7 Days Pacific Northwest, USA Itinerary
This 7-day itinerary explores the highlights of the Pacific Northwest, starting in Seattle, then traveling to Portland and ending on the Oregon Coast. It balances iconic landmarks with local experiences, all while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
The best time to visit the Pacific Northwest is generally summer (June to September), offering warm, dry weather ideal for outdoor activities, vibrant festivals, and clear skies, though it's also the most crowded and expensive
Activities
32
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
Pacific Northwest (2d), Portland (5d)
Pace
Moderate
The Pacific Northwest offers a diverse landscape ranging from vibrant cityscapes to stunning coastlines and lush forests. It's a perfect destination for those seeking outdoor adventure, delicious food, and a unique cultural experience.
Your itinerary covers 4 of 10 must-have experiences
Majestic Volcanic Peak Ascent/Viewpoint
e.g., Mount Rainier National Park, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Temperate Rainforest Immersion
e.g., Hoh Rain Forest (Olympic National Park), Quinault Rain Forest (Olympic National Park)
Iconic Pacific Coast Beach Exploration
Day 5: Travel to Cannon Beach
Vibrant Public Market Food Crawl
Day 1: Pike Place Market Exploration
PNW Craft Beer Pilgrimage
Day 3: Dinner at Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House
Art & Innovation Museum Deep Dive
Day 1: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Hike
e.g., Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls
Urban Green Oasis Stroll
e.g., Portland Japanese Garden (Washington Park), Seattle Japanese Garden
Island Escape & Wildlife Viewing
e.g., San Juan Island (Friday Harbor), Orcas Island (Moran State Park)
Lakeside Alpine Retreat
e.g., Lake Chelan, Lake Crescent (Olympic National Park)
The Pacific Northwest boasts a vibrant food scene deeply rooted in fresh, local ingredients. From succulent seafood to innovative farm-to-table cuisine, the region offers a diverse culinary experience. Expect to find an emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced produce, meats, and seafood.
Must-Try Dishes
Wild-caught salmon is a staple. Try it grilled, smoked with alder wood, or candied for a sweet and savory treat. King, Sockeye, and Coho are common varieties.
📍 Seafood restaurants, farmers markets, roadside stands, upscale dining
A sweet and succulent crab, often served steamed or roasted. Enjoy it whole or in crab cakes, crab melts, or crab bisque.
📍 Seafood restaurants, crab shacks on the coast, farmers markets
The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh oysters. Try them raw with mignonette sauce, or fried for a crispy treat. Kumamoto and Pacific oysters are popular choices.
📍 Oyster bars, seafood restaurants, coastal towns
A creamy and comforting soup made with clams, potatoes, and often bacon. Pacific Northwest clam chowder often features local clams and a rich, flavorful broth.
📍 Seafood restaurants, casual eateries, pubs
Food Neighborhoods
Fresh seafood, produce, and local specialties
Upscale dining, breweries, and innovative cuisine
Seafood restaurants, craft breweries, and Scandinavian influences
Eclectic mix of restaurants, food carts, and bars
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in larger cities like Seattle and Portland. Many restaurants clearly label allergens and offer gluten-free alternatives. Halal options may be limited but can be found in some Middle Eastern and South Asian restaurants, particularly in urban areas. It's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm dietary accommodations.
Tipping is customary in restaurants (15-20% for good service). It's acceptable to ask for a doggy bag. Dress code is generally casual, even in nicer establishments. Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
Bumbershoot
August/SeptemberA large music and arts festival in Seattle, drawing large crowds and increasing hotel prices.
Portland Rose Festival
May/JuneCelebrates the city of roses with parades, events, and beautiful floral displays.
Oregon Brewers Festival
JulyA large beer festival in Portland showcasing Oregon's craft beer scene.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From hotel in Downtown Seattle, walk or take a short bus ride to Pike Place Market.$10-20
9:00 AM - Pike Place Market Exploration
Explore the bustling Pike Place Market, sample fresh seafood, and witness the famous fish throwing. Grab breakfast at Piroshky Piroshky for a delicious Russian pastry. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Pike Place Market to the Space Needle (approx. 20-30 minutes) or take a bus.$35
11:30 AM - Space Needle Observation Deck
Ascend the iconic Space Needle for panoramic views of Seattle, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. Purchase tickets online in advance to save time.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from the Space Needle to MoPOP (adjacent to the Space Needle).$30
2:00 PM - Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Immerse yourself in music, science fiction, and pop culture at MoPOP. Check out the Nirvana exhibit for a taste of Seattle's grunge history.
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- 🚗Take a bus or ride-sharing service from MoPOP to a Dick's Drive-In location.$10
6:00 PM - Dinner at Dick's Drive-In
Enjoy a classic Seattle burger experience at Dick's Drive-In, a local favorite since 1954. It's a cheap and cheerful way to end the day.
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Downtown Seattle
Central location, close to major attractions, restaurants, and public transportation.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Pacific Northwest is generally summer (June to September), offering warm, dry weather ideal for outdoor activities, vibrant festivals, and clear skies, though it's also the most crowded and expensive. Shoulder seasons (April-May and October) bring milder temperatures, beautiful foliage, and fewer crowds, but with a higher chance of rain. Winter (November-March) is cool and wet in cities but provides excellent skiing and snowboarding in the mountains, along with cozy urban experiences.
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is generally sunny and dry. Temperatures are warm during the day and mild in the evenings, perfect for exploring the outdoors.
Summer offers the best weather, with warm, dry days and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Summer is a popular time to visit, so expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially around major holidays like the 4th of July and Labor Day.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$150-300 (Flights/Bus/Gas)Accommodation
$350-700Food
$140-280Activities
$60-120Utilize the abundant free outdoor activities such as hiking in state parks (often free or minimal parking fee) and exploring public beaches instead of expensive attractions.
Indulge in a scenic seaplane tour over Puget Sound or the San Juan Islands for unparalleled views of the landscape.
Take advantage of Oregon's lack of sales tax for any significant shopping, making it a good place for retail therapy.
Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather.
Experience a unique farm-to-table culinary journey at a renowned restaurant in Portland or Seattle, celebrating the region's fresh produce.
Explore the region's many excellent microbreweries and wineries during happy hour for discounted drinks and appetizers.
- Dress in layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly throughout the day, especially from coast to mountains.
- Tipping is customary in the USA: expect to tip 15-20% for restaurant service, taxis, and other service industries.
- Embrace the 'Leave No Trace' principles when exploring natural areas to preserve the region's pristine beauty.
- A rental car is highly recommended for exploring beyond major cities, as public transportation to natural attractions is limited.
- Be aware that sales tax is added at checkout to most goods and services (except in Oregon, which has no sales tax).
- Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance, especially if traveling during the peak summer season.
- Be prepared for varying cell service; download offline maps and critical information before heading to remote areas.
- Stay hydrated and carry bear spray if hiking in areas known for bear activity, and always make noise on trails.
- 1Waterproof and windproof jacket (essential for rain and coastal winds)
- 2Layered clothing (fleece or down jacket, long-sleeved shirts, breathable base layers)
- 3Comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes or boots
- 4Reusable water bottle (to stay hydrated and reduce waste)
- 5Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (even on cloudy days, UV can be strong)
- 6Insect repellent (especially for summer and near water bodies)
- 7Small daypack for excursions and hikes
- 8Portable power bank for electronic devices
- 9Swimsuit (for lakes, hot springs, or coastal activities)
- 10Headlamp or flashlight (for early morning/late evening outdoor activities or emergencies)
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer or popular destinations like Seattle, Portland, or national park lodges, as availability can be limited and prices rise.
Rental Car
Essential for exploring the region; reserve 2-3 months ahead, particularly if you need a specific type of vehicle (e.g., SUV for mountain roads) during peak season.
America the Beautiful Pass
If visiting multiple National Parks or federal recreation sites, purchase this annual pass online or at your first park to save on entry fees.
Popular Tours & Activities
Whale watching tours (San Juan Islands), guided hikes, or specific museum exhibits often sell out; book 1-2 months ahead.
Restaurant Reservations
For high-demand, fine dining experiences in major cities, make reservations 2-4 weeks in advance.
Travel Insurance
Arrange before departure to cover unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
eSIM / Local SIM Card
Purchase and activate before or immediately upon arrival for seamless connectivity throughout your trip.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 T-Mobile stores, Best Buy, Target
📍 AT&T stores, Best Buy, Target
📍 GlocalMe website or Amazon
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in urban areas. Many public parks and libraries also offer free WiFi. Quality can vary, so it's always a good idea to check reviews or speed test before relying on public WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a portable power bank to keep your devices charged while you're on the go. Download offline maps and translation apps for areas with limited connectivity. Check with your mobile provider about international roaming options before you travel, but prepaid SIMs often offer better value. Be aware of data usage, especially when streaming videos or downloading large files.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
The Pacific Northwest is generally a safe place to travel. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit is during the summer (June-September) for warm, dry weather. However, shoulder seasons (April-May and October) offer milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful foliage, though with a higher chance of rain.
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- Real-time pricing
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