The San Francisco to Seattle drive via Highway 101 is one of the most scenic road trips in the United States. This route passes along the Pacific coastline, and you can experience picturesque coastal towns, towering redwood forests, dramatic cliffs, and lush valleys. This route is packed with natural beauty and offers diverse cultural and recreational activities, making it an unforgettable road trip experience.
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San Francisco to Seattle Drive Itinerary with Scenic Stopovers
Please find my itinerary for the San Francisco to Seattle road trip, which will help you plan your travel from San Francisco to Seattle.
Day 1: San Francisco to Mendocino (160 miles, 3.5 hours)
Starting from San Francisco, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. As you head north on Highway 101, you’ll experience California’s stunning coastal landscape.
Scenic Stopover: Point Reyes National Seashore
Here, you can see dramatic coastal cliffs, beautiful beaches, and wildlife sightings, such as elephant seals and gray whales during migration. The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse is also worth visiting for panoramic views of the Pacific.
Things to Do: Hike the Chimney Rock trail for stunning views or visit Drakes Beach for a peaceful picnic.
Overnight Stay: Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites is a charming mid-budget option with ocean views in the heart of Mendocino Village. Perfect for exploring the local art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
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Day 2: Mendocino to Eureka (160 miles, 3.5 hours)
This leg of the San Francisco to Seattle drive passes through the wild and rugged Northern California coast. You’ll pass through the majestic redwood forests, home to the tallest trees on Earth.
Scenic Stopover: Redwood National and State Parks
The towering redwoods are a sight to behold, offering a serene and otherworldly experience. Driving through the Avenue of the Giants, you’ll be surrounded by these ancient, giant trees.
Things to Do: Hike the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park’s Fern Canyon Trail or explore Lady Bird Johnson Grove for easy access to the towering redwoods.
Overnight Stay: Eureka Inn is a mid-budget, historic hotel in Eureka with charming Victorian architecture. Located near Old Town Eureka, it’s a great base for exploring the local shops and dining.
Day 3: Eureka to Florence, Oregon (210 miles, 4.5 hours)
This stretch of San Francisco to Seattle road trip is full of the most beautiful and unspoiled U.S. coastlines from Northern California into Oregon, with endless sandy beaches, sea stacks, and rocky cliffs.
Scenic Stopover: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area—These massive dunes, some rising over 500 feet, stretch for miles along the Oregon Coast. It’s a surreal landscape where you can enjoy off-road vehicle rides, hiking, or simply enjoying the unique scenery.
Things to Do: Rent a dune buggy for an adrenaline-packed ride or take a peaceful hike along the John Dellenback Dunes Trail.
Overnight Stay: Old Town Inn, Florence, is a cozy mid-budget hotel near the Siuslaw River. Stay here to enjoy charming Old Town Florence with its art galleries, restaurants, and historic Siuslaw River Bridge views.
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Day 4: Florence to Astoria (170 miles, 3.5 hours)
The drive from Florence to Astoria offers more breathtaking coastal views and opportunities to explore quaint beach towns and famous Oregon landmarks.
Scenic Stopover: Cannon Beach is famous for the iconic Haystack Rock and is one of Oregon’s most picturesque and photographed locations. The long stretch of sandy beach with its dramatic backdrop is ideal for a peaceful walk.
Things to Do: Explore the tide pools around Haystack Rock, or take a leisurely walk along the shoreline at sunset.
Overnight Stay: Commodore Hotel, Astoria is a historic, mid-budget boutique hotel in downtown Astoria. It’s within walking distance of museums, galleries, and the Astoria Riverfront.
Day 5: Astoria to Olympic National Park (190 miles, 4 hours)
Crossing into Washington State, this stretch of road trip from San Francisco to Seattle brings you closer to Seattle while offering a detour into the wild beauty of Olympic National Park.
Scenic Stopover: Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park
The Hoh Rainforest is one of the country’s most unique ecosystems, with lush greenery, towering moss-covered trees, and tranquil nature trails.
Things to Do: Hike the Hall of Mosses Trail for an easy loop through the rainforest, or explore the nearby beaches of the park, like Rialto Beach, known for its sea stacks.
Overnight Stay: Kalaloch Lodge is a mid-budget lodge on the Olympic Coast. It offers sweeping ocean views and access to trails and beaches within Olympic National Park.
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Day 6: Olympic National Park to Seattle (120 miles, 2.5 hours)
The final stretch of your journey brings you to the vibrant city of Seattle. Before reaching the city, there’s still plenty to see in Washington’s lush landscape.
Scenic Stopover: Deception Pass State Park is known for its striking bridge and sweeping views of Puget Sound, which offers dramatic scenery and great photo opportunities.
Things to Do: Hike the short trails near the bridge, or explore the beaches and tidal pools below.
Day 7 Seattle: After your scenic drive, arrive in Seattle to explore famous landmarks such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture.
Must-Do Tours or Special Activities – San Francisco to Seattle Drive 101
- Redwood Canopy Tours (Northern California): Zipline through the towering redwoods for a thrilling perspective of the ancient forest.
- Dune Buggy Adventure (Oregon Dunes): For adrenaline seekers, rent a dune buggy and race across the massive dunes.
- Sea Kayaking Tours (Puget Sound, Washington): Experience the beauty of Washington’s coast up close with a guided sea kayaking tour.
Why the San Francisco to Seattle Drive 101?
- Scenic Coastal Views: Highway 101 winds along the stunning Pacific coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches.
- Varied Landscapes: This drive offers constantly changing, awe-inspiring scenery from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and lush Northern California redwoods to the Oregon Coast and Washington’s majestic mountains.
- Charming Small Towns: Along the way, you’ll pass through quaint coastal towns like Mendocino, Florence, and Astoria, rich with history, art, and culture.
- National Parks and Forests: The route offers opportunities to explore national treasures like the Redwood National and State Parks, Olympic National Park, and more.
- Relaxed and Flexible Itinerary: Unlike major highways, Highway 101 allows for leisurely driving, with ample opportunities to stop, explore, and enjoy the sights at your own pace.
Useful Tips – San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip
- Best Time to Go: Summer (June to September) offers the most reliable weather, but spring and fall can also be great, with fewer crowds.
- Pack Layers: Coastal weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers, especially for cooler mornings and evenings.
- Reserve Accommodations in Advance: Coastal towns are popular, so book your mid-budget hotels in advance, particularly in peak season.
- Plan for Extra Time: Highway 101 is a slow, scenic route with many stopovers. Keep extra time to stop and enjoy the views.
This San Francisco to Seattle road trip via Highway 101 is an unforgettable adventure packed with scenic beauty, diverse landscapes, and exciting activities. Whether driving the full stretch or breaking it up over several days, it’s a journey filled with natural wonders, cultural treasures, and unique coastal experiences.
Save this detailed itinerary for the San Francisco to Seattle drive to plan your travel from San Francisco to Seattle.
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