8 days in Seattle & Oregon Itinerary

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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Space Needle as well as Ride the Ducks of Seattle. Visit Alki Beach and Golden Gardens Park for some beach relaxation. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Snoqualmie Falls and Bloedel Reserve. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Seattle: Fort Worden State Park (in Port Townsend) and Seahurst Beach Park (in Burien). There's much more to do: admire the masterpieces at Chihuly Garden and Glass, take a stroll through Pike Place Market, stroll around Kerry Park, and explore the activities along Green Lake Park.

For maps, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Seattle trip planner.

Chicago to Seattle is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. Traveling from Chicago to Seattle, you'll gain 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Chicago in June, with highs in Seattle at 74°F and lows at 57°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) early enough to drive 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Willamette Valley and Columbia River Highway. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Powell's City of Books and Pearl District. Venture out of the city with trips to Willamette Valley Vineyards (in Turner), The Oregon Garden (in Silverton) and Woodburn Premium Outlets (in Woodburn). Next up on the itinerary: trek along Forest Park, admire the landmark architecture of Vista House, admire the natural beauty at International Rose Test Garden, and browse the eclectic array of goods at Portland Saturday Market.

To see ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Portland trip planner.

You can drive from Seattle to Portland in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. In June in Portland, expect temperatures between 77°F during the day and 56°F at night. You'll have a few hours on the 27th (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling home.