13 days in United States Itinerary

Divided into neighborhoods with distinct characters and cultural heritages, San Diego sits just north of the Mexican border and offers visitors a blend of tourist attractions, including a lively nightlife, diverse cuisine, and a thriving musical scene.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Seaport Village. Popular historic sites such as Oceanside Pier and Point Loma are in your itinerary. There's more to do: appreciate the history behind Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial and visit a coastal fixture at Old Point Loma Lighthouse.

For photos, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our San Diego trip builder.

New York City to San Diego is an approximately 8-hour combination of bus and flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from New York City to San Diego. In November, San Diego is somewhat warmer than New York City - with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Santa Monica.

A famed resort town since the early 20th century, Santa Monica sits on the picturesque Santa Monica Bay, bordered on three sides by the city of Los Angeles.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Mon): tour the pleasant surroundings at Greystone Mansion, then immerse yourself in nature at Santa Monica Beach, then take in the waterfront at Santa Monica Pier, and finally get a taste of the local shopping with Third Street Promenade.

To see traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Santa Monica trip generator.

Getting from San Diego to Santa Monica by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In November, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Los Angeles.

Surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, valleys, beaches, and deserts, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles is home to over 17 million people.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard and The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Venice Beach and Boardwalk and Nature & Wildlife Tours. There's lots more to do: buy something for everyone on your list at The Grove, look for gifts at Grand Central Market, make a trip to Hollywood Walk of Fame, and get some fabulous bargains at Citadel Outlets.

For maps, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, read Los Angeles trip planner.

Los Angeles is just a stone's throw from Santa Monica. In November in Los Angeles, expect temperatures between 28°C during the day and 14°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) to allow time to travel to San Francisco.

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

Step out of the city life by going to Bodega Head and Montara State Beach. Castello di Amorosa and California State Railroad Museum are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Change things up with these side-trips from San Francisco: Old Sacramento (in Sacramento), St. Helena (Pride Mountain Vineyards & V. Sattui) and Point Reyes Seashore National Park (in Point Reyes Station). And it doesn't end there: buy something for everyone on your list at Ferry Building Marketplace, have fun and explore at Exploratorium, take some stellar pictures from Twin Peaks, and get a taste of the local shopping with Union Square.

To see other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our San Francisco vacation planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Los Angeles in November, you will find days in San Francisco are a bit cooler (21°C), and nights are about the same (11°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can travel back home.