Extended Trips
10-Day Pacific Coast RV Road Trip: Seattle to San Francisco
A 10-day itinerary down Highway 101’s coastal heart.
If you’re dreaming of a slower kind of adventure—one that hugs the coast, weaves through fog-kissed forests, and opens to endless ocean views—this 10-day Seattle to San Francisco road trip along Highway 101 delivers. Following the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, you’ll roll through redwoods, windswept beaches, historic harbors, and wildlife-rich rainforests. Whether you’re here for tidepooling and trailheads, sea stacks and sourdough, or simply watching waves roll in from your camping spot, this laid-back RV itinerary guides you from the lush Pacific Northwest to the Golden Gate—one unforgettable stop at a time.
Route: Seattle ➤ Olympic Peninsula ➤ Astoria ➤ Newport ➤ Bandon ➤ Crescent City ➤ Eureka ➤ San Francisco
Distance: Approx. 1,100 miles
Duration: 7-9 Days
Landmarks & Scenic Spots: Kalaloch Beach, Ruby Beach, Astoria Column, Yaquina Head, Cape Perpetua, Face Rock Viewpoint, Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Avenue of the Giants, Golden Gate Bridge
Best Time to Travel: Late May to early October
Tolls & Fees: Mostly toll-free; $9 toll for Golden Gate Bridge (southbound only)
Stop 1: Seattle, WA
Pick up
Your Seattle to San Francisco road trip begins where skyscrapers meet salt air and coffee comes with a skyline. This isn’t just a launchpad—it’s your moment to gather your gear, sip something strong, and ease into the rhythm of the road. Pick up your RV at the Seattle roadsurfer station, then let the city blur behind you as the coast calls forward.
Best for
- Easy pickup
- Stocking up
- Urban start
Things to do
- Seattle waterfront
- Pike Place Market area
- Downtown Seattle
Stop 2: Olympic Peninsula, WA
Our recommendation: 1–2 days
Trade skyline for moss and salt spray. The Olympic Peninsula unfolds in layers—driftwood beaches, ancient forests, and that distinct hush that tells you the world has slowed down. It’s a welcome change of pace along your coastal RV route, and one of the wildest, greenest pockets of the Pacific Northwest.
Best for
- Scenic views
- Short walks
- Photography
Things to do
- Ruby Beach
- Kalaloch Beach
- Quinault Rain Forest
Take US-101 clockwise for wider shoulders and easier pull-offs. Skip Hurricane Ridge Road in large RVs—it’s steep and tight. Around Lake Crescent, take it slow and watch your mirrors—the views are worth the patience.
Stop 3: Astoria, OR
Our recommendation: 1 day
In Astoria, the river breathes with the tides, and every building has a weathered story to tell. This gritty, cinematic harbor town is where the Oregon coast road trip truly begins—fog, cannery bones, and sea lions singing under the docks.
Best for
- Historic harbor town
- River and ocean views
- Walkable stop
Things to do
- Fort Stevens State Park
- Cape Disappointment State Park
- Astoria Riverwalk
- Astoria Column
Stick with US-101 as you head south. The Three Capes Scenic Loop may sound tempting, but closures and narrow roads near Cape Meares make it a poor fit for larger vehicles.
Stop 4: Newport, OR
Our recommendation: 1–2 days
By Newport, the Pacific feels louder—waves slap the jetties, gulls wheel overhead, and fishing boats crowd the harbor. This is the pulse point of the Oregon coast highway, where wild landscapes and working waterfronts blend into something uniquely alive.
Best for
- Coastal viewpoints
- Wildlife watching
- Walkable harbor town
Things to do
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
- Cape Perpetua
- Devils Punchbowl
- Historic Bayfront
Avoid the Otter Crest Loop—it’s one-way, narrow, and not suitable for large rigs. Stick with US-101 for direct access to major scenic spots like Yaquina Head and Devils Punchbowl.
Stop 5: Bandon & Coos Bay, OR
Our recommendation: 1 day
The road softens here. In Bandon, sea stacks rise like sculptures from the sand and the wind seems to shape everything—dunes, sky, and time itself. This is where the coast slows down and spreads out, giving you space to breathe and wander.
Best for
- Dramatic sea stacks
- Open coastal landscapes
- Unhurried exploring
Things to do
- Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
- Shore Acres State Park
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
- Old Town Bandon
This stretch of US-101 is RV-friendly with scenic pullouts and manageable grades. High winds are common—check forecasts and fuel up before leaving Coos Bay, especially if you’re continuing inland.
Stop 6: Crescent City, CA
Our recommendation: 1 day
Crossing into California feels like a threshold. Crescent City marks the moment where the ocean gives way to giants. Redwoods stand like sentinels just beyond the surf, and the forest hush settles in again—quiet, deep, and grounding.
Best for
- Redwood forests
- Quiet coastal scenery
- Wildlife encounters
Things to do
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Enderts Beach Overlook
- Battery Point Lighthouse
- Klamath River Overlook
Avoid Howland Hill Road—it’s unpaved and far too narrow for large vehicles. Take South Fork Road instead to reach Stout Grove, which offers jaw-dropping redwoods and better access for RV travelers.
Stop 7: Eureka, CA
Our recommendation: 1 day
Eureka leans into its history—Victorian homes tilt in the sea breeze, and the harbor stretches toward marshes where boats move slowly through the fog. After days among trees and trails, this stop feels like a soft return to people and place, without letting go of that quiet coastal pace.
Best for
- Historic architecture
- Marshland scenery
- Walkable town stop
Things to do
- Avenue of the Giants
- Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Old Town Eureka
- Carson Mansion
You’re now cruising the Redwood Highway—a scenic, RV-friendly stretch of US-101 with gentle curves and ample turnouts. Stock up here before heading south; gas stations and grocery options thin out quickly in rural Humboldt County.
Stop 8: San Francisco, CA
Our recommendation: 1 day
The city rises fast after miles of forest and fog. San Francisco is all rhythm and drama—hills, bridges, ocean light. After completing your Seattle to San Francisco road trip, the Golden Gate Bridge becomes more than a photo op—it’s the final note of a route that’s been equal parts wild and winding. If you’re not quite ready for your adventure to end, discover the best places to stay in our guide to camping near San Francisco.
Best for
- Iconic city views
- Golden Gate Bridge photography
- Urban exploration
Things to do
- Golden Gate Park
- Crissy Field
- Twin Peaks
- Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39
Drop your RV at the San Francisco roadsurfer station before entering the city. Downtown streets are narrow and steep, and RV parking is extremely limited. Consider using public transit or rideshare to explore once you’ve parked or returned your vehicle.
Travel Tips for Your Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip
- Stick to US-101: It’s the backbone of this route for a reason—scenic, well-maintained, and more RV-friendly than side routes. Avoid Otter Crest Loop and Howland Hill Road, which are too narrow for large vehicles.
- Plan fuel stops ahead: Rural stretches between Coos Bay and Eureka have limited gas stations. Fill up before you need to.
- Dump station etiquette: Use official RV dump sites only—most Oregon State Parks have them. Check the Oregon State Parks RV services map for updated info. Expect to pay around $5–$10 per dump where not included with overnight stays.
- Cell service may drop: Especially near the redwoods and Cape Perpetua. Download offline maps and campsite details in advance.
- Bridge & toll fees: Most of US-101 is toll-free. The Golden Gate Bridge has a $9.75 toll for southbound crossings (into San Francisco), billed via license plate.
- Park entrance fees: Most coastal parks are free, but day-use fees for areas like Cape Perpetua or Yaquina Head range from $5–$7. California redwood parks honor the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) where applicable.
- Follow tide charts: Some beaches (like Ruby and Enderts) are safest and most beautiful at low tide. Use the NOAA tide predictions tool to plan accordingly.
- Watch for wildlife: Seals, elk, and bears are all common along this route. Never feed wild animals, and secure food at night—even in your van.
- Respect quiet zones: Places like Fern Canyon or Headwaters Forest Reserve ask for low voices and light footprints. Stick to marked trails.
- Pack out what you pack in: Especially on coastal trails. Driftwood is pretty; trash is not.
- Layers are your best friend: Fog, sun, and coastal wind can all happen in the same afternoon.
- Headlamps > flashlights: For early beach walks and night arrivals at campgrounds.
- Firewood tip: Buy firewood locally near each stop. It’s illegal to transport wood across most state lines due to invasive pests.
- Download before you go: Podcasts, playlists, maps, and trail info—cell service is spotty in the best places.
- Not sure what to pack? Don’t miss our full RV packing essentials checklist with all the gear you need (and what to leave behind).
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Your Seattle to San Francisco Pacific Coast RV Road Trip Starts Here
From sea stacks and rainforests to redwoods and iconic bridges, this 10-day Highway 101 itinerary delivers the West Coast at its most unforgettable. Rent your RV and explore the coastline—one scenic stop at a time.
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