Whether you’re driving up the coast of California or venturing further north into Oregon and Washington a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is an epic journey.
And while there’s no shortage of things to see and do along the way a little preparation can go a long way in making your trip a success.
Here are a few tips to help you plan your road trip from San Francisco to Seattle:
- Choose your route
There are a few different ways to make the drive from San Francisco to Seattle.
The most direct route is to take I-5 North all the way up but if you’re looking to add a little variety (and possibly avoid some traffic) consider taking the coastal route along Highway 1.
- Decide how long you want to drive each day
The drive from San Francisco to Seattle is about 1350 miles so it’s important to break up the trip into manageable chunks.
Depending on your schedule and how much time you want to spend sightseeing along the way you can plan to drive for 6-8 hours each day.
- Map out your stops
There are plenty of great places to stop along the way so it’s worth taking the time to plan out your route in advance.
Some popular stops include the Oregon Coast Redwood National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.
- Make sure your car is in good condition
Before setting out on your road trip it’s important to make sure your car is in good condition.
This means getting a tune-up if needed and packing a roadside emergency kit.
- Pack your essentials
In addition to your clothes and toiletries there are a few other essentials you’ll want to make sure you pack for your road trip.
This includes snacks and drinks for the drive a first-aid kit a map of your route and a charger for your electronics.
By following these tips you’ll be well on your way to having a successful road trip from San Francisco to Seattle.
So throw on your favorite playlist hit the open road and enjoy the journey!
San Francisco To Seattle Distance:
On a car the distance is 13 hr 2 min (807.7 mi) via I-5 N.
Road Trip From San Francisco To Seattle: Gas Stations On The Way
The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful region of the country and a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is the perfect way to see it.
Along the way there are plenty of gas stations to keep your car running.
Here are some of the best ones to stop at on your journey.
In San Francisco make sure to fill up at the Chevron on Van Ness Avenue.
This station is open 24 hours so you can always get gas even if you’re hitting the road late at night.
As you head up into Northern California the first major town you’ll come to is Redding.
There you can stop at the Arco on South Market Street.
This station is open 24 hours as well so you can always get gas even if you’re hitting the road late at night.
Once you cross into Oregon you’ll come to the town of Grants Pass.
There you can stop at the Chevron on Redwood Avenue.
This station is open 24 hours so you can always get gas even if you’re hitting the road late at night.
As you continue north into Oregon you’ll come to the town of Eugene.
There you can stop at the Shell on West 11th Avenue.
This station is open 24 hours so you can always get gas even if you’re hitting the road late at night.
As you head into Washington you’ll come to the town of Vancouver.
There you can stop at the Chevron on Main Street.
This station is open 24 hours so you can always get gas even if you’re hitting the road late at night.
Finally you’ll arrive in Seattle.
There you can stop at the Shell on Denny Way.
This station is open 24 hours so you can always get gas even if you’re hitting the road late at night.
Enjoy your road trip!
How To Hire A Car For A Road Trip From San Francisco To Seattle
Hiring a car for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is a great way to see the sights and sounds of the Pacific Northwest.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your trip:
- Plan your route in advance.
Decide which attractions you want to see and map out your route accordingly.
This will help you stay on track and avoid getting lost. - Make sure your car is in good condition.
Before setting out on your road trip make sure to have your car serviced and checked for any potential problems.
This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. - Pack lightly.
When packing for your road trip try to pack only the essentials.
This will save you space in the car and make your journey more enjoyable. - Bring a map.
A map will come in handy if you get lost or need to make any detours along the way. - relax and enjoy the ride.
road trips are all about the journey not the destination.
So sit back relax and enjoy the ride!
Road Trip From San Francisco To Seattle: Attractions To See On The Way
When planning a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle there are a number of attractions to see along the way.
Depending on your route you may be able to visit some of the following:
The Golden Gate Bridge:
One of the most iconic landmarks in the United States the Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate strait between San Francisco and Marin County.
It is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and is a popular spot for photography.
Muir Woods:
Muir Woods is a redwood forest located just north of San Francisco.
It is one of the few remaining old-growth redwood forests in the world and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.
Point Reyes National Seashore:
Point Reyes National Seashore is a protected area located on the Point Reyes peninsula in Marin County.
It is home to a number of different animal and plant species as well as a variety of landscapes including beaches tide pools and forests.
The Napa Valley:
The Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region located in northern California.
It is home to hundreds of wineries as well as a number of restaurants and hotels.
Lake Tahoe:
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake located on the border of California and Nevada.
It is a popular spot for swimming boating and fishing and is also home to a number of ski resorts.
The Oregon Coast:
The Oregon Coast is a stretch of coastline along the Pacific Ocean in the state of Oregon.
It is known for its dramatic scenery including cliffs beaches and sea stacks.
The Columbia River Gorge:
The Columbia River Gorge is a canyon located in the northwestern United States.
It is home to a number of waterfalls as well as the Columbia River which is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest.
Mount Rainier National Park:
Mount Rainier National Park is a national park located in Washington state.
It is home to Mount Rainier an active volcano as well as a number of hiking trails and scenic views.
Road Trip From San Francisco To Seattle: What Hotels To Stay In?
When planning a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle there are a few things to consider when booking hotels.
Depending on your budget you may want to consider staying in more affordable hotels along the way or splurging on a few nights in a nicer hotel.
If you’re looking for some affordable options consider staying at a motel or hotel near the highway.
This will give you easy access to gas stations and restaurants and you won’t have to worry about driving in heavy traffic.
Another option is to look for hotels that offer discounts for AAA members.
If you’re willing to spend a little more on accommodations there are many great hotels in both cities.
In San Francisco some popular choices include the Hilton Union Square and the Ritz-Carlton.
In Seattle the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle are both excellent choices.
When choosing a hotel be sure to read reviews online to get a sense of what other travelers have experienced.
And if you have any specific needs or requests be sure to contact the hotel directly to see if they can accommodate you.
Happy planning and safe travels!