Olympia, Wa to Palm Desert drive

Question

We always stay in the desert for February. This trip we decided to drive for the first time. My husband would like to do it in two days.

How do other Washington folks break it up and where do you like to stay? I’m thinking we should go further than Redding the first day but would love to hear how others do it.

Answer

Driving from Olympia, WA to Palm Desert, CA in two days is ambitious but doable if you plan for long driving stretches. The total distance is around 1,200–1,250 miles depending on your route, which typically takes about 19–21 hours of driving without stops. Most Washington travelers who split it into two days aim for roughly 10–11 hours of driving each day.

Here’s how many folks break up the drive and some suggested stopping points:

Day 1: Olympia → Northern California (past Redding or near Chico). Leaving early in the morning, you can drive south on I-5, passing through Portland, Eugene, and Sacramento. Many travelers prefer to push past Redding to reduce the next day’s driving. Consider stopping near Corning, Red Bluff, or Chico. This puts you roughly 550–600 miles on the first day, which is long but manageable if you rotate drivers and take regular breaks.
Day 2: Northern California → Palm Desert. Continuing south on I-5, you’ll pass Sacramento, Stockton, and Bakersfield, then take CA-58 east toward Barstow and eventually I-10 into the Coachella Valley. This leg is slightly longer, around 650–700 miles, but starting early and staying alert will make it doable.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, some travelers break the trip into three days, staying overnight in Redding or Chico, then in Bakersfield or near Barstow. This reduces daily driving to 6–8 hours and can be more comfortable, especially in winter when daylight is shorter.

Additional tips from Washington travelers:

Leave early in the morning to maximize daylight.
Use rest stops every 2–3 hours for stretching and meals.
Fuel up frequently, especially in remote areas of Northern California and the Central Valley.
Consider booking hotels ahead of time in Northern California to secure a comfortable overnight stay.
Check the weather—winter conditions in the northern mountains may affect driving, although February is generally fine on I-5.

Popular hotel choices for Day 1 include chain hotels in Redding, Red Bluff, or Chico such as Holiday Inn, Best Western, or Marriott properties. For Day 2, if you extend past the Central Valley, consider stopping in Barstow or Palm Desert if you arrive early enough to rest.

Overall, pushing past Redding on the first day is a common approach for two-day drives, but be prepared for a long, tiring first day and plan breaks carefully.

Olympia, Wa to Palm Desert drive

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