10 days in San Francisco & Santa Barbara Itinerary

San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.

On the 9th (Wed), awaken your taste buds at some of the top wineries in the area.

To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the San Francisco trip planner.

Washington DC to San Francisco is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of subway and train. You'll gain 3 hours traveling from Washington DC to San Francisco due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Washington DC in December, things will get somewhat warmer in San Francisco: highs are around 59°F and lows about 45°F. You will leave for Santa Barbara on the 10th (Thu).

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a solid vacation destination with its wide beaches, renowned wineries, and some of California's finest shopping and dining options.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Wine Tours & Tastings and Point San Luis Lighthouse. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Santa Barbara County Courthouse and The Historic La Arcada Courtyard. Venture out of the city with trips to Solvang (Old Mission Santa Ines & Elverhoj Museum of History & Art), Carhartt Family Wines (in Los Olivos) and Lompoc (La Purisima Mission State Historic Park & Melville Winery). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Old Mission Santa Barbara, identify plant and animal life at Douglas Family Preserve, get engrossed in the history at Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and learn about winemaking at Wolff Vineyards.

For where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, go to the Santa Barbara online road trip planner.

Fly from San Francisco to Santa Barbara in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. While traveling from San Francisco, expect a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Santa Barbara, ranging from highs of 67°F to lows of 41°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Fri) so you can fly back home.