14 days in West Coast Itinerary

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

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Alcatraz Island and Exploratorium. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Muir Woods National Monument and Japanese Tea Garden. Explore San Francisco's surroundings by going to Armstrong Redwood State Reserve (in Guerneville) and Safari West (in Santa Rosa). The adventure continues: take in the views from Golden Gate Bridge, take in the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf, and see the interesting displays at Musee Mecanique.

For maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read our San Francisco travel website.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from your home destination to San Francisco. In July, plan for daily highs up to 73°F, and evening lows to 57°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) early enough to go by car to Monterey.

Monterey is a city in the U.S. Kick off your visit on the 24th (Wed): take in the views from Bixby Bridge, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Carmel River State Beach, and then get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour. On the 25th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the sheer force of McWay Falls, then stroll through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and then immerse yourself in nature at Point Lobos.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Monterey trip itinerary website.

You can drive from San Francisco to Monterey in 2.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a shuttle. In July, daily temperatures in Monterey can reach 69°F, while at night they dip to 55°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) so you can travel to Yosemite National Park.

Massive granite mountains, towering waterfalls, groves of Giant Sequoia trees, and wilderness as far as the eye can see distinguish the landscape of Yosemite National Park.

Step out of the city life by going to Glacier Point and Yosemite, Tunnel View. Explore hidden gems such as Yosemite Falls and Vernal Fall. Next up on the itinerary: stroll through Tuolumne Meadows, explore the activities along Merced River, look for all kinds of wild species at Cathedral Beach Picnic Area, and explore the striking landscape at Sentinel Dome.

To see photos, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Yosemite National Park online tour itinerary maker.

You can drive from Monterey to Yosemite National Park in 5 hours. When traveling from Monterey in July, plan for somewhat warmer days in Yosemite National Park, with highs around 83°F, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel 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.

You'll get in some beach time at Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach. Kids will enjoy Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Astoria Column. Change things up with these side-trips from Portland: Ecola State Park (in Cannon Beach) and Multnomah Falls (in Bridal Veil). There's more to do: admire the natural beauty at International Rose Test Garden and look for gifts at Powell's City of Books.

For maps, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, use the Portland road trip tool.

Explore your travel options from Yosemite National Park to Portland with the Route module. Traveling from Yosemite National Park in July, Portland is a bit warmer at night with lows of 59°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.