15 days in San Francisco & Santa Barbara Itinerary

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

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Wine Tours & Tastings and California State Railroad Museum. Get a sense of the local culture at Golden Gate Bridge and de Young Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from San Francisco: California State Capitol Museum (in Sacramento), Haagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven (in Davis) and Stanford University (in Palo Alto). There's much more to do: step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island, admire the masterpieces at Legion of Honor, examine the collection at Musee Mecanique, and walk around Presidio of San Francisco.

To find where to stay, photos, reviews, and tourist information, read San Francisco trip planner.

Washington to San Francisco is an approximately 12-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Washington to San Francisco is minus 3 hours. Traveling from Washington in March, expect San Francisco to be somewhat warmer, temps between 65°F and 50°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) 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.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and Pismo Pier. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Wine Tours & Tastings and Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from Santa Barbara: Pepperdine University (in Malibu), Hans Christian Andersen Museum (in Solvang) and Serra Cross Park (in Ventura). The adventure continues: make a trip to Santa Barbara County Courthouse, contemplate the long history of Casa del Herrero, take in the waterfront at Stearns Wharf, and appreciate the extensive heritage of The Historic La Arcada Courtyard.

To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Santa Barbara trip site.

Traveling by flight from San Francisco to Santa Barbara takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In March, daily temperatures in Santa Barbara can reach 69°F, while at night they dip to 48°F. On the 26th (Fri), you're off to home.