This Road Trip From Seattle To San Francisco Boasts Coastline, Mountain, And Forest Views

The Pacific Northwest is desirable both for long-term living and short-term visiting. Its weather rarely gets extremely hot or cold, and amazing scenery is well within reach. Road-tripping is the perfect way to take in this region's highlights. While there are endless itineraries to choose from, a more than 800-mile endeavor that brings you to both unique cities and beautiful natural wonders is an iconic road trip from Seattle, Washington, through Portland, Oregon, and into San Francisco, California.

While Seattle is Washington's largest city, its nature is a significant draw thanks to its location on the Puget Sound estuary. Take a cruise on the Puget Sound to catch glimpses of orca, humpback, and gray whales, sea lions, porpoises, and more. The FRS Clipper departs from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, and each tour is accompanied by a conservation expert. For another amazing whale-watching option, drive just 30 minutes north to Edmonds, where you can board the Puget Sound Express. Either way, seeing the huge fins and flippers emerge from the deep blue water is both incredible and humbling, as we remember that we share the planet with such diverse wildlife. You may need a zoom lens to capture the magic, but putting the camera away and enjoying the moment is impactful too.

Spend some time wandering among Seattle's piers, where you can see mountains in the distance juxtaposed with tall skyscrapers. Around these downtown piers is Pike Place Market. This area is famous for its fishmongers, who throw fish around the display stands. Pike Place as a whole is a multi-leveled shopping experience with something for everyone. 

Or, get out of the sun and explore underground Seattle with the Beneath the Streets tour, located less than 10 minutes drive from Pike Place. This experience shows off the underground passageways of Seattle's old Pioneer Square neighborhood. Tours focus on the role of these passageways throughout history, including during the Prohibition era.

When you've seen enough of Seattle, follow Highway 5 for 175 miles south to Portland, Oregon, for diverse attractions reflecting the past and present. Head to the Portland Japanese Garden and the Japanese American Museum of Oregon to learn the history of the Japanese people in the western United States. Satisfy your inner hipster at Tōv Coffee, an Egyptian coffeehouse that's one of Portland's many popular coffee hangouts. As for nature, get a view of Oregon's iconic Mount Hood by visiting the 100-year-old Pittock Mansion, which doubles as a museum. Use Highway 26 to reach Mirror Lake Trailhead if you want a closer view of this mountain.

For a break from big city sightseeing, drive 327 miles to reach Crescent City in Northern California. Hang out at the peaceful Pebble Beach, or follow the coast slightly further north to the Point St. George Beach Trails to take in the region's rugged coastline. You may spot some more whales as you hike along the bluffs. The mid-19th century Battery Point Lighthouse and its accompanying museum is another highlight of the coastline as well. Crescent City is also a good place to begin the section of this road trip that follows California's iconic Highway 101 and its breathtaking views of the coast. 

Towering redwood trees likely come to mind when thinking of Northern California. There are a handful of places to see these natural wonders, but to enjoy them with fewer crowds, visit Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve, located 250 miles from Crescent City. Get to this scenic area from Orr Springs Road, which is accessible from Highway 101. The reserve's Montgomery loop trail can get you up close to the iconic redwood trees and to Montgomery Creek. You can go on the full two-mile hike or take just a portion of it. For perfect hiking weather in Northern California, shoot for spring and early summer.

Keep going south on Highway 101 for 75 miles until you reach Santa Rosa, California. Here you'll find a rather unique attraction for lovers of classic cartoons: The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, celebrating the history and legacy of the "Peanuts" comic and its creator, Charles M. Schulz. This town is not just for the inner child in us, however. In and around Santa Rosa, take your pick from wineries like Balletto Vineyards for a quintessential California wine-tasting experience.

Just 55 miles from Santa Rosa is San Francisco, the last stop on our tour. While the Golden Gate Bridge and the natural landscapes cannot be missed, be sure to check out Fisherman's Wharf. Here you'll find sea lions, vintage arcade games, 19th-century ships, the museum and memorial for the USS Pampanito, a World War II-era submarine, and much more. Many of the attractions around Fisherman's Wharf — including the historic ships — are part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. And to top off your Pacific Northwest road trip, drive inland to the scenic overlooks at Twin Peaks and watch the sunset over stunning views of the whole city.