Should you choose to road trip the Pacific Coast along Oregon and Washington, prepare to encounter historic seaside resorts, traditional fishing villages, and more natural wonders than you can handle. The Pacific Coast is a world unto itself. This was the end of Lewis and Clark's westward journey and even today holds some secrets for travelers that are just waiting to be discovered. You'll drive down windy roads, along seaside cliffs, past hidden beach coves, through lush valleys with waterfalls, and into towering, old-growth forests.
And, of course, there's loads to see and do in Seattle. From Pike Place Market to the Space Needle, spend some time exploring as much of this offbeat city as you can.
If you only get one meal in Seattle, make it at Skillet Diner. Open for every meal (and you'll probably come back more than once) you can get pork belly on waffles, chilaquiles, grilled cheese sammies, and tons more.
Next up: Seattle! Check into the Ace Hotel for a taste of the local flavor. It's the original Ace Hotel in this chic chain. A historic building with lofted ceilings and original hardwood floors, the decor is spot on...and they serve local favorite Stumptown coffee in the mornings.
Before finishing up your Pacific Coast road trip in Seattle, make a detour to Vashon, and see the Bicycle Swallowed by a Tree. This is the kind of thing that you have to see to believe... but it's totally real. There are tons of stories as to how this little red bike wound up in the tree, but either way, stop and take some pictures.
While in Tacoma, enjoy a break at Boathouse 19. Sit on the deck for nice views of the water, and enjoy some classic cocktails, milkshakes, and grub.
Pizza, beer, and arcade games...what else do you need? Tacoma's Dorky's Bar Arcade offers a huge selection of old and new games, and tasty pizza to soak up the booze. It's only 21+ after 9PM, so bring kids in the afternoon!
While in Olympia visit the State Capitol Museum. You don't have to be from Washington to appreciate the beauty of the capitol's stately, majestic architecture and views of scenic Olympia. A tour of the building is a great way to spend an hour or two.
Because the Pacific Northwest is famous for its stunning old-growth forests, you should definitely take advantage of some overnight glamping in the woods at Pampered Wilderness. The pre-set up tents are furnished with awesome themes, heaters, and memory foam mattresses, and even though the bathrooms are in a different building, it just adds to the camping charm.
Although barbecue isn't the first cuisine you think of when you're in the Pacific Northwest, give Ranch House BBQ a try in Olympia. They serve up some mighty tasty brisket, pulled pork, and great sides. Besides, it's nice to get a break from all of that seafood.
When you're ready for more seafood, visit Brady's Oysters in Aberdeen. This is a local oyster farm where they raise oysters themselves out of the mud: that means a tastier oyster. You can also tour the farm and the little gift shop.
Next, head to the Westport Maritime Museum and Grays Harbor Lighthouse. This local museum, in a historic Coast Guard building, is definitely worth a visit. There are exhibits on knot-tying, marine life, the science and history of the coast, beachcombing (super helpful for your next stroll along the shore) and, of course, the lighthouse itself.
Also in Long Beach is the World's Longest Drivable Beach. This is where famed 19th century explorers Lewis and Clark ended their epic cross-country journey, but you've still got a little further to go. Either way, this long stretch of sandy shore is a great place to take a break. If you're lucky, you can catch the Kite Festival, the Sandcastle competition, or one of the other events that happen on the beach.
Once you get to Long Beach, Washington, take a break and relax with a drive-in movie at Corral Drive In. Here you can catch a double feature while enjoying a slice of pepperoni pizza with extra cheese from their onsite restaurant!
The Oregon Film Museum is a must-visit in Astoria. It's actually an historic jail that's been turned into a little museum dedicated to movies filmed in the state... including "The Goonies", which featured the building in the movie. :)
After the beach, check into the Hotel Elliot in Astoria. This adorable boutique hotel is the definition of Oregon luxury. You can walk to most places in the amazing town of Astoria from the hotel, and then come back to enjoy a nightcap on the rooftop bar, before drifting off to sleep in their amazingly comfy beds.
If you were a fan of the 1980's childhood classic film "The Goonies," then you definitely need to stop at Cannon Beach to visit this iconic movie filming location. Even if you haven't seen the movie, it's one of Oregon's most spectacular beaches, with peaceful waves and mysterious rock formations.
Oregonians also love their cheese. Specifically, Tillamook cheddar cheese. The adorable Tillamook Cheese Factory tour lets you experience the process of how their beloved cheeses are made. You can also sample some of their most popular offerings, too!
Plan to pull over at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint in Oceanside, OR, for one heck of a view. Hiking trails, an 1890's lighthouse, birdwatching, and old-growth forests add to the coastal beauty here, and make it an essential Pacific Coast road trip stop.
If there's one thing people in Oregon love more than fresh seafood, it's craft beer. At McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub in Lincoln City you can enjoy your beer and food in a historic lighthouse-turned brewpub. It doesn't get more Oregon than that!
Next up is the Whale, Sea Life and Sharks Museum at Depoe Bay. This local museum focuses on whales and sharks, aka the ocean's coolest creatures. You can also arrange a whale-watching tour here, and pick up some saltwater taffy for the road.
Best time to visit: Since summer is the high tourist season, September, after Labor Day, is ideal. The weather is still beautiful from September through October and you can avoid the crowds, since most people are back to work and kids are back in school. However, since the crowds are slightly diminished during fall, lots of older RVers choose fall weekends for road trips along this route. Springtime is a bit unreliable in regards to the weather, and can be quite rainy-- this part of the country is known for its grey skies. If you visit between November and June you might get a glimpse of the gray whales on their annual migration.
