Portland To San Diego Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Portland to San Diego road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 1,082 miles of Portland to San Diego drive takes around 16 hours and 38 mins without stops.

This article includes 21 tips that turn your Portland to San Diego drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Portland to San Diego, take your coffee and keep reading!

7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Portland To San Diego

On the Portland to San Diego road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top seven hotels on the Portland – San Diego route!

1. Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn: Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the Portland to San Diego road trip. Driving from Portland to Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn might take around 50 mins. The rooms at this hotel are equipped with mini-fridges, perfect for storing drinks and snacks. The hotel is clean, and the rooms are large and spacious with updated decor. Check the Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn, one of the best hotels in Salem, Oregon, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to San Diego from Portland is Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center. Located in Eugene, Oregon, the hotel is 109 miles away from Portland, and it would take 1 hour and 44 mins to drive. If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Eugene, Oregon, Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center is a great option. This hotel is close to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the University of Oregon (1.5 mi) and Hayward Field (1.7 mi), making it an excellent tourist destination. In addition, Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center offers a pool, lounge, and Sky Bar, which will help make your trip to Eugene even more enjoyable. With its modern style and great features, this hotel will surely provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. If you want to learn more about the Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast. Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast is located in Ashland, Oregon, and it’s 288 miles away from Portland. You can arrive there in 4 hours and 29 mins of non-stop driving. Creative and delicious breakfasts, relaxed style, and first-class hospitality can all be enjoyed in a great location with plenty of room to relax and visit. Groups love the space, while individuals and couples enjoy the privacy. The lavender room was lovely, with a comfortable bed, linen, and pillows. All the little extras were there, making it a cozy place. The breakfast was beautiful. We also take advantage of the hotel’s coffee machine. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast for more information.
4. Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo: If you are taking the road trip from Portland to San Diego, Sacramento, California is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo is one of the best hotels in town. It is Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo, 581 miles from Portland, and it would take 9 hours and 5 mins to drive. The Courtyard Marriott is a clean and comfortable hotel with thick towels, a decent TV, good spaciousness, and nice extras like a mini fridge, good coffee, and excellent quality mini toiletries. If you need more info about the price and availability of Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Hilton Stockton: Our next hotel is Hilton Stockton, Stockton, California. It will take 9 hours, and 40 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Portland. Our hotel offers complimentary WiFi, in-room mini-refrigerators, HDTVs, and large work desks for your convenience. Our clean and fresh rooms are perfect for relaxing after a long day. Plus, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with our hotel’s ideal location. Check the Hilton Stockton on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hilton Stockton for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. The Prospect Hollywood: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Portland to San Diego is The Prospect Hollywood. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Los Angeles, California, within 14 hours and 37 mins drive from Portland. The hotel’s proximity to The Hollywood Bowl is a significant benefit. Guests can enjoy an evening at the Greek Theatre and then retire to their lovely rooms, which are quiet and well-appointed. The hotel staff is friendly and helpful, providing an excellent experience for visitors. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. The Green Room Hotel: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is The Green Room Hotel. It’s located in Oceanside, California, and is 1,048 miles from Portland. You can arrive there within 16 hours and 6 mins of car drive. The Funky & Fresh South O boutique hotel has been featured in T&L, Cond Nast, LATimes, SanDiego & Locale Magazines. The hotel features individually curated designer rooms and unique outdoor amenities such as a cedar hot tub, complimentary surfboards, beach cruisers, and a communal patio area with a fire pit. If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Green Room Hotel.

In this part, we explained seven hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Portland to San Diego. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take the exact Portland to San Diego route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Portland to San Diego. We have seven restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

7 Best Restaurants On The Portland To San Diego Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Portland to San Diego road trip. This section lists the seven restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Portland to San Diego. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the Portland to San Diego road trip with Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro. Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro is located in Salem, Oregon, 46.9 miles from Portland. It would take 52 mins of driving. The portions were enormous; everything was delicious. The homemade biscuit with jam is a must-have. Their Bloody Mary was excellent. The staff was great and friendly. The Crme Brle French Toast was amazing! The fries were delicious. For more information about Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro.
2. King Estate Winery: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to San Diego from Portland is King Estate Winery. Located in Eugene, Oregon, King Estate Winery is 134 miles from Portland and would take 2 hours and 15 mins to drive. The restaurant is located in a great spot, overlooking vineyards and orchards. The food quality is excellent, on par with some of the best we’ve experienced in the US and abroad. The service was excellent, and the food tasted beautiful. The wine flights were reasonably priced, and while the meals were a bit pricey for lunch, overall, this was an outstanding experience. It’s definitely worth the drive to get there, as it would be hard to find a better combination of location and food anywhere. Of course, you must sit outside and enjoy the views if the weather is good. If you want to learn more about King Estate Winery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Greenleaf Restaurant, Ashland: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Greenleaf Restaurant, Ashland. It will take 4 hours and 27 mins of car drive to take 285 miles from Portland to Greenleaf Restaurant, Ashland, Ashland, Oregon. Greenleaf is the place for you if you’re looking for a great meal, no matter what time of day it is. With a gluten-free menu, vegetarian dishes, and steakhouse classics, there’s something for everyone at Greenleaf. Plus, they use organic and local produce, so you know you’re getting the freshest ingredients possible. You can check Greenleaf Restaurant, Ashland, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.
4. The Waterboy, Sacramento: The Waterboy, Sacramento deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Sacramento, California. The restaurant provided an excellent meal with delicious food and attentive service. The meal was enjoyed on the patio, with the highlights being the New York steak and Mahi Mahi. The desserts were also fantastic. The Waterboy, Sacramento, is 581 miles from Portland, and it would take 9 hours and 5 minutes of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about The Waterboy, Sacramento, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Dave Wongs: If you enjoy dining, Dave Wongs would be an excellent choice in Stockton, California. It’s 622 miles from Portland and would take 9 hours and 39 mins of car driving. The menu offered various options, and the staff was courteous and allowed us to wait for our table on the patio to avoid an hour-long wait. The food was delicious. If you want to learn more about the Dave Wongs, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Brent’s Deli Northridge: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Portland to San Diego is Brent’s Deli Northridge, Los Angeles, California. It will take 14 hours and 37 mins of driving to reach Brent’s Deli Northridge from Portland. Brent’s Deli, established in 1967, is most acclaimed for its mile-high Reuben sandwich. The Deli offers a spacious and comfortable setting, with booths ideal for enjoying a meal. For more information about Brent’s Deli Northridge, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
7. Beach Break Cafe: Ranked seventh on our list, Beach Break Cafe appeals to those who want to turn their San Diego vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Oceanside, California, 1,047 miles from Portland, it’ll take 16 hours and 6 mins of driving. This restaurant is a favorite among those taking a break from the beach or those who want a pre-ocean meal. The moist, cinnamon-laced coffee cake drizzled with frosting and the giant and inventive four-egg omelets and scrambles are a draw for many diners. While enjoying their meal, they can also check out the colorful surfboards, surfboard-inspired ceiling fans, and photos that decorate the restaurant. The Banana Crunch French Toast is a favorite dish, dipped in honey bunches of oats for the crunch and then topped with bananas and a healthy dose of whipped cream. If you want to learn more about Beach Break Cafe, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our seven restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Portland to San Diego. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 1,082 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a San Diego road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Portland to San Diego. Keep reading.

7 Places To Visit On The Portland To San Diego Drive

A unique experience awaits you in San Diego. However, on your road trip, there are also some unique destinations, like Salem, Oregon. We want to explain the top seven destinations we recommend on the San Diego route.

• Enchanted Forest Theme Park: Enchanted Forest Theme Park will be the first destination we recommend you stop on your Portland to San Diego road trip. Located in Salem, Oregon, Enchanted Forest Theme Park is 53.7 miles away from Portland, and it would take 55 mins to drive. A theme park in the beautiful forests of Oregon offers plenty of hands-on see-and-do adventure. The log ride, haunted house, and water show were all perfect. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the facilities were clean and well-maintained. We had a great time at this theme park and would highly recommend it to others. If you want to learn more about the Enchanted Forest Theme Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Cascades Raptor Center: Cascades Raptor Center, Eugene, Oregon, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Portland to San Diego route. It’s 118 miles from Portland, and it’ll take about 1 hour and 57 mins of driving. The center houses 40 resident birds of 30 native species, including owls, falcons, hawks, and bald and golden eagles. It was great to see these fantastic animals up close. The staff was helpful and friendly. Well worth the stop! If you want to learn more about Cascades Raptor Center, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Lithia Park: Ashland, Oregon is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Portland to San Diego. And if you visit Ashland, Oregon, we suggest you visit Lithia Park. You can arrive at Lithia Park after 4 hours and 31 mins of driving. The park is a beautiful place to take a walk, especially in the early morning hours when it’s quiet and deer are roaming about. With vibrant colors and a variety of trees, it makes for a lovely walking path with a beautiful stream. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Lithia Park for more information.
• Old Sacramento: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Old Sacramento, Sacramento, California, on the Portland to San Diego road trip. Old Sacramento is 579 miles from Portland, and you can arrive there after the 9 hours of drive. The Sacramento waterfront is a historic area with restored buildings, museums, and novelty shops. It’s a great place to have a glass of wine or to sit on a patio and enjoy the view of the river. The area is also popular with tourists, who come to see the sights and learn about the area’s history. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Old Sacramento before going there.
• Historic Bob Hope Theatre: Located in Stockton, California, Historic Bob Hope Theatre ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Portland to San Diego. You must take 9 hours and 44 mins of driving to arrive at Historic Bob Hope Theatre. The Bob Hope Theatre, also known as The Fox to some locals, is an entertainment destination rich in history. The theatre was restored several years ago to its former glory, providing visitors with a sense of what movie houses were like in the ’20s and ’30s. Those who have had the opportunity to attend an event or movie night at the Fox are impressed with the magnificence of the building. If you want to learn more about Historic Bob Hope Theatre, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Portland to San Diego. Universal Studios Hollywood is 953 miles from Portland and would take 14 hours and 35 mins to drive. CityWalk Hollywood is the perfect destination for a fun-filled day. The theme park offers rides and shows, the movie studio is a great place to explore, and the shops, restaurants, and cinemas are some of the best in Los Angeles. For more information about Universal Studios Hollywood, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.
• Oceanside Pier: You can visit many destinations on your Portland to San Diego journey. One of these destinations is Oceanside Pier, located in Oceanside, California. You can arrive at Oceanside Pier after 16 hours and 7 mins of driving. The longest wooden pier on the California coast stretches 1941 feet or one-third of a mile. A convenience store halfway out is stocked with fishing pole rentals, bait, tackle, snacks, beverages, and various souvenirs. Ruby’s 50’s diner is located at the end of the pier and offers breakfast to burgers with a stunning view. The pier is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Oceanside Pier, you can visit Oceanside Pier’s TripAdvisor page or their website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Portland to San Diego

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Portland to San Diego drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Portland To San Diego?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Portland to San Diego road trip takes approximately 16 hours and 38 mins to drive. The driving distance between Portland to San Diego is 1,082 miles.
• If you want to make the Portland to San Diego road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be three days and 22 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Portland-San Diego route, you will have to walk for 14 days and 19 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Portland To San Diego?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to San Diego. On the road, you can visit Salem, Oregon; Eugene, Oregon; Ashland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; Stockton, California; Los Angeles, California; and Oceanside, California. Here we list seven places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Portland to San Diego journey, you can check the 7 Best Places To Visit On The Portland To San Diego Road Trip.

1. Enchanted Forest Theme Park: 53.7 miles / 55 mins to drive from Portland | 1,029 miles / 15 hours and 47 mins of driving to San Diego.
2. Cascades Raptor Center: 118 miles / 1 hour and 57 mins to drive from Portland | 977 miles / 15 hours and 5 mins of driving to San Diego.
3. Lithia Park: 285 miles / 4 hours and 31 mins to drive from Portland | 798 miles / 12 hours and 24 mins of driving to San Diego.
4. Old Sacramento: 579 miles / 9 hours to drive from Portland | 504 miles / 7 hours and 42 mins of driving to San Diego.
5. Historic Bob Hope Theatre: 627 miles / 9 hours and 44 mins to drive from Portland | 457 miles / 7 hours and 4 mins of driving to San Diego.
6. Universal Studios Hollywood: 953 miles / 14 hours and 35 mins to drive from Portland | 129 miles / 2 hours and 11 mins of driving to San Diego.
7. Oceanside Pier: 1,045 miles / 16 hours and 7 mins to drive from Portland | 38.8 miles / 42 mins of driving to San Diego.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Portland To San Diego?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Portland to San Diego. We have selected seven hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To San Diego From Portland section.

• Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn: 47.7 miles / 50 mins to drive from Portland | 1,036 miles / 15 hours and 53 mins of driving to San Diego.
• Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center: 109 miles / 1 hour and 44 mins to drive from Portland | 977 miles / 15 hours to San Diego.
• Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast: 288 miles / 4 hours and 29 mins to drive from Portland | 795 miles / 12 hours and 13 mins of driving to San Diego.
• Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo: 581 miles / 9 hours and 5 mins to drive from Portland | 508 miles / 7 hours and 46 mins of driving to San Diego.
• Hilton Stockton: 623 miles / 9 hours and 40 mins to drive from Portland | 461 miles / 7 hours and 4 mins of driving to San Diego.
• The Prospect Hollywood: 956 miles / 14 hours and 37 mins to drive from Portland | 127 miles / 2 hours and 9 mins of driving to San Diego.
• The Green Room Hotel: 1,048 miles / 16 hours and 6 mins to drive from Portland | 35.9 miles / 37 mins of driving to San Diego.

Where To Eat Between Portland to San Diego?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Portland to San Diego drive, you can consider the seven restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 7 Best Restaurants On The Portland To San Diego Road Trip.

1. Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro: 46.9 miles / 52 mins to drive from Portland | 1,037 miles / 15 hours and 56 mins of driving to San Diego.
2. King Estate Winery: 134 miles / 2 hours and 15 mins to drive from Portland | 956 miles / 14 hours and 49 mins of driving to San Diego.
3. Greenleaf Restaurant, Ashland: 285 miles / 4 hours and 27 mins to drive from Portland | 798 miles / 12 hours and 21 mins of driving to San Diego.
4. The Waterboy, Sacramento: 581 miles / 9 hours and 5 mins to drive from Portland | 505 miles / 7 hours and 46 mins of driving to San Diego.
5. Dave Wongs: 622 miles / 9 hours and 39 mins to drive from Portland | 460 miles / 7 hours to San Diego.
6. Brent’s Deli Northridge: 950 miles / 14 hours and 37 mins to drive from Portland | 150 miles / 2 hours and 29 mins of driving to San Diego.
7. Beach Break Cafe: 1,047 miles / 16 hours and 6 mins to drive from Portland | 36.1 miles / 37 mins of driving to San Diego.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Portland to San Diego. We have listed seven hotels, seven restaurants, and seven places to visit on the Portland to San Diego drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Portland to San Diego as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Portland to San Diego road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Portland to San Diego and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.