8 day itinerary
West Coast Road Trip Seattle To Big Sur
Itinerary
A road trip from Seattle to Big Sur is a fantastic way to experience the stunning beauty of the West Coast. With your love for hiking, nature, and cute towns, I’ve crafted an 8-day itinerary that balances adventure with relaxation. Let’s hit the road!
Day 1: Seattle to Portland
Morning: Start your journey in Seattle! Grab a coffee at the iconic and maybe pick up some fresh pastries for the road.
Afternoon: Drive down to Portland (about 3 hours). Once you arrive, explore the quirky neighborhoods like the and .
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a food truck pod (you can’t miss the food scene here!). Try some local craft beer at one of the many breweries.
Overnight: Stay in a cozy Airbnb or a boutique hotel in downtown Portland.
Day 2: Portland to
Morning: After breakfast, head to the (about 30 minutes from Portland). Hike the famous and take in the breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Continue your drive to (about 1.5 hours). Stroll along the beach and take photos of the iconic .
Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a seaside restaurant.
Overnight: Stay in a charming beachside inn or a cozy cottage.
Day 3: to to Olympia
Morning: Before leaving , take a short hike in for stunning coastal views.
Afternoon: Drive to (about 30 minutes). Explore this cute town, visit the for panoramic views, and check out the local shops.
Evening: Head to Olympia (about 2 hours). Grab dinner at a local eatery and enjoy the waterfront.
Overnight: Stay in a quaint hotel or a B&B in Olympia.
Day 4: Olympia to
Morning: After breakfast, drive to (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Spend the day hiking! The is a must-do for stunning views of the mountain and wildflowers in June.
Evening: Enjoy a picnic dinner in the park or head back to a nearby town for a meal.
Overnight: Camp in the park (if you’re up for it!) or stay in a lodge nearby.
Day 5: Mount Rainier to
Morning: Take a leisurely morning to soak in the beauty of Mount Rainier. Maybe do a short hike or visit the visitor center.
Afternoon: Drive back to Seattle (about 2 hours) and catch a flight to .
Evening: Arrive in and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy dinner in the vibrant .
Overnight: Stay in a hotel or Airbnb in .
Day 6: to Monterey
Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic drive down the coast to Monterey (about 2.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the famous and stroll along .
Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
Overnight: Stay in a charming hotel or inn in Monterey.
Day 7: Monterey to Big Sur
Morning: Head out early to Big Sur (about 30 minutes). Stop at for some hiking and stunning coastal views.
Afternoon: Continue down the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at iconic spots like and .
Evening: Enjoy dinner at , with breathtaking views of the sunset over the ocean.
Overnight: Stay in a cozy cabin or lodge in Big Sur.
Day 8: Big Sur to
Morning: Take a morning hike in to see .
Afternoon: Start your drive back to (about 2.5 hours). If time allows, stop in Santa Cruz for a quick beach visit or a stroll on the boardwalk.
Evening: Arrive in , return your rental car, and enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in the city.
Overnight: If you have an early flight, consider staying near the airport.
And there you have it! An 8-day adventure filled with hiking, cute towns, and breathtaking nature. Make sure to pack your camera, as you’ll want to capture all the stunning views along the way. Enjoy your trip! 🌲🌊🏞️