A Guide to Summer Road Trips in the Pacific Northwest

Summer is road trip season, and the Pacific Northwest has an endless selection of beautiful routes to take. Here are a few of our favorite stops and scenes.

First Stop: Seattle, WA 

Home Base: Hotel Theodore or Hotel Max 

Sights: Stroll through the iconic Pike Place Market and pick up some fresh flowers or get your groove on at the Museum of Pop Culture. After a long day of strolling the city, seeing the sights and shopping till you drop – grab a cocktail and dinner at restaurants nearby or just have something delicious delivered straight to your room. Check out our local dining guide for inspiration.  

Need a car charge before you hit the road? Head to the EVgo Charging Station just 5 minutes away at 1406 Harvard Ave.  

Next Stop: 34 miles (1.5 hours) to Tacoma, WA 

Home Base: Hotel Murano 

Sights: Less than a mile from the hotel is a stunning display of Pacific Northwest passion. The Museum of Glass opened in 2002 and is still the largest, most active glassmaking museum and studio on the West Coast - a fitting activity in the hometown of Dale Chihuly. Looking for something to tire the kiddos out with? Head over to the Children’s Museum of Tacoma where all the fun stuff is covered. For more tips on what to see, head to our blog.  

Get your nature-filled fix with an early hike around Washington’s tallest mountain, Mount Rainier, before heading south to Portland. And if you're feeling ambitious, make a stop at Mount St. Helens to admire the stunning stratovolcano in person. There are plenty of electric car charging stations along the route, the largest conglomerate of them being right at the Washington meets Oregon border in Longview, WA.  

Last Stop: 144 miles (2.5 hours) to Portland, OR 

Home Base: Hotel Lucia, Woodlark, The Heathman Hotel, Sentinel or Hotel deLuxe  

Sights: Once you hit Rose City, the activity options are endless. Whether your heart is set on exploring all the cool patio bars or you’re looking for family-friendly fun, this city has you covered. From Forest Park adventures to culturally inspiring days downtown, you’ll find no shortage of memories to be made at your final road trip destination. 

Add a few extras to your trip outside of the city center, drive south until you hit the Columbia River. Drive east on Highway 14 across the Bridge of the Gods to enter the lush landscape of the Gorge. Here you can cool off with the spray from Multnomah Falls before heading to Portland, which is less than an hour away.

Not done putting rubber to the asphalt? Feel that East Coast wind in your hair with a road trip from Boston down to good ol’ New Orleans.