Vancouver To San Francisco Road Trip: Top 21 Tips

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Vancouver to San Francisco road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in Canada and the USA. The 1,529 km of Vancouver to San Francisco drive takes around 15 hours without stops.

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

7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Vancouver To San Francisco

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

  1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square: Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Vancouver to San Francisco road trip. Driving from Vancouver to Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square might take around 2 hours and 38 mins. The hotel was beautifully done. Excellent service, design, and fantastic hotel rooms. The hotel offered complimentary breakfast daily and an evening reception with complimentary drinks. The hotel staff was friendly and accommodating. Our room was clean and had the best view of the port, including our cruise ship. Check the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square, one of the best hotels in Seattle, Washington, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
  2. The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to San Francisco from Vancouver is The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton. Located in Portland, Oregon, the hotel is 508 km from Vancouver, and it would take 5 hours and 14 mins to drive. The hotel is pet-friendly and has a fitness center that is open 24 hours. The room I stayed in was clean and spacious. The food was also excellent. If you want to learn more about The Benson Portland Curio Collection by Hilton, you can check it out 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 located in Eugene, Oregon, and it’s 682 km away from Vancouver. You can arrive there in 6 hours and 52 mins of non-stop driving. Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center is an excellent choice for families looking for a hotel in Eugene. So close to some of the city’s most popular attractions, like the University of Oregon (1.5 mi) and Hayward Field (1.7 mi), Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center is an excellent option for travelers. The Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center offers guests a variety of amenities, including rooms with flat-screen TVs and refrigerators, air conditioning, and free wifi. The hotel also features a pool, lounge, and Sky Bar for guests’ enjoyment. Hyatt Place is an excellent choice for travelers, as it is centrally located near shops and restaurants. Additionally, the staff at Hyatt Place are known for their excellent service. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center for more information.
  4. Rodeway Inn Medford: If you are taking the road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco, Medford, Oregon, is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Rodeway Inn Medford is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 950 km from Vancouver and would take 9 hours and 26 mins to drive. The Rodeway Inn Medford is a popular choice among travelers visiting Medford for its quiet rooms, complimentary breakfast, and free parking. Each room has a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and refrigerator. Free wifi allows guests to stay connected. If you need more info about the price and availability of Rodeway Inn Medford, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
  5. Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn: Our next hotel is Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn, Redding, California. It will take 11 hours, and 45 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Vancouver. The Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn in Redding, CA, is a top-notch hotel. With its modern amenities and thoughtful design, the Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn will stand out among other hotels in Redding, CA. The staff was amiable and accommodating. The hotel room and grounds were spotless and well-kept. The pool and spa itself were immaculate and appealing. The breakfast was delicious, and we had a fantastic selection of hot and cold items. Check the Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn for reviews, prices, and availability.
  6. Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Sacramento, California, within 14 hours and 15 mins drive from Vancouver. The staff at the hotel were professional and hard-working. Our room was spacious and well-designed, with a king and sofa bed. The complimentary breakfast was enjoyable. The essential internet speed was adequate. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
  7. Hotel Emblem San Francisco: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Hotel Emblem, San Francisco. It’s located in San Francisco, California, and is 1,527 km from Vancouver. You can arrive there within 15 hours of the car drive. The hotel’s convenient location in the city center makes reaching essential points in the tourist region easy. The hotel staff was welcoming and helpful. The stylish design and concept of the hotel create a unique experience. The room was comfortable, and the service provided met expectations. You can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hotel Emblem San Francisco if you need further information.

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

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

7 Best Restaurants On The Vancouver To San Francisco Road Trip

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

  1. The Pink Door, Seattle: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Vancouver to San Francisco road trip with The Pink Door, Seattle. The Pink Door, Seattle, is located in Seattle, Washington, and is 230 km from Vancouver. Therefore, it would take 2 hours and 39 mins to drive. The food and drink offerings at the restaurant were noteworthy, with the grilled whole fish and clam pasta being standout dishes. Meanwhile, the antipasto and green salad were also excellent. The service was helpful, and the staff was courteous throughout our meal. The only drawback was the chairs, which were too high for the tables and made it difficult to eat without hunching over. For more information about The Pink Door, Seattle, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of The Pink Door, Seattle.
  2. Mediterranean Exploration Company: Mediterranean Exploration Company is another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to San Francisco from Vancouver. Located in Portland, Oregon, Mediterranean Exploration Company is 507 km from Vancouver and would take 5 hours and 13 mins of driving. The outdoor seating at the restaurant was perfect for enjoying the meal. The hummus, labneh, and short ribs were all excellent. If you want to learn more about the Mediterranean Exploration Company, 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 7 hours and 23 mins of car drive to take 723 km from Vancouver to King Estate Winery, Eugene, Oregon. The restaurant’s location is excellent, with a view of vineyards and orchards. The food quality is as good as anything we’ve experienced in the US and abroad. The service was excellent, and the food tasted great. The wine flights were reasonably priced; the meals were a little pricey for lunch, but overall, this was an outstanding experience. It’s worth the drive to enjoy the combination of location and food. Of course, you should sit outside and enjoy the views if the weather is good. For more information, you can check King Estate Winery on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
  4. Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub: Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Medford, Oregon. Napa Valley Pizzeria is famous for its great pizza, salads, calzone, and variety of pasta. There is a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub is 945 km from Vancouver, and it would take 9 hours and 23 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
  5. Cattlemen’s, Redding: If you enjoy dining, Cattlemen’s, Redding, would be an excellent choice in Redding, California. It’s 1,184 km from Vancouver and would take 11 hours and 46 mins of car driving. The food was excellent, and the portions were very generous. The steaks were cooked perfectly and were always of high quality. I had Prime Rib, and it was delicious. My friend had the BBQ Bacon Burger, and she was delighted with it as well. The bread and family-style salad were a nice touch to the meal. If you want to learn more about the Cattlemen’s, Redding, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
  6. Tower Cafe: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is Tower Cafe, Sacramento, California. It will take 14 hours and 9 mins of driving to reach Tower Cafe from Vancouver. The restaurant’s menu reflects Sacramento’s diversity, with all items prepared with care. The service is excellent, and the dining room is delightful. The outside area is also well-kept. For more information about Tower Cafe, you can check TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
  7. Eight Am: Ranked seventh on our list, Eight Am appeals to those who want to turn their San Francisco vacation into a memorable experience. It is located in San Francisco, California, 1,528 km from Vancouver, and it’ll take 15 hours and 9 mins to drive. If you’re in San Francisco and looking for a great place to have breakfast, Eight Am is a perfect choice. The ingredients served here are fresh and delicious, the portions are large, and the orange juice is made with authentic pieces of fruit – not from concentrate! If you want to learn more about Eight Am, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our seven restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 1,529 km 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 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 Vancouver to San Francisco. Keep reading.

7 Places To Visit On The Vancouver To San Francisco Drive

A unique experience awaits you in San Francisco. However, there are also some unique destinations like Seattle, Washington, on your road trip. Therefore, we want to explain the top seven destinations we recommend on the San Francisco route.

  • The Museum of Flight: The Museum of Flight will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Vancouver to San Francisco road trip. Located in Seattle, Washington, The Museum of Flight is 243 km away from Vancouver, and it would take 2 hours and 42 mins to drive. The museum is large and has many exhibits, including ones on the space race age, modern space exploration, and air traffic control. The inside hangar has aircraft from different eras, including fighter jets and helicopters. There is also an extensive exhibit on world war I and two aircraft with other artifacts and stories about the pilots that flew them. If you want to learn more about The Museum of Flight, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
  • International Rose Test Garden: International Rose Test Garden, Portland, Oregon, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Vancouver to San Francisco route. It’s 509 km from Vancouver, and it’ll take about 5 hours and 18 mins of driving. The oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States is home to more than 8,000 roses. Located in Portland, this garden is extraordinary and unique, boasting different types of roses spread out over a vast area. Some parts of the garden are so lovely that you can sit and enjoy nature, read or have a coffee there. Portland’s one-of-a-kind destination should not be missed. If you want to learn more about International Rose Test Garden, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
  • Eugene Saturday Market: Eugene, Oregon is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco. And if you visit Eugene, Oregon, we suggest you visit Eugene Saturday Market. You can arrive at Eugene Saturday Market after 6 hours and 54 mins of driving. Eugene’s Saturday Market, founded in 1970, is Oregon’s original Saturday Market and the oldest weekly open-air crafts festival in the United States. With 200 booths filled with fine handcrafted goods, it’s the perfect place to find a unique gift or souvenir. The artisans sell all items, so you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality product. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Eugene Saturday Market for more information.
  • Rogue River: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Rogue River, Medford, Oregon, on the Vancouver to San Francisco road trip. Rogue River is 861 km from Vancouver, and you can arrive there after the 8 hours and 36 mins of drive. The Rogue River in Southern Oregon is a world-renowned fishing destination and is steeped in history, both natural and military. For the whole experience, visitors should stay in cabins and small towns in the area. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Rogue River before going there.
  • Turtle Bay Exploration Park: Located in Redding, California, Turtle Bay Exploration Park ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco. You must take 11 hours and 44 mins of driving to arrive at Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre non-profit gathering place that features the Sundial Bridge, a museum, a forestry & wildlife center, a greenhouse, and botanical gardens. The park has an air-conditioned museum with several features, including multiple exhibition areas with changing exhibits and historical sections about the local history. The park also has shaded trails for visitors to enjoy. If you want to learn more about Turtle Bay Exploration Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
  • California State Railroad Museum: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento, California. California State Railroad Museum is 1,439 km from Vancouver, and it would take 14 hours and 8 mins to drive. The California State Railroad Museum is an excellent place to learn about the state’s rich history, particularly its railway development. The monument, which is 150 years old and weighs 40 tons, is breathtaking. The exhibits are also very informative, and the docents are more than happy to answer any questions. We highly recommend a visit to this museum. For more information about California State Railroad Museum, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website.
  • Alcatraz Island: You can visit many Vancouver to San Francisco destinations. One of these destinations is Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California. You can arrive at Alcatraz Island after 15 hours and 6 mins of driving. Alcatraz, also known as The Rock, is one of the oldest prisons in America and one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors to Alcatraz can learn about the prison’s famous former inmates and see how the American legal system has developed over time. Alcatraz is a fascinating place to visit and provides insight into America’s criminal justice system. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Alcatraz Island, you can visit Alcatraz Island’s TripAdvisor page or its website.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Vancouver to San Francisco

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

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

  • With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Vancouver to San Francisco road trip takes approximately 15 hours to drive. The driving distance between Vancouver to San Francisco is 1,529 km.
  • If you want to make the Vancouver to San Francisco road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be three days and 16 hours.
  • If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Vancouver-San Francisco route, you will have to walk for 13 days and 12 hours.

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

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to San Francisco. On the road, you can visit Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Eugene, Oregon; Medford, Oregon; Redding, California; Sacramento, California; and San Francisco, California. Here we list seven places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Vancouver to San Francisco journey, you can check the 7 Best Places To Visit On The Vancouver To San Francisco Road Trip.

  1. The Museum of Flight: 243 km / 2 hours and 42 mins to drive from Vancouver | 801 miles / 12 hours and 26 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  2. International Rose Test Garden: 509 km / 5 hours and 18 mins to drive from Vancouver | 637 miles / 9 hours and 58 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  3. Eugene Saturday Market: 684 km / 6 hours and 54 mins to drive from Vancouver | 530 miles / 8 hours and 18 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  4. Rogue River: 861 km / 8 hours and 36 mins to drive from Vancouver | 419 miles / 6 hours and 36 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  5. Turtle Bay Exploration Park: 1,184 km / 11 hours and 44 mins to drive from Vancouver | 216 miles / 3 hours and 22 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  6. California State Railroad Museum: 1,439 km / 14 hours and 8 mins to drive from Vancouver | 86.5 miles / 1 hour and 30 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  7. Alcatraz Island: 1,527 km / 15 hours and 6 mins to drive from Vancouver | 3.2 miles / 18 mins of driving to San Francisco.

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

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco. 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 Francisco From Vancouver section.

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square: 230 km / 2 hours and 38 mins to drive from Vancouver | 807 miles / 12 hours and 33 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  • The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton: 508 km / 5 hours and 14 mins to drive from Vancouver | 636 miles / 9 hours and 55 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  • Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center: 682 km / 6 hours and 52 mins to drive from Vancouver | 529 miles / 8 hours and 17 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  • Rodeway Inn Medford: 950 km / 9 hours and 26 mins to drive from Vancouver | 362 miles / 5 hours and 46 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  • Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn: 1,184 km / 11 hours and 45 mins to drive from Vancouver | 215 miles / 3 hours and 21 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS: 1,449 km / 14 hours and 15 mins to drive from Vancouver | 91.2 miles / 1 hour and 33 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  • Hotel Emblem San Francisco: 1,527 km / 15 hours to drive from Vancouver | 1.6 miles / 9 mins of driving to San Francisco.

Where To Eat Between Vancouver to San Francisco?

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

  1. The Pink Door, Seattle: 230 km / 2 hours and 39 mins to drive from Vancouver | 808 miles / 12 hours and 36 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  2. Mediterranean Exploration Company: 507 km / 5 hours and 13 mins to drive from Vancouver | 636 miles / 9 hours and 54 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  3. King Estate Winery: 723 km / 7 hours and 23 mins to drive from Vancouver | 509 miles / 8 hours and 5 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  4. Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub: 945 km / 9 hours and 23 mins to drive from Vancouver | 365 miles / 5 hours and 48 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  5. Cattlemen’s, Redding: 1,184 km / 11 hours and 46 mins to drive from Vancouver | 215 miles / 3 hours and 21 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  6. Tower Cafe: 1,442 km / 14 hours and 9 mins to drive from Vancouver | 87.3 miles / 1 hour and 29 mins of driving to San Francisco.
  7. Eight Am: 1,528 km / 15 hours and 9 mins to drive from Vancouver | 2.6 miles / 15 mins of driving to San Francisco.

Conclusion

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

Share Your Thoughts

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

Video: San Francisco Road Trip – 10 Things to Do

If you’re planning to visit San Francisco, you can check this video guide before your road trip.




Ece

Hi, I'm Ece. Join me in navigating memorable road trips around the USA, Europe, and Australia. I provide valuable tips and destination guides, sometimes enhanced by AI. Let's hit the road and make memories!

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