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By Huuk Team

Road trip from Santa Cruz to Portland

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ITINERARY

13h 26m693 miles8 stops
1
Oakland California Temple & Visitors' Center
4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602-2535
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
Lakeside Park, Oakland, CA 94612
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
3
St. Patrick Catholic Church
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
4
Museum of Natural and Cultural History
1680 E. 15th Ave, Eugene, OR
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
220 W 8th Ave corner of 11th Ave and Oak St, Eugene, OR 97401-2939
6
Capitello Wines
540 Charnelton St, Eugene, OR 97401-2647
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
3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239
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
SE 13th Ave & SE Miller St, Portland, OR 97202
Neighborhood with a pleasant, small shopping area with dozens of antique shops.
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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.
4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602-2535
2
Lake Merritt
Oakland, California·
4.5
(926) review
Saltwater lake in the middle of the city.
Lakeside Park, Oakland, CA 94612
3
St. Patrick Catholic Church
San Francisco, California·
4.0
(98) review
756 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103-3113
4
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).
1680 E. 15th Ave, Eugene, OR
5
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
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!
540 Charnelton St, Eugene, OR 97401-2647
7
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.
3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR 97239
8
Sellwood
Portland, Oregon·
4.5
(98) review
Neighborhood with a pleasant, small shopping area with dozens of antique shops.
SE 13th Ave & SE Miller St, Portland, OR 97202

CHECKLIST

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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