Kick off the adventure with a hearty breakfast at Pizazz Café in downtown Sylacauga before loading the car. Take a short scenic detour to the Little River Canyon National Preserve, where a morning walk along the canyon rim offers stunning views and a perfect photo op. Then merge onto I-20 westward, stopping briefly at the iconic Talladega Superspeedway to stretch your legs and capture the roar of motorsports before the long drive to Memphis begins.
After the Talladega stretch, roll into Birmingham for a quick cultural pit-stop at the towering Vulcan statue, then wander through the verdant Railroad Park for a refreshing view of the city skyline. Grab a hearty lunch of smoked ribs at Saw's BBQ, and before hitting the interstate again, pop into the Birmingham Museum of Art to admire its American and Asian collections. Refueled, you'll set out on the final leg of the afternoon, aiming to reach the outskirts of Memphis before nightfall.
As dusk settles, roll into Memphis and unwind with a stroll down legendary Beale Street, where the neon lights echo the city's rich blues heritage. Savor a plate of spicy Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken while catching live music, then cap the night with panoramic city views from the iconic Memphis Pyramid.
After crossing the country, start the San Francisco morning with a buttery Dungeness crab roll at Boudin Bakery on Fisherman's Wharf, then stroll down to the iconic Pier 39 to watch playful sea lions. Continue with a breezy walk along The Embarcadero, pausing at the historic Coit Tower for panoramic city vistas before heading to the foothills of Twin Peaks for a sunrise view over the Golden Gate Bridge.
After lunch, board a ferry from Pier 33 to explore the historic cells and fascinating stories of Alcatraz Island, then wander the bustling streets of Chinatown, stopping for a sweet egg custard tart at a hidden bakery. In the late afternoon, ride the iconic cable car up to the vibrant Mission District, where you can photograph the colorful Balmy Alley murals and sip a locally roasted coffee at a hip café.
After a sunset walk along the historic Palace of Fine Arts, enjoy a hearty Italian dinner at Tony's Pizza Napoletana in North Beach, where the wood-fired pies are a local legend. End the night with a sweet treat at Ghirardelli Square and, if you're up for it, catch a classic film at the iconic Castro Theatre, soaking in its neon marquee glow.
Start the morning with a sunrise drive along the Redwood Highway (US-101) to the Klamath River Overlook, where misty vistas frame the towering giants. Then wander the peaceful Lady Bird Johnson Grove, listening to the whisper of centuries-old redwoods before a short hike to Fern Canyon, a lush, fern-lined gorge that feels like a hidden world. Conclude with a relaxing stroll on Gold Bluffs Beach, where the forest meets the Pacific and you can spot sea otters playing among the tide pools.
After lunch, cruise the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and pause at the intimate Stout Grove, where towering giants create a cathedral of green. Continue to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for a gentle hike on the James Irvine Trail that leads to the mist-kissed Trillium Falls, then wrap up with a quick stop at the Redwood National Park Visitor Center in Orick to hear a ranger's talk on the forest's living history.
As the sun dips behind the ancient canopy, take a short detour to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for a peaceful twilight stroll along the Smith River, where the water mirrors the fading light. Afterwards, head to Crescent City Harbor and enjoy a fresh-caught seafood dinner at The Redwood Grill, then cap the night with a quiet moment at the historic Crescent City Lighthouse, watching the stars emerge over the redwood horizon.
Start the morning at the Crater Lake Visitor Center to grab maps and coffee before cruising the breathtaking Rim Drive, pausing at Cleetwood Cove for a brisk dip in the lake's crystal-clear water and then hiking the Sun Notch Trail for sweeping vistas of the deep blue caldera; finish with a short boat ride to Wizard Island, where you can explore the volcanic crater and snap unforgettable photos.
In the afternoon, drive up to Mount Scott for panoramic views of the caldera, then descend to explore the hidden Plaikni Falls trail, where moss-draped cascades reward your hike. Continue with a leisurely stroll along the Pumice Desert boardwalk, marveling at the moon-like landscape, and finish the day watching the sunset from Watchman Overlook, where the lake glows in golden light.
As twilight settles over the caldera, head to Rim Village for a cozy dinner at the historic Crater Lake Lodge restaurant, where you can savor locally sourced dishes while watching the lake's surface turn amber. After the meal, stroll along the quiet Rim Trail to the viewpoint at Mackinaw Point, perfect for stargazing under the park's dark-sky designation, and finish with a warm drink at the Rim Village Café as the night deepens.
Begin the morning with a short drive to the spectacular Multnomah Falls, where you can descend the historic staircase to the mist-kissed pool and feel the thunderous roar of the water. Then head to the elegant Vista House at Crown Point, a historic observatory that frames sweeping panoramas of the Columbia River and sheer basalt cliffs. Finish with a gentle stroll along the winding Rowena Loops, wandering through fragrant wildflower meadows as the sunrise paints the gorge in golden light.
In the afternoon, drive eastward to Latourell Falls, where a short trail leads to a thundering 249-foot plunge that glistens in the late-day sun. Continue on to the tranquil Shepperd's Dell for a gentle walk among old-growth forest and a chance to spot salmon in the creek, then unwind with a scenic overlook at Horsetail Falls, where you can feel the mist on your face as the waterfall cascades into the Columbia.
After a day of exploring the gorge, head to the charming town of Hood River for a sunset dinner at Celilo Restaurant & Bar, where locally sourced salmon and a view of the Columbia River create a perfect end to the day. Finish with a leisurely stroll along Hood River Waterfront Park, watching the lights of the Bridge of the Gods shimmer on the water.
Begin the morning at Paradise where the crisp alpine air greets you; after a quick coffee at the historic Paradise Jackson Visitor Center, set out on the Skyline Trail toward Panorama Point, soaking in sweeping views of Mount Rainier and its glacier-capped summit. Along the way, pause at Myrtle Falls for a misty cascade backdrop and keep an eye out for marmots and blooming lupines. Conclude the hike with a brief stroll to the Nisqually Vista Trail, where you can snap photos of the towering volcano reflected in the river below.
After lunch, drive up to the Sunrise Visitor Center and embark on the Sourdough Ridge Loop, where alpine meadows burst with wildflowers and you can peer down on the massive Glacier Basin below. Continue onward to Mowich Lake for a serene paddle or a gentle lakeside walk, then finish the day with a sunset view from Mount Fremont as the peak's snow-capped summit glows pink against the twilight sky.
As dusk settles, drive down to the historic Longmire Museum where you can enjoy a hearty dinner at the cozy Longmire Café before wandering the moonlit Silver Falls trail in the Ohanapecosh area, listening to the cascade's gentle roar. Afterward, find a quiet spot at Miller Canyon for starlight viewing and perhaps catch a glimpse of the park's resident elk illuminated by the night sky.
Begin the morning with a scenic drive to Hurricane Ridge, where sweeping alpine vistas and the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center set the stage for a gentle hike along the Hurricane Hill loop amid wildflower-laden meadows. Afterwards, descend into the verdant depths of the Hoh Rain Forest and wander the legendary Hall of Mosses Trail, listening to the soft drip of moss-covered giants and breathing the cool, fragrant air of this primeval forest.
In the afternoon, drive eastward to the serene Lake Crescent, where you can paddle its sapphire waters or hike the short trail to Marymere Falls, letting the mist cool your face. Next, head south to the Sol Duc Valley for a relaxing soak in the natural Sol Duc Hot Springs and a gentle walk through old-growth forest to the impressive Sol Duc Falls. Finish the day with a sunset stroll along the dramatic coastline at Rialto Beach, marveling at the sea-stack formations and tide-pool life.
After descending from the day's hikes, head to Kalaloch Beach to watch the sun dip behind the rugged coastline, where tide pools glisten in the fading light. Then wander a short drive to the dramatic sea-cliffs of Cape Flattery, Washington's most northwestern point, and explore the historic First Landing lighthouse while the ocean winds whisper. End the night with a cozy fire-side dinner at the nearby Lake Quinault Lodge, savoring locally sourced seafood and reflecting on the day's wilderness.
Begin your Seattle morning wandering through the bustling stalls of Pike Place Market, watching the iconic fish-mongers toss their catch and sipping a fresh brew at the historic Original Starbucks; then head down to the waterfront to ride the towering Seattle Great Wheel for sweeping views of Elliott Bay, and wrap up with a stroll through the architecturally striking Seattle Central Library, where glass staircases and panoramic reading rooms inspire a sense of modern wonder.
After lunch, head to the iconic Space Needle for panoramic city vistas, then wander the adjacent Chihuly Garden and Glass to marvel at vibrant glass installations. Continue with a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), exploring interactive exhibits on music and sci-fi, before strolling through the historic Ballard Locks to watch boats navigate and salmon leap in the fish ladder.
After dusk, wander up to Kerry Park for a sweeping night-time panorama of the Seattle skyline, where the illuminated Space Needle glitters across Elliott Bay. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at The Pink Door, tucked in the historic waterfront district, where fresh Pacific Northwest fare is paired with live jazz in an intimate setting. Finish the night with a stroll through the eclectic Fremont neighborhood, snapping a photo of the whimsical Fremont Troll beneath the Aurora Bridge before sipping a nightcap at a local café.
After crossing the Canada-US border, head straight to Canada Place where you can admire the soaring sails and snap photos of the waterfront. Then wander the historic cobblestones of Gastown, sipping a locally roasted coffee at Revolver while spotting the iconic Steam Clock. Finish the morning with a leisurely stroll along the Vancouver Seawall in Stanley Park, breathing in the ocean air before checking into your hotel.
In the afternoon, hop on the SkyTrain to Granville Island and lose yourself among the stalls of the Granville Island Public Market, tasting fresh Pacific oysters and locally roasted coffee while street musicians set the vibe. Afterwards, wander the chic streets of Yaletown, pause at David Lam Park for a quick paddle-board session on the creek, then finish with sunset drinks on the rooftop of The Teahouse overlooking False Creek.
After settling into your hotel, unwind with a stroll down Robson Street, where vibrant storefronts and street performers set a lively tone. Continue to the historic Vancouver Art Gallery for an evening exhibition of Indigenous art, then cap the night with dinner at the waterfront Blue Water Café in Coal Harbour, savoring fresh sushi while the city lights sparkle across the harbor.
Start the morning with a walk across the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, then explore the rainforest canopy on the Cliffwalk and experience the historic Treetops Adventure. Afterward, head to Kitsilano Beach for a leisurely promenade, stopping for a coffee at the seaside White Spot Café while soaking in sweeping views of English Bay.
After lunch, wander down to Robson Street for premier shopping and stop at the historic Vancouver Art Gallery to admire Indigenous and contemporary works, then stroll through the serene Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in the heart of the city, soaking in its tranquil ponds and intricate architecture before ending the afternoon with a quick visit to Science World at False Creek, where interactive exhibits let you unleash your inner scientist.
After twilight, ascend the Vancouver Lookout for a 360° night view of the city lights, then wander down to Queen Elizabeth Park, where the illuminated Bloedel Conservatory offers a warm tropical escape. Conclude the night with a reservation at Miku on the waterfront for aburi-style sushi and a cocktail at the rooftop The Diamond for a sparkling finish.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pizazz Café | $12 |
| Little River Canyon National Preserve | Free |
| Talladega Superspeedway | Free |
| Vulcan statue | Free |
| Railroad Park | Free |
| Saw's BBQ | $15 |
| Birmingham Museum of Art | $10 |
| Beale Street | Free |
| Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken | $12 |
| Memphis Pyramid | Free |
| Boudin Bakery | $9 |
| Pier 39 | Free |
| The Embarcadero | Free |
| Coit Tower | $10 |
| Twin Peaks | Free |
| Alcatraz Island ferry | $41 |
| Chinatown (San Francisco) | Free |
| San Francisco Cable Car | $8 |
| Balmy Alley murals | Free |
| Palace of Fine Arts | Free |
| Tony's Pizza Napoletana | $25 |
| Ghirardelli Square | Free |
| Castro Theatre | $12 |
| Klamath River Overlook | Free |
| Lady Bird Johnson Grove | Free |
| Fern Canyon | Free |
| Gold Bluffs Beach | Free |
| Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway | Free |
| Stout Grove | Free |
| Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park | Free |
| James Irvine Trail | Free |
| Trillium Falls | Free |
| Redwood National Park Visitor Center | Free |
| Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park | Free |
| Smith River | Free |
| Crescent City Harbor | Free |
| The Redwood Grill | $30 |
| Crescent City Lighthouse | Free |
| Crater Lake Visitor Center | Free |
| Rim Drive | Free |
| Cleetwood Cove | Free |
| Sun Notch Trail | Free |
| Wizard Island boat ride | $25 |
| Mount Scott | Free |
| Plaikni Falls | Free |
| Pumice Desert | Free |
| Watchman Overlook | Free |
| Crater Lake Lodge restaurant | $35 |
| Rim Village Café | $5 |
| Multnomah Falls | Free |
| Vista House at Crown Point | Free |
| Rowena Loops | Free |
| Latourell Falls | Free |
| Shepperd's Dell | Free |
| Horsetail Falls | Free |
| Celilo Restaurant & Bar | $30 |
| Hood River Waterfront Park | Free |
| Bridge of the Gods view | Free |
| Paradise Jackson Visitor Center | Free |
| Skyline Trail | Free |
| Myrtle Falls | Free |
| Nisqually Vista Trail | Free |
| Sunrise Visitor Center | Free |
| Sourdough Ridge Loop | Free |
| Mowich Lake boat rental | $15 |
| Mount Fremont | Free |
| Longmire Museum | $5 |
| Longmire Café | $20 |
| Silver Falls trail | Free |
| Miller Canyon | Free |
| Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center | Free |
| Hurricane Hill | Free |
| Hoh Rain Forest | Free |
| Hall of Mosses Trail | Free |
| Lake Crescent boat rental | $10 |
| Marymere Falls | Free |
| Sol Duc Hot Springs | $20 |
| Sol Duc Falls | Free |
| Rialto Beach | Free |
| Kalaloch Beach | Free |
| Cape Flattery | Free |
| First Landing lighthouse | Free |
| Lake Quinault Lodge dinner | $30 |
| Pike Place Market | Free |
| Original Starbucks (Pike Place) | $5 |
| Seattle Great Wheel | $16 |
| Seattle Central Library | Free |
| Space Needle | $39 |
| Chihuly Garden and Glass | $35 |
| Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) | $30 |
| Ballard Locks | Free |
| Kerry Park | Free |
| The Pink Door | $35 |
| Fremont Troll | Free |
| Canada Place | Free |
| Gastown | Free |
| Revolver coffee | $5 |
| Vancouver Seawall (Stanley Park) | Free |
| Granville Island Public Market lunch | $15 |
| David Lam Park paddle board rental | $20 |
| The Teahouse rooftop drinks | $20 |
| Robson Street | Free |
| Vancouver Art Gallery | $24 |
| Blue Water Café dinner | $45 |
| Capilano Suspension Bridge Park | $69 |
| Kitsilano Beach | Free |
| White Spot Café | $15 |
| Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden | $12 |
| Science World | $28 |
| Vancouver Lookout | $15 |
| Bloedel Conservatory | $9 |
| Miku restaurant dinner | $50 |
| The Diamond rooftop bar | $20 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $891 |