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San Francisco
San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Napa Valley, Berkeley, Cupertino, Palo Alto, USA
Visited
5-10 Days
A fun-filled blend of California’s best cities, tech hubs, wine country, and scenic drives this Bay Area & Santa Barbara itinerary has it all!
About San Francisco
From the sun-kissed beaches of Santa Barbara to the cosmopolitan vibes of San Francisco, and from scenic Napa Valley vineyards to iconic Silicon Valley campuses, this journey offers the perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, fine dining, and cultural immersion. Whether you're soaking up history in Berkeley or sipping wine in Napa, California’s charm unfolds with every mile. This itinerary is perfect for friend groups or families looking for a blend of city energy, culinary gems, and laid-back adventures.
My Experience
We kicked off the trip by driving from San Francisco to Santa Barbara — the coastal drive was scenic and relaxing. Santa Barbara offered gorgeous sunsets, delicious dinners (we loved Sama Sama Kitchen and Super Rica Taqueria), and ample time to explore or simply chill. Back in San Francisco, our days were filled with sightseeing, catching up with loved ones, and trying brilliant restaurants like Wildseed, Shizen and Burma Love. A highlight was the tech campus drive in Cupertino and Palo Alto, and of course, the wine tasting day trip to Napa Valley. Ending with rooftop drinks and a visit to Berkeley University added the perfect farewell to a beautiful California experience.
Gallery

Pros & Cons
Pros
- Perfect mix of cities, coast, and countryside
- Culinary heaven with diverse food options
- Smooth road trips and well-connected routes
- Great for tech lovers and wine connoisseurs alike
Cons
- Traffic in the Bay Area can be unpredictable
- Parking can be challenging in SF and Berkeley
- Limited public transport in Napa
- High-end dining needs early reservations
Quick Info
September to October
5-10 Days
Where I Stayed