7 days in California's Central Coast, Huntington Beach & San Diego Itinerary

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 3rd (Sat): enjoy the sand and surf at East Beach, contemplate the long history of Old Mission Santa Barbara, and then admire the majestic nature at Carpinteria State Beach.

To see photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Santa Barbara itinerary site.

Newark to Santa Barbara is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time, which is usually a -3 hour difference. Traveling from Newark in August, things will get a bit cooler in Santa Barbara: highs are around 76°F and lows about 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sat) early enough to drive to Huntington Beach.

Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange County in Southern California. Kick off your visit on the 4th (Sun): identify plant and animal life at Pacific Marine Mammal Center, then enjoy the sand and surf at Victoria Beach, then kick back and relax at Table Rock Beach, and finally stroll through Aliso Beach Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the waterfront at Huntington Beach Pier, enjoy the sand and surf at Huntington State Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Seal Beach.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Huntington Beach online tour planner.

You can drive from Santa Barbara to Huntington Beach in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of train and bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Santa Barbara in August since evenings lows in Huntington Beach dip to 67°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) so you can go by car 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.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Tue): appreciate the history behind The Unconditional Surrender, stroll through Windansea Beach, and then kick back and relax at La Jolla Shores Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Wed): test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, stroll through Moonlight State Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach.

To see reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read our San Diego road trip planner.

Drive from Huntington Beach to San Diego in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 78°F, and evening lows to 68°F. On the 8th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.