Pacific Northwest Road Trip: San Francisco to Seattle (9 Days)

Day 1: San Francisco → Monterey

Morning: Depart from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and cruise across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy coastal views as you head south on Highway 1.

Afternoon: Stop at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a quick lunch and a stroll along the pier. Continue to Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can marvel at marine life.

Evening: Check into a boutique hotel in Monterey and wander the historic Cannery Row, savoring fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 2: Monterey → Big Sur

Morning: Drive the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) through rugged cliffs, stopping at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for a short hike.

Afternoon: Explore the dramatic scenery at Bixby Creek Bridge and enjoy a picnic at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, famous for its waterfall over the ocean.

Evening: Arrive at a cozy inn in Big Sur, relax by a campfire, and watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Day 3: Big Sur → Redwood National & State Parks

Morning: Continue north, crossing the Trinity River Bridge before entering the towering redwood forest.

Afternoon: Hike among ancient giants in Lady Bird Johnson Grove and drive the scenic Avenue of the Giants for breathtaking photo ops.

Evening: Set up camp at a designated site in Redwood National Park and listen to the forest’s nocturnal sounds.

Day 4: Redwood Parks → Klamath River & Crater Lake (OR)

Morning: Follow the Klamath River southward, stopping at the historic Klamath River Overlook for river views.

Afternoon: Cross into Oregon and spend a few hours exploring the stunning blue waters of Crater Lake National Park, taking the rim drive.

Evening: Overnight in the charming town of Medford, enjoying a relaxed dinner at a local eatery.

Day 5: Crater Lake → Oregon Coast

Morning: Depart early and head west toward the Pacific, stopping at the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse near Newport.

Afternoon: Stroll the tide pools at Depoe Bay and sample fresh clam chowder at a seaside café.

Evening: Check into a beachfront hotel in Lincoln City and watch a dramatic sunset over the dunes.

Day 6: Oregon Coast → Portland

Morning: Drive north along the coastal highway, pausing at the dramatic cliffs of Cannon Beach and the iconic Haystack Rock.

Afternoon: Continue inland to Portland, where you can explore the vibrant Pittock Mansion and its gardens.

Evening: Dine at a food‑cart pod in downtown Portland and enjoy the city's lively music scene.

Day 7: Portland → Columbia River Gorge

Morning: Depart for the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, stopping at the towering Multnomah Falls for a short hike.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Bonneville Dam and explore the scenic Horsetail Falls viewpoint.

Evening: Return to Portland for a relaxed night, perhaps catching a sunset at Portland’s Waterfront Park.

Day 8: Portland → Seattle

Morning: Drive north on I‑5, crossing the state line into Washington and stopping at the historic Mount St. Helens Visitor Center for a quick overview.

Afternoon: Arrive in Seattle and check into your hotel. Begin exploring the bustling Pike Place Market, sampling local delicacies.

Evening: Take a twilight walk along the Seattle Waterfront and enjoy views of the illuminated Space Needle.

Day 9: Seattle Exploration

Morning: Visit the iconic Space Needle and adjacent Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit for a blend of art and city vistas.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Seattle Underground Tour and relax in Kerry Park for panoramic city photos.

Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant in Ballard, concluding the road trip with fresh Pacific salmon and a sunset over Puget Sound.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Golden Gate Bridge – 1 hour – $0 (parking $5)
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – 2 hours – $30 (rides & food)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium – 3 hours – $55
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – 2 hours – $10 (parking)
• Bixby Creek Bridge – 30 min – $0
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – 2 hours – $10
• Lady Bird Johnson Grove – 2 hours – $0
• Avenue of the Giants – 3 hours – $0 (parking $5)
• Klamath River Overlook – 1 hour – $0
• Crater Lake National Park – 4 hours – $30 (entrance fee)
• Yaquina Head Lighthouse – 1 hour – $5
• Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach) – 1.5 hours – $0
• Pittock Mansion – 2 hours – $12
• Multnomah Falls – 2 hours – $0 (parking $5)
• Pike Place Market – 3 hours – $30 (food & souvenirs)
• Space Needle – 2 hours – $40
• Chihuly Garden and Glass – 1.5 hours – $35
• Seattle Underground Tour – 1.5 hours – $25
• Kerry Park – 30 min – $0
• Ballard Waterfront Dinner – 2 hours – $50
• Accommodation (8 nights) – – $1,200
• Fuel & Tolls – – $250
• Meals (excluding listed) – – $400
• Total Estimated Cost – – $2,439

Tips

To shorten the trip, skip the Oregon Coast and Crater Lake, focusing on the Redwood and Columbia River Gorge sections, which reduces travel time by 2–3 days. For a longer adventure, add a day in the Willamette Valley for wine tasting, spend an extra night in Portland’s vibrant neighborhoods, or explore the Mount Rainier area before heading to Seattle.