10 days in Chicago & San Francisco Itinerary

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

Change things up with these side-trips from Chicago: Volo Bog State Natural Area (in Ingleside), Willowbrook Wildlife Center (in Glen Ellyn) and Hawthorn Hollow - Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum (in Kenosha). The adventure continues: explore the world behind art at The Art Institute of Chicago, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, don't miss a visit to Buckingham Fountain, and admire the striking features of Reliance Building.

For ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Chicago trip planner .

Auckland, New Zealand to Chicago is an approximately 20.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight. Traveling from Auckland to Chicago, you'll gain 18 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Auckland in September, expect nights in Chicago to be somewhat warmer, around 19°C, while days are much warmer, around 30°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Wed) so you can travel to San Francisco.

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

Change things up with these side-trips from San Francisco: Safari West (in Santa Rosa) and Dolphin & Whale Watching (in Moss Landing). And it doesn't end there: cast your line with a fishing tour, identify plant and animal life at Strawberry Hill, make a trip to Lombard Street, and step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island.

To find photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the San Francisco vacation builder website .

Getting from Chicago to San Francisco by flight takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2 hours traveling from Chicago to San Francisco. In September, plan for daily highs up to 28°C, and evening lows to 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.