Drive from Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon RV Road Trip
Rose Garden at Point Defiance Park Photo by Karen Tucker (flickr creative commons)
A road trip from Seattle to Portland promises lush greenery, breathtaking scenery, great sights and a laidback good time. While the drive between the cities clocks in at just under three hours you can take your time, stopping along the way in places like Tacoma and Olympia, to make the most of your Washington-Oregon road trip.
Highlights
- Seattle Space Needle
- Pike Place Market
- Point Defiance Park
- Tacoma’s Union Station
- The Olympic Flight Museum
- The Capitol Museum
- Millersylvania State Park and Deep Lake
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Portland Art Museum
Day 1 to 2 – Seattle
Enjoy the lush beauty and laidback culture of Seattle before starting out on your road trip. Visit the world famous Space Needle, ride ferries, and explore gorgeous green spaces, like Kerry or Lincoln Parks. To get a great view of the city ride to the top of the Bank of America Tower or Smith Tower, and spend the day enjoying Pike Place Market, the Museum of Flight or Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Want some great food while you’re in town? One restaurant to try is the Pink Door.
Seattle Ferry – Photo by Jamies via Wikimedia Commons
Day 3 – Tacoma and Olympia
On your way to Portland stop in the cities of Tacoma and Olympia, each of which offers a different experience and great things to do. In the port city of Tacoma attractions include Union Station, a historic building now open for public tours, and the scenic Point Defiance Park. The Museum of Glass, the Washington State History Museum and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium are great family-friendly activities.
The Port of Tacoma – Photo by Broran28 via Wikimedia Commons
In Olympia you can choose between visiting the Olympic Flight Museum, the Capitol Museum, Monarch Sculpture Park or the Red Wind Casino—or see them all! Nature lovers can also explore Priest Point Park or Millersylvania State Park (including the popular Deep Lake). Where you stop along the way—and where you spend the night—is up to you, although you can easily be in Portland by nightfall depending on how many activities you have scheduled.
Day 4 – Portland
Portland is a vibrant city filled with a variety of different attractions depending on your preferences. Want to indulge in some tax-free shopping and great cafes? Portland delivers. Want a bit more of an educational tour of the city? Try stops like the International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Science Museum and the Oregon Zoo. A fun option is Lan Su Chinese Garden, built in the style of an authentic Ming Dynasty garden. Portland also has a great Art Museum and Pittock Mansion, nestled in the West Hills above Portland, the gorgeous house is open to public tours.
Portland – Photo Author Unknown via Wikimedia Commons