Planning a road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles? Below are some things to keep in mind to make sure your journey is as smooth as possible!
- Choose your route: There are a few different ways to get from Seattle to LA.
The most direct route is to take I-5 all the way down but if you’re looking for a more scenic drive you can take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) instead.
Keep in mind that the PCH will add a few hours to your trip so plan accordingly! - Decide on your accommodations: Are you planning on camping along the way? Staying in hotels? Or a mix of both? Make sure to book your accommodations in advance so you don’t have any surprises (or disappointments) along the way.
- Pack your car carefully: You’ll want to make sure you have everything you need for the trip but you don’t want to pack so much that your car is overloaded.
Be strategic about what you bring and make sure to leave some room for souvenirs! - Bring a map: Even if you’re using a GPS it’s always a good idea to have a physical map of the area in case of emergencies.
You can pick one up at a gas station or bookstore before you start your trip. - Allow for flexibility: The best-laid plans often go awry so try to be flexible in your schedule.
This will help you avoid getting too stressed out if things don’t go exactly as planned.
With these tips in mind you’re sure to have a fantastic road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles!
Seattle To Los Angeles Distance:
On a car the distance is 18 hr 13 min (1137.2 mi) via I-5 S.
Road Trip From Seattle To Los Angeles: Gas Stations On The Way
If you’re planning a road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles you’re in for a treat.
This scenic route takes you through some of the most beautiful countrysides in the country.
And since you’ll be driving you’ll have the freedom to stop and explore whenever you want.
To help you plan your trip we’ve put together a list of some of the best gas stations along the way.
That way you can fill up your tank and restock your supplies without having to worry about getting stranded in the middle of nowhere.
So without further ado here are the best gas stations for your Seattle to Los Angeles road trip:
1.
Shell – Bellingham WA
This Shell station is conveniently located just off of I-5 making it the perfect place to stop for gas if you’re heading south from Seattle.
They have a wide selection of fuel options so you can choose the one that’s best for your car.
Plus they offer a discount for AAA members.
2.
Chevron – Eugene OR
If you’re driving through Oregon this Chevron station is a great place to stop for gas.
They offer a wide variety of fuel types so you can choose the one that’s best for your car.
Plus they have a convenience store where you can buy snacks and drinks for the road.
3.
Arco – Sacramento CA
This Arco station is conveniently located just off of I-5 making it the perfect place to stop for gas if you’re heading south from Seattle.
They offer a wide variety of fuel types so you can choose the one that’s best for your car.
Plus they have a convenience store where you can buy snacks and drinks for the road.
4.
Chevron – Los Angeles CA
This Chevron station is conveniently located just off of I-5 making it the perfect place to stop for gas if you’re heading south from Seattle.
They offer a wide variety of fuel types so you can choose the one that’s best for your car.
Plus they have a convenience store where you can buy snacks and drinks for the road.
We hope you find this list of gas stations helpful for your Seattle to Los Angeles road trip.
Happy travels!
How To Hire A Car For A Road Trip From Seattle To Los Angeles
When hiring a car for a road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Firstly you’ll need to decide whether you want to hire a car from a rental company or whether you’ll be using your own car.
If you’re using your own car make sure it’s in good mechanical condition and that you have comprehensive insurance cover. - Once you’ve decided on a car you’ll need to work out your route.
If you’re hiring a car most rental companies will have maps and route information available.
If you’re using your own car make sure you have a good map and plan your route in advance. - Make sure you allow plenty of time for your journey.
Depending on the time of year and traffic conditions the drive from Seattle to Los Angeles can take anywhere from 10 to 14 hours. - When you’re planning your stops keep in mind that you’ll need to refuel every few hundred miles.
Make sure you know where the nearest gas station will be and plan your stops accordingly. - If you’re hiring a car make sure you’re familiar with the rental agreement and all the terms and conditions.
In particular make sure you’re aware of the mileage limit and any restrictions on where you can take the car. - Finally enjoy your road trip!
Road Trip From Seattle To Los Angeles: Attractions To See On The Way
If you’re planning a road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles there are plenty of attractions to see along the way.
Here are just a few of the highlights:
- The Space Needle in Seattle is a must-see attraction.
Standing at 605 feet tall it offers amazing views of the city and Puget Sound. - Olympic National Park is a beautiful spot to stop and stretch your legs.
With towering mountains pristine lakes and lush rainforests it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular national parks in the country. - The Columbia River Gorge is another natural wonder that’s worth a visit.
With its dramatic cliffs waterfalls and lush vegetation it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular scenic drives in the country. - Mount St.
Helens National Volcanic Monument is a must-see for anyone interested in geology.
The monument is home to the still-active Mount St.
Helens which last erupted in 1980. - Crater Lake National Park is another can’t-miss stop on your road trip.
This park is home to the deepest lake in the country and its stunning blue waters are not to be missed. - Lassen Volcanic National Park is another great spot for anyone interested in geology.
This park is home to Lassen Peak the largest volcano in the Cascade Range. - The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic structure that spans the Golden Gate strait.
This bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world and it’s easy to see why. - Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country and for good reason.
With its dramatic waterfalls towering mountains and lush vegetation it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot. - Lake Tahoe is a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy the views.
This large lake is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains and its stunning blue waters are not to be missed. - Los Angeles is the final stop on your road trip.
This city is home to a number of iconic landmarks including the Hollywood Sign the Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theater.
Road Trip From Seattle To Los Angeles: What Hotels To Stay In?
If you’re planning a road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles you’ll want to find the best hotels to stay in along the way.
After all you’ll need somewhere to rest your head after a long day of driving.
Luckily there are plenty of great hotels to choose from all along the route.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a more budget-friendly option you’ll be able to find something to suit your needs.
Here are some of the best hotels to stay in during your road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles:
If you’re looking for a luxurious option the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle is a great choice.
Located in the heart of the city this hotel offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
You’ll also enjoy access to top-notch amenities like a spa fitness center and fine dining restaurants.
For a more budget-friendly option the Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle Lake Union is a great choice.
This hotel is located just minutes from downtown Seattle making it a convenient option for those who want to explore the city.
You’ll also appreciate the hotel’s complimentary breakfast and free parking.
If you’re looking for a hotel with easy access to the beach the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is a great option.
This hotel is located just a short drive from the famous Santa Monica Pier and offers stunning views of Hollywood Hills.
You’ll also enjoy access to a fitness center swimming pool and on-site restaurants.
No matter what your budget or needs you’ll be able to find a great hotel to stay in during your road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles.
With so many great options to choose from you’re sure to find the perfect place to rest your head at night.