San Diego to San Francisco-14 Day trip or San Diego to Seattle-21 Day trip

Information on this trip...

From the South border to the North border this trip takes you along the West coast of North America, seeing some of the legendary sights that make up California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington states.

This trip has been designed with all budgets in mind, be it going no expenses spared to working on a budget, there are options for all. Ideally to experience the full splendour of this journey travelling by car would be advised, however other options are of course available.

You may decide the 14 day San Diego to San Francisco trip suits your time scales better, otherwise travel the full extent of the west coast to Seattle.

As a guide for planning this trip I looked at the months of April and May, but its not to say any other time of the year may be more suited or even better. Read on to unveil this epic journey that takes you from deserts to lakes and mountainous regions, through cities and along the world famous route 66.

Route:
San Diego - Los Angeles - Las Vegas/Henderson/Boulder to see Hoover Damn- Grand Canyon village and South Grand Canyon regions -Las Vegas- Yosemite National Park - San Francisco - Napa Valley - Fort Bragg - Crescent City - Eugene - Portland - Seattle.

Day 1

Travel day - now we all know this part can be long, but lets face it its all part of the adventure, so below is a breakdown of what the travel to our first destination entails.

Fly to San Diego

There are many options for flying to this city, be it direct flights or flights that stop on route once or more.

Naturally flying at peak times and over school holidays will be more costly compared to out of season, but here are some examples of price ranges flying from London and where to look. Of course if you are travelling from another city in the UK or part of the world you can use the same websites linked below to help.

Direct Flights from London to San Diego will cost up from £1,000 per person taking roughly 11 hours and 15 minutes. Depending on individuals budgets this is just not feasible, so having a 1 stop flight may be better for you. These can be priced from around £350+ per person, potentially only adding another couple of hours onto your journey. Useful websites I use to compare flight prices include: Skyscanner, Expedia, Travel Supermarket or through the companies you wish to travel with e.g Virgin Atlantic, British Airways etc.

Arrival

On arrival you are going to want to hire a car, again there are many providers when it comes to hiring cars so look to see which ones suite you and cover you for what you need. Remember that the car will be returned to a different Cities airport on departure of your trip. A good site to use is AutoRentals.com or Skyscanner.

Once you have found your new wheels, we travel into the City.

Within San Diego itself there are many places to stay and this will be our main focus of the journey for the next couple of days. With temperatures in April and May in the mid to high 20's you will be sure to want to walk and explore the delights this city has to offer, from its harbours and beaches, the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp district to its world famous Zoo. But anyway more on that later, lets focus on where to stay in San Diego.

When picking where to stay, San Diego is made up of many neighbourhoods to choose from, so to make it easier for you I have created a list with a few of the most popular areas to stay: (2 night stop here)

Gaslamp Quarter - This neighbourhood makes up part of Downtown and showcases a wide variety of buildings from futuristic styled skyscrapers to Victorian styled structures. The streets are lined with art galleries, theatres, museums, shopping venues, and nightclubs. This area has a little something for everyone. Not to forget it is the home of the world famous San Diego Zoo.

Little Italy - Once known for its tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian inhabitants, Little Italy is a fascinating neighbourhood close to the downtown area. Packed with boutique hotels and shops, craft beer shops, art galleries, and patio cafes, the area has now become a lively district for both locals and tourists. This neighbourhood is even considered to host the city’s most dynamic dining scene.

Old Town/Mission Valley - These neighbouring areas are located at the centre of the city and within easy reach of San Diego Airport as well as a short journey to all attractions. Old Town is also respected as the historic heart of the city containing historic sites and multiple museums, as well as being one of the most popular neighbourhoods to visit with over 20 eateries in a 1 mile stretch.

For more information on San Diego and its areas take a look at Lonely Planet guides and The Crazy Tourist. When comparing hotel prices a couple of sites I use are Booking.com and Skyscanner.

Check in to your hotel here for 2 nights (lots to see so can't stay too long).

Day 2 - San Diego

Today lets explore what this city has to offer, spend the day walking the streets and experiencing the unique features that make this city so great. There are many things you could choose to do today including:

1. San Diego Zoo or Safari Park
2. San Diego state Historic Park
3. Balboa Park and Museums
4. Mission & Pacific Beaches Boardwalk including Cystal pier
5. Del Mar Racetrack & Fairgrounds
6. Book onto a San Diego City tour - multiple providers
7. Book onto a San Diego Harbour Cruise - multiple providers
8. Maritime Museum
9. Palomar Observatory - guided tours often at weekends
10. Cabrillo National Monument
11. Old Point Loma Lighthouse - Bayside Trail
12. San Diego Museum of Art
13. San Diego Natural History Museum
14. Belmont Park - Amusement park on mission beach
15. Petco Park - stadium home to the San Diego Padres baseball team.
16. San Diego Air & Space museum
17. San Diego Botanic Garden
18. La Jolla Cove and Caves - To be seen on day 3 (in the trip guide)
19. Birch Aquarium at Scripps
20. San Diego Mormon Temple
21. Sea world San Diego

There are so many options to choose from and what seems like not enough time, but the beauty of this trip is how much we can pack in and it will be well worth it.

Here are my own personal options I would choose from the list above to see on Day 2 of the trip. Firstly I am an animal lover, so the idea of going to one of the worlds most famous zoos excites me so I would have to choose between option 1 above, and option 19 above. These alone would take up most of the day especially the Zoo. In the later afternoon/early evening I would head down to Mission and Pacific beaches Boardwalk and Crystal Pier (option 4 above) to take in the views and the coastal sunset, while enjoying a meal in one of hundreds of San Diego's eateries and restaurants.

For information on a lot of these options to do in San Diego and looking at booking tours, I would recommend taking a look at TripAdvisor (where you can read lots of reviews), Lonely Planet, Booking.com and SanDiego.org.

Day 3 - San Diego to Los Angeles

This morning is a good chance to book onto a last minute tour or visit a part of the city you didn't get to yesterday, before we continue on with our journey in the afternoon.

Personally I would look at going to Balboa Park & Museums (option 3 above) as this is meant to be beautiful or I would take a stroll through the San Diego state Historic Park (option 2 above).

Around 12/1 pm it is time to leave this city behind us and continue with this adventure to Los Angeles. The journey to Los Angeles takes around 2 hr 30 minutes, however I would allow for plenty more time in case traffic is bad which unfortunately Los Angeles is renowned for having lots of traffic.

On route lets stop off at Jolla Beach which I mentioned earlier.

This Journey will take between 15-40 minutes depending on where in San Diego you are staying.

Jolla Beach and the surrounding area is a good spot to stop for lunch if you haven't had any already and to take a walk along the golden sands or sea front. Stay here for a couple of hours and enjoy the ocean views before continuing on at around 3-4pm.

Drive Up Route 5 all the way to Los Angeles - this can take anything from 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours roughly traffic dependent.

On Arrival to Los Angeles check into your hotel, again with so much going on this city has a lot to offer in terms of accommodation, attractions and scenes.

Some options on where to stay (2 night stop here):

• Downtown LA - Covered with renowned restaurant chains, major leagues sports, many cultural attractions, and incredible American architecture, the neighborhood is bustling with both locals and tourists alike, at any time of the day. It is also a major transportation hub, making navigating through the rest of the city quite easy.

• West LA - Known as one of the most upscale neighbourhoods of LA, including beautiful beaches and being on the doorstep of Santa Monica Mountains this area really does show how sylish and impressive Los Angeles can be.

• Hollywood and West Hollywood - Spotlight, Fame, Films, nightlife, shops,dining, you name it Hollywood has it. Home to Hollywood studios, incredible boutiques and high end shops, and not to forget the Paramount studios. West Hollywood is famous for it's rock music, nightlife and gay nightclub scenes, featuring the neighbourhoods main attraction of Sunsent Strip.

• Venice Beach - Fancy beautiful beaches and a little dose of Italian culture? Then this place is perfert for you. They have even recreated some of the canals just like Venice.

• Beverley Hills -Celebrity hotspot and Luxury all around including upmarket dining and shopping experiences to suite your every desire.

• Santa Monica - Housing some of the most expensive real estate in the world this area sure has the wow factor. A popular tourist destination on the edge of Downtown LA to soak up some californian sun on the golden beaches, while walking through over 30 art galeries near by and discovering little "gems" lining the streets.

Spend the Evening exploring all the city has to offer from street to street to coastal marvels.

Day 4 - Los Angeles

Let's Explore Los Angeles, as you can imagine there is a lot to see and do here, too much for me to list them all, but here are a few of tourists favourites must SEEs and DOs:

1. Warner Bros. Studios - take a tour learning the ins and outs of film production, getting to explore different stage sets and production areas. Takes 3 hours on average. (need to pre book)

2. Sony Pictures Studios tour - 2 hour walking tour. Visit sounstages and famous film sets giving you a real idea of a working studio. (need to pre book)

3. The Getty Centre - Museum and Gardens

4. Griffith Observatory- Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park

5. Universal Studios Hollywood

6. Peterson Automotive museum

7. Relax on the sandy beaches in Santa Monica and Venice beach, walking along the colourful boardwalk and soaking up some sun.

8. The Broad - new contemporary art museum

9. The Grove

10. The Staples Centre - Stadium/ Arena

11. Venice Canals Walkway

12. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

13. Lake Hollywood Park - views of the Hollywood Sign

14. Hollywood Sign - walk along the paths as close as you can get to the sign

15. Hollywood Forever Cemetery - final resting place of some of hollywoods finest

16. Pantages Theatre - famous theatre

17. Book onto a number of sightseing tours by numerous providers (some listed below)

18. Hop On Hop Off City Bus Tour - CitySightseeing - including a Hollywood Tour route and a Santa Monica Tour route. CitySightseeing offer many other trip/ tour packages also and combinations of attractions to book.

I would recommend checking if pre-booked tickets are required at each of the attractions.

Some Tour companies I look at for different options are CitySightseeing, TripAdvisor and Viator.

Day 5 - Travel to Las Vegas/Henderson/Boulder City Nevada, stopping to see The Hoover Dam

Sorry! I know you probably want to stay longer and there is no reason you can't adapt this trip plan. However for this trip it's time to move on.

Today we travel up some of the world famous Route 66. Set off in good time early morning as we have a busy day ahead.

Follow Route 66 out of Los Angeles towards Needles, at which point you will turn off and head North towards Las Vegas, we will be diverting to visit The Hoover Dam this afternoon assuming you have enough time, as there are lots of things to see along the way. Follow this Route.

It is around a 5 hour drive, however I have designed the route to take you along the iconic route 66, if this is not for you then you can follow a more direct route (4 hours roughly) towards the Hoover Dam - this Route.

On arrival of the Hoover Dam book onto one of the multiple tours surrounding the Dam itself, or walk around and take in the sights at your own leisure. There are also cruise tour options to take a boat ride out onto Lake Mead to admire the Dam from this aspect, these range from shorter day time cruises to evening dinner cruises (check if need to book in advance).

You can book Hoover Dam tours directly through the Bureau Reclamation Website, which gives you all the information you need when visiting the site.

Once you have enjoyed your day exploring the Hoover Dam in all its might, it's time to head to where you will be staying. There are multiple options depending on what experience you envision: (1 night stop here)

• Boulder City - Right next door to the Hoover Damn.

• Henderson - Inbetween Las Vegas and Boulder City, easily commutable into Las Vegas from here if you don't want to stay within the action of Las Vegas itself.

• Las Vegas - With its bustling nightclubs, casinos and all kinds of adventurous and wonderful hotels this city never sleeps.

From the Hoover Dam it takes around 40 minutes dependent on your chosen hotel.

Day 6 - Kingsman/Grand Canyon Village/Flagstaff + Grand Canyon

This morning we'll be travelling towards the Grand Canyon and select a new accommodation closer to the impressive National Park. I appreciate this is a lot of driving, however it will be well worth it.

Today you may decide to drive straight to the Grand Canyon from which ever city you chose to stay in last night and start the adventure straight away. Otherwise you may decide to travel to where you will be staying for the next two nights and explore the local area for the rest of the day, it is completely up to you.

There are multiple entry points into the Grand Canyon National Park itself, however I would recommend the South entrance as it is closest. From Las Vegas to the South entrance it will take you 4 hours roughly, the areas surrounding this are the best places to stay for the next two nights.

We will stay at Kingsman city, Flagstaff or stay in Grand Canyon Village for 2 nights, pick which area best suites you for driving times and facilities.

These include:

• Kingsman city - which is a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Las Vegas and is 2 hour 40 minute drive roughly to the South entrance of the National Park.
• Flagstaff - Good if you are on a budget and is a 1 hour 20 minute drive roughly from the Grand Canyon South Entrance.
• Grand Canyon Village - recommended for first time visits. It is on the South Rim of the National Park and offers a variety of attractions, shops and lodgings, including camping.

Within the Park itself there are many things to do. Of course if you wanted to book a hot air balloon ride over the Grand Canyon to experience the breathtaking views, there are many tour companies that offer this. Other options include renting bikes in the National Park and riding along the South ridge, to walking the trails and routes the South Entrance has to offer.

There are all kinds of fun things to do and explore, maybe take a picnic to sit on the rocks while enjoying the expansive scenery.

I recommend Viator, TripAdvisor, Get Your Guide and Canyon Tours for a look at some of the tour, ticket or package options available to you during your stay here in Arizona.

To learn more about the Grand Canyon Nature Reserve and what it has to offer visit Grand Canyon.org, The National Park Service and Lonely Planet.

Day 7 - Grand Canyon

Spend the day basking in the Arizonian heat and sun while admiring the incredible views of the Grand Canyons South Rim. Don't forget to pack a jumper or coat as the desert evenings can be chilly.

Temperature averages:

Day 8 - Return to Las Vegas

After spending yesterday at the amazing Grand Canyon, lets spend another night in the iconic city of Las Vegas and enjoy what we didn't complete a couple of days ago. Time to get rested before a long journey ahead (or not if you are a night owl).

Stay Here 1 night. You will be spoilt for choice with hotel that's for sure.

Las Vegas the city that also never sleeps. This 24/7 city has everything from high end hotels which are among the best in the world, to shows like no other as well as enough casinos to last you a lifetime. Get ready to splash the cash! Of course if you are not wanting to give it your all in the Las Vegas strip casinos, which by the way most hotels have, take a drive or walk down Las Vegas strip and look in awe at the incredible designs and architecture of the modern day. The hotels themselves are something of a show, immerse yourself in the themes surrounding each and every one of Las Vegas's top attractions.

Remember - please don't drink and drive ! Travel Safe!

A few top attractions and sites that are a MUST do that this City has to offer include:

1. Cruise through the Las Vegas Strip - look out for that Welcome sign.
2. Showtime !! - why not check out the world famous Cirque Del Soleil or one of many other show options.
3. Stratosphere - Most attractions do not exceed 20 stories those that do are impressive,but this building exceeds 100! - take a look at panoramic views over the city and beyond on the observation decks, or you might fancy a go on some jaw dropping thrill rides that swing you right out from the bulding. (not for the faint hearted)
4. Celebrity fine dining - dining experiences like you have never experienced before.
5. Bar crawl along Downtown Vegas.
6. Relax in many of the hotels facilities or attractions
7. Wonder the streets and check out the sights jumping from hotel to hotel to take a peek.
8. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area- just outside Downtown.
9. Ride the High Roller - one big wheel.
10. Fountains of Bellagio
11. The Mob Museum
12. Eiffel Tower viewing deck
13. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden
14. The LINQ Promenade - casinos, shops, restaurants.
15. Fremont street experience - A five-block pedestrian covered mall with kiosks, carts and a nightly light-and-sound show.
16. Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum
17. The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian
18. Ride one of many ziplines across the city

For Booking Shows, looking at the hottest attractions on offer and a whole range of places to see and go within Las Vegas check out LasVegas.com, Vegas.com, VisitLasVegas.com, Viator, TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet.

Day 9 - Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park

Please don't drive if you're over the limit from last nights adventures ! The trip can be adapted.

First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, beautiful walking trails and vast array of mind blowing natural features. Within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Yosemite National Park - 2 night stop

Today is a long drive and when I say long I mean medium-long, it could be 4-8 hours depending on where in the National Park you want to stay- taking breaks of course along the way whenever you fancy. But it is okay as we have all day to complete this journey so there is no rush. Below is the main route from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite national Park covers a large area 3,027 km² to be precise. Yosemite Village in Yosemite Valley is a popular place to stay when visiting the National Park, containing shops, restaurants, lodging, the Yosemite Museum, the Ansel Adams Gallery, as well as multiple options for walking routes. Oh and did I mention it is right by the famous Yosemite falls, at 2,425 feet, it is the highest waterfall in North America. However if staying in Yosemite Village is not an option for you there are many towns and areas surrounding that you may decide to stay.

Here is a list of a couple of the most popular areas to stay:

• Groveland- A beautiful neighborhood set in Tuolumne County, Groveland is regarded as one of the most popular getaway towns to Yosemite National Park. This charming town is a great base to explore the National Park which is about half an hour away.
• Sonora- Regarded as the closest city to Yosemite, Sonora is a former Gold Rush town.
• Oakhurst- Previously known as Fresno Flats, Oakhurst is a charming little neighborhood in Madera County and is set in the foothills of Sierra Nevada mountains. A short drive from Yosemite National Park’s South Entrance, the town is among the most densely populated areas around Yosemite.

Here is a map of the surrounding area to see where the nearby towns are compared to Yosemite Valley

We will be checking into our lodging here for 2 nights to allow plenty of exploration and relaxation time.

Explore Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Valley over the next two days and be ready to move on by Day 11 at midday.

Day 10 - Yosemite Valley

Here are some of Yosemite Valleys top sights and nearby walks to check out for today's adventure:

1. See the World Famous Yosemite Falls
2. Walk the Yosemite Falls Trail
3. Admire the scale of the Half Dome mountainous formation
4. Ansel Adams Gallery
5. Yosemite Valley visitor Center
6. El Capitan Meadow
7. Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center
8. Visit the beautiful Yosemite Village Chapel
9. Ahwahnee Historic Building
10. Valley Loop Trail - level trail with sections of board walk - full loop = 11.5 miles, there is a half loop option
11. Mist trail - Most popular path - Hike 1.2 miles (one-way) and 1,000 vertical feet to the top of Vernal Fall.
12. See Vernal Falls
13. Panorama Trail - scenic 8.5 miles leads to a ridge line with spectacular views
14. Glacier Point Trail
15. Mirror Lake Trail - easy to moderate 2.4 miles

Research each trail before walking/hiking them to see which best suites you.

Check out National Park Service, Yosemite.com and Travel Yosemite.com for more information.

Some important Yosemite Safety rules, top tips and advice:

It is illegal to:

• feed or approach wildlife
• hunt animals
• collect reptiles and butterflies
• collect plants (including pine cones)
• pick up archeological or historic items such as arrowheads
• possession of metal detectors or using them to locate and collect historic objects
• drive vehicles into sensitive meadows and off roadways
• camp outside of designated campgrounds

Recommendaions:

• Have snow chains for your vehicle during the months October - April
• Don't rely on GPS or Cell services
• Pack appropriate walking and weather gear
• Bear proof your car and campsite (if camping), just incase
• Have a first aid kit with you if you go hiking

Day 11 - Yosemite National Park to San Francisco

Going from one extreme to another let's now head into the City after our two days relaxing amongst the best that nature has to offer.

San Francisco is our next stop, again journey times will vary depending on where you stayed during your visit to Yosemite, below is a map from Yosemite Village to San Francisco centre.

From Groveland it will take around 2 hours 40 minutes
From Sanora it will take around 2 hours 20 minutes
From Oakhurst it will take around 3 hours 20 minutes

San Francisco home of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Prison!

So much to do and so much to see but don't worry I have got you covered, from the best ways to get around this city to the best ways to see the top attractions and all that makes San Francisco the Golden City.

Stay here for 3 nights to make sure we have enough time to see it all.

Deciding where to stay - This is a tough decision as there are so many great looking districts, here are a few of the most popular areas to stay and why:

• Nob Hill - One of San Francisco’s exclusive areas and among the original seven hills, Nob Hill is prominent among visitors for its signature hotels and famous landmarks. Full of immaculately designed and maintained pathways and victorian style housing, as well as a gothic-styled Grace Cathedral contributing an old-worldly charm to the area.
• Chinatown - The second-largest Chinatown outside of Asia, this culturally unique and vibrant San Francisco district is an mind-blowing experience for visitors. In fact, it is believed that at least 75% of the tourists who visit San Francisco visit Chinatown. You enter the district via the supremely artistic Dragon Gate, also known as Gateway Arch, transporting you into the authenticity of Chinese traditions right away.
• The Castro - Once covered with dirt roads and dairy farms, the Castro is now one of the liveliest neighborhoods of San Francisco. Streets are lined with beautiful Victorian homes and is part of a thriving LGBT community, an important highlight of the neighborhood in itself.
• Union Square - Regarded as one of the most prominent retail and cultural hubs in the city of San Francisco, with everything you need on your doorstep from shops and restaurants to a variety of transportation options making getting anywhere in the city from here as easy as 1-2-3.
• Fisherman's Wharf - Right down by the seafront this picturesque area has lots to offer. Amidst its many attractions, activities, and tour options, a trip to the nearby Alcatraz Island remains among the top and the most authentic experiences in the area. Book ahead for tour tickets as they get booked up pretty quickly.

My Personal preference would have to be Union Square as this offers all transportation options to local attractions and all the amenities I may need, and who doesn't love a ride on a classic cable car to get down to the sea front. However this is my choice and this trip is all about you, all of the above are equally as amazing as one another and each offer unique experiences.

This city has to be one of my favourite stops of the whole trip, but who am I kidding we have experienced some incredible sites and still have some incredible ones to come.

Best way to get around this city... you know it - Cable cars.

There are three main routes this City's Cable cars take:

This is surely the most unique and potentially most direct route around the city from Market street right down to the harbour or up Nob Hill. Riding the cable cars will cost you $7-$8 per person for a one way trip, however my advice would be to purchase a day ticket which will set you back around $13-$24 per person dependent on which ticket option you pick, for unlimited cable car rides. Take a look at SFMTA for more details on cable car tickets and the best way to travel using the cable cars.

This afternoon and evening is a good chance to explore the city after dark, be it heading down to the sea front to see the Golden Gate Bridge all lit up or heading out to eat at one of the hundreds of eateries on offer.

Day 12 - San Francisco

As you have two whole days in this city we had best explore all the things you could get up to:

One of my all time favourite things to do when visiting a new city is look to see if they have a City sightseeing Hop on Hop off bus tour - without fail they take you past all the major attractions and sights. The beauty of it is, if you see something you like on route and want to explore, just hop off the bus and hop back on at a later time, it is that easy. Take a look at City-Sightseeing.com for more information on all their bus routes. The company offer tickets for 1 or 2 day bus tours and you can use the bus as much as you like during the day your ticket is valid.

On this Hop on Hop off bus tour you even get to go over the golden gate bridge as well as getting commentary on what you're seeing as you go throughout the city. An absolute must in my eyes! However like I have always said this tour is all about you, so as always I have provided a list of some of San Francisco's top attractions to see and do below:

1. Visit Lombard street - the "crookedest" street in the world
2. See or cross over the Golden Gate Bridge
3. Look out at or visit Alcatraz - I reckon a good one for day 13 (book a tour)
4. Oracle Park - Home of the San Francisco Giants Major League baseball team
5. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
6. Golden Gate park
7. Twin Peaks- A twenty-minute ride from downtown, this is the best place to catch a San Francisco sunrise
8. Exploratorium- museum
9. Walt Disney Family Museum
10. Lands End- At the northwestern corner of San Francisco, there is a series of beautiful views at every turn along this trail. Hillsides of cypress and wildflowers, views of shipwrecks and access to the ruins of Sutro baths, are among the sights to be seen
11. Ride the famous cable cars
12. Ferry building marketplace
13. Museum of ice cream
14. Walk along San Francisco Bay and visit pier 39
15. Cable Car museum
16. San Francisco botanical garden
17. Legion of Honour

There is so much to do! Of course what I have mentioned above is only a handful of attractions on offer in this magical city. If it were me picking however I would definitely opt to ride the Cable cars (option 11 above) on our arrival day and wonder the streets by foot riding up and down the three main lines on offer.

Today (Day 12) I would use the hop on hop off buses throughout the day and just jump off to see various sites along the way including Lombard street. Oh and I would book onto the night bus tour, which I do believe is included in the price of the 2 day ticket. This is sure to tick off many of the options from the list above including options 1,2,3 and 14 for definite.

Don't forget to visit the sealions on pier 39 before you leave! Again if you want further recommendations or ideas on things to do visit Tripadvisor, Planetware.com, Lonelyplanet and The Crazy Tourist.

Day 13 - San Francisco

Exploration day again! Today is a good day to take a boat trip across to Alcatraz Island. I highly recommend booking a tour in advance as this is a very popular tourist attraction. There are many different tour options available including night tours. A good place to start looking for tickets is Alcatraz Cruises.

Spend your time away from the Prison exploring the rest of what San Francisco has to offer.

Day 14 - Home or on to Napa Valley

Today may be the end of the road for you and time to return home, if this is the case I hope this trip has been a once in a lifetime experience for you as you surely have seen some spectacular sights, and what better way to end than exploring the city of San Francisco.

For all you 21 day trippers the adventure continues...

Today we taste wine! (if you like it). Lets leave the Golden city behind us and travel this morning to Napa Valley, famous for its vast and beautiful vineyards producing some of the worlds best wines.

Your journey to Napa Valley from the centre of San Francisco will take you 1 hour - 1 hour 30 depending on where you want to stay and traffic.

Drag and move the maps to see the surrounding area. There are multiple options for staying in the Napa Valley however not all suit everyone's budget. Napa Valley can be expensive and very luxurious but there are also cheaper options and vineyards with wine tasting on offer.

Some recommendations are:

• Calistoga- this is one of the more northern parts of the Napa Valley and is reasonably priced. Within Calistoga is Castello di Amorosa a beautiful vineyard and gardens with wine tasting for a good price. There a numerous spas, mud baths and hot springs.
• Napa City- largest town in Napa Valley bringing country side and modern city together.
• St Helena- Set to the northeast of Napa Valley is the loved neighborhood of St Helena. Home to dozens of high-end boutiques, world-renowned wineries and Michelin starred restaurants, St Helena is one of Napa Valley’s most sophisticated neighborhoods.
• Younteville- Full of Michelin star restaurants!
• American Canyon- A popular first port of call for road trippers and is the perfect neighborhood for families.

Check into your chosen hotel for 1 night.

If I was picking I would go for Calistoga set in the peaceful countryside of the Napa Valley. On arrival I would check into my hotel and head out to explore Castello di Amorosa, booking one of their wine tasting experience slots in the afternoon.

There are soo many vineyards to pick from to tour/visit, it all comes down to location and pricing. There are even Napa Valley wine train journeys you can take including three course meals and multiple wine tasting opportunities on board, while exploring the rolling countryside hills from the comfort of your seat.

If you have got time you can always explore Napa City in the evening, with its vibrant markets and beautiful streets lined with Victorian and cottage style housing. There are also smaller fun wine tasting shops and bars dotted around. Definitely a nice place for an evening stroll.

Day 15 - Napa Valley then on to Fort Bragg

Morning - Napa Valley

Good morning! Hope you are feeling okay after your fabulous wine tasting experiences yesterday. If you fancy it you can always do some wine tasting this morning to (if you're not driving). However if you fancy a picturesque walk check out the Sky Wilderness Park, full of trails and picnic areas over looking the extensive vineyards of Napa Valley.

If you are an early riser you may even get to watch the sun rise over the hills on arrival of the wilderness park (time of year dependent).

After your beautiful walk we hit the road again, travelling back towards the coast to a Town called Fort Bragg.

Your journey will take you from 2 hours 15 mins - 2 hours 50 roughly.

Afternoon - Fort Bragg

Once a military garrison and lumber town this place has seen it all. Nowadays the area boasts natural beauty with its cliffs,walks, beaches, fishing, as well as inland redwoods home to the famous skunk train.

For a small stop along this tour there is sure a lot to do here, so lets get cracking.

There are several options for accommodation within Fort Bragg including coastal hotels and inland options. Check out booking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia and Skyscanner for some good options and prices. Check in for one night.

The afternoon may be a good chance to walk along the coastal trail and visit the famous glass beach, where the sand is covered in coloured stones and pebbles giving the look of multicoloured glass.

Day 16 - Fort Bragg to Crescent City

Today we will wave goodbye to Fort Bragg and move on to Crescent city later in the day where we will stay for a couple of nights.

However first of all lets enjoy a little more of the sights and attractions that Fort Bragg has to offer. Don't forget to ride the Skunk Train during your visit - an absolute must! For all their train journeys and attractions visit Skunktrain.com

Attractions to see and do:

1. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
2. Ride the Skunk train, including rail bikes experiences
3. Sea Glass Museum
4. Glass Beach
5. Walk the coastal trail
6. MacKerricher State Park
7. Mendocino Coast Model Railroad and Historical Society
8. Pudding Creek Beach
9. Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park

In the afternoon it is time to move on to Crescent City, it is a bit of a drive North to reach our next destination. This journey will take you about 4 and a half hours.

I bet you will be exhausted when you arrive but don't worry there will be plenty of time to explore the area tomorrow, unless you are desperate to get started this evening of course. Finding somewhere to stay is always tricky in a city you don't know well so again I have provided you with some good places to look - bookings.com, TripAdvisor and Expedia. For more information on the city itself, including attractions check out VisitCalifornia-Crescent City.

We shall check in here for two nights.

Day 17 - Crescent City

You have a whole day here to explore! Lets take a look at some options:

1. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - Established in 1921 park of the redwood state parks system.
2. Stout Grove - Full of woodland walking trails
3. Battery Point Lighthouse
4. Howland Hill Road - Scenic driving route
5. Crescent Beach
6. Ocean World
7. Crescent City Harbor - piers and boarwalks along the harbour stretch
8. B Street Pier
9. Pebble Beach
10. Crescent City - Del Norte County Visitor Center

As I have mentioned before I love animals so Ocean world would be a must do for me (option 6 above), as well as walking along the coast through the harbours and out onto the piers in the hope of seeing a Sealion or two.

All these coastal towns and cities are full of nature from coastal walks to woodland walks to spotting animals in their natural habitats as well as projects to keep marine life safe and creating awareness, it truly is spectacular. A complete contrast from the bustling lifestyle of the big cities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas etc.

Day 18 - Crescent City to Eugene

Lets get an early start so we can explore as much as possible, this morning we drive to Eugene, our 2nd to last stop before we reach the big City of Seattle! WOW its gone quick!

This journey will take you around 3 hours 50 mins so be sure to take breaks along the way and take your time of course. We will drive past the west side of the Umpqua National Forest, maybe a potential place to stop for a rest/picnic.

On arrival check in to your next accommodation option early afternoon - evening.

Eugene is set within the Willamette Valley, with the Willamette river flowing through, there is plenty of lush greenery to be seen here. Check out Eugenes official website for more details on its local history and attractions. We shall spend the rest of today and most of tomorrow here.

There are many areas to choose from within Eugene, each with their own characteristics, here are a couple of ideas (1 night stop):

• University area - here you'll find some of the city's oldest and prettiest homes and student neighborhoods, you will also find inexpensive restaurants, funky boutiques, bookstores, coffee shops and much more.
• Downtown - this area is perhaps Eugene's trendiest area with newer boutiques, many restaurants (expensive and not), and many tea shops and wine bars. 5th Street Market along with the surrounding shops and restaurants is one of the most popular commercial areas of town. The streets north of 5th street offer some enticing alley shops and funkier living areas.
• Whiteaker - has many interesting restaurants, live music, bars, and Eugene's very popular Ninkasi Brewery.

And lets not forget attractions, below is a look at some of Eugene's top sights and attractions to enjoy during your visit:

1. Cascades Raptor Center - Wildlife centre specialising in birds of prey
2. Willamette River bike trail - why not rent some bikes and explore the trail. This trail is a 6 mile route along the Willamette river.
3. University of Oregon
4. Autzen Stadium - maybe watch a college football game
5. Mount Pisgah - A popular mountain for runners with paths taking you up 1,500 feet
6. Eugene Saturday Market - Who doesnt love a market? Check this place out open every Saturday April- November 10am-5pm.
7. King Estate Winery - Winery and Vineyard
8. Hendricks Park
9. Owen Rose Garden
10. McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
11. Studio West Glassblowing Studio and Gallery
12. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
13. Pre's Trail - 3.8-mile riverside loop in Alton Baker Park
14. The Better Living Room by Ninkasi Brewing
15. Museum of Natural and Cultural History
16. Alton Baker Park

TripAdvisor, Planetware.com, The Crazy Tourist and Vacation Idea, will give you lots more information on the attractions listed above and many more. I would have to say the Bike ride along the river does sound very appealing along with a walk through Alton Baker Park and experiencing all the talent and culture the Saturday Market has to offer. These would be my preferences to explore but of course that's me, your preferences may be different, that's the beauty of this trip there is always soo much to see and do at every stop that caters for all.

Day 19 - Eugene to Portland

We are getting closer to our final destination, as we travel to our penultimate stop. Lets again set off early as we have very little time left on this adventure and still lots to see.

Take the interstate 5 North towards Portland, this journey should take you no more than 2 hours give or take (stop dependent). We should arrive in good time to enjoy the afternoon in this interesting City.

Portland, renowned for the hundreds of food carts dotted around the city offering all kinds of street styled cuisines, a must try during your stay here. For all the detailed information visit TravelPortland.com

But lets think about where to stay, Portland is divided into several regions with again a few standing out as hotspots for tourist accommodations and attractions. Check in for 1 night.

• Downtown Portland - The quintessential city center of Portland, Downtown is nestled along the banks of the Willamette River. A historic seacoast with multiple galleries, award-winning restaurants, unique shops, and a hip vibe, this area is home to some of the best attractions and entertainment this city has to offer.
• Old Town China - The original downtown district of Portland and the oldest neighborhood. Old Town Chinatown includes some of the most iconic landmarks of the city as well as brilliant entertainment options. The most famous of these historic attractions, of course being the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
• Pearl District - Home to the biggest theatre company and the highest number of art galleries throughout the city. Pearl District is essentially where you go out for amazing shopping deals and lovely dining experiences. A former warehouse district, the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets and lustrous lofts make living in this area an enjoyable experience.
• Lloyd District/Convention Center - Home to the prominent Oregon Convention Centre, Lloyd District is where shopaholics and Sport lovers enjoy spending their time. After all, it has the largest mall in the state of Oregon! There is also the Moda Center - the home ground of NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers
• Nob Hill/Northwest Portland - Also known as “The Alphabet District” due to its alphabetically named east-west streets, Nob Hill consists of an abundance of local attractions, cultural institutions and a wide variety of entertainment venues. The star attraction of this neighborhood the Forest Park, home to over 100 bird species and 60 mammal species, this wilderness park is nestled among the city itself.

Gosh that's a lot of really good options to choose from with so much culture and entertainment on offer, this city is a gem.

This afternoon is prime exploration time, oh and eating time from one or more of the 600+ food carts around the city - Delicious! If you are a foodie like me, I certainly will be trying a few of these that's for sure.

Okay so lets think sights and attractions:

1. International Rose Test Garden - The oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States boasting more than 8,000 roses.
2. Portland Japanese Garden
3. Washington Park - contains a zoo and many gardens and walking trails
4. Pittock Mansion - Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families.
5. Lan Su Chinese Garden
6. Forest Park - The largest urban park in the county, lined with trails for hiking and biking
7. Portland Art Museum
8. Hoyt Arboretum
9. St. Johns Bridge
10. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
11. Oregon Zoo
12. Alberta Street - amazing street art featured here
13. Powell's City of Books - bookstore with more than 1 million books
14. Try a Voodoo Doughnut
15. The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

TripAdvisor, Planetware, touropia and The Crazy Tourist have got your covered.

Day 20 - Portland to Seattle

Goodbye Portland and hello Seattle, our final stop along this 21 day adventure, and it truly has been an adventure. You have seen everything from bustling bright lighted cities with the likes of Los Angeles and San Diego, to famous bridges and a prison in San Francisco, while experiencing desert scenes and landscapes like no other with the Grand Canyon national Park , Seaside towns and forest retreats. So lets give our last stop on this tour our ALL!

Set off in good time this morning, and don't worry the drive is not too long with drive time around 2 hours 30 minutes, and then your'e done no more long drives!

Seattle - another city to ticket off the bucket list. This city for me was a hit after watching Greys Anatomy.

Anyway away from TV and on with the real show which is watching this city. Seattle, the northernmost large city in the United States, located about 100 miles (160 km) south of the Canadian border, home to the famous Space Needle, oh and coffee.

I always believe the best way to explore a large city is on a tour bus, where you can hop on and off at any time. CitySightseeing have you covered. They offer multiple ticket options with various routes, so pick which best suites you if you're interested. I definitely would be! I love them! Again you can choose from 1 or 2 day tickets. There is even a night tour option to see the city all lit up from the best locations.

If this doesn't take your fancy there are loads of alternative options for you:

1. Space Needle - Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605 foot tall Space Needle quickly became an icon of the city that today is recognized worldwide.
2. Seattle centre Monerail - links Seattle Centre, home of the Space Needle and several other notable attractions, to downtown’s Westlake Centre along an approximately one mile route
3. Museum of Pop Culture
4. Pacific Science Center
5. Chihuly Garden and Glass
6. Pacific Northwest Ballet - Among the top group of dance companies worldwide, be sure to catch a show at McCaw Hall
7. Pike Place Market - well over 225 local artisans selling their wares
8. Seattle Art Museum
9. Olymic Sculpture Park - an outdoor extension of the Art museum that’s open to the public for free about a mile away along the waterfront.
10. Central Public Library - architectularly distinct building
11. Smith Tower - Take a lift to the 35th floor observatory, where 360 degree views await
12. Seattle Aquarium
13. Washington State Ferries - see Seattle by boat
14. Seattle Great Wheel - perched on the end of Pier 57
15. Kerry Park - This picturesque spot looks down at the Seattle skyline from the north
16. The museum of flight
17. Woodland Park zoo
18. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

With just so many attractions to see and little time to do so why not look into booking a tour or get an attractions pass to cover several in one day! Take a look at TripAdvisor, The Crazy Tourist, VisitSeattle.org, Seattleattractions.com and Viator for more information.

Day 21 - Homeward bound

Today is a sad day because we have come to the end of this epic journey, it has been a long and busy 3 weeks but it has hopefully been a life changing experience for you all. A trip to never be forgotten!

For those of you that get a morning flight home, apologies your stay in Seattle city has been short and for those who have an afternoon or evening flight I hope you have had some more time to explore some of the Wonderful sights around this city from the list above and more.

Here you will bid farewell to the car that has taken you through four states and across all manors of terrains, roads and environments.

I have provided a route with locations and attraction ideas for visiting that hopefully will suite a wide range of audiences, however I am aware that everyone is different. If you feel you need longer in certain cities or shorter times in others adapt the plan to suite you, but I hope overall this trip plan has been helpful for you to book and explore this part of the world.

See you on the road!