9 days in Seattle, Olympic National Park & Victoria Itinerary

Nicknamed the "Emerald City" because of its abundant evergreen trees, Seattle is the cultural and business center of the Pacific Northwest, as well as a popular holiday destination.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium. Next up on the itinerary: get a taste of the local shopping with Chihuly Garden and Glass, take a leisurely stroll along Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, take in nature's colorful creations at Bellevue Botanical Garden, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Alki Beach.

To see maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Seattle online day trip planner.

Chicago to Seattle is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from Chicago to Seattle due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Chicago in July, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Seattle, with lows of 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) so you can travel to Olympic National Park.

In Olympic National Park, ancient rainforests and ocean tidal pools at lower elevations contrast with wildflower-filled alpine meadows and snowcapped peaks.

On the 14th (Fri), kick back and relax at Ruby Beach and then take a peaceful walk through Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. On the 15th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: delve into the lush surroundings at Olympic National Park and then cruise along Hurricane Ridge.

To find maps, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Olympic National Park trip planner.

Explore your travel options from Seattle to Olympic National Park with the Route module. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Seattle in July; daily highs in Olympic National Park reach 70°F and lows reach 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can ride a ferry to Victoria.

Many urban centers call themselves "Garden City," but thanks to its many manicured parks filled with native and exotic plants, Victoria probably deserves than moniker more than most.

Attractions like The Butchart Gardens and Inner Harbour make great kid-friendly stops. Next up on the itinerary: see the interesting displays at Royal BC Museum, explore the engaging exhibits at Miniature World, appreciate the history behind Emily Carr Statue, and step into the grandiose world of Craigdarroch Castle.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Victoria holiday planner.

Traveling by ferry from Olympic National Park to Victoria takes 3.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 67°F in July, and nighttime lows around 55°F. You'll have a few hours on the 19th (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling home.