Mejores Tours de Oeste de EE. UU. desde Seattle

Best Time to Depart from Seattle

The West Coast enjoys pleasant weather all year round, but the best time to travel from Seattle is from late spring to early autumn, between May and September. During this period, temperatures are lower, daylight hours are longer, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for driving and sightseeing. Summer is the perfect season for road trips, while early autumn sees fewer crowds and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to visit major cities and enjoy the fall foliage in the US.

The Best West Coast Road Trips from Seattle

A road trip from Seattle offers the opportunity to explore the West Coast at your own pace, with San Francisco and San Diego being the most popular destinations among the many cities on the West Coast. We will provide you with a classic road trip itinerary.

Seattle to Portland

The first stop is Portland, Oregon, which is home to a wide variety of coffee shops, food trucks, and parks. The drive from Seattle to Portland takes about 3 hours.

Portland to Redwood National and State Parks

Afterward, you can follow 99W to the famous coastal highway, Highway 101. Take a break at Oregon Coast Beach, then head to Redwood National and State Parks, home to towering ancient trees and hiking trails. This journey will take approximately 6 hours.

Redwood National and State Parks to San Francisco

Travel south on Highway 101, passing through small towns and coastal scenery in Northern California, until you reach San Francisco. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman's Wharf. It takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to drive between the two destinations, and along the way, you will switch to Highway 1. The route for a West Coast road trip from Seattle to San Francisco is as follows. If your destination is San Diego, you will need to pass through more places.

San Francisco to San Diego

Continue along Highway 101 through one of California's most famous coastal areas, Big Sur. Stop in Monterey and Santa Barbara, then head to Los Angeles and San Diego. Highlights along the way include Hollywood, Venice Beach, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo. It takes 8 hours and 30 minutes to drive from San Francisco to San Diego. This route perfectly completes the West Coast road trip from Seattle to San Diego, seamlessly blending natural beauty with urban attractions.

Popular West Coast Cities & Attractions

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a unique city known for its iconic buildings, steep hills, and diverse communities. The most famous attractions here are the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman's Wharf. You can also take a cable car ride through the city's steep streets.

Transportation from Seattle to San Francisco

● Airplane: This is the fastest option, with a flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) taking approximately 2 hours.

● Train: Amtrak's Coast Starlight train offers a scenic journey along the coastline. The train journey takes approximately 20-23 hours.

● Bus: Bus companies such as FlixBus and Greyhound offer routes from Seattle to San Francisco, with travel times of approximately 19–21 hours, typically requiring one or more transfers.

● Car: The distance from Seattle to San Francisco is 808 miles, which takes 13 hours by car.

Los Angeles, California

The famous City of Angels boasts a rich entertainment industry and beaches. Must-see attractions include the Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, Griffith Observatory, and more.

Transportation from Seattle to Los Angeles

● Airplane: This is the fastest way to get to Los Angeles. Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Los Angeles (LAX) are frequent, with a flight time of approximately 2.5 hours.

● Train: The Amtrak Coast Starlight train is a popular and scenic option, with a travel time of approximately 35 hours.

● Bus: Bus travel is the most affordable option, but the journey may take longer, exceeding 25 hours.

● Car: The distance from Seattle to Los Angeles is approximately 1,136 miles, which takes 17 hours and 35 minutes by car.

San Diego, California

San Diego has a warmer climate and art galleries, and because it is close to Mexico, it also offers diverse cuisine and culture. Balboa Park, La Jolla Cove, and the USS Midway Museum are great places to explore the city.

Transportation from Seattle to San Diego

● Airplane: Flying is the most convenient way to travel from Seattle to San Diego. A direct flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) takes approximately 3 hours.

● Train: There are currently no direct train routes between Seattle and San Diego, requiring at least one transfer. The journey takes a minimum of 40 hours.

● Bus: The fastest bus ride takes 30 hours, with at least two transfers.

● Car: The distance between Seattle and San Diego is 1,255 miles, which takes 19 hours to drive.

Travel Tips from Seattle to the West Coast

● Highway 1 through Big Sur has many sharp curves, so novice drivers should proceed with caution.

● There are many exits on the Los Angeles freeway, so please change lanes in advance.

● Be aware of traffic regulations in each state on the West Coast. For example, California strictly enforces speed limits and penalties for drunk driving, and there are time restrictions on parking on the side of the road.

● Gas prices in California are the highest in the United States, so you may want to fill up in Oregon or Washington.

● Download offline maps in advance for mountainous areas or parks, and keep your cell phone battery fully charged.

● The Oregon coast has strong waves, so it is prohibited to approach the reefs.