15 days in California Itinerary

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.

Getty Center The Publications and Griffith Observatory are good opportunities to explore the local culture. For shopping fun, head to Santa Monica Farmers Market or Bergamot Station. Change things up with these side-trips from Santa Monica: Los Angeles (Hollywood & Highland, Amoeba Music, & more). There's much more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Venice Beach and Boardwalk, take in the waterfront at Santa Monica Pier, explore the different monuments and memorials at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Cemetery, and immerse yourself in nature at Santa Monica Beach.

To find ratings, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Santa Monica journey planner.

Richmond to Santa Monica is an approximately 10-hour combination of flight and bus. You can also do a combination of train, flight, and bus; or drive. You'll gain 3 hours traveling from Richmond to Santa Monica due to the time zone difference. In September, daily temperatures in Santa Monica can reach 78°F, while at night they dip to 64°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can go by car to San Diego.

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.

Step out of the city life by going to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Mission Beach Park. Visit La Jolla Cove and Children's Pool for some beach relaxation. There's still lots to do: examine the collection at USS Midway Museum, browse the exhibits of Maritime Museum of San Diego, and meet the residents at San Diego Zoo.

To see photos, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, use the San Diego day trip app .

Drive from Santa Monica to San Diego in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of bus and train. September in San Diego sees daily highs of 80°F and lows of 69°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to travel to San Francisco.

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

Visit China Beach and Point Isabel for some beach relaxation. Do some cultural sightseeing at Union Square and Twin Peaks. And it doesn't end there: step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island, contemplate the long history of City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, have fun and explore at Exploratorium, and take a leisurely stroll along Fisherman's Wharf.

To find maps, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, read San Francisco online trip itinerary builder .

Traveling by flight from San Diego to San Francisco takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Traveling from San Diego in September, expect San Francisco to be a bit cooler, temps between 74°F and 57°F. You'll set off for home on the 17th (Mon).