Portland to San Francisco Coastal Road Trip

Day 1: Portland → Cannon Beach

Morning: Depart Portland early and drive north along the scenic US‑26, stopping at Multnomah Falls for a brief hike and photo opportunity. The waterfall’s misty spray sets a refreshing tone for the journey.

Afternoon: Continue on Highway 101, enjoying coastal vistas as you reach Cannon Beach. Stroll along the iconic Haystack Rock, explore tide pools, and savor fresh seafood at a beachfront café.

Evening: Check into a cozy ocean‑view lodge, then relax with a sunset walk on the sand. End the day with a quiet dinner featuring local clam chowder.

Day 2: Cannon Beach → Redwood National & State Parks

Morning: Leave the Oregon coast and cross into California, stopping at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a tour and tasting of award‑winning cheddar.

Afternoon: Arrive at Redwood National Park and hike the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, immersing yourself in towering ancient redwoods and fern‑lined trails.

Evening: Set up camp at the park’s campground or stay at a nearby lodge. Enjoy a campfire dinner while listening to the forest’s evening chorus.

Day 3: Redwood Parks → Avenue of the Giants → Eureka

Morning: Drive to the Tall Trees Grove for a guided walk among some of the world’s tallest trees, a truly humbling experience.

Afternoon: Head to the legendary Avenue of the Giants, cruising the scenic highway and stopping at the Rockefeller Forest for a short loop trail.

Evening: Arrive in historic Eureka, explore the Victorian Old Town, and dine at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Humboldt Bay.

Day 4: Eureka → San Francisco

Morning: Depart Eureka and drive south along the dramatic coastline, making a quick stop at the picturesque Mendocino Headlands State Park for breathtaking ocean views.

Afternoon: Continue to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Park at the visitor area, walk or bike across the bridge, and capture panoramic photos of the bay.

Evening: Check into a hotel in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, then enjoy a classic clam bake and explore the lively waterfront nightlife.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Multnomah Falls – 1 hour, $5 parking
• Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock) – 2 hours, free
• Tillamook Cheese Factory – 1.5 hours, $12 tasting
• Lady Bird Johnson Grove – 2 hours, $5 parking
• Tall Trees Grove – 2 hours, $10 permit
• Avenue of the Giants (Rockefeller Forest) – 3 hours, $7 parking
• Mendocino Headlands State Park – 1.5 hours, $10 parking
• Golden Gate Bridge (walk/bike) – 2 hours, $9 pedestrian/bike fee
• Fisherman’s Wharf dinner – 2 hours, $45 per person
• Total Estimated Cost – $103 per person

Tips

For a more relaxed pace, add an extra night in the redwood region to explore additional trails like the Klamath River Overlook or take a guided kayak tour in the coastal estuaries. If time is limited, you can skip the Mendocino stop and head straight from the Avenue of the Giants to San Francisco, shaving off a few hours while still experiencing the iconic redwoods and the Golden Gate Bridge.