Road Trip from San Diego to Portland
A road journey from San Diego to Portland could be exciting if you’re looking for an epic adventure that takes you through towns, across mountain ranges, or along hundreds of miles of breathtaking coastline.
It takes 25 hours to travel the 1,400 miles by car from San Diego to Portland, passing via Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Reno, and Lake Tahoe. Or take the famous Big Sur route to the Oregon Coast, Redwoods National Park, and Monterey.
This tour, which stretches over California, Oregon, and, depending on your route, a portion of Nevada, offers breathtaking natural splendor.
For further details on what to see and do, where to stop along the road, and the ideal time of year to do this incredible journey, continue reading.
How long will it take to drive from San Diego to Portland?
In principle, you could travel the 1,080 miles from San Diego to Portland in around 16 hours by taking just one route, Interstate 5. However, if you want to see more of the amazing sites this road offers, we suggest prolonging your trip.
It will take around three days of nonstop driving to finish the road trip from San Diego to Portland, but rather than hurrying, try to set out a few weeks for this amazing adventure.
| Route | Distance | Driving time |
| National Parks Route | 1420 miles | 25 hours |
| Coastal Route | 1330 miles | 27 hours |
The National Parks Route is 1,420 miles long and takes around 25 hours to drive. Yosemite National Park is one of the highlights, but if you choose this route, you should plan to spend a full day in each national park to allow yourself time to appreciate their beauty.
At 1,330 miles, the Coastal Route is somewhat shorter, but it takes a bit longer—27 hours.
The advantage of having so many towns and large cities along the road is that, even if the journey is lengthy, you will always have the opportunity to fill up your petrol tank. This will allow you to take as many deviations as you like and see as much of this amazing region of the globe as you can.
At 1,330 miles, the Coastal Route is a bit shorter, but it takes 27 hours.
Because there are so many villages and big cities along the route, you will always have the chance to fill up your gas tank, even if the trip is long. This will enable you to explore as much of this incredible part of the world as you can and take as many detours as you wish.
Ideal road trip route from San Diego to Portland
It is completely up to personal taste whether you choose the Coastal Route or the National Parks Route. The journey of a lifetime might be taken any way. Or, if you have the time, you may combine the routes to create a fantastic round-trip experience into and out of San Diego because they are so diverse.
You may travel across one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain ranges on the National Parks Route, which runs from San Diego to Portland.
It takes you to high alpine lakes in the wild Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains after beginning along Southern California’s stunning coastline. There are a few deviations along this route, but they are all worth in order to visit some of the best national parks in America.
On the other hand, the Coastal Route, which includes the breathtaking journey through Big Sur, offers mile after mile of breathtaking ocean vistas.
Before entering the more wild and untamed Oregon Coast, the road heads north via hundreds of lively seaside villages and portions of California’s famous Redwood forests.
Please be aware that road restrictions may occur along the Pacific Coast Highway, particularly in the Big Sur region.Always visit the official Caltrans website before leaving to avoid disappointment.
You should hire a car for your road trip as soon as possible, regardless of whether you’re flying into San Diego or you just don’t have your own transportation in the city.
Driving tips from San Diego to Portland
Our recommendations for the top road trip routes between San Diego and Portland are displayed on the map above.
Take Interstate 5, which leads north from San Diego and toward Los Angeles along the coast. Stay on the I-5 as it takes you through the city, via Burbank, Anaheim, and Griffith Park.
After leaving the city, continue on the I-5 until you barely pass Wheeler Ridge, at which point you will turn off the interstate and head toward Bakersfield on Highway 99. Turn off Highway 99 into Highway 65 at Bakersfield.
This leads you through the breathtaking Redwoods on your first diversion via Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
The biggest sequoia tree grove in the world may be found in the park when you turn onto Highway 198, known as Sierra Drive, from Highway 65.
Follow Highway 99 via Fresno, the entry point to Yosemite National Park, after retracing your route along Highway 198 to Visalia.
From Fresno, travel Highway 41 up to the park. We advise visiting Yosemite for at least a day, perhaps more if you want to really experience this breathtakingly beautiful, wild setting.
You may follow the road through the park to Merced if it’s open. Otherwise, go return to the beginning of your journey before heading onto Highway 49 and then Highway 140, which will lead you back to Highway 99.
Proceed north to Sacramento and then Stockton. The city’s high-rise structures and thriving performing arts scene will stand in stark contrast to the natural beauty you have been taking in thus far.
Leave Sacramento and travel east on Highway 50 toward South Lake Tahoe.. Because the region is well-known for both water activities and skiing, you may enjoy the lake in any season.
Proceed to Interstate 580 in Carson City by following Highway 50. Until you reach Reno, stay on the highway and get onto Highway 395.
After passing Honey Lake, Highway 395 will go to Susanville, where you will turn onto Route 36 and then Route 139. You will eventually arrive at the Oregon border after passing Stones Landing, Adin, and Canby.
Once you cross the border into Oregon, Route 139 turns into Route 39, which leads to Route 140 and Klamath Falls, another fantastic location for hiking or boating.
After Klamath Falls, turn onto Highway 97 until you get to Route 138, which takes you to Crater Lake National Park.Cyclists love riding the 33-mile course that around the lake..
To continue your journey, head back to Highway 97 and then take Route 58 to Eugene. At that point, you will finally be back on the I-5, which will take you the rest of the way to Portland.
The Coastal Route
Take Interstate 5 out of San Diego, just as you would on the National Parks Route, but when you get to the suburbs of Los Angeles, get onto Route 73 and continue across the city until you arrive in Sherman Oaks.
From there, follow Route 1/Route 101, which will essentially take you down the coast for the next several hundred kilometers.
You’ll have your choice of locations to pause and feel the sand beneath your feet as you pass a number of State Beaches on each side of Santa Barbara, including Emma Wood, Rincon, El Capitan, and Refugio.
Routes 1 and 101 leave Gaviota and travel a few kilometers primarily inland until they split off at San Luis Obispo. Take Route 1 here to follow the journey into the famous Big Sur.
Before you reach San Francisco, continue on Route 1 past Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Morro Bay. Continue on Route 1 at Manzanita, which leads to the magnificent Muir Beach and along the aptly called Shoreline Highway, although you will quickly re-join Route 101 to cross exit the city by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.
You may trek up into the mountains on a number of the paths around Stinson Beach if you need to stretch your legs, or you can continue a little further to enjoy Point Reyes National Seashore.
Return to Route 101 in Leggett, which leads to Portland for the majority of the remaining distance, after many more miles of stunning coastline.
You will have several opportunities to pause and admire the massive Redwood trees that are unique to this region of the globe.First, you’ll pass Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, followed by Redwoods National and State Parks and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
To get to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, you may also wait a few more miles and make a little diversion on Route 199.
You’ll enter Oregon after Pelican State Beach, where the breathtaking coastline scenery keeps getting better. Among the highlights are the Samuel H. and the Pistol River Scenic Viewpoint Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
Continue past Coos Bay and Waldport until you head inland on Route 20 at Newport, or stop at Point Orford to stroll up to Port Orford Heads State Park. At Albany, this will lead you to Interstate 5, which you will then continue north into Portland for the last portion of this trip.
Ideal places to stop on a road trip from San Diego to Portland
We should divide our road journey from San Diego to Portland into a few days at the very least. To avoid rushing, take your time traveling and schedule many overnight stays. Below are some recommendations for locations to stay to assist you make that decision.
Relish the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles
French architect Jacques Garcia created the hotel’s architecture, and you’ll be amazed by the unique artwork in every room. A must-see location for taking pictures within the hotel is the mirrored tunnel.
There are a number of eating options on the premises, as well as a gorgeous rooftop bar where you can savor unique cocktails from Bar Clara and expansive views of downtown Los Angeles.
Escape to nature at Lake Tahoe’s Desolation Hotel
The city might be a bit much at times, so if you want to relax in luxury, be sure you book a fantastic stay at the Desolation Hotel.
The Desolation Hotel is a gorgeous, isolated haven with a wood-fired sauna and cozy fires to unwind by after exploring the breathtaking, tranquil surroundings.
For those seeking a chic hotel with warm fireplaces and comfortable corners to unwind in after a day of exploration, this is a fantastic option. Here’s another reason we adore the Desolation Hotel.
Witness the sunset over the Pacific
Monterey is a great place to stop early if you’re traveling the Coastal Route to Portland, which requires you to spend at least a few evenings watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Enjoy the sunshine at Monterey State Beach, go whale watching, visit the amazing aquarium, or think about Monterey’s maritime past at Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. Even a trolley is available to transport you between the town’s numerous attractions.
Explore the rugged Oregon Coast
You may explore the neighboring Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor and relax by the sea at The Beachfront Inn in Brookings, which is located farther north along the Coastal Route.
You could relax by the heated outdoor pool and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea from several of the very roomy apartments. Before going off to sleep to the sound of the waves lapping across the coast, stroll into neighboring Brookings for some delicious seafood.
Enjoy the hidden gems of this section of the amazing Oregon coast for a day or two, as there are miles of coastal park to explore, including isolated islands, breathtaking rock fragments, sharp cliffs, and forest paths.
Attractions to see on a road trip from San Diego to Portland
There are plenty of sights to see on a road journey from San Diego to Portland, as you might expect. You will witness an abundance of stunning natural beauty as it includes some of the nation’s top National Parks.
National Parks Route
1.San Clemente State Beach- Despite being close to San Diego, this lovely beach is a wonderful spot for a picnic or taking a walk.
2.Los Angeles- Enjoy a dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in this vibrant city or go shopping.
3.Angeles National Forest- This lovely forest is the perfect natural retreat after seeing San Francisco.
4.Castaic Lake- a man-made reservoir that offers a variety of water sports.
5.Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks- home to stunning woods, steep valleys, and tall peaks.
6.Yosemite National Park- This is yet another breathtakingly gorgeous national park that is always worth the journey.
7.Sacramento- This is yet another breathtakingly gorgeous national park that is always worth the journey.
8.Lake Tahoe- Lake Tahoe boasts some of California’s greatest natural views and a number of top-notch spas.
9.Reno- Experience the lively nightlife of the world’s largest small city.
10.Crater Lake Boat Tour- Take a guided boat excursion within the caldera to learn more about how this lake was formed.
11.Eugene- Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Natural and Cultural History is located there. boasting a remarkable collection of both local and international artwork.
Coastal Route
1.Big Sur- A true road trip high point, this famous journey gives breathtaking vistas of the glistening blue Pacific.
2.Monterey Bay Aquarium- Visit this world-famous aquarium beside the sea to learn more about the Pacific’s marine life.
3.Santa Cruz- In this lovely village on the bay, learn to surf like a native.
4.Redwoods National and State Park- Take designated trips through the parks’ breathtaking glens and woodlands and stroll amid the enormous sequoia trees.
5.Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor- Twelve kilometers of stunning coastline with remote beaches nestled amid jagged cliffs.
6.Coos Bay- To learn more about the town’s maritime legacy, visit the Historical and Maritime Museum.
Ideal time to go on a road trip from San Diego to Portland
Summer, spring, or fall are usually the finest seasons for a road trip from San Diego to Portland. This is mostly due to the extremely harsh winters in the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains. You wouldn’t be able to see as much because many of the national parks along the route close in the winter.
Even though Highway 395 is available year-round, severe winter weather can occur there, so if you decide to go at that time, be sure you’re equipped and experienced.
Since more people visit the national parks throughout the summer, this will be the busiest season. But, if you enjoy being active, think about taking a trip in the summer when the weather is at its finest. However, be aware that summertime is when hotel rates are at their highest.
If you want to avoid the summer crowds and hot temperatures of southern California while yet experiencing pleasant, comparatively dry weather in Oregon, timing the Coastal Route may be a delicate balancing act. June is the ideal time to try to get both, in our opinion.
The National Parks Route is especially lovely in the fall, when deciduous trees may illuminate the surrounding area with an array of striking hues. You can also get a better deal on a hotel when you travel off-peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most scenic route from California to Oregon?
Along with Route 66 and Skyline Drive, the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, is one of the most well-known road trip routes in the United States.
How many days do you need in Portland, Oregon?
If you stay in or close to downtown, you may see many of Portland’s most well-known sights in two to three days. We suggest at least five days if you want to explore Mount Hood, walk in the Columbia Gorge, visit the Oregon Coast, or spend some time in one of Portland’s various neighborhoods to get a sense of how the residents live.
What is a good month to visit Portland?
The mid-70s in September and the low 50s in November are the typical maximum temperatures during the fall. Summer visitors stay long into September to take part in end-of-summer celebrations, so if you want to get the greatest deals on hotel rooms, you’ll want to wait until October.
For more details, kindly visit http://www.Recreation.gov
