Seattle to San Francisco – A Coastal Tour 2023

For those that may be visiting Oregon before we make our trip in 2023, I’ve included several spots we recently visited that we missed the last time. Unlike our last visit, we will start in Seattle and continue all the way to San Francisco.

Pike Place Market – Seattle

Pike Place Market is a bustling and vibrant public market located in the heart of Seattle, Washington. The market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods, crafts, and souvenirs. Visiting Pike Place Market is a must-do experience for anyone traveling to Seattle.

As you approach Pike Place Market, you will be greeted by the iconic Pike Place Market sign, which has become a symbol of Seattle. The market is located near the waterfront and overlooks Elliott Bay, providing stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the surrounding mountains.

One of the first things you’ll notice when entering the market is the lively atmosphere. The market is always bustling with people, and you’ll be greeted by the sounds of vendors calling out their wares and street musicians playing music. As you explore the market, you’ll find a variety of shops and stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and produce to handmade crafts and souvenirs.

One of the most popular attractions at Pike Place Market is the fish market. Here, you can watch as the vendors toss fish back and forth to each other, entertaining the crowds with their antics. You can also purchase fresh seafood, including salmon, crab, and shrimp, which is all locally caught and incredibly delicious.

Another popular attraction at Pike Place Market is the flower market, which is located in the center of the market. Here, you’ll find a dazzling array of fresh flowers, including roses, dahlias, and tulips, all grown locally in the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to the food and flower markets, Pike Place Market is home to a wide variety of shops and restaurants. You can find everything from artisanal cheeses and handmade chocolates to unique souvenirs and clothing. The restaurants in the market are also fantastic, offering a variety of cuisines from around the world, including seafood, Italian, and Thai.

Tunnel Beach

Tunnel Beach is a beautiful and unique spot on the Oregon Coast. It’s located just north of Brookings, in Harborview Park. The beach gets its name from a natural tunnel that was carved out by the ocean over time. This tunnel provides a stunning view of the coastline, and it’s a popular spot for photography and picnicking. There are also several tide pools in the area that are perfect for exploring. Tunnel Beach is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the incredible views of the Oregon Coast.

When visiting Tunnel Beach, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the beach is only accessible during low tide. Second, the rocks and cliffs around the beach can be slippery, so be sure to wear proper footwear. Third, there is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming is done at your own risk.

Neskowin Ghost Forest

Neskowin Ghost Forest is a petrified forest located in the northern part of the U.S. state of Oregon. It is situated on a beach south of Neskowin, in Tillamook County. The forest is believed to be the remains of an ancient Sitka Spruce forest that was buried by a mudflow from a collapsing volcano around 1700 AD. The forest was discovered in the early 1950s and has since become a popular tourist destination.

The Neskowin Ghost Forest is one of the few petrified forests in the world that is still largely intact. It is thought to be the largest petrified forest in the United States, and possibly the world. The forest covers an area of approximately 2 acres (0.81 hectares), and contains over 200 petrified logs.

Unfortunately due to high tide, we were unable to make it to this location. Maybe next time.

Secret Beach

Nestled along the rugged coastline of southern Oregon lies a hidden gem that few visitors know about – Secret Beach. This secluded beach is a true paradise for those who love the beauty and serenity of nature. With its crystal-clear waters, towering sea stacks, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Secret Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oregon.

One of the most unique aspects of Secret Beach is its isolation. To reach the beach, you must take a short hike down a steep trail that winds through a dense forest of spruce and pine trees. The hike is relatively easy and takes about 10-15 minutes, but the views along the way are breathtaking. You’ll see towering sea stacks rising from the ocean, sea lions basking on the rocks, and eagles soaring overhead.

As you reach the beach, you’ll be struck by its beauty and seclusion. The beach is lined with towering cliffs and sea stacks, and the sand is soft and inviting. The waters are crystal-clear and perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. And, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some whales breaching in the distance.

Sisters Rock

Sisters Rock ended up being one of most favorite stops. We easily spent several hours there walking around looking at the caves and sea life on the rocks.

Sisters Rock, located in central Oregon, is a stunning natural wonder that offers visitors a chance to witness some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. This massive rock formation is a must-see destination for anyone who loves hiking and exploring the great outdoors. With its rugged beauty and stunning vistas, Sisters Rock is a true gem in the heart of Oregon.

To reach Sisters Rock, visitors must take a short but challenging hike up a steep trail that winds through a dense forest of pine and fir trees. The trail is well-maintained but can be steep in some areas, so it’s important to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water. As you climb higher up the trail, you’ll begin to see glimpses of the surrounding mountains and forests, and you’ll know that you’re getting close to the top.

When you reach the summit of Sisters Rock, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views in all of Oregon. From the top, you can see the surrounding Cascade Mountains, including the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, and Mt. Jefferson. You’ll also be able to see the lush forests and valleys below, as well as the Deschutes River winding its way through the landscape.

Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well is a natural feature located on the Oregon Coast. The well is a hole that has been carved out by the ocean’s waves. It’s a popular spot for photography and picnicking. Thor’s Well is a great place to explore the Oregon Coast’s natural beauty.

Thor’s Well is a natural saltwater spring located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, on the central Oregon Coast. The well is approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) in diameter and 60 feet (18 m) deep. It is surrounded by a large rock formation that has been carved over time by the constant action of the well.

The water in the well is constantly being drawn down into the earth and then pushed back up through the rocks, creating a unique and mesmerizing effect. The spring is also home to a variety of small marine life, including fish, crabs, and shrimp.

Redwood National Forest

The Redwood National Forest, located in northern California, is a stunning natural wonder that offers visitors the chance to explore one of the world’s most magnificent ecosystems. This ancient forest is home to some of the tallest trees on earth, with some towering over 350 feet tall and living for more than 2,000 years. Visiting the Redwood National Forest is a must-do experience for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of these majestic trees.

As you enter the forest, you’ll be struck by the sheer size of the trees. The redwoods are truly massive, with trunks that can be over 20 feet in diameter and branches that stretch over 100 feet into the air. Walking among these trees is a humbling experience, and it’s easy to feel small in comparison to their immense size and age.

Golden Gate Bridge- San Francisco, CA

No trip to San Fransico is complete without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of engineering and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Spanning over 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, this iconic bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County and offers stunning views of the bay and the city skyline. Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is an absolute must-do for anyone traveling to San Francisco.

As you approach the bridge, you’ll be struck by its sheer size and beauty. The bridge’s distinctive orange color stands out against the blue waters of the bay and the green hills of the Marin Headlands. As you get closer, you’ll see the intricate details of the bridge’s design, including its massive suspension cables and elegant Art Deco towers.

One of the best ways to experience the Golden Gate Bridge is to walk or bike across it. The bridge has a dedicated pedestrian and bike path that runs along its entire length and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the bay and the city. Walking or biking across the bridge is a great way to get some exercise and take in the sights and sounds of San Francisco.

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