San Diego to Seattle | Aug 15–20, 2025 | 1,150 miles

A five-day ride up the Pacific Coast is is a full immersion into some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery in North America and this ride is an easy paced journey that gives you time to take it all in.

From sun-drenched San Diego to the misty skylines of Seattle, this coastal ride takes in the best of Highway 1 and US-101. Expect twisty roads, rugged shorelines, charming cafés, and unforgettable scenery. Whether you're chasing curves, craving fresh seafood, or hunting that perfect sunset shot—this ride has it all.

Day 1: San Diego to Santa Barbara – 220 miles

Start your journey with a sunrise breakfast at Cafe 21, where locally sourced dishes fuel your day. Trace the coast through La Jolla, Laguna Beach, and Malibu, stopping to dip your toes in the Pacific at Malibu Beach. Lunch at The Lobster offers oceanfront views and fresh seafood before you ride north to Santa Barbara. Explore the historic Santa Barbara Mission, then dine at The Lark and unwind at Lavender Inn by the Sea.

Santa Barbara is the gateway to California’s Central Coast, often called the “American Riviera” for its Mediterranean climate and Spanish-style architecture. The city was founded as a mission in 1786 and still blends heritage with laid-back coastal living. Walkable streets, art galleries, and ocean air make it an ideal first night stop.

Day 2: Santa Barbara to Big Sur – 160 miles

Kick off with breakfast at Jeannine’s Bakery, then head north along Highway 1, passing Morro Bay, San Simeon, and Cambria. Take time to tour the legendary Hearst Castle, then ride into the coastal cliffs of Big Sur. Lunch with a view at Nepenthe, followed by a hike at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Finish the day with riverside dining at Big Sur River Inn and settle in at Big Sur Lodge for a rustic night among the redwoods.

Big Sur is where the mountains meet the ocean in dramatic fashion. Long considered sacred by Indigenous peoples and artists alike, its rugged cliffs and sea mist create a sense of otherworldly solitude. There are no cities here—just wilderness, winding roads, and the roar of the Pacific.

Day 3: Big Sur to Mendocino – 200 miles

Begin with a cozy breakfast at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, then ride north through Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Half Moon Bay. Giant redwoods give way to windswept cliffs as you reach Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, where colorful sea glass covers the shore. Grab a slice at Piaci Pub & Pizzeria, then ride the final stretch into Mendocino. Hike the Mendocino Headlands, enjoy dinner at Cafe Beaujolais, and stay overnight at the Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites.

Mendocino is a coastal village with Victorian roots and a free-spirited soul. Originally a logging town, it’s now an artsy haven with dramatic bluffs, hidden coves, and a persistent sea breeze. Its preserved charm and cinematic beauty have made it a frequent stand-in for New England in film and TV.

Day 4: Mendocino to Crescent City – 220 miles

After a fresh breakfast at Goodlife Cafe & Bakery, head north through towering redwoods on the Redwood Highway via Leggett, Arcata, and Orick. Stop in Humboldt Redwoods State Park for a walk beneath ancient giants. Lunch at Trinidad Bay Eatery overlooks the waves, and a final push takes you into the Smith River National Recreation Area. End the day with craft beer and dinner at SeaQuake Brewing, then sleep oceanside at the Crescent Beach Motel.

Crescent City is the northernmost coastal town in California, known for its lighthouses, fishing heritage, and proximity to both the Pacific Ocean and Redwood National Park. It’s a quieter, rugged stop, where fog often rolls in fast and seals bark in the surf just offshore.

Day 5: Crescent City to Seattle – 350 miles

Fuel up with Mexican comfort food at Perlita’s, then hit the road north through Grants Pass, Eugene, and Olympia. Take a side trip to see the still-active Mount St. Helens, then enjoy lunch at Falling Sky Brewing House in Eugene. Roll into Seattle for one last view—this time from the top of the Space Needle. Cap it all off with a celebratory dinner at The Pink Door, then rest up at Hotel Max downtown.

Seattle is a city of contrasts—tech and timber, espresso and evergreen, modern towers and historic markets. Born from the Klondike Gold Rush, it’s now a cultural and culinary capital of the Pacific Northwest. From the Space Needle to Puget Sound, it’s a fitting end to a journey defined by coastal beauty.

🛠 Ride Tips for the Pacific Coast

1. Coastal winds near Big Sur demand extra caution—keep a firm grip on the bars.
2. Pack layers; mornings can be foggy and cool, even in August.
3. Watch for traffic in LA and SF—early starts help beat the crowds.
4. Check tire pressure daily, especially before riding twisty sections.
5. Plan fuel stops carefully—gas stations are sparse in Big Sur and the Redwoods.

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