Moss Landing State Beach is a picturesque spot with stunning views of the ocean. Along the way, stop by some of the fish markets where you can find some of the freshest seafood for a delightful meal.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the world, known for its giant kelp forest exhibit and jellyfish exhibit. Here you can also find some of the marine life that inhabits the California Coast.
The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic drive and a great place to have a picnic, hike and take in the redwoods. You can drive through enormous tree formations and take a walk on some of the many trails around.
Cannon beach is known for its Haystack Rock, which is a 235 feet tall monolith that is home to different seabirds. This beach is also perfect to enjoy the sunset or have a bonfire.
For this road trip, a car rental is a must-attempt as public transit isn't comfortable as you'll be traveling to small towns while taking a more scenic route. Total rental car costs are estimated to be around $250-$300 for four days
If you have more time, consider stopping in the charming town of Mendocino on your way to Avenue of the Giants. Alternatively, consider adding Crater Lake National Park to your final-day itinerary. If you have fewer days, consider dropping either Moss Landing State Beach or Cannon Beach on this list. Two-night stays in Monterey and Eureka are also an alternative option.
Portland International Airport (PDX) is the main airport in Portland, situated roughly 10 miles from the center city. If you would like to start your itinerary in San Jose, your nearest airport will be San Jose International Airport (SJC), located just a few miles north of downtown San Jose.