10 days in Chicago & San Francisco Itinerary

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Explore Chicago's surroundings by going to Willowbrook Wildlife Center (in Glen Ellyn), Hawthorn Hollow - Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum (in Kenosha) and Volo Bog State Natural Area (in Ingleside). There's much more to do: admire the masterpieces at The Art Institute of Chicago, ponder the design of Buckingham Fountain, admire the striking features of Reliance Building, and see what you can catch with a fishing tour.

To see maps, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Chicago journey maker tool.

Auckland, New Zealand to Chicago is an approximately 20.5-hour flight. Traveling from Auckland to Chicago, you'll gain 18 hours due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Auckland in September, plan for much warmer days and somewhat warmer nights in Chicago: temperatures range from 30°C by day to 19°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) early enough to travel to San Francisco.

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

Get out of town with these interesting San Francisco side-trips: Dolphin & Whale Watching (in Moss Landing) and Safari West (in Santa Rosa). Next up on the itinerary: snap pictures at Golden Gate Bridge, cast your line with a fishing tour, take a leisurely stroll along Fisherman's Wharf, and step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island.

To see traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read our San Francisco itinerary planning app.

Fly from Chicago to San Francisco in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and subway. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Pacific Standard Time (PST) is minus 2 hours. In September in San Francisco, expect temperatures between 28°C during the day and 17°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.