Looking for the perfect West Coast road trip from Seattle? Journeyscape named the Pacific Coast Paradise route the best road trip to take on the West Coast and the second-best in the country, overall. The Pacific Coast Paradise route is a 1,428-mile stretch from Seattle, Washington to Santa Barbara, California (or vice-versa). It combines the Pacific Coast Highway with U.S. 101.
To score and rank road trip routes in the U.S., the travel curation company first sourced data from Hertz to determine how long it takes to complete each journey and then used Tripadvisor data to find out additional things like how many restaurants, landmarks, and hotels are available nearby. As noted by Travel + Leisure, more than half of the hotels and restaurants along this route are rated as four-star establishments or above.
“Along the way, you will see incredible scenery, from high mountains to stunning beaches and everything in between,” Journeyscape said in a press release. “In addition, there are many vibrant towns, cities, neighborhoods, and outdoor areas along the route, including the stunning Waterfront Park in Portland and Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Southwestern Oregon and Northwestern California.”
We’ve created a Pacific Coast Paradise road trip itinerary for you with a starting point in Seattle, seven scenic stops along the way, and the finish line in Santa Barbara. You could, of course, do it in the opposite direction as well. You’ll want to give yourself at least 10 to 14 days for this trip if not longer, depending on how long you want to stop at each leg and how much driving you want to do each day.
Here’s where to stop and what to see on your Pacific Coast Paradise road trip:
Seattle, WA
If you’re doing this road trip in a southbound direction and starting in Seattle, you’ll want to give yourself at least a couple of days to explore the Emerald City (assuming you’re flying in and don’t already live here). You can use our helpful guides to Seattle to plan your itinerary:
- Our regularly-updated guide of events and things to do every week in Seattle
- The best weekend markets in Seattle for shopping and eating
- This new exhibition on the Seattle Waterfront displays thousands of “Exquisite Creatures”
- These 5 Seattle hotels were just honored with MICHELIN Keys
- The top 5 dog-friendly hikes in Seattle
- Seattle’s top 8 rooftop bars for drinks with a view
- Where to eat, drink, and shop in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District
- The top mistakes people make when visiting Seattle for the first time
For even more guides to Seattle, check out the “Things To Do,” “Food & Drink,” and “Secret Guides” at the top of the page!
Port Angeles, WA
Port Angeles serves as your gateway to Olympic National Park, making it an ideal one-night stop to immerse yourself in the Pacific Northwest’s mountains, forests, and coastline. Don’t miss highlights like Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, and Lake Crescent, plus the more secluded Olympic Hot Springs for an adventurous soak.
Portland, OR
Portland sits inland and adds travel time to a coastal itinerary, but its creative food scene, iconic bookstores, and access to the Columbia River Gorge make it worth the detour. Explore favorites like Powell’s Books and Multnomah Falls, and wander quiet trails in Forest Park for a local favorite escape.
Newport, OR
Before pulling into Newport, stop at Devil’s Punchbowl for coastal views and possible whale sightings, then enjoy a rest or overnight stay in this relaxed seaside town. Top attractions include the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, with the impressive Sea Lion Caves just an hour away along your route.
Crescent City, CA
Crescent City marks your entry into California and makes a great overnight base for exploring rugged coastline and the towering redwoods. Visit Redwood National and State Parks or the Avenue of the Giants, and consider detouring to the colorful sea glass shores of Glass Beach near Fort Bragg.
Mendocino, CA
Mendocino’s coastal charm and cliffside parks make it an appealing one-night stop—and possibly longer if you fall in love with its scenery. As you continue south, visit landmarks like Point Reyes Lighthouse and the Cypress Tree Tunnel, plus the dramatic Muir Beach Overlook near San Francisco.
San Francisco, CA
Plan for at least two to three nights in San Francisco to fully appreciate the city’s distinct neighborhoods, waterfront, and iconic landmarks. Popular stops include Pier 39, Alcatraz, and the Painted Ladies, while Bernal Heights Park offers a quieter 360-degree city view.
In between San Francisco and Big Sur, you could leave some extra time to stop and explore the scenic coastal towns of Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Big Sur, CA
Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs and sweeping Pacific views make this stretch of Highway 1 unforgettable, though travelers should check for road closures. Must-see sights include Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach’s Keyhole Rock, and the wildlife-rich trails at Point Lobos.
Santa Barbara, CA
Finally you’ll arrive in Santa Barbara, which blends beach town charm with mountain views (and plenty of fine wine and dining). Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara and Stearns Wharf, or venture to Ellwood Mesa for quiet trails and coastal scenery just outside the city.
Want to continue exploring the West Coast? From Santa Barbara, you could extend your Pacific Coast road trip by continuing south with stops in Los Angeles and San Diego.