road trip las vegas california

The Ultimate Las Vegas to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

Traveling between Las Vegas and LA? Here’s the perfect Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip itinerary that includes all the best stops on the way!

Las Vegas and Los Angeles are two of the most-visited cities in America. Both are famous for their world-class entertainment and attractions that lure in visitors from across the globe.

However, most people don’t realize that a trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is less than five hours without traffic. The drive between the two major cities contains famous attractions like the World’s Tallest Thermometer, Death Valley, and Red Rock Canyon State Park.

Our itinerary features the most sought-out attractions between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, with some hidden gems along the way.

You can also do this itinerary in reverse for an epic Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip. Either way, this short but scenic drive is packed with cool things to see and do!

Check out our 3 Days In Las Vegas Itinerary if you need inspiration for your time in Sin City!

Table of Contents

Where to Start Your Las Vegas to Los Angeles Road Trip

Best time of year for the las vegas to los angeles drive, how long is this road trip, seven magic mountains, death valley national park, world’s tallest thermometer, mojave national preserve, calico ghost town, red rock canyon state park , elmer’s bottle tree ranch, joshua tree national park , palm springs, huntington beach, topanga state park, los angeles, planning your las vegas to los angeles road trip.

Driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles requires planning if you want to hit the best attractions along the way. This epic road trip includes the top spots whether you’re looking to catch a thrill, soak in nature, or learn about history. 

Whether you want to take your time on this scenic route, skip some stops and shorten the journey, or complete the drive in reverse and travel from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, this amazing drive through the wild west will surely be memorable!

We are starting this road trip in Las Vegas and west towards Los Angeles. But you can also do this in reverse using the information we provide in this guide.

The route is pretty straightforward, and there are plenty of gas stations, national parks, ghost towns, eateries, attractions and hotels along the way.

Feel free to reverse the road trip if you’d rather travel from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, or add more amazing places if you want to stretch the journey out more. Or you can just drive straight there and arrive in just a few hours.

If you don’t have your own car to take on this Las Vegas drive, be sure to rent one! There are plenty of places in Las Vegas that offer car rentals. And if you’re doing the road trip in reverse, there are lots of car rentals in LA as well.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

The best time of year for this drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles is late spring and early fall. May, early June, September, and early November are the ideal times of year to make this road trip. 

The weather will be cooler, making it more comfortable for adventuring outside and in the parks, some of which are advised not to visit in the summer. Death Valley National Park is one of them, infamous for being the hottest place on Earth!

The driving time without stops is about four hours and 30 minutes without traffic. With stops at the recommended points of interest we’ve included in this road trip itinerary, the total drive time exceeds 16 hours of driving.

Of course, the drive time is split up between the different stops. We recommend taking a week to experience all of the stops we’ve included in this itinerary without being in a rush on this Las Vegas road trip.

Read next: 25 Best Things To Do In California

Las Vegas to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary

When driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles or from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, here are the top places to stop on the way.

One of the most visited places on Earth, Las Vegas is a trip many take for bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, or simply to see what all the hype is about. Called “Sin City,” Las Vegas is teeming with world-class entertainment, casinos, and popping nightclubs.

The luxury hotels along Las Vegas Blvd are among its most sought-out attributes due to their immaculate and unique designs. The Venetian is one such example. It is a casino resort and luxury hotel featuring Italian themes, 20 restaurants, a shopping mall, artificial canals with offered gondola rides, a nightclub, and more! 

The city is loaded with thrilling attractions people travel from all over the world to experience. Treat yourself to a Las Vegas vacation before you start the drive to LA!

Top things to do in the area:

• Fremont Street
• Las Vegas Boulevard
• The Mob Museum
• Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
• The Venetian

Less than thirty minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Seven Magic Mountains was established by famous Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone.

The exhibition displays seven dayglow totems that stretch 30-35 feet into the sky. The boulders used for the totems were locally sourced and painted colorfully, catching the eye of the beholder. 

The art installation was enacted to strengthen Nevada’s support of artists worldwide further. The state is dedicated to incorporating varying styles and passions of art creation.

Though art is always open to interpretation, the meaning of the Seven Magic Mountains exhibition is believed to express the midway points between natural and artificial, from the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert to the passageway to the city of lights, Las Vegas. 

Read next: 21 Best Things To Do In Las Vegas

The place of extremes, Death Valley National Park is the driest, lowest, and hottest national park. It is the hottest place on Earth, breaking a record of 134°F in 1913. 

Contrary to its name, Death Valley National Park has fascinating geologic formations, rich habitats, and natural wonders. The park is part of the Mojave Desert and borders the Great Basin Desert to establish some of the most stunning vistas. Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View are two of the top landscapes people travel from all over to see.

At Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park visitors can walk to the lowest point in North America, which may initially seem covered in snow but is blanketed in salt! 

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are one of the top attractions at Death Valley National Park. Many come to the towering sand dunes to try their hand at sandboarding for a unique and thrilling activity.

There are a few gas stations in the park but it’s recommended to have some backup in your car if you plan on off-roading.

Other top things to do in the area include:

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
• Devil’s Golf Course
• Dante’s View
• Badwater Basin
• Darwin Falls

Another unique stop on this Las Vegas drive is the World’s Tallest Thermometer . The record-breaking thermometer reaches 134 feet, which purposefully matches the highest temperature recorded in Death Valley National Park.

The World’s Tallest Thermometer is situated in the town known as the “Gateway to Death Valley” in Baker, California. Seen from miles away, the thermometer’s highest recorded temperature is 127 degrees.

By the landmark are a gift shop and an outdoor picnic area featuring a thermometer and two fake eggs on a cast-iron skillet. Visitors to the landmark and gift shop can check if it is hot enough for the eggs to fry, which requires a temperature of 158 degrees. 

Read Next: Check out our post on the best day trips from Las Vegas .

The Mojave National Preserve is another beautiful place to visit on this scenic route to Los Angeles!

The Mojave Desert is the driest desert in the nation. Its mystifying landscapes were used as backdrops for films like The Avengers and Nocturnal Animals. It expands across four states and holds nine national park units. The Mojave National Preserve is the third largest of all United States National Park System units. 

The Mojave National Preserve protects the largest population of Joshua Trees, even more than Joshua Tree National Park. Visiting the Mojave National Preserve grants an impeccable opportunity to see volcanic cinder cones, towering sand dunes, Joshua Trees, and much more!

Its trails, like the Hole-In-The-Wall Rings Trail, are a rewarding feature of the Mojave National Preserve. This trail is a climbing trek up input ring bolts mounted into the rock that is safe for hikers to proceed into Banshee Canyon. The canyon was named after the eerie mournful sounds created as the wind passes through the eroded holes in the rock. 

Other top things to see/do in the area:

• Mojave Memorial Cross
• Banshee Canyon
• Boulders Viewpoint
• Kelso Dunes

Best Trails To Hike:

• Teutonia Peak Trail
• Lava Beds Trail
• Lava Tubes Trail
• Hole-In-The-Wall Rings Trail

Once a boisterous, wealthy mining town in the 1880s, now this town in Southern California is the Calico Ghost Town. 

Calico Ghost Town, in its prime, had more than 500 mines that produced more than $20 million in profit. Its primary source of income was the silver, gold, and borax plowed from the depths of the Earth.

When the silver dried up, the town was abandoned in the mid-1890s. Today, the old mining town has become a popular tourist spot for people to visit the remnants of the glory days of an Old West mining town. 

On the drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Calico Ghost Town is a perfect stop to take along the way. It is full of historical attractions and a mysterious ambiance that continues to attract visitors more than a hundred years after its abandonment. 

Visit Lucy Lane’s house, which once acted as the courthouse and post office but now functions as a museum to exhibit intriguing artifacts from the town.

Then, take a trip on the historic Calico & Odessa Railroad around Calico Ghost Town to see where miners once worked. On the train ride, keep your eyes peeled for the name of the ghost town carved into the mountainside and exclusive sights of the mines that visitors can’t see on foot! 

Other top things to do in the area:

• Dorsey’s Dog House
• Mystery Shack
• Maggie Mine
• Lil and Joe’s Saloons
• Calico & Odessa Railroad

Want to explore more of Southern California? Here is our list of the top 25 things to do in the area!

Part of the Mojave Desert, Red Rock Canyon State Park is renowned for the ancient history it preserves and its unique geological formations. 

Hiking and camping are the top activities in the park, and the area is particularly famous for its rock climbing.

Its nickname is “5.7 Heaven” for its many multi-pitch low-difficulty climbs, plus more routes. One such spot is Cat In The Hat. Expanding over six pitches, Birdland in Pine Creek is a 5.7+ that reaches up Brass Wall, recommended for experts only.

Sightseeing by 4×4 is another popular activity in Red Rock Canyon State Park, whether of the diverse land formations or the species that call the area home. From gray wolves and tarantulas to the endangered desert tortoise, there are eye-catching sights to be seen at this famous park. 

Detouring to Red Rock Canyon State Park is a rewarding stop along this Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip. 

• Scenic Drive
• Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
• Kraft Boulders (rock climbing)
• Petroglyph Wall
• Calico Hills Trail
• Ice Box Canyon Trail
• Guardian Angel Pass
• Red Springs Boardwalk

One of the most favored roadside attractions to stop by, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is a creative inspiration come to life for Elmer Long. 

Set on Route 66, Elmer Long created the main attraction from a collection he and his father scavenged. When Elmer was a kid, he would go camping with his father in the desert. Elmer and his father found dumps in the desert during these camping outings.

They both would find intriguing things to bring home, the main attraction being the bottles Elmer’s father collected that featured items they’d discovered from the dumps, including rakes, boats, and the like. 

There’s even a bottle tree sculpture made from an old missile Elmer discovered on one of his scavenges! If you like unique attractions, be sure to stop at the Bottle Tree Ranch en route from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Read next: The Perfect 3 Days In Los Angeles Itinerary

Next on this epic Las Vegas drive to Los Angeles is Joshua Tree National Park. Because of its diverse ecosystems, the park is rich with sightseeing opportunities to see local species of animals, flora, and fauna.

The teddy bear cholla cacti are among the most famous sights at Joshua Tree National Park alongside the Joshua Trees. This cactus is also known as the jumping cholla because if you get too close, a segment of the cactus will fall off and fly at you!

These cacti can be seen everywhere in the park, but most popularly in the Cholla Cactus Garden, a cacti grove that includes other species of plants, such as the desert star vine and desert lavender. 

Head over to Echo Cove for rock climbing the 8,000 climbs, with options available for beginners and experts. Or hike at Echo Cove to admire the exquisite rock formations.

To savor your stop in Joshua Tree National Park, the park’s multiple campgrounds can sink in with nature and peer up at the star-speckled sky in an International Dark Sky Park. This designation refers to the park’s untainted pollution of artificial light and clear views of the stars in the sky, making it the perfect spot to stargaze while camping! 

This self-driving audio tour guides visitors through Joshua Tree National Park to uncover the secrets of this desert landscape rich with life. From hearing the fascinating tales of the McHaney Gang to learning how people once thrived here, this self-guided tour is a peek into the rich history of Joshua Tree National Park.

• Ryan Mountain
• Lost Horse Mine
• Cottonwood Spring

Best Hiking Trails:

• Arch Rock Nature Trail
• Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead
• Cholla Cactus Garden Trail
• Skull Rock Trail

In the Sonoran Desert, Palm Springs is beloved for its natural hot springs, mid-century modern architecture, and recreational opportunities. 

Palm Springs was a hot destination that attracted big-name stars like Frank Sinatra and Walt Disney back in the day. On this guided tour , visitors can discover more than 50 celebrity homes on tour throughout Palm Springs. 

The favorable sunny climate in Palm Springs, paired with its top-class golf courses, rejuvenating spas, upscale shopping, and natural hot springs, seal the deal.

While visiting Palm Springs, make it a point to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway . The largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes passengers up to San Jacinto Peak while showcasing breathtaking views of Coachella Valley.

At the top of San Jacinto Peak, at the end of the passage, are two available restaurants overlooking the valley, a natural history museum, and hiking trails to traverse for a fun activity in Palm Springs!

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
• Moorten Botanical Garden
• Palm Springs Art Museum
• Palm Springs Air Museum 

Find more ideas with our list of the best things to do in Palm Springs !

World famous for its hot spot surfing beaches, Huntington Beach is every surfer’s dream destination!

On the West, Huntington Beach borders the Pacific Ocean. Its expansive 8.5 miles of sandy beach are widely known for its perfect surfing waves and climate. As a result, the California city was nicknamed “Surf City” for its excellent natural capacity for luring in surfers from all over the world. 

Even if you’re not a surfer, a trip to Huntington Beach is well worth the stop along this Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip.

Many people visit the city to soak in the sun’s rays while observing surfers catch a big one. For a step away from life’s stressors, grab a hotel at one of the many high-class beachside resorts scattered across Huntington Beach . Before you know it, you won’t want to leave Surf City! 

• Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
• Bella Terra
• Huntington State Beach
• Shipley Nature Center

Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park is also part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. 

Topanga State Park has over 36 miles of trails available to explore the largest wildland in the boundaries of a major city.

The trails are open for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers seeking an adventure of the great outdoors. An adventure of Topanga State Park highlights stunning geologic formations, marine fossils, earthquake faults, and volcanic intrusions. 

One of the most sought-out points of interest in Topanga State Park is Eagle Rock. The hike up to Eagle Rock is a rewarding climb to the top of Eagle Rock, where many like to hang out in the small cave that overlooks the San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Bay, and the canyons. 

• Topanga Lookout
• Temescal Canyon
• Los Liones Trail
• Temescal Canyon Trail
• Paseo Miramar Trail
• Skull Rock Loop

Read next: The 21 Best Things To Do In Los Angeles

The largest city in California, Los Angeles , is world-famous as the entertainment capital of the planet. Overflowing with things to do, Los Angeles is rich with action, adventure, and inspiration.

Its Spanish name translates to “The City of Angels.” The city is frequently sunny and warm, perfect for welcoming visitors from across the globe to adventure through its abundant streets.

Many people move to Los Angeles to get a fresh start in the entertainment industry, whether it be musicians, actors, or artists. Others travel to Los Angeles to get a taste of the hype of this world-famous city. 

One of the most famous landmarks in Los Angeles is the Hollywood Sign. The city is home to the renowned neighborhood of Hollywood, known as the place where celebrities live, and movies are made.

It is also the place of top-class attractions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the western United States’ largest art museum known internationally for its upscale exhibits. 

Whether you’re starting your journey here for a Los Angeles to Las Vegas drive, or you’re finishing up here after road-tripping from Vegas, spend a few days soaking in all that this famous city has to offer.

Other top things to do in Los Angeles:

• Los Angeles County Museum of Art
• Griffith Observatory
• TCL Chinese Theatre

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

About the Author - Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook , YouTube and Instagram .

Related Posts

The Ultimate 3 Days in New York City Itinerary (2024 Update)

25 Best Things To Do In Santa Fe, New Mexico (2024 Guide)

The 21 Best Things To Do In Richmond, Virginia (2024 Guide)

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary: California, Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon

Last updated: March 6, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 13 Comments

We’ve taken a lot of road trips in the USA, and it is our favorite country for taking road trips. From Route 66 to the Oregon Trail to the Pacific Coast Highway to the Deep South , we’ve had some amazing adventures by road across the states.

One of our most popular road trip itineraries for the USA is our two week California road trip itinerary . However, I’m often asked by readers how to adapt it to include some other popular destinations in the USA, specifically Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon .

In response to this request, I’ve put together this detailed two week USA road trip itinerary through parts of the southwest and western USA.

This itinerary includes highlights of California, such as Yosemite and Death Valley national parks, as well as the Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It also has you driving some iconic stretches of Route 66, spending time in Las Vegas, and taking a visit to the incredible Grand Canyon.

This is an extension to the popular “Golden Triangle” road trip, which usually features Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Our road trip itinerary takes you across three states – California, Arizona and Nevada, and would suit trips of two to three weeks.

Obviously, as you are trying to see a fair bit in this itinerary, it does require quite a bit of driving, and you won’t be able to see absolutely everything on offer. We’d suggest a minimum of two weeks for this trip, but if you have a little longer, then you could easily stretch it out to three weeks or more, and have a few more stops along the way.

For now though, let’s take a look at this itinerary on a day by day basis to see what it looks like. As always, please just use this itinerary as a guide, and feel free to adjust it to your particular interests!

USA Road Trip Itinerary

I’ve designed this itinerary to be circular, so you start and finish at the same place. This makes things like car hire easier, as often there’s a one-way fee if you rent a car in one place and leave it somewhere else. However, this isn’t always the case, for example, we’ve rented in Las Vegas and dropped off in San Francisco and not been charged a fee.

Of course, if you are wanting to avoid driving in the USA, then you can also take tours that follow a very similar route to this one, such as this one . You can check out a list of tour options later in the post.

A circular route also means that you can start and finish at any point on the route, and you can do it in either direction. If you’re flying to the start, cities with major airports include Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For now, we’ll assume you’re going to start in Las Vegas.

Days 1 & 2 – Las Vegas

We recommend starting your US road trip in Las Vegas. The city is world famous as basically an adults playground, with gambling, shows, restaurants and bars aplenty. It’s an easy place to spend a lot of money very quickly!

However, there is definitely a lot more to Las Vegas than the famous Las Vegas Strip, both in town, and in the nearby area. The stunning Valley of Fire state park is a short drive away, and you can also visit the impressive Hoover Dam very easily. So whether you are into natural wonders or man-made delights, you should find something to do.

Our recommendation would be to spend your two days in Las Vegas. There is a lot to do in the city, and if you arriving from a different time zone, these two days will give you time to adjust and acclimatize. However, if you do want to head out of the city, we have included a couple of suggested trips to popular nearby attractions as well.

Things to do in Las Vegas

With around two days to explore, depending on when you arrive in the city, you should be able to see a good amount in Las Vegas.

Some of our personal highlights we recommend include the views from the top of the Stratosphere Tower, visiting the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign for a photo opportunity, walking the Strip at night, watching the famous Bellagio fountains display and taking in the Mob Museum.

You will also likely want to take in one of the shows that are hosted every evening at venues across the city. There’s a huge number of shows to choose from, you can see the options and book them online in advance here . Other popular activities in Vegas include dining. The city is home to a number of truly world class restaurants, as well as quite spectacular buffets.

There’s also no shortage of shopping if you want to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. We’d also suggest taking a bit of down time and relaxing by your hotel pool as part of your acclimatization strategy. There’s going to be a lot of driving and sight-seeing in the days ahead, so a bit time relaxing by the pool with a beer or cocktail will start your trip off on the right foot. Alternatively, there are also a number of fun rides you can take in the city, if you’re more of a thrill seeker.

Finally, you will probably want to take part in the pastime that Vegas is most well-known for – gambling. There’s a huge number of casinos to choose from, with many of the hotels also running huge casino operations. Even if you don’t wish to gamble, it is worth visiting a few of the casinos as the buildings themselves are so iconic.

In terms of getting around Las Vegas, the city has a lot of options. It’s also relatively spread out, so whilst you can walk, it will likely take you longer than you think to get around on foot. The temperatures in summer also make walking very uncomfortable.

Instead, you might consider one of the popular rideshare services, taxis, or the monorail, which connects many of the key points of the city together. We would advise against driving in the Las Vegas – parking fees are high, and the roads are busy.

If you’d prefer to head out of the city for either part of all of one of your days in the city, we’d recommend visiting either the Hoover Dam and taking the tour there or heading out to the Valley of Fire State Park . If you head out early and have your own vehicle you can fit both into one day out.

The Hoover Dam is an incredible feat of modern engineering and is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the industrial world .

The Valley of Fire State Park is home to spectacular landscapes, made up from wonderfully colored rocks which give the park its name

The Hoover Dam is a ticketed attraction, with different tours available. Some of these tours can be purchased in advance online, whilst others are only available in person. If you choose to take a tour that requires an in person ticket purchase you will want to arrive early as slots are limited and this is a popular attraction. See more on ticket types and prices on the official website here .

The Valley of Fire State Park also has a fee, which is charged per vehicle rather than per person, and you can see details of that here . There are a number of short hikes you can take to explore the park, or you can just drive to observation points and enjoy the views.

Note that if you are doing this road trip in the summer, hiking is generally not recommended as it gets very hot, often in excess of 100F / 37C. Visiting the Valley of Fire at this time of year is not as pleasant an experience as in the cooler months.

You can either take a tour to reach our suggested sites or you can drive yourself. If you don’t want to pick up your rental car yet, or would just prefer the convenience of a tour, here are some options to consider:

• A three hour mini tour of the Hoover Dam, where you will see the main exterior highlights but not the interior parts
• A 4-6 hour guided hiking tour of the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas, with varying levels of hike available depending on your fitness

Whether you decide to spend all your time in Las Vegas or take in some of the surrounding attractions, we’re sure you won’t run out of things to do here.

For more inspiration, see our guide to things to do in Las Vegas which has lots more ideas as well as tips on saving money.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Las Vegas. Our suggestion would be to try and stay on or near the Strip if possible, as this will make it easier to get to many of the sights. We’d also suggest staying in one of the casinos because that’s part of the Vegas experience! Here are some suggested options to get you started across a range of budgets.

• Travelodge by Wyndham Las Vegas Airport – if you’re looking for a budget hotel and don’t mind not being on the strip or having an on-site casino, this 2* Travelodge offers comfortable rooms, free parking and a breakfast bag.
• The D Las Vegas – found in the older part of Las Vegas, amongst the famous neon of Fremont Street, this hotel offers good value accommodation as well as on-site casino.
• Luxor – if you ever wanted to sleep in a pyramid, without the associated hassle of becoming an Egyptian pharaoh and dying, the Luxor is for you. This 3* hotel is famous for its iconic pyramid shape, and is handily located near the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Naturally there’s a casino, range of dining options and usually some kind of show or entertainment to enjoy.
• New York, New York – another well known Vegas hotel, this property was constructed to resemble the New York skyline, complete with a 150 feet Statue of Liberty. There’s an on-site rollercoaster, casino, range of restaurants, and live shows.
• Flamingo Las Vegas – this is the oldest resort hotel on the Strip, although don’t let that put you off as it’s been refurbished a number of times. It offers colourful rooms, a huge on-site casino, and good prices for the central location. Another of our favourites in Vegas.
• Bellagio – found behind the famous fountains, this is one of the most iconic five star hotels in Las Vegas. Many rooms offer spectacular strip views, and there’s an on site casino, multiple dining options, and on site entertainment. A great option for those with a larger budget, or just looking to start the trip in style. We loved our stay here.

Day 3 – Grand Canyon

It’s time to start the real road trip part of your adventure! If you’re picking up your rental car, now is the time to do that if you haven’t already.

For your third day you’ll want to get an early start as you’ve got around 300 miles to go, or just under a five hour drive.

It’s worth it though, for what is arguably one of mother nature’s most spectacular sights in the world – the Grand Canyon.

You have a couple of options for your drive. First, you can drop down to Kingman, Arizona, and then take the I-40 all the way to Williams, Arizona, before turning north.

However, you might prefer to take the more scenic route along a stretch of the legendary Route 66 driving route . This runs from Kingman, Arizona, up to Peach Springs and back down to Seligman, where you join the I-40. This won’t add much to your journey (around 20 minutes extra driving time), but will give you the opportunity to follow just over 80 miles of Route 66.

There are a few notable highlights along this stretch of the route which are worth stopping at, even if just for a quick photo opportunity. These include Hackberry General Store, a Route 66 era gas station in Truxton, and the Grand Canyon Caverns . You can see more options for this stretch of the route in this part of our 2 week Route 66 guide .

Now, onto the main attraction of the day – the Grand Canyon! This is a National Park with entry fees, which are charged per vehicle. You can see information on prices, opening times and concessions here .

You are basically going to have most of the afternoon, the evening, and the following morning to visit the park. Obviously, more time would be best, but we’re on a schedule for this itinerary. If you do want to do more activities here though, including lengthier hikes, you will definitely want to extend your stay here.

Let’s assume you are following this itinerary though, and have around 1.5 days at the Grand Canyon. I would recommend spending this as follows.

Things to do at the Grand Canyon

First, I suggest visiting the main Grand Canyon Visitor Centre in Grand Canyon Village. This has detailed information on the park, with exhibits on a range of subjects including the geology, geography, and wildlife of the park. There’s also a 20 minute video you can watch to get acquainted with the park.

You can also talk to the rangers based here who can give you advice for everything related to your visit, from shuttle timetables through to great spots to watch the sunset and sunrise, and suggested short hikes that you can take to match your specific fitness.

From the visitor centre, it’s a short walk to Mather Point which offers incredible views across the Canyon. You can also walk along the trail which follows the rim in both directions, for more views (and fewer crowds).

At this point you’ll probably want to head to your accommodation and check-in, after which, depending on how much time you have, you may want to take the shuttle bus to one of the viewpoints along the rim. I’d definitely recommend ensuring you have a good spot to watch the sunset – I have a guide to the best places to watch the sunset and sunrise at the Grand Canyon here .

Finally, after a long day it’s time to turn in. On the morning of your fourth day I suggest taking another short hike if that interests you, or driving to some of the many viewpoints along the rim as you exit the park.

Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon

You have a few options for staying at the Grand Canyon. My recommendation is to stay on-site at the south rim in Grand Canyon Village. There are five hotels to choose from, plus two campgrounds. They cover a range of budgets, but be aware you do pay a bit of a premium for the location. You can see all the options available here .

If you want to stay at any of these, you will definitely need to book online in advance as they are all very popular and do sell out.

The hotels are all operated by Grand Canyon Lodges, and can be booked online here .

The two campgrounds are Mather Campground (no RV hookups) and Trailer Village (full hook-ups available).

Mather Campground is operated by the National Parks Service, and can be booked online here . Trailer Village is a concession, which can be booked online here .

Day 4 – Route 66 to Joshua Tree National Park

Your fourth day of this itinerary has you heading to California, with your destination being the Joshua Tree National Park .

You have a decent amount of driving today, and again we’re going to suggest you take the opportunity to take in stretches of iconic Route 66. Doing so will result in around a 6.5 hour drive, or around 375 miles of driving. If you would prefer a more direct route, it’s around 5.5 hours / 361 miles.

We think the scenic route is worth it though, as this drive across the wild and rugged back country of California and parts of Arizona Is truly spectacular, and one we always enjoy. Specifically, you will follow I-40 to Kingman, then take the 10 out to Oatman. This town maintains the feel of a former wild west frontier town, and burros still roam the streets. There are even regular “gunfights” here, staged for the benefit of visiting tourists.

Just note, the traffic around Oatman can be quite slow (and even stop sometimes) as a result of the daily shows. In addition, the road up to Oatman is quite curvy, so you will want to take your time.

From Oatman, you’ll head on to Needles, one of the hottest places in the USA, follow the I-40 for a short while longer, and then rejoin Route 66 to pass through Amboy. A photo stop and a purchase of Route 66 Route beer is essential at Roy’s Motel in Amboy!

From Amboy, it’s due south until you reach Twentynine Palms. This is where you can access the Joshua Tree National Park, which we suggest you leave until the following day.

Once you consider various stops for photo opportunities, dining and so on, you will likely have used up all your useful daylight by now, so we suggest stopping overnight in Twentynine Palms, and continuing your adventures tomorrow. Of course, if you’re a fan of astrophotography , you might want to pop into the park, which has some excellent star gazing and astrophotography opportunities. But it’s up to you.

Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park

There are no hotels within the park grounds, although there are nine campgrounds to choose from if you plan on camping. You can book these campgrounds online here . I’ve camped at the Jumbo Rocks campground and it was an amazing experience.

Otherwise, we would suggest staying in a property in Twentynine Palms. There is a good choice of 2 and 3 star properties to choose from, such as:

• 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2* property gets good reviews, and rooms come with a coffee machine, microwave and refrigerator. There’s also free parking on site.
• El Rancho Dolores – this is a great value 3* property with a seasonal pool. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerator, and free parking is included.
• Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a very well rated 2* hotel offering a range of suites, each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a full kitchen. There’s a hot tub and gym on site, and free parking is available.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – this 3* chain hotel offers comfortable and well reviewed accommodation, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. Rooms have coffee making facilities, microwave and small fridge, and there are BBQ facilities available for guest use.
• Flying Point Homestead – if you want something a little bit different, check out this property. It’s actually a holiday home rather than a hotel, but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer!

If you want a higher end experience, you would need to head on to Palm Springs, where there are a number of spa resorts and high end 4* hotels to choose from, such as The Palm Springs Hotel or the Alcazar Palm Springs .

Day 5 – San Diego or Joshua Tree

You have a couple of options for your fifth day, depending on whether you prefer nature or cities. You can spend the day exploring the Joshua Tree National Park , where there are plentiful hiking and wilderness activities. Or, you can press on to San Diego, where there are plentiful city and cultural attractions to choose from.

If you choose to spend the day exploring and hiking at Joshua Tree National park, we’d suggest visiting the Oasis Visitor Centre in Twentynine Palms, where you can learn about the park and get advice and information on your visit. Conditions can vary in the park depending on the weather and time of year, so obtaining up to date information is useful.

There’s also an entry fee for the park, which covers one vehicle for a week.

If you decide to spend the day exploring Joshua tree, then we recommend spending another night near the park, and then heading to Los Angeles the next morning after breakfast, just under 3 hours drive away.

If you choose to spend the day exploring San Diego, it is about a 3 hour drive to San Diego from Twentynine Palms. If you wanted to, you could spend a few hours in the morning at Joshua Tree and then head into the city. We’d suggest you spend the afternoon of Day 5 and morning of Day 6 in San Diego, and you won’t run out of things to do.

Here are some ideas:

Things to do in San Diego for a Day

We can recommend visiting the excellent USS Midway Museum , which is a fantastic museum ship found on what was, for a long time, the largest ship in the world. Built just as the second world war ended, this aircraft carrier saw service in the Vietnam War as well as the first Gulf War.

You can easily spend your whole afternoon here, and lovers of military or aviation history will definitely want to come here. There’s also the nearby  San Diego Air and Space Museum .

There are lots of other sights to choose from in San Diego. Don’t miss a wander through the historical gaslamp district, and a visit to San Diego Zoo is a popular option especially with families. If you would prefer to visit the beach, Coronado Beach is well worth visiting.

See our complete guide to things to do in San Diego for more ideas!

Where to Stay in San Diego

San Diego is a major city and as such there is no shortage of excellent accommodation options to choose from. Of course, the flip side being that budget accommodations are a little harder to come by, although there are still some options. Here are our picks for your time in San Diego.

• HI San Diego Downtown Hostel – this is a great value centrally located hostel, although be aware you’ll have to pay for parking. Private and shared accommodation is available and guests can use an on-site kitchen.
• Berkshire Motor Hotel  – this budget 3* motel offers free parking, a little way north of the city centre. Rooms are en-suite and have a refrigerator. A good budget option.
• Coronado Inn – a well priced 3* inn on Coronado Island with free parking and breakfast included. All rooms are en-suite, and free bicycle hire is available.
• Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter – a great value and very well reviewed 4* hotel in the Gaslamp quarter. All rooms are en-suite and breakfast is available. Note that parking in this area is expensive.
• The Westgate Hotel – another well reviewed and centrally located 4* San Diego hotel. There’s a rooftop pool, full spa, on-site gym and a full service restaurant. Paid parking is possible on site.
• 1906 Lodge – We loved our stay at this historic bed and breakfast just near Coronado Beach. Rooms are very comfortable and uniquely decorated, and each features a microwave and fridge.The included breakfast was excellent, and the free parking was appreciated.
• Pendry San Diego – if you want five star city centre luxury, this is a great option. You get an outdoor pool, beautiful rooms, and breakfast is available. On-site parking is also possible for a fee.

Days 6 & 7 – Los Angeles

From San Diego, it’s time to turn north, and visit the sprawling city of Los Angeles, the largest city in California and the second most populous city in the USA. From San Diego, it’s around a 2 hour drive up the coast to LA.

There is a huge amount to see and do in Los Angeles, and the city is quite spread out, so we feel you will want to spend a couple of days here to do it justice. Of course, if you aren’t a city person, you can adjust this itinerary to spend more time at the outdoor attractions along the route instead.

Based on our itinerary though, you’ll have one full day in Los Angeles (Day 7) and then half a day on Day 6, depending on what time you leave San Diego. Here are some ideas of how to fill that time.

Things to do in Los Angeles

There is a huge amount to do in Los Angeles, so you will need to pick and choose depending on your particular interests.

We think most visitors will enjoy visiting the Hollywood part of town, where you can see the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There’s also a good view of the famous Hollywood Sign from the north-east corner of the Hollywood & Highland retail centre. Other attractions in this area include Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and The Hollywood Museum.

Another popular activity is to get a behind the scenes tour of a movie studio. A couple of popular options are the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour , and Universal Studios . Both are active movie studios where you can take tours of the working movie lots, with Universal Studios also home to a number of rides and other attractions.

Art lovers will want to take the time to visit the Getty Center . This free art museum is famous for its spectacular views, lovely gardens, architecture, and of course, art collection! The latter focuses primarily on pre 20th century European art, as well as photographs and sculpture. Note that whilst the Getty Center is free, there is a fee to park here if you visit by car.

If you are planning on seeing a sporting event or concert, or for the famous LA nightlife, you might want to stay in the LA Live area, where there are many venues for entertainment.

If you love the beach, then you’ll want to head out to the coast and visit Venice Beach and Santa Monica, where a stroll along the pier is a must. Naturally there’s plenty more to see and do in Los Angeles, and we’re sure you won’t run out of things to do. Just be aware the city is vast, and sprawls across a large area, so you will want to carefully plan your time so as to see everything you want.

In terms of getting around LA, the most popular option is to drive, although the traffic is legendary. If you would prefer not to drive, you have other options. We’ve use the ridesharing options, but also found the Hop on Hop off bus was a great option, as it took us all around the main sights we wanted to see, and even went all the way out to the beach.

There are also public transport options in LA, including an extensive bus network and a metro.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

As the second largest city in the USA, there are a lot of places to stay in Los Angeles. One thing to bear in mind though is that the city sprawls across a vast area and is known for its heavy traffic. It can take a long time to get from one end of the city to the other, so do keep this in mind.

We’d suggest picking a hotel near the attractions you are most interested in. We tend to stay either in Santa Monica or the Hollywood area, both of which made for a good base for local exploration of those areas. Here are some of our recommended hotels in the city.

• Santa Monica Motel – this basic 2* motel offers a good location for Santa Monica and is around a 10 minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. There’s free morning coffee and free parking, and rooms come with coffee makers and in-room refrigerators. It’s definitely a good value location and we’ve stayed here. Just be aware there is no A/C, although we visited in the summer and the provided fan unit worked fine.
• Banana Bungalow – this hostel offers shared and private accommodation, around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area. There’s free parking on-site, and reviews are positive.
• Orange Drive Hostel – a short walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this is a well-reviewed hostel offering shared and private rooms, with on-site kitchen and laundry facilities. Breakfast is included, and parking is available for a good price.
• Magic Castle Hotel – this 3* hotel is a short walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and you get a pool, unlimited free snacks, free continental breakfast and reasonably priced parking. It’s also a short walk to the Hollywood Bowl, and only three miles from Universal Studios. We really enjoyed staying here, and it is particularly popular with families
• Best Western Plus Hollywood Hills – this 3* well rated hotel just a few minutes walk from the Hollywood walk of fame offers spacious rooms with microwaves and coffee makers, as well as on on-site diner. On-site parking is also available
• Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent reviews and will make you feel like a celebrity. Each suite is designed after a specific old Hollywood Celebrity, and guests can avail of celebrity style services such as in-room massages, private chefs and a personal trainer. Free parking is also included.
• JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE – we’ve stayed at this 4* hotel in the LA Live area, which is perfect if you plan to take in a show in the nearby area. Rooms are luxurious and feature mini-fridges and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also a rooftop pool and six restaurants to choose from. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
• The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4* Art Deco hotel is a short walk from Santa Monica pier, and offers ocean views and on-site dining. Breakfast is available, and parking is available on-site for a fee.

Days 8 & 9 – Pacific Coast Highway

Now it’s time to head north on one of the world’s most beautiful road trips – the Pacific Coast Highway . You’ll follow this coastal route from Los Angeles all the way to San Francisco. The total drive is around 450 miles, which would take you about 9 hours if you drove it straight in one go.

Of course, we’re not going to recommend you do it all in one go. We suggest you take two days and two nights to drive the route. We’d suggest stopping somewhere like San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay or Cambria for your first night on the route, and then in Monterey, Carmel, or Pacific Grove for your second night. You will then arrive into San Francisco in the morning of your 10th day.

There is a huge amount to see and do along the route, as well as just taking in the spectacular vistas as you do so. We have a complete guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which should give you lots of ideas. However, some suggested stops along the route would be as follows, in order from south to north.

Highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway

Soon after you leave Los Angeles you’ll drive through Malibu, which is famous for its beach, and the home of many celebrities. There’s also a pier you can walk along. As you continue along the coast you’ll pass through numerous towns, many of which also have lovely beaches.

We can recommend visiting Santa Barbara and the Mission here. Founded in 1786, there’s a museum for those interested.

Onwards again, you may want to detour off the 101 and heading to Solvang. This town is famous for its Danish-style architecture, and there are numerous sights and attractions here, including a motorcycle museum, Christmas store, and early 19th century Franciscan church.

It’s also a lovely town to just wander around, and there are plenty of eateries here as well. You’ll also find Pea Soup Andersen’s in nearby Buellton, famous (as the name suggests) for their pea soup.

From Solvang, continue north to San Luis Obispo. You can choose to spend the night here, or you can head a little further along to Morro Bay or Cambria . All three make good stopping points.

On your second day on the Pacific Coast Highway, we’d suggest spending a little time exploring Cambria – we have a complete guide to things to do in Cambria for tips.

From Cambria, we suggest your next stop should be Hearst Castle . This sprawling hilltop castle estate was the home of William Randolph Hearst, an early 20th century media tycoon. The castle has an incredible location, offers amazing views up and down the coast, and is well worth a few hours of your time to visit.

Just be aware that visits are by guided tour only, and it’s best to book in advance to guarantee a time. See more on visiting in our complete guide to visiting Hearst Castle .

A little further north from Hearst Castle is the Elephant Seal vista point . Here, if you visit between November and March, you will see thousands of elephants seals on the beach, as they come to mate and give birth. If you visit outside these months, there will still likely be seals on the beach, but not in quite the same volumes.

You’ll now start to drive along some of the most rugged and beautiful parts of the route, as you drive through the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park . The views along this stretch of the route are really lovely, and there are plenty of pull outs so you can stop and enjoy the view.

Don’t miss stopping at McWay Cove, where you can see a waterfall plunging onto the beach below. Finally, you’ll finish your day at Carmel By the Sea or Monterey, where you can spend the night. If you have time, you might enjoy taking a drive along the famous 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach .

Where to Stay Along the Pacific Coast Highway

These recommendations are listed from south to north along your route, covering a number of locations we suggest you consider stopping. We love the smaller B&B style accommodation on this stretch of the route, and there are some really nice guesthouse style properties to choose from.

For your first night, we recommend one of the following:

• Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really enjoyed our stay here on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trips. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast was fantastic, and the on-site bakery has some delicious food. There are also two pools on site, and free parking.
• Madonna Inn , San Luis Obispo – this four star family-owned motel just to the south of SLO is a truly quirky destination, and a landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being a key theme throughout. We didn’t stay here, but we did have dinner at the Gold Rush steak house on-site, which was fantastic.
• Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2* budget inn is one block from the waterfront. Rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s free on site parking and coffee.
• Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites , Morro Bay – five minutes walk from the aquarium, this three star inn is very well reviewed. Comfortable rooms have fireplaces, refrigerators and coffee machines, and a hot breakfast is included as is parking.
• Estero Inn , Morro Bay – this exceptionally well reviewed property is found on the beachfront. Rooms all have microwaves, and breakfast is included. A popular option in Morro Bay.
• Cambria Palms Motel , Cambria – this 2* motel is a couple of blocks from downtown, and offers comfortable rooms at a good price. Rooms have refrigerator and coffee machine, and free parking is available on site.
• Bluebird Inn , Cambria -this well rated 2* inn is found on Cambria’s main street. Rooms have microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers, and there’s free on-site parking
• El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visit to Cambria we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. The rooms are lovely, with fireplaces, and some have spa tubs. There’s an on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, and breakfast is available. Free parking on-site.
• J Patrick House B&B , Cambria – this five star Irish themed inn was Cambria’s first B&B. There’s a a free wine hour, evening cookies and a full breakfast included with your stay. Each room is individually designed, and there’s free parking on site. A great pick in Cambria.

For your second night, we recommend one of the following:

• If you like to camp, then there are camping options in the national parks along the route here, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I’ve camped here and it’s lovely to be surrounded by the massive redwoods. Just be aware that it is popular, and booking in advance is a must.
• Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stayed here when we visited Carmel. We enjoyed the comfortable rooms, inclusive breakfast, and proximity to the beach. Free parking is available.
• Sea View Inn , Carmel – a quiet, 3* inn just moments from Carmel Beach. Rooms are individually decorated and free parking is available.
• Coachman’s Inn , Carmel – we’ve stayed at a number of the boutique hotels which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection, and they’ve all been excellent. This inn, found in the heart of Carmel Village, gets good reviews. Rooms include coffee makers and free popcorn, wine with hors d’oeuvres is served in the evenings, and breakfast is included.
• HI Monterey Hostel , Monterey – for budget travellers, or those who just prefer a hostel, this is a very centrally located option just minutes from Cannery Row. There’s free parking on site, and a selection of dormitory rooms to choose from.
• The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a good value inn on the way into Monterey. Rooms feature coffee makers, and a heated pool is available year round. There’s also a fitness room, free parking and free coffee.
• The Jabberwock B&B , Monterey – just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this very well reviewed B&B offers seven lovely guest rooms, some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, and breakfast is included.

Days 10 & 11 – San Francisco

On your 10th and 11th days you’re going to head to San Francisco, where you will have one full day, and one partial day, depending on what time you arrive.

From Monterey it’s around a 2.5 hour drive along the coast to San Francisco. If you are not in a hurry, there are few sights to take in along the way. First, Monterey itself is home to the fantastic Monterey Bay Aquarium . This is an amazing attraction, but it is quite large and relatively expensive, so you will probably want to spend at least a few hours here to get value for money.

Next, Santa Cruz is well worth a stop. There’s a lovely pier and beach, the surf here is legendary, and there are nearby redwood forests for a nice hike. See our guide to things to do in Santa Cruz for some ideas.

Ok, let’s move on, and assume you’re going to arrive into San Francisco in the early afternoon. There’s a huge amount to see and do in the city, but here are some suggestions to fill your 1.5 days.

Things to do in San Francisco

First, on the afternoon you arrive we can recommend visiting Alcatraz. This island was home to one of the world’s most famous prisons, commonly referred to “The Rock”. For almost thirty years this was home to some of the most notorious criminals in the USA.

Today, Alcatraz is open for tours. These are very popular so you will want to be sure to book in advance as they often sell out. Make sure you only book from the official Alcatraz Cruises website , as these are the only ones that land on the island and let you tour the prison. Other sightseeing tours just take you around the island. For more on visiting Alcatraz, see our guide to visiting Alcatraz .

For your full day in San Francisco, we suggest starting off by taking in a view of one of the cities most iconic landmarks – the Golden Gate Bridge. Joining a bike tour  or hiring a bicycle to cycle out to and over the bridge is a popular option. Although you can get also good views of the bridge from the city, particularly around the Maritime Museum area.

You’ll also want to visit Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s spectacularly tacky, in a way that only seems to work in the USA.

You’ll find no shortage of dining options here – we can recommend the famous Clam Chowder filled sourdough bread bowls at the Boudin Bakery . You can also learn about their bread making process at the free museum, and watch the bakers making bread.

While you are at Fisherman’s Wharf, don’t forget to say hello to the sea lions who pass the time lazing in the sun on floats just by the pier.

Other unmissable highlights of the city include the famous curvy Lombard Street , said to be the most crooked street in the world. You should also try to ride the famous street cars, visit the Chinatown and Union Square area, wander around Golden Gate Park , and peer up at the Transamerica Pyramid.

There’s loads more to do in San Francisco of course, from museums to art exhibits to cultural attractions, but hopefully we’ve given you some ideas to get you started. We have a guide to some great photo spots in San Francisco if you are looking for inspiration.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

San Francisco is another large city with a lot of accommodation options, however in our experience it’s also one of the more expensive cities for accommodation in the USA. Parking is also at a premium, and hotels with free parking are fairly rare.

We’ve stayed at a number of hotels in the city, and here are our recommendation for your time in San Francisco.

• HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private accommodation options. There’s free breakfast and free parking, making this an excellent option for the location.
• Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district, this great value 3-star hotel has a rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee makers, and breakfast is included. A paid parking garage is available nearby.
• Parker Guest House – found in the old Mission district just behind the San Francisco mission building, this is a well reviewed and good value guesthouse offering private rooms. Free breakfast is available, and parking is available on site for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) fee.
• Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yards from Lombardy Street and Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach district,  this 3* inn offers great value for the location. Private rooms offer en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also free parking on site.
• Golden Gate Hotel – a very well reviewed 3* hotel just minutes from Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Rooms are definitely on the cosy side, and some have shared bathrooms, but the price is great for the location. Paid parking available nearby.
• Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored historic 4* 1913 hotel on a recent trip to San Francisco, and loved the mix of the old and the new. We loved the rooms, the colorful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped! Parking is available nearby for a fee.
• Four Seasons Hotel – if you are after five star luxury, then consider the Four Seasons hotel. Also found in Union Square, rooms are huge, there’s an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and many rooms have city views.

Days 12 & 13 – Yosemite National Park

You’re into the final few days of your US road trip now, and it’s time to visit some more of the spectacular scenery that the state is so well known for.

The plan is to spend your next couple of days visiting Yosemite National Park , which is home to some gorgeous natural scenery, including epic waterfalls and towering mountains.

From San Francisco it’s around a four hour drive to Yosemite. We’d suggest planning to arrive in the early afternoon, checking into your accommodation where you’ll stay for two nights, and then going sightseeing.

With a full afternoon on day 12, and all of day 13 to visit the park, you should be able to visit many of the highlights. On the afternoon you arrive, we would suggest visiting some of the highlights near the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre to start with, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls.

A visit to the visitor centre itself is also recommended, as here you’ll be able to get up to date information on the park, as well as talk to the rangers about suggested walking routes.

For your full day in the park, you have a few options. First, you might want to take advantage of the free Yosemite shuttle , and visit the highlights that it goes to.

I would also consider a drive up to Tunnel View and then on to Glacier Point, where you’ll be able to get amazing views across the park. These can also be done as part of a tour offered by the park if you’d rather not drive.You then might consider a shorter afternoon hike, such as that up to Vernal Falls.

Alternatively, if you love hiking, you might consider tackling one of the longer or more strenuous day hikes. There are plenty of these, such as the Yosemite Falls hike .

Just note that some hikes, like the popular Half Dome Hike , do require an advance purchase permit. These are distributed via a lottery system as they are so popular so are difficult to obtain. If you plan to explore the backcountry areas of the park, you will also need a permit.

For more inspiration for your visit to Yosemite, see our guides to what to do in Yosemite for a day , as well as our guide to photography locations in Yosemite .

Important –  As of 2022, Yosemite has introduced a reservation system for park entry. If you are visiting between late May and the end of September and planning on driving into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will need to have a reservation. You can find out more and make your reservations online here .

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

There are a range of accommodation options in Yosemite National Park, ranging from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabins, through to luxury hotels.

There are 13 campsites available in the park , with a number of these available for reservation, and the rest operated on a first come first serve basis. If you want to camp, we highly recommend booking well in advance, which you can do here .

There are also nine lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park, which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself. These can be reserved up to a year in advance, and range from simple canvas cabins through to a high-end luxury hotel. These can all be reserved online in advance here .

We would definitely recommend staying in the park if possible, as this will put you close to the sights. However, if you struggle to find an option that works for you, some recommended lodging just outside the park is as follows. As a general rule, the closer to the park, the more expensive the property is likely to be.

• Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort – At just over 26 miles outside Yosemite, this property is quite far out compared to others, but the price reflects that. So if you are on a tighter budget this is a good option to consider. Think glamping and rustic style accommodation, with an on-site spa, restaurant, and kitchen for use. Dormitory accommodation is also available.
• Narrow Gauge Inn – found just four miles from Yosemite, this is a great value 3* motel offering comfortable en-suite rooms. All rooms feature coffe machines, and there’s a seasonal restaurant, a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub
• Yosemite View Lodge – Just under nine miles from Yosemite National Park, this 3* lodge has 4 pools, a hot tub and a restaurant. It has lovely views, gets positive reviews, and there’s free parking on-site. Breakfast is available.
• Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite – this 4* lodge is found just two miles from Yosemite National Park, and offers comfortable and well-reviewed lodging. There’s a on-site fitness centre and spa as well as two pools. Free parking is available, and breakfast is an option.

Day 14 – Death Valley & Las Vegas

It’s the final day of your road trip! Today you have a fair old drive ahead of you – around 6 hours in total. However, we’re going to break it up a bit with some sights.

Before we begin, it’s worth mentioning that this route has you exiting Yosemite on the east side of the park, which requires you to take Highway 120, also known as the Tioga Road. Due to its elevation and exposure to snow, this road is closed over winter, usually from November to late May. You can see the latest road conditions here .

If this road is closed, then you are looking at a significant detour to get to Death Valley, requiring you to exit the park to the south or west, and then to loop a long way south via Bakersfield to get around the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As such, you may prefer instead to skip Death Valley, or to visit it earlier in your trip as a day trip from Las Vegas (it’s a 4 hour round trip). In this case, instead of driving all the way back to Las Vegas, you might prefer just to return to San Francisco.

Assuming you visit when the Tioga Road is open though, you will leave Yosemite and come to California’s Highway 395, often referred to as California’s backbone. We suggest taking a left onto the 395, and driving to the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, a couple of miles up the road.

Mono Lake is a saline soda lake is home to many limestone columns, known as tufa towers, which are a popular visitor attraction. Definitely worth a photo stop.

You’ll now head south on Highway 395, driving parallel to the incredible Sierra Nevada mountain range. You’ll pass through lovely towns like Mammoth Lakes, and the views will definitely require you to stop for a few photos as you drive.

We suggest following Highway 395 until Lone Pine, and then heading on Highway 136 into the last National Park of the trip – the infamous Death Valley National Park .

This is home to over 3 million acres of desert and mountains, and was named during the California Gold Rush. During this time, a group of 100 wagons became lost in the valley, and though they eventually found their way out, it was only after they gave up their wagons and ate their oxen.

Today, Death Valley is a popular place for visitors to experience an extreme desert environment. There’s plenty to see and do here as you pass through. We’d suggest stopping at the visitor centre and visiting Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in the USA, at 279 feet below sea level.

One thing to note – if you visit California in the summer months, particularly late June to early September, it can be incredibly hot in Death Valley. Hiking is not recommended in these months due to the temperature, and you’ll want to be sure the A/C in your car is working well!

Finally, you’re going to arrive back in Las Vegas, complete the circuit, and finish your US road trip. We hope you had a great time! Now you can either fly home, or spend some more time in Vegas. Now, onto some practicalities for your trip.

2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of the route to help you visualise it. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

When Is The Best Time of Year to Road Trip the USA?

We would suggest that for this itinerary, the best time of year would be May through June, or September and October. At these times of year the weather will be warm but not too hot (although Las Vegas will definitely be hot in late May and June), and it won’t be as busy as the summer months.

You could also do this trip in winter of course, but it will be a lot cooler. In addition, some of the national parks, and especially Yosemite, can have restricted access in winter if there is a lot of snow. In particular, the east exit from Yosemite, the Tioga road, is usually closed from November through May. In this scenario you would be looking at a lengthy detour to travel to Death Valley, and might instead prefer to return to San Francisco.

If you choose to visit in the hotter summer months, such as July and August, then you’d definitely want to avoid any sort of longer hikes in places like the Valley of Fire and Death Valley. Instead, maybe plan more time along the coast, at higher altitudes, and exploring city attractions.

Western USA Tour Options

This is a road trip itinerary, and as such there’s quite a lot of driving involved. However, I appreciate not everyone will want to drive. The good news is that there are a number of tours which follow a fairly similar route to our itinerary. The advantage of a tour is that you can let someone else handle all the logistics, from booking hotels to handling the transport, and you can just relax and enjoy the experience.

Here are some tours which follow a fairly similar route to our itinerary for your consideration.

• This 11 day budget tour includes the Pacific Coast Highway, as well as Los Angeles, San Diego, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley and Yosemite. A good value option, aimed at the budget travellers wanting to see a lot in a fairly short amount of time
• If you’re on a tighter timescale, consider this 8 day express tour with G Adventures. It goes from LA to San Francisco, calling at Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley and Yosemite. You don’t get to see San Diego or the Pacific Coast Highway, but otherwise you will cover a lot and see plenty!
• If you would prefer to see more national parks, consider this 15 day G Adventures tour in partnership with National Geographic. As well as most of the national parks on our list, you will also visit such spectacular locations as Bryce Canyon and Zion. One for those of you who prefer nature to cities.
• This 11 day tour from Las Vegas to San Francisco includes Death Valley, Yosemite the Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands and Bryce National Parks, as well as Monument Valley and time in San Francisco.

Practicalities for Planning a USA Road Trip

If you are visiting from outside the USA, we wanted to share some tips that should help make planning and preparing for you US road trip a little easier.

Driving in the USA

In the USA , you drive on the right hand side of the road, and the majority of vehicles are automatic. Compared to Europe, fuel prices are low.

If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll likely be renting a car. To do so, you will need a valid drivers license, and many rental car companies also have a minimum age for renters, which can start as high as 25. Some visitors may also need an International Drivers Permit from to drive in the USA, which needs to be arranged in advance from your home country.

We have a complete guide to driving in the USA , which you might want to read if this is your first time driving in the United States.

Renting a Car or Motorhome for your Trip

If you are coming from overseas, then you’ll need a vehicle in which to do this road trip. You have two main options – you can rent a car, or you can rent an RV/motorhome.

For this itinerary specifically we’d generally recommend a car as there are quite a few city stops which wouldn’t be practical for a motorhome. However, if you decide to skip the cities and focus on the great outdoors, then a motorhome might be more practical.

For car rental in the US, we usually use either Discover Cars or Enterprise . For one-way trips, we’ve found Enterprise often has the lowest one-way fees, but it is always worth comparing on a site like Discover Cars.

For RV rental, we recommend checking out Motorhome Republic . They compare prices across all the major suppliers so you can find the right rental for you. You can see their USA listings here .

We can also recommend checking out  RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a bit like the AirBnB of RV rental! Similar options include Outdoorsy and RVEzy .

Money in the USA

The USA uses the US dollar, with notes available in denominations ranging from 1 up to 100. Coins are also widely used, which range from a cent to a dollar. There are ATM machines available throughout the country.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, however it is worth keeping some bills to hand for tipping. In addition, the 25 cent coin, known as a quarter, is widely used for short stay parking meters, so you will want to have some of these handy as well.

If you’ve not visited the USA before, and in particular if you are from a country where tipping is not normal, you might find the tipping culture a bit of a shock. Tips are expected for a great many service based roles, from restaurant service through to valet parking.

The percentage you tip will obviously depend on your personal preference, but tips in the region of 10 – 20% for restaurant service is common, whilst one to three dollars for bar service or valet parking is also expected.

Electricity in the USA

The USA uses a 110v electrical system. If you are coming from a country that uses a 220v to 240v system, this means that some of your electrical items might not work.

In our experience, the majority of smaller electronics, like laptops and cell phone chargers, are compatible with 110v – 240v and will work in the USA. You can check on the charger, it should tell you.

However, higher powered devices like hair dryers, flat irons, and electric kettles are unlikely to work, unless you have a dual voltage model specifically designed for international travel or have a voltage converter.

In addition, if you are visiting from outside the USA, you will likely need a travel adaptor like this . See our comprehensive guide to travel adaptors for recommendations.

Accommodation in the USA

There is a huge range of accommodation options in the USA across a wide range of budgets. From budget motels near highway intersections to five star luxury hotels, to campsites and apartment rentals – we’re sure you’ll find something to suit.

For this itinerary we’ve suggested a few options for each stopping point, across a range of budgets. As this is a road trip, we can recommend trying to find places which include free parking where possible, although in the major cities you are likely going to have to pay for a parking service.

In terms of whether or not you need to book in advance, we’d suggest that this is a good idea for the most part to ensure you get your choice of accommodation. This is definitely the case in and around popular national parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, where even campsites can book out months in advance.

We generally use booking.com for our travel booking needs, they have a huge range of options, and most properties offer free cancellation in case your plans change.

Safety in the USA

For the most part, the USA is a safe destination to travel in, and we have never had any problems travelling here.

Violent crime against tourists is quite unusual, and the most common types of crime are opportunistic ones like pickpocketing, theft, and auto break-ins.

Of course, every country has crime, and areas where you would be wiser to avoid, however if you practice basic safety precautions, keep your valuables out of sight, and behave with some caution, you should be fine!

Internet Access in the USA

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi, which can be found for free at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also a number of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list.

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a pay as you go SIM in the USA. One of the better options is from  Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our  guide to getting online when travelling  to help you figure out the best options.

Water across the USA is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated. There are drinking fountains in the majority of public locations, and we recommend you travel with a  re-usable water bottle  so you can just fill it up as you go.

One thing we always love about travelling in the USA is how drinking water is typically brought to your table at a restaurant – something we wish was standard around the world!

Further Reading

That’s it for our two week USA road trip itinerary, which features some of our favourite destinations in this part of the USA. Before you head off though, I just wanted to share some more resources we’ve put together to help you plan your trip.

• We have a two week California road trip itinerary , in case you wanted to cover a little less ground on your trip
• I’ve written a guide featuring some of my  top tips for driving in the USA  to help get you going on the road!
• We have a guide to things to do in Las Vegas to give you some ideas for your time in the city, as well as a guied to things to do in San Diego
• Wondering how much a California road trip will cost? Check out our  guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA  to help you plan your trip budget.
• Jess has a guide to  driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you lots of ideas for that section of the road
• If you’re interested in California’s wine country, see our  guide to visiting Napa Valley
• Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our  guide to planning a route 66 trip , as well as our detailed  2 week Route 66 itinerary  and  1 week Route 66 itinerary
• Fodor’s  Guide to California , which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips
• The  Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding things to do, places to eat and places to stay
• A  US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS!
• If you’re planning on hiring an RV or camping, this  guide to free and super cheap campgrounds  will quickly pay for itself
• The official  Visit California  page, which will give you more advice on what to see and when to visit
• My guide to  things to do in Redding California , if you decide to head to northern California
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our  guide to getting online when travelling  to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• And if you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of the USA, check out our  USA section , which includes a  Deep south itinerary , tips for  New Orleans during Mardi Gras  – and lots more!

We hope you found this itinerary useful for your trip planning. As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have, just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 13 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

akhilash says

13th March 2024 at 8:17 pm

I think this itinerary is a great starting point for planning your own 2-week road trip through the southwestern and western United States. With a little bit of planning and customization, you can create a trip that is perfect for you.

Laurence Norah says

19th March 2024 at 4:15 pm

Thanks very much Akhilash, have a great trip through the USA 🙂

Joanna Madej says

10th May 2023 at 7:41 pm

I am a mum from Poland planning a trip this August with 3 kids (16,13 and 10- just girls) starting/ending from LA for appr 3 weeks. I really like your plan and if there was a digital version I could paly with it would be great!

do you have any tips not to rush and also find time to spend in the beach?

11th May 2023 at 3:35 pm

So you can get a printable version of the post from the print button on the bottom of the page. Then you can edit it to suit you own needs 🙂 If you’d rather not rush then my recommendation is to have fewer stops and spend longer in each stop. For beaches, along the coast around Los Angeles will be your best bet, there are a lot of beaches in that area!

Have an amazing time and let me know if I can offer any more advice!

19th April 2023 at 9:07 am

Thank you for writing this itinerary. We are coming from Australia and will be spending close to 3 weeks following this itinerary give and take. We are planning to arrive on mid-Jan 2024. Do you know whether some parks will be closed during that time ?

19th April 2023 at 10:14 am

It’s my pleasure. So the main park that will likely pose difficulties in January is going to be Yosemite. It can occasionally close in Winter if there is a lot of snow which can block access road. Additionally, the road that links the east side of the valley to the road to Death Valley is normally closed in winter so you would have to backtrack and drive around. The other stretch of road to always check before setting out is the Pacific Coast Highway around Big Sur especially, as this can be affected by landslips.

Other than that I think you would be fine! Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions.

Norine says

3rd March 2022 at 1:51 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica!

Thank you for such a detailed itinerary! Most of the places you’ve listed are exactly where I’d like to visit during my trip in end May’22 – early Jun’22 (Total of 15 full days). But instead of Las Vegas, I’ll be flying to San Francisco and starting from there instead. Was thinking of doing this circular road trip in the other direction, meaning from SF > Pacific Coast > LA > LV > Grand Canyon > LV > Death Valley > Yosemite > SF. I’m pushing Yosemite to the end, hoping that Tioga pass will be open by early Jun.

Would you recommend this itinerary? Or do you have any other tips/suggestions?

Thanks a lot in advance! 🙂

4th March 2022 at 10:13 am

It’s our pleasure! Sounds like you have a great trip planned. Your trip is definitely do-able and it sounds like a good itinerary to me! The main thing is of course whether or not Tioga pass will be open. It should be open by early June but that’s not guaranteed. Other than that, it sounds like an awesome road trip! Let me know how it goes and do let me know if you have any specific questions we can help with 🙂

23rd March 2022 at 4:25 pm

I just wanted to quickly add to this that this year Yosemite are requiring visitors to make a reservation for park entry. The system is going online today. You can find out more and reserve online here:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

I’ve updated the post but as you indicated you were visiting this year I wanted to be sure you were aware of this new requirement so you don’t miss out!

Have a great trip,

Janice says

8th February 2022 at 1:49 pm

I want to thank both of you for this awesome road trip circuit. I have a question, I would love to go to Sequoia National & Kings Canyon after Yosemite. Would you recommend that? Which route will be the best from Yosemite and how many extra days that will add to my trip? After that, I will go to Death Valley and then back to Vegas. Any suggestions?

10th February 2022 at 12:27 pm

Glad you found this guide useful! So you can definitely do this trip and add in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon to your trip. From Yosemite it’s around a 3 hour drive down, and then it’s another 5-6 hours after that on to Death Valley. How long you want to spend here will definitely depend on you, but personally I’d allocate at least two full days in the parks and a day for the driving, so three extra days onto the trip as a minimum. But there is always more to see and do!

I hope this was helpful, let me know if I can offer any more advice 🙂

Have a great trip!

7th May 2020 at 6:10 pm

Your pictures are always great, but the the one of the Grand Canyon with the sunlight streaming is spectacular!

7th May 2020 at 6:19 pm

Thanks so much Toni! That was quite a morning – I got up at 4am for the sunrise, which seemed like it was going to be a total washout. I persevered though, and it was all worth it. Truly a spectacular experience 😀

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

Check out videos on hundreds of California adventures

Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip Guide (25+ Stops on the Drive)

The long stretch of road between LA and Vegas is basically a rite of passage for many a 21-year-old Californian. It takes about four and a half hours (if you go the speed limit), and many believe it is just a desolate desert with nothing to do. While a lot of travelers simply want the drive to be fast, there is actually a lot to do on the way if you have the time to explore. Use this post to make your next drive more of an adventure and less of a race. These stops are in order of the trip starting from Los Angeles.

Road Trip Details

• 270 miles one way
• 4.5 hours at normal speed but 8-9+ with all of these stops
• Be sure to research the operating hours of any of the places you want to visit

How to get to Las Vegas from Los Angeles + Scenic Route Options

The fastest way to drive the route from LA to Las Vegas is to take Highway 10 to Highway 15 and then stay on that all the way to Las Vegas. This is the quickest route and it is mostly a four lane (two lanes for each side) freeway the entire way there. You can see all of my favorite stops below but here are a few scenic routes you can add on to your drive.

Scenic Route Ideas

• Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow – Adds 10 miles and around 20 minutes of drive time
• Mojave National Preserve – Adds 50 miles and at least 1.5 hours
• Seven Magic Mountains – Adds 1 mile and 7 minutes of drive time

Top California stops on the drive from LA to Las Vegas

Since most people like to get out of the city before they make their first stop, this post purposely starts at the top of the Cajon Pass. Here begins your adventure.

The Mormon Rocks

Right off the freeway as you approach the top of the pass, these rocks will immediately catch your eye because of their size. You don’t have to travel very far off the road to see them because they dot the landscape for miles. The main visitor center and the walking area are about 5 minutes off the freeway, and the one-mile loop gives you a lot of great views of the massive sandstone giants.

• The trail begins at the Mormon Rocks Fire Station located on Highway 138 just west of Interstate 15.

Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow

If you have time, I suggest you get off on exit 153a near D Street and take old Route 66 up from Victorville to Barstow. On this drive, you will see old diners, my favorite antique shop, and the most popular spot on the drive, the Bottletree Ranch.

Stop Examples:

• Emma Jean Hollands Burgers
• Mohawk Gas Station
• Antique Station

Read about the best Route 66 stops here

Bottle Tree Ranch

This ode to independent art is a beautiful and odd stop that you will not forget. Elmer’s collection of metal trees full of old bottles and other vintage things is fun for a stroll or a photographic adventure. One of my favorite spots on the whole drive. 

• Update 2021:  I went by and it was not open. It is still really cool from the outside but I am not sure what the current status of this place is after the passing of Elmer.
• Read about it here

Route 66 Museum

Located in the old train station in Barstow, the Route 66 Museum is a great stop when it is open (Usually Friday – Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM). You can learn more about the historic route here, and there are lots of trains you can check out outside of the building as well.

• Location:  681 N 1st Ave, Barstow, CA 92311

Old Woman Meteorite (second largest in the USA)

Within half a mile of each other, you have both the oldest meteorite in the USA and the original Del Taco. It will depend on your personality as to which you are more excited about, but you can always do both! I usually pick the meteorite and venture into the children’s museum to see it. This stop will not take very long, but it’s cool to see at least.

• Meteorite – Inside the Desert Discovery Center in Barstow

Large Fireman’s Helmet

Right next to the Barstow Fire District Headquarters you can see this giant fire helmet. The helmet pays tribute to the firefighters that lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

• Location: 861 Barstow Rd, Barstow, CA 92311

Scenic Drive Option

Mojave National Preserve

If you want to visit the Mojave National Preserve, you can take Highway 40 here and go towards the Kelso Dunes. Some stops you can see here are: Kelso Dunes, Kelso Depot, Lava Tube, & the Mojave Cross.

Note that it adds at least 2 hours onto your drive and that there is no gas or food in the preserve.

They call themselves the “Disneyland of gas stations,” and it is easy to see why. This massive store has everything from ice cream and drinks to pizza and snacks. It is probably six times the size of a typical gas station. They also have a four-story ice cream sundae outside and a shrine to the Lakers basketball team inside. Be sure to make a quick stop there.

• Location: 36017 Calico Rd, Yermo, CA 92398

Liberty Sculpture Park

Liberty Sculpture Park is 15 acres right next to the freeway and Eddieworld in which sculptor Weiming Chen has made many different pieces condemning the oppression of communism in China. It is well worth your time to visit and to learn more about.

• Location: 37570 Yermo Rd, Yermo, CA 92398

Calico Ghost Town

This commercial ghost town is not my favorite stop but is worth visiting at least once. There are a lot of great photo opportunities here, and lots of exploring for the whole family in this historic town. The highlight is a long mining tunnel you can walk through for a fee.

• Location: 36600 Ghost Town Road, Yermo, CA 92398

Jenny Rose Sign

As made famous by a Sheryl Crow album cover, people love to stop at this sign for a photo. The old restaurant is no longer there, but for many, it is a great picture to take.

• Location: 35863 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398

Everyone who has driven to Vegas has seen this road, but few actually get off on it. I got off to visit, and it is a pretty trippy place. You drive about 5 miles down half paved half dirt road, and there is an enormous dry salt lake bed and an old compound that has its own interesting history. This is a great stop once, but it is strange to be down there with literally no one else, so it may not be your thing.  Update 2021: This area was closed and there was no update for when it would reopen.

• Read about Zzyzx Road here .

The town of Baker is a popular stop for gas, especially since there has been nothing for the last 60 miles of the drive. There are a lot of restaurants and fast food spots here. I recommend a strawberry shake from Mad Greek , Beef Jerky from Alien Jerky, and then a picture of the world’s largest thermometer.

• Check out all the stops here

Death Valley National Park

If you have an extra day, you can head into Death Valley from Baker as well. I wouldn’t recommend rushing it though, so if you don’t have at least 24 hours, then go to the park at a different time. Here is a video I made on how to spend 24 hours in Death Valley.

Note that it adds at least 2-4 hours onto your drive and that there is no gas or food in the preserve.

Valley Wells Rest Stop

I know it is strange to call out a rest stop, but there isn’t much left in California on this drive. This rest stop is nice because it has some history on the surrounding area and a “Welcome to California” sign.

Literally, the last place you can stop on this drive (in California) is the lottery shop. This shop on the outskirt of Primm is a stone’s throw from the border and was put in specifically on the California side for the Nevada residents to buy California lottery tickets when the pot is big. I have heard the lines can get pretty long, but I am not much of a lottery player, so I am not positive.

Top Nevada stops on the drive from LA to Las Vegas

Bonny Clyde Death Car – Buffalo Bills

Inside Whiskey Pete’s casino at Stateline is this exhibit dedicated to Bonny and Clyde, complete with the car they were shot in, which still has a bunch of bullet holes.  Update 2023: The car is now at Buffalo Bills and no longer at Whiskey Petes.

• Location:  31700 S Las Vegas Blvd, Primm, NV 89019

Largest Chevron in the World

Located in Jean Nevada, this Chevron gas station is the world’s largest. It is over 50,000 square feet and it has over 95 gas pumps. It is something you need to see when you are driving to Las Vegas and a good spot to get out and stretch your legs.

• Location: 1 Goodsprings Rd, Jean, NV 89019

Pioneer Saloon

Pioneer Saloon is one of the oldest bars in Nevada (about 15 minutes off the freeway). Clark Gable and many other celebrities frequented it, and it is a good spot for food and drinks.

• Location:  310 NV-161, Goodsprings, NV 89019

Seven Magic Mountains

This art installation is one you have no doubt seen before on social media. It should be here until sometime in 2022, so be sure to check it out.

Top Food stops

Oldest Running Del Taco

While this is not the original Del Taco location (more on that later), this is the longest-running Del Taco. They have items here that they don’t sell anywhere else, like the Barstow Taco and Carrot Cake. Check it out if you are hungry.

• Location: 401 N 1st Ave Barstow, CA 92311

Train Car McDonald’s

If the last two were not your thing, you could stop at the train car McDonalds, on the last exit in Barstow. This spot is on Route 66 as well, and it provides a fun stop for the whole family with lots to see and eat. Keep in mind that it is popular, so it’s always packed on the weekends. Basically, it is an old railroad station that is now a series of stores and food options.

• Location: 1 611 E Main St Barstow, CA 92311

Peggy Sue Diner

If you are looking for a place to eat, this is a great stop. They have all the food you would expect from a diner such as hamburgers and apple pie. When you finish eating, there is a large garden outside, complete with metal dinosaurs and a shop where you can buy 1950-60s memorabilia.

• Location: 35654 Yermo Rd, Yermo, CA 92398
• Read about it here .

In the town of Baker, the Mad Greek is my favorite stop. This restaurant has awesome gyros and milkshakes, which is not what you would expect in the middle of the desert. Check it out and let me know what you think.

• Location: 72112 Baker Blvd, Baker, CA 92309

Video’s on the road trip

Here is a video I made on my most recent drive to Las Vegas in 2022.

Here is the original video I made in 2016. I recommend watching the updated one but feel free to watch this one to see how much my videos have changed!

Map of road trip stops

If you use Google Maps, you can check out all of my favorite stops right on the map by clicking the below image. Hope that helps make your road trip great!

Great Stops Around Las Vegas + 14 Free Locations

For more spots to visit in and around Las Vegas, check out these recommendations and click the image to learn more.

Valley of the Fire State Park

Red Rock Canyon State Park

25 Free Stops in Las Vegas

Here are some of my favorite spots in the Las Vegas area that are free to visit. Check them out and let me know if you have any more you recommend!

So there you have it, my list of stops on the drive to Vegas. Hopefully, this helps you have more of an adventure on your next trip, and at least if you lose all your money when you are there, you can see something fun on the way home. Feel free to comment on anything I left off below.

Similar Posts

Route 66 Museum in Barstow, CA

Trona Pinnacles: A National Natural Landmark

Venice Canals: Walk Europe in Southern California

Horseback Riding in the Inland Empire with Western Trails

Malibu’s Ten Best Secret Beaches

Teutonia Peak: Cima Dome, Mines & Joshua Trees

Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary: The 10 Best Stops

Are you ready to embark on an adventurous, memorable cross-country road trip ? From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip, Los Angeles to Las Vegas is a classic American excursion that can’t be missed. As you drive across California and southern Nevada , there are countless sights and attractions worth stopping for — but where should you start?

Here, I’ll give you the rundown on everything from must-see places like Calico Ghost Town to lesser-known trails like Lake Mead so that when it comes time for your next trip down south, all that’s left for you to do is hit the open road.

Is it cheaper to fly or drive to Las Vegas from Los Angeles?

How long is the los angeles to las vegas drive, mountain san antonio (mount baldy), california route 66 museum, elmer’s bottle tree ranch, peggy sue’s 50’s diner, calico ghost town campground, zzyzx road: an oasis in the desert, kelso dunes, mojave national preserve, seven magic mountains, river mountains loop trail, final thoughts.

Several factors come into play when deciding which mode of transportation to get from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. While driving can take up to five hours, depending on traffic, a quick search shows that direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) could get you to Sin City within the hour. Various companies, like Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines, offer nonstop flights.

Flying is undoubtedly more convenient and can also be more cost-effective with cheap flights along the route. It’s worth researching and weighing all of your options, as sometimes you can find nonstop flights for less than the cost of gas for your car.

However, although you can opt for the las vegas flight route and find the cheapest flights available, the most fun and exciting alternative is a round-trip drive. I always opt for road trips when the distance is not painfully long (less than 3000 miles) and countries are not separated by the ocean (like when I had to fly to Guam from Korea, for example).

Embarking on the round-trip drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas is exciting. Not only do you get to soak up all of the beautiful scenery, but it’s also a relatively cheap way to travel (make sure you remember to fill up the tank of your rental car ).

The round trip distance between Los Angeles and Las Vegas is roughly 422 miles – making it just over 5 hours of driving without traffic – which may be off-putting for some unless you decide to break your journey with some pit stops on route – which is precisely what I did back in 2019.

Renting a car from Los Angeles is easy; you can drop it at Harry Reid international airport or Mccarran international airport if you decide to fly from Las Vegas , either back to LA or elsewhere.

What are the ten best road-trip stops between Los Angeles and Las Vegas?

Towering majestically at a staggering 10,064 feet, Mountain San Antonio in California (commonly known as Mount Baldy) is an inspiring sight that’s visible for dozens of miles. Its unique presence brings light to the otherwise vast landscape as it sits surrounded by clouds and wild winds on the horizon. On clear days, visitors will find themselves in awe of its dazzling color alpine setting and seemingly ageless massifs that stand above all else. Framed with breathtaking lakes and rivers, San Antonio is sure to leave adventurers feeling like they are standing at the edge of the world as they take in its raw beauty.

Located in the beautiful city of Victorville, California, the Route 66 Museum is the perfect place to explore the iconic adventures of America’s cross-country Highway. The museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs documenting life on and along the Route. From vintage signs to a restored Deuce Coupe from 1934, this amazing repository tells a story of fun and discovery along the open road. Stop by for a captivating history lesson about one of the most famous roads in American highways as you explore its many exhibits, displays, and activities; you’re sure to come away feeling inspired.

The one-of-a-kind quirky roadside attraction as unique as Las Vegas itself is Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. Located along Highway 66 south of Barstow, California, the ranch covers 5 acres. It is full of 10’ tall metal sculptures framed with discarded glass bottles collecting the ever-changing desert colors created by the sun’s reflection.

The entire property is an art gallery covered in various large colorful creations made from recycled materials like car hoods and ribbons created from flattened aluminum cans giving it a whimsical atmosphere attracting both locals and tourists. Elmer, who is the caretaker of this unique ranch, has made every effort to preserve his masterpiece for current and future generations to appreciate its eccentric charm.

Peggy Sues 50’s Diner is a must-see stop for anyone driving along Route 66. Since it opened its doors in 1967, the diner has been a beloved destination for hungry road trippers and vintage enthusiasts alike.

Not only does Peggy Sue’s offer classic American fast food dishes like juicy burgers and crunchy fries, even extraordinary milkshakes- they also bring back an era of old-style motor culture with a 50s jukebox right in the middle of their eatery.

For those looking to experience a slice of nostalgia while taking a break from the winding highways, there’s no better place than Peggy Sue’s Old-Fashioned 50’s Diner.

Located 32 miles north of Barstow train station, Calico Ghost Town is completely abandoned and provides a unique glimpse into the mining culture that defined the Wild West. In 1881, silver was discovered in Calico, sending droves of prospective miners to the deserted foothills. The town quickly grew to a population of 1,200 and boasted over 500 mines in operation – but its boom was short-lived. Within 15 years, a drop in metal prices caused the miners to pack up and move away from Calico, leaving behind many artifacts from this era.

Today, visitors can explore these old structures and step back in time to savor what life must have been like during a time when those seeking fortunes flocked from all over. Afterward, check out the local gift shop where you can buy souvenirs such as custom saddles and leather belts that are handmade by real cowboys.

Whether you’re looking for a fun visit with the family or an educational experience about American history, Calico Ghost Town is sure to provide something memorable.

Traversing the desert and winding through the mountains of California lies a road that is much more mysterious than it appears. Zzyzx Road, located in the Mojave Desert near the California–Nevada border, was named after a spa retreat founded by Curtis Howe Springer, who hoped to use it for natural healing. Notoriously known for its lack of businesses along its 10-mile length and having been previously owned by the federal government before being transferred to the State of California.

In recent years, Kings College has made efforts to bring life back into this desert locale – from developing a music resort and recording studio at the old spa site to enhancing academic opportunities with plans for a research center and greenhouses. Visiting this place is an unforgettable and pleasant experience that will make for great stories for years yet to come.

If you’re on the hunt for a short but unforgettable detour as part of your California road trip , look no further than the Kelso Dunes in the Mojave desert. With their golden sand and magnificent view (votes for sunset time) of the mountains in the distance, these dunes transcend from simply being a touristy attraction – instead, this experience will stay with you long after you’ve packed up and gone home.

As a bonus, those who take time to explore can even try out their singing voice – Kelso Dunes’ exceptional acoustics that makes noise resonate to amazing lengths. A moment inside this awe-inspiring landscape is an absolute must-see.

The Mojave National Preserve, located in Southern California, is an expansive desert that offers a wide range of exciting and awe-inspiring activities for all ages. This National Preserve has some of the most diverse wildlife, scenery, and plants found anywhere in America. Visitors can enjoy star-gazing away from the light pollution of larger cities or take advantage of the miles upon miles of desert trails ripe with outdoor recreation and sightseeing opportunities.

Not only do visitors get to experience a vast array of biological intricate ecosystems, but they also get to witness the rich cultural history embedded in this region, like Route 66. With plenty of places to explore, like canyons, mountains, and sand dunes, The Mojave National Preserve gives you a chance to reconnect with nature while giving you plenty of adventurous activities as well.

Ready for the most instagrammable spot of your road trip? Seven Magic Mountains is an outdoor art installation located near Las Vegas, Nevada. It consists of seven thirty-two-foot towers of multi-colored balanced boulders ranging between two and three stories high.

Each tower is encircled with up to seven rocks in various hues of blue, orange, yellow, and beige, creating an eye-catching display of color against the desolate desert landscape. Located in Jean Dry Lake, these man-made surrealist rock formations are designed to blend into the surrounding terrain and interact with the area’s natural geography.

Visitors to Seven Magic Mountains can admire this unique sculpture from a distance or explore its rock formations up close. The art piece offers a breathtaking visual experience and encourages viewers to contemplate their relationship with nature in unexpected ways.

The River Mountains Loop Trail is an excellent spot for outdoor recreation in the Las Vegas area. Spanning close to forty miles, this beautiful trail follows a loop path around the namesake River Mountains.

There are a lot of options for outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. The trails are clearly marked and well maintained, making them suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced outdoors people.

I craved to explore that area by bike, so we stopped to rent our bicycles at a place called “All Mountain Cyclery” and biked along Hoover Dam. The route is quite hardcore if you’re not fit enough -my body was sore and sunburnt the next day, but the experience was so worth it. With stunning views of lake Mead and plenty of places to rest and manifest calmness in the beauty of nature, the River Mountains Loop Trail is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Traveling from Los Angeles to Las Vegas by car is a great way to see some fantastic scenery. The spots mentioned between these two cities are definitely worth stopping at.

The journey can be more rewarding than last-minute flights , especially when you can explore around and not rush between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. From Barstow to Hoover Dam, the places mentioned in this article are worth visiting, So, the next time you plan a road trip, add them to your itinerary. You won’t regret it.

No related posts.

by Maria Dimitropoulou 

3 responses to “los angeles to las vegas road trip itinerary: the 10 best stops”.

Dory Lawson

Need to edit Hoover “Dum” ?

Chris Christensen

Thanks, missed that

Great information. in 2025 my sis and I with her son will be 21 then we’re deciding to fly or drive from L A. to Vegas. Your Article most likely inspired us to drive. Great tips.

Leave a Reply

Name (must be a real name) (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

This site is owned by Chris Christensen who has lived in California for over 50 years.

Checkout Chris's other efforts:

• Amateur Traveler blog
• Amateur Traveler podcast
• Passport Travel Marketing and PR podcast
• The Bible Study Podcast
• BloggerBridge.com

Featured Destinations

• Monterey Peninsula
• an Amateur Traveler site
• Privacy Policy
• Amateur Traveler Media Kit
• Working with Amateur Traveler
• Guest Post Guidelines
• The Amateur Traveler Manifesto
• find me on BloggerBridge.com

Top Destinations

• Food + Drink

Explore the best of the world. Access insider tips and hotel recommendations from our travel tastemakers

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

14 Stops on a Road Trip from Las Vegas to LA You DON’T Want to Miss

Sure, you can cover the distance from Vegas to LA in four hours flat. But we prefer the slower route: a four-day itinerary that takes in the mountains, the deserts, and the quirky, curbside attractions that define life lived on the open road.

See recent posts by April Ellis

Day 1: 135 miles from Las Vegas to the Mojave Desert

Once you’ve had your fill of Sin City hedonism and debauchery, it’s time to detox. Red Rock Canyon , a scenic 200,000-acre area dominated by red sandstone rock formations a mere 17 miles west of the Strip, is the perfect place to sweat out those booze-induced calories you picked up back in Vegas. Rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, miles of hiking trails—it’s all here, and for just a $7 entry fee.

After soaking in Red Rock’s natural splendor, head a half-hour south down Veteran’s Highway to see Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains —a public installation of seven towers of painted, stacked boulders that stand more than 30 feet high. These day-glow totems stick out like a sore thumb against the ochre-colored landscape. According to Rondinone, the location is mid-way, physically and symbolically, between the natural (the mountains and the desert) and the artificial (the highway and ceaseless traffic that marches between Vegas and LA).

Before you lose too much sunlight, give yourself enough time to tackle the hour-and-a-half-long drive south along I-15 S towards the Mojave National Preserve , a vast, sunbaked desert of shifting sands and rugged mountains home to coyotes, lizards, and dense forests of Joshua trees. You might want to check out the famous Kelso Dunes, among the tallest in the States. For hikers, Mojave’s two-mile Ring Trail loop circles a massive mountain base into a slot canyon, and features some incredible views across the plains.

Though you can pitch a tent basically anywhere with a fire ring, there’s plenty of free camping sites (Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills are two good choices for having toilet facilities and staying open year-round). Most are on dirt trails once you turn off Kelbaker Road, and the experience is pretty primitive, but it’s well worth the effort to catch a desert sunrise. (JS Tip: Make sure to stop at Nipton for supplies.)

RELATED: Gorgeous Desert Hideaways Worth Braving the Heat For

Day 2: 123 miles from Mojave to Joshua Tree

As you make your way out of Mojave and head towards Joshua Tree, leave time to stop off at some of the area’s beloved roadside oddities. The World Famous Crochet Museum is exactly what it sounds like: a run-down photo-processing booth transformed into a quirky museum that honors the art of crochet. Another gem: Intergratron , a wooden dome built back in the 1950s where visitors can have their aura “tuned up” via a sound bath. Next, channel your inner artist at Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Desert Art Museum . These dramatic, site-specific sculptures, built from recycled metal, wood, and other manmade scraps, transform with the light and are especially photogenic on sunny or dark and stormy days.

Your final destination of today’s drive is, of course, Joshua Tree National Park . A longtime destination for LA artists and outcasts, hipsters now descend in droves, and for good reason. This otherworldly park—a breeding ground for odd rock formations, iconic Joshua trees, and all manners of cacti—lets you escape to Mars. There are first-come, first-serve campsites sprinkled throughout Joshua Tree for heavenly stargazing, or you can stay at the simple-yet-stylish Mojave Sands . The 1950s motel, situated on the edge of the park, has just five minimal, modern rooms, where everything is custom built. After settling in, flip through your room’s curated selection of vinyl before posting up at the outdoor fireplace—it’s going to be an early day tomorrow.

RELATED: America’s 10 Best National Parks Worth Visiting

Day 3: 34 miles from Joshua Tree to Palm Springs

Especially during the summer, Joshua Tree is best seen during the earliest hours of the morning, before the inevitable desert heat has time to build. Skull Rock, whose two hollowed-out “eye sockets” were formed by erosion and rain, is a favorite point of interest; the Cholla Cactus Garden is another for its dense concentration of fuzzy-looking cholla cacti (resist the urge to touch them).

Have kids in the group (or just want to channel your own inner child)? Pioneertown , just outside the park, isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a real-life living community. See mock gunfights on Mane Street, then hit up Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace for finger-licking barbecue and dancing.

An hour east towards Yucca Valley and then south lands you in Palm Springs, a playground for LA’s style setters in the heart of Coachella Valley. Start off your visit with a trip to the Moorten Botanical Garden , home to the world’s first cactarium. This isn’t your typical botanical conservatory—expect a wild, ramshackle greenhouse perfect for photo ops.

Then, check in to L’Horizon , one of the area’s most stylish stays that’s hosted the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable. It’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for, including a gorgeous alfresco restaurant helmed by Chef Giacomo Pettinari (formerly of LA’s Michelin-starred Valentino’s), a serene pool lined with city socialites, and, in some bungalows, outdoor showers with views of the San Jacinto mountains.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Palm Springs, CA hotels

RELATED: The Coolest Things to Do in Palm Springs

If you’ve got energy to spare, cap off (or start off) the night at Bootlegger Tiki , an eight-minute drive up the road, where kitschy Polynesian décor (bamboo ceilings; pufferfish-shaped lights; provocative artwork) is sexy and playful and the handcrafted cocktails are strong and inventive.

Day 4: 109 miles from Palm Springs to Los Angeles

After checking out of L’Horizon, head out onto I-10 E. You won’t be a half-hour in before passing by the Cabazon Dinosaurs , giant concrete sculptures visible right from the interstate. (These quirky landmarks have made many a movie cameo, but you might know them best from Tim Burton’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure ). There’s a $10 entry fee ($9 for kids), but it’s worth it for the photo—and the chance to climb inside the T-Rex. Pop into the gift shop, built inside the belly of Dinny the Brontosaurus, for funky mementos.

From Cabazon, it’s a straight shot to LA. But if you’re not ready to leave the countryside just yet, we suggest spending some time in the San Bernardino National Forest . This monumental, 154,000-acre reserve was designated a National Forest more than a hundred years ago. Old-growth forests include a smattering of Jeffrey pine, ponderosa, and Pacific dogwoods, and there is an abundance of trails for all levels. Cougar Crest Trail is a favorite for its views of Big Bear Lake (and its surrounding mountains) and wildflowers that peak in early summer.

RELATED: The 20 Most Beautiful Places in the U.S.

From San Bernardino, you’re just on the outskirts of LA. There’s much to check out once you get to Tinseltown, from hot new hotels to a serious food scene . We’ll let you decide where the rest of the trip takes you.

What to Pack

Women's spring new orleans outfit, shop the look.

Tie-Front Top

Leather Tote

Sandal Wedges

Men's incredibly casual outfit for spring.

Weekend Bag

Chino Shorts

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Wool Runners

• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Plan This Summer
• The Best Things to Do in LA in Spring
• 7 California Hot Springs Hotels We Love

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Jetsetter may earn an affiliate commission.

Become a Jetsetter.

Use our insider connections to know where to go and what to do.

Thanks for Signing Up!

Related Tags

Explore more.

Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection

15 Chic Summer Getaways for Style Lovers

Residenza San Lorenzo

5 Cute Outfits to Pack for Palm Springs

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Hotel Deals & Packages

Downtown las vegas, walk to allegiant stadium from these hotels, family-friendly hotels in las vegas, hotels on the strip, pet-friendly hotels, view all hotels & casinos, best places to catch live music in las vegas, vegas shows – the comprehensive guide, 11 can’t-miss las vegas entertainment experiences, special events & festivals, events this weekend, kid-friendly shows in las vegas, view all shows & events, gordon ramsay dishes on las vegas, budget-friendly fine dining in vegas, late-night dining spots, new restaurants, celebrity chefs, fine dining, bars & lounges, view all restaurants, free things to do in las vegas, 15 ways to celebrate your birthday in vegas, discover downtown las vegas, las vegas with kids, outdoor adventure, museums & exhibits, wedding packages and offers, 10 reasons to have your wedding in vegas, affordable weddings in las vegas, what you need to get married here, find your wedding venue, the 2024 las vegas wedding guide, plan your vegas wedding, join the millions who follow us, follow us for must-see las vegas experiences, can't miss las vegas hotel deals & updates, road trip from la to las vegas: what to see along the way.

Taking a Las Vegas road trip? Not only are there exhilarating things to experience once you arrive, but your journey is also going to be exciting! As you prepare for your LA road trip to Las Vegas, there are several spots worth stopping at along the way. And once you arrive in the destination, there are numerous attractions , activities , and entertainment opportunities to take in. So read on for your Vegas road trip inspiration.  

What to See Along the Way 

For your road trip, you could make it a direct route or opt to include a few additions along the way. However you plan out your trip, you’re sure to have a great time, especially upon arrival in Las Vegas.  

Joshua Tree National Park | Twentynine Palms, California 

The Mojave and Colorado deserts meet at this scenic national park, which boasts fantastic hiking and rock climbing. The desert flora and fauna offer photo opportunities, and the park is free on national holidays. Additionally, EV charging stations are conveniently located nearby. 

California Route 66 Museum | Victorville, California 

America’s most famous highway can be explored in-depth through exhibits that double as photo opportunities—especially for the classic-car fans out there. Aside from impressive cars, the space features unheard of historical facts, a library, and a gift shop. If you’re driving an EV, charging stations are located nearby. 

Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner | Yermo, California 

Originally built in 1954, this American-style diner features classic décor and music. Whether you sit at the counter or in a booth, a milkshake, and a tasty meal will fuel you up for the rest of the trip! 

EddieWorld | Yermo, California 

With a massive ice-cream sundae cup on the roadside, it’ll be hard to miss this spot. Self-described as California’s largest gas station, the hot spot features three fast-casual restaurants, a number of snacks, and EV charging stations. 

Calico Ghost Town Regional Park | Yermo, California 

This abandoned, old-West establishment will immerse you back in time, when silver mining was popular. A train tour, a museum, boutiques and more complete the experience. 

What to See or Do While in Las Vegas 

As you get into the destination, you’ll have your pick of various things to do in Las Vegas . Here are just a few popular options to check out.  

Seven Magic Mountains 

If you’re on the way in or out of town and need that unique Instagram selfie, this is it. Celebrated Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone created this work, an installation of neon-colored towers of boulders that lies just a short drive from the Strip. 

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

The diamond design. The letters illuminated in circles. That iconic star that lets you know “you are HERE.” Situated just a minute from the south end of the Strip , this Vegas icon can be accessed by a designated pedestrian crosswalk. Let it be your road trip’s “welcome” or “goodbye” to Fabulous Las Vegas. 

Fremont Street Experience

Located near two major freeways, this easy-to-access spot is a must-visit. A true Only Vegas experience, you can soar over the iconic area with the SlotZilla Zipline attraction or view the shows displayed on the Viva Vision canopy, the world’s largest digital display. And while you’re here, grab a delicious bite to eat at Project BBQ Las Vegas at Golden Gate Hotel and Casino or Saltgrass Steak House at Golden Nugget. Plus, there’s always a free show taking place on the stages of Fremont Street.

This arts and entertainment complex just off the Strip—and thus the I-15—offers a day’s worth of fulfilling fun. Try target practice at Dueling Axes, enjoy the multisensory experience of Illuminarium, and get lost in another dimension—or something like it—at the celebrated art collective Meow Wolf Omega Mart. Make the most of your experience with passes allowing for a collection of attractions. 

The Fountains of Bellagio aren’t just quintessential for a Las Vegas getaway, they’re straight up essential. Seeing the soaring waters choreographed to classics and contemporary favorites is a must-do when you find yourself close enough to experience them. And, don’t forget to check out the seasonal displays at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, located inside the magnificent resort.  

Road Trip Tips

To make the road trip to Las Vegas easier, check out our suggested tips and tricks: 

Coming from LA to Las Vegas, the best way to beat traffic is by leaving in the early morning or the late evening—and leaving to or from the destination on a weekday will also reduce your ETA. 

If you’re on your way out of town, stop by South Point Hotel Casino & Spa for a quick pick-me-up at Coronado Café, and then refuel across the street before hitting the road back to LA. 

Or, there’s Silverton Hotel & Casino , which also offers nearby spots to fill that gas tank. Even better, the Guilt Gift Shop is an almost-last-chance opportunity to shop for souvenirs for your loved ones back home. 

The excitement and endless entertainment in Vegas aren’t limited to the weekend. Book your rooms midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) for less expensive rates while still enjoying everything the destination has to offer. 

If you’re arriving via an electric vehicle (EV), charging stations are available along the way such as Primm Valley Resort and Casino , Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino , and Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino in Primm, Nevada. And once you arrive in Las Vegas, most resorts along the Strip have charging stations as well. 

Las Vegas has so much to offer, from attractions and shows to live music and world-class dining . Start by searching fantastic resort deals and then check out all the latest entertainers and performers coming to the destination to put on a show of a lifetime. It’s all here in Las Vegas.  

Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > Southwest > Embark on a 15-Day Unforgettable Journey: Las Vegas to California Road Trip

Embark on a 15-Day Unforgettable Journey: Las Vegas to California Road Trip

This site may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

You are organizing a road trip and you have about 15 days. You have only one thing decided: round-trip plane tickets to one destination: Las Vegas !

Ok, so you know one thing, that you will land in “Sin City”, you will stay there one or two nights and then you will come back after about 2 weeks to get on a plane… but there is one problem: how do you fill up the time in the middle? What should you do in the remaining days?

This is the dilemma our reader faced, who booked the flight with some friends and then, when she was presented with the infinite possibilities of planning a trip, she wrote to me asking me for some advice. As a result, I decided to write this post, though not only for her, but also for all those who want to go on an amazing tour of Las Vegas and California. Even if you were to start from different cities (for example Los Angeles or San Francisco ) the itinerary is easily adaptable.

The tour is published in three parts. Let’s start with the first part (Days 1-5).

Days 1 and 2: Las Vegas and California Tour… departure!

Days 3, 4 and 5: between two national parks… the old west.

Once you have arrived in Las Vegas , there is only place you will want to go: the Strip , the famous street where you will find the most extravagant hotels and casinos in the world. The best time to visit the Strip is in the evening, so you may need to book a room for 1 or 2 nights, to fully enjoy Las Vegas by night.

Accommodations in Las Vegas

Making a list of things to do in Las Vegas is an easy task: walking along Boulevard South, playing in casinos, go to the shows in hotels and eat well! Each hotel offers (for a fee, of course) its own buffet and some of them are really top quality!

After the metropolitan kitsch of Las Vegas, it’s time to explore nature. The tour continues in California . You will visit two national parks : Death Valley National Park and Yosemite N ational Park, with a stop at a historical treasure of the Old West!

DAY 3 : The first national park, Death Valley, is only 2 hours from Las Vegas. Before you head into Death Valley you may want some information about its attractions and how to visit the park. You can find everything you need in the post How To Visit Death Valley: 7 Wonders Not To Be Missed .

You will spend the night in Death Valley (book in advance!) or in a nearby town and leave the next day. Get ready for the two most demanding days of this itinerary, but I assure you that you will not be disappointed.

Accommodations in and around Death Valley

DAY 4 : On the fourth day, you will get up early (yes, that’s right, even though you are on vacation…) and continue north along the Nevada border. The goal is to visit Bodie , a perfectly preserved and most fascinating western town in the US. The journey to get to Bodie from Death Valley is quite long (4/5 hours) and the western town generally closes at 6:00 pm (here are the times on the site ), so you must leave on time or we’ll miss the ghost town .

From Bodie you will head back and approach Mammoth Lakes (an hour or so of travel, also an opportunity to see Mono Lake if you missed it on the way there), a town surrounded by mountains where you will spend the night and leave the next day (although it deserves a longer visit…).

Accommodations in Mammoth Lakes

DAY 5 : The next destination is San Francisco and the best way to get there is only one: drive through Yosemite National Park and admire its beautiful landscapes.

Be careful when following GPS directions : if you are in Mammoth Lakes and you type San Francisco as your last destination the GPS will make you go around Yosemite, taking you on an equally long road (remember that to drive through Yosemite you will need to purchase a Park Pass , being a National Park). From Mammoth Lakes to San Francisco there is a nice 6-hour trip.

Accommodations near Yosemite

You have concluded the first part of the itinerary. In the second part you will depart from San Francisco and then move on to Santa Barbara . In the meantime, let me know what you think. Have you been to these places? Did you like them?

Second part of the trip Santa Barbara-San Francisco

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

lorenzo puliti

I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

Related posts

Traveling from Las Vegas to Yellowstone: recommended on-the-road itinerary

Discover the Main Filming Locations of Top Gun and Maverick!

17-Mile Drive: Pebble Beach’s scenic road in California

Pigeon Point Light Station State Park, a fascinating lighthouse on the California Coast

Leave a comment cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA

© 2024 California.com All Rights Reserved

RECOMMENDED BUSINESSES

The Ultimate Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip

One of the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles, the drive to Vegas is a worthwhile adventure that exposes you to a whole new world.

June 29, 2021

Ready, set, Vegas! Join the many Californians this year on a Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip that starts with driving on the highway and ends as a luxurious trip full of fine dining, shopping, and entertainment. One of the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles, the drive to Vegas is a worthwhile adventure that exposes you to a whole new world in the span of less than five hours. Viva Las… oh well, you know the rest. 

Why Drive to Vegas?

No one needs convincing to visit Las Vegas, but here are a few reasons why you should embark on the Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip ASAP.

• Since June 1st, Las Vegas has been back to life pre-pandemic. So, fully vaccinated people are able to experience the beauty and Bellagio sans limitations.
• Not only is the drive time from Los Angeles to Las Vegas short, but there are plenty of things to see along the way that will make those four hours fly by.
• Sun’s out fun’s out. Did we mention that summer is the perfect season for a road trip to Vegas? Picture the pools, hotels, shows, and other fun activities you’ll enjoy in person while people back home wait for the sun to go down to be able to leave their homes without melting.

Does your business rank among the best in California?

Recomended businesses

Show me california.com recommended businesses near.

Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process.

Everything You Need to See on a Road Trip to Las Vegas

Book your hotel and put on your road trip playlist ; these places to stop on the way to Vegas make for one heck of an awesome road trip to kick off a weekend in Sin City. 

Stop #1 Mormon Rocks

The first stop on your 270-mile L.A. to Vegas drive is at the Mormon Rocks in Phelan. Just over an hour out of Los Angeles, these peculiar sandstone formations will immediately catch your eye. While you should definitely admire them from afar, the best way to see the rocks is via an easy one-mile hike. So, if you have enough time to spare while driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, don’t miss out on trekking the Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail.

Stop #2 Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch

Put aside enough time for a quick detour onto the iconic Route 66 . Less than 20 minutes away from Mormon Rocks, you’ll come across the famous Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. Created by Elmer Long in 2000, this collection of metal trees full of old bottles and other vintage items is fun to stroll through and take pictures of. 

While Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is the most famous roadside attraction along Route 66 from L.A. to Vegas, there are other cool spots like diners and antique shops to see should you venture out a bit further.

Stop #3 Route 66 Mother Road Museum

The Route 66 Mother Road Museum is a cool little stop in Barstow, where you can learn about the historic route and check out memorabilia. Consider donating a small sum to help maintain the volunteer-run museum—the admission is completely free.

Stop #4 Desert Discovery Center

Also in Barstow, the Desert Discovery Center is a large facility dedicated to informing visitors about the culture, local community, and natural history of the Mojave Desert. The most famous exhibit in the museum is the Old Woman Meteorite. Both the oldest and second largest meteorite in the United States, this show-stopping display makes the museum one of the must-see places to stop on the way to Vegas.

Side note: the original Del Taco is also within half a mile from the museum. If you’re more excited about tacos than meteorites, you’ll definitely want to add a pitstop here as well. 

Stop #5 Calico

Calico is one of the most visited ghost towns in California , frequented mostly by people on a Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip (or Death Valley , you choose). Nestled in the Calico Mountains of the Mojave Desert, this silver mining town was founded in 1881 and is now a local historical landmark. Stroll around the abandoned town, take pictures, and travel back in time to the 1800s before hopping back in your car and driving towards Las Vegas—the polar opposite of Calico. 

Stop #6 Peggy Sue’s Diner

At this point, you’ve been on the road for around three hours already. Before your stomachs start rumbling and your mood goes sour, you definitely need to stop and grab a quick bite. Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner is an old-school spot in Yermo that’s a yummy restaurant and cool place to check out 50s and 60s memorabilia. Get a burger and a shake and you’ll be ready to make more stops along the scenic drive near Las Vegas .

Stop #7 Baker

Baker is not so much a sightseeing spot as it is a necessary one. Not only is it one of the only gas station stops along the entirety of the road trip to Las Vegas, but Baker also features a couple of cool places you can check out on the go. If you like beef jerky, pick up unique flavors from Alien Fresh Jerky to keep you full for the last few miles of the drive to Vegas. Don’t forget to take a picture with the world’s tallest thermometer before getting back on the road.

Stop #8 Seven Magic Mountains

2021 might be your last chance to check out this famous public installation before it’s removed from Henderson, Nevada. You’ve definitely come across the brightly colored boulders stacked upon each other on your social media feed, but trust us when we say they’re much better looking in person.

The 35-foot art installation is meant to resemble the mountains of the desert and was created by renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. As the last official stop of your summer road trip , Seven Magic Mountains is a cool sight to see on your Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip.

Stop #9 Las Vegas

You’ve made it. You’ve successfully beat traffic boredom and made it to Las Vegas while listening to good music , checking out the coolest landmarks, and learning about California history in the best way. Goodbye reality, hello Vegas!

For now, you have awesome shows, great food, beautiful hotels, and many fun activities to look forward to in Vegas. You know what they say, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas—more like we post about it non-stop on Instagram. 

If you find yourself craving more adventures on the way back, we have your back with more bucket list-worthy destinations to add to your itinerary . 

Need help with a home improvement project? Get a free quote today!

Enter your zip code.

Inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

Awesome thank you for subscribing to our newsletter..

When you provide your email address, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy , and you are giving your consent to receive email communications from California.com regarding updates, happenings, special offers, and promotions from our partners.

RELATED Articles

RELATED CITIES

Discover More

6 Things That Make Santa Cruz Special

Santa Cruz is a special city with countless opportunities for fun, personal growth, and exploration.

One Planet Summit Returns in 2024 to San Francisco

Registration is now open for the second annual One Planet Summit, bringing business and thought leaders together for crucial conversations.

Payam Zamani's Book 'Crossing the Desert' Redefines Capitalism

Delve into Payam Zamani’s new model of capitalism and inspiring journey that transformed him into the spiritual entrepreneur he is today.

The Best Water Activities in San Diego

From kayaking, to sailing, to surfing, here are the best water sports activities to enjoy in San Diego.

Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!

Are you looking for the best California road trip itinerary to explore the most beautiful places in the Golden State? Our 10 days in California itinerary will take you from the rugged coast and beautiful beaches to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevadas. Hike the Mojave desert, sleep underneath a yucca tree, and visit the lowest place on the continent while you road trip in California. Read our 10 day California Road Trip guide now. You may also like our post on 20 Best Road Trips in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate California road trip planner!

We created this planner to help you plan the perfect road trip around California and it contains all the essential information you need to plan your trip today including budget and costs, what to eat, where to stay, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of California itineraries as well as get more information on California road trip must-see attractions including the Golden Gate Bridge, Big Sur, Yosemite, and Los Angeles.

Our mission? To make sure you have a blast in California!

Also Read: Portland to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary California To Texas road trip planner Best Things to do in Washington State

California is our favorite destination ever.

I have been enamored with California long before I visited it.

California, San Jose, and the West coast are randomly thrown around in conversations in India – because everyone knows someone working in Silicon Valley – and you can’t help but know about this slice of America.

Growing up, I knew more about Cisco, Apple, Google, and Yahoo (remember when everyone used Yahoo?!) than San Francisco, Yosemite, and Big Sur.

And Disney – because everyone knows Disney!

California has such a unique history.

The oldest, tallest, and widest trees live here and guess what, they have been around since prehistoric times – yes, even dinosaurs lived among the redwood trees!

One of the lowest, aridest, and hottest places on earth is right here in California in Badwater Basin.

And as for scenic places: California has so many of them!

We love Big Sur and its rocky coast, the wildflower super blooms, blue Lake Tahoe, Mono Lake and its tufas, unique shapes of Joshua trees!

There are so many things to see in California road trip that the list just goes on!

Also Read: 24 Best Places to Visit in California in winter

Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full  Disclosure  here. Thank you!

And that’s why in our California road trip itinerary of 10 days, we take you around all these unique and beautiful places in the Golden State.

Our California 10 day road trip itinerary is perfect for driving around dreamy landscapes of yellow poppies, orange orchards, purple foliage, and lush green vineyards.

We have divided this California roadtrip itinerary into 4 essential stretches as per the geographic features of the state – yepp, we are that geeky – and you can customize it as you want. 

Best waterproof walking shoes for California beaches

If you are a beach person like me, then extend the Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary to 10 days.

If you are a mountain lover like my hubby, then take a 10 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Pick your favorite area and stay there as long as you want. Or follow our California in 10 days itinerary exactly as described!

As always, we have also included suggestions for if you have more or less time.

Whatever you chose, you are going to have the time of your lives – because this is California!

“Every time I come, I’m still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert… I love it.” – Theo James, the English actor

Best of California Road Trip 10 Days Itinerary

We, like most people, have seen California in bits and pieces rather than in one go.

We first visited California almost a decade ago and did San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the theme parks.

Second time around, we visited Death Valley National Park on a road trip from Vegas.

Then I lived and worked in the Bay area in tech (oh, the irony!) and that’s when we explored the California National Parks, North Coast, and the Sierra Nevada side of the state.

Our most popular posts: 22 Best City Breaks in the USA The Best Things to do in New York on your first visit Ultimate List of Best Places to visit in the USA

Most recently, we did the San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip along the gorgeous Pacific Coast Highway – oh and also road-tripped Southern California and Disney with the kids.

On our next trip – we plan to do the North Coast and Redwoods Scenic Highway AGAIN.

Yeah – that’s how much we love California – have been to many destinations several times and still can’t have enough.

The best way to tour California is obviously by driving. The state is beautiful but huge and it’s not easy planning California trip that covers all the major attractions with limited time in hand.

And planning a California road trip with kids is even more difficult – how do you prioritize between theme parks and natural attractions?

And that’s where we rush in – your knights in shining armor – delivering the ultimate 10 day California road trip itinerary. 

Our California trip planner is more like going on a series of best California road trips – each more gorgeous than the previous.

Also, we follow this road trip along two of California’s most popular routes: south on the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway and then back north along the scenic SR 395 through Eastern California .

That’s what makes our itinerary the absolute best California driving trip planner!

You can also call it the California National Parks road trip because we will be visiting the most popular of them on an epic road trip.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Stretch 1: Down The Pacific Coast – 4 Days

Often enough, when someone talks about a California driving holiday, this stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway is the one they actually mean.

Constantly ranked among the top scenic drives in the world, the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the best of both worlds.

It combines the urban getaways of California’s two largest cities with the natural panoramas of Big Sur and the Pacific. 

If you have limited time, we would recommend spending 3 to 4 days along this route.

If you want to focus only on this coastal road trip, then just drive south on a road trip from San Francisco on SR1.

Take your own time to enjoy roadside stops like Carmel-By-The-Sea, Morro Bay, and the stunning Big Sur.

Hike or camp and explore nature.

Here’s our suggestion for this stretch of 10 day California itinerary planner.

San Francisco – 1 Day

Start with our San Francisco road trip planner.

San Francisco is our favorite city to start a 10 day California trip.

The city is quite easy to fly into; the 3 airports of San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland are located close by and many airlines have deals to the Bay area.

We would recommend spending a minimum of one day in San Francisco before picking up your rental car and driving south.

Or you can rent a car before, see SF, and then drive the PCH.

You can also start your 10 day road trip from Los Angeles, in that case, adjust your plans accordingly.

Read this now! Whatever you do – don’t casually park your car at an empty garage in San Francisco. Car Break-ins in San Francisco are very common, as we discovered to our ill-fortune . On our latest trip to San Francisco, we had parked in a garage two blocks away from Pier 39 and came back to find the rear glass broken and both our children’s suitcases gone!  We had to spend quite some time to sort the issue and it left a sad memory on an otherwise awesome road trip around California in 10 days. We would recommend parking at your hotel while taking a cab or the tram to explore the city. 

San Francisco has many names – SF, San Fran, Fog City, the City by the Bay, Frisco (though don’t say that in front of locals) or simply, the City – going back to the days of the Wild West when there was nothing much in Northern California but the city.

San Francisco is colorful, vibrant, and bohemian.

It’s amongst our favorite US cities – right there at the top along with New York , Chicago , and New Orleans.

There are quite a few things to do in San Francisco: unsurprisingly most of them begin at or near the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco’s gigantic urban park.

Begin your visit at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center near the southern end of the bridge.

Learn interesting facts and see construction relics from the building of the Golden Gate Bridge before visiting the bridge itself.

Next walk across all 1.7 miles of this engineering marvel and icon of America.

The views of the bay from the bridge are beautiful and you feel an indescribable thrill while walking across it.

Definitely the highlight of your California travel itinerary!

Up for more adventure?

Bike the Golden Gate!

We have done it twice – most recently with our 3 yrs and 6 months old kids – it is a superb experience.

We love biking across to Sausalito, exploring the quaint town, and taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

You can also bike to the redwoods if you have more time.

Read our ultimate guide to biking the bridge here.

If not biking, then use the rest of your day to explore San Francisco’s highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, Lombard Street, and Ghirardelli Square.

If you want to spend more time in San Francisco, see the Painted Ladies – those famous SF houses shown in Full House!

You can also check out the city from the Twin Peaks.

The Golden Gate Park is perfect for a stroll.

Ride the cable car to Chinatown and have some dumplings and noodles for lunch.

Spend an afternoon admiring the beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts or visit the prison of Alcatraz Island.

Visit the beautiful redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument or whale watch and hike at Point Reyes.

San Francisco is a beautiful city and you can easily spend a couple of days there as a part of your 10 day trip to California.

Read our San Francisco posts now to plan this part of the trip: San Francisco 3 to 5-day itinerary ideas 17 Best Things to do in San Francisco on your first visit

The area around San Francisco is also full of activities and tourist attractions.

Here are some suggestions if you want to spend a few more days exploring around the Bay Area during your California itinerary of 10 days:

Napa & Sonoma 

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Napa Valley along the Silverado Trail.

Sonoma County is also a great place to visit for wine lovers.

You can tour the many vineyards, taste local wines, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and visit famous tasting rooms.

If you happen to visit in the fall, you will see beautiful fall colors in the vineyards and be able to attend grape stomping. 

San Jose is popular with millennials and those working in Silicon Valley.

You will find plenty of trendy nightclubs and bars in San Jose.

If you enjoy shopping, check out the high fashion brands on Santana Row.

For outdoor lovers, a hike to Mission Peak is a must while families will love the Winchester Mystery House.

Silicon Valley

If you love tech then you need to visit Silicon Valley.

It boasts the largest concentration of geeks and nerds – and as a fellow geek, I say it quite fondly!

Start your visit at the Computer History Museum to know everything about the machine that changed our lives.

Then see Google’s Android lawn sculptures in Mountain View or the garage where Hewlett Packard began in Palo Alto.

Visit Stanford University’s sprawling campus as well as Facebook and Apple!

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip – 2 Days

On to the next part of the 10 day road trip in California.

After seeing San Francisco, drive south along the SR1 or Pacific Coast Highway.

Over the next 2 days, you will follow the coastal route to Los Angeles while making plenty of stops along the way.

Check the coastal communities of Half Moon Bay and Davenport before reaching Santa Cruz.

If you have kids, spend some time at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk.

Next visit Monterey and Carmel by the Sea. Hike in Point Lobos or walk the coastal bluffs at Garrapata State Park.

On the way, you will see secret beaches, hidden coves, and beautiful views. 

As you begin driving PCH1 while following our 10 days in California itinerary, you understand why artists settle here, photographers and writers both wax lyrical about this region, and why the drive is called the most beautiful in the world.

We recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity of Carmel Highlands for the night.

The next day, rise early for the star attraction of the drive: the 90-mile long rugged, wild Big Sur.

Big Sur is 6 hours from Los Angeles and you have a big day ahead.

It is really hard to describe Big Sur.

Rocky cliffs, foaming waves, spring wildflowers, lighthouses, migrating whales, turquoise water, redwood trees: Big Sur has everything.

It is gorgeous in a wild way.

In Big Sur, you will find amazing state parks, some of California’s best hiking trails, iconic beaches, and tons of marine life, including otters, elephant seals, and dolphins.

Some areas of Big Sur can be closed at any given time of the year due to floods or landslides – so we recommend checking out the PCH status before your 10 days road trip California.

Read more about all the attractions including the beautiful McWay Falls in our post One day in Big Sur . 

Other attractions of the Pacific Coast Highway drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles include Monterey’s famous 17-mile drive, the seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, the famous Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara, and the beaches of Malibu.

For the purposes of this California Itinerary of 10 days, we would suggest 2 to 3 days on PCH.

However, if you have more time then the PCH is easily a 4 day to week-long road trip in itself.

To read more about all the awesome stops on PCH and planning a detailed itinerary, check out our article on Planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway . 

Also Read: Top 10 Convertible drives in the USA

Los Angeles – 1 Day

While San Francisco and Silicon Valley are for tech lovers, Los Angeles is for Hollywood fans.

How long to stay in Los Angeles is a tricky question.

If you only have one day in Los Angeles, start by seeing the famous Hollywood sign and then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take selfies with your favorite stars.

Also, see the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby Theatre) which hosts the Oscars and tour the movie star homes on Rodeo Drive.

If you have more time to explore Los Angeles, we suggest starting with lunch at the Santa Monica Pier.

Then visit the Griffith Observatory and see Los Angeles from above.

Or you can take a behind the scenes VIP studio tour at one of your favorite studios: pick from Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures or Sony!

You can also check out the beautiful exhibits at the Getty Center or the beautiful modern art at the Broad.

LA also has many other top museums and a large number of attractions – read our post on Best Things to do in Los Angeles for more ideas.

For more help in planning your day, read our Los Angeles itinerary for first-time visitors .

Here are some suggestions to explore the area beyond Downtown Los Angeles:

No California family road trip is complete without a trip to Disney.

Both of California’s Disney Parks are located close to Los Angeles in Anaheim.

On the best California vacation itinerary, you have to meet Mickey, Goofy and other beloved cartoon characters!

Kids also get to meet Disney’s princesses in full attire at the parks.

To plan a California family vacation itinerary including a trip to Disney, read our Disney posts .

Universal Studios

To understand all about movie-making, see movie sets, and enjoy thrilling rides visit Universal Studios.

This theme park has really cool attractions and the Studio Tour will take you through sets based on Shutter Island, Jaws, King Kong, and more.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogwarts and taking thrilling rides based on the books and movies – and is a must-visit if you are spending 10 days in California.

Channel Islands National Park

For a unique experience, customize our itinerary for California 10 days and visit the remote Channel Islands.

Comprised of 5 islands, the park has excellent wildlife, sea caves, and lots of natural beauty.

You can take a ferry to the park from Ventura.

Optional: San Diego – 1 Day

From Los Angeles, you can venture on the next part of California 10 day itinerary or extend your trip down the coast by visiting San Diego.

Not many people know that San Diego is the oldest city on the West Coast.

It has beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of history. 

Read our post 22 Best Things to do in San Diego now to know more about this beautiful city.

If you have one day, you can visit the Historic Old Town and understand the Mexican and Wild West roots of the city.

Next, visit the famous Balboa Park with its beautiful architecture, renowned museums, and the San Diego Zoo.

Round off your time in the city by exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its Victorian architecture and trendy eateries, hotels, and pubs.

This area is perfect for ending the day with dinner and drinks.

If you have more than a day, visit the famous San Diego Sea World and see the dolphins in action.

San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches; the Mission Beach boardwalk is very popular.

Other things to see include Mission San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Park, and the bustling waterfront area of Seaport Village.

If you have more time on 10 day itinerary California, check out the dramatic sculptures in the desert city of Borrego Springs.

Related: For more California road trip ideas, check out our post on 12 Best California road trips

Stretch 2: Through The Arid Californian Desert – 2 Days

Continue on the California road trip route planner through deserts of southern California.

While most people associate California primarily with the coast and then with the dense redwood forests, the state is also renowned for its unique desert landscapes.

Most of these parts of southern California have a desolate beauty.

It is full of desert cities like Palm Springs which offer unique tourist attractions for visitors.

In this post, we focus our California 10 days itinerary on exploring two of the region’s national parks: Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park – 1 Day

Located partly over the Colorado desert and the Mojave desert, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the iconic Joshua tree.

This is a type of Yucca tree that is twisted, scraggly, and found only in the Mojave desert of California.

The easily recognizable tree looks even more dramatic in the desert landscape and bare rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park.

The national park is one of the most underrated California road trip destinations.

Its unique vistas have drawn photographers and artists to the park for decades.

Read our post on One Day in Joshua Tree to plan your trip.

There are many things to do in Joshua Tree and its otherworldly landscape.

One of the best ways to see Joshua Tree is by driving around the paved road in the park.

Campsites in Joshua Tree are spectacular and hikes through Yucca trees and cacti adventurous.

The Hidden Valley Trail is a short mile-long trail that offers great desert landscape views.

The park has many popular geological rock formations that are used for rock climbing.

The park also has a dark night sky and is good for stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and night sky photographers.

Wildlife and birding opportunities around the park are also numerous.

Read more in our post 24 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park .

While deciding how to plan a trip to California, we recommend keeping more time aside to explore the many attractions surrounding Joshua Tree.

You can easily include them on a South California road trip from San Diego to Joshua Tree in this order: San Diego – Anza Borrego – Galleta Meadows – Salton Sea – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree.

Here’s some more information about these desert experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

Salton Sea 

The Salton Sea is an inland lake created by flooding from an irrigation canal of the Colorado River that carries water to the Imperial Valley in 1905.

Several resort communities were built along the new lake.

However, the lake has no discharge and as a result, the water became unusually saline causing the death of marine life.

As a result, the communities were abandoned and are extremely popular with ruin photographers.

If you have teens, then definitely include Bombay Beach ruins in your California vacation itinerary – they will love to see random objects lying on the beach.

Today, the Salton Sea shoreline is filled with deteriorating structures and RV communities.

The Salton Sea is also located directly on top of the San Andreas fault and geothermal activity including mud pools are present along the coast.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is popular for birding, boating, picnicking, and camping. 

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the Colorado desert region, is one of the biggest Californian desert cities.

If you want a relaxing vacation, then Palm Springs is one of the best California ideas.

One of its main attractions is the Palm Springs aerial tramway which takes you up Mount San Jacinto and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Palm Springs also has many great museums, boutique stores, restaurants, and resorts.

It is one of the most popular winter vacation destinations in the USA.

If you plan to visit Palm Springs, then check out our post on 30 Best Things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Anza Borrego and Galleta Meadows Sculptures in Borrego Springs

While California has many beautiful state parks, few know about its largest – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

This park is at its most beautiful in the spring when the cacti flower and the desert landscape comes alive with colors.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park is just two hours away from San Diego and can be seen on a San Diego Joshua Valley road trip.

In nearby Borrego Springs, you can see the unusual Galleta Meadows Estate sculptures.

These sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are free to visit and beautiful works of art.

By driving all over the land you can spot dragons, serpents, wooly mammoths, and other fantastic creatures.  

Also, read our post on Planning the ultimate Southern California itinerary.

Coachella Valley Preserve 

Coachella’s Thousand Palms Oasis is a unique chance to see the oasis environment in the middle of the desert.

The oases directly sit on fault lines and the water seeping through the faults has given life to California Fan Palms and other big palms in the arid desert.

Wildlife including sheep, goats, bobcats, etc, also can be spotted at the oasis.

Entry to the reserve is free and it has many hiking trails plus offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

There are also other hiking areas close to Coachella Valley Preserve including Indian Canyons where you can hike through slot canyons. 

Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

Comprising of areas of the Mojave desert and the Great Basin desert, Death Valley is vastly different than Joshua Tree National Park.

For the most part, Death Valley is devoid of vegetation and is home to a variety of geological formations including the badlands, sand dunes, and the famous salt flats.

Death Valley also has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America and is also one of the hottest and driest places in the country.

No trip to Death Valley National Park is complete without visiting the Badwater Basin salt flats.

The salt flats, at 282 feet below sea level, are the lowest place in North America.

Death Valley National Park has many scenic drives that are perfect for exploring around the park.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are good for taking a stroll, exploring the desert plants, viewing animal tracks, and sunrise/sunset photography.

The park has many interesting geological formations.

Death Valley also has a dark night sky and is great for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way.

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley National Park for more information.

We know you are planning to roadtrip California, but we can’t talk about Death Valley without mentioning Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is also a great city to begin your road trip to California.

The distance between Vegas and Death Valley is just over 2 hours and the route is quite scenic.

In fact, it is one of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

You can see the Sin City and then go on a road trip through California – an epic Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco trip, if you will!

Or you can also go on a memorable Las Vegas Grand Canyon road trip from California.

For Las Vegas travel inspiration, read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas .

Stretch 3: Up Through The Sierra Nevada – 4 Days

After seeing Death Valley, take a road trip on California’s Scenic Highway 395.

This road trip is scenic whether you do it from north to south or like we recommend here, from south to north.

The best time to see the aspens turn yellow here is in fall.

The total distance from Death Valley to your final destination of Yosemite is 4 hours when the Lee Vining road to Yosemite is open in the summer.

However, we recommend keeping aside 4 days for this road trip as it has some of the most underrated road trip destinations in California including the Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, Bodie Ghost Town, etc.

For more information on these Route 395 stops, see this article .

For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus on the popular attractions of Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. 

Route 395 will take you high up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, known for their spectacular beauty.

The Sierra Nevadas are home to many national and state parks including the mighty Yosemite and crystal clear high mountain lakes.

For the rest of your Californian road trip, you will be exploring the High Sierras and its many breathtaking attractions.

This is a welcome respite after the desert landscapes of Death Valley and Joshua Tree and depending on when you visit you will be able to see beautiful meadows, wildflowers, fall foliage, and even snow!

Mammoth Lakes And Mono Lake – 1 Day

Contrary to their name, Mammoth Lakes is not a lake but a winter ski town in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain is the main winter skiing area with a variety of ski runs.

In summer, it is a favorite with mountain bikers and hikers.

The town does have several beautiful lakes that are accessible only in the summer but none of them are named Mammoth.

The area has beautiful alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring and natural hot springs for some R&R.

In one day, we recommend taking the roughly one hour drive around the Lakes Basin and visiting all the lakes.

You can hike, picnic, kayak, and fish in whichever lake you like.

Or maybe just hang up a hammock and read a book by the lake.

Nearby Mono Lake is a saltwater lake surrounded by unique towering limestone formations called the tufa.

The lake visitor center has great information about the formation of the lake and the tufa while the short South Tufa trail is great for exploring the surrounding area.

The trail takes you along the lakeshore and among the tufas.

We suggest stopping here for an hour or so; Mono Lake accepts National Park Pass for entry.

On the way from Mammoth Lakes to Mono Lake, you will pass by June Lake and Devils Postpile Monument.

June Lake Loop Road is a great place to see the fall colors while the Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation of basalt columns.

Rainbow Falls, a 31m plunging waterfall, is another popular attraction of the monument.

Past Mono Lake, take the Lee Vining Road into Yosemite.

The official name of the road is Tioga Pass Road and it is closed in winter and spring (usually November to May) due to snow.

In that case, you can’t really visit Yosemite from the eastern side.

To know alternative routes in winter, check here . 

Yosemite National Park – 2 Days

Best known for its giant sequoia trees, bald granite cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls, Yosemite National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yosemite along with Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park is known as the ‘Big Three’ and receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Yosemite is a must-stop on any Ca road trip itinerary.

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is from the summer to fall when Tioga Pass Road is open.

We suggest spending 2 days in Yosemite National Park to hike, drive along scenic roads, and see the major attractions. 

On your first day, start by taking a Yosemite Valley Tour.

The Yosemite Valley is surrounded by the bald granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Most of the waterfalls including Yosemite Falls are also located in the valley.

The Valley is also where most of the park services including accommodations, shuttle buses, etc are located.

The Valley has hiking trails for all difficulty levels that lead to stunning views of Yosemite.

Lower Yosemite Falls hike is a short and easy trail that goes to the base of the falls.

Touring the Yosemite Valley via the free shuttle bus is the easiest way to see the national park.

However, if you are visiting in summer (especially long weekends) it can get very crowded – so plan to start early in the morning.

The Valley Visitor Center has great information and exhibits about the history and geology of Yosemite, plus it is a good place to get souvenirs, postcards, and magnets.

The aptly-named Mirror Lake reflects Half Dome peak and is beautiful to visit.

However, it dries up towards the end of summer and is best seen in spring/summer. 

Another must in the Valley if you’re visiting in summer is Glacier Point.

Located along the valley rim, it can be reached only by car or private tour.

The views from Glacier Point are stellar. It is also the base for many of Yosemite’s rim hikes.

We suggest spending one day exploring the valley. Yosemite also offers paid guided tours if you prefer them.

On the next day, you can go up the Tioga Pass road if it is clear of snow.

This is your chance to experience Yosemite devoid of the crowds.

The shuttle bus will take you up the Tioga Pass road to Tuolumne Meadows.

To see Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, visit the Mariposa Grove.

This area is also accessible by the park shuttle.

End your day by visiting Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village.

Photographer Ansel Adams’s stunning black and white photos of Yosemite are a great reminder of how Yosemite looked over half a century ago.

Lake Tahoe And Emerald Bay – 1 Day

If you continue along Route 395 from Yosemite, you will reach lake Tahoe.

Note: Route 395 itself does not reach Lake Tahoe, so you will be following 207 from the Nevada side. 

The deep blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by snow-clad mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevadas is one of California’s iconic images.

Located on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination for Californians throughout the year.

In winter it is popular for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.

Summer in Lake Tahoe is made for biking and camping.

In fall, the area around Lake Tahoe comes alive with spectacular fall foliage and is one of the top fall drives in the country .

South Lake Tahoe or the California side is best for enjoying the outdoors and nature with family while the Nevada side has lots of casinos and is more touristy.

Crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe (CC 2.0 – Christian Abend )

The drive around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles long and takes about three hours.

It is highly scenic and one of the best road trips in California.

Much of the shoreline of Lake Tahoe is public and the views of the lake from the drive are stunning.

The lake looks a pretty shade of blue during the day and taking a beautiful picture of the water is a highlight of your visit.

An essential stop along the drive is the Emerald Bay State Park.

The drive here is spectacular and the views of the turquoise lake are lovely.

There are many other ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe.

You can take a helicopter tour or enjoy watersports on the lake.

The Sierra Nevada mountain ranges are an absolute delight for outdoor and nature lovers.

What you will see in these 4 days is just the tip of the iceberg.

The High Sierras have many beautiful alpine valleys, lakes, ghost towns, waterfalls, and hiking trails worth exploring.

If you can spend more time in the Sierra Nevada, then here are some other must attractions:

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 

These are the two other national parks located in the High Sierras.

The giant sequoias surround you as you drive the park roads creating a surreal and unique experience.

The twisting and turning roads here are not for the faint-hearted (hint: carry some Dramamine!).

Both national parks have great hiking trails and lots of wildlife.

John Muir Trail

While it is not possible to hike in a short time, John Muir Trail deserves a special mention.

This is a long-distance trail in the Sierra Nevada and passes through Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

It is as renowned as the Appalachian or the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Bodie Ghost Town

The old mining ghost town of Bodie is an hour away from Mammoth Lakes.

Preserved as a state park, the town is full of historic saloons and deserted buildings.

While Sacramento is not in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the city is on the way while returning to San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and makes for a great addition to our California road trip itinerary recommendations.

One of the top attractions in Sacramento is the California State Railroad Museum.

Stretch 4: Along The Wild North Coast

There are many things to do in Northern California including national parks, scenic drives, beautiful coastal towns, and more.

You will need another 5 days minimum to fully explore the Northern part of the state.

Hence, we do not recommend covering the North Coast if you are following this California Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days – you simply won’t have time.

The best way to explore this region is to plan a separate road trip in the northern part of the state, the details of which you can read here in our post, Ultimate Northern California road trip itinerary .

California’s North Coast is less visited, unspoiled, and partially unexplored compared to the famous central Coast and the crowded southern coast.

The prehistoric coastal redwood trees grow in groves along the road all the way up to Oregon.

Hwy 1 ends at Leggett where it joins Hwy 101.

While the road follows the coast, for the most part, it turns inward in the area of the Lost Coast.

The remote Lost Coast as the name suggests is devoid of major highways and remains the ultimate adventure for a 10 day trip to California.

However, the coast is not the only unique thing about Northern California.

The northern part of the state is also home to geothermal activity.

You can climb lava tunnels at Lava Beds National Monument and see volcanic craters, domes, mud pools, etc at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Here are a few attractions of the region:

Redwoods National and State Park

The Redwoods National and State Parks were created to preserve the old-growth redwood forests.

The Redwoods are the tallest living trees on Earth and also among the oldest.

The National Park and state parks are also home to a number of endangered animals including spotted owl, species of sea lions, etc.

The unique environment of the dense redwood forests by the coast has resulted in the park being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing the Redwoods covered in fog during winter or spring is a surreal experience.

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore, located in Marin County, preserves a large swath of northern California’s coastal wilderness.

Most popular attractions at Point Reyes include Alamere Falls on Wildcat Beach and Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Other attractions include the endangered tule elk herd that can be seen around Tomales Point, Native American redwood houses, earthquake trail, and dramatic cliffside beaches.

Avenue of the Giants

Avenue of the Giants is an over 30 miles long scenic highway that passes through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and its mighty coastal redwood trees.

Roadside attractions include tunnels cut into redwood trees, giant groves, and unique roadside attractions like a house created from a single redwood log and a Redwood RV.

We suggest hiking in the Redwood groves to experience the truly gigantic trees.

The quaint seaside town of Mendocino is quite different from the coastal towns on the Central Coast.

It reminded me of Maine and the coastal upper East coast due to its Victorian mansions painted in pretty pastel colors.

The town is a historical landmark and very pretty to wander and explore.

Nearby Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park are worth a visit.

Nearby Fort Bragg is no fort but a lumber town on the North Coast.

The famous ‘Glass Beach’ of which I’m sure you have seen pics floating around on social media is in Fort Bragg.

The beach is a part of MacKerricher State Park, a state park with amazing views of the undeveloped headlands, beaches, and tide pools.

Another popular attraction in Fort Bragg is the Skunk Train – a railroad built to haul timber logs from the redwood forests.

Other attractions on the North Coast include the pretty Victorian towns of Ferndale and Eureka, Del Norte Redwood State Park, and the seaport community of Crescent City.

More 10 Day California itinerary ideas for slow travelers

You can use our California road trip planner to customize your itinerary based on your interests. 

If you can only spend 10 days in California, then seeing all the above attractions can be overwhelming; here are a few suggestions for those who like slow travel.

California coast road trip itinerary

One great option is to go on a 10 day pacific coast highway trip or 10 day west coast road trip.

That way you can spend more time in the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles while seeing Big Sur at a leisurely pace. 

On this San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip in 10 days, you can tour the lighthouses, hike the trails, picnic on the beach, visit the wineries of the Central Coast, and enjoy nature – seriously the best road trip in California. 

You can even do the San Francisco to San Diego road trip in 10 days.

In that case, we would recommend keeping aside 2 days each for the 3 major cities and spending the rest of the time in the Big Sur region. 

This San Francisco 10 days trip lets you enjoy the beauty of the coast while visiting the Sierra Nevadas and the desert later.

California National Parks itinerary

California has 9 national parks – all of them are unique and make for an exciting California National park road trip. 

You can visit either the most popular ones or all of them, depending on how much time you want to spend in each park. 

We would suggest starting from Los Angeles, then seeing Joshua Tree and Death Valley before visiting Kings Canyon and Sequoia. 

Then see the beautiful Yosemite Valley. From Yosemite, head north to Lassen and then finally see Redwoods parks before returning to San Francisco. 

You can also see Pinnacles and Channel Islands if you have the time, to complete the national parks in California road trip. 

You can also use this route for creating your own California RV trip itinerary, since most national parks have RV campgrounds. 

Northern California road trip itinerary

Another great option for those who like slow travel is to plan a Northern California itinerary for 10 days. 

Start your road trip from San Francisco and drive along the less visited North Coast and see the majestic redwood trees. 

Drive along the Redwoods Scenic Byway before turning towards the mountains and exploring the caves at Lava Tubes National Monument. 

Visit Mount Shasta on your way to Lassen Volcanic National Park and end your trip in Sacramento, a couple of hours away from San Francisco. 

For more information on how to plan a California road trip focusing on the northern part of the state, read our in-depth post on Northern California road trip .

If you have less time: California itinerary 7 days

If you can’t spare 10 days, then we also have suggestions for 7 day California road trip routes. 

With only 7 days in california, we would recommend focusing on one region and exploring it at a leisurely pace. 

Of course, you can opt for a 7 day southern California itinerary or a 7 day California coast road trip along the PCH, but you can also consider some unique road trip ideas in California which explore its most popular attractions. 

Here are our favorites if you want to see the best of California in a week:

7 day road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite

If you are wondering how to spend a week in California but still see the most popular attractions, then this itinerary is for you. 

Start your road trip in San Francisco, see the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Mission District, Fisherman’s Wharf etc in two days. 

Then spend a day in Napa Valley and nearby Calistoga before seeing Sacramento.

In Sacramento, see the state capitol and the railroad museum then make your way to Yosemite National Park. 

Take a tour of the Yosemite Valley and see the famous El Capitan as well as the many waterfalls.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the Tunnel View Outlook. 

Then depending on the season, visit the Tuolumne Meadows area.

Return to San Francisco to complete 7 day road trip in California.

North California coast road trip

This California 1 week itinerary is perfect for slow travel. 

Land in San Francisco and take a day or two to explore it’s many attractions.

Then rent a car and drive north. 

Part of this road trip is on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 till Legett, after which you will be driving along the famous Redwood scenic byway. 

For your first stop, explore the beautiful Point Reyes.

See the lighthouse and the shipwreck, then eat oysters in Tomales Bay. 

Drive along the Avenue of the Giants and pass through the Redwood tunnels. 

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and visit the glass beach at Fort Bragg, then last stop at Eureka or Crescent City to finish the California coast 7 day itinerary.

7 Day Southern California trip itinerary

For this ca road trip planner, begin your trip with a day or two in San Diego or Los Angeles and then wind your way around Southern California’s desert attractions. 

See famous Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.

Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the Mojave desert and drink a delicious date shake.

See the sculptures in Borrego Springs. 

Then visit Anaheim and enjoy the theme parks.

There are also many things to do in Anaheim besides Disney. 

7 Day California Coast Road Trip

This is one of the most popular california driving holidays itineraries.

Follow this California road trip itinerary 7 days along the world famous Pacific Coast Highway. 

See the major cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Explore the charming mountain side towns of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. Learn to surf and spot the elephant seals. 

Spend some time hiking and enjoying the wild, rugged vibe of Big Sur.

Take a tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse and hike down to Keyhole Rock. Go whale watching. 

If you have more time: California road trip itinerary 14 days

This two week california driving itinerary is perfect for long summer vacations, when most parts of the state including the High Sierras are completely accessible. 

Just use our main California trip planner, but add in all optional ideas including San Diego and the beautiful northern coast. 

Then see the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and visit the beautiful Burney Falls from Redding.

Spend some time in Mount Shasta and head back to San Francisco to complete California 2 week itinerary.

We hope you liked our California road trip blog.

Now you have everything ready to plan your perfect California trip itinerary, so make the most of it.

Did we miss any hidden gems in the Golden State?

Which part of the road trip did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments!

1 thought on “Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary: From the Pacific to the Redwoods!”

It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. Thanks for share.

Comments are closed.

Search the Site

• Accommodation

A Road Trip Itinerary For California And Nevada

There’s no better way to explore a place than on a road trip

A trend had started to appear in our conversations with friends, family, and fellow travellers. Every time we’d mention that we loved road trips , we’d be grilled, almost harassed, for not having been to California. On revealing that I had been to 70+ countries and the US was not one of them, people would refuse to believe that and quiz Savi on why she didn’t force me to tag along when she visited the East Coast in 2010. This year, as part of our whirlwind trip around the world, we decided to put an end to this seemingly embarrassing fact of our travelling life. We were going to drive in the US, and how 🙂

Although our initial plan was to spend 3-4 months driving the whole breadth of the US, we succumbed to our desire to visit Costa Rica , Mexico , and Guatemala and cut our time in the US to 2 months – enough to squeeze in a gorgeous  18 day long road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas and back.

Planning a road trip in California and Nevada

Forget the US, California itself is so big that you could spend months driving around the state and not get bored. Add to that the numerous national parks   and you’s start spending nights worrying about the route for your road trip. Our suggestion would be to select the top few places and experiences you’d like to have and plan your road trip around those. There’s no point in cramming everything in one trip – there’s always a next time 🙂

Renting a car in the US is easy and straightforward. There are plenty of providers to choose from and if you book a month or so in advance, you can grab a great deal. We used this website to compare rates from different providers and got an excellent deal for a Toyota Yaris including collision damage waiver for USD 30/day. We didn’t face any issues with the car or the rental service and really enjoyed the fact that we could rent from right across our hotel in San Francisco 🙂

Fuel is really cheap in the US – on an average USD 2.5 per gallon (roughly 70 cents a litre) and we spent a total of USD 85 on fuel for our 2,300 km road trip – the least we have spent on a roadtrip by a mile.

What to do on your road trip in California and Nevada

We had seen so many stunning photographs from California and Nevada on Instagram and Facebook in the past few years that we could barely contain our excitement. We decided to fly into San Francisco and start from there – you can choose to fly into San Jose or Oakland instead and make your way to San Francisco.

Day 1 – 4: Get settled in and explore San Francisco

Well, if you’re flying into the west coast from outside the US, chances are that you’ll fly into San Francisco. We opted not to rent the car on the first couple of days that we were in the city just so that we could settle in and absorb everything that this laidback and chilled city had to offer. Our favourite places and experiences were:

• Walk along the bay and spend some time on Pier 7 – the view of the city from the fag end of the pier is absolutely gorgeous. Even though Pier 39 is supposed to be great, we found it overly crowded.
• Have a coffee at Blue Bottle coffee at the Ferry Building
• Explore the hipster area along Mission Street
• Walk aimlessly from one end of the city to the other – we walked from Pier 7 all the way to Lafayette park and ended our walk at Union Square

On our last day in San Francisco, we decided to rent our car and drove to Land’s End – the view of the Golden Gate Bridge is amazing on a clear day. From there, drive to the Golden Gate Bridge – if you want a great view of the bridge minus the crowds, head to Battery Godfrey (south-west side of the bridge). After you have absorbed the stunning views, drive on to the Northern side of the bridge (no toll needs to be paid when going towards North but you must pay $6 if driving South on the bridge) and take a left on to Conzelman Road. Whilst more people try to get a shot from Battery Spencer (thus making it SUPER crowded), we decided to drive further on to Hawk Hill – the view from there is out of this world.

If you don’t want to drive, you can always rent bicycles in the city and make a day of it. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge on a bicycle will be an experience in itself 🙂

Where to stay in San Francisco

We wanted to stay somewhere central and comfortable so we opted for Hilton Union Square – it’s as central as it gets in San Francisco. We asked for (and were luckily given!) a room on the 41st floor overlooking the entire city, The Bay Area, and Golden Gate bridge. Night or day, it was a sight to behold. The rooms were well-equipped and spacious and the hotel lobby had a nice cafe serving delicious breakfast. Since it’s bang in the middle of the city, expect a lot of business guests in the hotel lounge. Another thing that really worked out for us was the location of car rental offices right across the street from the hotel’s entrance. Take our word for it – it’s a big advantage in a city like San Francisco where driving can be a big pain.

Day 5: Drive the Pacific Coastal Highway

Both of us had our own experiences that we were looking forward to when it came to this road trip in the US. Savi was most excited about exploring the street art in West Hollywood whereas I could not wait to drive down the much talked about Pacific Coastal Highway. I was worried that after Iceland , New Zealand , and Ladakh , this drive might not live up to the hype. Thankfully I was wrong. It’s a beautiful drive that takes you through stunning coastal vistas, gorgeous mountainous landscapes, and quaint little villages along the sea.

The best piece of advice we can give you is to start early . Technically you can drive the entire stretch from San Francisco to Los Angeles along California State Route 1 (also known as Pacific Coastal Highway :)) in a day, but you won’t be doing it justice if you did that. We’d suggest taking a good 6-7 hous driving from San Francisco to a mid-point on the stretch (more on this later).

Have breakfast at Cafe Lumiere in Monterey (some of the finest coffee we had on our road trip)  and drive along the coast through Carmel, Big Sur, and Cambria. Bixby Bridge is a popular photography spot so make sure you do stop here. Bruised Passports’ tip: don’t stop at the vantage point before the bridge begins (if you’re coming from San Francisco). Instead, cross the bridge and park your car right after a tiny hillock. It’s a perfect place to picnic and if you walk up the hillock you will have an amazing view of the bridge and the coastline sans the hundreds of tourists 🙂

Some other interesting stops along the way are McWay Falls (water falls directly into the ocean) and Pfeiffer State Beach. We chose the beautiful coastal town of Morro Bay as the mid-point of our drive on the Pacific Coastal Highway.

Day 6 and 7: Morro Bay

We fell in love with this waterfront city the moment we stepped foot in it. From the long stretches of sandy beaches to the ochre sunsets, there’s nothing not to love about Morro Bay. The iconic Morro rock stands guard between the ocean and the city as thousands of sea birds dot the skies. If you are in the mood for whale and dolphin watching, there ain’t a better place along the Californian coast. We managed to see humpback whales only a few hundred feet from the shoreline. It’s the perfect place to enjoy gorgeous seaside views, scrumptious sea food, and soul stirring live music. You can see more pictures and read about our experiences in Morro Bay here .

On Day 7, continue your drive towards Los Angeles. We found that the second half of the Pacific Coastal Highway wasn’t as pretty as the first half, so if you want to save time, you can take the expressway all the way to Los Angeles.

Where to stay in Morro Bay

We stayed at Pleasant Inn which is situated just a few blocks from the harbour. It’s a quintessential American Motel which has been recently refurbished to give it a more luxurious look.

Day 8-11: West Hollywood, Los Angeles

After spending the first week of our trip in laid-back cities and lush landscapes, we were looking forward to the glitz and glamour of West Hollywood  and it did not disappoint. What amazed us was the fact that a city just 1.9 square miles in area offers so much to the visitors – from the array of fine dining restaurants on Sunset Boulevard to the quirky street art on Melrose Avenue – it has something to offer to all visitors. WeHo, as it’s lovingly called by locals, is at the heart of Los Angeles (LA) and is the perfect place to explore everything that LA county has to offer.

It was amazing to explore the area on foot. Some of our favourite experiences were hunting for street art spread across the city of WeHo, walking along the palm-tree lined alleys of Beverly Hills, watching the sun go down from the Sunset strip, and sampling delicious food in some of the conscious restaurants dotted around the city ( Gracias Madre was our favourite :-))

When we got tired of walking around, we’d slip out for a drive to explore the neighbouring areas. If you find yourself in the area, you must go for a sunset drive to Griffith Observatory and spend an hour or two there, watching the sun go down over Los Angeles and the famous Hollywood sign. If you’d rather spend a languorous afternoon on the beach, then head to Venice beach and find a secluded spot (can be difficult later in the evening) to witness the sunsets that California is so famous for.

Where to stay in West Hollywood

We stayed in Petit Ermitage , a quirky, Moroccan-themed hotel bang in the middle of West Hollywood. The all-suite hotel boasts of spacious and well done up rooms as well as one of the best rooftop pools in the city. There was nothing better than coming back to a refreshing cold beverage by the pool after a long day of exploring. We had dinner at the rooftop restaurant on one of the nights and really enjoyed the lamb shanks and chicken cous-cous. Breakfast at Petit Ermitage was a bit overpriced for what it was, but things tend to be expensive in this part of the US 🙂

Read all details about our experience in West Hollywood 🙂

Day 12-14: Death Valley National Park

In every trip we take, there is always one place we visit that surpasses our expectations. On this road trip through California, Death Valley National Park was that place. When we booked 3 nights here, our friends who had been there commented that it was way too much time. People often visit Death Valley National Park on a day trip or at most an overnight stay – what would we do for 3 nights?

Well, if we could rework our itinerary, we’d add on a couple of nights to it. We fell in LOVE with this place. I was most excited about shooting the night skies here since this national park has some of the darkest skies in the world. However, I was blown away by the landscapes and panoramas on display during all times of the day. Some of our favourite experiences were:

• Driving to a dark area every night to photography the millions of stars in the sky. The good thing is that there is hardly any civilisation here so you only have to drive 500 metres from your hotel to witness truly dark skies.
• Watching the sun set over the mountains whilst enjoying a picnic at Badwater basin – this place resembles the salt flats of Bolivia.
• Soaking in the lunar like landscape from Zabriskie point
• Going for aimless drives in the national park. Mark our words – Death Valley National Park has some of the most stunning drives in this entire world. The landscape makes you feel as if you are on another planet. The Artist’s Drive is just a small example of this. The colours of the mountains that loom large in front of visitors resemble the colours of an artist’s pallete, hence the name.
• Chilling at the Mesquite sand dunes. Given the proximity of these sand dunes to the highway that cuts through Death Valley National Park, you can expect many people here, especially at sunset. However, if you walk in a bit, you can find some untouched dunes all to yourselves. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening enjoying the sunset.

While the panoramas reminded us a lot of our trip to Ladakh, the Death Valley region had a certain calmness to it which we have never experienced before. We would return in a heart beat 🙂

Where to stay in Death Valley National Park

As we mentioned earlier, there aren’t any big towns or cities inside the park, so accommodation options are limited. We stayed at the Furnace Creek Inn , the luxurious wing of the long established Furnace Creek Ranch. The rooms are well-equipped and comfortable, and all necessities have been taken care of (which include a coffee machine – yes please :-)). What’s more, there is a big pool for guests and the view of the pool from the terrace against the valley makes for a stunning photograph. The hotel grounds are beautifully landscaped and you’d actually feel as if you are staying in an oasis in the middle of the desert. It was delightful to have access to such luxury in the middle of nowhere. A big bonus and a thumbs-up for the decent WiFi at the property – to be honest we weren’t expecting any, given the location.

Day 15-17: Las Vegas

We wound up our trip in the mecca of hedonism – Las Vegas. After long and hectic days in Death Valley National Park, we were in dire need of some lazy days spent with each other and we got those in Las Vegas. We opted for a hotel that was away from The Strip so that we could enjoy some peace and quiet and yet be in close proximity to all the madness of The Strip so that we could go and experience it when we wanted.

The first day in Vegas was all about ordering room service, enjoying the pool at our hotel, and gambling away in the evening at the hotel’s casino. A perfect day without moving around much – just what the doctor ordered. That said, our itchy feet got the better of us and we could not resist getting out and exploring Las Vegas and the surroundings. Even though we had already had our share of dramatic landscapes in Death Valley National Park, we decided to drive out to Valley of Fire National Park  one evening and enjoyed the ever changing colour of the rocks as the sun changed its angles. Highly recommended!

If you, like us, decide to stay away from The Strip, make sure you head out there to spend an evening walking up and down and taking in all the crazy sites and sights. Do make sure you catch the musical fountains right outside The Bellagio (every 15 minutes in the evenings) and visit the different casinos along The Strip.

Another quirky experience around Las Vegas was the Seven Magic Mountains, a colourful art installation by renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Seven tall towers of colourful, stacked boulders in the middle of a desert make for an amazing view. Make sure you head there soon after sunrise as crowds begin to pour in as the day progresses.

Where to stay in Las Vegas

We stayed in a quieter part of the city, a short 20 minute drive from The Strip. JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa is perfect for a relaxing vacation. This place is a city in itself – you name it, and you can probably find it here. With a massive casino, a beautifully landscaped pool area, plenty of restaurants to choose from, and a spa that offers some of the best treatments, you can’t really go wrong in choosing this hotel. We got a city facing room on the 6th floor and could see The Strip from the comfort of our balcony – a sight to behold especially at dusk when the skies would be bright orange and the city lights would come on. The hotel provides a free shuttle to The Strip and back, so you don’t even need to worry about driving in the maddening traffic of the city.

Day 18: Drive back to San Francisco and fly out

That’s it, the trip is over. The last day is just for the long drive from Las Vegas to San Francisco through the desert. It took us 9 hours of pretty much non-stop driving (just a couple of stops for coffee and quick lunch). If you are unable to catch a flight on the same day, just stay in one of the hotels around the airport and fly out the next day.

We had an amazing time on this road trip in the US and can’t wait to go back and drive there for longer. Have you driven  through California and Nevada? What were your favourite parts?

Planning to visit US this year? Read all our posts on our travels within USA

Previous Post

5 Packing Hacks and Tips for Travellers

How Estonia has become one of the most digitally accepting countries

85 thoughts on “ a road trip itinerary for california and nevada ”.

I’d like to venture the US, The bay I’ve been wanting to do as it seems like such a different part of California.

The Bay Area is super special and we really enjoyed spending time there. Can’t wait to be back to explore more of California 🙂

This is what dreams are made of! I’m actually planning something similar for next year so I’ll be sure to send this to my friends and bookmark it!

Awesome – send us photos from California Elodie. We’d love to share them with our readers 🙂

Gorgeous photos!!! I would spend hours by the window with that fantastic view to look at, just amazing!

Hey Natasha – that’s pretty much what we did throughout our roadtrip in California 🙂

Oh how amazing are these pictures and I just wish I was able to travel more but it’s so costly and difficult with 6 kids although California would be a dream come true for sure

Emma it’s definitely much harder with kids, especially 6 of them. But all of you would definitely love California -it has something for all ages 🙂

You took some very beautiful pictures and it seems like you had a wonderful time on this part of your trip. California and Nevada certainly are very beautiful parts of the US, such gorgeous scenery!

Thanks a ton Sarah 🙂 California and Nevada are stunning and we have a great time on our roadtrip

I did a very similar trip earlier this year – I went up from Las Vegas to San Fran via the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Yosemite National Park. I loved the mix of cities and national parks on my trip, there’s so many contrasting amazing places to see on this route!

Hey Milly – that’s so true. Hope you enjoyed the time spent driving around in California and Nevada 🙂

I have always dreamed of doing a road trip around the US or at least part of it. I think as soon as my daughter is a little bit older we shall definitely do it xx

Hope to get around to doing a road trip in California super soon Charli 🙂

I’ve been to San Francisco and LA. Las Vegas is definitely on my list x

We really enjoyed our time in Vegas – great place to indulge. It truly is sin city 🙂

That sounds like such a great trip. I’ve been from San Francisco to Vegas stopping at places in between but it was far more intense a trip than yours x

Hey Rhian – we met a lot of people who’d covered that stretch within a week and found themselves exhausted at the end of it. That’s why we tried to take it slow and easy and really relish the places we visited on our road trip in California 🙂

Of course being a street art enthusiast the West Hollywood street art caught my eye. Beautiful photos as always x

Isn’t it gorgeous? West Hollywood’s street art had me sold!!

I’d love to do this road trip one day – it’s definitely on my bucket list x

Hope to make it to California for a road trip super soon Stephanie 🙂

This is an amazing itinerary, the places you have seen are so beautiful. I love the Morro Bay story, it seems like such a unique place. Your photos are so beautiful!

Thanks a ton Martina 🙂 We really did enjoy ourselves at Morro Bay – it was one of my favourite bits in our roadtrip to California 🙂

Oh this is so amazing. I love Vegas and dream of one day heading back there x

I love Vegas too Rachel – it’s just a crazily cool place 🙂

I have not yet been to San Francisco nor Vegas and I would love to take such a beautiful road trip

Hey Anosa – this was one of my favourite road trips ever. There’s so much fun to be had along the way 🙂

This looks and sounds like an amazing trip I would love to go one day x

Hope you make it to California super soon 🙂

This is a trip I’ve always wanted to do and now I’ve got my drivers licence I can finally make it a reality! Didn’t know about half of these things along the way so thanks for all the ideas 🙂

That’s awesome Laura – hope you manage to include some of these places in your itinerary too. Have fun driving in the US 🙂

Wow those photos are amazing!!!! I would love to go to California I’ve never been but it is one of the few places that I really want to go to. I’ve been to Vegas that was really good.

Hey Melanie – You really need to explore California soon. It’s one helluva state 🙂

I have become a fan of your blog, i love the detailed itenary and the beautiful photos you post. Your posts are always to helpful, and very useful for travellers.

So happy you enjoyed reading our itinerary for a roadtrip in California and Nevada Nayna – tried to include as many details as I possibly could 🙂

Oh wow! You guys had totally made me want to go on a road trip 🙂

Hehe that’s us done here then 😉

This post is literally my dream road trip! It’s #1 on my travel list – I visited California when I was younger but would love to go back but would certainly love to visit Vegas, Grand Canyon and Death Valley! xo

Hey Rachel – California is so much fun. You should definitely plan your roadtrip soon 🙂

Wow! How amazing does your trip look? The photos are simply stunning and make me want to go there NOW! Doing something like this is on my bucket list and it has just got even higher on that list after reading this! x

Hey Tanya – you just need to check a road trip in California off your bucket list soon 🙂

Gosh! I love the detail in this post – I would love to go to both Cali and Vegas! Its no my 40 before 40 bucket list.

Thanks so much for this hun, Ive bookmarked it for the near future *fingers crossed* Seriously amazing post hun

Hey Charlotte – so happy to know you enjoyed our post. I was jotting down little details throughout our road trip and just HAD to pop them all in a post in the hope it would help someone out there 🙂

I am sitting here right now totally green with envy, just wow! I got married in Vegas so it is a special place to me, but the whole trip is just brilliant.

Getting married in Vegas must’ve been a crazy experience Stephen – that’s so cool 🙂

Wow, what an awesome place to visit, I will add this in my bucket list and I wish I can go there

Hope you make it to California super soon Angela – it’s a very special part of the world 🙂

I have not gone west coast before but it looks immense. My brother just moved to Seattle way so maybe in the future we will go that way but so far not been. Great post and great photos x

Great idea Leah – hope you make it to the West Coast super soon 🙂

Ahh, I love it ? Wonderful itinerary!

Thanks a ton Adele 🙂

Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous – I feel like I was on the road with you <3 I've always wanted to visit the US and these are places I'll definitely want to visit when I finally go 🙂

Hey Louise – thanks a ton. So happy you enjoyed reading our account of our Roadtrip in California and Nevada 🙂

Hey Savi/Vid,

If you are going to do this again, check out the 17-mile drive near Monterey, hike at the Point Lobos Natural Reserve and do stop for lunch at Carmel-by-the-sea. It is one of the prettiest towns here and a happy place to be!

We did have the 17-mile drive on our itinerary. However, we realised they have recently started charging a significant fee for driving on this stretch, which seemed like a waste given how beautiful the entire Pacific 1 highway is (without having to pay money to drive). we did go to Carmel-by-sea and had a great cuppa there.

Wow looks amazing, definitely on my bucket list. How much did you spend approximately for 2 people?

Expect to spend around USD 5,000 for 18 days including accommodation (above average – luxury stays), food, car rental, and fuel.

Hope that helps!

Great stuff as usual. Just when I can afford a little more I would definitely be doing this till then I am venturing into cheaper countries. It would be nice if you could give an account of budgets like in your new zealand blog. Helps us poor indians.See we have started to be demanding of you fellas now ?

Hey Kamakshi,

We’ll come up with an article detailing the budget for this trip soon.

Hi savi Vid,

I did a similar trip last year and loved it. But i visited death vallry during summers and till date regret it. The place is so beautiful but at that time it was so freaking hot..we could hardly soemd more than 10 mins in a spot.. ..it felt like i was sitting inside a furnace ? wish i had a chosen a better month. Loved the badwater basin..mesquite sand dues and devils golf course.It would be great during the winters i guess. The highlight of my trip was definitely the pacific coast highway drive. It was my bucketlist ? but i did a diff route – santa barbara…the lovely monterey(fell in love with this place).. carmel by the sea.. pebble beach ❤ and bck to LA. I would without a second thought take this drive again and do the bixby bridge & morro bay as u suggested. It was so beautiful.

Loved reading your version. Relived my trip ? thank you guys.

Wow! can’t begin to imagine what Death Valley National Park would be in peak summer. Even in October day time temperatures were really high, so we shudder to think what summer would have been like. You’re right – the Pacific Coast Highway was a treat to drive on. Loved this experience in California – it’s such a special state.

Hi Savi and Vid,

We did this SF to LA to Vegas road trip early this year. I could relate to every bit of detail you guys have mentioned in the write-up:) Looking forward to reading more of your posts and setting our (my husband and I :)) goals to travel around the world!

Cheers! Arathi

Hey that’s so cool – hope you guys travel tons in the near future 🙂

What an absolutely beautiful blog post. Your photos are just incredible and extremely stylish. Super destinations of course help and you sure have hit some of the best spots in both California and Nevada. I am just dying to get back on the open highway out in the western USA as I simply love the place. Super site, keep up the incredible work. You guys deserve every bit of success that comes your way!

Thank you so much for the lovely note Gavin – we have such fond memories of this roadtrip in California and Nevada

Hey , I used to read your blogs regularly but then stopped as they started getting to me 🙁 !! Im headed to the US for the first time in mid April with my wife and another couple . We planning to land into SFO and go stay 2 nights in Napa valley at a BnB , then drive towards Santa Barbara with a night halt at the Big Sur .. 2 days in Santa Barbara and then head towards Vegas with an overnight halt in Death Valley .

Any changes you recommend … places to stop and soak in while on this stretch ? Looking to rent a SUV as its 4 of us …. looking for the link for the agency you used as I could not find a link in your blog .

Look forward to hearing for your tips … 🙂

Hey Saazid,

This itinerary sounds great 🙂

The link to the rental agency is right there in the article under the “Planning a road trip…” section 🙂

Have a great Californian road trip

Hey Savi and Vid I love the pictures and the details..thank you … this would be so helpful while i plan our itinerary. My husband and I are planning to do a similar trip starting may this year starting with SF.. would you think end of may-june is good weather for all the above destinations ? What months of the year was your trip? and What kind of budget should we look at including all the Mid range stays, food, sightseeing , accommodation etc.. Waiting for your reply !! Thanks again 🙂

Hi Pallavi,

We did this in October – November. Don’t think May-June should be a problem.

That was a beautiful post. Just one question, which time of the year did you visit the Death Valley National park and how was the weather?

Thank you 🙂

We visited Death Valley National Park in November and the weather was hot during the day but cold at night 🙂

I did the same on my honeymoon just a couple of months ago. I did SFO 3 nights where as u I didn’t pick the car which was a great decision then I drove to Pismo Beach stayed a night. Then drove to LA for 3 nights and then drove to vegas and Flew out to Hawaii 😉 I can so much relate to your trip and had I read your earlier I am sure I wouldn’t have skipped Death Valley. Any ways I can so much relate yours and I must say you have made a good one and given me more goals like the next one as your NZ post. Keep the good work mate! Cheers

So happy to hear that 🙂 well, there’s always a next time for Death Valley

Hope you have a great road trip in New Zealand whenever you do plan to go

I’m glad you enjoyed California’s coast. I think it compares favorably to any natural landscape. Love your blog. Ladakh is on my must see list thanks to your stories and pictures.

Thanks Ed. Ladakh is unlike anywhere else in the world. You’ll love it 🙂

Any reason why you didn’t do Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon from Vegas? We’re planning a trip in June and were planning to a day trip to one of the Canyons? Any suggestions?

Just short on time this trip 🙂 Also, good to leave a few places for the next trip 😉

What time of year did you travel?

Travelling to Las Vegas in November and curious about renting a car to check out California.

We drove around California and Nevada in November!!

We are looking to do something like this for our Wedding/ Getaway in 2021 (we are from Scotland UK). What year did you do this? Do you think the prices have gone up drastically since then?

Thanks, Emily and Euan

We did this in 2016. I’m sure there must have been an increase in prices but shouldn’t be drastic.

Have a great trip

This is quite amazing. I just like to add one more thing here if anyone wanted to experience the ultimate shooting range in Las Vegas then they can try it out with The Range 702. They are also providing CCW classes for Indoor Shooting range and Outdoor Shooting range for the ones who love shooting and want to enjoy it. For more details visit: https://www.therange702.com/classes-training/

Hi! In which month did you do this trip, and do you have any opinions on doing a trip to Cali & the surrounding national parks in April?

Hello we did this in September 🙂 April should also be a good time

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yes, add me to your mailing list.

The Best Road Trip Stops on a Las Vegas to Los Angeles Drive

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases at no extra cost to you. View details here. By purchasing items through the included links, you’ll help keep this site running. Thank you for your support!

Driving to Los Angeles from Las Vegas in the United States is a must-do for any adventure seeker. Starting from the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, otherwise known as Sin City, this scenic route takes you through the heart of the Mojave Desert. 

Road trippers will witness spectacular views of its rugged landscapes and some of the most unique natural wonders in the world. 

As you make your way towards Southern California, you’ll come across several small towns, quirky roadside attractions, and charming diners, each with its own story and character.

While the 280-mile journey can be made in a single day, I recommend taking your time to explore the many road trip stops along the way. 

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone on this drive. And the best part- You can customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences. 

I’ve done this drive a few times and always enjoy exploring the kitschy Route 66 roadside attractions , seeing the stunning scenery of the many state parks just a short drive away from Las Vegas , or enjoying the luxurious oasis of Palm Springs. The mysterious Death Valley and the iconic Joshua Tree National Park also make fantastic side trips when driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. 

It is time to fill up your gas tank, grab a rental car (or bring your own), and get ready for an epic adventure through this enchanting corner of the United States!

Table of Contents: Jump to

Here are the best road trip stops for a Las Vegas to Los Angeles drive.

One of your first stops when leaving Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam. This landmark and tourist attraction is a true engineering marvel and a must-see stop on your Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip. 

Located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, the dam is an incredible feat of technology. Take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its history and construction, or enjoy the stunning views from the observation deck. 

While you’re there, check out the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, a nearby bridge that offers even more spectacular views of the dam and the Colorado River below.

Seven Magic Mountains 

Seven Magic Mountains is a must-visit destination if you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy photo op not far from Sin City. 

This colorful outdoor art installation features seven towering stacks of neon-colored boulders rising from the desert floor. 

Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, the installation is a playful and whimsical spot that stands starkly against the desert landscape.

Visitors can walk around the sculptures, take selfies, and appreciate the art and beauty of this unique attraction. 

Red Rock Canyon

From Seven Magic Mountains, you’re just 30 minutes from the stunning  Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.  

This spectacular region has towering red sandstone peaks, Native American petroglyph sites, and epic canyons to explore.  

If you’re swinging through and want to spend a few hours here, consider stopping at the Red Rock Canyon Visitors Center or cruising along the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive. 

You could also stroll along the Red Spring Boardwalk or enjoy lunch at Willow Spring Picnic Area.  

Pioneer Saloon 

Are you looking for a taste of the Wild West? Look no further than  Pioneer Saloon , one of the oldest bars in Nevada and a highlight  on a Route 66 Road Trip from Arizona.

This iconic establishment in the middle of the desert has been serving drinks and food since 1913 and still retains its old-world charm and character. 

Visitors can enjoy a cold beer or a whiskey, play a game of pool, enjoy live music, and learn about the saloon’s history, including its connection to the many Hollywood movies filmed here with famous stars like Clark Gable.

World’s Tallest Thermometer 

Ever wondered what the temperature is like in the middle of the desert? Look no further than the World’s Tallest Thermometer in Baker, California, along Historic Route 66.

This 134-foot-tall thermometer was built in 1991 and is one of California’s most quirky and unique roadside attractions. 

This giant thermometer was initially built to symbolize the “Gateway to Death Valley.” The original builder wanted to mark those scorching desert temps for visitors and visually stand out in the sky against the flat desert landscape so that people from miles around would be drawn in.

Today, you can take a photo with the thermometer and marvel at its sheer size and novelty. You can even grab a souvenir at the modern gift shop next door. The World’s Tallest Thermometer is undoubtedly a convenient and unique stop along the route from Las Vegas to Los Angeles 

Mojave National Preserve 

If you’re a nature lover, stopping at Mojave National Preserve in the Mojave Desert is a must-do. 

This vast wilderness area is almost twice the size of nearby Joshua Tree National Park, covering over 1.6 million acres. You’ll find everything from rugged mountains and unique geological formations to the world’s largest concentration of Joshua Trees!

The preserve features stunning desert landscapes and wildlife, including mountain lions and bats.

While you’re rolling through, you can stop off for an epic hike, a night of camping, or exploration in the preserve’s many trails. 

Highlights include the Kelso Dunes, the Hole-in-the-Wall rock formations, and the stunning Mitchell Caverns.

ZZyzx Road (pronounced ZYE-ZIX)

Located on the Mojave National Preserve, Zzyzx Road is marked only by a green highway sign along I-15. 

This road has an interesting history and was once a haven for those looking to relax and recoup at the Mineral Springs and Health Spa. Unfortunately, the self-made millionaire lost the building when the government realized he had no legal rights to the land, and he even went to jail for IRS fraud and false advertising. The property is now home to a Mojave Desert research facility used by California State University. 

The unique name comes from Health Spa’s owner Dr. Curtis Springer (who was not a doctor at all), who had a thing about always having the last word. So when looking for a name for his Health Center, he created a name that would be the last word in the dictionary, and it stuck. 

If you choose to drive down ZZyzx road, make sure to steer clear of the research center, which is on private property. There is still water in the oasis which makes for terrific bird watching, and you can also hike along Lake Tuendae Loop Trail while looking at the health center ruins. It is fun to imagine what the area looked like during its heyday but if you don’t have a lot of leisure time skip this one in favor of a more exciting stop along your drive.

Joshua Tree National Park

Just an hour and a half from the Mojave National Preserve is Joshua Tree National Park (one of the most captivating national parks, IMO!). Although a little out of the way, Joshua Tree makes a great side trip while driving to LA from Las Vegas if you love hiking, bouldering or rock climbing.  

If you have time to divert a little from the main route, Joshua Tree is only 40 minutes from  Palm Springs , another fascinating city replete with entertainment, recreation, and a host of other great   Palm Springs day trips  to the surrounding area. 

Looking to spend a day in Joshua Tree? Check out my  ultimate guide for driving through Joshua Tree National Park  for the ultimate one-day itinerary. Although one day isn’t enough to see everything, this itinerary highlights the major must-see attractions and some of my favorite things!

Death Valley National Park

While in Southern California, visiting Death Valley National Park is another great option if you have the time to divert from the route just a bit. 

Visit the hottest place on earth in spring for the most enjoyable weather. 

Its unique landscapes, from towering mountains, geometric salt flats and rolling sand dunes, create an amazing natural world you will love exploring. 

Enjoy hikes, scenic viewpoints, wild camping, and adventurous drives down dirt roads.

Calico Ghost Town

While driving to Los Angeles from Las Vegas, step back in time and visit the Calico Ghost Town, a well-preserved former mining town from the late 1800s. 

Located in the hills above Barstow, California, the town in the middle of the desert features authentic buildings, including a general store, a schoolhouse, and a saloon. 

Visitors can take a guided tour of the town, pan for gold, and learn about the history of mining and life in the Wild West. Maybe you’ll even spot a ghost or two!

Peggy Sue’s 50s diner 

Get your fill of classic diner fare and retro charm at  Peggy Sue 50s Diner  in Yermo, California. This iconic diner is the perfect place to experience the heyday of rock and roll and has been serving burgers, fries, and milkshakes since 1954. 

It’s also been featured in several movies and TV shows, like  Terminator 2  and  Cars . The diner is decorated in classic 1950s style, with vintage booths and jukeboxes, and the menu features all the traditional diner favorites. 

Be sure to save room for dessert-  Peggy Sue is known for their delicious homemade pies. As a bonus, there’s also a gift shop in the diner if you want a souvenir to remember the experience- and don’t forget to stop in at the restroom, you may find shocking surprise!

Route 66 Mother Road Museum (Barstow, CA)

Learn about the history and legacy of Route 66 at the  Mother Road Museum  in Barstow, California. This small, informative museum features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the iconic highway’s impact on American culture and history. 

If you wander its galleries, you can learn about the many quirky roadside attractions, motels, and diners that once lined the highway. You’ll also get a taste of the nostalgia and charm of the Mother Road. The museum is in the same building as the Railway Museum on N 1st Ave.

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch 

Located in Oro Grande, California, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is a unique art installation showcasing over 200 bottle trees made from recycled materials and vintage signs, old cars and other novelties.

It’s certainly worth pulling over to stretch your legs and take in some of America’s quirky charm while driving to Los Angeles from Las Vegas.

Visitors can wander the winding paths and admire the colorful glass bottles and metal sculptures that make up this whimsical, eclectic garden. 

The ranch was a labor of love for the now-deceased Elmer Long, who started creating the bottle trees over 20 years ago as a tribute to his family’s roots in the American Southwest (and to add a little flare along the boring stretch of road).

Today, it is one of the most fascinating, visually captivating roadside attractions in the United States!

California Route 66 Museum (Victorville, CA)

Learn about the history of the Mother Road at the  California Route 66 Museum  in Victorville, California, along the original historic Route 66.

The museum features revolving exhibits and artifacts that showcase the iconic highway’s impact on American culture and history. 

Visitors can learn about the many quirky roadside attractions, motels, and diners that once lined the highway and get a taste of the nostalgia and charm of Route 66. 

The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can pick up Route 66 memorabilia. It’s truly the perfect place to revel in that Americana charm! It is usually open Thursday- Sunday.

Mormon Rocks Viewpoint

Located just off the historic Route 66, Mormon Rocks Viewpoint is a natural landmark perfect for a quick stop on your Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip. 

These uniquely shaped rocks are known for their beautiful colors and patterns, and they make for a great photoshoot opportunity on your Las Vegas road trip. 

There’s a small parking lot where you can park your car; from there, it’s a short walk to the viewpoint. 

The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. So whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful spot to take a break, Mormon Rocks Viewpoint is worth a stop.

Wigwam Motel (San Bernardino)

If you’re looking for a unique and quirky place to spend the night, look no further than the  Wigwam Motel  in San Bernardino. 

This motel features 20 concrete teepees, each with its own parking spot right outside. 

The basic rooms are decorated with Native American-inspired decor, and they come equipped with all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay. 

The Wigwam Motel is located right along Historic Route 66. While the road looks very different today than back then, the motel adds a bit of nostalgia to the modern shopping plazas that now line the street.

From here, it’s just a short drive from San Bernardino National Forest, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Rancho Cucamonga

Rancho Cucamonga is a small city located just outside of Los Angeles, and it’s a great place to stop for lunch or a quick break on your way into the city. 

The city has a charming downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants, including the Haven City Market, a food hall with various vendors serving everything from poke bowls to tacos. 

If you’re a wine lover, check out the Joseph Filippi Winery and Vineyards, which offers wine tastings and tours of their vineyards. 

Rancho Cucamonga is also home to several parks and hiking trails, including the North Etiwanda Preserve, which has a waterfall and beautiful views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Santa Monica 

The last stop along your Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip is Santa Monica, one of California’s most iconic beach destinations. 

Santa Monica–known as the end of the road along Route 66–is also known for its beautiful long beaches, palm tree-lined streets, and famous Santa Monica Pier. 

Take a stroll down the pier and enjoy the carnival games, rides, and attractions, including the Pacific Park amusement park. 

If you’re a foodie, check out the Santa Monica Farmers Market, which is held every Wednesday and Saturday and features fresh produce and artisanal foods. 

If you are tired after a long road trip, spend time soaking up the sun, playing in the surf, or just enjoying the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Now that you’ve experienced driving to Los Angeles from Las Vegas, you should explore more of California by car. If you’re in the Bay Area, check out these incredible  weekend getaways from San Francisco  to make the most of this gorgeous coastal region!

Enjoy your drive and let me know in the comments below what your favorite road trip stop along this route is! I’ll be adding more to this list during my next Las Vegas to Los Angeles drive.

Shop Travel Gear

Shop all my current obsessions and travel essentials I can’t live without. I only recommend products I’ve actually tried and loved!

The Best Travel Apps

Want To Travel Easier?

Get my Free Guide to the Best Travel Apps straight to your inbox

Meet Sam, a fearless wanderer and avid solo traveler who has made the world her home. Through cross country road trips, car camping in her SUV and solo adventures to far corners of the globe, she has become an expert in crafting itineraries that balance adventure and self-discovery. Through her insightful tales and practical tips, Sam inspires others to embrace the unknown, break free from conventional boundaries, and embrace the beauty of solo exploration.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Similar Posts

Arizona Road Trips: Planning the Ultimate Itinerary

50 Fun Summer things to do in Rockport, Massachusetts

49 Essentials for a road trip packing list + Free Checklist

29 Best Road Trip Stops on a Texas to California Drive

33 Fun Things to do in Woodstock, Vermont in 2023 

Ultimate Guide to Driving Through Joshua Tree National Park

Sam’s Newsletter

Stay in the loop!

• Animal Encounters
• Car Camping
• Fall Foliage
• Festive Fall
• Latin America
• National Parks
• Packing Guides
• Photography
• Solo Travel
• Spring Escapes
• Travel Resources
• Winter Wonderland
• Contact & FAQ
• Privacy Policy

SeeingSam.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Monthly Newsletter

Sign up for a monthly email with stories from the road, travel tips, freebies and more!

5 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas, Nevada

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Nevada | Vegas | 5 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas, Nevada

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a  15% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

If you can find a free weekend or a few extra days, you can take a spectacular road trip from Las Vegas . Sin City has the convenience of being close to several top attractions, cities, and national parks, so don’t miss your chance to explore the great American West!

You can plan a road trip itinerary using our guides on national parks near Las Vegas and things to do outside Las Vegas . However, this article gives you the best Las Vegas road trips to maximize time and mileage. I’ll share 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10-day Las Vegas road trip itineraries so you can find the perfect one for your schedule.

In summary, these are the best road trips from Vegas :

• Grand Canyon , the best 2-day road trip from Las Vegas
• Los Angeles , a fun 3-day car trip from Las Vegas
• San Francisco , one of the most popular 4-day road trips from Las Vegas to California
• Monument Valley , one of the best 5-day road trips from Las Vegas to Arizona
• Arches National Park , the ultimate 10-day road trip from Las Vegas to Utah

Also, before setting off on your weekend getaway from Las Vegas , you’ll want reliable transportation. I suggest reading my guide on renting a car in Las Vegas or, for the ultimate experience, renting an RV in Las Vegas or campervan rentals in Las Vegas .

1. Grand Canyon, the best 2-day road trip from Las Vegas

♦   576 miles, 9 hrs total driving – 2 days, 1 night – Out & back

Taking a road trip from Vegas to the Grand Canyon is one of the best things to do near Las Vegas .

Right outside Las Vegas, you’ll pass the Hoover Dam , where you can spend a few hours. Take a tour of this significant landmark and check the attractions nearby.

Continue towards Grand Canyon Village , also known as the South Rim. While it’s a slower route, to get there I recommend taking historic Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman. Once in the Grand Canyon National Park you can check its famous viewpoints, restaurants, and beautiful hiking routes.

The park is open 24/7, and the entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. If you have more time, I have some ideas for extending your Las Vegas road trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim .

2-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 – 300 miles, 5 hrs.

Get an early start, so you have time to visit Hoover Dam and Boulder City. Then, continue your road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim. The scenic route is via Route 66, between Kingman and Seligman. This way, you’ll see Angel & Vilma’s Gift Shop, famous restaurants like Mr. D’z 66 Diner, the Grand Canyon caverns near Peach Springs, and the Mohave Museum.

Once at Grand Canyon Village, you can take one of the shuttles to popular lookouts like Hopi Point (it has the perfect sunset views). The Rim Trail, which circles the South Rim, is a great hike to do as a family.

• Recommended accommodations: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn and The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon are great, or consult our guide on where to stay in the Grand Canyon .

Day 2 – 280 miles, 4 hrs 15 mins

The best way to start your second day is with a Grand Canyon helicopter tour . It’s an amazing way to see the canyon, and we have an entire guide on the top 6 flight tours.

After your helicopter ride, take the free shuttle to one of the lookout points around the South Rim. You can also visit interesting places like the Yavapai Geology Museum and the Tusayan Ruins and Museum before heading back to Vegas.

• Recommended accommodations: Any of the best hotels in Las Vegas will be great for an overnight stay.

VEGAS ROAD TRIP ALTERNATIVES

One extra day.

Use your extra day in the Grand Canyon to visit the West Rim . Here, you can see the Skywalk, a glass balcony that hangs over the edge of the canyon. Visiting the West Rim adds 90 miles and 2 hrs 15 mins of driving.

Two extra days

A couple of extra days at the Grand Canyon means you can hike the Bright Angel Trail , one of the top hikes in the canyon. The path starts at Grand Canyon Village and descends over 4,360 feet into the canyon.

The route is 16 miles round-trip, so you’ll need 2 days to do it. It’s best to hike to the bottom. Camp there overnight, then make the ascent back to the South Rim.

Three extra days

If you have three more days in this area, you can make the trek to Havasu Falls. The falls are part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, so you must make reservations in advance.

To get to the trailhead, take Route 66 toward Peach Spring. Continue for about 130 miles and turn right onto Indian Road 18. This road leads to the Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot.

From there, you can hike the Havasupai Falls Trail to the waterfalls, which aren’t far from the Havasupai Campground .

2-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

2. Hollywood, a fun 3-day car trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles

♦ 350 miles, 6 hrs 15 mins total driving – 3 days, 2 nights – One-way

When planning a road trip from Las Vegas , consider California. This state is full of gorgeous landscapes, enjoyable cities, and, of course, beaches. My itinerary is for a 3-day road trip from Las Vegas to Hollywood, but you can add more days and take a Vegas road trip to San Diego too.

On this car trip to Los Angeles from Las Vegas , you’ll take a pitstop to 7 Magic Mountains before visiting Mojave National Preserve . The preserve has some of the best night skies in the country, so I highly recommend camping overnight.

Then, head to Joshua Tree National Park and see the wide range of desert flora there. Check out the Cholla Cactus Garden and stay overnight in the park before waking up early for day 3.

The last stop on this road trip from Las Vegas to California is Los Angeles , where you can find unlimited things to do. If you have more time, extend your stay in LA, or drive down to San Diego.

Keep in mind that the end point of this route is different from the starting point. So, when setting up your rental, consider any extra fees for returning the car in a different location and book two one-way flights.

3-day Las Vegas road trip itinerary

Day 1 – 97 miles, 2 hrs.

This  Las Vegas road trip to California  begins with a quick stop at  7 Magic Mountains . This colorful art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone is a nice photo op along the Las Vegas Freeway.

Then, drive the hour or so to  Mojave National Preserve , one of the most amazing destinations between Vegas and LA. Rather than drive through it, take time to appreciate the area, especially the Kelso Dunes and the ancient Mojave Lava Tube. The volcanic tunnel is over 1300 feet long and casts impressive light rays in the afternoon.

One of the most popular things to do here is to hike the Rings Loop Trail, which is a little over a mile long. You’ll see that Mojave National Preserve has lots of Joshua Trees; it actually has the highest density of these trees in the world, even more than Joshua Tree National Park!

• Recommended accommodation:  Hole-in-the-Wall Campground

Day 2 – 125 miles, 2 hrs 15 mins

The next day, make the short drive to  Joshua Tree National Park , which is also in the Mojave Desert. This park is known for its unique landscape of Joshua trees and gravity-defying rock formations.

That said, one of the best sights in Joshua Tree is the  Cholla Cactus Garden . You can take the circular walking trail through the garden of brittlebush, desert lavender, and several species of cacti.

• Recommended accommodations:  Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Yucca Valley  or  High Desert Motel Joshua Tree National Park

Day 3 – 130 miles, 2 hrs

The last stop on this  3-day road trip from Las Vegas  is  Los Angeles . Here, you’ll have your pick of all kinds of tours and activities, so check our guide on to  things to do in Los Angeles  for some ideas.

Everyone likes popular attractions like the  Hollywood Sign  and the  Walk of Fame . Perhaps you’d prefer one of the beaches, like  Santa Monica  or  Malibu . Film buffs can check out the famous  Hollywood studios and theaters , while shopaholics can hit  Rodeo Drive .

• Recommended accommodations:  InterContinental – Los Angeles Downtown  is nice, and we have a guide on  where to stay in Los Angeles

Vegas road trip alternatives

One day short.

If you must cut your trip short one day, skip Mojave and go straight to Joshua Tree. It’ll save you 25 miles and 45 minutes of driving.

An extra day means you can spend two days in LA, which is great because there are so many  things to do in Los Angeles  and Hollywood.

Add two more days to your itinerary, and you can take a  Vegas road trip to San Diego . It adds 120 miles and one hour of driving, and you can see fabulous beaches like La Jolla Cove.

3-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

3. San Francisco, one of the most popular 4-day road trips from Las Vegas to California

♦ 630 miles, 12 hrs 30 mins total driving – 4 days, 3 nights – One-way

Note: This route can only be completed when Tioga Road is open; check dates.

This 4-day road trip from Las Vegas is action-packed and starts with a visit to Red Rock Canyon . Then, you’ll head to Death Valley , where you can see the famous Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette, and other sights.

Then, you can witness the unique landscapes of Alabama Hills , Hot Creek , and Mono Lake before stopping at Yosemite National Park . This is a must-see on any road trip from Las Vegas to California since Yosemite is full of hiking routes, waterfalls, lookouts, and other landmarks.

The last stop is San Francisco , an amazing city by the bay with all kinds of attractions. Not only is the city surrounded by beautiful natural places, but San Fran itself is tons of fun. Check out iconic areas like Nob Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. Besides that, there are museums, historic buildings, neighborhoods, and architectural monuments to behold.

With all of the stops along the way, this is the best road trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco !

4-day road trip itinerary from Las Vegas

Day 1 – 130 miles, 2 hrs 30 mins.

The first stop on this road trip from Las Vegas to California is right outside Sin City. You’ll start by exploring Red Rock Canyon , known for its fiery rock formations and ancient pictographs. You can check out the sights along the Scenic Loop Drive or do one of the most popular hikes in Red Rock .

Then, you’ll make your way to Death Valley , California , one of the largest national parks in the country. Here, you’ll have your pick of all kinds of attractions and points of interest, like the Artist’s Palette and Badwater Basin , the lowest point in the U.S. There are also hiking trails to overlooks like Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View .

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at The Ranch at Death Valley or check out our guide on where to stay in Death Valley

Day 2 – 230 miles, 4 hrs

Outside Death Valley, there is the town of Lone Pine, a great intermediary between Death Valley and Mt. Whitney. Here, you must see the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you’ve ever seen a western film, you’ll recognize the landscape of Alabama Hills. Check out scenic Movie Road and the famous Mobius Arch , which perfectly frames the mountain range in the distance.

Later, make the drive to Hot Creek Geological Site , a gorge with bubbling turquoise hot springs. Magma mixes with the cool waters of Hot Creek to heat the thermal pools, which you can hike past for a closer look.

Day 2 of this 4-day road trip from La Vegas ends with a visit to nearby Mono Lake . This saline lake offers lovely views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as hiking and kayaking.

• Recommended accommodations: Spend a restful night at Lake View Lodge near Mono Lake.

Day 3 – 80 miles, 2 hrs

Get an early start in the morning so you can make the long drive to Yosemite National Park . You can stop by Yosemite Village and the Visitor Center for trail maps and info, then decide what to do.

I will say that some of the best things to see here are El Capitan , which is over 7,500 feet tall, and the Half Dome , another granite formation that’s over 8,800 feet tall. The park also has the highest waterfall in the U.S., Yosemite Falls , which is 2,425 feet tall.

There are other waterfalls in the park, as well as lakes and overlooks. You can see some of these while traveling along Glacier Point Road . Also, it’s worth seeing Tuolumne Grove , a giant sequoia forest. Of course, there is lots more to see here, including wildlife and beautiful hiking trails, so check our guide!

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge or one of the places in our guide on where to stay in Yosemite

Day 4 – 190 miles, 4 hrs

Finally, this Las Vegas road trip ends in San Francisco , one of the most enjoyable cities in the country. There is a little bit of everything here, so it’s well worth the drive.

This bay city is known for its relaxed environment and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge , Fisherman’s Wharf , and Nob Hill . One of the most iconic things to do here is to take a cable car past notable sights like Chinatown and Russian Hill .

San Francisco is full of museums, unique neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and natural areas like forests, gardens, and beaches. So, be sure to read our guide so you can plan your perfect day in the city.

• Recommended accommodations: The Handlery Union Square Hotel is a nice downtown accommodation, or you can check our article on where to stay in San Francisco

Vegas car trip alternatives

If you can add more days to your  road trip from Las Vegas to California , you can see even more incredible things along the way. Here are some ideas to consider if you have more time.

If you have an extra day, you can spend more time in  Yosemite . You could easily spend three days in the park since there is so much to do there. The  Upper Yosemite Falls Trail  is a gorgeous 7-hour route, and  Tunnel View  is an iconic lookout point.  Mirror Lake  and  Mariposa Grove  are two other lovely spots, and the  Taft Point-Sentinel Dome  hike is a must-do if you have the time.

Another option if you have one more day is to spend more time in  San Francisco . You could even spend a week here and not get bored. So, it’s up to you if you want to see nearby natural attractions or explore the city.

With two extra days, you can spend more time in  Yosemite  or  San Francisco  and take a detour to  Lake Tahoe . A visit to the largest alpine lake in the U.S. adds 150 miles (2 hrs 45 mins) of driving.

Here, you can do different kinds of water sports or visit one of the ski resorts. Lake Tahoe also offers excellent hiking trails like the  Tahoe Rim Trail  and  Eagle Lake .

4-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

4. Monument Valley, one of the best 5-day road trips from Las Vegas to Arizona

♦ 900 miles, 16 hrs 20 mins total driving – 5 days, 4 nights – Loop

This 5-day road trip from Las Vegas has lots of interesting stops, so be prepared. As you leave Vegas, pay a visit to the Valley of Fire , and walk among the dazzling geological formations.

Then, spend a day exploring Zion National Park and some of the hiking routes and viewpoints there. Next, this road trip from Las Vegas goes to Arizona , where you’ll see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon . You’ll definitely want your camera for these two incredibly scenic places!

The next stop on this road trip from Las Vegas is Monument Valley , an area full of mesas, buttes, and stunning starry skies. Finally, you’ll head to the Grand Canyon , where you can hike along the canyon’s rim or even take a helicopter tour.

As you make your way back to Vegas, take historic Route 66 . It’s a bit longer, but it’s more scenic. As you get closer to Sin City, you can pass through Boulder City and check out the Hoover Dam , too.

5-DAY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY from Las Vegas

Day 1 – 180, 3 hrs 30 mins.

This  road trip from Las Vegas  begins with a stop at the  Valley of Fire , one of the best hiking spots right outside Sin City. Some of the  most popular hikes in Valley of Fire  include the  Fire Wave Trail  and  Petroglyph Canyon Trail .

Besides hiking, you can do the  Scenic Drive  at Valley of Fire, which goes past some famous landmarks. While the park is known for its fiery rock formations, it also has colorful attractions like the  Rainbow Vista  and  Pink Canyon . Plus, this can be a  fun road trip from Las Vegas  to do with kids. They’ll love the  petroglyphs ,  Elephant Rock , and the  Fire Cave .

After spending some time at Valley of Fire, drive a few hours northeast to  Zion National Park .

• Recommended accommodations:  La Quinta by Wyndham Kanab  is comfortable and cheap, but we also have a guide on  hotels and campgrounds in Zion

Day 2 – 120 miles, 2 hrs 20 mins

Day 2 of this  Las Vegas road trip itinerary  is dedicated to exploring  Zion National Park . We have an article about all the things to do in Zion, but I’ll tell you some of the most popular activities if you only have one day.

As I said, the hiking trails here are amazing, so check out  Angel’s Landing ,  The Narrows , or  The Subway . The family-friendly  Lower Emerald Pools  trail is also worth doing. Also, Zion has excellent starry skies, and you can get iconic views from the  Court of the Patriarchs  lookout point.

If you take the  Zion Scenic Drive , you’ll see the  Visitor Center and Museum ,  Court of the Patriarchs ,  The Grotto ,  Weeping Rock ,  Big Bend , and  Temple of Sinawava.

After Zion, head to Page, Arizona, and get some rest for another action-packed day.

• Recommended accommodations:  Country Inn & Suites by Radisson  is one of the best, or you can check out our guide on  where to stay in Page

Day 3 – 120 miles, 2 hrs

As you continue your  5-day road trip from Las Vegas , make a quick stop at  Horseshoe Bend . This horseshoe-shaped meander stands nearly 1,000 feet tall and has an imposing presence you have to see to believe. The view from Horseshoe Bend is incredible at sunrise or sunset, but even if you can’t visit then, it’s still beautiful.

Another great thing about Horseshoe Bend is that it’s a very short drive from  Antelope Canyon . We have an article about how to photograph the canyon and which part to visit. I will tell you that if you go to the Upper section in summer in the middle of the day, you can see the famous  light beams  coming through the canyon walls.

Also, be aware that since Antelope Canyon is within the  Navajo Indian Reservation , you must take a tour. A Navajo guide will take you through the canyon and tell you about the geological and cultural history of the area, and you’ll see the canyon’s undulating structure for yourself!

After spending time at Antelope Canyon, drive the two hours to  Monument Valley  and get some rest for Day 4 of this  road trip from Las Vegas .

• Recommended accommodations:  Goulding’s Lodge  is among the most popular, or you can book one of the places in our  where to stay in Monument Valley  guide

Day 4 – 180 miles, 3 hrs 15 mins

Get an early start in the morning and check out  Monument Valley . One of the best things to do here is to take the  Scenic Drive  past fascinating formations. You’ll see  Elephant Butte , the  Three Sisters ,  John Ford’s Point ,  The Thumb , and several other landmarks.

You can also hike the  Wildcat Trail  and capture superb photos at lookout points like  The Mittens and Merrick Butte  and  Artist’s Point .

Be sure to budget enough time to drive to the  Grand Canyon  from Monument Valley since it takes over 3 hours, and you’ll want to rest up for tomorrow.

• Recommended accommodations:  Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn  or  The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

Day 5 – 300 miles, 5 hrs 15 mins

Spend the last day of this  road trip from Las Vegas at the Grand Canyon . Start at  Grand Canyon Village , which is at the  South Rim . From there, you can take one of the shuttles to the  South Kaibab Trail  or  Hermit Road where you can find beautiful viewpoints like Yavapai and Yaki Point  on the Kaibab Rim Route or  Hopi Point  on the Hermit Road Route.

If you want to make your visit extra special, take a  helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon  and see this natural wonder from a birds-eye view.

When it’s time to head back to Sin City, take the return trip via  Route 66 . This way, you’ll pass the most iconic part of this famous highway, then you can stop at  Boulder City  and visit  Hoover Dam .

• Recommended accommodations: Spend the night at one of the  best hotels in Las Vegas

VEGAS ROAD TRIP alternatives

If you’re short on time, you can skip Monument Valley and save 150 miles (about 2.5 hours) of driving.

If you have time, you can make this a  6-day road trip from Las Vegas . You could spend a day in  Bryce Canyon  or check out  Sedona and Red Rock Country .

Bryce Canyon National Park is a short drive from Zion and is known for its incredible hoodoos and rock formations. It adds 120 miles (2 hrs 15 mins) of driving.

Meanwhile, Red Rock Country is in the Oak Creek area of Sedona and has a distinct canyon landscape. Some of the most photographed sights here include  Oak Creek Canyon , Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and  Tuzigoot National Monument . It adds 135 miles (3 hrs) of driving.

If you have two extra days, you can maximize your  road trip from Las Vegas to Arizona  by visiting  Sedona  and  Phoenix . Check out the iconic attractions along the  Red Rock Scenic Byway . Phoenix is home to the  Desert Botanical Garden , several impressive hiking trails, and  South Mountain Park , one of the largest in the U.S. It adds 295 miles (5 hrs 20 mins) of driving.

Alternatively, two extra days can give you the  best road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon . You’ll have enough time to hike the full  Bright Angel Trail  and camp at the bottom of the canyon.

If you want to extend your trip by 3 extra days, consider adding the  Havasu Falls  to your itinerary. After visiting the Grand Canyon, make the drive to Supai at the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Along with a lodge, you’ll find the  Havasu Falls Trailhead , which takes you past the  Fifty Foot Falls  and  Navajo Falls . Once you get to  Havasu Falls , you can see Carbonate Canyon and stay overnight at the  Havasupai Campground . It adds 140 miles (4 hrs 30 mins) of driving.

5-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

5. Arches, the best 10-day road trip from Las Vegas to Utah

♦ 1,545 miles, 31 hrs total driving – 10 days, 9 nights – Loop

This ultimate 10-day road trip from Las Vegas begins with a stop at the Valley of Fire , where you can take the scenic drive (Mouse’s Tank) past the Rainbow Vista, Arch Rock, and other impressive formations.

The next day, you can visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks for amazing lookout points, hikes, and geological monuments. Speaking of which, this road trip from Las Vegas to Utah also includes the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument . Spanning 1.8 million acres, this natural wonder sits between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef , another national park on this itinerary.

Capitol Reef offers excellent hiking and backpacking, and it’s about an hour from Goblin Valley State Park , an awesome place in Utah for wildlife viewing and stargazing.

Two other national parks you’ll see are Arches and Canyonlands , which have thousands of natural arches between them. The tail-end of this Las Vegas road trip includes stops at Monument Valley , Antelope Canyon , Horseshoe Bend , and the Grand Canyon , which I’ve mentioned earlier.

Finally, as you make your way back to Vegas, you can visit Boulder City and Hoover Dam .

10-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 – 185 miles, 3 hrs 15 mins.

The  distance from Vegas  to  Valley of Fire  is about 45 miles, so this state park is the first stop. It’s a great place to hike outside Sin City, especially since there are trails for all levels. Not only that, but each route takes you past some incredible sights, like the  Fire Wave ,  Pink Canyon , and  Balanced Rock .

After exploring this red sandstone playground, get back in the car and make your way to  Zion National Park .

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at  La Quinta by Wyndham Kanab  or check our guide to  hotels and campgrounds in Zion

Day 2 – 85 miles, 2 hrs

As one of the top  road trip ideas from Las Vegas , you can’t miss  Zion National Park . That said, if you only have one day there, you must prioritize.

I recommend doing a hike, such as  Angel’s Landing , which takes about 4 hours and leads to an amazing 360° viewpoint. Other photographic spots in Zion include the  Three Patriarchs ,  The Narrows , and the  Emerald Pools .

After a day in Zion, continue this  road trip from Las Vegas to Utah’s national parks  by heading to  Bryce Canyon .

• Recommended accommodations: Check out  Bryce Park Place  or our list of suggested  hotels and campsites in Bryce Canyon

Day 3 – 105 miles, 3 hrs 15 mins

Like Zion,  Bryce Canyon  is an excellent stop on this  road trip from Las Vegas to Utah . The defining characteristic of Bryce Canyon is the smattering of hoodoos, which are spire-like rock formations.

One of the best ways to see the hoodoos is by going to  Sunrise Point , where you can see them glow in the sunlight. Moreover, there are other intriguing natural sculptures in Bryce, like  Thor’s Hammer ,  Bryce Amphitheater , and  Two Bridges .

If you’d like to do a short hike, I recommend the  Navajo Loop  or  Queen’s Garden Trail . You can combine these routes and loop past  Queen Victoria  and  Wall Street , ending at Thor’s Hammer.

The next stop will be the  Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument , so head to your hotel and get some rest.

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at the  Cowboy Country Inn  or the  Canyon Country Lodge

Day 4 – 115 miles, 3 hrs 40 mins

Besides Zion and Bryce Canyon, there are lots of other cool  things to do in Utah . The next stop on this  road trip from Las Vegas to Utah  is the  Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument , a remote region in southern Utah.

GSENM covers an expansive area, so you won’t be able to see everything during your trip. I recommend checking out the  Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Byway , a 55-mile road that winds around several attractions. It’s a good way to see the  Zebra and Tunnel Canyons , the  Devil’s Garden ,  Batty Pass Caves ,  Jacob Hamblin Arch, Coyote Natural Bridge , and more.

The arches in this place are out of this world, as are the  Spooky and Brimstone Gulches . After basking in the magnitude of this natural monument, do the short drive to  Capitol Reef  and rest up.

• Recommended accommodations: Spend the night at the  Capitol Reef Resort  or  Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse

Day 5 – 160 miles, 2 hrs 45 mins

This  Utah national park road trip from Las Vegas  continues with a visit to  Capitol Reef National Park . The area is known for its white sandstone cliffs and domes, which look like dried-up reefs. That said, it’s also in southern Utah’s red rock country, so the landscape is quite beautiful.

You can see lots of canyons, cliffs, gorges, and petroglyphs while traveling along the park’s  Scenic Drive . There are also several trailheads, so consider a short hike like the  Capitol Gorge ,  Goosenecks , or  Sunset Point Trail .

About an hour north of Capitol Reef, you’ll find  Goblin Valley State Park , another interesting  place to visit in Utah . Its desert landscape is characterized by giant hoodoos, which have been nicknamed “goblins.” The park offers excellent wildlife spotting and enjoyable hikes like the  Carmel Canyon Loop  and the  Three Sisters Trail , which leads to a natural monument by the same name.

Another great thing about Goblin Valley is that it’s about 1.5 hours from  Arches National Park , the next stop on this  Las Vegas road trip itinerary .

• Recommended accommodations:  Red Cliffs Lodge  or  River Canyon Lodge

Day 6 – 30 miles, 45 mins

As you might expect,  Arches National Park  is full of natural arches, bridges, and rock structures. It’s the perfect place to visit on any  Las Vegas road trip to Utah .

Some of the most iconic spots I suggest checking out include  Balanced Rock ,  The Windows , and  Turret Arch .  Double Arch  is one of the most famous landmarks in the park, as is  Delicate Arch , which you can reach via a 3.4-mile hike.

If you want, you can hang out in the town of  Moab  before heading to  Canyonlands National Park . Along with shops and restaurants, Moab is home to the popular strong>Corona Arch.

• Recommended accommodations: Consider  Moab Springs Ranch in Moab  or  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab

Day 7 – 200 miles, 3 hrs 40 mins

Day 7 begins at  Canyonlands National Park , home to exceptional natural landmarks like the  Mesa Arch . I recommend getting there at dawn so you can see the sunrise from the arch.

That said, there are other amazing sights to see here. For example, the  Washer Woman  stands 500 feet tall, and  Monster Tower  is even higher. One of the best viewpoints here is the  Green River Overlook , where you can gaze at an impressive landscape from 1,000 feet up.

The park offers wildlife spotting, hiking, and kayaking throughout its four regions, so I suggest checking beforehand and planning which section to visit during your day here.

Moreover, together with Arches and Canyonlands,  Dead Horse Point State Park  is also worth visiting. Known as the setting for the film  helma & Louise , the park has some family-friendly hikes to beautiful viewpoints. I recommend the  Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail  or the  Visitor Center Nature Trail . They’re short enough to give you time to drive to  Monument Valley  and rest for tomorrow.

• Recommended accommodations: Book a room at  Goulding’s Lodge  or check out our guide on  where to stay in Monument Valley

Day 8 – 125 miles, 2 hrs 10 mins

On Day 8, it’s time to bring this  Las Vegas road trip to Arizona . The first stop in this state is  Monument Valley , one of our personal favorites. With its striking landscape of red stone and green desert shrubs, it’s no wonder this place was a backdrop for movies like  Fort Apache  and  Back to the Future III .

If you can time it right, catch the sunrise at  Merrick Butte ; it’ll leave you breathless. Of course, there are other iconic views here, such as the one from  John Ford’s Point . A few other cool sights include  Camel Butte , the  Three Sisters , and  Elephant Butte . If you want to do a self-guided hike, do the  Wildcat Trail  around the  West Mitten Butte .

Monument Valley is the best introduction to Arizona, although as you drive to  Page, Arizona , you’ll see that there is more to come!

• Recommended accommodations: Sleep at  Country Inn & Suites by Radisson  or one of the places in our  Page hotels  guide

Day 9 – 150 miles, 2 hrs 50 mins

Antelope Canyon  is an absolute dream to visit, so you must add it to your  Las Vegas road trip itinerary . It’s one thing to see photos of this place and another to walk through the slot canyon yourself.

We have a complete visitor’s guide with tips on how to photograph Antelope Canyon and which tour to take. I’ll tell you that both the  Upper and Lower canyons  are gorgeous, so there’s no wrong choice here!

What’s also great about Antelope Canyon is that it’s close to  Horseshoe Bend , another stop on this  Arizona road trip from Las Vegas . Be sure to make a quick stop here to see the view from nearly 1,000 feet high. You’ll want your camera with you because Horseshoe Bend offers the best images of the  Colorado River .

After an exciting day, drive to the  Grand Canyon  and get some sleep for a full day of exploring tomorrow.

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at  Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn  or  The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon , or consult our guide on  where to stay in the Grand Canyon

Day 10 – 300 miles, 5 hrs 15 mins

Last but not least, this  10-day road trip from Las Vegas  goes to the  Grand Canyon . The  South Rim  is where  Grand Canyon Village  is, so I recommend exploring this area. There are popular overlooks and trails here, such as the  South Kaibab Trail  or the  Rim Trail .

If your budget allows, I highly recommend taking a  helicopter tour  over the canyon. Not only is a helicopter ride a good use of your time, but you’ll be able to escape the crowds and see an entirely new view of the Grand Canyon.

Be sure to plan enough time to make the  drive to Las Vegas from Arizona . Right before you hit the city limits, you’ll pass through  Boulder City  and the  Hoover Dam . Consider checking out the  Visitor Center  or  Memorial Bridge  before heading into Vegas.

• Recommended accommodations: Recover from your road trip at one of the  best hotels in Las Vegas

VEGAS car TRIP ALTERNATIVES

If you have an extra day, consider spending more time in  Zion  since there are so many things to see there.

You could also extend your time at the  Grand Canyon  and visit the  West Rim and Skywalk . It adds 90 miles (2 hrs 15 mins) of driving.

Yet another option is to check out  Red Rock Country in Sedona, Arizona . The distinct canyon landscape includes Oak Creek Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Tuzigoot National Monument. It adds 135 miles (3 hrs) of driving.

With two extra days, you can maximize your  road trip from Las Vegas to Arizona  by visiting  Salt Lake City . The city is full of impressive temples, parks, natural areas, and, of course, Great Salt Lake. It adds 355 miles (6 hrs 50 mins) of driving.

Another way you can maximize your  road trip from Las Vegas to Arizona  is by visiting  Sedona  and  Phoenix . Check out the iconic attractions along the  Red Rock Scenic Byway  in Sedona. Then go to Phoenix, home to the  Desert Botanical Garden , several impressive hiking trails, and  South Mountain Park , one of the largest in the U.S. It adds 295 miles (5 hrs 20 mins) of driving.

If you loved the  Grand Canyon , spend your extra time hiking the full  Bright Angel Trail  and camping at the bottom of the canyon.

If you want to extend your trip by 3 extra days, consider adding the  Havasu Falls  to your itinerary. After visiting the Grand Canyon, make the drive to Supai at the  Havasupai Indian Reservation . Along with a lodge, you’ll find the Havasu Falls Trailhead, which takes you past the  Fifty Foot Falls  and  Navajo Falls . Once you get to  Havasu Falls , you can see Carbonate Canyon and stay overnight at the  Havasupai Campground . It adds 140 miles (4 hrs 30 mins) of driving.

Those are the five  best road trips from Las Vegas ! I hope you found an itinerary that works for your schedule. Be sure to check out my map of each road trip so you can see the driving  distances from Vegas  and planned routes.

10-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

If you want more options, check my 10-day West Coast itinerary with Las Vegas as the starting point. It’s true that we didn’t optimize miles and time, but we got to see the main national parks and cities in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and California.

Finally, feel free to tell me about your Las Vegas road trip below or ask any questions. I’ll be happy to help you out! Safe travels!

Don't miss a 15% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

Ascen Aynat

2 replies on “ 5 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas, Nevada ”

Good morning from Australia,

I will be visiting USA August & September 2024. I will be going to several cities and town, but would like to end up in Las Vegas.

I have been to Zion National Park & Bryce Canyon twice previously and was wondering if you would be able to tailor a road trip for me of approx 5 days, departing and returning from Vegas, or departing from Salt Lake City and returning to Vegas.

i would like to visit the large rock formations in the area.

Thank you and regards

Hi Peter, That sounds awesome. I would start by looking at our 10-day road trip from Las Vegas (which goes to Utah), and tailoring it to your interests. For example, skip Zion and Bryce Canyon, and instead check out the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which has some unique formations. There are lots of cool things to see in Utah , but I recommend the national parks at Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SPRING BREAK PROMO

• COVID-19 coverage (treatment, testing, and cancelation)
• Valid for any future trips 
• Offer valid through March 3rd
• All medical expenses paid upfront
• 24h Telemedicine service included

Travel With Me 24 X 7

Travel itinerary, Travel guide and Destination reviews

Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days

Let’s read about the stunning California Road trip itinerary 21 – 25 days with the best places to visit in California with family and kids. Take a virtual tour of top things to do in California with nearby places to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon & Hoover dam, and also know about the best places to stop on Pacific Coast Highway 1.  So let’s enjoy the virtual tour of the most beautiful places in California with things to do, where to stay, and some tips and useful information.

CLICK FOR BEST BEACHES IN CALIFORNIA

BOOK TOP CALIFORNIA EXCURSIONS

California is a warm, sunny state located in the western United States and has lovely tourist attractions, which make this state perfect for a beautiful road trip.

Driving across the Pacific Coast Highway , which ranks among the world’s best beautiful roads drive, to lush green and mighty national parks of Yosemite , to beautiful lake cities, to the hottest place – Death Valley , mesmerizing beaches, cultural counties. Many more would be the perfect way to plan your California itinerary with family and kids.

CLICK FOR BEST NATURE SPOTS IN CALIFORNIA

In this California itinerary, you would cover 28 to 29 cities/regions , Three National parks , One grand dam , Two lake cities , and one of the most scenic highway drives .

• Book your affordable rental car for the whole California road trip .

Highlights of Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days with Las Vegas & Grand Canyon tour

• Day 1 – 4 Landed at Los Angeles , LA city tour and nearby beaches
• Day 4 – 5 Santa Barbara (through Pacific Coast Highway and in between Vista points)
• Day 6 – 7 Monterey ( through Pacific Coast Highway 1 via Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, San Simeon, Big Sur)
• Day 7 – Carmel By the Sea and Big Sur Trip from Monterey
• Day 8 – Proceed to San Francisco via Santa Cruz
• Day 8 – 11 – San Francisco City tour and nearby areas like Napa Valley
• Day 12 – San Jose (for Silicon Valley offices tour)
• Day 13 – Lake Tahoe
• Day 14 – 15 – Proceed to Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park
• Day 16 – Drive through Death Valley National park and reach Las Vegas
• Day 16 – 19  – Las Vegas city tour with nearby day trips like Grand Canyon National Park, Red Canyon National Park & Hoover Dam tour.
• Day 20 – 23  – San Diego – Coronado

Return to Los Angeles

Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days with Las Vegas & Grand Canyon tour

Mesmerizing road trip across one of the most beautiful scenic Highways of the world – Pacific Coast Highway 1 with a round trip to eastern California and small trips to nearby states – Nevada and Arizona.

CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP VIDEO ITINERARY

LOS ANGELES – The starting point of the stunning California Road trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days.

Click here to book your stay in Los Angeles – Hollywood Walk of Fame

The most glamourous city of southern California boasts world-class tourist spots, idyllic weather, a funky dining scene, and many cultural-artistic attractions. Not only inside the city but there are so many day trips from  Los Angeles  with numerous options.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK 

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More.

Things to do in Los Angeles – LA

• Universal Studios – Make sure to buy your admission tickets here .
• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Rodeo Drive
• Beverly Hills Celebrity tours 

Day trip/s from LA

• Explore nearby beaches of Santa Monica & Venice

After spending a fun-filled 3 to 4 days in LA, take your car or rent a car/SUV to hit one of the most scenic drives in the world – Drive across Pacific Coast Highway 1 from LA to San Francisco for a stunning coastal drive with Santa Ynez mountains cliffs on one side and deep blue ocean on another side.

SANTA BARBARA – 2 NIGHTS STAY

Click here to book your stay in Santa Barbara …  

The  distance of Santa Barbara from Los Angeles – 95 Miles (1 Hour and 45 minutes).

TIP – While driving to Santa Barbara from LA, take some stopovers at the Ventura region with wonderful beaches and Vista scenic points.

Why Santa Barbara –  It is also known as Californian Riveria famous for its beautiful Mediterranean climate. It has several pretty beaches, Mediterranean architecture, and palm trees. Also, it houses the famous California mission and State Street shops with laidback quaint vibes.

Add Santa Barbara to the California itinerary for perfect romantic vibes.

Things to do in Santa Barbara

• Chromatic Gate
• Santa Barbara trolley tours .
• Old Mission Santa Barbara
• Whale Watching Tours – Check out this tour to explore the wildlife of Santa Barbara.
• Santa Barbara Zoos/Ostrich Farms
• State Street
• El Presidio de Santa Barbara
• Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
• Stearns Wharf
• Take wonderful road day trips from Santa Barbara .

DAY TRIP FROM SANTA BARBARA – TO SOLVANG

During your stay in Santa Barbara, plan your day trip to Solvang from here.

The  distance of Solvang from Santa Barbara –  35 Miles (Approx. 45 minutes).

Why Solvang  – You will get a taste of Europe in heart of California as this place has European heritage architecture. It is called as “ Danish Capital of America ” too. Take a walking tour around narrow streets and small alleys. You can find Danish pastries, Danish icons like windmills, and historic churches here as this place was established by Danish immigrants and is also well preserved.

Things to do in Solvang – California itinerary 3 weeks

• Old Santa Ines Mission
• Walk around the historic town and spot the Little Mermaid fountain, 5 windmills, the giant red clog & Round Tower
• Shop across 150 boutique shops
• Santa Ynez Valley tour
• Hans Christian Andersen Museum
• Wildling Museum
• Ostrichland USA
• Enjoy shows or concerts at Solvang Festival Theater
• Food tour to taste Danish delicacies and v isit bakeries and Winery

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY 1 STOPOVERS

After checking out from Santa Barbara – proceed to Monterey across Pacific Coast Highway – stopping at various stops.

STOP 1 – Pismo Beach | California Itinerary 3 weeks

Book Surf lessons in Pismo beach as it is a surfer’s paradise .

Pismo Beach is a seaside town that attracts all ocean lovers and is a perfect stop on Pacific Coast Highway 1. This is a classic beach town in the San Luis Obispo region with a surfing beach.

STOP 2 – Morro Bay |  California Itinerary 3 weeks

Morro Bay – Gibraltar of the Pacific is known for surfing, enchanting coasts, sandy beaches, and a perfect coastal holiday spot for nature lovers.

STOP 3 – San Simeon |  California Itinerary 3 weeks

One of the most beautiful spots on this highway and not to be missed during this drive.  Exotic coastal cliffs and vast ocean views are worth turning off Highway 1 with elephant seals lying across beaches in their natural habitat. 

STOP 4 – Bixby Bridge

Bixby Creek Bridge, also known as Bixby Canyon Bridge, on the Big Sur coast of California, is a perfect and must stopover during this road trip. It is one of the most photographed bridges in California.

STOP 5 – Big Sur

TIP – Start early as there are too many vistas and scenic spots in between Santa Barbara to Monterey through the Central Coastal California region. This is the most scenic part of the whole drive .

MONTEREY – 2 Nights stay with Day trips to Carmel by-the-Sea and Big Sur

Click here to book your stay in Monterey

Distance of Monterey from Santa Barbara – 235 Miles

Late evening check-in after a hectic day of stopping over various scenic spots on Pacific Coast Highway.

Click here to book your stay in Monterey .

Monterey Bay is known as the Serengeti of Marine life. With vibrant Pier and amazing marine life, Monterey attracts ocean lovers. Not only Monterey but its nearby cities like Carmel-by-the-Sea too attract people a lot.

Day trip to Carmel by the Sea & Big Sur

Distance of Carmel Valley from Monterey – 16 Miles (20 to 25 Minutes)

Why Carmel Valley –  A Victorian seaside town known for its rustic charm with historic Spanish mission, beautiful village vibes. A perfect romantic seaside town with sandy beaches, streets decked with trees.

Distance of Big Sur from Monterey – 28 to 30 Miles (40 to 45 minutes) – The drive is very-very scenic.

Why Big Sur –  Formed of rugged coastline with stunning views and it is the place where Saint Lucia mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. It is known as one of the most stunning coastlines in the world and also the most scenic coastline in the USA. Known for its wilderness, and unexplored virgin coasts, this place comes among the best top nature attractions in the world.

I did my Big Sur Trip while going to Monterey but did a day trip to Carmel by the Sea from Monterey.

After Monterey’s stay, proceed to San Francisco via Santacruz.

SAN FRANCISCO – 4 Nights stay with a day trip to Napa Valley wine region

Click here to book your stay at San Francisco – Union Square

A 49 square mile city known for its  Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars is a cosmopolitan city in Northern California. This fog city is blessed with cultural diversity, beautiful nature, and wonderful amenities.

• Book Napa and Sonoma Valley wine country full-day tour from San Francisco – Must do
• Book a day trip to Yosemite National park and a Giant Sequoias day trip from San Francisco .

Why Napa –  Napa is one of the most beautiful wine regions to visit in the world. Famous for wineries and vineyards the sight of vineyards with rainbows is amazing here. Lots of sunshine, nature, exotic wines, and food are the top features of the Napa region. It is said that there are more than 300 wineries that are open for tastings. Being closer to the city, Napa is perfect for a day trip from San Francisco.

FOR OTHER DAY TRIPS FROM SAN FRANCISCO – CLICK HERE TO READ IN DETAIL .

SILICON VALLEY – 1 Night stay

After fun-filled 4 nights in San Francisco, proceed to Silicon Valley. California is also known for its famous Silicon valley with a multi-billion dollar industry of technology and computers. Being a Computer Engg, it was always in my mind, to visit some of the famous Computer biggie techie giants in Silicon Valley.

I visited the visitor’s areas of Google, Apple, and Facebook. Visitors can have access to exteriors and photo opportunities with their famous logos and signs. After Silicon Valley stay, proceed to LAKE TAHOE via Sacramento.

LAKE TAHOE – 1 Night stay

Lake Tahoe is another natural gem in Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days

Click here to book your stay in Lake Tahoe – Stateline

Book a Lake Tahoe scenic photography tour.

Distance of Lake Tahoe from San Jose – 231 Miles – via Sacramento, Single Springs, and Camino. 

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

• Emerald Lake – the view is stunning and not to be missed point
• Garden Hill
• Tamarac region
• Sierra scenic drive
• Toyibe National forest
• Bridgeport city
• Stateline area
• Mono Basin National Forest

Why Lake Tahoe –  Lake Tahoe is one one the wonderful place to visit from San Francisco for nature lovers. A serene, calm place where you can enjoy your weekend getaway with your loved ones and that too it is one of the most pet-friendly places in Northern California. The breathtaking scenery of Lake Tahoe would amaze you and it is a summer and winter-friendly destination. This lake is formed by melted snow which is surrounded by enchanting mountains.

After staying at Lake Tahoe proceed to Mammoth Lake – a lake city that is very close to Yosemite National Park. Either you stay at Yosemite National Park or Mammoth Lake. Yosemite National Park is the jewel in Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days and a must-do.

MAMMOTH LAKE & YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – 2 Nights stay

Click here to book apartment hotel stay at Mammoth Lakes

Distance of Mammoth Lake from Lake Tahoe – 140 Miles

Yosemite National Park has five entrances –

• Hetch Hetchy Entrance
• Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Arch Rock Entrance
• South Entrance
• Tioga Pass Entrance

USEFUL TIPS FOR YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK TRIP

• Take  the Tioga Pass State Highway 120 to the eastern gate into Yosemite  National Park, if you are staying at Mammoth Lake. This entrance is sometimes closed during winters due to heavy snowfall.
• Book your arrival at Yosemite National Park as nowadays after the pandemic, they allow a certain number of cars per day. So don’t face the last-minute disappointment and book your slots early on this website. Slots get filled too fast on holidays and weekends.
• But in summer the drive from Mammoth Lake and Yosemite National Park is breathtaking and all nature lovers would love this drive.
• Pairing Mammoth Lake and Yosemite National Park is a beautiful idea for all nature lovers.
• You can also book Glacier point with Yosemite key points from Fresno entrance with small hikes .

Things to do in Mammoth Lake and Yosemite National Park

• Admire mother Nature here
• Every spot or point here is a tourist attraction.
• Take a map of National park hiking points, trails, and most scenic points.

After finishing Yosemite National Park and some amazing spots at Mammoth Lake, proceed to Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley National Park is very close to Las Vegas, so we added Las Vegas –  4 days trip with a California trip.

LAS VEGAS via Death Valley National Park – 4 Nights

Click here to book The Palazzo at the Venetian

Distance of Las Vegas from the Mammoth Lake via Death Valley National Park – 345 Miles

After this Death Valley tour, you will reach late evening Las Vegas.

USEFUL TIP – Death Valley in the summertime can be dangerously hot and therefore check the temperature before you start driving. At many spots, you can find warnings about closing your car AC off for not burning out. Be cautious when driving here during summer, especially during mid-afternoon.

Book a famous casino resort in Las Vegas at the Strip for all fun and entertainment.

Day trips from Las Vegas –

Take a day trip to the Western Rim of the Grand Canyon and the famous Hoover Dam over the Colorado River. There are many other day trips to Red Rock Canyon State Park , Joshua tree National Park and Seven Colored rocks. There are many worth doing road trips in Arizona which you can also go for if you have more time in Las Vegas.

Highlights of Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam Trip

• Start early in the day as the drive is too long and hot too.
• Book Grand Canyon bus tour or helicopter tour in advance.
• While going or while coming back you get a diversion to go for the Hoover Dam trip. Do that on the same day.
• Hoover dam area passes through Stateline and you can witness the time change difference on one road. Hoover Dam lies in Nevada and Arizona both and this is distinctly marked there.
• Take lots of fluids/water as this area is very hot in summer. Also carry sunscreens, hats, and anything which can protect you from cold.

RED ROCK CANYON DAY TRIP VIDEO

After a fun-filled stay in Las Vegas, proceed to San Diego

SAN DIEGO – 3 to 4 Nights with a day trip to Coronado Island & nearby beaches .

Without San Diego, the California road trip is incomplete as it is the finest city in the United States of America. Hence San Diego tops the list of California Itinerary 3 weeks.

Click here to book San Diego – Downtown Bay

Distance of San Diego from Las Vegas – 332 Miles

Highlights of San Diego Trip

• Balboa Park, with the Spanish style of architecture
• Famous San Diego Zoo
• Indulge in Mexican food at colorful Cantinas
• San Diego’s Port with Naval ship and maritime museum
• San Diego’s Port Village tour.

Day trips from San Diego – California Itinerary

• Coronado Island – The distance of Coronado from San Diego – is 6 to 7 Miles – You can do this by ferry or by driving through the famous Coronado Bridge.
• Click here to book Hotel Del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

Why Coronado –  Coronado Island is known for stunning beaches, quaint downtown area, stunning views of the San Diego skyline, with a perfect Mediterranean climate .

• La Jolla Beaches and Carlsbad beach town – Mediterranean-styled beaches with beautiful sunset points, surfing points would truly enchant any beach and nature lovers.

San Diego’s historic, cultural vibes with an amazing coastline would win your heart, and with this, your Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days is about to end.

• Drive back to LA from San Diego.
• Distance from San Diego to LA – 120 Miles
• As we took our rental car from LA – to Los Angeles, we returned our car at LA International airport and so we then drove from San Diego to LA. I hope you loved reading Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days.

CALIFORNIA VIRTUAL TOUR VIDEOS – California Itinerary

GENERAL INFO – Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days

• There are expressway lanes for which you need a transponder and so better to avoid it if you have rented a car and not taken a toll – transponder.

• Mark all Vista points before only on your Google map as returning on Pacific Coast Highway would be difficult as it is surrounded by mountain cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other side.
• Pacific Coast Highway is mostly mountainous so you can feel dizzy sometimes and take light food during this drive.
• On the Pacific Coast scenic highway there are not many fuel/gas stations , so fill your tank to full when you start from your hotel.
• Book your car for reputed Car rental services.

I hope you loved reading the Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days or California Must visit places with a Las Vegas trip across the world’s famous scenic highway, covering one of the most beautiful national parks, the hottest area on Earth, the biggest lake in the US, cultural-historic towns, stunning marine life in their natural habitat, fun and frolic throughout. Enjoy your #Californiaroadtrip with your family, loved ones, or solo as it has so much to do for all ages and interests. 

RELATED READS – USA ROAD TRIPS GUIDE

• 22 Places To Visit Near San Francisco On Weekend Road trip
• EAST COAST (US) ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
• Best Things to do in Chicago City Tour – Chicago Travel Guide
• 18 Weekend Day Trips from Los Angeles – Best Road Trips

Pin It… Stunning California Road Trip Itinerary 21 – 25 days

If you wish to collaborate/work with me then contact me at [email protected] . 

Follow my blog on social media channels at

Facebook       Twitter      Instagram       Pinterest  

All content and photos belong to travelwithme247blog(dot)com and use of content/photos without permission would result in legal action. 

DISCLAIMER – The content of the blog is solely my views of a place or a thing. This is not to offend any class, religion, ethnicity, or nation. My views can change from time to time. This blog may contain some advertisements or links to commercial products, so this site is not responsible after you click those advertisements.  

We are the independent owner of this site and the views expressed in this are our own. All photographs are owned by me.  There can be slight differences in distances, locations, or some details for which I (owner) am not responsible.  This post may contain some affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you.  I will earn if you will click through affiliates and make a purchase

Share this:

• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Flipboard (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

22 Comments

• Pingback: Best Day trips and weekend getaways from San Jose CA - Road Trips from San Jose – Travel With Me 24 X 7

Hi Yukti What a blog!!!! Congratulations on this wonderful creation of yours….so so informative….great job indeed.

thankyou leela

@igopinath thanks for all love – so how can this be possible – how we do it

I will share the link to your post on my blog and you can share the link to my post on your blog…that way we share and spread information to more people….give this a thought and let me know…thanks

i cannot yes for now – but will look for first and then let you know – i will consult my seo specialist too

Ok….fine…let me know

• Pingback: 18 Weekend Day Trips from Los Angeles – Best Road Trips – Travel With Me 24 X 7
• Pingback: Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary - 6 Best Places To Stop In California – Travel With Me 24 X 7
• Pingback: Most Romantic Getaways ( Cities ) / Places in California – Travel With Me 24 X 7
• Pingback: 5 Best Nature Spots In California – Travel With Me 24 X 7
• Pingback: Beautiful & Prettiest beaches In California - Best Beaches In California  – Travel With Me 24 X 7
• Pingback: Best & Fun Things To Do In Solvang CA - Day Trip From Santa Barbara – Travel With Me 24 X 7
• Pingback: 11 Best Places To Visit In California With Family & Kids – Travel With Me 24 X 7

This is one stunning California Road trip itinerary! What an epic adventure!

Wow you certainly made it to some beautiful locations in California! It’s great that you can find stunning coastlines, pretty lakes, and lots of wineries to visit all in the same state. Great ideas for a road trip!

• Pingback: 15 Sensational Sunsets in California: Where You Need to Go to Watch the Sun Go Down
• Pingback: 5 Most Spectacular Texas Landscapes – Travel With Me 24 X 7
• Pingback: 22 Places To Visit Near San Francisco On Weekend Road trip – Travel With Me 24 X 7
• Pingback: Planner for Road trip along EAST COAST (USA) – Travel With Me 24 X 7

Really amazing and fantastic

Thanks for reading

Hey plz follow my blog and like my posts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from Travel With Me 24 X 7

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

The Best 5-day Road Trip from Las Vegas

Whether you're new to Las Vegas or a lifelong resident, you might need a break from the bright lights and sprawling casinos that make this city so unique. Luckily, Sin City is surrounded by tons of bucket-list destinations that make leaving the city for an exploratory road trip a breeze.

The best 5-day road trip from Las Vegas will take you across 1,300 miles and to the beautiful California coast. You will pass through San Bernardino, Malibu, Monterey, Bakersfield and breathtaking landscapes like the Mojave Desert on the way.

Keep scrolling to discover our the ultimate 5-day itinerary we put together for you, including the route that takes you all the way to the Pacific Ocean and back around to the desert metropolis that is Las Vegas. See the table below for more information on the routes for each day.

What is the best 5-day road trip from Las Vegas and where will it take you to?

This road trip will take you through some of California's most beautiful towns and cities, including Los San Bernadino, Los Angeles, Malibu, Monterey, Fresno, Bakersfield, and more.

You'll have the opportunity to take in some stunning natural landscapes, including the Mojave Desert and the Pacific Coast, as well as explore some iconic Californian sites like the Santa Monica Pier and Hearst Castle. A truly quintessential Californian escape!

Day 1: Driving from Las Vegas to San Bernardino

On your first driving day, you'll be making the 3-and-a-half-hour trek from Las Vegas to San Bernadino, crossing just over 225 miles. Keep reading to find a breakdown of some of the many wonderful things to see on this stretch.

Road trip route from Las Vegas to San Bernardino

This first stretch from Las Vegas to San Bernadino already offers some must-see stopping points along your route. You'll leave Vegas via I-15 South, which you follow for a while, taking the exit in Barstow and continuing on CA-247 S/Barstow Rd until you reach Big Bear Lake.

From there, you take a little scenic drive through the San Bernadino National Forest before you reach sunny San Bernadino.

On your way out of Las Vegas, we recommend stopping to grab a photo at the Seven Magic Mountains. This neat art installation is comprised of large, stacked boulders that have been painted in a variety of colours, and which make a great pic for the Gram!

Things to explore on the way to San Bernardino

Just outside of Sin City, you'll find the Mojave National Preserve which is home to the Mojave Desert. A highlight of this region, the Mojave Desert is a vast and arid terrain that's ideal for a few hours' exploration on your way to San Bernadino.

Here you'll find tons of breathtaking desert landscapes and unique rock sculptures, as well as ample opportunity to engage in outdoor sports such as hiking and 4-wheel driving. Just make sure to pack a big bottle of water and layer on the sunscreen, as this protected space is known for packing quite the UV punch.

If you've got time, we also recommend you stop at Big Bear Lake, a smaller city just outside of greater Los Angeles. This city is located in the northern part of the San Bernadino Forest and its main draw is its massive rain and snow-fed lake.

You can spend your afternoon enjoying water sports or, if you're visiting in the winter, try your hand at some skiing and snowboarding on the nearby slopes. You'll also find tons of adorable boutiques, gift shops and restaurants in Big Bear Lake Village.

Where to stay in San Bernardino: embrace the comfortable and quaint vibes of the city

It's San Bernadino's many unique attractions which make this city such an exciting road trip stopping point. First, you've got the “Annual Rendezvous back to Route 66 Car Show”, a celebration of one of America's most iconic roads that takes place every autumn.

You'll also have the chance to visit a variety of amazing museums, including the San Bernadino County Museum and the site of the world's first McDonald's.

Looking for a place to stay in this sunny city? We recommend the Hampton Inn & Suites San Bernardino . At just a forty-minute drive from Big Bear Lake, this hotel boasts tons of cool amenities like an outdoor swimming pool where you can relax and unwind after a day of braving the Nevada Desert.

In the morning, you can count on a complimentary daily hot breakfast buffet, so you needn't worry about where to grab the most important meal of the day before heading out on the road.

The hotel serves free tea and coffee in their lobby all day, so if you're looking for a boost of caffeine before your next road trip stretch, the Hampton Inn & Suites San Bernadino has you covered.

Day 2: Driving from San Bernardino to Malibu

Taking you from San Bernadino to beautiful coastal Malibu, day 2 has got about two hours of driving in store for you. You'll be traversing a distance of about 100 miles, passing through downtown Los Angeles, and hitting the Pacific Coast in no time. Keep reading for a breakdown of day 2.

Road trip route from San Bernardino to Malibu

This second stretch starts with an exit out of San Bernadino via the CA-210 W. From there, you can take the CA-60 W/Pomona Fwy and I-10 W to CA-1 N in Santa Monica, passing through downtown LA.

You'll probably be making some stops during this part of the trip to take in the City of Angels' many offerings, including the iconic Hollywood sign and the LA Country Museum of Art.

Once you've had your fill of this historic and glamorous city, head straight for the Santa Monica Pier and turn right onto CA-1 N, which takes you to beautiful and relaxing Malibu.

Things to explore on the way to Malibu

As we mentioned, you'll be passing all the way through Los Angeles' downtown core on this leg of the trip. There's really an unending number of cultural attractions to visit in this sunny city, which is celebrated for being home to the American cinema and music industries.

You could visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the world's leading orchestras which is housed in an even more impressive building designed by Canadian American architect Frank Gehry.

You can also hike up the Hollywood sign and grab a picture with this iconic monument. If you're a film buff, you should also visit the Academy Museum, located on the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax; there, you'll be able to take in tons of award show and cinema memorabilia.

We definitely recommend stopping somewhere in Los Angeles for lunch, as this city is celebrated for its wonderful gastronomical scene. If you're not one for fine dining, there's always the world-famous In-and-Out burger chain, whose restaurants you'll only find in California.

There's a chance that you find yourself with a few hours to spare after a day's exploration—in that case, we suggest taking a walk along Venice Beach or enjoying an adrenaline rush on one of the Santa Monica Pier rides.

Where to stay in Malibu: living it up like the stars

Malibu is one of our favorite stopping points on this trip, not least because of how glamorous this beach city can be. Located about thirty miles west of Downtown LA, Malibu is home to tons of celebs, is filled with unique attractions, and offers tons of opportunities for outdoor sports.

As usual, we've got you covered for lodging with a Grade-A beachy hotel. We highly recommend The Surfrider Malibu , situated directly opposite Malibu Beach and, as a result, offering unparalleled access to this world-famous beach.

Stylish and with a bohemian vibe, this hotel is a really wonderful place to unwind. If you're looking for a relaxing spot to grab dinner after a day of exploring LA, you'll definitely enjoy their guest-only roof deck bar and restaurant, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Malibu Pier.

And whether you're a watersports pro or a blossoming novice, we suggest taking advantage of this hotel's complimentary surf and stand-up paddle boards.

If you're visiting in the winter and find the waters a little cold for your liking, you can always enjoy a relaxing walk along this hotel's nearby sandy beaches.

Please check our comprehensive guide out to learn more bout Huntington State Beach:

READ MORE - Our Guide to Malibu Beach

Day 3: Driving from Malibu to Monterey

This third day of the best 5-day road trip from Las Vegas is your longest driving day, but it also packs a punch when it comes to unique attractions and beautiful sights.

You'll be passing through sunny Santa Barbara and visiting one of California's premiere State Parks—keep reading to find out what day 3 has got in store.

Road trip route from Malibu to Monterey

You'll be crossing just over 300 miles on this day, which takes you from beachy Malibu all the way to historic Monterey, which adds up to about six hours of driving.

Start by getting on the US-101 N, which you follow for about an hour until you've reached Santa Barbara; once you've gotten your fill of this fabulous town, keep following the coastline north, past Big Sur until you've reached Monterey.

Things to explore on the way to Monterey

As we've mentioned, the Californian coast is simply brimming with beautiful and beachy towns where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation after a couple of days of driving. One of our top recommendations is the town of Santa Barbara.

Known for its broad, sandy beaches, Santa Barbara is one of the more beautiful spots along the California coastline that is definitely worth a visit on your drive. You're sure to enjoy the stunning bluffs, historic architecture, seafood-forward cuisine, and small-town feel that make this spot a pleasure to visit.

You can also explore Santa Maria, which is famous for its crop of delicious wineries. Upon your visit to this in-land city, you can also enjoy a Santa Maria-style barbecue, a local specialty that takes inspiration from Mexican cuisine and raises the art of BBQ to a whole new level!

We also highly recommend you check out some of the amazing beach towns that dot this part of the Pacific Coast. One of our favorites is Pismo Beach , celebrated for its abundance of wineries and stunning sandy beaches, it's also known for The Monarch Butterfly Grove, which acts as a shelter for migrating monarch butterflies in the wintertime.

If you've got the time, we also recommend visiting Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Home to amazing waterfalls, giant redwood trees and riverside scenery, this state park has been lovingly nicknamed “Mini Yosemite” due to its stunning natural beauty. There are several scenic trails here, so it would be good to bring your camera along!

Don't have the time to stop? No problem—you'll still be able to take in the rugged and scenic Santa Lucia Mountains while driving along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Where to stay in Monterey: admire the sweeping ocean views

There's no shortage of activities to enjoy in Monterey, which we think is the perfect gateway to both Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Something you should definitely try your hand at while visiting this city is whale-watching; Monterey is well known for its whale-watching tours.

If you haven't got the time for an expedition, you also check out Monterey State Beach and the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you're sure to find tons of unique and rare marine species.

If you're more of a history buff, take some time to visit the Monterey State Historic Park or explore Old Fisherman's Wharf, where you can sample delicious and fresh seafood.

When it comes to accommodation, we've got you covered: there's no accommodation more luxurious and relaxing than the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa . This stunning hotel is located directly on the water, granting incredible views of Monterey Bay over the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean.

It's also located quite close to Cannery Row, as well as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, both accessible on foot. The entrance to the scenic 17-Mile Drive (which takes about three hours to explore) is also located a short car journey from the hotel.

One of our favorite perks offered by this hotel is its private beach, where you can relax without having to worry about the beach crowds. There's also an on-site café to enjoy your morning coffee, as well as an upscale restaurant that serves the freshest and most sustainable produce from the ocean and the surrounding area.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa also offers a rooftop fitness center and a full-service spa, where you can grab a massage or a facial to get you ready for your last couple of days of travel.

Day 4: Driving from Monterey to Bakersfield

On this penultimate driving day, you'll be making the trek from historic Monterey all the way to Bakersfield. You'll be traversing just over 250 miles on day 4, which should take you about 4 hours and 20 minutes in total.

This is the point where you'll be looping back towards Las Vegas, but you've still got tons of attractions and stunning natural landscapes that make the drive home well worth it.

Road trip route from Monterey to Bakersfield

Monterey is your last coastal stop before turning back around, so make sure to say goodbye to the Pacific Ocean on your drive out of this wonderful city. Once you've turned off the Pacific Coastal Highway, take the CA-156 E towards Fresno.

Follow this road for a bit before turning onto CA-152 E, which will take you to CA-99 S. From there, you can basically keep on this road headed North-East until you've reached the city of Fresno.

Once you've had your fill of beautiful Fresno, continue East-bound until you've reached Sequoia National Park. This stunning green space is home to the majestic Sequoia trees, and an absolute must-see on this route.

You can spend a couple of hours here before you continue on towards Bakersfield, where we suggest spending your last night.

Things to explore on the way to Bakersfield

This last longer stretch before you head home is full of truly remarkable attractions that we definitely recommend you stop for.

For the foodies out there: make sure to stop in beautiful Fresno, celebrated throughout California for its great food scene which stems from its abundance of fresh produce and rich agricultural history.

Boasting sunny days and a warm climate, Fresno is also home to the Tule Fog, a unique weather feature of this city.

Above anything else, we suggest stopping at Sequoia National Park, where you can take in the beautiful meadows and sky-scraping Sequoia trees from which this park derives its name.

This large expanse of green space is the perfect stop for a day's exploration on your way to Bakersfield; we recommend packing some of Fresno's signature food and enjoying a picnic surrounded by giant sequoias.

You'll also find Lake Success nearby. Another natural attraction on this route, Lake Success boasts over 2,450 surface acres which you can enjoy through boating, sailing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. It's also a favorite amongst campers due to the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Where to stay in Bakersfield: the tropics meet ultimate relaxation

This last overnight stop brings you all of the small-town vibes you can hope for, truly perfect towards the end of a longer road trip. Bakersfield is a relatively small city, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with culture and cool attractions.

Boasting a rich history of gold, oil and agricultural production, Bakersfield is equally celebrated for its contributions to the world of country music, having been the home of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens.

You'll most likely be spending most of your day exploring the on-route attractions, but if you've got some time to spare, make sure to check out the Kern County Museum, where you can get better acquainted with this city's rich history.

And if you're looking for a great spot to stay, look no further than the Duniya Hotel . Boasting an outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool set in a tropical courtyard, this hotel offers the perfect opportunity to relax after a long day of driving.

You can take a swim in the cool waters of their swimming pool or enjoy this hotel's proximity to some of Bakersfield coolest attractions, including the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History.

You won't have to worry about where to park your car, as the Duniya offers free parking to guests. They also offer an on-site restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy a meal and a drink before trying your hands at a game of billiards or a karaoke performance of your favorite country jam.

This hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast, so you won't have to worry about grabbing your morning meal before heading back home to Las Vegas.

Day 5: Driving from Bakersfield to Las Vegas

Wrap up this stunning road trip with a final day passing through the stunning desert terrains surrounding the city of Las Vegas. While you may be sad to be heading back home, we promise you'll have tons of cool attractions to visit on-route! Keep scrolling to see what awaits you along the last stretch of the best 5-day road trip from Las Vegas.

Road trip route from Bakersfield to Las Vegas

After four days of driving, you'll have finally made it to day 5, which takes you from historic Bakersfield all the way to the bright lights of Las Vegas. You'll be covering just under 300 miles on this last day, which will take you about 4 hours and 15 minutes.

On your way back to Las Vegas, you'll have the chance to visit some smaller Californian towns and visit some of the sites you discovered but didn't get to visit on day 1.

Start by leaving Bakersfield via the CA-58 E. Here, you can either choose to make the detour to Searles Lake and (further ahead) Death Valley National Park or, if you're in a crunch, you can keep following this road until you've merged onto I-15, which will take you all the way back to Las Vegas.

If taking the Searles Lake Detour, you'll want to take the exit onto I-14 and follow this until you've reached this dry lakebed. Once a glimmering lake, Searles is now mostly dried up and, as a result, a favorite visiting spot for rockhounds and treasure hunters.

Once you've tried your hand at crystal digging, feel free to head back on the route towards I-15, which you follow to Vegas. Enjoy a stop in the city of Barstow along the way, which boasts some unique museums and beautiful architecture.

Things to explore on the way back to Las Vegas

One of our favorite things about this road trip is that you head back to Las Vegas on the same road you took to leave it, meaning you'll have an opportunity to catch any of the signature Nevada attractions you might have missed on Day 1.

You can revisit the Mojave National Preserve, an arid desert landscape that's a must-see on this route. Even if you got a chance to visit this stunning protected space on your first day, we highly recommend stopping by in the evening, when you'll be able to see a remarkable number of stars light up the sky.

Or, take in the history of Route 66 at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, famously written about by American author John Steinbeck in his seminal work, The Grapes of Wrath.

While Route 66 has mostly been replaced by a collection of efficient interstates like I-15, you can still get a feel of what it was like to take this iconic cross-country road during the last century.

If you're feeling tired, skip these attractions and simply make the couple hours' drive back to home sweet home.

Things to see on a 5-day road trip from Las Vegas

With a state as populated and culturally celebrated as California, it's no wonder that there's a whole bevy of famous attractions along your route. Keep scrolling for a list of our favorite stops along the way, ranging from jaw-dropping architectural sites to stunning natural areas.

• Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area - Discover this nature preserve right outside of Las Vegas that boasts 48, 438 acres of arid landscapes and Native American petroglyphs.
• Mojave Megaphone - If making the detour to Mojave, check out this unique sculpture, a massive megaphone that looks out over the desert.
• California Route 66 Museum - Get better acquainted with the iconic Route 66 at this museum located in Victorville; you'll find tons of artifacts, photos, and memorabilia relating to this famed highway.
• NHRA Motorsports Museum - Take in the history of hot-rod racing at the NHRA Motorsports Museum, which also houses vintage cars, motorcycles, and artifacts.
• Walt Disney Concert Hall - One of LA's most iconic buildings, the Walk Disney Concert Hall was designed by Frank Gehry and is truly a sight to behold.
• The Getty Villa - This former home to an American oil tycoon was modelled after a 1st-century Italian villa and boasts tons of artifacts.
• Tunnel Rock - This unique boulder is a great spot for a photo-op, marking a former roadway through a granite tunnel.
• Death Valley National Park - One of California's most famous parks, Death Valley National Park boasts over 3.4 million acres of arid desert wilderness.

Best time to go on a 5-day road trip from Las Vegas

One of our favorite things about this road trip is that you can truly take it any time of year. It all depends on what kind of experience you're looking for! Below, we've got a breakdown of what sort of vibe you can expect depending on the season.

Traveling in winter

Winter is a great time to take this road trip, not only because of the cooler weather but because some of the cities and attractions you'll be visiting will have fewer crowds during the Winter months.

Temperatures throughout California vary in the winter but will rarely go below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won't have to worry about digging out your parka.

If you are visiting in winter, make sure to head to the Mission Inn and admire the Festival of Lights, which usually features more than 400 animated figures, to get into the festive spirit.

Traveling in summer

There's no getting around the fact that California and Nevada get very toasty in the summertime, with temperatures in certain areas exceeding 100-degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest weeks of the year.

Luckily, once you're on the coast you'll have the chance to cool off in the waters of the Pacific; just make sure to drink tons of water and that your car's AC is fully functional. Also, summer is the peak wildfire season in California, so be prepared for some road closures or rerouting.

Monterey is home to Whalefest Monterey, which brings many tourists to watch the fascinating parade of whales. If you are an outdoors fan who likes to keep active, Big Sur International Marathon also takes place during the warmer months.

Traveling in fall

Fall is a great time to take this road trip, not least because the weather is more manageable, with average temperature ranging between the low fifties and low eighties Fahrenheit.

You won't have to worry about packing any warm clothing and may even be able to go for a swim once you reach the Pacific. The other great pro about taking this road trip during the fall is cheaper accommodation and smaller crowds, two things we love to hear.

Great news if you are traveling with family and your younger ones; Malibu hosts a great number of family-friendly events in the fall. These include Astronomy Night, Halloween Bu-Bash and CineMalibu and Neon Night.

Traveling in spring

Much like fall, spring is prime Californian traveling time. You'll find the temperatures mild, also ranging between the low fifties and low eighties Fahrenheit, and the crowds smaller.

Spring also brings newfound blooms to the national parks along the way, something to consider when deciding when to take this trip.

Regardless of when you decide to take this trip, you can expect some really cool annual festivals and events that will add some sparkle to your vacation. One of these festivals includes the LA County Fair in the spring.

Finally, if you're traveling in the fall, check out the Big Fresno Fair, one of Fresno's most attended events which celebrates this city's agricultural industry.

So, what are you waiting for? Back your bags, press play on your favorite driving playlist, and enjoy this stunning 5-day road trip taking you all the way to California's beautiful coast and back again to sunny Las Vegas.

Join our email list!

By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Your email will not be provided to third parties.

Related posts

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Las Vegas to California drive

Las vegas to california road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Las Vegas to California. If you're planning a road trip to California, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Las Vegas drive for about 58 minutes

10:58 am   Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:58 am drive for about 1.5 hours

1:34 pm   Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:34 pm drive for about 50 minutes

3:24 pm   Barstow stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:24 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 4.5 hours find more stops

11:00 am  leave from Mojave drive for about 1 hour

12:03 pm   Bakersfield stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:03 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

2:21 pm   Visalia stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:21 pm drive for about 45 minutes

day 2 driving ≈ 3 hours find more stops

8:00 am  leave from Fresno drive for about 41.5 hours

1:32 am (past midnight)  arrive at California

day 3 driving ≈ 41.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas   (3 mentions) Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Barstow   (17 answers)     restaurants around Barstow:         Del Taco     questions about Barstow:         What's the best neighborhood in Barstow for a first time visitor?         Where to sleep RV trailer Mojave   (2 answers) Bakersfield   (23 answers)     questions about Bakersfield:         Best free things to do in Bakersfield? Visalia Fresno   (14 answers)

What are some things to do in California?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about California. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to California.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a California to Las Vegas drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Las Vegas to California . Or get a full Las Vegas to California flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Las Vegas well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Las Vegas!

More info on this route:

road conditions

places to eat

flattest route

alternate routes

Google driving directions

Bae Area and Beyond

Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip: 5 Best Stops

Yosemite National Park is a natural wonder and a popular tourist destination, and because of this many visitors love taking their own road trips to Yosemite. We live in California and love our Yosemite road trips.

If you’re looking for a California-Nevada road trip, the Las Vegas to Yosemite road trip is one of the best things to do!

Planning your trip to Yosemite? Save with the  Annual National Parks Pass . We visited 4+ parks for only $80 last year, saving $53! Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals: 

📸 Best Tours In Yosemite National Park:

• 6-Day Yosemite Backpacking (skip the lines, crowds and permits!)
• Jeep 4×4 Yosemite Park Tour (avoid parking and sold-out tickets)
• Experience Yosemite: Beginner or Advanced Photography Lesson
• Private Full Day Fly Fishing For Beginners and Experienced Anglers
• Small Group Yosemite & Glacier Point Tour (full day with hotel pickup)

😴 Best Hotels In Yosemite:

• Curry Village (💲) (around 1 mile from Vernal Falls Trail)
• Yosemite Valley Lodge (💲💲) (13-min walk to Lower Yosemite Falls)
• The Ahwahnee (💲💲💲) (20-min walk to Yosemite Village)

🚘 Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)

Table Of Contents

How To Get There

By car, it takes 414 miles (less or more depending on where you’re staying in Las Vegas). It’ll take around 7.5 hours without breaks to get there. For directions, take US-95 N for its natural springs and ghost towns from Las Vegas to Yosemite . 

If you are driving from Central Oregon, you can also take Highway 395 as well. If you’re traveling from another city in or outside California, there are also other great road trips to take .

If you need to rent a car, check prices on Discover Cars . You’ll find cheap deals there!

If you’re flying, the nearest airport to Yosemite is Fresno/Yosemite International Airport , which is more than a 2-hour drive so you would need to get a rental car or you can take public transit. You can take a bus with YARTS.

The closest major airport to Yosemite National Park is Oakland International Airport. Look for cheap flights on Expedia !

Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip Itinerary

Why take this route?   If you’re driving from Las Vegas, this is the road trip to Yosemite to take with its many unique stops on the way including ghost towns and natural springs!

1. Las Vegas

Las Vegas is famed for its bright lights, glitzy casinos, and “anything goes” attitude. There’s no better place to take in a show, take a gamble, or relax in luxury.

Home to some of the most recognizable entertainment venues in the world, Las Vegas is also home to plenty of interesting museums, shopping, and exceptional dining.

And during any time of the year, there is always something to do in this city. Las Vegas has hundreds of hotels, restaurants, bars, golf courses, and more.

The Mob Museum and The Neon Museum are two of the oldest attractions in the city, and both are fun for all ages.

The Mob Museum features exhibits that explore the history, origins, and operations of the Mafia. The Neon Museum contains vintage neon signs, some of which date back to the 1930s.

Find the best car rental deals here !

2. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Mojave Desert, This hidden gem is around 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada.

This desert landscape is home to hundreds of plant and animal species with around 30 of those species that you can’t find anywhere else in the world!

These kinds of species are known as endemic species and you’ll find the highest amount of these species right here! The must-see things here are the Crystal Springs, the Longstreet Cabin, and the Devil’s Hole.

The Crystal Springs powers out 2800 gallons of water per minute! And the Devil’s hole goes as deep as 500 feet and the bottom of the hole cannot be seen!

Also, observe desert fish that is as old as when mammoths sipped water from these springs and fossil water that’s from ice melted from the last Ice Age.

Highly recommend visiting this internationally known wetland with beautiful springs to adore among the dry desert environment.

3. Death Valley Junction or Amargosa

A longer detour but a worthful one – the Death Valley Junction aka Amargosa. If you’re looking to stay overnight at a ghost town but try the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel!

Built in the 1920s, this hotel has 16 rooms and is painted with murals by artist Marta Becket.

With its rich history, the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

With temperatures reaching 120˚F in the summer, the best time to visit would be between November and April.

Camping is also available at the Amargosa Campground for at most a two-night stay with a suggested $8 donation. 

4. Beatty 

Take in the views of the Bare Mountain Range as you enter through Beatty, a small town on your road trip to Yosemite.

In this town, you can visit the Beatty Museum and Historical Society to learn more about the town’s mining history and its admission is free.

Reserve an overnight stay at this family-friendly vacation home: Death Valley Gateway .

But you definitely need to check out the Goldwell Open Air Museum that’s a couple of miles away from the center of Beatty.

This outdoor museum is free as well and consists of 7 cool sculptures created by a group of Belgian artists. You must snap a shot of one of the exhibits that recreated “The Last Supper” painting but in sculpture form.

5. Rhyolite

A short detour from Beatty, stop by Rhyolite, a ghost town that was once a gold-mining town in the 1900s.

This also used to be a Hollywood movie set! Rhyolite is mostly in ruins with abandoned homes, an old railroad depot, an old general store, and other buildings but yet it’s a sight to see.

Make sure to stop by at Tom Kelly’s Bottle House constructed with glass bottles. You can also keep driving on this road and it’ll take you to Death Valley National Park – if you want to check out a viewpoint or two in this park. 

After Rhyolite, you’ll need to drive for 2.5 hours more to cross the border from Nevada to California.

Once you see the town of Benton, known for its hot springs, turn onto HWY 120. Continue on HWY 120 and your road trip to Yosemite ends as you enter through Tioga Pass, Yosemite’s East Gate Entrance.  

Need a car to go to Yosemite? Find the best car rental deals here !

Where To Stay In Yosemite

With all the choices for  where to stay in Yosemite , it can be difficult to choose. We recommend these top 3 places to stay in the park: 

Budget-Friendly Option:  Curry Village

Mid-Priced Option:  Yosemite Valley Lodge

Lux Option:  The Ahwahnee

What To Pack For Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip

Packing for road trips can be tiresome; from figuring out what clothes to pack to what food to bring along the way. If you’re looking all the road trip essentials, check out these 51 items to bring along the way. The top things to take:

• Car Windshield Sun Shade
• Emergency Flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Jumpstart Kit
• Portable Air Compressor
• Snow Chains
• Travel Size Hand Sanitizers
• Video Camera
• National Parks Pass  

California can have some hot sunny days and the more you drive inland towards the east, the more hotter it will get. Get a small cooler before your road trip to make sure you stay hydrated and cool throughout the whole trip.  

Best Yosemite Tours

Looking for the best tours in Yosemite? Check out these top-rated tours on Viator: 

Frequently Asked Questions: Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip

Have questions about how your Yosemite road trip? Here’s what you need to know before venturing from Las Vegas: 

How much is a road trip to Yosemite?

When it comes to the cost of a road trip to Yosemite, things to consider are the park’s entrance fees, gas, food, and possibly lodging if it’s a multi-day trip. On average, it cost us $100 per person daily. 

If you’ve got the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass , then the entrance fee for Yosemite would be free. And if you plan to visit at least 3 parks annually that have an entrance fee, then the pass is well worth it! 

How many days do you need in Yosemite?

That depends on how many things you want to see in Yosemite. You can spend a day to a week and still have things to see on your next trip. Thinking about what to do and how many things to add to your itinerary? Check out the best viewpoints in Yosemite to guide your trip! 

Do I need a reservation for Yosemite?

Make sure to check the National Park Service site for updates on reservations and restrictions. Currently, reservations are required during the summertime to reduce crowds and until the public health conditions in the US improve. 

Can you drive your car into Yosemite?

Yes, you can drive your car into Yosemite but make sure the roads you are planning to drive on are open. Glacier Point Road and Tioga Pass Road are closed during winters but otherwise, you can drive through the whole park.

Is the drive to Yosemite scary? 

The drive to Yosemite can be scary and dangerous. I’ve felt my stomach do backflips while the road curves.

The roads can be narrow, steep, and curvy making it dangerous to drive above the speed limit so make sure you’re driving within the limit while leaving ample space between vehicles.

Sometimes you’ll feel like you need to drive faster because the vehicle behind you is tailgating you and in that case, stop at a turnout and allow those faster vehicles to pass by. 

Final Thoughts: Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip

We love this route for its scenic stops along the way before heading to Yosemite. While Yosemite is the final destination, there are so many cool attractions to see on the way. Happy driving! 

Grab Your 1-Pager California Packing List!

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shreeyeh Rajan is the founder of Bae Area and Beyond, a California blog with over 200,000 annual readers and featured in more than 79 sites.

With a love for California that runs deep, Shreeyeh and her husband explore the Golden State every chance they get, from the beaches in Santa Cruz to the hiking trails of Yosemite.

Through her blog, Shreeyeh hopes to inspire readers to fall in love with California just like she did.

• Entertainment
• Investigations
• Latest Headlines
• 2024 Election
• What Are They Hiding?
• Clark County
• Nation and World
• Science and Technology
• Road Warrior
• Las Vegas Weather
• East Valley
• North Las Vegas
• Summerlin/Centennial Hills
• Remembering Oct. 1, 2017
• Deborah Wall
• Natalie Burt
• Remembering Jeff German
• Police Accountability
• Alpine Fire
• 100 Years of Growth
• Dangerous Driving
• Raiders News
• Golden Knights
• UNLV Football
• UNLV Basketball
• Nevada Preps
• Sports Betting 101
• Las Vegas Sportsbooks
• National Finals Rodeo
• Where Are They Now?
• On TV/Radio
• MMA and UFC
• Casinos & Gaming
• Conventions
• Inside Gaming
• Entrepreneurs
• Real Estate News
• Business Press
• Sheldon Adelson (1933-2021)
• Debra J. Saunders
• Michael Ramirez cartoons
• Victor Joecks
• Richard A. Epstein
• Victor Davis Hanson
• Drawing Board
• Homicide Tracker
• Faces of Death Row
• Kats’ Cool Hangs
• Arts & Culture
• Home and Garden
• Las Vegas Hiking Guide
• RJ Magazine
• Today’s Obituaries
• Submit an obit
• Dealer News
• Classifieds
• Place a Classified Ad
• Provided Content
• Real Estate Millions
• Internships
• Service Directory
• Transportation
• Merchandise
• Legal Information
• Real Estate Classifieds
• Garage Sales
• Contests and Promotions
• Best of Las Vegas
• Nevada State Bank
• Verizon Business
• P3 Health Partners
• Adult Health
• Star Nursery
• Partner Articles
• Ignite Funding
• Supplements
• Travel Nevada
• Subscriptions
• Newsletters
• Advertise with Us

• >> RJ Magazine

5 alluring destinations for a day trip from Las Vegas

From Valley of Fire to Boulder City, immerse yourself in few nearby destinations that are perfect for a quick getaway.

L as Vegas has plenty of fascinating things for intrepid travelers to see, many of which can be found just a short walk from a visitor’s hotel room. But savvy folks also know that there are unexpected pleasures to be seen a bit farther away, simply by hopping in a car and spending a few hours on a day trip.

From the moonlike landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park to the small-town charms of Boulder City, a day trip can serve as a sort of aesthetic palate cleanser, allowing a visitor to decompress from the amped-up vibe of Las Vegas.

Now, enjoy immersing yourself in few nearby destinations that are perfect for a quick getaway.

Southern Nevada is home to fascinating, and picturesque, geology, from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to Lake Mead National Recreation Area. But just about a one-hour’s drive northeast of town lies an amazing collection of geological features to explore at Valley of Fire State Park.

Here, distributed over 40,000 acres, are strikingly breathtaking rock formations painted in colors found only in nature. Also waiting to be explored are petroglyphs and blooms of wildflowers and, at the visitor center, stories about the area’s Native American settlers.

There are trails for serious hikers and shorter walks for more relaxed amblers.

And if the all of that natural appeal isn’t enough, pop culture enthusiasts will love that Valley of Fire has amassed Hollywood credits that include “Con Air,” “Total Recall,” “Transformers” and — spoiler alert — Captain Kirk’s heroic death in “Star Trek: Generations.”

It hardly needs an introduction. Covering more than 3.4 million acres — 93 percent of which is designated as wilderness, according to the National Park Service — Death Valley is the largest national park outside of Alaska and is the hottest and driest place in North America.

Beyond all of that, Death Valley just about universally evokes a sense of awe, even among those who know of it only from photos and cowboy movies.

The fact that Death Valley can be visited with a drive of two to three hours from Las Vegas makes it suitable for an unforgettable day trip, too. But this is a trip for which planning is particularly important. Make sure your car is in good shape, pack extra water and supplies and take paper road maps to back up GPS. Also consider a visit to the National Park Services’ website (www.nps.gov) vital both for advice about road closures and trip planning.

Park officials report that access to most major points of interest along paved roads is possible, but many secondary and backcountry roads remain closed because of storm damage.

Sure, Hoover Dam is the obvious tourist attraction to take in on a day trip to Boulder City. But just as appealing an undertaking is simply ambling through its scenic downtown.

You’ll feel a definite small-town vibe and discover the quaint beauty of the town the dam birthed.

Meanwhile, the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum can tell you the fascinating story of how both came to be. It’s free and open year-round.

Hikers might want to tackle the Railroad Tunnel Trail, while bicyclists could ride along the River Mountain Loop Trail.

Don’t forget stopping at Hemenway Park to see if the desert bighorn sheep have arrived to graze.

Oh, and about that dam. Often counted among one of the world’s great engineering achievements, it’s worth a tour, too.

Even when the festival isn’t running — this year’s season will take place from June 17 to Oct. 5 — Cedar City offers the charms of a scenic college town, from performing arts events to wooded hikes and strolls around town.

For walks of a more woodsy nature, head to nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument in Brian Head, Utah, located east of Cedar City, where an array of striking natural attractions includes a natural amphitheater.

At first, the greenery comes as a surprise. So do the lake and the waterfowl.

The refuge also offers day hiking opportunities, including walking the trail around Upper Pahranagat Lake or tackling the slightly more strenuous 1.7-mile Davenport Trail. Stop in at the visitor center to explore the possibilities.

But whatever path you choose and whatever sights you see — Joshua trees, cactuses, wild flowers and petroglyphs among them — taking in the beauty of Pahranagat is all the more striking because that beauty is so unexpected. ◆

Vegas-based community and event series seeks to be an entry point into a more outdoor-centric life.

In spring, outdoor space becomes the occasion for dining alfresco, especially in Las Vegas, where spring is a fact, not (as elsewhere) a hope.

For anyone interested in exploring the outdoors in Southern Nevada, Jim Boone has created sort of a one-stop shop for all things hiking and bird-watching.

The easy-to-learn activity remains the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. Locally, more and more courts have cropped up to keep up with demand.

Next to being an Avenger, Bradley Daseler has one of the coolest job titles around: Las Vegas’ urban forester.

Las Vegas has produced a major shift in sports: young athletes taking to outdoor pursuits such as skiing, rock climbing and mountain biking.

Take a Polar Express-inspired ride to the North Pole and back

On her first visit to the poker table at a Las Vegas casino, a 21-year-old finds herself holding all the cards.

After a rare reaction to Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine, a 20-year-old Henderson woman is relearning to eat, walk and be independent.

Every Las Vegas native, it seems, has a version of the story where they remember Sin City ending at this or that street. Beyond lay the implacable desert.

5 Spring Break Road Trip Destination Ideas from Las Vegas And How to Save on Them!

Please note: I am an affiliate of Get Away Today and may make a small commission if you make a purchase through some of the links on this page at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services I truly believe in. Thank you for your support!

Here in Vegas, we’re going to have a pretty late Spring Break this year. Our school district plans Spring Break based on Easter, so when Easter is late- so is our break. In fact, Spring Break 2019 is so late that it’s just a few weeks before the end of the school year!

In any case, Spring Break still means a week off school- we even get the Monday after Easter off this year, making it a full 10 day vacation. If you’re planning on turning that 10 day break into a family vacation, but want to find somewhere within driving distance {flights are expensive!}, be sure to check out the list below. We may be surrounded by desert, but we’re just a few hours away from some pretty amazing destinations! Below are some of our favorite Spring Break spots that are family-friendly and less than five hours away from Vegas.

I don’t think Disneyland needs much of an introduction, but if you haven’t been there in awhile, you may not know all the fun things going on right now in the Disney Parks. Over at Disney California Adventure, the Food & Wine Festival is in full-swing and will still be going on during our Spring Break time {the Festival ends the day our kiddos go back to school}.

The Get Your Ears On celebration in honor of Mickey’s {and Minnie’s!} 90th birthday is happening now as well, with special entertainment, unique decorations, and so many limited-time food, drink, and merchandise options you won’t know where to begin!

How to Save: If you’re interested in booking a Disneyland vacation, be sure to check out Get Away Today . You can save up to $111 on your Disneyland tickets when you buy them through through this link – and save an EXTRA $10 with the code NQSH! {They also have amazing vacation packages that are currently $500+ off- BUT our Spring Break is a black-out date, so if that’s when you’re looking to book, those won’t work.}

Great Wolf Lodge

Just down the street from Disneyland is another fantastic family experience- Great Wolf Lodge Anaheim! Our family has been there four times so far in the few years that they’ve been open in SoCal and we will definitely be going there many more times. {Check out my post on why Great Wolf Lodge is a great place for birthdays – we’ve celebrated the kids’ birthdays there 3 times now!}

Great Wolf Lodge can vary widely on pricing, but one thing to consider is that the cost of lodging includes your water park tickets. You can start using the water park at 1pm the day you check in, and you can continue using it until it closes the day you check out! The food at Great Wolf Lodge is phenomenal and there are often free activities to enjoy out of the water, too, like cookie decorating, storytime, yoga for kids, and more. There are also additional paid activities like a 4D movie theater, mini golf, kid-sized bowling, and a 24 hr. arcade.

How to Save: I don’t have a special code for you at this time, but my best advice is to sign up for their email newsletter. I get emails several times a week with new discounts available for different dates and it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on! {But if you’re looking to go for Spring Break, act soon- the prices definitely go up as dates approach.}

Knott’s Berry Farm

Now I haven’t actually been to Knott’s Berry Farm, but I will be going there next week and updating this post at that time to share some of my favorite things from the park. But in the meantime, I can say that while I was planning for my upcoming trip I was shocked by how many amazing rides they have there! I had no idea that this huge theme park was just a few hours away and now that Shane is getting older and getting more into the big rides, I get the feeling we will be checking out Knott’s Berry Farm a lot in the near future. If you love a fast roller coaster, be sure to check out Knott’s Berry Farm!

How to Save: Get Away Today has Knott’s Berry Farms tickets for over $20 off each adult ticket if you buy them right here !

LEGOLAND California

We have been going to LEGOLAND since Shane was 2 {he’s 9 now} and we still love it there. They are always adding fun new additions, like the new display that showcases the sets from LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part. There are lots of fun rides for little kids and big kids, and so many fun areas to play with LEGO Bricks in-park.

LEGOLAND also has a Water Park which will reopen for the season in just a couple of weeks- in plenty of time for Spring Break!

How to Save: Get Away Today has great deals on hotels + ticket packages right here – be sure to use code NQSH for $10 off your package! Or, if you just want park tickets, LEGOLAND is currently offering a killer deal- buy 1 day at $115, get 2 days free! These tickets include both LEGOLAND and the SEA LIFE Aquarium, and you can add the Water Park for just $10 more.

Phoenix, AZ {and surrounding areas}

If you don’t want to go to California, there’s always Arizona! Phoenix is a very similar environment to Vegas, but typically runs a couple of degrees warmer. Spring Break should still be fairly temperate, though if you’re planning on taking this trip in the summer you’ll want to be mindful of the heat when planning activities.

We have only spent a short amount of time in Phoenix but we did go to the nearby Tucson Zoo- although Phoenix has one as well that looks fantastic! They even include up-close encounters with stingrays, giraffes, and camels. The Arizona Science Center has four floors of interactive exhibits and the Children’s Museum is great for kids 10 and under.

About 2 hours North of Phoenix is Bearizona, which is a part drive-though and part walk-through exhibit of many different types of wildlife, including bears, bobcats, otters, and more. We haven’t made it to Bearizona yet, but it’s high on our list of places we want to go!

Close to Bearizona is the Grand Canyon, which of course needs no explanation!

How to Save: Check out the Visit Phoenix website for special savings including package deals and coupons for various locations! Also check out this post about how to see many sights in Phoenix for free !

Whether you’re more into theme parks or nature, there are plenty of options that are driving distance from Vegas for you to enjoy on Spring Break! Where do you want to go?

The post 5 Spring Break Road Trip Destination Ideas from Las Vegas {And How to Save on Them!} appeared first on {Not Quite} Susie Homemaker .

Road conditions from Las Vegas to Herald (California)

Please enable JavaScript