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 California State Railroad Museum. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Alcatraz Island and Walt Disney Family Museum. Get out of town with these interesting San Francisco side-trips: Mount Vernon Memorial Park & Mortuary (in Fair Oaks), Jensen Botanical Garden (in Carmichael) and California State Capitol Museum (in Sacramento). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Golden Gate Bridge, trek along Lands End, examine the collection at de Young Museum, and do a tasting at VJB Cellars.

For other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the San Francisco trip maker site.

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 April, San Francisco is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) to allow enough time 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and Old Mission Santa Barbara. Wine Tours & Tastings and Casa del Herrero are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore Santa Barbara's surroundings by going to Fillmore Historical Museum (in Fillmore), Carrizo Plain National Monument (in Maricopa) and The Gardens of the World (in Thousand Oaks). The adventure continues: admire the landmark architecture of Santa Barbara County Courthouse, appreciate the extensive heritage of The Historic La Arcada Courtyard, look for gifts at Chocolate Maya, and brush up on your military savvy at Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

To find reviews, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Santa Barbara road trip app.

Traveling by flight from San Francisco to Santa Barbara takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 71°F, and evening lows to 50°F. You'll set off for home on the 4th (Tue).