Pacific Coast Explorer
Self Drive Tour
SEATTLE | PORTLAND | REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK | EUREKA | SAN FRANCISCO | MONTEREY/CARMEL | CENTRAL COAST | LOS ANGELES
Get ready to hit the wide open road and travel from Seattle down to the glamorous city of Los Angeles; stop off at some amazing locations along the way including the vibrant city of Portland, beautiful Redwood National Park, San Francisco and Santa Barbara.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- View the rich landscape of Mount Rainier, an active volcano and Washington state icon
- Enjoy stunning coastal scenery along Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
- See some of the world’s tallest trees in Redwood National Forest
- Experience California’s Central Coast splendour on Highway 1
- Witness the remarkable recovery of Mount St. Helens since its eruption
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
Day 1 : Arrive Seattle
Arrive in Seattle and pick up your rental car. Make time this afternoon to visit the Space Needle or the superb Explore Music Project before enjoying dinner and coffee at one of Seattle’s excellent restaurants.
Day 2 : Seattle – Portland (269 miles)
Depart Seattle today en route to Mt. Rainier National Park, one of the outstanding scenic wonders of the Northwest. Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Cross the Columbia River for a stop at Mt. St. Helens. Continue to Portland in the evening.
Day 3 : Portland – Redwood National Park (350 miles)
The dramatic coastline of Oregon has panoramic vistas and picturesque images for you to enjoy today. The peaceful drive through ever-changing terrain will take you through small towns which reflect the essence of the American Spirit.
Day 4 : Redwood National Park – Eureka (230 miles)
Pass former Russian fishing settlements as you continue your drive today. The giant redwoods are protected in state and national parks as World Heritage sites. Continue on to Eureka, your home for this evening.
Day 5 : Eureka – San Francisco (170 miles)
Follow the coastline of California south to the village of Mendocino. The town of Mendocino is a Historic Preservation District on the National Register of Historic Places with a superb coastal setting and is the perfect place to linger before continuing south to San Francisco.
Day 6 : San Francisco
Enjoy a wonderful day touring the city. See the Golden Gate Bridge, bustling Fisherman’s Wharf and the stylish Union Square. Colourful and sophisticated, it is home to the infamous Alcatraz Island, which once housed the likes of Al Capone and is now a historic monument. There’s fantastic shopping around Union Square and the ride on a cable car up the steep hills from Fisherman’s Wharf is something not to be missed. There’s funky neighbourhoods, exclusive Nob Hill and hippy Haight-Ashbury all waiting to be explored.
Day 7 : San Francisco – Monterey/Carmel (124 miles)
Today’s drive takes you down the California coast to Monterey. Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row before continuing along the stunning landscape of 17-Mile Drive en route to the village of Carmel.
Day 8 : Monterey/Carmel – Central Coast
Follow Pacific Coast Highway south along the Big Sur Peninsula. On the way enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean pounding the cliffs and rocks below. Why not take time to visit Hearst Castle and learn about its fascinating history. Overnight in the heart of California’s central coast.
Day 9 : Central Coast – Los Angeles (234 miles)
Continue south today passing through Santa Barbara, yet another beautiful stretch of coast in Malibu and the seaside town of Santa Monica prior to arriving in Los Angeles.
Day 10 : Los Angeles
A full day to explore Hollywood or Beverly Hills. Go behind the scenes at Universal Studios Hollywood, or head to Anaheim’s ever-popular Disneyland Park.
Day 11 : Los Angeles Departure
Your tour comes to an end today as you check out of your hotel and return your car to the airport before your departure flight.
