Description
First stop on your trip is the fabulously unique, boutique Jupiter Hotel located superbly in South East Portland. Nestled amongst independent shops and art galleries, the hotel offers guests exclusive discounts with local creators supporting the local community. The fabulous location means the hotel is just minutes away from popular Portland attractions such as the Moda Center sports arena, Portland Art Museum and Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent book store, which is also home to a café and gifts. The Jupiter Hotel itself is a vibrant haven of creative colours and modern touches; you’ll soon feel right at home thanks to the inspiring décor and accommodating staff.
After exploring some of Portland’s cultural gems and independent shops, head to Doug Fir Restaurant & Lounge, Jupiter Hotel’s rustic, log cabin-inspired lounge, serving seasonal dishes using local flavours to create delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and light bites. In the evenings, the lounge hosts live music almost every night at the downstairs music venue and features unique cocktails and an extensive beer and wine list. The Jupiter Hotel also has its own art gallery, which is open 24 hours a day, allowing guests to be inspired by works from new artists without even leaving the hotel. Collections change regularly, so there’s always something new to see!
Guest rooms have been influenced by Portland’s artistic, cultural nature. Choose a room on the bar side for a lively atmosphere with the patio of Doug Fir Restaurant & Lounge just steps away; or, opt for a room on the ‘chill side’ for a more serene stay away from the bar. Rooms are bright and airy, featuring uplifting pops of yellow and one-of-a-kind local artworks, as well as a flat screen TV, plush bed and chalkboard doors, so you can free your inner artist. Guests also have access to complimentary coffee and tea facilities in the lobby area. Family rooms with two Queen-size beds are offered, as well as rooms featuring one Queen-size bed, perfect for couples.
After enjoying two nights at the inspiring Jupiter Hotel in the creative hub of Portland, it’s time to collect your motorhome so you can begin your adventure to California. Standard motorhomes feature modern facilities, including a practical kitchenette with microwave, gas cooker, refrigerator and freezer, and a fully-equipped private bathroom with a shower and fresh water toilet. For added comfort, there’s also air conditioning and the plush beds will allow your motorhome to become your new home-from-home as you travel towards the golden state itself.
First, head out of Portland on the Columbia River Highway, with breath-taking views of Oregon’s natural beauty, including stunning waterfalls, such as Oregon’s most popular natural attraction: Multnomah Falls, which cascades an impressive 620 feet. Then, travelling by the scenic Mount Hood Byway, you’ll see the most incredible scenery Oregon has to offer, as well as famous landmarks before ending up in Oxbow Regional Park for the first night of your journey. Along the way, why not stop at Hood River Water Front Park? Situated at the banks of the Columbia River with a vast collection of restaurants to choose from, it’s the perfect place to stop off before dusk.
Next, it’s off to Astoria, which is nicknamed the ‘Little San Francisco of the Pacific Northwest’. With Victorian homes, a 1920s district and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River from the Column (built in 1926), this historic hub will certainly teach you a thing or two about the local area. After staying at Fort Stevens State Park, drive to Newport, where you’ll stay for the next couple of days giving you chance to explore this wonderful marine city. Beautiful beaches in quaint towns such as Depoe Bay along the way make ideal places to stop. With the smallest harbour in the world and whale watching tours daily, you can enjoy the wonders of the Pacific Ocean from a new perspective.
Newport’s bay front is home to shops, art galleries, chowder houses and restaurants, with everything from family attractions, such as Oregon Coast Aquarium, to nods to the past, with lovingly-restored historic storefronts. For the next part of your adventure, head to the welcoming town of Bend. Sea lion caves allow visitors to see the world’s largest sea cave, home to the wild Steller sea lions and the chairlift to Mount Bachelor summit offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The next couple of days will be spent based at Riverpark RV Resort, near an extensive collection of wineries and picturesque byways, as well as insightful museums, antique shopping malls. Along the way there, why not stop at the Oregon Vortex near Gold Hill for an unforgettable illusionary experience?
Next, as you journey south, it’s a short drive to Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park. Explore the Oregon Caves National Monument before crossing the border into California. Make the most of the superb state park location and enjoy around 20 miles of hiking and nature trails. Before long, it’s time to head to Manchester Beach. See some of the world’s tallest redwood trees as you drive through the 31 mile Avenue of Giants, spot the oldest Pacific Coast working lighthouse (in Crescent City) and experience a drive-through tree tour in Humboldt Bay by boat.
Head further south through Californian hills and pass some of Sonoma County’s finest wineries and sample some magnificent wines. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not also go on a hike on the nature trail through Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve or visit the numerous beaches and coastal villages along the way. The iconic Point Arena lighthouse is a must-see whilst you’re staying in Cloverdale! After another short drive, you’ll soon be nearing San Francisco. There’s so much to see and do in the spectacular Sonoma County. With over 300 wineries, more than 40 spas, restaurants serving the freshest local produce, art galleries, shops and so much more, there is always something to be doing. Bodega Bay is the epitome of the Northern California lifestyle, with panoramic ocean views and divine clam chowder.
The final place you’ll stay is Marin RV park, just 10 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. Use the extensive public transport links and explore the beating heart of San Francisco. Finally, return your motorhome to the Cruise America depot just 40 miles from the final RV park.
San Francisco offers everything from historic landmarks such as Alcatraz Island and the famous Golden Gate Bridge, to shops at Westfield Union Square and the charming Fisherman’s Wharf, with its crab stands and shops and the sea lions at the bustling Pier 39. Why not extend your Californian adventure by staying for a few nights in this fabulous city? There is something for everyone to experience, enjoy and embrace.
This superb multicentre combination will allow you to see some of the most picturesque spots in America as you drive from the creative heart of Portland, through Oregon and into California, before finishing in San Francisco, where there’s so much to see and do you won’t be able to resist staying for a few nights to discover its hidden gems. Call one of our travelplanners 020 3542 8888 to book today!
