6 Scenic Road Trip Stops Along US-101

Driving along the 1,520-mile US-101 allows you to see the West Coast as it truly is: a magical place. You will experience a shifting landscape that is rugged and dramatic, especially along the foggy, forested sections. This highway is renowned for its scenic route alongside one of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline in America and one of the best road trips you will ever take, as you make your way between Los Angeles and Tumwater, Washington.

You do not have to stick to a rigid schedule to stop at the roadside attractions, and you do not have to spend a certain number of hours at each stop. Instead, let wonder and curiosity guide you and slow down when your sense of exploration takes over. If you are not sure where to start or the route feels daunting, the following six stops will inspire you to embark on an unforgettable US-101 trip.

San Luis Obispo, California

If you are traveling northward from California to Washington, your first stop upon leaving Los Angeles should be San Luis Obispo, a few hours up the highway. This wonderful college town is a popular surfing and hiking destination. You can get out of the car in the downtown area to explore the shopping options or see a show at the historic Fremont Theater. Make some time to visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, built in 1772. The historic mission still hosts an active community with masses held every day of the week.

If you want to linger a little bit longer in SLO, you can have some fun hunting for the 101 painted cows in and around town. These cows were part of an international initiative that raises money for local charities. After lunch or dinner in town, you can take a walk along the San Luis Obispo Creek and catch a movie at the nostalgic Sunset Drive-In. And, if you want to spend some time in nature, embark on a challenging hike up Bishop Peak, which is the tallest volcanic peak in the Nine Sisters range between SLO and Morro Bay.

Mission San Juan Bautista, California

Further north, a quick detour east of US-101 will take you into Mission San Juan Bautista. This mission is one of California’s most historically significant landmarks. It was founded in 1797 and is one of the largest of the state’s Spanish missions. The complex comprises thick-walled adobe corridors, a historic church, and stunning gardens. There are also adjacent structures that highlight Spanish, Indigenous, and early Californian history. Sitting directly along the San Andreas Fault, the mission is in a unique geological position and has suffered several earthquakes, but many of the original buildings and features remain, including the only Spanish Plaza left in California. The mission was also made famous in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo.

The surrounding town of San Juan Bautista expands the living history of the area. San Juan Bautista State Historic Park preserves original adobe buildings and a historic hotel. There is also a livery stable here that aims to transport visitors to early 19th-century frontier life.

Redwood National and State Parks, California

When you get back on US-101, continue north towards Redwood National and State Parks. These protected areas also include Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Here, you can walk beneath some of the tallest trees on Earth as you discover how this giant forested region absorbs sound and filters light. Even if you only have a few hours to spare here, you should spend them in the tree groves in awe of the redwoods.

If you want to hike, Fern Canyon, with its moss-covered walls and Jurassic Park backdrop in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, is the place to be. You can also drive the Avenue of the Giants, which is a 31-mile stretch through the nearby Humboldt Redwoods State Park. There are restoration projects in progress to improve stream habitats and protect old-growth ecosystems in the park, and it is important to be aware of them as you carefully navigate the drives and trails.

Bandon, Oregon

Crossing the California-Oregon border, US-101 starts tracing the shores of the southern Oregon coast. Here, you can stop in Bandon, one of the most stunning towns along the highway. Bandon has managed to retain its small-town feel, despite bursting at the seams during peak season. And, its relaxed atmosphere contrasts wonderfully with the dramatic coastline it is famous for. The beaches in Bandon are incredible and provide striking views wherever you look.

At Bandon Beach and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, you will find huge sea stacks perpetually splashed by the restless waves. It is a fantastic backdrop for selfies, as you head over to the tide pools during low tide. Here, you can see colorful sea creatures and trace the shadows cast over the water as the sunlight fades. Face Rock, which reveals a human profile when viewed from certain angles, is especially popular at sunset. You can also head into the town itself to the Old Town district, which sits along the Coquille River, to explore the shops and restaurants before you move on to your next stop.

Cape Perpetua, Oregon

As you continue north, US-101 will lead you to Cape Perpetua, which is one of the most conspicuous natural wonders on the Oregon coast, in the best way possible. Cape Perpetua is a headland that rises more than 800 feet above the Pacific. From the top, you can see how the rainy weather rolls in and how the tides change. You can also see the waves breaking against the basalt cliffs framed by the surrounding forest.

Below this viewpoint are more natural features that attract locals and tourists throughout the year. Thor’s Well appears to want to drain the entire sea during high tide. And, the nearby Spouting Horn blows seawater forcefully upwards through a basalt opening. You can also hike in the area, through old-growth spruce and hemlock forests and past tide pools and imposing rock shelves.

Port Townsend, Washington

Before you reach Tumwater, your northernmost stop will be Port Townsend. This charming town, situated in the northeast part of the Olympic Peninsula, is well known for its Victorian-era buildings and breathtaking harbor, where a leisurely stroll lets you watch ferries and sailboats coming in. You can also head downtown to visit local gift shops like Summer House Design for unique souvenirs, or find used, rare, and out-of-print books at William James Bookseller.

Just minutes away from downtown, Fort Worden Historical State Park boasts beaches, woodsy trails, bluffs, and unmatched views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The former military fort still houses preserved bunkers and officers’ quarters. Even the barracks are still mostly intact. You will also find well-tended green lawns and Point Wilson Lighthouse. Back in town, you can take in the sunset from the waterfront to cap off your US-101 road trip.

Experience the Thrill of the Open Road

Few things compare to the thrill of taking to the open road and exploring roadside attractions. US-101 will slow you down and point you towards coastal towns like Bandon and Port Townsend, historic pitstops like the mission at San Luis Obispo, and natural wonders like Thor's Well and Redwood National Park. Even if you just drive a short stretch of the highway, you are sure to return home with memories that last a lifetime.