Epic Road Trip Adventure: Seattle to California via Oregon with Big Sur and Santa Monica Pier Stop

Day 1: Nature & City Adventure

Seattle, WA (Mount Rainier National Park)

10:00AM

Drive to Mount Rainier National Park

Head out to explore the stunning landscapes of Mount Rainier.
Take SR-410 E for about 2 hours (90 miles).
Fuel cost: USD20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Mount Rainier National Park

Take a scenic drive or hike one of the many trails with breathtaking views.
Drive within the park to reach visitor centers and trails.
USD35 (Park entrance), 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Paradise Picnic Area

Have a packed lunch while surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Find a picnic area near the visitor center.
USD10 (packed lunch cost), 1 hour

4:00PM

Head Back to Seattle

Enjoy the scenic drive back to Seattle in the afternoon.
Return via SR-410 W.
Fuel cost: USD20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Check into Hotel

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Arrive at your Seattle hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Canlis

Enjoy fine dining with stunning views of Lake Union and world-class cuisine.
Drive or take a rideshare from the hotel (20 min).
USD100, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to Portland

Seattle, WA to Portland, OR

9:00AM

Drive to Portland

Head south towards Portland, ready for some exciting adventures.
Take I-5 South for about 3 hours.
Fuel cost: USD30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check into Hotel in Portland

Rest and refresh before heading out for lunch.
Arrive at your hotel in Portland.
Varies, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Deschutes Brewery Portland Pub

Try local brews and hearty meals in a trendy setting.
Short drive or rideshare from your hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Powell’s City of Books

Spend your afternoon meandering through the world's largest independent bookstore.
Short drive or a quick walk from the brewery.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Beaker & Flask

Enjoy creative dishes and cocktails in a cozy atmosphere.
A short drive from Powell's.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Discovering Oregon

Portland, OR

9:00AM

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Engage with interactive exhibits to learn about the wonders of science.
Drive 15 minutes from downtown Portland.
USD20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Portland Japanese Garden

Explore the serene beauty of this famous garden, perfect for relaxation.
Short drive or public transport to the garden.
USD18, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ecliptic Brewing

Sample a variety of delicious brews and seasonal dishes.
Just a 5-minute drive from the Japanese Garden.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Drive to Bend, OR

Hit the road towards Bend, known for its outdoor recreational activities.
I-5 to US-20 E, about 3.5 hours (160 miles).
Fuel cost: USD30, 3.5 hours

6:00PM

Check into Hotel

Rest and recharge for the evening.
Arrive in Bend and check into your hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at 10 Barrel Brewing

Taste delicious pizza and local craft beer.
Located nearby the hotel.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 4: Adventuring in Bend

Bend, OR

9:00AM

Visit Smith Rock State Park

Explore stunning rock formations and picturesque hiking trails.
Drive 30 minutes from Bend.
USD5, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Deschutes Brewery

Sample a variety of delicious brews and seasonal dishes.
About 30 minutes’ drive back to Bend.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Downtown Bend

Browse local shops and enjoy the charming downtown atmosphere.
Walking distance from the brewery.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at the Deschutes River

Wind down at one of the parks along the river, soaking up the sun.
Short drive from downtown.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails

Enjoy Cajun-inspired dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Located in downtown Bend.
USD35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Crater Lake Wonders

Crater Lake, OR

9:00AM

Drive to Crater Lake National Park

Head to explore the breathtaking scenes of the deepest blue lake.
Drive is approximately 2 hours via OR-62 West (90 miles).
Fuel cost: USD20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Crater Lake Rim

Discover stunning viewpoints and photography opportunities around the lake.
Drive within the national park.
USD30 (Park entrance), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Rim Village Cafe

Enjoy a delicious meal with views of the lake.
Located at the Rim Village.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Hiking Trails

Take a guided hike along the scenic trails around Crater Lake.
Access trails from the Rim;
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive to Ashland, OR

Travel to Ashland to experience its artsy vibe.
Drive is approximately 1 hour (70 miles).
Fuel cost: USD15, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Lela’s Cafe

Savor some local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients.
Located in downtown Ashland.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Charming Ashland

Ashland, OR

9:00AM

Visit Lithia Park

Enjoy a morning walk through this beautiful park with gardens and a pond.
Located adjacent to downtown Ashland.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Take a backstage tour or buy tickets for a show if time permits.
Located in downtown Ashland.
USD15, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cafe Quinque

Sample delicious seasonal dishes prepared from locally sourced ingredients.
Walk to the cafe from the theater.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Redding, CA

Set off on your next adventure, heading south to Redding.
I-5 South, about 1.5 hours (120 miles).
Fuel cost: USD20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Sundial Bridge

Witness the architectural beauty of this pedestrian bridge over the Sacramento River.
Drive 15 minutes from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Jack's Grill

Enjoy hearty American fare at this local favorite.
Located in downtown Redding.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Redding to San Francisco

Redding, CA to San Francisco, CA

8:00AM

Drive to San Francisco

Travel south along I-5 and US-101, admiring California scenery.
About 3.5 hours drive (220 miles).
Fuel cost: USD35, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Dig into clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at this iconic spot.
Drive to Fisherman's Wharf area.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Exploring Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to this historic prison and experience a fascinating audio tour.
Ferry from Pier 33.
USD40, 3 hours

6:00PM

Check into Hotel

Relax and enjoy some downtime before dinner.
Hotel check-in nearby.
Varies, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Enjoy delicious modern Chinese cuisine at this popular restaurant.
Short walk or drive from your hotel.
USD40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

9:00AM

Visit Golden Gate Bridge

Take in the breathtaking views and explore the park surrounding the iconic bridge.
Drive to the bridge entrance.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at the Ferry Building Marketplace

Eat gourmet street food from various vendors in this vibrant market.
Short drive from Golden Gate Park.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Haight-Ashbury District

Wander through the historic district known for its counterculture history and colorful shops.
Drive to Haight-Ashbury (15 min).
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Painted Ladies

Check out the famous row of Victorian houses, a classic photo-op.
A short drive from Haight-Ashbury.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The House

Indulge in Asian-inspired dishes in a trendy environment.
Drive 10 minutes from the Painted Ladies.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 9: Big Sur Adventure

San Francisco, CA to Big Sur, CA

9:00AM

Drive to Big Sur

Take in the stunning coastal views as you drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Travel via US-101 S and CA-1 S, about 3 hours (120 miles).
Fuel cost: USD30, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy breathtaking views while dining on delicious Californian cuisine.
Located on the coast in Big Sur.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hike in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Embark on a scenic hike through beautiful forests and alongside the coastline.
Short drive to the park entrance.
USD10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit McWay Falls

Witness the stunning waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach; perfect for photos.
Drive 15 minutes down the road.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Check into Hotel in Big Sur

Relax and enjoy the evening in the tranquil setting of Big Sur.
Arrive at your chosen hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Sierra Mar

Savor exquisite cuisine with views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Located within Post Ranch Inn.
USD100, 2 hours
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Day 10: Santa Monica Pier Finale

Big Sur, CA to Santa Monica, CA

9:00AM

Drive to Santa Monica

Journey south along the PCH, soaking in the beautiful seaside views.
About 5 hours drive (300 miles) via CA-1.
Fuel cost: USD40, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Santa Monica Pier

Grab a bite at one of the casual eateries overlooking the beach.
Enjoy lunch with ocean views at the pier.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Santa Monica Pier

Take a stroll along the iconic pier, enjoying the rides and arcade games.
Explore the attractions on foot.
Free to enter, rides & games vary., 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Albright

Savor seafood dishes with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.
Located on the pier.
USD50, 2 hours

8:30PM

Sunset on the Beach

End your trip by watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
Walk to the beach from the pier.
Free, 1 hour
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