15 days in Los Angeles & San Francisco Itinerary

Surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, valleys, beaches, and deserts, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles is home to over 17 million people.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit Venice Beach and Boardwalk and Santa Monica Bay for some beach relaxation. Change things up with these side-trips from Los Angeles: Bergamot Station (in Santa Monica), Malibu (Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach, &more) and Rodeo Drive (in Beverly Hills). And it doesn't end there: examine the collection at The Getty Center, wander the streets of Montana Avenue, browse the different shops at Two Rodeo Drive, and get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

To find ratings, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Los Angeles travel itinerary planner.

Washington DC to Los Angeles is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Washington DC to Los Angeles. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Washington DC in October: high temperatures in Los Angeles hover around 82°F and lows are around 62°F. On the 31st (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly to San Francisco.

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

Escape the urban bustle at Alcatraz Island and Sonoma Zipline Adventures. Get a sense of the local culture at Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. Get out of town with these interesting San Francisco side-trips: Ace It Bike Tours (in Windsor), Paraduxx Winery (in Napa) and Patrick Amiot (in Sebastopol). There's much more to do: buy something for everyone on your list at Ferry Building Marketplace, admire the majestic nature at Marin Headlands, take a stroll through Union Square, and admire the masterpieces at Asian Art Museum.

For where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, go to the San Francisco journey planner.

Fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Los Angeles in October, with highs in San Francisco at 73°F and lows at 56°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 8th (Sun) to allow time for the flight back home.