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The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

For some reason, when people elsewhere in the country refer to the Pacific Coast, particularly California, it’s apparent that they think it’s a land of kooks, an overbuilt suburban desert supporting only shopping malls, freeways, and body-obsessed airheads. All this may be true in small pockets, but the amazing thing about the Pacific Coast—from the dense green forests of western Washington to the gorgeous beaches of Southern California—is that it is still mostly wild, open, and astoundingly beautiful country, where you can drive for miles and miles and have the scenery all to yourself.

Planning a West Coast Road Trip

Road Trip USA’s Pacific Coast route begins at the northwest tip of the United States at Port Townsend near Olympic National Park, and remains within sight of the ocean almost all the way south to the Mexican border. This 1,650-mile (2,655 km), mostly two-lane route takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert. Most of the Pacific Coast is in the public domain, accessible, and protected from development within national, state, and local parks, which provide habitat for such rare creatures as mountain lions, condors, and gray whales.

Heading south, after the rough-and-tumble logging and fishing communities of Washington State, you cross the mouth of the Columbia River and follow the comparatively peaceful and quiet Oregon coastline, where recreation has by and large replaced industry, and where dozens of quaint and not-so-quaint communities line the ever-changing shoreline. At the midway point, you pass through the great redwood forests of Northern California, where the tallest and most majestic living things on earth line the Avenue of the Giants, home also to some of the best (meaning gloriously kitsch) remnants of the golden age of car-borne tourism: drive-through trees, drive-on trees, houses carved out of trees, and much more. The phenomenally beautiful coast-line of Northern California is rivaled only by the incredible coast of Big Sur farther south, beyond which stretches the beachfronts of Southern California. The land of palm trees, beach boys, and surfer girls of popular lore really does exist, though only in the southernmost quarter of the state.

Along with the overwhelming scale of its natural beauty, the West Coast is remarkable for the abundance of well-preserved historic sites—most of which haven’t been torn down, built on, or even built around—that stand as vivid evocations of life on what was once the most distant frontier of a new nation. While rarely as old as places on the East Coast, or as impressive as those in Europe, these diverse sites include the Spanish colonial missions of California, Russian and English fur-trading outposts, and the place where Lewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific after their long slog across the continent.

Last but certainly not least are the energizing cities— Seattle and Portland in the north, San Francisco in the middle, and Los Angeles and San Diego to the south—that serve as gateways to (or civilized respites from) the landscapes between them. Add to these the dozens of small and not-so-small towns along the coast, with alternating blue-collar ports and up-scale vacation retreats, and you have a great range of food, drink, and accommodations options. Local cafés, seafood grills, and bijou restaurants abound, as do places to stay—from youth hostels in old lighthouses to roadside motels (including the world’s first, which still stands in lovely San Luis Obispo, California) to homespun B&Bs in old farmhouses.

10 Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

For more insight into each stop along a West Coast road trip, our content is arranged by state, with California’s coastline broken into its northern, central, and southern sections. Here are ten major sights along the Pacific Coast Highway where travelers aiming to follow only a section of the full cross-country route may wish to use to plan their drive:

• Olympic National Park, Washington – Combines the features of Maine’s rocky coast, the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the unique rainforests of the Pacific Northwest
• Astoria & Fort Clatsop, Oregon – Part of the extensive Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Fort Clatsop is just outside the oldest American city west of the Rockies
• “Dune Country,” Oregon – Hop out of the car and into a dune buggy to travel through some of the tallest sand dunes in the world
• Redwood National Park, California – Stretch your legs with a walk through Lady Bird Johnson Grove
• Mendocino, California – One of the prettiest towns on the California coast, and extra fun for fans of the TV show Murder, She Wrote
• San Francisco, California – Easily one of the most enjoyable cities in the US and a great place to start, end, or spend a weekend along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Monterey, California – Home to the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium and the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival
• San Simeon, California (Hearst Castle) – One of the truly unique attractions to see on a classic Highway 1 road trip
• San Luis Obispo, California – A lively college town with a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission to tour, and the Madonna Inn, one of the quirkiest places to spend a night
• Los Angeles, California – Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and an intersection with another storied road trip: Route 66
• San Diego, California – Beautiful beaches, grand buildings, and home to the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest and most popular zoos in the world

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The Perfect Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary (25 Stops + 3 Itineraries!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary + All The Stops Along The Way

The Pacific Coast Highway is easily considered to be one of the most iconic road trip routes in the world !

It’s not hard to believe either. From the moody beaches in Washington to the spectacular natural bridges in Southern Oregon to the winding roads of Big Sur, California , there is something new to see around every bend.

Berty and I drove the entire route back in 2017, and have returned to deeply explore sections every year since then!

Because we know this route so well, we wanted to create this comprehensive guide for iconic stops and places to see along the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway, all 1,700-ish miles between Seattle, Washington and Orange County, California !

In this power, we’ll share the best PCH stops in Washington, Oregon, and California to make your Pacific Coast Highway road trip your most epic trip yet.

Let’s get planning!

Step By Step Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Directions (Download)

Where is the pacific coast highway how long is it.

The Pacific Coast Highway has many names.

You can also recognize it by its abbreviation (PCH), and referred to as the California Coast road trip , Pacific Coast Highway road trip, Route 1, Highway 101 (through Washington and Oregon), or even just Highway 1 (in California).

All names aside, they all lead you down the same road, which is the route that parallels the Pacific Ocean and the western border of the contiguous United States.

The traditional Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) is 655 miles long. The full Pacific Coast Highway (Orange County to Seattle) is just over 1,700 miles.

We’ll be talking about the entire Pacific Coast Highway itinerary in this blog post. (Seattle to Orange County)

Pacific Coast Highway Map, Directions, & Best Times

Which direction to drive the pacific coast highway.

Where should you begin your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary? Northbound or Southbound?

There are two directions to do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip – driving south or driving north! Honestly, both are great options but being from Washington, Berty and I began in Seattle and made our way south.

If you are searching for the best weather conditions, here are pros of each direction:

• Southbound (Seattle to Orange County): Driven during spring break, you can escape the Pacific Northwest rain and enjoy the warmth of Southern California.
• Nortbound (Orange County to Seattle): Driving north will help you escape California’s hot weather in late summer and fall.

Pacific Coast Highway Start and End Points

Traditionally, the Pacific Coast Highway is considered to be the entire Highway 1 of the California Coast. This spans between Capistrano Beach is Orange County to Legget in Nortoerhn California. Highway 1 is 655.84 miles.

However, we like to think of this drive spanning three Pacific Coast states: Washington, Oregon, and California.

The traditional starting point in Washington is Seattle (with a detour through the Olympic National Park). The traditional starting point in California is San Diego .

When To Drive The Pacific Coast Highway

We also began our trip in June, but this trip is good to take any time of year.

If you decided on making it a winter road trip route , that means you’ll have a lot fewer crowds to deal with! Driving along the coast, the weather is more temperate and usually doesn’t get cold enough for snow, so you won’t run into many driving issues.

However, if you’re looking for the “windows-down, sunsets every night” kind of trip, we recommend taking this drive any time between June-September for the best chance of good weather.

Pacific Coast Highway Map

Top Tips For Driving The Pacific Coast Highway

So, how can you plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Here are our suggestions of things to do before your trip:

Plan Your Stops Carefully: Carefully creating an itinerary will help make reserving hotels and activies a LOT easier. However, make sure to leave just a little wiggle room for surprises! Book Accommodations In Advance: The Pacific Coast Highway is a popular road trip route. Once you know your trip dates, plan to book hotels and campgrounds ASAP. We like to split accommodations between car camping and hotels for a good mix. On a budget? Here are 20 car camping hacks to consider. Check Road Closures: Check you route for any major road closures. This actually happens a lot more often than you might think Big Sur often has landslides. Rent a Great Car (or RV!): You can rent a car and book hotels, OR you can rent a campervan and book campgrounds for a budget-friendly trip. Outdoorsy has cool recreation vehicles vans to rent – it’s like Airbnb but for RVs! Decide When To Embark: Determine when to plan your PCH trip and how many days you have. Keep scrolling to the bottom of the post for PCH itinerary examples. Use a Good Navigation App : Good navigation apps make a huge difference. Read our favorite road trip planner apps here. Get a Convertible…or a Harley! If you are driving only a small section of the PCH, rent a fun vehicle! This isn’t mandatory, but it sure is iconic to drive on the highway in one of these cool rides. Ask Great Questions: You’re in the car for a long time. Make sure to have these road trip questions ready to brighten those dull moments. Download Podcasts + Playlists : Download these road trip podcasts and personalized playlists when you have wifi. You’ll thank me later. Pack Your Car With The Essentials: Here’s a list of road trip essentials you need to be packing. Prepare To Stop Frequently: The whole point of driving the Pacific Coast Highway is to take in the sights!

How To Choose a Car For The Pacific Coast Highway

Choosing the right vehicle for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip is probably THE most important decision you will make.

Option 1: Drive Your Own Car Make sure your car has had a tune-up, and its oil changed. It’s worth it to get checked out now, than risk something going wrong mid-way through your trip.

Option 2: Rent a Regular Car Renting a car is a great option for a reliable drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Personally, we like Avis becuase they have a great rewards program. You can find cheap options

Option 3: Rent a Campervan or RV Renting a campervan is an awesome way to experience a little bit of vanlife. Search for the best campervans at Outdoorsy . Just note, it may be a little tricky to drive a campervan one-way. You may have to return it at your starting point via I-5!

Option 4: Take The Public us (Kind of possible, but not recommended) Yes, it’s possible to cobble together transportation on local transit. You’ll find that you can get around easiest in Southern California and the central Oregon Coast. However, there will be stretches of road with no transporation avaiable, or you may have to leave the coast and venture inland to find a route. It’s cheap yes, but takes quite a bit of pre-planning.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip On A Budget

Are you hoping to plan a Pacific Coast Highway road trip route on a budget ? Here are some budgeting hacks we like to use to plan a budget PCH trip:

Use The Dyrt To Find Campgrounds: The Dyrt is the largest online campground database. We use the offline campground search feature to find spots on the go (no service needed!). The Dyrt gave us a code for you, our epic reader, to try the pro membership for 30 days free!   Click here to unlock your 30-day free trial . Find Free Campsites: Road tripping around the west coast for years, we’ve learned a thing or two about finding free campsites in the USA . Our guide includes campground searching hacks, backcountry packing guides, and tips on how to find the best camping spots on the PCH. Cook Your Own Meals: Save money on the road by making your own quick & easy camping meals . Manage Money On The Road: Learn how we travel on a budget in the Pacific Northwest .

What To Pack For A Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

A good Pacific Coast Highway road trip will take you through the rainy gloom of Washington, as well as the sunny beaches of California. This makes packing slighly more challenging – you’ll have to account for tons of variable weather!

Rain Jacket: You’ll need one in Washington and Oregon, especially during winter and spring. Here are our favorite rain jackets to wear in the Pacific Northwest . Light Layers: Once you reach California, it’s nice to have light, packable layers to bring on your day adventures. We like this windbreaker and this colorful fleece for easy layering. Down Jacket: Down jackets are an excellent option for extra warmth, especially when paired with a rain jacket. Get this packable one to save space in your suitcase. Sunglasses: You’ll need some, since you’ll be watchin the sunset every night! Grab this pair of inexpensive but HIGHLY rated sunglasses to knock around on your adventures. Hiking Shoes: Hiking in the PNW for over a decade, we know a thing or two about boots! Read our list on the best hiking boots , to pick the right ones for you. Walking Sandals : From walking around Huntington Pier to strolling around your campsite, walking sandals are essential to your Pacific Coast Highway packing list. Portable Phone Charger: This Goal Zero 24 is the perfect companion to charge your phone on a day trip. Camera: Here’s our guide on how to take smartphone landscape photography, or you can check out the travel photography gear as media professionals. Hiking Clothes: You’ll want to bring these highly-coveted hiking shorts , a day pack , and the 10 hiking essentials .

Here are some posts we’ve written about what to pack for certain parts of the Pacific Coast Highway:

• 5 Essentials to Bring On The Washington Coast
• The Ultimate Packing List For San Francisco
• What To Pack For A Weekend in Los Angeles

The Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops (State By State)

If you’re planning to experience the entire Pacific Coast Highway (including extending it to Oregon and Washington), you probably know that there is an insane amount of beautiful stops to take.

We’re going to break locations down state by state, to give you bite-sized chunks of information for each place.

Each state provides something unique and exciting for your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary, so read below for location inspiration in Washington, Oregon, and California!

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In Washington

Washington is not all rain and gloom!

While the movies portray this evergreen state in a constant shroud of clouds and moodiness (Thanks, Twilight) , its nothing farther from the truth.

Here, you can find powerful waterfalls, secret coves, and lush green forest, and amazing hikes in every corner of this beautiful state.

Keep on reading to read about some highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway in Washington!

Seattle, Washington

This is where we suggest starting your Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Seattle is a great place to stock up on all the road trip essentials , grab rental cars, and arrive by plane to stay on your journey on the Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re flying in to begin your journey, you’ll fly into Sattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Have a little bit more time on your hands? Stick around for a few days and try these unique things to do in Seattle , or take these incredible day trips from Seattle .

Fun things to do in Seattle, Washington:

• Visit Pike Place Market
• Go to the first-ever Starbucks Coffee store
• Visit The Museum of Pop Culture
• Watch the sunset at Jose Rizal Park
• See the Space Needle up close at Kerry Park
• Have a bonfire with friends at Golden Gardens Park
• Go to A Husky Football game in the University District

Read More: What To Pack For The Pacific Northwest

Port Angeles

If you are starting in Seattle or Vancouver, chances are you’ll need to take a ferry across the Puget Sound to reach the Olympic Peninsula . It’s also possible to drive around through Olympia, if you don’t want to put your car on the ferry.

From here, you will pass the cities of Sequim and Port Angeles. Before hitting to Pacific Coast Highway, we recommend taking a stop by Lake Crescent for some classic PNW vibes and maybe a quick lunch break too.

If you want to see what the lake looks like from above, test your limits and hike Mount Storm King . The 4.7-mile round trip hike gains over 2,000 feet in elevation, including scrambling up the side of a cliff with the help of a few installed ropes.

This hike isn’t for the faint of heart, but your attempts will be rewarded with experiencing one of the most spectacular places to see in the Olympic Peninsula .

Stay Overnight: Book a stay at The Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles . It’s right in town, and central to other adventures like Hurricane Ridge, Salt Creek, and Lake Crescent.

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls is located in the Olympic National Park , and along Highway 101 on your way towards the coast.

It’s a small detour before heading to the ocean. However, the detour is worth every minute! The short trail to Sol Duc Falls leads to one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Washington state.

If you are wanting a unique place to stay in the Olympic National Park, consider staying at the Sol Duc Hot Springs, a natural pool resort in the park.

Doing this, you can wake up early to visit the falls and beat the crowds!

Cape Flattery

If you’re looking for the most northwest location in the lower 48 United States, you’ve found it at Cape Flattery !

This jaw-dropping piece of coastline is owned by the Makah Tribe. It includes beautiful sea stacks just offshore and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

If you are planning your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary for epic photo spots, don’t miss this place! You’ll need an entry pass ($10 per vehicle) and you can pick it up at the gas station or grocery store at Neah Bay.

Forks, Washington

La Push Beaches (First, Second, and Third)

You may know these beaches from the movie Twilight but rest assured there are no vampires in sight. (Partly because it’s werewolf territory anyway, DUH) In fact, we’ve seen some of the most incredible sunsets right here on Second Beach.

When visiting, it’s important to note that there are three beaches to choose from. First Beach provides easy and instant beach access, so it’s a popular choice for families.

Second Beach requires a hike on a short trail to reach the beach, and you can also camp on this beach. Second Beach is also the most popular option for its beautiful rock formations and vast shoreline.

Third Beach requires a longer hike and is the least visited of all the beaches.

Any of these Washington beaches you choose, don’t forget to pack these 5 beach essentials!

Read More: La Push Beach + and Beach Camping Tips

Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores is a quaint little town on the Washington Coast, just north of Grays Harbor.

Here, you will find tons of vacation rental homes, small seafood restaurants, and tons of beach activities. Berty and I came with our friends last summer and opted to rent motorbikes on the beach, eat our weight in crab, and explore the jetty!

Restaurants to try in Ocean Shores:

• Murphy’s Candy & Ice Cream Shop
• Galway Bay Irish Pub
• Ocean Beach Roasters and Bistro
• Oyhut Bay Bistro

Want more beach fun on the Washington Coast? Check out Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach !

Read More: 7 Fun Things To Do In Ocean Shores, Washington

Pierce County Area (Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Puyallup)

If you’re looking to spend a little extra for a comfortable room and some great food, spend some time exploring Gig Harbor and boating around the South Puget Sound . You will be able to spot wildlife all around you, whether it’s jellyfish or a pod of orcas!

Some of our favorite cities in Pierce County to explore: Puyallup (Washington State Fair), Tacoma, and Gig Harbor!

Mount Rainier National Park

Take your journey slightly inland to explore Mount Rainier National Park. Here, you can test your limits and backpack up to the summit (training required!) or simply take a nice stroll at the base of the mountain like on Nisqually Loop Trail .

Mount Rainier is best explored if you spend 2-3 days in the park! There are so many different areas to cover (Paradise Area and Sunrise Area are the most popular), so give yourself time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors here in the Pacific Northwest.

Most Popular Activities To Do At Mount Rainier:

• Hike the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
• See Silver Falls
• Hike the Skyline Divide Trail
• Visit the Longmire Museum

Cape Disappointment State Park

Cape Disappointment is located in the far southwestern corner of Washington State. Here, you can discover miles of trails, play on the beaches, and maybe even spot an orca offshore!

For a memorable photo opportunity on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, take the trail down to Deadman’s Cove and capture this hidden beach at sunset!

Read More: Cape Disappointment + Deadman’s Cove

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Stops In Oregon

The Oregon Coast itself is worthy of its own road trip but lucky you – you get to see it all and more!

We’re sharing all the best stops along this part of the Pacific Coast Highway and what you can expect in this beautiful state.

Not enough time for the whole thing? Take an Oregon Coast Road Trip instead!

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a family and dog-friendly beach located 1.5 hours west of Portland. Here, you can explore the many quaint seaside shops, take a walk on the beach, and explore the many tide pools.

There are many services available here, so it’s a great stop for camping, resting, or even getting a seaside Airbnb! (By the way, y ou can get $40 off your first reservation at this link! )

Read More: Spending The Day At Cannon Beach

Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda  is a popular beach on the Oregon Coast. Here, you can walk along the beach and enjoy Pacific City’s own “Haystack Rock”, or climb the nearby sand dunes to discover incredible views, coves, and rock formations!

Too busy for you? Venture just a 5-minute drive south to Bob Straub State Park, where you can walk along the less-traveled and peaceful beachfront.

The area of Oregon can be rainy and cloudy year-round, but if you’re lucky you can experience one of its gorgeous sunsets (that is if the weather cooperates!). Make sure to pack a rain jacket!

Read More:  10 Epic Adventures To Take Aroun Cape Kiwanda

God’s Thumb Hike, Lincoln City

The hike to God’s Thumb is a moderately difficult hike along the Oregon Coast. A 4.6-mile round trip hike will bring you to a curved landscape on an oceanside cliff. 

It gets its name “God’s Thumb” because it slightly resembles a thumb… but we think it kind of looks like a soft-serve ice cream swirl!

Located in Lincoln City, Oregon , this is a perfect place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and see a beautiful area of the Oregon Coast.

Read More: Hike To God’s Thumb in Lincoln City On The Oregon Coast

Devil’s Punchbowl

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is a perfect stop on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Here, you can experience the power of the ocean slamming and swirling into a carved-out bowl.

From the top, you can see down inside the “punchbowl”. During high tide, the waves swirl and crash around inside, but during low tide, you can walk down on the beach and explore inside.

Stay a while for a roadside picnic, to explore tide pools, or climb around on the rocks on the shore.

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well in another one of the Oregon Coast’s amazing natural phenomena. You can experience the most dramatic sights at high tide, but beware – it’s the most dangerous time to visit too.

Similar to the Spouting Horn in Kauai , this sinkhole looks like water is just draining into a huge abyss, but it’s actually a natural rock tube that sucks and shoots water our according to the adjacent waves.

Don’t get too close to it though, it pushes and pulls water with a powerful force , meaning if you get too close you risk being swept off your feet into the hole!

This area is located just south of the Cape Perpetua Visitor’s Cente r, with lots of wheelchair accessible walkways AND walk-at-your-own-risk paths too.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is an amazing spot on the Pacific Coast Highway, and probably home to one of the best photo spots on the PCH!

For a quick side trip, take the drive up to Cape Perpetua Lookout , where you can see the Oregon Coast meet the winding highway below. It’s an incredible view – make sure to bring your camera!

This is also a great stop for some camping on the Oregon Coast, as well as exploring the many ocean features and scenic trails in the area.

Read More: 10 Epic Things To Do In Cape Perpetua Area Of The Oregon Coast

(Bonus Side Trip!) Umpqua Hot Springs + Toketee Falls

Got an extra day to spare?

Since you’re already in Oregon, consider taking a side trip east to the Cascade Mountains. The Umpqua National Forest has a lot to see, but it’s shining stars have got to be Toketee Falls and the Umpqua Hot Springs.

Both of the trails to Toketee Falls and Umpqua Hot Springs are nearby one another, short, and easy to follow.

They can be accomplished in a morning or afternoon trip. If you haven’t visited a Pacific Northwest hot springs  yet, this is the perfect chance to do it!

We would suggest that you Visit Toketee Falls first, so you can save your soak for last!

Read More: 5 Essential Tips For Soaking at Upmqua Hot Springs

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

Of all the stops on the Oregon Coast, Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a MUST visit. Offshore rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and crashing waves make this place a magical stop on the Pacific Coast Highway.

To fully experience this area, we suggest scheduling your visit for sunset. The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day the skies light up with beautiful colors. Don’t forget to stop at other iconic spots in the park including Secret Beach, Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, and Indian Sands Trail!

Located on the Southern Oregon Coast , Samuel H Boardman spans around 10-miles of rugged, scenic coastline. There are many hikes to choose from around Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor . Take some time to explore a few (many trails are short) , and pick your favorite spots for sunset.

Pacific Coast Highway Stops In California

Congratulations! You’ve made it to California!

This is technically the beginning of the official Pacific Coast Highway (also called Highway 1) , but we all know you’ve put in too many miles on your car and see too much epic-ness for it to be just starting.

While you’ll be encountering a lot more sunshine in this section of the road trip, the Northern California coast can be a little temperamental! Don’t put away your rain coast just yet.

California road trip stops on the Pacific Coast Highway are some of the most breathtaking and beautiful areas of the whole trip. Read on to discover where to go and what to see below in the sunshine state.

Redwood National and State Parks

If your Pacific Coast Highway road rrip is taking you southbound, your first California stop will be at the Redwood National and State Parks.

The Redwoods are known for their spectacularly tall and beautiful trees. Furthermore, this area is home to some of the tallest trees on earth!

There are several scenic drives to take here, but the prettiest Northern California drives are through the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (the scenic route) and the Avenue of The Giants at Humbolt Redwoods State Park. For a lot of stops and viewpoints of the ocean, consider stopping at Patrick’s Point State Park !

Read More: 10 Things To Do In The Redwood National Park

Fern Canyon

Wait, did we just travel through time? You’re not far off if you felt like you just stepped foot into Jurassic Park. In fact, scenes from the movie were filmed right here in Fern Canyon!

Fern Canyon Trail in the Redwoods is a very short route – just 1.1-miles to revel in the 50-foot tall fern-covered walls and lush surrounding forest. The hike is easy, but getting there is a different story. The trip requires a few creek crossings and winding, narrow dirt roads to reach the trailhead. We’ve got everything you need to know about Fern Canyon right here !

Black Sand Beach

Have you been looking at thos e famous black sand beaches in Iceland ? Get a taste of the beauty (without the price of a plane ticket) and come visit a look-alike on the California Coast.

Shelter Cove is a little town located in the King Range National Conversation Area. Here, there are craggy coastlines, dramatic scenery, and a black sand beach. The waves are tall and powerful here.

Warning: The road is winding and treacherous, which can be dangerous in bad weather.

This is also an extremely out-of-the-way detour, with one route going in and out from the beach. Make sure to have a full tank of gas, and be prepared to drive on narrow roads and near tall cliff edges!

Read More:   How To Get To California’s Iconic Black Sands Beach

Point Reyes National Seashore

Love the California beach? Explore the Point Reyes National Seashore , a protected coastline of rolling pastures, historic landmarks, and even a secret docked ship!

Start your journey in the town of Inverness, where you can stock up on food, gas, and even camping gear if you choose to spend the night in one of their many campgrounds .

Some of the best things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore are visiting the historic lighthouse (make sure to pay attention to its hours of operation! ), driving down the canopy of Cypress trees , and even whale watching if you come at the right time of year!

Read More: Spending The Day At Point Reyes National Seashore

Bolinas Ridge

If you have a scheduled stop in San Francisco on your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary, make sure to make a sunset stop just north of the city , on Bolinas Ridge .

This area of golden, glimmering rolling hills is located on the edge of Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, California.

Our favorite scenic road to drive is Ridgecrest Boulevard , which includes pullouts ever so often to quickly park your car and enjoy the beautiful and consistent sunsets on this piece of the California coast.

Read More: A Golden Sunset At Bolinas Ridge

Mount Tamalpais

Keep the spirit of adventure alive , even in a bustling city like San Francisco !

If you’ve got a pit stop in the Golden City, journey just north of the Golden Gate Bridge and experience Mount Tamalpais State Park for a quick break from city life.

Here, you can take many amazing trails with stunning views of big city buildings across the bay. Some of our favorite trails for city views are the East Peak Hike  (to a stone lookout tower) and the Verna Dunshee Trail. 

Going when it’s cold outside? Read our San Francisco Winter Packing List .

Read More: 10 Adventurous Things To Do Outside of San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

No trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is complete without seeing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge!

On either side of the bridge, there are several incredible viewpoints to check out. Some of the best places to view the Golden Gate Bridge are from Battery Spencer, Kirby Cove, and the North Vista Point.

Remember: The Golden Gate Bridge is a toll bridge . Motorcycles and regular cars will get through and be billed $8.00 to the address your car is registered at.

San Francisco, California

If you’ve been driving southbound on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip, San Francisco will be the first large city you will encounter. 

Here, you can experience many iconic and famous landmarks. Here are some places to see while in San Francisco :

• See the sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit Fisherman’s Wharf
• Stop By The Painted Ladies
• Wander through the neighborhoods and see the beautiful Victorian-era houses

Need a place to stay in San Francisco? Click here and get $40 off your first booking on Airbnb!

Shark Fin Cove

Click here to see more amazing pictures from our visit to Shark Fin Cove.

Shark Fin Cove is a beautiful California coast beach located south of San Francisco – in Davenport, California. It’s named for its rock formation just off the shore that resembling a shark’s top fin. 

You aren’t able to see this cove from the road, which makes finding access a little difficult . There are no signs indicating the location, so you must rely on Google Maps to help guide to you the parking lot off the California Coast Highway 1.

This place provides absolutely stunning views from above AND below. Start your visit at the top and walk along the trails near the cliffs (but be careful!). Finally, climb down into the cove via a steep trail to find beach access.

On a weekday, it’s very likely you will get this beach all to yourself! 

Read More: What To Expect At California’s Shark Fin Cove

Big Sur State Park

When you think of driving down the California Coast , Big Sur is what Pacific Coast Highway dreams are made of. Sunny coastline, winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful bridges are scattered along 90 miles of this beautiful West Coast drive.

Some of the highlights on this part of the PCH include:

• Pfeiffer Beach
• McWay Falls
• Bixby Creek Bridge
• Pebble Beach
• 17-Mile Drive (Monterey/Pacific Grove)

Pro Tip: A day trip to Big Sur, California is absolutely the most quintessential activity  of any good Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Don’t miss this.

Read More: How To Pull Off A Day Trip To Big Sur, California

(Detour Off Highway 1) Yosemite National Park

While you’re in the area, might as well take a little detour to one of the greatest national parks in America!

Yosemite is home to the tallest waterfall in North America, home to giant Sequoia trees, and has more than 800 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy.

Only have 24 extra hours to spare for Yosemite? Click here for our 24-hour guide to Yosemite National Park.

Pro Tip: If you are hoping to spend a few days in the park, make camping reservations extremely early in advance.

Camping spots generally get full six months before the reservation date. A trip to Yosemite National Park requires a lot of pre-planning.

Los Angeles, California

Another major city on your Pacific Coast Highway road trip will be Los Angeles California. For many going northbound, this is a common starting point (as well as San Diego).

If you’re like us and coming to LA on a southbound Pacific Coast Highway trip, this is a fun pit stop to take a few days and recharge from all that driving.

Again, if you are looking to book a place on Airbnb, click here to get $40 off your first booking!

Here are some fun things to do in Los Angeles:

• Santa Monica Pier + the Amusement Park on the boardwalk.
• Venice Beach
• Griffith Observatory
• The Getty Museum
• Hollywood Boulevard
• Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Read More: How To Spend a Fun Weekend in West Hollywood, California

Orange County, California

Orange County California is just south of the city of Los Angeles. With a slower lifestyle, less traffic, and a lot more beach space, this place is a perfect getaway for sunshine lovers and surfers alike.

There are a few opportunities to camp on the coast, like RV sites in Huntington Beach and tent sites at Crystal Cove State Park. Either way, it’s definitely worth it to spend a few days in Orange County and experience all it has to offer!

Must-see spots to visit in Orange County:

• La Tour (Secret Oceanside Castle in the cliff)
• Huntington Beach (Sur City, USA)
• Newport Beach Harbor and Balboa Island
• Laguna Beach
• Here are our favorite restaurants in Orange County to try!

Looking to travel to the OC on a budget? Check out our list of free things to do in Orange County to have maximum fun, with money still left in your pocket!

Read More: 10 Amazing Outdoor Activities in Orange County, California

San Diego, California

You did it!

San Diego will be the likely the end (or the beginning!) to your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary.

However, it’s still worth visiting for a few days. There are so many amazing things to do in San Diego that this city is an excellent way to kick off or wrap up any Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

Don’t miss out of Torrey Pines State Reserve! This network of outdoor trails have some of the best views in the entire city. Spend some time exploring the trails during sunset for a magical stay in San Diego.

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary Examples

Wondering if you can see all these iconic landmarks in one trip?

To accommodate different trip lengths, we’re sharing some example itineraries for a five-day trip , one-week trip , and two-week trip down the Pacific Coast Highway.

Read below to find your perfect one!

5 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Five days to drive down the Pacific Coast is absolutely doable! During these days, you have time to experience the highlights of the coast, and whet your appetite for another future trip!

• Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR
• Day 2: Coos Bay OR, to Redwood National Park, CA
• Day 3: Redwood National Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 4: San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA
• Day 5: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

7 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

One week on the Pacific Coast Highway will allow you to see the most iconic locations. One week is great for travelers who want to fit in the entire trip during a school break, or only have so many days to take off of work.

A one-week Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary will allow you to see the highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s an example PCH itinerary:

• Day 1: Seattle WA, to Forks, WA
• Day 2: Forks, WA to Cape Kiwanda, OR
• Day 3: Cape Kiwanda, OR to Redwood State Park, CA
• Day 4: Redwood State Park, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 5: San Francisco CA, to Big Sur, CA
• Day 6: Big Sur, CA, to Orange County, CA
• Day 7: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA

10 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary

Two-week pacific coast highway road trip itinerary.

If you have two weeks to spare, this is the ideal amount of time for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Two weeks gives you ample time to see all the highlights, take some day hikes, and even some off-coast detours like Yosemite or Toketee Falls! You will be able to see everything you want and more, and not feel rushed in your process.

• Day 1: Seattle, WA to Port Angeles, WA
• Day 2: Port Angeles, to Forks, WA
• Day 3: Forks, WA to Astoria, OR
• Day 4: Astoria OR, to Cape Kiwanda, OR
• Day 5:  Cape Kiwanda OR , to Brookings, OR
• Day 6: Brooking OR, to Redwood State Park, CA
• Day 7:  Redwood State Park, CA to Mendocino, CA
• Day 8: Mendocino, CA to San Francisco, CA
• Day 9:  San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
• Day 10: Santa Cruz, CA to Big Sur, CA
• Day 11:  Big Sur, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
• Day 12: Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA
• Day 13: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA
• Day 14: End in San Diego

Some of our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Inspiration

Creating this Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary was quite the workload! Lucky for us, this is the kind of work we live for, and it was fun, inspiring, and most of all helpful!

We hope this helps in your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip and makes planning a little bit easier for you.

Here are some of the pins we’ve created to share with our followers on Pinterest. Feel free to save some too for your own inspirational road trip!

Pinterest ( Find us at @themandagies )

Have you taken a pacific coast highway road trip what were some of your favorite stops, ready to plan your own pacific coast highway road trip read these helpful posts:.

8 Steps For Planning A Flawless Weekend Trip

2o Energizing Hikes In The PN W

The Essential 2017 PNW Bucket List

Want more Pacific Coast Highway road trip inspiration? Follow our curated board on Pinterest!

So excited for you guys! My hubby and I did a similar (but quicker, so we didn’t see everything) trip in the summer of 2010 (a LONG time ago!). It was amazing. There is an amazing hike in Redwood National Park (Gold Bluffs Beach Section) that leads down to this secret beach. Even in summer (August) there wasn’t anyone on the trail. We were pretty new to the “planning” travel business so didn’t really plan anything when we went, but this hike was a highlight of our trip. I’m dying to go to the Painted Hills and Hot springs so excited to see what you guys think. Have so much fun!!! We’re secretly living through both of your photographs and blogs dreaming of our move one day back to this beautiful region of the world. We love Ireland, but the PNW truly can’t be beat.

Hi Danielle! I’m so glad you like our photographs and blog! That means so much to us 🙂 I’m so intrigued about the Gold Bluffs Beach Hike in the Redwoods. Now we need to go back and do that one!!!

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Home » North America » USA » Oregon

Epic Oregon Road Trip Travel Guide | Best Routes in 2024!

Going on a  road trip in Oregon  has to be one of the best ways to experience the state! With your own car and the freedom of the road, you’ll be able to go wherever you want and see whatever you like in this glorious state.

Oregon is a magical place full of beautiful landscapes, interesting people, and amazing food and drink. There are few other destinations in the world where you can surf and ski in the same day and, for that matter, drink some of the best beer of your life all the while.

There’s a lot to do in Oregon but, make no mistake, this is a big, wide-open state, one that requires plenty of time and patience to see.

Renting a car in a foreign state or country can be intimidating. Travelers may not know where to go or what to do. They may be worried about expenses or spending too much money pointlessly as well.

Don’t worry – we have the insider information you need for an EPIC Oregon road trip.

Written by a road-trip expert and local, this epic guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Oregon by car or campervan.

We’ll show you exactly how to stick to a budget, tell you about the best things in Oregon, and give you plenty of ideas and itineraries so you can easily plan out your entire trip!

So let’s start planning your dream Oregon road trip!

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Oregon Road Trips Costs

Best road trip in oregon.

• The Oregon Coast

The Cascades Itinerary

Eastern oregon road trip, the grand tour oregon itinerary, places to visit in oregon, oregon road trip tips, apartments and hotels in oregon, renting a car or campervan in oregon.

Oregon is about average when it comes to the costs of living, though it is quickly becoming one of the more expensive states. A road trip in Oregon can be affordable or it could be expensive – it all depends on how you want to do it.

We at The Broke Backpacker always try to go on affordable adventures and are always looking for ways to travel cheap ! Even if we are unable to travel for $10/day, as we do in our favorite countries, we can at least help you reduce the prices of an Oregon road trip.

The average daily budget for an Oregon road trip is between $150-$200 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry into certain attractions. Make note of this number but please do not let it discourage you – we’re going to show how to reduce it to a more budget-friendly amount soon.

Gas will undoubtedly be your largest expense while on a road trip in Oregon. It’s sometimes hard to predict how much gas you will use but it is almost always is more than you expect. Do not take this expense lightly and do you everything you can to limit it.

Other than gas, the costs associated with a road trip in Oregon really come down to how you want to travel, eat, sleep, and drink. These run gamut from driving in a cheap economy car to a gas-guzzling SUV and eating out in expensive restaurants to cooking your own food at a campground.

If you are mostly cooking for yourself, camping, and exploring Oregon’s wild places, you can reduce that cost in half. Traveling with at least one other person will also keep costs much lower.

Think about what you want to do on your Oregon road trip route and then set a budget.

Below is a breakdown of the average costs of a road trip in Oregon.

Average Costs of an Oregon Road Trip

Rental car :  $30-$100

RV rental :  $100-$300

Gallon of gas:  $3.23

Private AirBnB home:  $80

Hotel room:  $120

Hostel:  $25-$30

Campground:  $5-$15 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich:  $6-$9

Beer at a bar:  $5-$7

Coffee:  $2-$3

Bottle of Whiskey from market:  $20

Dinner for two:  $30-$50

• The Oregon Coast – 4 days
• The Cascades – 7 days
• Eastern Oregon  – 10 days
• The Grand Tour Oregon – 14 days

Below is a list of sample Oregon road trip routes. Varying from 5 to 14 days in length, they cover many of the top destinations in Oregon. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some good Oregon road trip ideas.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

The Oregon Coast is probably the most beloved road trip in the entire state and is a popular area for a holiday stay with both locals and out-of-towners. People flock here to get away from the rat race for a little while and tend to just laze about on the beach or in a local diner.

The Oregon Coast itself is not well-known for its warm weather or clear days, but rather its rugged beauty. Dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and sea stacks are the most notable landmarks here – palm trees are markedly absent.

The best part about a road trip on Oregon Highway 101 is that you’ll never be far away from the coast. This route hugs the near entirety of the shoreline and only deviates when passing through an epic forest. For 90% of the way, it’ll just be you and the ocean.

• Bandon by the Sea
• Samuel H Boardman Park
• Ecola State Park
• Cape Perpetua
• Florence Sand Dunes
• Pacific City Camping Resort Yurts
• Windermere on the Beach  (Bandon)
• Ecola Creek Lodge  (Cannon Beach)
• Norblad Hotel  (Astoria)
• McMenamins Gearhart Hotel  (Gearhart)
• Shucking fresh oysters
• Bonfires on the beach
• Surfing at Oswald West
• Whale watching

The entire way.

• Pelican Brewery (Cape Kiwanda)
• The Schooner (Netarts)
• Fort George Brewery (Astoria)
• Local Ocean Seafoods (Newport)
• Mattie’s (Brooking)
• Festival of the Dark Arts in Astoria (February)
• Goonies Day in Astoria (June)
• Newport Seafood and Wine Fest (February)
• South Coast Clambake and Jazz Fest (March)
• Southern Oregon Kite Festival (July)

Oregon’s Cascade Range is not the highest nor the most epic in the USA – these mountains are fairly gentle and draw attention only when there is a volcano around. Hidden in the lush fur of these slopes though are, hands-down, the best waterfalls in the country, not to mention some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Better yet, some of Oregon’s best cabins and treehouses are found here, so book a stay amongst the forests for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Mt Hood and Crater Lake are the Cascade’s most famous landmarks and both are must see places in Oregon. In between these two are countless more treasures, including, but not limited to, Jefferson Park, Marion Falls, Clear Lake, and the Three Sisters Wilderness. I’m barely scratching the surface as well.

Following a road trip in the Cascades, you will also have the chance to drive up the Willamette Valley, which has some of the finest Pinot Noirs in the world. Nothing really beats a glass of wine or a B&B at a vineyard after spending a week in the mountains.

• Crater Lake
• Columbia River Gorge
• Willamette Valley vineyards
• Lots of waterfalls
• Maverick Inn  (Klamath Falls)
• Pacific Crest Trailhouse  (Cascade Locks)
• Eugene Whitaker House
• Bunk + Brews Historic Lucas House  (Bend)
• Hiking/skiing at Mt Hood
• Rock climbing at Smith Rock
• Swimming at Crater Lake
• Willamette Valley wine tours
• Waterfall photography
• Crater Lake Rim Road
• Highway 138
• Crux Fermentation Science (Bend)
• Sam Bond’s Garage (Eugene)
• Caspian Cafe (Eugene)
• The Painted Lady (McMinnville)
• Ritter’s Housemade Foods (Salem)
• Oregon Country Fair (July)
• International Pinot Noir Celebration (July)
• Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival (April/March)
• Tigard Festival of Balloons (June)
• Bend Brew Festival (August)

If you need more recommendations on where to stay on your road trip, check out these cottages in Oregon .

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

A visit to Eastern Oregon will be a wholly unique experience compared to the Western portion of the state. Deciduous rainforests and beaches are swapped for desert-scapes and hazy mountains. If you wanted to see a side of Oregon that few are even aware, this is the one.

There are lots of things to do in Eastern Oregon. Smith Rock offers some of the best climbing in the country while the Wallowas (AKA the Oregon Alps) offer some of the best skiing and hiking in Colorado . Steens Mountain and the Alvord Desert are two of the greatest hidden gems on the West Coast and are known only to adventurous Oregonians.

The culture is also distinct from the rest of the state. Cowboys, whiskey guzzlers, social pariahs; all of these are the types of people you’ll see in Eastern Oregon.

• Painted Hills
• Steens Mountains
• Hell’s Canyon
• Dreamer’s Lodge  (John Day)
• Eagle Cap Chalets  (Joseph)
• Rory and Ryan Inn  (Burns)
• Brewery tours in Bend
• Snowboarding at Mt Bachelor
• Hiking in Wallowas
• Desert scenery
• Cowboys in Pendleton
• Steens Mountain Road
• Scenic Lakes Byway
• Deschutes Brewing (Bend)
• McKay Cottage (Bend)
• Roosters Country Kitchen (Pendleton)
• Arrowhead Chocolates (Joseph)
• Sisters Folk Festival (September)
• Deschutes County Fair (August)
• Pendleton Whiskey Music Fest (July)

This the best road trip in Oregon – hands-down. Hell, this is one of the best drives in the USA ! You see everything and then some! The coast, the Cascades, the deserts of Eastern Oregon; all of these areas will be available to you with this itinerary.

In addition to the grand majority of the locations listed above, you will also have more time in Southern Oregon. This region is one of the most neglected parts of the state, which is unfair considering what it offers. The river rafting is epic, Ashland is one of the most charming cities you’ve never heard of, and the wine is arguably even better than that of the Willamette Valley.

So if you have time to kill and want to see the best of Oregon, look no further than this route. Oregon is beautiful and this is the best way to see it.

• Eastern Oregon
• Timberline Lodge
• Traveler’s House  (Portland)
• The Ashland Hostel
• Columbia Hotel  (Ashland)
• Everywhere else mentioned prior
• Skiing at Mt Hood
• Climbing at Smith Rock
• Rafting in Southern Oregon
• Chilling in Ashland
• Wine and beer tours
• Seafood on the coast
• Hiking in the Wallowas
• Growler’s Taproom (Portland)
• Shalom Y’all (Portland)
• Cartopia (Portland)
• Brother’s Restaurant (Ashland)
• Cafe Broder (Portland
• Everything else mentioned in this guide
• Ashland Shakespeare Festival (February)
• Portland Brewer’s Festival (July)
• Portland Rose Festival and Parade (May/June)
• Portland Waterfront Blue’s Festival (July)
• Pickathon (August)
• Portland MFNW (August)

Below is a list of the best road trip stops in Oregon. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most.

Road Trip to Portland

The City of Roses. Little Beirut. Rip City. Bridgetown. Stumptown. Call it what you will but few names can actually capture the intangible flavor and uniqueness that Portland excludes in abundance.

For years, Portland was a city of obscurity, full of eccentrics and abject people. For residents, this anonymity was an ideal situation that allowed them to cultivate their weirdness. Portland has only been “discovered” in recent years by the rest of the world and has since developed into a full-on tourist destination.

Portland is not a big city by American standards. There are no large attractions in Portland like a Hollywood Sign or Liberty Bell. Life is simpler (and better) in Portland because people care mostly about good food, good beer, and good health (both physically and spiritually). For these reasons, the best things to do in Portland are to just eat, drink, and go for a walk.

The best districts in Portland to walk around are definitely the Alphabet District , the Pearl, Alberta Arts , Hawthorne , and Laurelhurst . Other neighborhoods like Belmont, Mississippi, Division, and Chinatown are also worth visiting. On either side of the Willamette River are the Eastbank Esplanade and Tom McCall Waterfront , which are both great places to wander around.

A hike through the lush Forest Park makes for a lovely day. Inside and on the outskirts of the large park are some of Portland’s best attractions like Pittock Mansion , the Rose Gardens , and Japanese Gardens .

If there were must-see landmarks in Portland then they’d probably the bridges. Portlandians are in love with their bridges and take great pride in them. St. John’s Bridge is a crowd favorite as is the iron Hawthorne Bridge.

I’d go into more detail on the city, and talk about the many restaurants and bars, but, unfortunately, there is not enough time and space available in this guide. That’s what the our Portland Budget Travel guide is for – blessings!

  And the  coolest places in Portland to go .

  Craft a killer  Portland travel itinerary .

  Read about the  coolest hostels in Portland .

  And book a killer  Airbnb Portland apartment .

Road Trip through the Columbia River Gorge

With endless outdoor opportunities, the much loved Columbia River Gorge is like a playground for adults! Those looking for the best hikes near Portland should head directly to this scenic area. Also, there are some excellent breweries nearby offering crucial post-hike beers.

Starting in Troutdale and driving along the  Historic Columbia River Highway , you’ll first arrive at the Portland Women’s Forum , which has one of the most iconic views of the Gorge. You’ll see the Vista House perched on the walls of the gorge in the distance as well as the Columbia River .

From there you can continue on to picturesque Laurotell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (see if you can find the elusive Upper Bridal Veil Fall ). Nearby Angel’s Rest is a very popular sunset hike for locals as well.

The next stop is Multnomah Falls, which is arguably the most spectacular waterfall in Oregon. This near-perfect waterfall drops over 500 ft amidst verdant foliage and is one of the most photographed places in Oregon. In front of the falls is an equally photogenic bridge, which makes the scene look like Rivendell.

Beyond Multnomah Falls, you’ll pass by many other superlative portions of the Gorge, notably Oneonta Gorge and Eagle Creek . These are some of the most beautiful places in Oregon as well as the most crowded. Note that this part of the Gorge was damaged recently by a wildfire and that some trails may be closed.

Past Eagle Creek is Cascade Locks, home to the historical Bridge of the Gods, which is where the PCT crosses into Washington. Further along is the Hood River, which is one of the coolest towns in Oregon. Here are, hands-down, some of the best breweries in Oregon in addition to some killer windsurfing and gorgeous views of Mt Hood and Mt Adams.

Road Trip to Mt Hood

Oregon’s pride and joy, the image that most Oregonians can recall from their earliest memories, is Mt Hood. For outdoor enthusiasts and mountain lovers, Mt Hood will be the crowning achievement on their road trip in Oregon.

Getting to Mt Hood is very easy as one of the states main arteries ( Highway 26 ) runs literally right next to it. The drive is gorgeous and a little perilous if you’re visiting Mt Hood in the winter.

If your car is not able to drive in the snow, which is very common beyond December, you can still catch a local shuttle in Sandy to the main alpine settlements: Government Camp and Timberline , the latter of which is famous for appearing in Stanley Kubrik’s The Shining .

Along 26 are several stops that you should absolutely make time for. Trillium Lake and Mirror Lake are local favorites, however, it’s also one of the most famous hikes in the USA , so the trails can be quite crowded.

There are several awesome spots on the eastern and northern flanks of Mt Hood that can be accessed by several forest roads. Cloud Cap , Tamanawas Falls , and Lost Lake are great places to check out.

If you’re a skier, then Mt Hood is unquestionably one of the best places in Oregon to visit in the winter. The skiing here is world-class and runs come in many forms, from tended to the backcountry. If you’re visiting Oregon in the summer, no worries; Timberline Lodge has the longest ski season in the country and is open 365 days a year.

Mt Hood is one of the most climbed glaciated mountains on the planet, second only to Mt Fuji. It is a great introductory peak for beginners and requires only a long day to summit. You will still need the proper adventure equipment to climb in as well as current condition reports.

Oregon Coast Road Trip

The Oregon Coast is not the typical kind of beach getaway – it’s not warm, it’s not very comfortable, and it’s not at all like those tropical postcards.

oRainy, rugged, and utterly romantic, the Oregon Coast is a marvel in its own way. If you’re travelling the USA for the adventure and appreciate a harsher beauty(or possibly like to wear both sandals and sweaters at the same time), you will instantly fall in love with this place.

The Coast is long and nearly 100% accessible via the Oregon Coast Highway 101 . A road trip on this highway will give you tons of opportunities to experience the local attractions. The Oregon Coast can roughly be divided into three parts (North, Central, and South) and between the three, there are, honestly, too many things to see and do.

Starting north you have the top weekend getaways for Portlandians – Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Manzanita. Astoria is mostly famous for being the setting for Steven Spielberg’s The Goonies.

Seaside is a cute town popular with families and is a bit touristy. Cannon Beach is equally as touristy but hosts the stunning Haystack Rock.

Manzanita is the most laidback of the bunch and is aw great base for day trips to Oswald West State Park and Neahkahnie Mountain , both of which offer some of the best Oregon Coast hikes.

Moving south we head past Tillamook , the cheese capital of Oregon, and past Cape Kiwanda, one of my favorite places in Oregon, before arriving in Newport , famous for the highly-regarded Oregon Coast Aquarium . Beyond Newport is ultra-rugged Cape Perpetua , home to the Devil’s Churn, Thor’s Well, and Sea Lion Caves.

After Perpetua, we drive to Florence and the epic Oregon Sand Dunes , which originally inspired Frank Herbert to write the sci-fi masterpiece, Dune . Quad biking on the dunes is one of the most popular things to do on the Oregon Coast, though there are plenty of other places to go for a nice walk.

Saving the best for last, we wrap our Oregon Coast road trip in the south. The stretch between Bandon and Brookings is superlative with state parks like Face Rock, Samuel H. Boardman, and Pistol River all providing amazing settings. Some of the best hikes on the Oregon Coast are also around Boardman.

Willamette Valley Road Trip

The Willamette Valley is the breadbasket of Oregon and the source of much of its delicious produce. It also hosts some of the most respected wineries in the USA, which produce some of the finest Pinots in the entire world, not to mention a number of interesting towns and natural attractions.

The Willamette Valley runs for about 150 miles from Portland south to Eugene . The largest highway in Oregon, Interstate 5 , runs through the Willamette Valley meaning you can travel by car to California .

I5 itself doesn’t really have a lot of great views and the drive itself is pretty boring. Deviate slightly from I5 and there’s lots more though.

There are over 500 wineries spread throughout the Willamette Valley. The greatest concentration of wineries is around Highway 18 near McMinnville, Salem, and Newberg . You could easily spend an entire day touring these vineyards and trying some of the best wine in the country but please remember to drive safely.

To the west of the Willamette Valley, you’ll the see the Cascade Range rising. The Cascades, running all the way from Washington to California, are like the geographic spine of the state and heavily influence the weather.

Hidden inside of the Cascades are some more great waterfalls, which make for great day hikes close to Portland.

Silver Falls State Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Oregon because it offers great scenery and easy trails. Nearby is the much more intimate albeit difficult Abiqua Falls , which has become a local favorite.

Penetrate even deeper into the Cascades and you’ll find hidden gems like Olallie Lake, Bagby Hot Springs, Jefferson Park, Marion Falls, and Three Fingered Jack.

Eugene is worth dropping by if you have a moment. Eugene was once considered the “hippie capital” of Oregon though it’s more gentrified now. You can still get a taste of the counterculture in the bluesy Whitaker District.

Road Trip to Bend

Located on the other side of the Cascades in the High Oregon Desert, Bend is, in a lot of ways, like a foil to Portland. Bend is smaller, more rural, more politically conservative, and even more laid back than “big city” Portland.

Bend still has that quintessential Oregon charm though and ultimately makes for an awesome stop on any Oregon road trip route.

You’ll have to cross the Cascades in order to arrive in Bend. You can cross the Cascades via several passes and each offers their own set of attractions. I personally enjoy driving along Highway 20/126 because I have a chance to visit some of my favorite places in Oregon including Koosah Falls, Clear Lake, Tamolitch Falls, Proxy Falls, and Linton Falls . Note that only the larger highways like 26 may be open in winter.

Bend mostly gets attention for the surrounding landscape, which you’ll be introduced to on the drive in. The city itself is really cool though and actually a really fun place in Oregon to hang in, so it’s definitely worth staying in Bend for a couple nights. If you need ideas for places to stay in Bend, consider checking out one of the incredible vacation rentals . The local breweries, like Deschutes and Crux , are some of the finest in the state and the food ain’t bad either.

People usually head outdoors immediately upon arriving in Bend. Around the city are some of the best mountain biking, skiing, climbing, and hiking in Oregon, making the area a paradise for outdoors people.

Nearby Mt Bachelor is one of the best places to visit in Oregon in winter as the snow is legendary. North of Bend is the holy Smith Rock , which is often considered the birthplace of American rock climbing. East is endless sagebrush.

I definitely suggest driving on the Cascades Lakes Byway in the summer. You can visit local favorites like Tumalo Falls and Sparks Lake , all the while being afforded views of the Three Sisters . South Sister is a popular and relatively easy climb.

Road Trip to Crater Lake

Oregon only has one national park but it is easily one of the most stunning parks in the USA . Crater Lake is a marvel, an enormous body of water held high in the air on top of a collapsed volcano. The water is one of the deepest shades of blue that you will ever see and, officially, some of the clearest. There’s simply nothing else like it in the world.

Crater Lake is located a couple hours south of Bend in the Cascade Mountains. There are several entrances to the park but only one, Munson Valley via Highway 62 , is open (sometimes) in the winter. You’ll have to pay to enter the park though rates change depending on the time of year (summer: $25 winter: $15).

There is a lot to do at Crater Lake, though most people just stand there and stare in awe at it. You can hike, climb to one of the many surrounding peaks, descend down to the lake’s edge for a very cold swim, or simply drive around the rim in the summer on the Rim Road.

Several times in the year the road is closed to vehicular traffic so that bikers and pedestrians may enjoy the park without being disturbed, which is a really nice touch.

Though there is more to do in the summer, the best time of year to visit Crater Lake is in the winter. During this time, there are very few people, tons of snow, and just a powerful stillness to the place. The silence in the winter is almost total and you’ll be shocked, maybe even scared at how serene it is.

You can, of course, camp at Crater Lake though campgrounds can fill really quick. If you strike out camping, the nearest large town is Klamath Falls and it has plenty of lodging.

An Eastern Oregon road trip is a must for anyone who wants to get the full Oregonian experience. Some of the USA’s most beautiful places are found in this part of the state and anyone interested in a more rugged adventure will enjoy Eastern Oregon very much.

A lot of people often imagine Oregon covered in trees and being rained on 24/7; few realize that almost two-thirds of the state is actually a mix of desert terrain and stark mountains.

Lying on the other side of the Cascades, Eastern Oregon is, contrary to the common image, arid, hot, and sometimes bitterly cold. This austere landscape is gorgeous though and only solidifies Oregon as one of the most geographically diverse states in the USA.

The most popular place in Eastern Oregon is probably the kaleidoscopic Painted Hills , located in the John Day Fossil Beds . These hills are a geologic wonder and famous for their bright colors.

Surrounding the John Day area are the Ochoco, Malheur, and Umatilla forests as well as the Blue Mountains and Strawberry Mountains . Fun fact: the Blue Mountains are home to the world’s largest organism – a 2400-year-old fungus that covers over 2,000 acres.

In the far northeastern corner of the state are the Wallowa Mountains aka “The Alps of Oregon.” The Wallowas are an outdoor wonderland that offer great skiing opportunities and some of the best hikes in Oregon.

Most of the Wallowa Mountains fall within the Eagle Cap Wilderness though local townships like Joseph and Enterprise are worth visiting as well.

Nearby to the Wallowas is the historically significant Snake River and Hell’s Canyon , the deepest canyon in the entire United States.

There are many more hidden parts in Eastern Oregon that are really out in the middle of nowhere. To learn more about some of these remote locations among others, refer to the section below where we talk about secret Oregon.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Off The Beaten Path Oregon Road Trip Ideas

Oregon has so many hidden treasures for you to discover! To see something different, start with these relatively unknown locations, which are among the most uniques places to visit in Oregon.

1. Steens Mountains

The epitome of off-the-beaten-path in Oregon; these mountains are located in the far southeastern corner of the state and it takes a real journey to get here. Drive to the top of the mountains via the astounding Steens Mountain Road .

Be on the lookout for wild horses and, in the autumn, the golden aspens. On the other side of the Steens is the Alvord Desert – a surreal playa that is popular among both artists and off-roaders who like to go for joy rides.

2. Owyhee Canyonlands

One of the last untouched desert frontiers in America, full of hoodoos, stone towers, and delicate ravines. The Owyhee Canyonlands are often compared to the national parks and landscapes of Utah  albeit not as extensive.

Popular among hikers, rock climbers, and river rafters though not many people actually make it out this far due to rough and remote roads. Definitely one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Oregon.

3. Southern Oregon Road Trip

Though not exactly hidden, Southern Oregon often receives far less attention than the rest of the state. People usually visit to attend the famous Shakespeare Festival in charming Ashland or when passing through on a road trip from California, but there is a lot more happening than most are aware of.

The Rogue Valley has a burgeoning wine and beer scene that will soon rival the Willamette Valley. In terms of natural attractions, there is the Rogue River with its world-class rapids as well as the rugged Siskiyou Mountains and Oregon Caves , all of which make for great adventures.

Oregon Roadside Attractions

Americans have a weird affinity to the strange landmarks that are usually found out in the middle of nowhere. The roadside attractions in Oregon have become so admired that many people go on a trip just see them!

Below is a list of some of the most interesting roadside attractions in Oregon. Did we mention that a lot of these stops are among the best cheap things to do in Oregon as well?

• Peace Candle of the World (Scappoose) – A former silo that was filled with wax and painted red to resemble a giant candle. Promotes world peace.
• Enchanted Forest (Salem) – An amusement park filled with fairytale-themed rides and attractions. Whimsical and a little creepy.
• The Oregon Vortex (Gold Hill) – Place where the laws of physics are purportedly non-existent due to paranormal activity.
• Short Bridge Ghost Town (Short Bridge) – A seemingly derelict town that is actually a very well designed prop.
• Octopus Tree (Tillamook) – An old spruce tree that came to be shaped like an octopus by unknown means.
• Prehistoric Gardens (Port Orford) – A series of lifesize dinosaur recreations in the coastal rainforest. Intended to look like a prehistoric zoo.
• Peterson Rock Garden (Redmond) – An estate full intricate statues and structures made from rocks and stones.
• Oregon Corndog (Rockaway Beach) – Home to the world’s largest (artificial) corn dog. There’s also a bucking mechanical corn dog ride complete with a saddle.
• Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum (McMinnville) – Holy ground for anyone interest in aviation. Hosts a large collection of planes, most importantly the Spruce Goose, one of the largest planes ever designed.
• Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health (Salem) – A real mental institution that was used for filming One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Now displays important artifacts from the movie as well as archaic therapeutic techniques.

Oregon Scenic Drives

Everywhere you look in Oregon, there’s beauty; much of it can be seen from the seat of your car! Those who want a glimpse of the state’s splendor from behind the wheel should definitely check out these scenic drives in Oregon.

• Highway 101 – A road trip on Oregon Highway 101 is a great way to experience the best of the Oregon Coast. Most of the Oregon coast’s top attractions are within a stone’s throw from the highway as well. Highlights include the views from the slope of Neahkahnie Mountain, driving past the Oregon Dunes , and seeing the sea stacks of Bandon and/or Cannon Beach . This highway also makes for a natural transition when road tripping from California as the 101 runs all the way up the West Coast to Washington .
• Interstate 84 – Drive through one of Oregon’s greatest points of pride: the Columbia River Gorge. With high walls and dense woods, the Gorge is like something out of Scandinavia. Aside from being gorgeous by itself, the Gorge has lots of hiking opportunities as well as some of the best waterfalls in Oregon.
• Highway 138 – One of my favorite scenic drives in Oregon. Depart from Crater Lake and head northwest through the Cascade Range. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the prettiest and most unique places in Oregon, including Mt. Thielsen (aka the Lightning Bolt) and Toketee Falls . 138 eventually enters the Umpqua River Valley, which is equally remarkable.
• Highway 26 – A great commute that affords road trippers glimpses of the tableau that is the Oregonian landscape. On this scenic drive through Oregon, you’ll have the chance to experience the state’s amazing geographic diversity. Start on the coast (Cannon Beach) and drive east through the city of Portland, the alpine forests at the base of Mt. Hood, and then down to the Oregon High Desert. 26 goes all the way to Boise, Idaho but the Painted Hills are a great place to stop.

Why Visit this Part of the World

Oregon is one of the brightest and quirkiest places in all of the USA. It is a spectacular state that provides everything that makes for an awesome road trip: great food, gorgeous natural attractions, engaging people, and best of all, an easygoing culture that loves to enjoy itself.

Due to its relative isolation, Oregon has always been a hideaway for the abject in society, which has shaped both its history and demographgics for better or worse .

In short, many people – the eccentric, unaccepted, burnt-out, adventurous sorts – who felt confined in conventional American life all fled to the farthest corner of the US, that is the Pacific Northwest . The result of this migration is now an established culture that champions the strange and alternative.

Oregonians are very proud of their eccentricities. You’ll often see people in the cities of Portland and Eugene doing, saying, and wearing whatever they want, sometimes to a bombastic level.

Libertarianism and separatism are very popular concepts in Oregon, both among urban and rural centers. Regardless of politics though, Oregonians are very outspoken people.

And why shouldn’t they be outspoken? Oregon has some of the most fantastic landscapes in the USA, a mostly forward-thinking society, and a people that really give a shit. Quality, ecologically-friendly products are of the utmost importance here and social progressivism is often at the forefront of people’s lives here.

There are very few places as interesting or as enthralling as Oregon. Between the hugely varied landscapes and the larger-than-life personalities, this is a state that grips you and doesn’t let go. It plants a seed and takes root in everyone’s mind and everyone has a hard time ending an Oregon road trip.

Getting Insured

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of Oregon road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel efficient so you’ll save on fuel. Use apps like ViaMichelin to find cheap gas, which, seriously, always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.
• Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal in Oregon, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, pack the car with your camping essentials . Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive in Oregon. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free things to do in Oregon! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. You can get started with this awesome guide to free activities in Portland from OregonLive. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in Oregon.
• Pack a travel water bottle: It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Sometimes you need a roof over your head and your own shower to clean all that grime away from camping. Luckily, there are a whole range of accommodation types in Oregon catered to all sorts of travelers.

It might be a good road trip idea in Oregon to stay at a lodge once or twice for a recharge. Sticking to a budget while not staying in a dump will still require a bit of research.

There are plenty of budget hotels and motels in Oregon but they suffer from a drab and uninspired design that is endemic to most cheap American lodging.

You can check into a cheap hotel in Oregon for a night, and will often have to, but don’t expect much. At more than $60/night minimum, staying in these cheap hotels can start to feel like a waste very quickly.

Although the USA’s hostel scene is lacking outside the major backpacking destinations, you can find hostels in Oregon that are affordable and fun.

AirBnBs in Oregon are often cheaper and far more intimate than generic hotels. There are some really crazy AirBnB rentals out there as well! I’ve seen yurts, teepees, tree houses, renovated barn houses, and much more listed for rent in Oregon.

These would certainly be among the best places to stay in Oregon when visiting.

To save the most money on your road trip through Oregon, consider sticking to hostels and campgrounds. Hostels in Oregon are quirky and full of character not to mention the most affordable form of accommodation.

If you’re feeling lucky, you could also try your hand at finding a host with Couchsurfing! Lots of people use this though so competition is quite high in Oregon.

Best Places to Stay in Oregon on a Budget

Camping in oregon.

Camping is absolutely one of the best ways to sleep on a road trip through Oregon because

• It’s cheap and…

There’s nothing better than a night outdoors with a car full of goodies, a roaring fire, and a good pint of camp whiskey. Americans love it, Oregonians especially love it, and so should you!

There are campgrounds everywhere in Oregon and in all sorts of varieties. There are standard sites, primitive sites, RV parks, glamping, something called “treetop camping” and many, many more types that just get more and more ridiculous. You can even stay the night in a fire lookout , which has to be one of the coolest places to stay in Oregon.

You can use this search engine to find a campground in Oregon . Be sure to keep your eye an AirBnB as well – there are lots of interesting private camps listed.

Campgrounds in Oregon offer a range of amenities and at a range of prices. Most facilities will require a small fee to be paid, which goes toward keeping the grounds tidy and clean.

You can sometimes pay online but most of the time there will be a form at the actual site that you need complete on your own. Even though registrations from these are not always checked, please be respectful and pay the nominal fee for your stay.

If you intend on staying at a campground near of the more famous attractions in Oregon, like the Painted Hills, Smith Rock or Crater Lake, then you definitely consider reserving a space ahead, especially in the summer months. Campsites can fill up very quickly in Oregon.

If there appears to be no space leftover at your prospective campsite, there may still be walk-up sites available. Get to the grounds as early as possible to snag these spaces.

Camping in Oregon – Gear Checklist

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the USA, and Oregon has some of the finest camping in the whole country. You could sleep in your car or an RV while road tripping in Oregon, but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun.

Having a good-quality camping tent  will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other essentials that we recommend if you plan on camping out…

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list .

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Free Camping in Oregon

Those on a road trip in Oregon should totally take advantage of the many free campgrounds spread throughout the state. Note that electricity, bathrooms, and running water are not guaranteed at any of these. Also be aware that many free campgrounds in Oregon may require a 4×4 vehicle to reach.

Refer below for a list of some of our favorite free campgrounds in Oregon or this website for a complete archive of free campgrounds.

Books to Read during your Oregon Road Trip

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Oregon. Read one or two and you may have some great road trips ideas for Oregon…

• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – One of Ken Kesey’s most famous novels, thanks in part to the film of the same name. Paints a picture of mental health and conformity through the lens of a man who’s just too full of life.
• Sometimes a Great Notion – Ken Kesey is a literary demigod in Oregon and this is arguably his greatest novel. A tale of a hardheaded logging family that goes on strike, leading the town to drama and tragedy.
• The River Why – A quintessential American coming-of-age tale, both for the protagonist and the nation the book represents. Set in Portland and the Oregon Coastal Range.
• Night Dogs – Vietnam War vet deals with violence in the streets and in himself. An excellent if not authentic crime novel.
• The Lathe of Heaven – A man wakes up one day to discover that his dreams can affect reality itself. A novel exploring human creation and destruction. Set in Portland, which was the ultimate home of the author, sci-fi legend Ursula K Guin.
• Dies the Fire – All electronics are rendered useless by a magnetic storm, resulting in humanity’s return to the Dark Ages. Brutality, desperation, and sword fights in Portland follow.
• Lonely Planet: Washington, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest – It’s sometimes worth traveling with a guidebook.

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around Oregon. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices from individual companies. We personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan and travel by way of vanlife , which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various wascampete and water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your rental vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads in Oregon are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of Oregon’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the state and the Cascades, will the roads be so bad that you need 4×4 or at least high clearance.

If you’re on a road trip in Oregon during the winter and want to go to the mountains, you will definitely need all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

• We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like immova and Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Best Time to Visit Oregon

The best time to visit Oregon really depends on what you want to do. With lots of activities year round, you could go on a road trip in Oregon and always have something to do. Drinking beer is, of course, something that happens 365 days of the year.

There are several different climates in Oregon. Generally speaking, everything west of the Cascade Mountains is maritime e.g. there’s a lot more rain and mild temperatures. East of the Cascades is much drier and prone to extreme temperature shifts, which is a characteristic of the high desert.

Precipitation occurs almost always in the winter months regardless of location.

• Summer is a great time to visit Oregon because the skies are almost always clear and rainfall is sporadic. There are lots of festivals during this time of the year and most Oregonians spend their free time outdoors. What little rain does fall in the summer is usually the result of occasional storms, which sometimes come in the form of thunderstorms. Thunderstorms often cause forest fires, which have become more common in recent years due to increasing summer temperatures and decreasing rainfall.
• Spring and autumn are lovely seasons to visit Oregon but are somewhat brief. Summer usually goes into September and winter often feels very long (November-March).
• Winters in Western Oregon are notoriously dreary as rain falls almost every day and the skies are almost always overcast. Being the tortured souls that they are, Oregonians love to be homebodies and stay warm with a beer at this time.

Luckily, the Cascades and parts of Eastern Oregon receive plenty of snowfall in the winter, giving winter athletes plenty of opportunities. In fact, Oregon has some of the best slopes on the West Coast.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Food in Oregon

Oregon is often ranked as one of the top foodie states in the country by several major publications; more often than naught, it’s #1. Thanks to a thriving farm-to-table scene and a population with a real culinary passion, Oregon has, seriously, some of the best food that you’ll ever eat.

Nearly every part of Oregon offers some amazing local product. To the east is grade-A cattle; to the west are the sublime bounties of the sea; and in the middle is the Willamette Valley, a hugely prosperous agricultural area.

When on a road trip in Oregon, there are so many ways to satiate your appetite. You can visit one of the many authentic farmers’ markets, swing by a roadside diner, book a table at a eclectic restaurant or eat at a food cart.

For those on a budget road trip in Oregon, I highly recommend eating at the small hole-in-the-wall joints and food trucks to save to money.

Hands down, the best food is found at the many food carts , for which Oregon is famous for. The food here is affordable, inventive, sometimes revolutionary, and always delicious.

Food carts are often labors of love, which means the food is extraordinarily cared for. If given the choice, I will always choose a food cart over a restaurant.

Like the anonymous food carts, the mom-and-pop restaurants found in bumfuck nowhere are also among the best things in Oregon. Simple as they may be in offerings, the ambiance and loving meals they provide are one of a kind.

I can think of many places that are so good they warrant road trips themselves. The gigantic burgers of Helvetia Tavern or the soothing ice cream of K & R Drive In are certainly worthy, if not sweet memories for me.

Get your Buzz On

Whether it’s because of the demand for alcohol during those depressing winter months or because the region produces some of the finest hops, grapes, and other botanicals for making beverages, makes no difference; Oregon loves to produce and consume booze in all of its forms.

Oregon makes some of the best wine, beer, and spirits in the USA and that is a fact that locals will defend with a fiery passion. (Go Pinot Noir, not California Cab.)

Agricultural epicenters like Hood River, the Willamette Valley, McMinnville, and Medford consistently produce the best booze in the state. Amongst these regions are dozens if not hundreds of wineries, distilleries, and breweries that offer countless alcoholic varieties.

Throw in the fact that many of these sites are located in gorgeous, bucolic settings and you have some of the most fun places to stay in Oregon.

If you had to choose one place to sample local wares or go party for that matter, it’d definitely be Portland. You cannot throw a rock in this city and not hit a bar; they’re simply everywhere.

Nearly every type of bar as well: dives, speakeasies, country haunts, beer halls, urban wineries, clubs, and many more. Strip clubs are particularly well represented in Portland, so much so that the city actually has the highest concentration per capita in the country beating out both Orlando and Las Vegas.

No piece about getting buzzed in Oregon would be complete without talking about the marijuana, which is 100% legal in the state. Like alcohol consumption, you must simply be over a certain age (21) and only smoke it in certain places like on your property or away from businesses. You can buy weed a local dispensary , which only requires you to bring an ID and cash.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Oregon

Remember to be a respectful camper while on your Oregon road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour, follow leave no trace principles, and be very, very aware of fire bans. Forest fires are an enormous problem in Oregon and are often caused by reckless campers.

Oregonians are also very conscious of the environment and like to take care of it, as should you.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Pack a  tough and cool travel water bottle . You’ll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Help save the planet, and pick up a water bottle here.

Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

Make Money Online Whilst Traveling in Oregon

Want to stay in the USA longer? Worried that you don’t have enough cash for a longer Oregon road trip? One idea is to make money while traveling!

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills!

It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start  teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I came upon this site searching for travel points,budgeting, anything Oregon and you hit it right on the button. This is the best well written and organized site I’ve read. I bookmarked it. Thank you so much.

Stumbled upon your awesome Oregon site while looking for things to see here in the great state of Oregon when the COVID-19 quarantine is lifted. I’ve only lived here for four years, but have been coming here all my life to visit family, so I’m familiar with a lot of the state. Thank you for such a comprehensive and thorough site about travel in Oregon.

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A Spectacular Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

An Oregon Coast road trip is one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S and an absolutely unforgettable trip!

With so many places to hike, beachcomb, and be completely wowed by the rugged coastal scenery, it can be hard to plan your itinerary!

So, in this mega-Oregon Coast drive guide, you’ll find:

• my itinerary for driving the Oregon coast,
• a coastal map,
• planning tips,
• suggestions about where to stay along the route,
• additional itinerary ideas,
• driving tips, as well as,
• practical information about when to go and what to pack.

Ready to plan your drive down the Oregon Coast?

Oregon Coastal Road Trip Planning

As you start your Oregon trip planning, there are a few things you need to decide first.

• How many days do you have for the road trip?
• Which airport(s) are you flying in and out of?
• Do you have any activities, like a full-day hike that will use up a big chunk of time, on your to-do list?

A 1-week Oregon coast road trip is the sweet spot. This gives you a lot of flexibility. You can decide to spend the entire week on the Oregon Coast. There’s plenty to see and do. But you can also tweak it based on what makes sense for your travel plans.

If you’re flying into the Oregon area, the airports you fly in and out of will definitely shape your itinerary. Unless you’re focusing only on northern and central Oregon, flying in and out of a city like Portland will likely cost you time on the return. After all, the Oregon Coast is a north-to-south (or vice versa) route, not a loop like a Colorado road trip.

Instead, try to fly into 1 airport and out of another based on the beginning and ending points of your Oregon Coast road trip itinerary.

Oregon Coastal Map with Towns

The Oregon Coast Highway is Route 101. This road is also part of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway which continues north into Washington State and south into California.

Highway 101 in Oregon runs 363 miles along the coast, from Astoria to Brookings. If you were to drive this nonstop from start to finish, it would take roughly 7-8 hours.

The map of the Oregon coastline below shows some of the most popular towns along the route. If you zoom in, more Oregon coastal towns will fill in.

My Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

First, I’ve shared this Oregon coast drive the way I did it. Down below, you’ll also find some more ideas about how you can customize this itinerary to fit your own travel plans.

You’ll notice that I began my Oregon road trip further north in Seattle. This is because of the flight deal I got to Seattle instead of Portland, and also because I liked the idea of doing a little Seattle sightseeing.

As an alternative, you could also fly into Portland, which is in Oregon already. In this case, you’d likely skip Seattle for logistical sense.

But you could also focus specifically on driving the Oregon Coast and spending more time on outdoor pursuits like hiking or boating or exploring in a place like Astoria or Brookings.

Are you ready to start planning your Oregon coast trip? Let’s go!

Days 1-2: Start in Seattle.

Seattle can be a logical and fun place to begin your Oregon coast road trip…even though the city is in Washington State!

It’s only a couple of hours’ drive from the Oregon coastline. Numerous flights arrive at Seattle’s international airport from around the country every day. American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines all operate flights to Seattle. And you can rent a car easily from the airport.

There are plenty of things to do in Seattle. But with just 1-2 days, depending on what time you arrive, you’ll want to prioritize visiting the top sights.

Pike Place Market

This market is an absolute must while in Seattle. Officially opened in 1907, it’s the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the U.S. Over the years, it’s grown from a place where farmers came to sell their goods out of the back of their wagons to an indoor/outdoor market and dining hub in a historic district of the city overlooking Puget Sound. Today, Pike’s Place Market is one of the most visited places in the world. 

The Pike Place Fish Market draws a lot of attention as the fish are tossed around to prep them for sale. But, the best part of the market is the time spent nibbling. You’re in an absolute foodie paradise, complete with everything from baked goods to the freshest fish sandwich!

You can graze independently or  go with a chef on a tasting adventure through the market.  When you can’t take another bite(!), savor the one-of-a-kind crafts in the hundreds of artist stalls.

Seattle Underground Tour

This will be one of the coolest and most interesting tours you take anywhere. Seattle’s history includes a fire at the end of the 1800s and the need to rebuild. In Pioneer Square, what was once at street level was built over with raised streets and the eventual structures on top of them. Today, the tunnels and passageways beneath the modern-day streets lead straight into a fascinating story of early Seattle.

The  Underground Walking Tour  lasts for an hour so it’s easy to include other sights and activities on your day’s itinerary. For reference, the meeting point for the tour is about a 10-minute walk from Pikes Place Market and a couple of blocks off the Seattle waterfront.

Space Needle

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle is an unmissable landmark in the city’s skyline. It stands at 605 feet tall with 360° panoramic views over the city and Puget Sound. On clear days, it’s possible to see Mount Ranier and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains in the not-too-far-off distance. The Space Needle even has a glass floor experience to see the view just below!

The Space Needle is open every day. Save time and  get your entry tickets in advance . If you purchased a  Seattle CityPASS , entry to the Space Needle is included with your bundled ticket.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

You can’t help but be in awe over artist Dale Chihuly’s designs of glass! There are 8 galleries and a gorgeous, outdoor garden displaying the artist’s colorful glass pieces and sculptures. You can also watch glass-blowing demonstrations to see how the artist worked.

The exhibition is next to the Space Needle and from inside the signature glasshouse, you can capture the bright glass designs and Seattle’s instantly-recognizable landmark, the Space Needle, towering overhead. Entry to the art exhibit and garden is included with the bundled  Seattle CityPASS .

Or you can book a combo ticket for the Space Needle and the Chihuly Gardens .

Enjoy the Pacific Northwest Outdoors

One of the biggest attractions of Seattle is its proximity to incredible natural landscapes and the outdoors lifestyle. Within 2 hours driving of Seattle, there are 3 National Parks and countless other outdoor areas where you can hike, walk, bike, and paddle.

For example, you could drive to Mount Rainier National Park or  take a guided day trip  there.

You could also get out onto  Seattle’s harbor and Elliot Bay,  which is part of Puget Sound. It’s a great way to combine Seattle history and sightseeing the beauty of the water and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains looming in the distance.

If you plan to spend 2 days in Seattle, you could plan one of these day trips. You can also enjoy a full day in Seattle and then head to the spectacular Oregon Coast.

1 Day Seattle to Cannon Beach

Make an early start and head south on I-5 from Seattle. The drive today is roughly 200 miles but nearly all of that is along this major interstate without sightseeing stops until Astoria, Oregon.

Astoria is just near the northern tip of the Oregon coast, making it a perfect spot to begin an Oregon Coast road trip. If the town of Astoria is ringing some bells in your memory, you’re probably familiar with the fan-favorite 80s movie, Goonies, which was mostly filmed in Astoria. 

Along with familiar Goonie filming locations, this small historic city blends seaside and artsy vibes for a one-of-a-kind spot for local shops, restaurants, and breweries. It’s a fun spot to get out of the car, grab a bite, and stretch your legs.

Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon

The  Astoria Column , situated on Coxcomb Hill, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built during the mid-1920s, the paintings on the outside tell the story of Astoria and Oregon’s history.

Loosen up those road trip legs while climbing the column’s 164 steps to the observation deck. From the top, you’ll be able to see the place where the mighty Columbia River empties into the ocean.

Take a moment to enjoy the views overlooking the city and the Astoria-Megler Bridge, a giant truss bridge that spans the Columbia River and connects Washington and Oregon.

The Astoria Column itself is free to climb. There is a small fee for parking.

ProTip: From the Astoria Column parking area, you can hike the trail up to Cathedral Tree . This Sitka Spruce is thought to be 300+ years old. The hike is an out-and-back trail that takes less than an hour to complete.

If you’d like to spend more time in Astoria, here are a few more things to do in the area. Keep in mind the rest of the day’s activities. If you spend more time in Astoria, for example, you may want to make Seaside a quicker stop.

The  Astoria Riverfront Trolley  is a great way to see popular sights along the waterfront and hop-on-hop-off along the 3-mile route. It’ll also give you close-up views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

The Oregon Film Museum is the place to get your Goonies fix. This museum is housed in a historic landmark jail and is in honor of movies that have been filmed in Oregon. However, it’s primarily focused on the Goonies so it’s best for die-hard Goonie fans.

Fort Stevens State Park is a bit off-the-beaten-path but has no shortage of trails and sandy beaches to comb. History buffs will love knowing that Fort Stevens was a military outpost for over 80 years. There’s also the Iredale shipwreck to see, which ran aground in 1906.

Lastly, the Fort Clatsop National Memorial is the site of a replica Lewis & Clark Fort. In 1805, the pair spent the winter here as part of their historical westward trip. I highly recommend listening to one of the site’s historians tell about the site. They really know how to bring the location’s history to life!

Seaside, Oregon and Ecola State Park

When you’re ready, get back in the car and head south about 16 miles on US-101 to  Seaside, Oregon  and its  seaside  promenade. This 1.5-mile walk along a paved walkway is parallel to the Pacific Ocean.

“The Prom” for short is lined with a historic Seaside Aquarium, a Lewis and Clark statue at Turnaround Point where the 2 men completed their westward exploration, and gorgeous ocean views. It’s the kind of place just to stroll, take in the salty air, and let the ocean waves carry your worries out to sea.

If you haven’t eaten yet, there are plenty of choices along Highway-101 and in and around the streets near Broadway.

With the laid-back vibes of the Oregon Coast beginning to settle in, continue on about 8 miles south on Highway-101 to  Ecola State Park . This is where you’ll get your first true look at the stunning rocks that jut out of the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast.

The park’s entrance road is a vibrant green characteristic of the ocean forests that line the Oregon Coast. Picture tall spruce tree groves with low-lying shrubs along a winding road that rewards you with an open overlook to Cannon Beach and its iconic sea stacks that stand majestically among the ocean waves.

For the best views, follow the road to the Indian Beach parking area. Then, follow the short trail from the parking lot to the scenic point. This is also where you should park for access to Indian Beach where you can walk on the sand, explore the tide pools at low tide, and possibly even spot some wildlife like elk or whales!

If you’re up for a hike, don’t miss the park favorite,  Clatsop Loop Trail!  It’s a moderate loop hike about 2.8 miles round trip. The trailhead is accessed from the Indian Beach parking area. Depending on the time of year you visit, be prepared with hiking boots that have good traction in muddy terrain.

The ocean views along the trail’s westside are breathtaking (especially on sunny days!) and not visible from other points in the park. 

At the end of the day, make your way from Ecola State Park a couple of miles south to Cannon Beach, Oregon. The small, coastal town is the perfect spot to land, with  plenty of places to stay , eat, and refresh yourself after a fantastic first day on the Oregon Coast!

Where to stay in Cannon Beach, Oregon

The Ocean Lodge  has ocean-front real estate, with views of Haystack Rock. Free breakfast is included in the nightly rate and each room comes with a fireplace. If you’re road-tripping with a furry family member, as I sometimes do, you’ll be glad to know The Ocean Lodge is pet-friendly. 

The Inn at Cannon Beach  is tucked away, surrounded by the greenery of the Oregon Coast. The hotel’s buildings look (and feel!) more like homes, with spacious pet-friendly rooms also equipped with fireplaces. After enjoying the free breakfast, you can access the beach with just a short walk from the property.

The Hallmark Resort and Spa  sits along the beach, just steps from Haystack Rock. Choose from a range of room types that include fireplaces, kitchenettes, and jacuzzi tubs. Your fur-baby can enjoy the panoramic ocean views, not to mention beautiful ocean sunsets!

1 Day Cannon Beach to Newport

Ready for another beautiful day on the Oregon Coast? Today’s drive south on Highway-101 is half the drive from yesterday but still packed with some of the best Oregon Coast highlights!

Starting your day off in Cannon Beach, be sure to visit the beachfront in town. Haystack Rock is probably the MOST famous sea stack along the Oregon Coast. At low tide, Cannon Beach gives you the opportunity to get within steps of this 235-foot giant.

Cannon Beach has been named as one of the 100 most beautiful places on Earth by National Geographic. So, whether you arrived in town early enough yesterday to see the sunset or you spend time in the morning walking the beach to admire the sea stacks,  Cannon Beach is a can’t miss spot for all Oregon Coast road trip itineraries.

Just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, you’ll arrive at  Hug Point State Recreation Site.  There, you’ll find the beautiful and easy Hug Point Trail.

It’s a 1.2-mile out-and-back walk that gives you the chance to walk on a cove beach, explore caves and tide pools, and savor the ocean views. Haystack Rock will be visible to the north.

The safest and best time to visit is during low tide so be sure to  check the tide tables .  It is possible to get stuck while on your walk if the tide comes in so don’t risk it if you are cutting it close to high tide. Either way, plan 30-60 minutes to explore before continuing south on the Oregon Coast.

ProTip: The Neahkahnie Beach Viewpoint in between Hug Point and Tillamook is the epitome of amazing Oregon Coast scenery. Take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views from the overlook.

There’s nothing like the salty air for stirring up an appetite. So, if you’re feeling snacky, you’re in luck because you’re about to land in Tillamook, home to the famous Tillamook Creamery . Whether you’re in the mood for ice cream or a cheesy favorite like mac and cheese, you don’t want to miss any of this creamy goodness. 

If the weather is not ideal for the outdoors, take a self-guided tour to learn more about dairy farming and watch as the workers process millions of pounds of milk every day to make blocks of cheddar, which are then aged to perfect deliciousness!

Three Capes Scenic Loop

From Tillamook, you’ll want to continue along the Three Capes Scenic Loop . It’s a 40-mile scenic drive along some of the prettiest sections of the Oregon Coast. The three capes scenic route include Cape Meares, Cape Kiawanda, and Cape Lookout.

Cape Meares State Park

From Route 131 in downtown Tillamook, you’ll actually head northwest onto Bayocean Road. The Tillamook Bay coastline will be on your right. Follow the signs for the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and Cape Meares Lighthouse .

From the parking area, there are short paths that lead to the historic lighthouse, scenic viewpoints, and the famous Octopus Tree.

The sweeping views from the Cape Meares pathways are breathtaking. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may even get lucky and spot a whale or a napping sea lion. Don’t forget the binoculars ! 

Cape Lookout State Park

Continue south in the direction of Cape Lookout State Park, the next cape on this scenic stretch of coastline. If you’re eager to get out of the car and explore on foot, Cape Lookout is the perfect place to do so today. 

The Cape Trail is a 5-mile, moderate, round trip out and back hike that takes you into a classic Oregon Coast forest, with Sitka Spruce trees and lush, dewy ferns that blanket the forest floor.

On blue-sky days, the Cape Lookout viewpoint affords views up to 40 miles to the north and Tillamook Head to Cape Foulweather nearly 40 miles in the opposite direction. Allow about 2 hours to complete this hike.

Cape Lookout State Park also has 3 miles of easily accessed beach. So you’re in luck if you’ve been hoping to feel the sand between your toes! 

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

Cape Kiwanda is the smallest of the 3 capes along this scenic route. There’s beach access (beware cars are no longer allowed on the beach) and scenic viewpoints.

The beach is marked with a single sea stack that juts from the ocean waves. The wind along this part of the coast brings with it fabulous waves and perfect kite-flying conditions.

Beware of any signage directing you to stay away from specific areas, like the cliffs. They can be dangerous if you get too close to the edge!

ProTip: You can also enjoy a local brew and take in the views of the sea stack at Cape Kiwanda from The Pelican Brewery and Tap Room . It is the only brewery on the Oregon Coast with beachfront seating. 

Otter Crest Loop

On the way to your final spot for the day, Newport Oregon, there are a couple of scenic spots you won’t want to miss. Drive south from Cape Kiwanda and Pacific City on U.S. Highway 101 until just past Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint.

From this point, watch for signs for the Otter Crest Loop and continue south along this road. This road is closer to the coastline than U.S. Highway 101 and gives better access to a couple of scenic stops.

At Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint , you get a sweeping vista of ocean views and coastline from 500 feet up. The view is absolutely gorgeous and offers the best spot to glimpse Cape Foulweather.

Devil’s Punchbowl

Just 15 minutes before you arrive in Newport and at the end of the Otter Crest Loop road, stop to check out the Devil’s Punchbowl. There are sea caves, 2 of which are collapsed, leaving a giant opening in the roof. During high tide, you can watch the waves fill the open cave, swirling and churning within the rock’s opening.

If you are lucky to time your arrival at low tide, you can explore the cave itself and the tide pools left behind by the crashing waters.

Finish the day’s drive and adventures in Newport, Oregon .

This classic fishing community is complete with boats bobbing in the harbor, delicious seafood spots like Local Ocean Seafood and Georgie’s Beachside Grill, and resident sea lions who lounge on the docks. (If you stay close to where they lounge, they’ll even let you know when the morning’s first light is shining!)

Where to stay in Newport, Oregon

The  Hallmark Resort  is a beautiful oceanfront property offering spacious rooms that can accommodate couples, families, and four-legged fur babies. The balcony or patio from your room is the perfect spot to watch the fishing boats move in and out of the harbor and the breathtaking sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.

The  Inn at Nye Beach  has direct beach access and gorgeous ocean views. This boutique hotel offers spa services including in-room massage. There are a variety of room types, including family suites equipped with a kitchenette. 

Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites  sit overlooking the Oregon coast and the calming waves of the Pacific Ocean. Aside from the incredible views, the hotel offers free breakfast, rooms with fireplaces and balconies, and fresh-baked cookies in the evenings.

1 Day Newport to Florence (or Coos Bay)

Before continuing your Oregon Coast road trip, take some time to explore Newport and the surrounding area.

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Natural Area is just 3 miles to the north of Newport. It’s the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast and, at low tide, the area has some of the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast.

Be sure to walk along Newport’s Historic Bayfront . It’s a working fishing port, where sea lions laze away the day and local fisherman haul in their latest catch. Among the sights and smells of the seaport, you’ll find art galleries, restaurants, and gift shops.

The Newport Aquarium has interactive exhibits, deep-sea tunnels, and outdoor exhibits, perfect for anyone with children who needs a morning break from the car and/or the hiking trail. 

You could easily begin the day by visiting Yaquina Head. After that, circle back to Newport to explore the waterfront and enjoy a seafood sandwich before continuing south to Cape Perpetua.

Cape Perpetua

The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area , located in the Siuslaw National Forest, is the highest point on the Oregon coast and an absolute can’t-miss stop on your Oregon Coast drive!

Ascending 800 feet, Cape Perpetua affords panoramic ocean views with the ability to see for miles to the north or south, as well as an opportunity to spot whales swimming near the rocky coastline. 

This coastal region is also home to a temperate rainforest with towering spruce trees and 26 miles of hiking trails. While it’s considered to be a moderate-difficult hike, the St. Perpetua Trail is worth your time and effort!

It’s a 2.7-mile out-and-back hike so distance isn’t what adds to the difficulty. It’s the elevation climb. There are switchbacks but by the end of the hike, you’ll have climbed 700 feet.

The wildflowers and Sitka Spruce are second only to the heart-pumping exhilaration of reaching the viewpoint over the Pacific Ocean! On a blue-sky day, the ocean and horizon are only separated by a couple of shades of blue. 

Plan about 2 hours to take photos, finish the hike, and enjoy this gorgeous spot on the Oregon Coast.

ProTip:  The return trip will be entirely downhill. Your knees will thank you for bringing along trekking poles or even a sturdy walking stick. 

If the St. Perpetua trail isn’t for you, consider  another of the area’s hikes.  There’s also the Cape Perpetua Lookout close to the parking area and a perfect spot to capture some Christmas-card-worthy family photos.

Thor’s Well

The Cape Perpetua area also has a lot of scenic spots and pull-offs. If you continue south on U.S. Highway 101, a mile from Cape Perpetua, you’ll come to Thor’s Well.

It’s a popular spot to watch the salty waves crash and spill into what some have called “the drain of the Pacific.” Take extra care at high tide not to get too close.

Heceta Head Lighthouse & the Sea Lion Caves

As you drive south along the Oregon Coast towards the town of Florence, the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint and the Sea Lion Caves are fun, family-friendly stops.

Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most popular lighthouses on the Oregon Coast. Use the parking area within the State Park and take the 1/2 mile path from the parking area to the lighthouse and the viewpoint.

The  Sea Lion Caves  is a wildlife preserve that offers tours. Keep in mind the animals are wild and so free to come and go as they wish. The number of sea lions in the caves varies depending on the time of year.

Finish the day in Florence, Oregon. This cute coastal town has some of the better hotel accommodations than in other nearby places like Coos Bay. Florence also has plenty of delicious food choices as you settle in for a satisfying dinner and stroll through Old Town.

If you arrive in Florence before the end of the day or plan to stay in this area of the Oregon Coast for a longer time, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is only a half-hour away. Hike in the Recreation Area, get adventurous on the sand in an ATV, or plan a dune picnic!

Where to stay in Florence, Oregon

The  Old Town Inn  is near the Siuslaw River and has a fantastic location, just a few minutes walking to the shops and restaurants in Old Town. This Inn gets high praise for cleanliness. Rooms come with 1 or 2 beds, which works for both couples and families.

The  River House Inn  is also located along the Siuslaw River. Old Town is only a couple of minutes away on foot. The rooms have been recently remodeled and come with a refrigerator and microwave. The hotel offers free continental breakfast.

The  Best Western Pier Point Inn  is on the opposite side of the Siuslaw River from Florence. A walk across the bridge will bring you into Old Town Florence. This hotel comes with free breakfast and rooms can be standard or suites. As with the above hotels, beaches and the Dunes Recreation Area are within easy reach.

ProTip:  If you’re looking for a more unique stay, you might consider finishing your day in Coos Bay instead of Florence. While Florence is a more charming town, Coos Bay is home to a great glamping option at  Bay Point Landing . Choose to stay in a luxury cabin or an airstream suite in a secluded spot along a private beach area. 

1 Day Florence to Brookings, Oregon/Crescent City, CA

Today’s drive explores some of the best places on the southern Oregon coastline, and if you follow my itinerary, takes you just over the border into northern California. Although you could also choose to stop in Brookings, Oregon, at the very southern end of the coast.

From Florence to Crescent City, California is roughly 3 1/2 hours of driving, which of course will be broken up with Oregon coast stops along the way. In fact, this stretch of coastlines has some of the prettiest spots yet!

Shore Acres State Park

Coming from Florence, Shore Acres State Park is 80 minutes south. (If you stayed in Coos Bay instead, you’re just 20 minutes from this state park.)

This park has beautiful botanical gardens that are particularly vibrant in spring and summer. There’s a pretty Japanese-style garden and rose gardens where you can walk to admire the flowers in bloom. To be honest, this was an unexpected and lovely sight along the Oregon coast and in total contrast to the beach-y, coastal scenery along the drive.

Not far from the gardens, though, trails lead away from the serenity and down to Simpson Beach and along the seaside cliffs.

I highly recommend walking along the cliffs! The waves crash along the rocky coastline in dramatic fashion! These were some of the biggest waves I’d seen along the road trip and their power was thrilling.

Face Rock State Scenic Area

As you make your way south for about 40 minutes, you’ll pass through the town of Bandon before reaching Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint.

As you go through Bandon, stop in town to pick up snacks and sandwiches for a picnic at one of the next few stops.

If you time it right (I didn’t), you might want to make a quick stop at the volunteer-run Washed Ashore Gallery . They feature sculptures that have been made using trash that’s washed up from the ocean in an effort to bring awareness to the pollution in the oceans.

Face Rock is famous for its sea stacks, which you can see from up above the beach. But you can also use the staircase to see them and enjoy the spectacular scenery at beach level.

Timing is everything here, too. If it’s low tide, be sure to check out the tidepools around the beach and at the base of the sea stacks for creature sightings. Also, this is where you might come upon a Circles in the Sand Labyrinth . The artists create a labyrinth piece of art in the sand on specific days and times depending on the tides.

Unfortunately, I missed this!

Otter Point State Recreation Site

There is a beautiful overlook where you can view the curve of the coastline and the beach below. Trails lead onto the beach if you’d like to get a closer look. This pretty spot is a bit of a hidden gem. If you drive the Oregon coast in summer, the beaches here are a great way to escape the crowds.

The town of Gold Beach is less than 10 minutes from Otter Point. You’ll cross the Rogue River Bridge as you enter town. If you didn’t pick up any food for a picnic, you could do that at the market here or stop at one of the restaurants here for a quick bite.

Kissing Rock is south of the Gold Beach Visitor Center. The rock formation sits on miles of wide beach that you might just have (almost) to yourself. There are short trails that lead you to this secluded section of beach in just a few minutes’ time.

ProTip: If you’re short on time, Otter Point and Gold Beach can be at most quick stops. You want to make sure you have enough time to visit the next stop, perhaps the most beautiful spot on the entire Oregon Coast!

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

If ever a road trip had a dramatic and memorable finish, this would have to be it!

The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is an absolute must-visit on your Oregon coast road trip! Even if you have limited time and need to pick and choose your stops, this spectacular natural area should make the cut.

Situated between Gold Beach and Brookings, there are numerous scenic overlooks, pull-offs, and trails. I stopped nearly every mile with my camera in tow!

And if you wanted to make the other stops today as quick as can be so you’re able to spend as much time here as possible, no one could argue with that! There’s plenty to see, do, and savor.

Unless you’re planning to focus on a longer hike, you should stop at as many of the turnoffs as you can. Each one has its own views and trails to explore and ooh and ahh over! They also connect to an 18-mile swath of the Oregon Coast Trail.

Natural Bridge Viewpoint is the park’s most famous spot. The short trail from the parking lot brings you to the viewpoint. It’s possible to continue down the steep trail to get a closer look at the natural bridges but not necessary and can be dangerous especially if the ground is muddy.

From the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint parking area, there’s a 1-mile grassy trail that circles around and back from the scenic overlook. Aside from the picturesque rocky coastline that spans from north to south, have your binoculars ready to look for whales! If you’re looking for a fantastic short hike, this is it!

ProTip: For a longer 4-mile hike, head north from the Cape Ferrelo area until you reach House Rock Viewpoint . Along the way, you may even discover some small beaches hidden by the old spruce trees around the path.

Hike the 3/4 mile trail to Secret Beach . Use the Thunder Rock Cove parking area to find the trailhead. You can see the cove from the viewpoint up above but trekking down leads you to a pretty tucked-away beach, best explored at low tide.

Follow the path at Arch Rock for views of a cluster of gorgeous sea stacks.

Where to stay in Crescent City, CA (or Brookings, OR)

Finish the day just over the Oregon border in Crescent City, California. You could also choose to finish your drive just before the border in Brookings, OR.

I stayed in Crescent City. There are 2 reasons for this.

First, and honestly, I didn’t like the hotel options available in Brookings for my dates. And while searching, many times I was directed to hotels 8, 10, and 20+ miles from Brookings and towards Crescent City. Here’s where I found more hotel options so that’s where I stayed.

I explain the 2nd reason in fuller detail below but Crescent City was also an ideal location for getting to the airport to return home.

The Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn is near the marina and the Crescent City waterfront. Room rates include a full free breakfast. Plus, you can earn Best Western points to redeem for a future stay or redeem previously earned points to book this as an award night.

However, I had also been looking at the Beachfront Inn in Brookings but there was no availability. This beachfront hotel is perfect if you want one last walk on the beach before returning home. It’s also ideally located to walk to nearby restaurants.

Additional Oregon Coast Itineraries

From my itinerary above, you can see that I drove the entire length of the coast. I also focused on shorter hikes and scenic overlooks, with only a few exceptions. Here are a few suggestions if you want to tweak the above itinerary.

To include more hikes and other activities, you could focus your trip solely on the Oregon coastal highway and skip Seattle. This means flying into Portland, instead.

As a result of doing this, you could potentially slow down in 2 places. Instead of going from Cannon Beach to Newport in a day, you could stop somewhere between Rockaway Beach and Pacific City. This will allow more time to hike in and explore the Cape Meares and Cape Kiawanda areas.

Another option for slowing down would be to give the area in between Bandon and Brookings its own day. The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is definitely worth extra time if you have it.

Lastly, and for a total curveball, you could skip Seattle, keep my itinerary the same, and use a 1-2 days to explore a bit of northern California. The Redwood National and State Park area begins just a few minutes’ drive from Crescent City, CA.

Oregon Coast 3 Day Itinerary

Sometimes time is short and/or you’re combining driving the Oregon Coast with other areas of the Pacific Northwest. If this is the case for you, I still recommend driving the entire coast! It’s too pretty to only see a small section of it.

You’ll just make fewer stops and focus on the many scenic points. Go from Astoria to Newport, Newport to Bandon, and then Bandon to Brookings. You can use the above itinerary to pick which Oregon Coast things to do most sound right for you. I would recommend definitely stopping at:

• Cannon Beach
• Ecola State Park
• Cape Meares
• Cape Kiawanda
• Cape Perpetua Lookout
• Devil’s Punchbowl
• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

More than 1 Week

If you have 10 days to drive the Oregon Coast, you could shorten your drives each day, as well as add multiple hikes and activities to suit your interests. Undoubtedly, you’ll soak up more of the local vibe and move at a more relaxed pace.

You could also spend 1 week driving the Oregon Coast, slowing down as I suggested above to allow more time in the central and southern areas of the coast. Then, I’d suggest using a couple of days to go just over the border into California to Redwoods National Park.

Admittedly, I’m a National Park lover and I can’t resist visiting if I’m so close. But seeing the mighty Redwoods is an unforgettable experience that would absolutely be the icing on the cake after the spectacular Oregon Coast.

Similarly, you could start in Seattle as I did, but use the extra days to explore any of the 3 National Parks not far from Seattle. They are Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Airports

As mentioned earlier in this guide, the Seattle Airport makes the best starting point for this itinerary. Portland can be used as an alternative but only if you intend to skip Seattle altogether, as the airport is nearly 3 hours south of the city.

Rogue Valley International-Medford airport

At the end of your Oregon road trip, you could continue heading south down the west coast into Northern California.

But if time is short, you can circle back from Crescent City to Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in southern Oregon. It’s a 2-hour drive from Crescent City.

In case you’re wondering why head into California at all if your road trip is ending here, it’s because the road has to cut through Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to get to the airport in Medford.

Even if you choose to stop in Brookings, Oregon instead of Crescent City, CA, you’ll need to head south into northern California before heading northeast towards Medford Airport.

The airport in Medford has connections to major hubs in the area like Portland, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix on the 3 domestic legacy carriers, American, United, and Delta. So, wherever home is for you, it’s possible to connect through one of these cities to reach your home airport.

Eugene Airport

As an alternative, you could also return to Eugene Airport in central Oregon. However, it means backtracking 4+ hours to Florence, before heading a bit inland to reach the airport. However, if you aren’t driving the entire Oregon coast, this airport might make a lot of logistical sense for your itinerary.

United, Delta, Southwest, American, Alaska, and Allegiant Airlines all fly domestic routes from here.

When to Do an Oregon Coast Scenic Drive

Summer is the busiest time to drive the Oregon Coast but that’s because summer brings more pleasant temperatures and dry(ish) days. If you have the flexibility to visit after Labor Day until mid-October, you’ll be rewarded with enjoyable weather and quieter roads.

What to Bring

The weather along the Oregon Coastline can be bright and sunny with blue skies but it can also be overcast, foggy, and wet. We visited at the very end of August and into September and most days had bright sunshine. However, the breeze coming off the water made it feel much cooler.

I often had a zipper hoodie ready to throw on at scenic overlooks and for walking on the beach. What to wear for hiking is different than if you’re simply enjoying the views from scenic overlooks. The Oregon State Parks along this route are well-maintained, however, you always want to be dressed right for a hike.

Oregon Coast packing essentials include:

• water-repellant or waterproof sneakers or hiking shoes
• trekking poles (if planning on a lot of hikes)
• paper map of Oregon
• battery pack
• sun protection (i.e. sunscreen, sunglasses , sun-protective clothes )

I’ve also gotten good use out of these hiking essentials for hikes on the Oregon Coast but also during many other outdoor travels.

Preparing for a road trip also includes making sure your car is ready and everyone in it is comfortable. I’ve done countless road trips in the U.S. and internationally and have made my fair share of road trip mistakes …so you don’t have to!

I’ve also put together a comprehensive road trip packing list based on things I’ve found useful in my travels.

If you’re renting a car , be sure there’s plenty of space for everyone to be comfortable, and perhaps try one of these rental car hacks to save some money. For the Oregon Coast from late spring to early fall, you won’t need anything over and above a typical vehicle.

Oregon Coast Road Tripping Tips

The great thing about road trips is you have total control over where to go, how long to stay, and what to do along the way. But there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind as you plan your Oregon coast itinerary.

1. Book hotels as far in advance as possible.

This is especially the case if you’re visiting in summer. These seaside towns are small and only have so many places to stay. Once you’ve ironed out a route and know where you’ll be landing at the end of each day, book your hotel.

2. Respect the weather.

You’re likely to encounter a little bit of everything as you travel the Oregon Coast. Sun, wind, rain, fog, mist, and everything in between are all part of the experience.

To still make the most of your trip, drive carefully, be prepared with the right clothes and gear, and above all else, remember that Mother Nature always has the right of way.

3. Add the phrase “marine layer” to your vocabulary.

This is not exactly the same thing as fog. It’s more of an air mass that can trap parcels of different temperature air creating what appears to be an ultra-thick blanket of fog. This happens typically near large bodies of water.

Although a marine layer does typically burn off or at least dissipate as the day goes on, it can last for longer amounts of time. You’ll want to take extra care driving and being on beaches since visibility can drop to 0.

4. Be ready to turn into a viewpoint parking area.

The Oregon Coast Highway-101 is a winding road with hardly any places to make a U-turn. If you see a scenic overlook or a stop that looks unmissable, don’t hesitate. Turn into the area.

Better to investigate once you’re there and decide to continue rather than trying to turn around or missing the stop altogether.

5. Cell phones are great…when they have a signal.

I made this mistake on a Utah road trip . I relied on my Google Maps app for navigation which was fine until I was in a remote corner where there was no signal.

For this reason, I always advise anyone who’s planning a road trip to get a paper map . And although driving the Oregon Coast is just straight down the coast, you don’t want to find yourself stuck without a signal and not knowing how to get to your next stop.

6. Get the right park pass for your needs.

Whenever you’re visiting National Parks or State Parks, you typically have to pay an entry and/or parking fee. This is true for places along the Oregon Coast.

The Oregon States Park Pass costs $30 and includes entry to 26 Oregon State Parks, several of which are included in this itinerary.

The America the Beautiful Pass is typically associated with National Parks. However, it also covers entry to National Forests and National Monuments, some of which are along the coast of Oregon. The pass is good for a year and can be used an unlimited number of times at more than 2,000 National Park Service sites across the U.S.

7. Know the times for high and low tides.

The Pacific Ocean and its waves are to be respected. There are many beaches and places along the Oregon coast that can’t be accessed at high tide or, even worse, can cut off the way back along a beach trail.

Look at the tide timetable and pay attention to any posted signs and their warnings.

Unforgettable Oregon Coast Road Trip

Whether you have a few days or more than a week, visit the Oregon Coast’s beaches, hike its trails, and marvel over the incredible sea stacks.

This coastal slice of the Pacific Northwest will take your breath away. It’s an absolute must-do American road trip!

What are your questions about road-tripping along the Oregon Coast?

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The Ultimate West Coast Road Trip, from Los Angeles to Portland

Olivia Lopez has been documenting her life as a creative freelancer for over 10 years on her site, Lust for Life . She spent six days uncovering the unique coastal destinations of the Pacific Northwest through a road trip from Los Angeles to Portland—and captured it all on her Canon EOS M50 .

I love road tripping, I think it’s a huge part of growing up in Los Angeles. I spent a lot of my childhood weekends road tripping to Palm Springs and Ojai in California, and in the summers my family did cross country routes like Route 66 or driving up the Eastern seaboard. Now, I spend most of my summers touring sleepy coastal towns along the Mediterranean.

Travel has played a huge part in who I am, it feeds my curiosity and it constantly informs and evolves my work and perspective. I’ve shot photos every day since I was 14, and being able to make a career out of it still feels surreal because documenting the world around me feels like an extension of breathing. I’m inspired by g reat architecture, vibrant cities, and also the most remote places.

Everything you need to know to plan the perfect road trip →

I was most excited about going up north, especially because it’s always hot in L.A. I wanted a change of landscape. The beaches are always packed in SoCal.

We spent a week researching beautiful beach rest stops and some under-the-radar design and architectural sites we could visit along the way. I also spent a week curating some songs for the road—a mix of Alt-J, Neil Young, and HONNE. We took also the trip as an opportunity to bring out all our dusty coats, sweaters and thick socks from the back of the wardrobe.

I was glad that we had prepared such a concrete idea of where to go. We mapped out every detail, which saved us time to do more stops on the trip—we preselected the coffee shops and cafes along the route. Driving allowed us to see more of each place we came across, more time to enjoy some of the wilderness.

We loved the beaches up North, despite the cold and windy weather conditions. The beaches were so beautiful and untouched. The fall/winter season is much less crowded on the West Coast in general—it’s a very serene time to be there. I loved having each place to ourselves.

The Itinerary

Day 1: Venice Beach, California

Stay: Rose Hotel, Venice Beach. I live on the east side of town so staying overnight by the beach was a completely different perspective of the city.

Eat: One of my favorite west side restaurants in L.A. is Gjusta Bakery, a casual all day eatery that sells everything from fresh baked sourdough bread to banh mi.

Do: We wanted to kick off our road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway, so we did a sunny stop at Venice Beach. It’s the best beach for people watching—one of the most eccentric places with almost a carnival feel on the busy boardwalk.

Day 2: Big Sur, California

Stay: We stayed at Glen Oaks Big Sur, a lodge located inside the forest by the river stream. The air is so fresh; it has a distinct taste and quality there.

Eat: We stopped by Big Sur Bakery for dinner, which was a restaurant which offered fresh fare from the area. The space was rustic, romantic, and incredibly cozy – and quite surprisingly attracted an international crowd with travelers from all over.

Do: Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in California, and its heavily alluded by many great American writers who ventured here in seek of solitude and inspiration. I read Big Sur by Jack Kerouac before I came. It has such a special energy. We hiked around the river by the hotel and the air smelled like clean pine. It really felt like we were inside a wilderness novel, especially because your phone service cuts off!

Day 3 and 4: San Francisco

Stay: San Francisco doesn’t have many design-driven boutique hotels, but the Proper Hotel located on Market Street is a beautiful new property centrally located near Union Square.

Eat: We visited Tartine Bakery for their famous toasts and later snagged seats at a well-loved Japanese eatery named Rintaro, which feels like a classic Japanese home with modern fixtures.

Do: We seriously lucked out with weather on this road trip, and spent the day strolling through all the different neighborhoods. We strolled down Valencia street, a trendy SF neighborhood packed with vintage shops and concept stores, and purchased books at the storied City Lights Bookshop in historic Chinatown.

On our way up to Oregon the next day, we stopped at one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s last projects—the Marin County Civic Center, a beautiful, citrus and sunset-toned building that is so stunning in detail, it’s hard to believe that it’s an operating government building for public facilities, housing everything from a courthouse to a large library. It’s also jus an hour outside of the city.

Day 5: Gold Beach, Oregon

Stay: The Tu Tu Tu’n Lodge. This charming hotel is located along a beautiful river bend. Try to arrive on the earlier end of the day, because they have a ton of social hours and activities, a spa, and other amenities to take advantage of.

Eat: There weren’t a ton of options food-wise on this route, but we subsisted on your average roadside amenities. The views, however, made up for this.

Do: The drive from San Francisco to Portland is one of the longest in terms of time and distance, but also the most scenic, so we stopped at Gold Beach to break up the drive. The stretch of beaches on this drive are completely serene and quiet, and we stopped along Humboldt Bay and Cape Blanco where we were often the only people on the lookout points. Catching the sunset on Humboldt Bay – there are no words to capture how beautiful the light and the mist were.

Day 6: Portland, Oregon

Stay: We stayed at the Ace Hotel in Portland, which is very centrally located. Constructed in a 1930s building, it has a very vintage-modern feel—classic Americana mixed with the rustic Portland vibe. I felt like I was in an episode of Portlandia.

Eat: We had appetizers at a beautiful diner called Doug Fir, and ordered Portland’s signature cold brew cocktail—vodka and local cold brew coffee—followed by dinner at an artisanal pizza shop called Lovely’s 50/50, which I would highly recommend—it’s such a Portland experience, so artisanal. The menu even featured local flowers!. In the evening we shared brews at the Ace which is great for people watching.

Do: In the morning we explored Alberta Street, where we picked up some art books and apothecary items before our flight home. There are some amazing vintage stores off this street as well—definitely check out House of Vintage.

Los Angeles to Oregon: A 5-Day Itinerary

Updated: Jan 15

Last June, my friends and I went on a one-week road trip from Los Angeles to Oregon in our rented Jeep Patriot, Cheryl (yes... we named our car). We saw an endless amount of sights along our trip. Here are a few tips and an itinerary to use if you're planning a similar trip:

We left Los Angeles on a late Sunday night.

1. McArthur-Burney Falls: After parking our car, we caught a glimpse of the waterfall, and walked a few minutes down a ramp to reach the bottom of the falls. The waterfall was stunning—a (not so) hidden gem in Northern California.

2. Yak's on the 5: As the name suggests, this restaurant is located right along the 5 freeway. Yak's specializes in burgers—this was the perfect place to grab lunch.

3. Crater Lake: After a filling meal, we drove for 3+ hours north to our next destination—Crater Lake National Park. In mid-June, there was still lingering snow in the park. On a clear day, the lake acts as a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains.

4. Airbnb in Bend

1. Painted Hills: Painted Hills boasts a Mars-like landscape—its formation began 35 million years ago through a series of volcanic eruptions.

2. Rowena Crest: A long, windy road takes you to a viewpoint overlooking a horseshoe curve along the road, and also overlooks the Columbia River Gorge.

3. Multnomah Falls: This is one of the most recognizable falls in Oregon, and it's the tallest waterfall in the state.

4. Airbnb in Portland

5. Grassa: This Italian restaurant serves affordable and delicious pasta. I recommend their carbonara and pork belly mac and cheese!

1. Wahclella Falls: We began our day with a short, 2-mile roundtrip hike. Wahclella Falls is one of the more popular hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, and with good reason—it's incredibly picturesque!

2. Gravy: This is a popular brunch spot in Portland—here you'll find big portions at an affordable price.

3. Oregon Coast: There is an abundance of sights to see along the Oregon Coast. We stopped by Thor's Well , a famous sinkhole along the coast.

1. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: Throughout this scenic section of the Oregon Coast, you'll find beaches, headlands, viewpoints, sea arches, and no shortage of hikes. While you're here, visit the Natural Bridges.

2. Avenue of the Giants: The Avenue of the Giants is 31-mile highway that runs through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This is a narrow stretch of road, surrounded by towering trees.

3. Chandelier Drive-Through Tree: For $10, you can drive your car through a Redwood tree.

4. Head down to San Francisco

This is the perfect day to relax and spend your day in the city before heading back down to Los Angeles.

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Road Trip from Portland to Los Angeles

Some of the most spectacular scenery in America separates the cities of Portland and Los Angeles. From the chiseled mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the rugged coastline of Oregon, this road trip will be the adventure of a lifetime.

The 1,370-mile road trip from Portland to Los Angeles will take you 14 hours 30 minutes to drive. Between the two routes, key stops include Crater Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park, as well as the cities of San Francisco and Santa Cruz.

Planning a route trip of this scale is difficult, so be sure to read until the end to learn the best routes inside and out.

How far is Los Angeles from Portland and how long will the road trip take?

There are two route options for your road trip from Portland to Los Angeles - the coastal route and the mountain route.

The coastal route is 1,370 miles and will take you at least three days to drive. This route will take you down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway along the bays and the beaches of Oregon and California.

You will see the dramatic coast of Oregon, walk amongst the giant Redwood in California, drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy the laid-back city of Santa Cruz.

The mountain route is shorter, at 1,000 miles, and will take a minimum of two days of driving. The mountain route will take you through the heart of the Sierra Nevada and encompasses some of America's best national parks.

You will also get to see where the mountains meet the arid desert. This route is perfect for more outdoorsy people, as the national parks it takes you through are havens for hiking and sporting activities.

While these routes can be driven in a few days, you should consider giving yourself giving yourself anywhere between one and three weeks.

Best road trip route from Portland to Los Angeles

Each route offers different attractions, so you can decide what type of scenery you want to see on your road trip from Portland to Los Angeles. The best course of action would be to follow one route to Los Angeles and the other to return to Portland.

That said, if you need to get to Los Angeles as fast as possible, the mountain route is the most direct. Below is a detailed description of each route.

Whether you're flying into Portland, or you simply don't have your own transport in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from Portland to Los Angeles, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

How to drive from Portland to Los Angeles

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Portland and Los Angeles. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Coastal Route

Head south out of Portland on Interstate 5 until you reach the city of Albany. Pass through Albany before taking Highway 20 to the coast. At Newport, leave Highway 20 and head south on Highway 101.

You will follow Highway 101 along the length of the Oregon coast and into California. You will pass through Coos Bay and Samuel Boardman Scenic State Corridor before crossing into California.

Follow Highway 101 through California passing Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Eureka.

Highway 101 will turn into the Pacific Coast Highway shortly after Eureka. This stretch of road is world-famous and boasts some of the best scenery in the United States. Follow the PCH through the coastal towns of California into San Francisco.

The Pacific Coast Highway will lead you over the Golden Gate Bridge and out of San Francisco towards Monterey Bay. All that remains is for you to follow the PCH through Big Sur State Park, past Santa Barbara, and into Los Angeles.

The Inland Route

Follow Interstate 5 south out of Portland to the city of Eugene. Here you will turn onto Route 58, taking you to Highway 97. Highway 97 will lead you straight past Crater Lake National Park, which I highly recommend seeing.

Take Highway 97 south towards Klamath Falls. Change onto Route 39 at Klamath Falls and follow it into California, where it turns into Route 139. Remain on Route 139 as it passes through Canby and Eagle Lake.

Merge with Highway 395 at the town of Susanville. Highway 395 will take you south past Honey Lake and Nevada to Lake Tahoe.

After visiting Lake Tahoe, set your sites on Yosemite National Park. Leave Highway 295 at Lee Vining and turn onto Tioga Road. This will take you into Yosemite. Retrace your steps back to Highway 395 to continue heading south.

Remain on Highway 395 as it leads you past towering peaks. You will pass between Sequoia National Park and Death Valley National Park. Leave Highway 395 at Inyokern and merge with Route 14, which will lead you across the arid desert straight into Los Angeles.

Best places to stop between Portland and Los Angeles

To make the most of the experience, consider splitting up the road trip from Portland to Los Angeles as your schedule allows. Recommended below are some great places to rest your head along the way:

Soak up the beach vibes at Santa Cruz

The location of the beautiful Dream Inn at Santa Cruz is what makes it so special - it is situated as close to Santa Cruz Main Beach and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as you can get. This, combined with the resort's cheerful interior décor, makes the Dream Inn one of the route's ultimate stopovers.

The location of the Dream Inn is truly special - from the hotel's deck, you can look out at the beach and ocean to watch the sunset or the surfers riding the waves. On top of that, the hotel has an outdoor pool and hot tub and outside seating.

All the rooms are spacious and vibrant with tasteful but fun décor, and some even boast phenomenal views of Monterey Bay. The Inn is designed with fun colors and a plethora of other design choices that really make it stand out among the crowd.

The hotel has a restaurant that offers what they creatively call 'surfside dining'. The menu utilizes fresh seafood and local ingredients to create inspired dishes. All this (and so much more) can be yours for an incredibly generous price, so be sure to book a room well in advance.

Please check our comprehensive guide out to learn more about the stunning beach of Santa Cruz:

READ MORE - Our Guide to Santa Cruz Main Beach

Relax in Luxury at Lake Tahoe

Desolation Hotel offers luxury right on the shores of Lake Tahoe - you probably won't find a resort with such incredible suites and an ideal location anywhere in the region.

Just a short walk from the popular Lakeside Beach, the hotel offers free bikes to its guests, so you can get around South Lake Tahoe at your own pace, without having to worry about parking your car.

We suggest putting aside some time to spend at this beautiful property, though. There is a fabulous outdoor swimming pool is swimming in the lake is not your cup of tea. There is a sauna and a hot tub to relax in afterwards.

It isn't all about water activities at Desolation Hotel, though. You will find the ski lift a stone's throw from the property. So, if you are looking to hit the slopes, this is the place to stay!

No matter which season you visit, make sure to treat yourself to a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant during your visit to beautiful Lake Tahoe.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options

Things to see on a road trip from Portland to Los Angeles

There is so much to see and do on a road trip from Portland to Los Angeles that it would be impossible to list it all. With that said, there are certain things you won't want to miss out on on the way.

You should give yourself at least a week if you want to make the most of this epic drive. This will allow you to slow down and spend some time sightseeing.

Coastal Route

• Devil's Punch Bowl - A unique landform along the coast that creates a churning cauldron of water, the area is also popular with surfers.
• Cape Perpetua - Drive along some of Oregon's most dramatic coastal scenery.
• Cape Blanco - Another scenic viewpoint of the Oregon coast, located mere minutes off of Highway 101.
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - Named after the famous explorer, this state park is home to towering old growth redwoods.
• Redwood National State Park - This national park is home to some of the tallest trees in the world. If you only visit one Redwood Park, make it this one.
• Point Arena Lighthouse - This lighthouse sits on a dramatic area of a cliff and is a great spot for a quick stop and some pictures.
• Sonoma Coast State Park - The Pacific Coast Highway goes straight through this park which offers great scenery of this rugged portion of the coastline.
• Golden Gate Bridge - You will have the pleasure of driving over this famous landmark, but make sure you stop to view it from its most attractive angles.
• Santa Cruz - Stroll along the boardwalk and watch the surfers in the bay.
• Monarch Butterfly Grove - This natural wonder is located in Pismo Beach . Every year, thousands of Monarch butterflies arrive between October and February, filling the towering Eucalyptus trees.

Inland Route

• Eugene - Visit downtown Eugene where you can take a tour of the State Capitol Building or enjoy some art at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
• Crater Lake - A must-see before you leave Oregon, this beautiful lake is one of the best National Parks in the United States.
• Hike Watchman Peak - This is a short hike in Crater Lake that will give you sensational views of the lake and the caldera rim.
• Nevada State Museum - Visit this museum in downtown Carson City, where you will learn about the history of this interesting state.
• Lake Tahoe - Give yourself at least one full day to explore this stunning lake. Go hiking or take part in some water sports.
• Yosemite National Park - Arguably one of the most famous national parks in the world, visit Yosemite Valley home to Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.
• Twin Lakes Vista - A short detour into Mammoth Lakes will take you to the beautiful Twin Lakes vista with numerous opportunities for year-round recreation.
• Convict Lake - Hike the Convict Lake loop, this hike is short and suited for beginners, but it has incredible views.
• Griffith Observatory - One of the most recognizable landmarks in Los Angeles, it has jaw-dropping views of the sprawling city below.

Best time to go on a road trip from Portland to Los Angeles

You can go on a road trip from Portland to Los Angeles at any time of year, although certain seasons will be better. Either route is suitable year-round, although the inland route through the Sierra Nevada could be difficult in winter for inexperienced drivers.

Highway 395 is open all year, but it can experience heavy winter conditions at times. If you plan on driving this route in winter be prepared by bringing tire chains. The detour into Yosemite, on Tioga Road, is shut from November to May.

The coastal route is suitable for all drivers year-round. It is unlikely you will experience snow, but in the winter, the weather can be very wet with heavy fog and mist.

Los Angeles is a very popular city to visit in the summer because of that trademark California sunshine. On the other hand, rainfall is more common in January and February, but the milder weather this time of year can make it more comfortable for exploring the city.

Better deals will be available in Los Angeles during the winter months, as it is less popular. Some of the mountain towns and cities, like Mammoth, will remain busy in winter due to the popularity of snow sports, so prices will remain much the same.

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Los Angeles to Portland: Road Trip Guide

California · North America · Oregon · Travel · USA

Los Angeles to Portland Road Trip Guide

A few months ago, I saw a photo of the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon  and told Bassam we HAVE to go so that I can frolic in a field of tulips. I had always wanted to visit the tulip fields in the Netherlands and had no idea there was one closer to home. I immediately started looking up flights and found that each of the weekends we were available the flights were $400 per person rather than $90. Undeterred, we decided to rent a car and go for an impromptu road trip from Los Angeles to Portland. We left Friday afternoon and got back Monday morning, without missing any work time. We fit so much adventure into that short time frame that we still can’t believe it. We were majorly exhausted for the rest of the week, but it was so worth it.

Along the way to Portland from LA, we made sure not to make any pit stops unless it was a fun location. This strategy paid off. Even thought we drove 3,000 miles in the span of about 3 days, we didn’t really feel it because we were having so much fun. Here’s our guide to road trip from Los Angeles to Portland. You can be crazy and do it in 3 days like we did, but if you have more time, we think this itinerary will be a lot more fun!

LA to Portland:

Stop 1: morro bay.

Heading from Los Angeles to Portland, there are SO many fun places to stop almost right away. There’s Ojai, Santa Barbara, SLO, and much more. We decided to stop in Morro Bay, mainly because we were starving and really needed a pit stop at that point. We had never been to Morro Bay and so it seemed like a great option. Morro Bay is an idyllic waterfront town. It’s very quiet with friendly residents and beautiful views. We spent about an hour exploring the shops, feasting on freshly caught fish and eating salt water taffy.

Stop 2: San Francisco

San Francisco is a must stop on your LA –> Oregon journey. It’s also a good spot to sleep for the night if you’re not planning on driving in one straight shot. We’ve been to San Francisco many times and usually do the more typical SF things like Little Italy, Chinatown, and Union Square. This time, we wanted to get a bit more of a nature fix and I was itching to check out a spot I had seen on Instagram.

We hiked the mild 2 mile Kirby Cove trail which leads to a cove on the beach with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Locals will often hang a swing there and people line up to swing over the Golden Gate Bridge and take an Instagram worthy shot. Park rangers will take the swing down whenever they discover it’s there, so it’s not guaranteed it’ll be there if you go. We got very lucky and the swing was there, but we heard it was taken down later that day. To find the swing for yourself, go to the Marin Headlands and park wherever you find parking. Walk down to Battery Spencer and look for the “Kirby Cove” trail sign. Follow the trail to the beach. If the swing is there, you’ll find it on the left side of the beach.

Although we originally hiked Kirby Cove for an Instagram photo, it ended up being our favorite thing we’ve ever done in SF. The entire walk was lined with the tallest trees you can imagine and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The air smelled so piney and fresh with just a hint of sea salt. Ahh we couldn’t get enough of that air. We felt so alive! This is why we love Instagram. We are often motivated to go places we might not necessarily go and we end up having beautiful experiences in the process.

Stops 3 and 4: Olive Pit in Corning, California and In-N-Out in Redding, California

At this point we were determined to make it to Oregon without any stops. This of course didn’t happen as we needed a restroom break and more food. These stops were perfect for us because they met our needs, were very clean, and still on the fun side.

• Olive Pit in Corning, California: there are not a lot of options along this stretch of the road. Olive Pit was perfect for us because it’s open late and has VERY clean restrooms. {This is an important requirement for me}. They also have tons of flavored olive oils and vinegars. As we were stretching our legs, we had fun trying out the different oils and vinegars, as well as perusing their other gourmet pantry foods and kitchen supplies.
• In-N-Out in Redding, California: This is the last In-N-Out you’ll find on the way to Portland. We absolutely love having In-N-Out on road trips and refuse to eat any other fast food. If you’ve never had In-N-Out, it’s a California MUST!

Arrival at destination:

Portland, oregon.

Whoohoo, we made it to Portland! There’s SO much to do in Portland that it would be ideal if you had a few days {more time than we had}. Here are the top 4 things we enjoyed:

1. The food

• Tasty n Alder {best breakfast we’ve ever had}
• SuperBite {especially amazing if you love making a dinner out of tapas}
• Ava Gene’s {try all the salads and the fresh cocktails!}

2. Powell’s City of Books:

This bookstore is every book lover’s dream! I could have spent a whole day in here if we had time. It’s probably a good thing that I didn’t have more time to spend here because I probably would’ve spent an entire paycheck. The store is 1.5 acres!! Can you imagine how many books are stuffed in here? It’s no wonder they call it a “city”. Each genre has a giant section dedicated to it and it’s pretty amazing how large each section is. I love bookstores that provide bookseller recommendations and Powell’s has recommendations all over the store in every single section. There’s also a whole section of recommended new books that are being sold at used prices. There’s also a used books section. And there’s a floor where you can publish your own book and sell it! Basically anything book related you can dream of! I seriously could live here.

3. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden:

Oh this garden is so serene and so pretty. It’s 9 acres of beautiful flowers, ponds, and bridges. It’s so pretty that many people get married here. We could not stop taking pictures, everywhere we looked was just so pretty. It’s such a perfect spot for a romantic walk or just to come and sit for some alone time reflection.

4. Forest Park

This probably isn’t the BEST hike near Portland, the Multnomah-Wahkeena hike probably is, but we didn’t have much time and so this is what we did. Even though it wasn’t our first choice, we absolutely loved it! Forest Park is 5,100 acres of forest in the middle of a city. We thought this was so cool! You’re right in the middle of a city and yet it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere. At certain points of the hike you can actually see the city and it’s surprising because it feels so unexpected. The forest is so lush and green. I felt like little fairies were going to come dancing out of the trees at any given moment.

Where to Stay in Portland:

3 Star: Residence Inn Downtown/Pearl District

4 Star: Kimpton River Place Hotel

5 Star: The Nines

Dog Friendly: Mark Spencer {we stayed here}

Search all Portland hotels for your date

Portland to los angeles:, stop 1: eugene, oregon.

On our way back to LA, we stopped a bit earlier in the journey and grabbed dinner in Eugene. We ate at the Board Restaurant and loved everything we tried.

Stop 2: California Coastline

We decided to drive along the California coastline on our way home, even if it did add a bit extra time to our journey. The views were so beautiful the whole way that it made it so worth it. Here’s where we stopped:

1. Pigeon Point Lighthouse

We had never seen a lighthouse in real life, so this was high on our list. It was extremely windy when we stopped, so it wasn’t too enjoyable, but it was still cool to see a lighthouse. There’s a working hostel in the lighthouse, so you can spend the night if needed. Super cool!

2. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a fun and laid back beach town. We probably spent too much time here that we didn’t have, but it was so fun and we really want to go back. Here’s what we did:

Mystery Spot:

Mystery spot is a gravitational anomaly located in the middle of a forest. The 45 minute tour takes you though a few real life optical illusions. It was a bit silly, but fun. Not worth it if you’re limited on time.

Downtown Santa Cruz

Downtown Santa Cruz was really fun to walk around. There are tons of cafes, restaurants, and shops. We had coffee, checked out a few stores, and grabbed a bite to eat.

Hidden Peak Teahouse

Hidden Peak Teahouse is in Downtown Santa Cruz, so maybe it’s a little redundant to list it on it’s own, but that’s how much we enjoyed it. The tearoom is strictly digital free. That means no phone, under any circumstances. This was initially really difficult for us, but after awhile we relaxed, enjoyed our tea, and had great conversation with each other. Tea is served in a traditional  style. It was very meditative to pour the tiny cups of tea and brew it in the ceremonial style. The whole experience made us want to learn more about tea traditions.

For more great places to stop, check out these 12 must see places on PCH

Arrival at destination: Los Angeles, California

Well, we made it back home! Can you believe how much we fit into our short trip? We still can’t believe it! We had a wonderful adventure and can’t wait for the next one.

We hope our experience inspires you to go on your own road trip and try to fit as much adventure as possible into one weekend!

Don’t forget to check out our post on the Tulip Festival ! {aka, the whole reason for this crazy trip!}

Save this post for later!

May 4, 2017 at 6:48 pm

Sounds like a whirlwind trip, but a very fun one! Thanks for sharing the fun.

May 5, 2017 at 1:26 am

Such a whirlwind! But isn’t that sometimes the most fun? I’m glad you enjoyed the post!

May 5, 2017 at 8:34 pm

Looks like so much fun! I love road trips especially up the California coast! You guys are so cute!

May 5, 2017 at 8:48 pm

Aw thank you Keegan! We looove California Coastline road trips too! There is so much to do in this amazing state. You can never get bored!

May 6, 2017 at 12:06 pm

Gorgeous shots and what a fun trip!!! I haven’t even been to Kirby cove myself yet 😫😫 I need a swing pic! Also haven’t driven up to Oregon from SF. I’ve gotta!! Thanks for sharing!

May 6, 2017 at 12:13 pm

Oh you gotta do an SF to Oregon road trip! It’s not that far from you and so gorgeous! You would take incredible photos I’m sure!

May 6, 2017 at 12:48 pm

Your photos are incredible! This sounds like such a fun road trip, I think I’ll have to recreate it at some point!

May 6, 2017 at 4:31 pm

Thank you! You totally should, it was so much fun! If you can swing an extra day or two, it’ll be a little less exhausting!

May 6, 2017 at 3:48 pm

I am going to have to do that hike and search for the swing the next time I am in SF. I wish the rangers would just leave it alone! Your pictures there are amazing!

Thanks Anisa! I know, right? They spoil all the fun! I think they worry it’ll be a liability for them. Let me know if it’s there when you go!

May 6, 2017 at 6:24 pm

This is incredible! I’ve always wanted the road trip the California coast, but I never really thought about anything north. This sounds like the perfect itinerary.

May 6, 2017 at 7:48 pm

Road trips along the California Coast are always a good idea! There’s so much to do in California that you really can’t go wrong, but we did really love driving up North and experiencing a bit of PNW.

May 7, 2017 at 7:32 am

Thanks for sharing such a detailed post. Loved all your pictures, especially the one in Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden; That’s so romantic.

May 7, 2017 at 10:14 am

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! The garden is definitely a must!

May 9, 2017 at 10:06 am

Great run down of your trip, Lena and Bassam! I may have to steal this itinerary for a future trip. Never been to Portland and now I’m excited about the food!

May 12, 2017 at 10:51 am

Glad you enjoyed it Alex! Steal away! You’re going to die over the food!

May 13, 2017 at 11:05 am

This seems like an exceptional and worthwhile experience! Thanks a bunch for the motivating post!

May 31, 2017 at 1:19 pm

It was so much fun! We hope you get the opportunity to visit Portland soon.

May 23, 2017 at 6:25 pm

So glad you stopped at San Francisco, I love this city! And thank you for this itinerary idea, will definitely take it into consideration.

May 31, 2017 at 1:20 pm

I’m so glad you found it helpful! We had a lot of fun in SF and are also glad we stopped there!

August 7, 2017 at 4:45 am

Whoaaaa 1.5 acre bookshop??? 😍 This sounds like such a great road trip, even if that many miles in one weekend is a bit too much for my liking!

August 7, 2017 at 10:17 am

Isn’t that INSANE?! It was my heaven!! And yes, it was a bit too ambitious for one weekend. We were exhausted!

May 4, 2018 at 1:53 pm

Cool blog post, but where are the tulips??!

May 4, 2018 at 1:57 pm

Glad you liked it! There’s a full post on just the tulips since we had so many photos! https://www.happilyeveradventures.com/photos-inspire-visit-tulip-field/

July 3, 2018 at 12:39 pm

I am planning on doing this next week. I am stealing you itinerary. I was planning on leaving on Wed. from Long Beach and coming back on Saturday. I do have some questions and I hope you can help me. How long did it take you to get to Portland? Approximately how long did you spend during your stops and did you have to drive through the night. Did you spend one night or two in Portland? Sorry for the amount of questions, but I want to visit all the places, I love the pictures. I just want to make sure I plan it correctly.

July 3, 2018 at 3:28 pm

Hi Yvette! How exciting, I hope you have a great time! Feel free to ask any questions and of course steal the itinerary! It took us about 32 hours round trip. I think you will be just fine with 4 days, but keep it mind it will be very rushed. We did drive through the night because we wanted to maximize the daylight hours at the stops. We stopped very briefly in Morro Bay and Santa Cruz (around 2-3 hours), just 30 minutes at the lighthouse, and stayed in San Francisco for a night on the way there and a night on the way back. We only stayed in Portland 1 night. You have one more night than we did, so you may be able to stay 2 nights! Definitely let us know how it goes and if you have any more questions! If you need an immediate response feel free to email us: [email protected]

July 9, 2018 at 6:41 am

Thank you! One more question, do you have any hotel recommendations in San Francisco or near San Francisco?

July 9, 2018 at 10:35 am

We stayed at Stanford Court because we found a good deal on hotels.com. It was a really nice hotel in a great area. I recommend seeing what you can get a good deal on and avoid Union Square, it’s so crowded and touristy and we’ve never been happy with our hotel there. If you are just staying for a quick night and not doing much (so you don’t need anything to be walking distance), you can find some good budget hotels near the airport.

December 27, 2019 at 7:19 pm

How did you take a photo of your tea at the teahouse if no phones are allowed?! Haha

December 27, 2019 at 9:09 pm

We used a camera, not a phone!

July 9, 2020 at 10:46 pm

Hello! I’m so glad I found this page, looks like you planned the perfect trip! Question though – seems like you gave recommendation for lodging just for Portland. I’m curious where you guys stayed? Camping? Car camping? Trying to plan this out for myself 🙂

December 6, 2020 at 11:00 pm

We stayed in random hotels along the way! We would just use hotels tonight to see what a good deal was for the night. I didn’t recommend any because we weren’t that into anywhere we stayed.

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How to plan an unforgettable 7 day Oregon road trip

Oregon has been on my bucket list ever since I moved to Vancouver, BC, back in 2019. Fast forward four years and I finally made it down there! On our 7 day Oregon road trip, we experienced so much – from incredible beaches and sand dunes to roaring waterfalls and the high desert. 

Oregon is such a large and diverse state which can make planning a road trip quite challenging. In this blog post, I’m sharing our exact 7 day Oregon itinerary. You’ll also find optional add-ons in case you want to extend your trip, information on entrance fees, suggestions on where to stay, and more!

Disclaimer : This blog post features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase. There’s no extra cost to you but it just helps me to keep writing these free guides and itineraries for my readers. Thank you for your support!

7 day oregon road trip: what you need to know.

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Oregon. This 7-day Oregon itinerary is based on my own experiences but you can easily tailor this to your own travel style and add or cut any stops you see fit.

7 Day Oregon Road Trip Route Overview

Here’s a quick summary of the 7 day Oregon road trip that we did. You can do this route in either direction. We went anti-clockwise as the weather looked better at the beginning of the trip so we decided to start with the coastal section.

• Day 1: Arrive in Cannon Beach
• Day 2: Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and Cape Kiwanda
• Day 3: John Dellenback Sand Dunes, Willamette National Forest, and Bend
• Day 4: Bend
• Day 5: Smith Rock State Park and Mt. Hood
• Day 6: Columbia River Gorge (and Portland)
• Day 7: Travel home

Below you’ll find an itinerary map for this Oregon 7 day road trip which features pins for each day’s scenic stops, hiking trails and places to eat. You can save the map by clicking on the star next to the title and use it to help gauge daily driving distances.

Before we jump in, here are some important things to know about Oregon and this road trip route:

Oregon is a big state

Oregon is a lot bigger than people realize. It’s actually the 9th largest state in the country which means you’re not going to see the entire state in one trip. Here’s a quick overview of the different regions:

• Oregon Coast: 363 miles of beaches, rugged cliffs, sea stacks and quaint towns
• Central Oregon: Home to the high desert and well-known spots like Bend, Sisters and Smith Rock State Park
• Eastern Oregon: This is a vast area that deserves its own road trip and includes the Painted Hills, Pendleton and Hells Canyon
• Mt. Hood: Mt. Hood is the highest peak in Oregon and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts
• Columbia River Gorge: This is the ‘waterfall wonderland of the Pacific Northwest’
• Willamette Valley: The valley is home to vineyards, farmlands and orchards
• Southern Oregon: This is a diverse region where you’ll find Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument and hidden hot springs

We wanted to try and see as much of the different landscapes as we could on our 7 day Oregon road trip. We spent some time on the coast before driving into central Oregon and up to Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.

This itinerary doesn’t include Eastern or Southern Oregon as it was just too far to go on a 7 day Oregon road trip. If you do have more time, I’ve included some suggestions on how to extend this road trip later in the blog post.

Where to start and end your 7 day Oregon road trip

This really depends on where you’re travelling from. We decided to drive from Vancouver so we went straight to Cannon Beach and started our road trip from there. However, if you’re flying in I recommend starting and ending your road trip in Portland. Although it’s in the northwest corner of the state, it’s actually well-positioned for this particular 7 day Oregon road trip. From Portland you can either drive west to Cannon Beach or go east to Columbia River Gorge and do this 7 day Oregon itinerary in reverse.

If you’re planning to do a longer road trip and explore Eastern Oregon as well, I would suggest flying into Portland and out of Bend. This way you don’t have to drive all the way back to Portland.

How to get to Oregon

If you live in British Columbia, Washington or Northern California, you could drive all the way or fly into Portland and rent a car. We looked into both options but it worked out much cheaper for us to hire the car from Vancouver and drive down (we saved $300).

For those coming from further away, I’d recommend flying into Portland and renting a car . I always use  Skyscanner  to find reasonable rates on flights and use  Auto Europe  for car rentals as they have great rates.

Do you need to rent a car for this 7-day Oregon road trip itinerary?

You will definitely need to hire a car for this road trip! If you’re flying into Portland International Airport you can pick up your hire car from the airport. Make sure you book in advance to get the best price.

Alternatively, you could rent a campervan instead for this 7 day Oregon road trip. Outdoorsy  is the world’s largest and most trusted RV rental market place and have a great selection of adventure vehicles. They take care of liability and collision insurance too so it’s an easy and simple way to book an RV for your trip. My advice is to work out the costs for both options and see what is cheaper. A campervan rental is usually more expensive than a car but you don’t have to pay for hotels which can be pricey. 

When is the best time to do this itinerary?

With its diverse landscapes, Oregon offers unique experiences all year-round. That being said, I would recommend doing this 7 day Oregon itinerary in late spring or early autumn.

Spring is a great time to visit Oregon as the wildflowers are starting to appear and the weather is warming up. It’s also peak waterfall season as the snow has just melted so they’re incredibly powerful. There are usually fewer crowds but expect weekends to still be quite busy along the Columbia River Gorge. The downside is that higher elevation hiking trails will still be closed and there can be late snowfalls which lead to road closures. When we went, we couldn’t get down to Trillium Lake because the snow had blocked the entrance.

As with most places, this is peak tourist season so expect crowds and higher prices for accommodation. However, it’s also the best time for hiking, camping, and exploring the famous Crater Lake.

Early autumn is a nice time to visit. Although the waterfalls won’t be very powerful, the fall foliage is very pretty. The weather can be a bit unpredictable but there are fewer crowds and you can get some good deals on accommodation. I would avoid doing this road trip in late autumn as there are often snowfalls which can make travel more difficult.

Winter in Oregon is a magical time and offers great opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. However, I would personally avoid doing this 7 day Oregon road trip in winter. Some areas on this route may be inaccessible due to snowfall and the mountain passes may even be closed due to winter storms. If you are planning a winter road trip, I would stick to the Oregon coast, Columbia River Gorge, and Silver Falls State Park as the roads in these areas are well-maintained.

Oregon itinerary driving conditions and tips

For the most part, the roads on this 7 day Oregon itinerary are very good. There are a few big pot holes on the road through the Willamette National Forest so watch out for them as some are quite deep. The road to Terwilliger Hot Springs is paved up until the last part where it becomes more rugged.

Some parts of the route are quite remote and you will lose cell coverage. I found that I didn’t have any service in Willamette National Forest and Mt. Hood. It also kept cutting in and out in the Columbia River Gorge. Most of the route is well signed but I recommend downloading offline maps or taking a physical one with you just in case. 

Make sure you stock up on groceries before you set off on day 3 and 5 because there aren’t many stores along the way. The same applies for gas. Fill up before you start the drive through Willamette National Forest and Mt. Hood.

7 DAY OREGON ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

This is quite a jam-packed itinerary so you’ll need to get up quite early each day to account for the long drives in-between some of the stops.

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 1: TRAVEL TO CANNON BEACH

If you’re flying into Portland and hiring a car, it’s a relatively straight forward drive to Cannon Beach. Once you get through Portland, you’ll pick up Highway 26 west to Cannon Beach for 73 miles. At the end of this highway, you’ll merge onto Highway 101 (the Oregon Coast Highway) which will take you to Cannon Beach.

The whole drive from Portland takes around 1 hour 40 minutes. Although today is most likely a travel day, depending on what time you arrive, you may be able to catch sunset on Cannon Beach.

Where to stay in Cannon Beach

There are some lovely places to stay in Cannon Beach, from oceanfront hotels to guest houses and campgrounds. Here are my top picks:

• Tolovana Inn: We stayed here and I can’t recommend it enough! It’s right on the beach but as it’s a bit further down it’s more affordable than other oceanfront hotels. The staff were so helpful and the rooms were modern and so comfortable. In the morning, we walked out of the hotel and straight onto the beach. It was such good value for money. Check prices > 
• Surfsand Resort: This is another oceanfront hotel but it is closer to the haystack so it’s more expensive than Tolovana Inn. If you’re celebrating a special occasion then have a look at their ocean view rooms. Check prices >  
• Wright’s for Camping: This is a great option if you’re planning to drive and camp. It’s a family-run campground offering affordable camping close to the beach. The campground is only open from May to October. Check prices >      

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 2: CANNON BEACH TO LAKESIDE

Wake up early and get ready for a busy day of exploring beaches and sand dunes along the Oregon coast!

First Stop: Cannon Beach

If the weather is on your side, I recommend getting up early and going for a sunrise walk along Cannon Beach. It’s such a lovely way to wake up and means you’ll get to experience the beach before it gets too busy. When we went, sunrise was at 7.15am and we were two of the only people on the beach. Watching the sun light up the famous Haystack Rock was incredible.

If you love photography, walk up the steps which are opposite the Haystack Rock (leading up to the houses and beachfront hotels). This will give you a lovely view looking down at the Haystack Rock. It’s a classic view so you’ve probably seen it on Instagram but it really is worth the hype.

After you’ve finished walking along the beach, wander into the town and grab some breakfast. Cannon Beach Bakery and Lazy Susan Café are great options. The town itself is very quaint so it’s worth popping into a few of the local stores.

Second Stop: Ecola State Park

• Driving time: 11 mins (4.6 km/ 2.9 miles)

The next stop is Ecola State Park. It’s only a 10 minute drive north of Cannon Beach and is a lovely area to explore. Set in a lush rainforest, Ecola State Park is home to old-growth trees, pristine beaches and stunning coastal views.

There are a number of great hikes in the park, such as Ecola Point to Crescent Beach (1.25 miles) and Clatsop Loop (2.8 miles). Ecola Point to Indian Beach (1.5 miles) is another lovely trail. If you’re short on time (remember you do have a long drive ahead of you!) or don’t fancy hiking too far, you can drive to Ecola Point. From there, it’s a very short walk to the viewing area where you can see Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach and the smaller sea stacks jutting out of the ocean.

You will need an Oregon State Parks pass, Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, or a $5 day-use pass to park and explore the trails. You can purchase the day pass using the machine at the car park.

Third Stop: Cape Kiwanda

• Driving time: 1 hour 30 mins (106 km/ 66.3 miles)

Now it’s time to head to Pacific City! This area is home to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, one of the most beautiful photography spots on the Oregon coast . It’s known for its stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and rugged beauty. It even has its own version of Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock which you can see from Pacific City Beach.

There are a lot of amazing places on the way from Cannon Beach to Cape Kiwanda. If you have an extra day I recommend splitting day 2 into two days so you can visit these spots along the way:

• Oswald West State Park
• Elk Flats Trail  

The highlight of Cape Kiwanda is the massive sand dune which separates Pacific City Beach on the south side from McPhillips Beach on the north side. You can climb up to the top for amazing views over both beaches but be warned it is steeper than it looks. Please also pay attention to the signs and do not venture too close to the fragile edges of the cliffs.

If you’re visiting at low tide, you can walk between the sandstone arches on the north side of the cliffs. You can access this area by walking all the way down McPhillips beach towards the sand dune, or by climbing up and over the sand dune from Pacific City Beach. Do not try and access this area when the tide is in as it is incredibly dangerous and you risk getting stranded or caught by sneaker waves. You can check the tide times here .

Fourth Stop: Lakeside (Optional)

• Driving time: 2 hours 44 mins (200 km/ 124 miles)

We really wanted to see the sand dunes on our 7 day Oregon road trip. There are a lot of different sand dunes along the coast but we wanted to see the larger ones which are located further south near Lakeside. If you’re not worried about seeing them you don’t need to drive all the way down to Lakeside. Instead I would stay overnight in Cape Kiwanda. That way, you can take your time driving from Cannon Beach to Cape Kiwanda and explore some of the other stops I mentioned above on day 2 instead.

If you do want to see the John Dellenback Sand Dunes, Lakeside is a good place to stay overnight. The dunes are only open from 7am to 7pm so it’s unlikely you’ll get there in time on day 2 but you’ll be close by for the next day. I recommend stopping en-route and buying some food for breakfast and lunch for day 3. It’s going to be a long day and you’ll want an early start so having things for breakfast will save you a lot of time.

Where to stay in Lakeside

We actually stayed in Winchester Bay as there weren’t many options available but I wouldn’t recommend the place we stayed (Winchester Bay Inn). Instead, I would suggest staying in Lakeside:

• Lakeside Holiday Home: If you’re travelling with a group then this is a great option as it sleeps up to 5 people. It has all the amenities you need including a kitchen, washing machine and dryer, BBQ and Wi-Fi. Check prices > 
• Seadrift Motel & RV Park: This is a good option if you’re travelling with an RV but it is pretty basic. It’s close to the sand dunes and has the essentials. Check prices > 
• Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites: If you prefer hotels, your best option is the Best Western in Reedsport. It’s a bit further away but is still only a 15 minute drive to the sand dunes. Check prices > 

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 3: LAKESIDE TO BEND

Get up and have some breakfast while getting ready for another busy day. Once you’ve fuelled up for the day, it’s time to drive to John Dellenback Sand Dunes. From here, you’ll then drive into central Oregon to explore the Willamette National Forest before heading to Bend for the night. If you haven’t already, I suggest stocking up on food and supplies before you drive through Willamette National Forest. Cell service will be very spotty in this area so you probably won’t have signal for part of today’s drive.   

First Stop: John Dellenback Sand Dunes

• Driving time: 5 mins (2.9 km/ 1.8 miles)

The John Dellenback Sand Dunes are located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. These particular sand dunes are the widest stretch of dunes on the Oregon coast so it’s a very unique outdoor experience. What makes them even more special is that they are closed to motorized vehicles. While other areas of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are open to OHVs, this area isn’t so you can walk on them safely.

The best way to explore the dunes is on the John Dellenback Dunes trail head. It’s a 9km loop which takes you through the sand dunes out to the ocean and back but you don’t have to do the whole trail. We knew we had a long day ahead of us so we just did the first couple of kilometres and then turned back.

You need to pay the $5 day-use fee to park here and hike the trail. Despite reading lots of blog posts that said you had to pay in cash (and rushing around trying to find an ATM), you can pay online using your phone. When you arrive, head to the information board and you’ll see the QR code. You can scan that and then follow instructions to get your day pass. Northwest Forest Passes and Interagency Passes are also accepted.

The trail starts from the parking lot and takes you through the coastal forest. After about half a mile, you’ll emerge from the forest onto the sand dunes. Go left and hike up the large sand dune. From here, you’ll get amazing panoramic views over the dune landscape. You can continue on to the ocean or just stay here and take in the sand formations like we did.

Second Stop: Terwilliger Hot Springs

• Driving time: 2 hours 49 mins (244 km/ 152 miles)

After you’ve finished exploring the sand dunes, it’s time to start the long drive up to Willamette National Forest. I recommend stopping in Eugene (approximately 1 hour 45 mins driving time) to get some lunch and break up the journey.

From Eugene, you’ll take Highway 126 (also known as the McKenzie Highway into the forest. After about 50 minutes, you’ll turn right onto Cougar Dam Road and then right again at the next junction. Keep driving along this road until you reach Cougar Reservoir where the road splits. Go right and keep driving until you reach the parking lot for Terwilliger Springs. This part of the drive can be a bit bumpy so watch out for pot holes.

Terwilliger Hot Springs (also known as Cougar Hot Springs) is a natural hot spring located in the forest. It’s open from sunrise until sundown each day and gets very busy so don’t expect to have this place to yourself unless you’re able to go first thing in the morning! To get to the hot springs, you have to hike an easy 0.5 mile trail through the forest. The entrance fee costs $10 per person for 2 hours and is payable by cash or card at the trailhead which is often manned.

There are a few different hot pools with varying temperatures. The upper pool is the hottest but that makes it the most popular so you may want to try some of the lower pools instead. In the US, hot springs are clothing optional so expect some nudity. Be respectful if you’re taking photos and read up on hot spring etiquette before going.

Third Stop: Koosah and Sahalie Falls

• Driving time: 41 mins (50.8 km/ 31.6 miles)

Once you’ve finished soaking, head back to the car and drive back up to Highway 126. Turn right onto the highway and continue driving for about 25 minutes until you see the sign Sahalie Falls on the left hand side. There is a small parking area along the side of the road. You’ll need to do a U-Turn to park there so just be careful as cars drive quite quickly along this highway.

Sahalie and Koosah are two beautiful waterfalls which are located in the Willamette National Forest. The 2.2 mile Waterfalls Loop trail offers incredible views of both waterfalls, as well as the McKenzie River rushing through the canyons. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a blue river before! If you don’t want to do the full hike, you can just walk 5 minutes from the car to Sahalie Falls lookout instead.  

The trail is well-maintained but if you’re doing this 7 day Oregon road trip in spring, I would pack some micro-spikes. There is usually a lot of snow in this area and although the trail will be packed down it can be very icy.

Fourth Stop: Bend

• Driving time: 1 hour 8 mins (91.4 km/ 56.8 miles)

Once you’ve finished at the waterfalls, it’s time to drive to Bend. It should take about an hour but you can always stop in the town of Sisters on the way if you need gas, food or a rest break. You’ll probably arrive in the evening so I recommend checking into your hotel and going out for some food. Tomorrow, you’ll have a more relaxing day and will be able to explore Bend properly.

Where to stay in Bend

There are plenty of options to choose from in Bend. Here are a few ones that I’d recommend:

• The Riverhouse on the Deschutes: Located just north of the town centre on the river, the Riverhouse is a great place to stay if you’re visiting Bend and want somewhere peaceful to relax. We stayed here on our 7 day Oregon road trip and I can’t recommend it enough. Check prices >
• Campfire Hotel: This boutique hotel is a great affordable option if you’re travelling on a budget. The rooms have everything you need and there is also an outdoor pool, hot tub and fire pit. If you’re looking for a more sociable atmosphere then this is a good place to stay. C heck prices >
• Springhill Suites Bend: Located in the Old Mill District, Springhill Suites is another great place to stay while visiting Bend. It’s also walking distance to the town centre (15 minutes) so you can easily explore on foot and not worry about driving or parking. Check prices >   

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 4: BEND

After a busy few days of driving, today will be a much slower day so you can relax and rest before hitting the road again tomorrow. Known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and vibrant arts culture, Bend is a great town to explore. It offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and river rafting depending on the time of year you visit. Here are a few fun things to do in Bend:

Explore the town

Bend’s downtown area is bustling with unique shops, art galleries, and local eateries serving up delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Explore the town centre and then wander down to Drake Park and walk along the river. Check out the Old Mill District and grab a coffee from Sisters Coffee.

Try local beers

Bend is known for its microbreweries, making it a popular place for beer lovers. Deschutes Brewery is renowned for its iconic Black Butte Porter and offers tours and tastings. For something a bit different, try Boneyard Beer which has lots of innovative brews. 10 Barrel Brewing Co. is another great spot offering a lively atmosphere and wide selection of beers. Other notable breweries include Silver Moon Brewing and Bend Brewing Co.

Hike up Pilot Butte

This large, cinder cone is visible from almost anywhere in town. Formed over 190,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption, Pilot Butte offers panoramic views of Bend and the surrounding Oregon landscape. It’s a 2 mile round trip and usually takes about an hour to hike there and back. If the weather is on your side, aim to hike up Pilot Butte for sunset and enjoy 360 degree views in golden hour.

Visit Tumalo Falls

Located about 20 miles outside of Bend, Tumalo Falls is a stunning, 89-foot tall waterfall. To get there, take Skyliners Road from Bend and follow the signs. The falls are visible from the parking lot and a short hike will take you down to the base of the falls. For a longer hike, take the Tumalo Falls Trail, a 7.5 mile loop that offers beautiful views of the waterfall and surrounding wilderness. The trail is moderately challenging and you’ll enjoy lush forests, cascading creeks, and panoramic vistas on the way.  

Check out Mount Bachelor

Mount Bachelor is a stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of Central Oregon. In winter, it offers world-class skiing and snowboarding on its expansive slopes. It’s also a great spot for snowshoeing, snow tubing and dog sledding. In summer, the mountain transforms into a playground for hiking and mountain biking.

For more things to do in Bend, check out Visit Bend’s website.

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 5: BEND TO HOOD RIVER

Today is going to be quite the adventure! If the weather is nice, get up early, grab some breakfast and head to Smith Rock State Park for a sunrise/ early morning hike. Consider packing some breakfast to eat on the trail and some food for the drive through Mt. Hood as there aren’t a lot of places to stop.

First Stop: Smith Rock State Park

• Driving time: 30 mins (42 km/ 26 miles)

Located just 30 minutes from Bend, Smith Rock State Park is one of the most unique spots on this 7 day Oregon road trip. The park is one of the 7 wonders of Oregon and boasts towering rock formations carved by the Crooked River, creating a dramatic landscape of cliffs and canyons. The park’s unique geology makes it a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking.

Important information about Smith Rock State Park

You need to pay the $5 day-use fee to park here and hike the trail. When you arrive, head to the information board and you’ll find the pay machine.

There are rattlesnakes in some parts of the park, particularly near the river, so keep your eyes peeled. In summer, they will hide under rocks to keep cool so just be mindful. I also recommend reading up on trails before you hike and checking in with the visitor centre as people report snake sightings to them. Seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten.

The best way to experience the park is to do one of the hiking trails. Rim Rock Trail (0.5 miles) is a great easy hiking option and circles the ridge of the park. You’ll get sweeping views and the trail is relatively flat so it’s a good one for kids. Another good option is Canyon Trail (1.5 miles) which takes you down to the river.

If you’re a keen hiker and are up for something more challenging, I highly recommend the Misery Ridge and River Trail (4 miles). It is an uphill grind but it will take you up to Misery Ridge where you’ll get panoramic views over the park and out to the Cascade Mountains. This is a great hike to do for sunrise or sunset depending on when you visit.

Second Stop: Trillium Lake (Seasonal)

• Driving time: 1 hour 44 mins (137 km/ 85.3 miles)

Head north on Highway 97 for about 10 minutes and then merge onto Highway 26. This will take you all the way to Mount Hood National Forest. It’s a beautiful drive through dense forests and towering peaks. Home to the iconic Mount Hood, the highest point in Oregon, this area is a popular spot for hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. On this 7 day Oregon road trip, you’ll only have time to explore Trillium Lake. However, if you have more time you could add on an extra day and explore more of Mount Hood.

Trillium Lake has a beautiful view of Mount Hood and is incredibly picturesque. This is a great place to have lunch and stretch your legs. There are vault toilets and picnic tables. If you feel like it, you can also do the easy 2-mile Trillium Shoreline Look Trail.

If you’re travelling in spring, be aware that the road may not be accessible. When we went in March there was a lot of snow along the highway and it was blocking the entrance down to Trillium Lake. We weren’t able to make it down to the lake even though we had a SUV. Before starting your trip to Mount Hood, check the National Weather Service’s website for up-to-date information on current snow conditions.

Third Stop: Hood River

• Driving time: 59 mins (68 km/ 42.3 miles)

Now it’s time to head north to Hood River! This will be your final destination for the day, but if you’re making good time, feel free to stop at any other points of interest along the way.

Hood River is a picturesque city located on the Columbia River and is renowned for windsurfing, kiteboarding, hiking and mountain biking. Aim to arrive here by late afternoon so that you can explore the area before dinner. The Indian Creek Trail and Hood River Waterfront Trail are both lovely walks. Another great option is Panorama Point. This park is handicapped-accessible. You can drive up to this viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of Hood River Valley, including Mount Hood and the numerous wineries and orchards.

There are also plenty of vineyards and tasting rooms such as Phelps Creek Vineyards, Cathedral Ridge Winery, and Hood Crest Winery. For a fun evening activity, book a wine and bike tour with MountNbarreL .

If you’re doing this 7 day Oregon road trip in June or July, don’t miss the Hood River Lavender Farms. They grow and produce local and organic lavender products such as essential oils and soaps. The lavender usually blooms in late June and you can pick your own lavender for $10.

Hood River is also home to Mount Hood Railroad . This is one of the best attractions in Hood River for kids and adults alike. You can take the hour-long train ride from downtown into Hood River Valley. It’s a scenic journey through the Columbia River Gorge past orchards and vineyards.

Where to stay in Hood River

Hood River has a range of accommodation options. Here are a few recommendations:

• Hood River Hotel: This historic hotel is one of the oldest spots in Hood River. Located in the centre of downtown, Hood River Hotel is a great base for exploring the local restaurants, breweries and wineries. They’re actually the sister hotel of Campfire Hotel in Bend so you may be able to get a discount if you book both. Check prices >
• Sunset Motel Hood River: This is a great option if you’re travelling on a budget. Sunset Motel Hood River is a bit further from the town but is located close to the highway which makes it an ideal place to stay. Check prices >
• Tucker Park Campground: If you’re looking to camp, Tucker Park Campground is a good option. All campsites at Tucker Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis between May 1 and October 31. The campground is closed between November 1 and April 30. Check prices >

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 6: HOOD RIVER TO PORTLAND

You’ll be exploring one of my favourite parts of Oregon today – the Columbia River Gorge. Spanning over 80 miles, Columbia River Gorge serves as a natural boundary between Oregon and Washington. It’s another of Oregon’s 7 wonders and for a good reason! The Columbia River Gorge is home to unique geological features and scenic vistas. With over 90 waterfalls scattered throughout the area, the Gorge is often referred to as the ‘waterfall wonderland of the Pacific Northwest’.

There are so many incredible waterfalls on today’s drive along the I-84. Some are very accessible (viewpoints close to the parking lot) while others require you to hike in. You can stop at as many as you like but here are my suggestions based on our own 7 day Oregon itinerary.

Waterfall permits

If you’re visiting between May and September, you will need a timed permit to visit most of these waterfalls. You can find more information here . 

First Stop: Wahcella Falls

• Driving time: 25 mins (37 km/ 23.3 miles)

This was probably my favourite waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. The short 1.9 mile out-and-back hike leads you through the lush canyon to the two-tiered waterfall. It’s a fun and scenic hike but it can be quite slippery if there has been a lot of rain so make sure you have shoes with good grip. It costs $5 USD to visit. You can pay online by scanning the QR code once you arrive at the car park.

Second Stop: Multnomah Falls

• Driving time: 11 mins (14.8 km/ 9.2 miles)

Head back onto the Historic Columbia River Highway and drive 10 minutes west to Multnomah Falls. This is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Columbia River Gorge so it can get quite crowded. The parking lot can fill up quickly in the summer months and on weekends so you may have to drive to another waterfall and try again later.

From the car park, cross over the road and the viewing platform is straight ahead of you. This two tiered waterfall is an iconic sight and is the tallest waterfall in Oregon. If you want a different perspective you can hike 0.2 miles up to the Benson Bridge or 1.2 miles to the top of the falls. We decided to just enjoy the view from the main viewing area as we wanted to see quite a few different waterfalls.

Third Stop: Latourell Falls

• Driving time: 12 mins (9.5 km/ 5.9 miles)

The final waterfall on today’s list is Latourell Falls. You can walk down to the base of the waterfall (less than 5 mins) or you can opt to do the 2.4 mile round trip hike to see the upper falls as well. At the base of the waterfall there is a lovely bridge which is great for photos with the waterfall in the background. This particular waterfall can be very busy as it’s one of the closest ones to Portland so be prepared for crowds in the summer and at weekends.

Fourth Stop: Portland

Once you’ve finished exploring the Columbia River Gorge, it’s time to drive back towards Portland. If you’re flying out of Portland, it makes sense to stay here overnight and explore a bit of Portland before you leave. However, if you’re travelling back to Vancouver or Washington, you might want to drive further north and stay closer to Seattle. We decided not to stay in Portland and instead continue up to Olympia for two reasons. Firstly, accommodation was a lot cheaper and secondly, we wanted to shorten the long drive back to Vancouver. It’s completely up to you and will depend on where you’re travelling back to.

Where to stay in Portland

If you decide to stay overnight in Portland, here are a few hotel options:

• The Mark Spencer Hotel: Located in Portland’s Pearl District, this boutique hotel is just steps from all that Downtown Portland has to offer. Check prices >
• Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center: This hotel is also in the Pearl District. It’s on the pricier side but has fantastic amenities and is also pet friendly. Check prices >
• Econo Lodge City Center: Located further south, this is a great budget option. It’s close to Portland State University and is good value for money. Check prices >

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 7: TRAVEL HOME

It’s time to head home! Depending on where you’re travelling back to, you could explore Portland in the morning before your flight home. If you’re driving back to Washington or Vancouver, you could stop in Seattle or explore some beautiful spots in Washington, such as Snohomish, Bellingham or Chuckanut. If you have a few extra days, I highly recommend extending your road trip and visiting Olympic National Park in Washington. With ancient rainforests, rugged coastal beaches, and unique ecosystems, it’s an amazing place to explore.

MORE THINGS TO DO ON AN OREGON ROAD TRIP

This 7 day Oregon road trip will give you a taste of the state’s epic scenery. If you have more time and want to see more of Oregon, you could continue on to some of the below destinations:

• Silver Falls State Park
• Umpqua National Forest (Toketee Falls and Umpqua Hot Springs)
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Crater Lake National Park

PLANNING A 7 DAY OREGON ROAD TRIP: FINAL THOUGHTS

Oregon really does have it all and I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this state. I hope this guide helps you plan your own Oregon road trip. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them!

Where to explore next?

If you’re looking for more North America travel inspiration, have a look at these guides:

• A complete guide to Capitol Reef National Park
• Exploring Zion and Bryce Canyon: An epic 3-day road trip itinerary
• How to spend a weekend in Bryce Canyon

British Columbia

• 7 Amazing places to visit on Vancouver Island
• North Vancouver Island: An amazing 4-day road trip itinerary
• The ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary
• The Best of Banff: The complete 4-day itinerary
• How to explore Banff and Jasper without a car
• Driving the Icefields Parkway: The stops you can’t miss

Love from Steph

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More US Travel Guides

How to hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls in Utah

Fairyland Loop trail: The most magical hike in Bryce Canyon

Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trail: Bryce Canyon’s Best Hike

How to spend one day in Capitol Reef National Park

Zion to Bryce Canyon: How to plan an epic 3-day road trip

How to spend an unforgettable 2 days in Zion National Park

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Los Angeles to Portland Road Trip: Experience the Sights and Sounds of the West Coast

Our Los Angeles to Portland road trip lets you travel from the center of entertainment to some amazing cities and towns in California before visiting two iconic destinations in Oregon.

Go from one of the best-known cities in the world all the way up the West Coast of the United States to a hip and trendy city in Oregon on this Los Angeles to Portland road trip. Along the way, you will visit three cities in California that many people consider “bucket-list” destinations and you will stop in two cities in Oregon that will have you exploring the great outdoors.

1. Los Angeles 2. Monterey, CA 3. San Francisco 4. Napa, CA 5. Bend, OR 6. Portland, OR

Info at a glance

• A 2-week trip
• Type of route: Nature
• 6 stops along the route
• 1,128 miles of driving
• Explore a beautiful and serene town on California’s central coast.
• Visit a city where you can famously “leave your heart”.
• Wander through some of the most famous wineries in the world.
• See a combination of rugged mountain beauty and vast desert landscapes.
• Experience the culture of one of the hippest cities on the West Coast.

Getting to the start

This road trip begins in Los Angeles, CA. If you are coming from another part of the world, the flight options into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are abundant. Several Amtrak routes can get you from almost any point in the United States to Los Angeles including the Southwest Chief and the Coast Starlight.

CAR RENTAL IN LA

When to Visit

Spring, summer and autumn are the best times to take a road trip from LA to Portland so you can avoid the potentially icy and snowy roads as you pass from California into Oregon. Because you will be visiting a couple of spots that are known for fickle weather at any time of the year, pack everything from shorts to heavy jackets for the trip. Don’t forget a great pair of shoes and some good hiking boots for all of the outdoor adventures you will be on.

Driving tips

A good portion of this journey will be along Interstate 5 in both California and Oregon. In urban areas, you may find speed limits of 55 miles per hour but this can increase to 80mph on some parts of the journey. An SUV for such journey can be a perfect fit. You will also be on some narrow and winding mountain roads in both California and Oregon so slow down, take care and enjoy the amazing scenery.

What to know about the route

You will begin this 1,126-mile road trip by starting in the heart of Los Angeles. As you begin to head north you will see huge changes in the terrain as you move towards the towns of Monterey and San Francisco in Northern California. During this part of the journey, you have the choice to either drive through the wide-open San Joaquin Valley or make the trip up the coast through towns like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo on Highway 1. From there you will pass by the many bodies of water near San Francisco that give the Bay Area its name as you head into the beautiful Napa Valley area. Once you leave Napa you will make the climb over the mountains from California to Oregon to the rustic and beautiful town of Bend. Finally, you will make the drive in the valley of the western part of Oregon before arriving in the beautiful riverfront city of Portland. A great vehicle for this trip is a large van or a large SUV so you can take all of your outdoor gear with you for all of your adventures on this road trip.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States and offers visitors plenty of things to see and do on their trip here. The city also offers diverse geography giving visitors access to many different climates and landscapes letting you experience the beach and the foothills and mountains in the span of one day. Our guide to outdoor adventures around LA may help you plan the best trip.

Points of interest

A great way to spend an afternoon is to take a tour of both Warner Brothers and Universal Studios to see movie and television production up close. To get an amazing view of Los Angeles, take a hike in Griffith Park.

Where to eat, drink and sleep

Because Los Angeles has such a rich tapestry of cultures that make this city home, there are plenty of food choices you can experience while you are here. If you are looking for a classic American choice that is uniquely Los Angeles make the trip to Pink’s Hot Dogs right in the heart of Hollywood.

Sixt Insider Tip

A unique place to visit in Los Angeles is the Griffith Observatory, perched on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. Not only is this a great place to learn about all sorts of space and science-related matters the views you will see of the entire Los Angeles area from here are simply amazing. And the best part is it’s free of charge!

From Los Angeles to Monterey (320 miles)

You have two choices as you make the trip north to Monterey. For a faster route, you can stay inside of the San Joaquin Valley and take Interstate 5. Or if you want to take more time and see some amazing coastal scenery, take a combination of Highway 101 and Highway 1 up the coast.

Monterey, CA

Monterey sits on the rugged central coast of California. Cannery Row, in the heart of Monterey, was at one point the center of the robust sardine-packing industry that existed here. Today it is a popular strip of gift shops and restaurants.

A destination for many visitors when they are in Monterey is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a quaint location that offers shopping and dining. Del Monte Beach offers a boardwalk and dunes to explore.

One unique feature of Monterey is that there are several tree houses that you can rent and stay in for a night or two that make for a wholly unique lodging experience. Most of these houses are located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains that surround the city of Monterey.

When most people think of wineries in California, they tend to focus on those that are further north in the Napa Valley or Sonoma County; however, there is actually a bustling wine scene in Monterey as well as a couple of wineries that you can visit while you are here.

From Monterey to San Francisco (119 miles)

Just as when you left Los Angeles to head north, you have the choice of either going up Highway 101 to get to San Francisco, which will take you through cities like San Jose. Or you can travel up Highway 1 that once again will give you scenic views but will add quite a bit of time to your trip.

San Francisco

San Francisco has a unique mix of sight and sounds. It has cool and unpredictable summers, frequent fog rolling in off the ocean and iconic locations like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown. All together they make San Francisco a unique destination.

One of the most famous spots to visit in the city is the winding brick-lined Lombard Street. To get out in nature, Muir Woods National Monument is just a short drive north out of the city and a great place to see giant redwood trees. The Exploratorium is a hands-on science museum that kids of all ages will love.

Two of the foods that San Francisco is famous for are seafood and crusty sourdough bread; you can try them together with a sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder. One local favorite is something called Joe’s special, which is a mix of spinach, onions, mushrooms, ground beef and eggs that is popular with the locals and found at many restaurants.

While visiting Alcatraz Island is a popular choice for visitors to the city, it is important to remember that you need to take a boat to get there and these can fill up rather quickly. If you do want to make the trip to the island it is best to book your trip at least two weeks prior to arriving in San Francisco.

From San Francisco to Napa (50 miles)

A trip to the next stop in Napa will be a short one although it will be through the cities of Oakland and Richmond, so your drive time may vary based on the time of the travel. The good news is that you will get amazing views of San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay along the way.

The town of Napa is at the heart of the Napa Valley wine region. The downtown area of Napa has interesting architecture that dates to the late 19th century and early 20th century. The town features a riverfront promenade with plenty of shops and restaurants plus a bustling art scene.

While visiting wineries in the area is a popular pastime for visitors, another great option is to visit the Oxbow Public Market. The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is the home to a large collection of art from the Bay Area.

If you really want to get a feel of days gone by that existed in Napa then book a room at a classic bed and breakfast here called Hennessey House. The location of the house is far enough away from the action to give you a quiet experience, but great dining and wine tasting options are just a short walk away.

Since wine tasting is often a part of everyone’s visit to Napa, you can find a unique experience at Domaine Carneros. This winery offers immaculate and lush grounds, and at the center of the property is a French-inspired mansion with impressive architecture.

From Napa to Bend (464 miles)

While this will be the longest leg of your trip between LA and Portland, it may offer some of the most beautiful scenery you will see along your route. As you pass through the mountains in Northern California you will travel just to the west of the magnificent Mount Shasta that is a sight you will not soon forget.

Bend is a small city located right on the Deschutes River in Oregon. Just to the west of the town are the many lakes and peaks of the Cascade Mountains that offer ski resorts that you can use well into springtime and multi-use trails for hiking and biking.

Just as you enter Bend from the south on Highway 97 you will see the High Desert Museum, which is worth a stop. Drake Park is a scenic riverfront park that is a great place for a walk or a picnic. If you love to hike, then the Deschutes River Trail is an ideal spot for you to visit.

With its location right on a large river, it should come as no surprise that fish such as trout, steelhead and salmon are a staple of many of the menus you will find in Bend. Greg’s Grill is a great stop to try some local fare.

Bend is often referred to as the Palm Springs of the North because of the fact that there are so many golf courses that call Bend home. In fact, the Tetherow Golf Course has a rating as one of the 10 best golf courses in Oregon.

From Bend to Portland (175 miles)

As you make the final leg of this journey, you will head back down the mountain ranges of central Oregon, again joining I-5 and heading into Portland. As you leave the mountains you will get great views of Mt. Washington and Mt. Jefferson and drive through the Santiam State Forest.

Portland, OR

Portland is Oregon’s largest city, sitting at the junction of the Columbia and Willamette rivers and offering views of snowcapped Mt. Hood to the east. The city is well known for its thriving music, theater and art scenes, plus an extensive trail network that is great for long walks or bike rides.

One unique place to visit is the Portland Japanese Garden, which is in Washington Park next to the International Rose Test Garden. The Portland Art Museum has a great mix of American, Asian and Native American Art. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry offers several hands-on science exhibits, plus there is a submarine that you can tour.

A secret about the food scene in Portland is that some of the best foods you will find come from the many food carts throughout the city. There are several locations throughout downtown Portland that offer clusters of food carts selling Korean tacos, Mexican food, Italian dishes and even breakfast options.

The city of Portland prides itself on being very pedestrian and bike-friendly. That is why we recommend spending an afternoon in Portland going on a bike tour. There’s even a bridge that crosses the Willamette River called the Tilikum Crossing that is car-free.

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Key trip details

Day 1—los angeles, ca to monterey, ca, day 2—monterey, ca to mendocino, ca, day 3—mendocino, ca to brookings, or, day 4—brookings, or to portland, or, why you need roadside assistance, finding cheap car insurance.

• Los Angeles, CA —Half a day
• Monterey, CA —Half a day
• Mendocino, CA —One half to 1 day
• Brookings, OR —Half a day
• Portland, OR —1 to 2 days

Where to eat from Los Angeles to Monterey

• Wool Growers Restaurant (Bakersfield, $$): This family-owned restaurant serves up authentic Basque fare, and has been a go-to for local diners since its opening in 1954. Try their breaded veal or oxtail stew.
• Portabella (Carmel-By-The-Sea, $$): Offering updated French and Italian cuisine with a warm, intimate atmosphere, Portabella is a great choice for an upscale dinner outing.
• Schooners (Monterey, $$$): With a high-energy and oceanfront outdoor patio, Schooners serves up locally-sourced, fresh seafood dishes and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

What to do from Los Angeles to Monterey

• Visit the Bakersfield’s farmers markets : As part of California’s breadbasket, there are countless farm-fresh goodies and agricultural treasures you can pick up through touring Bakersfield’s fantastic farmer's markets.
• Tour a Spanish or Mexican Heritage site : This part of the world has a rich Spanish and Mexican history, too. There are various Missions, gold mining towns, and historic ranches on the route between Los Angeles and Monterey. Here’s a list to get you started.

Pro Tip You have three routes to choose from on this leg of your road trip. For maximum efficiency but less time oceanside, choose I-5. To enjoy both forested country and coastal views, opt for Highway 101. For the slowest but most beautiful route, take the classic route on Highway 1.

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Where to stay in mendocino.

• Sea Rock Inn : For an upscale ocean-side stay, check out this refined boutique hotel that features comfortable, refined private cottages and a view of the Agate Cove and coast that just can’t be beaten. Cost per night: from $360.

Where to eat from Monterey to Mendocino

• El Techo (San Francisco, $$): This vibrant restaurant has a rooftop patio offering amazing views of the city, but their takes on Latin American street food and cocktails might be even better.
• Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory (San Francisco, $): Since its opening in 1962, this legendary spot has been making custom fortune cookies by hand. They offer free tours and you can pick up a pack of custom fortune cookies for the road.
• Fog Eater Cafe (Mendocino, $-$$): A vegetarian restaurant found in the heart of Mendocino Village, they serve charming Southern-inspired food and have a lovely garden patio where you can enjoy your meal.

What to do from Monterey, CA to Mendocino, CA

• Visit the Golden Gate Bridge : If you’ve never been, then play tourist and visit this iconic San Francisco landmark! You might as well check it off your bucket list as you’re driving through.
• Drive Lombard Street : Eight sharp turns make this the most crooked street in the world, and it’s a major tourist attraction in San Fran. Traffic moves slowly as people will take their time and get some pics, so be prepared to wait a bit if you’re visiting!

Where to eat from Mendocino to Brookings

• The Peg House (Leggett, $$): At first glance, The Peg House seems like a common shack on the side of the road. But enter the back patio and be astonished: salmon burgers, blackberry sundaes, BBQ oysters, and grass-fed burger patties await.
• Khun Thai (Brookings, $$): For fresh, flavorful food that is guaranteed to fill your tummy, then check out Khun Thai and their affordably priced noodles and curries.
• Mattie’s Pancake House (Brookings, $): Hit this breakfast spot, especially if you’re an early riser, as they open at 6 AM. As the name suggests, they serve breakfast staples and delicious pancakes that’ll fill you up for the day.

What to do from Mendocino to Brookings

• Confusion Hill : This landmark can be found just north of Leggett. It’s a bizarre gravity-inspired roadside attraction with wood carvings, oddly tilted buildings, and a gift shop that makes for an extremely interesting pitstop
• Chetco Point Park : There are lots of great options for hiking and exploring, but this coastal area is a great place to stroll, take in the ocean view, and have a relaxing picnic.

Pro Tip The ancient trees and plethora of trails on this route require more than a quick stopover. Leave as early as possible to allow plenty of time to soak up Mother Nature’s glorious display.

Where to stay in Portland

• McMenamins Crystal Hotel : This quirky rock-and-roll-themed hotel is the perfect combination of modern luxury and unique interior designs to rest up at the end of your trip. The underground bar is not to be missed, and the underground soaking pool will melt all your worries away. Cost per night: from $125.

Where to eat from Brookings to Portland

• 7 Devils Brewing Co. (Coos Bay, $$): Served in an artsy outdoor area with weekly live music, stopping here guarantees delicious eats, housemade brews, and a fantastic dining experience.
• Nacheaux (Portland, $$): Considered one of the most inventive restaurants to open in Portland in recent years (which is saying a lot!), you can try any item on their innovative menu and not be disappointed. We recommend their Nacheaux Crunch Wrap or the mac & cheese.
• Lovely’s Fifty Fifty (Portland, $$): Made with simple, locally sourced ingredients, Lovely’s serves up unique pizza creations in a lively, intimate atmosphere. Try their Rainbow Pizza or white bean soup with focaccia.

What to do from Brookings to Portland

• The Heceta Head Lighthouse : This is near the halfway point on your journey and it’s also a perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the coastal scenery. It’s a functioning B&B but you can check out the views and gift shop.
• Cape Kiwanda : This area is known for offering the best hikes in Oregon with a view of the ocean. Keep an eye out for kites and hang-gliders! Stop here for a final communion with the sea before you hit the highway and head east.

Pro Tip Don’t be discouraged if the weather is rainy on your drive. PNW residents have a saying: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! Our advice is to pack your rain jacket and hiking shoes and prepare to enjoy the sights no matter the weather.

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The Ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner

Planning to go on the best road trip in the world? You have come to the right place.

Welcome to our ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner!

We are the #1 resource dedicated to planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. 

Pacific Coast Highway road trip ranks pretty high among bucket list travel experiences – in fact its one of the most scenic drives in the entire world!

Highway 1 is a gorgeous drive along sprawling cities, charming coastal towns, beautiful beaches, majestic forests, and stunning landscapes.

Whether you are planning a trip to California, Oregon, or Washington….

….or planning the ultimate West Coast Road Trip from San Diego to Seattle;

We have multiple Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary recommendations that cover different areas of the West Coast!

That means you can use this as a Washington / Oregon Highway 101 road trip planner or California coastal road trip planner for Highway 1.

This Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner will help you plan your entire trip and cover the following:

• The Best Cities to begin your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• Best PCH Itineraries for all types of travelers
• Best Stops / best attractions to visit on the Pacific Coast Highway
• Where to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Best places to eat along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Hidden Gems / Offbeat attractions along the Pacific Coast Highway

This Pacific Coast Highway road trip guide also covers other useful and important information including

• Best time to visit the Pacific Coast
• How much to drive each day along the PCH
• What to pack for Pacific Coast Highway road trip
• How much does a Pacific Coast Highway road trip cost aka Budgeting for your PCH trip

It is quite easy to plan a PCH road trip by yourself using our Highway 1 / Highway 101 trip planners and online booking sites to reserve your flights/rental car/hotels.

Awesome, right? Then let’s start planning your Pacific Highway road trip itinerary now.

Before you begin

As an American, you probably know what goes into planning an epic cross country road trip.

After all, we are pretty road-trip obsessed country!

However, what if you are traveling from abroad and are interested in the Pacific Coast Highway drive itinerary?

You’re in luck – we have many resources to help you plan your trip including information on visas, renting a car, and driving in America.

Our detailed PCH road trip planners will take you step by step through the process of planning your trip:

• The initial steps in planning the Pacific Coast Highway road trip involve: Deciding what part of the PCH will you drive How many days will you devote to the entire trip and When is the best time to visit. Information to help you in deciding these is covered in Step 1: PCH FAQs and Step 2: Best PCH Stops
• You also need to pick a PCH gateway city, decide how will you reach there, and whether you need to rent a car or drive your own. Find information on the best cities to start your PCH Road Trip in Step 3: PCH Gateway Cities
• If you want to see the highlights of central California, specifically Highway 1, then refer to the California coast road trip planner. If you want a Pacific coast trip through PNW, then focus on the Oregon coast and Olympic peninsula. Information on specific Itineraries is covered in Step 4: PCH Itineraries
• Finally, book your trip! Find our recommended hotels, car rental companies, and flight aggregators in Step 5: Book your PCH Road Trip .

Also, don’t forget to join our Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Facebook Page where you can ask questions or share your photos or itinerary with fellow travelers.  Click here to join now . 

Ready to get started? Let’s start planning the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip together! 

Don’t believe us when we say that the PCH road trip is the most beautiful road trip in the world?

Then check out these beautiful photos from the USA West Coast!

Step 1: PCH FAQs

The Pacific Coast Highway is pretty large and rather confusing.

It is essential to understand the PCH before you plan a trip.

Here’s some basic information:

Where does the Pacific Coast Highway start and end?

Wondering where is the Pacific Coast Highway and how long it is? Also, where does the PCH start and end?

One of the things that creates confusion while planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is that the road is simply huge.

Plus everybody seems to be talking about a different stretch of the road when they refer to the PCH.

We experienced this several times while planning our first trip to the region. 

The coastal route or the PCH starts at San Diego near the Mexican border and ends near Seattle in the city of Olympia in the Pacific Northwest.

It is not officially named the Pacific Coast Highway but has always been called so since it parallels the Pacific Coast.

The routes to follow for the road trip include Highway 1 in southern and central California and Highway 101 in northern California, Oregon, and Washington.

How long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

Since it goes the entire length of the West Coast, just how long is the Pacific Coast Highway?

The road beginning in San Diego to its end in Olympia, the capital of Washington State is roughly 1700 miles long!

And yes, it really does go parallel to the Pacific Ocean for the most part!

What is the PCH1?

The road officially called the PCH1 is located in California. Its other name is California State Route 1 (SR1) or Highway 1.

Where does Hwy 1 start and end?

The PCH1 drive extends from the I-5 intersection in Orange County, Southern California to Highway 101 intersection near Leggett in Northern California.

Also, the name PCH 1 is interchangeably used with Highway 1 (Hwy 1) or Route 1 or California 1 or SR 1. 

Add to that, certain parts of California PCH 1 near Pismo Beach on Central Coast are known as Cabrillo Highway while a section north of San Francisco is called the Shoreline Highway.

Many times Hwy 1 merges with Hwy 101, creating even more confusion.

This is most noticeable from Pismo Beach to San Luis Obispo and along the Golden Gate Bridge where the two roads merge.

The Hwy also simply disappears and takes street names in San Francisco (19th Avenue) and in Santa Monica (Lincoln Blvd).

If you are planning a trip along this route, then the Highway 1 trip planner will help you discover attractions between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

So how do you ensure you don’t get lost while planning a road trip up PCH?

The easiest way is to ensure that you are following the PCH1 between Monterey and San Luis Obispo in California.

This is the most spectacular stretch that passes through Big Sur and the road here is clearly marked, causing no confusion.

Our California Highway 1 road trip planner will guide you towards the best stops on Highway 1 California in Big Sur including McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach.

Which section of the Pacific Coast Highway should you drive?

For first-timers, we recommend driving the California Highway 1 or PCH 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles for multiple reasons.

This stretch of PCH1 passes through the beautiful Big Sur region.

For many people, Big Sur is the #1 attraction along the route.

Also, the gateway cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco are very well connected and easy to fly in or out after your trip.

One-way car rentals between the two cities are easily available or you also have the option of a loop road trip.

Our San Francisco road trip planner will help you plan your trip to SF, LA, as well as the attractions in between.

Have already been to this part of California Coast? Don’t want to begin in SF? You have many other options to customize the itinerary as you want!

After the PCH 1 ends, you can either drive south along the coast to San Diego or all the way up to Olympic National Park and the Canadian border in the north.

Alternatively, you can also begin the Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Diego and drive north.

The entire route is scenic and has plenty of attractions.

In northern California you will find beautiful redwood trees while in Oregon, you can see stunning capes and lighthouses as well as unique geological formations.

In Washington, you will find everything from deep blue lakes and dense rainforests to sea stacks and driftwood covered beaches.

And that’s why it is so important to decide which stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway you want to drive before you plan your trip.

Which direction to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?

All right, so you have decided which section of the Pacific Coast Highway you are going to be driving.

You know how much time you have in hand.

So which gateway city do you begin your PCH Road trip?

Is it better to drive north or south on the Pacific Coast Highway?

While many people recommend driving from south to north, our favorite is to drive south.

Yes, you will see the most gorgeous sites first and might end in the chaotic city of Los Angeles but you will be closer to the stunning views plus have easier access to parking lots and pull-outs.

That being said, if you have enough time to savor the trip then the direction won’t really matter much!

When to visit the Pacific Coast Highway?

The best part? You can drive the Pacific Coast Highway year round! 

There are, however, certain times of the year when the PCH road trip is more scenic than others.

Spring is our personal favorite.

You can see wildflowers along the Pacific Coast Highway plus spot wildlife including migrating whales.

The temperature is pleasant for hiking, during the daytime it is neither too hot nor too cold.

An added bonus, the crowds are fewer than in summer or winter holidays.

However, you should skip spring break week, if possible.

Remember: Spring can be too windy and cold but the gorgeous wildflowers tip the scales. 

Our second favorite time of the year for this road trip is from late summer to early fall, just after the schools are in session.

September and October on the coast are mild and sunny.

A pleasant breeze flows from the ocean making hikes more fun.

Wineries along the PCH in Napa, Sonoma, and along the Central Coast have beautiful fall colors and are ready for harvest.

Visitors can enjoy grape stomping at wineries if they time it right.

Winter and summer both have their pros and cons.

In winter, you can whale watch and enjoy the scenic beauty without the fog.

But temperatures, especially for northern California, can be quite chilly.

It can also rain, causing landslides and slippery trails.

The PCH may stay closed for days due to extended storm damage. 

The very end of winter – from mid to late February – is a good time with mild weather and low crowds.

The summer months of June, July, and August can be quite foggy.

Big Sur looks beautiful and dramatic in the fog but the roads can be treacherous for driving.

The fog usually prevails in the morning and evening so you should still have clear blue afternoons.

As you continue south, it can get too hot to hike or stay outdoors for longer times.

Peak tourist times are winter holiday season and summer vacations.

Expect accommodations to fill up faster, potential delays on the road, and full parking lots at major attractions like Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls.

To read more about the best time to visit and see photos in different seasons, read our post When to Drive the Pacific Coast Highway .

How to rent a car for a PCH road trip? Which car should you rent?

The best way to travel Pacific Coast Highway is by car!

Look for one way car rentals unless you plan to do a round trip.

However, one-way rentals can be expensive so factor that in while planning your itinerary.

If you have more time and want to do the Pacific Coast Highway road trip on a budget, then you can definitely return to the original destination to reduce costs.

An SUV is really useful while negotiating the twisting turns of the PCH however, it is also easy to break in into.

Because of that, we prefer a sedan if we are driving with kids and have a lot of luggage in the trunk.

A muscle car or a convertible is also a great option for driving the Pacific Coast Highway.

The coast has stunning views and a top down lets you feel the ocean breeze and enjoy the panorama.

A recently popular option is to rent an RV for the Pacific Coast Highway travel itinerary.

This allows you to enjoy the natural attractions along the coast to the maximum.

How much should you budget for Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

The famous question, how much does it cost to drive the Pacific Coast Highway?! Or what should be your Pacific Coast Highway road trip budget?

In general, we recommend budgeting $200 per person per day including hotel, car, and food for road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway.

That’s why the easiest way to do the trip on a budget is to choose a shorter Pacific Coast Highway trip itinerary.

The fewer number of days on your trip, the fewer the costs.

That said, California, in general, is expensive and we have never been able to go on an extended California trip under $1000 per person including airfare.

You can also consider road tripping the PCH 1 along Oregon or Washington to reduce costs as these states are somewhat cheaper than California.

More Pacific Coast Highway FAQs

To read more Pacific Coast Highway FAQs including the following common doubts, click here .

• Is the Pacific Coast Highway dangerous to drive?
• What should you not miss on the Pacific Coast Highway?
• Which part of California should you visit?
• How long does it take to drive the entire Pacific Coast Highway?

Step 2: Best PCH Stops

If you have decided to visit the most popular part of coastal California:

Begin your Pacific Coast Highway road trip planning by exploring the major attractions and things to do along California’s Hwy 1.

Popular attractions including West Coast lighthouses , waterfalls, state parks, hiking trails, beaches, coastal towns await you on this marvelous drive – and off course the iconic Bixby Bridge!

You can find information about these and other essential attractions in our California Coast trip planner.

Also, explore other stops on Highway 101 in northern California if you have more time.

Here you will find majestic redwood trees and the Redwoods State and National parks.

Road trip the Redwoods Scenic Byway and explore cities like Eureka and Crescent City.

There are also plenty of stunning stops along the Pacific Coast Highway in both Oregon and Washington.

You can read more about the best stops along the PCH here.

This will give you an idea of the most important places to visit and help in planning the trip around your interests.

Step 3: PCH Gateway Cities

Once you have selected your itinerary, you need to select which West Coast cities you can fly into.

While there are many cities on the West Coast, the 5 major ones which make perfect places to begin your PCH road trip are these:

Begin a Pacific Highway trip around the Evergreen State in the Emerald City of Seattle.

Read our post on things to do in Seattle now to plan your trip.

To see Oregon’s dramatic coastline, redwood trees, rock formations, and sand dunes, start a Hwy 101 road trip in Portland.

Read our post on Things to do in Portland now.

San Francisco

San Francisco is our personal favorite to start an epic Pacific Coast road trip.

It also makes an excellent starting destination for California fly drive route planner.

Read our post on things to do in San Francisco now.

Los Angeles

Tinseltown is exciting and glamorous.

It also happens to be cheap to fly into and makes a perfect start to PCH drive.

You can plan a California coastal highway itinerary up or down the coast and have whale of a time.

Read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles now.

San Diego is the perfect destination to plan a trip using our SoCal trip planner.

Read our post on Best Things to do in San Diego now.

How to reach the PCH Gateway Cities?

The major airports for road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway 1 in California are San Francisco and Los Angeles.

San Francisco actually has three airports: San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

You need to research airfares to all three to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Similarly, Los Angeles also has a couple of nearby airports including Long Beach, Burbank, Orange County, etc and is a great California PCH trip start point.

If you are extending your trip along the West Coast, then fly into San Diego, Portland, or Seattle to start your Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary.

Budget airlines that often have great deals to California or the Pacific Northwest include Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Air, and Southwest.

To get the best flight deals, we recommend booking using flight aggregators like Skyscanner or CheapOair.

Step 4: PCH Itineraries

This is our favorite part of trip planning!

This is also where we can help you the most as we have been planning road trips since the past 12 years.

We recommend that you go through our many itineraries, pick the one that is the best fit, and customize it to suit your needs.

Let’s plan the perfect Pacific Coast Highway road trip ever!

Fly and Drive PCH Itineraries by number of days

Since you will already be driving a lot every day along the PCH we generally recommend fly and drive itineraries.

However, if you happen to live nearby or have enough time to travel, then you can definitely drive to California and then go on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. 

You can spend anywhere from 4 days to 10 days on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Here are the highlights of our popular itineraries.

Click the link to read in-depth each itinerary for Pacific Coast Highway.

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day itinerary

The simplest California road trip planner.

If you have only 4 days, then spend one day in San Francisco and see the highlights including the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Alcatraz.

Visit one of the beaches: Ocean Beach, Crissy Field Beach, or Baker Beach are the most popular ones!

The next day, leave early from San Francisco and explore Half Moon Bay and Monterey.

See the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, visit the sandy beaches of Half Moon Bay, and take some time to explore Santa Cruz or Pebble Beach.

Stay the night in Carmel or Monterey and leave early for Big Sur.

See Bixby Creek Bridge, hike McWay Falls, spend time at San Dollar Beach before reaching San Luis Obispo for the night.

Spend some time to see SLO attractions including Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Historic Downtown, Bubblegum Alley, and the Madonna Inn – a famous hotel with eclectic decor!

Then stop at Santa Barbara. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains, this coastal city feels very Mediterranean.

Santa Barbara has many attractions including the charming white colonial downtown, Mission Santa Barbara, museums, zoo, and more!

Enjoy shopping or dining at Stearns Wharf or take a whale watching cruise before heading for Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, visit the Walk of Fame, see Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign before calling it a day.

You can read this itinerary here for this Highway 1 trip planner. 

Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary

Looking for Pacific Coast Highway itinerary of 5 days?

We would recommend following our 4-day pacific highway 1 itinerary with just a few changes: you can spend the extra day exploring either San Francisco, Big Sur Coast, or Los Angeles.

In San Francisco, use your second day to see Muir Woods, Mission District, Chinatown, and Twin Peaks.

If you chose to stay in Big Sur, then stay at the romantic Ventana Resort or Post Ranch Inn.

Stop at each pull-out and look for wildlife.

Tour the Point Sur Lightstation, photograph the Bixby Bridge, and see the seals at Elephant Seal Rookery in Piedras Blancas.

Make the detour to explore Central Coast’s wine country.

If you chose Los Angeles then the sky is the limit.

You can explore the museums especially the Broad and LACMA or spend a day at Universal or Disney!

If you ask us, we would pick Big Sur over the cities, any day!

You can read about this itinerary in detail here for the 5 Day PCH trip planner. 

Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary

Our favorite! A week is a perfect time to drive this stunning route.

On your first day of California pacific coast highway itinerary 7 days, start at the northern end in Leggett and see those majestic coastal redwoods.

Drive your car through the Chandelier Tree tunnel.

Then eat oysters in Tomales Bay and visit Point Reyes Lighthouse before spending the night in San Francisco.

For the rest of your coast to coast road trip planner, spend 1 day each in San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur, Solvang, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles.

With 7 days in hand, you have enough time to explore Big Sur’s hidden gems such as Henry Miller Memorial Library and Andrew Molera State Park.

View this itinerary now to read all the details of the 7 day Pacific Coast Highway trip planner.

Pacific Coast Highway 10 day itinerary

With 10 days in hand, you have so many options.

One way is to follow the 7- day itinerary but drive all the way down to San Diego to create the ultimate California driving trip planner.

Another is to start in Los Angeles, follow our 7-day itinerary heading north, and explore up to the Avenue of Giants in northern California.

If you love slow travel, then drive from Leggett to Los Angeles but spend time hiking in Point Reyes and Point Lobos, visiting the remote Channel Islands National Park, and touring the wineries of Santa Ynez Valley.

The epic 10 day California road trip for families and RVers.

The ultimate chilled-out California Pacific Coast Highway trip!

You can also do a Northern California road trip from San Francisco for the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary 10 days.

Or you can drive all the way up to Portland and see the Oregon coast attractions along the way.

You can also visit the Olympic Peninsula on a Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip in Washington.

To decide which itinerary to choose, click here now . 

If you have less than 4 days

If your Pacific Coast Highway drive time is too long, then you won’t have enough time to enjoy all the attractions on the way.

We would not recommend driving the entire length of the PCH or Highway 1 if you have less than 4 days.

For short weekend trips, consider the below trips in our California road trip route planner.

We also suggestions for PCH day trips in Oregon and Washington.

Best PCH road trips from San Francisco

If you have 3 days or under, then it is not feasible to drive the entire length of PCH.

You can make the drive but will miss out on a lot of attractions.

Instead, consider day trips and weekend getaways along the coast for Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary 3 days.

Our top 3 getaways for Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary 1 day from San Francisco are Point Reyes, Monterey, and Big Sur.

Carmel by the Sea, only a short drive from Monterey and Pebble Beach, is also a great weekend trip from San Fran.

Best PCH road trips from Los Angeles

For day trips and weekend getaways along Hwy 1 from Los Angeles, consider visiting La Jolla, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Pismo Beach, or San Luis Obispo.

Or drive south towards San Diego, Newport Beach, and La Jolla.

These destinations are just a few hours away from LA and great to visit.

Visiting Big Sur from Los Angeles is hectic if you have only 2 days but possible with 3 days in hand.

Best PCH road trips from San Diego

You can also road trip up the pacific coast highway from San Diego to Los Angeles or Anaheim.

Enjoy Hollywood or city life in Los Angeles or see Disney and other theme parks in Anaheim.

Relax at Huntington Beach. Or visit Coronado island for a different type of trip.

The San Diego trip planner has many ideas to enjoy the attractions of southern California.

Best PCH road trips from Portland

Combine a visit to Portland with an adventure down the PCH.

While you cannot use Portland to San Francisco road trip planner in just 4 days, you can visit Astoria or Cannon Beach.

Go hiking in Ecola State Park or drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop.

Best PCH road trips from Seattle

There are plenty of PCH trips from the Emerald City.

Drive the Highway 101 south to Tacoma or Olympia.

Or take the ferry to Port Angeles and Olympic peninsula and follow Highway 101 all around the peninsula.

If you have more than 10 days

If you have anywhere around two weeks, we would recommend driving either down to San Diego in the south or driving towards Portland or Seattle in the north from LA or SF.

You can also drive from San Diego to Seattle or vice versa using our west coast road trip planner.  

2 Week West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

2 weeks is the ideal time to go on an epic US West Coast Road trip.

From the Olympic peninsula in Washington to southern California, you can use our border to border coast trip planner to plan the most amazing, once in a lifetime, USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary.

You can either start in San Diego and drive towards Portland or Seattle or start in the Pacific Northwest and drive south.

The entire drive is over 1700 miles and should be done only if you have 2 weeks or more in hand.

Point to Point PCH Itineraries

You can also plan PCH road trip itinerary depending on your start city and destination rather than days.

Pacific Coast Highway Itineraries by State

San diego to los angeles drive.

Wondering how to plan a trip to California coast between Los Angeles and San Diego?

This California Highway 1 road trip itinerary will take you through stunning beaches of La Jolla, Laguna Beach, and Oceanside.

You can see charming coastal towns and enjoys SoCal’s relaxed vibe.

California Coast Road Trip from LA to SF

This is the ultimate CA road trip planner.

Visit two of California’s biggest cities and visit the natural attractions on the coast including beautiful Big Sur, McWay Falls, and 17 Mile Drive.

This Pacific Highway 1 road trip is our favorite road trip along the West Coast! Read this itinerary now.

Northern California Coast Road Trip

This Highway 101 road trip itinerary in Northern California will take you through giant, majestic redwood trees and the most remote parts of the coast.

From attractions like Point Reyes and Muir Beach to charming cities like Mendocino and Eureka, this itinerary for driving Pacific Coast Highway will leave you spellbound.

See the glass beach at Fort Bragg, tour the famous Point Arena Lighthouse, enjoy hiking at Mendocino State Parks, and drive the Avenue of Giants on this epic PCH itinerary.

Oregon Coast Road Trip Planner

Plan a trip from Brookings in the south to Astoria in the north using our Oregon Highway 101 road trip planner.

Visit attractions such as Cannon Beach, Natural Bridges, and Devil’s Punchbowl on this amazing Oregon Coast Road trip .

Washington Olympic Peninsula Road Trip

Our Highway 101 trip planner in Washington follows the road around the Olympic peninsula.

It can be used to visit attractions such as Ruby Beach, Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, Port Angeles, and Seattle. Read this itinerary now .

We would recommend going through our list of Suggested PCH Itineraries and deciding upon an itinerary based on your interests before finalizing your trip.

Pacific Highway Road Trip Map

Looking for map of Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip?

Among our resources, we have plenty of Pacific Coast Highway road trip maps, depending on the section you want to drive.

If you are interested in Big Sur, use the California Highway 1 road trip map.

Use the Northern California road trip map planner to see the redwoods.

Follow Pacific Highway itinerary maps for Oregon or Washington to plan a Pacific Northwest trip.

Be sure to finalize your Pacific Coast Highway Map and print copies before you embark on your trip.

Step 5: Book your PCH Road Trip

And finally we come to the task of booking your PCH vacation.

When to book and plan your PCH trip

In general, we recommend booking your trip at least 6 months in advance, though ideally, earlier is better.

While you can always plan a last-minute PCH road trip, especially if staying nearby, it is not recommended.

This especially applies if you are traveling in peak periods and in the Golden State.

Every California trip planner suggests booking in advance.

As we have experienced, booking hotels closer to the trip can definitely make the trip twice as expensive.

Before booking your trip, we recommend researching destinations and finalizing your Pacific Coast Highway Road trip itinerary.

In some instances, we have booked first and then planned the trip but this can lead to more hectic trips.

Here’s what all you need to book for your trip.

Book flight tickets to the West Coast

For best deals, book your tickets to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, or Seattle by checking on Skyscanner or Google flights.

Book car rental

All major companies have their branches in California.

You can rent from a variety of companies including Hertz, Fox, Enterprise, Dollar, and Thrifty for your trip. 

Book hotel accommodations as per the itinerary

There are a variety of hotels, resorts, and motels for every budget along the PCH.

We have covered the best places to stay along the PCH in detail in this post.

Purchase travel insurance

We recommend getting travel insurance from World Nomads.

Purchase attraction tickets, if any

There are several attractions along the PCH for which you can purchase tickets in advance.

We recommend the advance purchase of tickets for attractions like the Monterey Aquarium, San Francisco museums, etc.

Purchase tours and cruises, if any

You can go on a variety of wildlife watching cruises along the PCH including whale watching, dolphin cruises, etc.

You can also reserve tickets for the Alcatraz cruise prior to your trip. 

Recommended group tours

There are no tour companies that take you the entire length of PCH.

This is very much a self-drive trip.

However, there are companies that will take you to Malibu from Los Angeles or to Monterey from San Francisco.

Also in Monterey, you can take whale watching tours.

Reserve a table at restaurants, if needed

You will find amazing restaurants serving a variety of cuisine along the PCH.

Our favorites are seafood restaurants in Monterey, oysters in Tomales Bay, Mexican food in Mission District of San Francisco, and a variety of cuisines in Los Angeles.

If you like to plan every detail or want to plan for a special meal for birthdays or anniversaries, then you can reserve a table at the hotel of your choice in advance.

Prepare, pack, and go on the best road trip ever!

What other preparations should you make.

If you are traveling internationally then check your passport validity and visa status.

Apply for visas, if necessary.

Also, check whether you need IDP (International Driving Permit).

Other preparation includes print and/or having virtual copies of all maps, itineraries, tickets, and bookings easily accessible on your phone.

Also, budget your trip and convert currency, if needed.

Read below for more detailed information.

Understand internet and phone coverage

You will find that there is extremely poor and at times zero cell coverage along many stretches of the PCH, especially in the Big Sur region.

That’s why we recommend carrying a GPS in addition to your phone as well as saving offline maps on your phone.

You can also get printed maps of PCH1 for the section you are planning to drive.

If you are traveling internationally

The three main areas to take care of if you are traveling internationally include taking care of passports and visas, renting a car and driving in USA, and converting money to USD. 

If you are traveling with kids

Pacific coast highway road trip with kids? Been there, done that!

Our final section of the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner.

Did you know that you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway with kids?

The first time we went with our kids was when our daughter was just a 6 months old baby and our son was 3 years old.

We started in San Francisco, cycled the Golden Gate Bridge with the kids, drove through Big Sur, watched the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas rookery near San Simeon, and ended our trip at Anaheim in Disney.

Both the kids loved every bit of it.

Also, most places and businesses in California, Oregon, and Washington and especially along the Pacific Coast Highway are kid-friendly.

When we road tripped, most hotels provided crib or baby cots, all the restaurants had high chairs, and even the wineries had kid-friendly areas.

Throughout our trip, we met friendly people who smiled and waved at our kids.

We always felt welcome wherever we went and felt quite at ease.

Read our post on Best Kid-friendly resorts along the Pacific Coast Highway to book your accommodations.

There are so many things to do along the Pacific Coast Highway road trip that are perfect for the kids.

They will love exploring nature: hike through redwood forests, discover tide pool creatures, play in the sand and on the beach, splash in the water, hike to see waterfalls, whale watch using binoculars, plus spend quality time with the parents.

There are also many kid-friendly attractions on the route including the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Oceano Dunes Railroad museum, sand dune buggy rentals, whale watching tours, Santa Monica Pier, Disney theme parks, etc.

For more information, read our post on the Best Things to do on the West Coast with kids.

In fact, driving the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most fun family holiday vacations for families. 

Other things to consider

Stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway can get closed due to storms or landslides or wildfires, so we recommend keeping an eye on the news before your trip and getting travel insurance for just in case anything goes awry.

What should you pack for Pacific Coast Highway road trip?

It can get chilly along the PCH any time of the year, so we recommend packing in layers: long sleeve shirts, short sleeve t-shirts, and tank tops.

Pack long hiking pants for the northern and central coast and shorts for SoCal.

Pack a rain jacket and a sweater for the chilly days.

Take hiking shoes and socks and water shoes for beachcombing.

Pack some heels and a silk blouse for date nights in San Francisco, Monterey, and Los Angeles.

If you plan to drive north towards Portland and Seattle in the winter, then add thermal underwear and a packable jacket.

In summer, take sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen.

Do not forget to pack a camera and binoculars.

Read this before you leave

We have got many excellent resources on planning a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

We suggest that you browse around the site  – take a look at our PCH Road Trip itineraries , bookmark us for a later visit, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to know more about the Pacific Coast Highway. 

If you need to ask us questions about the trip, then join our Pacific Coast Highway Facebook Community now – it’s the perfect place to ask any itinerary related questions and plan your PCH road trip.

We hope that our Pacific Coast Highway road trip planner helps you in planning an awesome road trip.

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary PCH 5 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 10 Day itinerary All PCH Itineraries Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

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Los Angeles to Oregon City drive

Los angeles to oregon city road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Los Angeles to Oregon City. If you're planning a road trip to Oregon City, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Los Angeles drive for about 2 hours

11:54 am   Bakersfield stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:54 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

2:38 pm   Fresno stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:38 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

5:16 pm   Modesto stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:16 pm drive for about 1 hour

day 1 driving ≈ 6.5 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Sacramento drive for about 2.5 hours

11:28 am   Redding eat at Wilda's Grill stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:28 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

2:47 pm   Ashland (Oregon) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:47 pm drive for about 3 hours

6:39 pm   Eugene stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:39 pm drive for about 2 hours

9:29 pm  arrive in Oregon City

day 2 driving ≈ 9.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Bakersfield   (23 answers)     questions about Bakersfield:         Best free things to do in Bakersfield? Fresno   (14 answers) Modesto   (8 answers) Sacramento   (73 answers)     California State Railroad Museum   (6 mentions)     California State Capitol Museum   (3 mentions)     58 Degrees & Holding Co.   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Sacramento:         Ella Dining Room & Bar         Rick's Dessert Diner         Delta King Hotel         The Rind         Mulvaney's B&L     questions about Sacramento:         What is your favorite restaurant in Sacramento?         Things to do and see in Sacramento         Hidden gems in Sacramento?         Me want food in Sacramento!         Question about location for USA Outdoor Nationals Redding   (16 answers)     restaurants around Redding:         Wilda's Grill         Market Street Steakhouse     questions about Redding:         Best free things to do in Redding?         What is your favorite restaurant in Redding? Ashland (Oregon)   (31 answers)     Ashland   (15 mentions)     Oregon Shakespeare Festival   (3 mentions)     Lithia Park   (2 mentions)     questions about Ashland (Oregon):         Best free things to do in Ashland (Oregon)?         Spas in the Ashland area? Eugene   (24 answers)     questions about Eugene:         What is your favorite restaurant in Eugene?

Where's the best place to eat in Oregon City?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Jade Bistro, Teahouse & Patisserie , which was mentioned 2 times.

Want to research more popular restaurants in Oregon City? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Oregon City?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Oregon City.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Oregon City to Los Angeles drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Los Angeles to Oregon City . Or get a full Los Angeles to Oregon City flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Los Angeles well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Los Angeles!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Los Angeles to Oregon City

places to eat

cost to drive

cities along the way

flattest route

alternate routes

Google driving directions

The cost of driving from Los Angeles, California to Portland, Oregon is:

$182.37 one-way / $364.74 round trip.

• Los Angeles to Portland drive
• road conditions from Los Angeles to Portland
• flattest route from Los Angeles to Portland

Route to drive from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use CostDrive.com to get the cost to drive from Los Angeles to Portland .

More trip calculations

• Driving Distance
• Reverse Cost Of Driving
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Road trip planner

The total cost of driving from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR (one-way) is $182.37 at current gas prices.

The round trip cost would be $364.74 to go from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR and back to Los Angeles, CA again.

Regular fuel costs are around $4.73 per gallon for your trip. This calculation assumes that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 mpg for a mix of city and highway driving.

All currency units are U.S. Dollars. If you prefer international units, the equivalent petrol pump price is 124.9 cents/litre . This assumes a typical fuel economy of 9.4 L/100 km .

You'll go through 38.6 gallons of gas during this trip. This is equal to 146.0 litres .

If you fill your tank with unleaded gasoline, the carbon emissions will be around 754 lbs CO2 . This is equivalent to 342 kg CO2e or 0.34 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. These numbers may change depending on the exact make and model of your car. If your vehicle uses diesel instead, the CO2 emissions will be around 883 lbs CO2 , which is equivalent to 401 kg CO2e or 0.40 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.

These results are based on the actual driving distance from Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR, which is 964 miles or 1 551 kilometers .

Your trip begins in Los Angeles, California. The price of regular gas is currently averaging $4.98 in California .

Your trip ends in Portland, Oregon. The price of regular gas is around $4.48 in Oregon .

Currently, we only have exact data for locations in the United States. To improve the accuracy of your fuel cost estimate, you can enter the actual price you pay for gas or petrol at the local pump in the table above.

The following chart displays the difference in total cost of driving given varying fuel grades. If your car requires higher octane gas, you can find out how much more it will cost you to drive between Los Angeles, CA and Portland, OR.

Los Angeles, California

Related links.

• airlines serving Los Angeles, CA
• hotels near Los Angeles, CA
• airports near Los Angeles, CA
• cities near Los Angeles, CA

Portland, Oregon

• airlines serving Portland, OR
• hotels near Portland, OR
• airports near Portland, OR
• cities near Portland, OR

Cost of driving

Travelmath provides an online driving cost calculator to help you determine how much you'll spend on gas for your next road trip. You can enter airports, cities, states, countries, or zip codes to compute the cost of driving between locations. Driving distances are calculated using actual driving directions if they are available, or a GPS-accurate method for the straight line distance. Automatic estimates are provided for local gas prices and vehicle fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km), based on the make and model of your car, SUV, or minivan. Don't let the economy and rising oil prices stop you from taking your next trip. You can use this tool to find out if it's cheaper to fly or drive to your destination.

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Oregon To Los Angeles Road Trip: The Thrilling Adventure

Oregon to Los Angeles road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 863 miles of Oregon to Los Angeles drive takes around 13 hours and 48 mins without stops.

This article includes 15 tips that turn your Oregon to Los Angeles drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Oregon To Los Angeles

On the Oregon to Los Angeles road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top five hotels on the Oregon – Los Angeles route!

1. Candlewood Suites Winnemucca, an IHG Hotel

If you want to stay near Winnemucca, Nevada; Candlewood Suites Winnemucca, an IHG Hotel could be a suitable option for you on the Oregon to Los Angeles road trip. Driving from Oregon to Candlewood Suites Winnemucca, an IHG Hotel might take around 4 hours and 50 mins .

Candlewood Suites Winnemucca, an IHG Hotel is a fantastic place to stay during your road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, making it a perfect place for fitness enthusiasts. The hotel is conveniently located 1.9 miles from the Winnemucca Golf Course, making it easy to take a break from your travels to hit the links. The hotel rooms are spacious and well-equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a fully-equipped kitchenette in their room, perfect for those who prefer to cook their meals on the road. The hotel’s friendly staff is always ready to assist guests and make their stay as comfortable as possible. Overall, Candlewood Suites Winnemucca is an excellent place to stay for those traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego, and we highly recommend it.

Check the Candlewood Suites Winnemucca, an IHG Hotel, one of the best hotels in Winnemucca, Nevada, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Best Western Fallon Inn & Suites

If you’re looking for a hotel near Fallon, Nevada; Best Western Fallon Inn & Suites might be the perfect choice for you to stay on the road trip to Los Angeles from Oregon is Best Western Fallon Inn & Suites. Best Western Fallon Inn & Suites is 436 miles away from Oregon, and it would take 6 hours and 44 mins to drive.

Best Western Fallon Inn & Suites is a great option for travelers on a road trip from Los Angeles to Oregon. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, making for a welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, with all necessary amenities. Pet owners will be pleased to know that their furry friends are welcome, too. The hotel offers free parking, high-speed internet, and a fitness center, along with an outdoor pool for a refreshing dip. Breakfast is included, with a variety of options available to suit all tastes. The location in Fallon, Nevada, makes for a convenient stop on the drive, and the reasonable price point adds even more value to this great place to stay. With everything you need for a comfortable night’s sleep and more, Best Western Fallon Inn & Suites is definitely worth considering for your next road trip.

If you want to learn more about the Best Western Fallon Inn & Suites, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .

3. Creekside Inn

Creekside Inn could be a great pick for you if you’re looking for a hotel near Bishop, California. Creekside Inn is 563 miles away from Oregon. You can arrive there with 9 hours and 13 mins of non-stop driving.

The Creekside Inn in Bishop, California, was an absolute gem on our road trip from Los Angeles to Oregon. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown, making it the perfect stopover for weary travelers. The room was impeccably clean and well-appointed, with a private balcony that offered stunning views of the nearby creek. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, going out of their way to make us feel welcome. We particularly enjoyed the complimentary breakfast, which offered a great selection of items to choose from. The hotel also boasts a pool, vending machine, and outdoor fireplace, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind after a long day of driving. Overall, we would highly recommend the Creekside Inn to anyone passing through Bishop. It’s truly a great place to stay on the drive, and we can’t wait to go back and visit again.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Creekside Inn, for more information.

4. Oxford Suites Lancaster

If you want to stay near Lancaster, California; Oxford Suites Lancaster could be a suitable option for you. Oxford Suites Lancaster is 824 miles from Oregon, and it would take 13 hours to drive.

The Oxford Suites Lancaster is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and affordable stay on their Los Angeles to Oregon road trip. The staff was extremely friendly and professional, and the amenities were top-notch. The complimentary breakfast was fantastic and had something for everyone. The room was clean and cozy, with all the necessary amenities to make your stay enjoyable. Plus, the location was perfect for exploring Lancaster’s picturesque views, local arts, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, the Oxford Suites Lancaster is a great option for your stay in California’s high desert. With its great location, comfortable rooms, and excellent amenities, this hotel is sure to exceed your expectations and make your road trip even better.

If you need more info about the price and availability of Oxford Suites Lancaster, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

5. The Prospect Hollywood

The Prospect Hollywood could be a great pick for you if you’re looking for a hotel near Los Angeles, California. It will take 13 hours and 38 mins of car ride o reach The Prospect Hollywood from Oregon.

The Prospect Hollywood is an excellent hotel for those looking for a sophisticated and relaxing getaway. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this hotel offers a perfect combination of elegance and intimacy. The architecture and decor are stunning, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The rooms are well-appointed and impeccably clean, making for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The hotel’s location is also ideal, with a variety of restaurants and bars within walking distance. Overall, I highly recommend The Prospect Hollywood to anyone looking for a luxurious and relaxing stay in Los Angeles. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long drive from Los Angeles to San Diego.

Check the The Prospect Hollywood on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Prospect Hollywood for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Oregon to Los Angeles route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Oregon to Los Angeles. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Oregon To Los Angeles Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Oregon to Los Angeles road trip. This section lists five restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. The Griddle, Winnemucca

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Oregon to Los Angeles road trip with The Griddle, Winnemucca. The Griddle, Winnemucca is located in Winnemucca, Nevada , and is 307 miles from Oregon. It would take 4 hours and 50 mins of driving.

The Griddle in Winnemucca, Nevada is a must-stop spot on your Los Angeles to San Diego road trip. The friendly staff at this restaurant go above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. The food is equally impressive with its delicious flavors and fresh ingredients sourced locally. One thing to note is that the portions are very generous, so you won’t leave hungry. Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, The Griddle has something to satisfy your appetite. Plus, the cozy atmosphere and charming decor will make you feel right at home. If you’re looking for a great place to eat on your drive from Los Angeles to San Diego, be sure to stop by The Griddle in Winnemucca.

For more information about The Griddle, Winnemucca, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of The Griddle, Winnemucca.

2. The Slanted Porch

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Los Angeles from Oregon is The Slanted Porch. Located in Fallon, Nevada, The Slanted Porch is 435 miles from Oregon and would take 6 hours and 43 mins of driving.

The Slanted Porch in Fallon, Nevada, is a must-stop for anyone driving from Los Angeles to Oregon. The friendly service and delicious food make it a great spot to take a break and refuel. The cheeseburger and fries were a standout, and the spinach salad with grilled chicken was a healthy and tasty option. The outdoor seating is a nice touch, especially on a sunny day. We appreciated the surprise chocolate brownies with our check, a perfect treat for the road ahead. The decor is inviting and adds to the overall experience. The menu selection was impressive, making it difficult to choose just one item. Special diets are also accommodated, with vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options available. The service was excellent, and our waitress was lovely and efficient. Overall, The Slanted Porch is a delightful stop along the drive with great food, service, and ambiance.

If you want to learn more about The Slanted Porch, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

3. Back Alley Bowl and Grill

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Back Alley Bowl and Grill. It will take 9 hours and 55 mins of car drive to take 625 miles from Oregon to Back Alley Bowl and Grill, Bishop, California.

Back Alley Bowl and Grill in Bishop, California is a hidden gem that you won’t want to miss on your Los Angeles to Oregon road trip. The service was exceptional and the locals clearly know what they’re doing by frequenting this spot. I ordered the New York strip steak and it was cooked to perfection – juicy, flavorful and high quality. Unlike other restaurants in Bishop, this grill is tucked away from the main street but well worth seeking out. In addition to the delicious food, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. They have ample parking, are wheelchair accessible and even offer takeout if you’re short on time. Overall, a great stop for a satisfying meal on your drive to Oregon.

You can check Back Alley Bowl and Grill, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster

Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Lancaster, California.

Crazy Otto’s Diner in Lancaster, California is an absolute must-stop on your Los Angeles to Oregon road trip. The friendly staff immediately made us feel welcome, and the portions were so generous that we had plenty of leftovers for the road ahead. The 1950s diner theme was so fun, and the food was classic American comfort food at its best. The Spanish omelet was outstanding, and the hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and toast were all delicious as well. The coffee was great too. Even the half portions were huge, so you definitely won’t leave hungry. This diner is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even brunch. Vegetarian options are available, making it an ideal spot for any traveler. If you’re looking for good food, good vibes, and a fun experience, Crazy Otto’s Diner is the place to go.

Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster is 823 miles from Oregon, and it would take 13 hours of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

5. Brent’s Deli Northridge

If you enjoy dining, Brent’s Deli Northridge, would be an excellent choice in Los Angeles, California. It’s 850 miles from Oregon and would take 13 hours and 37 mins of car driving.

Brent’s Deli Northridge is a must-stop destination on your Los Angeles to San Diego road trip. With its rich history dating back to 1967, this family-owned deli has earned a reputation for serving up delicious meals made from quality ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional deli classics or premium cuts of meat, Brent’s has got you covered. Plus, if you’re a coffee lover, you won’t want to miss their excellent selection of brews, which perfectly complement their mouth-watering desserts. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who are dedicated to making your dining experience a memorable one. So, whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely meal with family and friends, make sure to add Brent’s Deli Northridge to your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!

If you want to learn more about the Brent’s Deli Northridge you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 863 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Los Angeles road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Oregon to Los Angeles. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Oregon To Los Angeles Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Los Angeles. However, there are also some unique destinations like Winnemucca, Nevada on your road trip. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Los Angeles route.

1. Humboldt Museum

Humboldt Museum will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Oregon to Los Angeles road trip. Located in Winnemucca, Nevada, Humboldt Museum is 306 miles away from Oregon, and it would take 4 hours and 49 mins to drive.

Located in Winnemucca, Nevada, the Humboldt Museum is a must-see destination for anyone driving from Los Angeles to San Diego. The museum features a wide variety of displays that showcase the rich history and culture of the area, including artifacts from the Ice Age, American Indian collections, vintage automobiles, and much more. The building itself is a modern construction that beautifully reflects the historic architecture of the area. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, and they will help guide you through the exhibits, sharing fascinating insights and stories about the history of Winnemucca. Whether you’re interested in geology, anthropology, or local history, the Humboldt Museum is definitely worth a visit on your road trip. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, learn something new, and appreciate the beauty of this unique region.

If you want to learn more about the Humboldt Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

2. Churchill County Museum & Archives

Churchill County Museum & Archives, Fallon, Nevada is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Oregon to Los Angeles route. It’s 436 miles from Oregon, and it’ll take about 6 hours and 45 mins of driving.

Churchill County Museum & Archives in Fallon, Nevada is a hidden gem that’s definitely worth a visit on your road trip from Los Angeles to Oregon. The museum is beautifully laid out with a wealth of information that will keep you engaged for hours. You’ll learn about the history of the area, including the native American tribes that lived there, the early settlers, and the present-day residents. The museum is well-organized and the displays are nicely set up, making it easy to follow the historical timeline of the region. One of the highlights of the museum is the building out back, which houses a fantastic collection of vintage vehicles. The friendly staff are knowledgeable and always happy to answer questions, making your experience all the more enjoyable. The Churchill County Museum is a non-profit organization that does a fantastic job of preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. So, make sure to stop by and see why it’s been dubbed the “Best Little Museum on the Loneliest Road in America”.

If you want to learn more about Churchill County Museum & Archives, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .

3. Laws Railroad Museum

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles is Bishop, California. And if you visit Bishop, California, we suggest you visit Laws Railroad Museum. You can arrive at Laws Railroad Museum after 9 hours and 49 mins of driving.

Laws Railroad Museum in Bishop, California is a must-see destination on your road trip from Los Angeles to Oregon. The museum’s admission is by donation, and it offers an extensive collection of appliances, medical devices, clothes, trains and much more from the late 1800s through the 1900s. The artifacts are displayed in old local buildings that have been moved to this site and restored, providing a fascinating look into the past. The exhibits are well-organized and free, though you can make a donation to support the museum’s preservation efforts. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop, which has a great selection of unique items. The museum is not just another train museum, it is located on the site of the Laws Railroad station and rail yard, and the land, depot, and other buildings were donated by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1960. Operated by the Bishop Museum and Historical Society, Laws Railroad Museum is a gem of a destination that will enrich your road trip experience.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Laws Railroad Museum for more information.

4. Museum of Art & History, Lancaster

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Museum of Art & History, Lancaster, Lancaster, California on the Oregon to Los Angeles road trip. Museum of Art & History, Lancaster is 824 miles from Oregon, and you can arrive there after 13 hours of driving.

The Museum of Art & History (MOAH) in Lancaster, California is a must-see stop on your Los Angeles to Oregon road trip. Although there is no permanent collection, the ever-changing exhibits are carefully curated and showcase a diverse range of artists and art forms. The staff is outstanding – friendly, available, and always willing to offer helpful insights into the artwork on display. The gift shop is small but has a great selection of unique items that you would expect to find in a larger museum gift shop. As someone who loves all things art, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the exhibits and the attention to detail. The museum is located in a high desert woodland preserve, and MOAH has cooperated with this unique little gem to create an educational display that explains the flora and fauna of the area. Overall, MOAH is a great place to stop and appreciate art while on your road trip from Los Angeles to Oregon.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Museum of Art & History, Lancaster before going there.

5. Universal Studios Hollywood

Located in Los Angeles, California, Universal Studios Hollywood ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles. You must take 13 hours and 35 mins of driving to arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles is a must-visit destination on your road trip from Los Angeles to San Diego. This famous theme park is an action-packed entertainment experience that will leave you breathless. With thrilling rides and shows, a real movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants, and cinemas at CityWalk, there’s something for everyone. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world’s largest working movie studio, explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and experience the excitement of Fast & Furious – Supercharged. And don’t forget to catch the WaterWorld show, a live-action extravaganza that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to spend the whole day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Whether you’re a movie buff, thrill-seeker, or just looking for a fun day out, Universal Studios Hollywood is the perfect addition to your Los Angeles to San Diego road trip.

If you want to learn more about Universal Studios Hollywood, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Oregon to Los Angeles

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Oregon to Los Angeles drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Oregon To Los Angeles?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Oregon to Los Angeles road trip takes approximately 13 hours and 48 mins to drive. The driving distance between Oregon to Los Angeles is 863 miles.
• If you want to make the Oregon to Los Angeles road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be 3 days 9 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Oregon-Los Angeles route, then you will have to walk for 10 days 21 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Oregon To Los Angeles?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Los Angeles. You can visit Winnemucca, Nevada; Fallon, Nevada; Bishop, California; Lancaster, California; Los Angeles, California; ; ; ; ; on the road. Here we list five places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Oregon to Los Angeles journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Oregon To Los Angeles Road Trip.

• Humboldt Museum: 306 miles / 4 hours and 49 mins to drive from Oregon | 587 miles / 9 hours and 21 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Churchill County Museum & Archives: 436 miles / 6 hours and 45 mins to drive from Oregon | 458 miles / 7 hours and 23 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Laws Railroad Museum: 621 miles / 9 hours and 49 mins to drive from Oregon | 273 miles / 4 hours and 20 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Museum of Art & History, Lancaster: 824 miles / 13 hours to drive from Oregon | 73.1 miles / 1 hour and 15 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Universal Studios Hollywood: 853 miles / 13 hours and 35 mins to drive from Oregon | 9.4 miles / 18 mins of driving to Los Angeles.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Oregon To Los Angeles?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Los Angeles From Oregon section.

• Candlewood Suites Winnemucca, an IHG Hotel: 307 miles / 4 hours and 50 mins to drive from Oregon | 587 miles / 9 hours and 18 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Best Western Fallon Inn & Suites: 436 miles / 6 hours and 44 mins to drive from Oregon | 459 miles / 7 hours and 25 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Creekside Inn: 563 miles / 9 hours and 13 mins to drive from Oregon | 362 miles / 5 hours and 49 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Oxford Suites Lancaster: 824 miles / 13 hours to drive from Oregon | 70.0 miles / 1 hour of driving to Los Angeles.
• The Prospect Hollywood: 855 miles / 13 hours and 38 mins to drive from Oregon | 7.4 miles / 16 mins of driving to Los Angeles.

Where To Eat Between Oregon to Los Angeles?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Oregon to Los Angeles drive, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The Oregon To Los Angeles Road Trip .

• The Griddle, Winnemucca: 307 miles / 4 hours and 50 mins to drive from Oregon | 586 miles / 9 hours and 18 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• The Slanted Porch: 435 miles / 6 hours and 43 mins to drive from Oregon | 458 miles / 7 hours and 24 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Back Alley Bowl and Grill: 625 miles / 9 hours and 55 mins to drive from Oregon | 268 miles / 4 hours and 14 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Crazy Otto’s Diner, Lancaster: 823 miles / 13 hours to drive from Oregon | 73.1 miles / 1 hour and 13 mins of driving to Los Angeles.
• Brent’s Deli Northridge: 850 miles / 13 hours and 37 mins to drive from Oregon | 31.9 miles / 40 mins of driving to Los Angeles.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the Oregon to Los Angeles drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken Oregon to Los Angeles road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Oregon to Los Angeles and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

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If you are looking for suggestions about the city of angels, you should check this video.

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