Road trip with College Buddies!

Question

We, some college buddies are planning on a 9 day road trip in August from San Diego preferably via the scenic coastal route all the way to Portland, Oregon and return home by flight. I would like to have your recommendations for some of the the interesting places / things to do in the whole trip, We are interested in visiting Beaches, State parks on the way, small hiking trips, Monterey, Red wood forest and the dunes in Oregon. Thanks and appreciate your help and suggestions.

Answer

A 9-day coastal road trip from San Diego to Portland is an incredible adventure, offering beaches, state parks, scenic drives, and iconic stops along the Pacific Coast. Since you’re traveling with college friends, you can mix hiking, beach time, and quirky local spots for a memorable trip.

Here’s a suggested approach with highlights and stops:

San Diego to Orange County / Los Angeles: Start with La Jolla Cove for a morning walk and sea lions, then head to Laguna Beach for beach time and tidepool exploration. In LA, you can do a quick drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at Malibu beaches like El Matador for cliffs and sea caves.
Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach / San Luis Obispo: Stop at Santa Barbara State Beach and explore downtown. Continue north, perhaps with a detour to Solvang for Danish charm. Pismo Beach offers dunes for ATV adventures or just relaxing by the ocean.
Big Sur / Monterey / Carmel: Drive along the scenic Highway 1 through Big Sur. Stop at McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach. Monterey has Cannery Row and the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Carmel-by-the-Sea is perfect for a stroll and checking out unique architecture and boutique shops.
Santa Cruz / San Francisco: Quick stops at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or Natural Bridges State Beach. In San Francisco, take a drive or short walk to Golden Gate Bridge and explore coastal parks if time permits.
Northern California / Redwoods: Continue up the coast toward the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt or Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Short hikes in old-growth redwood forests are a must.
Southern Oregon Coast: Enjoy Oregon beaches like Bandon, with its rock formations and sea stacks. Explore Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for dune hikes or ATV rentals.
Portland and Vicinity: Depending on timing, explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, Powell’s City of Books, and a quick hike in Forest Park.

Tips and logistics:

Plan driving days with 3–5 hours of road time to allow for scenic stops.
Book accommodations in advance for Big Sur, Monterey, and Oregon Coast, as August is busy.
Pack hiking shoes, layers, and beach gear for versatility.
Consider using a mix of scenic detours and coastal Highway 1 for the best photo opportunities.
For the flight back, drop your rental car in Portland and fly home to save extra driving time.

This itinerary balances coastal beauty, small hikes, iconic redwoods, dunes, and relaxed beach stops, making it an adventurous but manageable 9-day road trip.

Road trip with College Buddies!

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions