12 days in San Francisco, Portland & Seattle Itinerary

San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sat): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Grace Cathedral, then contemplate the long history of SS Jeremiah O'Brien, then step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island, and finally take in the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Sun): see the interesting displays at de Young Museum, stroll around Golden Gate Park, then don't miss a visit to Golden Gate Bridge, and finally go for a walk through Lombard Street.

For more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the San Francisco trip itinerary planner.

If you are flying in from Norway, the closest major aiports are San Francisco International Airport, Metropolitan Oakland International Airport, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport and Travis Air Force Base. In May, daily temperatures in San Francisco can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) so you can fly to Portland.

A big city with a small-town feel, Portland is home to the country's biggest rose test garden, perched on a hill overlooking downtown.

On the 22nd (Mon), get to know the resident critters at Oregon Zoo, admire the natural beauty at Portland Japanese Garden, and then learn the secrets of beer at a beer tour and tasting. On your second day here, examine the collection at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, admire the natural beauty at Lan Su Chinese Garden, don't miss a visit to Pittock Mansion, then admire the natural beauty at International Rose Test Garden, and finally stop by Powell's City of Books.

To see traveler tips, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Portland trip itinerary planner.

Fly from San Francisco to Portland in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Portland are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly to Seattle.

Nicknamed the "Emerald City" because of its abundant evergreen trees, Seattle is the cultural and business center of the Pacific Northwest, as well as a popular holiday destination.

When in Seattle, make a side trip to see Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, approximately Olympic National Park away. Dedicate the 29th (Mon) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. There's still lots to do: shop like a local with Chihuly Garden and Glass, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Woodland Park Zoo, admire the natural beauty at Bellevue Botanical Garden, and enjoy breathtaking views from Space Needle.

To find ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Seattle road trip app.

Fly from Portland to Seattle in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Seattle are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C.