Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Ultimate 3-Week Road Trip from Manassas, VA to California via Seattle and Washington

Viewed by 107 travelers

Day 1: Start Journey

Manassas, VA to Pittsburgh, PA on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bob Evans

Enjoy a hearty Southern-style breakfast that's available from 6:00am, perfect for fueling a long drive.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Pittsburgh, PA

Begin the drive northwest towards Pittsburgh, covering roughly 260 miles through scenic Appalachian landscapes.
USD40 Fuel, 4h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Primanti Bros.

Try the iconic Pittsburgh sandwich with fries and coleslaw inside, offering classic local flavors and open until 9:00pm.
USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Explore beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens in one of Pittsburgh's top attractions, open until 5:00pm.
USD20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive to Hotel and Rest

Check into a downtown Pittsburgh hotel for an evening break.
USD120, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Meat & Potatoes

Savor upscale American dishes with local flair, open until 10:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Manassas

Day 2: Head to Chicago

Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pamela's Diner

Relish classic crepe-style pancakes; the diner opens at 7:00am, perfect for an early start.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Chicago, IL

Drive 460 miles west through Ohio and Indiana to reach Chicago, Illinois.
USD65 Fuel, 7h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into a hotel along Michigan Avenue and freshen up before evening activities.
USD150, 1h0m

5:30pm

Explore Millennium Park

Visit iconic Cloud Gate sculpture and enjoy the park's welcoming atmosphere; open until 11:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Giordano's

Taste authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza in a casual family-friendly environment, open until 11:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Pittsburgh

Day 3: Chicago Sightseeing

Chicago, IL on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Enjoy creative pancakes and breakfast skillets; opens at 7:00am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Art Institute of Chicago

Spend the morning exploring one of the oldest and largest art museums in the US; open 10:30am-5:00pm.
USD25, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Portillo’s

Savor classic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches; open until 9:00pm.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Willis Tower Skydeck

Experience panoramic views from the 103rd floor observation deck, open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
USD30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll along Navy Pier

Enjoy lakeside views and entertainment, open until 10:00pm.
Free entry; ride fees additional, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Purple Pig

Delight in Mediterranean small plates with great wine options, open until 11:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Chicago

Day 4: Move to Seattle

Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA (Flight) on May 18, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport.
USD15, 0h30m

8:00am

Flight to Seattle

Catch a direct flight from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 4 hours.
USD150, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Pink Door

Experience Italian-American cuisine with a view of Elliott Bay, open from 11:30am.
USD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Pike Place Market

Explore fresh local food stalls, crafts, and street performances, open until 6:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Check-in to hotel and rest

Check into a downtown Seattle hotel and refresh for evening plans.
USD180, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Canlis

Enjoy fine dining with panoramic views of Lake Union, open for dinner at 5:00pm.
USD80, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Chicago

Day 5: Explore Seattle

Seattle, WA on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tilikum Place Café

Taste Dutch baby pancakes and European-inspired breakfast in a cozy atmosphere, opens 7:00am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Space Needle

Go to Seattle’s iconic observation tower for spectacular city views, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
USD35, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Chihuly Garden and Glass

Admire stunning glass sculptures adjacent to the Space Needle, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
USD32, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Crab Pot

Enjoy fresh seafood including their famous 'Seafeast'; open until 9:00pm.
USD40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Visit this unique museum dedicated to music, sci-fi, and pop culture, open until 5:00pm.
USD35, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Kerry Park

Catch a breathtaking view of the Seattle skyline at sunset, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Spinasse

Enjoy hand-crafted Northern Italian pasta dishes, open until 10:00pm.
USD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Seattle

Day 6: Pacific Coast Start

Seattle, WA to Portland, OR on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast in Seattle before departure.
USD15, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Portland, OR

Travel the scenic 175 miles south via I-5, through vineyards and forests.
USD25 Fuel, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Pine Street Market

Taste diverse local foods in a modern food hall, options for all tastes; open until 8:00pm.
USD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Portland Japanese Garden

Experience tranquility and traditional Japanese landscape design, open until 5:00pm.
USD20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Powell’s City of Books

Visit the world’s largest independent bookstore; open until 9:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Check-in to hotel

Settle into downtown Portland accommodation.
USD140, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Pigeon

Dine on French-inspired dishes with a cozy vibe, open until 9:00pm.
USD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Seattle

Day 7: Drive to Northern California

Portland, OR to Redding, CA on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Star Donuts

Try gourmet donuts with unique flavors, opens at 7:00am.
USD10, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Redding, CA

Drive 400 miles south through scenic Cascades and Northern California landscapes.
USD55 Fuel, 7h30m

4:30pm

Check-in to hotel

Rest and refresh overnight in Redding.
USD130, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Moonstone Bistro

Savor contemporary American dishes with local ingredients, open until 9:00pm.
USD35, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Portland

Day 8: Explore Redwood National Park

Redding, CA to Crescent City, CA on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before the day's nature adventures.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Redwood National Park

Travel 160 miles northwest to explore the towering redwoods along the coast.
USD20 Fuel, 3h30m

11:30am

Hiking in Redwood National Park

Take leisurely trails like Lady Bird Johnson Grove for majestic views; park open dawn to dusk.
Free, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch Picnic

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst nature in designated areas.
USD15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Crescent City

Short 30-minute drive to Crescent City, the gateway town for redwoods.
USD5 Fuel, 0h30m

4:30pm

Visit Battery Point Lighthouse

Explore this historic lighthouse reachable at low tide, be mindful of tide schedules.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chart Room Restaurant

Enjoy seafood and coastal cuisine with views of the harbor, open until 9:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Redding

Day 9: Drive to San Francisco

Crescent City, CA to San Francisco, CA on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lighthouse Coffee

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries before starting the long drive.
USD15, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to San Francisco

Travel approximately 320 miles south via US-101 with beautiful coastal and forest scenery.
USD40 Fuel, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Tartine Bakery

Delight in world-famous pastries and sandwiches, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
USD25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Golden Gate Bridge & Park

Walk or bike along the iconic bridge and explore Golden Gate Park; open all day.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at hotel

Settle into a centrally located San Francisco hotel.
USD220, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Scoma’s Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood right on the waterfront, open until 10:00pm.
USD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Crescent City

Day 10: San Francisco Touring

San Francisco, CA on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Try their famous omelets and French toast with early opening at 8:00am.
USD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Alcatraz Island Tour

Take the ferry to tour the historic former prison; book tickets in advance, first ferry 9:00am, tours last about 3 hours.
USD45, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Sample clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery, open until 8:00pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Ride a Cable Car

Experience the iconic San Francisco cable car through the hilly streets.
USD8 per ride, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Chinatown

Wander through colorful shops and markets in the largest Chinatown outside Asia.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Zuni Café

Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired Californian cuisine; open until 10:00pm.
USD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 11: Drive to Los Angeles

San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to start the coastal drive.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Los Angeles via Pacific Coast Highway

Enjoy a scenic 380-mile drive south along Highway 1, stopping at towns like Santa Barbara.
USD50 Fuel, 7h0m

3:00pm

Stop for Lunch in Santa Barbara at The Lark

Taste fresh California cuisine in a beautiful setting, open until 3:00pm, so arrive early.
USD35, 1h0m

4:00pm

Continue Drive to Los Angeles

Finish the last 95 miles to reach LA and check into your hotel.
USD15 Fuel, 2h0m

6:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle at a hotel near Hollywood or downtown Los Angeles.
USD200, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill

Dine at Hollywood’s oldest restaurant serving classic American dishes, open until 11:00pm.
USD50, 1h30m
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 12: Los Angeles Highlights

Los Angeles, CA on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at République

Indulge in French pastries and breakfast dishes, opens at 7:00am.
USD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre

See the star-studded sidewalks and famous handprints; open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Enjoy a quintessential California fast food experience, open all day.
USD10, 0h45m

1:00pm

Visit Getty Center

Explore impressive art collections and beautiful gardens; open 10:00am to 5:30pm, closed Tuesdays.
USD20 parking, 3h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Santa Monica Pier

Enjoy ocean views and the lively pier atmosphere; open all day.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lobster

Seafood dining with sunset views at Santa Monica, open until 10:00pm.
USD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 13: Drive Inland Day

Los Angeles, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a day in nature.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Travel approximately 280 miles northeast to Yosemite, plan for scenic mountain highway.
USD40 Fuel, 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court

Casual dining inside the park, open daily during the season.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Yosemite Valley

Visit iconic spots such as El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls; park open dawn to dusk.
USD35 Park Entrance, 3h0m

6:00pm

Check into Yosemite Lodge

Relax and recharge inside Yosemite National Park.
USD200, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yosemite Valley Lodge Dining Room

Enjoy hearty American cuisine with stunning views, open until 9:00pm.
USD40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 14: Yosemite Hiking

Yosemite National Park, CA on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite Lodge

Start early with a complimentary breakfast inside the park.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Hike Mist Trail to Vernal Fall

Enjoy a challenging and scenic 3-mile round trip hike featuring waterfalls and granite cliffs.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch in Yosemite Valley

Relax with a packed lunch while soaking up the valley views.
USD15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Mariposa Grove

See the giant sequoia trees in this nearby area; open 8:00am to 7:00pm.
Included with park entrance, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to lodge and rest

Enjoy downtime to refresh for the next day.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mountain Room Restaurant

Dine with amazing views of Yosemite Falls in a cozy setting, open until 9:00pm.
USD45, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Day 15: Return West

Yosemite to San Francisco on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to San Francisco

Drive back about 170 miles west, returning to the city for final exploration.
USD25 Fuel, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Slanted Door

Elevated Vietnamese cuisine located in the Ferry Building, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
USD40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Exploring Ferry Building Marketplace

Browse artisanal foods and shops; open until 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Crissy Field

Enjoy waterfront views with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at hotel

Stay at a comfortable hotel near downtown for your last night.
USD220, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at House of Prime Rib

Celebrate the journey with classic prime rib, open until 10:00pm.
USD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Yosemite to San Francisco

Day 16: Return Home

San Francisco, CA to Manassas, VA (Flight) on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for travel with a light breakfast.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight from San Francisco to Washington D.C.

Take a flight back to D.C. area airports, approximately 5 hours direct flight.
USD200, 5h0m

3:00pm

Drive from airport to Manassas

Complete the last leg of your journey, about 30 miles and 1-hour drive.
USD10 Fuel, 1h0m

4:30pm

Arrive Home

Enjoy relaxing after an epic road trip across the country.
Free, Rest
Find Hotels in San Francisco
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed