Let’s look at four popular routes from Seattle to San Diego, along with recommendations on where to stay and what to see along the way.
Road Trip Seattle to San Diego
A road trip from Seattle to San Diego can be a fun and memorable experience and offers an opportunity to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. Here is a guide to help you plan your road trip:
Plan Your Route
You can take several routes to travel from Seattle to San Diego, but the most common is the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which takes you along the stunning coast of California. All route options are listed here:
- Most Scenic Ocean Drive: Pacific Coast Highway
- Most Direct Seattle to San Diego Road Trip: I-5
- Cool National Parks Road Trip Through Crater Lake
- The Long Way Around Through Idaho and Nevada
Route # 1: Pacific Coast Highway
- Distance: 1585 miles
- Drive time: 32 hours
- Days needed: 5-10 days
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s most picturesque routes. The PCH is technically just Route 1 in California. Still, it merges with Route 101 in Oregon and Washington, making a route that traverses the whole Pacific Coast and offers plenty of clean, fresh air and seaside vistas.
Route # 2: Seattle to San Diego Road Trip: I-5
- Distance: 1255 miles
- Drive time: 19.5 hours
- Days needed: 3-7 days
The I-5 route is the most direct route between San Diego and Seattle, but it is entirely on the interstate. Therefore, it has the fewest must-see sights along the way.
Route # 3: Road Trip Through Crater Lake
- Distance: 1349 miles
- Drive time: 23 hours
- Days needed: 5-10 days
This route goes primarily east of I-5, so you’ll escape much of the motorway traffic. You’ll need at least 5 days to complete this drive properly, as Crater Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Parks each take a full day to visit.
Route # 4: Through Idaho and Nevada
- Distance: 1786 miles
- Drive time: 28 hours
- Days needed: 7-14 days
It takes much longer, but this trip allows you to visit three beautiful national parks (Great Basin, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree), as well as the cities of Boise, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs.
Make a Schedule
Determine how many days you want to be on the road and schedule your trips accordingly. You can visit national parks, picturesque lookouts, and other attractions along the journey.
Book Accommodations
You can plan ahead of time to guarantee that you have a place to stay each night. Consider booking a combination of hotels and campers to save money and have a unique experience. Listed below are a few places to check hotels for your stay.
| Route # 1 | Route # 2 | Route # 3 | Route # 4 |
| Gold Beach OR Eureka San Francisco Los Angeles | Portland Mount Shasta Sacramento Los Angeles | Near Crater Lake National Park Near Lassen Volcanic National Park Sacramento Los Angeles | Boise Near Great Basin Las Vegas Palm Springs |
Pack Essentials
Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and a food cooler to save money and avoid having to eat out every meal. Remember to bring a map, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
Take Your Time
The drive from Seattle to San Diego can take many days, so take your time and relax. Take your time and stop at interesting locations along the road. The top points of interest along your trip through each route are mentioned below:
| Route # 1 | Route # 2 | Route # 3 | Route # 4 |
| Washington: Olympic National Park Ocean Shores Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Fort Columbia Historical State Park | Washington: Tacoma Olympia | Washington: Tacoma Olympia | Washington: Mt. Rainier National Park Yakima |
| Oregon: Astoria Lewis & Clark National Historical Park NewportPort Orford Brookings | Oregon: Portland Eugene Ashland Medford | Oregon: Portland Mt. Hood National Forest Bend Crater Lake National Park | Oregon: Pendleton La Grande |
| California: Redwood National Park (and State Park) Eureka Leggett (drive-thru tree) Point Reyes National Seashore Golden Gate National Recreation Area San Francisco (Berkeley) Santa Cruz Monterey Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Santa Barbara MalibuLos Angeles (Santa Monica, Venice Beach) La Jolla | California: Weed Mt. Shasta Redding Sacramento Bakersfield Los Angeles Anaheim | California: Modoc National Forest Lassen Volcanic National Park Sacramento Modesto Fresno Bakersfield Los Angeles Anaheim | Idaho: Boise Twin Falls |
| Nevada: Great Basin National Park Las Vegas Rhyolite (ghost town) | |||
| California: Death Valley National Park Joshua Tree National Park Palm Springs San Diego |
Check the Weather
Before you go, verify the weather conditions along your route and pack accordingly. Be prepared for fog and colder temperatures in certain spots along the PCH.
Drive Safely
Follow all traffic laws and drive cautiously. In some regions, expect steep hills and twisting roads.
By following these tips, you can have an unforgettable road trip from Seattle to San Diego, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
