11 days in Washington DC & San Francisco Itinerary

The capital of the United States, the District of Columbia contains the lion's share of the country's most treasured monuments, memorials, and public museums.

Get a sense of the local culture at National Gallery of Art and Washington National Cathedral. Appreciate the collections at National Air and Space Museum and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Go for a jaunt from Washington DC to Chantilly to see Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center about 42 minutes away. There's much more to do: get engrossed in the history at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, examine the collection at The National Archives Museum, pause for some photo ops at Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and steep yourself in history at Georgetown University.

To find maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Washington DC road trip website.

Use the Route module to see travel options from your home to Washington DC. In December, daily temperatures in Washington DC can reach 51°F, while at night they dip to 37°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can travel to San Francisco.

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

Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge will appeal to history buffs. Museum-lovers will get to explore Mumm Napa and Exploratorium. Venture out of the city with trips to Kunde Family Winery (in Kenwood), Benziger Family Winery (in Glen Ellen) and St. Helena (Beringer Vineyards, VGS Chateau Potelle, &more). And it doesn't end there: kick your exploration up a notch at Sonoma Canopy Tours, browse the exhibits of Patrick Amiot, take in the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf, and look for all kinds of wild species at Richardson Bay Audubon Center.

Make your San Francisco itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

Getting from Washington DC to San Francisco by flight takes about 7.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of subway and train. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time, which is usually a -3 hour difference. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Washington DC in December; daily highs in San Francisco reach 59°F and lows reach 45°F. On the 18th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.