From the hustle-bustle of big cities with vibrant food and culture to serene moments in some of America's most eye-popping parks, a scenic drive from the Pacific coast to Idaho creates an epic vacation.
Two major vacation-planning questions appear over and over: City or country? Ocean or mountains? But you will find places where the answer to both questions is, “Yes, yes, yes, and yes.” America's Pacific Northwest could be the best example, boasting Pacific beaches and also the coastal mountain range, the cities of Seattle and Portland, gorgeous rivers and forests, and the decidedly cool little town of Boise, in the foothills of the Rockies.
Ready to get started? Here, a step-by-step itinerary that'll take you across one of the US's most rewarding regions.
Seattle
Kick off your Pacific Northwest road trip in Seattle, Washington, where you'll enjoy fresh seafood, legendary coffee, sea kayaking, and much more. Pike Place Market is iconic and busy but worth a trip for fresh fish and other culinary delights – strolling and shooting pics is free. Don't miss Seattle's cool museums, such as the rotating exhibits and excellent guided tours in the Frye Art Museum, the world-class collection in the Seattle Art Museum, and the immense (and immensely impressive) works to be found in Olympic Sculpture Park.
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Speaking of parks, Seattle's ample green spaces should monopolize much of your time here; in the little Waterfall Garden Park in the city's Pioneer Square section towards the 500+ acres of forests and beaches of Discovery Park, you'll have to remind yourself you are always in town. As well as for dramatic panoramic views, forgo a trip to the Space Needle and instead head to Kerry Park or Queen Anne Hill. If you plan to invest a night or even more in Seattle before striking the road, downtown's Hotel Max has a convenient location for walking to major sights and its stylish rooms are the perfect place to rest up before hitting the road.
Olympic National Park
From Seattle, you'll hit I-5 South, then 101 North as you arc round the bottom of Puget Sound and then up the Olympic Peninsula, a two-hour drive to 1 from the National Park Service's less popular but utterly unforgettable destinations: Olympic National Park. Here, visitors can enjoy miles of Pacific coast, going through the among the US's last temperate rainforests, and ogling the coastal peaks on easily accessible trails.
Comfortable lodging inside the park includes Kalaloch Lodge, with rooms starting well under $150/night; the nearby charming town of Port Angeles also boasts an array of affordable properties.
Portland
From the Olympic Peninsula, you'll use Oregon: take I-5 South for the three-hour drive to Portland's exceptional food scene and parks. For individuals who put eating at the top of their travel to-do list, Portland is definitely an epicenter of yum. For retro-chic ambience and beef and martinis, reserve a table at Clyde's Prime Rib; explore the city's penchant for the artisanal at its countless craft breweries, charcuterie and cheese shops, an array of affordable and attractive food trucks.
And, similar to Seattle but on a smaller scale, Portland boasts parks, including Mt. Tabor and Forest Park, that'll keep any visitor busy for days, and a bike-sharing program with a large number of stations makes it all the easier to explore. You'll love Jupiter Hotel, an upscale riff on a mid-century motor lodge in the city's Lower Burnside neighborhood, with affordable, pop-art-informed rooms.
Columbia River Gorge
From Portland, you'll pass in and out of Oregon and Washington along I-84 East and WA-14 for about a half-hour on your way to indulge in an outing across the Columbia River Gorge, with its ample scenic turn-offs and nearby world-class wineries.
The Cascade Mountains function as your scenic backdrop as the river cuts its way with the range coming towards the Pacific; look out for waterfalls within sight from the highway and consider pulling off for mountain biking and hiking. If you're planning to invest an evening or two, impressive nearby properties such as Westcliff Lodge and Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa offer reliable, wallet-friendly lodging. And spending the night time enables you to make time for sipping some of the region's exceptional pinot noirs, chardonnays, and other wines.
Boise
Boise, Idaho, will welcome you using its array of funky downtown shops, mountain trails in the foothills from the Rockies accessible right from town, and an overall design-forward vibe. In the Columbia River Gorge, take I-84 East for that five-hour drive. (If you are seeking a stop among to interrupt your ride, consider Baker City, Oregon, which features a restored downtown, carriage rides, and the bordering Elkhorn and Wallowa mountains.)
In downtown Boise, you'll love shopping at one-of-a-kind establishments that offer vintage finds, local-themed books, and artisanal treasures for example barrel-aged vinegar and essential olive oil. While strolling, keep an eye out for public art, which the city has made a priority, together with a tree crafted from scraps of metal along with other projects that enliven the streets. If you're visiting in April through December, stop by the Capital City Central Market for an incredible array of Idaho-made crafts and foods. And we love the way the Modern Hotel and Bar offer art-inspired rooms along with a restaurant that pulls on diverse French and North African influences, all in an upgraded former motel with rooms starting under $150/night.
Snake River Valley
Cap off your road trip by discovering Idaho's Snake River Valley – a two-hour drive from Boise along I-84 East – where a trip to the 500ft-high Perrine Bridge spanning the Snake River Canyon will require your breath away. Explore the canyon's south rim along a paved trail, and don't miss probably the most Instagram-worthy sights on this trip, Shoshone Falls. Bunk down in nearby Twin Falls, where you can find several reliable motel chains that offer good value.
