5 days in Los Angeles & San Francisco Itinerary

Surrounded by mountain ranges, forests, valleys, beaches, and deserts, the metropolitan area of Los Angeles is home to over 17 million people.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Santa Monica Bay and 26-Mile Bike Path. Step out of Los Angeles with an excursion to Disneyland Park in Anaheim--about 36 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, immerse yourself in nature at Santa Monica State Beach, take a leisurely stroll along Santa Monica Pier, and examine the collection at Petersen Automotive Museum.

To find photos, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, use the Los Angeles trip planner.

San Francisco to Los Angeles is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. While traveling from San Francisco, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Los Angeles, ranging from highs of 75°F to lows of 56°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) to allow time to fly to San Francisco.

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

On the 20th (Thu), examine the collection at Cable Car Museum, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Lands End, then take in the views from Golden Gate Bridge, and finally walk around Presidio of San Francisco. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Fri): look for all kinds of wild species at San Francisco Botanical Garden, then contemplate the waterfront views at San Francisco Bay, and then steep yourself in history at Alcatraz Island.

For more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our San Francisco trip maker tool.

Fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Los Angeles in April; daily highs in San Francisco reach 67°F and lows reach 51°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) early enough to travel back home.