Planning a west coast road trip itinerary can feel overwhelming with so many options.
I’ve driven this route six times between 2018 and 2024, testing both coastal and inland variations across different seasons.
This guide covers everything from choosing your timeframe to budgeting your trip.
You’ll get three complete itineraries for 7, 10, and 14 days, plus tips on where to stay, what to pack, and which stops you can’t miss.
I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.
Let’s get your California, Oregon, and Washington road trip planned right.
What States Are Included in a West Coast Road Trip?
Your west coast road trip covers California, Oregon, and Washington. Most people start in Southern California and drive north.
California takes up about half your trip with San Diego, Los Angeles, Big Sur, San Francisco, and the redwood forests.
Oregon brings a dramatic coastline with rock formations, lighthouses, and smaller coastal towns.
Washington wraps up your route with Seattle and Olympic National Park.
The total distance from San Diego to Seattle is about 1,200 miles on Highway 1 and Highway 101.
Best Time of Year for a West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
I recommend May through October for the best weather. Summer is peak season, which means crowds and higher prices.
September is my favorite month. The weather stays warm, kids are back in school, and you’ll find better deals on hotels.
June offers long daylight hours. You can drive until 8 or 9 PM if needed.
Avoid winter unless you’re experienced with rain and fog. The Oregon and Washington coasts get heavy storms from November through March.
Spring works if you don’t mind occasional rain. April and May bring wildflowers and fewer tourists.
July and August are busiest. Book everything in advance if you’re traveling then.
Shoulder season (late September to early October) gives you the best of both worlds. Good weather with fewer people.
How Many Days Do You Need for a West Coast Road Trip?
The right length depends on how much time you have and how fast you want to move.
- 7 days: Minimum time to hit major spots, but you’ll be moving constantly
- 10 days: Sweet spot for most travelers, time to enjoy stops without rushing
- 14 days: Allows side trips and rest days without burnout
West Coast Road Trip Itinerary Overview (Map + Route Breakdown)
The classic route follows Highway 1 through California, then switches to Highway 101 through Oregon and Washington.
Starting point: San Diego or Los Angeles (most rental cars are cheaper from LA)
Route highlights:
- California: Malibu, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Monterey, San Francisco, Redwoods
- Oregon: Cannon Beach, Newport, Dunes
- Washington: Seattle, Olympic National Park
Driving north vs. south: I prefer going north because you’re on the ocean side of the road for better views and easier photo stops.
Total driving time: 16 to 20 hours of pure driving time
Pro tip: Download offline maps before you go. Cell service gets spotty in Big Sur and parts of Oregon.
7-Day West Coast Road Trip Itinerary (Fast & Iconic Route)
This itinerary moves quickly but hits all the highlights you can’t miss.
Day 1: San Diego → Los Angeles
- Start in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
- Quick stop at La Jolla (seals at Children’s Pool)
- Head to Santa Monica Pier
- Stay in Santa Monica or Venice
- Drive time: 2.5 hours (4 hours with LA traffic)
Day 2: Los Angeles → Santa Barbara → Big Sur
- Morning: El Matador Beach in Malibu
- Lunch: Santa Barbara downtown
- Afternoon: Highway 1 to Big Sur
- Stop: McWay Falls (waterfall onto beach)
- Drive time: 5 hours total
- Book Big Sur hotels 6 months ahead
Day 3: Big Sur → San Francisco
- Breakfast in Carmel or Monterey
- Optional: 17-Mile Drive ($11 entrance)
- Arrive San Francisco by late afternoon
- Visit Fisherman’s Wharf, ride cable car
- Drive time: 3 hours
Day 4: San Francisco → Redwood National Park
- Longest driving day (6 hours)
- Stop: Avenue of the Giants
- Stay in Eureka or Arcata
- Alternative: Skip this and add extra day in San Francisco
Day 5: Oregon Coast Highlights
- Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock)
- Tillamook for cheese samples
- Newport aquarium
- Stay in Newport or Florence
- Drive time: 4-5 hours with stops
Day 6: Portland → Seattle
- Morning in Portland (Powell’s Books)
- Drive to Seattle (3 hours)
- Pike Place Market
- Dinner in Capitol Hill or Fremont
Day 7: Seattle & Mount Rainier National Park
- Early drive to Mount Rainier (2 hours)
- Visit Paradise area
- Return to Seattle for departure
- Alternative: Skip Rainier and explore Seattle instead
10-Day West Coast Road Trip Itinerary (Most Popular Choice)
Ten days gives you breathing room without constant rushing.
Days 1–2: Southern California Coast
Day 1: San Diego, Balboa Park and beaches
Day 2: Drive to LA via Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach. Stay in Malibu or Santa Monica (120 miles total)
Days 3–4: Central California
Day 3: Big Sur (stop at every viewpoint, overnight in Big Sur)
Day 4: Carmel, Monterey (aquarium), optional Santa Cruz. These two days are the best part of the trip
Day 5: San Francisco & Surroundings
Walk Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz (book tickets weeks in advance), Boudin Bakery sourdough and Stay two nights if possible
Day 6: Northern California Redwoods
- Avenue of the Giants
- Stay in Eureka or Crescent City
- Drive time: 5 hours
Days 7–8: Oregon Coast Scenic Drive
Day 7: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, stay in Brookings or Gold Beach
Day 8: Cannon Beach, Seaside, Astoria. Oregon beaches have darker sand and colder water than California
Days 9–10: Washington
Day 9: Drive to Seattle, Pike Place Market, original Starbucks
Day 10: Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge or Hoh Rainforest. End in Seattle for easy airport departure
14-Day Best West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Two weeks lets you add side trips without burnout.
Start with the 10-day itinerary, then add:
- Extra day in Los Angeles (Getty Center, Runyon Canyon)
- Night in Paso Robles wine country
- Two full days in San Francisco (add Muir Woods, Sausalito)
- Crater Lake National Park detour in Oregon
- Extra time in Portland (food scene)
- North Cascades National Park in Washington
This pace feels relaxed. You’ll enjoy your vacation instead of surviving it.
Best Coastal Towns on a West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
These small towns offer the best local flavor and coastal views along your route.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea: Charming with dog-friendly beach
- Cambria: Quieter option before Big Sur
- Mendocino: New England village vibe
- Bandon, Oregon: Best beach rock formations
- Cannon Beach: My favorite Oregon town
- Port Townsend, Washington: Historic feel
The small towns are where you’ll find the real magic of the coast, not the big cities.
Where to Stay on a West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Mix hotels with vacation rentals. Big Sur requires booking 6 months ahead. Save money in San Francisco by staying in Daly City or Oakland.
The Oregon coast has plenty of clean motels. Budget chains like Best Western and La Quinta work well.
Book everything in advance for summer, last-minute deals don’t exist on this route.
West Coast Road Trip Itinerary Budget Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect to spend for two people on a 10-day west coast road trip.
| Expense Category | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Car (10 days) | $400 – $800 | Book early for better rates |
| Gas (entire trip) | $300 – $500 | California has highest prices ($4-5/gallon) |
| Hotels (per night) | $100 – $250 | Big Sur and San Francisco most expensive |
| Food (per day) | $50 – $100 | Mix restaurants with groceries to save |
| National/State Park Fees | $50 total | Some parks free, others $20-35 |
| Activities | $30 – $50 each | Monterey Aquarium, Alcatraz, etc. |
| Total Daily Cost | $200 – $400 | For two people |
| 10-Day Trip Total | $2,500 – $3,500 | Mid-range estimate around $3,000 |
You can cut costs by camping and cooking, or spend more on luxury accommodations and dining.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on a West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
- Don’t underestimate Highway 1 drive time, constant curves slow you down significantly
- Avoid planning too many stops per day or you’ll spend all your time driving
- Never skip gas stations in remote areas, some stretches have no services for 50+ miles
- Don’t wait until the night before to book summer hotels, everything sells out
- Avoid relying on cell service, download offline maps before you leave
- Don’t attempt to drive in San Francisco, the hills and parking are nightmares
- Never skip Oregon thinking it’s just more coast, it’s completely different and incredible
- Don’t pack your schedule too tight, leave room for spontaneous stops
- Avoid skipping meals or rest breaks, driver fatigue is real on these long days
Conclusion
Your west coast road trip itinerary should match your travel style and available time.
Seven days works for highlights only. Ten days is the sweet spot. Fourteen days lets you truly relax.
I’ve tested this route six times, and I still find new things to love.
Don’t try to see everything. Pick your priorities and don’t overschedule. Highway 1 through Big Sur will be the most memorable drive of your life.
Ready to start? Book your rental car tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to drive north or south on a west coast road trip itinerary?
Drive north from California to Washington. You’ll be on the ocean side of Highway 1, which makes pulling over for photos much easier and safer.
Can you complete a west coast road trip itinerary in 5 days?
Five days is possible but rushed. Pick either California only or Oregon and Washington only to make it worthwhile instead of just driving constantly.
What’s the cheapest month for a west coast road trip itinerary?
November through March offers the lowest prices on hotels and rentals. The tradeoff is rain, fog, and some road closures in winter, especially in Big Sur.
Do I need an SUV for a west coast road trip itinerary?
A sedan works fine for Highway 1 and 101. I prefer a small SUV for comfort on long drives and better visibility, but it’s not required.
How much does gas cost for a complete west coast road trip itinerary?
Expect to spend $300-$500 on gas for the full San Diego to Seattle route. California gas prices are highest at $4-$5 per gallon.
