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Road Trip Itinerary: San Jose, CA to Seattle, WA with a Stop in Portland, OR

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Day 1: Departure from San Jose & Arrival in Portland

Morning: Begin your journey early from San Jose, CA, enjoying the scenic drive along Interstate 5. Be sure to stop for coffee and breakfast in charming towns like Redding.

Afternoon: Arrive in Portland, OR by afternoon. Explore the famous Pearl District for art galleries and boutique shopping. Grab lunch at one of the iconic food truck pods downtown.

Evening: Visit Pittock Mansion at sunset for amazing views of the city skyline. Dine in the vibrant Downtown Portland area, featuring a variety of local restaurants and breweries.

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Day 2: Exploring Portland & Travel to Seattle

Morning: Start your day with a stroll through Washington Park, visiting the Portland Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden. Enjoy the calm and beauty of these unique spaces.

Afternoon: Depart Portland and drive north towards Seattle, WA. Consider stopping in Mount St. Helens Visitor Center for a quick educational break on the volcanic history of the region.

Evening: Arrive in Seattle in the evening and settle in. Head to the Seattle Waterfront for dinner and a peaceful walk along Elliott Bay.

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Day 3: Discovering Seattle

Morning: Begin with a visit to the iconic Space Needle for panoramic city views. Follow up with the nearby Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit for stunning art installations.

Afternoon: Explore Pike Place Market, where you can watch fishmongers at work, try local delicacies, and see the original Starbucks store. Afterwards, consider a short trip to the Seattle Art Museum.

Evening: End your trip with a sunset cruise on Puget Sound, offering spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding nature. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a waterfront seafood restaurant.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Pearl District, Portland: 2 hours, Free
  • Pittock Mansion: 1.5 hours, $12 per person
  • Washington Park Gardens: 3 hours, $18 per person (combined gardens)
  • Mount St. Helens Visitor Center: 1 hour, Free
  • Space Needle: 2 hours, $40 per person
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass: 1.5 hours, $32 per person
  • Pike Place Market: 3 hours, Free (food costs extra)
  • Seattle Art Museum: 2 hours, $25 per person
  • Puget Sound Sunset Cruise: 2 hours, $50 per person
  • Total Estimated Cost: $177 per person (excluding meals and transport)

Tips

If you have more time, consider adding an extra day in Portland to enjoy its vibrant food scene and explore its unique neighborhoods more deeply. To shorten the trip, you could skip Mount St. Helens and limit Seattle attractions to just the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, allowing more time for travel or relaxation.

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