22 days in Chicago & Los Angeles Itinerary

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

Appreciate the collections at Chicago Cultural Center and Milwaukee Art Museum. Your inner history buff will appreciate Chicago Riverwalk and Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Chicago: Milwaukee (Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee Public Market, &more), Kneeland-Walker House (in Wauwatosa) and South Bend (University of Notre Dame & Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes). There's much more to do: learn about all things military at Cantigny Park, appreciate the extensive heritage of Riverwalk Lot, explore the activities along Chicago River, and don't miss a visit to Chicago Skyline.

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read Chicago day trip planning tool.

Baden-Baden, Germany to Chicago is an approximately 14-hour combination of train and flight. You can also fly. You'll gain 7 hours traveling from Baden-Baden to Chicago due to the time zone difference. In September, Chicago is a bit warmer than Baden-Baden - with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Wed) to allow time to fly 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and San Diego Bay Walk. Visit Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum and Mission San Buenaventura for their historical value. Venture out of the city with trips to Children's Pool (in La Jolla), Rodeo Drive (in Beverly Hills) and The Unconditional Surrender (in San Diego). There's still lots to do: examine the collection at Hollywood Bowl Museum, explore the world behind art at The Broad, stop by LA Farmers' Market, and learn about all things military at Battleship USS Iowa Museum.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Los Angeles vacation planning tool.

You can fly from Chicago to Los Angeles in 6 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Chicago in September, expect nights in Los Angeles to be about the same, around 22°C, while days are a bit warmer, around 34°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to travel back home.