Epic Road Trip Adventure: Seattle to California via Oregon without Museums

Day 1: Nature & City Adventure

Seattle, WA (Mount Rainier National Park)

10:00AM

Drive to Mount Rainier National Park

Set off 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 through beautiful wilderness.
Drive within the park to reach visitor centers and trails.
USD35 (Park entrance), 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Paradise Picnic Area

Enjoy 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

Indulge in 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

Venture 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

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

1:00PM

Lunch at Deschutes Brewery Portland Pub

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

2:30PM

Stroll Portland Waterfront Park

Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront to enjoy the river views.
Nearby the brewery, a short drive or walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Portland Rose Garden

Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens filled with hundreds of rose varieties.
Short drive from the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Beaker & Flask

Feast on creative dishes and craft cocktails in a warm atmosphere.
A short drive from the gardens.
USD50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Exploring Portland

Portland, OR

9:00AM

Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden

Stroll through this authentic classical garden in the heart of the city.
Drive 10 minutes from downtown Portland.
USD15, 2 hours

11:00AM

Food Truck Sampling

Taste some delicious bites from iconic Portland food trucks.
Head to a nearby food truck pod or downtown area.
USD20, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pine Street Market

Explore gourmet dining offerings and enjoy a casual lunch.
Short drive from the food trucks.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

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

5:30PM

Check into Hotel in Bend

Rest and recharge before hitting the town.
Arrive in Bend and check into your hotel.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at 10 Barrel Brewing

Savor delicious pizza and local craft beer in a vibrant atmosphere.
Located nearby the hotel.
USD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventuring in Bend

Bend, OR

9:00AM

Visit Smith Rock State Park

Explore stunning rock formations and picturesque hiking trails; a must-see.
Drive 30 minutes from Bend.
USD5, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 10 Barrel Eastside

Revel in their signature pizza and a varied brew selection.
Return to the original 10 Barrel location.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Downtown Bend

Enjoy the charming boutiques and art galleries in the town center.
Walking distance from the brewery.
Free, 2 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 unique Cajun-inspired flavors in a lively environment.
Located in downtown Bend.
USD35, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

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 Rim Village.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Hiking Trails

Take a hike along scenic trails to absorb the natural beauty.
Access trails directly 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 local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients.
Located in downtown Ashland.
USD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Charming Ashland

Ashland, OR

9:00AM

Visit Lithia Park

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

10:30AM

Explore Downtown Ashland

Stroll through the quaint shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Walk throughout downtown.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Quinque

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

1:30PM

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

3:00PM

Visit Sundial Bridge

Witness the architectural beauty of this pedestrian bridge over the Sacramento River.
Drive about 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
View Hotel Availability

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 gorgeous 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 on the waterfront.
Drive to Fisherman’s Wharf area.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Pier 39

Stroll through Pier 39 and enjoy the sea lions lounging on the docks.
A short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Check into Hotel

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

6:00PM

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 Park

Explore the vast park with beautiful gardens and diverse trails.
Drive to the park entrance.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at the Ferry Building Marketplace

Eat gourmet street food from various vendors in this vibrant food 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 colorful shops and vibe.
Drive to Haight-Ashbury (15 min).
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Painted Ladies

Check out the famous row of Victorian houses for 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
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Big Sur Adventure

San Francisco, CA to Big Sur, CA

9:00AM

Drive to Big Sur

Experience breathtaking coastal views on the iconic 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

Delight in amazing views while enjoying 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 cascading directly onto the beach for great photos.
Drive 15 minutes further south.
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
View Hotel Availability

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 from the pier to enjoy this beautiful moment.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability