4 days in California Itinerary

Monterey is a city in the U.S. Kick off your visit on the 8th (Fri): contemplate the waterfront views at Monterey Bay. Here are some ideas for day two: enjoy the sand and surf at Carmel River State Beach and then immerse yourself in nature at Point Lobos.

For reviews, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, use the Monterey planner .

San Diego to Monterey is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and shuttle; or drive. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from San Diego in March; daily highs in Monterey reach 64°F and lows reach 47°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) so you can drive to San Simeon.

When you arrive in tiny San Simeon, which lies halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, you can see why William Randolph Hearst chose this coastal locale for his famous hilltop castle.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Sun): step into the grandiose world of Hearst Castle and then identify plant and animal life at Elephant Seal Rookery.

To find ratings, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the San Simeon tour itinerary maker .

Drive from Monterey to San Simeon in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and car. Traveling from Monterey in March, expect nights in San Simeon to be slightly colder, around 41°F, while days are somewhat warmer, around 72°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sun) so you can drive to Santa Barbara.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a solid vacation destination with its wide beaches, renowned wineries, and some of California's finest shopping and dining options.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Mon): enjoy breathtaking views from Santa Barbara County Courthouse, then contemplate the long history of Old Mission Santa Barbara, then admire nature's wide array of creatures at Santa Barbara Zoo, and finally identify plant and animal life at Douglas Family Preserve.

To find ratings, reviews, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Santa Barbara tour builder app .

You can drive from San Simeon to Santa Barbara in 3 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from San Simeon in March, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Santa Barbara, with lows around 48°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Mon) early enough to go by car back home.