15 days in Seattle & Vancouver Itinerary

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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Snoqualmie Falls and Bloedel Reserve. Attractions like Washington Park Arboretum and Murhut Falls make great kid-friendly stops. Get out of town with these interesting Seattle side-trips: Marymoor Park (in Redmond), Remlinger Farms (in Carnation) and Bainbridge Island (Bainbridge Gardens & The Grand Forest). The adventure continues: look for all kinds of wild species at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, shop like a local with Pike Place Market, take a leisurely stroll along Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, and take in nature's colorful creations at Kubota Garden.

For maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Seattle trip itinerary maker site.

Washington to Seattle is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time, which is usually a -3 hour difference. While traveling from Washington, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Seattle, ranging from highs of 68°F to lows of 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Vancouver.

Known as "Hollywood North," Vancouver boasts one of the largest film/television industries in the world, second only to Los Angeles and New York.

Kids will enjoy Stanley Park and Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Take a break from the city and head to Granville Island and False Creek. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Vancouver: Stawamus Chief Park (in Squamish), Whistler (Loggers Lake Trail, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, &more) and Britannia Mine Museum (in Britannia Beach). And it doesn't end there: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, appreciate the history behind Totem Poles, enjoy the sand and surf at English Bay Beach, and admire the natural beauty at Queen Elizabeth Park.

To find where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Vancouver trip planner.

Traveling by car from Seattle to Vancouver takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a shuttle. In May, plan for daily highs up to 65°F, and evening lows to 51°F. You will have some time to spend on the 27th (Thu) before leaving for home.