18 days in San Francisco, Santa Monica & San Diego Itinerary

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 Alcatraz Island and Baker Beach. Do some cultural sightseeing at Golden Gate Bridge and Filbert Street Stairs.

For reviews, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the San Francisco online trip planner.

Newark to San Francisco is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also fly; or drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and subway. You'll gain 3 hours traveling from Newark to San Francisco due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Newark in July, expect San Francisco to be slightly colder, temps between 73°F and 57°F. On the 7th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off 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.

Bring the kids along to Zuma Beach and Santa Monica Pier. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Santa Monica State Beach and Carbon Beach. Next up on the itinerary: browse the different shops at Two Rodeo Drive, take a stroll through Rodeo Drive, take in the pleasant sights at 26-Mile Bike Path, and identify plant and animal life at Santa Monica Mountains.

For more things to do, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Santa Monica travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from San Francisco to Santa Monica takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a bus. Traveling from San Francisco in July, plan for a bit warmer nights in Santa Monica, with lows around 65°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 12th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Head to Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Villagefor some retail therapy. Get a sense of the local culture at USS Midway Museum and Maritime Museum of San Diego. There's much more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at La Jolla Cove, see the interesting displays at San Diego Model Railroad Museum, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at SeaWorld San Diego, and let the kids burn off some steam at Balboa Park.

To find reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the San Diego online trip builder.

Traveling by car from Santa Monica to San Diego takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly; or do a combination of tram and train. In July, plan for daily highs up to 77°F, and evening lows to 68°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) so you can travel back home.