The West Coast rewards slow travelers. From Seattle’s glittering skyline and ferry boats to Portland’s green spaces and markets, on to San Francisco’s Golden Gate panoramas and finally San Diego’s sunlit beaches, this 14-day itinerary strings together the Pacific’s greatest hits with plenty of time for coffee stops, scenic lookouts, and unique experiences.

Historically, this coastal corridor grew on timber, rail, and the seafaring trade; today it’s a playground for food lovers and photographers. Expect iconic landmarks—Space Needle, Powell’s City of Books, Golden Gate Bridge, Balboa Park—alongside local haunts, craft roasters, and neighborhood eateries where you’ll eat exceptionally well without breaking the bank.

Practical notes: Summer and early fall bring the most reliable weather; winter is cooler and occasionally wet up north. Reserve popular activities (Alcatraz, San Diego Zoo) and time-sensitive scenic drives early. Aim for a midrange daily budget (~$175–$225 per person excluding intercity flights), with savings from public transit, street food, and free viewpoints galore.

Seattle

Days 1–3: Skyline views, ferry rides, and glass art

Begin in the Emerald City with its blend of water, mountains, and modern architecture. Pike Place Market’s century-old stalls still sell fish on ice and seasonal flowers; the Space Needle and neighboring Chihuly Garden and Glass pair spectacular views with dazzling artistry.

• Top sights for sightseeing and photography: Pike Place Market (catch the fish toss; peek into tiny Rachel’s Ginger Beer and Beecher’s cheese-making vats), the Space Needle (go at golden hour), and Kerry Park for the classic city-and-Mt. Rainier shot on clear days.
• Unique activities: Take the Seattle–Bainbridge ferry for a 35-minute mini-cruise with skyline photos, then stroll Winslow’s boutiques. Explore the Underground Tour in Pioneer Square for quirky, bootlegger-era history.
• Waterfront & parks: Olympic Sculpture Park for sunset, Discovery Park’s Loop Trail for bluffs and lighthouse views.
• Where to eat & drink (local favorites):
  • Coffee/breakfast: La Marzocco Cafe at KEXP (espresso with live radio), Elm Coffee Roasters (spro-nerd heaven), and Piroshky Piroshky (savory hand pies) near the market.
  • Lunch: Pike Place Chowder (award-winning), Matt’s in the Market (PNW plates with a view), Marination Ma Kai in West Seattle (Hawaiian-Korean, perfect on a sunny day).
  • Dinner: The Pink Door (Italian-American with cabaret on select nights), The Walrus and the Carpenter (oysters in Ballard), and Spinasse (hand-cut tajarin).
  • Drinks: Cloudburst Brewing (rotating IPAs) and Canon (serious cocktail temple).

Stay: Base downtown/Waterfront for walkability, or Queen Anne for views. Browse stays on VRBO Seattle or compare hotels on Hotels.com Seattle.

Getting in: Book your inbound flight to Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Travel Day (Morning Day 4): Seattle → Portland

• Train: Amtrak Cascades (~3.5–4 hours; ~$30–$55) along Puget Sound and the Columbia—scenic and relaxing.
• Drive: I‑5 in ~3 hours (without traffic); consider a stop in Tacoma’s Museum of Glass.
• Fly: ~55 minutes; often $60–$120. Check Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Portland

Days 4–6: Urban parks, food carts, and the Columbia River Gorge

Portland’s calling cards are creativity and green space. Washington Park bundles the International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Garden; across the river, the Eastbank Esplanade offers reflections of downtown perfect for evening photos.

• Food & coffee scene: Start at Stumptown or Coava for pour-overs. Sample lunch at Alder Street Food Cart Pod (Korean, Thai, wood-fired pizza—rotate by appetite). For dinner, try Kann (wood-fired Haitian flavors), Kachka (Belarusian with dumplings to remember), or Eem (Thai-meets-Texas BBQ).
• Unique activities: Browse for hours at Powell’s City of Books. Meander Alberta Arts District for murals and small galleries. Donut duel: Voodoo’s neon kitsch vs. Blue Star’s brioche.
• Columbia River Gorge (half or full day): Rent a car to see Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Vista House. In peak season, timed permits may be required for the Historic Highway—check ahead. Photographers love Latourell’s columnar basalt and the soft spray at Wahkeena Falls.

Stay: Downtown for walkability, Pearl District for dining, or Alberta for artsy vibes. See VRBO Portland and Hotels.com Portland.

Travel Day (Morning Day 7): Portland → San Francisco

• Fly: ~1.5 hours; fares often $60–$130. Search Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Drive (scenic alternative): 10–11 hours direct on I‑5, or 2 days via the Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach, Samuel H. Boardman) and Redwoods—spectacular but time-intensive.
• Train: Overnight options ~17 hours; budget-friendly if booked early.

San Francisco

Days 7–10: Bridges, bays, and neighborhoods

Few skylines are as photogenic as San Francisco’s, with the Golden Gate Bridge spanning the strait and pastel Victorians climbing the hills. Ride a historic cable car, then wander North Beach and Chinatown for espresso, bakeries, and steam-filled dim sum parlors.

• Essential photo ops: Battery Spencer at sunrise for the bridge; Baker Beach with the Presidio bluffs; the Bay Bridge lights from the Embarcadero; mosaic Moraga Steps at sunset.
• Sightseeing highlights: Golden Gate Park (Conservatory of Flowers, de Young’s observation tower), Alcatraz (reserve well ahead), Ferry Building marketplace (cheese at Cowgirl Creamery, oysters at Hog Island), and the Mission’s Clarion Alley murals.
• Eat & drink:
  • Coffee/breakfast: Tartine Bakery (morning buns), Sightglass Coffee (airy roastery), and Craftsman and Wolves (the Rebel Within).
  • Lunch: Swan Oyster Depot (crab back when in season), Saigon Sandwich (cash-only banh mi), and Golden Boy Pizza (square Sicilian slices in North Beach).
  • Dinner: Zuni Café (roasted chicken for two), Burma Superstar (tea leaf salad), House of Prime Rib (old-school splurge if you snag a reservation).
  • Drinks: Trick Dog (inventive menus), Toronado (legendary beer bar), or rooftop at Charmaine’s for skyline sunsets.
• Side trip (half-day): Muir Woods for towering redwoods; go early to beat parking and crowds.

Stay: Union Square for transit, Nob Hill for classic SF, or the Marina/Presidio for quieter nights. Browse VRBO San Francisco or compare on Hotels.com San Francisco.

Travel Day (Morning Day 11): San Francisco → San Diego

• Fly: ~1.5 hours; $70–$140 common. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Drive (Pacific Coast Highway sampler): ~8–9 hours direct. For a scenic split, overnight around Santa Barbara for beaches and Spanish Revival architecture.
• Rail: Amtrak via Los Angeles (~13–14 hours total), then Pacific Surfliner to San Diego with gorgeous coastal segments.

San Diego

Days 11–14: Beaches, Balboa Park, and the bay

Welcome to America’s Finest City—where the marine layer lifts to reveal miles of beaches, a sunlit harbor, and Spanish Revival architecture in Balboa Park. Base yourself in Little Italy or the Gaslamp for dining, or near the coast in Pacific Beach or La Jolla for easy beach time.

• Beaches & photography: La Jolla Cove (sea lions; sunrise light), Windansea’s sculpted reefs, Coronado’s wide sands with the red-roofed Hotel del as a backdrop, and Sunset Cliffs for golden hour.
• Balboa Park: Spend half a day strolling gardens and museums; the Spanish-Colonial facades are beautiful in late-afternoon light.
• Harbor & history: The USS Midway aircraft carrier museum anchors the Embarcadero; nearby seaport views and public art make for an easy walking afternoon.

Bookable San Diego activities (aligned with your interests):

• City Cruises San Diego: Scenic 90-Minute Narrated Harbor Tour — great for sightseeing and photography along the skyline and naval yards. View on Viator

  

• USS Midway Museum Admission—Valid any date! — an immersive, self-guided journey through naval aviation on a historic carrier. View on Viator

  

• San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass: Any Day Ticket — world-class habitats in leafy Balboa Park; arrive early for active animals and softer light. View on Viator

  

• Sunset Sail Along the San Diego Skyline — a small-group sailing experience timed for golden-hour photography. View on Viator

  

Local gems by neighborhood:

• Little Italy: Morning Glory (brunch with a view), Extraordinary Desserts (gilded cakes), Ironside (oysters and a nautical vibe).
• La Jolla: Puesto (hand-pressed blue-corn tacos), The Taco Stand (al pastor carved to order), Bobboi (Artisan gelato after a cove walk).
• Point Loma & Harbor: Point Loma Seafoods (order the smoked fish plate), Mitch’s (casual, harborfront), and Liberty Public Market for varied lunch stalls.
• Beach eats: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood (fish tacos), Hodad’s (burgers stacked to the sky) in Ocean Beach, Better Buzz or Dark Horse for coffee near the sand.

Stay: Little Italy/Gaslamp for dining and bay access; La Jolla or Pacific Beach for surf-and-sand. Compare on VRBO San Diego and Hotels.com San Diego.

Suggested Multi‑Day Flow

• Days 11–12: Harborfront (USS Midway), Little Italy, Embarcadero, narrated harbor cruise for skyline photos.
• Day 13: Balboa Park + San Diego Zoo; late afternoon in North Park for craft beer and street art.
• Day 14: Beach day (La Jolla in the morning, Coronado in the afternoon), then a sunset sail.

Budget Tips (50/100 budget target)

• Prioritize one paid “marquee” activity per city; balance with free viewpoints and parks.
• Use public transit and rideshares in big cities; rent cars only for day trips (Gorge, Muir Woods) or scenic drives.
• Average midrange meals: $15–$25 lunch, $25–$45 dinner; coffee and pastries $6–$12.

Departure: Fly out of San Diego International (SAN). Check fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

In two weeks you’ll have sailed a sunset harbor, wandered rainforest-clad parks, and tasted your way through four distinctive cities. This Seattle-to-San Diego itinerary blends sightseeing, beaches, unique activities, and photography in equal measure—leaving just enough unscripted time to feel like your own discovery.