Driving down coast..Vancouver to San Francisco...sights & lodging?
 

Just retired and flying to Seattle, renting a car and driving down the coast. Would appreciate comments on seeing Vancouver, Peuget Sound and anything interesting to see or places to stay on the way to San Francisco. State parks, restaurants, etc not to miss? What is a good time frame for this drive? Thanks!

Don't know Washington. Did the Oregon coast several years ago.<BR>One outstanding place to stay, AAA gave it 5 stars back then, is the Salishan, now owned by Westin. Accordingly, it's pricey but beautiful.<BR>You can find it by typing in the name at the www.google.com Search Engine, one of the best.<BR>Lauri, every state has a packets of tourist info available for free. Oregon mailed us a HUGE envelope complete with map, brochures, mini guidebook etc. Again, use google and type in each state's name followed by the word TOURISM. You have to do 3 independent searches.<BR>Also, if you're a AAA member (or, know someone who is), they have their own guide books and provide free maps. They are an excellent resource --don't forget to use them.<BR>Good time frame for this drive? Depends on how much time YOU have. You can do it easily in 3 days but who would want to.

Canon Beach on the Oregon Coast is beautiful and Mendocino on the Northern CA coast is wonderful as well.<BR><BR>I hear Astoria in Northern Oregon is great.

Just wanted to point out that Vancouver is the other direction...unless you're meaning Vancouver down by Oregon as opposed to Canada.<BR><BR>Make sure to take a drive along the Columbia Gorge and check out all of the waterfalls. The Oregon Coast is also worth checking out. Make a stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory.

It's easy to drive from SEA-Vancouver (3 hours), but then you do have to backtrack so if you want to see Vancouver and then drive down you may want to fly into Vancouver instead (it's probably cheaper too with the xchange rate right now). Also, not to be picky, but it's Puget Sound. As far as a good timeframe, August-September is nice. It's before the rain, but after a lot of the tourists. There are a couple of threads going on on this board right now re: driving from Vancouver to LA, Vancouver to ORE, etc. I would personally recommend you see Mt. St. Helens (excellent visitor center) and Mt. Rainier. Also, if you're not in any kind of a hurry, spend a few days in the San Juan Islands, Vashon Island, Bainbridge Island, Camano which are all around Seattle/sound. My favorite place in Cannon Beach ORE is Stephanie's Inn. The staff was so gracious, the food wonderful, the place just great. Reminds me a lot of Carmel in some ways. Enjoy your trip!