San Francisco to Seattle Road trip | Campervan Hire

Stop 1. San Francisco

Highlights:

The Golden Gate Bridge: Spanning almost 3.2 km, this bridge is an iconic structure well worth a visit.
The Castro: One of the first gay neighbourhoods in the United States, the Castro is still a symbol of LGBTQ+ activism to this day.
Alcatraz: Located in the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island houses a decommissioned military prison, a lighthouse and a former federal prison.

Where to Park:

Parking in San Francisco: There is plenty of metered parking in San Francisco. Most meters are enforced from 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday. Enforcement applies on Sundays in certain locations. Street parking rates range from US$1 to US$7 per hour, depending on the area.
SFMTA - Union Square Garage: Includes a toilet, lift and security patrols. Prices range from US$4 to US$44.
235 Pine Street Parking Garage Downtown San Francisco: A clean, conveniently located garage. Prices range from US$3.25 to US$35.

Celebrate San Francisco's diversity

Renowned for its grand-dame Victorian houses, its cable cars, a lively waterfront and the sky-scraping Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco rightly earns its reputation as one of the greatest cities in the world.

San Francisco attracts visitors all year round. Here you can sample cutting-edge cuisine, from charming food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants. Catch world-famous symphony, opera, theatre and ballet. Set off on a breathtaking outdoor adventure. Whatever your inclinations, you’ll find plenty to do in this bayside hub.

Stop 2: Mendocino

Highlights:

Russian Gulch State Park: Located just south of Mendocino, this beautiful state park features some amazing forests and waterfalls.
Mendocino Headlands State Park: Spread out in front of Mendocino village, this state park is a must-see for the sea views alone.
Ford House Museum: Part museum and part visitor centre, the Ford House Museum is a great way to get to know the area.

Where to Eat:

Wild Fish ($$): This restaurant features some of the freshest ingredients from both land and sea.
Albion River ($$$): Featuring local organic produce, this restaurant combines great food, wine and service to offer one of the best dining experiences in the area.

Mendocino: the perfect base camp

Situated on the wild, rugged northern coast of California, Mendocino is a small village with a big heart. It sits on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Pacific and makes a great base camp for exploring the beautiful state parks that surround it.

The village is known for its charming bed-and-breakfasts, quaint saltbox houses and brilliant places to eat serving some of the best seafood in the area. Its surroundings are well worth the trip too, with coastal bluffs and towering redwood forests.

Whether you fancy a relaxing stroll through town or a long coastal walk, this little village is sure to win you over.

Stop 3. Portland

Highlights:

Forest Park: One of the country’s largest urban parks, Forest Park covers 5,000 acres and hosts over 70 miles of walking and cycling trails.
Powell’s City of Books: The largest independent and used bookshop in the world, this massive store takes up a whole city block.
Columbia River Gorge: Just an hour from the city sits the Columbia River Gorge, a beautiful natural wilderness that is home to scenic vistas, waterfalls and walking trails.

Where to Park and Stay:

Parking in Portland ($$): There are five city centre SmartPark garages owned by the city with nearly 4,000 public parking spaces. There are also a number of privately owned car parks throughout the city. Prices vary depending on where you park.
200 Southwest Mill Street Garage: Clean and well located. Prices range from $3 to $18.

Get your fill of craft beer in Portland

Portland is a cultural hub where the city meets nature, being weird is celebrated and craft beer is the norm. As Oregon’s largest city, it’s home to world-class museums, independent shops, parks and, yes, breweries. The city’s motto is 'keep Portland weird', which says a lot about its character.

Visitors to Portland love the quirky vibe, the stunning sights and the city’s passion for good food and craft beer. The city is compact and easy to get around, with plenty of public transport on offer. It’s also hugely environmentally conscious, which makes for an impressive mix of natural and urban scenery.

Whether you’re a beer fan or a nature lover, you’ll find something for you in Portland.

Stop 4: Mount Rainier National Park

Highlights:

Paradise: One of the most beautiful areas in the park; during the summer months the ground is blanketed in wildflowers and there are a number of waterfalls to gaze upon.
Narada Falls: Located between Paradise and Longmire on Paradise Valley Road, these falls are not to be missed.
Longmire: What was once the headquarters of the park is now its historic district. It features a museum where you can learn the history of the area.

Where to Park and Stay:

Parking at Paradise, Sunrise, Grove of the Patriarchs ($): Parking at Paradise, Sunrise, Grove of the Patriarchs, and at the trailheads between Longmire and Paradise can be tricky on sunny summer weekends. It’s best to visit these areas on weekdays and arrive early for a spot. Parking is not permitted along the roadside in the park.
Cougar Rock: Located in the southwest section of the park, this spot has some of the best views of the area. Prices start at $20 a night.

Discover the splendour of Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most visited and oldest in the United States. It’s the most prominent peak in the Cascade Range and draws people from all over the world to tackle its hiking trails and see the beauty of its surroundings.

Established in 1899, it dominates the landscape of a huge chunk of western Washington state. The mountain stands at 14,410 feet (4,392 metres), making it several miles (a few kilometres) taller than the lowlands to its west and about 1.5 miles (around 2.4 km) taller than the neighbouring mountains.

Mount Rainier is an active volcano that last erupted about 150 years ago. It draws nearly two million visitors a year, who come to hike, climb mountains, go backpacking and more.

Entry to the park costs US$30 per private vehicle.

Stop 5: Seattle

Highlights:

Pioneer Square: Seattle’s oldest neighbourhood; the area boasts some amazing architecture, bookshops, galleries and cafés.
Space Needle: The most iconic part of the Seattle skyline, this attraction offers panoramic views over the city centre.
Pike Place Market: One of the most visited spots in Seattle, this market isn’t to be missed if you like good food and a bargain.

Where to Park and Stay:

Parking in Seattle: On-street parking ranges from $1 to $4 per hour; you can’t leave your car there for longer than 72 hours. Seattle also has a number of multi-storey car parks. Average rates for off-street parking are $7–$11 per hour.
Pacific Place Garage, Park Seattle: Great prices and a good location. Prices range from $7 to $28.

Meet Seattle's friendly locals

Seattle is a city that nature-lovers and urbanites can both appreciate. With majestic mountains on one side and the sea on the other, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had. Coupled with world-class restaurants, museums and other urban treasures, this city really does have something for everyone.

Visitors to the city enjoy the diverse, friendly locals and the laid-back vibe of the area. The food, art and music scene is one of the best in the US and makes this city a must-see on your Campervan road trip.