8 days in California Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Sat): examine the collection at Musee Mecanique, then take in the views from Golden Gate Bridge, then examine the collection at de Young Museum, and finally wander the streets of Union Square. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: step aboard SS Jeremiah O'Brien, stroll through Alcatraz Island, then take in the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf, and finally learn about all things military at USS Pampanito.

For reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the San Francisco trip itinerary maker.

Wellington, New Zealand to San Francisco is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from New Zealand Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time is minus 20 hours. Traveling from Wellington in March, expect little chillier with lows of 11°C in San Francisco. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Healdsburg.

The quaint city of Healdsburg is one of northern California's wine capitals, serving as the meeting point for three of Sonoma's most important wine-producing regions.

On the 6th (Mon), learn the secrets of beer at Ace It Bike Tours, then do a tasting at Alexander Valley Vineyards, then learn about winemaking at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and finally do a tasting at Stephen & Walker Winery.

To find where to stay, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Healdsburg trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from San Francisco to Healdsburg takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of bus and train. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from San Francisco in March since evenings lows in Healdsburg dip to 6°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) so you can catch the flight 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 7th (Tue): explore the striking landscape of Cabrillo National Monument, see the interesting displays at San Diego Air & Space Museum, and then kick back and relax at La Jolla Cove. Keep things going the next day: see the interesting displays at Mingei International Museum, examine the collection at USS Midway Museum, and then examine the collection at Maritime Museum of San Diego.

For where to stay, maps, photos, and more tourist information, use the San Diego travel planner.

You can fly from Healdsburg to San Diego in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Healdsburg in March, expect a bit warmer with lows of 15°C in San Diego. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Los Angeles.

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 9th (Thu): wander the streets of Montana Avenue, see the interesting displays at The Getty Center, then explore the world behind art at Norton Simon Museum, then admire the landmark architecture of Walt Disney Concert Hall, and finally take a leisurely stroll along Santa Monica Pier.

For photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Los Angeles itinerary planning tool.

You can drive from San Diego to Los Angeles in 2 hours. Other options are to fly; or take a bus. In March, plan for daily highs up to 27°C, and evening lows to 14°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Fri) so you can catch the flight back home.