Portland To San Francisco Road Trip: Top 27 Tips

Traveling from Portland to San Francisco is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 635 miles of road trip from Portland to San Francisco takes around 10 hours of driving without stops.

In this article, we share the 27 top tips that turn your San Francisco trip 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 Francisco, keep reading!

9 Best Hotels On The Way From Portland To San Francisco

On the way from Portland to San Francisco, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top nine hotels on the Portland – San Francisco 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 – San Francisco route. Driving from Portland to San Francisco might take around 52 mins. The Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn offers modern amenities and thoughtful design that will make it stand out among other hotels in Salem, OR. Each room features a convenient mini fridge for drinks and snacks and an in-house fitness room. The pool is also excellent, with extended hours of operation. Check the Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Hilton Garden Inn Corvallis: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to San Francisco from Portland is Hilton Garden Inn Corvallis. The hotel is 84.5 miles away from Portland, and it would take 1 hour and 29 mins to drive. The Hilton Garden Inn Corvallis hotel is adjacent to Reser Stadium, Gill Coliseum, and the OSU Conference Complex, including the LaSells Stewart Center and the CH2M Hill Alumni Center. This property offers excellent value for your money, with an outstanding staff. Rooms were neat and clean, with plenty of parking available. The location was quiet, without any noisy traffic nearby. If you want to learn more about the Hilton Garden Inn Corvallis, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center. Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center is 109 miles away from Portland, and you can arrive there with 1 hour and 47 mins of non-stop driving. If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Eugene, look no further than Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center. This hotel is close to some of Eugene’s most famous landmarks, such as the University of Oregon (1.5 mi) and Hayward Field (1.7 mi). Rooms at Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center provide a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator, making it an ideal destination for tourists. The Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center offers a pool, lounge, and Sky Bar, making your Eugene trip more enjoyable. The hotel is modern with great features and is located very close to shops and restaurants in the city’s center. The staff here is outstanding, with a service mentality that helps you with everything you need.
   Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center for more information.
4. Hampton Inn & Suites Roseburg: The next hotel suggestion is Hampton Inn & Suites Roseburg, 176 miles from Portland. The Hampton Inn & Suites Roseburg is modern and comfortable, located in a central Oregon location about one hour’s drive from Eugene, Grants Pass, and the coast. Start your day with a workout in the fitness center or a swim in the heated indoor pool. The complimentary hot breakfast features fresh baked waffles and hearty oatmeal with toppings. This hotel will meet or exceed your expectations! The friendly staff is available to help you get everything you need during your stay, and the hotel is sparkling clean. In addition, there are plenty of safe parking options nearby for guests. If you need more info about the price and availability of Hampton Inn & Suites Roseburg, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Rodeway Inn Medford: Our next hotel is Rodeway Inn Medford. It will take 4 hours 25 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Portland.Rodeway Inn Medford is a quiet motel with air conditioning and free wifi. It’s easy to stay connected during your stay, and guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast. If you’re in the area, check out some Italian restaurants near Rodeway Hotel. These include Vinny’s Italian Kitchen, Pomodori Bistro & Wine Bar, and Cicily’s Pastaria & Grill. All of these establishments are close by and offer great food and service. The motel is spotless, quiet, and secure – it even has a carport for parking under your room! I recommend staying here if you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay in town. Check the Rodeway Inn Medford on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Rodeway Inn Medford for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. Best Western Plus Tree House: Another hotel you can accommodate on the Portland – San Francisco route is Best Western Plus Tree House. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel within 5 hours, and 46 mins drive from Portland. The Best Western Plus Tree House offers guests a unique and charming stay in Mount Shasta, CA. With modern amenities and thoughtful design, the hotel stands out among other hotels in the area. The woodcrafts and décor are beautiful, as is the size of some of the rooms. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making it easy to enjoy your stay. There is plenty of parking available for guests. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Redding: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Redding. It’s 417 miles from Portland, and you can arrive there within 6 hours 42 mins of car drive. The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Redding offers comfortable, convenient rooms with all the amenities you need to relax after a day of exploring the city. The pool and complimentary breakfast make it an excellent choice for travelers looking for a relaxing stay in Redding. This is a good stop if you’re traveling with pets. The fee is $40, but it’s worth it since the rooms are clean and the staff does their best to accommodate understaffing. In addition, they offer a hot breakfast. You can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Redding if you need further information.
8. Clear Lake Cottages & Marina: Clear Lake Cottages & Marina is another hotel where you can stay on the Portland to San Francisco road trip. Clear Lake Cottages & Marina is 563 miles from Portland and will take 9 hours of non-stop driving. If you’re looking for a place to fish, play, or just relax on Clear Lake, Clear Lake Cottages and Marina is the perfect spot. The cabins are adorable and comfortable on the lake, and the staff is accommodating. They make sure your stay is both enjoyable and clean. The central location of this property makes it easy to explore all that Clearlake has to offer. In addition to boat rentals, they also have a store where you can purchase supplies if necessary.
   Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Clear Lake Cottages & Marina for more information.
9. Hotel E: As we approach the end of our list, another hotel we would like to introduce to you is Hotel E hotel. Hotel E is 611 miles from Portland, and you can arrive there within 10 hours and 14 mins of non-stop driving. The hotel staff is amiable and accommodating, and the rooms are comfortable, clean, and well-equipped. There’s also a lovely market in the square on Saturdays. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hotel E for more information about Hotel E hotel.

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

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

9 Best Restaurants On The Way To San Francisco From Portland

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

1. Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list from Portland to San Francisco with Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro. It is 46.9 miles from Portland and would take 54 mins of driving. The portions were massive, everything was delicious, and the staff was great and friendly. The Bloody Mary was excellent, and the Crème Brûlée French Toast was outstanding! The fries were also 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. del Alma: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to San Francisco from Portland is del Alma. The restaurant is 83.6 miles from Portland and would take 1 hour and 29 mins of driving. Del Alma has creative food with complex and tasty sauces, delicious garnishes, and a well-curated wine list. The service was delightful, and we left feeling confident that this was the best restaurant in town. If you want to learn more about del Alma, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. King Estate Winery: Another restaurant preferred by those fond of food is King Estate Winery. It will take 2 hours 19 mins of car drive to take 134 miles from Portland. The restaurant overlooks vineyards and orchards, and the food quality is as good as anything we’ve experienced anywhere in the United States and abroad. The service was excellent, and the wine flights were reasonably priced. The meals were a little pricey for lunch, but overall this was an outstanding experience. It’s worth driving to experience it! You can check King Estate Winery on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.
4. Brix Grill: Brix Grill deserves to be on our list. Roseburg, Oregon, is a small town. Brix Grill provides just that with their well-balanced food and service. The restaurant had a friendly atmosphere, and the food was delicious. I had the Reuben sandwich with sweet potato fries as my main dish, which was perfect. The side salad was also excellent. Brix Grill is 178 miles from Portland, and it would take 2 hours and 53 minutes of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Brix Grill, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub: If you enjoy dining, Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub would be an excellent choice. It’s 272 miles from Portland and would take 4 hours and 22 mins of car driving. This restaurant is famous for pizza, salads, calzone, and pasta. Many options are available for vegetarians and gluten-free customers, so you may have to be patient during lunchtime. If you want to learn more about the Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Black Bear Diner Mt. Shasta: Another restaurant we recommend you to visit on the route from Portland to San Francisco is Black Bear Diner Mt. ShastaIt will take 5 hours 46 mins of driving to reach Black Bear Diner Mt. Shasta from Portland. The Black Bear Diner is famous for comfort food, large portions, and tasty eats. Unfortunately, the original location is more minor than newer locations and has a limited waiting area. For more information about Black Bear Diner Mt. Shasta, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
7. C. R. Gibbs Alehouse and Restaurant: Ranked seventh on our list, C. R. Gibbs Alehouse and Restaurant appeal to those who want to turn their San Francisco vacation into a memorable experience. It’s 421 miles from Portland, and it’ll take 6 hours and 46 minutes of driving. The restaurant has lovely food, healthy drinks, excellent service, and a delightful atmosphere. There is plenty of parking available and the outside venue is also excellent. Good portions are served with good food. The fish and chips were excellent, as were the short ribs. If you want to learn more about C. R. Gibbs Alehouse and Restaurant, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
8. Main Street Bar & Grill: Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub is an excellent restaurant that is 562 miles away from Portland. You can reach there after 9 hours 0 mins of car driving. The house salad and steak dinner with loaded potato and butterfly shrimp were excellent. The service was great, and the margaritas were delicious. The food was tremendous, but so were the portions, which made the wait time tolerable. If you want to discover the menu and more information about Main Street Bar & Grill, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
9. St. Francis Winery & Vineyards: Eating is serious business. Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who take this job seriously is the St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. It is 630 miles from Portland and would take around 10 hours and 7 mins of car driving.The view from the St. Francis Winery is breathtaking. The food and wine pairing are worth every penny, with exquisitely prepared courses and wine that match our visit to the French Laundry in Napa Valley. You can visit the official TripAdvisor and Google Maps pages of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards for detailed information.

This section lists our nine restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your Portland to San Francisco road trip. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 635 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a San Francisco 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 Francisco. Keep reading.

9 Places To Visit On The Way From Portland To San Francisco

A unique experience awaits you in San Francisco. However, there are also some unique destinations on the road trip. We would like to explain the top nine destinations we recommend on the San Francisco route.

• Enchanted Forest Theme Park: Enchanted Forest Theme Park will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Portland to San Francisco road trip. Enchanted Forest Theme Park is 53.7 miles away from Portland, and it would take 57 mins to drive. Enchanted Forest is the creation of one man and his lifelong dream. Roger Tofte carved a forest out of the hillside near Turner, Oregon, with a mix of classic fairy tales, whimsical storybook characters, wild west scenery, and some specially designed rides and attractions that appeal to everyone, from young children to enthusiasts of all ages. A theme park nestled in picturesque forests in Oregon with plenty for visitors to do hands-on makes it an enchanting place for all! If you want to learn more about the Enchanted Forest Theme Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge: William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on the Portland to San Francisco route. It’s 97.3 miles from Portland, and it’ll take about 1 hour and 43 mins to drive. There are many trails at the reserve, some with gentle inclines and others with more strenuous climbs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and there’s always something to see on the trails – birds and elk. Plus, if you’re interested in botany, be sure to check out the reserve’s remnant wet prairie habitat – it contains several rare endemic plants that are pretty rare. If you want to learn more about William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Eugene Saturday Market: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Portland to San Francisco is Eugene Saturday Market. You can arrive at Eugene Saturday Market after 1 hour and 50 mins of driving. Eugene’s Saturday Market is the oldest weekly open-air crafts festival in the United States, and it is also Oregon’s original Saturday Market. The market features 200 booths filled with fine handcrafts, always sold by the artisans. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Eugene Saturday Market for more information.
• HillCrest Winery and Distillery: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit HillCrest Winery and Distillery on the road trip from Portland to San Francisco. HillCrest Winery and Distillery is 186 miles from Portland, and you can arrive there after the 3 hours and 4 mins of drive. The Oregon estate winery and the birthplace of OregonPinot Noir are both enjoyable destinations. We enjoyed their wine selections and loved the decor. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of HillCrest Winery and Distillery before going there.
• Rogue River: Rogue River ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the San Francisco road trip. You must take 3 hours 37 mins of driving to arrive at Rogue River. The Rogue River is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Fishing, rafting, and wine touring are all possible activities here. If you want to learn more about Rogue River, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Mount Shasta: Another attraction you can visit on the Portland to San Francisco road trip is Mount Shasta. Mount Shasta is 360 miles from Portland, and it would take 5 hours and 48 mins to drive. Mount Shasta is a great place to hike, ski, snowshoe, and climb in winter and summer. In addition, there are many great restaurants to choose from if you’re looking for something to eat while you’re there. For more information about Mount Shasta, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.
• Sundial Bridge: You can visit many destinations on your Portland to San Francisco journey. One of these destinations is Sundial Bridge. You can arrive at Sundial Bridge after 6 hours and 45 mins of driving. The Sundial Bridge in downtown Redding is a beautiful pedestrian bridge that crosses the Sacramento River, linking the north and south parts of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The sundial bridge and hiking paths are an incredible sight and allow for a leisurely walk or bike ride. There is plenty of parking available near the bridge. The gift shop has coffee and ice cream! If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Sundial Bridge, you can visit Sundial Bridge’s TripAdvisor page or their website.
• Brassfield Estate Winery: As we near the end of our list of the top 9 best places to visit on the road trip from Portland to San Francisco, it would be unfair not to mention Brassfield Estate Winery. Brassfield Estate Winery locates 564 miles from Portland, and it takes 9 hours, and 4 mins drive from Portland to get there. The estate-grown and bottled wines from this California Valley are some of the world’s finest. The vineyards, climate, and soils here make wines with unique flavor profiles sure to please wine lovers everywhere. If you want to learn more about Brassfield Estate Winery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Charles M. Schulz Museum: Now, we would like to introduce you to another vibrant restaurant on the Las Vegas trip. Charles M. Schulz Museum is 614 miles from Portland, and it would take 10 hours and 12 mins to drive. The Charles M. Schulz Museum is home to the world’s most extensive collection of original Peanut artwork. Visitors can laugh at Schulz’s original comic strips, learn about the art of cartooning and Schulz’s role in its development, view a re-creation of Schulz’s art studio, watch animated Peanuts specials and documentaries in the theater, and draw cartoons in the hands-on education room. The staff is accommodating, and there is much to see on the property. If you want to learn more about Charles M. Schulz Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Portland to San Francisco

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

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

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 10 hours and 2 mins to drive. The distance between Portland to San Francisco is 635 miles.
• If you want to make the Portland to San Francisco road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be two days and 10 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Portland-San Francisco route, you will have to walk for eight days and 22 hours.

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

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to San Francisco. Here we list nine of them. For more information about the best places on the Portland to San Francisco journey, you can check the 9 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Portland To San Francisco part.

1. Enchanted Forest Theme Park: 53.7 miles / 57 mins to drive from Portland | 581 miles / 9 hours 9 mins of driving to San Francisco.
2. William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge: 97.3 miles / 1 hour 43 mins to drive from Portland | 563 miles / 9 hours 2 mins of driving to San Francisco.
3. Eugene Saturday Market: 110 miles / 1 hour 50 mins to drive from Portland | 528 miles / 8 hours 24 mins of moving to San Francisco.
4. HillCrest Winery and Distillery: 186 miles / 3 hours 4 mins to drive from Portland | 468 miles / 7 hours 30 mins of moving to San Francisco.
5. Rogue River: 220 miles / 3 hours 37 mins to drive from Portland | 419 miles / 6 hours 40 mins of driving to San Francisco.
6. Mount Shasta: 360 miles / 5 hours 48 mins to drive from Portland | 275 miles / 4 hours 19 mins of driving to San Francisco.
7. Sundial Bridge: 420 miles / 6 hours 45 mins to drive from Portland | 217 miles / 3 hours 23 mins of moving to San Francisco.
8. Brassfield Estate Winery: 564 miles / 9 hours 4 mins to drive from Portland | 142 miles / 2 hours 35 mins of driving to San Francisco.
9. Charles M. Schulz Museum: 614 miles / 10 hours 12 mins to drive from Portland | 56.4 miles / 1 hour 9 mins of moving to San Francisco.

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

There are many excellent hotels during your Portland to San Francisco road trip. We have selected nine hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 9 Best Hotels On The Way To San Francisco From Portland section.

• Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn: 47.7 miles / 52 mins to drive from Portland | 588 miles / 9 hours 15 mins of moving to San Francisco.
• Hilton Garden Inn Corvallis: 84.5 miles / 1 hour 29 mins to drive from Portland | 573 miles / 9 hours 4 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center: 109 miles / 1 hour 47 mins to drive from Portland | 529 miles / 8 hours 22 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Roseburg: 176 miles / 2 hours 50 mins to drive from Portland | 459 miles / 7 hours 15 mins of moving to San Francisco.
• Rodeway Inn Medford: 275 miles / 4 hours 25 mins to drive from Portland | 362 miles / 5 hours 47 mins of moving to San Francisco.
• Best Western Plus Tree House: 360 miles / 5 hours 46 mins to drive from Portland | 276 miles / 4 hours 19 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Redding: 417 miles / 6 hours 42 mins to drive from Portland | 218 miles / 3 hours 24 mins of driving to San Francisco.
• Clear Lake Cottages & Marina: 563 miles / 9 hours 1 min to drive from Portland | 111 miles / 2 hours 25 mins of moving to San Francisco.
• Hotel E: 611 miles / 10 hours 14 mins to drive from Portland | 54.8 miles / 1 hour 8 mins of moving to San Francisco.

Where To Eat Between Portland to San Francisco?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Portland to San Francisco journey, you can consider the nine restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 9 Best Restaurants On The Way From Portland To San Francisco.

1. Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro: 46.9 miles / 54 mins to drive from Portland | 590 miles / 9 hours 18 mins of moving to San Francisco.
2. del Alma: 83.6 miles / 1 hour 29 mins to drive from Portland | 572 miles / 9 hours 3 mins of driving to San Francisco.
3. King Estate Winery: 134 miles / 2 hours 19 mins to drive from Portland | 509 miles / 8 hours 8 mins of driving to San Francisco.
4. Brix Grill: 178 miles / 2 hours 53 mins to drive from Portland | 458 miles / 7 hours 17 mins of driving to San Francisco.
5. Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub: 272 miles / 4 hours 22 mins to drive from Portland | 365 miles / 5 hours 49 mins of driving to San Francisco.
6. Black Bear Diner Mt. Shasta: 360 miles / 5 hours 46 mins to drive from Portland | 276 miles / 4 hours 19 mins of driving to San Francisco.
7. C. R. Gibbs Alehouse and Restaurant: 421 miles / 6 hours 46 mins to drive from Portland | 215 miles / 3 hours 21 mins of moving to San Francisco.
8. Main Street Bar & Grill: 562 miles / 9 hours 0 mins to drive from Portland | 110 miles / 2 hours 23 mins of moving to San Francisco.
9. St. Francis Winery & Vineyards: 630 miles / 10 hours 7 mins to drive from Portland | 57.0 miles / 1 hour 19 mins of moving to San Francisco.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Portland to San Francisco. We have listed nine hotels, nine restaurants, and nine places to visit on the way. 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 Francisco as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Portland to San Francisco? 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 Francisco and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.