One Of The Best Road Trips In America Is A Breathtaking Adventure With Ocean Views

Some road trips are about the destination, but others are about the journey. One of the best road trips in America will take you 1,500 miles from the vast grasslands of Washington, through the lush forests of Oregon, and onto the sun-kissed beaches of California. Ever-changing landscapes, beautiful hotels and mouthwatering food await on the Pacific Coast Paradise route. 

Last November, U.K.-based travel specialists Journeyscape released a curated list of the top road trips in the U.S., and a route from Seattle to Santa Barbara came in at number two. The trip begins in Seattle and heads south on an inland route toward Mount Hood and the beautiful Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Oregon. After that, the route swings out to follow the spectacular California coastline from Eureka in the north to balmy Santa Barbara, where your road trip will end. 

Journeyscape chose this route for its "incredible scenery" and "vibrant towns, cities ... and outdoor areas." Plus, over half the hotels and restaurants along the way earned four-star or higher ratings. Comfort meets adventure on the Pacific Coast Paradise route.

As the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle offers a wealth of urban attractions. Don't miss the panoramic views of Mount Ranier and Puget Sound from the 605-foot-tall Space Needle. After that, head to Chinatown for authentic Asian food or learn more about Seattle legends Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain at the interactive Museum of Pop Culture. Once you're done with city life, drive an hour south from Seattle to visit the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve and learn about the mystery behind the hundreds of grassy knolls rising out of the earth that have befuddled geologists. 

A two-hour drive brings you to the culinary haven of Portland, Oregon. This city should be on every foodie's bucket list, as it offers something for everyone, from food trucks to farmers' markets to its diverse restaurant scene. That's not to mention the 80 or so breweries that make Portland one of America's craft beer capitals — spend the night here so you can enjoy a brew or two. 

Blow away the cobwebs in the morning with a visit to Mount Hood, Oregon's tallest mountain. Depending on the season, you can ski, snowboard, hike, cycle, and paddle as you explore this picturesque area. We recommend taking the slightly longer route along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge and stopping off to enjoy the viewpoints and waterfalls along the way. Finally, head south to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, where forest-covered slopes and a chance to spot bears, mountain lions, and eagles await. 

Cross into your third state and enjoy magnificent views as you hug the California coast for the rest of your journey. Your first stop might be in Eureka, where the beautifully restored Victorian old town and authentic seaport are balanced by a vibrant arts scene. Enjoy the oceanside drive toward San Francisco, making sure to stop and admire some of the world's largest trees at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. 

Spend the night in San Francisco, and possibly splurge on a stay at the Hyatt Regency, a hotel with one of the most beautiful lobbies in the world. Then, head south to tranquil Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur, one of the world's most epic stretches of road. The coastal road between Carmel and Hearst Castle offers unmatched views over dramatic cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and the crashing waves of the Pacific. Make sure to stop at Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park, where a short stroll will take you to McWay Falls — a waterfall that plunges 80 feet into the ocean. Note that this section of road closes frequently for repairs; you can check the latest conditions at Caltrans. 

Your trip along the Pacific Coast Paradise route comes to a close in Santa Barbara, known as The American Riviera®. You can enjoy wine-tasting at local vineyards, a hike with ocean views in Rattlesnake Canyon, and spend the night at the Hotel Californian, which makes you feel like you've stepped back into history. It's the perfect way to end your journey on the Pacific Coast Paradise.