Things to See on the Way From Seattle to San Jose

J. C. Thomas, Leaf Group Updated March 30, 2018

The 750-mile journey from Seattle to Sacramento makes an unforgettable road trip, showcasing some of the most incredible scenery on the west coast and taking you through charming small towns and captivating cities in three states. Taking the shortest possible route – Interstate 5 all the way – means around 12 to 13 hours of solid driving time. But, making it a straight shot means missing some amazing sightseeing opportunities. The top natural and urban attractions between Seattle and Sacramento are well worth a schedule extension, turning the road trip itself into a riveting vacation.

Washington State Capitol – Olympia

Olympia is only about two hours south of Seattle, but if you're ready to take a short break from the road, consider stopping for a tour of the Washington State Capitol. The circa-1928 Capitol building in historic downtown Olympia is open for guided and self-guided tours seven days a week. During an hour-long guided tour, see the rotunda, state reception room, legislative galleries and the world's largest Tiffany chandelier. Learn about the tallest masonry dome in North America, which survived three major earthquakes and today has more solar panels than any other state capitol.

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center – Washington

Approximately 120 miles south of Seattle, take the exit for the Spirit Lake Highway off I-5, follow the road for 6 miles and you'll reach the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center. The active volcano is 30 miles farther down the highway (and a top destination for mountaineering), and the visitor center offers uninterrupted views of its western slopes. Inside are fascinating exhibits about Mount St. Helens' massive 1980 eruption, the most destructive in U.S. history. They include a large model of the volcano that you can step inside, displays showing the landscape before and after the eruption and a live feed of the volcano's current seismic activity. Outside is a 0.6-mile trail around Silver Lake and boardwalks over wetlands rich with birds and plant life. Note: The Visitor Center is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from November through February.

Portland's Top Attractions

Portland is three to four hours south of Seattle, and offers such a wealth of attractions that you might consider it for an overnight stop. Among them are three outstanding gardens: the International Rose Test Garden inside Washington Park with more than 8,000 roses; the Lan Su Chinese Garden with pavilions, bridges, walkways, lakes and an authentic tea house inspired by the gardens of the Ming Dynasty; and the Portland Japanese Garden comprising five picturesque gardens set on a hillside above Washington Park. The historic Pittock Mansion, a 23-room architectural treasure, also has a beautiful hillside setting, offering panoramic views of rivers, forests and mountain peaks. Road-trippers can still stretch their legs on a rainy day by exploring the expansive Oregon Museum of Science and Industry on the banks of the Willamette River or the Portland Art Museum, the oldest museum in the Pacific Northwest. Before you hit the road again, pick up picnic supplies from one of Portland's eight weekly farmers markets and perhaps a book or two from Powell's City of Books, a Portland institution that bills itself as the largest independent bookstore on Earth.

Crown Point, Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge, cutting through the Cascades and forming a natural border between Washington and Oregon, is the largest National Scenic Area in the country. For outdoor enthusiasts, the vast area is worth a significant side trip, but a worthwhile glimpse of its splendor can be found at Crown Point, just 25 miles west of Portland. The natural promontory promises incredible views of waterfalls crashing down basalt cliffs, swaths of old-growth forest and the wide Columbia River coursing its way west. Crown Point also features Vista House, an Art Nouveau landmark housing a museum and gift shop. Just 3 more miles along the Historic Columbia River Highway is Latourell Falls. A short path from the parking lot leads to its base, while a 2-mile loop trail takes hikers to the upper falls.

Lake Shasta Caverns, Northern California

Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, a 250-million-year-old cavern complex filled with stalagmites, stalactites, twisted helictites and colorful limestone walls, is only accessible via guided tour, which requires a boat trip across Lake Shasta and a bus ride to the cavern entrance. However, getting to the start-point of the tour, less than 2 miles off I-5 north of Redding, California, is quite straightforward. Including travel time, the tours take two hours and are moderately strenuous with around 600 stairs to climb. Tours are available year-round and reservations are not required. Wear comfortable shoes.