A road trip from Seattle to the coast takes about three to four hours of driving time to reach the Pacific Ocean. Your exact route depends on which beach you want to see first.
Taking a solo trip to seattle or starting from the city requires some planning. The drive goes through deep forests before it hits the salty air. You will want to cross the waters of Puget Sound. Ferries offer a great break from behind the wheel. The smell of diesel and salty breeze on the deck wakes you up early in the morning.
Traffic in the city can ruin your schedule before you even start. If you leave after 7am on a weekday, you will sit in gridlock. Getting out early is the only way to save your sanity.
Choose Your Coastal Destination
The Washington coast is not one long continuous beach. Olympic National Park blocks the northern path. You must choose between the rocky northern shores and the sandy southern flats.
Which vibe do you want? The north is wild and full of giant driftwood. The south is pancake flat and has drive-on beaches.
The Northern Coast and La Push
This region is famous for its sea stacks and dark sand. The shore is wild. Giant cedar logs line the high tide mark.
- Rialto Beach offers easy access to dramatic rock formations.
- Second Beach requires a short hike through a thick spruce forest.
- Ruby Beach has red crystals in the gray sand.
You will not find boardwalks or cotton candy here. What you will find is cold wind and dramatic fog.
The Southern Coast and Long Beach
This area is much more traditional for a family beach vacation. The sand stretches for twenty-eight miles.
- Drive south on Interstate 5 toward the city of Olympia.
- Turn west onto State Route 6 through the coastal hills.
- Join US Route 101 to enter the Long Beach Peninsula.
The towns here feel like old-school resort spots. You can buy saltwater taffy and rent fun pedal carts.
The Olympic Peninsula Loop Route
The best road trip to seattle coastal loop goes around the entire Olympic Peninsula. This drive takes at least three days to do right.
Can you do it in two days? You can, but you will only see the road. The distance is over three hundred miles of winding two-lane highway.
Start by taking the Bainbridge Island ferry from downtown Seattle. The boat ride takes thirty-five minutes. It gives you a great view of the city skyline as you pull away.
Once on land, head north toward Port Townsend. This town has Victorian homes and good places to grab lunch. The smell of fresh clam chowder and wet wood near the dock is thick here.
From there, follow US Route 101 west. You will pass Lake Crescent. The water is incredibly blue and very deep.
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Seattle -> Bainbridge Ferry -> Port Townsend -> Lake Crescent -> La Push
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Stop at the lake for a quick walk. The trail to Marymere Falls is flat and easy. It takes about forty minutes round trip.
After the lake, the road turns south toward the ocean. You will enter the damp rain forest. The trees get huge here.
Also read: road trip from seattle to yellowstone national park
Essential Gear to Pack
Do not pack like you are going to Southern California. The Pacific Northwest coast is chilly even in August.
The beach isn’t the problem. The wind is. If you wear shorts, you will regret it within ten minutes.
- Windproof jacket with a hood.
- Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip.
- Waterproof dry bag for your camera.
- Extra socks to keep in the car.
- Slip-on sandals for the sandy drives.
You need layers more than swimwear. Honestly, skip the swim trunks unless you wear a thick wetsuit. The water temperature stays in the low fifties all year.
The Southern Route via Astoria
Taking the southern route leads you through historic river towns. This path runs close to the Oregon border.
If you want to see giant cargo ships, this is your route. The Columbia River meets the sea here in a violent clash of water.
First, you drive south through Tacoma to reach Aberdeen. This town was the birthplace of Kurt Cobain. It is a gritty port town with a lot of industrial history.
From Aberdeen, you head south on US Route 101. The highway crosses massive bridges over wide river mouths.
You will reach the Astoria-Megler Bridge. This structure is four miles long and quite steep. It feels like you are driving into the sky.
Once across, you are in Astoria, Oregon. The town sits on a steep hillside. It is full of breweries and old maritime homes.
Where to Eat Along the Way
Finding good food on a road trip to seattle coast run is easy if you stick to seafood. Skip the fast-food chains on the highway.
The local spots look weathered on the outside. Do not let that scare you away. The best oysters are sold from small shacks near the water.
- Hama Hama Oyster Saloon on the Hood Canal.
- Quinault Sweet Grass Deli for smoked salmon.
- Sea Glass Grill at Westhaven State Park.
Order the dungeness crab whenever it is on the menu. It is sweet and fresh. Hard to argue with a hot bowl of chowder on a foggy afternoon.
Driving Tips and Road Safety
Road conditions change fast once you leave the interstate. The coastal highways are mostly two lanes.
Log trucks rule these roads. They move fast and kick up rocks. Keep a safe distance behind them to protect your windshield.
If you see a line of cars behind you, use the pullouts. It is the law in Washington to pull over if you hold up five or more vehicles.
Watch out for deer and elk. The Roosevelt elk in this area are huge. They weigh up to one thousand pounds and do not fear cars.
Hitting one will ruin your trip and your vehicle. Scan the shoulders of the road. This is especially important during dawn and dusk.
Best Time of Year to Go
July through September offers the driest weather. The skies are blue and the roads are clear.
But the summer crowds can be intense. Lodging rates double during these months. You must book your rooms months in advance.
Spring brings wild storms. The waves crash high against the cliffs. It is a dramatic sight if you stay dry inside.
Winter is wet and dark. Many small shops close for the season. If you like solitude, this is the time to go.
Just pack a very good raincoat. You will get wet. That is simply part of the coastal experience.
Finding the Perfect Lodge
Chain hotels are rare once you get past Port Angeles. Local motels and rustic lodges are the norm.
Do you want luxury or rustic charm? You can find both, but you must choose your location wisely.
Kalaloch Lodge sits right on a cliff above the ocean. It has no phones or televisions in the rooms. The sound of the surf keeps you awake or lulls you to sleep.
For more comfort, look at the Seabrook resort community. It is a new town built on the cliffs. It has rental homes and indoor pools.
If you prefer budget options, stay in Forks. Yes, the town from the Twilight movies. It has basic motels and decent diners.
Also read: unique places to stay in seattle cool hotels
State Parks Worth the Stop
The state park system in Washington is fantastic. You need a Discover Pass to park your car at these sites.
You can buy a day pass for $10. An annual pass costs $30.
- Fort Worden for historic military bunkers.
- Cape Disappointment for lighthouses and wild waves.
- Pacific Beach for beach driving.
Buy the pass online before you go. Cell service is spotty at the park entrances. Having the paper pass on your dashboard saves you from a ticket.
The rangers do check. The fine for parking without a pass is $99.
Final Route Decisions
Your final choice time. If you have only one day, drive to Pacific Beach and back.
If you have a long weekend, do the northern loop. The wild beauty of the Olympic Peninsula has no rival.
Gas up your car before you leave the main highway. Prices rise quickly in the remote towns.
Keep some cash in your pocket. Small farm stands along the road do not always take cards. Buying fresh berries from a roadside stand is a highlight of the drive.
Enjoy the dark green forests and the cold gray sea. It is a journey you will want to repeat.
