Planning the Perfect Road Trip from Seattle to San Diego: 21 Must-See Stops in 2024

PLANNING A ROAD TRIP FROM SEATTLE TO SAN DIEGO?

We’ve got all the info you need! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months traveling the West Coast. A road trip from San Diego to Seattle, WA, is a really great trip because there are so many things to see between Seattle and San Diego. Not to mention San Diego and Seattle themselves are both awesome destinations.

The Seattle to San Diego road trip time will be somewhere between 20 to 30 hours to drive, depending on the route you are planning on driving. The Seattle to San Diego road trip distance will total around 1,300 to 1,500 miles.

If you are wanting to follow as much of the coastline and the famous HWY 101 in California, it will take you longer to drive because following the coast is slower, but there are some awesome places to visit and things to see. If you are just looking to get there fast, then you will drive through central California, passing Sacramento, Mt Shasta, Eugene, and Portland before arriving in Seattle.

In this article, you will learn how to plan a road trip from San Diego to Seattle, but we won’t cover much of the drive that goes through Central California because the coastal drive and HWY 101 is a much more entertaining road trip.

You should be able to do the trip in 7 to 10 days, but if you go a little faster, a shorter trip of 5 days would still be alright.

Pacific Coast Route vs The Quick Route 

The Pacific Coast Route and the Quick Route are considerably different, and both can work well depending on your goals for your trip. If you are trying to maximize seeing all the sights, then the Pacific Coast Route is much better than the quick route through central California.

If you only want to see parts of the coast, then you will drive a combination of the two, which can be a great option if you do not have too many days but have a few places you wish to see.

Quickest Route

Renting a Car or Renting an RV 

There are a few different ways to drive this trip. You can rent a car, or you can rent an RV. The experience will be considerably different depending on your choice. The easiest choice would be to rent a car from Discover Cars and stay in pre-determined hotels or short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO.

This is the easy route because the coastal cities and HWY 101 are not large roads or areas. They are easier to navigate with a smaller vehicle. You will be able to find parking much easier, and taking a detour is way less stressful in a small vehicle.

▶ BOOK a Rental Car

However, taking an RV can be a really fun experience. There are also a lot of different options when it comes to RVs. There are smaller RVs like camper vans or larger 5th wheels, travel trailers, or motorhomes. If you take an RV, you should plan ahead, so you know where you will be staying. Finding last-minute places to stay can be very stressful and complicated.

A great place to look at renting an RV is through Outdoorsy. We have taken an RV up the Oregon Coast many times and always have an amazing time.

▶ BOOK an RV through Outdoorsy

Sample 8-Day Road Trip from Seattle to San Diego Itinerary 

Day 1: Spend the morning in Seattle at Pike Place Market and the waterfront > drive to Forks, Washington > visit Ruby Beach and hike through the Hoh Rainforest
Where to Stay: Woodland Inns

Day 2: Drive to Cannon Beach > Hike in Ecola State Park and visit Haystack Rock > Tillamook Creamery
Where to Stay: Harbor Inn (or any other of our favorite Cannon Beach hotels)

Day 3: Drive South with stops at Cape Foulweather Viewpoint, Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Cobble Beach, Thor’s Well, the Oregon Dunes, Samuel Boardman Scenic Cooridor > End the day in Crescent City
Where to Stay: Oceanview Inn

Day 4: Spend the morning admiring the Redwoods and hiking Fern Canyon > Drive to San Francisco > Explore San Francisco in the Evening
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express Fishermen’s Wharf

Day 5: Drive to Monterey > Visit Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium > Explore Point Lobos and Big Sur
Where to Stay: Carmel Valley Lodge & Resort

Day 6: Drive to Santa Barbara > Explore the City
Where to Stay: Santa Barbara Inn

Day 7: Drive to Los Angeles > Explore the City
Where to Stay: citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

Day 8: Drive to San Diego > Explore the City
Where to Stay: The Wayfarer San Diego

Stops on a Roadtrip from Seattle to San Diego

1. Seattle 

Where to Stay: Staypineapple Hotel FIVE, or Belltown Inn
Camping: Tall Chief RV Resort, Vasa Park and Resort

Eat and Drink: Pike Place Chowder, 8 oz. Burger & Co, Taco Chukis, Bakery Nouveau, or Matt’s in the Market

Highlights: Seattle Underground Tour, Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Gum Wall, Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, Ferry Ride to Bainbridge Island, and Alki Beach

Related Articles: Things to Do in Seattle with Kids, Seattle Underground Tour

Seattle, Washington, is an incredible city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The city is known for its vibrant culture, a stunning skyline, and natural beauty. It sits on Puget Sound and is flanked by snow-capped mountains to the east and lush evergreen forests to the west.

The Seattle area is home to a variety of activities and attractions, making it a great destination for those who want to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are looking to explore its many parks or enjoy some of the city’s incredible seafood restaurants, Seattle has something for everyone.

We love that no matter what time of year it is, Seattle is always a fun destination. The summer months are beautiful and a wonderful time to explore the city, but we also love the varied experience of Seattle in January.

2. Olympic Peninsula National Park

Where to Stay: Pacific Inn Motel, Kalaloch Lodge, or Olympic Lodge
Camping: Last Chance Camp Equine Rest Stop, Port Angeles Walmart (overnight only)

Eat and Drink: Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room, Toga’s Soup House Deli & Gourmet, LD’s Woodfire Grill, and Oak Table Cafe

Highlights: Dungeness Spit, Pane d’Amore Artisan Bakery, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Falls, Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, Hoh Rain Forest, and Tree of Life

Related Articles: 16 Best Things to do in Forks, Washington

The Olympic Peninsula is just across the Puget Sound from Seattle and is home to Olympic National Park. The peninsula is a beautiful place to go hiking, camping, and road-tripping. There are so many fun west coast road trip ideas in this part of the coast.

It is a magnificent part of the state and a place we can’t wait to go back to. Even though it is a little bit out of the way, it is one of the best Pacific Coast road trip stops.

3. Cannon Beach

Where to Stay: Inn At Cannon Beach, Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach, or Surfsand Resort
Camping: Nehalem Bay State Park or Cannon Beach RV Resort

Eat and Drink: Cannon Beach Smokehouse, Ecola Seafood Restaurant & Market/Cannon Beach Seafood, Gatsby’s Oceanside Speakeasy & Steakhouse and Tom’s Fish & Chips

Highlights: Ecola State Park, Crabbing, Tide Pooling, Haystack Rock, Hug Point State Recreation Area, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Downtown Cannon Beach, Bonfires on the Beach

Related Articles:

• Planning the Perfect Oregon Coast Road Trip
• Unique and Fun Things to Do in Cannon Beach
• 12 Best RV Parks Near Cannon Beach, Oregon

The Oregon Coast is one of our favorite places to visit during the summer months, and it is a great place to break up our drive between Washington and California. It is usually too cold to swim in the ocean, but you can still have a lot of fun playing at the beach, especially at Haystack Rock.

The area is a popular destination for many people, especially in the warm summer months. The downtown area is super cute, with great shops. You can also check out Ecola State Park, which is very close to Cannon Beach.

4. Tillamook Cheese Factory

Where to Stay: Pass Through (Stay in Newport)

Eat and Drink: Tillamook Cheese Factory

Highlights: Garibaldi’s Pier, Tillamook Creamery, Cape Kiwanda, Devils Punchbowl

Related Articles: 30 Best Campsites on the Oregon Coast

The Tillamook Creamery, also known as the Tillamook Cheese Factory, is a really fun stop when traveling down the Oregon Coast. They have great food and ice cream, and we loved getting to see how they make their cheese. The facility is super nice and modern.

The best road trip from San Diego to Seattle would not be complete without a stop a the Tillamook Creamery for a quick road trip snack.

There are also a few places you can stop before and after Tillamook on your way to Newport, Oregon. We definitely recommend stopping by Lincoln City to hike Cascade Head or God’s Thumb. Both showcase some amazing coastal views.

5. Newport

Where to Stay: Inn at Nye Beach, Hallmark Resort Hotel Newport, Oregon, or La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Newport

Eat and Drink: Mo’s Chowder, Chowder Bowl, South Beach Fish Market

Highlights: Thor’s Well at Cape Perpetua, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Pacific Maritime Heritage Center

Related Articles: The Best Things to do in Newport, Oregon

Along this stretch from Cannon Beach, until you get into California and Crescent City, you have a few choices to make. You can either make a few quick stops and try to make your way quickly down to California, or you can go slow and check out some of the smaller cities along the Oregon Coast. While these cities are small towns, they offer a lot of adventure if you have the time.

Newport is a fun place with some fun things to explore, like a lighthouse, aquarium, and some other science-type centers that are fun. We enjoy Newport and many other cities throughout the Oregon Coast. Each has something that is a little different that you can explore.

6. Cape Perpetua Lookout 

Where to Stay: Stay in Florence or Newport

Highlights: Tide pools, Coastal forests, viewpoints, and scenic drive

Related Articles: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Thor’s Well

The Cape Perpetua Lookout is a great wildlife area between Newport and Florence, OR. We enjoy tidepools a lot, and it is a good place to get out and stretch your legs if you have been driving for a while.

You can also check out the Visitor Center to learn more about the area. We always stop and see what the rangers in the Visitors Centers can tell us. We gain a lot of good information this way.

7. Florence

Where to Stay: Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center, Best Western Pier Point Inn, or Park Motel and Cabins

Eat and Drink: Mo’s Chowder, Los Amigos Burrito, and Novelli’s Crab & Seafood

Highlights: Crabbing, Sand Master Park, Sand dunes, Old Town Florence, Bob Creek tidepools, and South Jetty Country Park

Related Articles:

• 26 Best things to do in Florence, Oregon
• RV Parks Near Florence Oregon

Florence is another city on the Oregon Coast we have traveled to on multiple occasions and enjoy every time we return. The city is very pretty and relaxing. It is also the start of the Oregon Sand Dunes if you are traveling south.

The sand dunes offer some great and unique activities that many people enjoy. You can rent an OHV, or you can go on a tour where a guide will drive you through the dunes and have a fun-filled adventure.

8. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Where to Stay: Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites of Reedsport or Seadrift Motel and RV Park
Camping: Horsfall Campground and Staging or Umpqua Sand Camping

Eat and Drink: Double D’s On The Rocks, Sol De Mexico, Harbor Light Restaurant, and Ocean Garden

Highlights: Tours, OHV adventures, crabbing, fishing, and hiking

Related Articles:

• A Complete Guide to Visiting the Oregon Dunes National Recreation
• 23 Amazing Things to Do in Coos Bay, Oregon

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is one of Coltin’s favorite places to visit because he loves the sand dunes. As a family, we enjoy the sand dunes, but he could spend days upon days riding OHVs on the dunes, while others might get tired after a day or two.

If you have the time, you should check out the Oregon dunes. They would be a great addition to your Pacific Northwest road trip from San Diego to Seattle.

Whether you visit them in Florence, Oregon, or closer to Winchester Bay or Coos Bay, it is a fun area with some unique activities the family can enjoy.

If you are not wanting to spend time at the sand dunes, your best bet would be to just take a peek at them in Florecene and view them as you pass by heading down to California. They are right along the HWY, and you will see them as you pass.

9. Crescent City

Where to Stay: Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn or Ocean View Inn

Eat and Drink: SeaQuake Brewing, C C Diner & Ice Cream, and Fisherman’s Restaurant

Highlights: Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor, Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor near Gold Beach, and Secret Beach

Crescent City is a small coastal city in Northern California located on the Pacific Ocean. It’s situated near the Oregon border and is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore its lush forests, scenic beaches, and rugged coastline.

The area around Crescent City is home to miles of gorgeous trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking, including the Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor near Brookings, OR. Here you can explore old-growth forests, secluded beaches, and sweeping views of ocean and mountains alike.

It is also a good home base if you want to see the surrounding area and the Redwood National and State Park.

10. Redwood National and State Park

Where to Stay: Elk Meadow Cabins, or View Crest Lodge
Camping: Patrick’s Point State Park, or Agate Campground

Eat and Drink: Niveen’s Restaurant, Moonstone Grill, EdeBee’s Snack Shack

Highlights: Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, Trillium Falls Trail, Gold Bluffs Beach, Fern Canyon, and Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway

This was the area we were most surprised by. For some reason, we had low expectations going in but were blown away by the beauty of these forests.

The Redwoods are a combination of Redwood National and State Parks. It is a wonderful place to spend some time outdoors. If you’re looking for some west coast road trip ideas, definitely include the Redwoods in your itinerary.

11. Point Reyes National Seashore

Where to Stay: Stay in San Francisco or nearby Santa Rosa

Eat and Drink: Not many food options; eat in San Francisco or another nearby city

Highlights: Visitor Center, Hiking, Point Reyes Lighthouse, Drakes Beach, Alamere Falls and Cypress Tree Tunnel

Point Reyes National Seashore is a breathtaking area located a little way north of San Francisco. It encompasses more than 71,000 acres of rugged cliffs, beaches, forests, and grasslands. This protected area offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and biking.

12. San Francisco

Where to Stay: Marriott Marquis San Francisco, Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, Hotel Nikko San Francisco or The W San Francisco

Eat and Drink: The Crepe Place, Mandalay Restaurant, Street Restaurant and Bar, and Sotto Mare

Highlights: Baker Beach, Battery Spencer, Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Muir Woods, Golden Gate Park, Lands End Hike, Cable Cars, Alcatraz, and Crissy Field

Related Articles: 39 Best Things to do in San Francisco with Kids

San Francisco is an amazing city to visit. There are so many fun things to do and see. The city is very iconic, and if you have not been to the city, you will notice that you have seen many shows and movies that take place in the city.

A few things to keep in mind when traveling through San Francisco are that the city is expensive. It is expensive to stay here, eat and park.

The city is also not set up with lots of room to drive around a big RV. If you do not have a smaller car, you may not want to go too far into the downtown area, but you could park a little further away and then take an Uber or Lyft to check out the sights.

13. Monterey

Where to Stay: InterContinental the Clement Monterey, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel And Spa On Del Monte Golf Course, or Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Eat and Drink: Sandbar & Grill, Vivolo’s Chowder House, Chart House, Crepes On The Row Cafe, and Wild Fish Restaurant

Highlights: Monterey Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Warf, Delmonte Beach, and Cannery Row

Monterey is a stunning coastal city in Central California that provides jaw-dropping views and unique experiences. Situated just two hours south of San Francisco, Monterey is a prime location for anyone looking to explore the Golden State’s unique culture, wildlife, and landscapes.

The city is way more laid back than San Francisco, so if you don’t want to go into San Francisco but want to visit a beautiful city that is a little bigger than Big Sur, Monterey is a place we enjoy visiting. Another reasonable stop close by could be Carmel-By-The-Sea.

14. Big Sur and Point Lobos

Where to Stay: Ventana Big Sur, or Big Sur Lodge
Camping: Big Sur Campground and Cabins or Fernwood Campground

Highlights: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Bixby Creek Bridge, Point Sur State Historic Park

Related Articles:

• 25 Amazing Things to Do in Big Sur California
• 9 of the Best Point Lobos Hikes with Amazing Coastal Views

Point Lobos and Big Sur are two of the most stunning coastal areas in California. Point Lobos State Reserve is a gorgeous, rugged expanse of coastline that offers breathtaking views, wildlife sightings, and opportunities for exploration. The reserve is known for its incredible cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as its seals, sea lions, otters, and migrating whales.

Big Sur is an iconic stretch of coast that offers stunning views, redwood forests, and access to the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place for camping, hiking, fishing, surfing, and more!

The area is also home to some of the best restaurants and lodging in California. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or just some rest and relaxation in nature, Big Sur is the perfect place to go.

15. Santa Barbara

Where to Stay: Kimpton Canary Hotel, Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara Inn, or Harbor View Inn

Eat and Drink: Cold Town Tavern, Dune Coffe Roasters, The Paloma Cafe and Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach

Highlights: Old Mission Santa Barbara, East Beach, State Street Promenade, Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Sterns Wharf

Santa Barbara, California, is a beautiful coastal city located in the Central Coast region of California. Known as the “American Riviera,” it has long been a popular destination for visitors seeking a unique mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and stunning scenery.

Santa Barbara has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. There are plentiful beaches, parks, and trails for hiking, biking, and more.

Santa Barbara is also a great place to explore the area’s rich history; there are many historic sites, such as Mission Santa Barbara and El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.

16. Los Angeles

Where to Stay: USC Hotel, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza, Hampton Inn Los Angeles/Santa Clarita, or DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown

Eat and Drink: Bestia, Orsa & Winston, Poppy + Rose, Damian

Highlights: Universal Studios, Venice Beach, Disneyland, Beaches, Tours, Griffith Observatory

Los Angeles is one of the most vibrant and largest cities in California, located near the Pacific coast. With its temperate climate, diverse population, and many beaches, it’s a popular destination for locals as well as tourists from around the world.

Los Angeles boasts some amazing attractions, such as Universal Studios Hollywood, and Disneyland Park. There are plenty of great places to eat and drink, including the downtown area known as Little Tokyo.

17. La Jolla

Where to Stay: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, The Shoal La Jolla Beach, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

Eat and Drink: Duke’s La Jolla, Puesto La Jolla, Barbarella Restaurant & Bar, Cody’s La Jolla

Highlights: Tide Pools, Shopping, Tours, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores Beach

La Jolla is a stunning seaside town located north of San Diego, California. With its warm climate, gorgeous beaches, and beautiful architecture, La Jolla is one of the most sought-after vacation destinations on the West Coast.

The charming beach community of La Jolla offers an array of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

The town is also home to The Village, a bustling shopping district full of boutique stores and fine dining options. Visitors can also explore the nearby Torrey Pines State Reserve, go whale watching off the coast, or take in spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

18. San Diego

Where to Stay: Samesun Ocean Beach – San Diego, Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside, or The Wayfarer San Diego

Eat and Drink: The Fish Market – San Diego, Hodad’s Downtown, Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar – San Diego, Social Tap San Diego

Highlights: Imperial Beach, Old Town San Diego, Sunset Cliffs, Balboa Park, USS Midway, Cabrillo National Monument

Related Articles: 13 Epic Things to Do in San Diego

San Diego is a major city in Southern California, located on the border of Mexico. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions.

Home to 1.4 million people and comprising an area of around 1,000 square miles, San Diego offers something for everyone. Tourists can explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, or spend a day at one of the city’s many beaches.

There are also plenty of attractions for nature lovers, such as Balboa Park and some amazing hikes at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. No matter what you’re looking for, San Diego has something to offer.

Additional Detour Stops

If you are not able to visit the West Coast very often, there are a couple of really iconic destinations that aren’t directly on the coast but may be worth detouring for, especially if you have more than 10 days to take this trip. They are really beautiful places that will not disappoint you.

19. Mount Rainier National Park

Where to Stay: National Park Inn, Packwood Lodge, Alexander’s Lodge At Mt Rainier, or Crest Trail Lodge

Eat and Drink: Copper Creek Inn, Cabins, and Restaurant, Paradise Village Hotel & Restaurant and Paradise Inn

Highlights: Hiking, Myrtle Falls, Paradise, Reflection Lake, and Scenic Overlooks

Mount Rainier National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful park located in Washington state. Its main feature is the active stratovolcano, Mount Rainier, which rises 14,411 feet above sea level and is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States outside of the Rocky Mountains.

The park is home to five major rivers and two major lakes, as well as numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and camping opportunities.

Mount Rainier National Park is popular for its diverse wildlife, alpine meadows, wildflower displays, and volcanic features such as glaciers and hot springs. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by car and take in stunning views of Mount Rainier’s snow-capped peak.

The park also offers ranger-led hikes, interpretative programs, and educational activities to help visitors learn more about the area’s unique ecology.

20. Lake Tahoe

Where to Stay: Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa And Casino, or Hotel Azure Tahoe

Eat and Drink: The Loft, Freshies Ohana Restaurant & Bar, Heidi’s Pancake House, Beacon Bar & Grill

Highlights: Emerald Bay State Park, Palisades Tahoe, Tours, Hiking, Vikingsholm, Magic Fusion Show

Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning and popular destinations in the United States. Located on the border between California and Nevada, it is a large freshwater lake surrounded by magnificent mountains and lush forests.

With its crystal-clear waters, picturesque views, and year-round recreational activities, it’s an ideal destination for visitors looking to relax and explore the great outdoors.

The area around Lake Tahoe is known for its skiing and snowboarding, although hiking, biking, and camping are also popular activities. Visitors can take boat tours of the lake, go fishing or simply soak up the stunning views from one of the many beachfront resorts or campgrounds.

In addition to all these outdoor activities, the area also boasts some of the best casinos and nightlife in the country.

21. Yosemite National Park

Where to Stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge, Timberlodge Cabin, Ahwahnee Hotel, or Evergreen Lodge

Eat and Drink: Curry Village Pizza Deck, The Mountain Room

Highlights: Lower Yosemite Falls, Taft Point Hike, Half Dome Village, Sentinel Dome, Tunnel View, Glacier Point, Cooks Meadow Loop

Related Articles: 22 Best Things to Do in Yosemite with Kids

Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, is a natural wonderland of breathtaking beauty. With its majestic granite peaks, lush meadows and forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic valleys, Yosemite is one of the world’s most visited parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park’s most famous attractions include the iconic Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. But there is so much more to explore in Yosemite, from its groves of giant sequoias to its many lakes and meadows.

Visitors can take part in a range of activities here, including camping, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Best Time to Go on a Road Trip from Seattle to San Diego 

The best time to go on a road trip from Seattle to San Diego would be in the summer or early fall. This is a good time because you will get great temperatures in Seattle, California, Oregon, and the surrounding area.

Starting in Seattle vs. Starting in San Diego 

Your starting point will often vary depending on where you are coming from. If you are closer to Seattle or you are closer to San Diego will make a big difference in where you decide to start.

Another factor to consider is the time of year. The weather in Seattle can get rainy and not as nice during different times of the year. We often travel based on what the temperatures will be at the time we get to different locations. Seattle will be cooler than San Diego so you will want to start in Seattle when it is warmest outside.

Although the weather can be unpredictable, if you follow the typical averages, you have a much better chance of having the weather you are looking for.

FAQ: Road Trip from Seattle to San Diego 

How many days does it take to drive from San Diego to Seattle?

If you are just going to drive without stopping much, you would spend about 2 or 3 days driving because the 1,300+ mile trip would typically take about 25 hours to complete.

This means it would be best to have at least 5 days to do this road trip, but it is recommended that you would have 7 to 10 days available.

You could even take longer if you wanted to detour to a few more stops to places like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Mt Rainier, or other exciting stops along the way.

Where Should I stop between Seattle and San Diego?

There are so many fun stops between Seattle and San Diego. We have made a complete list of many of our favorite stops. However, a few of our favorites are the Olympic Peninsula, Cannon Beach, Florence, Redwood National and State Parks, Monterey, and Big Sur, just to name a few.

What city is halfway between Seattle and San Diego?

Redding, California, is pretty much the halfway point between San Diego and Seattle; however, it is a little closer to Seattle than San Diego. This is only the halfway point if you are driving through Central California and not following the coast.

If you are following the California coast, the city that is halfway between the two would be around Eureka, California.

How much does it cost to drive from Seattle to San Diego?

The cost of a road trip from Seattle to San Diego will vary significantly depending on where you are staying and what you are driving. If you are driving a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon of fuel and your average fuel cost is $4.50, then your trip in just fuel would be about 200 dollars.

However, if you are driving a bigger vehicle, you will probably get about half that making your fuel costs around 400 dollars. Our large motorhome gets about 5 or 6 miles per gallon.

You would then need to add in the cost of food, and lodging, which would typically make your entire trip somewhere in the ballpark of 2,500 dollars or more, not including any activities. This will greatly increase if you are eating at nice restaurants and staying at nice hotels.

Are there tolls when driving from Seattle to San Diego? 

Most of the tolls you will find will be in California, and the majority of those will be in San Francisco. If you avoid San Francisco, you could pretty easily drive from Seattle to San Diego without paying much, if anything, for tolls.

Conclusion: Road Trip from Seattle to San Diego  

We hope you enjoy all these great things to do on a road trip from Seattle to San Diego. There are all places we have been through and enjoyed. We have done them on our west coast road trip, where we took 7 weeks to explore the area.

You are going to love your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. It will be a memorable experience that the family will remember for a lifetime.