10 Things To See Between Portland And San Francisco
Enjoy the Best Stops from Portland to San Francisco on the Open Road
The best things to see on a Portland to San Francisco road trip range from breathtaking natural wonders and wildlife to charming towns, vibrant cities and cultural gems. When you embark on the 1020-km journey through Oregon and into California, you’ll discover attractive coastline, lush forests and picturesque valleys, with plenty of spots for hiking, beach walks and wildlife spotting.
On your drive, you could take the chance to explore a small town or historic landmark, stop for some local dining or simply relax in nature. Pack your car and head out on a scenic road trip from Portland to San Francisco for exciting discoveries and unforgettable adventures.
1. Oregon State Capitol, Salem
History and heritage in the capital city
Categorías: Historia, Familias
The Oregon State Capitol is in State Capitol State Park in downtown Salem. Pick up a brochure at the information kiosk to embark on a self-guided tour of the rotunda, chambers and observation platform. You can also view exhibits to discover the ways in which citizens have influenced state legislation and take some time to admire the Capitol Art Collection, a collection of art by over 150 Oregon artists.
Once you’ve explored the Oregon State Capitol, you could take a stroll through the grounds to view the many fountains, monuments and statues. Nearby, visit the Willamette Heritage Center or try a walking tour to discover historic Salem on foot.
Dirección: 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA
Horario: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 5 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Teléfono: +1 503-986-1388
Oregon State Capitol, Salem
2. The Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright, Silverton
Fascinating architectural design
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
The Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright was designed in 1957 and is one of the last Usonian homes based on the design commissioned by Life magazine in 1938. This enchanting building was the Wilsonville home of Conrad and Evelyn Gordon before it was moved to its current location in Silverton, about 64 km south of Portland.
The distinctive architecture is impressive when viewed from the outside, and you can also take a 45-minute guided tour inside the house. As you walk through the rooms and hear stories of the home’s past, you’ll learn about the architect’s vision and truly get a feel for his work. Book early as tours are limited and can fill up.
Dirección: 869 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381, USA
Horario: Wednesday–Sunday from noon to 3 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Teléfono: +1 503-874-6006
The Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright, Silverton
3. Sea Lion Caves, Florence
Natural wonders beneath coastal cliffs
Categorías: Familias, Parejas, Aventuras
Sea Lion Caves is a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary on the Oregon Coast near Florence, 290 km south of Portland. You’ll discover beautiful sea caves, caverns and the Stellar sea lions that make their home here. As you enjoy views of the rugged coastline, you might spot grey whales and killer whales in the ocean.
If you visit in winter, you’re more likely to find sea lions in the caves. In spring and summer, the animals move to the rocky ledges. You’ll also find a variety of birds, including gulls, cormorants, guillemots and birds of prey. Try the observation deck for amazing views of the wildlife and bring binoculars if you’d like a closer look.
Dirección: 91560 US-101, Florence, OR 97439, USA
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +1 541-547-3111
Sea Lion Caves, Florence
4. Prehistoric Gardens, Port Orford
Dinosaur sculptures in the Oregon rainforest
Categorías: Familias, Fotos
Prehistoric Gardens is an attraction filled with life-size dinosaur sculptures, each surrounded by lush Oregon rainforest. On your visit, you’ll follow the dinosaur tracks to wind along the jungle path and spot 23 dinosaurs of various sizes and colours, scattered among the greenery. You’ll also learn fun facts about dinosaurs and their habitat.
The park is in Port Orford, close to the roadside on Oregon’s Highway 101 Coastal Route. Part of the fun is that the attraction has a gloriously old-fashioned feel as it’s been open since 1955, and there’s something quaint about the whole experience. Pop into the gift shop before you leave to browse the Oregon coast mementos and dinosaur souvenirs.
Dirección: 36848 US-101, Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +1 541-332-4463
Prehistoric Gardens, Port Orford
5. The Oregon Vortex, Gold Hill
Weird and wonderful experiences
Categorías: Familias, Parejas, Fotos
The Oregon Vortex is a fun roadside attraction located on Sardine Creek in Gold Hill, Oregon, about 420 km from Portland. Among the rolling hills, deep in the woods, you’ll discover a house of mystery, complete with a crooked wooden shed that’s a main part of the interactive tour.
At the Vortex, you’ll step into a world of mysteries and illusions. You’ll find your height changing as you appear to grow and shrink and objects will roll uphill. It may feel disorientating and weird, but your friendly guide will be on hand to provide reassuring commentary and demonstrations. Make sure you take some photos for evidence of your unsettling experiences.
Dirección: 4303 Sardine Creek L Fork Rd, Gold Hill, OR 97525, USA
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +1 541-855-1543
The Oregon Vortex, Gold Hill
6. Oregon Caves National Monument, Cave Junction
Underground wonders and cultural history
Categorías: Aventuras, Familias, Historia
The Oregon Caves National Monument offers a journey into the depths of a marble cave system hidden beneath the Siskiyou Mountains. This fascinating geological and historical site is easily reached from the highway, about 475 km into your route to San Francisco.
You can view and touch the exhibits in the visitor’s centre before you take a guided tour of the caves. You’ll wind through twisting passageways and into chambers that showcase rock formations like stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone. In the cool, dimly lit corridors, you’ll discover the amazing world of caving. Make sure you wear sturdy walking shoes when you visit, as well as warm clothes for your comfort.
Dirección: 21000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA
Teléfono: +1 541-592-2100
Oregon Caves National Monument, Cave Junction
7. Avenue of the Giants
Awe-inspiring ancient woodland
Categorías: Historia, Fotos, Asequible
The Avenue of the Giants is a stunning 50-km scenic highway that winds through California’s majestic redwood forest. Located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, you’ll reach this scene of nature’s grandeur about 725 km from Portland. The road is flanked by towering redwoods, many of which are over 90 metres tall and well over 1,000 years old.
The drive along this scenic route offers many beautiful places to stop. You could enjoy a picnic in the fresh air or hike one of the many trails to explore the ancient natural beauty up close. Walk among the giants for a calming, refreshing and awe-inspiring experience.
Avenue of the Giants
8. Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, Lakehead
Catamaran tour to historic caverns
Categorías: Aventuras, Familias, Parejas
At the foothills of California’s Mount Shasta, 650 km from Portland, you’ll find unforgettable adventures in nature at Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark. The attraction offers extraordinary sightseeing tours. You’ll start with a scenic boat trip across the lake, then take a bus ride to the cavern entrance before completing a moderate climb up steps inside the cavern.
Throughout your tour, your guides will point out fascinating sights and explain the geology, history and formation of the caverns. Inside the cavern, your surroundings are well lit and the scenery is breathtaking. Buy your tour tickets in advance as spaces are limited.
Dirección: 20359 Shasta Caverns Rd, Lakehead, CA 96051, USA
Horario: Daily from 8 am to 6.30 pm
Teléfono: +1 800-795-2283
Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, Lakehead
9. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Fort Bragg
Clifftop gardens with ocean views
Categorías: Aventuras, Familias, Asequible
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens showcases 47 acres of beautiful greenery and plant life with views of the Pacific Ocean. Located along California’s rugged coastline, 880 km from Portland, you can make a stop here to breathe the fresh ocean air as you admire the diverse plant collections.
The gardens feature everything from rhododendrons and dahlias to succulents and rare coastal plants. There’s a heather garden, an evergreen grove and a vegetable garden to explore, too. You could easily spend a few peaceful hours here wandering along winding trails through forests, meadows and cliffside bluffs. Visit in spring if you’d like to see the colourful flowers bloom.
Dirección: 18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +1 707-964-4352
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Fort Bragg
10. San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Beautiful research area supporting tidal marshes
Categorías: Aventuras, Familias, Asequible
The San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a protected conservation area and nature reserve with scenic views of the San Francisco Bay area. You’ll find it 1,015 km from Portland and just a few km north of downtown San Francisco. Based on the key sites of China Camp State Park and Rush Ranch, the reserve is focused on preserving tidal marshes, wetlands and open-water habitats.
If you visit China Camp, you’ll discover a spectacular hiking trail where you can view marshlands and spot fascinating wildlife. At Rush Ranch, try the Marsh Trail to wander through eucalyptus groves and view Suisun Marsh. Throughout the beautiful grounds, listen out for bird song and watch out for glimpses of river otters.
Dirección: San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
Horario: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm
San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
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