Road-Tripping from Bothell to Lafayette

If you're itching for an exciting road trip from Bothell, Washington to Lafayette, California, buckle up, and let's hit the road! Depending on the route you take, the journey can take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours, but trust us when we say that it's worth every minute. With stunning scenery, fun detours, and plenty of stops to explore, your trip will be filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Route 1: The I-5 S, CA-99, and I-580 W

The first and most popular route from Bothell to Lafayette is via the I-5 S, CA-99, and I-580 W. The total distance on this route is roughly 870 miles, and it takes around 13 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

As you make your way down I-5 South towards Sacramento, feel free to check out some of the roadside attractions for fun stops. For example, the Maryhill Museum of Art in southern Washington offers a stunning collection of art and artifacts from around the world. Then head to Old Town Sacramento, which features the famous underground tour of the city's Gold Rush-era history.

Next up, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Bay Area. There, you can make pit stops in San Francisco, Oakland and enjoy some of California’s best wines– Napa and Sonoma Valley. If you're a fan of amusement parks, consider taking a detour to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo for an adrenaline-packed day before making your way to Lafayette.

Route 2: The US-101 S and I-580 E

If you're looking for a more scenic route, why not try US-101 S and I-580 E? This route spans around 870 miles, but the driving duration is roughly the same as Route 1 – 13 hours and 30 minutes. However, the breathtaking views of the Pacific shoreline will more than make up for the longer journey.

As you make your way down US-101 South, you'll be in awe of the majestic coastline of Oregon and Northern California. The Avenue of the Giants passes through the stunning giant trees of the Redwood National and State Parks that are simply unmissible. An overnight stop in Santa Rosa is worth considering. The town features great wineries and the new Trail House Santa Rosa, ideal for a relaxing and stylish vibe.

Route 3: The I-84 E and I-80 W

Lastly, there's the scenic route through the I-84 E and I-80 W highways across Idaho and Nevada. This route covers approximately 1200 miles, making it the longest but most diverse of the choices.

As you make your way through Idaho, don't forget to stop in Twin Falls, which offers one of the most stunning natural attractions, the Snake River Canyon. The itinerary should also include a stopover in Salt Lake City, Utah, and visit some of the stunning national parks in the area such as Arches and Canyonlands. A detour via Yosemite National Park is also worth considering, especially if you're an outdoors junkie or a photography enthusiast. The route will be worth the extra driving time, which totals around 15 hours.

Final Thoughts

No matter which route you choose, make sure that you stop in the exciting towns and cities along the way. From roadside attractions to stunning national parks, your road trip is bound to be filled with delightful experiences. Remember; always drive safely, and make sure that you take plenty of breaks along the way to stretch your legs and keep yourself energized. Safe travels!