10 days in San Francisco & Santa Barbara Itinerary

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

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Alcatraz Island and Wine Tours & Tastings. Discover out-of-the-way places like Dry Creek Vineyard and Charles M. Schulz Museum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near San Francisco: Emeritus Vineyards (in Sebastopol) and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (in Healdsburg). The adventure continues: take in the views from Golden Gate Bridge, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Grace Cathedral, see the interesting displays at Walt Disney Family Museum, and explore the world behind art at Asian Art Museum.

To see where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read San Francisco visit planner.

Washington to San Francisco is an approximately 12-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time, which is usually a -3 hour difference. While traveling from Washington, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in San Francisco, ranging from highs of 69°F to lows of 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sun) early enough to fly to Santa Barbara.

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.

Get some cultural insight at Wine Tours & Tastings and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and Stearns Wharf. Venture out of the city with trips to Camarillo (Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Museum & Camarillo Premium Outlets). There's more to do: steep yourself in history at Old Mission Santa Barbara and take in the waterfront at Santa Barbara Harbor.

To find traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Santa Barbara road trip planning website.

Traveling by flight from San Francisco to Santa Barbara takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. May in Santa Barbara sees daily highs of 71°F and lows of 52°F at night. On the 13th (Thu), you're off to home.