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 explore the less-touristy side of things at Wine Tours & Tastings and VJB Cellars. Do some cultural sightseeing at Golden Gate Bridge and Charles M. Schulz Museum. Get out of town with these interesting San Francisco side-trips: Patrick Amiot (in Sebastopol), Matanzas Creek Winery (in Santa Rosa) and Healdsburg (Stephen & Walker Winery & Dry Creek Vineyard). And it doesn't end there: step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island, take a leisurely stroll along Fisherman's Wharf, trek along Lands End, and see the interesting displays at de Young Museum.

For other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the San Francisco road trip tool.

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 May, expect nights in San Francisco to be about the same, around 53°F, while days are little chillier, around 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Wine Tours & Tastings and Old Mission Santa Barbara. Get a sense of the local culture at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and Gainey Vineyard. Explore Santa Barbara's surroundings by going to Pismo Pier (in Pismo Beach), Elm Street Dog Park (in Arroyo Grande) and Lompoc (Dierberg Star Lane Vineyards, Melville Winery, &more). There's much more to do: admire the striking features of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, admire the natural beauty at Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Santa Barbara Zoo, and don't miss a visit to Funk Zone.

To see maps, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, use the Santa Barbara travel itinerary planner.

You can fly from San Francisco to Santa Barbara in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May, plan for daily highs up to 71°F, and evening lows to 52°F. You'll set off for home on the 24th (Mon).