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San Francisco To Vancouver Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

San Francisco to Vancouver road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA and Canada . The 950 miles of San Francisco to Vancouver drive takes around 14 hours and 59 mins without stops.

This article includes 21 tips that turn your San Francisco to Vancouver drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From San Francisco To Vancouver

On the San Francisco to Vancouver road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top seven hotels on the San Francisco – Vancouver route!

• Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS: Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the San Francisco to Vancouver road trip. Driving from San Francisco to Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS might take around 1 hour and 32 mins . The staff at the hotel were professional and hard-working. Our room had a king bed and a spacious and well-designed sofa bed. We enjoyed the complimentary breakfast. The essential internet speed was adequate. Check the Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS, one of the best hotels in Sacramento, California, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Vancouver from San Francisco is Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn. Located in Redding, California, the hotel is 215 miles away from San Francisco, and it would take 3 hours and 18 mins to drive. The Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn in Redding, CA, is a top-notch hotel. With its modern amenities and thoughtful design, the Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn will stand out among other hotels in Redding, CA. The staff was amiable and accommodating. The hotel room and grounds were spotless and well-kept. The pool and spa itself were immaculate and appealing. The breakfast was delicious, and we had a fantastic selection of hot and cold items. If you want to learn more about the Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .
• Rodeway Inn Medford: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Rodeway Inn Medford. Rodeway Inn Medford is located in Medford, Oregon, and it’s 362 miles away from San Francisco. You can arrive there in 5 hours and 42 mins of non-stop driving. The Rodeway Inn Medford is a popular choice among travelers visiting Medford, thanks to its complimentary breakfast and free parking. In addition, each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and refrigerator. Free wifi allows guests to stay connected. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Rodeway Inn Medford for more information.
• Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center: If you are taking the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver, Eugene is must have a place you should visit. Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 530 miles from San Francisco, and it would take 8 hours and 14 mins to drive. Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center is an excellent choice for families looking for a hotel in Eugene. This hotel is conveniently located near some of the city’s most popular attractions, like the University of Oregon (1.5 mi) and Hayward Field (1.7 mi). Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center is an excellent option for travelers. The Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center offers rooms with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. Additionally, guests can enjoy free wifi during their stay. The hotel also offers a pool, lounge, and Sky Bar for guests’ enjoyment. Hyatt Place is an excellent choice for travelers, as it is centrally located near shops and restaurants. In addition, the staff at Hyatt Place are known for their excellent service. If you need more info about the price and availability of Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
• The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton: Our next hotel is The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, Portland, Oregon. It will take 9 hours, and 53 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from San Francisco. The hotel is pet-friendly and has a fitness center that is open 24 hours. The room I stayed in was clean and spacious, and the food was excellent. Overall, I had a great experience at this hotel and would recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable place to stay. Check the Benson Portland Curio Collection by Hilton on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Benson Portland Curio Collection for reviews, prices, and availability.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver is Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Seattle, Washington, within 12 hours and 32 mins drive from San Francisco. The hotel was beautifully designed with excellent service. The staff were friendly and accommodating. Our room had the best view, including watching our cruise ship enter the port. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com .
• L’Hermitage Hotel: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is L’Hermitage Hotel. It’s located in Vancouver, British Columbia, 950 miles from San Francisco. You can arrive there within 14 hours and 59 mins of car drive. The hotel’s central location in Vancouver makes reaching top restaurants and attractions easy on foot. The rooms are great, and the staff is excellent. If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of L’Hermitage Hotel.

In this part, we explained seven hotels you can stay at on the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take San Francisco to Vancouver route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from San Francisco to Vancouver. We have seven restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

7 Best Restaurants On The San Francisco To Vancouver Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your San Francisco to Vancouver road trip. This section lists seven restaurants to dine at on the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• Tower Cafe: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on San Francisco to Vancouver road trip with Tower Cafe. Tower Cafe is located in Sacramento, California , 87.1 miles from San Francisco. Therefore, it would take 1 hour and 26 mins to drive. The restaurant’s menu reflects Sacramento’s diversity, with all items being prepared with care. The service is excellent, and the dining room is delightful. The outside area is also aesthetically pleasing. For more information about Tower Cafe, visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Tower Cafe.
• Cattlemen’s, Redding: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Vancouver from San Francisco is Cattlemen’s, Redding. Located in Redding, California, Cattlemen’s, Redding is 215 miles from San Francisco and would take 3 hours and 18 mins of driving. The food was great, and the portions were huge. The steaks were cooked perfectly and never disappointed. I had the Prime Rib, and it was fabulous. My friend had the BBQ Bacon Burger, and she enjoyed it as well. The bread and family-style salad were added to the meal. If you want to learn more about Cattlemen’s, Redding, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub. It will take 5 hours and 44 mins of car drive to take 366 miles from San Francisco to Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub, Medford, Oregon. This restaurant is a favorite among pizza lovers for its delicious pies, fresh salads, and hearty calzones. It also offers a great selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. You can check Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information .
• King Estate Winery: King Estate Winery deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Eugene, Oregon. The restaurant is located in a picturesque spot, overlooking vineyards and orchards. The food quality is on par with some of the best restaurants in the US and abroad. The service was excellent, and the food tasted great. The wine flights were reasonably priced; the meals were a little pricey for lunch, but overall, this was an outstanding experience. The combination of location and food makes it worth the drive. If the weather is good, enjoy the views by sitting outside. King Estate Winery is 509 miles from San Francisco and would take 8 hours and 3 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about King Estate Winery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Mediterranean Exploration Company: If you enjoy dining, Mediterranean Exploration Company would be an excellent choice in Portland, Oregon. It’s 636 miles from San Francisco and would take 9 hours and 51 mins of car driving. The outdoor seating was perfect for enjoying the meal. The hummus, labneh, and short ribs were all excellent choices. If you want to learn more about the Mediterranean Exploration Company, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• The Pink Door, Seattle: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver is The Pink Door, Seattle, Seattle, Washington. It will take 12 hours and 36 mins of driving to reach The Pink Door, Seattle, from San Francisco. The food and drink offerings were noteworthy, with the grilled whole fish and clam pasta being standout dishes. Meanwhile, the antipasto and green salad were also excellent. The service was helpful, and the staff was courteous throughout our meal. The only drawback was the chairs, which were too high for the tables and made it difficult to eat without hunching over. For more information about The Pink Door, Seattle, you can check TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
• Black+Blue, Vancouver: Ranked seventh on our list, Black+Blue, Vancouver appeals to those who want to turn their Vancouver vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, 950 miles from San Francisco, it’ll take 15 hours of the drive. The restaurant offers excellent views and a great atmosphere on the rooftop. The steaks were well-cooked, and we enjoyed the Atlantic Lobster and Banana’s Foster. If you want to learn more about Black+Blue, Vancouver, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our seven restaurant recommendations for your road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 950 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Vancouver road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from San Francisco to Vancouver. Keep reading.

7 Places To Visit On The San Francisco To Vancouver Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Vancouver. However, there are also some unique destinations like Sacramento, California, on your road trip. Therefore, we want to explain the top seven destinations we recommend on the Vancouver route.

• California State Railroad Museum: California State Railroad Museum will be the first destination we recommend you stop on your San Francisco to Vancouver road trip. Located in Sacramento, California, California State Railroad Museum is 86.5 miles away from San Francisco, and it would take 1 hour and 29 mins to drive. The California State Railroad Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the state’s history and development. The museum features a 150-year-old, 40-ton monument to innovation, engineering, and history, as well as a ride along the rails that played a vital role in the development of the Golden State. The exhibits are engaging and provide a wealth of information about the history of California railways. In addition, the docents are knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you may have. If you want to learn more about the California State Railroad Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Turtle Bay Exploration Park: Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, California, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the San Francisco to Vancouver route. It’s 217 miles from San Francisco, and it’ll take about 3 hours and 19 mins of driving. Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a 300-acre non-profit gathering place that features the Sundial Bridge, a museum, a forestry & wildlife center, a greenhouse, and botanical gardens. The park has an air-conditioned museum with several features, including multiple exhibition areas with changing exhibits and historical sections about the local history. The park also has shaded trails for visitors to enjoy. If you want to learn more about Turtle Bay Exploration Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Rogue River: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver is Medford, Oregon. And if you visit Medford, Oregon, we suggest you visit the Rogue River. You can arrive at Rogue River after 6 hours and 34 mins of driving. The Rogue River in Southern Oregon is a popular spot for fishing. In addition to being a great place to fish, the river has a rich history of nature and war. To get the most out of your visit to the Rogue River, consider staying in cabins or small towns. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Rogue River for more information.
• Eugene Saturday Market: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Eugene Saturday Market, Eugene, Oregon, on the San Francisco to Vancouver road trip. Eugene Saturday Market is 529 miles from San Francisco, and you can arrive there after the 8 hours and 16 mins drive. Eugene’s Saturday Market is Oregon’s original Saturday Market, founded in 1970. It is also the oldest weekly open-air crafts festival in the United States. The market features 200 booths filled with fine handcrafted goods. It is the perfect place to find a unique gift or souvenir, as the artisans themselves sell all items. This guarantees a high-quality product. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Eugene Saturday Market before going there.
• International Rose Test Garden: Located in Portland, Oregon, International Rose Test Garden ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver. You must take 9 hours and 56 mins of driving to arrive at the International Rose Test Garden. The oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States is home to more than 8,000 roses. Located in Portland, this garden is extraordinary and unique, boasting different types of roses spread out over a vast area. Some parts of the garden are so lovely that you can sit and enjoy nature, read or have a coffee there. Don’t leave Portland without a visit to this one-of-a-kind destination. If you want to learn more about International Rose Test Garden, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• The Museum of Flight: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver is The Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington. The Museum of Flight is 802 miles from San Francisco, and it would take 12 hours and 23 mins to drive. The museum was more extensive than anticipated and contained many exhibits worth visiting, even for those uninterested in aviation. Some exhibits showcased artifacts from the space race age to modern space exploration. Another area simulated a control tower to explain how air traffic control works. The inside hangar had aircraft from different eras, including fighter jets and helicopters. There was also an extensive exhibit on world war I. This exhibit contained two aircraft with other artifacts and stories about the pilots that flew them. For more information about The Museum of Flight, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website .
• Stanley Park: You can visit many destinations on your San Francisco to Vancouver journey. One of these destinations is Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. You can arrive at Stanley Park after 15 hours of driving. Stanley Park is an excellent destination for a day trip. The bike trail around the park’s perimeter is well-designed, with one-way traffic to avoid collisions. The scenery along the bike path is also delightful. In addition to biking, there are many other activities to enjoy in the park, such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Stanley Park, you can visit Stanley Park’s TripAdvisor page or its website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From San Francisco to Vancouver

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the San Francisco to Vancouver drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From San Francisco To Vancouver?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the San Francisco to Vancouver road trip takes approximately 14 hours and 59 mins to drive. Therefore, the driving distance between San Francisco to Vancouver is 950 miles.
• If you want to make the San Francisco to Vancouver road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be three days and 17 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the San Francisco-Vancouver route, you will have to walk for 13 days and 17 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From San Francisco To Vancouver?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Vancouver. On the road, you can visit Sacramento, California; Redding, California; Medford, Oregon; Eugene, Oregon; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, British Columbia. Here we list seven places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the San Francisco to Vancouver journey, you can check the 7 Best Places To Visit On The San Francisco To Vancouver Road Trip.

• California State Railroad Museum: 86.5 miles / 1 hour and 29 mins to drive from San Francisco | 894 miles / 14 hours and 6 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Turtle Bay Exploration Park: 217 miles / 3 hours and 19 mins to drive from San Francisco | 736 miles / 11 hours and 46 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Rogue River: 419 miles / 6 hours and 34 mins to drive from San Francisco | 535 miles / 8 hours and 35 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Eugene Saturday Market: 529 miles / 8 hours and 16 mins to drive from San Francisco | 425 miles / 6 hours and 55 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• International Rose Test Garden: 637 miles / 9 hours and 56 mins to drive from San Francisco | 317 miles / 5 hours and 20 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• The Museum of Flight: 802 miles / 12 hours and 23 mins to drive from San Francisco | 150 miles / 2 hours and 44 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Stanley Park: 951 miles / 15 hours to drive from San Francisco | 1.8 km / 6 mins of driving to Vancouver.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From San Francisco To Vancouver?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver. We have selected seven hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Vancouver From San Francisco section.

• Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS: 91.4 miles / 1 hour and 32 mins to drive from San Francisco | 900 miles / 14 hours and 13 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Best Western Plus Hilltop Inn: 215 miles / 3 hours and 18 mins to drive from San Francisco | 736 miles / 11 hours and 45 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Rodeway Inn Medford: 362 miles / 5 hours and 42 mins to drive from San Francisco | 588 miles / 9 hours and 26 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Hyatt Place Eugene/Oakway Center: 530 miles / 8 hours and 14 mins to drive from San Francisco | 424 miles / 6 hours and 53 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton: 636 miles / 9 hours and 53 mins to drive from San Francisco | 315 miles / 5 hours and 14 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square: 808 miles / 12 hours and 32 mins to drive from San Francisco | 143 miles / 2 hours and 37 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• L’Hermitage Hotel: 950 miles / 14 hours and 59 mins to drive from San Francisco | 0.9 km / 4 mins of driving to Vancouver.

Where To Eat Between San Francisco to Vancouver?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your San Francisco to Vancouver drive, you can consider the seven restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 7 Best Restaurants On The San Francisco To Vancouver Road Trip .

• Tower Cafe: 87.1 miles / 1 hour and 26 mins to drive from San Francisco | 896 miles / 14 hours and 8 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Cattlemen’s, Redding: 215 miles / 3 hours and 18 mins to drive from San Francisco | 736 miles / 11 hours and 46 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub: 366 miles / 5 hours and 44 mins to drive from San Francisco | 587 miles / 9 hours and 23 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• King Estate Winery: 509 miles / 8 hours and 3 mins to drive from San Francisco | 449 miles / 7 hours and 23 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Mediterranean Exploration Company: 636 miles / 9 hours and 51 mins to drive from San Francisco | 315 miles / 5 hours and 12 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• The Pink Door, Seattle: 808 miles / 12 hours and 36 mins to drive from San Francisco | 143 miles / 2 hours and 38 mins of driving to Vancouver.
• Black+Blue, Vancouver: 950 miles / 15 hours to drive from San Francisco | 0.6 km / 3 mins of driving to Vancouver.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver. We have listed seven hotels, seven restaurants, and seven places to visit on the San Francisco to Vancouver drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the San Francisco to Vancouver road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

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San Francisco to Vancouver drive

San francisco to vancouver road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from San Francisco to Vancouver. If you're planning a road trip to Vancouver, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

9:00 am  start in San Francisco drive for about 3.5 hours

12:29 pm   Redding eat at Wilda's Grill stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:29 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

3:48 pm   Ashland (Oregon) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:48 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 8.5 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Eugene drive for about 2 hours

10:57 am   Portland stay for about 4 hours and leave at 2:57 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

5:24 pm   Tacoma stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:24 pm drive for about 3 hours

9:21 pm  arrive in Vancouver stay at Yaletown

day 2 driving ≈ 7.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Redding   (16 answers)     restaurants around Redding:         Wilda's Grill         Market Street Steakhouse     questions about Redding:         Best free things to do in Redding?         What is your favorite restaurant in Redding? Ashland (Oregon)   (31 answers)     Ashland   (15 mentions)     Oregon Shakespeare Festival   (3 mentions)     Lithia Park   (2 mentions)     questions about Ashland (Oregon):         Best free things to do in Ashland (Oregon)?         Spas in the Ashland area? Eugene   (24 answers)     questions about Eugene:         What is your favorite restaurant in Eugene? Portland   (275 answers)     International Rose Test Garden   (20 mentions)     Powell's City of Books   (17 mentions)     Japanese Gardens   (15 mentions)     Portland Saturday Market   (13 mentions)     Timberline Lodge   (12 mentions)     restaurants around Portland:         Voodoo Doughnuts         Tasty N Sons         Lardo         Potato Champion         Pok Pok Restaurant     questions about Portland:         What is your favorite restaurant in Portland?         Mid July: 1 week with wife and kid - what should we prioritize?         Best coffee shops in Portland         Visiting in July for 5 days with my boyfriend, where and what must we do?         Artsy area with fun little shops Tacoma   (20 answers)     Museum of Glass   (5 mentions)     LeMay - America's Car Museum   (3 mentions)     Tacoma Art Museum   (2 mentions)     The Swiss   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Tacoma:         Duke's Chowder House         The Lobster Shop     questions about Tacoma:         What is your favorite restaurant in Tacoma?         What is Tacoma weather like in the summer?

Where's the best place to stay in Vancouver?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Vancouver .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Yaletown , which was mentioned 7 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Vancouver? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Vancouver?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Vij’s , which was mentioned 10 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Vancouver? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Vancouver?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Vancouver. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Vancouver.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Vancouver to San Francisco drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from San Francisco to Vancouver . Or get a full San Francisco to Vancouver flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know San Francisco well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about San Francisco!

More info on this route:

road conditions from San Francisco to Vancouver

places to eat

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Road Trip from Vancouver to San Francisco

If you are up for a journey that takes you across famous cities, stunning national parks and soul-stirring oceans, then a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is truly memorable. Prepare to venture down the Pacific coast, from western Canada to northern California.

The 1,530-kilometre road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco takes over 15 hours. Key stops include Washington, Salem, Portland, California and the Golden Gate Bridge, as well Redwood National Park, Sacramento, Cascade Mountains and Peace Arch Park.

To help with the planning of this incredible journey to the Golden Gate City, check out all the information below for great inspiration, information and things to do along the way.

How far is San Francisco from Vancouver and how long will it take to get there?

A road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is a long, yet straightforward journey, that will cover a minimum of 1,530 km (950 miles) and take at least 15 hours. It's also a trip that has two fantastic choices for routes, so you have a little flexibility, depending on your personal preferences.

While you can complete this road trip in just under 16 hours of non-stop driving, we would recommend doing the journey over the course of at least 3 days - an average of 5 hours driving per day and plenty of free time to enjoy some of the incredible attractions along the way.

It's important to note that both of our routes involve crossing the border from Canada to the US, therefore be prepared and remember to bring any documents and proof of identities you will need for a smooth crossover.

Best road trip route from Vancouver to San Francisco

There are two equally exhilarating, yet simple routes on the road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco. The most direct way is our I-5 Route which takes you inland and makes the most of the stunning forests and mountains.

If you prefer coasts, then you should consider the Pacific Coast Highway Route which will add an additional 93km but nearly 4 extra hours on the road. That said, the famous road showcases some stunning coastal views and the opportunity to stop at Coos Bay or Gold Beach.

It's also worth noting that there are numerous roads connecting our two routes along the way, so you always have the option to do a little bit of each if you want to cover attractions along both throughout the trip.

Whether you're flying into Vancouver or you simply don't have your own transport in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

How to drive from Vancouver to San Francisco

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Vancouver and San Francisco. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The I-5 Route

Both routes begin the same way - heading south from Vancouver and driving through Richmond on British Columbia Highway 99 until you reach the border with the US at Peace Arch Park. When you emerge in America, you will find yourself on Interstate 5.

As you travel south there are plenty more opportunities for exploring, including a short detour to Lake Stevens or a longer one to Whidbey Island for rugged terrains, beaches and stunning views. Alternatively continue south of I-5 until you reach the bright lights of Seattle - an excellent overnight stop.

Continue south through Tacoma in Washington before arriving in Olympia. A key attraction in its own right, Olympia is also a great base for exploring Mount Rainier National Park.

The next great milestone and almost halfway to our destination is Portland. After spending time to visit Oregon's largest city, you will then continue on the I-5 alongside Salem and towards Eugene. The next stretch gives you ample opportunity to explore Umpqua National Forest and Crater Lake national Park.

On your final stretch before arriving north-west of Sacramento, there are further national parks to detour to, alternatively after reaching Sacramento you will then join the I-80 west to downtown San Francisco.

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Route

The alternative route also begins on Interstate 5, but this time exits onto US-101 (more famously known as the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH for short) - one of the most scenic roads in the world.

Heading south on the US-101, the first interesting stop is at Long Beach in Washington, a beautiful beach and as well as a fantastic city to explore. Continue south and pass Cannon Beach , Tillamook until you reach Waldport. From here it's worth exploring Siuslaw National Forest.

Continue on the PCH until you reach Coos Bay where you can explore the sand dunes or Sunset Bay State Park, amongst other things. Passing Gold Beach, follow the coast until you reach Six Rivers National Forest and then Mendocino National Forest.

Further south on the PCH the route will take you through Santa Rosa in California, before reaching your destination of San Francisco.

Best places to stop between Vancouver and San Francisco

While the road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco could technically be possible to complete in a single day, it's far better to spread the journey over several days and include at least one stop along the way to recharge and enjoy the sights.

Your choice of an overnight stop will depend on which route you decide to take, here are our top favorite locations on each route, to get you started no matter which one you choose.

Immerse in history and culture at Salem, Oregon

Not to be confused with the more famous Salem in Massachusetts, Oregon's Salem is 6 hours' drive from Vancouver and therefore an ideal stop on this trip if you're taking the I-5 Route. It's also a fabulous city in its own right.

As the capital and one of the oldest and most populous cities in the state, Salem is full of history and culture. Situated near multiple national parks, forests and monuments, it also has plenty to offer for the more adventurous among you to discover.

After exploring the area, a stop at the city's top hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton is difficult to beat . This beautiful hotel has a fantastic indoor swimming pool and hot tub, and is just 9 miles from Oregon's famous vineyards.

Rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton are comfortable and for convenience there is also onsite parking, making this a perfect place to relax after all that time on the road.

Get back to nature at Redwood National Park

If you have settled on the Pacific Coast Highway Route, then a visit to one of the most famous national parks in America, Redwood National Park is a must. Not far from San Francisco, it's also a great place to rest after a long drive and so you should consider an overnight stop.

The towering trees of the Redwood forest have been an iconic symbol for years - from their use in movies, such as Star Wars, to their incredible history, nature and wildlife, this is a location that is simply too good to miss, especially as you're already passing through.

There are some great hotel options to choose from in the area surrounding Redwood National Park but our recommendation would have to be a stay at the stunning Ramada by Wyndham Arcata which combines a great location and plenty of amenities . This modern resort features a delightful outdoor pool with sun loungers - perfect for a relax after a long walk.

Once you arrive you can take advantage of the free parking before enjoying some of the many onsite facilities, including a fantastic tennis court and hot tub. Located in the heart of Redwood Country, from the Ramada you can also explore nearby Arcata Plaza and Old Town Eureka.

After a rest in the comfortable and spacious rooms, you'll be ready to continue on your trip and explore the rest of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Where to stay once you reach San Francisco

Of course your adventure doesn't end once you reach the destination. San Francisco is known as the cultural, commercial, and financial center in California. After taking in the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge, make sure you spend some time in this eclectic place.

To fully appreciate the attractions of San Francisco, you'll want a hotel with style, comfort and a great location. With so much choice and variety, you almost can't go wrong with a booking in San Francisco, but for a really stylish stay, the San Francisco Marriott Marquis in Union Square is a great option .

This iconic hotel, next to the the Moscone Convention Center in downtown San Francisco, has luxurious rooms with optional panoramic city views. Just two blocks from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and four blocks from Union Square, you couldn't be better situated.

And after a day exploring, what better way to finish the day than with drinks from the rooftop bar, admiring the stunning city lights at night. What a perfect end to a truly unforgettable road trip!

Things to see on a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco

With at least 15 hours of driving and two routes to choose from on a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco, there is an extensive number of things to do and see along the way.

The following list features just some of the best stops along the way to really make the most of this incredible trip.

Both routes

• Peace Arch Park - Straddling the border between Canada and America, this park is home to the Peace Arch, a monument built to commemorate the long history of peace between the two countries.
• Seattle, Washington - The largest and most populous city in Washington, famous for creating grunge music, its iconic Space Needle and being the birthplace of Starbucks coffee.
• Tacoma, Washington - The second most populous city in Washington, it's known as the “City Of Destiny”, for being the final stop on the Northern Pacific Railroad.
• Olympia, Washington - The capital city of Washington state, founded in 1859.
• Portland, Oregon - The largest, most populous city in Oregon and second in both categories in the entire Pacific Northwest region, behind only Seattle.
• Salem, Oregon - The capital and second most populous city in the state of Oregon.
• Cascade Mountains - Legendary mountain range, running from British Columbia to California. Numerous national forests, including Willamette and Umpqua, cover its towering peaks, full of wildlife and stunning views.
• Crater Lake National Park - One of the 5 oldest national parks in the US, its central attraction is a stunning blue lake, inside a crater of a collapsed volcano. With a variety of rare and unusual wildlife, as well as the fabled “Lakes Old Man”, a hemlock tree that's floated upright in the water for centuries, this is a perfect place to take in some truly unique natural sights.
• Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument - A protected area covering 114,000 acres, at the junction of the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges, known for its dramatic cliff faces.
• Shasta-Trinity National Forest - Covering more than 2-million acres, these joint forests contain 5 wildernesses, hundreds of lakes and more than 10,000 km (6,200 miles) of rivers and streams. Combined they are the largest forest in California, as well as home to the state's largest man-made lake, Shasta Lake.
• Lassen Volcanic National Park - An incredible, rugged, volcanic landscape, full of mud pots, hot springs, steam vents and the near 1,500-foot Lassen Peak. While not containing as much wildlife as some other parks, it still has large populations of bears, birds, deer and marten.
• Sacramento, California - Capital of California and 9th largest capital in the US, settled in 1850.

The Pacific Coast Highway Route

• Olympic National Park - As one of the most northern national parks in the contiguous US, it produces exactly what you would expect. Glaciers, forests, rivers and waterfalls cover rugged mountains, full of deer, elk, goat and hundreds of species of bird.
• Redwood National Park - Legendary redwood forest on the Pacific coast, where towering trees and cascading rivers are home to bears, elk and deer.
• Golden Gate Bridge - One of the most iconic bridges on Earth, it is recognised as one of the wonders of the modern world. Carrying the Pacific Coast Highway across the water into northern San Francisco, the bridge has its own unique shade of red, used by craftsmen who continuously repaint the bridge, restarting as soon as they finish.

Best time to go on a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco

When choosing the best time to make a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco it is important to plan ahead. Both Vancouver and San Francisco can suffer from rain, mist and cooler temperatures throughout parts of the year.

The most popular time to visit both areas are usually from June through to mid-August. This is the time when you will find warm weather and minimal rain. With summer being the popular months for travel, you will also see a rise in tourists and hotel prices will reflect the demand.

That being said, June can see thick fogs in San Francisco. Known as locally as the "June gloom", the damp, cool, fog-laden days could really dampen your trip if you were hoping for clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge for example.

A trip later in the year isn't impossible, fall actually offers some warm temperatures and fewer crowds, particularly in San Francisco and Vancouver. Temperatures in September still reach highs of 70 degrees, making ideal conditions for travel.

If you decide to brave the colder months and find yourself in San Francisco in February, you might just get to discover one of world's top Chinese New Year parades. The parade includes multiple events and locations and is certainly a colorful and unmissable experience.

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The Open Road Travel

• May 13, 2022

Road Trip From Vancouver To San Francisco

Updated: Dec 5, 2022

A road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco takes us down North America’s Pacific coast, from Canada’s southwestern city to the heart of coastal California.

A road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco takes at least 15 hours and covers over 950 miles. See famous cities, stunning national parks, and beautiful ocean views, as you travel from British Columbia, through Washington and Oregon, to California.

Read on to find out more about this amazing journey to the Golden Gate City and discover how to plan the perfect travel itinerary.

A Road Trip From Vancouver To San Francisco: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take To Get There & What Is The Best Route?

A road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco covers at least 950 miles (1,530 kilometres) and will take at minimum of 15 hours driving to complete. There are also two fabulous routes you can take on this journey, each of which will appeal to a different kind of traveller.

While both routes are long, they are also incredibly straightforward.

The Fastest Route

The shortest, fastest route will see you begin by heading south on British Columbia Highway 99 and following it south to the United States border. Once you pass into the U.S., you will be on I-5, which you will follow for 830 miles (1,330 kilometres), to just northwest of Sacramento.

Use Exit 553 to join I-505 where it starts and follow it for its 33 mile (53.1 kilometre) duration. Merge onto the I-80 and continue going south until you reach the roads conclusion, some 55 miles (88 kilometres) away, in your destination of San Francisco.

The Scenic Route

The other route option is admittedly much longer, at 1,090 miles (1,755 kilometres), and will take 23 hours driving to complete. However, this route will see you drive down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which is considered one of the most scenic roads in the entire world.

You will again begin by heading south, first on British Columbia Highway 99 and then in Interstate 5. When you reach Exit 104 in Olympia, join U.S. Route 101 and follow it a short way before exiting onto Washington State Route 8 where it begins.

Follow this for its 21 mile (33.8 kilometre) duration, then merge onto U.S. Route 12 going west. When you reach Montesano, join Washington State Route 107 where it begins and follow it for its 8 mile (13 kilometre) duration, before re-joining U.S. Route 101.

Follow this south until you reach the town of Leggett, in California, where you will join California State Route 1 at its origin and follow it to your destination in San Francisco.

Best Place To Stop On A Road Trip From Vancouver To San Francisco - Portland

While some people will be able to complete a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco in a single day, most are going to want to break it up, to ensure the driving doesn’t get too much and they actually have time to enjoy the sights and sounds along whichever they you choose.

There may be plenty of great choices, but the best place to stop on a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is Portland. While it is located on the short route, it can also easily be reached by those on the scenic route with only a short detour.

Oregon’s most populous city and the second most populous in the Pacific northwest, Portland is a destination full of attractions, history, and culture. Founded in 1845, it was the western terminus of the historic Oregon Trail.

Surrounded by forests, mountains, and oceans, Portland is among the most naturally beautiful cities in the country, yet is often overlooked by tourists, because of its somewhat isolated location.

With numerous film, music, and performing arts venues, galleries, and museums, as well as breweries, bars, and restaurants offering the region’s distinctive cuisine, there is plenty in Portland to keep people of all tastes and interests entertained.

Nicknamed “Bridgetown” due to the collection of bridges across the Willamette River, a number of which are designated historic landmarks, Portland is even perfect for those just wanting to explore, appreciate the architecture, and take in the stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Portland – The Benson, A Coast Hotel

The Benson, A Coast Hotel is a historic hotel located in the heart of Downtown Portland. Boasting décor that includes crystal chandeliers and marble floors, as well as stunning architecture, it is the epitome of style and sophistication in the city.

Rooms all offer an equally luxurious style and are filled with comfortable furniture and amenities including Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, a flat screen cable TV, free toiletries, an organic bathrobe, and slippers.

The Palm Court restaurant is situated in the hotel lobby and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, which offers cuisine including tapas and cocktails. Its entire menu can even be enjoyed as room service, for those who want to make the most of their accommodation.

Free Starbucks tea and coffee is available in the lobby every morning, while live jazz performances are held every evening from Wednesday through Saturday. Other amenities at the property include 24 hour business, conference, and fitness centres, and concierge and laundry services.

Best Time For A Road Trip From Vancouver To San Francisco

The best time to make a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is from early June to the middle of August. This is the period when San Francisco and the part of the United States we will be travelling through experiences some its warmest, driest temperatures.

Combine that with the fact that this window helps us to avoid the height of California’s notorious wildfire season, which begins at the end of August, and it ticks all the boxes to help you enjoy the most amazing road trip possible.

Top Attractions On A Road Trip From Vancouver To San Francisco

With between 15 and 23 hours of driving ahead of you, a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is a lengthy expedition. That means you are going to want plenty of attractions along the way to keep you entertained.

While the options on a journey of this length are almost endless, we have complied a list of the top attractions on a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco, to try and make planning your dream travel itinerary as easy as possible.

Peace Arch Park (Both Routes)

Peace Arch Park is a 42 acre park that straddles the Canada – United States border. With Peace Arch Historical State Park covering the U.S. half and Peace Arch Provincial Park on the Canadian side, the park is home to the Peace Arch monument.

Built to pay tribute to the long history of peace between the two nations and located right at the border crossing, it is a fabulous place to appreciate both of the countries you will be exploring on your road trip.

North Cascades National Park (Both Routes)

At almost 505,000 acres, North Cascades National Park is the 12th largest national park in the contiguous United States. Best known for its collection of glaciated peaks in the North Cascades Range, it boasts a stunning range of lakes, rivers, valleys, and wilderness areas.

Home to a collection of wildlife that includes 75 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, and around 1,600 different types of plants, it is a great destination for lovers of nature, natural beauty, and stunning, panoramic views.

Seattle, Washington (Both Routes)

Seattle is the largest, most populous city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific northwest.

Having become a popular destination during the 90s, due to it being the birthplace of grunge music, it has maintained its place in the cultural world as it is also the home to Starbucks Coffee.

With attractions like the Space Needle and a wide range of gardens, parks, and markets, it is the ideal stop to truly embrace the culture of this region of the United States.

Mount Rainier National Park (Both Routes)

Mount Rainier National Park is a protected area in the Cascade Mountains that boasts a collection of at least 27 major glaciers, a volcano, and a number of beautiful meadows and waterfalls.

One of the snowiest regularly measured locations in the world during the winter, it is a popular spot for activities like skiing, snowshoe hiking, and tubing.

Then, in the summer, you can go for a hike or picnic, do some camping or climbing, and enjoy the park’s wonderful variety of animals and flowers.

Tacoma, Washington (Both Routes)

Washington’s third most populous city, Tacoma is most famous for being home to the University Of Washington Tacoma. A vibrant student city and hotspot for culture vultures, it is filled with wonderful art galleries and museums.

Its rich history has also earned Tacoma the nickname of the “City Of Destiny”, as it was the western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, as well as the site of the largest port in Washington.

Plenty of locations throughout the city will educate visitors in depth on both of these historic locations.

Olympia, Washington (Both Routes)

Washington’s capital city and the south Puget Sound region’s cultural centre, Olympia’s best known attractions are the Washington State Capitol building and the 1909 Governor’s Mansion.

Add in locations like Percival Landing Park, with its boardwalk and art displays, and the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, which is houses a range of animals including more than 200 types of birds, and Olympia is a wonderful city that is easily one of the best places to visit in the region.

Olympic National Park & Forest (Both Routes)

The most north-western national park in the lower 48 states, Olympic National Park is named after Mount Olympus, which lies at its heart. Its forests, meadows, rivers, mountains, rainforests, and waterfalls combine to form a landscape unlike anywhere else in the U.S.

While hiking and climbing on and around Mount Olympus are Olympic National Park’s most popular activities, a wide range of wildlife that includes birds, deer, elk, goats, and various marine animals make it a great destination for photographers and nature lovers as well.

Salem, Oregon (Short Route)

Oregon’s second most populous city by most accounts, Salem was the original capital of Oregon, as well as the capital of the Oregon Territory from 1851 to 1859.

Attractions like the Oregon State Capitol building, historic churches, theatres, and museums paint a vibrant picture of its historic past. Those less interested in history will also be able to make the most of the city’s incredible collection of beautiful parks and natural attractions.

Siuslaw National Forest (Scenic Route)

Siuslaw National Forest is home to a collection of forests, beaches, rivers, lakes, streams, tide pools, sand dunes, and ocean vistas that span 634,000 acres of the Oregon coastline.

Boasting a diverse range of wildlife and the tallest peak in the Oregon Coast Range, the 4097 foot (1249 metre) Mary’s Peak, it is a great place to enjoy activities like hiking, cycling, camping, fishing, picnicking, horse riding, off roading, and more.

Eugene (Short Route)

While people argue over whether Eugene is Oregon’s second or third most populous city, what isn’t debated it that it’s among the most naturally beautiful cities in the country.

Home of the University Of Oregon and their historic athletic department, it has earned the nickname “Track Town, USA”,

The founding location of Nike, the site of the 2022 Track & Field World Championships, and a popular destination for activities like running, cycling, kayaking, and rafting, it is a great destination for sports fans.

Even those not interested in sports will enjoy attractions like the Fifth Street Public Market, Jordan Schnitzer Museum Of Art, Museum Of Natural And Cultural History, and a huge number of gardens, parks, and trails.

Umpqua National Forest (Short Route)

Umpqua National Forest covers 983,000 acres of forests and of wilderness areas that are home to a collection of more than 250 species of animals, including bats, birds, black bears, cougars, deer, elk, fish, foxes, racoons, and squirrels.

It and neighbouring Crater Lake National Park are also the setting for the video game “Days Gone”. This gives fans of the game a fabulous opportunity to explore the game’s locales in the real world.

Crater Lake National Park (Short Route)

Crater Lake National Park was established in 1902, making it the 5th oldest national park in the U.S. Located in a caldera on Mount Mazama, Crater Lake itself is the deepest and one of the clearest in the country, and is home to a wide range of birds, fish, and mammals.

An endorheic lake with no inlets or outlets, a number of popular sites are located across its surface. These include Wizard island, the Phantom Ship, and “The Old Man”, a hemlock tree that has floated upright on the lake’s surface for more than a century.

The constantly changing climate of the park means it has a host of different activities on offer, depending on what time of year you visit.

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (Both Routes)

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is a preserved wilderness area spanning almost 1.8 million acres across the Cascade, Klamath, Oregon Coast, and Siskiyou mountain ranges.

Ranked among the most scenic national forests in America, features like old growth forests, rivers, waterfalls, and the world’s tallest ponderosa pine, which is listed at 268 feet (82 metres), make it a wonderful, if often overlooked spot for an exciting natural adventure.

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (Short Route)

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is a mountainous preserved wilderness area that spans parts of both the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges.

With features including forests, grasslands, trails, meadows, and rock formations, it’s a great destination for photographers and nature lovers.

Redwood National Park (Scenic Route)

Redwood National Park covers 40 miles (65 kilometres) of the northern California coast and is known for its iconic old-growth coastal redwood forests.

Features like rivers, streams, canyons, prairies, tidal pools, and ocean vistas make it one of the most naturally beautiful places on Earth.

Having been featured in films like Star Wars and boasting a collection of wildlife that includes bears, deer, elk, California sea lions, and around 300 species of birds, it is a wonderful destination for people of all different interests.

Klamath National Forest (Both Routes)

Klamath National Forest spans 1.7 million acres across the Cascade and Klamath mountain ranges.

It is best known for natural attractions, with a fabulous collection of lakes, peaks, and old growth forests that make it a popular destination with hikers, swimmers, and nature lovers.

However, it also boasts a unique historical attraction, in the form of Sawyers Bar Catholic Church. Erected in 1855, featuring graves from 1850, and listed on the National Register Of Historic Places since 1978, it’s among the oldest and most remote mission churches in the United States.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest (Short Route)

Shasta-Trinity National Forest is a pair of national forests that merged in 1954. Spanning over 2.2 million acres, the primary attractions are the forest’s namesakes, the 14,179 foot (4,322 metre) tall Mount Shasta, 30,000 acre Shasta Lake, and 165 mile (266 kilometre) long Trinity River.

With Shasta Lake being the largest man-made lake in the state and the forests containing numerous other peaks, lakes, and rivers, as well as byways, trails, forests, and wilderness areas, it is a popular stop for hiking, camping, backpacking, and climbing.

Redding (Short Route)

Founded in 1874, Redding was the northernmost European settlement in the state at the time. One of the major boom towns of the California Gold Rush, the diversity and density of the town’s population rose and fell in line with the economy of the mines.

The largest town in California north of Sacramento to this day, and the economic centre of the Shasta Cascade region, Redding is a destination filled with cultural, historic, and natural attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Lassen Volcanic National Park & Lassen National Forest (Short Route)

Founded in 1916, Lassen Volcanic National Park spans 1,700 square miles (4,300 square kilometres) and is the 11th oldest national park in the United States. Named after Peter Lassen, a pioneer who settled in the area, the park was created to protect the volcanic landscape.

Home to the largest lava dome volcano on Earth, at least one of each type of volcano, hydrothermal features like fumaroles, boiling pools, and bubbling mud pots, and a range of wildlife that includes various mammals and well over 200 species of birds, it is a great stop for all types of nature lovers.

Mendocino National Forest (Both Routes)

Mendocino National Forest is a 913,000 acre national forest that is the only one in the state not to have a paved entry or exit road, making it an incredibly isolated and natural destination.

Boasting beautiful wilderness areas, rivers, and lakes, it is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, biking, boating, backpacking, photography, and much more.

Sacramento (Short Route)

Sacramento is California’s 6th most populous city, the state capital, and its main hub of government and finance.

One of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., it boasts incredible Chinatown and LGBT areas, as well as the State Capitol building and a wide array of amenities.

Sacramento is best known for the Old Sacramento riverside district. With its 19th century buildings, cobblestone streets, and attractions like museums, galleries, steam train tours, and horse drawn carriage rides, it is an entertaining and educational location.

A road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco is an incredible journey that offers so much to see and do, its immense length almost seems negligible in comparison. From iconic towns and cities to beautiful natural attractions, this is a journey that simply has it all.

You should now have all the information you need to plan your perfect travel itinerary for the trip, from when to go and how long it should take to what to see and where to stay.

That means all that’s left is to work out where to stay and what to do when you reach your destination. That Way, you can start getting things booked, so you can look forward to experiencing it all for yourself, as soon as possible.

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Road trip from San Francisco to Vancouver

 driving distance = 1522 km, driving directions from san francisco to vancouver.

 Travel time from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, Canada

West Coast Road Trip Vancouver to San Francisco

A road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco promises a memorable journey with the family that takes you through iconic cities, breathtaking national parks, and stunning ocean views, especially if you take the longer Pacific Coast Highway Route.

Follow the Pacific coast from Vancouver, located in Western Canada , to San Francisco in  Northern California for an unforgettable adventure. To assist with your trip planning , explore the information below for attractions you don’t want to miss, useful tips, and exciting activities to enjoy along the route.

How Long Do I Need For The Vancouver To San Francisco Road Trip?

The distance from Vancouver to San Francisco is approximately 800 miles (1,285 kilometers) if taking the inland route on I-5. The journey takes about 16 hours of driving time, depending on how often you stop along the way and if you encounter any traffic. Be prepared that this route does include some tolls.

This drive is best split into 3 days of driving with 5 hours each day. This way, you can have plenty of time to explore lots of unique attractions along the route.

An alternate option is taking the longer coastal route on 101/Highway 1, allowing you to explore Olympic National Park , Oregon Coast , and the Redwoods .

US Highway 101, known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the most scenic roads in the world . The route along the coastline is less busy than the shooter route. The coastal route takes up to 23 hours and is 1,165 miles (1,875 kilometers). 

We suggest you take 10-14 days to truly experience and explore the areas between Vancouver and San Francisco, as the worst feeling on a road trip is being rushed.

Best Time Of Year To Go From Vancouver To San Francisco by Car

Road trips can be quite an exciting journey, especially if you have nice weather, so the best time to visit the west coast of North America is in the Spring until Fall, so from May to October.

Be prepared that San Francisco and Vancouver often have rain, mist, and cooler temperatures than other parts of North America, even in the summer.

The best weather all year is in July-August; however, this is the high tourist season, so the cost of lodging and attractions are often much higher, and places are much busier. Unfortunately, June can often be gloomy, wet, and cool, with lots of fog, making it hard to see landmarks clearly.

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If you have the flexibility in your schedule, early September is a great time to embark on a road trip along the US West Coast from Canada. This season boasts less traffic and delightful warm temperatures, making it an optimal travel period.

What Do I Need To Cross The Canada/USA Border? 

Overall, a road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco can be an incredible way to explore the natural beauty and unique culture of the West Coast.  It is important that no matter if you choose the inland or coastal route, you bring a passport and any documentation you need as you must cross the border into the United States.

It is easiest to cross the border if you are driving your own vehicle rather than renting as it can become complicated bringing vehicles across border crossings and lead to delays. As a general rule, when crossing the border into the United States by car, you will need the following:

• A valid passport or other acceptable travel documents.
• A visa: If you are a Canadian citizen, you generally do not need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business purposes for stays up to 180 days. 
• Proof of vehicle registration and insurance: You may be asked to provide documentation
• Answer Questions: Border Patrol will ask a few questions about your trip, such as where you’re going, how long you plan to stay, and what you will be doing while in the United States. It is important to answer these questions truthfully and provide any necessary documentation to support your answers.

If you wish to hire a car (rent), your best option is to take a bus from Vancouver to Seattle, of the Amtrak Cascades , and then get a car from there instead of dealing with the hassles of cross-border car rentals.

Why Road Trip To San Francisco Rather Than Fly?

While flying can be convenient, road trips are fun and offer so many benefits, such as going at your own pace, affordability and flexibility for families, a sense of adventure, and, the best part, the most beautiful scenic drives.

A road trip from Vancouver to San Fran will allow you to see rugged mountains, vast forests, and oceans that you would miss from a plane window. 

A family road trip offers a unique and rewarding travel experience that allows you to explore the beauty of the West Coast in a more immersive way that creates lifelong memories.

Best Stops on a Drive from Vancouver to San Francisco

These are all our favorite mustn’t-miss stops you should include on your drive from Vancouver to San Francisco.

Peace Arch Park, BC/WA

Explore the rich history of Canada and the United States as the Peace Arch Park allows guests to truly understand the peaceful relationship between the two countries. The park straddles the border of both countries and is a landmark park that can be found at the Douglas Border Crossing between Surrey, British Columbia , and Blaine, Washington .

The park is home to over 60 acres of beautiful land, where you can visit historical monuments from the War of 1812, the Peace Arch, which can be seen from far away, gardens, picnic areas, walking trails, and lastly, the World Friendship Bell that represents peace and unity between countries.

Seattle, WA

Head south from Vancouver and enjoy the views of mountainous terrain and forests out your window until you arrive in Seattle. Once you arrive in Seattle, you will enjoy the variety of family-friendly activities that will keep the kids busy and entertained and give you an opportunity to take a rest from driving. 

Popular attractions for kids include the Space Needle , which is 605 feet tall and offers an elevator ride to an observation deck that allows 360-degree views of Seattle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. If you’re hungry, stop at the Space Needle Restaurant, which rotates every 45 minutes to give you different views throughout your meal. Lastly, kids will enjoy learning more about the Space Needle through interactive displays and exhibits.

Pike Place Market is a historic farmers market that has existed since 1907 and offers a wide variety of produce, seafood, crafts, and local handmade goods that are perfect for souvenirs. Pike Place Fishmongers have a historic reputation for fish-throwing from one vendor to another, which is quite a sight to see.

If you are looking for interactive, hands-on exhibits, then check out the Pacific Science Centre for science demonstrations and laser shows, or go visit the Museum of Pop Culture to learn more about music, movies, and pop culture in engaging displays that even kids will enjoy!

Olympic National Park, WA

The national park has a rich history as it is home to several indigenous communities and contains multiple historic sites, all while offering beautiful scenic views of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and is one of the most northern located national parks in the United States.

Olympic National Park is home to over 1,400 miles of diverse ecosystems, including the vibrant and lush Hoh Rain Forest, which has beautiful, unique flora and fauna views in this thriving moist environment.

Another unique area of the park is the mountainous area of Hurricane Ridge which offers panoramic views of glacier-capped mountains and the entire Olympic Mountain Range – this makes for a beautiful hike. 

Don’t forget to visit the old-growth forests or the rocky Beaches at Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach that allow visitors to stroll along the beach, search for creatures in tide pools, and simply just listen to the waves crashing against the rocks.

This serene park offers so many beautiful natural locations that it is a must-see along your road trip route.

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

Visitors will enjoy viewing the diverse range of habitats, including tidal marshes, sand dunes, and old forests that are home to over 250 species of migrating birds, fish, and numerous animals, including bears, otters, and Elk. Kids will enjoy learning more about the history, ecology, and wildlife through educational programs and exhibits in the visitor center.

Located in Washington State, the goal of this wildlife refuge is to conserve habitats for the species located in the park. Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is over 16,000 acres in size and offers visitors a variety of recreation opportunities. While visiting the Wildlife Refuge you can enjoy wildlife sightings, bird watching, hiking, or fishing while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge property has several cultural and historic sites, including a World War II-era radar station and a historic lighthouse that dates back to 1858. Guided tours of the lighthouse are available during the summer months.

Plan to spend the day and enjoy the long stretches of sandy beaches that Long Beach has to offer to visitors. Located on the western edge of the Olympic Peninsula, Long Beach has fantastic swimming, sunbathing, and kite flying and even has many local stores to purchase kites.  This family-friendly destination has beaches, outdoor activities, museums, and much more to entertain the whole family.

Long Beach holds a yearly kite festival in August and is home to the World Kite Museum . The area is also popular for clam digging, especially if you’re looking for the famous razor clam.

Located nearby are several state parks, such as Cape Disappointment State Park and Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which offer scenic views along hiking trails while learning about the area’s rich history.

Located on the southern coast of Oregon, Coos Bay is a must-see spot for Pacific Northwest visitors as it offers many adventurous activities. You can learn more about the history and culture by visiting the Coos Historical and Maritime Museum , which explains the history of indigenous heritage and the past of fishing and timber industries in the area.

For those who enjoy fishing, you should head to the harbor to either take a tour of the harbor or to get adventurous and go deep-sea fishing. For those who enjoy adventure, you will want to check out the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area which allows visitors to experience sand dunes while riding ATV, horseback, or dune buggies.

If you want to relax, you will want to check out one of these beautiful nearby beaches with amazing swimming, sand castle building, sunbathing, and sunsets. Nearby beaches include Sunset Bay State Park, Cape Arago State Park, and Bastendorff Beach.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Families will love learning about the diversity of marine life found along the Pacific Northwest coast at the Oregon Coast Aquarium located in Newport, Oregon along the coast. Visitors will enjoy learning more about sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, fish, and octopuses.

You can explore the aquarium, check out the educational programs, or explore behind-the-scenes tours, or enjoy the interactive exhibits as a family. 

A must-see exhibit is the Passages of the Deep tunnel exhibit which allows guests to walk through an underwater tunnel while being surrounded by sharks, rays, and other marine life. You also won’t want to miss the Coastal Waters or Rocky Shores exhibit, as guests will learn all about the conservation and preservation of marine animals and their habitats.

Siuslaw National Forest

Enjoy a journey through Siuslaw National Forest, which boasts 634,000 acres of forests, beaches, rivers, lakes, streams, sand dunes, tide pools, and ocean vistas along the Oregon coastline. There are numerous activities to enjoy in the Siuslaw National Forest, including hiking, cycling, camping, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, off-roading, and more… making it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream location. 

This vast area is home to a variety of wildlife and features the highest peak in the Oregon Coast Range, Mary’s Peak , which stands at 4097 feet (1249 meters). This is a prominent feature in the Siuslaw National Forest, offering panoramic views of forest, mountains, and coastlines. 

Mary’s Peak has a variety of different trails for visitors to explore, from easy to advanced, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the view. At the summit of Mary’s Peak, there is a restroom, observation tower, and picnic tables allowing guests to take a rest and refuel for the trip back down.

Redwood National & State Parks, OR, WA

This is a must-see destination for nature lovers or those looking to enjoy the peaceful, quiet environment of the iconic redwood forest, home to some of the world’s tallest trees. Redwood National & State Parks is located on the north coast of California, has trees as large as 380 feet tall, and covers an area of almost 140,000 acres.

Visitors to the park will enjoy viewing wildlife, hiking through the forest, camping, and fishing.  Kids will enjoy checking out the Junior Ranger programs, campfire talks, and guided hikes offered by the visitor center. 

You will not want to miss checking out the narrow canyon with walls covered in ferns called Fern Canyon or visiting the largest redwoods in the park in the Lady Bird Johnson Grove . 

• For a more detailed itinerary covering the southern part of this trip, see our San Fran to Redwoods itinerary will be perfect for you!

Golden Gate Bridge

As you reach your end destination, check out the iconic Golden Gate Bridge landmark that spans 4,200 feet and has a length of almost 9,000 feet.

This magnificent bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County, California, across the Golden Gate strait. Visitors can either walk, bike, or drive across this popular tourist attraction.

Interested in a West Coast Road Trip?

If you’re interested in planning a West Coast Road Trip , check out the following US Road trips:

• Portland to San Francisco Road Trip
• San Francisco to Seattle Road Trip
• Seattle to Crater Lake – Highlights of Oregon Road Trip
• Best US West Coast National Parks

Or, if you are exploring further on the Canadian side;

• Vancouver to Calgary
• Vancouver to Banff
• Best Day Trips and Weekenders From Vancouver

© Family Road Trip

Crossing the Canadian Rockies: 13 Sensational Stops On A Calgary To Vancouver Road…

Sensational South Coast NSW Road Trip Itinerary

The driving distance from San Francisco, California to Vancouver, British Columbia is:

946 miles / 1 522 km.

• San Francisco to Vancouver drive
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Map of driving directions from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, Canada

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to get the full driving distance from San Francisco to Vancouver with directions.

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Driving distance from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, Canada

The total driving distance from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, Canada is 946 miles or 1 522 kilometers .

Your trip begins in San Francisco, California. It ends in Vancouver, Canada.

If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, Canada so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination.

You can also calculate the cost of driving from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, Canada based on current local fuel prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between San Francisco, CA and Vancouver, Canada .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the straight line distance to fly from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, Canada .

San Francisco, California

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Popular routes

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Things To Know Before You Go To San Francisco

Are you planning to visit San Francisco for the first time and not sure what to expect? Then you’ve come to the right place.

San Francisco is the thirteenth largest city in the USA and is well known for its iconic attractions like The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, but because of its size and plethora of things to do, it can often be overwhelming knowing how to plan a vacation here.

In this guide, we share everything you need to know before you go to San Francisco so you can make the most of your trip, save money, stay safe, and travel around with ease.

1. Walk, Walk, Walk

2. go biking in san francisco, 3. ride a cable car in san francisco.

• 4. Don't Miss Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

5. Chinatown is Huge in San Francisco

6. take day trips, 7. explore the presidio, 8. visit in the fall, 9. san fran is often cold, 10. go to a viewpoint, 11. san fran is not short of entertainment, 12. visit clarion alley for street murals, 13. places close early, 14. ca sales tax is high, 15. san francisco international airport (sfo) is easy to get to and from, 16. save money on san francisco attractions with a tourist pass, 17. explore san francisco hidden gems, final thoughts, traveling to san francisco with kids, pin to save on pinterest, things to know before visiting san francisco.

We spent one week in San Francisco and had a great time exploring the city. It reminded us a lot of our hometown in Australia, Sydney.

Here are some of the things we wish we knew before we went…

Whilst San Francisco is quite hilly, but we found it a great city to explore by foot.

It’s quite a compact place with lot’s of things to discover on every corner, and it’s a good way to get your exercise for the day.

Just be sure to take appropriate clothing as the weather can change pretty quickly. Pack a jacket and wear comfortable shoes. It can feel like a bit of a hike getting around San Fran.

I recommend you choose a district and explore one per day, from the Mission District to Haight Ashbury. Downtown is pretty cool too, and we found many great places to eat near Union Square.

One of our favorite things to do was bike the Golden Gate Bridge, continue through Sausalito and finish at the charming seaside town of Tiburon. Here you can dine in one of the fine restaurants with spectacular views, or get take out fish and chips and sit in the park.

When you’re ready to call it a day, return on the Tiburon ferry and as you’re cruising back, scan the horizon to reflect on the incredible journey you have just experienced.

When we visited with San Francisco with kids , we biked around Golden Gate Park, which was a lovely way to see it, as it’s quite big.

Check out Blazing Saddles for your biking needs. You can book bikes in advance from here , which also include ferry tickets back. There is also the option to join a bike tour.

A fun and historic way to get around San Francisco is by cable car. There are three cable car routes in operation and they cover the most important landmarks and destinations.

There is nothing like riding a cable car down one of the steep hills with awesome views over to Alcatraz.

Public transportation is not just a way to get around San Fran, but an experience.

Aside from walking and the cable car, use Uber or Lyft to get around – it’s very safe, affordable, and convenient. It’s definitely a top attraction in San Francisco.

4. Don’t Miss Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

Yes, it’s touristy, but places are popular for a reason.

It’s here where you can take the ferry to visit Alcatraz (be sure to do the tour with headsets), chow down on some clam chowder whilst over looking the Golden Gate, see the famed sea lions, and just people watch.

Go to Boudin Bakery & Cafe for the best clam chowder and sourdough bread!

For seafood, eat at Scoma’s Restaurant.

Pier 39 is the best place to go for sea lion watching. They had a live webcam there, so you could call your family and wave to them (with slight delay).

Probably the best Chinatown and the largest Chinese community outside of China.

Lot’s of great eating options, activities going on, and tea tasting experiences. Whether you visit in the morning or evening, Chinatown comes alive.

Eat at Sam Wo, City View or the Great Eastern.

Relevant Reading: Neighborhood Guide: 12 Places to Go in San Francisco (plus where to eat & stay)

We love visiting college towns on our travels, and the University of California at Berkeley is an easy train ride from the city and makes for a great day trip.

You can wonder around the beautiful campus, and Telegraph road is full of cafes, bars, shops, and characters.

We recommend a meal at Smart Alec’s for great healthy food at great prices. The salads are to die for, and almost all items are made on location including gourmet burger sauces.

Another easy day trip from San Fran is Muir Woods, it was one of our family’s favorite day trips from San Francisco.

This tour can take you there if you have no other way to get there. We had our own vehicle. You can rent a car here if need be.

There are some fantastic places to explore at the Presidio Park, a former military post, and a national historic landmark.

The Presidio San Francisco is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is a major outdoor recreation hub. It’s one of our favorite places to visit in San Francisco.

Read More: Things to do in the Presidio San Francisco

If you can time your visit for the Fall season, this is the best time to visit San Francisco.

The months of September to November is when the fall colors are in full swing and San Fran has plenty of urban parks and outdoor places where the foliage is awash in color this time of year.

The high elevation and the fog means that San Fran can feel cold all year round. Especially around the San Francisco Bay Area where the ocean breeze comes in.

Pack warm clothes no matter what time of year you visit.

Because San Fran is so hilly, it makes for a great place to climb to new heights for incredible views.

Some of my favorite spots for a scenic view of the city are Coit Tower, which has some of the highest views of the city.

If you want to walk, go for a hike up to the top of Telegraph Hill, or if you prefer something relaxing, head to the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel for a cocktail with a view.

One of the best photo opp spots is in the Marin Headlands, right across the bay on the Golden Gate AND you get THE view of the bridge from high up.

Go over to the Air Force Marina (you don’t have to have a military ID to get there) on the Marin Country side and get AWESOME pictures with the bridge in the background.

Read more in my post sharing San Francisco in a Day: A Solo Mother’s Relaxed Adventures

If you want a cheap day out, check out the free days at the DeYoung.

One Friday per month the CA Academy of Natural Sciences has great parties with food, music, and a lively crowd.

The SF MOMA has some great shows, too, but whatever is happening in Golden Gate Park is usually worth it.

Another unique things to do is Opera in the Park, which is held on the Sunday after opening night at the opera, and has all the stars performing and everyone drinking and having picnic lunch.

The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is an amazing three-day concert for free the first weekend in October.

Visit Clarion Alley to see some amazing street art. The alley stinks of piss but the artwork is worth it. We also love the murals in Jack Kerouac Alley. Don’t miss the City of Lights Bookstore and Vesuvio Café while here. I reveal more on my one day in San Francisco adventure.

We found a lot of restaurants and shops will close early in San Francisco. Unlike other big cities where shops stay open until late, you can expect things to close up by 6pm or 7pm here.

San Francisco is subjected to the huge sales tax associated with the state of California. Most items will have an 8% sales tax added to the price at the end, so be mindful of this when out shopping.

The airport is located around 15 miles away from downtown, which takes about 30 minutes driving or over an hour on public transport.

The good news is you can get the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system from pretty much anywhere in the city to the airport, making it easy and convenient. Just be sure to allow plenty of time.

If you plan on visiting a few top attractions in San Francisco, it’s best to get a discount tourist pass to save you money.

The  City Pass  saves travelers 46% or more on combined admission to  San Francisco’s top attractions.

Pricing $86 adults and $64 children age 5-11. It’s valid for nine consecutive days and includes:

• California Academy of Science
• Non our bay cruise
• Aquarium on the Bay
• Exploratorium or SF Museum of Modern Art
• and 3 unlimited MUNI bus and cable cars.

But, I much prefer the  San Francisco Sightseeing Pass  as it includes more diversity in their attractions and more local tours.

We only used the MUNI from the city pass. We’re not big museum people so it wasn’t a win for us. And I don’t like how the bay area attractions are chosen for you.

You obviously don’t want to miss Golden Gate Bridge, riding a cable car, and driving down Lombard St, but San Francisco has many hidden gems worth exploring too.

We loved hiking along the coastline to find spectacular views and beaches, exploring old Taoist temples in Chinatown, and finding the best chocolate croissants in the city. Read all about it in this post on hidden gems in San Francisco and these San Francisco neighborhoods worth exploring.

Before you go, here are some tips on where to stay in San Francisco and if you join our free email community below, you can get our free 3 Day San Francisco itinerary PDF!.

San Francisco Itinerary

Save TIME planning your San Francisco trip + personal updates and insider tips! 

So there you have it, those are some important things to know about visiting San Francisco if it’s your first time.

The city is pretty easy to get around and navigate, and it’s much like visiting any other city in the USA.

We hope this guide gave you some food for thought and helped you figure out what to do in SF and also helped you know what to expect from a trip there.

Need some specific information about visiting San Francisco with kids? Here are some other helpful guides…

• Free Things to do in San Francisco with kids
• 2 days in San Francisco with kids
• Hidden Gems in San Francisco the locals love
• Neighborhood Guide to San Francisco
• Where to stay in San Francisco
• Fun things to do in San Francisco with kids

Do you have any San Fransisco travel tips? Share your ideas in the comments.

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San Francisco’s Hot Tourist Attraction: Driverless Cars

Cable cars are still trundling up the city’s hills, but robotaxis from Waymo are shaping up as the city’s latest must-do for visitors.

By Lauren Sloss

When David De Clercq traveled to San Francisco last year, he had a few musts on his itinerary: Go to Alcatraz. Try new restaurants. And ride in a self-driving car.

Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles or, colloquially, robotaxis, have been driving the streets of San Francisco in some form since 2009 and have been operating commercially since last August. The cars are also shaping up as the city’s latest tourist attraction.

Mr. De Clercq, 42, who splits his time between New Jersey and Sardinia, where he owns restaurants and bars and rents villas, is an avid traveler.

“I love exploring and doing new things,” he said. “I knew that I definitely wanted to get a ride while I was in town.”

What, where and how to ride

Conversations abound on Reddit and X , with visitors seeking advice on how to secure a ride while in San Francisco, or be well positioned to spot a driverless car on the go.

Some basics are necessary when plotting your own robotaxi ride. First, while A.V. companies like Cruise and Zoox have proliferated in recent years, Waymo , which is owned by Alphabet (Google’s parent company), is currently the only company offering rides for the public in San Francisco.

Waymo also operates in the Phoenix metro area, including offering rides to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and is currently slowly rolling out rides in Los Angeles and testing rides on the San Francisco Peninsula and in Austin, Texas. In Phoenix, you can hail a Waymo using the Uber app; in all other locations, downloading the Waymo app is required. (The app is very similar to other ride-hailing services; pricing is comparable, too.) And in almost all service areas, there is a waiting list to be granted access.

Anjelica Price-Rocha, a public relations manager for Waymo, was not able to provide specific estimates for waiting list times in various cities, but she did say that the wait is shorter in San Francisco than in Los Angeles. (I signed up for the app in San Francisco in late April and was off the waiting list just over a week later.)

“For anyone visiting San Francisco, I would suggest that you get on the wait list as soon as you book your trip,” Ms. Price-Rocha said. Looking to spot a Waymo car on the go? According to Ms. Price-Rocha, popular pickup and drop-off locations include tourist attractions like the Ferry Building, Pier 39, Coit Tower and the Japantown Peace Plaza.

A futuristic attraction

Not able to get direct access in time? Try asking friends, family or colleagues if they’ll invite you on a ride. Jason Karsh, a 38-year-old San Francisco resident who works as a tech marketing executive and consultant, regularly “hails” Waymo cars and suggests riding in them as a tourist activity.

“San Francisco has gotten a bad rep for visitors recently,” Mr. Karsh said. “This is a reminder that San Francisco also is a place that’s living a few years into the future technologically.”

Waymo vehicles are all-electric Jaguar I-PACEs outfitted with radar, lidar, sensors, and internal and external cameras. You use the app to unlock the car when it arrives and to play music during your ride. Four seats are available to passengers — you can sit up front, but you’re not allowed to sit in the driver’s seat (if you try, the car will not move). A real-life customer support team remotely monitors your ride for unsafe activity and is available should you require assistance.

Mr. Karsh described a recent ride with a group of colleagues: “They immediately got out their phones and began filming, almost like they were taping a celebrity or a concert.”

Indeed, riding in a Waymo can turn you into the main attraction. On a recent trip through San Francisco with my visiting in-laws, we not only filmed much of our ride, but spotted a group of tourists who pointed and stared at our driverless vehicle, even pulling out phones to snap footage of their own.

Mr. De Clercq, visiting from New Jersey, described his ride home from a night out in Chinatown as “very interesting and futuristic. It was extremely cautious and quite slow.”

According to safety data from the company, Waymos are significantly safer than human drivers. That hasn’t prevented public backlash over A.V.s — California suspended Cruise vehicles from operating on the streets of San Francisco after an incident in which a pedestrian was hit and dragged under a vehicle. There have been regular complaints of Waymo cars blocking traffic and emergency vehicles Crashes, largely involving stationary objects, have led to a federal investigation of Waymo.

However, in Mr. Karsh’s experience, Waymo rides are sometimes less than seamless because they’re too cautious.

“If there’s a car stopped with the hood up on a two-lane street, a human driver will know to go around. A Waymo might just sit there,” he said.

From awe and delight to near normalcy

But perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of a first-time Waymo ride is how quickly it feels normal.

“For the first couple of minutes, there’s this giddiness,” Ms. Price-Rocha said. “But we see that, really quickly, people just ease into the experience.”

Mr. Karsh saw this shift happen firsthand on a recent trip to New York City, when his family opted for a ride in a yellow cab.

“My 3½-year-old son turns to me and my wife and says, ‘Look, Daddy, a driver!’ He was kind of shocked.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Driverless Cars and the Future of Transportation

A Very Slow Restart: An incident that seriously injured a pedestrian in San Francisco led Cruise, G.M.’s driverless car subsidiary, to take all of its cars off the road. The question now is when they will return .

An Appetite for Destruction: A wave of lawsuits argue that Tesla’s Autopilot software is dangerously overhyped. What can its blind spots teach us about Elon Musk, the company’s erratic chief executive ?

Along for the Ride: Here’s what New York Times reporters experienced during test rides in driverless cars operated by Tesla , Waymo  and Cruise .

The Future of Transportation?: Driverless cars, once a Silicon Valley fantasy, have become a 24-hour-a-day reality in San Francisco . “The Daily” looked at the unique challenges of coexisting with cars that drive themselves .

Stressing Cities: In San Francisco and Austin, Texas, where passengers can hail autonomous taxis, the vehicles are starting to take a toll on city services , even slowing down emergency response times.