7 days in Western US Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 16th (Sun): engage your brain at Exploratorium and then see the interesting displays at Cable Car Museum. On the 17th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: snap pictures at Golden Gate Bridge, then take a leisurely stroll along Fisherman's Wharf, and then step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island.

To see traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the San Francisco tour itinerary planner.

Charleston to San Francisco is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time, which is usually a -3 hour difference. When traveling from Charleston in May, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in San Francisco: temperatures range from 69°F by day to 53°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to travel 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.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Tue): take a leisurely stroll along Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, don't miss a visit to Space Needle, then admire the masterpieces at Chihuly Garden and Glass, and finally pick up some local products at Pike Place Market. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: wander the streets of Pioneer Square and then examine the collection at The Museum of Flight.

For photos, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Seattle vacation planner.

You can fly from San Francisco to Seattle in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. May in Seattle sees daily highs of 68°F and lows of 52°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Yellowstone National Park.

An exceptionally diverse landscape and varied wildlife have made Yellowstone National Park one of America's most popular parks.

On the 20th (Thu), contemplate the geological forces at Mud Volcano, then explore the stunning scenery at S Rim Trail, and then take in breathtaking views at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. On your second day here, take in the dramatic natural features at Blue Star Spring, witness a stunning natural landmark at Old Faithful, then witness a stunning natural landmark at Grand Prismatic Spring, and finally take in the natural beauty of Fountain Paint Pot.

To find where to stay, maps, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Yellowstone National Park sightseeing planner.

Traveling by flight from Seattle to Yellowstone National Park takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus, shuttle, and car. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time to Mountain Standard Time is 1 hour. Traveling from Seattle in May, expect nights in Yellowstone National Park to be cooler, around 27°F, while days are slightly colder, around 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.