Pacific Coast Explorer Self Drive Tour
Los Angeles, CA
The wonder of the Pacific Coast awaits you along stretches of road made famous for its unique natural beauty. Drive through lush Northwest forests near the still active Mount St. Helens volcano and into Mt Rainer National Park where pines stretch out in every direction. The unique evergreen coastline of Oregon will inspire long stops and lazy picnics among some of the most picturesque dunes, shapes by wind and time that weave down the Pacific for miles on end. As you enter California, be prepared to amaze at the sheer grandeur of the Redwoods, the tallest trees on earth that cover over 51,000 acres of protected forest. With fairy-tale communities like Mendocino, and Carmel along the way, there will be plenty of reasons to stop and explore shops, picturesque American streets, and cliff side hiking trails. Trade the serene coastal highways for the bustling energy of two of California’s great cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles, with options to visit iconic landmarks such as Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Santa Monica Pier in each city.
Highlights
- Take in the wonder of the Northwest with visits to Mt Rainer National Park, and Mt St Helens, to witness the devastation inflicted on the area in the 1980 eruption of this still active volcano
- Experience the drama of the scenic Oregon coastline, full of panoramic vistas, sleepy seaside towns, and impressive ever-changing dunes on beaches perfect for picnics and photo-ops
- Be dwarfed by the sheer scale of the state-protected American Redwoods in their home, Redwood National Park, as you meander through 40 miles of ruggedly beautiful protected American coastline
- Soak up the rich heritage of Mendocino, a Historic Preservation District on the National Register of Historic Places and known for its superb coastal setting replete with Cliffside trails and beaches
- Take a boat over to the infamous Alcatraz Island, jump on a cable car, tour Fisherman’s Wharf, or get up close and personal with The Golden Gate Bridge as you explore the city of San Francisco
- Fall in love with the fairytale-like museums and cottages, or dip your toes into the sand at Carmel Beach to take in even more natural Pacific Coast beauty along 17-Mile Drive and Carmel Village
- Enjoy the romantic Santa Barbara coastline, explore the iconic Malibu beachfront, or find carnival-like thrills on the Santa Monica Pier as you arrive into the expansive Los Angeles area
- Get behind the scenes with tours of studios such as Universal Studios Hollywood, visit the Walk of Fame, or shop til you drop in Beverly Hills, and maybe bump into some Hollywood stars along the way
- Day 1 - SEATTLE ARRIVAL
- Day 2 - SEATTLE - MT. RAINIER - MT. ST. HELENS - PORTLAND
- Day 3 - PORTLAND - OREGON DUNES - REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK
- Day 4 - REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK - EUREKA
- Day 5 - EUREKA - SAN FRANCISCO
- Day 6 - SAN FRANCISCO
- Day 7 - SAN FRANCISCO - MONTEREY/CARMEL
- Day 8 - MONTEREY/CARMEL - BIG SUR - CENTRAL COAST
- Day 9 - CENTRAL COAST - SANTA BARBARA - MALIBU - SANTA MONICA - LOS ANGELES
- Day 10 - LOS ANGELES
- Day 11 - LOS ANGELES DEPARTURE
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.
Meals Included: RoQuality Inn & Suites Hotel Seattle Center
Property Location With a stay at Quality Inn & Suites Hotel Seattle Center, you'll be centrally located in Seattle, minutes from Museum of Pop Culture and Space Needle. This hotel is close to Nordstrom and Pike Place Market.
Depart Seattle today en route to Mt. Rainier National Park, one of the outstanding scenic wonders of the Northwest. Cross the Columbia River for a stop at Mt. St. Helens that will reveal the devastation created by the 1980 eruption of this active volcano. Continue to Portland in the evening.
Driving Distance: 269 MI / 430 KM
Meals Included: RoQuality Inn Downtown Convention Center
Property Location With a stay at Quality Inn Downtown Convention Center in Portland (Lloyd District), you'll be minutes from Moda Center and close to Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This hotel is within close proximity of Lloyd Center and Wonder Ballroom.
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. May we suggest packing a picnic and pulling off the highway at one of the many trails you will find along the way.
Driving Distance: 350 MI / 560 KM
Meals Included: RoBest Western Plus Northwoods Inn
Property Location With a stay at Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn in Crescent City, you'll be near the airport and minutes from Crescent City Harbor, and close to Ocean World. This hotel is within close proximity of Beachfront Park and B Street Pier.
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.
Driving Distance: 230 MI / 380 KM
Meals Included: RoClarion Hotel By Humboldt Bay
Property Location With a stay at Clarion Hotel By Humboldt Bay in Eureka, you'll be minutes from Blue Ox Millworks and close to Carson Mansion. This motel is within close proximity of Morris Graves Museum of Art and Clarke Historical Museum.
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. There will be time to explore the city this evening.
Driving Distance: 170 MI / 280 KM
Meals Included: RoAmericania Hotel
From its mid-century modern design to its playful spirit and amusing décor, the Americania Hotel is a San Francisco hotel that dares to be different. Decked out in retro-style furnishings and bold yet simple colors, each of our 143 guest rooms offers a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter, chain hotel rooms.Our central location – in the heart of downtown San Francisco’s SoMa district – brings the best of the city to your doorstep – from Union Square, the Moscone Convention Center and the world-famous Cable Cars. Within the hotel, a tranquil garden courtyard and the heated swimming pool create an atmosphere brimming with warmth and relaxation.If work is on the agenda, our Wi-Fi and business center access ensure that you’ll stay connected throughout your visit.
Enjoy a wonderful day touring the city. See places like Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can take a short boat trip to tour infamous Alcatraz Island
Meals Included: RoAmericania Hotel
From its mid-century modern design to its playful spirit and amusing décor, the Americania Hotel is a San Francisco hotel that dares to be different. Decked out in retro-style furnishings and bold yet simple colors, each of our 143 guest rooms offers a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter, chain hotel rooms.Our central location – in the heart of downtown San Francisco’s SoMa district – brings the best of the city to your doorstep – from Union Square, the Moscone Convention Center and the world-famous Cable Cars. Within the hotel, a tranquil garden courtyard and the heated swimming pool create an atmosphere brimming with warmth and relaxation.If work is on the agenda, our Wi-Fi and business center access ensure that you’ll stay connected throughout your visit.
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.
Driving Distance: 124 MI / 200 KM
Meals Included: RoRodeway Inn Monterey
Property Location A stay at Rodeway Inn Monterey places you in the heart of Monterey, minutes from Monterey County Fairgrounds and close to Fisherman's Wharf. This motel is within close proximity of Monterey Pines Golf Course and Naval Postgraduate School.
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.
Driving Distance: 240 MI / 390 KM
Meals Included: RoCourtesy Inn San Simeon
With a stay at Courtesy Inn San Simeon in San Simeon, you'll be near the beach and close to San Simeon State Park and William Randolph Hearst State Park. This motel is within close proximity of Leffingwell Landing and William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach.
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.
Driving Distance: 234 MI / 376 KM
Meals Included: RoDoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles
Property Location With a stay at DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, you'll be near the beach and minutes from Cabrillo Beach and SS Lane Victory. This hotel is within close proximity of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Fort MacArthur Museum.
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.
Meals Included: RoDoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles
Property Location With a stay at DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, you'll be near the beach and minutes from Cabrillo Beach and SS Lane Victory. This hotel is within close proximity of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Fort MacArthur Museum.
Return your car to the airport before your departure flight.
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