16 days in West Coast Itinerary

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 explore the less-touristy side of things at Multnomah Falls and Haystack Rock. Step out of the city life by going to Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Cannon Beach. Step out of Portland with an excursion to Astoria Column in Astoria--about 2 hours away. It doesn't end there: take in nature's colorful creations at International Rose Test Garden and look for gifts at Powell's City of Books.

For ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Portland travel route planning website.

Brussels, Belgium to Portland is an approximately 15.5-hour combination of train and flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time, which is usually a -9 hour difference. In August, Portland is a bit warmer than Brussels - with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) early enough to 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.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls. Bring the kids along to Yosemite, Tunnel View and Tioga Pass. There's still lots to do: explore the striking landscape at El Capitan, hike along Panorama Trail, stroll through Nevada Falls Loop, and admire the sheer force of Vernal Fall.

To see traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Yosemite National Park trip itinerary maker site.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Portland to Yosemite National Park. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from Portland in August since evenings lows in Yosemite National Park dip to 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) so you can travel to Monterey.

Monterey is a city in the U.S. Kids will appreciate attractions like Point Lobos and Carmel River State Beach. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Pfeiffer State Beach. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Monterey: Big Sur (McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, &more). Next up on the itinerary: explore the activities along Monterey Bay and see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To find more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the Monterey tour builder site.

You can drive from Yosemite National Park to Monterey in 5 hours. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Yosemite National Park in August: highs in Monterey hover around 24°C, while lows dip to 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can drive to San Francisco.

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

Discover out-of-the-way places like Muir Woods National Monument and Exploratorium. Get a sense of the local culture at Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge. You'll find plenty of places to visit near San Francisco: Armstrong Redwood State Reserve (in Guerneville) and Safari West (in Santa Rosa). Next up on the itinerary: take a leisurely stroll along Fisherman's Wharf, examine the collection at Musee Mecanique, and admire the natural beauty at Japanese Tea Garden.

To find reviews, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read our San Francisco trip itinerary planning site.

Getting from Monterey to San Francisco by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: fly; or take a shuttle. In August, daily temperatures in San Francisco can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.