5 days in Southern California Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 11th (Tue): find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Hollywood. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the striking features of Walt Disney Concert Hall, enjoy the sand and surf at Venice Beach and Boardwalk, then see the interesting displays at The Getty Center, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Hollywood Walk of Fame, and finally look and learn at Griffith Observatory.

To find more things to do, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read Los Angeles trip planner.

Newark to Los Angeles is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 3 hours traveling from Newark to Los Angeles. Traveling from Newark in April, things will get a bit warmer in Los Angeles: highs are around 75°F and lows about 56°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) to allow 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.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Thu): learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at San Diego Zoo and then stroll around Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. On the 14th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see the interesting displays at USS Midway Museum and then stroll around Balboa Park.

To see reviews, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our San Diego tour itinerary planning tool.

Drive from Los Angeles to San Diego in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. April in San Diego sees daily highs of 71°F and lows of 58°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.