Few journeys capture the spirit of freedom like the coastal drive between California and Vancouver. Stretching more than 1,500 miles, this route combines golden beaches, forested mountains, historic towns, and a blend of American and Canadian culture that you won’t find anywhere else.
The best part is flexibility. You can start in Northern California and head north, or begin in Vancouver and cruise south. Highway 101 serves as the spine of the trip, offering a smooth, scenic drive with countless detours onto Highway 1 or smaller coastal roads.
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, it’s easy to get auto transport from California or British Columbia so your vehicle is waiting when you arrive. That lets you spend more time sightseeing and less time behind the wheel.
Planning Your Route
Because this is a “between” trip—California ↔ Vancouver—there’s no single start or finish line. Some travelers spend two weeks driving the entire coast; others choose one region and make it a long weekend.
Highway 101 threads through four distinct regions: Southern California, Central California, the Oregon Coast, and the Pacific Northwest. Each feels like its own world, yet they all flow together naturally.
If you’re customizing your itinerary, use the Road Trip Planner to chart distances, travel times, and recommended stops. You can even build a hybrid trip—drive a section, ship your car, and fly ahead to meet it.
Southern & Central California Highlights
For travelers living anywhere south of Bakersfield, Highway 101 is the most efficient way to reach the Pacific. It merges inland valleys with ocean breezes, giving you the best of both worlds.
Start by heading toward Santa Barbara, a coastal gem with Mediterranean-style architecture, palm-lined beaches, and wineries within an hour’s drive. Continuing north, you’ll pass San Luis Obispo, a college town that marks the gateway to the Central Coast.
From here, detour west to Big Sur, one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes on the planet. The route winds between cliffs and sea, crossing Bixby Creek Bridge and overlooking turquoise coves that appear in countless car commercials and movies. Plan extra time—traffic moves slowly and every viewpoint begs for a photo.
Just beyond Big Sur lies San Simeon, home to Hearst Castle. Built in the early 1900s by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, the estate’s grand halls, gardens, and ocean vistas are open for guided tours. Even if architecture isn’t your passion, the setting alone—perched high above the Pacific—is unforgettable.
After San Simeon, Highway 101 leads through Paso Robles wine country, then rejoins the coast near Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Monterey’s Cannery Row and world-class aquarium make it an easy overnight stop before continuing north toward the Bay Area.
Northern California & the Redwood Empire
Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge feels like entering a different California—cooler, greener, and slower paced. From San Francisco, Highway 101 winds through Marin County and Sonoma’s vineyards before climbing into the redwood region.
In Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Avenue of the Giants offers a 31-mile side road shaded by trees that can exceed 350 feet tall. Step out for short hikes or scenic drives through fern-filled groves that silence every sound except the wind.
By the time you reach Eureka and Crescent City, the air smells of salt and pine. This is the transition point between California and Oregon—remote, peaceful, and a world away from Los Angeles freeways. It’s also a good place to refuel and restock before continuing north.
The Oregon Coast Adventure
The Oregon Coast is a masterpiece of rugged beauty, famous for its public beaches and unspoiled shoreline. Highway 101 hugs the ocean almost the entire way, often rising onto cliffs that overlook sea stacks and pounding surf.
Start with Brookings and Gold Beach, then stop in Bandon, known for its rock formations and lighthouse views. As you continue, Florence offers dune buggy rides and boardwalk restaurants serving local seafood.
Midway up the coast lies Newport, home to Yaquina Head Lighthouse and a lively harbor where you can watch fishing boats unload the day’s catch. North of there, Depoe Bay promotes itself as the “Whale Watching Capital of Oregon.” During migration season, gray whales often pass close to shore.
Finally, Cannon Beach greets you with Haystack Rock—a natural monolith rising from the sand that’s become Oregon’s signature postcard view. Stay overnight to watch the sunset ignite the rock’s surface in orange and gold.
Every stretch of the Oregon Coast invites detours for hiking, photography, or local food. Small motels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals dot the route, so you can travel as luxuriously or as simply as you like.
Washington & British Columbia — The Northern Magic
Cross the Columbia River and Washington opens with forested peninsulas and bayside towns. Highway 101 loops around Olympic National Park, a region so diverse it feels like three parks in one: alpine peaks, temperate rainforest, and wild coastline.
Drive carefully—distances are longer than they appear on the map, and gas stations are scarce once you enter Olympic National Forest. Make sure to fill your tank completely before entering, and try to travel only during daylight. When night falls, the forest becomes pitch-black and fog can roll in unexpectedly.
If you have time, spend at least one night inside Olympic National Park. Hike to Sol Duc Falls, explore the Hoh Rain Forest, or walk the driftwood-covered beaches near La Push. Each area feels untouched, with moss-covered trees and misty ocean air.
From the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, you can board the ferry from Victoria (BC) to Port Angeles. Travelers can bring their cars aboard, creating a seamless link between the Canadian island and U.S. mainland. On a clear day, look for orcas cutting through the blue-gray water—an unforgettable sight that embodies the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.
Continue east toward Seattle, a city that blends nature and technology: waterfront markets, independent coffee roasters, and views of Mount Rainier on the horizon. After Seattle, it’s a short drive across the border to Vancouver, where glass towers meet snow-capped mountains.
Vancouver makes a fitting end—or beginning—to this road trip. The city’s parks, multicultural restaurants, and seaside bike trails offer a softer landing after so many open miles. For travelers shipping vehicles in either direction, see car shipping from British Columbia for details.
Crossing the U.S.–Canada Border
Moving between the two countries is simple if you prepare in advance. Bring your passport, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If your trip involves temporary import or export of a vehicle, keep documentation showing ownership.
When you ship your car, professional carriers handle customs coordination and inspection so you can focus on travel plans. Shipping also allows you to fly into one end of the route and drive back at leisure.
Request a free quote for U.S.–Canada car shipping to see estimated costs and timing for your preferred direction.
When to Go & What to Expect
The West Coast offers distinct seasons, each with its own character.
Spring (Apr – Jun) brings wildflowers along Central California and snow-capped peaks in Washington. Temperatures are mild, making it perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
Summer (Jul – Aug) delivers the most consistent weather and longest days. It’s also peak tourist season, so book accommodations early, especially around Big Sur and the Oregon Coast.
Fall (Sep – Oct) paints the northern forests in reds and golds. Crowds thin, and lodging prices drop. Whale-watching continues through early October along Oregon and Washington.
Winter (Nov – Mar) can bring rain and fog, particularly in Oregon and British Columbia. If you’re short on time or want to avoid slick roads, consider shipping your car and flying—then exploring short scenic drives at each end.
Regardless of season, pack layers. Coastal weather can shift from sunny to chilly within minutes, and inland valleys can be 20 degrees warmer than the oceanfront.
Final Thoughts — Choose Your Own Adventure
The beauty of the California-to-Vancouver road trip lies in its adaptability. It can be a weeklong sprint or a month-long exploration, a family vacation or a solo reset. Highway 101 ties it all together, but every stop—Big Sur cliffs, Hearst Castle terraces, Oregon lighthouses, and the orca-filled straits of British Columbia—adds its own story.
There’s no wrong way to travel this route. You can drive it end-to-end, or combine flying, ferry rides, and professional car shipping to fit your schedule.
Start planning today, and let the Pacific Coast remind you why open roads still call to every traveler.
