SF to Vancouver – The Ultimate West Coast Road Trip

Day 1: San Francisco, CA to Mendocino, CA (3 h 30m)

Mendocino is a quaint, slow living coastal town is known for its dramatic cliffs, Victorian architecture, and lush gardens. The views of the coast are breathtaking and the sunsets were magnificent.

Attraction Highlights:

• Mendocino Headlands State Park: Explore the rugged coastline with its dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and entrance is free.
• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens: Wander through 47 acres of diverse plant life, including a stunning collection of rhododendrons. The gardens are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with an admission fee of $15 for adults and $5 for children.

Where to Eat:

• Little River Inn: Has an amazing view from the bar, and tented outdoor area. Very accommodating for children, and the service was excellent. We ordered a Thai style fish main course and we were pleasantly surprised at how good it was, demonstrating the range of the chef.
• Café Beaujolais: Known for its seasonal, farm-to-table menu. Has outdoor seating under string lights.
• Trillium Café: For fresh seafood and local wines in a casual setting.

Tip: The restaurants in Mendocino proper can get very busy, so put your name down early, or try driving along the coast just north or south of Mendocino. The restaurants are just as good, and many have great views.

Where to Stay:

• Mendo Bungalow

This is a newly renovated property with modern finishes in a secluded woody area, set back from the coast with some views of the ocean. We loved the free s’mores packages from the front desk, which were enjoyed underneath the string lights near the campfire.

• Mendocino Grove

When I pluck up the courage to glamp (use a shared bathroom) with young kids, I’d love to try this glamping resort next time. They have a family tent and regular live music and dinner events.

• Little River Inn

This entire property is at the coast, so most rooms and even the bar at the restaurant enjoy the most fantastic view. There is even a golf course for the golfers out there, or the dads who don’t mind waking up at the crack of dawn to fit in a round before brunch.

Day 2: Mendocino, CA to Crescent City, CA (3h 45m)

Continue your journey north to Crescent City, the gateway to the majestic redwoods. This drive takes you through some of California’s most scenic coastal areas. This is one of my favorite stops on the SF to Vancouver road trip.

Attraction Highlights:

• Redwoods Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo

This accessible elevated walkway was a great way to experience the redwoods! Part of the walkway is even stroller friendly. We spent the rest of the day at the Zoo. Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children.

• Fern Canyon

You need a permit to access the closest parking lot for this between May and September. It looks like a unique hiking experience, where water shoes are recommended. There may be fallen trees so some agility may be required.

• Trillium Falls

This is an easy to access yet impressive short hike that is named after the flowers that grow around this waterfall.

• Trees of Mystery

If you would like more time admiring the redwoods, this classic roadside attraction featuring whimsical sculptures is a great choice. Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children.

Where to Eat:

• Kin Khao Thai Eatery: This place was busy, and the food was decent. It’s harder to find food that’s not pizza, burgers, or wings when you are on the road, so it’s nice to try a different cuisine.
• Chart Room Restaurant: For seafood with harbor views
• SeaQuake Brewing: Offers craft beers and a menu of pub classics in a large loft.

Where to Stay:

• Arky’s B&B

Really cute and well kept property with a sea view. The grounds lead up to a river, and they also have a mini golf course and helipad. The unique thing about this property is that it is run by a Chinese immigrant family who love to cook, so they have a distinctive breakfast menu.

• Howonquet Lodge

A decent, highly rated and affordable option which is located slightly north of Crescent city. Reminds me of a Great wolf lodge!

• Coastal Getaway Entire Home

Since there is a lack of “luxury” hotels in Crescent City, a good option is to rent an entire home, which often have more space and beds, and have more amenities for young families.

• Oceanview Inn

For a decent budget option, the Oceanview Inn motel is one of the most highly rated motels in the area.

Day 3: Crescent City, CA to Bandon, OR (2h 45m)

Head into Oregon as you make your way to Bandon, a town known for its beautiful beaches and artistic community.

Attraction Highlights:

• Samuel H. Boardman State Park: There are viewpoints along the 12 miles of rugged coastline, such as Whaleshead viewpoint and the famous Natural Bridges viewpoint. The Natural Bridges trail is very manageable with little to no elevation and only about 0.5 miles.
• Prehistoric Gardens: A cute roadside park with “realistic” statues of dinosaurs set within lush forest. My kids had a fun time at this one, “discovering” each new dinosaur along the path.
• Valley Flora Farm: During the summer months, you can pick strawberries on Wednesdays and Saturdays from the morning until the early afternoon when all the strawberries have been picked.

Where to Eat:

• First Chapter Coffee House: In between Crescent City and Bandon, grab a coffee and a sandwich before heading to Prehistoric Gardens
• Angelo’s Italy: cute family owned Italian restaurant with live music – great intimate atmosphere! Once you sit down, they serve you some lovely bread with olive oil, balsamic, and tomato paste.
• Pablo’s Corner: If you are are into steak and empanadas and overall organic fare, this place is very highly rated.
• Tony’s Crab Shack: Classic beachside dinner style shack.

Where to Stay:

• Bandon Inn

This Inn feels fancy but is budget friendly! I chose this for the harbor view, and it did not disappoint. There are free hot drinks all day by the front desk, free cookies at 6pm daily, and the breakfast to-go was a nice touch.

• b.side Motel

I love a themed hotel, it makes the trip more exciting than staying at another hotel that looks the same. This Motel is affordable and each room has a different decor theme.

• The Itty Bitty Inn

This budget hotel was once rated the best budget hotel in the US. Each room has a different theme, such as Tiki lounge, Star Trek, and the 70’s. It’s actually located slightly north of Bandon, in Coos Bay.

Day 4: Bandon, OR to Lincoln City, OR (2h 30m)

Continue up the Oregon coast to Lincoln City, a town famous for its sandy beaches and outdoor activities. This is an action-packed day! I didn’t know Lincoln City had a 7 mile beach! Easily one of the coolest places in the SF to Vancouver road trip.

Attraction Highlights:

• Dean Creek Elk Viewing: A quick stop to see some Roosevelt elk, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Oregon Dunes National Forest: The largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Activities include hiking, sandboarding, and ATV tours.
• Sea Lion Caves: Grab some popcorn at the gift shop before heading to the elevators for the caves via a series of walkways and stairs. The walkways are outdoors, so you get to enjoy a panoramic view of the coast, including the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Once in the caves, there are several “windows” to view the seals inside and outside of the cave, as well as some statues and exhibits.
• Heceta Head Lighthouse: There is a short trail around this lighthouse, but this is optional if you already saw enough of the lighthouse from the Sea Lion Caves.
• Thor’s Well: Dramatic when the tide is high! It’s also a nice walk on the beach.
• Cape Perpetua Visitor Center: Stop by for panoramic views and a seat.
• Beach and Tide Pools: Lincoln City boasts 7 miles of sandy beach, perfect for a relaxing stroll, beachcombing, or kite flying. Low tide during the summer is in the afternoon, perfect for that post-nap activity.

Where to Eat:

• Luna Sea Fish House: Lunch here after Thor’s Well for the freshest seafood! Service is friendly, and you can sit indoors or outdoors. We were very impressed by the scallops in the seafood platter.
• South Beach Fish Market: Open 7 to 7, this is an alternative seafood shack for lunch or early dinner in Lincoln City.
• Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill: We couldn’t get a reservation here, so book in advance if you want to eat here.
• Fathoms Penthouse Restaurant: This restaurant is at the Inn at Spanish Head Resort. I was able to get a table here last minute, and it did not disappoint! The lobster mac and cheese was delicious, as was every dish we had there. The best thing about this “hidden gem” is that you get panoramic sea views.

Where to Stay:

• The Coho Oceanfront Lodge

This oceanfront lodge has spectacular views of the ocean from the rooms, and some even have their own fireplaces. Amenities include a sauna, hot tub, gym and multiple outdoor ocean view fire pits.

• Looking Glass Inn

This hotel also has ocean views, and is well kept and clean.

• Anchor Inn Resort

Another great themed budget hotel. This one is nautical themed and the interiors look like the inside of a boat. There is a fun kid’s area with whale and shark statues.

Day 5: Lincoln City, OR to Portland, OR (2h 10m)

Continue slightly inland to Portland, passing through Tillamook, the famous place where Tillamook cheese comes from. We head inland at this point because it makes more sense from a logistical perspective, due to the roads that lead to Seattle.

Attraction Highlights:

• Beach and Tide Pools: If you didn’t get a chance the day before to explore the beautiful beach in Lincoln City, grab a coffee from Perk 101 or Left Coast Coffee and head down to enjoy the beach.
• Tillamook Creamery Tour and Meal: Stop in Tillamook for a tour of the creamery and enjoy some of their famous cheese and ice cream. They also have a full restaurant featuring cheese themed dishes, so it’s a good place to go for lunch. Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, and the tour is free.

Where to Eat:

• Langbaan: This is the best restaurant in the US, according to the James Beard foundation. I wasn’t able to get a reservation, but if I could, I would not have missed this 5-course Thai tasting menu experience!
• ZAAP: Another highly rated Thai restaurant, but this one is more casual and affordable.
• Olympia Provisions: Serves top notch charcuterie board, tapas, and other European fare

Where to Stay:

Stay at the Sentinel Hotel for luxury and historic charm, or opt for the Jupiter Hotel for a hip, modern vibe.

• The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel

A 5-star luxury hotel that has a funky, colorful vibe and a rooftop restaurant with view over Portland.

• Sentinel Hotel

Another 5-star luxury hotel with historic charm and more classic decor.

• The Hi-Lo, Autograph Collection

A simple, modern 4-star hotel. Rooms are on the small side, so you could opt for a suite for more space.

• The Benson Portland

This 4-star hotel has a grand lobby, and its rooms are minimalist, clean and modern. Reminds me of The Edition Hotels.

Day 6: Portland, OR to Seattle, WA (2h 55m)

Attraction Highlights:

• Pike Place Market: This market is actually HUGE. It encompasses a multi-level building, as well as a large outdoor area that is densely populated with lively vendors. We picked up Chinese buns, fresh donuts, Italian wafer biscuits, and watch the famous fish throwing! The market is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
• Seattle Aquarium: Located on the waterfront, near the market, the aquarium showcases the marine life of the Pacific Northwest. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children.

Where to Eat:

• Din Tai Fung: This chain is always packed no matter where you go. The Kirkland location is large and grand, service is excellent, and food is unfailingly delicious.
• Hong Kong Bistro: Another great option for dim sum and Chinese fare. This place is popular, so put your name down early
• The Pink Door: a cute and charming Italian spot with a view
• Pike Place Chowder: There are multiple locations, including at Pike Place Market

Where to Stay:

The Thompson Seattle offers chic accommodations with stunning views of Puget Sound, while the Hotel Andra provides a boutique experience in the heart of downtown.

• Fairmont Olympic Hotel

A 5-star hotel for which you can usually get discounts if you book with hotels.com, and use Rakuten.

• The Maxwell Hotel

This 3.5 star hotel has interesting decor that kids will be drawn to, and a tropical themed indoor pool.

• The Paramount Hotel

An affordable yet sleek option.

Day 7: Seattle, WA to Vancouver, BC (2h 30m)

Grab a coffee literally anywhere in Seattle, and head north for Vancouver!

Attraction Highlights:

• Granville Island Public Market: A must-visit for foodies, this market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a variety of food vendors. Open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.
• Vancouver Aquarium: Located in Stanley Park, this aquarium is home to over 50,000 animals. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, tickets are $42 for adults and $27 for children.
• Stanley Park and Seawall: Explore one of Vancouver’s most beloved parks. The seawall is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, offering stunning views of the city and mountains.

Where to Eat:

• Sing Sing Main St.: This hipster casual restaurant serves excellent Vietnamese fare.
• Nightingale: Fancy modern Canadian fare (food is Italian leaning).
• Banana Leaf on Davie: We don’t have Malaysian food enough, and this is a great spot for authentic Malaysian fare.

Where to Stay:

• AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel

We treated ourselves to a suite in this luxury hotel at this point in the trip. It was easily our favorite stay, and the kids loved running back and forth from the sitting room to the master bedroom. With Hotels.com, you get VIP access and 2 free cocktails.

• Fairmont Waterfront Hotel

Luxury hotels are more affordable in Canada, so you can get a good deal on 5-star hotels like the Fairmont Waterfront which comes with great views.

• Residence Inn by Marriott

For a more affordable option without compromising on space, the Residence Inn by Marriott is always a good choice.

Day 8: Exploring Vancouver, BC

Attraction Highlights:

• Capilano Suspension Bridge: Walk across this iconic bridge that stretches 450 feet across a deep canyon. the bridge is within a larger park with totem poles, and a great little restaurant at the end with a kid’s activity table. Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, admission is $60 for adults and $37 for children (ages 6-12).
• Lonsdale Quay Market: This market in North Vancouver offers a variety of shops, food vendors, and stunning views of the Vancouver skyline. Open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.
• Maplewood Farm: Perfect for families, this farm allows kids to interact with a variety of animals. Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children.
• Grouse Mountain Gondola: Take a ride up Grouse Mountain for breathtaking views of Vancouver. The gondola operates daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, with tickets priced at $65 for adults and $30 for children.

Where to Eat:

For a fine dining experience, head to Blue Water Cafe, known for its fresh seafood and exceptional service. For something more casual, Cactus Club Cafe offers a wide-ranging menu with something for everyone.

• Miku: For fancy sushi with a view.
• Cactus Club Cafe: Has an extensive menu and outdoor seating right on the harbor.
• Blue Water Cafe: Has outdoor option with seafood and sushi towers.

Day 9: Vancouver, BC to Seattle, WA (2h 30m)

Attraction Highlights:

• Space Needle: This iconic landmark offers 360-degree views of the city, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains. Open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM, tickets are $35 for adults and $26 for children (ages 5-12).
• Chihuly Garden and Glass: Located at the base of the Space Needle, this exhibit showcases the stunning glass art of Dale Chihuly. Open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM, with tickets priced at $32 for adults and $19 for children (ages 5-12).

Where to Eat:

• Canlis: Renowned for its Pacific Northwest cuisine and stunning views.
• Serious Pie: For some of Seattle’s best pizza.
• Zarak by Afghan Kitchen: Refined Afghan fare.

Where to Stay:

• Fairmont Olympic Hotel

A 5-star hotel for which you can usually get discounts if you book with hotels.com, and use Rakuten.

• The Maxwell Hotel

This 3.5 star hotel has interesting decor that kids will be drawn to, and a tropical themed indoor pool.

• The Paramount Hotel

An affordable yet sleek option.

Day 10: Seattle, WA to Salem, OR (4h 45m)

This will be one of the longest drives except for the drive home to San Francisco. Have brunch in Seattle and drive through nap time. You will get to Silver Falls in time to see at least South Falls within the park. That was enough walking for my kids!

Attraction Highlight:

• Silver Falls State Park: Known for its stunning waterfalls, including the famous South Falls, where you can walk behind the cascade. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and there’s a $5 day-use fee. The Trail of Ten Falls is a popular 7.2-mile loop that takes you past ten waterfalls.

Where to Eat:

For dinner, check out Word of Mouth Bistro, a local favorite known for comfort food, or The Kitchen on Court Street for a more upscale, farm-to-table experience.

• Wild Pear: Asian inspired American fare in a cute building.
• The Cozy Taberna: Spanish restaurant where everything looks amazing.
• The Easy Otter: Casual southern comfort food.

Where to Stay:

Stay at the Grand Hotel in Salem, offering centrally located and comfortable accommodations, or consider the Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn for a more budget-friendly option.

• The Holman Riverfront Park Hotel

We got the suite here and it was perfect. It was exactly how it was pictured in photos, and we had more than enough space to relax. This is also a Hilton Hotel.

• Home2 Suites by Hilton Salem

A clean, simple and modern option that is also spacious.

• The Grand Hotel Salem

A great alternative that had more dated decor, but still highly rated.

Day 11: Salem, OR to Bend, OR (1h 15m)

Attraction Highlight:

• Tubing down the Deschutes River: If you rent tubes from one of the rental companies such as Tumalo Creek, they have detailed maps and helpful guides who can help you figure out where to park and float, where to put in the tube and take out the tube, and where to wait for the shuttles. The river is relatively slow and the standard stretch takes about 2-3 hours in total. This was my favorite activity during the whole trip, and we were lucky that the tubing infrastructure in Bend is so good! The shuttle service from the Park and Float even have a trailer to carry your inflated tube, and a person dedicated to loading it. Tumalo Creek rentals are open from 10am-4:30pm.
• SHARC (Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center): This family-friendly facility features indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and a lazy river. Open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, with admission prices of $25 for adults and $20 for children (ages 4-12).

Where to Eat:

• Prost!: Casual gastro-pub with outdoor seating that serves German fare.
• Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails: Known for its Southern-inspired dishes, located downtown with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Dear Irene: A beautiful and elevated restaurant that prides itself on it’s distinctive menu.

Where to Stay:

• Wall Street Suites

A cabin style bungalow where every room is a suite with kitchenette. A pretty new and modern property.

• Campfire Hotel

I would have stayed here if I hadn’t made the bad choice to stay elsewhere. This pool would have been perfect for my kids, and the rooms look cute and modern, and they even have 2 restaurants. It’s also very affordable – great value!

• Element Bend

This hotel is super new, clean, modern and minimalist, and some rooms have a river view.

Day 12: Bend, OR to Crater Lake, OR (2h 15m)

Travel to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, known for its stunning blue waters.

Attraction Highlight:

• SHARC (Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center): If you spent yesterday tubing down the Deschutes River, you may want to spend some time at this cool aquatic park before heading to Crater Lake National Park, depending on how much you want to hike there.
• Crater Lake National Park: Open year-round, although some roads may be closed during winter due to snow. The Rim Drive offers breathtaking views, and several hiking trails are available. Park entrance is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Consider taking a boat tour to Wizard Island for a unique perspective of the lake.

Where to Eat:

• Ponderosa Public House: Very highly rated restaurant on the way to Crater Lake famous for their reubens, french dip, and other diner food.
• Diamond Lake Resort Restaurant: A little bit of a detour, but a wonderful place to grab a burger while enjoying spectacular lake views.
• Lucero’s: Highly rated Mexican joint famed for their tacos and quesabirrias.
• The Falls Taphouse: Casual beer garden setting with a rooftop from which you can watch the sunset.

Where to Stay:

There are many campground around Crater Lake, however, for more comfort and proper hotels, drive 45 mins south to Klamath, which is a bigger town.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Klamath Falls

Highly rated, clean, new, modern. Some rooms have river views and there is a large indoor pool.

• Holiday Inn Express Klamath

Slightly more dated but still highly rated, clean and simple.

• Best Western Plus Olympic Inn

Again, slightly more dated but still decently rated option.

Day 13: Crater Lake, OR to Dunsmuir, CA (2h 50m)

Attraction Highlights:

• Mt. Shasta: This iconic mountain offers opportunities for hiking, skiing, and climbing. The Bunny Flat trailhead provides stunning views of the mountain.
• Lake Siskiyou: Ideal for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, with a scenic trail that circles the lake offering great views of Mt. Shasta. We spent an entire afternoon here just playing on the beach.
• McCloud Falls: Located just outside of Dunsmuir, these three waterfalls are accessible via a short hike along the McCloud River.

Where to Eat:

For dinner, visit Yaks on the 5, a quirky restaurant known for its burgers and craft beer, or Cornerstone Café for a cozy meal with a variety of sandwiches and salads.

Where to Stay:

• The Angler Lodge

This motel was recently acquire by new owners and updated with a common lodge theme throughout. It is completely contactless, with the front office converted to a library that guests can access at any time. The best thing about this place are the suites with an extra room with kid’s beds.

• Mossbrae Hotel

A cottage style hotel in Dunsmuir.

• Inn at Mount Shasta

Another affordable motel option with suites, but this one is in Mount Shasta. Interior is modern and clean.

• The Inn at Shasta Lake

Really cute mountain hotel with a treehouse you can book, and outdoor dining.

Day 14: Dunsmuir, CA to San Francisco, CA (4h 30m)

On your final day, make the journey back to San Francisco, completing your epic Pacific Northwest road trip.

Where to Eat:

On your way back, consider stopping in Redding, CA, for lunch at The Sundial Café or Moonstone Bistro for a relaxing meal.