Road trip Seattle to San Francisco, any ideas?

[Wendy Capra]

Thinking about a road trip with a couple friends down to San Francisco (from Seattle), right around the middle of July. I'd like to break it up into one or two overnight stays along the way, each way. Any ideas, places not to miss, places to avoid on the way down? Thanks all!

[Max Pesling]

It may seem obvious, but if you've never been to Portland, check it out. It's a great American city. I think there was a very nice blog post here on Tripatini about it. I've only been once, but totally loved it.

Otherwise, I'm sure you'd rather drive along the coast.

[Wendy Capra]

Thanks, Max. I have a friend in Portland, so yes, we're definitely stopping there. And I did read that blog post about the city, it was pretty good! Any other suggestions, folks?

[Tony Humphrey]

Hi...take the coast all of the way....Drive on the beach at Long Beach...walk on Cannon Beach...Air Museum at Tillamook....beaches ...narrow roads.....beaut scenery...fog, rain, sun, spray.......great seafood....stop early for motel bookings unless camping or RVing....return the same way.....or visit Mendocino for a wine or three.....one of the best drives in the world IMO.....

[Nan Devlin]

Have done this trip many times. From Seattle, go to Port Townsend and head south along the Hood Canal. Spend a night in Gig Harbor. Take !-5 to Portland, spend at least a day and night. Then Hwy 26 to Cannon Beach and drive south on Hwy 101. In southern Oregon, take a detour inland to Ashland and Jacksonville, then back to 101 all the way to San Francisco.

Greatest drive ever.