Scenic Pacific Northwest Road Trip from Garden Grove to Olympia via Santa Cruz, Oakland, and Eugene

Day 1: Evening Departure & Overnight Rest

Garden Grove to Bakersfield, CA on July 25, 2025

7:00pm

Depart Garden Grove

Begin your road trip in the evening from Garden Grove heading north. It’s best to depart at this time to avoid heavier traffic and cover substantial distance after dark.
USD0, 0h0m

10:00pm

Rest Stop Overnight

Stop overnight near Bakersfield for rest. This is about 3 hours into the drive and a good point to refresh for the next day's travel.
Varies by hotel, 8h0m+
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Day 2: Santa Cruz Stop & Oakland Family Stay

Bakersfield to Santa Cruz to Oakland, CA on July 26, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz

Depart early morning for Santa Cruz to enjoy some time at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
USD0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Visit

Explore the famous boardwalk, enjoy the seaside amusement park atmosphere, and take a stroll along the beach. Boardwalk opening hours are from 11am to 10pm, so this is a perfect time for a visit.
USD0 entry, ride tickets extra, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Picnic Basket

Have lunch at The Picnic Basket, a highly rated local spot serving fresh, Californian sandwiches and salads located near the boardwalk.
USD20-30 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Drive Santa Cruz to Oakland

Continue onward to Oakland to stay overnight with family, completing about a 1.5-hour drive.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Family Time and Dinner in Oakland

Enjoy evening with family in Oakland. For dinner, consider visiting a local favorite such as Brown Sugar Kitchen which serves delicious soul food and is open till 9pm.
USD20-40 per person, 2h
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Day 3: Scenic Drive & Eugene Overnight

Oakland, CA to Eugene, OR on July 27, 2025

7:30am

Departure from Oakland

Leave Oakland early to make good time heading north toward the Avenue of the Giants scenic drive area.
USD0, 0h0m

12:30pm

Drive Avenue of the Giants and Drive-Through Tree

Experience the famous Avenue of the Giants, a breathtaking 31-mile scenic drive through ancient redwoods. Don’t miss the drive-through Chandelier Tree, open daily from 8am to 8pm. Small fees apply to drive through the tree.
USD10 vehicle fee approx., 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at a local café nearby

Grab a quick lunch at one of the local roadside cafes or delis to continue your journey refreshed.
USD15-20 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Eugene, OR

Drive approximately 3 hours to Eugene, Oregon to spend the night.
USD0, 3h

6:15pm

Check-in and Dinner in Eugene

Check into your hotel for overnight stay. For dinner, try Marche which offers great farm-to-table French-inspired cuisine, open until 9pm.
USD25-50 per person, 2h
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Day 4: Final Leg to Olympia

Eugene, OR to Olympia, WA on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Mam

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Mam, known for their great espresso and breakfast bowls, open from 7am.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Eugene to Olympia

Embark on the final leg of your journey, approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive, arriving in Olympia by early afternoon.
USD0, 4h

1:00pm

Arrive in Olympia

Welcome to Olympia! Enjoy your time exploring the Washington state capital with its charming waterfront, Capitol Building, and vibrant downtown.
USD0, Varies
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