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 Crocker Art Museum and Walt Disney Family Museum. Get a sense of the local culture at California State Railroad Museum and Dry Creek Vineyard. You'll find plenty of places to visit near San Francisco: Healdsburg (Longboard Vineyards & Stephen & Walker Winery), St. Helena (Crocker & Starr Wines & Orin Swift Cellars) and Kenwood (Landmark Vineyards Kenwood Estate & VJB Cellars). And it doesn't end there: snap pictures at Golden Gate Bridge, examine the collection at Musee Mecanique, stroll around Presidio of San Francisco, and get curious at California Academy of Sciences.

To find maps, photos, and more tourist information, read San Francisco day trip app.

Washington DC to San Francisco is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of subway and train. You'll gain 3 hours traveling from Washington DC to San Francisco due to the time zone difference. In January, San Francisco is a bit warmer than Washington DC - with highs of 59°F and lows of 46°F. On the 18th (Mon), you're off 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and Monarch Butterfly Grove. Do some cultural sightseeing at Wine Tours & Tastings and Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Venture out of the city with trips to The Luffa Farm (in Nipomo), Herzog Wine Cellars (in Oxnard) and Camarillo Premium Outlets (in Camarillo). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the long history of Old Mission Santa Barbara, wander the streets of State Street Underpass, examine the collection at Artesia School Museum, and take in the waterfront at Santa Barbara Harbor.

To see traveler tips and more tourist information, go to the Santa Barbara trip planner.

Getting from San Francisco to Santa Barbara by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. When traveling from San Francisco in January, plan for somewhat warmer days in Santa Barbara, with highs around 66°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 43°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly back home.