San Francisco to Portland Road Trip

You can’t leave the city without visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, and driving across with the city skyline in your rearview mirror and the Marin Headlands ahead is nothing short of exhilarating. Once you’ve crossed, be sure to make a pit stop in Sausalito, a beautiful waterfront town that feels like a little slice of the Mediterranean just 25 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city. While you’re here, grab a coffee and take a stroll along the marina, soaking in the views of the bay along the way. This is a gentle introduction to the journey waiting ahead, and it offers you the opportunity to take it slow and savor the moment before getting back behind the wheel.

A short drive north takes you to Point Reyes Seashore, the second stopping point on your road trip. This is where the magic of Northern California really starts to shine, with wild beauty at every turn, from cliffs to meadows and windswept beaches that will make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto the edge of the world. Whether you hike to the Point Reyes Lighthouse for amazing views over the ocean or want to spot migrating whales from a cliff-top, this is the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time.

Continuing along Highway 1, a 35-mile drive will land you in Bodega Bay, a charming little town with a cinematic history of being the setting for Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”. This is a must-stop for movie lovers, but even if you’re not a film buff, you’ll be won over by Bodega Bay’s delicious seafood restaurants and beautiful beaches that are perfect for an afternoon of kayaking. Not to mention, the coastal views here are postcard-perfect, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of seals lounging in the surf.

Further up the coast and around two and a half hours on the road, you’ll hit Mendocino. This is a place where you’ll want to spend a good amount of time, with Victorian architecture to explore, along with art galleries, local shops, and artisan cafes. Once you’re done in town, head to the Mendocino Headlands State Park and take a walk through the breathtaking scenery. There are some awesome hiking trails here, too, and you can strap on your hiking boots and explore the in-land High Chutes Loop or stay coastal with the Mendocino Cliffs Trail.

Most people who picture exploring Northern California have a vision of towering redwoods, and there’s no better place to experience them than the Avenue of the Giants. This stretch of old Highway 101 takes you right through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where ancient trees soar hundreds of feet into the sky, and there are plenty of places to pull over, take a walk, and really take in the grandeur of these giants.

As you continue heading north, the towns of Eureka and Arcata offer you the perfect blend of history and culture. Eureaka is filled with Victorian architecture, with the Carson Mansion standing out as its crown jewel centerpiece. Once you’re done marveling at the beautiful buildings, a 15-minute drive will take you to Arcata, where you’ll find a completely different vibe and a town square buzzing with energy. These towns are an absolute must-visit if you’ve been craving a glimpse into the different characters in Northern California’s coastal communities, and they’re also perfect for picking up some mementos of your road trip.

Looking for a spot to take some awesome photos? The short 15-minute drive to Trinidad is next on your to-do list. This is a small town with a big attitude, and there are some of the best views along the road here, including the chance to gaze out over Trinidad Bay from the Memorial Lighthouse and take in the ocean from the shores of Trinidad State Beach. Sue-meg State Park is just 15 minutes away, too, where you’ll find hiking trails that lead you along cliffs and into secluded coves.

Before you cross into Oregon, a stop in Crescent City gives you one final chance to take in California’s coast. It’s also the gateway to the Redwood National and State Parks, where a 7-minute drive gives you another opportunity to admire some of the tallest trees on the planet and find some excellent hiking trails, including the famous Fern Canyon Loop and James Irvine Trails. It’s not all about nature here, though. Crescent City itself is a relaxed coastal town where you can grab a bite to eat and take a breather before heading into the next chapter of your road trip.

As you cross the border into Oregon, Brookings will welcome you with open arms and pristine beaches! Harris State Beach is a must-visit while you’re here, with tide pools and golden sands that invite you to explore them. This is the point of your journey where you’ll really start getting a feel for the flavor ahead of you, adding to the excitement of what’s yet to come.

Not far along the road, you’ll drive into Gold Beach, where the Rogue River meets the Pacific. There’s plenty of opportunity for adventure here, with jet boat tours, fishing, hiking, and wildlife spotting all up for grabs. Or, if you prefer, you can just relax by the water. Whatever you choose to do, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience in the wild and untamed scenery here, and you’re almost guaranteed to want to stay just a little longer.

As you carry on heading up the coast, Coos Bay is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a mix of nature and a small-town atmosphere. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a must-see while you’re here, and while it’s a 35-minute drive from the town center, it’s worth the slight detour for the opportunity to explore the massive sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. These are perfect if you want to spend a day hiking, or for an even more adventurous way of exploring, you can hire an ATV from a local company. Not so keen on the dunes? Don’t worry – Shore Acres State Park is only 25 minutes from the town and has fairly easy walking trails through beautiful gardens and woodlands with ocean views.

Newport is a place that has something for everyone. If you’re an animal lover, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a 6-minute drive from the town and is home to some amazing marine life, while history enthusiasts will love exploring the Yaquina Head Outstanding Nature Area (10 minutes from town), which is home to a historic lighthouse. Foodies will love stopping here, too, as Newport’s restaurants are well-known for serving up some of the freshest seafood dishes you’ll ever taste.

When you picture the Oregon Coast, there’s a good chance you’ll think of Cannon Beach and its famous Haystack Rock. This is one of those stops on your journey that will make you feel as though you’re in a postcard that comes to life, and whether you’re strolling along the wide, sandy beaches or exploring the town’s art galleries, you’ll find an experience that feels both luxurious and laid-back.

Here it is – your final destination! This doesn’t mean the adventure has to end, though, and Portland is unlike any other city or town you’ll have stopped at along the way so far. Whether you’re wandering through Forest Park, losing yourself in the shelves at Powell’s City of Books, or exploring the Pearl District’s galleries and breweries, there’s something to satisfy every interest. Portland’s food scene is legendary, too, so be sure to treat yourself to some food cart fare or go extra-special with a fine dining experience. Whatever you choose, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a truly epic road trip.

A San Francisco to Portland road trip is the adventure of a lifetime, filled with incredible scenery and memories that will stay with you forever. At Travellers Autobarn, we’re here to help you make the very most of your road trip with reliable campervan rentals for all needs and free unlimited miles so you can focus on what matters most – exploring, discovering new things, and having the time of your life! The adventure doesn’t have to end there, either. With details of some other awesome San Francisco road trips, we’ve made it easier than ever to plan your next vacation.

Interested in other trips from San Francisco? Here are some other articles you should check out:

• 8 Unforgettable Campervan Itineraries Out of San Francisco
• 15 Best Weekend Camping Trips Outside of San Francisco
• Top 10 Campervan Campgrounds & RV Parks Near San Francisco
• Top 5 Road Trips to Take Your Campervan out of San Francisco

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