San Francisco & Los Angeles Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

There’s something to enjoy in every season in both cities, but generally, the months of September to November and March to May are considered the best times to explore San Francisco and Los Angeles multi-centre holidays.

In spring (March to May), you’ll find pleasant temperatures and less rain in both Los Angeles and San Francisco, with milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 24°C. If you love the great outdoors, this is a perfect time to visit. 

In autumn (September to November), you’ll find less tourists, while temperatures remain pleasant between 20-26°C. You do run the risk of fog in San Francisco, but you’ll find plenty of events going on to keep you entertained on foggy days, including music and arts festivals and cultural events. 

If you’re a sun-worshipper, the summer months (from June to August) could be the best time for you, where you can enjoy plenty of time at the beach. Los Angeles typically boasts hot and sunny weather with temperatures ranging from approximately 27°C to 33°C, while San Francisco experiences cooler temperatures with occasional fog, ranging from approximately 16°C to 21°C.

San Francisco and Los Angeles are in the same time zone, which is Pacific Time (PT) during most of the year - and 8 hours behind the UK. If you’re travelling to these twin centres, be aware that in March and November their time zones change and US clocks go forwards or backwards an hour. During Daylight Saving Time, the time difference reduces to 7 hours. 

When flying from the UK, typically, you would fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and then use domestic flights to fly between the two cities. 

Once you've completed your stay in the first city, you can travel via domestic flight to the next city. Several airlines offer frequent flights between SFO and LAX, making it easy to hop between the two. The flight takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Do you like to plan in advance? We offer guaranteed prices up to 36 months ahead of when you want to fly, meaning you can secure your package with an initial low deposit and pay the remainder in monthly installments.   

When preparing for multi-centre holidays to San Francisco and Los Angeles, it's important to consider that there are some notable temperature and weather variations between the two cities, so you’ll need to pack strategically. 

San Francisco's microclimates can often bring cooler, windier conditions - even in the summer - so layers will be essential. While San Francisco may require more layered clothing, Los Angeles leans towards casual and summery styles. 

For San Francisco, bring lightweight long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a light jacket for cooler evenings and potential fog. On the other hand, Los Angeles is famous for its Mediterranean climate, so you can lap up warm and sunny weather across most of the year. Here, t-shirts, shorts, and dresses are great for daytime activities, but bring a light jacket for the evenings, especially if you plan to be near the coast. 

Both landscapes and cultures have a captivating contrast, from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's entertainment industry in LA to the historic sights of San Francisco.

On Los Angeles twin-centres, don’t miss the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you can soak up the celebrity atmosphere. If you’re travelling with kids, head to Universal Studios Hollywood to experience thrilling rides and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the film industry. 

When in San Francisco, you don’t want to miss the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge - an architectural masterpiece with stunning bay views. Another must-see is the intriguing Alcatraz Island, the famous former prison located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Finally, wander the vibrant waterfront of Fisherman's Wharf, where you can enjoy delicious seafood, spot sea lions, and soak up the city's lively atmosphere.

When visiting the Golden Gate Bridge on San Francisco twin-centres, you’ll want to plan ahead. Check the weather before you visit for clear views and consider using public transportation, as parking can be limited. 

To get some fantastic snaps, head to popular viewing spots like the Marin Headlands, Crissy Field, or Baker Beach, and walk or bike across the bridge's east sidewalk for a unique experience and epic photos. 

Beat the crowds by visiting during less crowded times, such as early morning or late afternoon, and consider guided tours to learn about the bridge's history. To see the bridge at night, consider a bay cruise for a unique perspective from the water or take a leisurely nighttime stroll along the bridge's adjacent pathways.

Los Angeles and San Francisco both have a host of child-friendly activities and attractions, making them fantastic places for families to visit. In Los Angeles, you can embark on an adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood, where kids can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, brave exhilarating rides, and meet their favourite movie characters. Nearby, the iconic Santa Monica Pier offers a classic amusement park, an aquarium, plus a beautiful beach that the whole family will love. 

Meanwhile, in San Francisco, a visit to Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf is a must for families. Kids and adults will love spotting the playful sea lions and watching the constant street performances. Across the bay, Golden Gate Park has beautiful gardens and playgrounds, as well as the California Academy of Sciences, which has an epic planetarium and an indoor rainforest!

Visiting Universal Studios in Los Angeles is a fantastic experience for the whole family, but a few things are handy to know before you go. Consider arriving early to maximise your time and to beat the crowds - purchasing tickets in advance online will save time queuing. Once you’re inside, scope out the iconic attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and top rides including Jurassic World—The Ride and Transformers: The Ride 3D. Wait times can vary, so consider using Universal Express Passes for priority access to some attractions. 

These two cities have an exciting calendar of events available throughout the year. Movie nuts will love the San Francisco’s International Film Festival in April, where you can discover international and independent films. Another interesting cultural event is the Chinese New Year Parade and Festival in February, which boasts colourful parades, dragon dances, and cultural performances that showcase the city's rich heritage. Lastly, the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in August, held in Golden Gate Park, is a fabulous place to enjoy music from top artists, art installations, and gourmet food and wine.

In Los Angeles, the Oscars in February/March are a glitzy affair that attracts tourists and film enthusiasts from around the world. Or if you’re travelling during the holidays, the Hollywood Christmas Parade in November/December is a sight to behold, with elaborate floats and celebrities along the famous Hollywood Boulevard. 

Both San Francisco and Los Angeles offer diverse and delicious culinary scenes, featuring a wide range of cuisines. In San Francisco, don't miss the classic Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl at Fisherman's Wharf. Mission-Style burritos are also a beloved part of San Francisco's culinary culture, and you'll find numerous taquerias and restaurants offering their unique interpretations of this delicious dish.

In Los Angeles, enjoy a taste of Mexico with the diverse taco scene, where you’ll find plenty of flavourful options including carne asada and al pastor. Or, experience the flavours of Korean BBQ in Koreatown before savouring an all-American classic at the iconic In-N-Out Burger.