On the American West Coast, the seaport city of Seattle is situated. It is the county capital of King County, Washington. Therefore, It is the most populated city in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and Washington. Moreover, San Diego is the city of Southern California on the Pacific Ocean coast, right next to the Mexican-American border. The quickest route from Seattle to San Diego is about 1,255.2 mi, but we will describe an exciting Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Seattle To San Diego. Let’s see below for all the updates about the routes.
Total Distance And Travel Duration
To Reach San Diego from Seattle Via the Pacific Coast road trip, you must drive about 1479 miles which will take approximately 27 hours. Therefore, It could take 4 days to reach the destination. Now, catching a flight might be a better option than driving. But if you do so, you will miss a memorable trip with your friends or family. We have disclosed a 4-day trip full of joy with relaxation.
The Road Trip From Seattle To San Diego
Before starting Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Seattle To San Diego, look at the map for an overview of your trip, but don’t go anywhere because it is not all. There are a lot of things upcoming there for you.
The Map From Seattle To San Diego
Your entire trip plan has been divided into 4 days. Therefore, there will be a lot of options for you so that you can enjoy your journey in specific places.
Day-1
On the 1st day, when you start your journey, you will cover two places in Seattle: Astoria and Port Orford. It needs one day to protect those places over there. Let’s see below to get the complete information about the places.
Seattle To Astoria
The total distance from Seattle to Astoria is about 181 miles. Therefore, you need to drive approximately 3 hours to get there. Moreover, you can find exciting places to have a wonderful time between those places. Those are below.
Kobe Terrace
Kobe Terrace public park is situated on one acre (4,000 m2) in Seattle, Washington’s International District, Where The Danny Woo International District Community Garden is included. On the northeastern fringe of the International District, a terraced hillside is covered with Mt. Fuji cherry trees, ground vines, and walkways that follow the main road.
Angle Lake Park
Angle Lake L-shaped lake is situated in the SeaTac, Washington, between Interstate 5 and State Route 99, on 102 acres (0.41 km). The lake’s name derives from the right angle that its edge makes. Therefore, it has a range of natural attractions and a location for biking and other recreational activities.
Wild Waves Theme And Water Park
Federal Way, Washington, has a water park and amusement park called Wild Waves Theme & Water Park. It is one of three Washington State waterparks and a popular summer vacation spot in the Pacific Northwest.
Brewery Park At Tumwater Falls
It has three cascading waterfalls, a beautiful half-mile circle route along the Deschutes River, and interpretive plaques with images that depict the local history. The falls, essential to the early industry, particularly beer manufacturing, are now a feature of Tumwater’s 15-acre Brewery Park, possibly its most important tourist destination.
Astoria To Port Orford
You need to drive about 305 miles to get there. Therefore, getting there will take around 7 hours and 13 minutes. However, you will end your day-1st journey in Port Orford, so we will give some hotel recommendations where you can stay at night.
Lullaby Lake County Park
Between Astoria and Seaside, off U.S. Highway 101, you’ll find Cullaby Lake County Park. The 165-acre park includes a boat launch and docks for Cullaby Lake, picnic shelters, barbecue pits, horseshoe pits, play areas, four-stall flush toilets, fishing, swimming, and nature observation of beavers like bald eagles, deer, and waterfowl. Therefore, It also contains the Lindgren Cabin, a Finnish-American historical landmark.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located in Newport, Oregon, in the United States. Some of Oregon’s most unusual wildlife and experiences can be found at the aquarium.
Siuslaw National Forest
The national forest of coastal mountains & Oregon Dunes provides a scenic place for hiking, paddling, Waterfalls, etc. During the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip, you can enjoy a great time there.
Port Orford
Port Orford is a city in Curry County on the southern coast of Oregon, United States. It has its beauty which can mesmerize you. Therefore, you have many things to do in this city, like visiting stunning lighthouses, parks, museums, and many more. Thus, As we end today’s journey, we are providing you with some best hotels.
| Name Of The Hotels |
| WildSpring Guest Habitat |
| Castaway By the Sea |
| Redfish LOFT Oceanfront romantic luxury suite |
| China Mountain House |
| Sea Crest Motel |
Day-2
After completing the day-1 travel, you will start your journey from Port Orford. Therefore you will cover two main destinations on day-2: San Francisco and Santa Cruz. See below to know what things are waiting for you there.
Port Orford to San Francisco: Pacific Coast Highway Dream Trip
Well by car you need 7 hours and 40 minutes to get there. The total distance is about 436.7 miles. Now let’s see the top sights where you can enjoy your trip.
Prehistoric Gardens
This roadside sight is on the Highway 101 Coastal Route in Oregon and is home to this. Established at Port Orford in 1955, In this place, you can enjoy 23 life-size dinosaur sculptures surrounded by the luxuriant flora of the local temperate rainforest.
Trees Of Mystery
If you like trees and love seeing different types of trees, then this place is for you. This park and tourist destination is close to Klamath, California, a coastal town. It has several strange tree structures, many of which can be seen from its Trail of Mysterious Trees and interpretative pathways that wind through Giant Redwoods.
Harry A Merlo State Recreation Area
One of three parks around Humboldt County’s Big Lagoon, Harry A. Merlo State Recreation Area, is conveniently located off picturesque Highway 101. This charming location, which walks the lagoon’s south and east sides, is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon outdoors with your friends and family.
Irvine Rest Area
This peaceful rest stop is an excellent spot for a halt because it takes you off the highway and provides straightforward access to the main route. There is only one sign on the roadway for this rest stop, which needs to be designated. The signage is about three 3 miles north of the Highway 162 exit, so watch for it as you drive by.
San Francisco
San Francisco is Northern California’s commercial, financial, and cultural hub, officially known as the City and County of San Francisco. Therefore, San Francisco is well-known for its steep streets, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and, you guessed it, Full House. Some fairly fascinating historical facts about the thirteenth-largest city in the United States exist.
San Francisco To Santa Cruz
It’s a one-hour and forty minutes journey from San Francisco To Santa Cruz, but many places might be exciting during this 84.8 mile tour. Let’s see below about the places and the accommodation arrangements where you can end your 2nd-day journey.
Brisbane Lagoon Fisherman’s Park
This park is famous among those who love fishing. Therefore, this is the right place for you if you are a fish lover who likes to catch fish. In this beautiful area, you can take the fishing experience with a mesmerizing view.
Los Altos Hills Dog Park
The city of Los Altos is happy to announce the completion of Phase 1 of establishing two fenced-in dog parks at Hillview Soccer Park and McKenzie Park. If you like dogs, then it’s a must-see sight for you. Therefore, you can have a great time there and be pleased when you see them.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is on the coast of central California. Its long dock extends into Monterey Bay, lined with restaurants and shops. The 1911 Looff Carousel and the Giant Dipper roller coaster are two historic rides that may be found close by at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Santa Cruz is an ideal location for a vacation spot because of its stunning and vast beaches, surf, and laid-back attitude. Therefore, You can get many hotels and motels where you can stay. We suggest some hotel recommendations that are within your price range.
| Name Of The Hotels |
| Hampton Inn Santa Cruz |
| Bay Front Inn Hotel |
| Continental Inn |
| Motel Santa Cruz |
| Riverside Inn and Suites |
Day-3
On This day, you will reach two main points: Monterey and Santa Barbara. It will take 4 hours and 2 minutes to arrive. Don’t go anywhere because there is something that is waiting for you.
Pacific Coast Highway adventure? Plan your epic Santa Cruz to Monterey trip!
To reach Santa Cruz to Monterey, you need to drive More than one hour to get there. Therefore, on this day, you can enjoy places for more time. Let’s see the places you can visit during the journey below.
Seacliff State Beach
It is on Monterey Bay in Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California. Located 5 miles south of Santa Cruz, on State Park Drive, it is accessible from Highway 1. The concrete ship, SS Palo Alto, is well recognized in the ocean at the beach.
Watsonville State Wildlife Area
The 589 acres of freshwater marsh habitat at the Watsonville Slough on the coast and valley. The property was purchased to safeguard its exceptional wetland qualities from Hyponex Corporation of Indiana as part of a mitigation agreement.
Pajaro River Picnic Area
The Santa Cruz Mountains and the massive “palos colorados” (red trees), where the great Sempervirens Redwoods can live for 2000 years and reach heights of 300 feet, shield Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley from the summer heat of California’s central valley. Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley are known for their immaculate beaches and Mediterranean climate.
Monterey
The city is situated on California’s rugged central coast. John Steinbeck’s masterpiece Cannery Row, formerly the epicenter of the sardine-packing industry, was immortalized there. It is a well-known strip of bars, seafood restaurants, and gift shops in former factories today. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, which features thousands of marine animals and plants in underwater and interactive exhibits, is also well-known.
Monterey To Santa Barbara
You must drive your car for 4 hours and 6 minutes. Therefore, there are many places you can visit with your favorite person. Let’s find out where you can see the Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Seattle To San Diego.
Toro Park
Toro County Park is six miles from Salinas’s city center and 13 miles from the Monterey Peninsula, separating Toro County Park from those locations. The tranquil 4,756-acre park has volleyball courts, softball fields, playgrounds, and riding trails.
Monterey Zoo
If you travel with your family, your kids will love visiting Monterey Zoo. Therefore, you and your family will enjoy the place and see the unknown animals there.
Scheid Vineyards
If you are a vine lover or like to taste different vines, this is the right place. The Salinas Valley’s 70-mile expanse contains eleven estate vineyards owned by Scheid that span four major temperature zones.
Downtown City Park
Scheid’s eleven estate vineyards are located along a 70-mile spread of the Salinas Valley, encompassing four primary climate zones. Festivals & other town happenings are held in this central green space with a gazebo & playground.
Santa Barbara
The Santa Ynez Mountains provide a striking background to Santa Barbara, located on the central California coast. The city’s Spanish colonial past is reflected in the downtown area’s white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs. Therefore, It will end Day- 3 Journey. Moreover, here are some hotel names that will help you find one.
| Name Of The Hotels |
| Hotel Santa Barbara |
| Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort |
| Harbor View Inn |
| Sandyland Reef Inn |
| Cabrillo Inn at the Beach |
Day-4
This is the final day of your road trip. On this day, you will cover from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Therefore, Traffic will take 8 hours and 5 minutes by car if traffic goes normal. However, the total distance is about 489 miles.
Santa Barbara To San Diego
Tar Pits Park
Tar Pits Park is situated In Carpinteria, California, at 5669 Carpinteria Avenue. When you visit this place, You can find a beachfront location with a collection of uncommon natural asphalt lakes and pathways with ocean views.
Camarillo Grove Park
The oldest tree in the neighborhood is in Camarillo Grove Park. This former stagecoach stop is in a rural area near the Conejo Grade. However, Camarillo Grove Park is a fantastic park for families. Picnics and hiking are perfect activities there.
Lemon Grove Recreation Center
Los Angeles, California 90029 is the address of the lemon grove recreation center. This is a great spot to unwind and spend some time rejuvenating outdoors.
Rick Gomez Park
The new Rick Gomez Park was the first freshly built in the city over 25 years ago. It is located at 7501 8th Street. 46 acres of lush landscaping, organic grass, baseball-themed decorations, play areas with cover, exercise equipment, picnic tables, and a grilling area.
Walnut Grove Park
Walnut Grove Park, on the west side of Madison, is a well-liked destination for local kids to play. The Walnut Grove Equestrian Centre, with its 14 acres of trails, horse arenas, stalls, picnic tables, and numerous routes for hikers and equestrians, is nearby and is run by the Conejo Recreation & Park District (CRPD).
San Diego Air And Space Museum
San Diego Air And Space Museum is an aviation space museum in the USA in San Diego, California. The museum is located in Balboa Park’s historic Ford Building, which is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. . You can see so many things here from history. Your youngsters will find this place to be quite interesting.
San Diego
Finally, your road trip is done, and you have reached San Diego. San Diego is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. San Diego is renowned for its idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches, and a dazzling array of world-class family attractions. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and LEGOLAND, California.
FAQ for Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Seattle To San Diego
- Which Route Between Seattle And San Diego Is The Most Beautiful?
Ans: One of the most beautiful roads in America is the Pacific Coast Highway. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is just Route 1 in California. Still, in Oregon and Washington, that road changes into Route 101, offering a journey that follows the Pacific Coast and offers plenty of fresh, clean air and coastal views.
- What Cities Are Located Between San Diego And Seattle?
Ans: Between Seattle and San Diego, the top cities. San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Portland, Monterey, Greater Palm Springs, Yosemite National Park, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Carlsbad are the major cities between Seattle and San Diego.
- Which Beautiful Route Connects California And Seattle?
Ans: The Pacific Coast route is unquestionably the best in seeing as much as possible. You could drive this route both ways if you plan a lengthy vacation and still have locations left to see for the following year’s trip.
- Is San Diego A Lovely Place To Live?
Ans: It is difficult to conceive that living in San Diego would have many drawbacks because it is one of the most stunning and cleanest cities in America.
Conclusion
Though It is a long journey, it will become fun if you draw your journey with a good plan. Pacific Coast Highway road trip from Seattle to San Diego will be a memorable road trip with your friends, family, or loved ones. You can travel with fun every four days on the picked stops. So pack your baggage with the best road map in hand.