Seattle ➜ Huntington Beach: 6‑Day Scenic Southbound Road Trip (Mid‑November)

Day 1: Seattle → Portland – River & City Vibes

Morning: Depart Seattle early and enjoy a leisurely drive along the I‑5 corridor, stopping at Pike Place Market for a quick coffee and a glimpse of the bustling waterfront.

Afternoon: Cross into Oregon and explore the Columbia River Gorge, taking short walks to iconic waterfalls such as Multnomah Falls for photo ops.

Evening: Arrive in Portland, check into your hotel, and wander the vibrant Pearl District, sampling local food trucks before a restful night.

Day 2: Portland → Redding – Volcanic Views & Lakeside Relaxation

Morning: Head south on I‑5, with a brief detour to the Mount Shasta viewpoint for sweeping mountain scenery that remains snow‑free in November.

Afternoon: Continue to Shasta Lake, where you can stretch your legs on the shoreline and enjoy a picnic with lake views.

Evening: Arrive in Redding, settle into your accommodation, and stroll through the historic downtown before dinner.

Day 3: Redding → Mammoth Lakes – High Desert & Alpine Lakes

Morning: Travel east on CA‑44 then south on US‑395, passing the striking landscapes of the Sierra foothills.

Afternoon: Stop at the surreal Mono Lake to admire its tufa towers and take a short walk along the boardwalk.

Evening: Reach Mammoth Lakes, check into a cozy lodge, and enjoy a relaxed dinner in town.

Day 4: Mammoth Lakes → Pahrump – Desert Edge Exploration

Morning: Explore the alpine charm of Mammoth Lakes with a brief hike or gondola ride for panoramic valley views.

Afternoon: Drive through the spectacular Death Valley National Park (brief stop at Dante’s View) for dramatic desert vistas while avoiding deep canyon roads.

Evening: Arrive in Pahrump, Nevada, unwind at a local restaurant, and rest up for the next day’s travel.

Day 5: Pahrump → Los Angeles – Red Rocks & City Lights

Morning: Head west on US‑95 then I‑15, taking a scenic detour to Red Rock Canyon for striking sandstone formations and easy hikes.

Afternoon: Pass Las Vegas (optional quick look at the Strip) and continue into Southern California, arriving in Los Angeles by late afternoon.

Evening: Visit the iconic Griffith Observatory for city skyline views and a relaxing night in LA.

Day 6: Los Angeles → Huntington Beach – Coastal Bliss

Morning: Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at the lively Santa Monica Pier for a stroll and breakfast by the sea.

Afternoon: Continue to Huntington Beach, check into your beachfront hotel, and explore the vibrant Main Street area.

Evening: Unwind on the famous Huntington Beach boardwalk, watch the sunset over the Pacific, and enjoy a celebratory dinner by the ocean.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Pike Place Market – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Columbia River Gorge – 2 hrs – $0
• Mount Shasta viewpoint – 1 hr – $0
• Shasta Lake – 1 hr – $0
• Mono Lake – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Mammoth Lakes – 2 hrs – $20 (parking)
• Death Valley (Dante’s View) – 2 hrs – $0
• Red Rock Canyon – 2 hrs – $15 (entry fee)
• Griffith Observatory – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Santa Monica Pier – 1 hr – $0
• Huntington Beach – 2 hrs – $0
• Total Estimated Cost – $35

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a full day in Yosemite’s low‑elevation areas (e.g., Mariposa Grove) before heading to Mammoth Lakes, or extend your stay in Huntington Beach for a surf lesson. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Portland stop and drive straight from Seattle to Redding, or combine the Red Rock Canyon and Griffith Observatory visits into a single afternoon in Los Angeles.