What are some great (significant) historic sites between Seattle and Los Angeles?

Answer 1

Some sites are: Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. There are sections of the park in both Washington and Oregon. Also Fort Vancouver (Vancouver, Washington) National Historic Site, Heading down the California coast on Route 1 at Fort Bragg is the California & Western Railroad. Further south is Fort Ross State Historic Park, and just north of San Francisco Point Reyes National Seashore which shows the effect of the 1906 earthquake. Between San Francisco and Los Angeles Route 101 goes inland and passes by several historic missions (near Soledad, San Lucas, San Miguel, Santa Ynez, Ventura, Santa Barbara, etc.). North of Cambria on Route 1 is the very famous William Randolph Hearst estate, San Simeon which is a state historic monument. If you go the coastal route going down, head inland on the way back, I-5, then Route 99 through Bakersfield to Fresno. Then Route 41 to Oakhurst and Fresno Flats Historic Park. Then Route 49 to Mariposa and the Calif. State Mining and Mineral Museum. Along the entire length of Rt. 49 are many historic sites having to do with the 1849 discovery of gold.

Answer 2

You have to stop and see the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA. Only semi historic as the Winchester is the maker of the Winchester Rifle. But, this house is so awesome. Check out this website www.winchestermysteryhouse.com. I used to live near there and would go all of the time simply because it was so fascinating. Of course there is always a tour of Alcatraz in San Francisco. Even Mt St Helens could be considered historic. I'm assuming you are doing a driving vacation. Allow for plenty of time. There are some really beautiful things to see between Seattle and San Francisco. I'm not a southern CA person, don't like it there, so can't recommend anything. I miss the area really bad and am in the process of trying to convince my husband we need to fly into SF and drive up to Seattle. If we make the trip happen, we'll be taking two weeks to head up the coast. Gotta get out of Texas first!

Enjoy your trip. I'm jealous!