Taking a road-trip is fundamental to truly experiencing the United States. The immensity of this country, with its spectacular diverse natural beauty from geological formations to coastlines, makes driving from one sparkling city to another an unforgettable journey. Whether you are traveling for pleasure whilst visiting the west coast, or are planning to relocate up north to Seattle, Sixt has a car rental solution for you. You can simply rent a car from a Sixt office in Los Angeles and drive it all the way up to Seattle, leaving it at the Sixt Seattle office, without having to arrange for it to be sent back. If you are flying into Las Angeles and need a rent a car at the Airport to drive to Seattle then Sixt is your car rental company for this one-way road trip!
Driving up the west coast is truly an unbeatable experience. Start your trip out from the City of Angels and head up the coast on the scenic route 1. There’s nothing quite like driving along the sunny Californian coast next to the sparkling ocean. Although you’ll be eager to get on the road, there shouldn’t be any rush, so make sure you take advantage and stop in some of the spectacular locations that dot the west coast.
WHAT TO SEE WITH YOUR SIXT CAR RENTAL FROM SIXT
Once you start driving up Route 1 from Los Angeles you will be in the beautiful ocean-side town of Santa Barbara in just over two hours. Santa Barbara is a great place to stop and have a look around. The picturesque center of this town that is home to five colleges. After a quick walk around to stretch your legs you can grab a burrito and dip your feet in the ocean before continuing on your journey.
From Santa Barbara, you can get to the lovely Pismo Beach within one to two hours. Have a relaxing evening walking around this small coastline town, or check out the dunes and watch the sunset over the ocean before heading off to your lodging.
Continuing on your journey you can cruise up to Big Sur, a breathtaking coastal region of California full of incredible national parks that have provided inspiration for many prolific American authors. While driving up you can view the majestic green forests on your right and the rocky Pacific coastline on your left. If you can tear yourself away from this magnificently rugged area, you won’t be disappointed by what comes next.
Enter Monterey Bay and enjoy the relaxing environment of the town of Monterey. If you have some time, visit the aquarium and get a glimpse of what lies beneath the shimmering surface of the Bay. From there you can head to the other side of the Bay to Santa Cruz, where the 60s are still alive and well. In Santa Cruz you can relax into the laid-back atmosphere, eat some great food, and mosey on down to the coastline where you can watch the surfers as they peacefully bob up and down, waiting for the right wave.
From Santa Cruz, you can choose whether or not to stop by the fascinating, well-to-do tech capital, Palo Alto, or continue directly on to the gleaming city of San Francisco. Take due time to explore the unique and charming San Francisco neighborhoods before either hopping over to Berkeley for a quick visit in this quirky town or heading directly across the Golden Gate Bridge on Route 101 bearing due north to pay respects to the towering Redwood trees at Redwood National and State Parks.
Once you’re done marveling at these mysterious and awe-inspiring trees, continue on up the coast, maybe with a last stop in California by Crescent City, before crossing the border into Oregon. Appreciate the explosion of green countryside, lakes, and mountains as you drive through this lovely state to its gem of a city, Portland. This city is great for a visit and you’ll be charmed by its laid back and conscientious atmosphere. If you’re in a rush to get to Portland, Route 5 will take you directly there. But, we hope you’ve got some more time to dedicate to this state because the natural beauty, healthy food, and locally brewed beers it has to offer should not be missed!
You can take a winding route through the western side of the Cascade Mountain Range that takes you past stunning mountain views, lakes, and forests until you finally arrive in Portland. Make your way from the border to Route 58. Soon you’ll change onto Route 126 that follows the lively McKenzie River. While following the river don’t miss the plunging Sahalie Falls! Once you’re on to Route 22 you can stop at Detroit Lake or continue on to Breitenbrush River where you can access much of the wilderness in which Oregon prides itself by taking some short detours off the main road. Once you get back on track you can join the road following the stunning Clakamas River, driving past more gorgeous views and wild countryside, until you arrive in Portland. Take some time to explore this unique and innovative city, and once you’ve had your fill free-range chicken (Portlandia anyone?), keep on going north until you hit Washington. Skating up interstate 5, Seattle is merely three hours away!
Now that you’ve arrived
Once you’ve finally made it to your final destination, Seattle you can bring your luggage to wherever you’re staying and then come visit the Seattle Sixt office where they will be happy to receive your rental car. Sixt has a two car rental locations in Seattle making it easy to give back your car at the airport or downtown. From there you can head to one of Seattle’s famed cafés for some local brew and energy, and from there…the possibilities are limitless!
Passionate about travel, Katie likes to eat her way through as many different countries as possible.
