San Francisco to Seattle: Ultimate West Coast Road Trip

For my sister’s high school graduation and my friend Katrina’s college graduation, we, along with our moms, embarked on the ultimate West Coast road trip. Our adventure began with three unforgettable nights in San Francisco, followed by a visit to Napa, a drive through the majestic Redwood trees, a stop in Portland, Oregon, and finally, a grand finale in Seattle, Washington.

We checked off everything on my San Francisco bucket list, and it was incredible to explore this iconic part of the United States. While San Francisco and Seattle had some striking similarities, the other destinations were refreshingly unique. It’s hard to believe how much we experienced in just one trip!

We traveled in June, and the weather was perfect—sunny and warm but with a pleasant breeze, especially near the water. Even Seattle, often known for its rain, gave us clear skies! Whether you’re planning a similar journey or simply seeking inspiration, here’s a detailed recount of our unforgettable trip, packed with tips, links, and recommendations to help you make the most of your own adventure. Here is our awesome itinerary from our San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip!

San Francisco: June 19-21

We landed at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and were picked up by our friends from Canada. If you’re flying in and need a car, renting one from the airport is highly recommended. Our stay at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District was comfortable and well-located ($230-250 per room, total cost: $1,089.46).

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Wharf

Arrive at SFO: Settle into your accommodations at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District.
Fisherman’s Wharf: Head straight to the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf. Stroll along the waterfront, watch the seals bask in the sun, and soak in the bustling atmosphere.

Dinner: Wander the streets until a restaurant catches your eye! We stumbled upon Flying Ninja, a sushi restaurant, sat outside, and loved it!

Evening: Take a relaxing stroll along Pier 39 to enjoy the views of Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge.

Day 2: City Sights & Sunset Adventures

Morning: Start your day with a classic trolley ride into Chinatown. Explore the vibrant streets and stop for a quick snack or tea.

Afternoon:
- We kicked off our afternoon adventures with some of the best Boba we ever had at Boba Guys,

Visit the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square Park. (Tip: The park offers a great spot for photos and picnics!)

Stop by the Full House House at 1709 Broderick Street

And the Mrs. Doubtfire House at 2640 Steiner Street.

Evening:
- Book a sunset boat ride with SF Bay Cruise Adventure to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz.

Dinner: Grab chowder in a bread bowl from one of the outdoor stands at the Wharf. If you’re like me and don’t love seafood, there are plenty of other options to try. I went for tomato in a turtle! 😄🐢

Hike up to Lombard Street, the “Crookedest Street in the World” to check out the views at sunset – they are incredible!!

Day 3: Iconic Streets & Farewell

Morning: Before heading out of San Francisco, we wanted to each take turns driving down Lombard Street! So fun!!

Afternoon: Wrap up your San Francisco adventure and head to Napa for the next leg of your journey across the Golden Gate Bridge, through the little town of Vallejo!

Napa: June 21-22

Hotel Recommendations in Napa Valley

Napa Winery Inn: Cozy accommodations and close to wineries.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Napa Valley-American Canyon: Affordable and convenient – this is where we stayed!
Staybridge Suites: Fairfield Napa Valley Area: Ideal for extended stays.

We chose Housley Winery as our one and only winery stop for our one night in Napa and it was one of the best parts of our trip. From the intimate winery itself, and as big fans of the TV show Sister Sister and the movie Twitches growing up, Housely winery was the perfect place to stop in Napa for a glass of wine on our trip. Tamara Mowry, now Housely, and her husband own this winery together! I have an entire port dedicated to our visit there if you’d like to see or know more!

Dinner was Casa Restaurant. We stumbled upon a Casa Restaurant while we were out shopping downtown and enjoyed yummy Mexican food and drinks for dinner.

More Foodie Recs:
- Gott’s Roadside: Famous for its burgers and milkshakes.
- Model Bakery: Renowned for its English muffins.
- The Charter Oak: Elevated dining in a relaxed setting.
- Cook St. Helena: Cozy Italian-inspired dishes.
- Sharps Winery: A lesser-known gem

Time to hop back in the car!

The Scenic Route: Napa to Portland

We decided to take the scenic route to Portland through the Avenue of the Giants, a highway that runs through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Along the way:

We drove through a massive Redwood tree.

Stopped at quirky shops like Legend of the Bigfoot.
Walked along the Pacific Coast Highway to dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean.

Enjoyed In-N-Out Burger!!

Portland: June 22-24

Portland offered a mix of urban charm and natural beauty. We stayed at the Holiday Inn: Portland – Columbia Riverfront.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown

Arrival: Check into your accommodations at either the Holiday Inn: Portland – Columbia Riverfront or the Best Western Inn at the Meadows.
Evening: Grab some dinner and end the night at Voodoo Doughnut for their iconic doughnuts!!

Day 2: Books, Coffee & Waterfalls

Morning:
- Grab a coffee at Dutch Bros Coffee, a West Coast favorite known for its sweet, customizable drinks.
- Start your day by heading into downtown Portland and check out Chinatown. Maybe make a pitstop here for lunch!
- Head to Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. Spend time exploring its endless shelves—you might lose track of time here!
Afternoon:
- Take a short drive out to Multnomah Falls, one of Oregon’s most stunning natural attractions. Located just 30 minutes east of Portland, this majestic waterfall is an unforgettable sight.

Along the way, you should be able to see Mt. Hood. It’s a gorgeous photo opportunity and a peaceful way to say goodbye to Portland.
Stop for lunch at a local café or pack a picnic to enjoy near the falls.
Evening:
- Head back to the city and enjoy dinner at a spot that fits your mood. Portland is famous for its diverse food scene, from food trucks to fine dining. Explore and indulge!

Day 3: Departure and More Coffee

Travel to Seattle: Begin the final leg of your journey by stopping at Dutch Bros again to fuel up for the Emerald City!

Seattle: June 24-26

Seattle was the perfect end to our West Coast adventure. From iconic landmarks to unique experiences, the Emerald City did not disappoint.

Day 1: Arrival and Iconic Landmarks

First Starbucks: Start your day with a coffee from the first ever Starbucks!! Located at 1912 Pike Place. I bought a souvenir mug with the original logo to take home!

Pike Place Market: Start your day at this bustling market, famous for its fresh produce, artisan crafts, and the fish-throwing vendors.

The Gum Wall: After exploring Pike Place, head to Post Alley. Follow the market’s main entrance, go down the stairs, and you’ll find this quirky attraction. Snap a photo and leave your mark!

Day 2: Waterfront Adventures

Seattle Great Wheel: Take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel located on Pier 57. Enjoy breathtaking views of Elliott Bay and the city skyline.

Boat Cruise: Book a scenic tour with Argosy Cruises to explore Seattle’s waterways, including Lake Union and Puget Sound. Perfect for soaking in the city’s maritime charm.

Space Needle: End your day with a visit to this iconic structure. The nearby Seattle Center Armory offers dining options to round out your evening.

Day 3: Farewell to Seattle

Explore More Neighborhoods: Take a leisurely morning stroll in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Queen Anne.
Thai Dinner: Seattle boasts incredible Thai cuisine. Check out Noi Thai Cuisine for a memorable farewell meal.

Music for Inspiration

(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
Almost Independence Day by Van Morrison
Redwood Tree by Van Morrison
The Entire “A Night In San Francisco (Live)” by Van Morrison Album
(I Left My Heart) In San Francisco by Tony Bennet
Lights by Journey
Going to California by Led Zepplin
The River of Dreams by Billy Joel
Saint Dominic’s Preview by Van Morrison
California Love by 2Pac
San Francisco Days by Chris Isaak

All in all,

We had an amazing time seeing the opposite side of the United States! It is very different to what we are used to in the East but I loved seeing the culture and seeing the iconic places from the movies and TV shows. Best of luck to you on your journey if you decide to check out these spots! Let me know if you do!!! Xxx

Also had to throw this in! Katrina and I have been friends for this long!! We had to recreate our photo in our matching white swim jackets from when we were little in San Fran.