24 days in Chicago & Santa Monica Itinerary

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple and Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like The Art Institute of Chicago and Field Museum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Chicago: South Bend (Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes & University of Notre Dame), Baha'i House of Worship (in Wilmette) and Shrine of the Christ's Passion (in Saint John). And it doesn't end there: admire the striking features of Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, get curious at Museum of Science and Industry, contemplate the long history of Ernest Hemingway Birthplace, and get to know the resident critters at Lincoln Park Zoo.

To see traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Chicago trip planner.

Frankfurt, Germany to Chicago is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. Traveling from Frankfurt to Chicago, you'll gain 7 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect a daytime high around 25°C in May, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Santa Monica.

A famed resort town since the early 20th century, Santa Monica sits on the picturesque Santa Monica Bay, bordered on three sides by the city of Los Angeles.

Appreciate the collections at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation. Santa Monica Pier and Virginia Robinson Gardens are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore Santa Monica's surroundings by going to Rancho Camulos Museum (in Piru), Simi Dog Park (in Simi Valley) and SeaCoast Redondo Church (in Redondo Beach). There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Wayfarers Chapel, wander the streets of Golden Triangle, see the interesting displays at The Point Vicente Interpretive Center, and contemplate the long history of William S. Hart Museum & Ranch.

For maps, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, read Santa Monica road trip planning website.

Traveling by flight from Chicago to Santa Monica takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and tram. The time zone difference when traveling from Chicago to Santa Monica is minus 2 hours. While traveling from Chicago, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Santa Monica, ranging from highs of 26°C to lows of 19°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.