There are so many things to see, you will not be able to see half of what you want on this trip. So, my advise is, minimize long distance travel. Group your sights together to cut down on unnecessary travel time.
Where you are staying in SF, has easy access to cable car, buses, Bart, very easy to get around the city.
You need to try and arrange a trip to Fry's, for the toys, and Costco, for the day to day supplies, got Buena Vista Cafe for the Irish Coffee, invented there, Swan Oyster Depot, near where you are staying, best oyster in town and their clam chowder is fantastic, Ti-Couz in the mission for the best crepes in SF, Cafe Jacqueline for the best souffle in the city, or jsut hang out in the cafes along Polk Street and Little Italy, and ask your friend lor she is arguably one of the best gourmet I know.
For photography, you should go to Fort Funston, an alternate view of the Golden Gate Bridge, I think it is much more dramatic. Muir Woods, if you can arrange transportation, go early in the morning, the lights is heavenly streaming through hundred years old redwood trees. Definitely go to Alcatraz, best view of SF.
If you are heading south to Monterey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is fantastic. That was where I saw the juvenile great white.
And when you are at NYC, do go to B&H, even just to gawk.
In DC, I found teh Washington and Lincoln Memorial offers lots of photographic opportunities, so is the Vietnam memorial.
When you got Niagara Falls, 2 things are must do. Take the boat up to the bottom of the fall, worth every $, a massive adrenaline rush, and spectacular sight. Don't plan on shooting, you will be drenching wet, unless you have a waterproof housing. Disposal camera might do the trick. another is to take the elevator into the bosom of the fall, you can see the water cascading down in front of you.
LV is overrated, but if you have to go, try to budget in a show, it's $$$$$, but it's worth it. Eat at the casino buffet, it's cheap and you can eat for 3 meals in one sitting.
If you are driving up HWY1, stop over at the heart Castle. Worth a half day detour.
hmmm
i think you are fast running out of time already
