56 days in California Itinerary

Dedicate the 30th (Wed) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Golden Gate Bridge, admire the masterpieces at Legion of Honor, see the interesting displays at Exploratorium, and browse the different shops at Ferry Building Marketplace.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, you can read our San Francisco trip planner.

Sulaymaniyah, Iraq to San Francisco is an approximately 26-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 11 hours traveling from Sulaymaniyah to San Francisco. In November in San Francisco, expect temperatures between 20°C during the day and 12°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sat) so you can go by car to Napa.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Napa: St. Helena (Pride Mountain Vineyards, Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards, &more), Calistoga (Clos Pegase Winery & Vincent Arroyo Winery) and Healdsburg (Williamson Wines Tasting Room & Gracianna Winery). Dedicate the 4th (Sun) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. There's much more to do: make a trip to Sonoma Plaza, do a tasting at VGS Chateau Potelle, hike along Jack London State Historic Park, and admire the architecture and history at Mission San Francisco Solano.

For where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Napa travel route planner.

Traveling by car from San Francisco to Napa takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of subway and bus; or take a bus. Traveling from San Francisco in December, plan for slightly colder nights in Napa, with lows around 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park is known for nature, sightseeing, and trails. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in the dramatic natural features at Glacier Point, make a trip to Pothole Dome, stroll through Four Mile Trail, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Cathedral Range.

To find reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Yosemite National Park online journey planner.

Explore your travel options from Napa to Yosemite National Park with the Route module. When traveling from Napa in December, plan for slightly colder days and cooler nights in Yosemite National Park: temperatures range from 9°C by day to -11°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Monterey.

Change things up with a short trip to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton (about 58 minutes away).

To find ratings, maps, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Monterey online itinerary planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Yosemite National Park to Monterey. When traveling from Yosemite National Park in December, plan for a bit warmer days and warmer nights in Monterey: temperatures range from 19°C by day to 7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) so you can drive to Santa Barbara.

Get out of town with these interesting Santa Barbara side-trips: Seein' Spots Farm (in Solvang), Lompoc (Clos Pepe Vineyards and Estate Wines, Sanford Winery & Vineyards, &more) and Foxen Vineyard & Winery (in Santa Maria). There's lots more to do: get to know the resident critters at Santa Barbara Zoo, contemplate the long history of Old Mission Santa Barbara, don't miss a visit to Chaucer's Bookstore, and get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center.

For reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Santa Barbara online trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Monterey to Santa Barbara takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. In December in Santa Barbara, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 5°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) to allow time to fly to San Diego.

When in San Diego, make a side trip to see Self Realization Fellowship Hermitage & Meditation Gardens in Encinitas, approximately Encinitas away. Spend the 2nd (Mon) exploring the fascinating underwater world at SeaWorld San Diego. And it doesn't end there: get to know the resident critters at San Diego Zoo, enjoy the sand and surf at La Jolla Cove, explore the striking landscape at Cabrillo Tide Pools, and stroll around Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.

For more things to do, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our San Diego day trip planning app.

You can fly from Santa Barbara to San Diego in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Santa Barbara in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in San Diego, with lows of 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Palm Springs.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Palm Springs: Joshua Tree National Park (Lost Horse Mine, Ryan Mountain, &more) and California Overland Desert Excursions (in Borrego Springs).

For maps, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read our Palm Springs trip planner.

Traveling by car from San Diego to Palm Springs takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Los Angeles.

Step out of Los Angeles to go to Santa Monica and see Museum of Flying, which is approximately 32 minutes away. Pack the 11th (Wed) with family-friendly diversions at Disneyland Park. Pack the 12th (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Universal Studios Hollywood. There's much more to do: browse the eclectic array of goods at Santa Monica Farmers Market, wander the streets of Montana Avenue, look for gifts at Bergamot Station, and take a memorable drive along Mulholland Drive.

To see more things to do, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, use the Los Angeles online sightseeing planner.

Drive from Palm Springs to Los Angeles in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly; or take a bus. In January in Los Angeles, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 11°C at night. You will have some time to spend on the 18th (Wed) before leaving for home.