6 days in Santa Rosa & Alexandria Itinerary

Located less than an hour's drive north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa serves as a convenient hub for travelers on their way to the world-famous Napa Valley wine country.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Safari West and Bennett Valley. When in Santa Rosa, make a side trip to see Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley, approximately Mill Valley away. There's much more to do: examine the collection at Charles M. Schulz Museum, soar above the sights with Up & Away Ballooning, look for gifts at Petaluma Seed Bank, and get a taste of the local shopping with Valley of the Moon Pottery & North Eagle Gallery.

To see photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Santa Rosa online route planner.

San Francisco to Santa Rosa is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from San Francisco in May, plan for a bit warmer days and little chillier nights in Santa Rosa: temperatures range from 76°F by day to 48°F at night. On the 18th (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Alexandria.

Just a few metro stops away from the bustle of Washington D.C., Alexandria provides a respite from the fast-paced capital.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Wed): examine the collection at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, take a stroll through Old Town, then see the interesting displays at Carlyle House, and finally take a leisurely stroll along Old Town Waterfront. On the 20th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take an in-depth tour of George Washington Masonic National Memorial, don't miss a visit to John F. Kennedy Grave Site, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Arlington National Cemetery, and finally get to know the fascinating history of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

To find traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Alexandria online vacation planner.

You can fly from Santa Rosa to Alexandria in 10.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus, train, and subway. The time zone difference when traveling from Santa Rosa to Alexandria is 3 hours. Traveling from Santa Rosa in May, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Alexandria, with lows around 58°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.