Life is too short. Our recommendation is to combine two peak experiences into one spectacular adventure and to go big before returning home. Firstly, use our Ultimate Pacific Northwest Road Trip plan to fall in love with the breathtaking scenery of Washington State's highest peaks, magnificent national parks, rocky coastline, and quaint communities. Afterwards exchange the open road for the wide ocean. And set out on your cruise to unwind in Alaska while exploring its breathtaking glaciers, fascinating wildlife, and charming seaside towns.
We put together this customized road trip schedule for you, which you may choose to combine or not with an Alaskan cruise.
Fly into SEA
When you arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), your journey officially begins. SEA, the entrance to the Pacific Northwest, is owned and administered by the Port of Seattle.
In order to accommodate the increasing demand for international service, improve the traveler experience, and position Seattle as a premier gateway for business and tourists, SEA just launched the International Arrivals Facility (IAF) in 2022. With vistas of Mount Rainier welcoming you, one of the world's longest aerial walkways above an active taxiway, and a 450,000-square-foot grand hall for accelerated baggage claim and customs processing, this new facility has it all. Here's additional details:
Take a road trip
Recognized as one of the most picturesque areas in the country, the Pacific Northwest boasts lush rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and an amazing coastline. Designed specifically for you, this itinerary highlights the many attractions and experiences that Washington State has to offer, including Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks, gorgeous beaches, quaint seaside communities, and acres of lavender.
You will adore the special fusion of Native American culture, small rural villages, delicious farm-to-table dining, and the great outdoors. After an Alaskan cruise, this ultimate fly/drive/cruise vacation makes the perfect capstone.
Featured Parks:
Olympic National Park
There are 25 natural species living on this UNESCO World Heritage site, which is 95% protected as wilderness. Glacial lakes, natural hot springs, craggy mountain peaks, untamed seashore beaches, and verdant rainforests present an amazing sight. The park offers a plethora of exploring choices with its roughly one million acres to explore and its notable sights, which range from lakes to high mountains.
Mt. Rainier National Park
Mt. Rainier National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the world, is home to glaciers, forests, alpine meadows, lakes, waterfalls, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Washington State. Rising to a height of 14,410 feet (4,392 meters) above sea level, Mount Rainier, an active volcano, has the most glaciers of any summit in the contiguous United States and is the source of five significant rivers. Ancient forests brimming with wildlife and meadows full of wildflowers encircle the frigid volcano.
Mount Saint Helens
Discover the history of one of the most well-known volcanic eruptions in history by visiting the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Take in the scenery, embark on a hike, or listen to ranger talks.
Featured Towns:
Port Townsend
This quaint village by the sea will transport you back in time with its Victorian architecture, maritime legacy, and quaint boutiques and galleries.
Aberdeen
The lead vocalist of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, was born and raised in this tranquil hamlet, which serves as the entry point to the Olympic Peninsula.
Long Beach Peninsula
Discover the 28-mile peninsula that is surrounded by a river, bay, and the ocean. Savor the fresh seafood of the Pacific Northwest cooked by regional chefs.
Tacoma
This city is well-known for its Museum of Glass, Bridge of Glass Art, and Car Museum. It has wonderful food, sights, shops, and parks and is charming throughout.
Olympia
Olympia, the state capital of Washington and home to brewpubs, farm-to-table eateries, and coffee roasters, is a destination worth seeing. Here, handmade goods are the way of life!
This nine-day itinerary will show you the best of the Northwest.
Day 1: Drive through history to Port Townsend
Disembark the cruise ship in Seattle.
Pick up a rental car in downtown Seattle.
Take the Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island.
Drive 15 minutes to the Suquamish Museum.
Visit Finnriver Farm & Cidery.
Arrive in Port Townsend, a charming seaside village with an artistic spirit, rich history, Victorian architecture, and two National Historic Landmark Districts.
Day 2: Take time for lavender fields, mountains, and lakes
Depart Port Townsend for Sequim.
Visit Sunshine Herb & Lavender Farm.
Enjoy a picnic with a view at Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge.
Stay overnight at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge.
Day 3: Explore the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula
Walk to Marymere Falls.
Have a picnic in Forks, the setting of the Twilight novels.
Drive to the Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the USA.
Capture stunning photos at Ruby Beach, known for its sea stacks, surf-tossed logs, and bald eagles.
Spend the night at the scenic Kalaloch Lodge.
Day 4: Feast on ocean views and fresh seafood
Drive to Aberdeen, Washington, the hometown of Kurt Cobain.
Stroll along the longest silver sand beach on the West Coast with ocean views.
Savor world-famous, locally harvested seafood and shellfish.
Visit Cape Disappointment Park, known as the graveyard of the Pacific with over 2,000 shipwrecks.
Explore Oysterville, a site on the National Register of Historic Places.
Day 5: Step back in Oregon history and enjoy a modern city
Travel to Astoria, Oregon, the Lewis and Clark Expedition's last destination.
Come to an end of your day in Portland.
Day 6: Sample the delights of the Rose City
Portland is well-known for its parks, lovely gardens, coffee shops, and microbreweries.
Day 7: Explore Washington volcano and city life
Attend an educational presentation at Mount Saint Helens, the location of the most well-known volcanic eruption in contemporary history.
Discover Olympia, where brewpubs, restaurants, and coffee shops all embrace handcrafted goods.
Visit the Bridge of Glass and the Auto Museum in Tacoma.
Day 8: Bliss at high altitude
Travel to Crystal Mountain, ride the gondola for breathtaking mountain vistas, and eat at the state's highest elevation restaurant.
travel to the Sunrise Visitor Center, the highest point in the national park where cars are allowed to travel, at 6,400 feet (2,300 meters) for an incredible perspective.
Day 9: Return the rental car and head out
Go to your cruise terminal if you're on a cruise.
To return your rented car, drive to the location. The place to rent cars is available twenty-four hours a day. Directions to the rental car facility | Map link to the auto rental facility
Ride the shuttle to the main terminal in your rented car.
Transfer from SEA Airport to your Cruise Terminal
There are four ways to get from the airport to the cruise terminals:
1. Grab a ride: The airport parking garage's third floor is where you may find taxis and app-based ridesharing services.
2. Proceed to the cruise lobby on the ground floor of the parking garage if it is your departure day and you paid for a transfer from your cruise line for bus transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal. By using the interactive map to search for "cruise lobby," you can find directions from where you currently are.
3. You can get from the airport to Westlake Station in downtown Seattle for a reasonable price by using the LINK Light Rail. You can take a cab or rideshare service straight to your terminal from the station. Time estimates for the journey from Westlake Station:
To Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66: Six minutes by car; 20 minutes by foot
To Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91: 15 minutes by car
4. The SEA Airport website offers airport shuttle services.
Head for the open seas
Discover Alaska's breathtaking natural splendor, which includes "calving" glaciers, snow-capped peaks that reach the sky, amazing animals, and tiny villages with extraordinary histories. You should not pass up discovering the Last Frontier.
The following cruise lines have seven-day round-trip Alaska cruises out of Seattle:
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Visit the Port’s website for up-to-date information on COVID-19 safety and protocols at the cruise terminals.
Bell Street and Smith Cove, the two downtown cruise ship docks, making Seattle the perfect destination for cruises to Alaska or the Pacific Northwest. The Best North American Home Port and Top-Rated Destination for the United States and Canada Cruise Critics Awards were recently given to the Port of Seattle.
Bell Street Pier 66
Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises call Bell Street Pier, which is situated downtown along Seattle's waterfront, home. Walking distance from Pier 66 are well-known local icons like the Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market, and top-notch dining establishments.
Smith Cove Pier 91
Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International all have home ports in Smith Cove. The terminal is closer to popular neighborhoods like Ballard, with its historic locks, salmon ladder, Fishermen's Terminal, and stylish restaurants, and a 15-minute taxi trip from the city's shopping center.
Enjoy Seattle luggage free
Make the most of your final day hassle-free with the complimentary Port Valet program after your cruise (and if you are departing from Seattle on a domestic aircraft within the United States). Without having to haul your bags around, you may check in on board, enjoy your final day in Seattle, and go straight from your cabin to your domestic (only) U.S. flight.
Choose last-minute presents at SEA Airport from a unique selection of booksellers, gift shops, designer brands, and locally produced goods.
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