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.

Take a break from the city and head to Santa Monica State Beach and Original Muscle Beach. Visit Hollyhock House and Santa Monica Pier for their historical value. Explore Los Angeles' surroundings by going to Beverly Hills (Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation & Rodeo Drive), Malibu (Zuma Beach & El Pescador State Beach) and Manhattan Beach (in Manhattan Beach). There's still lots to do: examine the collection at The Getty Center, make a trip to Two Rodeo Drive, explore the world behind art at Norton Simon Museum, and look and learn at Griffith Observatory.

To find traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Los Angeles day trip planner.

Washington to Los Angeles is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Washington to Los Angeles is minus 3 hours. When traveling from Washington in March, plan for somewhat warmer days and much warmer nights in Los Angeles: temperatures range from 74°F by day to 54°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 11th (Thu) to allow time for the flight to San Francisco.

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

Do your shopping at Ferry Building Marketplace and City Lights Booksellers. Get a sense of the local culture at Alcatraz Island and de Young Museum. Explore San Francisco's surroundings by going to Swanson Vineyards Salon (in Rutherford), Point Reyes Safaris (in Point Reyes Station) and Sculptured Beach (in Point Reyes National Seashore). There's still lots to do: wander the streets of Fisherman's Wharf, shop like a local with Union Square, engage your brain at California Academy of Sciences, and contemplate the long history of Golden Gate Bridge.

To see more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, use the San Francisco online route planner.

Getting from Los Angeles to San Francisco by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Los Angeles in March, plan for a bit cooler days in San Francisco, with highs around 65°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive back home.