Road trip from Santa Cruz to Portland
All Category
Sights & Landmarks
Zoos & Aquariums
Nature & Parks
Outdoor Activities
Food & Drink
Spas & Wellness
Museums
Show more (1+)
All Category
Sights & Landmarks
Zoos & Aquariums
Nature & Parks
Outdoor Activities
Food & Drink
Spas & Wellness
Museums
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
13h 26m693 miles8 stops
1
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the FamilySearch Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill Auditorium and most events are free.
2
Lake Merritt
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
3
St. Patrick Catholic Church
4
Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The museum has exhibits, events, and educational programs. There’s always something to experience, discover, and enjoy at the museum. It's great for both kids and adults. We have two permanent exhibits featuring the history and cultures of the state: Oregon, Where Past is Present, and Explore Oregon. Completely ADA accessible and has all the amenities you might expect in a museum (bathrooms, museum store, activities for kids and adults).
5
The New Zone Gallery
6
Capitello Wines
Capitello Wines is a winery that spans two continents. Owner/winemaker Ray Walsh began his prolific winemaking career in his native New Zealand and landed in Oregon back in 1992 to learn the ins and outs of Oregon viticulture with King Estate Winery. In 2004, he launched his own artisan brand and Capitello Wines was born. Capitello's Oregon sourced wines are produced in the Whitaker district neighborhood and housed and sold in our quaint & cozy urban tasting room in downtown Eugene. We are centrally located and walking distance from the Hult Center, fantastic restaurants and several boutique hotels including the Graduate (formerly Hilton), the Gordon Hotel, and the Inn at the 5th. We offer seating in our tasting room inside and outside on our spacious patio (heated and covered in winter). Host a local food truck on weekends!
7
South Waterfront Lower Tram Terminal
The Tram is a popular destination for tourists, locals and people just looking to try something fun. The lower tram terminal is at the intersection of South Moody Avenue & Gibbs Street --the most transportation-diverse intersection in the country. Besides one of the nation's only aerial commuter trams, you'll see cars, buses, a streetcar, a soaring pedestrian bridge, a cycle track and the densest bike parking in America's #1 biking city. Bike valet is offered free to the public at Portland Aerial Tram Monday through Friday. Exiting the upper terminal you'll see the largest enclosed sky bridge in North America. Take a right to access an outdoor patio with seating and views of the terminal, the cityscape, the Willamette River and, on a clear day, Mount Hood and Mount St Helens. The upper terminal links to the 4T Trail--a self-guided tour by train, trail, tram and trolley. Much of Marquam Hill is a natural area with several trails.
8
Sellwood
Neighborhood with a pleasant, small shopping area with dozens of antique shops.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Santa Cruz to Portland
1
Start:Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
Oakland, California·
5.0
(940) review
Open to the public, the Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering palm trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay Area, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center, learn more about you're family's history at the FamilySearch Library, and attend events at the Temple Hill Auditorium. Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can enter the temple itself. A coveted location for photographers, the Oakland Temple is one of the best locations to enjoy a sunset over the Bay. At night, the Oakland Temple is brightly lit and can be seen throughout the Bay Area. Devotionals, concerts, and performances are hosted throughout the month in the Temple Hill Auditorium and most events are free.
2
Start:Lake Merritt
Oakland, California·
4.5
(926) review
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
3
Start:St. Patrick Catholic Church
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(98) review
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
4
Start:Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Eugene, Oregon·
4.5
(95) review
The museum has exhibits, events, and educational programs. There’s always something to experience, discover, and enjoy at the museum. It's great for both kids and adults. We have two permanent exhibits featuring the history and cultures of the state: Oregon, Where Past is Present, and Explore Oregon. Completely ADA accessible and has all the amenities you might expect in a museum (bathrooms, museum store, activities for kids and adults).
5
Start:The New Zone Gallery
Eugene, Oregon·
5.0
(9) review
220 W 8th Ave corner of 11th Ave and Oak St, Eugene, OR 97401-2939
6
Start:Capitello Wines
Eugene, Oregon·
4.0
(9) review
Capitello Wines is a winery that spans two continents. Owner/winemaker Ray Walsh began his prolific winemaking career in his native New Zealand and landed in Oregon back in 1992 to learn the ins and outs of Oregon viticulture with King Estate Winery. In 2004, he launched his own artisan brand and Capitello Wines was born. Capitello's Oregon sourced wines are produced in the Whitaker district neighborhood and housed and sold in our quaint & cozy urban tasting room in downtown Eugene. We are centrally located and walking distance from the Hult Center, fantastic restaurants and several boutique hotels including the Graduate (formerly Hilton), the Gordon Hotel, and the Inn at the 5th. We offer seating in our tasting room inside and outside on our spacious patio (heated and covered in winter). Host a local food truck on weekends!
7
Start:South Waterfront Lower Tram Terminal
Portland, Oregon·
4.0
(993) review
The Tram is a popular destination for tourists, locals and people just looking to try something fun. The lower tram terminal is at the intersection of South Moody Avenue & Gibbs Street --the most transportation-diverse intersection in the country. Besides one of the nation's only aerial commuter trams, you'll see cars, buses, a streetcar, a soaring pedestrian bridge, a cycle track and the densest bike parking in America's #1 biking city. Bike valet is offered free to the public at Portland Aerial Tram Monday through Friday. Exiting the upper terminal you'll see the largest enclosed sky bridge in North America. Take a right to access an outdoor patio with seating and views of the terminal, the cityscape, the Willamette River and, on a clear day, Mount Hood and Mount St Helens. The upper terminal links to the 4T Trail--a self-guided tour by train, trail, tram and trolley. Much of Marquam Hill is a natural area with several trails.
8
Start:Sellwood
Portland, Oregon·
4.5
(98) review
Neighborhood with a pleasant, small shopping area with dozens of antique shops.
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
Unlock Effortless Travel Planning
Create your dream trip in minutes by this prompt. Try now!
EXPLORE MORE
Discover Exciting Road Trip Inspirations
Santa Cruz to Lafayette
2,084 miles
36h 55m
45 stops
Sights & LandmarksMuseumsNature & ParksFun & GamesNightlife
Santa Cruz to Palmdale
332 miles
6h 28m
26 stops
Nature & ParksMuseumsSights & LandmarksConcerts & ShowsFun & Games
Santa Cruz to Manchester
3,210 miles
57h 7m
54 stops
Sights & LandmarksZoos & AquariumsNature & ParksWater & Amusement ParksMuseums
Santa Cruz to Garden Grove
370 miles
7h 8m
22 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesMuseumsFun & GamesSights & LandmarksConcerts & Shows
Santa Cruz to Pembroke Pines
2,991 miles
53h 48m
54 stops
Nature & ParksSpas & WellnessShoppingSights & LandmarksFun & Games
Santa Cruz to Cary
2,804 miles
50h 4m
48 stops
Fun & GamesOutdoor ActivitiesNature & ParksSights & LandmarksConcerts & Shows
EXPLORE OTHER
Check Out Different Road Trip Options
Ogden to Atlantic City
2,197 miles
39h 4m
27 stops
NightlifeCasinos & GamblingSights & LandmarksFood & DrinkNature & Parks
Portland to High Point
2,767 miles
48h 52m
36 stops
Food & DrinkOutdoor ActivitiesMuseumsConcerts & ShowsSights & Landmarks
Durham to Visalia
2,616 miles
46h 21m
40 stops
ToursFun & GamesOutdoor ActivitiesNature & ParksConcerts & Shows
Ogden to Vallejo
738 miles
12h 40m
19 stops
ToursSights & LandmarksNature & ParksWater & Amusement ParksMuseums
Champaign to Orlando
1,062 miles
19h 27m
32 stops
Sights & LandmarksWater & Amusement ParksOutdoor ActivitiesShoppingConcerts & Shows
Antioch to Davenport
1,938 miles
33h 20m
28 stops
Sights & LandmarksBoat Tours & Water SportsWater & Amusement ParksMuseumsTours
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Santa Cruz and Portland?
The distance is 693 miles
What's the travel time between Santa Cruz and Portland?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 13h 26m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Santa Cruz and Portland?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Portland?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Portland
What’s the weather like in Portland?
The weather in Portland is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Portland in January
Weather in Portland in February
Weather in Portland in March
Weather in Portland in April
Weather in Portland in May
Weather in Portland in June
Weather in Portland in July
Weather in Portland in August
Weather in Portland in September
Weather in Portland in October
Weather in Portland in November
Weather in Portland in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Portland?
Plan your dream Portland trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Portland
A 2-day itinerary in Portland
A 3-day itinerary in Portland
A 4-day itinerary in Portland
A 5-day itinerary in Portland
A 6-day itinerary in Portland
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Santa Cruz?
We have a lot of great trip options for Santa Cruz! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you