San Diego To Portland Road Trip: Top 21 Tips

San Diego to Portland road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 1,082 miles of San Diego to Portland drive takes around 16 hours and 41 mins without stops.

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

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

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

1. The Green Room Hotel: The Green Room Hotel is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the San Diego to Portland road trip. Driving from San Diego to The Green Room Hotel might take around 37 mins. 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 outdoor amenities such as a cedar hot tub, complimentary surfboards, beach cruisers, and a communal patio area with a fire pit. Check The Green Room Hotel, one of the best hotels in Oceanside, California, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. The Prospect Hollywood: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Portland from San Diego is The Prospect Hollywood. Located in Los Angeles, California, the hotel is 127 miles away from San Diego, and it would take 2 hours and 9 mins to drive. 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. If you want to learn more about Prospect Hollywood, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. Hilton Stockton: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Hilton Stockton. Hilton Stockton is located in Stockton, California, and it’s 460 miles away from San Diego. You can arrive there in 7 hours and 8 mins of non-stop driving. The hotel offers guests complimentary WiFi, in-room mini-refrigerators, HDTVs, and large work desks. The rooms are clean and fresh, perfect for relaxing after a long day. The hotel is located in a quiet and peaceful area. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hilton Stockton for more information.
4. Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo: If you are taking the road trip from San Diego to Portland, Sacramento 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, 507 miles from San Diego, and it would take 7 hours and 51 mins to drive. This Courtyard is clean, up-to-date, and comfortable, with thick towels, a decent TV, good spaciousness, and nice extras like a mini fridge, good coffee, and excellent quality mini toiletries. The hotel staff was also amiable and helpful. Overall, I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a place to stay. 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. Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast: Our next hotel is Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast, Ashland, Oregon. It will take 12 hours, and 17 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from San Diego. Creative and delicious breakfasts, relaxed style, and hospitality at their finest 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 enjoy the hotel’s coffee machine. Check the Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from San Diego to Portland is Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Eugene, Oregon, within 15 hours and 4 mins drive from San Diego. If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Eugene, Oregon, the Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center is an excellent choice. 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. The 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. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn. It’s located in Salem, Oregon, and is 1,036 miles from San Diego. You can arrive there within 15 hours and 57 mins of car drive. This hotel features rooms with mini-fridges, perfect for storing drinks and snacks. In addition, the hotel is sparkling clean, and the rooms are large and spacious with updated decor. If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn.

In this part, we explained seven hotels you can stay at on the road trip from San Diego to Portland. 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 same San Diego to Portland route.

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

7 Best Restaurants On The San Diego To Portland Road Trip

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

1. Beach Break Cafe: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the San Diego to Portland road trip with Beach Break Cafe. Beach Break Cafe is located in Oceanside, California, 36.4 miles from San Diego. It would take 38 mins of driving. This breakfast-and-lunch 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; it’s dipped in honey bunches of oats for the crunch, then topped with bananas and a healthy dose of whipped cream. For more information about Beach Break Cafe, visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Beach Break Cafe.
2. Brent’s Deli Northridge: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Portland from San Diego is Brent’s Deli Northridge. Located in Los Angeles, California, Brent’s Deli Northridge is 149 miles from San Diego and would take 2 hours and 27 mins of driving. Brent’s Deli was established in 1967 and has earned acclaim for its mile-high Reuben sandwich. In addition, the Deli offers a comfortable and spacious setting with booths, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal. If you want to learn more about Brent’s Deli Northridge, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Dave Wongs: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Dave Wongs. It will take 7 hours and 9 mins to drive 460 miles from San Diego to Dave Wongs, Stockton, California. The menu at the restaurant offers plenty of options. The staff was courteous and allowed us to wait for our table on the patio to avoid an hour-long wait. The food was mouthwatering. You can check Dave Wongs 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. This restaurant is highly recommended for those seeking a wonderful dining experience. The Waterboy, Sacramento, is 505 miles from San Diego, and it would take 7 hours and 51 mins 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. Greenleaf Restaurant, Ashland: If you enjoy dining, Greenleaf Restaurant, Ashland, would be an excellent choice in Ashland, Oregon. It’s 798 miles from San Diego and would take 12 hours and 25 mins of car driving. Greenleaf is a local favorite, catering to both tourists and locals. Greenleaf has something for everyone, with a full gluten-free menu, vegetarian dishes, steakhouse classics, and a variety of organic and local produce. Greenleaf is your best bet whether you’re looking for a great breakfast, a box lunch for a picnic in the park, or a tasteful supper! If you want to learn more about the Greenleaf Restaurant, Ashland, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. King Estate Winery: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from San Diego to Portland is King Estate Winery, Eugene, Oregon. It will take 14 hours and 53 mins of driving to reach King Estate Winery from San Diego. The restaurant is located in a picturesque area overlooking vineyards and orchards. The food was excellent, and the service was great. The wine flights were reasonably priced, and the meals were a little pricey for lunch, but overall, this was an outstanding experience. If the weather is good, enjoy the views by sitting outside. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better combination of location and food anywhere. For more information about King Estate Winery, you can check TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
7. Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro: Ranked seventh on our list, Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro appeals to those who want to turn their Portland vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Salem, Oregon, 1,037 miles from San Diego, and it’ll take 16 hours of driving. The portions were significant; the food was delicious. The homemade biscuits with jam are a must, and the Bloody Mary was excellent. The staff was great and friendly. The Creme Brule French Toast was amazing! The fries were delicious. If you want to learn more about Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our seven restaurant recommendations for your road trip from San Diego to Portland. 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 Portland 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 San Diego to Portland. Keep reading.

7 Places To Visit On The San Diego To Portland Drive

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

• Oceanside Pier: Oceanside Pier will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your San Diego to Portland road trip. Located in Oceanside, California, Oceanside Pier is 39.1 miles away from San Diego, and it would take 43 mins to drive. The longest wooden pier on the California coast stretches 1941 feet or 1/3 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 learn more about the Oceanside Pier, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Universal Studios Hollywood: Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the San Diego to Portland route. It’s 129 miles from San Diego, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 10 mins of driving looking for a fun-filled day in Hollywood. Look no further than CityWalk, where you can find rides and shows at the theme park, a working movie studio, and some of the best shops, restaurants, and cinemas in Los Angeles. If you want to learn more about Universal Studios Hollywood, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Historic Bob Hope Theatre: Stockton, California is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from San Diego to Portland. And if you’ll visit Stockton, California, we suggest you visit Historic Bob Hope Theatre. You can arrive at Historic Bob Hope Theatre after 7 hours and 6 mins of driving. The Bob Hope Theatre, known to some locals as The Fox, is an exciting entertainment destination and a beautifully restored piece of Stockton’s history. The theatre was restored several years ago to its former glory, so visitors can get a sense of what movie houses were like in the ’20s and ’30s. If you can attend an event or movie night at the Fox, you will be very impressed with the magnificence of the building. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of the Historic Bob Hope Theatre 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 San Diego to Portland road trip. Old Sacramento is 504 miles from San Diego, and you can arrive there after the 7 hours and 47 mins 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 waterfront is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Old Sacramento before going there.
• Lithia Park: Located in Ashland, Oregon, Lithia Park ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from San Diego to Portland. You must take 12 hours and 28 mins of driving to arrive at Lithia Park. The park is particularly stunning in the early morning hours when it’s quiet and deer are roaming about. With its vibrant colors and variety of trees, it makes for a great walking path with a beautiful stream. If you want to learn about Lithia Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Cascades Raptor Center: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from San Diego to Portland is Cascades Raptor Center, Eugene, Oregon. Cascades Raptor Center is 976 miles from San Diego, and it would take 15 hours and 8 mins to drive. The center is home to 40 resident birds of 30 native species, including owls, falcons, hawks, and bald and golden eagles. Staff members were helpful and friendly, making the stop well worth it. It was great to see these fantastic animals up close! You can check their TripAdvisor page or official website for more information about Cascades Raptor Center.
• Enchanted Forest Theme Park: You can visit many destinations on your San Diego to Portland journey. Enchanted Forest Theme Park is one of these destinations, located in Salem, Oregon. You can arrive at Enchanted Forest Theme Park after 15 hours and 50 mins of driving. So, if you’re looking for an adventurous day out, head to the forests of Oregon, where you’ll find a fantastic theme park. With plenty of exciting rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include the log ride, haunted house, and water show – sure to make your day unforgettable. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Enchanted Forest Theme Park, you can visit Enchanted Forest Theme Park’s TripAdvisor page or their website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From San Diego to Portland

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

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

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the San Diego to Portland road trip takes approximately 16 hours and 41 mins to drive. The driving distance between San Diego to Portland is 1,082 miles.
• If you want to make the San Diego to Portland road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be three days and 23 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the San Diego-Portland route, you will have to walk for 14 days and 19 hours.

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

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

1. Oceanside Pier: 39.1 miles / 43 mins to drive from San Diego | 1,045 miles / 16 hours and 10 mins of driving to Portland.
2. Universal Studios Hollywood: 129 miles / 2 hours and 10 mins to drive from San Diego | 953 miles / 14 hours and 36 mins of driving to Portland.
3. Historic Bob Hope Theatre: 457 miles / 7 hours and 6 mins to drive from San Diego | 627 miles / 9 hours and 42 mins of driving to Portland.
4. Old Sacramento: 504 miles / 7 hours and 47 mins to drive from San Diego | 580 miles / 8 hours and 58 mins of driving to Portland.
5. Lithia Park: 799 miles / 12 hours and 28 mins to drive from San Diego | 285 miles / 4 hours and 30 mins of driving to Portland.
6. Cascades Raptor Center: 976 miles / 15 hours and 8 mins to drive from San Diego | 117 miles / 1 hour and 56 mins of driving to Portland.
7. Enchanted Forest Theme Park: 1,029 miles / 15 hours and 50 mins to drive from San Diego | 53.3 miles / 54 mins of driving to Portland.

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

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from San Diego to Portland. 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 Portland From San Diego section.

• The Green Room Hotel: 36.2 miles / 37 mins to drive from San Diego | 1,047 miles / 16 hours and 9 mins of driving to Portland.
• The Prospect Hollywood: 127 miles / 2 hours and 9 mins to drive from San Diego | 955 miles / 14 hours and 39 mins of driving to Portland.
• Hilton Stockton: 460 miles / 7 hours and 8 mins to drive from San Diego | 622 miles / 9 hours and 38 mins of driving to Portland.
• Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo: 507 miles / 7 hours and 51 mins to drive from San Diego | 581 miles / 9 hours of driving to Portland.
• Oak Hill Bed and Breakfast: 795 miles / 12 hours and 17 mins to drive from San Diego | 288 miles / 4 hours and 29 mins of driving to Portland.
• Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center: 977 miles / 15 hours and 4 mins to drive from San Diego | 109 miles / 1 hour and 44 mins of driving to Portland.
• Best Western Plus Mill Creek Inn: 1,036 miles / 15 hours and 57 mins to drive from San Diego | 48.1 miles / 50 mins of driving to Portland.

Where To Eat Between San Diego to Portland?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your San Diego to Portland 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 San Diego To Portland Road Trip.

1. Beach Break Cafe: 36.4 miles / 38 mins to drive from San Diego | 1,047 miles / 16 hours and 9 mins of driving to Portland.
2. Brent’s Deli Northridge: 149 miles / 2 hours and 27 mins to drive from San Diego | 950 miles / 14 hours and 38 mins of driving to Portland.
3. Dave Wongs: 460 miles / 7 hours and 9 mins to drive from San Diego | 622 miles / 9 hours and 37 mins of driving to Portland.
4. The Waterboy, Sacramento: 505 miles / 7 hours and 51 mins to drive from San Diego | 580 miles / 9 hours to Portland.
5. Greenleaf Restaurant, Ashland: 798 miles / 12 hours and 25 mins to drive from San Diego | 285 miles / 4 hours and 28 mins of driving to Portland.
6. King Estate Winery: 957 miles / 14 hours and 53 mins to drive from San Diego | 134 miles / 2 hours and 15 mins of driving to Portland.
7. Word Of Mouth Neighborhood Bistro: 1,037 miles / 16 hours to drive from San Diego | 46.8 miles / 51 mins of driving to Portland.

Conclusion

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

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the San Diego to Portland 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 San Diego to Portland and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.