Road trip from Seattle to San Diego

Hi Xavier!

We've road-tripped pretty extensively across the country and currently live in Seattle so feel free to ask as many questions as you like. We're happy to help. Although we did most of the route you're discussing this summer going the opposite direction, I havn't gotten most of those blogs up yet and unfortunately can't point you in the direction of someone who has. However, I can still answer some of your questions.

There should be no problem renting a car in one location and dropping it off at another, but there will often be an additional fee involved. Just ask at the time you rent the car. Also, you should be able to book the rent of your rooms at $100-120 if you stay in the chain hotels (Quality Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn, Ramada etc). If you plan on staying in any of the National Park lodges or in the central downtown areas of the bigger cities, plan on spending a bit more since the summer is peak season for room rates. You can always try to look for promotions and discounts and things like that.

As far as your itinerary, it is doable, but to visit that entire list you would only be spending about 2 days in each area including travel time between them. Keep in mind that although it certainly is feasible, it doesn't offer you a lot of time to see/do anything where you are, so it might end up feeling rushed. Since you want to visit national parks, I have to ask what your interests are. Are you into photography, hiking, camping, wildflowers, wildlife or do you like to visit the visitor centers and take a stroll around the paved areas? I ask because that will determine greatly how much time you ought to allow at each spot or which I'd recommend. Mt. Rainier National Park or Olympic National Park (North America's only temperate rain forest) are absolutely beautiful in the summer, but if you just want to stay there for a picnic I could suggest something closer. Likewise with Grand Canyon. If you just want to take pictures from the rim, the distance there and back will leave you frustrated and if you actually want to hike around the area, you will need to plan on spending some time there.

Andras recommends Cannon Beach as a destination on the Oregon Coast and if you stay in Portland, I would feel amiss if I didn't let you know that the Portland City Grill has a delightful Happy Hour menu and gorgeous views of the city. If you want more specific advice about Seattle or the surrounding area, please do not hesitate to send us a message or post it here.

Best wishes on your trip planning!


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I went from San Diego to San Francisco in 10 days and didn't get enough of it. You sure you want to start in Seattle? You may want to start in Oregon and spend more time relaxing.

I'd say that's what the trip was about, as opposed to a - gotta see this and that...kind of thing. Here's my recommendations

1- rent a small car, route 1 is the scariest windiest road you'll ever meet, and since you're driving down, you'll be on the outside (close to the 200 ft drops- (where James Dean drove off and died!). Rent a small car and you'll be fine. Better yet, a CONVERTABLE!

2- Make sure you stop at Muir Woods ( I didn't get to the winderies in NAPA, I heard there were better ones further down, but up to you).
Actually, you can stop all along Route 1 in Steinbeck country and pull off to the side. The most beautiful scenes every, and lots of places to hike. Great little Steinbeck museum also. (Route 1 after you pass San Francisco)
3- Spend some time at Hearst Castle - it's cheesy and glamorous, and the tour guides are the best - what more could you want?
4 - Stop in at San Luis Obispo after that. The cutest little town you'll ever see, and there's lovely hotels and a hostel there.
5 - Spend SOME time on Highway 5 after you pass San Luis, you'll really understand how big California is, and how they feed the rest of the country on all that land!
6 - Don't waste too much time in LA. You'll get confused by the driving, and unless you're a celebrity or wannabe film director you won't get the hype. It's not as bad as people say, though.

oh, and put the car in a garge in San Francisco! The driving is ridiculous, the trolley's will honk at you, and if you run a red light (like a certain someone I know), the light will take your photo and send you a $370 ticket!

I'm going to try and put my photos up of that trip, it was a blast.

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Hi,

I think this is a good idea. If you want to get an impression of the Oregon Coast, I would recommend Point Reyes. It is north of San Francisco and absolutely beautiful. The old horror movie "The Fog" was filmed there.

Well, if I were you, I would want to spend the night in Las Vegas, as this is the time to see it with all the lights and crazy people everywhere.

You can definitely go straight from San Diego to LA, as it is only a 2 hour drive (approximately, on fridays it took me 5 hours...) If you want some more information about San Diego and LA, let me know, I lived there and will move there again in March.

All the best and have a nice wedding!!! Reply to this