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

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
View Hotel Availability

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
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 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
View Hotel Availability

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
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 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
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

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
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

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
View Hotel Availability

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
View Hotel Availability

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
View Hotel Availability