West Coast – Ultimate USA Road Trip Itinerary

When it comes to road trips in the USA, the options are endless, but the classic – and likely a rite of passage for any road trip enthusiast – is exploring the iconic West Coast. This adventure typically includes vibrant cities, breathtaking national parks, and scenic coastal highways. We embarked on this unforgettable journey, taking us through some of the most famous destinations in the country.

Starting in the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, we ventured into the stark beauty of Death Valley National Park. From there, we marvelled at the majestic granite cliffs and giant sequoias of Yosemite National Park. Our journey continued to the cultural and culinary delights of San Francisco, before driving down the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, culminating in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles.

Exploring Sin City: Las Vegas Highlights

Las Vegas is a great entry point for your USA West Coast road trip as it’s easily accessible regardless of whether you are flying from a US or international destination. Shake off the jet lag while exploring all the things Sin City has to offer – from the massive hotels and casinos, extravagant restaurants, and crazy nightlife, to the concerts and excellent day trips to the Grand Canyon. Having been to Las Vegas a couple of times, a few days in Vegas will do the trick before you set off on the next leg of your road trip.

Practical Info: All major Las Vegas car rental companies are located within Harry Reid International Airport. Pick up your car on the way to your hotel or ask whether your hotel has a car rental center located onsite if you would prefer.

Read More: Top Things To Do In Las Vegas

Discovering Death Valley National Park

Leave Las Vegas behind and start making your way northwest to explore more of this stunning region. You’d be remiss not to visit some of the US National Parks in the area. A great option as you make your way further west into California is Death Valley National Park. Death Valley National Park is one of 58 National Parks in the USA and the first on this suggested road trip itinerary. These stunning salt flats are located below sea level and represent one of the hottest places in North America.

The park is vast and spans more than three million acres! You can easily spend hours driving between the various points of interest. It helps to do a bit of research and create a route that allows you to see a majority of the popular sites like Dante’s Peak and Badwater Basin with very little backtracking. Whatever you do, bring some water and get ready to crank up the AC – it’s hot.

After exploring for the day, continue further northwest and switch the desert views with lush green and mountainous landscapes as you head to Yosemite National Park. Instead of driving all the way to Yosemite, we stayed overnight in one of the many hotels in Bishop, California. It was the perfect location to chill after a day of sightseeing, with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy. Just don’t stay out too late – Yosemite awaits in the morning.

Practical Info: Access to Yosemite on this route is done through the Tioga Pass. Be sure to assess if it’s open for your trip. If it is closed for winter, then you may want to choose a town beyond Bishop to overnight to help reduce the driving time the following day. You can check the status of the road by visiting the National Park Service site.

Read More: Check out Things To Do In Death Valley National Park for a closer look at our suggested route through this national park.

Exploring the Wonders of Yosemite National Park

As far as national parks go, Yosemite has to be one of the most beautiful. This stunning stage on your US road trip offers rambling rivers, peaceful meadows, brutal granite massifs, and hiking trails galore. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise and certainly worth a few days as you meander through the west.

Yosemite National Park is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From the awe-inspiring granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome to the lush meadows and serene rivers, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to soak in the scenery, Yosemite will not disappoint.

Some of the highlights of a trip to Yosemite include walking through the majestic redwood groves at Mariposa Grove, where the giant sequoias stand tall and proud. Picnicking in the Yosemite Valley meadows provides a relaxing experience, as you watch climbers scale the sheer face of El Capitan and take in the stunning views of Half Dome. For the more adventurous, trekking the Mist Trail offers an exhilarating hike with breathtaking views, leading to the top of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Another must-visit is Glacier Point, which provides one of the best panoramic views of the park, showcasing its vast and varied landscapes.

Whether you want to simply soak up the vibes or get the adrenaline flowing, Yosemite has it all. The park’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife make every visit unique.

Practical Info: Staying in Yosemite Valley is great, but it’s often very busy and needs to be booked well in advance. We opted to stay at Rush Creek Lodge just outside of the park, which proved to be the perfect setting to rest our heads for the evening but also allowed us to hop back into the park quite easily. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, great dining options, and a variety of activities to enjoy after a day of exploring.

Read More: Check out Planning A Visit To Yosemite National Park for a closer look at how we spent a couple days at this national park.

San Francisco: A City of Culture and Charm

After your stay at Yosemite, it’s time to head towards the vibrant city of San Francisco. Having been on the go for a while, the city will be a great place to slow down the pace and relax a bit on your road trip.

San Francisco offers a wealth of things to see and do, catering to a variety of interests. Over the course of the weekend, we took the opportunity to catch up with friends and explore the city’s highlights. One of the must-see attractions is the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and take memorable photos. Walking through Fisherman’s Wharf provides a taste of the city’s maritime history, complete with seafood delights and bustling activity. For a more eclectic experience, head to the Castro District, known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

For wine lovers, San Francisco serves as a great launch point for trips out to the renowned wine regions of Sonoma and Napa Valley. A day trip to these areas offers a relaxing escape and a chance to taste some of the finest wines California has to offer.

Practical Info: Parking in San Francisco is tricky. We spent ages trying to find the best place to park – not only are the hilly roads steep, but they are also signposted with days and times that you are allowed to park. Don’t get caught out – make sure you read the parking signs to assess whether there are any rules that impact your space. Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services to navigate the city more easily.

Read More: Check out Things To Do In San Francisco, California for a snap shot of how to spend your time in San Francisco. 

Driving the Iconic Pacific Coast Highway

After your stay in San Francisco, pack up the car and head out on a road trip within a road trip. It’s time to head south along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway towards Los Angeles. If you want miles and miles of winding roads that hug the cliffs, sleepy seaside towns, and vista points galore, then this is going to be a massive highlight of your west coast trip.

The whole route without stopping takes roughly seven hours, but you’ll want to break this up over the course of a few days. There are multiple cities along the way that you can visit and potentially stay overnight in, including but not limited to Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea, and Santa Barbara. We chose Carmel-By-The-Sea and Morro Bay, which were nicely spaced out and allowed us time to see all the great spots in between.

Some of the spots you shouldn’t miss include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Big Sur State Park, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and the elephant seals of Pismo Beach. Whatever you do, don’t try to do the trip too fast, or you will miss out on the spectacular views and hidden gems along the way.

Practical Info: We decided to overnight in Carmel-By-The-Sea at the charming Carmel Firelight Inn and in Morro Bay at the simple Bay View Inn. We have since fallen in love with Relais & Chateaux properties – so when we go back, we are planning to treat ourselves and stay at the L’Auberge Carmel. If staying in Carmel-By-The-Sea, book a table at the delicious Mediterranean restaurant Yafa. Be sure to order the whole artichoke – it’s oven-baked in olive oil, lemon, and garlic, and served with a smoked paprika aioli. It’s as delicious as it sounds.

Read More: Check out Pacific Coast Highway – Ultimate Self-Drive Itinerary for a closer look at this road trip and the destinations we chose to explore.

Experiencing the Vibrant City of Los Angeles

At the end of the Pacific Coast Highway is your last stop on this suggested West Coast USA itinerary road trip – Los Angeles. Similar to San Francisco, what you do here is ultimately all about what you want to get out of this trip. We opted to stay with a friend and used this long weekend to reconnect, but the city offers its visitors lots to do and it’s very easy to come up with an itinerary that allows you to see it properly over the course of a couple of days.

Highlights include seeing Beverly Hills, shopping on Rodeo Drive, exploring the kitschy charm of Hollywood, and heading out to the coast to see Santa Monica and Venice Beach. If you like amusement parks, why not take a day out to visit one of the mega amusement parks the US is known for, including Disneyland and Universal Studios.

In addition to these classic attractions, consider visiting Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign, or explore the Getty Center for its incredible art collections and stunning architecture. The bustling Farmers Market and The Grove provide excellent shopping and dining opportunities. For a relaxing day, head to Malibu to enjoy its beautiful beaches and scenic coastal views.

You’ll find that people either love it or hate Los Angeles. Regardless of where you sit on the love/hate scale, this leg of the trip will give you an appreciation for the US and all that it has to offer its visitors.

Practical Info: LAX is a massive international airport, so well-connected and serves as a great base for your departure flight. If at this point you don’t want your road trip to end, heading further south will give you the opportunity to also check out San Diego.

Read More: Check out Things To Do In Los Angeles, California for a closer look at this pit stop.

Reaching the end of your West Coast road trip and returning the car can feel bittersweet, but the incredible memories and experiences you’ll gather along the way will stay with you forever. From the vibrant energy of Las Vegas to the stark beauty of Death Valley, the majestic peaks of Yosemite, the cultural richness of San Francisco, and the sunny beaches of Los Angeles, this journey encapsulates the best of what the USA has to offer.

This road trip will give you a taste of the diverse landscapes and dynamic cities that make the West Coast such a unique and captivating destination. The contrast between the natural wonders of national parks and the lively urban environments provides a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s allure that create an epic balanced roadtrip.

Though the USA may not always be considered as exotic or ancient as other international destinations, its unique charm, cultural diversity, and breathtaking scenery make it a top choice for travelers. Each visit reveals new facets of its vast beauty, ensuring that multiple trips are needed to fully appreciate its depth and variety. This adventure through the West is just a small glimpse into the countless opportunities for exploration and discovery in the land of the free.

So, get ready to pack your bags, start your engine, and embark on your own unforgettable West Coast road trip. The journey awaits, offering endless opportunities for new experiences and lasting memories.

TIP: The USA is full of National Parks. If you plan to see a few on your own trip, be sure to get a National Park annual pass. The price will be cheaper than paying individually at each of the parks and will last a year – allowing you to explore this itinerary and other National Parks you choose to venture to. 

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TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS: WEST COAST USA

Flights

The West Coast is easily accessible via several major airports, including LAX (Los Angeles), SFO (San Francisco), and LAS (Las Vegas). Use Kayak to find the best deals on flights to start your road trip.

Accommodation

When exploring accommodation options along the West Coast, Hotels.com is a great resource. They offer a wide range of hotels, and you can earn a free night's stay after every 10 bookings as a rewards member.

Car Hire

The best way to experience the West Coast is by car. Compare car rental options and find the best deals at RentalCars.com to ensure you have reliable transportation for your adventure.

Travel Insurance

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. (As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.)