Seattle to Huntington Beach – 6‑Day Road Trip Itinerary (Mid‑November)

Day 1: Seattle → Portland

Morning: Depart Seattle early and travel south on I‑5, enjoying the evergreen scenery of the Puget Sound region. Stop at Tacoma’s Museum of Glass for a quick coffee break and a glimpse of contemporary art.

Afternoon: Continue to Portland’s Pearl District, where you can explore boutique shops and sample a famed food‑cart lunch. A short stroll to the Portland Waterfront offers river views without any mountain passes.

Evening: Check into a downtown hotel and dine at a farm‑to‑table restaurant. End the night with a relaxing walk across the illuminated Portland Waterfront Park.

Day 2: Portland → Eugene

Morning: After breakfast, drive south on I‑5 to the Columbia River Gorge viewpoint at Crown Point; the route stays low‑elevation and snow‑free.

Afternoon: Arrive in Eugene and wander the University of Oregon Campus, admiring its historic architecture and the nearby Owen Rose Garden.

Evening: Settle into a charming B&B, then enjoy a dinner of local Oregon wines and fresh seafood at a downtown eatery.

Day 3: Eugene → Redding (near Lassen Volcanic NP)

Morning: Depart early and cross the scenic Willamette Valley, with a brief stop at the Willamette Valley Wine Country for a tasting.

Afternoon: Continue to Redding, California; explore the Sundial Bridge and the adjoining Turtle Bay Exploration Park for a leisurely riverside walk.

Evening: Check into a comfortable inn near the city and enjoy a sunset view of the Shasta Lake from the hotel patio.

Day 4: Redding → Pahrump (via Lassen Volcanic NP)

Morning: Take Highway 44 east to the entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park; a short loop on the Manzanita Lake Trail offers volcanic scenery without high‑altitude passes.

Afternoon: After exiting the park, head south on US‑395 and then west on US‑95 toward Pahrump, NV, passing the desert vistas of the Warner Mountains.

Evening: Arrive in Pahrump, check into a desert‑style resort, and relax with a dinner featuring southwestern flavors.

Day 5: Pahrump → Los Angeles

Morning: Drive west on NV‑160 to the edge of Death Valley National Park; a quick stop at the Zabriskie Point viewpoint offers dramatic desert panoramas while staying on paved roads.

Afternoon: Continue south on I‑15, crossing the California border and passing through the historic town of Barstow, where you can stretch your legs at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum.

Evening: Enter the Greater Los Angeles area, check into a hotel in downtown LA, and enjoy a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.

Day 6: Los Angeles → Huntington Beach

Morning: Take I‑10 west to the coast, stopping at the iconic Santa Monica Pier for a stroll and a quick bite.

Afternoon: Follow the Pacific Coast Highway (CA‑1) to Venice Beach, where you can watch street performers and explore the eclectic boardwalk.

Evening: Arrive in Huntington Beach, check into a beachfront resort, and celebrate the journey with a sunset dinner at a seaside restaurant.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Tacoma Museum of Glass – 1 hour – $12 admission
• Portland Pearl District – 2 hours – $0 (shopping)
• Portland Waterfront Park – 1 hour – $0
• Crown Point (Columbia River Gorge) – 1 hour – $0
• University of Oregon Campus & Owen Rose Garden – 2 hours – $0
• Willamette Valley Wine Tasting – 1.5 hours – $25 tasting fee
• Sundial Bridge & Turtle Bay Exploration Park – 2 hours – $10 parking
• Shasta Lake View – 1 hour – $0
• Lassen Volcanic NP (Manzanita Lake Loop) – 2 hours – $30 park entrance
• Warner Mountains Scenic Drive – 1 hour – $0
• Death Valley NP (Zabriskie Point) – 1 hour – $30 park entrance
• Barstow Route 66 Museum – 1 hour – $5 admission
• Santa Monica Pier – 1.5 hours – $0 (parking $10)
• Venice Beach Boardwalk – 2 hours – $0
• Huntington Beach Sunset Dinner – 2 hours – $60 per person
• Total Estimated Cost – $252

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day to explore Redwood National and State Parks north of Eureka for towering trees, or extend your stay in Huntington Beach for extra surf sessions. To shorten the trip, skip the detour to Lassen Volcanic National Park and head straight from Redding to Pahrump, which will reduce driving time by roughly 2 hours without sacrificing scenic value.