Route
Arrive Seattle, WA.
Day 1 Arrive at the Seattle airport and pick up the rental car there. Make time this afternoon to visit the Space Needle or the excellent Explore Music project before enjoying dinner and coffee at one of Seattle’s great restaurants.
Seattle airport: 17801 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188, USA; www.portseattle.org; +12067875388; 47.5256, -122.2979
Seattle – Mt. Rainier National Park – Mt. St. Helens
Day 2. Depart Seattle today en route to Mount Rainier National Park, one of the preeminent scenic wonders of the Northwest. Cross the Columbia River and stop at Mount St. Helens where you will see the devastation caused by the 1980 eruption of this active volcano. Then continue arriving in Portland in the evening.
Portland – Oregon Dunes – Redwood National
Day 3 The spectacular Oregon desert coastline created the panoramic views and picturesque images you can enjoy today. A tranquil ride through ever-changing terrain takes you through small towns that capture the essence of Oregon and the American spirit.
Redwood National Park – Mendocino, CA
Day 4 Drive past former Russian fishing villages, continuing south today. Giant sequoias are protected in state and national parks, which together are a World Heritage Site.
Mendocino – San Francisco, CA
Day 5 Follow the California coastline north to the village of Mendocino. The city of Mendocino is a Historic Preserve on the National Register of Historic Places with a superb waterfront location and is the perfect place to linger before heading south to San Francisco. In the evening there will be time to walk around the city.
San Francisco
Day 6. Enjoy a wonderful day touring the city. Check out places like Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can take a short boat ride to tour the infamous Alcatraz Island.
San Francisco – Carmel/Monterey, CA
Day 7 Today’s drive will take you down the California coast to Monterey. Walk along Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, then continue along the stunning scenery of the 17-Mile Road on your way to Carmel Village.
Monterey/Carmel – Big Sur – Central Coast
Day 8. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway south along the Big Sur Peninsula. Along the way, enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean lapping against the cliffs and cliffs below. Why not visit Hearst Castle and learn about its fascinating history? Overnight stay in the heart of California’s central coast.
Central Coast – Santa Barbara – Malibu – Santa Barbara
Day 9. Continue south today, passing through Santa Barbara, another beautiful stretch of coastline in Malibu, and the seaside city of Santa Monica before arriving in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
Day 10. Full day to explore Hollywood or Beverly Hills. Go behind the scenes at Universal Studios Hollywood or head to the ever-popular Disneyland Park in Anaheim.
Depart Los Angeles
Day 11. Return the car to the airport before departure.