7 days in San Francisco & Seattle Itinerary

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

Get some cultural insight at Alcatraz Island and Union Square. Escape the urban bustle at Point Reyes Safaris and Sonoma Coast State Beach. Change things up with these side-trips from San Francisco: VGS Chateau Potelle (in St. Helena) and Safari West (in Santa Rosa). There's more to do: take in the views from Golden Gate Bridge and go for a walk through Fisherman's Wharf.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read San Francisco online trip planner.

Washington to San Francisco is an approximately 12-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Washington to San Francisco. When traveling from Washington in May, plan for slightly colder days in San Francisco, with highs around 69°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 53°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight 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.

On the 10th (Mon), look for gifts at Elliott Bay Book Company, then enjoy breathtaking views from Space Needle, then explore the world behind art at Chihuly Garden and Glass, and finally take a stroll through Pike Place Market. On the 11th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to Pioneer Square, then kick back and relax at Alki Beach, and then kick back and relax at Seahurst Beach Park.

For ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Seattle trip maker.

You can fly from San Francisco to Seattle in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May in Seattle, expect temperatures between 68°F during the day and 52°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) to allow time to drive back home.