods near Guerneville. It’s one of the more memorable places I’ve stayed anywhere.

Want to see a national park? You’ll love this San Francisco to Sequoia National Park drive.

15. San Francisco

I’ve been to San Francisco four times, and it’s a city that keeps surprising you. My first visit was a long layover on the way home to Seattle — just enough time to meet a friend and get a feel for the city. I’ve been back twice since for proper trips and could easily go again.

Alcatraz is the one I keep telling people about. I was skeptical going in, figured it was just a tourist trap, but the island completely won me over. The ferry ride out gives you views of the city from the water that you can’t get any other way. Then you land on this island in the middle of the bay, which is genuinely cold and windy even in summer, and you start to understand why it worked as a prison. The audio tour is excellent, and the history is fascinating. Book tickets well in advance because they sell out fast.

Fisherman’s Wharf is worth a stop for the sea lions at Pier 39 and the clam chowder in a bread bowl, even if it is touristy. From there, the waterfront walk toward the Ferry Building is one of my favorite stretches in the whole city.

For neighborhoods, the Mission District is my pick for food and wandering. North Beach for coffee and Italian food. And if you have time, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge to say you did. I know it’s cliche, but also fun.

When you’re done, extend the fun and head out on a road trip from California to Arizona, or keep going south to drive from San Francisco to San Diego, drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco, or go on a San Francisco to Las Vegas road trip.

Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary: 3 Days Along the I-5

If it’s the fast route to San Francisco from Seattle you’re looking for, you’ll want to take I-5. It may be less scenic, but there’s still plenty to see.

Day 1: Seattle to Eugene

Travel Distance: 4 hours and 30 minutes (283 miles)

There are only so many hours in the day, so trying to cram as much as possible is a tough ask. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, as you can easily spend two hours in the morning at Mount Rainier National Park. Similar to driving to Glacier National Park from Seattle, I recommend as much time at these beautiful national parks as your schedule allows.

Remember that you won’t be able to explore the long hikes in Mount Rainier, so visiting the top viewpoints in the region is a good idea. I recommend picking either the Paradise side or the Sunrise side, as you won’t have time for both (it’s almost 1.5 hours just to drive between the two of them).

From there, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive (147 miles) to Columbia River Gorge. Portland is then a short drive across the river, where you can spend midday enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.

Willamette Valley is another hour’s drive (48 miles) and offers some majestic views before continuing. It’s a further hour and 10-minute drive (67 miles) to Eugene, the first night stop on this three-day itinerary.

Where to Stay: Graduate by Hilton Eugene — Boutique hotel in the heart of downtown near the University of Oregon. Fun Oregon Ducks-inspired decor, great location for exploring the city.

Want to go on a longer trip? Check out the Seattle to San Diego drive.

Day 2: Eugene to Redding

Travel Distance: 5 hours and 10 minutes (315 miles)

Although some will recommend visiting Crater Lake on your way through, this is a pretty hefty detour that can add two hours of travel. Rather drive three hours (197 miles) to Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, where you can enjoy a range of fantastic hikes.

You can spend the late morning and midday exploring sights like the Lava Beds before hitting the road again. It’s just over an hour and a half drive (106 miles) to Mount Shasta, an incredible snow-capped region of California.

You can then make a further stop at Shasta Lake on your way to Redding, your next night stop.

Where to Stay: Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge is the nicest option in Redding, right next to the famous Sundial Bridge with a pool, restaurant, and bar on site.

Day 3: Redding to San Francisco

Travel Distance: 3 hours and 20 minutes (217 miles)

You can see plenty on the final day, like exploring Sacramento’s Historic District, two and a half hours (162 miles) from Redding. You can wander the city’s vibrant streets in the morning before driving an hour and a half (69 miles) to Sonoma Valley.

This is where you’ll find all the best wineries in the region, and you can spend the entire early afternoon hopping from one to the next. Complete your trip by taking US-101 for just over an hour (44 miles) and passing over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Where to Stay: Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco is a boutique hotel in the Theater District, less than a block from Union Square and a short walk to the Alcatraz ferry at Pier 33.

Keep the fun going with a drive to Big Sur from San Francisco, or extend it to go on a drive from San Francisco to Joshua Tree.

Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary: 5 Days Along the Pacific Route

For a slightly longer and action-packed Seattle to San Francisco road trip, consider this 5-day itinerary. It’s an extremely scenic option (similar to a drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite), as you can admire the Pacific Coast along US-101.

Day 1: Seattle to Portland

Travel Distance: 2 hours and 50 minutes (175 miles)

Spend the morning in Mount Rainier National Park (can you tell I love this park by how many times I’ve recommended it?). It’s an hour and 50-minute drive (89 miles) from Seattle and the perfect way to kick off an excellent road trip.

You’ll then want to drive two and a half hours (139 miles) to Portland, with a stop at the Columbia River Gorge. You can then spend the rest of the day exploring the city and mingling with locals.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland is a boutique downtown hotel two minutes from Pioneer Square with a daily wine hour, game lounge, and free bike rentals.

Day 2: Portland to Lincoln City

Travel Distance: 3 hours and 10 minutes (164 miles)

Start day two by exploring Cannon Beach, an hour-and-a-half drive (79 miles) from Portland. The next stop is Tillamook State Forest, a further hour and 15-minute drive (53 miles) from Cannon Beach.

By midday, you’ll have driven another hour (35 miles) to Cape Kiwanda before traveling to the Neskowin Ghost Forest. This is only a 17-minute drive (10 miles) from Cape Kiwanda, with the remainder of the driving for the day taking up 20 more minutes (12 miles) to Lincoln City.

Where to Stay: The Coho Oceanfront Lodge sits right on the beach with panoramic Pacific views, a heated indoor pool, and free breakfast included

Day 3: Lincoln City to Crescent City

Travel Distance: 5 hours and 15 minutes (256 miles)

There’s plenty of driving on day three as you go along the scenic route through Siuslaw National Forest. Remember to snap some memorable photos as you drive for just over three hours (147 miles) to the town of Bandon.

You can spend midday here eating lunch and relaxing before taking on the next leg. It’s a further two hours of driving (109 miles) to Crescent City, the final destination for day three. You can then admire the historical monuments and landscapes of Crescent City for the rest of the day.

Where to Stay: Lighthouse Inn is a charming harbor-side inn with continental breakfast, 24-hour coffee station, and walking distance to the harbor and restaurants

Day 4: Crescent City to Fort Bragg

Travel Distance: 4 hours and 30 minutes (217 miles)

Kickstart the day with the unforgettably scenic drive from Crescent City to Eureka through the Redwood National and State Parks. It’s an hour and 40-minute drive (84 miles) and well worth the extra stops at viewpoints.

Explore this Californian town before traveling along Avenue of the Giants for three hours (133 miles). You can spend the rest of the day exploring Fort Bragg and Glass Beach.

Where to Stay: North Cliff Hotel has ocean and Noyo Bay views from every room, a gas fireplace, balconies, and a short walk to the harbor.

Day 5: Fort Bragg to San Francisco

Travel Distance: 4 hours and 20 minutes (228 miles)

The last day of this epic itinerary is a two-and-a-half-hour (117 miles) drive to Sonoma. You’ll have the entire morning to explore the city and venture to the best wineries in the region.

Once you’re ready for the last bit of driving, it’s just over an hour (54 miles) drive to San Francisco, where the best downtown attractions await.

Where to Stay: Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco is a boutique hotel in the Theater District, less than a block from Union Square and a short walk to the Alcatraz ferry at Pier 33.

A Seattle to San Francisco road trip is a must-do for any traveler looking for an unforgettable adventure on the West Coast. You’ll love going on this drive, from beautiful coastline views to exploring hikes in giant redwoods.