Pacific Coast Highway — The 7-Day RV Trip From Seattle to San Francisco
Typical rate: $2,800-$3,800 all-in for two people, 7 days
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the great scenic drives in the world. In 7 days you can RV from Seattle to San Francisco along the Oregon Coast — 800 miles of coastline, lighthouses, fishing villages, redwoods, and dramatic ocean views.
The trip at a glance
- Length: 7 days
- Launch: Seattle, WA
- End: San Francisco, CA (one-way return required)
- Distance: ~800 miles
- Recommended class: Class B under 22 ft (parking, narrow coastal turnouts) OR compact Class C under 28 ft
- All-in budget: $2,800-$3,800 for two people
- Best months: June-September (lowest rain risk, longest days)
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Seattle pickup → Oregon Coast (Astoria/Cannon Beach)
- Morning: Pick up RV at Seattle rental (see Washington state guide)
- Drive: Seattle to Astoria, OR — 175 miles, 3h 30min via I-5 South and US-26 West
- Afternoon: Astoria stop (Astoria Column, Goonies film locations)
- Evening: Set up at Fort Stevens State Park or KOA in Hammond
- Camp: Fort Stevens State Park ($30-45/night)
Day 2: Cannon Beach → Oregon Coast central
- Morning: Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock at low tide)
- Drive: Cannon Beach to Newport — 130 miles, 3h via US-101
- Stops along the way: Tillamook Cheese Factory, Pacific City (Cape Kiwanda)
- Evening: Set up at South Beach State Park (Newport)
- Camp: South Beach State Park ($30-45/night)
Day 3: Newport → Florence → Bandon
- Morning: Yaquina Head Lighthouse; Oregon Coast Aquarium
- Drive: Newport to Bandon — 175 miles, 3h 30min
- Stops: Sea Lion Caves, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Coos Bay
- Evening: Bandon dinner; Face Rock viewpoint
- Camp: Bullards Beach State Park (Bandon) ($30-45/night)
Day 4: Bandon → Redwood National Park
- Morning: Coquille Point sea stacks
- Drive: Bandon to Crescent City, CA (via Brookings) — 130 miles, 3h via US-101
- Stops: Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, Boardman State Scenic Corridor (Natural Bridges)
- Evening: Set up in Redwood National Park (Mill Creek Campground or Jedediah Smith Campground)
- Camp: Mill Creek Campground ($35/night)
Day 5: Redwood NP full day
- Morning: Stout Memorial Grove (Jedediah Smith); Howland Hill Road
- Afternoon: Lady Bird Johnson Grove
- Evening: Klamath River dinner; Trees of Mystery sunset
- Camp: Same as Day 4
Day 6: Redwood → Mendocino Coast
- Morning: Final Redwood activity
- Drive: Redwood to Mendocino — 250 miles, 5h via US-101 and CA-1
- Note: Long driving day; consider splitting at Eureka or Fort Bragg
- Evening: Set up at Russian Gulch State Park or MacKerricher State Park
- Camp: MacKerricher State Park ($35-50/night)
Day 7: Mendocino → San Francisco
- Morning: Mendocino Village; Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
- Drive: Mendocino to San Francisco — 180 miles, 4h via CA-1 (mostly two-lane coastal)
- Stops: Point Arena Lighthouse, Bodega Bay, Stinson Beach
- Late afternoon: Drive across Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco
- Evening: Return rental at SF-area rental partner (verify one-way pricing in advance)
All-in budget breakdown
For two people, 7 days, Class B camper van:
| Line item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class B rental: $215/night × 7 nights | $1,505 |
| One-way drop-off fee Seattle → SF | $400-$800 |
| Booking fees + insurance + cleaning | $400-$550 |
| Fuel (800 miles @ 17 mpg @ $4.25/gal — diesel Sprinter) | $200 |
| Campground fees (state parks, 6 nights) | $200-$280 |
| Food, propane, activities, dining (2 people) | $500-$800 |
| Total all-in for 7 days | $3,205-$4,135 |
One-way drop-off is the biggest variable. For round-trip math (Seattle pickup, Seattle return), drive the route in reverse on the return — but you’ve now seen the same coast 4 times. Most renters prefer the one-way premium.
Why Class B is the right call
The Pacific Coast Highway has features that favor Class B:
- Coastal turnouts and viewpoints — many are car-sized; Class A doesn’t fit
- Narrow CA-1 stretches — especially Marin and Mendocino — Class A drives badly
- Parking in coastal towns — Mendocino, Bandon, Cannon Beach all designed for cars
- Fuel economy — Sprinter diesel saves $200-300 on the 800-mile trip vs. gas Class C/A
- Photography stops — frequent stops are easier in a smaller rig
Reservation timing
State park campgrounds along the Oregon Coast and Northern California book 6 months ahead via ReserveCalifornia.com and Oregon State Parks. Summer (June-August) weekends fill fast.
- Fort Stevens: opens 6 months ahead via Oregon State Parks
- South Beach (Newport): opens 6 months ahead via Oregon State Parks
- Bullards Beach: opens 6 months ahead via Oregon State Parks
- Mill Creek (Redwood NP): opens 6 months ahead via Recreation.gov
- MacKerricher: opens 6 months ahead via ReserveCalifornia.com
What can go wrong (and what to do)
- Coastal fog: May-July can have heavy morning fog. Plan for slow driving and limited visibility on coastal sections.
- Wind events: Pacific coastal sections see strong wind. Avoid awning use; secure outdoor items.
- Salt spray: affects undercarriage. Most coastal rental companies charge for salt rinse if not addressed.
- Wildfire impact: California coastal fires (August-October) can close US-101 or CA-1 sections. Check Caltrans QuickMap before departure.
- Limited supplies: some Oregon coastal towns have small grocery stores; stock up at Newport, Coos Bay, or Crescent City.
Variations
Shorter 5-day version (Cannon Beach to San Francisco)
- Skip Day 1 (fly into Portland instead of Seattle)
- Compress days 6-7
Longer 10-day version (Big Sur extension)
- Continue from San Francisco south to Monterey and Big Sur
- Add 3 days for Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
- End at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, or LA
Off-season alternative (April-May or September-October)
- Lower rental rates
- Quieter coastal towns
- Variable weather (more rain in April; foggy September)
- Most state park sites still open year-round on Oregon Coast
Class choice math
| RV Class | PCH Fit |
|---|---|
| Class B under 22 ft | Sweet spot — fits everywhere, parking flexibility, fuel economy |
| Class C under 28 ft | Workable — accept tighter parking in coastal towns |
| Class C 30+ ft | Difficult on CA-1 narrow sections, awkward parking |
| Class A any size | Not recommended — coastal sections will be miserable |
| Travel trailer | Workable with delivery-and-setup at single campground; not for transit |
For most renters, Class B is the right answer for PCH. It’s literally what the route is designed for.
Bottom line
The 7-day Pacific Coast Highway from Seattle to San Francisco is one of the world’s iconic drives. Budget $3,200-$4,100 for two people including one-way drop-off. Class B camper van. Book state park campgrounds 6 months ahead. Expect coastal fog, wind, and beautiful scenery.
See related guides: Washington state, Oregon state, Class B rental hub, Seattle city guide.