San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip

You’ll find your first must-visit pit stop before you even leave the Bay Area! Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, the waterfront town of Sausalito feels like a little escape from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, and it’s a great place to grab a coffee, stroll the marina, and start your trip on a relaxed note. It’s also an excellent place to visit if you’re into quirky art galleries like the Scrimshaw Gallery or are a foodie looking for some delicious meals with waterside views.

If you’re craving a touch of coastal wilderness as you take the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, you need to stop at Point Reyes National Park. This is the kind of place where you can hike (with the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse being a particularly popular trail), roam through meadows filled with wildflowers, or grab your binoculars and admire the herds of tule elk. For the super-adventurous road-tripper, you can also take the hike from Point Reyes, which will lead you to Alamere Falls, one of the few waterfalls in the country that cascade directly into the ocean.

Most famous for being the filming location of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”, Bodega Bay combines Hollywood history with a touch of coastal charm. There’s loads to enjoy here, from rocky beaches to fresh seafood (the clam chowder is a particularly popular dish in many restaurants), as well as opportunities for kayaking on the bay. If you’re lucky, you might also be able to spot migrating whales off the shore from January to May.

Mendocino has a really special vibe, with its dramatic cliffs, art scene, and Victorian architecture. There’s something almost calming about wandering through the town as you soak up the ocean views while the local shops offer a treasure trove of trinkets longing to be discovered and taken home as souvenirs or mementos. While you’re here, take the time to visit Mendocino State Park, where you’ll find some of the most incredible views of the Pacific Ocean on your road trip at the end of coastal paths.

You’re promised a truly unforgettable experience as you drive among the towering trees at Redwood National and State Parks, and as you step out of your vehicle, you’ll find yourself in a magical wonderland that feels straight out of a fairytale. The tranquillity of these 1,000-year-old forests and the hundred-foot trees that make them up is unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere on this road trip, and this is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or hike among the giants. Also, if you want a different perspective of these incredible forests, take a drive down the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway or walk the trails at Prarie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Once you cross into Oregon, you’ll immediately notice that the landscape shifts as the Oregon Dunes, with their massive sand dunes that stretch along the coast, are a striking contrast to the magical forests you’ve driven through up until now. This is a great place to stretch your legs after spending several hours on the road, and as they stretch across almost 40 miles, there’s plenty of room to explore. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even hire an ATV while you’re here to explore the dunes while getting your adrenaline pumping!

Even though Florence is a relatively small town (just 9,400 people as of the May 2024 Census), it still has plenty to offer road trippers. The Siuslaw River runs through the center, providing you with scenic views across the water, while the historic downtown is filled with quaint shops and cafes that are just begging to be explored. A short drive North from Florence will also take you to the Sea Lion Caves, which are home to a year-round colony of sea lions, and you can descend into a massive cave system to watch these animals in their natural habitat.

Another 50 miles on the road will take you to Newport. This is one of those coastal towns in which you could easily spend an entire day exploring, with attractions such as the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse on offer. This is also a must-visit stop if you’re interested in marine life, as the nearby tide pools are teeming with creatures, and the fishing docks are home to sea lions spending their days swimming and sunbathing. After all that exploring, head to the Rogue Brewery, where you can enjoy a local craft beer and a bite to eat.

Cheese lovers, this stop is for you! Tillamook is famous for its cheese factory, and it’s a great place to pull over and indulge in a grilled cheese followed by some of the most delicious ice cream you’ll ever taste. The visitor center here offers a tour where you can see the cheese-making process up close, followed by a visit to the gift shop where you can find the perfect present for the cheese enthusiast in your life! Don’t worry if you’re not a dairy fanatic, though – Tillamook still has plenty of other things to see, including a beautiful stretch of coastline with nearby spots like Cape Meares offering stunning views of the ocean.

The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, Astoria has a bit of an old-world charm with its Victorian homes and the Columbia River rolling through, making it a perfect stop for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the area. The Astoria Column offers sweeping views of the surrounding area, and if you’re a movie buff, you’ll also recognize several filming locations from the Goonies here!

If you’ve got time for a short detour inland, we highly recommend visiting Mount St. Helens. This volcano famously erupted in 1980, and the surrounding landscape still tells the story of that dramatic event. Head to the visitor center here to gain an insight into the eruption before heading out on the hiking trails that let you explore the area up close and really get a glimpse of the destruction caused and a reminder of nature’s power.

While not directly on the I-5 route to Seattle, a loop through Olympic National Park offers some of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States. From the rugged coastline to the Hoh Rain Forest and alpine peaks, this park is a nature lover’s dream, and you can hike, kayak, or simply take in the views from one of the many scenic overlooks. If you want to feel small in the best possible way and gain a reminder of the vastness of the natural world, you should definitely take the time to stop at Olympic National Park.

Congratulations – you’ve made it to Seattle! After days of exploring everything this road trip has to offer, you’ll still find plenty to do at your final destination. The Space Needle is the place to go if you want to the best panoramic views of the city, while Pike Place Market is a must-visit for fresh food and eclectic finds. You can also head to Capitol Hill, which really comes alive at nighttime with live music and bars, providing the perfect end to your road trip of a lifetime.

Taking the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle gives you the chance to explore some of the most amazing places the West Coast has to offer, and with a campervan from Travellers Autobarn, you can take advantage of unlimited miles and make as many stops as you want without worrying about extra costs.

From towering redwoods to sandy dunes and quaint coastal towns, each stop of this road trip adds its own unique charm to your overall journey, and whether you’re craving nature, history, or just some delicious local food, this trip has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Pack up, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Looking for more road trips that start from San Francisco? Take a look at some more unforgettable adventures here.