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 Dry Creek Vineyard and VJB Cellars. Get some cultural insight at Golden Gate Bridge and Charles M. Schulz Museum. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around San Francisco: Kenwood (Muscardini Cellars & Mayo Reserve Room), Muir Woods National Monument (in Mill Valley) and Healdsburg (Passalacqua Winery & Wine Tours & Tastings). There's still lots to do: step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island, examine the collection at Musee Mecanique, pause for some serene contemplation at Grace Cathedral, and explore the world behind art at Legion of Honor.

To find ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read our San Francisco journey planner.

Washington to San Francisco is an approximately 12-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Washington to San Francisco. When traveling from Washington in May, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in San Francisco: temperatures range from 69°F by day to 53°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Wine Tours & Tastings and Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Get some cultural insight at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Explore Santa Barbara's surroundings by going to The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop (in Buellton), Bubblegum Alley (in San Luis Obispo) and Pismo Pier (in Pismo Beach). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Old Mission Santa Barbara, learn about all things military at Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Museum, take in nature's colorful creations at The Gardens of the World, and examine the collection at Reagan Ranch Center.

For more things to do, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read Santa Barbara online route planner.

Traveling by flight from San Francisco to Santa Barbara takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 71°F in May, and nighttime lows around 52°F. You will leave for home on the 21st (Fri).