A scenic route from Los Angeles to Seattle road trip offers an incredible journey through diverse landscapes, charming towns, and breathtaking vistas. In this article, let’s check about scenic stopovers when driving from LA to Seattle by car.
👉🏼Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary – 6 Best Places To Stop on Pacific coast highway
LA To Seattle Road Trip – LA To Seattle Drive
Road Trip From LA To Seattle Distance —
The road trip from LA to Seattle covers a distance of approximately 1,130 to 1,200 miles and takes approximately 17 to 18 hours without any stops.
Read this Los Angeles to Seattle road trip itinerary guide if you plan to drive from LA to Seattle with scenic stopovers. Here’s a detailed Los Angeles to Seattle road trip itinerary with stopovers, overnight stay hotel names, things to do, and why they are worth the visit.
LA To Seattle Road Trip Map
Day 1: Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
With its beautiful beaches, historic charm, and wine country allure, Santa Barbara offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration on your LA to Seattle road trip.
👉🏼Where To Stop Between LA And Santa Barbara
- Distance From Los Angeles: Approximately 95 miles, 1.5 to 2 hours drive
- Scenic Route: Take the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) for stunning ocean views.
Stopover: Santa Barbara
Hotel: Stay at the historic and luxurious Belmond El Encanto for old-world charm and modern elegance.
Things to Do:
- Explore the beautiful beaches and stroll along the Stearns Wharf.
- Visit the Santa Barbara Mission for a glimpse into California’s history.
- Enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Day 2: Santa Barbara to Big Sur
Big Sur’s dramatic coastal cliffs, majestic redwood forests, and iconic landmarks like McWay Falls make it an essential scenic stopover, offering unparalleled natural beauty and serenity on your LA to Seattle road trip.
👉🏼Epic Big Sur Itinerary One Day – Scenic Stopovers, Things To Do, & Hotels
- Distance From Last Stopover: Approximately 160-170 miles, 3 to 4 hours drive
- Scenic Route: As Highway 1 is closed from Santa Barbara to Big Sur, so take another route. There is small detour on Highway-1 on Pacific Coast Highway and therefore check google map to reach Big Sur from Santa Barbara.
Stopover: Big Sur
Hotel: Book a stay at the iconic Post Ranch Inn, perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean or Big Sur River Inn besides the river. This hotel offers unparalleled views and luxury accommodations.
Things to Do:
- Hike through the majestic redwoods in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
- Visit McWay Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading onto a pristine beach.
- Relax and rejuvenate at the Esalen Institute’s natural hot springs.
Day 3: Big Sur to Monterey
Monterey’s renowned aquarium, picturesque Cannery Row, and breathtaking 17-mile Drive offer a perfect blend of coastal charm and natural beauty, making it an essential scenic stopover on your LA to Seattle drive.
👉🏼10 Best Things To Do This Weekend In Monterey CA
- Distance From Last Stopover: Approximately 40 miles, 1 to 1.5 hours drive
- Scenic Route: Continue on Highway 1 for more coastal beauty.
Stopover: Monterey
Hotel: Stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa for breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and luxurious accommodations.
Things to Do:
- Explore the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to diverse marine life.
- Take a stroll along Cannery Row and indulge in fresh seafood.
- Drive or walk along the 17-mile Drive for spectacular ocean vistas and iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress.
Day 4: Monterey to San Francisco
San Francisco’s iconic landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural scene, provide a captivating urban contrast to the coastal journey. This makes it an essential and dynamic scenic stopover on your LA to Seattle road trip itinerary.
👉🏼Perfect LA to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary 8 – 10 Days
- Distance From Last Stopver: Approximately 120 miles, 2 to 2.5 hours drive
- Scenic Route: Drive along Highway 1 until you reach the outskirts of San Francisco.
Stopover: San Francisco
Hotel: Choose the luxurious Fairmont San Francisco for its classic elegance and panoramic city skyline views.
Things to Do:
- Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge for breathtaking city and bay views.
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the Mission District.
- Ride a cable car up the city’s steep hills for a quintessential San Francisco experience.
Day 5: San Francisco to Napa Valley
Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards, Michelin-starred dining, and luxurious spas offer a serene and indulgent escape, making it an unmissable scenic stopover for unparalleled wine-country experiences on your LA to Seattle road trip itinerary.
👉🏼Best Scenic Drives In Napa Valley (Itinerary + Things To Do)
- Distance From Last Stopover: Approximately 50 miles, 1 to 1.5 hours drive
- Scenic Route: Take Highway 101 North to Highway 37 East, then Highway 121 into Napa Valley.
Stopover: Napa Valley
Hotel: Stay at the luxurious Auberge du Soleil for exquisite accommodations, Michelin-starred dining, and panoramic views of the vineyards.
Things to Do:
- Go wine tasting at some of Napa Valley’s world-renowned wineries.
- Take a hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the vineyards and valley.
- Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment amidst the picturesque surroundings.
Day 6: Napa Valley to Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks boast towering coastal redwoods, ancient groves, and breathtaking coastal vistas, providing an awe-inspiring natural setting and a serene escape from the road, making it an essential scenic stopover on your LA to Seattle road trip itinerary.
👉🏼10 Scenic Drives Near San Jose – Best Stopovers, Things To Do & FAQs
- Distance: Approximately 330 miles, 6 to 7 hours drive
- Scenic Route: Take Highway 101 North through the lush landscapes of Northern California.
Stopover: Redwood National and State Parks (Near Crescent City)
Hotel: Choose from various accommodations in Crescent City, such as the Oceanfront Lodge or Curly Redwood Lodge.
Things to Do:
- Marvel at the towering coastal redwoods, some of the tallest trees on Earth.
- Hike through the ancient groves and experience the tranquility of the forest.
- Visit the nearby beaches for stunning ocean views and possible wildlife sightings.
Day 7 of Los Angeles To Seattle Road Trip: Redwood National and State Parks to Seattle
Seattle offers a vibrant cultural scene, iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, and breathtaking natural beauty with its proximity to the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. For a diverse and unforgettable experience, Seattle is an essential destination on any West Coast road trip from LA.
👉🏼Perfect Road Trip To Yosemite From Los Angeles With Scenic Stopovers
- Distance From Last Stopover: Approximately 350 miles, 6 to 7 hours drive
- Scenic Route: Drive north on Highway 101 and then take Highway 199 East to Interstate 5, leading to Seattle.
Stopover: Seattle
Hotel: Stay in downtown Seattle at the luxurious Fairmont Olympic Hotel for its timeless elegance and convenient location.
Things to Do:
- Explore the iconic Pike Place Market and watch the fishmongers in action.
- Visit the Space Needle for panoramic views of the city and Puget Sound.
- Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront or relax in one of Seattle’s many parks, like Kerry Park, for a postcard-worthy view of the city skyline.
This scenic road trip from Los Angeles to Seattle offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and luxurious accommodations, making it a journey worth savoring.
Picture Credits – Canva
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