20 days in Washington DC & Los Angeles Itinerary

The capital of the United States, the District of Columbia contains the lion's share of the country's most treasured monuments, memorials, and public museums.

Family-friendly places like National Air and Space Museum and National Zoological Park will thrill your kids. Venture out of the city with trips to Gettysburg (Dobbin House Tavern, Gettysburg National Military Park, &more), Larriland Farm (in Woodbine) and Mount Vernon Trail (in Arlington). There's still lots to do: admire the masterpieces at National Gallery of Art, ponder the world of politics at Library of Congress, take an in-depth tour of United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and get a new perspective on nature at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

To find other places to visit, photos, maps, and tourist information, read our Washington DC road trip planner.

San Diego to Washington DC is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. You'll lose 3 hours traveling from San Diego to Washington DC due to the time zone difference. In September, plan for daily highs up to 82°F, and evening lows to 65°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sun) so you can travel 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.

Bring the kids along to Disneyland Park and The Getty Center. Venture out of the city with trips to Anaheim (Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Disney California Adventure Park, &more), Santa Monica (Santa Monica Yacht Harbor Sign, Ocean Avenue, &more) and Mulholland Drive (in Beverly Hills). Pack the 30th (Wed) with family-friendly diversions at Universal Studios Hollywood. Next up on the itinerary: take in the waterfront at Santa Monica Pier, contemplate the long history of El Pueblo de Los Angeles, enjoy the sand and surf at Santa Monica State Beach, and get to know the fascinating history of Hollywood Walk of Fame.

For ratings, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, go to the Los Angeles vacation planner.

You can fly from Washington DC to Los Angeles in 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Washington DC to Los Angeles. In September, daytime highs in Los Angeles are 85°F, while nighttime lows are 66°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can go by car back home.