How Long Does the Pacific Coast Road Trip Take?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a Pacific Coast road trip and wondering how long it will take? The answer to this question largely depends on your route and the number of stops you plan to make along the way.

From stunning coastal views to quaint seaside towns, the Pacific Coast is a must-see destination for any road trip enthusiast. Here’s a breakdown of how long your Pacific Coast road trip might take depending on your itinerary:

The Classic Route

The classic Pacific Coast road trip route stretches from Seattle, Washington, all the way down to San Diego, California. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the United States, including rugged cliffs, picturesque beaches, and charming seaside towns.

If you’re planning to do the entire classic route without many stops, it will take approximately 21 hours of driving time. However, we highly recommend taking at least two weeks to complete this journey. This will give you enough time to explore each destination along the way and soak up all that this beautiful coastline has to offer.

Seattle to San Francisco

If you’re short on time or only want to explore a portion of the Pacific Coast, consider driving from Seattle down to San Francisco. This section of the route takes approximately 16 hours of driving time without any stops.

However, we suggest taking at least one week for this journey so that you can fully experience each destination. Some must-see spots along this route include Cannon Beach in Oregon and Big Sur in California.

San Francisco to Los Angeles

For those who want a taste of California’s coastal beauty without spending too much time on the road, consider driving from San Francisco down to Los Angeles. This section of the route takes approximately 8 hours of driving time without any stops.

However, we recommend taking at least four days for this journey so that you can explore destinations like Monterey Bay and Santa Barbara.

The Scenic Route

If you’re not in a hurry and want to take your time exploring the Pacific Coast, consider taking the scenic route. This itinerary includes detours to some of the most stunning and lesser-known destinations along the coast.

This route could take anywhere from two weeks to a month, depending on how many stops you make along the way. However, we guarantee that every minute spent on this journey will be worth it.

Washington Coastline

Start your journey by driving up the Washington coastline, which features rugged cliffs and charming seaside towns. Take a ferry to Olympic National Park for some breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Oregon Coastline

Next, head down to Oregon’s coastline, which features some of the most dramatic landscapes in the United States. Explore spots like Cannon Beach and Thor’s Well before heading down to California.

California Coastline

Finally, explore California’s stunning coastline by hitting up destinations like Big Sur and Santa Cruz. Don’t forget to stop in San Francisco for some delicious seafood and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.

In conclusion, how long your Pacific Coast road trip takes depends entirely on your itinerary. Whether you’re taking the classic route or exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful coastline, we guarantee that this road trip will be one for the books. So pack your bags, grab your friends or family, and hit the open road for an unforgettable adventure!