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

Viewed by 354 travelers

Day 1: Nature & City Adventure

Seattle, WA (Mount Rainier National Park)

10:00AM

Drive to Mount Rainier National Park

Set off to explore the breathtaking 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 stroll along the picturesque trails.
Drive within the park to access visitor centers and trails.
USD35 (Park entrance), 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Paradise Picnic Area

Enjoy a packed lunch with stunning views of the mountains.
Find a picnic table at the picnic area.
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 refresh 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
Find Hotels in Seattle

Day 2: Travel to Portland

Seattle, WA to Portland, OR

9:00AM

Drive to Portland

Venture south towards Portland, ready for your next adventure.
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 Japanese Garden

Immerse yourself in tranquility at this stunning garden showcasing Japanese culture.
Drive about 10 minutes from the waterfront.
USD18, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Beaker & Flask

Feast on creative dishes and craft cocktails in an inviting atmosphere.
A short drive from the gardens.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Seattle

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 relaxing outdoor experiences.
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 up and unwind before exploring the town in the evening.
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
Find Hotels in Portland

Day 4: Charming Bend

Bend, OR

9:00AM

Visit Deschutes River

Take a peaceful stroll along the riverbank or relax at the park.
Drive to scenic spots along the river.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Downtown Bend

Enjoy the charming boutiques and art galleries in the town center.
Walking distance from the river.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Spork

Indulge in a mix of international flavors in a cozy setting.
Short walk from downtown.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Smith Rock State Park

Experience awe-inspiring rock formations and scenic hiking trails.
Drive about 30 minutes from downtown.
USD5 (Parking fee), 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails

Enjoy unique Cajun-inspired flavors in a lively environment.
Located in downtown Bend.
USD35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bend

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 around the lake.
Drive within the national park.
USD30 (Park entrance), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Rim Village Cafe

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

3:00PM

Explore Easy Trails

Take a gentle walk along the rim or short scenic trails.
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
Find Hotels in Crater Lake

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
Find Hotels in Ashland

Day 7: Redding to San Francisco

Redding, CA to San Francisco, CA

8:00AM

Drive to San Francisco

Set off for the vibrant city of San Francisco, ready for urban adventures.
About 3.5 hours drive via I-5 and US-101 (200 miles).
Fuel cost: USD30, 3.5 hours

11:30AM

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

1:00PM

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

2:30PM

Visit the Palace of Fine Arts

Admire the beautiful architecture and serene lagoon at this stunning landmark.
A short drive from Pier 39.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Check into Hotel

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

6:30PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Enjoy delicious modern Chinese cuisine at this popular restaurant.
Short walk or drive from your hotel.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Redding

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

Conquer Lombard Street

Drive down the famed crooked street and snap some photos.
Drive to Lombard Street (15 min).
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Painted Ladies

Check out the famous row of Victorian houses for a classic photo-op.
A short drive from Lombard Street.
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
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 9: Big Sur Adventure

San Francisco, CA to Big Sur, CA

9:00AM

Drive to Big Sur

Set out along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway towards Big Sur.
Travel via CA-1 S, about 3 hours (120 miles).
Fuel cost: USD30, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Enjoy breathtaking views while dining on locally sourced dishes overlooking the coast.
Short drive from the main road, Nepenthe is located right on CA-1.
USD40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Witness the famous McWay Falls and take in the stunning coastal views.
Reach the park entrance via CA-1.
USD10 (Parking fee), 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Pfeiffer Beach

Spend time at one of the most beautiful beaches famous for its purple sand and iconic rock formations.
A short drive from Julia Pfeiffer Burns.
USD10 (Parking fee), 2 hours

5:30PM

Check into Hotel in Big Sur

Relax and refresh after a day of exploring the coast.
Arrive at your chosen hotel in Big Sur.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Big Sur River Inn

Savor homestyle meals in a beautifully rustic setting by the river.
Close to your hotel.
USD35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 10: Santa Monica Final Day

Big Sur, CA to Santa Monica, CA

9:00AM

Drive to Santa Monica

Prepare yourself for the exciting coastal drive down to Santa Monica.
Travel via CA-1 S, about 5-6 hours (300 miles).
Fuel cost: USD50, 5-6 hours

3:00PM

Check into Hotel in Santa Monica

Get settled in your hotel and relax before heading out for dinner.
Arrive at your chosen hotel in Santa Monica.
Varies, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Lobster

Delight in fresh seafood with stunning ocean views at this classic Santa Monica restaurant.
Short drive or walk from your hotel.
USD70, 2 hours

7:30PM

Stroll Santa Monica Pier

Experience the lively atmosphere, arcade games, and the beautiful sunset.
Walk to the pier from dinner.
Free, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Big Sur
Book This Trip
Garden Safaris

Tour Operator Urban nature & discovery walking tours

Garden Safaris offers immersive, guided walking tours that reveal the hidden natural beauty of Santa Monica. We specialize in urban “safaris” that blend gardens, architecture, secret stairways, canyon paths, and ocean views into unforgettable local adventures. Led by knowledgeable guides, our tours go beyond typical sightseeing, inviting travelers to explore peaceful, lesser-known landscapes and discover the stories, design, and nature woven into the city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing garden stroll or an active scenic hike, Garden Safaris turns the city into a living outdoor escape.

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