12 Awesome Stops on a San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip in 2026
Here’s the best route for your San Francisco to Seattle road trip. Everything you need to know for the San Francisco to Seattle drive is right here….

While people simply love to drive through the golden coasts of California, along the Pacific Coast Highway, you might be surprised to learn that this is not the most popular route to make a road trip on the West Coast. The title for the best route goes to the San Francisco to Seattle drive – there are some incredible places to stop.
If you’re planning a west coast USA road trip, then add San Fran to Seattle drive to my San Francisco to LA route and you’ll be all the way down the coast. Or, if you don’t have the time / money / inclination, the San Francisco to Seattle drive is stunning in itself.
You’ll see…

– First stop on the San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip: San Fran!
There’s something beautiful about seeing the scenery slowly change and turn greener while you reach colder parts of the USA, and any road trippers who love to be in touch with nature and a little history will get a kick out of this trip.
For those who aren’t looking to hit the Interstate-5 to save time, these nearly 800 miles that separate both cities have some real hidden treasures you can’t miss. So, keep reading to find out the 10 best stops on a San Francisco to Seattle road trip.
Your San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip
I’ll start by listing some of the great things to see on a SF to Seattle road trip, before delving into what to bring on your San Francisco to Seattle road trip, and then answering a few FAQ and itinerary tips. Just want to make sure you have everything you need!
1. San Francisco, California
First stop on your San Francisco to Seattle road trip is of course, the almighty San Francisco. In San Francisco you can go down to Fisherman’s Wharf and see the Pier and the seals, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and head out to Alcatraz. You can book your Alcatraz tickets here to make sure you get in on the day you want.

Union Square, Lombard Street and Chinatown are all great places to hang out before you drive from SFO to Seattle too. You can book a tour to take in the highlights of San Francisco here.
I’d say at least three days to explore San Fran, and to make the most of these San Francisco vegan restaurants
