one week road trip out west

24 Epic Western US Road Trips for Your Bucket List!

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Planning to explore the western United States? These epic western US road trips are a fabulous way to discover the diverse and beautiful landscapes for which the west is famous.

Majestic mountain parks studded with alpine lakes. Vast expanses of desert. One of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet. A plethora of lively cities and laid-back towns. You’ll find all these and much more in the western USA.

From the Rockies to the American Southwest and the California coast, there are many iconic road trip routes from which to choose.

While we’ve done numerous Western US road trips, for this round-up of the best western US road trip ideas, we asked travel blogging colleagues to chime in with their favorites as well, to give you a wide variety of options for your next adventure on the great open road.

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From the great national parks of the west to vibrant cities, our western US road trip itineraries offer diversity and excitement.

Our amazing US West road trip itineraries will make you want to load up the car and head out on an adventure immediately.

Let’s get started discovering the most amazing road trips in the west!

California Highway One Road Trip Between Los Angeles And San Francisco

One of the most popular road trips in California (and arguably in the United States!) is Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Sometimes known as the Pacific Coast Highway road trip, this iconic west coast road trip adventure is on many travelers’ bucket list.

This 450-mile drive along the California coast has everything you could want in a road trip, and you can drive it in either direction.

While you could easily spend weeks exploring everything along this route,  4-5 days is a good length  to experience the highlights.

California is known for having lovely weather most of the year, but any time from April to October is ideal for this road trip. Late spring is a particularly nice time, with bright green hillsides and lots of wildflowers.

No matter what you like to do, you’ll find countless things to see and experience throughout this drive.

The two California cities that book-end the drive, LA and San Francisco, are iconic destinations you’ll definitely want to explore!

Take a cruise of the San Francisco Bay, explore Golden Gate park, walk (or bike) the Golden Gate Bridge, and tour Alcatraz in San Francisco.

In Los Angeles, hike up to the Hollywood sign, explore Hollywood, enjoy the beach and Ferris wheel in Santa Monica, and discover the many museums and gardens.

Animal lovers will enjoy spotting elephants seals, sea otters, whales, and dolphins along the coast. If you look up, you might even spot the endangered California condor, with its massive wingspan!

There are dozens of hikes in the many state parks and along the beaches for every skill level.

Santa Barbara is one of the best stops on the Pacific Coast Highway , and you’ll love exploring the charming towns of the Central Coast, from Pismo Beach to Morro Bay and Cambria .

Probably the most famous stretch of this drive is Big Sur , a 90-mile portion between San Simeon and Carmel-by-the-Sea that boasts the most unforgettable views.

Here you can see the famous Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Hearst Castle.

Make sure you spend some time at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and marvel at the stunning redwoods, and visit beautiful Pfeiffer Beach.

To the north of Big Sur, Monterey offers excellent whale-watching and a world-class aquarium. South of Big Sur, the little seaside village of Cambria makes for a lovely stop!

And don’t forget about the food! Take advantage of all the local seafood restaurants and fill up on some amazing cuisine along the way.

Suggested by Stefanie of Open Road Odysseys

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks Road Trip

For one of the best road trips in the western US, head to the beautiful states of Wyoming and Montana. 

On this road trip, you will explore the stunning Grand Teton National Park and the unique  Yellowstone National Park . They are two of the most iconic national parks in the western USA !

Start your journey in either Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or Gardiner, Montana. This road trip is approximately 150 miles.

A week is a good estimate of the amount of time you will need to explore this area.

The best time to take this road trip is from mid-May until late September. The reason for this is that many of the facilities and roads in the Tetons are closed during the winter months.

Jackson Hole is the closest town to Grand Teton National Park. 

When in Jackson Hole, visit Jackson Town Square for a great place to walk around, shop, and dine.

After exploring the town of Jackson Hole, make your way to Grand Teton National Park.

This park is famous for its stunning Teton range. The Tetons are a great place to take in scenic views, and go hiking, biking, fishing, and rafting.

After exploring the Tetons, you will be on your way to the popular Yellowstone National Park. 

See Old Faithful, The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley, and Mammoth Springs. Look for herds of bison and other wildlife!

The closest town to Mammoth Springs is Gardiner, the North Entrance of Yellowstone.

Get your picture taken at the Roosevelt Arch and explore this cute, western town to end your epic road trip. 

Suggested by Kim of Traveling Swansons

If you are looking to rent a car for your Western US road trip, consider  Discover Cars ! They scour multiple providers to get the best price for you, including brands like Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, and Sixt. Check prices and availability on car rentals now!

the Oregon Coast: One of the Best Western US Road Trips!

The Oregon Coast is truly a beautiful stretch of the West Coast and is a great place to go on a road trip.

You can start your road trip anywhere along the coast, but the ideal starting point is at the very southwestern corner of Oregon, near Brookings, from where you can work your way up to Astoria, in the very northwestern corner.

To travel the entire coast, it’ll be just over 300 miles, and you can fully experience it in 5-6 days.

Though the coast is beautiful year-round, the best time of year to visit Oregon is the summer months, as the weather is warmer, and the sun tends to be out more often.

Even just the drive along Highway 101 on the coast is unbelievably beautiful.

Starting in southwestern Oregon, your first stop should be Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Here one of the best things to see is Natural Bridges, a unique and beautiful rock formation over the Pacific Ocean.

About 3 hours north, stop in Florence at Sand Master Sandboarding to rent sandboards and enjoy some time boarding down the Oregon Sand Dunes.

Next, in Yachats, you’ll find the famous Thor’s Well, a sinkhole on the coast that seems to be bottomless.

For one of the most unique and beautiful places along the Oregon Coast, head to Cape Kiwanda. This phenomenal location has sand dunes and red sandstone rock formations.

Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Astoria will be the final stops on your Oregon road trip.

Here you’ll find some of the beautiful filming locations for popular movies like The Goonies. These are some of the most popular places on the coast, so they’ll likely be fairly busy.

If you’re planning a road trip in the Western U.S., you should definitely consider the Oregon Coast!

Suggested by Kassidy of The Hiking Helper

Los Angeles to Southern California Deserts Road Trip

The Southern California deserts offer spectacular scenery, old west history, and diverse hiking opportunities. With several parks to visit, a road trip is the ideal way to enjoy the desert vistas.

Los Angeles makes the perfect start and end point for this loop trip, especially if you are flying into the area.

This epic California desert road trip itinerary covers 851 miles, and you’ll need a minimum of 7 days to do justice to all the parks. Of course, if you can spend longer, you can do more hikes, and take in more desert sunrises and sunsets (they tend to be amazing!).

It’s a desert road trip, so the cooler months of the year are the best time for this trip: any time from late fall to early spring is great.

Starting from LA, make your way to Death Valley National Park , where you can gape at the badlands from Zabriskie Point, drive up to Dante’s View for panoramas, walk the salt flats in the Badwater Basin, and hike the dunes at Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes.

If you have the time, do a short detour to Lone Pine en route to Death Valley. Here you can explore the beautiful Alabama Hills, in the high desert. The rock formations are spectacular!

Next, you’ll visit another beautiful California desert national park, Joshua Tree . Your driving route takes you through the Mojave National Preserve, where you can visit a historic railroad depot and climb even higher Kelso Dunes.

Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its enormous boulder formations and strange-looking Joshua trees. Hike, go rock climbing, and visit old west ranches and remnants of mines.

All of these parks offer excellent night sky observing. You’ll be amazed at the number of stars you can see on moonless nights!

Take a city break in Palm Springs , known for its mid-century modern architecture, resorts and spas, and shopping and dining. Try a date shake, tour a wind farm, or visit desert botanical gardens.

Your final stop on this deserts road trip is Borrego Springs. Explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park. If you visit in the spring of a good bloom year, you will be treated to fantastic wildflower displays here.

After you complete your explorations of the park, return to Los Angeles to complete your road trip.

Suggested by Dhara of Roadtripping California

Washington State National Parks Road Trip

This  Washington State road trip  is great if you only have one week to spend in Washington State, and you enjoy hiking, but you aren’t an incredibly experienced hiker. It’s roughly 550 miles total.

This road trip begins and ends in Seattle and is best done during late spring, summer, or early fall.

Once you grab your rental car in Seattle, head to Mount Rainier National Park. This incredible park surrounds glacier-capped, 14,410-foot Mount Rainier.

You can admire Mount Rainier from the Sunrise Visitors Center, which can easily be reached by car. There are also many incredible hikes to take in Mount Rainer National Park.

The Grove of Patriarchs is also a must-do in Mount Rainier National Park. The trees here are estimated to be over 1,000 years old, and they are HUGE.

The next stop on your road trip will be Olympic National Park. Here, the Quinault Rainforest will be the first highlight to visit.

Then, drive to Kalaloch Beach, which is home to “The Tree of Life.” Ruby Beach is also close by and worth a visit, thanks to its unique landscape and rock formations.

The Hoh Rainforest is also worth visiting, as are the La Push beaches just outside of Forks, Washington. At Hoh, be sure to stroll the Hall of Mosses Trail!

After you’ve had your share of hiking, and the outdoors, head back to Seattle for a day of fun exploring the city!

From the Pike Place Fish Market to “The Fremont Troll” to the Seattle Center, there are plenty of fun things to do and see in Seattle before you head back home. 

Suggested by Lindsey of Have Clothes, Will Travel

Utah Road Trip

The state of Utah is full of magnificent canyons, red rock formations, and other scenery, and one of the best ways to see it is by taking a road trip from Moab to Zion.

Stop at lots of slot canyons in Escalante along the way, and then end with the thrilling Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park.

For this road trip, you’ll need to drive a distance of at least 400 miles, and plan on about 7 to 10 days.

Utah is nice any time of year, although you might want to avoid going in the mid-summer months (July and August) because of the excessive heat.

Moab has lots of its own things to see, including the Arches National Park and a wide variety of canyons, dunes, and hoodoos.

The Corona Arch trail is a good lesser known hike outside of the national park.

Dead Horse Point State Park is also a must visit!

Some of the best places to stop between Moab and Zion are the slot canyons in Escalante: Zebra Slot, Peekaboo Canyon, and Spooky Gulch.

The canyons are stunningly beautiful, and they’re just now starting to become popular to visit. Now is the time to go before the crowds!

Other good things to see on the way from Moab to Zion include the Lower Calf Creek Falls (one of Utah’s nicest waterfalls), the hoodoos at Devils Garden (also in Escalante), and the Utah Highway 12 Scenic Byway near Bryce.

Once you reach Zion National Park, you’ll want to spend a few days doing some of the best hikes in the park, like Observation Point, The Narrows, and Angels Landing.

They are bucket list quality hikes, but if you are looking for easier trails, you will find those in Zion as well, along with exceptional scenery.

Suggested by David & Intan of The World Travel Guy

Southern Colorado Road Trip

Colorado is an amazing state to visit, and one of the best western US road trips takes you to three national parks in Southern Colorado. 

For this Colorado road trip, start in Alamosa and end in Montrose, for about 600 miles of driving.

The best time to do this road trip is early summer or early fall, when the weather is mild.

Eight days allows you to see a good number of the attractions along the route without feeling rushed.  

After you rent a sand sled in Alamosa, spend your first day riding the dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park. 

Drive to Mesa Verde National Park the next day, stopping at Chimney Rock or Canyons of the Ancients National Monument on your way.

Stay at the Farview Lodge in Mesa Verde. It is worth it to see the sunrise and sunset over the park! 

Spend day 3 exploring Mesa Verde. Go on a guided tour to see one of the cliff dwellings up close, drive the Mesa Top Loop to learn about the people that lived here, and take a hike to explore the landscape.  

All aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on day 4! This train takes you on a scenic ride to Silverton to spend a few hours exploring and back to Durango. 

Next, drive the famous Million Dollar Highway to Montrose. Stop at Silverton for a mine tour and Ouray to soak in the hot springs. 

Spend days 6 and 7 hiking the north and south rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. 

Take a day trip to Colorado National Monument to see the unique rock formations and hike, to end this amazing southern  Colorado road trip . 

Suggested by Caitlin of Twin Family Travels

Route 66 Road Trip: Santa Fe, New Mexico to santa Monica, California

Driving Route 66, known as the Mother Road, is a cherished bucket list item for many travelers. On this western US road trip, you can drive part of the iconic route, through three of the western states: New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

While you can drive it in either direction, it’s fun to end in Santa Monica on the California coast, where you can pose for a photo with the marker that says “end of the trail.”

At about 1,000 miles, this road trip is best done over several days: at least a week, but more is deal, because the route is packed with epic destinations and lots of landmarks.

Any time from late fall to early spring is the best time for this section of Route 66, because quite a bit of the route is through the desert.

In Santa Fe, check out the historic La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel. The historic Route 66 passed quite close to the hotel. Other than the plaza, New Mexico’s capital offers lots of museums and markets.

Explore Albuquerque and Gallup on your way to Arizona. In Albuquerque, don’t miss the Old Town and the Sandia Peak Tramway. Its balloon festival is very popular as well.

Arizona has many miles of the original road still open. Flagstaff is the largest city along the route in Arizona. Don’t miss the Wigwam Hotel in Holbrook, and the many vintage cars along the way.

Route 66 in California runs through the desert in the eastern part of the state. Here you can stop at many ghost towns and iconic attractions like Roy’s Motel and Cafe in Amboy.

Stop at Elmer’s Bottle Ranch, an iconic California roadside attraction, before making your way to San Bernadino, where you can see the other Wigwam Hotel and the very first McDonald’s, now a museum.

Pasadena is a fun stop, with many Route 66 attractions as well as a lively Old Town. Then it’s on to Santa Monica, where you will find the “End of the Trail” sign on the pier.

Suggested by us

Road Trip the Southern California Coast

One of the best road trips in the United States is traveling the Southern California coast, a 220-mile drive that starts in San Diego and ends in Santa Barbara.

Though this region is lovely at all times of the year, a spring, summer, or fall trip is ideal so that you can enjoy the sunshine and beaches.

If you’d like to make a lot of stops, plan at least seven to ten days for this road trip! 

In San Diego , you can spend a few days exploring and checking out the popular attractions, like the San Diego Zoo, Coronado Island, Cabrillo National Monument , Seaport Village, and Balboa Park .

Next, drive up to Temecula, where you can visit some of the best wineries in Temecula , Southern California’s wine country.

After wine tasting, you can drive to Los Angeles, to visit Disneyland in Anaheim, Beverly Hills, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Or you can opt for a scenic route along the coastline, stopping at beach cities like Huntington Beach and Long Beach. 

Next, stop in Ojai for some relaxing hiking, olive oil tastings, and spa days in this laid-back town before heading to Santa Barbara.

If you have the time, you can also do a day trip to Channel Islands National Park: ferries run from Ventura or Oxnard.

In Santa Barbara, watch the sunset from Stearns Wharf, check out the wineries and breweries in The Funk Zone, and see famous buildings like the County Courthouse of Santa Barbara! 

Suggested by Brittany of Travel by Brit

New Mexico Road Trip

Starting and ending in Albuquerque, this 550-mile  road trip in New Mexico   is the ultimate American Southwest experience.

To enjoy New Mexico best, plan for 5 to 7 days during spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild, explore the numerous archaeological sites, appreciate the rich culture, and admire the fantastic scenery.

Upon arriving in Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, head to Acoma Pueblo for your first day. A Native American pueblo settled on a mesa top, Acoma Pueblo is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the US.

Spend the second day exploring the ruins of Chaco Canyon, an important cultural center for Ancestral Puebloans during the 10 to 12th centuries. Wander the large complex and picture the life of the Pueblo people.

Head to Taos, known for its historic adobe buildings, on the third day. The surrounding Southern Rocky Mountains make Taos an ideal destination for hiking in the warm months and skiing in winter.

On day four, visit Bandelier National Monument, with its fascinating multi-story cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo.

On the fifth day, explore the Pueblo-style architecture and former 17th-century Spanish colony architecture of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, before returning to Albuquerque.

For further Pueblo cliff dwellings, add a trip to Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly National Monument and the Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado, and turn the 5-day itinerary into a 7-day road trip. 

Suggested by Patricia of Ze Wandering Frogs

Road Trip to Grand Canyon and Page, Arizona, from Las Vegas

Visit the jaw-dropping Grand Canyon and check out the natural wonders in Page on this 740-mile road trip that starts and ends in Las Vegas .

The best time of year to do this road trip is fall through spring, when outside temperatures are pleasant during the day.

Plan on about 6-7 days for the best experience: there’s a lot to see and do!

Just an hour south of the Las Vegas Strip lies the Hoover Dam. This man-made wonder is a feat of modern engineering.

You can either choose the free experience of parking at one of the open lots next to the top of the dam, or you can pay to park in the garage and enjoy the paid indoor tour. 

The Hoover Dam is a great stop on your way to the Grand Canyon, one of the main highlights of the road trip.

While you can stay overnight in nearby Flagstaff, it’s a better experience to stay at one of the lodges inside Grand Canyon National Park, which allows you to see both sunrise and sunset over the canyon.

For the best experience of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, plan to spend two nights in the park. Do the scenic drives along the rim, hike, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Your next stop is a  hike in Antelope Canyon  in Page, Arizona. All visitors here have to pre-book a guided tour with an approved tour company.

Also worth seeing in Page are Horseshoe Bend State Park and Lake Mead. Horseshoe Bend is an amazing viewpoint, where the Colorado River forms a picture-perfect horseshoe.

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are among the best places to visit in Arizona .

Plan to spend two nights in Page to experience all the sights.

On your way back toward Las Vegas, stop at Zion National Park. You can drive through it during the low season (December through February) or take the tour buses between sightseeing stops.

In order to see at least most of the park by vehicle, plan to spend one night in the town of Springdale.

Just an hour outside Vegas, stop at Valley of Fire State Park to experience the magnificent red rock formations. You can simply do the scenic drive through the park, or get out and explore on foot.

Suggested by Brodi of Our Offbeat Life

Road Trip from Los Angeles to Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, California

A 6-day adventure from Los Angeles to two of the country’s top national parks, a Sequoia and Yosemite road trip combines wide open roads with beautiful views, natural scenery (some of the best in the world!), and abundant wildlife.

The best time to do this road trip tends to be between May and September, when the weather is warm, and roads are not snowed in.

To get the most out of your trip, plan for at least 6-7 days, spending three days in each national park. 

Sequoia and Yosemite lodging are plentiful and diverse so you have your pick of hotels, campgrounds, and everything in between when it comes to accommodation.

For the most scenic route from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park, take the I-5 North to Wheeler Ridge, where you’ll take the Golden State Highway (CA-99).

After Bakersfield, turn right on CA-65 until you reach the General’s Highway into the national park. This drive is 204 miles and takes about 3.5 hours.

Some attractions to see along the way include Angeles National Forest, Fort Tejon Historic Site, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Zalud House, and Slick Rock Recreation Area.

Once in Sequoia, be sure not to miss the General Sherman Tree, the Giant Forest Museum, and Moro Rock.

Yosemite is about 200 miles from Sequoia and the drive takes about four hours.

Be sure to stop in Fresno and check out area attractions such as Forestiere Underground Gardens and the Fresno County Blossom Trail in season. Wild Water Adventure Park is also great if you’re traveling with kids.

And of course, once you reach Yosemite, you’ll want to visit the top attractions in the park, like Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and El Capitan Meadow.

The Mist Trail is a must-hike to enjoy Vernal and Nevada Falls, and you can drive Tioga Park Road if you visit when it is open.

Suggested by Jenna of Up and Away

Southern Idaho Road Trip

If you’re looking for a great less-touristy road trip in the Western USA,   head over to Southern Idaho .

With 8 days, you’ll start in Boise, the capital and the most populous city in Idaho, and you’ll end in Idaho Falls, for a total of 321 miles.

The best time for this road trip is between late spring and fall, for warmer weather and abundant sunshine.

Plan on 2 days in Boise, where you’ll want to wander downtown, do some paddleboarding (or kayaking) at Esther Simplot Park, hike the Old Oregon Trail, and visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

Then, drive southeast to Thousand Springs State Park. Make sure to stop at Malad Gorge Unit and the Ritter Island Unit. Take your time to do some hikes and see the waterfalls.

At the end of the day, stop at Banbury Hot Springs to soak in the natural hot springs. You can stay there overnight.

Next, head to Twin Falls, where you can admire the Shoshone Falls and the Perrine Coulee Falls, walk under the Perrine Memorial Bridge, and relax at the Centennial Park. Plan on staying 2 days in Twin Falls.

On the next day, drive north to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Stop at Idaho’s Mammoth Cave and Shoshone Ice Cave on your way. You can stay for a day or two to explore the Craters of the Moon.

The next day, arrive in Idaho Falls. Walk along the river and admire the waterfalls.

If you still have time, you can drive south to visit Lava Hot Springs, Soda Springs, and Bear Lake (at the border of Utah) before returning to Idaho Falls to end your trip.

Suggested by Emilie of Love Life Abroad

Road Trip from Crater Lake, Oregon, to Seattle, Washington

This road trip begins in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, and ends in Seattle, Washington, for a total driving distance oif 568 miles.  

Plan for 4+ days, depending on how many stops you plan to make and how many sights you plan to see.

The best time of year for this road trip is July through September, to ensure all roads are fully open. 

Crater Lake is an ideal place to take in nature and fully explore the outdoors.  You will have out-of-this-world views when hiking up the side of the crater.  

Swimming is another favorite pastime, located off the Cleetwood Cove Trail. The crystal blue waters are remarkable against the dramatic backdrop.

From Crater Lake National Park, take US Route 97 headed north to Leavenworth, Washington.  

Along the way you will get gorgeous views of the Columbia River from Maryhill State Park. Also, slightly further north on this stretch of road you will notice the beautiful wind turbines in the distance.

Leavenworth is a unique Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascade Mountains. While here, you must take a stroll down Front Street to fully appreciate this colorful city. 

Leavenworth is also widely known for having the world’s largest Nutcracker Museum, which holds over 7,000 varieties of nutcrackers.

Heading on I-90W, take a short detour about 40 minutes outside of downtown Seattle. Here you will see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington.  

Snoqualmie Falls is free of charge to visit, and is easily accessible with viewing platforms. There is also a Railway Community Park nearby in Snoqualmie with a historic train depot. This worthy detour you will find to be one of the trip highlights.

Seattle has so many fun things to do! While here, enjoy the Emerald City by visiting famous landmarks such as Pike’s Place Market and the Space Needle.

If you like marine life, don’t miss the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and watch the salmon swim upstream. 

To fully appreciate Seattle, plan for two days at a minimum.

Have time to extend your vacation? Continue your road trip to Port Angeles Washington just outside of Seattle, and take a ferry to beautiful Victoria in British Columbia .

Suggested by Erin of Erin’s Travel Tips

Montana: Billings to Glacier National Park Road Trip

Montana has a plethora of beautiful city and natural sites to visit, although the distances between places can be long.

You’ll need a minimum of 6 days for this Montana road trip, with at least 4 days on the road between Billings and Whitefish and 2 days in Glacier National Park.

However, to do it right, you should extend, with at least 6 days on the road and 4 or more days in Glacier. You could easily spend a week in Glacier National Park if you have the time!

Given the large distances in Montana, the trip will cover approximately 600 miles and take at least 10 hours of on-road time.

The best months for this road trip tend to be July to early October, when the Going to the Sun road in Glacier NP is open.

Outside these months, you’ll be limited in where you can drive in Glacier, but you can hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe your way into many park areas. 

Starting this trip in Billings, take a quick trip outside the city to visit the National Monument commemorating the battle of Little Bighorn and pay your respects to the US and Native warriors who fell here so many years ago.

After your visit, set off east from here along I-90, taking in the massive cattle ranches en route.

Make a stop at Pompey’s Pillar National Monument to view the signature of William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame) on the sandstone pillar. The pillar also features lots of petroglyphs.

Spend the night in Bozeman and enjoy the restaurants and old western feel of the town. Be sure to check out the Museum of the Rockies for its incredible dinosaur exhibit (famous as a scene from Jurassic Park) before heading towards Butte, Montana.

In Butte, discover its copper mining history and explore its historic buildings and museums. You can even dine at the oldest continuously operating Chinese Restaurant in the US, Pekin Noodle Parlor.

The following morning, head north towards  Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site , a working cattle ranch operated by the National Park Service. After your visit, continue to Missoula to dine, explore, and spend the night.

After you leave Missoula, head north towards Flathead Lake. If you have time, you can do the scenic drive through the National Bison Range.

Regardless, be sure to stop or look east at the beautiful Mission Mountains on your way. Make your way to Whitefish by evening. Be sure to check out downtown Whitefish and grab a sandwich at the Wich Haus.

If you are here in the summer, you’ll want to wake early to explore Glacier National Park.

Several days can easily be spent wandering the trails in the park. Drive the Going to the Sun Road!

Book a stay at one of the lodges or campsites in the park: lodging fills up months in advance, so plan ahead.

Suggested by Anwar of Beyond my Door

Road Trip from San Francisco to Crescent City, California

From coastal redwoods to wine country and dramatic beach cliffs, it doesn’t get much more breathtakingly diverse than road-tripping from San Francisco to Crescent City.

Direct, the journey can take just 6.5 hours over 355 miles on Highway 101. However, this  Northern California scenic drive  is about 450 miles with the detours outlined here.

Spread the journey over at least 5 days to fully appreciate all the small towns, trails, and beaches along the way.

Setting off from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, explore the incredible Muir Woods National Monument before taking the coastal Highway 1.

Many dramatic twists and turns later will take you to Point Reyes. Point Reyes is worthy of a good day or two of exploration, from the scenic lighthouse walk (if it’s open and not shrouded in fog!) to the calm inlet of Tomales Bay. 

You can stick along Highway 1 for the full Northern California experience. However, this is where you should head inland for a couple of days to experience the best Napa and Sonoma wine counties have to offer.

Advance bookings are required at many wineries for tastings, but there’s plenty to stop, see, and taste along the way besides wine. Take the Silverado Trail or some of the lesser-used back roads for the complete and picturesque wine country experience. 

Ready for some more curvy mountain roads? The northern Pacific Coast Range makes for some dramatic driving.

Take a cut through the Hendy Woods Scenic Drive, and you’ll hit the rugged but exceptionally beautiful Mendocino Coast.

Visit the famous Fort Bragg Glass Beach (if there’s any glass left!) and enjoy the dramatic coastal cliffs before descending back to Leggett and the junction of the northern end of Highway 1. 

Next up are the Redwoods National and State Parks, covering a vast area of northern California.

Your journey really starts once you hit the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Make sure you turn off the 101 to experience the Avenue of the Giants scenic drive.

Many visitors choose to break up their journey with a stop in Eureka before continuing the dramatic journey through to Crescent City.

Highway 101 essentially runs through the redwood forests, so you can see plenty by car, but do get out and explore some of the trails.

The drive can be done at any time of year but do look out for wildfires in the summer that may lead to route closures and possible landslides in the winter.

Fog can also wreak havoc with the pretty coastal views in summer, and you’ll, of course, hit summer vacation traffic in July and August, making the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall the best time for this drive.  

Suggested by Keri of Family Road Trip

Colorado Road Trip Through Rocky Mountain National Park

This epic Colorado road trip covers some of the most popular destinations in the state on a loop starting and ending in Denver.

Discover beautiful mountain scenery and enjoy Colorado’s best cities on this road trip, for which you should ideally allow 7-10 days. On a 10-day trip, you can spend three days exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.

The trip is 383 miles total, and is best done in the very late spring, summer, or fall, when Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park is open.

Start your trip by discovering Denver, Colorado’s capital and one of the top places to visit in Colorado . Visit the art museum and botanic gardens, and stroll LoDo: Downtown Denver is home to several dozen shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants.

In nearby Morrison, be sure to visit the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Even better, take in a show or concert in the theatre for an unforgettable experience.

Explore Boulder, a lively university town with a walkable downtown, before heading to Estes Park, the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Spend at least a couple of days exploring charming Estes Park and the magnificent mountain scenery in the park. Enjoy hiking or biking, view the beautiful lakes, look for moose, and admire wildflowers or fall colors in season.

Drive Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake on your way to the charming mountain town of Breckenridge. in “Breck,” stroll the historic district: its main street is adorable. Explore hiking trails or go for drives to take in the views.

If you have the time, do a side trip to Vail, arguably Colorado’s most famous ski resort. It’s beautiful in any season!

Then drive southeast to Colorado Springs, where you can drive to the top of Pike’s Peak for panoramic views, and explore picturesque Garden of the Gods Park before returning to Denver to complete the loop.

Best of Oregon Loop

Starting in Portland or Salem, you can easily visit the impressive range of Oregon’s diverse terrain in a short time. 

This loop covers a distance of 530 miles.

You’ll want to spend a minimum of 3 days on this beautiful road trip, though the trip is best enjoyed over a full week or more.

For the best road tripping weather in Oregon, aim for June through September. 

First, be sure to enjoy the restaurants and sights in Oregon’s largest and most popular city: Portland. The city is famous for its many gardens and museums.

Next, head east on I-84 through the impressive Colombia River Gorge and its many waterfalls to the trendy windsurfing town of Hood River. 

Stop by local apple farms as you head south through Mt. Hood National Forest and pass numerous mountain peaks on your way to Central Oregon.

After pursuing your favorite outdoor adventure activities around Bend, make your way back over the mountain range to Silver Falls State Park. Here you can see 10 or more waterfalls on one trail – and even walk behind two of the falls! 

Continue back into the  Willamette Valley  and explore Oregon wine country around McMinnville, Oregon. Take your pick of scenic vineyards for wine tasting.

Once you’ve had your fill of pinots and cabernet sauvignons, continue west just one hour to reach the Oregon Coast.

Climb the dunes at Pacific City and when you’re ready, make a stop at the Tillamook Cheese factory on your way back to Portland.

Suggested by Michelle of Intentional Travelers

Highway 395 Road Trip in California

California’s Highway 395, tucked on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas, provides beautiful mountain views and dynamic scenery throughout its 344 miles.

This nine-day road trip will take you from Death Valley National Park to Yosemite National Park, with plenty of jaw-dropping vistas along the way.

October is the perfect time to explore this little slice of heaven: Death Valley will be a manageable temperature, Yosemite’s eastern entrance near Highway 395 will still be open (with the heavy snowfall it receives, this entrance is closed for at least half the year), and the eastern Sierra Nevadas will be covered with beautiful autumnal foliage.

Start in Death Valley National Park , spending three days on experiencing iconic sights like Zabriskie Point, a unique rock formation amongst swirling badlands, or Badwater Basin, with salt flats that stretch out over 200 square miles.

Next on your trip is the Alabama Hills, a striking landscape of enormous monzogranite boulders, sitting at the foot of the towering Sierra Nevadas (including the tallest mountain in the lower contiguous United States, Mount Whitney!).

After a day of outdoor adventures here, you’re ready to move on to a couple of days in Mammoth Lakes, a charming ski town with easy access to the mountains and several amazing natural hot springs.

To cap off your trip, drive through the Tioga Pass entrance of Yosemite National Park to enjoy three days of exploring some of the most dramatic scenery in the United States, including the granite behemoth El Capitan or Yosemite Falls.

Suggested by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

Eastern Oregon Road Trip

An  Eastern Oregon road trip  is perfect for desert lovers who live in the Pacific Northwest, but don’t want to travel too far away!

You’ll start and end in Bend, Oregon, for a 400-mile loop.

Plan on 3-5 days for this road trip. The best time to visit is early summer or early fall.

Eastern Oregon is considered a high desert climate, with tons of examples of volcanic activity, curious rock formations, wild prairie land, and wildlife.

Some of the most iconic stops on this route include Tumalo Falls and Smith Rock (Bend), The Painted Hills, Crane Hot Springs, and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

If you enjoy landscape photography, you will love the colorful Painted Hills, considered one of the “seven wonders of Oregon.” Smith Rock is also on the list.

This trip is ideal for outdoor lovers because, besides outdoor activities, there’s not much else! 

Eastern Oregon is quite serene, making it a perfect getaway spot to avoid more crowded areas of Oregon.

You can easily plan a shortened road trip for a 400-mile loop between Bend, Burns, John Day, and then a return to Bend.

For accommodations, you can find limited Airbnb rentals in smaller towns like Burns, John Day, and Mitchell. Bend will give you the most options for accommodations and hotels.

Or go boondocking on this trip: much of the area is on National Forest and BLM land, where dry camping (camping with no running water or toilets available) is legal. Come prepared with your camping supplies to make the most of your trip!

Suggested by Emily of The Mandagies

Utah’s Mighty 5: One of the Best Western US Road Trips

Utah’s “Mighty 5” makes for a classic western US road trip, one that is on the bucket lists of many outdoor enthusiasts. It includes Utah’s five national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce, and Zion.

You can start the itinerary in Salt Lake City and end in Las Vegas, or vice versa.

The road trip is about 900 miles total, and if you enjoy hiking and the outdoors, you should plan on about 10 days.

Late spring or early fall are the ideal times for the Mighty 5 road trip. Winters can get too cold, and summers sweltering hot.

Arches National Park is known for its stunning red rock formations and its natural arches, and is one of the best places to visit in Utah .

Delicate Arch is the most famous arch in the park, well worth the hike. Also don’t miss Double Arch and the Windows.

If you have the time, visit the beautiful Dead Horse Point State Park on a day trip from Moab.

Canyonlands National Park is large and lesser visited. Most people spend their time in the Island in the Sky district, which is close to Moab. If you have the time, the Needles district is also worth visiting.

If you have the time, visit Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon, located on the route between Moab and Capitol Reef.

Capitol Reef National Park features gorgeous rock formations and arches, and the drive through the park is the easiest way to take in all the best sights. Hickman Bridge is a must-do hike.

Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its hoodoos. Drive along the rim and stop at the iconic viewpoints: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point. The Queens Garden and Navajo combination trail is not too long and very picturesque.

Zion National Park contains a couple of the country’s most epic hikes: Angel’s Landing and The Narrows. While these two hikes are considered very challenging, the park also offers shorter and easier hikes.

Northcentral Arizona: Road Trip from Phoenix to Page, AZ

Road tripping through the spine of Arizona offers a little bit of everything: marvelous red rock mountains, ancient cliff dwellings, Navajo culture, and sparkling waters flowing through slot canyons. 

This road trip from Phoenix to Page and back to Phoenix is 720 miles total. Plan on at least 7 days for the best experience.

Spring and fall are the best times to embark on this road trip adventure. Summers are brutal in the south, and winters are cold in the north.

Phoenix is the most accessible starting point for those flying in. After touring America’s fifth-largest city, head north towards Sedona, stopping at Montezuma Castle National Monument en route to marvel at ancient cliff dwellings. 

You can easily spend days in Sedona, hiking through endless trails featuring jaw-dropping scenery, shopping at Tlaquepaque Village, and seeing the sunset at Airport Mesa. 

Continue north towards Page, detouring for Grand Falls, a 181-foot muddy waterfall in the middle of the desert. This seasonal attraction is best viewed in spring or after heavy rains.

Adventures in Page, Arizona  are abundant! Experience Navajo culture in the vast beauty of Arizona’s nature.

Get the million-dollar photo shot of Antelope Canyon, kayak Lake Powell to discover hidden slot canyons, and soak in views of Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam. 

Detour at the town of Cameron to drive the entirety of Grand Canyon National Park, one of America’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Now it’s time to head back to Phoenix. If you have an extra day, tack on Saguaro National Park near Tucson, just two hours south of Phoenix.  

Suggested by Catherine of Nomadicated

Las Vegas to Denver Road Trip

A   Las Vegas to Denver road trip  provides ever changing views across four states, plenty of hiking opportunities, and two bustling cities to explore.

The entire journey can be completed in as little as a week, but allowing 10 days will mean more time to explore at each location.

For the best weather and low crowds, aim for an early May departure.

Begin your 930-mile road trip with a day in exciting Las Vegas , discovering the many themed hotels and the Bellagio fountains on the Strip .

Next, head into Arizona, where you’ll be able to ride on the iconic Route 66 to Flagstaff.

From there, head north to the Grand Canyon’s south entrance to see one of the most awe-inspiring natural landmarks in the United States.

The next stop is Monument Valley, on the border of Arizona and Utah: the spires and buttes here have been featured in many movies including John Ford’s westerns and Forrest Gump.

Continue north to Moab, Utah, where you’ll explore two more national parks, the sprawling Canyonlands National Park and the popular Arches National Park.

Pause for a day in Grand Junction, Colorado, to visit the Dinosaur Journey Museum and the Colorado National Monument, before taking the scenic I-70 towards Denver.

Stop for a visit at Red Rocks Park in Morrison, Colorado, before cruising into Denver, where museums, shopping, and dining await.

Suggested by Natalie of Cosmos Mariners

Arizona: Grand Canyon to Sedona Road Trip

A great road trip in the western US is from the Grand Canyon to Sedona.

The drive from the Grand Canyon to Sedona is about 120 miles. Fall and spring are the best times for this road trip, to avoid the warm summer temperatures.

This road trip can be done in as few as three days, but if you would like more time for hiking in either location, you can spend five days or more.

At the Grand Canyon, you should start your day at the Visitor Center. Here, rangers will have helpful information about current conditions and the best hiking trails for your group.

There are also exhibits here with information about the Grand Canyon’s wildlife and geology. You can also access some of the beautiful viewpoints and the Rim Trail from the Visitor’s Center.

If you’re looking for an adventurous day at the Grand Canyon, you can bike the Hermit’s Rest Road, go on a mule ride down into the canyon, or take a helicopter ride over the canyon.

As you make your way to Sedona, stop at Bearizona Wildlife Park, visit the historic district in downtown Flagstaff, and explore the Tuzigoot National Monument.

In Sedona, there is a really fun downtown area as well as miles and miles of trails to explore. The  hiking trails in Sedona  are the highlight of this area. The beautiful red rocks, vortexes, and caves make Sedona an incredible place to spend time hiking.

Some of the most popular hikes in Sedona are Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Airport Mesa, and Soldier’s Pass.

Suggested by Candice of CS Ginger

More American West Travel Inspiration

• The Great National Parks of the West
• The Best West Coast Weekend Getaways
• Must-Do Day Trips from Las Vegas
• National Parks to Visit from Vegas

MORE US TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Looking to explore the eastern part of the country? Check out our round of the best East Coast road trips to take, from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Florida Keys and New England.

We also have a round-up of the most iconic USA road trips : you have to take these in your lifetime!

Want to get away for short breaks on the east coast? We’ve compiled a list of the most exciting  East Coast weekend getaways  from which to pick your next escape.

Love the vibrancy of US cities? Check out our article on the  best USA weekend trips . From NYC and Boston to New Orleans, San Diego, and  Las Vegas , you’ll find excellent options for your next city break.

Did you find this article informative? Pin it for later reference!

Dhara's travel interests are eclectic, spanning everything from natural wonders to history, culture, art and architecture. She has visited 22 countries, many more than once, plus almost all 50 states of the USA, and has amassed a hoard of cherished travel moments.

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Discovering Hidden Gems

The Perfect Road Trip Out West Itinerary (2024)

Want to know the perfect road trip out west itinerary? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!

The perfect road trip out west itinerary takes you to popular sites like Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park , Devil’s Tower , and more.

The beauty of this road trip is that you can start and end this itinerary at any point since it essentially makes a loop.

If you’re driving out from the midwest area, we have several road trip itineraries from Ohio to California and several road trip itineraries highlighting various cross country driving routes .

Planning A Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources Below!

??  Accommodations ??  Tours/Experiences ??  Flights ??  Car Rentals

Short On Time? Here’s A Day By Day Summary

• Drive from LA to Zion National Park
• Hike the Narrows at Zion + Drive the Scenic Byway to Bryce Canyon
• Hike Bryce Canyon + Drive the Scenic Byway to Capitol Reef
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Casper, Wyoming + Drive to the Black Hills
• Mt Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, + Other Black Hills Spots
• Badlands National Park + Deadwood
• Devils Tower + Little Bighorn
• Yellowstone National Park

Grand Teton National Park

• Craters of the Moon
• Shoshone Falls + Great Basin National Park + Las Vegas

The Perfect Road Trip Out West Itinerary

Since we live in Orange County, this itinerary starts in LA, but the first major stop is in Zion National Park.

You can watch this video on our YouTube Channel highlighting our drive from LA to Zion.

Day 1: Driving From Los Angeles To Zion National Park

You want to try get on the road by about 9 am to make the most of your day.

Depending on the time of year you’re taking the road trip, your daylight hours might differ greatly.

I recommend doing this road trip in the Summer, late Spring, or early Fall.

Breakfast From Paul’s Place

To save time, getting breakfast on the go is highly recommended.

Our favorite breakfast spot is Paul’s Place, which is a small chain in Southern California.

We love their bacon breakfast burrito and it’s the perfect size for 2 people to share.

Your car may be able to drive as far as Las Vegas before filling up, which is about a 4 hour drive without traffic.

However, if you need to make some stops along the way, there are only a couple places.

Stop For Gas + The Original Del Taco In Barstow

Barstow is about the half way point when driving to Vegas and it has the most options for food and gas.

The original Del Taco is here in Barstow and I highly recommend trying the Barstow Del Taco when you’re here.

This location in particular loads up their tacos way more than others, so you really get your money’s worth.

Stop At Eddie’s World For A Sweet Treat

Another option, if you can make a little further past Barstow is Eddie’s World.

It’s a large gas station that also has an ice cream shop and a huge convenience store with every type of novelty snack and drink possible.

It’s not a bad idea to get a few snacks here that you can enjoy at your camp sites throughout your trip.

Stop In Primm, Nevada

Primm is a little town you’ll come across when you cross the state line into Nevada.

There’s a couple casinos, a mall, and some fast food.

If you need to stop for anything, it’s your last stop before getting to Las Vegas.

Visit Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains is a cool art installation in the middle of desert outside of Las Vegas.

It’s just off the highway and free to visit.

Have Some Fun In Las Vegas

If you’ve never been to Las Vegas, the best way to see it is at the end of this road trip because that is where it circles back to.

On this day, you’ll just want to be out of the car for a couple hours to get some fresh air and walk around.

On this trip, we stopped at the Taco Bell Cantina because it was new at the time, but really any place in Vegas that interests you is fine to stop at.

Continue On To Utah

After leaving Las Vegas, you’ll continue on I-15 North toward Utah.

A short section of this highway actually dips into Arizona briefly and you’ll drive straight through some mountains.

Where To Stay: Hurricane KOA

Hurricane, Utah is a city just before you reach Zion National Park.

If you don’t plan in advance, the Zion campsites can be completely booked out for months in advance, so this is a great alternative that also has more amenities.

Also, if you’re doing this road trip in the Summer like we did, it could be 100+ degrees outside when you get here.

So what we did was park our car at our campsite and hang out in the pool until the sun started to set and the weather cooled off.

Our favorite part of this trip was cooking at our campsite each night.

We didn’t want to deal with having to keep anything on ice or refrigerated, so we went with super basic pre-packaged foods.

I don’t recommend this as a long term diet, but on a trip like this, it’s good enough.

We cooked the Knorr Rice and Pasta Sides a few times on this trip and enjoyed a few bottles of wine while we went.

Day 2: Hike The Narrows At Zion National Park + Drive The Scenic Byway To Bryce Canyon National Park

The drive from the Hurricane KOA to Zion National Park is about 30 minutes .

With visiting Zion in the Summer , you want to arrive early, before 9 am because the parking lot can fill up and there can be long lines to get into the park.

From there, you’ll have to take a shuttle to The Narrows.

If you don’t already have hiking sticks , you’ll want to get off the shuttle at the lodge to buy one for each person.

I can pretty much guarantee you will fall at least once, if not way more if you don’t have a walking stick for balance.

There are a lot of uneven rocks and sometimes with the glare of the sun on the water you can’t really see where you’re stepping.

Some other things you’ll want to bring with you on this hike are an extra pair of socks and shoes, plenty of water, and food or snacks.

To get an idea of how to hike the narrows, you can check out this video on our YouTube Channel of our experience.

Prepare For Hiking The Narrows At Zion National Park

We didn’t have a set distance that we wanted to hike, we just brought 5 water bottles, chips, and a tuna salad and crackers kit for lunch if we stayed long enough to be hungry.

This worked out perfectly because once we reached the farthest point we wanted to walk we took a break and had lunch before heading back.

You don’t really need the special socks and shoes that are recommended on a lot of blogs.

But if you can afford them, then I say go for it.

Our shoes and socks dried out easily.

Once we finished the hike we changed into sandals.

It wasn’t as hot as we thought it would be even though it was over 100 degrees outside.

The water was nice and cold and we never had any direct sunlight on us because of how high the rocks are on both sides.

It can be a little strenuous walking against the current, which is what made us thirsty more than anything else.

Wear compression shorts or anything to keep your thighs from rubbing together because you spend most of the day in water and you’ll get a huge rash if you don’t.

When we went there was a deadly bacteria or something in the water so there were many signs saying not to swim in it, not to put your head in the water, and not to let it get into your eyes, nose, or ears.

This was fairly easy to do, though sometimes a little bit of water did splash up.

So when you go, make sure you’re aware of any advisories.

Lastly, this hike can only be done seasonally, so check before you plan your trip because it’s pretty much inaccessible in the winter. 

Hike The Narrows At Zion National Park

We got there around 9:30 am and it was about a 20-30 minute walk to the river.

Once in the water, our hike officially started around 10 am and we didn’t make it back out until about 1:30 pm.

You can see in the photos how high up the water got in some spots.

It went above my belly button and almost up to my ribs.

It took a little bit of getting used to at first, but after that it was fun to see how deep the water would get each time.

Drive The Scenic Byway From Zion To Bryce Canyon

The Scenic Byway from Zion to Bryce Canyon is a 122 mile long state route.

It winds through a beautiful area that connects Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park and beyond.

Stop For Lunch At Thunderbird Restaurant In Orderville/Mt. Carmel

Thunderbird Restaurant is the “Home of the Ho-Made Pies”.

The backstory of this is that back around WWII they were creating this sign and didn’t have enough space to write out “homemade” so they shortened it to “ho-made”,.

When you say it out loud it kind of sounds the same, especially depending on the accent, so it was a reasonable compromise for them.

It wasn’t until recent years that the sign started getting a lot of attention, so they decided to just go with it.

It’s a very cute old-school kind of restaurant and there was so much on the menu that it took awhile to decide what we would do.

We decided to share an appetizer, entree, and dessert, which even still ended up being too much food and we ended up not even cooking dinner at our campsite that night because we were too full.

I highly recommend the Cowboy Corn Bites as an appetizer, though they’re a little bit spicy.

For dinner, a big plate of Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is amazing after a long day hiking.

Lastly, you deserve a dessert after a long strenuous day, so I recommend one of their “ho-made pies”.

Our favorite is the Hot Apple Pie with Buttered Rum Sauce.

Where To Stay: Panguitch KOA

The closest KOA campground to Bryce Canyon National Park is the Panguitch KOA.

It backs up to a field, so it’s in a nice, quiet area.

They have all the same amenities as the Hurricane KOA, but it was definitely full of more families than the other one.

We set up this nice campsite under a tree and played card games in the tent all evening while resting up from our hike.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef National Parks

The drive into Bryce Canyon from Panguitch KOA is about 30 minutes and it becomes increasingly scenic as you go.

Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef are also close enough where you can see both in the same day.

You can see our full itinerary from this day in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Hiking At Bryce Canyon National Park

Plan to arrive between 8 am and 9 am so that you get a parking spot before it fills up and you can do your hike before the hottest part of the day.

Park at Sunset Point because this is where your hike will end and walk along the rim over to Sunrise Point.

You can also do this trail in reverse.

Queen’s Garden Trail

Once you reach Sunrise Point, take Queen’s Garden Trail down into the canyon.

Navajo Loop Trail

Eventually the Queen’s Garden Trail will intersect the Navajo Loop Trail and you’ll take that trail the rest of the way out of the canyon.

As you make your way back up to the top of the canyon, you’ll come across Thor’s Hammer.

Take A Lunch Break

If it’s after noon, you can eat at the lodge.

If it’s before noon, you can eat a picnic lunch.

We had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and some snacks before moving on to the next place.

Continue On The Highway 12 Scenic Byway To Capitol Reef

Just like how we took the Scenic Byway from Zion to Bryce Canyon, we also continued on this road from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef.

This stretch of the drive is a little less than 3 hours.

Capitol Reef National Park

We arrived at Capitol Reef around 2:30 pm and stopped at the visitor’s center for maps and a souvenir.

This park in particular has virtually no cell service anywhere, except for a little bit at the visitor’s center.

Take “Scenic Drive” Through Capitol Reef

This is an 8 mile loop road through Capitol Reef.

It took us about 30 minutes, but no other cars were on the road when we were there, so it may take longer if there are more visitors.

Where To Stay: Fruita Campground At Capitol Reef

Fruita Campground is right in the middle of Capitol Reef National Park.

If you’re visiting between March 1st and October 31st you can make a reservation in advance for only $20.

There’s no electric or water at the site like KOA campsites tend to have, but there is a shower house and sinks.

We made dinner early since we had a small lunch and decided to make tuna and noodles.

This was a perfect camping meal because none of the ingredients need to be refrigerated and it can all be cooked in one pot.

All you need is egg noodles (half a bag), a can of cream of celery, and a can or bag of tuna.

You just have to boil water and cook the egg noodles until they’re as soft as you want them.

Then drain the water and add in the cream of celery and tuna.

Mix it all together and add as much salt and pepper as you need and that’s it!

Petroglyphs At Capitol Reef National Park

This is about a quarter mile boardwalk trail along the side of some rocks where some ancient petroglyphs still remain.

Depending on where the sun is shining, you’ll be able to see some petroglyphs easier than others.

Hickman Bridge Trail

You want to do this trail before the sun sets, because it sets perfectly through the Hickman Bridge.

You also don’t want to be on the trail too late after this because there could be some danger with the wildlife.

See The Deer In The Apple Orchards

After about 8 pm in the summer time, the deer will be all over.

Don’t approach them or bother them, but you can watch from a distance.

You will probably even see them from your own campsite.

Day 4: Dinosaur National Monument + Flaming Gorge Dam

You’ll want to have your campsite packed up and be ready to go by about 9 am to get to Gifford House before they sell out of their famous home made pies and cinnamon rolls.

Gifford House

Gifford House sells out of their homemade treats every single day.

You always want to do this first thing in the morning because if you wait until the afternoon there will be nothing left.

For breakfast we shared a homemade cinnamon roll and then got an apple pie to take for later.

Just after 9 am we were on the road.

We stopped at a gas station at the first town we came across so we could have a minute to check our messages and emails since we didn’t have phone service for close to 24 hours.

Even though our families knew our itinerary and what we were doing, they were still concerned when we were unable to be reached for so long.

We also got some more ice to keep our water cold and filled up the gas tank so we wouldn’t have to stop again on our drive.

Drive To Dinosaur National Monument

It took us about 4 1/2 hours to get to Dinosaur National Monument.

We had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches again for lunch while we were driving and shared a protein bar.

JP just can’t get by without fast food though, so we eventually went through a Burger King drive thru when we passed through a town.

Be sure to set your GPS to the right place, because originally our map told us it would be a 6 hour drive because it was taking us deep into the park, but the visitor center we were actually going to was only a 4 1/2 hour drive.

We ended up arriving at Dinosaur National Monument at 2 pm.

While we waited for our boarding time, we roamed the visitor center and picked out our souvenir ornament.

Quarry Hall Exhibit At Dinosaur National Monument

The main purpose of visiting Dinosaur National Monument is to visit the Quarry Hall Exhibit, which requires a 5 minute or so tram ride from the visitor center.

The Quarry Hall is really cool because it is built around where a ton of dinosaur fossils were found.

They didn’t full excavate the area, so all of the fossils are in the exact same spot they were originally found.

Once we got to the Quarry, we were able to explore it for as long as we wanted.

The trams run continuously all day, so you can spend 5 minutes or 2 hours if you want.

We ended up spending about 45 minutes looking at all of the fossils and we were back out on the road by 3:30 pm.

You can see our full experience at Dinosaur National Monument in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Flaming Gorge Dam National Recreation Area

Since we were only a few hours away from our campsite for the night, we decided to take a short detour to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

Their website said the visitor center would be open, but when we got there it was closed.

There was still an area to get out and look around, so it definitely wasn’t a wasted trip.

It took about an hour to get there.

We ended up staying in the area for about 30 minutes and also stopped to make some phone calls before getting back out on the road.

Drive To Wyoming

About 45 minutes into the last portion of our drive we finally crossed the state line into Wyoming for the first time!

Neither of us had ever been.

Wyoming looked as we expected.

At least this portion of it.

Where To Stay: Lyman KOA

I think it was only about an hour or so until we made it to the Lyman KOA.

There was hardly anything around it and there were only a couple other tent campers.

Everyone else had RV’s, but it was still mostly empty.

We got an awesome spot all the way in the back away from everybody.

The wind was blocked too which made it much easier to set up the tent and not worry about any noises outside overnight.

We were still kind of full from stopping at Burger King in the afternoon, so for dinner we shared one Ramen packet and shared the pie we got from the Gifford House.

It was only about 7 pm when we got to the campsite, so we also charged our laptops and phones before going to bed and we took some time to get some work done.

Day 5: Casper, Wyoming + Mammoth Site

Today is a 500 mile drive, taking about 7-8 hours depending on how long you stop along the way and how many times you stop along the way.

You can see this day’s sites in this video on our YouTube Channel .

Lunch In Casper, Wyoming At Johnny J’s Diner

Johnny J’s Diner was the CUTEST retro diner. It was completely decked out and had lots of great menu options. 

There are dozens of burger options on this menu and I prefer the more traditional toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and ketchup, so this burger is more on the plain side.

But they have nearly limitless burger topping options all named after icons of the 50s and 60s.

They also had a burrito special the day we were there, so JP was in heaven.

It was huge and we didn’t finish everything, but we still took a dessert to go because we couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a diner dessert.

Continue Driving To South Dakota

As we drove into South Dakota, it began to storm and at one point we were able to see both ends of a rainbow.

The Mammoth Site

We were there for the last couple hours that it was open and only a couple other families were there.

It started with a video about how the mammoth site formed and then opens up into the dig site.

Basically that site was a sinkhole that the mammoths couldn’t tell was a sinkhole until they got stuck and by then it was too late.

Because of this, there is a large concentration of fossils in a small area and the mammoth site building is just built all around it, just like with the Dinosaur Monument we visited yesterday.

It is still an active dig site today and visitors can join in on special tours, which I highly recommend.

We arrived too late to do it, but I’m sure it’s awesome.

Where To Stay: Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA

After visiting the Mammoth Site, we finally drove to our campsite for the night which was at the Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA.

It was a pretty big KOA compared to most that we’ve stayed at, but it was very woodsy and cozy. 

We didn’t cook a dinner at this site since our lunch was on the later side, but they had a quick service window for meals and we got a little bit of pizza before going to bed.

Day 6: The Black Hills – Wind Cave + Custer State Park + Needles Highway + Mt. Rushmore + Crazy Horse

Today is one of the best days of the entire road trip because there are so many cool things to do in such a small area.

You can see every place we went this day in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Wind Cave National Park

I recommend leaving the campground around 8 am to start your day to make sure you fit everything in.

We drove through the cutest old downtown district as we passed through Hot Springs, South Dakota.

It only took about 20 minutes to get to Wind Cave from the campground.

We saw lots of little prairie dogs on the side of the road on our way and they are the cutest!

They’re so hard to get good photos of though while moving because they are so little.

To go into the cave, you have to go on a guided tour.

I recommend the Garden Of Eden Tour if you have smaller kids or older adults in your group because it’s the less strenuous tour.

It’s a 1 hour tour that goes about a quarter mile into the cave.

For all other visitors, I recommend the Natural Entrance Tour.

This tour is about an hour and 15 minutes, goes about 2/3 of a mile into the cave and takes you to see the natural entrance to the cave pictured above.

Whichever tour you choose, you’ll want to book it in advance because they do sell out.

Custer State Park

After we left Wind Cave National Park, we made our way toward Custer State Park.

It was about a 15 or 20 minute drive and we saw LOTS of bison along the way.

They weren’t too active in this area but this was our first real bison sighting so we were excited.

Since this is a State Park and not a National Park there was a fee of $15 to get a vehicle pass for the day. 

Custer State Park has a great scenic loop that takes about 45 minutes or so to drive through.

But you can always take as much time as you want.

It wasn’t too crowded when we went, but on a normal Summer day there is probably more traffic.

It was about 9:30 am when we arrived and probably became busier throughout the day.

Needles Highway

After the scenic drive, we made our way to Needles Highway.

We had heard SO many good things about this drive which still didn’t prepare us for how amazing it was!

It is part of Custer State Park, so even if you don’t do the scenic loop, you’ll still need the park pass for Needles Highway.

The YouTube video above at the beginning of today’s itinerary has some great video footage of the drive through Needles Highway.

We started the Needles Highway drive at around 10:30 am and we drove it toward Crazy Horse Memorial first.

It took almost exactly an hour.

It was a little slow at some points because there were a lot of bikers.

We happened to be there the weekend before Sturgis.

Also the narrow tunnels get backed up, but we never had to stop for too long.

Overall it was an amazing drive and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Crazy Horse Memorial

By 11:30 am we had arrived at Crazy Horse Memorial. 

They have a Native American museum with tons of artifacts and a great gift shop when you first enter.

Outside they have a small outdoor theater where they have some performances from local Sioux Indians.

Admission here is $12 per person.

You can also take home a rock from the Crazy Horse Memorial for free on your way out.

Where To Eat Lunch: Crazy Horse Restaurant

I recommend sharing an Indian Taco and the “official” dessert of South Dakota called “kuchen”.

It’s a German pastry with a custard filling.

We had such a pleasantly surprising lunch here and I HIGHLY recommend it.

Iron Mountain Road

We didn’t leave Crazy Horse until about 1:15 pm, so we were there for almost 2 hours.

Our next stop was driving back into Custer State Park to take Iron Mountain Road to Mt Rushmore.

It’s another scenic drive in the same area, but what is cool about this one is that when you pass through one of the tunnels, you can see Mt Rushmore perfectly framed through the other side.

This drive also had parts of the road where it split into narrow one way winding roads which was super fun too.

I forgot to mention earlier that on Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road that the tunnels are so narrow that any sort of oversized vehicle or RV cannot drive these roads.

We were driving a Ford Escape and it BARELY fit through some of these tunnels.

Mount Rushmore

We finally arrived at Mt Rushmore around 2:30 pm, so this drive took us about an hour and 15 minutes.

A side note about Mt Rushmore – even if you have the National Park pass, you are required to pay $10 for parking.

BUT the good news is that the parking pass is good for an entire year.

So you can go in an out of the lot without having to pay for parking again. 

Mt Rushmore was super exciting to visit.

It was pretty crowded, but I think part of it was because the main walkway in was under construction so half of it was blocked off.

They have a nice museum, theater, cafeteria, and gift shop, so you could spend quite a bit of time here if you wanted.

Here in the gallery they show some of the models that were used to build Mt Rushmore.

The theater had a nice short video about how it came to be and how it was built.

It runs continuously so you can check it out any time during your visit.

We stayed for about an hour and 45 minutes, leaving at 4:15 pm.

Grab A Bite Of Thomas Jefferson’s Original Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

We noticed that a ton of people were eating ice cream and we have a really hard time saying no to novelty treats.

Once we found out they were serving Thomas Jefferson’s original vanilla ice cream recipe we just had to get it!

They also had cool wines for each of the presidents represented at Mt Rushmore.

We were tempted to get each one, but we decided to save a little money and just buy one wine that sounded like it would taste the best.

Where To Stay: Mt. Rushmore KOA At Palmer Gulch

This was one of the biggest KOA resorts we have ever stayed at and it’s only about a 15 minute drive from Mt. Rushmore.

Most of the KOAs we visit are pretty small and aren’t really resorts.

They just have the basic amenities.

But this place had to have had hundreds of RVs there.

It has a waterpark and mini golf and restaurants.

It’s not really our “scene” but it was super convenient and we got a pretty good spot.

We arrived at the KOA around 4:30 pm and we were completely set up and ready to go by 5:30 pm.

Since we didn’t need to leave to head back to Mt Rushmore until about 7:45 pm, we decided to have a glass of wine and play UNO while we waited.

We also charged up our phones and laptops, checked emails, and checked in with family.

JP also knew he would be hungry by the end of the night so he fixed himself some Ramen noodles on our little Coleman stove.

Evening Lighting Ceremony At Mt. Rushmore

I recommend arriving about 45 minutes to an hour early for the lighting ceremony to make sure you get a spot.

It is at different times depending on when sunset is and we were just on the cusp of it moving to an earlier time.

It started at 9 pm for the Summer months, then moved up to 8 pm for the Fall.

The ceremony lasts for about 45 minutes and when it’s over the exhibits are closed for the night.

We were back at our campsite around 10:30 pm that night, so it was the latest night of the trip so far.

Day 7: Badlands National Park + Deadwood

Today has a little bit more driving than yesterday, but you still get to see a ton of places in a somewhat close proximity.

You can see our experience at Badlands and Deadwood in this video on our YouTube Channel .

Badlands National Park

We left our campsite around 8:30 am and arrived at Badlands National Park around 10:15 am.

There are a couple different options when driving to Badlands and we opted to take the southern route and end with Notch trail, then take the main highway on the north side back out as opposed to the reverse route.

Either way is fine, there were plenty of cars doing both.

We started by taking Sage Creek Road in, which is a scenic route with lots of wildlife.

This eventually merges with Badlands Loop Road which leads to the visitor center, and eventually Notch Trail.

We saw lots of prairie dogs again and they were super active!

We got lots of pictures and videos of them playing around.

There was a little bit of traffic toward the end of the scenic drive because of construction, but it didn’t really slow us down too much.

The drive was only about 30 minutes.

We stopped at the visitor center before going out to Notch Trail. 

Notch Trail

I’m not sure exactly how long this stop took, but I know we didn’t make it to Notch Trail until about noon.

By then there were a good amount of people there, but the parking lot still had plenty of space.

Going out to the trail we didn’t really come across too many people and the ladder was empty, but when we headed back down there was a bit of a wait. 

A note about this trail – it is much easier going up the ladder than going down.

The notches on the ladder are pretty spaced out, so anyone short like me will have a little bit of a harder time getting up and down the ladder just because you’ll have to reach pretty far sometimes.

Kids were able to do it though, so it’s not impossible.

To get to this part of the trail does not take long at all.

It’s less than 5 minutes each way and we spent about 5-10 minutes up at the top, so this can be a quick stop if you’d like.

There were a lot of people walking further once they got up top, but we picked this trail specifically because of its iconic ladder and didn’t feel the need to explore further.

We also had plenty of other places to get to that day, so we didn’t want to spend all day on this trail.

We left Notch Trail at around 12:20 pm and started our drive to our next destination.

If you haven’t heard of Wall Drug, don’t worry.

We hadn’t until we were planning our trip.

You will see billboards all over for this place when you’re in the area.

It started as a road side convenience store.

They became a popular stop by offering free ice water to travelers that stopped in.

Since then it was expanded to a whole district of shops and dining.

It was very busy when we stopped in, so we didn’t stay long and explore.

We stopped for lunch though and had a yummy roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy.

They are also well known for their 5 cent coffee.

Wall Drug was only about a 30 minute drive from the Notch Trail.

We arrived around 1 pm and were back out on the road around 1:30 pm.

Our next stop is Deadwood.

It’s a famous old western town and it’s where we originally planned to have lunch, which is why we just shared a small meal in Wall Drug.

We got there around 3 pm, so it was about an hour and a half drive.

Again, this was the weekend before Sturgis so it was PACKED with bikers.

Every inch of the main street had parked bikes and it was so busy.

Where To Eat Lunch: Deadwood Social Club

There were lots of cool restaurants to choose from and we decided on the Deadwood Social Club.

The saloon downstairs opened in 1876.

It is famous for being the site where Wild Bill Hickok was assassinated during a game of poker in August of that year.

We started with a soup, salad, and bruschetta.

The bruschetta was kind of weird, but everything else was good.

For entrees, we shared a steak with country sides like potato salad and watermelon and buffalo ravioli.

There were issues in the kitchen and staffing the day we visited so we were given a complimentary cookies and cream cheesecake for dessert.

Where To Stay: Devil’s Tower/Black Hills KOA

We were back out on the road at 5 pm and our last stop of the day was Devil’s Tower.

We camped at the KOA at the foot of the monument and it was awesome!

This was easily one of my favorite camping sites and tourist attractions on the whole trip!

The KOA wasn’t too big or crowded.

There was a pretty good sized Trading Post across the street and there was nothing else in the area.

We made it to the KOA shortly after 6 pm, so it was barely an hour’s drive from Deadwood which was nice.

We got THE BEST camp site in the whole KOA because our tent had an unobstructed view of Devil’s Tower.

Every other site had trees in the way.

Our KOA was having a movie night, which I assume they do every night and it is probably always the same movie – Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Day 8: Devil’s Tower + Little Bighorn + Beartooth Pass

Since our KOA was right at the foot of Devil’s Tower, we didn’t have to drive far to start our day.

We took down our campsite and had everything packed and ready to go at 8 am. 

You can see our full experience from this day in this video on our YouTube Channel .

Devil’s Tower

When visiting Devil’s Tower, you just take a loop trail around the base.

You can start in either direction, but we chose to go left.

I think by going to the right you don’t have to go uphill as much.

It took us about 45 minutes to do the entire loop.

But we stopped for lots of pictures and to read various plaques.

During our hike we saw a few deer, including some babies.

It was nice and cool this early in the morning and the trail was very shaded.

We also had our coffee and tea that we made at our campsite before leaving.

There were also a few rock climbers which was cool.

This was the only place we visited on our road trip where they had us verify our National Park Pass with an ID and they checked for the signature on the pass.

Trading Post

Right outside of Devil’s Tower is the Trading Post.

It’s a great place for souvenirs and ice cream.

Continue Driving To Montana

After this short stop, we were on the road by 10:15 am.

About 30 minutes later we finally crossed the state line into Montana.

Little Bighorn Battlefield

The next stop is the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

We didn’t stay for more than 30 minutes, but we saw the main highlights.

It was a good bathroom stop and a good chance to get out of the car for a bit and get some fresh air.

Where To Eat Lunch: Taco John’s

If you’ve never been here before, it’s a regional chain in a handful of places around the US.

It’s fast food, so you can eat it in the car as you continue your road trip or stop and eat in the restaurant to get out of the car for a bit.

My favorite thing on the menu is easily the Potato Oles.

I could probably eat a hundred of them.

We ended up sharing a Boss Burrito, Quesadilla Taco, and a Crispy Taco.

At this point in the day it was about 2:30 pm when we stopped to eat.

From here, we continued on to Red Lodge, Montana where we stopped for gas, more ice for our cooler, and a bathroom break.

It’s about 2 hours from where Taco John’s was located near Little Bighorn Battlefield.

Beartooth Pass Highway

We started back out on the road at 4:30 pm and didn’t make it to the Yellowstone National Park entrance until 6:30 pm.

So this part of the drive takes about 2 hours.

The drive is SO scenic, but also very windy and steep.

The altitude change is thousands of feet and you go all the way up into an Alpine climate which is one of my favorites.

This drive is amazing and is a must-do!

Make sure you check the weather and go during the Summer because any sign of snowfall will make this drive impossible.

Yellowstone National Park + Hot Springs

Shortly after making it to the Yellowstone National Park entrance at 6:30 pm, we were stuck in a very long traffic jam caused by bison.

We were in a hurry to get to our campsite before dark, so we were not thrilled about it, but we got some really cool footage of the bison. 

As we made our way into the park, we drove to the Hot Springs.

It was about 8 pm by the time we reached this part of Yellowstone.

Where To Stay: Yellowstone Park/West Gate KOA

By 9 pm we were finally on our way to our KOA.

The sunset was nice and we still ended up having to put our tent up in the dark, but we were able to use our headlights and a lantern to help.

This KOA was pretty big and had tons of extra amenities.

We prefer smaller, quieter places but this was the most convenient KOA to Yellowstone, so it was worth it. 

We stayed in this KOA for 2 nights, which is the only time we stayed in the same place for more than 1 night the entire trip.

Road Trip Out West Itinerary Day 9: Yellowstone National Park

 Today the highlights of visiting Yellowstone National Park include Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Old Faithful.

Be forewarned, Yellowstone is very busy everywhere you go.

It takes a long time to get from point a to point b and the parking lots are pretty much always going to be full and you may need to park on the side of the road and walk to your destination.

You can check out our full Yellowstone experience in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

There was quite a line to get into the park, which we knew would happen.

Our first stop was Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

We decided to go here first because it was the furthest point and we could work our way back from there.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone has a North Rim Drive and a South Rim Drive.

We did the North Rim Drive with the intention of doing both, but decided to move on to our next stop instead of also completing the South Rim Drive.

This drive was nice because there were several places to stop along the way where there was actually parking and you just have to walk out to the lookout.

It didn’t require any hiking which makes it a very accessible area.

I think we stopped at 3 different spots along the way.

It took us about 30 minutes total to do the whole drive.

Grand Prismatic Spring

At 10:30 am we were on our way to Grand Prismatic Spring.

We arrived just before 11:30 am and noticed there was no parking up ahead.

All of the cars were just parking on the side of the road.

We drove until we saw an empty spot and took about a 10 minute walk on the side of the road until we reached the actual Grand Prismatic Spring parking lot.

The traffic in this area was crazy because of this and I’m so glad I was not the one driving.

This place was super awesome though.

I didn’t know that there would be other springs there.

The Blue Spring was so pretty and I swear had every shade of blue humanly possible.

We didn’t get back to our car until about 12:15 pm.

Where To Eat Lunch: Lodge At Old Faithful

This is the perfect place to get lunch or eat a picnic lunch.

You can sit outside while you wait for the next time the Old Faithful Geyser erupts.

Old Faithful Geyser

When you get here, there will be a ranger that will tell you the next predicted time that Old Faithful will erupt.

For us, just after 1:30 pm Old Faithful started to erupt and it was really cool to watch.

It was kinda funny that once it started to die down everyone just left.

They didn’t even wait for it to stop completely, they just left after it peaked.

We decided to wait it out for awhile after, but be forewarned, the traffic to get out of here after an eruption is horrendous.

It took us over 30 minutes to get out of the parking lot.

Once again, we stayed at the same KOA.

There was so much traffic this day that we decided to go back to the KOA early because we had seen all the highlights.

It took us almost 3 hours to get back to the campground with the traffic.

Around 5:30 pm we started cooking dinner on our one burner stove and we played card games until it got dark.

Another great one pot non-perishable dinner to take on a road trip is Velveeta shells and cheese.

The KOA had a small gift shop that had cookies, so we picked up some for dessert.

We went to bed early because we decided to get up early and try to see a bear in Yellowstone before moving on to our next destination.

Day 10: Grand Teton National Park

Today, get up early to try to see some bears if you didn’t see any yesterday.

Some of the most common places to see bears are in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.

Lamar Valley was the area we drove into from the Beartooth Pass Highway, so I recommend driving to Hayden Valley instead.

Sunrise at Yellowstone National Park

We spent 6 am – 8 am looking for bears in Hayden Valley and never saw any.

But we did get to enjoy a peaceful and beautiful sunrise.

A tip for looking for bears or enjoying the sunrise is to go where you see other people.

You can see our full experience at Grand Teton National Park in this video on our YouTube Channel.

We made it to the entrance of Grand Teton National Park at exactly 8:30 am.

We needed to stop for a bathroom break so we pulled in to the first visitor center area we found which was Colter Bay.

Cell service is pretty spotty and non-existent in some areas, so I recommend picking up a park map here to help you navigate if needed.

We were also able to stop by the marina and get a nice view of the lake.

There is a restaurant here where you can get a quick breakfast like croissant sandwiches and breakfast burritos.

After breakfast, we started driving around 9:45 am, arrived at the lookout just before 10:15 am, and we were back out on the road by 10:30 am.

I’m not certain what the lookout trail was called but it was on the way to Jenny Lake from Colter Bay and went along a lake.

Jenny Lake was our next stop and we arrived around 11 am.

The parking lot was pretty full, so it may take some time to find parking.

We used this time to lather up our sunscreen, grab our hats and sunglasses, and stock up on water and snacks.

From there, follow the crowd to the marina to get tickets for the boat across Jenny Lake.

The boat runs back and forth across Jenny Lake continuously and goes from the marina to the Inspiration Point hike.

A boat leaves about every 15 minutes or so.

Shuttle tickets are $18 round trip for adults and it saves you a 2 mile walk each way, so I highly recommend it.

The breeze on the water is great and it’s a short trip across the lake.

A fun fact we learned there was that you can’t even see the Grand Teton peak from the most popular park view points.

Though it is taller, it is farther back, so it is blocked by the peaks that are closer to the main areas of the park.

Once you start driving farther South in the park you can actually see it though.

Hidden Falls Hike

We were on the boat by 11:15 am and off by 11:30 am.

The first part of the hike is to Hidden Falls.

It’s about a half mile each way, but if you continue, the trail will lead you to Inspiration Point which is about a mile each way.

I’ve heard from so many others that it is worth it to go all the way up to Inspiration Point.

The trail up to Hidden Falls is scenic enough (and uphill enough) if you can’t make the walk all the way up to Inspiration Point.

We started the Hidden Falls hike at 11:30 am and finished just after noon.

There was a bit of a line to take the boat back, so we had to wait for a couple boats, but we were back at the boat dock at 12:30 pm.

It took us about 45 minutes to get to Mormon Row after we got off the boat from Jenny Lake.

When we got there only a couple cars were there and they were leaving.

By the time we left, a handful of cars were there and more were coming.

It seems like we got there at the perfect time.

Where To Stay: Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA

By the time we were finished at Mormon Row it was about 1:30 pm.

It took about an hour to get to the Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA we were staying at and this was by far one of my favorites we’ve ever stayed at.

Our campsite was right on the corner where a creek flows into the Snake River and we were able to hear the water all night.

It was so secluded and scenic.

I highly recommend this place.

We had a couple hours to kill before heading to dinner so we set up our tent, had a glass of wine by the river and decided to shower and dress up a little more for dinner.

Where To Eat Dinner: Bar T5 Chuckwagon Dinner

I highly recommend this one whether you’re just going as a couple or a family.

This experience is $49 per person.

They do 2 dinners a night and we chose the later one just because we weren’t sure how much time we would need at Grand Teton.

They had a 4:45 pm and a 6:00 pm check in option in the Summer.

The experience lasts for about 3 hours from check in time to the time the wagon returns to check in.

To start the Bar T5 Chuckwagon Dinner, there were a row of benches near the check in where they shared the back story of the Jackson Hole area and the people who started and maintained the Bar T5 Chuckwagon Dinner.

After hearing the back story, they explained how the rest of the night was going to go and then we all got into our chuckwagons.

Once we made it up to our dinner spot, we were all seated at our own picnic tables.

Dinner is buffet style.

There was salad with ranch dressing, secret recipe baked beans, slow roasted bbq chicken, roast beef smothered in homemade gravy, corn on the rob, a dinner roll, and for dessert a blondie.

For drinks you can choose from lemonade, water, coffee, and hot chocolate.

At the gift shop before hopping on the chuckwagon, you can get a cold sarsaparilla to have with your dinner if you prefer a different drink.

Once everyone was settled with their meals, the show started.

After dinner we rode the chuckwagons back to the parking lot.

We got back just after 9 pm.

It was completely dark by the time we were done.

We made it back to our KOA around 9:45 pm and went straight to bed.

Day 11: White Water Rafting + Craters Of The Moon

When we booked our KOA in Jackson Hole we were told that if we wanted to book it more than 2 weeks in advance we had to also book white water rafting.

We had time in our trip and had never been before, so we thought why not!

We were picked up from the KOA around 8:30 am and we were out at the river around 9 am.

You can see our full experience from this day in this video on our YouTube Channel.

White Water Rafting On The Snake River

We spent about 2 hours on the river and we were mostly in the sun which felt great, but the water was still pretty cold and my fingers and toes were numb majority of the time.

They had a couple professional photography businesses take photos since we had no way of taking them, but the photos were crazy expensive (as to be expected), so we just downloaded them with the watermarks.

After we were done rafting, we had maybe a quarter or half mile uphill walk back to the busses.

By about 11:30 am we were dropped back off at the KOA.

Drive To Idaho

From here, we stopped in Jackson Hole for lunch and to top off our gas.

Around 1:30 pm is when we crossed the state line into Idaho.

Idaho Falls is a great spot to stop for gas again and to get another snack if you’re still hungry.

From here, we continued on to Craters of the Moon.

Overall, from Jackson Hole to Craters of the Moon is a little over a 3 hour drive.

Craters Of The Moon

This place was so cool and is so under-rated.

It was about 5:45 pm by the time we arrived, so this itinerary is best done in the Summer when the sun sets much later.

The best way to see the whole park is to take the scenic loop drive.

Along the loop are several pull out spots with short trails.

Devil’s Orchard Trail

Along the way we stopped at Devil’s Orchard Trail and Inferno Cone.

In total there are 7 stops along the loop.

We stopped at Devil’s Orchard Trail first which was a super cool paved loop.

They have a small campground that I wish we would’ve had the time to camp in.

I highly recommend checking this place out.

Inferno Cone

Inferno Cone was our next stop on the loop.

It was basically like hiking up the side of a volcano.

The rocks looked so cool.

They were very light and practically hollow, but very porous and shiny.

They didn’t even look real.

I wish I could’ve taken one home, but that is super illegal.

So don’t do it!

Overall, it took about an hour to finish this loop.

Where To Eat Dinner: Canyon Crest In Twin Falls

We didn’t get to dinner until about 8:30 pm and it was still light outside.

It ended up being perfect timing because by the time we were seated we were able to watch the sunset over the canyon while we had dinner.

We were also there long enough for all of the string lights to be turned on on the patio.

Their dinner rolls come with a huge slab of flavored butter and they have several good appetizer choices.

For dinner, we enjoyed the mac n cheese, a burger, and some sweet potato fries.

Where To Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Twin Falls

Since there weren’t any KOA campgrounds in this area and it was the last full day of the trip, we decided to book a hotel for the night.

We enjoy Hilton brand hotels on road trips, especially Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn because they’re affordable and always conveniently located.

Day 12: Shoshone Falls + Great Basin National Park

Today is the final day of the road trip.

By the end of the day we will have circled back to Las Vegas.

You can check out our full experience this day in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls has been referred to as the “Niagara Falls of the West”.

It is significantly smaller and depending on when you go the water flow may be at different levels, but it is still cool to see if you’re in the area.

We arrived just after 9 am and stayed for about 15 minutes to get pictures and video.

It costs $5 to park since it’s located inside of a state park.

Drive To Nevada

After Shoshone Falls, we set out for the last stop on our road trip.

We crossed the Nevada state line around 10:15 am. 

Great Basin National Park

It takes about 4 1/2 hours to get to Great Basin National Park from Shoshone Falls.

There are a couple different things to do once you get here.

They are known for their caves, but they also have a scenic loop drive that goes up into the mountains.

If you have time for both, I definitely recommend both.

We were only able to do the scenic loop drive on our trip because the caves were temporarily closed.

The scenic loop drive takes about an hour round trip.

As you gain elevation, the temperature cools and there is a campground up at the top that is perfect for camping in the Summer because it’s 70+ degrees there, whereas it’s 100+ degrees in the basin.

I recommend taking your time while you’re here because it’s another 4 hour drive to Las Vegas after leaving Great Basin National Park.

We left around 3:45 pm to continue our drive to Las Vegas.

Where To Stay In Las Vegas

There are a ton of great places to stay in Las Vegas for all interests.

We’ve covered a ton of properties on and off the strip that you can check out and find the best option for you.

Check out our favorite Las Vegas hotels and resorts .

How Much Does This Road Trip Out West Itinerary Cost?

We want to be completely transparent and show how inexpensive this kind of trip can be.

I wasn’t too strict with our budget and we did splurge on a few meals and activities like the Chuckwagon Dinner and the River Rafting.

We also picked up an ornament as our souvenir from each place we visited, which added up after awhile.

My point is that this trip can easily be done even cheaper.

Spending less than $100 a day per person is simple.

For this entire trip for 2 adults, we spent $2,679.49 over 12 days.

Here’s the breakdown of the biggest expenses:

Road Trip Out West Food Costs

Food: $692.35

About $60 of this was breakfast, snacks, and dinner groceries we brought with us for the campsite.

About $170 of this was for the Chuckwagon Dinner and the rest was lunches and some ice cream.

So we ended up spending $28.84 per person per day on food.

Which isn’t bad, considering we also tipped 20% on any table service meals.

If we had stuck with regular quick service and casual dining for our meals it would have easily been less than $20 a day per person.

Road Trip Out West Lodging Costs

Lodging: $631.28

This doesn’t include the 12th night which is when we arrived in Vegas and used a timeshare stay for another week after our road trip.

This is just the 11 nights we were camping.

If we stayed in hotels, this number would be at least $1200, most likely more.

We averaged $57.38 a night for each campsite.

If you break it down per person, we averaged $28.69 a night per person.

Almost all of them had electric, though we rarely used it since we were able to charge our phones in the car during the day.

The camping prices were all over the place though.

The KOA near Yellowstone was $80 a night, Mt Rushmore was $70, Devil’s Tower was $50, but camping inside Capitol Reef was only $20 and our first 4 campsites were only about $35 a night.

Road Trip Out West Gas Costs

Gas: $236.91

The road trip was almost 4,000 miles and we started with a full tank of gas, which isn’t factored into this price because I don’t know how much it was and it was full before we even started our trip.

My car usually says I can go about 330 miles between fill ups, but once we get out on the road it is much closer to about 400 miles.

Gas prices were generally lower than in California, so under $3.00 a gallon almost everywhere we went.

I think majority of the time it was always under $1.50 a gallon.

Road Trip Out West Souvenir Costs

Souvenirs: $263.81

Most of this was for our ornaments from each place we visited, but we did pick up a few souvenirs for family.

Not getting souvenirs can really help bring down the price of the trip.

This would have saved us $20 a day if we didn’t buy souvenirs.

But we budgeted for it, so we were okay spending this much.

Road Trip Out West Activity Costs

Activities: $144.09

We already owned the National Park annual pass, so that price isn’t incorporated into this one, which is $80.

The activity costs in our calculations consists of Zion National Park Shuttle tickets, Mammoth Site, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, the Jenny Lake boat, and Shoshone Falls.

So basically we were able to entertain ourselves for $12 a day, or $6 per person per day.

This is also why we like to visit National Parks and more outdoorsy destinations.

It is way more affordable than a trip like 12 days at Disney World.

Road Trip Out West Miscellaneous Expenses

Miscellaneous: $711.05

This seems like a high number for “miscellaneous” type spending, but about $200 of it was for an oil change and to fix the air conditioning in the car while we were on the road.

The other $500 was extra tent stakes and a mallet, parking at a few different places, hyrdocortisone, a birthday gift JP bought me, and some charges that I don’t remember exactly what they were for, so I decided to put them here.

Conclusion: The Perfect Road Trip Out West Itinerary

The perfect road trip out West itinerary takes you to some of America’s most iconic National Parks and monuments all in just a couple of weeks.

Eva is the founder and writer behind Discovering Hidden Gems. She spent a decade working in and studying the hospitality and tourism industry with experience in theme parks, hotels, guided vacation sales, and special events. In addition to sharing her expertise about traveling in the US, she offers mini courses on saving money on travel and traveling more for less.

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How To Plan A Trip Out West in 2024: Your Complete Guide

Oh, the wild west! Whether you want to road trip along the Kenai Peninsula, spot wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, or stroll through the vibrant Grand Canyon, there's much to explore. But with so much scattered around, is it possible to see it all? Let's break down the steps and start planning your next adventure out west.

From navigating the national parks and diving into history-rich museums to feeling the city buzz and dipping into the rugged coastline, you're spoilt for choice. Whether it's a peaceful retreat or an adrenaline-fueled vacation, there's no doubt you'll find it here. 

But with a hefty handful of things to do in the west, how can you squeeze it all in? Maybe you're heading out on a 7-day trip out west, or perhaps you're thinking about a 3-week road trip… This in-depth guide will take you through everything you need to know. Here's how to plan a trip out west! 

Step 1. Decide when you want to head out west 

How many days do you need for a road trip out west? The answer you're looking for depends highly on you. It's about your preferences, travel style, the attractions you want to see, and the activities you want to do. The best time of year to road trip out west can vary greatly depending on these factors. 

Planning a trip out west any time of the year can offer many pros and cons. Each season hosts unique experiences, like shredding on snowy slopes in winter or hiking in spring.  

The west is well-known for its sublime scenery, and an ideal time to explore is during the shoulder seasons. The springtime showcases a wealth of wildflowers as they surge across the snow-melted mountains. In contrast, the fall brings colorful foliage with a few raindrops. The low season offers backpackers more affordable prices on accommodation and flights too! 

The wintertime offers action-packed events and activities for both snow and sports lovers. If you're interested in skiing or snowboarding, now's the time to shine! Prices can soar around Christmas, so it's not ideal for budget travelers. 

The west's summertime boasts hot and dry weather, making it a stellar time for outdoor activities. Tourism is usually at its height this season, so it may not be ideal for those bound to a strict budget. 

Step 2. Create your ideal travel budget 

If you're planning a trip out west, you're probably left thinking, how much will this cost? Now's the time to construct your very own travel budget. It sounds simple and not so appealing, but it's a crucial step to get more bang for your buck. 

When creating your ideal budget, remember to factor in accommodation, transport, flights, rental car hire, food, etc. Every last detail counts! 

The standard daily budget for travelers out west can differ greatly, depending on your travel style. If you're looking to keep it low cost, stay just outside the popular tourist areas and find budget accommodation in advance. If you're planning to hire a car, remember the money for fuel and tollways!  

Traveling has become more affordable in recent years. You can make the most out of your adventures by using these comprehensive  budget travel tips .  

Step 3. Figure out the must-see destinations 

All right! The United States West is home to an inundating inventory of dazzling destinations. Whether you want to lay low in a coastal town or sweat it out in a national park, a lot goes on on this side of the country. If you're heading out on a road trip out west, here are some top destinations you could add to your itinerary: 

• Yosemite National Park 
• Museum of American West in Denver 
• San Francisco city 
• Rocky Mountain National Park 
• Jackson Hole 
• Getty Center in Los Angeles 
• Yellowstone National Park
• Space Needle in Seattle 
• Beaches in California 
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon 

Step 4. Establish your route  

How do you plan on getting around? Are you thinking about a 2-week road trip out west, or would you prefer a 5-day visit? Are you driving a car, campervan, or participating in a group trip? 

Whatever your preference is, there really is no right or wrong way to do it. Plan your route out west, and remember to calculate time, cost, and distance. 

Step 5. Figure out your accommodation 

Out west, there is a huge range of accommodation. Depending on your travel tastes, what you choose can vary greatly. When planning a trip out west, you'll encounter everything from budget hostels to luxury resorts. You can also choose between  Airbnb ,  Couchsurfing,  hostels , sharehouses, and hotels. 

Save yourself time by comparing different hotel options on websites like  Hotels.com . You can even sign up to score hotel deals alerts to save extra money.  

 Step 6. Research some activities and attractions 

Now's the time to ask yourself, what are some of the best things to do out west? Maybe you've seen a photo of a canyon you'd like to conquer, a beach you'd like to bathe on, or a desert spa that's calling your name… 

Whatever you're feeling, get it down on paper! Here are some activities to add to your itinerary out west: 

• Kayak through the Emerald Cove
• Hit the dunes of Las Vegas on an ATV tour
• See Palm Springs from above on the aerial tramway  
• Hike through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park on a day tour  
• Tour the Grand Canyon 
• Hit the heights of Temecula on a hot-air balloon ride   
• Go on a Napa and Sonoma Wine Country full-day tour  

Step 7. Get down to the nitty gritty  

Now that you know how to plan a trip out west, it's time to get down to business. Get your travel visa and documents organized, and make sure you've got travel insurance too. Being prepared in case things go wrong can bring you great peace of mind. If you need help figuring out what's right for you, take a peek at this insider's guide on the  best travel insurance for 2023 .

Step 8. Start packing  

Packing doesn't have to involve running around your room, frantically fumbling through drawers, throwing clothes everywhere, and screaming, "I can't find anything"… In fact, packing can be quite the opposite. All you need to do is stay organized and pack ahead of time. 

Scan over all the items in this  complete vacation packing list  to ensure you've all the necessities. Keep your clothing organized with  packing cubes  and utilize all the room you have. Heck, even stuff socks and underwear into your shoes! 

When planning a trip out west, there are going to be some long hours spent on the road. To help make your life easier and not break the bank, don't forget these travel essentials: 

• Universal Travel Adapter
• Power Bank  
• Water Bottle  
• Travel Wallet  
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones  
• Hiking Shoes  

Why visit the west? 

This part of the United States is home to some of the most unique landscapes on earth. With rolling hilltops, sandy deserts, vibrant cities, and a whole lot more, there is something to satisfy every type of traveler. 

Rural escapes, stunning scenery, crashing coastlines, and more! 

Now that you know how to plan a trip out west, it's time to take off your serious shoes and slip into something a little more comfortable. Pilot can help you plan the most epic trip, so what are you waiting for? Start the countdown now! 

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Ultimate USA West Coast Road Trip: 7, 10 or 15 Days Itinerary Ideas

Are you looking for the best US west coast road trip itinerary to explore the most beautiful places along the Pacific Coast? Our 7 to 15 days USA West Coast itinerary will help you explore this part of the country from the stunning Grand Canyon to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Visit Hollywood in LA, the Space Needle in Seattle, and gamble in Las Vegas while you road trip the Western USA. Read our ultimate West Coast of USA road trip itinerary now. You may also like our post on Best Places to Visit in the USA .

Welcome to our West Coast road trip planner.

West Coast USA road trip is a grand adventure.

This classic road trip has the ultimate Clint Eastwood Western meets Baywatch vibe.

Drive on lonely, dirt-caked roads and stumble upon mining ghost towns.

Discover millions of years old landscapes and rock formations.

Lose track of time in the utter stillness that surrounds you.

Fall in love with sleepy coastal communities and find your inspiration in Hollywood.

Sunbathe in Malibu and take in the beauty of Big Sur’s rocky coastline. 

But that is not all this trip has to offer.

Unique geographic sites are littered throughout the West Coast road trip map and nature reigns supreme here.

Visit the lowest and driest place in the continent at Death Valley.

Feel dwarfed by the 50 feet tall Saguaro cacti and 350 feet tall coastal redwoods.

Hike in the prehistoric Fern Canyon and explore foggy cities along the Pacific Coast.

Climb up to active volcanoes and experience the earth’s geothermal activities along the Ring of Fire. 

Travel Tip – For a unique West Coast road trip, visit Alaska! Plan the ultimate Alaska road trip around Denali, Fairbanks, and Anchorage.

Walk-through history as it happened and discover momentous lands on the West Coast America road trip.

Explore the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Honor the first pioneers on the California trail at Donner Pass and see the first settlement on the West Coast at Old Town San Diego.

Understand the military importance of the Presidio of San Francisco and the Klondike Gold Rush that led to the fortunes of Seattle.

The USA west coast tour itinerary is an educational experience and perfect for a family summer vacation with kids. 

Epic West Coast Road Trip Itinerary Planner

Planning a West Coast itinerary is not easy.

And that’s why we have created this Ultimate West Coast road trip planner.

Use our suggested road trip route to plan an epic West Coast American road trip.

As always, we have included recommendations to customize this Western USA Itinerary based on your interests and the number of days you have.

Whether you want to begin in Las Vegas or San Diego and end in San Francisco or Seattle, we can help you plan a memorable and epic road trip.

We have linked this guide to our in-depth articles covering the region – Click on the names of cities and natural attractions to read more about them.

7 Day USA West Coast Road Trip

If you have just 7 days, you cannot see the entire West Coast.

You have a few options to either see the southwest and California or plan a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway in the Golden State.

Or see the highlights of the Pacific Northwest.

We have outlined these suggested Western road trip itineraries in this section.

Vegas Grand Canyon LA San Francisco

This West Coast USA tour itinerary covers the most visited attractions of the West Coast from the Grand Canyon to the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you can plan only one trip to the West Coast, then use this route. 

Las Vegas – 2 Days

Begin your West Coast driving trip in Las Vegas .

Explore the attractions of the strip including the beautiful Fountains of Bellagio and the Eiffel Tower ride in Paris Las Vegas.

Watch a concert or Cirque du Soleil show.

Gamble and enjoy the nightlife in Las Vegas.

See the scenic Valley of Fire State Park then head over to the Grand Canyon in the afternoon.

Grand Canyon National Park – 1 Day

Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the natural wonders of the world.

It is one of the essential attractions on a road trip to the West Coast.

On a visit, you can see the exhibits about the formation of the canyon at the visitor center and admire the expansive views of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim Drive.

Spot the wildlife in the Grand Canyon including mountain goats and buy Native American arts and crafts at Trading Posts.

If you have time see the beautiful Antelope Canyons in Page. 

Los Angeles – 2 Days

Then head over to Los Angeles .

See the Walk of Stars and the Oriental Theatre in Hollywood.

Take behind the scenes movie studio tours and visit Universal or Disney.

Visit Museum Row on Miracle Mile and admire the art at LACMA and fossils at La Brea Tra Pits.

Walk on the beach and enjoy a sunset on the Pacific Ocean during your road trip on the West Coast. 

San Francisco – 2 Days

End your West Coast trip in San Francisco .

Walk the Golden Gate Bridge and climb down Lombard Street.

Take a ferry to historic Alcatraz Island and admire the San Francisco skyline from Twin Peaks.

Enjoy delicious seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf and the dim sum in Chinatown.

Conclude your trip by wine tasting and shopping in Union Square.

Los Angeles to California via Big Sur

While this road trip is based only in California, it is one of the best west coast road trips.

It has plenty of diverse attractions from world-class cities, stunning natural areas, and sleepy coastal communities.

This road trip is said to be the most scenic in the world for its gorgeous views along the wild coast. 

After exploring the urban attractions of Los Angeles , head up north towards San Francisco along the coast.

Enjoy the beach life in Malibu and Ventura and admire the view of Santa Barbara from the clock house tower.

Feel the trendy vibe in the college town of San Luis Obispo and climb the dunes at Oceano Beach.

Go wine tasting in Paso Robles. 

Big Sur – 2 Days

Then comes the highlight – a drive through stunning Big Sur .

See the elephant seals at San Simeon and visit the Lime Kiln State Park.

Photograph the engineering marvel of Bixby Creek Bridge and see the stunning McWay Falls.

Go antiquing in charming coastal communities like Pismo Beach and Carmel by the Sea and take a whale-watching cruise in Monterey.

See scenic lighthouses along the foggy coast. 

The 90 miles of Big Sur is filled with beautiful beaches and coves.

It has numerous hiking trails along bluffs and campsites right on the beach.

You can see marine life including whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, and a variety of tide pool creatures.

Big Sur is also home to tall coastal redwood trees and blooms with beautiful wildflowers in the spring.

This region is a delight for nature lovers and a delightful stop on road trip USA West Coast.

San Francisco & Yosemite – 3 Days

Get your urban fix in San Francisco and end your West Coast trip USA on a high note at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Then explore the stunning Yosemite National Park and see the legendary granite faces of El Capitan and Half Dome.

Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited in the country and worth a visit on a West Coast roadtrip.

To plan this road trip, read our post on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary . 

Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Explore the Pacific Northwest on an ultimate road trip through hip cities, scenic drives, and open spaces.

See one of a kind geological landforms and eat plenty of seafood.

Go from the mountains to the beaches and drive through river gorges.

This road trip has plenty of hidden gems and underrated attractions. 

Portland – 2 Days

Begin your road trip in Portland and wrap your head around its ‘weird’ vibe.

Visit attractions such as the Japanese Garden and the Shanghai tunnels.

Eat the city’s famous doughnuts and visit the food truck pods.

Take a photogenic view of the Portland skyline with Mount Hood in the background from Pittock Mansion. 

Columbia River Highway – 1 Day

Then drive along the historic Columbia River Highway.

This scenic route has plenty of waterfalls and small communities.

The scenery here looks stunning in fall.

Visit the beautiful Multnomah Falls and admire the view from the Vista House Museum. 

Optional – Coastal Oregon & Washington

If you have more time, head to the coast and Cannon Beach.

See the beautiful haystacks before heading up towards Astoria.

Spend time admiring the seaport city from the Astoria Tower and understand about the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Fort Clatsop. 

Follow Highway 101 to Olympic National Park in Washington.

The park is a UNESCO Heritage Site and has attractions such as the Hof Rainforest and Sol Duc Hot Springs.

See the beautiful mountain views at Hurricane Ridge then tour the Washington State Capitol at Olympia as part of US road trip on West Coast. 

Also Read: Best Things to do in Washington State

Mt. Rainier National Park – 1 Day

Mt. Rainier National Park is a beautiful paradise in the Cascade mountains.

This active stratovolcano looks scenic when surrounded by wildflowers filled meadows in the summer.

One of the most popular regions to visit in Mt Rainier National Park is Paradise and Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.

Sunrise road and the visitor center are also scenic and have beautiful trails. 

Tacoma – 1 Day

Then spend a day enjoying the cultural attractions of Tacoma.

A must visit in the city is the Museum of Glass and the Bridge of Glass which connects the museum and downtown Tacoma. This bridge has Dale Chihuly’s artwork.

Other good museums include the LeMay Car Museum and the Washington State History Museum which has a model railroad.

Take a stroll at the scenic Fort Defiance Park in Tacoma before heading to Seattle. 

Seattle – 2 Days

In Seattle , drink lots of coffee and visit the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market.

Visit the Seattle Center and climb up the observation deck of the Space Needle to see beautiful panoramic views of Seattle.

See the Chihuly Garden & Glass and enjoy the exhibits at Pacific Science Center.

Take a whale-watching excursion to the islands in Puget Sound before ending your road trip with a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture.

For more West Coast Road Trip Itinerary 7 days ideas, see our post on Best Road Trips to take along the West Coast . 

10 Day West Coast Road Trip

If you have 10 days to road trip the West Coast USA, then you can see many more attractions along the West Coast.

Here are our favorite comprehensive West Coast road trip ideas for the first time US visitors. 

Vegas to San Francisco via SR 395

While this road trip sounds similar to the one we mentioned earlier, you will be taking the much more scenic route through the Sierra Nevada and eastern California.

See the unique Death Valley National Park and reach Yosemite via the eastern entrance.

Then visit San Francisco and Los Angeles to complete your road trip in USA west coast. 

Explore the highlights of Las Vegas.

Walk along the Las Vegas strip and see the famous casinos including Bellagio, Luxor, Ceaser’s Palace, the Venetian, etc.

Explore the Freemont Street in downtown and take a photo with the Fabulous Las Vegas sign.

Hike the trails in Red Rock Canyon and see the Hoover Dam.

Grand Canyon – 1 Day

Either head for Grand Canyon on your 2nd day in Las Vegas or If you want to make a day trip, see the Grand Canyon from the western rim.

Grand Canyon West is not located in Grand Canyon National Park but on the Hualapai Indian Reservation.

At the western rim, visitors can walk over the glass panels on the Skywalk and see the Grand Canyon spread out before them.  

Death Valley – 1 Day

Then visit Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley is the aridest and hottest place in the country; it is also the lowest.

See the salt flats at Badwater Basin and the panorama from Dante’s View.

Hike along the Salt Creek trail and see the pupfish and sandboard the Mesquite Flat sand dunes. 

Then drive along SR 395 north towards Yosemite.

The best time to drive this road is from summer to fall; the rest of the year you may encounter snow and/or attractions may be closed.

See Alabama Hills, Manzanar historic site, Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, and enter Yosemite National Park through the eastern entrance.

This entrance is closed during winter and spring.

Yosemite – 1 Day

Drive along the Lee Vining Canyon Scenic Byway.

The road will take you to the Tioga Pass entrance into Yosemite’s high country.

This area is snowed over from late fall to spring but is incredibly scenic in the summer.

See the attractions like Tuolumne Meadows and the panorama at Olmsted Point Overlook.

Then check out the attractions in Yosemite Valley including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome. 

After checking Yosemite, take the drive to San Francisco.

Walk or bike across Golden Gate Bridge and see the attractions in the Presidio of San Francisco including Crissy Fields, Fort Point, Walt Disney Museum, and the Palace of Fine Arts.

See the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf and devour the chocolate at Ghirardelli Square. 

Big Sur – 1 Day

Take a short day trip through scenic Big Sur before heading to Los Angeles on this west coast of USA road trip.

You will need to leave on day 2 from San Francisco and reach Los Angeles late in the day to get the time for this side trip but it is totally worth it.

Explore Big Sur’s attractions including Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Keyhole Rock, McWay Falls, the redwood groves, and Point Sur Lighthouse. 

In Los Angeles, take a movie studio tour or walk along the iconic Hollywood Blvd.

Snap a photo with the movie stars on the sidewalk and shop on Rodeo Drive.

See the movie star homes in Beverly Hills and see the museums.

Spend time on the Santa Monica Pier and people watch at Venice Beach.

Enjoy the SoCal vibe to make the most of your West Coast America road trip. 

10 Day California Road Trip

Spend the entire time in California, driving down the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego.

Then explore the state’s desert region of Joshua Tree and Death Valley.

Follow SR 395 through Alabama Hills and Mammoth Lakes to Lake Tahoe. 

San Francisco – 2 Day

Explore the best attractions in San Francisco including the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Lombard Street, and Alcatraz Island.

Take a ride on the historic cable car and dine in popular Fisherman’s Wharf.

San Francisco is very diverse and has something for everyone, whether you are visiting for the first time or a frequent traveler to the city.

Photograph the Victorian architecture and take a day trip out to Muir Woods.

Then drive down south along Pacific Coast Highway towards Big Sur. 

From the urban skyline of San Francisco, the scenery changes quite a bit even before you reach Big Sur.

Highway 1 will take you through communities such as Half Moon Bay and Pescadero before reaching beautiful Monterey.

Spend some time in Monterey at the Cannery Row. See sea lions or take a whale-watching cruise.

Visit the aquarium and hike in Point Lobos then head for Bixby Creek Bridge. 

Visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park which is home to the beautiful McWay Falls.

Then visit the purple sand Pfeiffer Beach before checking out scenic landscapes in Garatappa State Park and Andrew Molera State Park.

Enjoy surfing on the crescent-shaped Sand Dollar Beach.

See the Point Sur lighthouse and the elephant seal rookery at San Simeon. 

Los Angeles – 2 Day

Then drive down California’s coast to Los Angeles.

Experience the city’s beach and movie culture.

Take a photo with the Hollywood sign and dine at Michelin starred restaurants.

Relax on the sandy beaches in Malibu and see stunning art at the Getty Center.

Visit the Griffith Observatory and see gorgeous views of the city from above.

Buy fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market and take pictures for the ‘gram at the Broad. 

From Los Angeles, drive to Death Valley National Park.

Located in California’s high desert, Desert Valley is a hostile environment.

This is the driest, lowest, and hottest place in the country.

It is home to stunning salt flats at Badwater Basin, mysterious moving rocks at Racetrack Playa, and unique geological landforms such as Artist’s Palette and Zabriskie Point.

See the nearby ghost town of Rhyolite while leaving Death Valley for Yosemite. 

Yosemite – 2 Days

Take the SR 395 north towards Lake Tahoe.

On your way, you will pass via attractions such as the alien landscape of Alabama Hills, the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine, and Bodie, a mining ghost town.

Finally, arrive in Yosemite and take the Lee Vining Tioga Pass Road to Yosemite Valley.

Explore attractions such as Yosemite Falls and Tuolumne Meadows before driving back via the same road to Lake Tahoe. 

Lake Tahoe – 1 Day

The scenic Lake Tahoe is California’s favorite outdoor playground.

The lake is located on the Nevada California border and is stunning blue in the summer.

Take the Lake Tahoe Loop Road trip to explore attractions along the lake.

See Emerald Bay State Park and the Viking Castle.

Bike the famous Flume Trail and enjoy South Lake Tahoe. 

To plan this road trip, read our post on 10 Days in California . 

Portland to San Francisco

Another awesome option is to follow Oregon Highway 101, California Highway 101, and Highway 1 down the Pacific Coast.

You will be treated to stunning coastal views, rock formations, sandy beaches, waterfalls, marine life, coastal towns, whale watching, lots of history, and fresh seafood on this West Coast USA itinerary 10 days. 

Also Read the full post here: Portland to San Francisco Road Trip Itinerary

Start this amazing road trip down the coast in Portland.

The city is best for foodies and you should sample local doughnuts and ice creams as well as food truck pods in the city.

Visit the independent bookstore Powell City of Books and tour the underground tunnels.

Visit Portland’s beautiful gardens including the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

See the beautiful views along the waterfront. 

Columbia River Gorge – 1 Day

Take a day trip to Columbia River Gorge via the Historic Columbia River Highway.

The road is extremely scenic and has many attractions including waterfalls.

The most popular waterfall by far is the stunning two-tiered Multnomah Falls.

Walk up to Benson Bridge and see the iconic falls up close.

Visit the Multnomah Falls Lodge Visitor Center before driving all the way to Mount Hood to enjoy your trip. 

Northern Oregon Coast – 1 Day

Then it is time to head down to the coast.

Spend a day exploring the attractions of the northern Oregon Coast.

Start at the beautiful seaport city of Astoria. See the Goonies filming locations.

Then head down to Ecola State Park and Cannon Beach .

Take the iconic photo of Cannon Beach sea-stacks from the state park.

Have fun on the beach, then visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory and try the fresh cheeses. 

Central Oregon Coast – 1 Day

There are many things to do on Oregon’s central coast.

Visit the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and enjoy the stunning views.

Hike through old-growth forests of giant Sitka spruce and see the Devil’s Churn.

You can also whale watch from the shores.

Explore the scenic towns of Yachats, Florence, and Newport, which is home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Visit the Devil’s Punchbowl area and see the unique geological formation.

Tour the charming Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Heceta Head Lighthouse. 

Southern Oregon Coast – 1 Day

Continue the drive down Highway 101 through Southern Oregon.

Take a short scenic road trip along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

This 12-mile long route has plenty of panoramic coastal views and pullouts to enjoy them.

See the lighthouses at Cape Arago, Cape Blanco, and Pelican Bay.

In southern Oregon, you can also see the giant coastal redwoods along the Oregon Redwoods Trail.

The southern coast also has lots of breweries and is a great place to drink craft beer. 

Northern California Coast – 2 Days

Then cross over the border into northern California.

Northern California is the best place to have a variety of redwood experiences including drive-through trees and single log cabins.

Use the two days to explore attractions such as the Avenue of the Giants, the Fern Canyon hike, the Glass Beach at Fort Bragg, the coastal city of Mendocino, and Point Reyes.

Eat the oysters at Tomales Bay and see the Birds filming locale in Bodega Bay.

Read our North California road trip itinerary to plan your 2 days in North California. 

Make your way down to the northern California city of San Francisco.

See the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and take the tour to Alcatraz Island.

See the famous federal prison and know about the prisoners incarcerated here including Al Capone.

See the oriental architecture in Chinatown and the murals in Balmy Alley.

Drive down twisting Lombard Street and dine at the Ferry Market Building.

See the city of San Francisco from the Marin Headlands and enjoy the laid back vibe of Sausalito. 

West Coast USA itinerary 2 weeks

If you have 2 weeks, then you are in for the treat of a lifetime.

You are going to drive through ever-changing landscapes and explore the diversity of the West Coast.

Start your road trip at the Canadian border near Seattle and go south till you reach the Mexican border in San Diego.

This USA west coast itinerary 2 weeks is the ultimate road trip adventure. 

While you won’t get time to see all of the natural attractions including Mt. Rainier, Columbia River Gorge, Yosemite, Big Sur, and Coastal Oregon-Northern California coast, we recommend picking a few of the attractions you most want to visit and dividing your days accordingly for this West Coast road trip 2 weeks. 

Start your 2-week West coast USA itinerary in the Emerald City of Seattle .

It is known for its coffee houses, wet winter season, and the iconic Space Needle.

Try out the city’s famous attractions and tour the Seattle Underground.

Visit the Chinatown-International District and enjoy shopping for knick-knacks and souvenirs.

Eat dishes such as pho, noodles, and Ramen.

Visit the Seattle Museum of Art and the free Olympic Sculpture Park along the waterfront.

Read our guide on Seattle to plan your trip. 

Optional: Mount Rainier National Park – 1 Day

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Pacific Northwest.

The National Park is very close to Seattle and hence easy to see on a day trip.

If you are visiting from July to September, check out the Sunrise Visitor Center and hike the Sunrise Nature Trail or Sunrise Rim Trail.

During the rest of the year, visit the Paradise area and the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center.

The views from the Paradise area are also equally stunning and you can see the active volcanic peak of Mt Rainier, wildflowers, wildlife, and glaciers. 

Then make your way south to the hip and trendy city of Portland.

The Willamette River runs through this city and Tom McCall Waterfront Park is located along the river.

Check out the park and its memorials before checking out Portland’s attractions including the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the Pittock Mansion.

Take a hike through Forest Park and discover the Witch’s Castle!

Go on a food spree and eat unique dishes all around the city. 

Optional: Historic Columbia River Gorge – 1 Day

It’s time for a historic trip down the Columbia River Gorge.

Take the scenic Columbia River Highway from Portland to Mt. Hood and explore the attractions along the 75-mile long route.

Start in the town of Troutdale and visit the historic McMenamins brewpub.

Then stop at the beautiful Multnomah Falls Scenic area. Hike along the falls and other famous hiking trails in the area.

See the panoramic views from Crown Point.

At the end of the road, continue along the Mt Hood Scenic Byway.

Return to Portland for the next part of the trip. 

Optional: Coastal Oregon and Northern California coast – 2 to 3 days

You can either drive down the coast for which you will need at least one additional day without stopping anywhere or fly from Portland to San Francisco for a fly and drive West Coast itinerary.

If you are driving, we recommend devoting 2 to 3 days to this stretch which is filled with redwoods, beautiful lighthouses, charming coastal cities, and more. 

In Oregon, must-see stops include Astoria, Cannon Beach, Tillamook Creamery, Yachats, Heceta Head Lighthouse, Devil’s Punchbowl, Cape Perpetua, and Samuel H Boardman Scenic Byway.

Read our post on Coastal Oregon road trip itinerary to know more about these attractions and plan the trip. 

In Northern California, some of the must-visit attractions include Redwood National and State Parks, Russian River, Avenue of the Giants, Leggett drive-through redwood tree, Napa/Sonoma County, Point Reyes, etc.

To see all the attractions, read our Northern California road trip guide. 

In the city, see the best things to do in San Francisco including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Lombard Street, Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium, California Academy of the Sciences, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and other attractions.

Take a day trip to Napa or Sonoma wine counties and go wine tasting, see the geyser in Calistoga, check out the Bay area attractions in neighboring San Jose and Palo Alto, or see the redwood trees at Muir Woods in case you missed them further up the coast. 

Optional: Yosemite National Park – 1 Day

If you want to see the beauty of the Sierra Nevadas and the Sequoia trees, then go on a day trip to Yosemite National Park.

This is one of the most visited national parks in the country and has amazing scenery.

Start your visit in the Yosemite Village and see the valley.

See the highlights of Yosemite Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, etc.

Drive around the national park and see the famous views of Tunnel View, Valley View, Glacier Point Road, and Olmsted Point Overlook.

See the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees and see the wildflowers on Tuolumne Meadows. 

Optional: Big Sur – 1 Day

Welcome to beautiful, bold Big Sur.

The beauty of California’s unspoiled central Coast has inspired artists, poets, and writers.

This is the place to visit for secluded beaches, lots of marine wildlife, tide pools, hiking trails on the coast, and waterfalls.

Visit small charming communities like Carmel by the Sea, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay to understand and appreciate the relaxed life here. 

Then head down to Los Angeles and enjoy some of the best sunsets of your life.

The city is pretty huge and most of the landmark tourist attractions aren’t concentrated in one place but you can easily get cabs and rideshares to get around the city.

Start your day at Hollywood in Central LA and see the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Kodak Theatre which hosts the Academy Awards, and the Hollywood Museum which has movie props, scripts, and costumes.

See other attractions including Griffith Park and Observatory, Getty Villa, Rodeo Drive, and the museums. 

Optional: Anaheim – 1 Day

If you have kids or adults in your party that love theme parks, then make the stop at Anaheim.

Our favorites are the Disney theme parks – Disneyland and California Adventure.

Disneyland is perfect for younger kids who want to meet Mickey and friends and the princesses while California Adventure is more for older kids who like roller coasters and other thrill rides.

You can also visit Universal Studios to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

There are many other theme parks in Anaheim besides Disney and Universal and you are in for a fun day. 

San Diego – 2 Days

End your road trip in the sunny city of San Diego .

It is known for its warm sun, mild weather, and inviting beaches.

Explore Old Town San Diego and its historic buildings.

Eat delicious Mexican cuisine and walk along the waterfront Embarcadero.

Explore Balboa Park and its attractions.

See the museums housed in historical buildings and take a day trip either to Coronado island or the sunny beaches in La Jolla. 

USA West Coast itinerary 3 weeks

In 3 weeks you can cover a whole lot of the country.

Drive from border to border along the Pacific Coast, then make a beeline for the southwest.

Visit one of a kind attractions such as Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley.

Experience the best of Western USA on this epic road trip. 

If you look at the West Coast America road trip map, you will be covering an L shaped section of the western USA.  

To plan this road trip, follow our suggested route for the 2-week itinerary up to Los Angeles.

Then take the route to Las Vegas from Death Valley.

From Las Vegas, embark on a week-long southwest road trip to the Grand Canyon and beyond.

The itinerary will follow the route as follows:

There is no better place than Seattle to start your West Coast 3 week road trip itinerary.

You will begin near the northern border in Canada and explore the most vibrant city of the Pacific Northwest.

See iconic attractions of the Greater Seattle area including the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pike Place Market, and Seattle Waterfront.

Understand the history of Seattle and the Klondike Gold Rush at Historic Pioneer Square neighborhood.

Read our Seattle itinerary guide to plan your trip. 

Optional Mount Rainier National Park – 1 Day

After seeing Seattle, drive to Mt. Rainier National Park which is located to the southwest of Seattle.

The drive takes about 2.5 hours and is incredibly scenic.

At the end is your destination, the iconic Mt. Rainier. This is an active stratovolcano in the Cascade ranges.

At the national park visitor centers, you can see exhibits about the volcanic activity, plants, and animals in the National Park.

Then enjoy hiking along the park trails and enjoy the waterfalls in the Paradise region.

If the roads are open, drive to Sunrise Visitor Center to see Mt. Rainier from a different vantage point. 

Your next destination is Portland. Start your visit in Washington Park.

This urban park is home to Oregon’s many attractions including the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, and the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum.

It also has expansive gardens including the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum.

See the famous Pittock Mansion and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Visit the local Farmers Market, hike in Forest Park, and walk across the beautiful historic St. John’s Bridge. 

Today, you will be visiting one of the best places to see on the West Coast – the stunning Multnomah Falls.

The falls are 620 feet tall and are the tallest waterfall in the state.

The falls cascade from the basalt cliffs in two tiers.

The charming Benson Bridge overlooks the base of the first tier and has an excellent vantage point over the falls.

After seeing the falls, check out Hood River and other falls including Horsetail Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, etc.

Then drive down to San Francisco. 

As we mentioned before, spend 2 to 3 days on the course from Portland to San Francisco.

Start at the Lewis and Clark Expedition Site in Fort Clatsop in Astoria.

See the beautiful view from Ecola State Park and visit the Tillamook Creamery.

Hike Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and the Devil’s Punchbowl near Yachats.

See the cities of Newport and Florence before heading into Northern California.

In Northern California, hike in Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park and drive through the fog-covered Redwood Highway.

Sport elks and the other wildlife and view the scenic lighthouse in Crescent City.

Admire the Victorian architecture of Old Town Eureka and see the beautiful glass beach at Fort Bragg.

Read our Coastal Oregon road trip itinerary and Northern California road trip itinerary to plan a trip along this route.

Meander your way down the coast to the amazing city of San Francisco.

Enjoy its hip vibe.

If this is your multiple visit to the city, then discover hidden attractions such as the Grateful Dead house in Haight Ashbury neighborhood , the 16th Avenue tiled steps, and Mission Dolores Park in Mission District.

Eat your way around the egg tarts in Chinatown, Mission-style burritos, and sourdough clam chowder soup at Boudin’s Bakery. 

Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places to visit on the West Coast.

Take the scenic Highway 140 through Mariposa to Yosemite Valley.

Visit the museum and take a stroll around Yosemite Village.

Then explore the valley and its major attractions.

You can also see the valley on a guided tour given by the park rangers if you have less time.

Drive up to Tunnel View and see the beautiful panorama of El Capitan, Half Dome, and the Bridalveil falls.

Hike in the valley and explore the park’s wildlife before coming back to the coast. 

Optional: Big Sur – 2 Days

The drive through Big Sur is one of the most beautiful road trips in the world.

You will be driving parallel to the rugged coast and have awesome views of the coastal cliffs and the blue water of the Pacific Ocean.

There are many hiking trails and natural areas along the road including Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Garatappa State Park, Lime Kiln State Park, etc.

Beautiful waterfalls, hidden beaches, and coves surround this area.

Stay at Big Sur village and enjoy the stunning beauty of Big Sur. 

Optional: Channel Island National Park

Channel Islands National Park is one of the least visited National Parks in the country.

Located off the coast of California, the park comprises five islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Visitors can either take a ferry or a plane to the Channel Islands, with the ferry being the more economical option.

The trips depart from Ventura where the park visitor center is also located. 

Two of the most visited islands include Santa Cruz and Anacapa Island.

On Anacapa Island, visitors can hike to Inspiration Point to get stunning views of the islands.

The lighthouse on Anacapa Island is also worth a visit.

In Santa Cruz, visitors can see sea caves including the Painted Cave.

The Channel Islands are also popular for diving among the kelp forests and seeing wildlife including seals and sea birds. 

From Ventura make the trip down along the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles.

This is the second-largest city in the country and a must-visit while road tripping the West Coast.

Its many attractions include watching movie stars shop on Rodeo Drive, seeing their homes in Beverly Hills, taking a movie studio tour including Warner Brothers, Sony, and Paramount.

The city is a top cultural destination and has many noteworthy museums including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the La Brea Tar Pits, the Getty Center, Getty Villa, and the Broad.

Also must try are the several renowned restaurants in Los Angeles. 

Anaheim – 1 Day

Anaheim, located in Orange County, is home to California’s theme parks.

The city also has sports stadiums as well as many free things to do besides theme parks.

In Anaheim, you will find Disney Parks, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, etc.

Foodies must visit the Anaheim Packing House, a renovated food hall.

Other free things to do include taking a stroll through the historic district and seeing the architecture and famous buildings. 

Optional: Death Valley National Park – 1 Day

After seeing Los Angeles and Anaheim, make the trip towards the southwest to the Sin City of Las Vegas.

Along the way, you can make the detour to Death Valley National Park.

As we mentioned, this is a park of extreme landscapes and weather.

It is the lowest, driest, and hottest place in the country. Death Valley is famous for its salt flats at Badwater Basin.

Other things to see at Death Valley include the Harmony Borax trail, the Mesquite Flats sand dunes, Artist’s Drive, and the 360-degree panorama at Dante’s View. 

Now it’s time to road trip the Death Valley Scenic Byway to Las Vegas.

The city is most famous for its casinos and the strip attractions including Bellagio Fountains, the volcano at Mirage, the canals at the Venetian, etc.

Other than the Las Vegas strip attractions, you can also check out hidden gems in Vegas including the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum, Discovery Children’s Museum.

Also, take the time to explore outdoor Las Vegas including Seven Magic Mountains, Red Rock Canyon, and Valley of Fire State Park. 

Zion National Park – 1 Day

From Las Vegas, visit the stunning Zion National Park.

After checking out the Visitor Center, take the shuttle or drive along the Zion Scenic Drive.

This drive is spectacular and has stunning views of the red rock canyon landscape.

Hike along popular short trails such as the Emerald Pools, the Riverside Walk, and the Weeping Rock.

Or spend half a day to more strenuous hikes such as the Narrows or Angels Landing.

The hikes will show you stunning views of the Zion Canyon and the Virgin River through different vantage points. 

Optional: Bryce Canyon National Park – 1 Day

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s most underrated National Parks.

It is famous for its spire-shaped hoodoo rock formations caused by weathering due to wind and rain.

In the famous area known as the Bryce amphitheater, you can see a variety of these hoodoo formations.

Hike the rim trail to see the hoodoos from above and hike down into the canyon using the Navajo Loop Trail to see the hoodoos from below.

Road trip the 21 miles long Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive and see the canyon from the lookout points. 

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend – 1 Day

Another must on an epic West Coast road trip USA!

The Antelope Canyons in Page, Arizona are the most beautiful slot canyons in the world.

The canyons are made of red sandstone and formed due to weathering.

The floodwaters from millions of years ago have left beautiful swirling patterns on the canyon walls and seeing the Canyons just as the sunlight lights them up is a delight.

Another popular attraction in Page is Horseshoe Bend overlook.

Here the Colorado River forms a beautiful horseshoe-shaped meander.

Visitors can see the scenic Horseshoe Bend from an observation platform. 

Optional: Monument Valley – 1 Day

If you have time, then venture into the beautiful landscape of Monument Valley on your road trip US West Coast.

This red sand desert region located in Arizona is probably one of the most photographed spots in the country.

Monument Valley has a fascinating landscape of red sandstone buttes that reach up towards the sky.

You can see all of these buttes on a scenic drive through Monument Valley. 

The views of the buttes are awesome and otherworldly.

Monument Valley is also a popular filming location and the movie Forrest Gump was filmed here. 

Grand Canyon National Park – 2 Days

End your memorable adventure in the Grand Canyon National Park.

The Grand Canyon is a majestic natural wonder and you will seldom see anything comparable to its vast scale ever again.

The Colorado River formed the Grand Canyon over millions of years of weathering action.

Visit the South Rim and enter the park through the popular Grand Canyon Village.

Check out the visitor center exhibits about the geological formation of the canyon and its natural resources.

Then go to Yavapai Point to see one of the most amazing viewpoints of the canyon.

Hike the rim trail and drive all the way to Desert View Watchtower. 

Optional – Phoenix

After seeing the Grand Canyon, you can either drive to Las Vegas or Los Angeles for the return flight or to see even more of the country, drive to Phoenix.

The route will take you through many attractions including historic Flagstaff on Route 66, the beautiful red rock landscape of Sedona, and the ghost town of Jerome.

In Phoenix, you can experience the beauty of Arizona’s deserts at the Desert Botanical Gardens.

In spring and early summer, the cacti will be blooming with beautiful colorful flowers.

Hike up to Camelback mountain for iconic views of the city.

Take the kids to see the Phoenix zoo.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is also lots of fun for youngsters.

See the OdySea Aquarium and enjoy learning science at the Arizona Science Center. 

Art lovers should visit the Phoenix Art Museum to see Renaissance-era art and the Heard Museum to understand the Native American culture.

See the unique Musical Instrument Museum and the Hohokam Native ruins at the Pueblo Grande Archeological Park & Museum.

Architecture lovers should visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West in nearby Scottsdale. 

4 Week USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

If you have an entire month for the USA road trip on the West Coast , then we really envy you!

Very few lucky souls have that kind of time and even we hope to go on such a grand adventure one day. 

With 4 weeks in hand, follow our same route as above except take time to see each and every optional attraction.

Stop in cities like Bend in Oregon and Santa Barbara in California while coming down the coast. 

Drive south all the way down to San Diego before you venture into the Californian desert and American southwest.

See Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park both before going to Las Vegas. 

In Las Vegas, see Lake Mead and Hoover Dam plus the area’s outdoor attractions.

Spend two or more days in Zion and hike all its trails including the famous Narrows hike along the Virgin River.

Make the detour to Grand Canyon north rim after seeing Bryce if the roads are open. 

See both the upper and lower Antelope Canyons in Page.

Spend a day cruising on Lake Powell and see the Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

Camp in Monument Valley to see its dark sky and the silhouette of the buttes at night. 

In the Grand Canyon National Park, hike all the way down via the Bright Angel Trail or go river rafting in the Colorado River.

Get a permit and hike to the beautiful Havasupai Falls.

Drive down to Phoenix and spend some time exploring the Grand Canyon State on an epic Arizona road trip through Saguaro National Park and Petrified Forest National Park.

These are just a few ideas to make your road trip better!

The USA West Coast road trip is an adventure of a lifetime.

This road trip is more American than any road trip could ever be.

If you have any trip planning questions, let us know in the comments.

Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

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Traveling along the West Coast of the United States  had been in my head since the day I found out I’d be moving there for work. Who hasn’t dreamed about a road trip across the Western US? For me, the landscapes that automatically come to mind are the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Death Valley among others, as we have seen again and again in a bunch of movies.

Grand Canyon

In addition to nature, the American West Coast also offers you visits to symbolic cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

My favorite part of this trip was definitely the National Parks where natural wonders of this incredible country are concentrated within. I had been taking note of them on a  Western US  map   for a long time so that I could visit them as soon as I had the chance.

That’s how I started planning the 10-day West Coast USA road trip that we took in August.

THIS WAS OUR 10-DAY WEST COAST USA ITINERARY:

Our 10-day West Coast USA road trip itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas.  Beginning of our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip.
• Day 2: Monument Valley + Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend.  The most popular places in the Western USA.
• Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park. One of the less touristic national park in the West Coast USA.
• Day 4: Zion Canyon National Park. One of the places we like the most during our 10-day West Coast USA trip.
• Day 5: Grand Canyon,  a must-visit place on the West Coast.
• Day 6: Mojave National Preserve + Death Valley,  the best of our 10-day West Coast Itinerary.
• Day 7: Yosemite Valley, the best attraction in the Western USA.
• Day 8: Upper Yosemite Falls,  the best hike of our West Coast America road trip.
• Day 9: Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. You cannot skip this highlight of West Coast USA:
• Day 10: Return flight from San Francisco.  En of our 10-day Western US trip.

If a Western US road trip is also one of your dreams, you will find everything you need to prepare your trip here:

• 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip

Best places to visit in West Coast America

• Our West Coast USA 10-day itinerary
• How to plan a self-drive trip to the Western US

How much does it cost a West Coast USA trip?

• Map of Western US

10-day west coast USA road trip

One of the first things I am sure you will be wondering about is how long a West Coast trip could take. My opinion is that you could be discovering the American West Coast for months and would still have things to do.

Death Valley – Zabriskie Point

When looking at a West Coast USA map, it may initially seem that the best tourist destinations are close to each other. However, distances in this country are huge, and you will spend a lot of time on the road during your trip.

Keep in mind that the US public transportation system is very scarce outside of the big cities, so the only practical option is to rent a car and prepare for a West Coast USA driving holiday.

On our West Coast USA road trip, more than ¼ of the trip was spent driving and still, along with the Canadian Rockies trip , it was one of the best trips of our life.

Another highly recommended option is to take a West Coast RV trip , as this country offers all kind of facilities for those who like to travel with their motorhome. You can check the best RV rental companies in the USA here.

Although it takes a long time to travel across the West Coast in depth, if you don’t have too many days or prefer to combine them, I encourage you to spend in West Coast America at least 10 days.

Grand Canyon – Plateau Point

There are thousands of West Coast USA tours you can take, so the first thing you have to choose is a few must-see places. It may seem complicated to plan this trip at first, especially when you do not have much time.

To help you choose your perfect West Coast America itinerary, you will discover the main tourist attractions in this section. Then, you can design the West Coast USA holiday itinerary that best suits your needs.

I suggest that as you read through this article, write down  the things to do in West Coast America  that interest you most on a map to help determine the best itinerary.

SAN FRANCISCO

If you like to visit cities, one of the places you cannot miss on the West Coast America is San Francisco. This popular city of California, is characterized by the steep slopes and the well-known Lombard street.

The most popular thing to do in San Francisco is visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the US and a classic in many American films, as seen in Godzilla and Superman.

In addition, another interesting activity to do is visiting the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary whose best-known prisoner was Al Capone. It was said that nobody could escape from this maximum-security prison island since the only way was by swimming almost two kilometers in cold and treacherous waters.

If you are visiting this city, stay in one of the best hotels in San Francisco.

Las Vegas,  also known as “Sin City”, is one of the American classics famous for its countless casinos, open container laws (aka public drinking), and legalized prostitution in nearby counties.

The largest city in the state of Nevada welcomes both domestic and global tourism, where vice is a right. It is not surprising to hear the old saying: What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.

Welcome Las Vegas

Whether you like gambling or not, it is a must-see Western American city. It is also a good place to celebrate your (fake) wedding if being married by Elvis is also one of your dreams. Here you can find the ultimate list of things to do in Las Vegas.

If you are visiting this city make sure you know where to stay in Las Vegas , since its hotels are some of the most amazing in the World.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS to do in las vegas

• Los Angeles

Los Angeles , also known as LA, is the most populous city on the West Coast of USA. The City of Broken Dreams and Hollywood stars is located in California.

The Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign are probably the main tourist attractions in Los Angeles , although a visit to Santa Monica , the beach where Baywatch was filmed, is also recommended.

Another place of interest is the Warner Bros. studios , where you can visit the film sets of a lot of movies, as well as Venice , where the canals remind you of those from the Italian city with the same name.

LA is a stop that you cannot miss on your 10-day West Coast US trip if you happen to enjoy both cities and film. You can find where to stay in Los Angeles here.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES

Grand canyon.

If we had to choose just a single place to start, visiting the Grand Canyon  would probably be the first that we recommend to do in West Coast USA.

The Grand Canyon is in Arizona and was shaped by the Colorado River over millions of years. In some points, the Canyon reaches a depth of more than 5250 feet.

Grand Canyon – Helicopter Tour

If you don’t have much time, taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is a good option, as we told you in that article about our experience. However, if you have several days, I advise going down the canyon  through one of the many different hikes to discover the Colorado River.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO DO IN GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK and best places to stay in Grand canyon

Havasu falls.

If you like adventure, visiting the Havasu Falls is an essential of West Coast USA.

The Havasu Falls, along with others in the area, belong to the Havasupai Indian Reservation and are guarded by a tribe of Native Americans. They are inaccessible by car, so you must be in excellent physical condition to visit as you will be hiking in and out.

Plan well in advance for your visit, since you will need a permit that usually runs out shortly after the beginning of the  reservation  period which starts in February of each year. In addition to the permit, you will have to book a camping spot, as it is mandatory to stay there when visiting the falls.

SANTA BARBARA

Back at the coastal area, Santa Bárbara, located 150 kilometers north of Los Angeles, can be another interesting stop.

The main beach largely resembles Santa Mónica, except Santa Bárbara is not as popular.

However, Santa Bárbara is not just a beach: its architecture with Hispanic colonial roots is an important tourist attraction.

MONUMENT VALLEY

Between Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is another one of the supernatural landscapes in the American West. It is a huge valley where very interesting geological formations rose with reddish colors. This was also a scene featured in many classic western films.

Monument Valley

This desert valley is located within the Navajo Nation, a territory that belongs to the Navajo natives who are responsible for both maintenance of the reserve and collection of entrance fees, which is not included in the US National Parks pass.

The best time to photograph the valley is during sunrise when the sun is behind the monuments, or during sunset when the monuments are illuminated by the last rays of the sun. In addition, there are different hiking trails that bring you closer to the main monuments of the valley, or you can even take a Jeep tour with one of the Navajo guides.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO Do IN Monument Valley and WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

Page: antelope canyon and horseshoe bend.

Page is a town inside the Navajo Indian Reservation, located in Arizona.

The most interesting attraction here is the Antelope Canyon , a geological feature formed by consecutive floods throughout history, which eroded narrow labyrinths of sandy rock into its terrain.

Antelope Canyon

Do not miss our Guide to antelope canyon TOURS

In addition, if you visit Page, you cannot miss a sunset in  Horseshoe Bend, which is named after its shape. It is probably the most famous bend of the Colorado River.

Horseshoe Bend

Do not miss our Guide to VISIT horseshoe bend

Here we leave you the best guide to know where to stay in Page.

The Wave in Arizona is another attraction to see in Western America.

To see this solidified wave-shaped dune, you must have a permit issued  four months in advance and by lottery (only 20 visitors per day are allowed).

It is one of the few virgin wonders that remain in the United States, so if you missed the date of the draw, it is always a good idea to check if someone has canceled his or her tour on the calendar. Visit this booking website both to participate in the lottery and to check the calendar.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Bryce Canyon National Park is a reserve located in Utah and is popular for the peculiar rock formations also known as “Hoodoos”. This park should be included in any Western US National Parks itinerary.

Due to the reddish color of the terrain, the best time to contemplate the main amphitheater viewpoint is at sunrise and sunset.

Bryce Canyon

There are also several hiking trails that will take you through the formations, where you can discover some with very interesting forms and names like Thor’s Hammer or Queen Victoria.

Do not miss THE BEST HIKES IN bryce canyon and the BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRYCE

Close to the Mexican border, we will find San Diego, the second largest city in the state south of Los Angeles

This city is a good stop on your 10-day West Coast US road trip if you are more interested in beach areas. La Jolla Cove is the most popular beach and you can find all kinds of wildlife including sea lions there.

In addition to the beach, there are other places of interest, such as Old Town San Diego, where you can find original buildings of the first Spaniards that arrived here, and Balboa Park, where many museums are concentrated, or the Coronado Island , where you can find the best views of the city.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

In Utah, one of the most important landmarks of the state is  Zion National Park, where the main interest here is an 800-meter-deep canyon carved into the reddish terrain for 24 kilometers by the Virgin River.

There are different hikes that you can take in this park. One of the most popular is Angels Landing, where you can get a full view of the canyon after three hours of hiking and up the Via Ferrata section.

Zion Canyon

Another longer route is The Narrows , which can be completed in 8 hours or done over several days. The route goes through the narrow gorges carved in by the virgin river, so you always need to check river flow the day before at the visitor’s center, and also to get water shoes.

Do not miss THE THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO IN zion national park and WHERE TO STAY IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

Joshua tree national park.

Located in a desert area in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park stands out for its unique rocks and mountain shapes.

Although its name comes from the unique Joshua Tree , what makes this park really interesting are the infinite rock-climbing possibilities .

Whether or not you are a climber, if you decide to visit Joshua Tree National Park on your West Coast USA trip over 10 days, you will experience the feeling of finding yourself on another planet.

DEATH VALLEY

On your 10-day West Coast America self-driving tour, you cannot miss the Death Valley that is located in California.

Death Valley

This immense desert is famous for Badwater, a dry area with the highest negative elevation within North America, situated at 262 feet below sea level. In addition, it is one of the hottest places on earth during summer, with a maximum recorded temperature of 58ºC.

Zabriskie Point

If you are going to cross it, be sure to fill the fuel tank and bring plenty of water to survive the extreme desert temperatures during the day.

Do not miss tHE bEST tHINGS TO DO IN Death Valley and where to stay in Death Valley

Mojave national preserve.

The Mojave Desert  spreads across Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley, Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) and the Mojave National Preserve.

While you will find Joshua trees all over in this vast extension of land, the world’s highest concentration is located within the Mojave National Preserve .

Mojave Desert

In addition to the flora, the fauna is abundant and diverse, from reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles to mammals like bobcats or hares.

Do not miss WHAT TO DO IN mojave desert

Arches national park.

Arches National Park , located in Utah, has the highest concentration of stone arches in the world, however, there is no record of how many arches there are in this extension. This is the reason why it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Utah.

In addition, we can find another type of geological formations that defy gravity here, such as the Balanced Rock, a rock that seems to be falling at any time, yet has been standing for thousands of years in the same position.

The best way to go across Arches National Park is through a park ranger-guided tour that takes you to the purest and most virgin area of the park, where you cannot access on your own. You can book it here.

This park is one of the most acclaimed by photographers since the impossible shapes of the arches are very easy to use in any composition.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

An essential stop in West Coast USA is Yosemite National Park , located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

This park is remarkable for two of the most important climbing sites in the United States and the world: the big granite walls of El Capitan and the Half Dome. In addition, we can find the American Giant Sequoia, one of the largest trees in the world, as well as extensive fauna that includes raccoons and black bears in this park.

Yosemite Valley

If you are a lover of nature, outdoor activities, and camping , this is surely going to be one of your favorite places near West Coast of the United States.

Do not miss all you have to do in Yosemite and WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE

Sequoia national park.

In Sequoia National Park, you can find the largest concentration of giant sequoias in the world. These are grouped within what is known as the Giant Forest.

The park is located about 10000 feet above sea level, a critical altitude for this type of trees to grow. However, it may be closed during the winter because of the snow.

In addition, here we can find the giant sequoia known as General Sherman standing at 275 feet. While it is the largest single-stem tree, the Hyperion , located in Redwood National Park, California, stands taller at 379 feet as the tallest living tree known in the world.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is the oldest national park in the United States. It stands out for the incredible volcanic activity in the area and for the abundant fauna that inhabits the park: buffalo, grizzly bears, black bears, moose… If you want to enjoy the authentic American wildlife and landscapes with a smell of sulfur taken from another world, Yellowstone is an essential place to visit on the American West Coast.

I didn’t visit it during my first trip to the West Coast in the United States in 10 days, but during my next trip in which I toured Yellowstone and Grand Teton for 10 days, a great plan if you are looking for an alternative itinerary.

Check WHAT TO DO IN YELLOWSTONE and WHERE TO STAY IN YELLOWSTONE

Grand teton national park.

The mountains of Grand Teton National Park are one of the most haunted landscapes by photographers on the West Coast. If you like wildlife, hiking, and want to flee the typical 10-day US West Coast itineraries , I recommend visiting this national park that promises a quiet vacation away from the masses even in peak tourist season.

Grand Teton adjoins Yellowstone National Park, so taking a 10-day tour of the US West Coast combining these two parks is quite popular.

Check what to do in grand teton and WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND TETON

Our 10-day west coast usa itinerary.

As we stated above, our West Coast USA trip was focused on national parks and all the natural wonders of this area in North America.

Cities in the west coast are for sure some interesting destinations, but, without a doubt, if we had had more than 10 days to travel the American West Coast, we would have kept exploring the natural places that this country offers, each one so different and full of contrasts.

DAY 1 – West Coast America Trip: FLIGHT TO LAS VEGAS

We arrived in Las Vegas at noon, picked up the rental car and made a quick route to see the highlights of the city.

After a mandatory stop to make the classic photo with the Welcome Las Vegas sign, we headed to Monument Valley (6 hours driving) where we spent our first night.

DAY 2 – West Coast America Trip: DAWN IN MONUMENT VALLEY + ANTELOPE CANYON + HORSESHOE BEND

We photographed the sunrise in Monument Valley to see the incredible geological formations of the Navajo Reservation tinted in beautiful reddish colors.

Monument Valley (Our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip)

In the morning we went to Antelope Canyon , in Page (2 hours driving) to take both the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours.

Antelope Canyon (Our 10-day West Coast USA Trip)

In the afternoon we had a rest at  Lake Powell. Then we went to Horseshoe Bend from where we watched and photographed an unforgettable sunset.

Horseshoe Bend (Our 10-day Western US Road Trip)

We drove 2.5 hours until our next stop on our 10-day route along the West Coast.

DAY 3 – West Coast America Trip: BRYCE canyon NATIONAL PARK

We woke up in Bryce Canyon National Park , where we took pictures of the twilight from Sunrise Point overlooking the amphitheater.

We hiked the Rim Trail, seeing different Hoodoos as Thor’s Hammer.

Bryce Canyon (Our 10-day WesternUSA Road Trip)

At night, we returned to photograph the amphitheater under the Perseid Meteor Shower, and camped inside the park.

Bryce Canyon – Sunrise Overlook

DAY 4 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: ZION NATIONAL PARK

We arrived in Springdale (2 hours driving), parked our car and took the shuttle to Zion National Park.

We did the Angels Landing trail to get the best views of the valley.

Zion National Park (Our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip)

In the afternoon, we drove 4 hours to the next stop on our 10-day Western US trip.

DAY 5 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: GRAND CANYON

We watched the sunrise at the Grand Canyon from Mather Point in probably the most epic light display we have ever seen during a sunrise.

Grand Canyon (Our trip to West Coast USA for 10 days)

In the morning we take this tour , as we tell you in this article about Grand Canyon helicopter rides . Without a doubt, I enjoyed my visit the most.

In the afternoon, we descended the first section of the Bright Angel Trailhead trail.

In the evening we drove to the next stop of our 10-day Western US trip, Mojave National Preserve (4 hours driving), where we spent one of the best nights of our life camping in the wild desert.

Mojave National Preserve

DAY 6 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: MOJAVE DESERT + DEATH VALLEY

We photographed the first sun rays of the day through the branches of the Joshua trees in the Mojave National Preserve.

We filled the tank to cross the Death Valley and made stops at the main viewpoints.

Death Valley (Our 10-day West Coast USA Self-drive Trip)

We arrived at Yosemite National Park where we set up a bivouac to spend the night in order to get accommodation the next morning at the historic Camp 4.

This day we drove a total of 10 hours, more driving hours than any other day of the entire trip.

DAY 7 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Once settled in Yosemite National Park valley we went to discover the main viewpoints of the valley, from which we would photograph the last sunrises and sunsets of our 10-day trip to the West Coast USA.

Yosemite (Our 10-day West Coast USA holidays)

We took the opportunity to enjoy the real camp life,  cooked on the bonfire at night and raccoon watched with our campmates so they didn’t eat our food.

DAY 8 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

On the eighth day, we did the most strenuous hike of our 10-day West Coast USA trip. We climbed to the Upper Yosemite Falls, where we had a bath in one of its natural pools.

Yosemite Falls (Our 10-day West Coast USA vacations)

In the afternoon we took refuge in the tent as a hail storm fell – remember that weather in Yosemite, like any high mountains, is quite unpredictable even during summer season.

DAY 9 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

On our 9th day, we decided to try one of the small hiking trails in Yosemite National Park, such as the hike that takes you to Bridal Veil Falls or the Taft Point viewpoint.

In the afternoon we visited Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, where we could see these giant trees.

Tuolumne Grove (Our 10-day West Coast USA self-drive holidays)

DAY 10 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: FLIGHT BACK FROM SAN FRANCISCO

We left Yosemite National Park to head to San Francisco , where we took our return flight home.

Our initial idea was to have the last day to discover the city. However, we liked Yosemite so much that we ended up leaving just enough time to catch the flight back. It took us 4 hours to get to the airport.

How to plan an self-drive trip to the Western US

Although many travel agencies offer West Coast USA holiday packages, this destination seems more appropriate to be planned on your own (unless you are interested in photography and decide to take a photo tour to the West Coast America ).

In any case, we will explain step by step how you can plan a trip to the West Coast USA on your own in this section:

• Choose your best West Coast USA itinerary
• Plan how to get to West Coast USA
• Get your US tourist visa
• Hire the best travel insurance for traveling to the United States
• Book a rental car
• Buy America the Beautiful Pass to enter the US National Parks for free
• Book the best accommodation  on the West Coast

HOW TO CHOOSE THE best West Coast USA itinerary

From the previous section where we highlighted the best places to visit in Western US, choose 8 (if taking a 10-day West Coast road trip) or 15 places (if taking a 20-day trip) that interest you most.

Jot them down on a map of  West Coast USA (I suggest using  Google MyMaps ).

Connect the different points and check on our map below to see if there is any tourist attraction that is on your way or that you can easily reach.

Finally, check that the driving hours are compatible with the itinerary or else leave them out of your list.

Driving in the West Coast USA

Do not be frustrated, no matter how long you stay on the West Coast, you will always leave something to explore for the next trip 😉

how to get to the West Coast of USA

In order to define our itinerary, we must know how to get to the Western US.

The best way is by flying to one of the following three airports:

• San Francisco

If you want to find cheap flights to the West Coast , the best time to book them is 3 months in advance. You can find here the best cheap flights hacks . My favorite search engine is Kiwi.com.

Also, if you want to visit too many places in the West and do not have much time, I suggest that you do a one-way trip , starting at a different airport from where you will return home through. This will increase the travel budget a bit, but you don’t get to travel to the Western US every day, do you?

VISA FOR THE UNITED STATES

There are two ways to travel as a tourist to the United States. If you belong to one of these countries you can travel to the US without a visa, but must obtain a travel authorization called “ESTA”.

HOW TO PROCESS THE ESTA

The ESTA is very easy to obtain. Simply fill out the application form on iVisa and you will receive the approval in about 6 hours by email.

We have a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the ESTA to the USA.

HOW TO PROCESS TOURIST VISA B2

If you do not have a passport from one of the countries mentioned above, you need a B2 visa to travel as a tourist to the United States.

This type of visa is more difficult to obtain. In addition to preparing the required documentation which proves that you are not going to travel to the United States with the intention of living or working, you will have to go through an interview at the embassy.

A more extensive explanation of how to process this visa can be found on the US Department of State website.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE UNITED STATES

Living in the USA, I know how important is to have good travel insurance for the USA. Since health care cost in this country is very high, hospitalization without insurance can easily make your bill rise above $100,000.

So when we moved here, we bought long-stay travel insurance , although we are currently using annual multi-trip insurance.

Death Valley dunes

Although I always recommend buying the best travel insurance wherever you go, you must have extraordinary coverage for the US (never consider hiring anything that covers below $30,000 if you travel to the United States).

You can get the best quality-price insurance with Heymondo .

15% OFF your travel insurance

western USA car rental

As we have said, the only practical way to travel the Western United States is by renting a car.

Driving in Death Valley

If you do not have too much time, consider taking a  one-way instead of a round-trip  along the West. We picked up the car in Vegas and left it in San Francisco. Although this meant an increase in the budget because of the drop off-fee, we were able to visit more places during our 10-day West Coast trip.

The cheapest way to rent a car is using DiscoverCars , where we hired the rental car in Las Vegas.

FIND CHEAP RENTAL CARS IN THE US

ANNUAL NATIONAL PARKS PASS – AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

If you are planning a Western US National Parks itinerary, I recommend that you buy an annual America the Beautiful pass.

This pass allows access to all US National Parks, as well as other state parks.

The pass is valid for one year from when it is purchased and covers entry for one vehicle with up to 5 passengers. Display pass by hanging it over the rear-view mirror).

In addition, the pass is issued for two owners who must sign behind the card to use. A very good option is to buy the annual pass, leave one signature blank, and resell it to a second owner at the end of your Western USA tour.

Even if you don’t resell the pass, you will get your money’s worth just by visiting 3 or 4 National Parks (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yosemite …).

The pass can be purchased online from here or directly at the ticket office of the first national park you visit.

ACCOMMODATION ON THE WEST COAST US

It is difficult to find cheap and very good quality hotels at the same time on West Coast America. Therefore we will try to help you by listing the best places to stay, considering different budgets, tastes, and needs.

Best accommodation in West Coast USA

Keep in mind that accommodation will be one of the major expenses of your trip to  West Coast America. On the other hand, sometimes a good hotel can even be one of the best attractions you can enjoy during your trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO

• HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel: Hostel in the heart of San Francisco that has both shared and private rooms at a very low price. Free WIFI. Includes breakfast and a kitchen for those who want to cook.
• Buena Vista Motor Inn: Hotel with complimentary parking in the middle of Lombard street. Wi-Fi and breakfast included. Totally safe area to walk at night. Just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Guide on where to stay in San Francisco

WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS

• Venetian:  Venice-themed casino resort with gondoliers included.
• Circus Circus: Casino hotel with circus theme, with its own indoor amusement park that runs throughout the year.
• Stratosphere:  Casino hotel that includes vertigo attractions at 350 meters high.
• Bellagio: Inspired by Italy, it is one of the most luxurious resort and casinos in Las Vegas.
• New York – New York:   Resort casino inspired by the big city where we can find a miniature statue of liberty.
• Paris Las Vegas:   Perfect casino hotel for honeymoon or couple trips with miniature Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
• Excalibur:  You will find yourself in the Middle Ages in this casino resort within its castles.
• Planet Hollywood:  Modern hotel and casino where you will feel the essence of the West Coast.

Guide on where to stay in Las Vegas

WHERE TO STAY IN LOS ANGELES

• Hollywood Travelodge:  Located very close to the walk of fame. Includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and free parking.
• Samesun Venice Beach:  The best option if you want to enjoy the Venice boardwalk and its beach. They have bicycle rental service.
• Cal Mar Hotel Suites:  If you prefer to be close to Santa Monica beach this option is very well priced.

Guide on where to stay in Los Angeles

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND CANYON

If we visit the South Rim, the most touristic edge of the Grand Canyon, it is quite important to stay in the Grand Canyon Village, since two of the main attractions of this jewel of Western US is their sunrise and sunset. So, the closer we are to the edge, the easier it will be for us.

We camped in the Grand Canyon, at the  Mather Campground on the South Rim.

If you prefer to stay at a hotel, all accommodations at Grand Canyon Village are run by the company   Xanterra ,  and you can make reservations on whose website.

Guide on where to stay in Grand Canyon

WHERE TO STAY IN PAGE

• Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell: This hotel is located in the center of Page. As it is highly valued, you will have to book it well in advance, since rooms tend to run out being such a small and tourist place at the same time.
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: Without a doubt the best hotel in Page, both the price and the charm of its rooms. It is not in the center but is closer to Horseshoe Bend.

Guide on where to stay in Page

WHERE TO STAY IN BRYCE

Bryce is one of the best places to camp in the Western US. In addition to two conventional campsites ( North Campground and Sunset Campground ), there are 12 backcountry campsites.

If camping is not your thing and you prefer to stay in one of the best hotels in the West, then I recommend the Best Western Ruby’s Inn , a historic hotel at the gates of the national park that also has a camping area.

Guide on where to stay in Bryce

WHERE TO STAY IN ZION

• Bumbleberry Inn:  One of the few hotels near Zion whose price is below $200 a night and with a great value.
• La Quinta Inn and Suites : Another hotel that also has good prices and is highly rated near Zion, known for its buffet breakfast that includes delicious homemade waffles.

Guide on where to stay in Zion

WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

If you want to enjoy dawn with the best views of the valley, I recommend that you camp in the Monument Valley. The campground is called The View Campground and the only way to reserve it is by calling +1 435-727-5802.

This campsite belongs to  The View Hotel , a hotel run by the Navajo Indians with equally amazing views.

Guide on where to stay in Monument Valley

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA BARBARA

• Hotel Santa Barbara: One of the best hotels in Santa Barbara with a great location in the city center and very close to the beach. Includes Wi-Fi, breakfast and free parking.
• The Eagle Inn:   On the beach of Santa Barbara and in a beautiful historic building. The price is a bit higher but it includes a jacuzzi in the room.

WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE

We decided to camp at Camp 4 during our visit to Yosemite. Here, the hippy movement was born in the 60s and spread throughout the United States.

However, if you don’t want to camp, don’t worry. There are very good hotels in Yosemite. Some of the best are:

• The Ahwahnee
• Yosemite Valley Lodge
• Curry Village

Guide on where to stay in Yosemite

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO

• Staypineapple at Hotel Z: One of the best hotels in downtown San Diego. Modern design and quite affordable. It offers free bicycles to its customers.
• HI-San Diego Point Loma Hostel: Hostel with shared rooms, very good price and located next to the beach. Ideal if you visit San Diego with the intention of meeting other travelers.

WHERE TO STAY IN JOSHUA TREE

The best place to stay in Joshua Tree is in one of its campsites. There are 4 campsites throughout the national park that can be reserved, and another 4 first-come, first-served campground. All the information regarding the Joshua Tree campgrounds can be found on the National Parks Service website.

WHERE TO STAY IN DEATH VALLEY

• The Inn at Death Valley: This Oasis in the middle of the desert is the most luxurious resort you’ll find here. Refresh between your palm garden and its spring water pool and relax in your spa area.
• The Ranch at Death Valley: Run by the same company as The Inn at Death Valley, it is the familiar and informal complement of the previous one. If you want to relax in a unique environment but without too many pretensions, this accommodation is for you.
• Panamint Springs Resort:  This resort offers both tourist resorts and lodging in tents. It’s close to the west entrance of the national park, from where you’ll have stunning views of the sand dunes.

Guide on where to stay in Death Valley

WHERE TO STAY IN MOJAVE DESERT

There are no motels inside Mojave National Preserve. The only way to stay is camping. There are two family campsites, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground and Mid Hills Campground. Both are first-come, first-served campgrounds.

There is also the possibility of doing backcountry camping. If you want more information, check the US National Parks Service website.

WHERE TO STAY IN ARCHES

There are no campsites or hotels within Arches National Park. The best thing to do is to stay somewhere close to the entrance:

• Red Cliffs Lodge:  All rooms have views of the Colorado River. In addition, you have access to a private living room with a fridge and microwave. This accommodation is the best you’ll find if you visit Arches National Park from the west. Do not miss its western cinema museum.
• Under Canvas Moab:  This accommodation is located east of Arches National Park and offers already pitched tents, some with private bathrooms. If you are not a fan of the camps, but you would like to try, this is your place. In addition to the bed linen, the hotel will lend you towels and a flashlight. A very comfortable way to learn a little about the American camper culture.

WHERE TO STAY IN SEQUOIA

• Montecito Sequoia Lodge: This rustic mountain accommodation offers a place to relax, surrounded by lakes, forests and rugged peaks. It has a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet.
• Bearpaw High Sierra Camp: This established camp has 6 canvas tents with wooden floors. The views of the surroundings are amazing. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the accommodation.
• Wuksachi Lodge:  It is the emblematic hotel of Sequoia, an amazing mountain hut made of stone and cedar located in the heart of the park, surrounded by a powerful sequoia forest and towering peaks of the sierra.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAVASU FALLS

As we commented, if you visit Havasu Falls, it is compulsory to spend at least one night in one of its campsites, since you cannot make excursions exclusively for one day. Book both the tour and the camping permit from the official website of the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

WHERE TO STAY IN YELLOWSTONE

There are only  9 hotels within Yellowstone National Park , so in peak tourist season, most travelers only find accommodation outside the park.

You can find the best options on our guide on where to stay in Yellowstone National Park, but my favorite hotels are:

• Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
• Yellowstone Gateway Inn
• Stage Coach Inn
• Al’s Westward Ho Motel
• Travelodge by Wyndham
• Absaroka Lodge

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND TETON

There are many places to stay in Grand Teton National Park but my favorite ones are:

• Colter Bay Village 
• Jackson Lake Lodge  
• Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch 
• Jenny Lake Lodge

To calculate  how much a road trip along the West Coast cost, keep in mind that gasoline in the United States is quite cheap compared most European countries, so even though you will drive many kilometers, this is not something you have to worry too much about when planning your itinerary.

Regarding the food , going to restaurants or going out to have a drink is very expensive; especially when you are looking for somewhere that serve healthy and quality food. If you’re willing to eat fast food, your West Cost travel budget will decrease since the United States is the paradise for junk food.

Regarding accommodation , while it is more expensive in the US than other countries, there are ways to make it cheaper .

Consider camping during your West Coast America tour. In addition to being cheaper, it is very fun and do not forget that there is no country in the world with such an active camping culture as in the United States. You will enjoy watching all the American accessories that make camping more comfortable, and the amazing motorhomes that are better than many houses. You can check some tips for traveling by rv in the USA here.

If you want to know how much we spent during out trip, you can check our West Coast travel budget for 10 days.

West Coast USA combinations ideas

In case you have more time, you can combine the West Coast of the USA with other destinations. Some of the most popular combinations are the following.

West Coast America and Hawaii holidays

If you love nature, combine  West Coast USA and Hawaii to enjoy the most active volcanoes in the United States. These wild islands in the middle of the Pacific, offer a native culture totally different from any other place in the world, in addition to beautiful beaches. The Western US and Hawaii landscapes are an excellent combination for the more adventurous.

RIVIERA MAYA and WEST COAST USA honeymoon

Riviera Maya and West Coast America honeymoon trips are very popular.  With this travel itinerary, we can enjoy a mix of the natural American West Coast landscapes with turquoise water beaches and the history of ancient civilizations. This is the best combination for honeymoons or for travelers interested in a mix of all-inclusive vacation packages.

WEST COAST AND ROUTE 66 road trip

If you want to travel the most famous road in the United States, plan a Route 66 – Western US road trip. With this tour, you will have a chance to visit my favorite city in the US: Chicago. I don’t recommend this combination if you do not like driving since much time of this trip will be spent inside the car.

West Coast USA tours from New york

Another very popular combination, especially if you are traveling from Europe. A New York & West Coast America fly-drive itinerary mixes the Western US National Parks with the busiest city of the East Coast. This option is perfect for those who also enjoy visiting big cities, since there are plenty of things to do in New York City.

With any of these combinations, I recommend spending at least 10 days in West Coast America .

However, if you only plan to travel to the West Coast and can afford it, I would recommend spending 2 or even  3 weeks.

map of West Coast USA

Finally, it is very useful to plan your trip using a map of Western US , marked with your places of interest. Then check the following map to see if there is any other attraction on the way.

SEE you ON THE WEST COAST and do not hesitate to ask if you need help preparing your itinerary!

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80 replies on “ Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary ”

We are from Singapore and planning a 20 days trip in June to West Coast of US and would be our first drive trip to the US. We wanted to cover Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yosemite, route 66, UTAH but not sure if we are able to (or worth to) cover up till Seattle. We love your advise as it will be our first trip to West Coast of US and accommodation recommendations will be helpful plus itinerary. regards Melvin

Hi Melvin, Wow, that sounds amazing! There is so much to see the western United States. I think you’ll find our road trip itineraries from Las Vegas to be super helpful. As for accommodation, it depends on whether you’re renting a car or RV since an RV will take care of accommodation for you. Otherwise, the hotel recommendations above in this article are a great place to start. 🙂

Hi! Wow, relieved i came accross this blog. Thank you for sharing this.

I made an almost similar itinerary and posted it in trip advisor.

we are arriving early morning in Vegas on March 10 and flying out late night from San Francisco March 20. For the 10 day trip, we’d like to see Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Most of the comments says most of the time will be spent driving hence the trip might not be an enjoyable one. Some even suggested dropping Yosemite as this is too far from the rest of the places we’re hoping to see.

With all the driving you did on this trip, do you think you still spent a good time exploring the parks?

Thanks heaps!

Yes, it was a lot of hours driving but it was a trip of a lifetime. I won’t change any of the stops I did so I highly recommend it specially if you don’t mind driving at night and you don’t have more time to spend on the West Coast USA.

Hi, very informative post there ! May I know what route did u take to travel to yosemite from death valley ? I supposed you travelled when the tiogo road was closed ?

We traveled in August when the Tioga Road was open. So we just drove Nort through the Eastern Sierra and enter from the Northeastern part of the park 😉

i am planning to go to a trip with my friends but iam confused where should i go.

It’s difficult to choose when there are so many great options! My recommendation is to check the places and pictures and just pick the 4/5 places that you find more interesting 😉

Hi Martin from Australia here. I am busy planning an 8 day self drive tour in April starting in, and returning to Las Vegas. I stumbled on your website and found it to be a fantastic resource, full of very helpful information. One thing that is puzzling me with your route. Why did you go to Monument Valley first and then criss-cross south to Antelope Canyon, north to Bryce Canyon and then south again to the Grand Canyon. This appears to add an additional 400 miles (appx). I had originally been planning a circuit through Bryce Canyon, Monument Park, Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon. Then Back to Las Vegas via Mojave Desert and Death Valley. Thank you

We did that itinerary because we were traveling in August (high season) and wanted to camp in Monument Valley and Grand Canyon, so we book the only days available hehehe

Your itinerary sounds great. Let me know how you do it finally.

Hi! I would love your help in planning my itinerary for my West Coast Roadtrip Honeymoon. We would love to check as many of the same locations off our list as you have in this post. Would love to get your thoughts on cost efficiency, glamping/camping vs. RV rentals and what we HAVE to see, and what we could skip. We definitely don’t want to spend the majority of our trip in the car. Thinking of flying into Vegas and then going from there. We would be going from June 12-20th. This is by far the most helpful article I have found online so far! Thanks for writing!

We will be happy to help. Let me know any questions you may have and we will help.

we are a couple, 60 years+ but able to drive and planning a trip next Sep. 2020. However we note that at some places you had to camp. I don’t think we are up to camping and wonder how to achieve the trip you made without camping.

You don’t need to camp if you don’t want to. There are many hotels where you can stay 🙂 Let me know your itinerary and I will give you some hotel ideas.

I wish more people would post valuable content like this. This is the first time I’ve been on your website, but after this, I doubt it will be the last time.

Thanks Robert!! You are always welcome 😉

Planning a trip in mid December. Is your 10 day trip feasible at this time of year ? Thanks.

Yes, it’s perfectly fine. Just bear in mind that you might find snow in some places like Bryce and Yosemite and the main roads to Yosemite from the east (Tioga road) is gonna be closed.

Hope you have a beautiful trip!

Have you ever thought of planning a trip of the Four Corners States of the Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado & Utah). There are so many sites that would be a tough decision. New Mexico has the Gila National Forest, City of Rocks in the southwest, Carlsbad Caverns to name just a few, Colorado, Arizona, Utah you could go on and on. This would also the sunrises and sunsets, rivers canyons. It is so vast that each state could provide what every photographer would want to see and shoot. Just think about it. if you more information, please contact me.

Sure! We still have a bunch of places we want to visit!

Thank you It was very useful

Thanks Isabel!

Great post, thanks for the info I’m considering doing this trip with my dad, how fit do you have to be to do this trip? He can’t really walk a whole lot at a time.

Hi Emiliano,

You don’t need to walk if you don’t want to. Just visit the main lookouts accessible by car.

Let me know if you have any other question.

Well, that was a pretty fascinating read, not going to lie. I really hope you continue to write. Probably one of the more informative pieces I’ve read on this subject. Thanks!

Thanks Justin! Glad to see our USA West Coast article was useful and you enjoyed it reading!

You know if you are not on Instagram, you should be. I know you can’t put text up, but just throw in a few pics and build an audience there. I think you’d find a ton of people who would be super interested in your blog here.

Thanks for the advice. We already use Instagram, our account is: @Capturetheatlas

Well… consider yourself added to my blogroll. I have like six other blogs I read on a weekly basis, guess that number just increased to seven! Keep writing!

Thanks Chris! and Welcome to Capture the Atlas! 😉

Way to go on this post man. Really killer stuff. I’ll be back to read your other posts.

Thanks Travis! Glad you found the information helpful!

Wow! What a scenery. I hope I can visit those place in the future too! People on your newsletter must love you. This content is pure 100% gold

Thanks Matthew for your kind words! I am sure you will be fascinated by the West Coast USA landscapes when you visit them.

Feel free to join our community and receive our newsletter 😉

Hi, My family of 3 will be travelling to West of USA for about 12 to 14 days this coming September month 2019. Can you help us to plan the trip visiting all the interesting places and also advise us the cost.

We give a lot of piece of advice on our blog. Please read it and let us know if you have any question.

I am flying from Toronto, Canada and am unsure which airport to arrive and leave in. I am planning on visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, Cathedral Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Grand Canyon (South Rim). I am unsure whether to fly to Las Vegas and leave from Arizona, or vice versa, or do a loop. Any suggestions?

Amazing blog by the way!

Which airport in Arizona are you considering? Las Vegas in quite close to those places you want to visit and usually there is cheap flights to go there.

Let me know if you have any question

Thank you for your reply! I was thinking Phoenix airport. Just not sure the best route and will be renting a car!

Also, do you know if its possible to rent a car at one airport and return it to another?

Hi, i am traveling with 6 adults. Planning to arrive in New York, then fly to LA and hoping to have a glimpse of the city and its surrounding and fly to vancouver . We will fly back home from Vancouver.

How many days do you think is good for us? I am travelling with my parents aged 60yo.

Can you give me any recommendations

Hi Felicia,

I would say to book at least 10 – 15 days. As recommendations I would suggest hiring good travel insurance for the USA and check the different articles we have at the blog.

Let me know if you need something else,

Hello there,

We have about 8-9 days along the West Coast after a conference in Vegas. Looking at the following itinerary/places we want to visit. Do you think this is something workable/have any comments? Thanks so much!

Day 1: (From Vegas) Antelope Valley/Horseshoe Bend (Find somewhere to stay for the night – is there a recommendation where we can stay in that area?) Day 2: Grand Canyon Day 3: Travel back to Vegas, fly to San Francisco. Day 4: San Francisco Day 5: San Francisco -> Monterey, Big Sur (Find somewhere to stay?) Day 6: Travel to LA Day 7: LA Day 8: LA

Thanks very much for your message and for reading us!

Until day 4 your itinerary is gonna be very intense but definitely doable, as we made a very similar itinerary at the beginning of our trip. You can find recommendations for the night near horseshoe bend/Antelope Canyon in this section of our article.

As for the second part of your trip, We didn’t travel from SF towards the south so don’t know if that would be something possible.

Please let me know if we can help with any other questions.

Best regards,

Hi I am trying to plan a trip with my son for September 2019 have i left enough time to do this? And could you help us with an itinerary Also if we choose to camp do we purchase this in the USA as we are travelling from the UK Thanks

Hi Richard,

Thank you very much for your message.

You are still in time for planning the trip, so I ‘d definitely try to do it!

You can see different itineraries in our US articles depending on your days and preferences. Hope that helps.

As for the campings it depends on the campsite, some accept online reservations like the one in Monument Valley while others are filled in a first-come first-served basis like Camp 4 in Yosemite.

Please let us know if we can help with any other questions.

Hi everyone! Could you help me to make a itinerary with the time and 10 destinations?

We will need some more information to help you. When and where are you starting your trip, days, preferences and so on.

Hi guys, Love your work. I’m a photographer and looking to do a road trip through the west cost of the USA, covering as much of the national parks as possible (Yellowstone a must). We only have a 2 week gap during July to do this. Do you have any tours available for July 2019 for 2 super fun people?

Me, along with spouse and 13 year old son, are planning for a 10 day trip to LA, LV & SFO from India during June last week.

Request if you could help build us an itinerary for First Timers to US. It would be with a driver if we have to hire a car.

Do you deal in hotel accommodations too – 4 star?

Could you please let me know a rough expenditure on all this.

Kindly do mention your charges too for helping us out with a good itinerary and any help on ground that you could provide during our stay.

Thanking You, MOHAN

I have sent you an email with our service rates.

Have a nice day!

I am planing with my boyfriend our trip in June to California for 10 days. We are landing in LA and we would like to visit Yosemite, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and San Diego. Could you please give us some tips? We are afraid that Tioga Pass might not be opened at the beginning of June..

Thanks a lot!

Hi Anabel, I think you have enough time in 10 days to visit the cities and NP you mentioned. You can do 2 days for LA, 3 days for Yosemite, 1 day for Death Valley, 1 day for Las Vegas, 2 days for Grand Canyon and 1 day for San Diego.

As you said, Tioga Pass maybe is still close in June, so I recommend you booking a hotel around Fresno (in case Tigoa Road is close) and other around Mammonth Lakes (in case it is open). And cancel the one you are not going to use once you know the Tioga Road status?

Let me know if you need anything else.

Hello, Thanks for the detailed analysis of west coast. We are planning to visit west coast from Philadelphia and would like to cover California/LA/SFO/Las Vegas. We would however fly to Seattle from PHL and take our trip to west coast from Seattle.

Please provide us with an itinerary.

We are planning 10 days for this trip and would like to over not just national parks but also Golden gate bridge/Hollywood/Alcatraz etc. We don’t want to do the theme parks.

Sure, I have sent you an email with our planner services rates.

Hi, Thanks for itinerary! We are going on a trip from LA in September for 16 days, and this helped a lot! If you could give some tips on showering…it’s not available in a lot of camp sites. Also, if you have some experience with laundry service, I would appreciate some info. Thanks!

Hi Soma! Thanks for your message and words!

You can check beforehand which campsites offer shower utilities and plan according to your needs. We booked camping with showers in Grand Canyon and Yosemite, taking a shower at least every 2 days. As for laundry service, I would suggest doing the same. We went just for a week and didn’t really need to do any washing but if you are staying 16 days some campings have some sort of place for washing. As an example again, you can find those utilities in Grand Canyon and Yosemite, and I am sure there will be more in other important campgrounds.

Hope that helps and have a wonderful US West Coast trip!

Hi we are planning a 15 day stay flying into LA hiring a car can you recommened a route then we fly back out from LA.Thanks

The US West Coast is huge and there are endless possibilities doing a round trip from L.A.

Depending on your personal taste and the number of miles that you are willing to drive, there are many itineraries.

I recommend that you check all the main attractions explained throughout the article and once you know your preferences, you can design your own route.

Hope it helps and you make the most of your trip!

Planning on driving to monument valley and staying at View hotel I need driving directions from Salt Lake City

Take I-15 S, US-6 E, US-191 S and US-163 S to Main Monument Valley Rd/Monument Valley Rd in Oljato-Monument Valley

Hi my husband and I are planning a trip to tour the west coast next June/July next year for 4 weeks starting in San Francisco driving down the coast then across to Vegas by car then possibly hiring a camper van to visit the national parks, would you be able to advise us of some places to stop and stay and give some advice as to how long we should stay at certain places, we would also like to spend a week in Washington and New York at the end of our stay but we will fly to the east coast, thanks Tracey

Sure, I have sent you an email more information about our trip planner services. I can also help you to plan your visits to NYC and Washington. I live in Philadelphia, that is 2hours from NYC and two hours from Washington, so I know these cities very well and I can help you too.

Hello Jaz, thank you for the useful information. I am planning for the west coast trip but could you confirm will it be too much to digest if I cover all/most of the destinations mentioned in your article above in just one trip?

Or shall I split the trip in multiple trips to enjoy and assimilate the delightful view which each destination has to offer?

That is up to you. How much time do you have? Where are you coming from? If I could, I would do it in one trip (3-4 months).

Let me know if you need something else, Ascen.

We are planning a tour of West Coast starting and ending at LA. Can you suggest a good travel itinerary for family of 3 or 6 pxs. for 8-12 days sometime in June or July 2019. Thanks Jaz

Hi Jasmine, I have sent you an email with our rates. Ascen.

Planning to gravel to west coast of USA Visiting friends & also travelling (self drive) . I have 14 days from Sep15 to Sep30 Would like to visit Yosomite, Death Valley Coastal Drive & Las Vegas and Grand canyon. Thanks for your help with an itinerary.

Sure! I will help you to plan your West America trip. I have sent you an email.

Hi, I am planning for west coast tour for 10 days in July. I would like to start from San Francisco . Could you please suggest road trip plan

Hi Rajan, I will be happy for helping you to plan your west coast USA itinerary.

I have sent you an email regarding our travel planner services.

Hi, I am planning a 15 days trip to USA with my family of 5 (2 sons aged 24, 25, Daughter 18). What route would you recommend us to take? We are looking to rent a car and drive around ourselves. Thank you.

Hi Sharon, I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Thanks, Ascen.

Hi.. myself and 2 friends are planning a trip up the west coast from San Francisco in April.. We are renting an RV ..we would like to try and go as north to Portland maybe Seattle.. could you advise of the best route and places we should try to see.

Hi we are planning to Visit West coast in the month of June 19 . Not sure about self drive option but could u please suggest some best places to explore in 10 days . We are landing at San Francisco & leaving to New York from LA .

Would appreciate if u could help us to arrange our trip .

Thanks Sunil

I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Hi Loved reading your information on USA! My husband and I want to travel the west coast in September this year. We have booked so far return flights from Sydney to San Francisco. We would like to see Yosemite Bryce Zion Death Valley Redlands Lake Tahoe Sequoia and Grand Canyon. Not interested in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. We thought we would return via The big Sur to San Francisco. Do you think we can do this in a month? What would be the best driving route to do all this. Can we also purchase driving maps? Any help you could give I would be most grateful! Thanking you

Hi Cath, I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Hi, thanks a lot for your details itinerary which is very much appreciated. I’m planning my self-drive trip to west coast USA for about 12 days, in May 2019. Just wondering any tips on what to wear? Will it be cold in the Yosemite national park? I’m planning for Grand Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon + Horseshoes band, Yosemite, is it still worth to get the annnual pass? There are total 6 of us.

Hi Joey, If you are only visiting two national parks (Yosemite and Grand Canyon ) it is not worth getting the annual pass. Pay just for the standard fee in each of them. Horseshoe Bend is free and Antelope Canyon is private, so you will have to pay the Navajo fee.

In 12 days you have enough time to visit Death Valley, Bryce and Zion too.

Regarding what to carry in the backpack, please check the camping and cold weather section of this post.

P.S: Next sunday we will be posting our Guide to Yosemite and I am sure you are going to find it interested!!

Best, Ascen

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The best usa west coast road trip: itinerary + ideas.

Planning a trip to the west coast and want to do an epic road trip journey? Check out this west coast road trip itinerary + ideas to help you plan your trip.

There’s nothing more American than a road trip! In fact, there are at least 25 American Road Trips that I think are essential to do before you die! One of them is the great west coast road trip.

I’ve lived in California most of my life, and driving the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) is a must when you live here at least once in a lifetime. It’s like a right of passage.

But there are even more incredible places to explore on the west coast of the USA.

If you’ve got a few weeks to cruise the western coast of the United States, you’ve made a good choice. This is some of the most stunning scenery in the world. You’ll spend time in the famous PNW (pacific northwest) and be venturing into the beautiful diversity that is California.

A west coast trip is a must, especially if you’re visiting the US for the first time. It’s so unique and classic, and something I hope everyone gets a chance to do in their lifetime! I hope that these west coast road trip ideas will help you when planning your trip and give you the confidence to drive the entire coast!

This loop ensures that you see all the most popular sites, while also getting off the beaten path and exploring hidden gems in each western state.

Here's a Short Cut

1. Safety Supplies for your West Coast USA Road Trip

2. get a good rate on a car rental, 3. be sure you have good insurance, 4. be sure to pack right, 5. don’t overdo it, 1. the pacific coast highway, 2. san diego to los angeles, 3. san francisco to yosemite national park, 4. southern california national and state parks, 5. portland to seattle, western us road trip driving map, south bound route, san juan islands, olympic national park, long beach peninsula, cannon beach, multnomah falls, bandon beaches, redwoods national park, point reyes national seashore, napa valley, san francisco, pismo beach, los angeles, crystal cove state park, palm springs, joshua tree national park, death valley national park, sequoia national park, yosemite national park, lassen volcanic national park, ashland oregon, crater lake national park, i hope this west coast road trip planner has been helpful, practical tips for your west coast road trip.

I wanted to share some practical information before diving into the road trip itinerary.

When you’re preparing for west coast travel, it’s always a good idea to keep a road safety kit in your car, in case of break-downs, accidents, or other emergencies. Even when my boys have to get out and “go” on the side of the road, I like to put up reflective warning road safety triangles like these ones , especially at night! I always like to have a good first aid kit on hand as well, not only when we road trip, but when we travel anywhere. You never know when it could be a literal life-saver!

If you’re renting a car for your west coast road trip, be sure to shop around for the best deals. We like to use Rental Cars to find the best rates and locations. Be sure to read the rental agreement too. Some rental car companies only give you a certain allotment of miles and if you’re going to do a massive road trip like this, you’ll want to make sure you pick a car with unlimited miles.

Be sure that you have good car insurance and also a good travel insurance. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been grateful to have travel insurance the the peace of mind it brings! If you’re driving your own car, be sure that you have enough insurance as well. The last thing you want to have to deal with on a road trip is fighting insurance companies if you get in an accident.

To prepare for your west coast road trip be sure to follow these tips that I’ve shared in How to Plan a Road Trip.  I share all my best tips on how to plan the perfect road trip, including safety tips, ideas on how to keep kids entertained during a road trip, and the best apps to use for roadtripping! If you’ve ever considered doing a west coast road trip in a camper, check out these RV rentals in California.

It’s human nature to think we can do more than we actually can. Try to be realistic about how much time you have to do this itinerary. I would give yourself at least two weeks for this. One week in each direction.

Other West Coast USA Road Trip Ideas

If you don’t have time to do this complete itinerary, you can always pick one of these shorter west coast road trip ideas. These road trip routes are some that I’ve done in the past and most can be done in just a day or two.

This is the most iconic California road trip. If you’re shorter on time and can’t do the entire west coast, at least drive the PCH. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California is an incredible experience. The Pacific Coast Highway is a famous coastal road that runs along the Pacific Ocean, stretching over 600 miles from the north to the south of California. This scenic route is known for its breathtaking views, winding roads, and stunning beaches, making it one of the most popular road trips in the world.

This scenic highway, the PCH, runs from Dana Point in Orange County all the way up to Leggett in Mendocino County. The most scenic section of the highway is the stretch between San Francisco and Los Angeles, which takes you through some of the most beautiful areas in California, including Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and Malibu.

One of the highlights of driving the PCH is the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you’ll see rugged cliffs, stunning beaches, and sparkling blue water. You’ll also pass through charming coastal towns, each with its own unique personality and attractions.

Another great thing about driving the PCH is the opportunity to stop at some of the state’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. For example, you can visit Hearst Castle, a grand mansion built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Or you can explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is home to thousands of marine creatures.

The PCH is also known for its winding roads and steep cliffs, which can be a bit nerve-wracking for some drivers. However, the road is generally well-maintained and offers plenty of pullouts and viewpoints where you can safely stop and take in the views.

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is an unforgettable experience that offers some of the most stunning scenery in California. If you’re planning a road trip in the Golden State, the PCH is definitely a route you won’t want to miss.

Distance : 600 miles

A Southern California road trip from San Diego to Los Angeles is a great way to explore the southern coast of California. The drive takes you along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway 1, which offers stunning ocean views and a chance to explore several charming towns and attractions along the way.

Starting in San Diego, you can head north on Interstate 5, which takes you through the coastal communities of La Jolla, Del Mar, and Encinitas, known for their beautiful beaches and oceanfront dining. Alternatively, you can take the scenic route and drive up the coast on the PCH, which takes you through the seaside towns of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Solana Beach, and Carlsbad.

As you continue north, you’ll reach the city of Oceanside, which is home to the California Surf Museum and the historic Oceanside Pier. Further up the coast, you’ll pass through the beach towns of San Clemente, Dana Point, and Laguna Beach, all offering beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and unique shops.

One of the highlights of the drive is the stretch of Highway 1 that passes through Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, where you can see some of the most expensive homes in California and catch a glimpse of the famous surf spot, the Wedge.

As you approach Los Angeles, you’ll pass through the charming coastal towns of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach, all offering great places to grab a bite to eat or take a stroll along the beach. The drive will end in Los Angeles, where you can explore attractions like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.

A road trip from San Diego to Los Angeles offers a chance to see some of the best beaches and coastal towns in Southern California. Whether you stick to the highways or take the scenic route along the PCH, you’ll be treated to stunning ocean views and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

Distance : 130 miles

A road trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is a popular way to experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and one of America’s most iconic national parks. The drive takes you through the heart of the Central Valley, a vast agricultural region, and into the Sierra foothills before arriving at Yosemite National Park. This road trip is full of outdoor adventures.

Starting in San Francisco, you’ll head east on Highway 580, which takes you through the East Bay and into the Central Valley.

Continuing east on Highway 205, you’ll pass through the city of Modesto, home to the Gallo Center for the Arts, before reaching Highway 99, which takes you through the agricultural heartland of California. Along this stretch of road, you’ll see vast orchards of almonds, pistachios, and citrus, as well as miles of fields growing crops like tomatoes and lettuce.

At Merced, you’ll exit Highway 99 and head east on Highway 140, which takes you into the Sierra foothills and toward Yosemite National Park. This scenic route will take you through the charming towns of Mariposa and El Portal, where you can grab a bite to eat or stock up on supplies before entering the park.

Once inside Yosemite National Park, you’ll be treated to stunning views of granite peaks, waterfalls, and lush forests. Some of the must-see sights in the park include Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. There are also plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities to enjoy, from gentle walks to challenging climbs.

West coast road trips from San Francisco to Yosemite are a great way to experience the beauty of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and one of the country’s most beloved national parks. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming towns, see breathtaking natural landscapes, and create unforgettable memories.

Distance : 170 miles

You could spend weeks just in Southern California exploring the various national parks. Road Trips through Southern California’s national parks are a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and diversity of the region.

Start your trip in Los Angeles and head east towards Joshua Tree National Park, located about two and a half hours away. Spend the day hiking, rock climbing, or simply enjoying the stunning desert landscapes of this unique park.

After a day in Joshua Tree, continue southeast to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, about a two-hour drive. This park is known for its rugged terrain, stunning wildflower displays, and fascinating geological formations.

Next, visit Cabrillo National Monument, located on the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego. This park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, as well as hiking trails, tide pools, and historic landmarks.

Drive north to Ventura, which is about three hours away, and take a ferry to Channel Islands National Park. This park is located off the coast of Southern California and offers pristine beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities to observe marine wildlife such as seals and dolphins.

Distance : Varies

West coast road trips from Portland to Seattle are a fantastic way to explore the Pacific Northwest and take in the natural beauty of the region. The drive covers about 175 miles and takes approximately three hours, depending on traffic and the route you choose. Along the way, you’ll encounter gorgeous coastlines, charming towns, and iconic landmarks that define the Pacific Northwest.

Starting in Portland, head north on I-5 towards Seattle. About an hour into the drive, you’ll reach the city of Olympia, the capital of Washington State. Olympia is known for its stunning waterfront parks, including Percival Landing Park and Priest Point Park. Stop by the Olympia Farmers Market to sample local produce, crafts, and food, or explore the Washington State Capitol Campus, which features beautiful gardens, monuments, and historical buildings.

Continuing on I-5, you’ll pass through Tacoma, another vibrant city in the Pacific Northwest. Tacoma is home to the Museum of Glass, where you can watch glass-blowing demonstrations and admire works by renowned artists. The city’s waterfront area offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound, as well as a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries.

As you approach Seattle, you’ll pass through the suburbs and get your first glimpse of the city’s iconic skyline. Seattle is famous for its coffee culture, music scene, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Take a stroll through Pike Place Market to sample local seafood, fresh produce, and artisanal goods, or visit the Space Needle for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Other must-see attractions include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Seattle Aquarium.

A road trip from Portland to Seattle offers a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, with plenty of opportunities to explore the vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery of the Pacific Northwest.

Distance : 175 miles

My Full West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

For this west coast trip, I’ve divided the west coast up into two routes so that you can drive in a loop. There is a coastal route, stopping at some of the most stunning beaches in the U.S., and an inland route, where you’ll visit famous national parks and mountainous roads.

In my opinion, this is the best west coast road trip and will allow you to see some of the most incredible sites in the region. You can drive this West Coast Road Trip Itinerary either way you like. You can even start in the middle and only do parts of this itinerary, but I prefer to drive from north to south if I can.

The weather becomes more temperate the farther down you go, and when you’re driving south along the coast, the passenger (usually me with the camera) gets all those gorgeous views out their window.

Driving south will also allow you to take the longer route down first, saving the faster route for the end. This interactive map will help you plan your west coast road trips.

This west coast trip map will help you navigate all the stops along the way.

You can begin or end your west coast road trip in Washington state. From the majestic, snow-capped Cascade Mountains, the bustling and hip town of Seattle, to the forested islands of the Puget Sound, Washington has beauty and variety that should not be missed.

Starting your west coast road trip off in Seattle is a great idea. Visit the Space Needle, a futuristic remnant from the 1962 World’s Fair, head to the century-old Pike’s Place Market, watch the fishmongers toss fish, grab a drink at the original Starbucks, and stock up on snacks for your epic journey! If you’re feeling brave you can make a visit to Mel’s Hole in Ellensburg before heading south.

From Seattle, grab a ferry to the San Juan Islands and enjoy a day or two of these stunning forested islands, where you can camp or stay in one of the Bed and Breakfasts along the islands. See wildlife, hike, swim, bike, kayak or just enjoy the scenery as you drive along the scenic byway of the San Juan Islands.

Download and follow this map of the scenic byway in the San Juan .

Spanning several different ecosystems, from the Olympic mountain range to the old-growth forests. Drive through the majestic national park and take it all in. Stop and hike, climb, picnic or just enjoy the ride!

Along these stunning beaches you’ll find sand dollars, driftwood, anemones, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot eagles, whales, dolphins and other coastal wildlife.

Be sure to visit these beaches in the Olympic National Park:

• Shi Shi Beach
• La Push Beach
• Rialto Beach where you can see the Hole-in-the-Wall rock arch during low tide

The Long Beach Peninsula is a 30 mile stretch of land with gorgeous white beaches just before the Oregon border. Visit the World Kite Museum and brave the winds by flying your own kite. If you’re making this west coast road trip in August, you’ll be just in time for the International Kite Festival.

Now it’s time to head south towards Oregon.

Welcome to Oregon! The northern Oregon coast has some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Home to more mountains, beaches, and some of the most incredible waterfalls in the world. It is a foodie mecca and home to more breweries than Scotland and the Czech Republic combined! Don’t miss these incredible stops along the Oregon coast:

Home to the ‘80s classic movie Goonies . Be sure to watch it before visiting, then you can see all the iconic scenes from the movie, including the infamous Goonies House.

Astoria is a historic city located on the northwestern tip of Oregon, at the mouth of the Columbia River. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts and culture scene, and rich history. The city is home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the Astoria Column, a 125-foot tall monument that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Columbia River and its importance to the region.

Astoria is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, offering visitors a chance to experience the local arts and culture scene. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, explore the town’s museums and historic landmarks, or take a hike through the nearby Fort Stevens State Park for stunning views of the coast and surrounding forests. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural offerings, and unique history, Astoria is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling along the Oregon coast.

A charming little town and beach. Seaside is an amazing place to go if you want to spend some time by the ocean collecting shells, relaxing, and enjoying nature.

Seaside is a charming coastal town located on the Oregon coast, about 80 miles northwest of Portland. It is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic promenade, and family-friendly attractions. The town’s main attraction is the Seaside Promenade, a 1.5-mile long boardwalk that runs along the beach and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

In addition to the promenade, Seaside is home to a variety of family-friendly activities, such as the Seaside Aquarium, the Funland Arcade, and the Broadway Theater. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament, the Seaside Wheels and Waves Car Show, and the Seaside Jazz Festival. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the town’s attractions, or participate in one of its many events, Seaside is a fun and welcoming destination for visitors of all ages.

Another iconic scene from Goonies where you can see haystack rock. My kids love this beach and it makes for an amazing photo backdrop.

Cannon Beach is a charming seaside town located on the Oregon coast, about 80 miles west of Portland. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its pristine beaches, towering rock formations, and picturesque lighthouse. One of the most iconic landmarks in the area is Haystack Rock, a massive monolith that rises over 230 feet above the beach and is home to a variety of seabirds and marine life.

In addition to its natural attractions, Cannon Beach is also home to a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, studios, and festivals showcasing the work of local artists. Visitors can explore the town’s quaint shops and restaurants, stroll along the beach, or take a hike through the nearby Ecola State Park for stunning views of the coast and surrounding forests. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural offerings, and laid-back atmosphere, Cannon Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling along the Oregon coast.

Take a tour of the Tillamook Dairy Factory and learn where all that delicious, milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, and yogurt come from. Grab a giant ice cream cone and stock up on snacks for the next leg of your trip.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a popular attraction located in Tillamook, Oregon, about 75 miles west of Portland. The factory offers a free, self-guided tour that allows visitors to witness the cheese-making process firsthand, as well as sample a variety of cheeses and other dairy products. The tour includes a short video presentation, a viewing area overlooking the production floor, and a taste-testing area where visitors can sample Tillamook’s award-winning cheeses.

In addition to the factory tour, visitors can explore the Tillamook Creamery, which features exhibits on the history of Tillamook cheese and the local dairy industry. The creamery also includes a gift shop where visitors can purchase a variety of Tillamook products, as well as souvenirs and other gifts. The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages, offering a glimpse into the art and science of cheese-making and the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest dairy industry.

You can choose to visit Portland on either route, north or south, or hit it twice, I don’t think you’ll mind. Be sure to eat everything in Portland, especially Blue Star Donuts and Salt & Straw Ice Cream.

Portland, Oregon is a vibrant and eclectic city located in the Pacific Northwest. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and progressive values. The city is situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers and is surrounded by lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and scenic waterfalls.

Portland is often referred to as the “City of Roses” due to its numerous rose gardens and annual Rose Festival. The city is also known for its thriving food and beverage scene, with a wide range of farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and coffee shops. Visitors can explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm, or take a stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, such as Washington Park or the International Rose Test Garden.

Portland is also a hub for arts and culture, with numerous museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. The city is home to the Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, as well as several theater companies and music venues. With its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and laid-back atmosphere, Portland is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest.

Multnomah Falls is a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, just outside of Portland, Oregon. It is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, attracting over two million visitors each year. The waterfall is fed by underground springs and cascades over 600 feet in two tiers, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States.

The falls are accessible via the Historic Columbia River Highway and are surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. A footbridge spans the lower tier of the falls, providing visitors with an up-close and personal view of the cascading water. There are also several hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy to moderate, that allow visitors to explore the surrounding forests and discover additional waterfalls and scenic vistas. Multnomah Falls is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Portland area, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty and wonder of the Pacific Northwest.

There are several beaches in Bandon, Oregon, all amazing. Visit the lighthouse at Bullard’s Beach, and Face Rock to look for the famous Tufted Puffins. The beaches in Bandon are said to be one of the best places in the world for storm watching.

Explore more from this Oregon bucket list.

Once you’ve had your fill of Oregon beaches, you can continue your west coast road trip down into California.

Welcome to the Golden State. Be prepared for some more gorgeous views and stops. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out these California road trip stops. 

These protected forests and beaches along the northernmost coast of California are not to be missed. Spend time hiking or driving through the parks and taking in the trees, some of which are over 5,000 years old! Read more about visiting Redwood National Park with Kids. 

Redwood National and State Parks is a national park located in the northern coast of California, known for its stunning coastal landscapes and towering ancient redwood trees. It spans over 131,000 acres and is home to some of the world’s tallest trees, including the Hyperion tree, which stands at over 379 feet tall. The park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the coast, hike through ancient forests, and observe a variety of wildlife.

In addition to its natural attractions, the park is also known for its cultural significance. It is home to several Native American tribes, who have lived in the area for thousands of years and continue to practice their traditions and customs. Visitors can explore the park’s museums, attend cultural events, or take guided tours to learn more about the area’s rich history and cultural heritage. Redwood National and State Parks is a unique and awe-inspiring destination, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural and cultural wonders of the northern California coast.

Located along the stunning Mendocino coast, Fort Bragg is known for its Glass Beach where you can see millions of colorful stones scattered along the shores.

Fort Bragg is a charming coastal city located in Mendocino County, California. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is situated on the rugged Mendocino coast, offering visitors stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, scenic beaches, and towering cliffs.

One of the most popular attractions in Fort Bragg is the Glass Beach, which is located near the city’s downtown area. The beach is covered with millions of colorful glass pebbles that were created over time from discarded glass bottles and other objects. You can take a stroll along the beach, collect glass pebbles, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.

The city is also home to several historic landmarks, such as the Skunk Train, a historic narrow-gauge railroad that offers scenic tours through the surrounding forests and hills. Fort Bragg is a charming and unique destination, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Mendocino coast.

These protected lands offer seashores, hiking trails, forests and a beautiful historic lighthouse. Stop into Point Reyes Station to wander the shops, eat some lunch, stay the night, and grab more snacks for your drive. Read more about Point Reyes here.

Point Reyes is a peninsula located on the coast of Northern California, about 30 miles northwest of San Francisco. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and historic landmarks. The peninsula is surrounded by the Point Reyes National Seashore, which offers visitors miles of unspoiled beaches, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

One of the most popular attractions in Point Reyes is the Point Reyes Lighthouse, a historic landmark that has been guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the Pacific since 1870. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history and importance to the region.

The peninsula is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park’s many trails and observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Point Reyes is a stunning and unique destination, offering a chance to experience the natural beauty and rich history of the Northern California coast.

Visit the Napa Valley wine region, where you can tour local wineries and do taste testing.

Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region located in Northern California, about 50 miles north of San Francisco. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, award-winning wineries, and gourmet food scene. The valley is home to over 400 wineries, ranging from small family-owned vineyards to large estates that produce some of the world’s most celebrated wines.

In addition to wine tasting, visitors to Napa Valley can explore the valley’s charming towns, such as Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, which offer a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries. The valley is also home to a number of spas, hot springs, and wellness centers, making it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Napa Valley is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and foodies alike, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and world-class wines.

There is so much to do in this beautiful city, that it has its own post. Read more about it here.    We love San Francisco as its one of the nearest metropolitan areas where we live. It’s where we come when we need a little taste of city life and culture.

San Francisco is a vibrant and diverse city located on the northern coast of California. It is known for its iconic landmarks, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty. The city is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Painted Ladies, as well as several world-class museums, theaters, and galleries.

In addition to its attractions, San Francisco is also renowned for its culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and food markets offering a variety of cuisines and flavors. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, the Mission, and Haight-Ashbury, offer visitors a chance to experience the city’s unique culture and history. With its stunning views, vibrant culture, and world-class attractions, San Francisco is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Northern California.

It’s time to start your trip down the iconic   Pacific Coast Highway!

Monterey is another area of California that requires its own post. There is so much to do here, but if you only do one thing, take the 17-mile drive for the most breathtaking coastal views. There’s so much to see in Monterey with kids . 

Monterey is a charming coastal city located on the central coast of California. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and world-class aquarium. The city is situated on Monterey Bay, offering visitors beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Monterey is also home to several historic landmarks, such as Cannery Row and the Monterey State Historic Park, as well as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which features a variety of marine life and exhibits. With its beautiful beaches, unique culture, and natural wonders, Monterey is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to California’s central coast.

While you’re passing through Monterey, stop by the charming little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is famous for it’s fairytale cottages. Be sure to stop at the candy store for some road trip snacks.

This rugged stretch of California’s coast can be a little tricky to drive, with winding curves and nearly constant fog. Be careful while taking in the views. Big Sur is a rugged and stunningly beautiful stretch of coastline located on the central coast of California.

It is known for its towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and dramatic landscapes. Visitors can take a scenic drive along Highway 1, which winds along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, with the iconic view of Bixby Creek Bridge (above) or explore the area’s many hiking trails, such as the famed McWay Falls Trail, which leads to a picturesque waterfall and beach. With its rugged beauty and unspoiled natural landscapes, Big Sur is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the breathtaking beauty of California’s central coast.

This classic Central California surf town has great beaches. Be sure to check out the Dinosaur Caves Park for stunning views of the Pacific.

Pismo Beach is a beautiful coastal town located in San Luis Obispo County, California. It is known for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and picturesque sunsets. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as surfing, kayaking, and fishing, or explore the area’s many hiking trails and nature reserves. The town also offers a vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Wind your way down to LA, visit Venice Beach, climb to the Hollywood sign, drive through Beverly Hills, then skip town, trying not to hit too much traffic.

I mean, what’s a trip to California without visiting your favorite mouse? You’ll need to plan at least a full day or two for your trip to Disneyland. Read this to help you plan your trip.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County, Crystal Cove State Park is worth the parking fee. Crystal Cove State Park is a beautiful coastal park located in Orange County, California.

It is known for its natural beauty. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, or explore the park’s hiking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding hills.

The park also offers several historic landmarks, including the Crystal Cove Historic District, which features 46 vintage beach cottages and a beachfront restaurant. With its idyllic coastal setting and diverse recreational opportunities, Crystal Cove State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Orange County.

There is so much to do in San Diego that is also deserves its own post. Check out this San Diego itinerary . 

This is also a great California road trip itinerary !

Congratulations, you’ve now hit the southernmost tip of your West Coast road trip itinerary and it’s now time to head north!

San Diego is a vibrant coastal city located in Southern California, known for its stunning beaches, warm weather, and rich cultural offerings. The city offers visitors a variety of attractions, including Balboa Park, which houses several museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

You can also enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches, such as La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, and Mission Beach, or explore the nearby coastal towns and attractions, such as the Cabrillo National Monument and the USS Midway Museum. With its perfect weather, diverse cultural offerings, and beautiful beaches, San Diego is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Southern California.

North Bound Route

If you’re ready for some desert R&R, this is the place. Take a step back in time and book a room at one of Palm Spring’s trendy retro hotels, soak up some rays and hang by the pool.

Palm Springs is a desert oasis located in the Coachella Valley, known for its hot springs, luxurious resorts, and iconic palm trees. The city offers visitors a variety of activities, including world-class golf courses, art museums, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes visitors on a scenic ride up the San Jacinto Mountains.

Visitors can also explore the nearby Joshua Tree National Park or relax at one of the many spas and hot springs in the area. With its beautiful weather, luxurious accommodations, and stunning natural landscapes, Palm Springs is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Southern California.

Take a day trip or camp at Joshua Tree National Park where you can find rugged rock formations and twisted other-worldly Joshua trees.

Joshua Tree is a stunning national park located in Southern California, known for its unique desert landscapes, towering rock formations, and diverse wildlife. The park is named after the iconic Joshua Tree, a type of yucca plant that is native to the area and has become a symbol of the park.

The park offers a variety of hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and camping sites, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty and rugged wilderness of the desert. With its otherworldly landscapes and stunning vistas, Joshua Tree is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the beauty of the American Southwest.

Move from one desert park to the next and visit Death Valley’s ghost town and see North America’s lowest point.

Death Valley is a starkly beautiful national park located in Eastern California, known for its extreme temperatures, unique geological features, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to the lowest point in North America, as well as stunning sand dunes, salt flats, and canyons.

The area’s harsh environment supports a wide range of plants and animals, including coyotes, bighorn sheep, and several species of cacti. The park also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. With its stunning natural landscapes and unique features, Death Valley is a fascinating destination for anyone seeking to explore the beauty and diversity of the American Southwest.

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sequoia National Park is home to huge sequoia trees and underground Crystal Cave. Be sure to drive through the Tunnel Tree. Read more about Sequoia National Park here. 

Sequoia National Park is a stunningly beautiful park located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, known for its giant sequoia trees, rugged mountain terrain, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to several groves of giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree in the world by volume.

The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as several historic landmarks, such as the Giant Forest Museum and the historic Lodgepole Village. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history, Sequoia National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the wonders of California’s mountain wilderness.

Famed for its iconic vistas and epic granite cliffs, Yosemite offers hundreds of hiking trails. Read more about Yosemite here.

Yosemite National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful park located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, known for its towering granite cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to several iconic landmarks, such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, as well as several groves of giant sequoia trees.

The park offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and fishing, as well as several historic landmarks, such as the Yosemite Valley Railroad and the Ahwahnee Hotel. With its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features, Yosemite National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the natural wonders of California’s mountain wilderness.

Bordering the California and Nevada state line, Lake Tahoe is a deep blue lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The beaches, hikes and ski resorts are some of the best in the world. Take in the clear blue waters of the second deepest lake in the United States.

Lake Tahoe is a stunningly beautiful alpine lake located on the border between California and Nevada. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, rugged mountain scenery, and year-round recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and boating, or simply relax and take in the stunning natural scenery.

The area is also home to several charming towns and villages, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities, Lake Tahoe is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of the American West.

Lassen Volcanic National park is rich in hydrothermal sites like Bumpass Hell and has acres of bubbling mud pots. Lassen Peak Volcano offers views of the nearby area.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a unique and breathtakingly beautiful park located in northeastern California, known for its fascinating geothermal features, rugged mountain landscapes, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to several active volcanoes, including Lassen Peak, as well as numerous geothermal features, such as hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles.

Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails, take a scenic drive through the park’s various regions, or enjoy the park’s diverse recreational opportunities, such as camping, fishing, and winter sports. With its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the wonders of California’s mountain wilderness.

Home to the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is a charming mountain town, with trendy vibe, offering museums, restaurants, and parks that make this a great road trip stop to stock up on snacks again, especially after visiting all those national parks and hopefully doing a lot of hiking!

Known for the famous Crater Lake, formed by Mount Mazama, the now-collapsed volcano, Crater Lake National Park offers hiking trails and a rim road, which circles the famous lake.

Crater Lake National Park is a stunningly beautiful park located in southern Oregon. It is known for its pristine blue lake, which is the deepest in the United States, as well as its towering cliffs, stunning vistas, and diverse wildlife. You can explore the park’s hiking trails, take a boat tour of the lake, or participate in a variety of outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, and snowshoeing. With its breathtaking natural beauty and unique geological features, Crater Lake National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Pacific Northwest.

These famous falls just outside of Portland can get busy, so be sure to go early to find a good parking spot and beat the crowds. Take the short hike up to the bridge which bisects the two sections of the waterfall. If you visit during the spring you’re likely to get wet!

Visit Portland again! You’ll need some more good food by now!

Congratulations, you’ve made it back to Seattle!

Phew! What an epic West Coast road trip! I hope you’ve enjoyed some of the most iconic scenes and locations on the West Coast. I would love to know what your favorite was. If you’ve driven the West Coast, I’d also love to know what I’ve missed. Any hidden gems that you recommend?

I know that this is a massive trip and should not be attempted in a week!

It is a lot of driving, so be sure to prepare your car for this epic road trip and install a HumX in your vehicle to take the worry out of your journey and to get you on the road!

Wanderlust Crew

One thought on “ the best usa west coast road trip: itinerary + ideas ”.

Nice article! There is so much to see in California! I have been creating California itineraries of various duration and for various interests for 4 years. I have 35 now on my blog http://familyroadtripguru.com/ and I think we only explored just about 20% of the state 🙂

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Nomadic Neen

Travel Blog

13 Amazing Days Out West: US Road Trip Itinerary

In May 2021, I took a road trip with my travel buddy, Doug, and one of his friends. We explored SIX different states and saw SIX different national parks in just 13 days. It was an exhausting but ever so rewarding trip.

* Disclosure: Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and/or services I use myself. Your support helps keep this website running and allows me to continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support!

To save you the time in creating a road trip itinerary for yourself, check out ours to use or use as a starting point to plan your own version of this road trip!

Day 1: Las Vegas, Nevada

Fly into Las Vegas, Nevada. Enjoy the Las Vegas Strip and nightlife for a fun and exciting start to the road trip!

Day 2: Las Vegas, Nevada

You’ll probably need a recovery day after your flight/nightlife adventures. Hang by the pool at your hotel and get that tan started.

To save yourself some time tomorrow when the road trip officially starts, go pick up your rental car. The LV Strip is extremely close to the LV airport, so you can take a cheap taxi or Uber there to pick up your car.

Day 3: Las Vegas, Nevada to Flagstaff, Arizona

Today is a jam-packed sightseeing day on the road trip! We’re going to make a few stops along our journey from Las Vegas to our final destination in Flagstaff.

When you’re leaving Las Vegas, make a quick stop at the infamous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign .

About a half hour from Las Vegas, you’ll be able to make a tiny detour and see the Hoover Dam ! Park your car, and take a quick walk over the pathway to take in the full sight. It’s quite marvelous.

Drive two more hours and welcome to Arizona. First stop in Arizona is Oatman . This town is something straight out of a movie. It is your typical old west town and there are donkeys roaming around the streets. Yup. Donkeys. This is one of the many stops along the famous Route 66.

About one hour further down Route 66 there is a cute rest stop called Hackberry General Store . They’ve got souvenirs and snacks and super clean bathrooms , which is a must while on a long road trip.

Three more hours in the car and you’ve arrived in Winslow, Arizona . Another town along Route 66. This one made famous from The Eagles’ song “Take it Easy”. This is the place to stop for some lunch. There is a 50s style restaurant called the Sipp Shoppe right across the street from the Eagles’ corner that has some great and affordable options.

Also in Winslow, there is the Meteor Crater , which is essentially just a giant hole in the ground, but still a pretty neat spot if you’re willing to spend $22pp on this giant hole.

Last stop for the day is Flagstaff, Arizona. There’s plenty to do here, but a must stop is the Lowell Observatory . This is a late night activity, so get a good nap in before, but it is a relaxing way to end your evening in Flagstaff.

Day 4: Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Village

Rise and shine! Hop in the car and drive two hours to the Grand Canyon Village. Grand Canyon Village is about 10 minutes from the South Rim Entrance of the Grand Canyon . This one is pretty self-explanatory. You can hike, eat, or just admire the beauty of the Grand Canyon for the rest of the day.

Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Another day in the Grand Canyon… Again, self-explanatory…

Bring Arizona to your home with these adorable succulents!

Day 6: Grand Canyon Village, Arizona to Albuquerque, New Mexico

A decent amount of driving is on the schedule today, so plan to get up on the early side. We’re back on Route 66 now, and three hours of driving will bring you to Holbrook, Arizona , which is known for their dinosaurs. Basically there are dinosaur statues everywhere. Spoiler alert: they’re underwhelming.

Right outside of Holbrook is Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Dessert . Driving through and making stops throughout the park will leave you speechless.

Once you’re done staring at the colors of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, hop in the car and drive three hours east to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the night.

I recommend staying at Hotel Albuquerque Old Town. There is a Mexican restaurant right in the hotel that is to die for. You’ll thank me later.

Day 7: Albuquerque, New Mexico to Alamosa, Colorado

A fun morning in Albuquerque ahead, so fill your bellies with a delicious breakfast at Frontier Restaurant . Get anything with a tortilla. They’re made in house, and are perfect. Me and Doug still talk about them.

After breakfast indulge in a self-guided Breaking Bad tour . Starting at the Breaking Bad Store. Check out sites such as Dog House Drive In and Walter & Skylar’s house, but beware of the homeowners here. There is a woman who sits on a lawn chair on the front lawn with signs and threatening to call the cops at everyone taking pictures of her house.  

After the tour, drive approximately 4 hours to Alamosa, Colorado. Alamosa is the closest city to Great Sand Dunes National Park . This is the perfect late afternoon activity since the sun isn’t as strong. Pack your goggles and tie up your hair, because it can get WINDY.

Back in Alamosa, there is a delicious Thai restaurant called Siam Cuisine to end the evening at.  

Day 8: Alamosa, Colorado to Denver, Colorado

Alamosa has a bunch of chain restaurants to indulge in as well. One of my personal favorites, IHOP was our choice for breakfast before the four-hour drive to Denver, Colorado.

Spend the day enjoying the city. There is plenty to do. For lunch, enjoy a half-yard of beer at The Yard House with a delicious Bavarian pretzel too.

For dinner, head to Avanti , which is a pretty unique place in my opinion! It’s open seating, so first-come first-serve. There are waiters and waitresses wandering around to take your drink orders, but the food is all different stations/restaurants that you can order from by just walking over to whichever one you’re in the mood for! Pretty neat.

Day 9: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Another day another national park! Today is Rocky Mountain National Park , which is about 1.5 hours away from Denver, Colorado. It’s actually much closer to Boulder if you’re looking to stay in a closer city.

Take in the mountain views and hike around the trails and lakes. It’s one of the most beautiful, serene places out there. That’s coming from someone who doesn’t like snow and the mountains were covered in it.

Day 10: Denver, CO to Moran, Wyoming

Today is a road trip day. Pack the car with lots of snacks and make a good playlist. We have eight hours ahead from Denver to Moran, Wyoming, where we’ll be staying for our next few national parks.

The drive from Denver to Wyoming may be long but it is absolutely beautiful, so don’t dread it!

Once you arrive, settle into the Hatchet Resort , where you’ll feel nothing but comfortable. It’s a really homey little place, and I cannot recommend it enough. Hatchet is about 30 minutes from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. To get there you have to drive through Grand Teton National Park (don’t worry you’re not charged for this section), so the drive is unbelievably gorgeous and will leave you speechless.

Jackson Hole has some amazing restaurants to choose from and some great shopping. It’s a wonderful down to relax and wind down in after that long day in the car.

Day 11: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is a bit of a drive from Moran, but Moran is the closest place to the Wyoming entrance. It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to arrive at the Yellowstone National Park entrance .

Heads up!!!! You HAVE to drive through and PAY for Grand Teton National Park if you are entering Yellowstone through Wyoming. This isn’t a problem for the annual pass holders of course, but if you are paying per park, each one is $35 to enter, so that’ll be a $70 day just to enter the park. Plan wisely.

Visit the famous Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring ! Take in all of the colors and smells of the springs. That’s right, did you know sulfur smells terrible because if not, you’ll learn really quick.

There’s an abundance to see in Yellowstone, so ensure you pick your spots and plan it out well to not waste anytime.

Day 12: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming to Salt Lake City, UT

Grand Teton National Park is an absolutely majestic place to see, and even though you drove through it to get to Yellowstone and drove by it each trip into Jackson Hole, I recommend taking a few hours to drive around the park itself.

You can see some more bison wandering around, an adorable family of grizzlies , and even a fox or two!

Make a stop at Jenny Lake and admire the glacier-blue, crystal-clear waters. Your whole world will stand still when you see the beauty here.

Once you’re done in Grand Teton, hop in the car and start your 5-hour journey to Salt Lake City, Utah.

This part can be adjusted, and I honestly recommend it to be. Flights out of Jackson Hole were not doable for us this time around so we went to SLC for better flight options, but you don’t have to.

Day 13: Salt Lake City, UT

Before heading to the airport, make a stop at Red Butte Gardens . The colors and aroma of the flowers is the perfect relaxing activity before boarding that plane. There are plenty of different flowers and plants to see. You might even see a bunny hopping around!

Grab some lunch and head to the airport. It’s time to go home and tell all of your family and friends about your amazing road trip out west!! 

Build your own adventure with this A-Frame Cabin!

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I am so happy that I can keep your dream alive for you! I promise to keep the content coming and interesting!! xoxo

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19 Epic West Coast USA Road Trip Ideas & Itineraries

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The western coast of the USA is a stunning haven, a perfect blend of big cities, national parks and au natural beaches. And the BEST way to explore this beauty is to take a road trip. In this post – 19 Best West Coast USA Road Trip Ideas, we have handpicked some of the awesome routes that you can undertake to explore the States and beyond – from city lights to the twinkling stars – experience it all!

The West Coast is also called the Pacific Coast and it is the coastline along which the continental Western United States meets the North Pacific Ocean. The West Coast of the USA comprises the coastal states of California , Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

The west coast road trip itineraries listed below have routes, trip highlights, and duration of travel ranging from a short weekend trip to 10 days itinerary. The starting point is on the west coast and then drive to explore more of the USA.

19 Best West Coast USA Road Trip Ideas & Route Itinerary

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Reserve Car Rental: Prepare Ahead

If you need a car rental, we recommend comparing and checking prices on Discovercars.com to book yours.

Preparing for a road trip – Road Trip Packing List/Essentials

Before you embark on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip, it is important that you are prepared and carry the following essentials to make your journey less stressful and enjoyable.

• Emergency Car Kit – This 90 piece emergency car kit SHOULD be included when you start your trip. The kit comprises of portable air compressor, tow strap, jumper cables, and more. Buy your emergency car kit here
• First Aid Kit – Carry a small first aid kit (2-4 person or more, depending on the number of travelers). Buy a first aid kit here
• GPS or Offline Maps – Carry a GPS for road navigation. Buy GPS here . If you prefer an offline map system via your smartphone, then Maps.me is a good option. It is FREE as well.
• Car Adaptor – To charge your smartphone and/or other electronics. Buy your car adaptor here
• Phono Cable – To connect your cell phone or iPod to the music system inside the car (skip this if you are using a CD player or have wireless connectivity). Buy your phono cable here from Amazon
• Music – Great Playlist
• Clothes – Including a waterproof jacket. Buy my all-time favorite jacket here
• Scarf – To cozy up or as a cover-up
• Flip flops – To walk the beach. Buy your flip flops here
• Camera – Don’t forget your camera to capture your moments. Buy our mirror-less camera here
• Sunscreen and any OTC medications – Buy sunscreen here
• And of course, don’t forget car insurance and roadside assistance service Get this nifty holder to keep details 

Get the SHOPPING LIST on ToSomePlaceNew Amazon Site

Los Angeles to Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks 

ROUTE: Los Angeles – Death Valley National Park – Joshua Tree National Park – Los Angeles 

DAYS: 4 – 6 

ROUTE STOPS: Los Angeles to Death Valley to Joshua Tree to Los Angeles

MILES COVERED: 650 miles (1046 kms) round trip

ABOUT THE ROAD TRIP: 

California has no shortage of National Parks or road trip itineraries. If you are visiting Los Angeles, you can easily take a road trip to Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park before circling back to LA.

While you can make this journey in as little as four days, spending five to six days along this route works best. If you want to see more of Los Angeles, plan to spend an extra few days there before or after your road trip.

Los Angeles to Death Valley: The drive from Los Angeles up to Death Valley takes about four hours. Since Death Valley does not have many accommodations within the park, make sure to plan your visit ahead of time to stay at one of the few hotels inside the park or to stay outside of the park.

Staying outside of the park can mean an hour’s drive into the park again, so try to arrive in the evening if you plan to stay outside the park. Then you can spend the entire next day inside the park itself before moving on. Browse hotels in Death Valley here

Death Valley : Within Death Valley, make sure to stop and see the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes. The best time to visit Death Valley is in the spring or fall, but even then, visit the dunes near sunrise or sunset if possible. There is no shade during the summer heat, but the sand dunes also make for a perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Another must-see stop is the Badwater Basin , the lowest point in North America. The salt flats here stretch for miles, but you only have to walk about 10 minutes out to get past the dirty salt of the walkway. Before you leave, make sure to drive through Artist’s Drive to take in the colorful hills.

Joshua Tree : From Death Valley, the drive to Joshua Tree takes about four hours. Joshua Tree has plenty of accommodations nearby, and most of the popular spots to visit are near the north end of the park where the namesake Joshua Trees abound.

Start your day with sunrise at the Cholla Cactus Garden to enjoy the low sun shining through the garden. Then head back up to the White Tank Campground area to hike the short path out to Arch Rock. Take the road to the west entrance to see lots of great spots to stop for pictures of the famous Joshua Trees.

If you have some extra time, you can also visit nearby Palm Springs.

Back to Los Angeles : The drive from Joshua Tree back to Los Angeles is a shorter one at less than two and a half hours. Once you are back in Los Angeles, you can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and check out the other famous sites, watch the sunset at the Santa Monica Pier, hike to the Hollywood sign, or enjoy the views from Griffith Observatory.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Christine from LiveLoveRunTravel

Key Activities and Tours at this route

• Los Angeles – Book Hollywood Hike Tour
• Get Hollywood Access Ticket Here 
• Downtown LA – Food and Culture walking tour. Book the 3 hour tour here

Southern California Desert – Ultimate West Coast USA Road Trip

ROUTE: Orange County – Palm Springs – Salton Sea – Salvation Mountain and East Jesus – El Centro

ROUTE STOPS: 8

• Orange County to Palm Springs (100 miles) – Palm Springs Windmills
• Palm Springs to Salton Sea (64 miles) – Bombay Beach
• The Salton Sea to Salvation Mountain and East Jesus (21 miles) – Salvation Mountain
• Salvation Mountain to El Centro (40 miles) – Overnight in El Centro, CA
• El Centro to Imperial Sand Dunes (35 miles)
• Imperial Sand Dunes to Borrego Springs (80 miles)
• Borrego Springs to Orange County (122 miles)

MILES COVERED: 462 miles (or 743.5 kms) round trip

ABOUT THE ROAD TRIP:

This quick loop through the Southern California desert will bring you through some of the most interesting and desolate places you may have ever seen!

Day One Palm Springs : Palm Springs, which is famous for its windmills. The best spot for getting up close is on Garnet Avenue, near North Indian Canyon Drive.

Salton Sea : The Salton Sea was once a very popular place to escape to but is now basically deserted. Bombay Beach is the only community that still inhabits the Salton Sea. Check out the Bombay Beach Ruins and Drive-In Theater during this stop .

Salvation Mountain : This brightly-colored mountain is a unique sight to see. You can walk on top of the mountain and through little caves underneath. Follow the yellow brick road on your way up and don’t step on any areas you shouldn’t. 

East Jesus, or Slab City : This tiny town is in the middle of nowhere and apparently off-the-grid (not regulated by the government). Take a walk through the Art Garden to see the various used and recycled items that have been put together to create some very unique art.

El Centro: This is the closest city to rest for the night. 

Day two – Imperial Sand Dunes : Make a quick stop at the Imperial Sand Dunes. Watch the dune buggies, take some photos, and head on out. 

Borrego Springs : Borrego Springs, where you can find over 100 metal sculptures scattered throughout the desert. The most popular one is the Sea Serpent!

Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail: This short hike will give you a good sample of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Time to head back home, where you will be happy to be after experiencing all of that remoteness in the middle of the desert!

CONTRIBUTED BY:   Heather Saez from That OC Girl

• Enjoy aerial views – take an aerial tramway in Palm Springs
• Find hotel deals here  

Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon 

ROUTE: Las Vegas – Springdale – Zion National Park – Bryce Canyon National Park – Page – Grand Canyon

ROUTE STOPS: 

• Las Vegas to Springdale Utah- 160 miles
• Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park – 85 miles
• Bryce Canyon National Park to Page – 153 miles 
• Page to Grand Canyon – 133 miles
• Grand Canyon to Las Vegas – 279 miles 

MILES COVERED:   810 miles (1303 kilometres) round trip approx.

ABOUT THE ROAD TRIP :

One of the classic road trips in the Western United States is the small loop starting and ending in Las Vegas: visiting Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and the Grand Canyon. We did this road trip with eight people ranging in ages from one to 80, over the course of a week!

Las Vegas: Before we officially hit the road we had a day for arrival in Las Vegas, car rental, and grocery shopping.

Springdale Utah and Zion National Park : Drive 160 miles from Las Vegas to Springdale, Utah, on day 1 to access point to Zion National Park. After spending the night, we had a full day for exploring Zion, specifically the Westside with lots of family-friendly hikes, accessible via the free shuttle inside the park.

Bryce Canyon National Park : Following the second night in Springdale, we drove through the Eastern side of Zion National Park on our way to Bryce Canyon.

The views are spectacular but much of the road is small and windy making this 85 mile stretch take several hours. We made it in time to take in the sunset at the aptly named Sunset Point , a gorgeous introduction to Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon National Park : Again we had a full day for hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park, and the following morning after a final visit to Sunrise Point, we started the long drive to the Grand Canyon. This driving day entailed 286 miles and took pretty much all day.

Page Arizona : We stopped in Page, Arizona, approximately half-way through for lunch. Just in time for the late afternoon sunlight, we had a first look at Grand Canyon Visitors Center and decamped to a hotel in Tusayan, Arizona.

Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam:  On our last full hiking day we did parts of the  Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Trail . Ending our week was the 280-mile drive to Las Vegas, with a final stop to tour the  Hoover Dam  just outside the city.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Daphna from A Tiny Trip

• Helicopter flight over Las Vegas at night. Book it here
• Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas
• Get awesome hotel deals in Las Vegas, click here to view 
• Read our 3 day Las Vegas Itinerary

San Francisco Bay Area to Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon

ROUTE: San Francisco – Klamath Falls – Ashland – Crater Lake National Park – San Francisco

ROUTE: From San Francisco to Crater Lake, one-stop in either Klamath Falls (southeast of the park) or Ashland (southwest of the park)

MILES COVERED : 800+ miles (1288 kilometres) round trip

San Francisco Bay Area to Crater Lake National Park: Road trips from the San Francisco Bay Area up to Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon are great for weekend trips. The distance is about 400 miles.

If you wish you can stop at Klamath Falls for the night before heading over to Crater Lake the next day. However, there isn’t really much to see in Klamath Falls so we would only recommend it for ease of access to the lake.

Ashland and Medford: Ashland and Medford, although located a bit further away, are two other towns in Southern Oregon that would make for excellent stops before or after visiting the national park. Ashland is home to the famous Shakespeare festival and it’s just a very quaint town that makes for an interesting road trip destination.

Drive to Crater Lake : Since there are no towns next to Crater Lake, you’ll either end up driving an hour and a half from Ashland/Medford or 45 minutes from Klamath Falls to reach the entrance.

If you go in the summer when there’s no snow, you should definitely complete the Rim Drive. This route takes you about two-thirds of the way around the crater and you can stop at numerous viewpoints along the way to take pictures.

If you visit Crater Lake during the winter months or any month where there’s a lot of snow, the Rim Drive will likely be closed. In this case, you’ll want to park at the main visitor center and walk around the outskirts of the crater.

Either way, a visit to Crater Lake will mostly consist of walking around, staring out into the distance, and appreciating the incredibly unique and picturesque views.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Michael from Passport Explored

• San Francisco Golden Gate Cruise  – Visit the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Visit Muir Woods and Sausalito on a half-day tour from San Francisco
• Get all the things to do in 4 days in San Francisco
• Find accommodation in San Francisco here  

Wine County One Day California Road Trip 

ROUTE: LA to Paso Robles and Santa Ynez Valley 

DAYS: 1 

ROUTE STOPS: Los Angeles to Paso Robles and Santa Ynez Valley 

MILES COVERED: 681 miles (1096 kms) round trip 

The secret is out. Paso Robles, roughly 200 miles north of Los Angeles, is producing some of the best wines in the world. And it doesn’t get much better than a quick romantic weekend getaway.

To say the area has become a hot spot is an understatement — today Paso Robles alone has over 300 wineries. Like surfing through Netflix, all these choices can be overwhelming. So we did the work for you and picked our top recommendations. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always Netflix. 

Los Angeles to Buellton, 138 miles: Hitching Post II Call it the Sideways effect — the 2004 cult wino movie with Paul Giamatti that put a spotlight on Santa Ynez’s Pinot Noir.

Many of the movie’s most memorable scenes were filmed in the restaurant Hitching Post II, best known for their filet mignon and Pinot Noir. Though something tells me the bartender has heard the classic line more than once, “If anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving!” We recommend getting the Pinot Noir flight ($18) that includes four 2 oz pours. 

Buellton to Paso Robles, 100 miles: Wine Tasting at Daou Vineyards With so many wineries, how can we narrow it down to just one? Well, Daou is pretty special. Daou is located at one of the highest spots in the region with sweeping views.

The winery was founded by Georges and Daniel Daou, Lebanese brothers who immigrated to France when they were 10 and 14 years old to escape the civil war. They became fascinated by winemaking and the rest is history. Tastings are $40 per person. 

Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo, 35 miles: Evening at Petit Soleil Petit Soleil is one of our favorite hotels. It offers free wine and snacks, a big breakfast, and easy parking. Hey, we’re from LA… now that’s a luxury item! The boutique hotel is French-themed, right down to the room decor, and accordion music playing on the alarm clock/CD player. 

CONTRIBUTED BY : Phil & Kevin from Gourmet Globetrotter

• Explore more wine tours in the Santa Barbara Wine County

Utah Road Trip National Parks – West Coast USA Road Trip

ROUTE: Zion National Park – Bryce National Park – Capitol Reef to Arches/Canyonlands

DAYS: 5+ 

ROUTE STOPS: 4

• Zion National Park to Bryce National Park – 72 miles
• Bryce National Park to Capitol Reef – 112 miles
• Capitol Reef to Arches/Canyonlands – 136 miles 

MILES COVERED:   494 miles (795 kilometres) round trip

If you’re a fan of visiting national parks, then you’ll love this Utah road trip to visit all 5 national parks in the state.

Zion: Start the road trip at Zion National Park and spend 2 days exploring the park’s hiking trails. Drive along Highway 9 and Kolob Terrace Road to get away from the crowds in Zion Canyon.

Bryce Canyon: Next drive to Bryce Canyon National Park and spend one day. You’ll pass through Red Canyon on your way which gives you a sneak peek of what you’ll see at Bryce. Take the scenic drive road to the end at Rainbow Point without making any stops.

Spend half a day to drive from Rainbow Point to the Amphitheater and the other half walking the Rim Trail or Navajo Loop Trail to really experience all Bryce has to offer.

Capitol Reef: Drive toward Capitol Reef National Park via Highway 12. You’ll find some Utah State Parks along the way, so take your time on this road. One full day at Capitol Reef includes the scenic drive, hiking, and picking fruit in the orchard.

Arches and Canyonlands: Now it’s time to drive to Moab where you can explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. You’ll pass by Goblin Valley State Park which is a fun side trip. Take 1 to 2 days to enjoy and photograph the unique beauty of Arches while driving along the park road and hiking the trails.

Another 1 or 2 days can be spent at Canyonlands biking, hiking, off-roading, and river rafting. Be sure to visit Dead Horse Point State Park as a side trip near the entrance to Canyonlands Island in the Sky.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Jamie & Dave from PhotoJeepers

• From Moab to Arches National Park hiking and riding on a 4×4 – Book your tour here
• 7 day National Parks Tour in Utah, with camping and driving – Book your tour here

Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park Day Trip – West Coast Trip

ROUTE: Las Vegas – Amargosa Valley – Death Valley – Shoshone – Las Vegas 

ROUTE STOPS:  Las Vegas – Amargosa Valley – Death Valley – Shoshone – Las Vegas 

MILES COVERED: 450 miles (724 kilometres) round trip 

Making the round trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park is one of my favorite west coast road trips in the United States.  You can make the entire route in a single day, and still see many of the top attractions of the park, or you can add in a couple of overnight stops to make it into a vacation.  

Las Vegas to Death Valley : The route is about 125 miles from Las Vegas to Death Valley , and on a day trip, you will travel about 75 miles in the park.  It totals about 325 miles, but there are plenty of stops to make it an enjoyable day, and be back by evening.

If you choose to cross to the far side of the park and add in some overnight stays, it will be about 450 miles for the round trip.  Most often, we prefer the day trip.  

Amargosa Valley: We recommend using US Route 95 out of Las Vegas, and turning on Highway 373 at the Amargosa Valley .  You can’t miss the stop for refreshments at the intersection!

When you get to Death Valley Junction, you may want to visit the Amargosa Opera House before turning right to the park on Death Valley Road, route 190.  

Death Valley Road: On Death Valley Road the stops to make include Zabriskie Point, Furnace Creek, the Devil’s Cornfield, Mesquite Dunes, and Stovepipe Wells.  You will want to hike around a bit, or at least explore in each of these stops, so bring plenty of water along.

Turn around at Stovepipe Wells and head back to Badwater Road to visit Artists Drive and Badwater Basin, where you can get some amazing photos. 

Town of Shoshone: Your final stop of the day will be the little town of Shoshone, where you can see mining relics, and have dinner before heading back to Las Vegas.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Roxanna from Gypsy with a Day Job

• Full day tour from Las Vegas to the Death Valley

Portland OR to Yellowstone National Park – West Coast USA Road Trip

ROUTE: From Portland, Oregon to Yellowstone National Park, stopping in Richland, WA, and Missoula , MT

• Portland to Richland – 220 miles
• Richland to Island Park – 606 miles
• Island Park to Yellowstone – 77 miles 
• Yellowstone to Missoula – 313 miles

MILES COVERED:   1600 miles (2575 kilometres) round trip approx.

After watching a documentary about Yellowstone National Park , we knew we had to visit it. And in 2017, with flights, car hire, and accommodation booked, we set off from Portugal to visit this amazing National Park. 

Portland: We landed in Portland, OR after a long flight from the UK and hit I-84 east following the Columbia River along the Columbia River Gorge. The scenery was stunning.

We then turned north onto I-82 towards Richland where we stopped overnight. From Richland we headed onto US-395, joining I-90 at Ritzville. This road took us past Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, a beautiful lake surrounded by rich forests. We stopped at an interesting place called the 50,000 Silver Dollar Inn along the way to freshen up.

Missoula in Montana was our next stop for lunch, as we planned to do the 600 miles from Richland to Island Park, Idaho in one day. 

Island Park and Yellowstone National Park: Late in the evening, we finally arrived in Island Park, ready to start exploring Yellowstone National Park with our son over the course of four days. We saw bison, Old Faithful erupt, lots of springs, and a stunning sunset. Visiting Yellowstone with our son was our best holiday to date. And worth the 800 miles each way!

Missoula, Montana: On the return trip, we took the same route back to Portland, with a 3-day stop in Missoula, Montana to break up the journey. It was a town that surprised us with many things on offer for families like ours. Had we had more time, we would have spent time around Coeur d’Alene.

Mount Hood : Our original plan was to stop by Multnomah Falls on our return to Portland from Richland, but due to forest fires it and the entire Columbia River Gorge was closed, and we had to take a diversion around Mount Hood, which was very picturesque. 

CONTRIBUTED BY: Cath from Passports and Adventures

• Walking tour of Portland – Book your 2-hour tour here
• Multnomah Falls and Columbia Falls Gorgehalf day tour from Portland – Book here
• Willamette Valley Waterfalls & Wine tour – Book your full-day tour here
• Book a 7 day Yellowstone National Park Tour

Olympic Peninsula Coast Road Trip

ROUTE: South to North Coast – Kalaloch and Ruby Beach – Second and Third Beach – Rialto Beach – Shi Shi Beach

• Kalaloch to Second Beach- 48 miles
• Second Beach to Rialto Beach – 10 miles
• Rialto Beach to Shi Shi Beach – 65 miles 
• Shi Shi Beach to Olympic National Park – 81 miles

MILES COVERED:   204 miles (328 kilometres) round trip approx.

The state of Washington is known for its moody vibes and breathtaking mountainous forests. Surprisingly, one of the best things to do in Washington is to do a two-day road trip along the Olympic Peninsula Coast . The beaches are filled with sea stacks, driftwood, wildlife, and many sea anemones. The vibes and the views are outstanding. A road trip with many stops at the beaches is the perfect way to experience the Pacific Northwest. 

Kalaloch and Ruby Beach : If you are driving from the South coast to the North coast, your first stop is Kalaloch and Ruby beach. There, you can experience the exciting Tree Of Life . If you choose to, you can spend the night at the Kalaloch Lodge or drive north to First, Second, and Third Beach.

To access Second and Third Beach , you need to hike a few miles, but the effort is worth the hike with views of sea stacks and many wildlife. Second Beach is an excellent spot to the beach camp, don’t forget to obtain a permit. 

Rialto Beach : The next stop will be Rialto beach which is mainly known for the “Hole in the Wall” photography spot. It is also a great beach sunset location.

Shi Shi Beach: The last destination is the great Shi Shi Beach. Its 8-miles round trip hike makes it a bit more difficult than most. However, it is an excellent spot to backpack and camp. Just make sure to obtain the correct permits. 

CONTRIBUTED BY : Michelle from The Wandering Queen

• Seattle is a good starting point for this road trip itinerary. Seattle to Olympic National Park is 88 miles. 
• Seattle city exploration tour – Check it out here
• Seattle to Olympic National Park Small-Group Tour – Explore it here
• Explore Mount Rainier National Park in a small group tour – Book here
• The San Juan Islands is located 108.7 miles away from Seattle, one way. San Juan is a popular whale and Orcas sighting location. Take a private tour to the San Juan Islands

San Diego to Phoenix West Coast USA Road Trip

ROUTE : San Diego – Jacumba Hot Springs – Imperial San Dunes – Quartzsite – Phoenix

ROUTE STOPS :

• San Diego to Jacumba Hot Springs – 72 miles
• Jacumba Hot Springs to Imperial Sand Dunes – 79 miles
• Imperial Sand Dunes to Quartzsite – 89 miles
• Quartzsite to Phoenix – 129 miles

MILES COVERED : 366 miles one way

The drive from San Diego to Phoenix is actually only five and a half hours, but what many people don’t know is that there are a few fun places to stop so you can stretch the trip out.

This is the perfect road trip for anyone who loves the outdoors and off-the-beaten-path activities.

San Diego to Jacumba Hot Springs : There are many more opportunities for stops in the first half of the trip since it’s so close to San Diego. Right as you leave the city you can stop for a hike at Sunrise Highway.

Garnet Peak is one of the best and can range from 1 to 5 miles depending on the route you take. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking here.

Jacumba Hot Springs: There are many things to see here including the desert view tower, boulder park, and the hot springs. Exploring the tower does cost a small fee, but you can also rent the whole thing out for the night.

This is where we would recommend staying to break up your trip. Boulder park has different rock formations that have been molded and painted into different animal shapes.

Imperial Sand Dunes: Make a quick stop here to see the largest sand dunes in the state. You can hike around here as much as you like but if you have more time then go on an ATV tour. It’s one of the most fun things that you can do in the area!

Quartzsite to Phoenix: Quartzsite is the perfect jumping-off spot to explore the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a popular place for photography because of its stunning views and plentiful wildlife.

The drive from Quartzsite to Phoenix is pretty desolate so make sure you fill up on gas and your vehicle is in good shape. The scenic mountain views in the distance make the drive well worth it though.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Chelsey from Chelsey Explores

City and National Parks (SF to Las Vegas) West Coast USA Road Trip

ROUTE : San Francisco – Yosemite National Park – Sequoia National Park – Death Valley – Las Vegas

• San Francisco to Yosemite National Park – 191 miles
• Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park – 169 miles
• Sequoia National Park to Death Valley – 312 miles
• Death Valley to Las Vegas – 150 miles

MILES COVERED: 1391 miles (2239 kilometers) return trip SF to Las Vegas

This is a great trip because it combines two incredible (and very different) cities with three awe-inspiring (and very different) national parks.

SF to Yosemite National Park : Start with spending three days in San Francisco. In San Francisco, highlights include riding a cable car, visiting Chinatown, and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Then drive to Yosemite National Park.  It takes about half a day to get there plus two full days in the park. In Yosemite, drive and/or hike to lookouts and admire El Capitan and Half Dome, dramatic rock formations that dominate Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite National Park to Sequoia National Park : Then another half day on the road to Sequoia National Park, where you can easily spend another two full days. 

Then a full day of driving, especially if you are in an RV, as you will have to backtrack to the north entrance of Sequoia National Park and go the long way around, to Death Valley National Park.  This drive takes you through much of the park. 

In Sequoia, home to the largest trees on earth, don’t miss the Congress Trail , the Big Trees Trail, and the adjacent Kings Canyon National Park, where you can see enormous trees such as General Grant, General Sherman, and Chief Sequoya.

Death Valley: Spend another two full days in Death Valley before heading to Las Vegas, where you can easily stay for three full days before heading home.  

Death Valley has sand dunes, salt flats, and mini- badlands among its many desert landscapes. It’s very hot in Death Valley, so avoid summer!

Death Valley to Las Vegas : Of course, Las Vegas has dozens of casinos on the famous strip, but even if you don’t gamble, seeing the themed features such as the New York’s roller coaster, the Bellagio’s fountains and the Mirage’s volcanic eruptions are fun.

This road trip really has something for everyone.

CONTRIBUTED BY: James from Parks Collecting 

• San Francisco to Yosemite and Wine County 3 day tour – Learn more about the tour here
• San Francisco to Yosemite National Park – Book this 2 day tour 
• Explore the best of the West Coast in a guided tour – Learn more here
• From San Francisco to Lake Tahoe – 4 day guided tour

Oregon Coast Road Trip 

ROUTE: Astoria – Cannon Beach – Three Cape Route – Newport – Florence

DAYS: 3. Preferably 3 days but if you are pressed for time, the Astoria to Newport stretch can be done in a day.

ROUTE STOPS : From Astoria to Florence via Three Capes Scenic Loop 

MILES COVERED : 379 miles via Highway 101 (605 kilometers) round trip

With its old-growth forests, picture-postcard towns, towering cliffs, and unparalleled views of the great blue Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Coast is beyond beautiful. A drive from Astoria in the far north, near the Washington border, to Florence in Central Oregon will give you a taste of the best that this part of the world has to offer.

Astoria : Start with guzzling a few craft beers at Astoria, tasting the delicious seafood which includes the West Coast’s famous Dungeness Crab, visiting the Astoria Column, and, of course, taking photos of the famous iconic sea-green Megler bridge. Hike to the top of Neahkanie Mountain to be rewarded with some breath-taking views of the Oregon Coast.

Another gorgeous hike is Cape Perpetua, south of Newport.

Cannon Beach: Cannon Beach is a quaint town with cute cafes and mansions overlooking the Pacific Ocean. One look at this town and it isn’t so hard to guess why it is one of Oregon’s prime real estates!

The sunset is especially beautiful here; the soft pink blush of the setting rocks adds a tinge of magic to the Haystack Rock. You can spot puffins in the spring here.

At Tillamook, explore the Tillamook Dairy and indulge in loads of creamy ice cream!

Three Cape Route: The Three Cape Route is arguably one of the most beautiful routes in the world! The road climbs up along the cliffside and promises stellar views. At Cape Meares, visit the lighthouse and check out the magnificent Fresnel lens.

Stop by at Oceanside for a swim and at Agate Beach to do some beach-combing. If you’re lucky, you find slices of translucent agate in the sands!

Go on a whale-watching tour at Depoe Bay.

Newport: Newport’s historic bayfront is lined with restaurants, cafes, and galleries and it is delightful to wander through the narrow streets, past the pretty houses.

There are glass-blowing workshops and studios here, should you be interested in a lesson. Say hi to the sea lions before heading further south to Seal Rock where the beach is lined with impressive formations of basaltic rock.

Florence : Near Cape Perpetua is the famous Thor’s Well. During high tide, the ocean seems to drain away from it! The dunes and the sea lion rookery at Florence are a lovely epilogue to the trip.

It is 188 miles via Highway 101 from Astoria to Florence. You can stay at hotels and motels along the way. There are 4 campsites along the route: Fort Steven State Park, Warrenton, Nehalem Bay State Park, Cape Lookout State Park, and Beverly Beach State Park, Newport. 

CONTRIBUTED BY: Mohana & Aninda from Two-Together

• Explore Oregon Coast highlights in a day tour – Book tour here
• Eugene to Oregon Coast 2 day tour

Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Sierra Nevada 

ROUTE : Las Vegas – Zion National Park – Moab – Monument Valley – Las Vegas  – Bryce Canyon National Park  – Sierra Nevada mountains – San Francisco

DAYS : 7 – 14

ROUTE STOPS : Las Vegas to Zion, Moab, Monument Valley. Back to Las Vegas (you can complete the West Coast American road trip here or continue to) Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park, and San Francisco

MILES COVERED : 1632 miles (2626 kms)

ABOUT THE ROAD TRIP : 

This USA west coast road trip can be completed in one week or two weeks covering a wide variety of national parks, major cities, and natural landmarks. 

Day 1 in Las Vegas: Kickstart your itinerary in Las Vegas. Spend one day in Las Vegas covering the primary attractions on the Strip, go shopping, or catch a show. 

Day 2 – 3 in Zion National Park: Head to Zion National Park and spend 2 days here. Plan to camp, hike on the Angels Landing trail or just enjoy nature walks. You can go star gazing and take in the views of the amazing landscape of Zion. 

The driving time from Las Vegas to Zion is about 3 hours.

Day 4 in Monument Valley: Drive through southern Utah to get to Monument Valley, and spend one night here 

Day 5 and 6 in Moab: Next drive 3 hours to get to Moab and explore Canyonlands and Arches National Park. Enjoy hikes, paddleboarding, or just admire the towering rock formations.

Day 7 in Bryce National Park: Visit the Bryce National Park next. Go on easy hikes here, check the ‘hoodoos’, and see the unique landscape. The driving time from Moab is about 5 hours.

Day 8 and 9 in Las Vegas: You can drive back to Las Vegas and complete the road trip here, or continue on with the next leg of the journey. Spend 2 days in Las Vegas and explore more places in and around the city.

Day 10 in Sierra Nevada: Head to Sierra Nevada and camp overnight here

Day 11 to 13 in Yosemite National Park: Explore the best of Yosemite California in 3 days. Check off Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, and enjoy hikes and camping here before arriving in San Francisco on day 13.

Day 14 in San Francisco: Arrive in San Francisco and explore the city attractions like Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island sightseeing, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and beyond. Here is a complete one day in San Francisco itinerary

• San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
• SF: Alcatraz Ticket w/ 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Night Tour
• From San Francisco: Yosemite Park Guided Day Trip
• Las Vegas: Entry to Madame Tussauds with a Gondola Cruise
• Las Vegas: Grand Canyon West Bus Tour with Hoover Dam Stop

Los Angeles to Palm Springs and California Desert Parks 

ROUTE: Los Angeles – Palm Springs – Joshua Tree National Park – Anza Borrego State Park – Palm Desert & Thousand Palms – Los Angeles 

ROUTE STOPS : 

• LA to Palm Springs – 106 miles
• Palm Springs to Joshua National Park – 38 miles
• Palm Springs to Anza Borrego State Park – 99 miles
• Palm Springs to Palm Desert and Thousand Palms – 21 miles for both
• Palm Springs to LA  -106 miles

MILES COVERED : 349 miles (562 kilometers) round trip

One of the most fabulous road trips you can do from Los Angeles is to the beautiful desert community of Palm Springs. Palm Springs is not only a desirable destination unto itself, it is also the perfect base for day trips to a couple of gorgeous California desert parks: Joshua Tree National Park, and Anza Borrego State Park.

LA to Palm Springs : Plan on five days for the road trip, including the drive from LA to Palm Springs and back. Start early on day one and do the drive to Palm Springs, which is about 106 miles, and takes about 3 hours in normal traffic.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Palm Springs. Discover beautiful examples of mid-century modern architecture, stroll downtown Palm Canyon Boulevard, or hike in nearby Indian Canyons.

Joshua Tree National Park : On day two, do a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. There are lots of fun things to do in Joshua Tree National Park , including hiking, bouldering, watching the sunset from Keys View, and discovering the flora and fauna in the park.

The namesake Joshua trees and the cholla cactus are two examples of unique flora you can see in Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree is about 38 miles from Palm Springs, and you can do the drive in about one hour.

Although you can camp in the park or stay at Twenty-nine Palms just outside the park gates, accommodations in Palm Springs are much nicer.

Anza Borrego State Park : On day three, do a day trip to Anza Borrego State Park, which is about 100 miles away, a drive of about 1.45 hours. Especially if you visit in the spring of a super bloom year, Anza Borrego is a must-visit, with carpets of wildflowers providing color in the desert.

The park also features gigantic sculptures in metal, which are interesting to photograph. On the way, stop at the Salton Sea, an enormous body of saltwater with lots of birds.

Palm Desert & Thousand Palms: On day four, you can explore the communities of Palm Desert, which has some desert gardens and a zoo, and Thousand Palms, where you can do some desert hikes. These two places are just a few minutes drive from Palm Springs.

Drive Back to LA: Drive back to Los Angeles on day five, having experienced the magic of the California desert!

CONTRIBUTED BY: Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

• Take a day tour to Joshua National Park from Palm Springs
• One day tour from LA to Palm Springs and shopping outlets – Book your tour here

Yosemite Valley Road Trip Itinerary

ROUTE: Mariposa Grove to Tuolumne Meadows via the Tioga Pass

ROUTE STOPS:  Yosemite Valley Stops 

• Mariposa Grove to Tunnel View – 28 miles
• Mariposa Grove to Glacier Point – 34 miles
• Mariposa Grove to Tuolumne Meadows – 43 miles
• Mariposa Grove to Pacific Crest Trail  – 72 miles

MILES COVERED: 144 miles (231.75 kilometres) round trip

Yosemite National Park makes the perfect destination for a road trip. This Yosemite road trip can be completed in as few as 3 days or extended for as long as you like. All stops are found within the confines of the park. 

Mariposa Grove : Begin your road trip adventure at Mariposa Grove, near the park’s southern entrance where you can view some of the largest trees in the world. From here you’ll drive to the historic Wawona Hotel . This is a really pretty hotel with a great restaurant.  If you’re hungry, take advantage of the opportunity. This may be your last great meal for a few days. 

Tunnel View Lookout : After lunch, you’ll stop at the famous Tunnel View lookout. Find a parking spot and take your time, it’s worth every minute. After Tunnel View you’ll make your way into Yosemite Valley. Get settled into your accommodations and head back out to explore the valley.

Your next several stops can be seen on foot walking around the valley floor. Use your park map to locate Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.

Mist Trail, Vernal and Nevada Falls : The next morning you’ll tackle the Mist Trail to see Vernal and Nevada Falls up close.

Glacier Point and Yosemite Valley: In the afternoon you’ll get back in the car to head up to Glacier Point. This is another famous lookout perfect for photographs. The drive up will take about an hour and 15 minutes each way. You can finish off your second night relaxing back in Yosemite Valley and viewing the stars on a clear night. 

Tioga Pass: The next morning you’ll head out on the infamous Tioga Pass. You’ll follow the Tioga Pass all the way out to Tuolumne Meadows. The drive can take 90 minutes, but the object is to take your time.

There are tons of lookouts and rivers and mountains along the way. Stop wherever looks interesting and enjoy this peaceful and serene side of Yosemite. I assure you, there will not be any crowds here. Bring lots of water and snacks with you as you will not find anywhere to purchase anything on the road. 

Tuolumne Meadows and Pacific Crest Trail : Once you reach Tuolumne Meadows you can have a picnic, walk around, or even hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Whenever you’re ready, you can begin the slow drive back to Yosemite Valley for your last relaxing night in the park.

CONTRIBUTED BY : Eden from Rock a Little Travel

• 3-day Camping Adventure at Yosemite National Park. Learn more here

Utah West Coast USA Road Trip

ROUTE: Moab – Arches National Park – Bryce Canyon National Park – Zion National Park

• Arches National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park – 246 miles
• Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park  – 75 miles 

MILES COVERED: 634 miles (1020 kilometres) round trip

Zion, Bryce, and Arches are three of my favorite National Parks in the world. Take it from a Park Ranger who has worked and camped in her fair share of parks, these Utah gems are frankly perfection. If you have not yet fallen in love with the fiery allure of the red rock desert, oh boy, get ready to fall hard.

That said, these three beauties are still deeply unique in their own ways. The starting point of the trip is Moab, Utah. 

Arches National Park : Arches, on the East side of the state, is the most like a desert, but with a jungle of towering red slabs and bizarre arches everywhere you look. Arches are in the coolest area, in my opinion; its gateway town of Moab is rad and full of fun adventure activities. The Moab Brewery has great food and even better beer. 

Bryce National Park: Bryce, in between the two, is known for its eerily human-like hoodoos, and feels almost like the Grand Canyon with its rim hikes and pine forests.

Zion National Park: Zion, famous for needing a shuttle bus most of the year because it’s just that popular, is named for “paradise” for a reason.

To properly visit these parks, I recommend at least two solid days in each and camping as often as possible. Luckily, the longest drive of this road trip—that between Arches and Bryce—is only 244 miles through some gorgeous terrain. The road trip in its entirety (not including exploring each park to your heart’s content) is only 317 miles in total. 

I’d spend the most time in and around Arches, and in and around Zion. Bryce is lovely, but smaller and more easily appreciated in a day or so. 

Besides that, you can’t go wrong with spending every spare moment hiking in each park. In particular, the Narrows and Angel’s Landing in Zion is literally world-famous, for good reason (you need a permit for the Narrows, so plan ahead).

You could do this Utah National Park trip in less than a week, or really take your time and stretch it out. I’ve done it both ways, and never been disappointed.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Kaisa from  Glam Ganola Travel

• Small group Zion and Bryce National Park Camping Tour – Book tour here
• Full day Arches National Park with Canyonlands and driving 4×4 tour – Book tour here
• Book a scenic flight tour over Arches National Park

Cannon Beach Oregon to the Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor

ROUTE:  Cannon Beach Oregon to Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor

• Cannon Beach 
• Cannon Beach to Yaquina Head Lighthouse –  155 miles
• Yaquina Head Lighthouse to Florence – 53 miles
• Floras Lake State Natural Area to Gold Beach – 39 miles
• Gold Beach to Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor – 14 miles

MILES COVERED: 298 miles one way

ABOUT THE ROAD TRIP ROUTE

Day 1: Cannon Beach

Spend the day in Cannon Beach. Time your visit right so you can visit Haystack Rock at low tide. Haystack Rock is one of the most iconic pictures of the Oregon Coast. It stands at 235 feet tall. 

At low tide, you can explore the tide pools home to starfish, green anemones, and crabs.  After exploring the tide pools, head to Ecola State Park for beautiful hiking trails and Hug Point for beautiful coast views.  

Day 2: Tillamook Creamery > Cape Kiwanda > Devil’s Punchbowl > Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Today you will start your drive down the beautiful Oregon coast. The first stop is Tillamook Creamery. It is a perfect road trip stop to stretch your legs and grab some freshly made ice cream and cheese. There is a massive cheese-making process hall with viewing windows where visitors can go on a self-guided cheese-making tour.

At Cape Perpetua Scenic Area there are beautiful views of the jagged coastline and the forest area that seems to fall straight into the ocean. The Cape Perpetua Visitors Center has lots of information about trails, camping spots, and viewpoints.

Devil’s Punchbowl is a large giant sea cave with a hole in the roof. The best time to visit the cave is at high tide when the waves crash in the bowl. It is a spectacular thing to watch from the viewing area above.

Your road trip along the west coast is not complete without a lighthouse visit. Yaquina Head Lighthouse along with the surrounding historic areas and tide pools make it a fun area to explore. Cobble Beach is a fun place to spend some time as well.

Day 3: Florence > Floras Lake State Natural Area  

Florence is a great place to either hit the sand dunes or go canoeing for the first part of the day. Then head down to Floras Lake State Park. There are not a lot of amenities there so pick up some food in Florence to take with you. The easiest beach access is at Boice-Cope Park.

Day 4: Gold Beach > Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Before heading to the scenic corridor, spend a few hours exploring Gold Beach. It is a small Oregon town with beautiful beaches like Meyers Creek Beach. You will want to leave the majority of your day to explore the Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

Some of the highlights are Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint, House Rock Viewpoint, Arch Rock, and Natural Bridges Viewpoint.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Candice from CS Ginger

San Francisco to Redwoods of Northern California West Coast USA Road Trip

ROUTE: Mendocino –  towns of Fort Bragg & Leggett – Humboldt Redwoods State Park

• San Francisco to Mendocino – 155 miles
• Mendocino to Fort Bragg  – 10 miles
• Fort Bragg to Leggett  – 43 miles 
• Leggett to Humbolt Redwoods State Park – 56 miles 

MILES COVERED: 500 miles (805 kilometres) round trip

One of the best road trips in California is the route between San Francisco and the redwoods of Northern California.

The trip takes approximately 4 days and will take you through the sleepy coastal towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg before you reach your final destination at Humboldt Redwoods State Park (part of Redwood National Park, California). 

Mendocino : Mendocino is best known for its beautiful iconic cliffs that extend into the Pacific Ocean. Kayak into sea caves to explore inside the cliffs or hike along the cliffs at Mendocino Headlands State Park to take in the gorgeous ocean views. Check out the quaint downtown area for a small-town vibe and some fudge. 

Fort Bragg : Be sure to explore the colorful Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. It is famous in California for its amber, white, green, and sometimes blue sea glass. Noyo Headlands Park also offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Town of Leggett : Another place to stop on the way to the redwoods is the town of Leggett. Here you’ll find the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree, a remnant of the bygone days when it was socially acceptable to saw through trees for cars to drive through as a road trip sight to see. 

Humboldt Redwoods State Park : Finally, you’ll reach Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to some of the tallest redwood trees in the world.

Don’t miss the drive through the Avenue of the Giants, nowhere else will you feel so small as you coast between giant redwood trees. The hiking trails within the park are also amazing, especially in Founders Grove and Rockefeller Forest. 

READ: Cities and beach towns to visit in coastal California

CONTRIBUTED BY: Constance from The Adventures of Panda Bear

• Redwoods and Wine County Tour – Learn more here

A love affair with Baja California (Los Angeles to Ensenada Mexico)

ROUTE: Los Angeles –  San Ysidro – Tuetano Taqueria – Tijuana – Ensenada

• LA to San Ysidro – 137 miles
• San Ysidro, the USA to Tijuana, Mexico – 4.5 miles
• Tijuana to Ensenada – 104 miles 

MILES COVERED : 245 miles (395 kilometers) round trip

If you grow up surfing in Southern California there’s no doubt that you have had a love affair with Baja California. The Baja Peninsula is visually stunning, the beaches are mesmerizing and the restaurant industry has grown into the envy of Mexico. 

LA to Ensenada: Ensenada has the soul of Baja but it’s only 200 miles from Los Angeles. It is perfect for a three-day weekend. Leave before daylight on Saturday morning and you will cruise through San Diego in less than two hours, cross the border quickly and be in Ensenada and surfing in just over three. 

San Ysidro : It is mandatory to buy Mexican car insurance. I prefer to stop in San Ysidro to buy it at the drive-through. It takes 5 minutes and there are great tacos a block away. Everybody on the US side is reselling the same policies from the three big Mexican insurance companies. The policy has to be from a Mexican company.

Tuetano Taqueria : The best birria tacos (chile-rubbed and slow-roasted beef served with a beef broth soup) this side of Tijuana. If Bill Esparza of @StreetGourmetLA fame is a fan then you should be too. 

Tijuana to Ensenada: The coastal highway from Tijuana to Ensenada is a toll highway with three toll booths that cost a total of about US$10 each way. It is fast, in perfect condition with views of the ocean most of the way. 

Ensenada: At the last toll booth before you enter Ensenada is the world-famous San Miguel surf spot. It’s a right-hand river mouth that breaks like Trestles but with a small fraction of the crowd. After surfing all morning you have to decide if you are going to head into Ensenada or up the hill to the Valle de Guadalupe wine region.

• Muelle 3 Restaurant – Located in the Ensenada Harbor just steps away from the seafood market, Muelle 3 is different from the rest of the seafood restaurants on the block. Excellent salads, grilled fish fillets, and European-style steamed mussels make this one of the best restaurants in town.
• Tostadas La Guerrerense – Fresh, exotic seafood cart tostadas that won a street food world competition in Singapore and enchanted Anthony Bourdain. La Guerrerense recently opened a sit-down restaurant in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City.
• Manzanilla Restaurant – Harbor to table and farm to table staple that helped define the regional cuisine. Celebrity chefs Benito Molina and Solange Muris are the husband and wife team behind this celebrated restaurant.
• Valle de Guadalupe – Sinaloan Ranch style breakfast made with local ingredients and lots of lamb. Highly regarded as one of the best meals in the Valle de Guadalupe the wait can go on for hours. Get here early.
• Cuatro Cuartos – Vineyard glamping with a rustic wine bar overlooking the pacific ocean. This is one of the most Instagram-friendly spots in the Valley because of the dramatic views of the coastline.

CONTRIBUTED BY : Paul Hudson from Playas y Plazas

• Canopy Tour at the Ensenada – Learn more about the tour here

We hope you enjoyed our West Coast America road trip itineraries. More USA Travel posts below

• USA Bucket list – Top places to visit in the USA
• East Coast Road Trips – East Coast USA Road trip itinerary
• USA Weekend Getaways – Top destinations for a quick 2 – 3 day trip in the East Coast
• Winter Destinations in the USA – Best places to visit in winter in the States
• Hotels Guide to Las Vegas – Where to stay in Las Vegas the USA
• Vegas for couples –  Romantic Things to do in Las Vegas 
• Grand Canyon National Park – which rim to visit?
• Grand Canyon Tours – Top 5 Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Day tours

Pin: USA West Coast Road Trip

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

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Bookmarking this! My partner and I have talked about doing a west coast roadtrip for years. We’ve been to a few spots before but haven’t spent nearly enough time. High on the bucket list are definitely Yosemite, Grand Canyon and driving the PCH. Can’t wait to head off on one of these routes someday soon – when we get back from our expat year living in Prague!

That’s awesome Riana! Thanks so much – I am sure you will have lots of FUN doing this road trip!

Happy Travels xoxo

Love this blog post and love your photography! I have been to a few of these places and they are just amazing!

Mayuri, thank you for this post! My boyfriend and I are currently planning a three-week roadtrip to the States with many of these spots in mind! We did Yosemite last year and part of Nevada this year, but so many of these spots are high up on our list and I can’t wait to dig deeper and refine our itinerary, now that I’ve downloaded your pdf version 🙂

So glad you found the post useful!

Love that you started the post off with essentials needed for a road trip! I would add to that – always make sure to have an extra bottle of water on hand. You never know if you may accidently get stranded somewhere. Great post!

Great tip about the water. We carry ours too!

Nice Post. very well written and very impressive

awesome post! what service do you use to create your map?

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TWO WORLDS TREASURES

Explore Texas & beyond from Dallas/Ft. Worth

Best Trips Out West: Road Trip Itinerary

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I have personally used and would recommend. Also, Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Trips out west is in every road tripper bucket list. Who doesn’t dream to hike to the famous Delicate Arch in Utah or see the Old Faithful shots its hot water to the air?

Our family got a chance to road tripping the west in the summer of 2015. Then we went again to visit part of the region the following years, and three years later when we drove from Denver to Moab. Still, we haven’t got to visit all the beauty places there. So, more trips out west in the future for us.

When we went in 2015, part of our trips out west was with a family friend who live in Utah. But that doesn’t mean they’ve been to Moab or Yellowstone before. It was their first time to both places. Hard to believe, right?

Also, we couldn’t get them committed long before the trip because of his work. By the time they agreed with the dates, I had to find accommodations for two families in less than a month. It’s not fun at all.

When I thought about it again, I think they didn’t understand that you need to make a plan ahead of time for this kind of trip. So, for the last 3 days of our trips out west, after we parted, we decided not to do any reservations at all. I was tired searching for accommodations in a last-minute. See where the adventure would take us.

Our starting point.

Since we left from Texas, we had to cross New Mexico to get to Utah. So, we stopped there for a couple of nights to visit places we didn’t get to see from our road trip to the Southwest the year before.

Below is our itinerary that you can follow on your trips out west. You can always adjust it, depending on how long you will be on the road or your starting point.

Remember! If you travel with others, make sure you are in the same path. You will find how inconvenient it is if you travel with people who you think are like you, but they aren’t.

Table of Contents:

• Best Road Trip Itinerary for the West
• Day 1: Tinkertown Museum & Sandia Peak in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Day 2: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, Loretto Chapel, and Turquoise Trail in Albuquerque & Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Day 3: Wilson Arch & Arches National Park in Moab, Utah
• Day 4: Arches NP & Hole N’ The Rock in Moab, Utah
• Day 5: Arches NP & Canyonlands NP in Moab, Utah
• Day 6: Antelope Island State Park near Salt Lake City, Utah
• Day 7: Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah
• Day 8: Tony Grove Lake in Logan, Utah
• Day 9: Yellowstone National Park
• Day 10: Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP & Jackson Hole in Wyoming
• Day 11: Flaming Gorge Dam & Dinosaur National Monument in Vernal, Utah
• Day 12: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Day 13: Great Sand Dune National Park, Red River & Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico
• Day 14: Capulin Volcano National Monument in Capulin, New Mexico
• Tips for the Trips

Day 1: Home (North Texas) to Albuquerque, New Mexico (649 miles, about 9 h 30 m, different time zone at the destination.)

Places Visited:

• TINKERTOWN MUSEUM . I read about this museum from a parenting magazine. It’s a tiny museum filled with handmade dioramas of Old West scenes by its creator, Ross Ward, as well as antique toys. Pretty neat! Address: 121 Sandia Crest Rd., Sandia Park, NM 87047.
• SANDIA PEAK . We drove all the way to the top to see the city of Albuquerque from above, but we could only stay for a few minutes because summer storm started to hit us. It’s pretty common in the area during summer. Hope you will get better luck than us when you go.

Entrance Fee:

• Tinkertown Museum: Adults/Seniors: $6.00; Kids 4-16: $3.00; Kids Under 4: Free. Prices are subject to change.

Accommodation & Meals:

• Lots of hotels and restaurant to choose in Albuquerque that matched your budget. A couple of times we camped at Turquoise Trail Campground and RV Park in the Sandia Mountains, around 15 minutes from Albuquerque. Address: 22 Calvary Rd., Cedar Crest, NM 87008.

Day 2: Albuquerque & Santa Fe, NM.

• KASHA-KATUWE TENT ROCKS NATIONAL MONUMENT , Cochiti Pueblo. We finally got to see the unique rock formations at this park. The 1.5-mile, one-way trek into a narrow canyon with a steep (630 ft.) climb to the mesa top was so worth it. I would say this is a must-visit while in Albuquerque or Santa Fe area. Address: Jemez Springs, NM 87025.
• LORETTO CHAPEL , Santa Fe. The famous chapel with its unusual spiral staircase that has two 360 degrees turns and no visible means of support.   
• TURQUOISE TRAIL , a scenic route that connects Santa Fe and Albuquerque. We stopped at Madrid, an artists’ community and the location of the movie The Wild Hogs.
• Tent-Rocks is Free with National Park Pass; or $5 – private vehicles, group pass up to 25 individuals $25, 25-100 individuals $100.

As of April 13, 2021 update, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument remains closed due to Covid-19.  

• Stop at Cowgirl BBQ in Santa Fe for their Mother of Green Chile Cheeseburger.

Note: find out more about things to do and see around Albuquerque and Santa Fe here. You will find more info on National Monuments and museums in and around the cities. 

Day 3: Albuquerque, NM to Moab, Utah (365 miles, about 6 h).

• WILSON ARCH . When you see cars parking by the road on your road trip, you know there must be something that worth the stop. And yes, we’re glad we made the five minutes scramble up the red dirt to Wilson Arch. I felt like an ant under the arch. If you are a rock climber, you can climb to the top of the arch and rappel down. Address: Highway 191 south of Moab on BLM land. Less than a mile south of La Sal Junction.
• ARCHES NATIONAL PARK . After supper we made a quick trip to Arches. We stopped not too far from the gate and let the children climbing the rocks there. We named the giant rock formation in front of us “The Penguin” because they looked like ones. Then we drove around the park until it got dark. If you get to Moab late in the afternoon like us, I encourage you to go to Arches National Park and make a stop at places that are closer to the entrance. That way you save yourself some time for the next day.
• Wilson Arch is free.
• Arches NP: Free with National Park Pass; or $30 – private vehicle, $25 – motorcycle, $15 – individual on bicycle or foot. Good for 7 days.
• We rent a condo at the South Gate Village and cooked our own meals.
• Lots of hotels/condo/campground and restaurants that match your budget around Moab. On our second visit we stayed at a cabin in a RV Campground.

Note: It’s the first day when we met our friend and his family for this trips out west.

Day 4: Moab, Utah

• ARCHES NP . We went to see The Windows and after that our friends’ daughters wanted to go back to the condo so they could go back to their video game. Help!!! It’s not even 10 a.m. This is not what I had in mind for our trips out west. I wanted to cry because I didn’t see we could do all the things I had in my bucket list. We finally managed to stop at The Balanced Rock, Courthouse Towers, and Park Avenue. Then we stopped at downtown Moab for a window shopping and lunch.
• HOLE N’ THE ROCK . I was so upset, I preferred to go to Hole N” The Rock rather than swimming with the group. It’s a house build inside the rock, but I found it not too interesting. There’s not much to see in the house. So, you can skip it. Address: 11037 US-191, Moab, UT84532.
• Hole N” The Rock: House tours: – $6.50, Under 5 Free. Zoo: $4.25 per person, Under 2 years old Free.

Day 5: Moab, Utah

• ARCHES NP . Woke up early in the morning to hike to the Delicate Arch. Our friend offered to watch our son because he had a teleconference meeting at 8 a.m. and their daughters would stay in the condo with him. That’s not the option. Our son had to come with us and he praised the Delicate Arch as a master piece after he saw it, though he was whining all the way to the top because his friends were still sleeping when we left.
• CANYONLANDS NP . Made a quick loop in Island in the Sky district late in the afternoon. When you have a limited time like us, make sure you hike to Mesa Arch and walk to Grand View Point.
• Canyonlands NP: Free with National Park Pass; or $30 – private vehicle, $25 – motorcycle, $15 – individual on foot or bicycle. All good for seven days.

Day 6: Moab to Salt Lake City, Utah (234 miles, about 4 h).

Place Visited:

• ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK . I floated in the smelly Great Salt Lake with brine shrimps and flies. It’s gross, far from my experience floating in the Dead Sea. You can skip floating here, but it’s a nice park to visit. Address: 4528 West 1700 South, I-15 exit #335, Syracuse, UT 84075.
• $15 per vehicle up to 8 people. Senior entrance fee (65 years of age) $10 per vehicle up to 8 people. Bicycles, Motorcycles, Pedestrians $3 per person.
• Lots of hotels and restaurants in Salt Lake City that match your budget.

Note: We spent a night in Salt Lake City while our friend and his family drove straight home to Logan, north of Salt Lake City.

Day 7: Salt Lake City to Logan, Utah (82.3 miles, about 1.5 h).

• TEMPLE SQUARE . This is an interesting place to learn about the Mormon Church. We also stopped at the LDS Genealogy and Family History Library, did a quick search on my husband’s great-grandfather. It’s free and I heard it’s one of the best library of its kind in the country. If you visit on Thursday, you can visit the famous Tabernacle Choir practice in the evening, for free.
• Lunch at The Garden Restaurant in the Temple Square. It has a best view of the square from the top. Today we stayed at our friend’s house in Logan, about an hour and a half to the north of Salt Lake City.

Day 8: Logan, Utah.

• TONY GROVE LAKE . We had a lovely hike in this picturesque mountain lake area. I felt like we were somewhere in Switzerland, although I haven’t been there yet. Haha.. Wish we could explore more though, but the 4th of July fireworks was awaiting us back in Logan. Address: Hwy 89 turnoff in Logan Canyon, about 15-16 miles from Logan.

Day 9: Logan, Utah to Ashton, Idaho (206 miles, about 3 h).

• YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK . After we checked in at the hotel in Ashton, we went to Yellowstone. Car line on the west entrance was quite long. We got to see the Old Faithful and tour the Upper Geyser Basin, drove to Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone before we went back to Ashton.
• Free with National Park Pass; or $35 – private vehicle, $30 – motorcycle/snowmobile, $20 – individual on foot, bicycle, ski, etc. Good for 7 days.
• We stayed in Ashton, Idaho because of late booking. Packed our lunch because we’re not sure whether we would be around restaurants inside the park during lunch time.

Day 10: Ashton, Idaho to Rock Springs, Wyoming (247 miles, about 5 hours).

• YELLOWSTONE NP, WY . Exploring more of Yellowstone between West Entrance and South Entrance that we didn’t get to visit the day before, while our friend went home to Utah.
• GRAND TETON NP, WY . Did a quick stop at the Teton.
• JACKSON HOLE, WY . Strolling around downtown of this ski resorts city in Wyoming. We made a hotel reservation for Rock Springs from here.
• Grand Teton NP: Free with National Park Pass; or $35 – private vehicle, $30 – motorcycle, $20 – individual on foot, bicycle, ski, etc. Good for 7 days.
• Roadside hotels and restaurants to choose that match your budget in Rock Springs.

Day 11 – Rock Springs, WY to Delta, CO (289 miles, about 5 h 30 m).

• FLAMING GORGE DAM , Utah. We did a tour here with a group of motorcyclist. They had to take off all of their metal accessories before joining the tour. I think our trips out west was getting interesting. Address: Southern end of Lake Flaming Gorge in northeastern Utah.
• DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT , Vernal, Utah. A cool place to see approximately 1,500 dinosaur bones on the wall. A must-see for dinosaur and fossil enthusiasts. Address: 11625 E 1500 S Jensen, Utah 84035.
• Flaming Gorge Dam is free.
• Dinosaur NM in Vernal, Utah: Free with National Park Pass; or $25 – private vehicle, $20 – motorcycle, $15 – individual on foot or bicycle. Good for 7 days.
• We stayed in Delta, CO. It was the first day of our no reservations trip.

Note: From Vernal we thought about going to Estes Park in Colorado, but hail and flash flood made us turned to a different direction. We ended up in Delta, Colorado and we never heard about this place before. While searching for the hotel, I saw there’s a National Park here. Woo hoo!

Day 12 – Delta to Alamosa, CO (222 miles, about 4 h).

• BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK . Probably one of the less visited National Park in the U.S., we found this park very interesting with its steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. And the park ranger took his telescope out while we were there, so we got to see the sun with its tongues flickering.
• Free with National Park Pass; or $30 – private vehicle, $25 –  motorcycle (maximum of two people), $15 – pedestrian/cyclist. Good for seven days. 16 & under free; Black Canyon Annual Pass: $55.
• Choices of hotels and restaurants in Alamosa, CO.

Day 13: Alamosa, CO to Capulin, NM (159 miles, about 2 h 30 m).

• GREAT SAND DUNE NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE , Alamosa. Another National Park we found on our way home to Texas. We had a great time sledding on the sand, just like when we went to White Sands National Park in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
• RED RIVER, NM . A favorite place for Texan during winter, we saw people fishing everywhere along the river. I think that’s a favorite thing to do during summertime here. We stopped for an ice cream break and strolled a bit in downtown area.
• PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH, Cimarron, NM . My husband wanted to show Philmont Scout Ranch to our son. This is the base for the Boy Scout to backpacking to the top of Baldy Mountain. The Boy Scout Museum is also located here.
• Great Sand Dune NP is Free with National Park Pass; or $25/private vehicle, $20/motorcycle and riders, $15/person for over sized vehicle with 15+ passengers, ages 16+.
• Lots of restaurant along the way and we pitched a tent at Capulin RV Park. Yup! When we were searching for a hotel, a little voice from the back seat said, “Let’s camping! What’s the point of bringing a tent if we don’t use it?”

Day 14: Capulin, NM to home in North TX (540 miles, about 8 h).

• CAPULIN VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT . I think it was our 5th time visiting this place. We just like it and this time we got to see a family of fox. They were so cute!
• Free with National Park Pass; or $20 – per private vehicle, $15 – per motorcycle and riders, $10 – per person arriving on foot or bicycle. Receipt valid for 7 days.

General tips for the trip :

• Buy a National Park pass for the trip that is also good for National Monument (cost $80).
• Booked hotels in advance, especially for Yellowstone NP.
• Find information online, from bloggers, magazines, and friends who’d been to those places or live around the area.
• AND, make sure you really know the members of your traveling mate.

So, whether you go West, Southwest, Midwest, South, or East Coast for your National Park road trip this coming vacation, make sure you read this 10 Best National Parks Vacation . It has complete information on what activities (like hiking, biking, or swimming) to do in the parks and where to stay in or near the parks.

Updated on March 20, 2020.

Thank you for sharing this:

Umiko Buhl is a travel blogger and the founder of Two Worlds Treasures. She travels around Texas to neighboring states and around the country with her family and dog from their family home in the south of Dallas/Fort Worth. Originally from Indonesia, she tries to go home every 2-3 years to spend time with her families and friends while exploring Indonesia. Her mission is to share her honest reviews of places she visited.

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48 Comments

Awesome article. We were there precisely one year ago… little did we know this year was going to be so different with no traveling due to Covid-19. Thanks for this article, it put a smile on my face! Marcella

Who would have thought everything will be different this year. I’m glad I could bring back your memories to these places.

That sounds like an amazing road trip! I used to live in Utah and I still haven’t been to Moab. I would love to visit.

So our friend and his family weren’t the only one. 🙂

I LOVE detailed road trip itineraries like this one! You included so much helpful information! I am saving this for our future trip to the parks! Thank you!

I’m glad you found it helpful.

A work friend is doing a “year of National Parks” and is visiting a new one every month. I’m totally sending him this post, he’ll love it. Meanwhile, you’re going to all of the parks that are on my bucket list! The tent rocks look so cool, I’d love to find out more about how they were formed!

Your friend is lucky to be able to do it once a month. I will be happy if you share this post to him.

That is quite the trip! I have seen delicate arch once before, it is very impressive. You have made me want to take my own road trip to some of these spots.

Parks at the West are amazing and makes you want to visit again and again.

Wow. That was quite the trip that you took. so many parks and what a beautiful area. I’ve explored a lot of Colorado and New Mexico myself but never been on a road trip quite this long to so many cool places sounds like you had a ton of fun

For part-time traveler like our family, we don’t have a freedom to go whenever we wanted to. It depends on time off from school and all the activities. So, this is one way to do it.

There is nothing like a good road trip! Thanks for sharing these great tips, there is so much to be explored in the West.

Never ending exploration.

Those cone shaped mountains are quite cool looking, Id like to go check thouse out… Love nationaol parks especially Banff, its my favorite..

Yeah, I like Kasha-Katuwe, the national monument that has cone shaped rocks. I haven’t been to Banff, but I must do it.

There’s just so much to see in do in the Western U.S.. What a great trip! Sounds like your family was able to see so much!!

And there are still so much that we haven’t seen yet. The western U.S. is a heaven for outdoor lovers.

Great detailed list here, have always wanted to do a road-trip through the US with a focus on all the amazing national parks. This seems like a great itinerary. Will certainly save for when this trip comes to light.

Thank you! I hope you will make it one day.

This is pretty much my dream itinerary – love living in New York but hate being so far (and usually a pretty pricey flight) away from all the weat coast national parks.

I understand that. I sometimes wish living in Colorado so it’s easier to go to all those national parks in the west.

Great compilation! There are so many parks on the west coast that it’s hard to see them all! So this is a great guide to seeing some of them.

Thank you, Amy!

I know that “sandia” is the Spanish word for watermelon… was there something particularly watermelon-like about Sandia Peak?

Honestly, I didn’t know that. But I will stop again next June, so I will find out about it. Thank you for giving me something to think about.

That’s such an amazing two-week trip! We’ve never made it to any parks out west, but I want to so badly. The pictures look amazing! I love that the US has so many gorgeous places to see…right in our own backyard! Which park was your favorite?

For this trip, I fell in love with Arches. It captivated me with its giant rocks formation the minute we drove to the park. I’ve never seen giant rocks like that before.

I’m hoping to do something similar to this soon (but from Denver, and to Grand Canyon instead of Yellowstone). Thanks for all the tips!

You are welcome! We’re going to Grand Canyon also this summer, then Colorado in July.

I did a similar impulse trip a couple of years back where I hit some of the same spots! I could spend forever in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. You should definitely try to make it to Montana too!

Montana and Idaho are our next destinations when we go up there again. So many parks to see, but the opportunity is not always taking us to that direction.

Wow! That looks like an awesome 14 days with minimal planning! I’m planning on doing Utah soon so will definitely keep your tips in mind!

It was crazy awesome! lol. I know that we need to do Utah only in the future. There are so much parks – National or States – to explore there.

My partner and I have been meaning to go park hopping! We love the park scene and the calmness of camping. I will be bookmarking this list to revisit with her. Thanks!

Awesome! I hope you will have a blast when the time is here.

You’re so lucky you have all these wonderful landmarks on your front door! I’ve seen many photos of Moab in Utah and think it’s spectacular! I also love those interesting rock formations, so unique and unlike any other I’ve seen before.

I know, right? But tell you what. I’m sad because most people I know don’t care about these wonderful landmarks. They only want to go to Disney, Paris, or New York. There’s nothing wrong with those places, but they need to open their mind for alternative destinations.

I can’t believe you did all that with no planning!! You should do that more often! the Hole n in the Rock and the Mammoth hot springs looked amazing. Kids look like they had a ball! Thanks for the awesome list!

It’s not the whole trip without reservations. Just the last 4 days and 3 nights. I can see we will do more in the future.

Wow! You sure got around in two week’s time! I love road trips and this is a great itinerary. We’ve done a lot of the things you covered in the south, but on up into Idaho is a dream of ours.

That’s what we like to do. Rest time is at night, or in the car. 🙂 We actually thought about going to Idaho this summer.

That was a great read! Your trips are similar to ours…always on the move! I will keep this in mind when we head to Utah and Colorado. This summer we are going to the Yellowstone, Teton and Glacier areas.

Good to hear from another family that has similar trip like us. I hope you will have ton of fun at those National Parks. I’ve never get enough of Yellowstone, and still have to explore Teton and visit Glacier.

This is a great well put-together itinerary. I love how you have gone into detail, given prices and drives times. I always find these details super useful. The landscapes and scenery look amazing too.

Thank you very much, Katie!

I can’t believe how much you packed into two weeks! I would love to know how you found floating in Great Salt Lake with those shrimps and flies? Was it gross or did you feel great and refreshed after.

Well, for us hotel is only for sleeping, shower, and breakfast. Then we spent the whole day outside. Maybe that’s why we could pack a lot in two weeks. Though in Moab we did stay in the condo during afternoon hours. And, floating in the Great Salt Lake was gross. But I was there already. So, just do it! lol.

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Home » North America » USA » West Coast

Ultimate West Coast Road Trip Guide for 2024

Going on a West Coast road trip has to be one of the most magnificent experiences in the USA. This region, comprising of California, Oregon, Washington, is one of the most beautiful parts of the world and offers countless things to do and places to see. Sorry East Coast – these routes have gotcha’ beat.

While traveling on the West Coast, you’ll have the option of taking many road trip routes. You can take a road trip on Highway 101 along the iconic coastlines of the Pacific Ocean, or you can navigate through the epic Cascades and the Sierra Nevada mountains inland.

Being raised in Oregon, and having taken several road trips on the West Coast, I have a lot to share with you, my fellow broke backpackers.

In this USA West Coast road trip planner, I’ll cover several topics, including how to stick to a budget, the best places to visit on the West Coast, and plenty of ideas and itineraries to easily organize your entire trip.

So come with me as we go on a road trip of the West Coast, USA!

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Renting a Car or Campervan in West Coast

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Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around while backpacking the USA and that sure does include the West Coast. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices of individual companies. I personally like using Rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give me a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan, which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various waste and water tanks to live the van life though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of the West Coast’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades will you need to be concerned about having 4-wheel drive.

If you’re on a West Coast road trip during the winter and conditions are poor, you will definitely need all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

A of my personal favorite tips on how to save money on your West Coast USA road trip …

• I mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

The most and best parties are usually in the larger cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. These cities have the most bars, clubs, and just a greater selection of places to drink. The larger cities also host a greater amount of shows and touring musicia

While there are TONS of epic places to stay along the West Coast, here are three that are absolutely worth reserving in advance!

Best West Coast Mountain Getaway: Earthlight Washington Villa

This mountain villa in Waterville, Washington just might be the most incredible Airbnb on the West Coast. Built on the edge of a ridge that overlooks the Columbia River and some stunning mountains. Enjoy it all from a truly legendary deck that features a jacuzzi and panoramic views. Only one hour from Leavenworth and 15 minutes from the nearest town, you’ll get to be as secluded as possible while still having 21st-century amenities in reach.

Best West Coast Beach Cottage: Oregon Coast Beach Getaway

This Oregon Coast beach cottage is mere steps from one of the West Coast’s most legendary beaches. Multiple comfy beds, a large kitchen, and a wood-burning stove all add to the homey feel–just 100 yards from the ocean. You’ll also have easy access to local breweries and some hiking trails if you’ve had enough beach time!

Best Airbnb in Los Angeles: Downtown LA Condo

Where you stay in LA matters a LOT, so why not choose this iconic condo located right near the City of Angels’ main attractions? The 1 bedroom condo features glass windows, 20 ft ceilings, and a rooftop pool that you’ll be thankful for if you visit in the summer! You can also count on a super comfy bed, a TV, fast Wifi, and EPIC views of LA.

Best Places to Stay on Your West Coast Road Trip

Here are some of the best places to stay all along the West Coast.

Below is a list of sample road trips up (and down) the West Coast. Varying from 10 days to 30 days in length, they cover many of the West Coast’s top attractions. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some awesome West Coast road trip ideas and maximize the natural beauty you’ll get to experience.

Since the West Coast is massive and I can’t go into every single detail for each location, I’ve created more specific road trips to help you out a bit. Get ready for a heavy dose of driving in the USA inspo!

• California Road Trip
• Oregon Road Trip

A road trip on Highway 101 is one of the most popular and desirable adventures in the United States. This route features an amazing coastline that shifts every step of the way. While you’ll see other states too, this is the California trip of your dreams!

Starting in Southern California, you’ll see palm trees and surf-worthy swells slowly turn to dramatic cliffs. By the time you reach the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by lush, temperate rainforest, the likes of which you can see nowhere else in America.

On the road trip from San Diego to Seattle, you will pass by several of the most interesting cities in the region, Must-do’s include visiting Los Angeles , Santa Barbara, and Seattle. Between these many places, you will have your pick of bars, restaurants, and local markets.

Ultimately, a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway is a no-fail and I wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to spend more time on this itinerary.

Highlights: San Diego, Los Angeles, Big Sur, San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore, Redwoods, Oregon Coast, Olympic National Park

Notable bars and restaurants: Zeitgeist (San Francisco), A.O.C. (LA), Lost Abbey (San Diego), Annie’s Cambodian Cuisine (Eureka), Pelican Brewery (Cape Kiwanda), The Schooner (Netarts), Local Ocean Seafoods (Newport), Chestnut Cottage (Port Angeles), Granny’s Cafe (Port Angeles)

Where to Sleep:

• Freehand Hostel Los Angeles
• Green Tortoise Hostel San Francisco
• Ecola Creek Lodge (Cannon Beach)

You’ve only got 10 days on this West Coast Road Trip and it’s definitely not a lot of time for such a massive creation. Don’t expect to see each and every highlight on the way, especially when visiting LA where traffic can get hectic, to say the least.

You’ll have to plan your activities ahead to enjoy a stress-free adventure. The best activities are surfing around SoCal, camping in Big Sur, and whale watching. If you’re more of an active person, you should check out the hiking trails on the Olympic Peninsula. Exploring San Francisco and the Redwoods is a great experience too. As popular as it is, you can’t miss out on the Golden Gate Bridge, especially at sunrise or sunset.

If you’re into scenic drives, check out the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101) and Highway 1 – both offer incredible views!

Depending on when you’re visiting, you’ll be able to attend some cool festivals. Here are the coolest:

• Festival of the Dark Arts in Astoria (February)
• Goonies Day in Astoria (June)
• SF Outside Lands (August)
• Desert Daze (October)
• Redwood Coast Music Fest (October)

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

This is quite literally the opposite of a road on Highway 101 – this route primarily covers the eastern portion of California, Oregon, and Washington, areas that are defined by arid landscapes and rugged mountains.

Starting this road trip in California, you’ll begin in the hottest official place in the USA before escaping to the Sierra Nevada. You’ll pass by Yosemite , Lake Mono, and Lake Tahoe before reaching Oregon. Here, you’ll get a break from the desert by visiting Crater Lake before heading to the deserts around John Day again. By the time, you reach Washington, you’ll be in the rolling hills of the Palouse.

Given the harshness of the landscape, I advise that you undertake this road trip in late-spring or early-fall. Although it’s the desert, there is still a high probability of snow in the passes.

Highlights: Death Valley, Sierras, Lake Tahoe, Lassen Volcanic NP, Crater Lake, Bend, Wallowas, Palouse

Notable bars and restaurants: Holy Smokes Texas Style BBQ (Bishop), The Stove (Mammoth Lakes), Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (Reno), Crux Fermentation Project (Bend), McKay Cottage (Bend), Roosters Country Kitchen (Pendleton)

• Villa D’billa Airbnb (Reno)
• Moderne Hostel (Mammoth Lakes)
• Mellow Mountain Hostel (Tahoe)
• Bunk + Brews Historic Lucas House (Bend)

The best activities on this road trip are definitely climbing in Yosemite and canoeing at Lake Tahoe. For everyone who’s into adventures and adrenaline, you can ski and then stay at a cabin on Mammoth Lakes and hike the John Muir Wilderness. Biking around Crater Lake and taking epic photos in the Palouse is a bit more relaxing.

For scenic drives on this road trip, I’d recommend the Tioga Pass, Lassen Scenic Byway, and Highway 395. There are more drives that you can find online, but these ones are my personal favorites.

The best events you can attend are:

• Bishop Manzanar Pilgrimage (April)
• Burning Man (August),
• Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza (August)
• Bend Brew Festival (October)

One look at the map for this itinerary and you will probably exclaim how random it looks. Given that you will be visiting every national park between California and Washington, it’s pretty clear that there will be a great deal of driving.

But there’s going to be equal if not a greater amount of majesty. The national parks of the Western USA are famous and arguably form the finest collection in all of North America. You’re going to see deserts, valleys, giant redwoods, lakes, and mountains; if you can think of a landscape, it’s going to be featured here.

Luckily, there will be plenty of breaks on this best national parks edition of a West Coast road trip. You’ll also see many of the West Coast’s major cities, including Portland and Bellingham, and have the chance to take a brief road trip on Highway 101. So even if you are itching to go camping and get a little dirty, there will still be some showers along the way.

Highlights : Joshua Tree National Park , Kings Canyon, Channel Islands, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Olympic, Mt Rainier, North Cascades

Notable bars and restaurants: Stonefly Restaurant (Markleeville), Austin’s Restaurant (Tahoe), Aaron Schat’s Roadhouse (Bishop), John’s Pizza Works (Mammoth Lakes), Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (Reno),

• Emerald Forest Cabins (Eureka)
• Maverick Inn (Klamath Falls)
• Bavarian Bungalow Getaway (Leavenworth)

On this road trip, you’ll come across the absolute best hiking trails in the US . You can do a separate road trip in Redwoods, bike around Crater Lake, or check out the awesome beaches of the Olympic Peninsula if hiking is not your thing. For the more creative ones, you’ll love taking pictures at Death Valley National Park, hell, you might as well stay in Death Valley.

All scenic drives that I mentioned above can be visited on this road trip too, but I’d recommend checking out the Cascade Loop and Lassen Volcanic Scenic Byway .

This is it – the most complete road trip from California to Washington that you can do in 30 days. Just about every destination that has been covered so far in previous road trips is included here. This includes a road trip on the California Coast, a road trip from San Francisco to the Sierra Nevada, the Oregon Coast, the Washington Cascades, the Olympic Peninsula, and much, much more.

All of the major cities on the West Coast are included as well. There will be plenty of places to visit while staying in Los Angeles -do check out the Santa Monica pier for some prime people watching- San Francisco, Seattle, and every other city for that matter. Regardless of where you choose to spend your time – be it in the cities or in nature – it will be time well spent.

This itinerary also has the added benefit of featuring the amazing San Juan Islands, located at the end of a Highway 101 road trip. These are among the most beautiful places to stay in Washington and a mandatory given the amount of time you have.

Highlights : Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, San Francisco, Sierras, Lake Tahoe, Redwoods, Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Bend, Portland, North Cascades, Seattle, Olympic Peninsula

Notable bars and restaurants: A.O.C. (LA), Lost Abbey (San Diego), Zeitgeist (San Francisco), Annie’s Cambodian Cuisine (Eureka), Crux Fermentation Project (Bend), Cartopia (Portland), Dick’s Drive-In (Seattle)

• Otter’s Pond Bed & Breakfast (Orcas)

Well, you’ve got a whole month on your hands! So you better do everything the West Coast has to offer, right? Whether it’s surfing while staying in Santa Cruz , exploring LA’s nightlife, or hiking trails in the Sierra Nevada – you’ll never get bored.

A couple of things I’d definitely recommend though are sailing in the San Juans, alpine climbing in North Cascades, and taking the delicious beer in Bend. What you end up doing during the 4-week road trip is completely up to you, but you can be sure to have a blast!

Hit up the road and check out the most beautiful scenic drives in the West Coast. They include Highway 101, US-26, and Crater Lake Rim . If you’ve got a nice car and love driving around, add these to your list as well.

Below is a list of the best road trip stops on the West Coast. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most for your road trip.

Southern California Road Trip

Southern California or SoCal is the drier, sunnier part of California, known for its desert landscapes, Latin-influences, beach culture, and urban sprawl. It is distinct from Northern California in many ways and should definitely be discussed in its own section.

Southern California is by no means small – it hosts millions of residents, leagues of land, amazing national parks, and a lot of coastlines – but for the sake of brevity, we must condense all of Southern California into a single section.

The region is best known for its easy-going and Epicurean culture. Metropolises, like Los Angeles and San Diego, host huge populations of people who just want to have fun in the sun, do business, and maybe get famous. The parties in Southern California are often extravagant and it goes without saying that places like Hollywood or Santa Barbara  get really crazy.

Southern California is also well-known for its desert landscapes and climate. Sunshine is plentiful, temperatures are warm, and rain is infrequent.

Superlative national parks, like Death Valley and the magical Joshua Tree , exhibit the arid beauty of Southern California. Add in some of the best beaches on the West Coast and you can why the surfer and beach culture is strong here.

In the end, Southern California is a paradisiacal place, both in mind and reality. People flock here in pursuit of dreams, warmer climates, and sometimes for no reason at all. I can think of no better place to start a fantastic road trip up the West Coast than Southern California.

Northern California Road Trip

Northern California or NorCal is a bit more temperate than SoCal, both in climate and attitude. The weather is moodier, people are slightly more cosmopolitan, and the food is far more eclectic.

You won’t find the desert beaches and vast deserts of SoCal; NorCal has grander forests, more alpine areas, and a rougher coastline. Its home to many of the best hikes in California .

Nothing illustrates the difference between NorCal and SoCal better than comparing Los Angeles and San Francisco. Whereas LA is more defined by its entertainment and pleasure industries, San Francisco is a technological utopia that hosts some of the most influential industries in the world i.e. Google.

As a city, San Francisco is far denser, better planned, and all-in-all more modern than Los Angeles. Staying in San Francisco can be refreshing and recharging, especially after spending a long time on the road. It has superior public transport, more public works, and a greater amount of accommodation options.

San Francisco also benefits from being a part of the greater Bay Area , which offers West Coast roadtrippers a huge array of activities.

There’s the increasingly affluent but always gritty Oakland in the East Bay as well as the gorgeous if not opulent Marin County in the North Bay. The stunning Napa Valley has some of the best wineries in California and the coastline around SF is spectacular.

Along the coast, Big Sur, Monterrey, John Muir Woods, and Point Reyes are all worth visiting.

Finally, Northern California offers some of the best landscapes in California. Legendary areas like Yosemite National Park , Tahoe , and the Redwood Forest are all worth visiting as are the lesser-known ones like Lassen , the John Muir Wilderness , and the Lost Coast .

Northern California is definitely one of the best places that you’ll visit on your West Coast road trip route. Like Southern California, I had to, unfortunately, be very brief with this region.

• Best Hostels in San Francisco
• Is San Francisco safe?
• Incredible San Francisco Airbnbs
• Things to Do in Santa Rosa

Oregon Coastal Road Trip

Whimsical Oregon – home to hipsters, endlessly flowing beers, and some of the most enchanting beaches and hikes on the West Coast .

Over the years, Oregon has been the recipient of many titles and stereotypes, some of which are spot-on. Though not the enclave for the weird that it used to be, Oregon is still one of the most endearing and charming states in the entire country and is still utterly unique.

Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states on the West Coast. It has deserts, mountains, rainforests, beaches, gorges, and volcanoes; you name it, and Oregon has got it. Because of this, there is an immense amount of things to do in Oregon, from relaxing to finding the best hikes you’ve ever seen.

The largest and most well-known city in Oregon is Portland. Famed for its craft beer scene, amazing food, and uncanny residents, backpacking Portland is definitely one of the best experiences you can have on your West Coast road trip. Grab a bike, grab a brew, grab a friend, and go for a joy ride in the city.

If you’re looking for a good hike, there are several trails near Portland in Forest Park , the Columbia River Gorge , and at every Portlandians favorite landmark, the elegant Mt Hood .

Almost as famous as Portland is the Oregon Coast . The Oregon Coast is far more rugged, moody, and, arguably, more beautiful than the California Coast – people love to visit here in order to get away.

The Oregon and California Coasts are, thankfully, connected via the amazing Highway 101, which runs further up to Washington. Taking a road trip on Highway 101 up the West Coast is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the region.

Oregon’s Highway 101 attractions include Cannon Beach , the Oregon Dunes , and Cape Perpetua .

• Iconic cottages in Oregon
• Epic treehouses and lodging in Oregon
• Where to stay in Portland
• Best hostels in Portland

Eastern Oregon Road Trip

Many imagine Oregon to be a dreary, rainy wonderland full of trees and hippies. While this is true for the Western portion of Oregon, few realize that this is not the case for nearly two-thirds of the state.

Eastern Oregon is situated in a mostly high desert. Here, the people are more conservative, the landscape is harsher, and the sagebrush rolls on endlessly. It’s an ideal place to grab a quality Oregon cabin and really get acquainted with this unique class of nature.

Eastern Oregon is separated from the rest of the state by the Cascade Mountain Range . These mountains extend north through Washington and south to Northern California.

The Cascades have a profound effect on the climate. Eastern Oregon receives far less rain than the West and is much more arid. The Oregon Cascades are beautiful as well, and many of the top places to visit on a West Coast road trip are located in this range.

The aforementioned Mt Hood , superlative Crater Lake , and countless waterfalls throughout the state can be found in the Oregon Cascades.

The desert dominates Eastern Oregon. Locations like the Painted Hills, Alvord Desert, Smith Rock , and Owyhee Canyonlands are all wonderful representatives of Eastern Oregon’s stark beauty.

Those looking for more than just desert though will be happy to hear that places like the Wallowa Mountains and the Blue Mountains offer more alpine experiences.

There are lots of things to do in Eastern Oregon. Aside from seeking solitude, people often visit Eastern Oregon for adventurous activities. Whitewater rafting, skiing, and hiking are all excellent here.

Staying in Bend , the largest city in Eastern Oregon, is an excellent place idea as it offers lots of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Road Trip to Seattle

Visiting Seattle is a must while road-tripping the West Coast. It’s one of the most prosperous and dynamic cities in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a culturally rich place that has helped gestate the careers of some of the greatest icons in American history including Ray Charles, Nirvana, and Jimi Hendrix.

Economically, it is one of the fastest-growing American cities and hosts several important companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks. Lying on the banks of the Puget Sound and in the shadow of the massive Mt Rainier , Seattle may also be the most beautiful city on the West Coast.

Seattle is best explored at a leisurely pace. Allocate lots of time to walk around and visit the many cafes in the city. Drink coffee and beer in copious amounts and be sure to eat the local seafood, which is bountiful in the city. Basically, try not to rush through Seattle’s many places to visit .

Though there are several restaurants to visit around Seattle, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to the iconic Pikes Place Market .

Seattle is a very outdoorsy city. Lots of backpackers love Seattle because of its laid-back, hipster vibe . There are tons of parks around the city that offer amazing views of the surrounding cityscape/landscape and display quintessential PNW lushness, including evergreens and maples.

From parks like Jose Rizal, Kerry Park, Discovery , and Seaword , you’ll have astounding views of the city and Cascade Range. Seriously, these viewpoints are some of the best I’ve ever visited.

There are several notable museums in Seattle. The ultra-modern Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Art Museum, and the Chihuly Garden are all gorgeous museums and are among the best places to visit in Seattle.

Consider sailing on  Elliot Bay  as well. You can charter a larger, more luxurious sailboat, which will obviously cost more, or choose a more affordable option. You can rent a kayak for good rates and even sail for free every Sunday with the Center for Wooden Boats , the latter of which is one of the best free things to do in Seattle!

• Best hostels in Seattle
• Where to stay in Seattle?
• Epic Seattle itinerary
• Things to do in Seattle

Olympic Peninsula Road Trip

The Olympic Peninsula hosts Washington’s best national parks , beaches, rugged mountains, and some of the densest and wettest rainforests in North America. It is an Arcadian destination where you could get lost for days (or weeks); it is, without a doubt, one of the top West Coast road trip destinations.

The Olympic Peninsula is located west of Seattle across the Puget Sound . You can reach the peninsula from Seattle by road via Tacoma and Olympia or by ferry.

Our favorite West Coast road trip route, Highway 101 , actually starts/ends at the Tumwater/I-5 junction, just south of Olympia, and circles the entire Olympic Peninsula too. (As if this road couldn’t get any better?)

The vast majority of the Olympic Peninsula is a part of the Olympic National Park . Within the park, you’ll find all sorts of natural attractions. Here you can go hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and rafting all within the course of a day, maybe.

Near Port Angeles is the Hurricane Ridge Road, which grants access to the Hurricane Ridge . Aside from hosting a ski resort, Hurricane Ridge has one of the most jaw-dropping vistas in the state, as you’ll see huge swathes of peaks and forests.

Continuing west and then south around the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll reach the furthest shores of Washington state. Along the western portion of the Olympic Peninsula are a series of ultra-rugged and remote beaches among the most beautiful places on the West Coast.

Most of these require either a 4×4 car or a hike on foot to reach. Some of the best beaches of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula are Rialto Beach , Shi Shi Beach , and Ruby Beach .

Finally, the Hoh Rainforest is accessed via a series of dirt roads on the western edge of the peninsula. The Hoh is one of the most incredible rainforests in the world. Overrun by mammoth trees and covered nearly head to toe in lush moss, the Hoh seemingly offers nearly every shade of green imaginable.

Road Trip to Bellingham and the San Juan Islands

North of Seattle is the Salish Sea, which, apart from linking Seattle to the Pacific Ocean, hosts a number of idyllic islands and communities.

Most notable are the San Juan Islands – a gorgeous archipelago that offers some of the most bucolic and relaxing settings in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the perfect place to grab a quirky Washington treehouse and just bask in the awesomeness of nature. These in addition to Bellingham on the mainland are some of the best places in Washington.

Driving north from Seattle, you’ll first pass by Anacortes , which is the primary docking area for ferries to the San Juans as well as Vancouver Island .

South of Anacortes is Whidbey Island . Though not as gorgeous as the San Juans, Whidbey is still very nice and actually offers one of the most scenic drives in Washington. Whidbey Island is connected by bridge to the mainland at Deception Pass .

Bellingham is one of the coolest towns on the West Coast, thanks to its awesome brewery scene, young population, and outdoorsy culture. It’s primarily a college town, inhabited mostly by students, but lots of people end up falling in love with Bellingham and settling here permanently. Like any good student town, the nightlife is usually ramped up, and the beer, in particular, is quite good in Bellingham.

Bellingham is very close to Canada, Mt Baker, and the San Juan Islands, which makes it a great base for exploring the Pacific Northwest.

The San Juan Islands are one of the best places to visit on a West Coast road trip. Here is a Pacific paradise with untouched woods, calm waters, and gorgeous scenery. Small towns like Friday Harbor make for amazing places to stay for a rest stop.

People love to visit the San Juans to unwind and escape from civilization. Migrating orcas are frequently seen in the San Juans as well, which makes them popular with whale watchers.

You can reach the San Juans via ferry back to Anacortes. The ferry runs all year though less frequently in the winter.

Cascades Road Trip

Though the Cascade Range extends all the way into Oregon and California, the portion in Washington is arguably the best. The Washington Cascades are home to two of the West Coast’s best national parks – Rainier and North Cascades – in addition to several superlative wildernesses.

For mountaineers, hikers, and anyone interested in the outdoors, the Washington Cascades are among the most beautiful places .

The Washington Cascades can be roughly broken into 4 sections: the Gifford-Pinchot, Mt. Rainier, the Okanogan-Wenatchee, and North Cascades .

The Gifford-Pinchot section of the Cascades is the most southerly part of the range and is a part of the eponymous national forest. Here you’ll find Mt Adams – the second highest peak in the Cascades – and Mt St Helens – the famous active volcano. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest are also in the Gifford-Pinchot.

Mt Rainier is the largest mountain in the Cascades and hosts a national park. Mt Rainier National Park offers some of the best hikes and camping opportunities in Washington. The Summerland , Wonderland, and Tolmie Lookout trails are some of the most popular. Mt Rainier is also famous for its wildflowers, which bloom around July.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee area is home to many of Washington’s premier ski resorts. Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie, and Leavenworth are all notable locations.

Leavenworth is a very charming town in its own right and was designed to resemble a Bavarian village. Nearby to Leavenworth are the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and superlative Enchantment Basin , both of which offer amazing hiking opportunities.

Finally, the North Cascades – near the border of Canada – has some of the most rugged and remote peaks in the country. There are lots more hiking opportunities to be had around the North Cascades. Popular trails include Hidden Lake Lookout, Lake Anne, Sahalie Arm , and Copper Ridge . There is excellent skiing at Mt Baker as well, which is the highest mountain in the area.

Eastern Washington Road Trip

Eastern Washington is very different from the Western portion of the state. Lying on the other side of the Cascade Range, Eastern Washington is arider and desert-like, much in the same way as Eastern Oregon.

This part of Washington is distinctly more agrarian as well, and people tend to lean towards of the conservative side of the political spectrum. Regardless of its differences, Eastern Washington is a gorgeous place to visit and offers some of the most unique places to visit in Washington.

Though I’ll be frank when I say there is not a whole lot to do in Eastern Washington. Aside from a few very notable and beautiful attractions, 80% of Eastern Washington is either boring farmland or shrubbery. Definitely consider visiting this region but don’t allocate too many days to it.

Spokane is the largest city in Eastern Washington. It’s a peaceful city that doesn’t see much in the way of tourism. There are a few notable landmarks in the city like Spokane Falls, Davenport Arts District, and Manito Park .

Architecture fans may enjoy wandering around the city to see the works of Kirtland Cutter , who was one of the most influential architects in the PNW.

Most people just use Spokane as a base to explore the surrounding landscape. Spokane benefits from the excellent road trips nearby. The ever-charming Coeur d’Alene, and Sandpoint, Idaho are both very close to Spokane as is the Canadian border. Mountain lovers will love having the Northern Rockies right at their fingertips in Spokane.

South of Spokane is the Palouse , a very pastoral region that could easily rival Tuscany in terms of beauty. With rolling hills and endless fields, many photographers love Palouse. Consider a visit if you are looking to escape to the countryside. Steptoe Butte offers one of the best views of the hills.

Palouse also has one of the best waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest: Palouse Falls . This mighty waterfall drops into a gorgeous canyon and makes for excellent photographs. Hikers can walk to the base of the waterfall through the canyon itself as well.

Looking for some more unique West Coast road trip ideas? Then check out these off-the-beaten-path locations for a chance to see something different!

Nevada Road Trip

Nevada is a state directly east of California, best known for debaucherous Las Vegas. Because of its proximity to Los Angeles (a 4-hour drive), Las Vegas and Nevada are frequently visited on a California road trip.

Visit Las Vegas for a chance to party big and win bigger at the casinos, and consider visiting the rest of the state. There are several excellent attractions in Nevada that have nothing to do with LV like the Valley of Fire, Great Basin National Park, and Reno. 

Lake Tahoe is probably the biggest draw in the area. There are many cool things to do in Lake Tahoe , and it’s an ideal place to have your own vehicle.

Idaho Road Trip

Idaho is a relatively neglected state that doesn’t get much attention from the rest of the country. While some of it is admittedly unimpressive – the south is an endless expanse of ugly agriculture and weird towns – there are still a lot of cool things in Idaho.

Boise is quickly becoming one of the most charming cities in the Western USA and has a great culinary scene. The mountains of Idaho, being a part of the northernmost section of the American Rockies , are also very beautiful. The Sawtooth Range, Nez-Perce Woods , and the lake town of Sandpoint are all very attractive places worth visiting.

One of the best ways to see these mountains is to stay in a cabin in Idaho , as they offer unrivaled views of the mountains and the best scenic spots in the state.

Vancouver Road Trip

If you’ve finished your West Coast road trip route and want more, then why not continue your trip into Canada? While Vancouver isn’t exactly off the beaten path, it is just across the Washington-Canada border and one of the most gorgeous cities in the entire world.

Backpacking Vancouver offers many adventurous opportunities including skiing, hiking, sailing, and ferries to Vancouver Island. Granted, there aren’t many coastal roadways in British Columbia but the mountains are superlative and only a few hours drive away from Vancouver!

The US national parks are among the most beautiful places on the West Coast! Visit any one of the following areas for a glimpse of the best of the West Coast’s splendor and get ready to take lots of pictures.

California National Parks

• Kings Canyon/Sequoia (SoCal) – Home to the giant sequoias, which are one of the tallest trees in the world. Framed by quintessential-Sierra Nevada craggy peaks, Sequoia National Park is incredibly unique.
• Channel Islands (SoCal) – Islands that have huge ecological diversity. Good for whale watching, scuba diving, and hiking.
• Yosemite (NorCal) – Granite wonderland full of some of the sheerest and most dramatic rock walls in the world. A Mecca for rock climbers and hikers. Plan your visit to Yosemite ahead of time!
• Death Valley (SoCal) – One of the hottest and most inhospitable places in the world. Defined by surreal geology, mountains, and enormous sand dunes, Death Valley National Park just can’t be missed.
• Joshua Tree (SoCal) – A desert national park close to Los Angeles. Home to unique flora and fauna. Popular with hikers , climbers, and weekend warriors.
• Redwood (NorCal) – Park dedicated to some of the oldest and greatest trees on the planet. One of the California Coast’s best attractions.
• Lassen Volcanic (NorCal) – A highly volcanic area defined by bubbling thermal pools and active volcanoes, and one of the best camping spots in California .
• Pinnacles (NorCal) – Set-up to preserve unique rock formations and local bat populations.

Oregon National Parks

• Crater Lake (Oregon) – The only national park in Oregon and one of the best places in Oregon. Insanely deep and clear lake sitting in a collapsed caldera.

Washington National Parks

• Mt Rainier (Washington) – The highest mountain in the Cascades and home to the largest glaciers in the lower 48. An alpine paradise.
• Olympic (Washington) – One of the most geographically diverse regions on the West Coast. Mountains, glaciers, rugged coastline, and rainforest all in one place.
• North Cascades (Washington) – “The Alps of the USA.” Vast and wild national park that protects some of the most beautiful mountains in America.

Americans have a weird affinity to the strange landmarks that are usually found out in the middle of nowhere. The roadside attractions on the West Coast have become so admired that many people go on a trip just to see them! Below is a list of some of the most interesting West Coast roadside attractions.

• Forestiere Underground Gardens (Fresno) – An impressive and intricate series of underground passageways with gardens everywhere. Very pretty place.
• Trees of Mystery (Klamath) – An amusement park of sorts with, most notably, two giants statues of Paul Bunyon and his ox Babe .
• Salvation Mountain (Niland) – A pretty famous attraction on the edge of San Diego. Surreal and Gaudi-like shrine in the desert. Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Southern California.
• Cabazon Dinosaurs (Cabazon) – One of the OG California roadside attractions! A favorite for many.
• Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health (Salem) – A real mental institution that was used for filming One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Now displays important artifacts from the movie as well as archaic therapeutic techniques.
• Octopus Tree (Tillamook) – An old spruce tree that came to be shaped like an octopus by unknown means.
• The Oregon Vortex (Gold Hill) – A place where the laws of physics are purportedly non-existent due to paranormal activity.
• Rosie (Sekiu) – An anthropomorphic fish statue complete with a pink skirt, bra, and tennis shoes. Doesn’t get much weirder than this.
• Codger Pole (Colfax) – Local totem pole built to commemorate a local football game. Depicts the players as they appeared in the 1930s during their first match. Dedicated in 1988 during their final rematch.
• Wild Horses Monument (Vantage) – Dedicated to Washington state’s centennial. A collection of iron horses galloping on a ridgeline over the Columbia River Gorge.

You have endless options for gorgeous roads on the West Coast. Choose any one of these scenic routes listed below to gain more West Coast road trip ideas!

Each drive features some of the best places to visit on a USA West Coast road trip and several other scenic byways detours as well.

1. Highway 101/1 (California/Oregon/Washington)

One of the finest drives in the entire USA. Road trip from San Diego to Seattle via Highway 1 and 101, which hugs the near entirety of the West Coast.

Watch the coastline change from desert-like to temperate and see some of the finest scenery of all. Highway 101 attractions include the California Redwoods, camping at Big Sur , the rugged Oregon Coast, and the lush Olympic Peninsula in Washington.

2. Highway 395/97 (California/Oregon/Washington)

A great alternative to a road trip on Highway 101 – this route takes you through Eastern California and the Cascades of Oregon and Washington. See epic mountain vistas and visit some of the best national parks in the West.

Highlights include Death Valley, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Bend, the Columbia River Gorge, and Leavenworth. This California-to-Washington state road trip begins in Los Angeles and ends in Seattle, and requires a transfer between Hwy 395 and 97 near Lassen NP.

3. Highway 26 (Oregon)

Travel from sea to sky and get a taste of Oregon’s geographic diversity. Start at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast and travel eastbound on 26. Pass by Portland and stop at the mighty Mt. Hood.

Continue down 26 to reach the Oregon High Desert and be sure to stop by Bend, Smith Rock, and the Painted Hills along the way.

4. Cascade Loop (Washington)

Hands-down the most scenic drive in Washington state. This enormous loop starts and ends in Everett – north of Seattle – and offers a little bit of everything. Begin by taking the Stevens Pass Greenway deep into the Cascade Mountains.

From there, head north and loop back around back west via the superlative North Cascades Highway. Finally, end your Washington state road trip in the Puget Sound via the Whidbey Isle Scenic Byway.

Even if you’re unable to travel on $10/day like in some of my favorite countries, this West Coast road trip guide will at least help you minimize expenses.

Each West Coast state will cost different amounts of money. California will be the most expensive state, followed by Washington, and then Oregon.

Generally speaking, the average daily budget for a road trip on the West Coast will be between $175 – $250 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and activities.

Gas is very expensive on the West Coast and will lead you to an early bankruptcy if you’re not careful. Do everything you can to limit the costs of gas by planning/sticking to routes, using a fuel-efficient car, and carpooling.

Going on a road trip in the USA with a group is fun, more environmentally friendly, and cheaper. Traveling with other people is the best way to save money, but we understand this isn’t always possible!

No fear! You can also save money on a solo trip by camping and staying at hostels, grocery shopping, and taking your time (i.e. not driving 500 miles a day).

Food and lodging will cost as much as you’re willing to invest. Staying in fancy digs and eating out for every meal will obviously drain your funds. Camping out and cooking for yourself will save you much more money in the long run.

You will probably visit several national parks as well and each has a fee. Pick 1-2 parks, or invest in an America the Beautiful Pass .

While these costs might seem steep, always remember you can always save a TON by camping. But even if you don’t spend any nights under the stars, you can rest assured that your money is allowing you to see some of the very best places to visit in the US .

Average Costs of a USA West Coast Road Trip

Below is a breakdown of the average costs of a USA West Coast road trip:

Rental car : $30-$100

RV rental:  $100-$300

Gallon of gas: $4.50 – $5.50

Average AirBnB:  $120

Hotel room: $200

Hostel dorm bed: $50

Campground:  $5-$20 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich:  $6-$9

Beer at a bar: $7-$10

Coffee: $4-

Bottle of Whiskey from market:  $20

Dinner for two:  $35-$75

Here are some things you should definitely know before hitting the roads of the West Coast!

Best Time to Visit West Coast

Depending on what you want to do on your road trip and what kind of climate you like, the West Coast can be visited at any time of the year . With temperate winters, sunny summers, and few extreme weather patterns, the West Coast is relatively pleasant no matter what time of the year it is.

The West Coast of the United States is a huge region with many distinct climates. The northern areas (Oregon and Washington) are well-known for being wet, dreary, and grey while California is famous for being warm, sunny, arid, and smokey.

Note that these are generalizations and that individual climates are, in reality, far more complex (but we’ll get into that soon).

Summers on the West Coast are usually bright, warm, and dry, and depending on the latitude and proximity to the sea, summers can be more or less very long and very dry.

While this means that you can be guaranteed good weather, it also means higher prices. Wildfires also start in the dry summers, which have become an enormous problem in recent years.

Winters on the West Coast are very mild and most of the yearly precipitation falls during this time. Snow is not very common for West Coast cities located near the sea.

Portland and Seattle may see a few snowy days in the winter while San Francisco and Los Angeles may only see snow once in a lifetime. Both the Cascades and the Sierra Nevadas receive plentiful snow and skiing is a very popular activity in these mountains.

Autumn is a usually lovely time to go on a road trip down the West Coast. Temperatures are still pleasant and nights are crisp. November is a transition month and when the rainy season usually starts – the Pacific Northwest can receive bucket loads of rain and, hopefully, California is no longer on fire.

Spring is also a good time to go on a USA West Coast road trip. The rain is slowly subsiding, temperatures are rising, and the hordes of tourists haven’t arrived yet. This is the greenest time in California, though Oregon and Washington (the Evergreen State) are pretty much always green (aside from the very eastern parts).

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of West Coast road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Rent an economy car : Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel-efficient. Use apps like ViaMichelin to find cheap gas, which, seriously, always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.
• Use vehicle relocation services : These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot : Though not technically legal, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Camp : Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. With a solid backpacking tent , campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free activities on the West Coast! From epic hiking trails to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in the West.If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Pack a filtered water bottle : It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

West Coast Road Trip Travel Insurance

Traveling in the USA is generally safe , but you never know what can happen while on the road! Do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Camping while traveling is absolutely one of the best ways to experience the majesty of the West Coast. This region has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country and some truly awesome campgrounds. For those on a West Coast road trip, camping is an absolute must.

There are all kinds of campgrounds on the West Coast that offer a wide range of amenities and rates. Generally speaking, there are four types: private, public, dispersed , and backcountry . Below is a brief explanation of each.

Private – Larger campgrounds that offer the most amenities including communal kitchens, showers, and maybe onsite restaurants. Most appropriate for demanding campers. Most expensive as well. Payment is made through the office of the owners.

Public – More basic campgrounds that offer limited but crucial amenities. Running water, electricity, and bathrooms should be but are not always present. Good prices. Payment is made to a public organization either online or via a dropbox at the camp.

Dispersed – aka wild camping and primitive camping . Camping in an area that is not an official campground but is still legal. Little to no amenities. Almost always free.

Backcountry – Camps located in the wilderness areas. Almost always require a hike to reach. Often no facilities so campers must bring food, cooking gear, camp supplies, etc. Permits are usually required and can be arranged at a nearby ranger station.

A lot of campgrounds, especially those at the national parks, can fill up very quickly. Consider booking a campground ahead of time to ensure that you have a spot. If you plan on sleeping at more unique sites – like yurt camps or a fire lookout – you will definitely have to book ahead.

Lots of campgrounds have walk-up sites available, which you’ll need to arrive early to claim. If you strike-out on the walk-up sites as well, there may be overflow camping nearby.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

West Coast Camping – Gear Checklist

The West Coast has some of the finest camping in the whole country. This means a proper road trip packing list is essential .

You could sleep in your car or an RV while traveling on the West Coast but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other things that I recommend adding to your RV packing list if you plan on camping out…

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Free West Coast Camping

Those on a road trip down the West Coast should totally take advantage of the many free campgrounds spread throughout the state. Keep on reading for a list of some of my favorite free West Coast camping spots .

Note that some campgrounds listed in this guide may require a 4×4 vehicle to access.

By now, you should know everything there is to know about the West Coast and possible road trip hotspots. I know, it’s a lot to take in, and you’ve still got numerous options to choose from – which is why it’s important to plan ahead properly instead of just hitting the road.

Sort your packing list, your car, or stylish RV and your insurance first, come up with a rough itinerary and then you can be almost 100% sure that you’ll have a successful trip.

Of course, all road trips are flexible and you can always make spontaneous decisions (which is the best thing about them), but if you’ve got the time and your budget allows it, take a month and follow my complete 30-day west coast road trip. That way, you won’t miss out on anything! And if you don’t like it, just skip one stopover and go to the next one.

Now, enough talking! Let’s hit the road… the West Coast awaits!

Updated April 2024 by Samantha Shea

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USA West Coast Road Trip: 6 Places To Visit In The West Coast Of The United States Of America

Posted on Last updated: August 28, 2023

Let me set the scene: I’ve just returned from a 6-month stint in California and all I get from friends is the sarcastic quip, ‘Mate, did you go to California?’ YES MATE I DID.

Why were all my friends being annoying? Because I couldn’t stop talking about it; California truly is amazing. You can ski, surf, hike, swim and do it all in the same week.

Last year was a blast so I decided to return this year to see what I missed out on. So, here’s your ultimate road trip guide to the West Coast.

California’s pretty big so where do you start? There’s a bunch of different routes you could take to cover all the best places to visit on the West Coast, but here’s my top 3.

If you want to go an awesome USA West Coast road trip, this is the guide for you! We have outlined the top three road trip routes, as well as detailed West Coast itinerary.

So that for every stop you know all the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat and more! So read on, and start planning your American road trip dream!

• 1 How to road trip around the US
• 2.1.1 Where to stay in San Francisco
• 2.2.1 Where to stay in Santa Barbara
• 2.3.1 Where to stay in Los Angeles
• 2.4.1 Where to stay in San Diego
• 2.5.1 Where to stay in Joshua Tree National Park
• 2.6.1 Where to stay in Yosemite National Park
• 3 What to pack for a West Coast America road trip

Possible USA West Coast road trip itineraries

How to road trip around the US

The easiest way to road trip around the US is obviously to rent a car and drive around. Roads in the US are wide and easy to drive on.

Most cars come with modern GPS devices, but even if it doesn’t have one Google Maps is very trustworthy. You just type where you want to go and it will usually get you to the right place.

However if you don’t know how or want to drive, you can also road trip to the best towns on the West Coast of the US by bus. The US has a fairly reliable bus system, you just won’t have as much flexibility on your departure times.

Click here to rent a car for your USA West Coast road trip!

Time to go on a California road trip!

USA West Coast road trip itinerary

San francisco  .

Top 3 things to do/see:

• Bike across The Golden Gate Bridge
• Get a boat taxi across the Bay
• Hang out in Mission Dolores Park

San Fran was weird. Boy it was so weird. The city has a kind of unique, relaxed energy that makes it addictive to stay in. Every corner has something  and someone  different.

| READ MORE:  SAN FRANCISCO 2 DAY ITINERARY |

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco at sunset – Photo by Kaitlyn Thurlow on Scopio

Daytime San Fran is very different to night-time San Francisco and they both have a lot to offer. Ya girl can’t ride a bike so had to drive this bit but it is well worth renting a bike and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge.

It’s definitely one for the bucket list and does not disappoint. Lots of places offer bike tours and it’s a great way to see the tourist attractions and get a base for your first day.

Whilst travel writers always promote walking as a sure fire way to get to know a city, why not try a boat taxi as an alternative?

When I first read boat taxi I thought major ship, fifty seats but it’s actually a small, yellow boat like the size of a big dinghy.

Epic views over the San Francisco skyline – Photo by Rainer Puster on Scopio

Waves can be a little choppy but you’ll get to see the whole bay and stop off at popular places like Pier 39 to see the infamous sea lions who reside there.

It’s a hop-on/hop- off type thing with a flat rate of 10 USD per person. If you ask nicely enough, you might even get to drive the boat.

If you’re after a more ‘authentic vibe’ walk up some hills and check out Mission Dolores Park. San Francisco is known for its liberal, hippie counterculture of the 60s.

In the park you’ll find people playing the bongos, walking on tight ropes and smoking weed.

Top tip: Return your rental car to the same place that you picked it up so you don’t get hit with extra fees.

San Francisco, photo by Just Jenny Lamb

Where to stay in San Francisco

We have listed below some cool places to stay in San Francisco for every budget.

Luxury: Fairmont Miramar – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is a great place to do so. Located right on the beach, with a pool and epic sea-view, it’s a great place to chill after a long day exploring San Francisco.

Click here to book your stay at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

Mid-range & Budget: HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel – This lovely hostel is a great choice for both mid-range and budget travellers. They have both dorms and private rooms for both levels of privacy and budget.

Click here to book your stay at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel!

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco – Photo by David Chaidez on Scopio

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is the next major city on the coast but if you want you could stop by Monterey on the way down; it’s famous for its aquarium and the bay’s rock formations.

As for Santa Barbara, it hasn’t got much that the rest of California can’t offer you but if you’re after the image of a ‘typical’ Californian lifestyle you’ll find the embodiment of that in Santa Barbara.

Many people visit Santa Barbara on a day trip from Los Angeles , but I think it’s worth stopping a bit longer. The city is known for its party school along with its serene beaches and great seafood.

Top tip: On your way down to the next location, take the slightly longer route down Pacific Coast Highway so you get views of the ocean all the way down.

| READ MORE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN SANTA BARBARA IN 2 DAYS |

Santa Barbara, photo by Just Jenny Lamb

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

There are lots of cool hotels, apartments and Airbnbs in Santa Barbara . I have listed some options below for every budget.

Luxury: Harbor View Inn – Located right on the beach and with a beautiful pool, this hotel is the perfect place for those who want to relax even more, after a long day at the beach (it can be very tiring)!

Click here to book your stay at Harbor View Inn!

Mid-range: The Wayfarer – This hotel is a short walk away from the beach and also has a pool. It’s great choice for those still looking for something nice but without spending as much.

Click here to book your stay at The Wayfarer!

Budget: Casa del Mar Inn – This lovely hotel is close to the beach and all the main attractions of Santa Barbara.

Click here to book your stay at Casa del Mar Inn!

Beach views with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background – Photo by Andrew Chen on Scopio

Los Angeles

• Hike to the BACK of the Hollywood sign
• Explore Korea Town and go to a speakeasy
• Hit up Venice Beach on a weekday

Los Angeles is a monster of a city. The traffic is no myth but suck it up. Unfortunately, there is no easier way than to drive in L.A. because of its vast expanse.

| READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE LOS ANGELES TRAVEL GUIDE |

View over Los Angeles from Griffith Observatory – Photo by Khurum Khan on Scopio

There is SO much to do in L.A. but the peak for me was a literal peak. The Hollywood sign is a must see but why not see it whilst getting a great view of the whole city?

Careful with this one though, we spent ages driving around the Hollywood hills looking for the trails. Plan which route you want to take. For the most rewarding hike take the Brush Canyon Trail.

If you don’t fancy a 6.4 mile hike you can always drive up part way, find somewhere to park and walk the remainder up Mount Lee.

The view over Los Angeles from behind the Hollywood sign, photo by Just Jenny Lamb

L.A. and the surrounding areas of Malibu and Long Beach are known for their beaches. Kick back and relax on Venice or Manhattan Beach. Perfect time? 10am on a Tuesday.

L.A. has a lot of neighbourhoods but if you’re after ‘edgy’ fun then go to Korea Town. You’ll indulge in some of the best Korean food you’ve ever tasted as well as treating your ear buds to dulcet tones in a karaoke bar.

BUT, if you’re looking for something more off the grid try Break Room 86.

I won’t ruin it for you but it’s a speakeasy with hidden doorways in the most unexpected places; retro decor in the cool way, not the try-hard way.

Top tip: If you’re single, get on a dating app and ask for recommendations for local hot spots but just be careful they don’t follow you to the location…

If you’re not single, anytime you get in an Uber ask for recommendations, they ALWAYS know.

Sunset at the famous Santa Monica Pier – Photo by Stefan Obermeier on Scopio

Where to stay in Los Angeles

I’ve listed below some cool places to stay in Santa Monica, one of the coolest areas of LA, for every budget.

Luxury:  Shutters On The Beach   – If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the perfect place to do so. Located right on the beach, this hotel has a beautiful pool, spacious rooms and epic beach views.

Click here to book your stay at Shutters On The Beach!

Mid-range:  Arizona Apartment  – This modern apartment is close to both the beach and main attractions of Santa Monica, perfect for two travellers who want a bit of privacy and freedom.

Click here to book your stay at Arizona Apartment!

Budget:  HI Los Angeles, Santa Monica Hostel   – If you want to save a bit, this hostel is a great option. It’s really close to the beach and in the heart of Santa Monica, with spacious dorms and lots of social common areas.

Click here to book your stay at HI Los Angeles, Santa Monica Hostel!

View over Los Angeles from the Hollywood sign – Photo by Sarah Czajkowski on Scopio

• Snorkel and swim with the seals in La Jolla
• Balboa Park/ San Diego Zoo
• Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego is known for its miles and miles of white sand beaches, so make the most of it. La Jolla Cove is a small, picturesque beach enclosed by the cliffs.

La Jolla has a rich marine life making it a popular destination for snorkelers. It gets quite busy but make sure you stay for sunset.

A San Diego whale watching tour is another popular activity. The beauty of the West Coast is that migrating whales can be seen at any time of the year here.

Sunset on the beach in San Diego – Photo by Nick Rizzo on Scopio

Ok, so you’re reading the word park up there in my top 3 and you’re wondering why would I go all the way to California to sit in a park? Balboa is no ordinary park.

There’s museums, performances, shopping, art and the world famous San Diego Zoo. The zoo is home to over 3,700 different animals.

After a day of exploring everything the park has to offer, take a night-time stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter.

Tucked into 16.5 blocks, the quarter is packed with restaurants and bars where you can have fun as you immerse yourself in Victorian architecture.

Top tip: As with any major city there can be problems with homelessness. Be careful with Airbnb as I ended up staying in a homeless heavy district.

San Diego, photo by Just Jenny Lamb

Where to stay in San Diego

Given you’re already driving a lot in this road trip, you probably don’t want to waste too much time driving within cities. These accommodation options for every budget are all in great locations in San Diego.

Luxury: Wyndham Garden San Diego – This beautiful property is located in the heart of San Diego, close to the Old Town. It has spacious rooms and a big pool where you can chill.

Click here to book your stay at Wyndham Garden San Diego!

Mid-range: Old Town Inn – This cute hotel also has a pool for you to relax at the end of the day, big rooms and a cosy atmosphere at a more affordable rate.

Click here to book your stay at Old Town Inn!

Budget: Old Town Western Inn – Similar name, different place. This lovely hotel is right in the heart of the Old Town of San Diego, perfect as base for your San Diego adventures!

Click here to book your stay at Old Town Western Inn!

Driving into the famous University Heights neighbourhood in San Diego – Photo by McClean Photography on Scopio

Joshua Tree

• Explore the national park
• Smith’s Ranch – drive-in movie theatre (open Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun)
• Pappy and Harriet’s restaurant and bar

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Los Angeles , and it’s easy to see why.

If there’s one thing you know about Joshua Tree it’s either that they are famous for their weird looking trees or that it’s the place people go to ‘get away’ and ‘be at one’ in the desert.

Whichever one you’re after make sure you check out the National Park. You can drive to the different viewing spots because the heat is simply unbearable in the summer.

Beautiful desert views in Joshua Tree National Park – Photo by Alexander Mirtschink on Scopio

Joshua Tree is in the middle of nowhere so what is there possibly to do in the evening? Go to a drive-in movie theatre.

There aren’t many left in the US which is why Smith’s Ranch in the neighbouring town of Twenty-Nine Palms is perfect. Just remember to take 5 USD cash as they don’t accept card.

After the movie, if you’re in the mood for a drink then head over to Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. Expect BBQ food, live music and drinks in mason jars.

Top tip: When you enter the national park, make sure you buy an annual park pass as it works out cheaper for you if you want to visit other national parks in the country.

Joshua Tree, photo by Just Jenny Lamb

Where to stay in Joshua Tree National Park

You will need somewhere well located to relax after all the driving in this West Coast road trip itinerary. I’ve listed some options for every budget below.

Luxury: The Art House – This apartment has an outdoor jacuzzi, do you need anything else? Jokes aside it also has big common areas, perfect for a family or group of friends.

Click here to book your stay at The Art House!

Mid-range: Joshua Tree Bungalow – This cute bungalow has a big garden and is located right in the heart of Joshua Tree.

Click here to book your stay at Joshua Tree Bungalow!

Budget: View at the Top – This lovely and spacious apartment is located on top of a slight hill, with incredible views over Joshua Tree.

Click here to book your stay at View at the Top!

Desert views in Joshua Tree National Park – Photo by Sarah Czajkowski on Scopio

Sequoia & Yosemite

• General Sherman (the world’s biggest tree)
• Hike to Glacier Point
• Try anything LOCAL e.g. drink in a honky tonk, stay on a citrus farm, visit the local fair

I’ve combined these into two because you could theoretically drive through one and stay in the other. Sequoia comes first and if you’re interested in big trees then WOW, you’re in heaven.

| READ MORE: THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK |

Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park – Photo by Joseph Miguel on Scopio

Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Park are right next to one another so you can smash them out in a day.

Though, the most impressive landscape I’ve ever seen has to be in the next national park along the route, Yosemite.

For those who don’t know, Yosemite is home to the tallest waterfall in America and around 300-500 black bears.

3.5 million people visit every year to witness its magnificent landscape. Still don’t know what I’m talking about? You know that massive rock on the default background of a Mac? Yeah, that big boy.

There are numerous hikes you can do but always check with the park rangers to find one suitable for your ability. Glacier Point is by far the best viewing point but Nevada Falls is also impressive.

Beautiful reflections in Yosemite National Park – Photo by Joseph Miguel on Scopio

Glacier Point is also accessible by car so if you feel you can’t do a 4.8 mile hike with an elevation of 3,200 feet then consider driving. However, you’ll miss out on plenty of stop-offs for pictures on the hike.

Lastly, experience something LOCAL.

Stepping into central California is how you might imagine stepping into the South of North America is like. Thick, lazy accents and ‘cowboy feels’, pick-up trucks everywhere and American flags.

Top tip: If you want to witness the impressive waterfalls in the parks go in the spring as there is no water in the valley during the summer and many paths are closed in the winter.

Yosemite, photo by Just Jenny Lamb

Where to stay in Yosemite National Park

Your United States West Coast road trip is coming to an end, you’ll want to stay somewhere special for the occasion! Here are some options in Yosemite for every budget.

Budget & Mid-range: Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort – This is  THE place to stay in the Yosemite area (even if it’s technically outside the national park). It has beautiful cabin-style rooms and a tasty vegan-friendly cafe.

Click here to book your stay at Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort!

Luxury: Yosemite Valley Lodge –  Sitting directly in front of Yosemite falls itself, this is the perfect place to stay if you want to splurge a bit and treat yourself. You won’t find a more prime location.

Click here to book your stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge!

The iconic trees, waterfalls and cliffs of Yosemite National Park – Photo by olivier langevin on Scopio

What to pack for a West Coast America road trip

There aren’t many things you will need besides your usual travel essentials and outfits. However I’ve listed below a couple items you should definitely remember to pack.

Water bottle – You can drink the tap water anywhere in the US. Save money and the environment by refilling your own water bottle. I like these steel insulated ones because they remain cold for hours.

Power bank – I always recommend travelling with one, but especially so if you’re going on a road trip, you don’t want to run out of battery while driving! No music and no GPS is a bad combination

Motion sickness tablets – There’s a lot of driving in this road trip itinerary, if you’re prone to getting motion sickness you’ll want these tablets

Camera – Don’t forget a camera to capture all the awesome America road trip memories you’ll create on this trip!

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco at sunset – Photo by Ben Kao on Scopio

Final thoughts on our United States West Coast road trip itinerary

So, there you have it: my ultimate guide to a USA West Coast road trip.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to extend your trip then you can see even more in the neighbouring states by going through Death Valley to Las Vegas  (after all, if you’re doing this road trip with friends, a girls trip to Vegas is a must on any travel bucket list!), to the Hoover Dam and finishing in the Grand Canyon .

As always let me know where your travels take you!

Looking for more US travel tips? Check out these guides:

• Discover Florida – the best winter sun in the USA?
• The perfect Miami 2-day itinerary

Enjoyed reading our USA West Coast road trip planner? Pin it!

About the author

Just Jenny Lamb Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Jenny is a 21-year-old writer from London who recently decided to escape real life and travel the world for the next year. Fed up with ghost writing about mundane topics for other people she created her blog, JustJennyLamb in the hope of creating a ‘non-pretentious’ and relatable travel blog. Expect a brutally honest version of events, a lot of sarcasm and some witty prose. If you’re looking for a light bed-time read, you’re in luck.

Jenny Lamb, author of Just Jenny Lamb

A Local's Guide To Los Angeles - Best Things To Do, Where To Eat & More

Friday 9th of November 2018

[…] Have you been to Los Angeles before? How did you find it? Let us know in the comments below! I hope you find this local’s guide to LA useful in planning your trip, so that when you visit you can blend in and not stand out as a tourist right away! If you’re planning a wider California road trip, check out this guide to the best places to visit on the USA West Coast. […]

How to Plan a Trip Out West (Itinerary Included)

If you’ve ever wanted to plan a trip out West, but feel overwhelmed by the amount of places to go and see, I’m here to (hopefully) ease your anxiety!

When my husband and I started planning our trip out West we were completely frazzled by the amount of information available to us online. While it was all helpful, it almost made it more challenging. It felt like we had to jump back and forth between multiple websites to get all of the details we needed.

I’m here to share our full itinerary from the trip, including hotels, places to eat, hikes and more. I’m hoping you can use this posts as a starting point to plan your trip.

* Please keep in mind we planned far in advance and were able to watch prices to ensure we found the cheapest deals. We booked (almost) everything in May for an October trip!

Basic Overview

Dates: Oct. 19 – Oct. 28, 2017

Transportation: Flights from Cleveland -> Las Vegas, Las Vegas -> Cleveland nonstop via Spirit Airlines. It cost $170 per person, roundtrip. We rented a car via Dollar Car Rental, which is a part of the McCarren Rental Car Center. It cost roughly $25/day to rent the car.

Locations in order: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park (UT), Page, Grand Canyon National Park (AZ), Las Vegas (NV)

First Stop: Zion National Park [Hotel: Bumbleberry Inn ]

We flew into the Last Vegas airport, rented the car and drove straight to our hotel in Zion. The drive took about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The drive is easy and scenic (if you’re driving during the day). We arrived to the hotel after midnight.

We stayed at the Bumbleberry Inn, which was $90/night. It was one of the cheapest places we could find in the area. We stayed here for three nights. It’s located in Springdale’s downtown area, where you will find almost all of the hotels and places to eat.

The good and bad.  The room was cheap, so as you can imagine it was subpar. We didn’t mind, though, since we only needed it for sleeping and showering. As long as we had a bed, decent WiFi and running water, we didn’t care. The major good: the hotel has it’s own restaurant called Wildcat Willies, where you get a free breakfast every morning as part of your stay. The food was incredible. It is not what you picture when you think of hotel food. This was great for us since we needed a hearty meal to start each day before hiking. The hotel is in walking distance of a market, a lot of other restaurants and a shuttle stop, which you’ll need to take to get in to the park.

Where to eat.  As mentioned above, we ate at Wildcat Willies every morning for breakfast since it was free for us. We also enjoyed a dinner there the first night. It’s relatively cheap and again, delicious! Our second dinner we went across the street to Oscar’s Cafe, a Mexican restaurant. It was cheap but we had giant servings, so we were pretty happy. Just try and get there early – it seems to be one of the more popular places to eat!

Second stop: Bryce Canyon National Park [Hotel:  Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn ]

After we wrapped up our hiking in Zion for the day, we hopped in the car and made the drive to Bryce Canyon, which is about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and we gained an hour driving into Arizona. We arrived a little after 7pm.

Keep in mind while you’re planning that Utah and Arizona are in different time zones. So throughout the trip you may gain or lose an hour, depending on where you’re headed. 

We stayed at the Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, which was $95/night. There are only two or three hotel options in Bryce Canyon, so I’m guessing you’d end up staying here. Our room was fairly nice and close to the restaurant. We stayed here for two nights.

The good and bad.  The room was nicer than the one in Zion, but this time we did not have complimentary breakfast. The hotel is broken up into several buildings, so if you get the second floor you won’t have to deal with noisy upstairs neighbors. The hotel had a pool and hot tub, which we took advantage of. There’s also a decent market, where we purchased all of our snacks for hiking.

Where to eat.  There is literally two restaurants in the entire area, so getting dinner the first night was a bit challenging and frustrating. The restaurant connected to the hotel, Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room, is big and has a buffet option, but since there are limited places to go it was packed. Try and grab food at an odd time to avoid the crowds.

Third stop: Page, AZ [Hotel:  Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel ]

We woke up early in Bryce to catch the sunrise and complete our last hike, then left to make our way to Page, AZ where we planned to visit the famous Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The drive was about 2 hours and 30 minutes. We arrived a little after 4pm.

We stayed at the Best Western View of Lake Powell hotel, which was $100/night. This was the nicest hotel room we stayed in. It had a nice little pool and a decent complimentary continental breakfast buffet. We stayed here for one night.

The good and the bad.  As I mentioned, this hotel was very nice. It had an excellent view of Lake Powell and a clean, welcoming lobby. The room was easily the nicest one we stayed in on the entire trip. We had no complaints!

Where to eat. Since we only stayed one night, I can only offer one suggestion to you: El Tapatio (can you tell we love Mexican?!). Our server was friendly and fun, the margaritas were so good, and the food was great.

Fourth (and last) stop: Grand Canyon National Park [Hotel:  Yavapai Lodge ]

After a long day spent in Page, we hit the road for the Grand Canyon. The drive was about 2 hours and 30 minutes. We arrived around 6:30pm.

We stayed at one of the well-known hotels within the park, Yavapai Lodge, which was $120/night. The room was similar to the one in Bryce Canyon, and it was broken up into buildings the same way. We stayed here for two nights.

The good and the bad.  The cell service in the Grand Canyon is not great, so we were pretty disappointed when we discovered we had no WiFi in our room. The only place you could access it was in the main lobby where the restaurant is, which was about 5 minutes from where we were staying. We were right by a shuttle stop, which was really nice when we were ready to begin hiking.

Where to eat. Restaurants are pretty limited once you’re inside the park and at this point in the trip we were getting lazy, so we ate in the main lodge both nights. It’s set up like a Sheetz, where you go up to a screen and order your food and drinks, then wait for your number to be called. They also had a pasta buffet option if you didn’t feel like waiting. The food was so so.

I hope you found this information useful as you begin to think about or plan your trip. There are plenty of other great places to visit in the area like the Arches, but this was the route we wanted to take in order to see the most with the time we had. We definitely want to take another trip out there! It’s hard to see everything if you don’t have a lot of paid time off (which we don’t).

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Eat*Drink*Cleveland

Wildcat Willy’s is amazing! We are there every day we were there. We stayed at a B&B though.

juliabszabo

You travel like we do, making sure we catch the deals and trying to find cheap hotels. This is a great guide!

Gordon Naruta

Nice guide! Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

som eof those photos are incredible

This is very helpful, thank you. Do you remember some of the names of hikes you did at each place? We are planning a trip and will have three little kids so trying to find some manageable hikes for them. We will have a 5yo, 3yo, and 8mo

madalynstoner

Zion – Emerald Pool, Weeping Rock, Pa’rus would all be great options with kids! Bryce – I would say the rim trail would be your best bet.. it’s the flattest area. Navajo Loop would be fun too but there is some elevation! Grand Canyon – honestly I think you could really only do the rim trail area. Any other trails take you down the canyon which can become very steep and challenging.

I hope you have a great time!

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The Wandering Road

Usa rv road trip travel blog.

The Ultimate Western USA Road Trip Guide

Our 10-week rv route through montana, wyoming, and the pacific northwest – including detailed itinerary and expense breakdown.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Quick stats, cost breakdown.

The American west was made for road trips. We spent the better part of 10 weeks exploring this wonderland of big skies, open roads and small towns. Our early summer trek, first through the mountains and later along the coast, kept us in temperatures that peaked in the 70s. Such a difference from the summers of our recent past spent in the humidity of Washington, D.C. or the 100 degree+ temperatures of the Sacramento valley.

The route included some of our favorite places along with some new discoveries. While Montana will always have my heart, I have a new found appreciation for Idaho’s unsung beauty. And I think everyone should drive down the Oregon coast at least once.

Living in D.C. for so long, one of the small talk questions I got the most when people learned I was from California would be: “which coast is your favorite?” My default answer was always that I like the west, and I like the east, for different reasons. But if I am honest with myself, there is something that just feels right when I am in the western states. Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s all that space, maybe it’s the wild west and gold rush history that didn’t happen all that long ago. If you haven’t had a chance to get out there and see it for yourself, what are you waiting for?

Read on for a detailed account of our 10-week trip, including destinations, campground reviews, and costs to help you plan a road trip through the American west.

Looking for more travel ideas? Read my detailed coast-to-coast itinerary here or check out my other USA destination guides here .

• Days On the Road: 69.
• Miles Traveled in RV (not counting the additional miles put on the car when exploring): 3,427.
• States Driven Through: 6.
• National Parks Visited: Crater Lake National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Redwood National and State Parks.
• Number of Campgrounds Parked At: 21 (9 county/state/national parks, 9 private, 3 free camping spots).
• Visitors: 9, for a total of 20 nights. Life at The Chateau became like adult summer camp!
• Repairs: Oil changes for both vehicles, sealant for a leaky roof seam. The Chateau got its first road scars after we backed it into a campsite all wrong and scratched the back bumper. Nothing serious, thankfully.
• Grand Total Travel Costs for 10 Weeks On the Road: (read later in post for more details): $6,6775

Campground Price Guide:

$ = Free $$ = $10-$30/night $$$ = $30 – $50/night $$$$ = Over $50/night

Departure: We kicked off the summer road trip by rolling out of Sacramento at the end of May 2019.

Klamath Falls Four Mile Flat Quarry – GPS: 42.431503, -122.160638 $ Review: We started the trip with some free camping. It was hard to find info about this spot online but it exceeded my expectations. Kind of middle of the nowhere. A rocky parking lot by the water with more camping spots tucked along a rough road. I would stay here again for a night but wouldn’t make this a destination in itself. Local attractions: Crater Lake National Park (about an hour away). Miles from previous location: 360 miles.

Sweet Roystone Hot Springs – 7882 N. Hwy 52 Sweet, ID 83670 $$ Review: A very nice family-owned campground with renovated bathrooms and wifi. My favorite part was the hot springs that you can access for a minimal fee. Local attractions: Boise. Miles from previous location: 400 miles.

Bellevue Riverside RV Park and Campground – 403 Broadford Road, Bellevue, Idaho $$ Review: An older, small private campground with lots of long-term guests. Good wifi and close proximity to Sun Valley. Local attractions: The charming towns of Hailey and Ketchum (the nation’s first ski resort and the final resting place of Ernest Hemingway), Craters of the Moon National Monument. Click here to read about our visit. Miles from previous location: 195 miles.

Jackson Area

Spread Creek – Forest Road 30290 $ Review: This is our favorite boon docking spot to date! No amenities, unbeatable views and an unmatched location for exploring the northern part of Grand Teton National Park. We stayed in spot #3 and it was great for our rig. The road to spots #5-10 gets really rough so might not be a good fit for larger RVs. Read more about our visit here. Local attractions: Jackson and Grand Teton National Park. Miles from previous location: 267 miles.

Kelly Gros Ventre Campground – 100 Gros Ventre Campground Rd, Kelly, WY 83011 $$$$ Review: After four nights of boondocking, we decided to try out our first National Park campground. We snagged a spot without a reservation. This is a nice woodsy spot with electric hookups but no showers. We found showers at the Colter Bay Campground and at a gym in town. There’s a great spot to see moose near the campground. Local attractions: Jackson, Grand Teton National Park. Miles from previous location: 44 miles.

West Yellowstone Baker’s Hole Campground – 3 mi NW of West Yellowstone on US 191 $$ Review: We were torn about where to stay during our visit to Yellowstone National Park. Our priorities were 1) staying as close to the park entrance as possible; 2) avoiding “parking lot” campgrounds and 3) paying a reasonable fee. This campground fit the bill! We found a first come first serve electric hookup site. No showers available. No cell service, either. Local attractions: West Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park. Read my guide to help you avoid the crowds in Yellowstone here . Miles from previous location: 124 miles.

Cody Buffalo Bill State Park, North Fork Campground – near Cody, Wyoming off US 14 W/ US 16 W / US 20 W $$$ Review: One of the best state park campgrounds I have ever seen. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Cody. We were able to find a walk-up site with electricity but were told that it is hard to get in without a reservation later in summer. Nice views of the surrounding rocky cliffs (some of the formations reminded us of southern Utah). Coin operated showers. Local attractions: Cody is the quintessential wild west town. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 132 miles.

Livingston Osen’s RV Park – 20 Merrill Lane, Livingston, MT 59047 $$$ Review: We picked this campground for its proximity to downtown Livingston, which also made it a good launching point for exploring both Yellowstone and Bozeman, Montana. It is clean and well-maintained but the spots are pretty close together. Management closes the entrance gates at 9 pm each night but you can open and close them manually as needed. Local attractions : Ben and I love Livingston; it’s just about the perfect small town. It was the original gateway city to Yellowstone. Be sure to check out the Murray Bar and Neptune’s. Bozeman is about 30 minutes away. It’s a larger college town with a very walkable main street. Miles from previous location: 178 miles.

Helena Cromwell Dixon Campground – 15 miles west of Helena at MacDonald Pass off Highway 12. $$ Review: Quiet, rustic camping on the top of a mountain just outside of downtown Helena. Local attractions: The state capitol building is gorgeous. Visit quirky Lewis and Clark Brewery and Broadwater hot springs. Miles from previous location: 123 miles.

Great Falls Dick’s RV Park – 1403 11th St SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 $$$ Review: This is an urban campground with older facilities and lots of long term guests. That being said, it is the most convenient place to stay while exploring Great Falls. Local attractions: Great Falls feels like a city on the rise. Read my guide to the Electric City here. Don’t forget to visit the mermaids. Miles from previous location: 121 miles.

Kalispell Rocky Mountain Hi Campground – 825 Helena Flats Road, Kalispell 59901 $$$ Review: Glacier country is a whole other (unbelievably gorgeous) world. This campground is spacious and has a full laundromat on site. It gets busy with families and kids on the weekends. Local attractions: Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Kalispell. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 227 miles.

*** If you want, add a stop in Wallace, Idaho on your way to Washington. It’s a much-celebrated small town with a big personality that I look forward to visiting in the future.

Spokane Area Peaceful Pines – 1231 W 1st St, Cheney, WA 99004 Review: We stayed about 20 minutes outside of downtown Spokane in the sleepy college town of Cheney. This private campground is small with recently updated bathrooms and showers. We had some issues with the wifi connection. Local attractions : Spokane is an under-the-radar city with a charming waterfront and beautiful architecture. Read my guide to the city here. Take a day trip to the nearby resort town of Coeur D’Alene. Miles from previous location: 250 miles.

Yakima Area Horn Rapids Park – 78410 Overlook Dr, Benton City, WA 99320 $$ Review: Inexpensive and spacious with electric hookups. Kind of in the middle of nowhere, yet convenient for exploring Yakima wine country. Local attractions: Highly recommend stopping by some wineries (like WIT and Col Solare) or breweries (Bale Breaker) and a trip into Yakima proper for some of the award-winning tamales from Los Hernandez. Miles from previous location: 154 miles.

The Dalles Area Rufus Landing $ Review: Free boon docking on the river. I was surprised by how busy this gravel parking lot gets! We stayed here two nights. Local attractions : The Dalles is a quaint small town; there’s hiking in a state park nearby; Hood River is a good stop for breweries and outdoorsy fun. Miles from previous location: 120 miles.

Tillamook Air Museum Grounds – 5005 Highway 101 South, Tillamook, OR 97141 $$ Review: A no frills and inexpensive camping spot next to the tiny Tillamook airport and air museum. Super close to town. Local attractions: Tillamook was our first stop on the Oregon coast. Be sure to visit the famous Tillamook Creamery – it lives up to the hype. From this home base we also explored Cannon Beach and Pacific City. Click here to read my complete guide to the Oregon Coast. Miles from previous location: 157 miles.

Yachats Cape Perpetua Campground – 2200 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498 $$ Review: This is it. The perfect campground in the perfect coastal town. (As long as you don’t need cell service.) I fell hard for Yachats. Local attractions: Redwoods, fresh sea food, and tide pools galore. Click here to read my full guide to Yachats. Miles from previous location: 93 miles.

Coos Bay Bastendorff County Park – 63379 Bastendorff Beach Rd. Coos Bay, OR, 97423 $$$ Review: We were excited to get a last minute spot at this campground but it came with serious pros and cons. It’s a great location for checking out Charleston, North Bend, Coos Bay, and the surrounding area. It’s also very busy and crowded and the bathrooms leave much to be desired. Local attractions: Be sure to check out the nearby adorable beach towns of Florence and Bandon. Click here to read my complete guide to the Oregon Coast. Miles from previous location: 74 miles.

Brookings Sea Bird RV Park – 16429 Highway 101 South Brookings, OR 97415 $$$ Review: Truth be told, we planned to state at Harris Beach State Park but turns out everything was full because there was a kite festival that weekend (true story). Sea Bird is a small private campground with a mix of travelers and long term residents. Local attractions: There’s no shortage of stunning views along Oregon’s southern coast. Be sure to stop by Crazy Norwegian’s Fish and Chips in Port Orford. Miles from previous location: 107 miles.

Trinidad Emerald Forest Cabins & RV – 753 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad, CA, 95570 $$$ Review: What a wonderful campground, with camping spots tucked in among tall evergreens! Great for families. Just outside of the quiet fishing town of Trinidad. Local attractions: It’s a short drive to Redwood National and State Parks or Eureka. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 86 miles.

Fortuna Area Van Duzen Campground – Swimmers Delight – 12 miles east of Highway 101 on Highway 36 $$ Review: This was a last minute find for us. While we only stayed for one night, this would be a fun spot to spend a long weekend. The spots are large and quite literally surrounded by giant redwoods. Local attractions: Soak up the nature, and visit the charming Victorian village (and dairyland) of Ferndale. Miles from previous location: 40 miles.

Fort Bragg MacKerricher State Park – West Pinewood Campground – three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near the town of Cleone $$$ Review: IMHO this is the best place to stay in Fort Bragg, by far. Huge campsites within walking distance to the beach and only a short drive to downtown. However, in our experience, California state parks are more expensive to dry camp in than other states, and the amenities are limited. Local attractions: Fort Bragg is a charming coastal town with shops, restaurants and North Coast Brewing Co.. Enjoy fresh seafood, beach hikes, and wildlife watching. Read more about our visit here. Miles from previous location: 117 miles.

Arrival: We returned to Sacramento at the end of July 2019, just in time to see friends and family and then fly back to Washington, D.C. for a work trip.

Just like “normal” life, you can pretty much spend as little or as much as you want while living the full-time RV lifestyle. I was very curious to compare our costs during this leg of the trip with our expenses from April 2019, our mad dash across the country. (You can read about that itinerary and why we had to travel across the whole USA in one month here .)

And you guys, guess what? I think we are figuring out this whole full-time RV thing! In June and July, we stayed at several pricey campgrounds out of necessity while visiting popular destinations like the Tetons or the California coast. But we also found some great deals at state park campgrounds and boondocked whenever we could. We found our travel speed sweet spot, moving every five days or so and limiting drive days to around three hours (most of the time). That schedule helped us balance time for work with time for fun. We are loving how RV travel allows you to experience an area the way the locals do.

I added a new “health” category to our expense tracker this month. We had our first dog health scare this month when Hobbes had a flare up of a past back injury. I shared more about how we keep Hobbes healthy on the road in this blog post for the Pet Food Institute. My top recommendation for RVers (or anyone traveling with their dog) is to keep a file of past health diagnoses and vaccination records with you. It was so helpful to be able to share this information with the new-to-us vet so they had some context for his symptoms.

Western Road Trip RV Travel Expenses At a Glance:

10 Weeks/69 Days on the Road

Gas: $1,497 This included fuel for both The Chateau and our car. Let’s just say the difference in gas prices between Montana and the California coast was “significant”. Ouch.

Campground Fees: $1,922 This breaks down to $28/day. Not bad. We stayed at a mix of free campsites, state and national parks, and private campgrounds. This total also includes parking fees in the few cities we visited with parking meters. In comparison, we spent $1,300 for just 30 days in April.

Eating and Drinking Out: $1,585 Mostly includes meals in the $15-30 range (and lots of coffee). We admittedly spend a lot in this area since trying new restaurants is one of the best ways to get to know a new city, IMHO.

Entertainment: $282 A minor league baseball game, bowling, the Cody Nite rodeo, and visiting a dinosaur dig.

Groceries: $1,288 This number also includes random household supplies purchased along with groceries at Walmart.

Health and Wellness: $165 Mostly day passes for gyms (and showers)!

RV and Car Maintenance: $213 Oil changes, etc. Also includes some organizational supplies and a new ottoman!

Connectivity: $451 My phone plan, a wireless jetpack for wifi, and our mail forwarding service.

Grand Total: $6,775

This breaks down to $98/day or $1.98 per mile.

Our primary goal in embracing the full-time RV lifestyle is to see and experience as many new places as possible (rather than saving money) – and clearly that shows. Adjusting your speed of travel or avoiding eating and drinking out are the easiest ways to save money on the road.

I hope this information is helpful if you are planning to jump into fulltime RV living or just an extended road trip across the American west. Feel free to send me a comment or an email if you have any questions about the itinerary.

I am currently planning the next leg of our journey : fall in the USA’s upper Midwest… your recommendations would be much appreciated! Be sure to click here to read my latest dispatches from the road and follow me on Instagram for more updates!

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The Best Road Trips in the American West

04/24/2022 by Kristin Addis 9 Comments

The more I travel the world, the more I have come to appreciate and fall in love with the American West. There’s nowhere in the world like it in terms of sheer beauty and diversity — both of landscapes and people.

Where else can you experience one of the hottest deserts on Earth, the tallest trees, the most famous coastline, world-class skiing, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and the sweeping canyons and rock arches of Utah — all in one region? It would take a lifetime to explore it all, and then some, but the following road trips can help you get a taste of each of these incredible places.

The following are some of the best road trips in the western USA, from state to state. These trips follow a somewhat logical loop, beginning in California.

Table of Contents

The Golden State is one of the most diverse in the nation, with a world-famous coastal drive, a wealth of national parks, and deserts that cover 25% of the state. There’s so much to see, but a few road trips cover the highlights:

➵ Rent a car in California here

Pacific Coast Highway

This might be the most famous road trip in the entire country. The Pacific Coast Highway takes you down the California coast, making for a wonderful road trip full of picturesque spots. You’ll cover nearly 800 miles, so spend about a week on this trip, minimum.

• San Diego:  Start your road trip in one of California’s southernmost cities, where surfers and great Mexican food abound.
• Los Angeles:  Cruise 120 miles north to LA, where you’ll find everything from skyscrapers to colorful sunsets over the Hollywood sign. Stop in  Orange County  on the way for spectacular beaches and Disneyland.
• Santa Barbara : Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean on the 95-mile drive up to sunny  Santa Barbara , where you’ll camp overnight.
• San Luis Obispo:  Continue on another 95 miles to stop for lunch in San Luis Obispo or another destination in SLO County, like Pismo Beach.
• Big Sur:  Drive 110 miles to Big Sur, where you’ll admire seaside cliffs and waterfalls, and camp among the tall redwood trees.
• Carmel/Monterey:  Upon leaving Big Sur, drive 30 miles north to Carmel, where you can cruise the famous 17-Mile Drive through the Monterey Peninsula on the way to San Francisco, another 125 miles up the coast. If you don’t want to rent a car, consider this tour of the area , which leaves from San Francisco.
• San Francisco:  Spend a day in  San Francisco , where you can explore the funky Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, shop on Fisherman’s Wharf, walk around the Presidio, and much more.
• Humboldt County: Drive the last 280 miles of the trip up to Arcata in Humboldt County, often called “ the Lost Coast ” for its complete lack of tourism. Walk along empty stretches of beach and enjoy the peace and quiet. Stop in  Fort Bragg  if you have the time!

Check out the  full PCH itinerary  here!

California Deserts

Most people don’t go on a trip just to see deserts, but they’re missing out! This 430-mile, six-day trip is as varied as it is beautiful.

• Alabama Hills : This is the place of old Western movie sets and incredible stargazing. Mobius Arch, Boot Arch, and Movie Road are  must-sees .
• Death Valley : The Badwater Basin,  Golden Canyon , and sunrise at Zabriskie Point make Death Valley, 110 miles to the east, a stunning stop. You can take  a full-day tour  to see all of the (literal) hot spots.
• Mojave National Preserve and Mojave Trails National Monument : 150 miles southeast of Death Valley is the third largest unit of the National Park System in the contiguous US; highlights include Kelso Dunes; Amboy Crater, including a ghost town with the iconic Roy’s Motel Café; and the lava tubes. Find out what to do at Mojave here .
• Joshua Tree : Drive 90 miles south to see the famous (but dying) Joshua trees, Barker Dam, the Cholla Cactus Garden, and an incredible, starry sky. Find more ideas for what to do in Joshua Tree here.
• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park : Finally, drive 80 miles southwest to explore natural wind caves and take in amazing views stretching on as far as the eye can see at Font’s Point. Get more ideas on how to spend your time at Anza-Borrego here .

Read more about this California deserts itinerary here!

Nevada might just be one of the American Southwest’s most underrated states, simply because people don’t know much about it besides Vegas and Tahoe. While those are both awesome places, there is much more to explore. A road trip like this one is the best way to discover the Silver State for yourself. With every stop mentioned below, it covers nearly 900 miles and takes about five days:

➵ Rent a car in Nevada here

• Seven Magic Mountains:   Check out this art installation  of painted and stacked rocks lying between the mountains and Interstate 15, 25 miles out of Vegas.
• Las Vegas :  Vegas  makes a great  girlfriends’ getaway , so it would be a perfect stop for a day or two if you’re road-tripping with friends! You can also venture to the Nevada side of Death Valley on this day tour .
• Grand Canyon : The Grand Canyon is a no-brainer. You can even take a  helicopter tour from Vegas  like I did!
• Valley of Fire : Camp at this state park, 50 miles from Vegas, and check out Seven Sisters, Elephant Rock, Beehives, and Fire Wave Trail if time allows.  Join a hiking tour  for some scrambling fun.
• Historical ghost towns:  Nevada is home to countless  historical ghost towns , which make for cool stops. Be sure to check out Belmont Mill (north of Valley of Fire) and Gold Point (northwest of Vegas).
• Hot springs : Nevada has more hot springs than any other state, so be sure to incorporate a few of them into your road trip. Soldier Meadows and Black Rock (in the northwest), Spencer (dead center), and Gold Strike (down south) look especially cool.
• Tahoe : From the northwest hot springs, drive south 170 miles to go stand-up paddleboarding on the crystal-clear water of Lake Tahoe or hiking in the hills surrounding it.

Reno to Las Vegas

If you can’t do the entire 900-mile trip outlined above, consider traversing Nevada between Reno and Las Vegas instead. This is about half that length and features some exciting stops along the way:

• Fish Lake Valley Hot Well : This hot spring has some gorgeous scenery around it. You can swim and even camp nearby if you fancy.
• Tonopah : Halfway between Reno and Las Vegas, this historic town is a great spot to spend a night or two. You can even stay in the so-called haunted Mizpah Hotel , if you dare.
• Goldfield : This quirky town is definitely worth a stop to check out the wacky art installations at the International Car Forest of the Last Church.
• Rhyolite and the Goldwell Open Air Museum : This is another artsy stop, where you’ll find large statues and other head-scratching installations.
• Charleston Peak and Red Rock Canyon : Although it’s a bit off Highway 95, the detour is worth it if you want to get out and stretch your legs with a hike before arriving in Las Vegas.

Utah is one of the best destinations in the US for seeing the great outdoors. Here is a ten-stop itinerary for the lesser-known sights of southern Utah, spanning 550 miles and taking about five days:

➵ Rent a car in Utah here

• Dead Horse Point State Park : A unique road trip through Utah begins at Moab’s Dead Horse Point State Park, which is just as geographically impressive as the Grand Canyon, minus all the tourists.
• Canyonlands National Park : A short drive away, Needles Overlook at Canyonlands provides a scenic drive up to a 360-degree viewpoint of southern Utah.
• Bears Ears National Monument : Drive 115 miles south from Moab to just past and west of Blanding, where you’ll be able to check out the ancient cave drawings at Bears Ears.
• Valley of the Gods : Camp on the free public land at Valley of the Gods and wake up to awesome views of red-rock formations. It’s  gorgeous at sunset .
• Goosenecks State Park : Only ten miles away, Goosenecks State Park offers a panorama of the Colorado River winding through the canyon below.
• Natural Bridges National Monument : For your last stop near Blanding, hike the three major bridges at Natural Bridges National Monument.
• Goblin Valley State Park : You can stroll through the mushroom-like red rock formations 130 miles away at  Goblin Valley State Park .
• Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon:  These two slot canyons, right next to Goblin Valley, resemble the more popular Antelope Canyon.
• Mystic Hot Springs: This beautiful and relaxing hot spring is just northwest of Capitol Reef and is the ideal place to rest for a night or two to soothe your sore muscles after all that hiking. Find out more about Mystic Hot Springs here .
• Capitol Reef National Park : Seventy more miles gets you to Teasdale’s Capitol Reef National Park, where you’ll see massive rock formations rising out of the ground.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument : Your last destination is Big Water, where you can spend a day hiking  Coyote Gulch  in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Get  a self-guided driving tour  to discover some of the hidden gems in the area.

For more tips and tricks, check out the full itinerary for  Utah’s best secret places !

The destinations covered in this section, as well as some of the Nevada suggestions and the following Arizona ones, are included in my more in-depth  American Southwest road trip itinerary  as well.

Arizona’s abundance of natural sights means that you’ll see everything from waterfalls to massive rock structures on this week-long road trip, which covers almost a thousand miles.

➵ Rent a car in Arizona here

• Sedona : Artsy Sedona is famous for  energy vortexes , and with great hikes like Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, you could easily  spend a day or two here .
• Havasu Falls : 205 miles southeast lies the beautiful blue Havasu Falls, which is worth the permit and ten-mile hike required to reach it.  Here’s all you need to know  about making it happen.
• Grand Canyon : It’s a 200-mile drive to the  South Rim of the Grand Canyon , where you can enjoy the views along Desert View Drive, watch the sunset at Yavapai Point, and check out the lesser-known Lipan Point, spending the night in either Flagstaff or Cameron.
• Horseshoe Bend : Continue the sightseeing at  picturesque Horseshoe Bend , another 120 miles north towards Page, where you can get some stunning sunset photos.
• Antelope Canyon : A bit east is Antelope Canyon, the world’s most famous slot canyon. Check out  more info about Antelope Canyon here!
• The Wave/White Pocket : Sixty miles away, the Wave sits at the Arizona-Utah border and requires a permit, but its neighbor White Pocket is much easier to see. ( Read more about White Pocket here .)
• Monument Valley : Drive a couple hours east to  Monument Valley , where the rock structures seem to rise up out of nowhere.
• Canyon de Chelly : A hundred miles back down south lies Canyon de Chelly, a frequently overlooked destination, where you can take a guided hike through the canyon or head up to Spider Rock Overlook on your own for great views.
• Petrified Forest National Park : 110 more miles south toward Phoenix, the multicolored buttes full of fossils and wildflowers at Painted Desert are certainly a sight to see.

For more details on hikes, national parks and monuments, tours, and routes, check out this  full guide to an Arizona road trip !

New Mexico is perhaps the best destination to see both Spanish influence and Native American heritage, as well as incredible natural attractions like volcanic craters. This northern New Mexico road trip, which will allow you to enjoy a bit of everything this unique state has to offer, covers 475 miles and takes about five days:

➵ Rent a car in New Mexico here

Northern New Mexico

• Albuquerque :  Take a hot-air balloon ride  over Albuquerque with  Rainbow Ryders , explore the  ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden , see a show at the historic Kimo Theatre , or visit the  San Felipe de Neri Parish  to see the authentic Spanish influence still present in Albuquerque.
• Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument : Drive 55 miles northeast to spend the morning exploring  Kasha-Katuwe , a national monument protecting unique rock formations created by volcanic eruptions several million years ago.
• Santa Fe : Drive 40 more miles to New Mexico’s capital, nicknamed, “The City Different,” to see the  Georgia O’Keeffe Museum ,  Museum Hill , the Santa Fe Plaza at the heart of downtown, and plenty of art markets.
• Valles Caldera National Preserve: Drive 50 miles west to  Valles Caldera  to spend the morning hiking or biking the million-year-old volcanic crater. After you’ve explored, spend another day back in Santa Fe.
• Taos : Seventy miles northeast is Taos, and artsy adobe town with the best  whitewater rapids  in the state,  nearby hot springs , and cool shopping at the  Bent Street Shops .
• Aztec : 210 miles west is the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains thousand-year-old  Aztec ruins , as well as hundreds of natural stone arches.
• White Sands National Monument: Head south toward Las Cruces to see the incredible White Sands National Monument . It’s not a particularly logical part of the rest of this road trip, but it sure is worth it to me! Finish off in Las Cruces and head west into Arizona or south into Texas.

If you want a longer trip to see more of New Mexico, this road trip will take about 2-3 weeks and covers more ground:

Full New Mexico

• Las Cruces: This is the southernmost large city in New Mexico, making it the perfect starting point to go from south to north.
• White Sands National Monument: For the same reason why this stop is mentioned on the previous New Mexico road-trip itinerary, definitely add this one to your list.
• Carlsbad National Park: Featuring over 119 caves, this is an interesting place to explore an underground natural wonder.
• Truth or Consequences: A small town with a gorgeous hot spring, this is the perfect place to relax and even see some wildlife.
• Albuquerque: If you’re not into stopping in a city, leave this one out. Albuquerque does have some interesting sights to check out though (see above), especially if you’re a Breaking Bad fan.
• Turquoise Trail, ttop in Madrid : Stopping in Madrid is a must on the scenic drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It’s a quirky former ghost town that is now the home of many artists who gave it new life. There are some excellent art galleries and neat shops here.
• Santa Fe: Known for its artsy scene, Santa Fe is an incredible destination all on its own (see above).
• Jemez Springs: Whether for hiking, bathing in hot springs, and taking a scenic drive, Jemez Springs is the ideal spot to stretch your legs and spend some time in nature.
• Bandelier National Monument : Head here to check out some historic cave dwellings that date back over 11,000 years.
• Taos – Earthship Biotecture : This resourceful biotecture community includes over 70 earth houses that exist completely off grid. You can even stay overnight in one of these earthships !
• Bisti Badlands : This might be a bit of a detour, but definitely still worth visiting. This is one of the most epic places in the country to see unique rock formations.

Find out more about this full New Mexico road trip itinerary here.

-READ NEXT-

38 Unique Things to do in New Mexico

While winter isn’t typically road trip season, it certainly can be in Idaho when it means hopping between hot springs! This itinerary leads you to some of Idaho’s best springs over nearly 250 miles and five days:

➵ Rent a car in Idaho here

• The Springs:  From Boise, drive 40 miles to Idaho City, where The Springs, one of the more spa-like hot springs, offers a private jacuzzi with a server to bring you snacks and drinks.
• Kirkham Hot Springs : Continue 40 more miles to Lowman, where the Kirkham Hot Springs on the Payette River offers steaming waterfalls and incredible mountain views.
• Mountain Village Resort:  The rustic Mountain Village Resort in Stanley feels like a winter wonderland when it snows. Staying at the hotel gets you free access to the spring-fed spa pools.
• Boat Box Hot Springs : A few miles outside Stanley, Boat Box — which isn’t a pool in the ground but a small metal tub that looks like a witch’s cauldron — sits right on the river.
• Sunbeam Hot Springs : Only ten minutes beyond Boat Box is a single pool with the potential for some peaceful solitude.
• Goldbug Hot Springs: Another 55 miles gets you to the famous Goldbug Hot Springs, different pools of varying temperatures, which all have incredible views.
• Sun Valley:  Back up toward Stanley, Sun Valley is a fun and friendly town with a few nearby hot springs.

Check out the  whole guide to Idaho hot springs here !

For a more summer-oriented road trip from Boise to Stanley, including Craters of the Moon, check out my  five-day Idaho itinerary ! This is the perfect segue into the next stop: Montana, or east to Wyoming!

There is a reason why Montana is called “Big Sky Country.” See it for yourself with this 530-mile, weeklong road trip:

➵ Rent a car in Montana here

• Big Sky : Big Sky boasts  scenic hikes ,  biking ,  zip-lining ,  whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River ,  horseback riding , a  variety of spas , and two gorgeous drives ( the scenic road through Gallatin Canyon  and the Lone Mountain Trail scenic drive).
• Butte & Boulder : Drive 120 miles north to Butte, once nicknamed “the Richest Hill on Earth,” to see the old mansions and Victorian business district, then head northeast 40 miles to Boulder to visit a  natural hot spring .
• Helena : Thirty miles past Boulder is the state capital, where you’ll see historic sites like  Reeder’s Alley , the ornate  Cathedral of St. Helena , and the  Women’s Mural . Then follow a  walking tour of the Mansion District  or hike to the top of  Mount Helena City Park  for a panoramic view of the city.
• Hamilton : Go west 160 miles to Hamilton, which maintains that small-town feel but is set apart by a  buzzing downtown  and bustling arts and music scene.
• Missoula : Drive north to the “Garden City” of Montana, where you can  raft Alberton Gorge , stroll along the riverfront walking trail,  hit up a food truck  or  Big Dipper Ice Cream ,  go shopping , or even  check out another hot spring .
• Libby : Libby’s main attraction is the nearby  Kootenai Falls , a waterfall under a long swinging bridge. Other adventures in Libby, 175 miles northwest of Missoula, include riding OHVs (off-highway vehicles) on miles of trails and cross-country skiing in the winter.
• Optional addition: Glacier National Park : If you’re feeling up to it, head to Glacier National Park to spend a few extra days taking in the incredible natural beauty of Montana.  Read more about Glacier here .

Wyoming is the least populated state in the US, leaving a lot of room for things like skiing and snowboarding in Jackson Hole, exploring the Teton Range, and visiting Yellowstone National Park . The perfect Wyoming road trip hits all three. This adventure spans about a hundred miles and takes six days (reverse the route if coming in from Idaho):

➵ Rent a car in Wyoming here

• Yellowstone National Park:  Spend two days here to catch an eruption from  Old Faithful , see Steamboat Geyser (the tallest in the world), check out the travertine terraces of  Mammoth Hot Springs , and visit two of Yellowstone’s best waterfalls:  Lower Falls  (which is nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls) and  Tower Fall . You can see them all on  a full-day tour .
• Grand Teton National Park:  Drive 60 miles south and spend three days in Grand Teton National Park . Visit  Mormon Row  (home to the widely photographed Moulton Barns) and the  Menor’s Ferry Historic District , take a few  picturesque drives ,  canoe  on Jenny Lake, follow a  scenic hike , and float or raft the Snake River. Be sure to enjoy a seasonal activity: swim at String Lake in the summer, take a horseback ride through autumn foliage, follow a ranger-led snowshoe walk in the winter, or watch elk, bison, deer, and moose migrate in the spring on  a safari adventure .
• Jackson Hole: Twenty-five miles past Grand Teton is Jackson Hole, where you can ski in the winter or take the  Jackson Hole Aerial Tram  up the mountain in the summer, as well as visit the  National Museum of Wildlife Art , which houses works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe.

Oregon is special for its unique array of forests, rivers, coastline, mountains,  and  cool cities. It is home to some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and the best way to see it is on a road trip .

➵ Rent a car in Oregon here

Oregon coast

The beautiful Oregon coastline is dotted with countless charming seaside towns, making a perfect road trip. See a handful of them by starting at the top and working your way down, traveling 230 miles over a week:

• Astoria:  Spend a day in Astoria by strolling its  Sunday Market  (one of the largest in Oregon), following the  Astoria Riverwalk , riding around town in the  “Old 300”  trolley, and climbing up the  Astoria Column  for 360-degree views of the city.
• Cannon Beach: Twenty-five miles south lies Cannon Beach, known for colorful sunsets and towering rocks rising out of the ocean, where you’ll want to spend two days exploring the  four state parks , walking along the beach, and taking a scenic hike to watch the diverse wildlife.
• Newport:  Head to the friendly fishing city of Newport to go whale watching, grab a bowl of  famous clam chowder,  visit  Oregon’s tallest lighthouse , and stroll through the underwater walkways at the  Oregon Coast Aquarium .
• Coos Bay:  A hundred miles south of Newport, Coos Bay is a great base to explore Oregon’s diverse nature, as it is home to three state parks ( Shore Acres State Park ,  Cape Arago State Park,  and  Sunset Bay State Park ) and the Oregon Dunes!

Inland Oregon

Some of Oregon’s best cities are situated inland, also a great option. Start to finish, this road trip is sure to provide a balance of arts and culture, great food, and outdoor adventure! For this itinerary, you’ll be covering about 260 miles, and you’ll need about seven days to do it:

• Portland : Spend a day or two in Portland (the epitome of Pacific Northwest hipster cool) following a few of the amazing hikes , wandering through  Powell’s Books (which claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world), and hanging out in the gorgeous rose garden in Washington Park. (Oh, and eat lots of delicious food!)
• Salem : Head 50 miles south to Salem, the state capital, to stroll through the shops housed in the old Reed Opera House , take a  riverboat brunch cruise  on the Willamette River, or picnic in Riverfront Park.
• Corvallis : Thirty miles south is the college town adjacent to Oregon State University, where you can follow the  Corvallis Mural Map  to see the cool street art, or rent a bike to cruise some of the 60+ miles of trails.
• Eugene : A second college town sits 50 miles further south. Here, catch a  Ducks football game  at the U of Oregon, wander through the  Eugene Saturday Market , or swing by the  Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art  to see artwork from China, Japan, and Korea.
• Bend : Drive east to wrap up your trip in  Bend , a great mountain town with a fantastic food and drink scene; you can also try anything from  kayaking to  whitewater rafting  to a  helicopter aerial tour .

Typically, when Washington State comes to mind, people think of rain and the Space Needle, but from western cities on the water like Port Townsend to eastern ones like Spokane, its landscape and attractions are diverse. See all Washington has to offer with this 500-mile, weeklong road trip:

➵ Rent a car in Washington here

• Olympia:  Start in the state capital, at the bottom of the Puget Sound, by hanging out in West Bay Park and checking out the city’s unique food scene, which is quirky and progressive but not pretentious.
• Port Townsend:  Drive 100 miles north to one of the coolest small towns in the US. Check out the  Port Townsend Farmers Market  (one of the best in Washington), take a free boat tour with the Northwest Maritime Center , and finish out the day by browsing the independent stores housed in old Victorian buildings on Water Street.
• Seattle:  Drive 60 more miles to  Seattle , where you’ll want to check out  Pike Place Market ,  take a harbor cruise  to see the city from Elliott Bay, visit a unique museum like the  Museum of Pop Culture , and eat fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
• Bellevue:  Across Lake Washington, visit the  Bellevue Arts Museum  (where you can sometimes chat with the artists themselves), hang out in Downtown Park, and zip-line through Eastgate Park with  Bellevue Zip Tour .
• Leavenworth:  In this charming town modeled after a traditional Bavarian village, eat your way through the German sweet shops, hike the river trail at  Icicle Gorge , stroll along the Wenatchee River at Waterfront Park, or visit the town’s quirky  Nutcracker Museum .
• Spokane:  Drive the last 180 miles to the eastern side of Washington to the capital of “the Inland Empire,” where you can follow the  Spokane City Drive , a self-guided tour of the best spots in town, or the  Spokane Sculpture Walk  for an experience you won’t find in any other city.

Washington Hikes Road Trip

Looking to get outside as much as possible on your Washington road trip? Consider this quick itinerary to all of the state’s best hikes, where you can park your car and head out into the wilderness to see gorgeous mountain peaks, lush forests, and more:

• Seattle: Start your trip here, where you can rent a car for your journey.
• Maple Pass in North Cascades National Park: This leg of the trip is the longest stretch at over 5 hours along Interstate 90 East and Highway 97, but the scenery is on point the whole way. Stay the night near the national park and hike Maple Pass first thing in the morning.
• Lake Ingalls: Another long stretch back down south along Highway 97 will take you to Lake Ingalls where you can enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous alpine lake.
• Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park: This trail gives incredible views of Mount Rainier, plus plenty of waterfalls along the way. It’s easily one of the best trails in Washington. Get there from Lake Ingalls by taking I-90 towards Tacoma (option to stay there for the night) and then Highway 161 down to the park.
• Pinnacle Peak in Mount Rainier National Park: While you’re near Rainier National Park, don’t miss out on this epic trail that leads to the Pinnacle Peak Saddle where you’ll have the most incredible view.
• Rialto Beach: Another long stretch will bring you to Washington’s rocky coast where you can hike from Rialto Beach to Hole-In-The-Wall which is a rugged and exciting affair.
• Hurricane Ridge: Before heading back to Seattle, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park plus the breathtaking Sunrise Viewpoint right next to it are the perfect ending to a perfect trip.

The Perfect Washington National Parks Itinerary

From skiing in the mountains to hiking through hills and meadows, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. This itinerary can be cut in half, between Breckenridge and Rocky Mountain National Park , if 12 stops is too long of a trip. (Each leg consists of half natural sights and half cities, so you’ll still get a full taste of Colorado with six stops.) All in all, this road trip covers more than 800 miles and takes about ten days.

• Mesa Verde National Park : See the mesa-top villages and cliffside dwellings of the Pueblo people from hundreds of years ago by driving the Mesa Top Loop Road and Cliff Palace driving loop, or head to Park Point (elevation: 8,500 feet).
• Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park : Highlights of this park, located 160 miles northeast of Mesa Verde, include Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall, and Sunset View.
• Aspen : After you’ve driven 115 miles from Black Canyon to Aspen, hike Red Butte Trail for 360-degree views of the Aspen Valley, ride the  Silver Queen Gondola  to the summit of the mountain, stand-up paddleboard at  North Star Nature Preserve , and explore the waterfalls and ice caves along  Grottos Trail .
• Hanging Lake : Stop 50 miles down the road to follow one of Colorado’s most popular hikes to this magical  cliffside lake .
• Vail :  Raft the river ,  drive an ATV , catch a cool  seasonal event , check out a  farmers’ market , or hike to a waterfall in this fun mountain town 60 miles northeast of Hanging Lake.
• Breckenridge : One of Colorado’s friendliest small towns, Breckenridge offers  great hikes , tons of  biking trails , cool events like the  International Festival of Arts , and lots of sunny restaurant patios where you can grab a bite.
• Rocky Mountain National Park:  Take a scenic drive (especially on  Trail Ridge Road , the highest continuous paved road in the US), hike to one of the park’s  eleven waterfalls  and two cascades, go  four-wheeling , or take a horseback ride through Rocky Mountain National Park, located 100 miles north of Breckenridge. Click here for a complete list of things to do in the park.
• Boulder : Spend a day or two in Boulder by ordering beignets at  Lucile’s , exploring  Pearl Street  and the  Boulder Creek Path , hiking to the famous  sandstone Flatirons , and attending a show at the historic Boulder Theater.
• Denver : Drive 30 miles to the state capital, which has  plenty to explore , including the  Lower Downtown (LoDo)  neighborhood, Capitol Building, outdoor 16th Street Mall,  Larimer Square ,  Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre , and  Denver Art Museum .
• Garden of the Gods : Seventy miles from Denver is another national park, where you can take a tour on foot, electric bike, or Segway, as well as go rock climbing and check out  Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site .
• Colorado Springs : The last city of the road trip sits next to Garden of the Gods. Spend a day exploring  Seven Falls , hiking in  Ute Valley Park , and driving the Gold Belt Scenic Byway.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve:  At your last destination, plan on camping for a night so that you’ll have the chance to stargaze with no city lights to obscure the view. But until the sun sets, sled down the sand dunes (some of which are hundreds of feet high) and (if your car permits) drive the adventurous  Medano Pass .

The perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

While an area as vast as the American West is tough to cover in a single road trip, or even a single lifetime, I hope this post helps you to pick a trip you’ll love. The best news is, you really can’t go wrong, as all of these places are gorgeous, though some are better suited to certain weather and seasons than others.

Choose the best adventure for you!

*Some links in this post are affiliate links for products and services we personally use and love. Any purchase you make through them supports us at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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09/20/2019 at 7:38 am

Bravo! This is the most comprehensive post yet for a region. Literally a lifetime of things to see and all doable on a road trip! There is even more like Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Flaming Gorge, Devil’s Tower, grassland parks, and Bighorn in Wyoming for instance. Great job, your hard work has paid off with this amazing post. I will add this to the now long list of travel ideas you have provided me!!!

Hena Tayeb says

09/22/2019 at 6:53 pm

So much great information! We were in Washington and Oregon just last summer and loved it. We are trying to decide between Arizona and New Mexico for this coming spring.. you post will come in very handy.

Kristin says

09/22/2019 at 8:30 pm

why not both? 😉

10/28/2019 at 6:31 am

Thanks for the super write up! So many things to do in each of the locations. I visited Estes and the the RMNP in July and it was such a great experience. We did some river rafting and a fair bit of hiking in the park. Didn’t see any bears unfortunately was apparently still a bit early in the season for them. Not sure if you enjoy more Adrenalin fueled activities – have you ever tried doing a tandem jump? It’s actually a great way to experience the scenery of an area. And you’d be surprised just how many drop zones there are now in the US. It’s a great experience and totally worth spending half a day doing 😉

01/15/2020 at 11:21 pm

thank you so much for your helpful trips! one of the best sites around

Eileen Chu says

05/06/2022 at 11:01 am

Love the recommendations. I’m planning a road trip myself and I’m struggling to decide which month of the year to do this loop. Which month did you do it so that you didn’t encounter the snowy roads in the north and the blazing sun in the south.? April?

05/07/2022 at 8:28 pm

Which loop exactly? If you’re wanting to avoid winter, May is often a good month as is June.

Karla Smith says

07/04/2023 at 11:55 am

I like your site. Great info. Thank you. I’m taking a month long solo trip from Missouri out west. I’m 70 years young and bringing just my dog, Lovebug. Last road trip for this lady! Any thoughts about “the dog”? She a trained school therapy dog. National or state parks allow on leash? Dog friendly places? Thanks to you I’m going to Mystic Hot Springs. Tent camping some. Any advice is websites to read? Thank you so much! Karla

07/05/2023 at 8:44 am

Some national park trails allow dogs on a leash. I’ve got lots of solo camping advice on here! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/outdoors-101/

The Ultimate Western US Road Trip

This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission on any purchases at no extra expense to you. Read our disclaimer & privacy policy here.

Ready for an adventure? Pack your bags, get your vehicle ready to go, and let’s hit the road!

As a world traveler who’s always on the search of the next bucket list destination, I realized I didn’t know my home country, USA, nearly as well as I knew many others around the world. I had traveled it some but for short weekend getaways or snowboarding trips but not much else.

When the time came to leave Vietnam, after living there for 3 years , we had our first pause in our travel plans for as long as I could remember. We knew the next step was to apply for our freelance visas in Portugal but knew those would take a few months to process. Instead of staying still and relaxing at my parents, we knew it was the perfect time to explore the US.

And what better way than in a van we converted ourselves? 

I’ll dive into our van build and how you can customize your own house on wheels another day. Today is all about the trip, not so much the technicalities getting us ready for said trip. 

A few tips to make your road trip excellent:

• Don’t rely on hotels, it’s fun to camp, whether in your car or a tent, and will save you loads of money.
• Know where to camp for free: Campendium and iOverlander were lifesavers.
• Keep meals simple and cheap with easy recipes you can make with minimal ingredients and cooking gear.
• Don’t get lost on the trails and use AllTrails instead. No need to pay to download the maps offline, just have the trail open you want to follow before you lose service and your GPS will continue to work. 
• Save money on gas with GasBuddy. Another app that helped us find the lowest gas prices in the area, just know it’s not always 100% accurate.
• Genuinely like the person or people your road tripping with. Trust me, it’s a lot of together time and choosing the person you make the trip with isn’t something I’d take lightly.
• If you travel with your dog, use GoogleMaps to find dog parks in the area on driving days so your furry friend can burn his/her energy before a long day in the car.

We had talked about vanlife years before, both agreeing that we’d like to try it in the US, just never knowing exactly when that time would be. After getting back to Nashville, we quickly scourged the area for a van we could convert, finally finding Wanda, our 2003 Ford Econoline with the best paint job we could have hoped for. 

After spending a few tiring months building her out and getting her ready, it was time to hit the road.

I’ll be honest here, Raf and I are not the planners it might seem we are. We both typically dream big and latch on an idea together and just go for it, hoping for the best along the way. That’s what this van trip was. We didn’t really know where we were going except west.

And I’m so happy we did it this way.

Not planning meant being able to go where we pleased, work around the weather, and spend more or less time in a place depending on how we felt about it. I’d highly recommend you not plan as much as you can get away with so you can build your itinerary while you’re in the midst of it. 

The only thing we knew was we had to be back in Atlanta, GA for a wedding mid-November then back to Nashville two weeks afterward for Thanksgiving. That gave us 2.5 months to travel as much as we wanted. And it turns out, we wanted to travel a lot.

I’m talking 9,000 miles of road and 21 states. 

We couldn’t see everything and we did have to make some big decisions on what to choose and what to pass on but we did see a lot- far more than I thought we’d see- and it was spectacular. 

If you have some time to spare and want to see truly breathtaking sights, pull out your map and save these places for your road trip of a lifetime through the Western US.

Heading out of Nashville, our first big destination was Denver, CO. We passed through the midwest (Missouri and Kansas) as fast we could, and apologies to you from those places, I don’t feel like we missed out by getting through them quickly. It wasn’t the most exciting way to start our trip but we were eager to hit the mountains and that gave us the motivation to keep us going. 

I’ll highlight the 11 states we spent the most time in and share my favorite parts of each of them. Keep in mind, we were traveling in a van and prioritizing nature, hiking, and national parks. Plus, we had our dog, Bandido, with us that we always strive to keep happy.

If you’re also traveling in a van or plan to sleep in your vehicle, use iOverlander and Campendium to find free campsites near you. We didn’t pay for a single night on our trip, minus the 2 nights we opted for hotels.

At a quick glance, our western road trip itinerary went like this:

• Colorado (again)

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Colorado: Widest Variety of Adventure Sports

We actually passed through Colorado twice on the trip, once at the beginning and again at the end. I’ll cover both times though here so all things Colorado stays together.

Our main highlights in Colorado were:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park

Denver is a really great city to spend the day in. If you’ve never been, an easy place to see the city, walk around, grab a beer and some good food is Larimer Square and 16th Street Mall. Probably some of the more touristic places in town but if you’re just here for a day, I really like walking around there. 

From Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs aren’t too far away. We didn’t go to either of these towns this trip but I’ve been before and they’re both nice mountain towns in Colorado .

Vail and Aspen are both high-end mountain towns that are seriously picturesque, especially in the fall when the aspen trees are bright yellow. Unless you have a much bigger budget than us, I’d recommend heading to these towns for hiking more than anything else. 

In Vail , we loved (and struggled through) Berrypicker Trail. It’s straight up a popular ski slope and since we had only been at altitude for 2 days, it hit us harder than I expected. We made it up and enjoyed the challenge though. You get rewarded by being able to take the gondola down, too. 

In Aspen , I highly recommend Maroon Bells. If you only have time for 1 hike, this should be it. You have to reserve a ticket in advance and take a shuttle to the park but in my opinion, it was worth the fee. It was more crowded than other hikes we did, but I understand why. There are a few different trails in the area. We opted for Crater Lake. It’s nice and not too difficult. You can always add on some distance too by following a backcountry trail and turning around when you’re ready to head back.

From Aspen, we drove to Jackson, WY. We opted for the more scenic route through NW Colorado, instead of driving back through Denver, and I’m so glad we did. We were really in the middle of nowhere most of the drive and it was fantastic.

But before I jump into Wyoming, at the end of our road trip, between Utah and New Mexico, we swung back into Colorado to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park . It’s exactly what it sounds like, except for a more mountainous backdrop than I was expecting. 

We rented a sandboard for the day and that made the park so much fun. It’s also one of the few national parks that’s dog friendly so be sure to bring your pup along for the journey! In October the weather was chilly and the sand was cool but be careful with your pup’s paws in the summer- sand tends to heat up quickly!

Wyoming: Best (& Most Unusual) Wildlife

Our main highlights in Wyoming:

• Grand Teton National Park (and surrounding area)
• Yellowstone National Park

Our first real taste of Wyoming was The Grand Tetons . They brought me to tears the first time I saw them because they pop out of nowhere and gave me the most wonderful surprise. It’s really a treat to see these mountains in person. We stayed in Jackson longer than we expected but really enjoyed the town to be able to catch up on some work and take a break from a long previous week of driving. 

Jackson also has a plethora of free campsites in the Grand Tetons National Forest that were all really wonderful. 

Wyoming is for you if you love epic views and unusual wildlife. 

Unfortunately, we couldn’t do any hiking in either national park (Grand Tetons or Yellowstone) because like most national parks, the trails are not dog friendly. Regardless, if you’re traveling with your pup, you should still drive through the parks and take in the views.

Between the Tetons and Yellowstone, get ready to see moose, bison, bears, and elk. Although maybe it was lucky, I seriously couldn’t believe the wildlife we spotted with just 3 days total in both parks. 

Beware, it's probably colder here than you expect. We were greeted in early September by snow in Yellowstone so be sure to pack accordingly!

Montana: Most Views That'll Kill

Our Montana highlights:

• Yellowstone National Park (it’s split between Montana and Wyoming)
• Glacier National Park
• Flathead National Forest

We entered Montana through Yellowstone and headed towards Bozeman. Bozeman is a small yet cute town to spend a day or two. We enjoyed exploring their downtown, grabbing a bison burger, and some local beers. 

From Bozeman, we decided to head north to Glacier National Park . This was a last-minute decision but one I am so happy we made.

The drive through Glacier was seriously epic. If you’re scared of heights you probably shouldn’t be the driver though as much of the “Going to the Sun” road is narrow with little room for error. We spent an entire day driving through the park, pulling over at nearly every turn. 

The area around Glacier is stunning, too. We spent 3 nights in different parts of Flathead National Forest and had free mountain views and solo spots each night.

Standard Peak is a solid dog-friendly hike that we all 3 really enjoyed. Plus, you can stay overnight on the same road as the trailhead so you can use it as an off-day from driving, too. At the peak, you’ll get views of Glacier as well. 

While you're already so far north in the US, it's easy to cross the border and take advantage of epic spots in Canada. From Glacier National Park, it's only a 4.5 hour drive to Banff National Park where you can explore the beauty of Lake Louise and surrounding areas.

Idaho: Friendliest People

Our Idaho highlight:

• Coeur d’Alene (we didn’t actually spend much time here but it was recommended to us multiple times)

From Montana, we knew we wanted to go to Washington. To get there, we needed to pass through Idaho. To be blunt, I knew nothing about Idaho except they have great potatoes so I thought we’d just pass right through the state.

On the way, we needed to stop to work so I found a cute, dog-friendly coffee shop in Sandpoint, Idaho . I thought we would just stay for the day to turn in some work then head off but the locals had other plans for us.

In that coffee shop, we ended up making friends with a few locals that were interested in our journey. The most interested being an 82-year-old world traveler and adventurer who had made similar trips as us (plus far more) in his lifetime. He quickly invited us over for a hot shower, a place to sleep, and the promise of great stories.

We were skeptical and didn’t take up his offer immediately. The next day though, he called and said he had invited some friends over to meet us and to use his words, “be here or be cursed.” We went. 

And I am so glad we did. Larry and his wife are salt-of-the-earth people who have treated us like family. We ended up staying 2 nights with them and loved them both. Since then we’ve kept in touch and really feel a deep connection with them. Sometimes strangers aren’t so nice but sometimes they’re better than you could ever imagine.

Also in Sandpoint, we did our biggest hike yet: Scotchman Peak . We were greeted by a moose on the trailhead, saw bear prints in the snow on the way, but unfortunately, didn’t see any of the mountain goats that are usually at the summit. 

This trail is tough but fantastic. We hiked in tennis shoes which I would not recommend. The summit in October had about a foot of snow that quickly iced our toes. We made it but would have been far more comfortable had we been properly prepared.

Washington: Best Enchanting Forests

Our Washington highlights:

• North Cascades National Park
• Rockport State Park
• Olympic National Park

What I loved most about Washington was definitely the landscape, mainly the rainforest. I’ve spent a few months living in the Amazon Rainforest and it was the same... but completely different.

The hikes we did there, namely the Evergreen Trail in Rockport State Park , were simply fantastic. It wasn’t tough at all but was so unique with the giant Redwoods covered in moss, ferns, and mushrooms. We felt like kids in awe strolling through this area.

I’m happy we went to Seattle and drank all the coffee we possibly could , but it didn’t wow me like Portland later would. 

After Seattle, we drove the highway around Olympic National Forest , stopping at the rocky beaches along the way. We also did a few coastal hikes but in our opinion, nothing topped the Evergreen Trail.

Oregon: Best All Around

Our Oregon highlights:

• Cannon Beach
• Smith Rock State Park
• Crater Lake National Park

We drove down the coast to Oregon and crossed the bridge to Astoria . We had a great lunch of clam chowder and watched seals (or maybe sea lions) play in the water next to us. It was a perfect welcome to what soon became our favorite state of the road trip. 

From Astoria, we continued along the coast to Cannon Beach . This beach was gigantic and more dramatic than I had thought from pictures. It was also far, far colder with the wind ripping off the coast without prevail. Still, we loved it.

After Cannon Beach, we swung inland to Portland. Portland stands out as our favorite city from the road trip so if you have the time, I suggest you check it out as well. 

Our favorite area in Portland was Hawthorne Avenue . There you’ll find a wide variety of thrift stores with great clothes and even better prices. Be sure to stop by Hawthorne Asylum for food pods with a wide variety of food and drinks. Be sure to save room for a donut at Blue Star Donuts, a local favorite compared to the overhyped VooDoo Donuts downtown.

I’d also recommend Mississippi Avenue for another, similar option, with more shopping and food pods.

After Portland, we faced another issue: stay on the coast or head inland. It was a tough one, and although I don’t know what the coastal route had in store, inland did not disappoint. The drive to Bend was full of snow-covered mountains, camping spots, and great hiking. 

Namely, hiking at Smith Rock State Park . There are a few different trails at this park as well but we opted for the Wolf Tree Trail . There are harder ones in the area and had it not been so cold, we probably would have gone for them but this one was relatively easy but beautiful. The end of the trail especially provides great views. 

If you’re in the area, visit Bend . It’s smaller than I thought but their downtown and greenway are especially picturesque.

Really though, the star of inland Oregon to us was Crater Lake. Crater Lake is exactly as described, a lake surrounded by mountains with a little island in the middle. What made it so special though was the snow. The contrast of bright white snow, clear blue sky, and deep blue water was better than expected. Although it was cold and most trails were closed, if you’re not there to hike, I really loved seeing this spot in winter weather.

California: Most Disappointing

Our California highlights:

• Redwoods National Park
• San Francisco 
• Carmel-by-the-sea
• Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1)

Here I am to possibly burst your bubble: California did not live up to its hype.

After visiting so many fantastic states, California left us feeling let down and honestly, disappointed. We had this idea in our heads that California was the mecca of vanlife and dog parents and people looking for a little bit of hippie-esque fun. That wasn’t the reality we found.

Overnight parking was tough and always done in parking lots or on the street, which after months of being in nature, wasn’t a change for the best. 

Most beaches we came across, with the exception of Carmel-by-the-sea which was doggo heaven, were not dog-friendly. This is understandable but just didn’t line up with the imagine we had perceived of California.

To top it off, gas was almost $1 more per gallon than other states and food and drinks were also pricier, even just at the grocery store. 

All of that considered, we cut out time in California short. Turning towards Vegas halfway down Hwy 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

I will say, it’s a beautiful state. The Redwoods, Yosemite and Hwy 1 are really spectacular but the state, all in all, didn’t match up with it’s neighbors. We were craving something more raw, less privatized, and with a lot more room for adventure.

Nevada: Most Likely to Take Your Money

….so we headed to Las Vegas!

Well, kind of. We did go to Las Vegas yet but not for those reasons mentioned above. We wanted to gamble a bit and see what the Sin City had in store for us before heading deeper into the desert. 

Here we opted for a hotel and let Bandido stay with a Rover sitter so we had the night to ourselves. It was extremely fun bouncing around hotels on the strip.

My biggest suggestion: learn Craps before you go. It’s a great game, much more fun than Black Jack, easier to hop in than Poker, and way less mind-numbing than slots. 

Let loose, toss the dice, and have some fun!

Arizona: Most Iconic Scenery

Our Arizona highlights:

• Grand Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Monument Valley

After shockingly doubling our money in Vegas (definitely beginner’s luck), we headed to Arizona. 

Arizona was a desert dream come true. After doing 1 hike in Sedona , we stretched our time there to do another before heading out of town. It seemed to me everywhere you looked, Sedona was surrounded by epic desert views. The sunsets here were especially rewarding.

I’d recommend both hikes to anyone willing to walk around 8 miles each time. Cathedral Rock Loop: Hiline and Templeton Trails and Boynton Canyon Trail were both great. The loop was much quieter than the other trail and provided fantastic views the entire time. Boynton was much more crowded but understandably so. Just be sure to take a slight detour and head to the Subway Cave for an extra special view. Even if heights scare you, I’d recommend pushing yourself on that one. It won’t disappoint!

From Sedona, we headed north to check off the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend . Both of extremely well-known and popular but for good reason. Find a quiet spot and enjoy the views!

If you want to see giant cactuses, like ones in cartoons, head south to Tucson . We didn’t have time for this detour but would have potentially made time had I known we weren’t going to see them all throughout the desert. 

Utah: Most Inconsistent Views

Our Utah highlights: 

• Arches National Park

We really had one big reason to go to Utah and that was Moab. Monument Valley was a lucky bonus that I’m glad we included but not the reason we made the turn north.

If you want to visit Monument Valley , do note it closes earlier than expected. We were unable to enter in to drive the scenic loop after 3pm. Online it states it closes at 5pm but do to off-season and I’m sure pandemic restrictions, the time is now earlier.

We were definitely bummed that we weren’t able to do the scenic loop but just north of the entrance, further into Utah, we were able to get some great views to pull over for lunch. Also further up the highway is the iconic Forrest Gump viewpoint that really was just as beautiful in person, if not even more so. 

Moab though was the jewel of Utah in our eyes. Again, we stayed longer than planned and really took it easy in Moab, enjoying the campsites and amazing desert views backdropped with snowcapped mountains.

In Moab, be sure to drive through Arches National Park . Again, we didn’t do any hikes in the park because we travel with our dog, but the drive was fantastic.

We opted to hike Corona Arch trail and would recommend you do the same. Great landscapes, few people, and dog-friendly. Need I say more?

There were some reviews on AllTrails making the hike sound more intimidating than it was. At times there is a rope to help you up a rock and right after a ladder to climb up, but both are short, and neither felt scary in our eyes. Bandido also handled these parts like a champ. We opted to take him off the leash for this since no one was around and to let him find his own way up, which he did, issue-free.

After Moab, we circled back into Colorado before heading south again to New Mexico.

New Mexico: Most Dog-Friendly

Our New Mexico highlights:

By this point in the trip, we were exhausted. We had been moving at a quick pace and had seen a lot. This state though was one I was looking the most forward to so instead of trying to rush it and do too much, we chose to spend more time in Taos and Santa Fe and really soak them up.

My favorite parts of New Mexico were absolutely the architecture and the food. Between those two things, we were content simply walking around town and taking it slow. 

Taos Pueblo was unfortunately closed due to the pandemic but if it's open when you drive through, it seems like a really beautiful, historic place to visit. Otherwise, enjoy walking about Taos and Santa Fe. Both have plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to keep you entertained. Beware though, the price tags in Santa Fe were far higher than I ever imagined!

From there, we made the long drive back to Atlanta, spending a night in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi along the way. 

As tired as we were, this road trip was seriously epic. We saw a lot, experienced a lot more of my home country than I thought possible in one go, and had a lot of fun living in the van and camping each night. 

Save this road trip to add to your bucket list or grab inspiration from it, making it your own along the way. I will say, the US is a big, beautiful country with so much to see, doing it on land instead of air is the way the go.

A lot of effort went into making this amazing piece of journalistic genius. If it helped you out, send us a quick thanks by buying us a coffee. All the money donated through Ko-Fi goes towards keeping A Way Abroad awesome. Big thanks!

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The Ultimate 2024 Itinerary for a Road Trip Out West

Have you ever wondered if there's a perfect road trip itinerary that captures the essence of the American West?

Well, imagine a journey that takes you from the glitz of Los Angeles to the rugged beauty of Yellowstone National Park, with iconic landmarks and hidden gems along the way.

As you follow this meticulously planned route, you'll uncover the natural wonders and rich history of the region, but there's one crucial element that sets this itinerary apart – it's not just about the destinations, but the unforgettable experiences waiting to be had at each stop.

Day 1: Los Angeles to Zion National Park

Start your road trip from Los Angeles to Zion National Park by grabbing a quick breakfast on the go from Pauls Place and hitting the road early to make the most of your day.

As you drive north on the National Road, consider making a stop in Barstow to fill up your gas tank and try the original Del Taco. It's a great way to experience a bit of local flavor and break up the drive. If you're feeling peckish, an optional pit stop at Eddies World for snacks can also be a fun addition to your journey.

Continuing on your drive towards Zion National Park, you'll be treated to stunning views as you head towards the South Canyon. The landscape transforms as you approach the park, offering a taste of the natural beauty that awaits.

To make the most of your time in the park, consider staying at Hurricane KOA, which provides convenient access to the wonders of Zion National Park. This strategic choice will allow you to start your exploration early the next day, ensuring you optimize your visit to this magnificent destination.

Day 2: Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park

As you depart from Zion National Park early in the morning, consider taking a scenic drive towards Bryce Canyon National Park to make the most of your day. The road trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon offers breathtaking views and a chance to soak in the natural beauty of the West Coast.

As you journey along the scenic route, keep an eye out for the stunning vistas of the Grand Canyon, and the mesmerizing landscapes along the Pacific Coast.

Upon reaching Bryce Canyon National Park, make sure to explore the South Rim and take in the awe-inspiring sights of the hoodoos. Don't miss the opportunity to hike the Queens Garden Trail, which offers an up-close encounter with the unique rock formations.

Lastly, take a leisurely drive along the park's loop road, allowing you to revel in the captivating beauty of the natural wonders that Bryce Canyon has to offer.

This day promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef National Parks

As you start Day 3 of your road trip, get ready to witness the mesmerizing hoodoos and rock formations at Bryce Canyon National Park. The natural amphitheaters and spire-shaped rock formations will leave you in awe as you hike through the park.

Then, hit the scenic byway to Capitol Reef National Park and take in the unique geological features as you drive through.

Bryce Canyon's Hoodoos

When visiting Bryce Canyon National Park on Day 3 of your road trip, prepare to be mesmerized by the tall, thin spires of rock known as Hoodoos, creating a stunning and otherworldly landscape.

The Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon are a sight to behold, offering a unique and surreal experience. As you hike among these natural wonders, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of geological artistry.

The interplay of light and shadow during sunrise and sunset adds a touch of magic to the already breathtaking scenery.

Exploring Bryce Canyon's Hoodoos is an adventure that will leave you spellbound and inspired, a journey through time and nature's grandeur.

The sheer beauty and intricate formations will evoke a sense of wonder and awe, making it an unforgettable highlight of your visit to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive

Embark on a scenic drive through Capitol Reef National Park, where vibrant sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations await your discovery on Day 3 of your road trip.

Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive offers access to a variety of hiking trails, including the Hickman Bridge Trail and the Capitol Gorge Trail.

As you make your way along the National Road, keep an eye out for ancient petroglyphs and the charming orchards from the historic Fruita area.

This drive provides an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and geological features of Capitol Reef National Park.

For the best views, plan to visit during sunset or sunrise when the dramatic lighting and shadows enhance the beauty of the scenery.

It's a must-see stop on your ultimate 2024 road trip out West.

Hiking Trails Highlights

Day 3 of your road trip out West brings you to the hiking trails highlights of Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, where you can continue your exploration of stunning landscapes and unique geological features. As you lace up your hiking boots, get ready to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of these parks.

The hiking trails offer a chance to witness the breathtaking vistas and diverse landscapes, making for an unforgettable experience. Here are a few highlights to look forward to:

• Discover the beauty of Capitol Reef National Park by hiking through its scenic trails and experiencing its unique geological features.
• Don't miss the opportunity to hike the famous Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon, offering incredible views of the hoodoos and natural amphitheaters.
• Consider exploring the lesser-known but equally spectacular hiking trails in Capitol Reef, such as the Cassidy Arch Trail and the Hickman Bridge Trail.

Day 4: Dinosaur National Monument & Flaming Gorge Dam

Upon arriving at Dinosaur National Monument and Flaming Gorge Dam, you'll be immersed in the fascinating world of fossils, petroglyphs, and breathtaking natural beauty. To make sure you have plenty of time to explore, start your day early and take the scenic National Road along the rim of the monument. This will lead you to various places to visit within the National Monument.

Rent a car to ensure you have the flexibility to stop and admire the stunning views along the way. Once you reach Flaming Gorge Dam, the best time to visit is during the morning or late afternoon to capture the beautiful reflections on the water. If there's an option, consider taking a guided tour to gain insights into the dam's history and engineering marvels.

Afterward, head to the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour or go rafting on the Green River. Lastly, visit the Red Canyon Overlook for stunning views and potential wildlife sightings before crossing the US state line.

Day 5: Casper, Wyoming & Mammoth Site

When you arrive in Casper, Wyoming on day 5 of your road trip, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city's rich pioneer history and historic trails.

Then, head to the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, South Dakota to witness the incredible discovery of mammoth fossils and other prehistoric creatures. The guided tours at the Mammoth Site will give you a deeper understanding of the unique geology and ongoing excavation efforts.

Casper's Historical Significance

Casper, Wyoming's historical significance as a crucial stop on the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails during the westward expansion of the United States is undeniable. The city played a pivotal role in the development of the American West, serving as a hub for trade, transportation, and communication.

Here's why Casper's historical significance will leave you in awe:

• The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper provides insights into the trials and tribulations faced by pioneers during their arduous journeys.
• Casper's connection to the Pony Express and the establishment of the first telegraph station in the Wyoming Territory showcases its pivotal role in shaping the nation's history.
• The nearby Mammoth Site offers a unique and important site for paleontological research, with a fossil bed featuring over 100 mammoth skeletons, providing a glimpse into the prehistoric past.

Casper's historical significance is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and the pioneering drive that shaped the American West.

Mammoth Fossils Discovery

Casper's historical significance extends to the present day with the remarkable Mammoth Fossils Discovery waiting to captivate you in Casper, Wyoming.

As part of your ultimate 2024 road trip itinerary out west, this stop at the Mammoth Site offers a unique opportunity to witness paleontological discoveries in action. Explore the rich history of mammoth fossils and immerse yourself in an educational experience about prehistoric creatures and their environment.

The site provides insight into the ancient giants that once roamed the earth, making it a must-see attraction for any road trip enthusiast. Don't miss the chance to learn about these magnificent creatures and the fascinating discoveries that have been made at this extraordinary location.

The Mammoth Fossils Discovery is an essential section of your westward journey.

Day 6: The Black Hills & Mt. Rushmore

Start your day by visiting the Black Hills and witnessing the iconic Mount Rushmore. As you drive through the Western US, take the time to soak in the panoramic vistas of the Black Hills and explore the grandeur of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Marvel at the colossal sculptures of former U.S. presidents, feeling a deep sense of patriotism and historical significance. Admire the intricate artistry and craftsmanship of the Mount Rushmore sculptures, recognizing the immense dedication and skill that went into creating this national treasure.

After spending time at Mount Rushmore, make sure to explore the state parks and hiking trails in the Black Hills, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Take a moment to reflect on the historical and cultural importance of this site, and consider the impact of these monumental sculptures on the American identity.

This one day in the Black Hills will leave you with lasting memories of an unforgettable stop on your road trip through the Western US.

Day 7: Badlands National Park & Deadwood

After immersing yourself in the historical significance of Mount Rushmore, continue your journey by exploring the stunning landscapes of Badlands National Park and experiencing the Wild West charm of Deadwood on Day 7 of your road trip itinerary out West.

When driving through Badlands National Park, make sure to stop and take in the breathtaking views from Badlands Loop Road. This scenic route offers panoramic vistas of the park's dramatic rock formations and rugged beauty. Consider exploring some of the park's trails to get up close to its unique geology and diverse wildlife. Joining a guided tour can provide deeper insights into the park's fascinating history and geology.

In Deadwood, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with lively saloons, casinos, and a dose of Old West charm. Take a stroll through the historic town and visit the final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok. The town's rich Wild West history comes to life as you wander through its streets.

Day 8: Devils Tower & Yellowstone National Park

Upon arriving at Devils Tower, you'll be captivated by its unique geological formations and rich cultural significance. As you drive up to this iconic monolith, you'll be in awe of its sheer size and the way it juts out from the surrounding landscape. Take the time to explore the area and appreciate the spiritual and cultural importance it holds for Native American tribes.

After soaking in the wonder of Devils Tower, it's time to head to Yellowstone National Park. The drive will be filled with anticipation as you prepare to encounter the natural marvels awaiting you.

• Witness the impressive geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife that make Yellowstone National Park a one-of-a-kind destination.
• Hike around Yellowstone's Grand Canyon and be awestruck by the stunning Lower Falls, a sight that will stay with you long after you've left.
• Keep your eyes peeled for unique wildlife such as bison, elk, and grizzly bears, and revel in the opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

Yellowstone National Park is a fitting continuation of your ultimate road trip out West, offering a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions How Many Days Do You Need for a West Coast Road Trip?

You'll need at least 2 weeks for a West Coast road trip and 1 week for the Pacific Coast Highway. Consider 2-week blocks for a 2-month itinerary. Rent a campervan for flexibility and explore national parks from Phoenix or Las Vegas.

How Do I Plan an Ultimate Road Trip?

Want to plan the ultimate road trip? Start by setting clear objectives, researching routes, and scheduling key stops. Consider vehicle size and necessary supplies. Don't forget to inform someone about your travel plans for safety.

How Long Does the Ultimate Road Trip Take?

You'll cover over 2 months with 2-week blocks for manageability, averaging 27 hours of drive time and 2500 km per week. Stops at national parks and attractions offer flexibility for exploring and sightseeing at each destination.

How Many Days Do You Need for a Cross Country Road Trip?

You'll need about 2-4 weeks for a cross-country road trip, allowing 3-4 days in each major location. Strategic planning can create a shorter trip, focusing on specific highlights and cutting down travel time.

As you head back to LA, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of your road trip out west, you can't help but wonder what other hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes await your next adventure.

The memories of hiking through national parks, marveling at iconic landmarks, and immersing yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors will stay with you forever.

Who knows what other amazing discoveries lie ahead on your future journeys?

Stay tuned for more epic road trip adventures.

Farrukh Khurshid, Editor and Founder of Exploring Leisure is a seasoned traveler and writer with a passion for exploring the world's many wonders. With a keen eye for the beauty and diversity of different cultures, Farrukh brings a wealth of experience to the Exploring Leisure blog. His love for journeying to new destinations is matched only by his eagerness to share insights and stories with fellow travel enthusiasts. Whether it's the bustling streets of a city or the serene landscapes of the countryside, Farrukh's vivid descriptions and practical tips inspire readers to embark on their own adventures. Join him on Exploring Leisure as he continues to traverse the globe, one incredible place at a time.

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Two Girls Getaway

Travel tips for girls on a budget!

Awesome Itinerary for a Western National Parks Road Trip – Seeing the Best of the Best in 9 Days!

Country: USA States: Nevada, Utah, Arizona, California Sites: Las Vegas, Canyonlands, Moab, Arches National Park, Goosenecks State Park, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, Death Valley National Park, Rhyolite (ghost town), Gold Point (ghost town)

Are you dying to see the world but short on time? This 7 day itinerary packs in the best sites and hikes at various US National Parks in the western part of the country! Add 1 day at the beginning and end if you want to spend some extra time in Las Vegas!

We kept this itinerary budget friendly by renting a car and staying in Airbnbs. This particular itinerary starts and ends in Las Vegas, but it is also possible to have different start and end locations, depending on what’s cheapest for you!

Day 1: Getting to Las Vegas

The reason this trip actually happened is that I found a super cheap round-trip flight to Las Vegas from our home airport in Philadelphia using my award miles connected to my United MileagePlus Explorer credit card . (Check out the card to receive countless travel benefits and earn up to 40,000 BONUS miles!)

The flight was at the beginning of November, so we were a little worried about it being too cold, but it ended up being the perfect time to go! The parks were much less crowded than usual, the weather was beautiful (not too hot for a long hike), and accommodations were cheaper because it was the off-season.

We landed in Las Vegas in the evening and rented a van through Budget , although make sure to do your own homework and compare rental prices as these often change! That night we stayed at an Airbnb about a mile from the strip (to save money) which was on the way to the National Parks. Of course, we took some time to drive down the strip and take in the sites and sounds of Las Vegas while we could.

Day 2: Las Vegas to Moab

Make sure to get started early as this is a long day of driving! The drive without stops takes approximately 7 hours, but we made a full day of it as there was so much to see. There are several lookout points along the way, but one of our favorites was the Salt Wash View Area .

We also stopped at an adorable gas station with a Conestoga wagon and old farmhouse! This was right on the main road into Moab so you can’t miss it!

Our plan was to go to Canyonlands, but the sun had set faster than we expected so we checked into our Airbnb , which was actually a hostel-like accommodation. I was traveling with my aunt and mother who had never stayed in a hostel, and they loved this place! There was a shared bathroom and kitchen, but private sleeping quarters. There was also a fire pit and picnic tables, great for socializing with other travelers!

That night we drove over to Ken’s Lake to give me some time to play with my new DSLR lens (I am very much a newbie photographer!). The location was quite beautiful, and we all hung out and listened to coyotes howling in the distance until it was time to go to bed.

PRO TIP: If you are into photography, I used the Sony a6000 for most of this trip, along with this ultra-wide lens for nighttime photography.

Day 3: Arches National Park and Canyonlands

This day was one of my favorite days of the trip! Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to do the hikes, although a lot of beautiful scenery can just be seen from the car as well. First things first – you will need a pass to enter pretty much any National Park. The fees for Arches can be found here .

PRO TIP: If anyone in your group is over the age of 62, they should purchase an America the Beautiful lifetime pass (it covers all companions and most National Parks). If the cost is still too much, consider going on a “Fee Free” day, but note that the parks WILL be crowded on these days.

There is basically one main road to follow through Arches National Park, with multiple off-shoots to different attractions. The main scenic road is about 30 miles long and is where you will start once you enter the gates to the park. Just driving along this road is beautiful enough, but if you get out and hike at some of the stops, you will REALLY understand the magnitude of these formations.

The first turnoff you will come to is Park Avenue viewpoint and it’s one of the major viewpoints in the park. There is also a hike here, but we skipped it due to time.

Continuing along the road, there are several other viewpoints (take your pick!), but we decided to stop at Balanced Rock and do the short hike around it.The way this rock has come to be balanced still blows my mind, and walking under it actually was a little bit scary!

Next, we pulled off a side road towards Double Arch and The Windows . Don’t worry, the roads are all well marked so it’s easy to find your way (a map is also provided upon arrival)! This section is regarded by many to be the most beautiful of Arches National Park. First, we took the short hike to the Double Arch. Aptly named, the Double Arch is a unique geological formation in which two arches come together in one point.

If you climb up the Double Arch, you are rewarded with a beautiful view. But be careful, once we got up there, coming down was a bit scary!

Next, we drove over to the Windows, just a short distance away. There are technically 3 main arches in this section, including the North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch. This hike was a bit longer than the Double Arch hike, but by no means strenuous.

Next we drove over to Delicate Arch . This is by far the most photographed arch in the park! However, it requires a 3 mile round-trip hike which can be a bit difficult at times (but definitely do-able, considering my aunt and mom made it!).

At the beginning of the trail near the parking lot, you will find Wolfe Ranch. This is a hut built by an early American explorer, and nearby you can easily find petroglyphs on the surrounding walls. This was an interesting little detour, and didn’t add too much time to the hike.

Continuing along the trail, there are a few sections that are a bit scary, but push through it! It’ll be worth it in the end.

At least we reached our destination – the Delicate Arch! There were LOTS of people in this area, and a line to get a picture under the arch (even in November). This is a great spot to stop and rest though, before your hike back down.

I should also mention that this entire area is shaped like a bowl into a giant dropoff. You will be walking on a sideways incline to get anywhere. This terrified my mom, who had to scooch on her butt to come take my picture (no judgement, it was scary!).

After taking many photos, we hiked back down to the trailhead and hopped in our car. The next stop would be the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint . There is a hike here, but we opted for the view from the parking lot.

Our next stop would be Sand Dune Arch . To get to this arch, there is a short hike (.3 miles) through the slot canyons. There were some narrow spots on this hike, but there were alternative paths marked as well.

The arch itself was a little underwhelming, but I enjoyed the hike very much.

Lastly we drove to Devil’s Garden . There is a nice hike here, but we skipped it due to time. Finally it was time to turn around and head back towards the entrance. On our way out, we stopped at Park Avenue Viewpoint one more time.

Leaving Arches, we drove 30 minutes to Canyonlands National Park . There are plenty of hikes and overlooks here, but it was getting dark so we drove towards the Grand View Point Overlook . We watched the sun set over the beautiful valley below.

We stayed for some time after sunset (I got to practice with my nighttime lens some more!) and the temperature turned to FREEZING. Remember to pack a sweater/jacket, as the temperature can change dramatically once the sun sets. After that, we ventured into downtown Moab, grabbed dinner at one of the many restaurants, picked up some souvenirs and went to bed.

Day 4: Moab to Page (Goosenecks State Park, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend)

The drive from Moab to Page takes about 4 1/2 hours without stopping. However, factor in all of the stops and this is an all day affair. We got on the road early and made our way out of Moab.

About 2 hours into our drive, we came to Goosenecks State Park . There is a $5 fee to enter the park, but we used this as our lunch stop as there are plenty of picnic benches around, and we had a great view!

We continued our drive and soon we could see Monument Valley in the distance. There are plenty of spots to pull over and take the infamous “Forrest Gump” photo, as many people were doing. In fact, it was a bit difficult to get a shot with no one else in it!

Continuing along towards Page, we came across the Utah/Arizona border. Of course we had to stop and take a photo to commemorate the event!

Next up would be Monument Valley. Monument Valley is a Najavo Tribal Park with many interesting geological formations. It has been featured in many movies and there are plenty of tour options , but we decided to do the self-drive Tribal Park Loop. This 17 mile loop takes you through some of the park’s most interesting sites, and although not recommended, we took our mini-van through it and were totally fine (4 x 4 is typically recommended).

Our first stop would be the Visitor’s Center, which not only had maps and souvenirs, but also great views of the entire park below.

Next, we hopped in our van and drove to the Tribal Loop. The map from the Visitor’s Center points out different interesting formations and their history, and it’s very easy to follow. Keep an eye out for West Mitten Butte (named for it’s mitten-like shape)!

After a short while, we got to John Ford’s Point. This is a popular lookout point made famous by it’s multiple appearances in Western movies. This spot was definitely the most crowded, and there was a Native American dressed as a cowboy that you could take pictures with for $5. There were also lots of traditional souvenirs sold here.

After spending some time at John Ford’s Point, we headed back the way we came and exited the loop. Our next stop would be John Wayne’s Cabin , just a short drive away. There was some fun movie history, as well as Najavo history, in this little museum. It was also FREE, but donations were accepted. (Also a great spot to use the restroom!)

After using the restroom, it was onto Page, Arizona! In Page, we’d be staying at the Best Western View of Lake Powell , because honestly it was the cheapest option we could find (and had a great view)!

But before checking in, we arrived in Page just in time to see Horseshoe Bend at sunset! There is a 3/4 mile hike to reach this incredible viewpoint, but it is not very difficult. It is also a popular tourist destination, and there is no fence, so be careful! Every year there are multiple accidental deaths because people were trying to get the perfect selfie.

After watching the sun set, we checked into our hotel and then ventured out into Page for dinner. We happened upon Big John’s Texas BBQ , which was affordable, delicious and had live music! I’d definitely recommend this place if you like authentic bbq food.

Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park

So full disclosure, I THOUGHT I booked Antelope Canyon on this day. When in fact, I had it booked the day after. If you are following this itinerary to a T, then book Antelope Canyon when you are in Page (this day). Unfortunately, once we got to the tour place and found out that we had booked for the day after, it was too late. The tour for that day was full and our tickets could not be rescheduled.

Instead, we opted to drive to Bryce Canyon National Park . It was about a 3 hour drive from Page to Bryce. Our first stop would be the Glen Canyon Dam . This is the dam that creates Lake Powell. Stop by the Visitor Center for information about the construction and history of the dam.

Once we arrived in Bryce Canyon, our first stop would be Bryce Point . This is a great overlook with 270 degrees of views! SO MANY HOODOOS! (Hoodoos are the rock formations found in these parks.) There are longer hikes here but we just took the short hike from the parking lot to the overlook.

Next, we drove to Inspiration Point . This is another short hike to a beautiful overlook!

Our next stop would be Sunset Point . Not only is this a beautiful lookout spot, but this is the starting and end point of one of the best trails in Bryce – Najavo Trail ! Take a minute to take in the views from this spot and then if you’re feeling up for it, start descending into the hoodoos for a 1.4 mile loop hike (rated moderate in difficulty).

We finished our hike right about sunset time, so we watched the sun go down over the park with many other tourists. I then got to use my nighttime lens some more. 🙂

That night we stayed at America’s Best Value Inn and Suites – Bryce Canyon .

Day 6: Antelope Canyon

Due to my booking error, we had to drive BACK to Page for our Antelope Canyon tour. Obviously if you were doing this correctly, today would be the day for Bryce Canyon. However, the drive back was TOTALLY worth it! Antelope Canyon was one of my favorite destinations of the trip. There are lots of different options for tours (which are legally necessary to see this canyon), but we opted for the Upper Antelope Canyon tour .

While VERY crowded in the canyon, it was still a beautiful site to behold and you shouldn’t miss it!

After Antelope Canyon, we headed towards our Airbnb for the night, which was my absolute favorite lodging of the trip! It was a “glamping” experience, which included a king size bed in a tent. You were given a heater, chairs, firepit and wood, etc – everything you needed to be cozy for the night! The bathrooms were only porta potties, so if you NEED a real toilet, then this may not be the place for you. The Airbnb was located right outside of Zion National Park, about a 2 hour drive from Antelope Canyon.

We spent the rest of the night relaxing around the fire and stargazing. It was the perfect spot for it!

Day 7: Zion National Park

This morning we woke up and made our breakfast over the fire in the shadows of Zion National Park . Our plan would be to get to the park and do some of the many hikes offered. Some of the most famous hikes are Angel’s Landing and the Narrows. Knowing that I wanted to do these, we stopped by Zion Adventures for gear rental. It was November and the water can be FREEZING at this time (although gear rental is probably a good idea year-round).

PRO TIP: If you plan to hike the Narrows from the top down, you will need a permit. You can request one here .

Once we arrived in Zion, we walked to the Visitor’s Center and found out that Angel’s Landing was actually closed due to someone defecating on the trail! Gross! We hopped on the free mandatory shuttle bus (no personal vehicles are allowed in the park) and headed towards the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop on the shuttle but the start of the Narrows hike.

I would be doing this hike alone, while my mom and aunt rode the shuttle bus and explored the other stops. You can go as far as you like or not into the Narrows. I geared up and started my way on the “trail”. Note – there is no actual trail, you will be walking in the water (sometimes above your waist) the entire time.

I’m honestly not sure how far I went, but I was hiking for several hours. It was very beautiful, but at one point I slipped and my top half fell into the water and I was starting to get very cold, so I headed back.

After the Narrows, we drove 2.5 hours back to Las Vegas and checked into our hostel for the night, Hostel Cat . Since we were close by, we walked to the infamous Little White Chapel and poked around before heading to bed.

Day 8: Death Valley National Park

After another early morning wake-up, we hopped in the car and headed towards Death Valley National Park in California. On the way, we drove past Area 51, so of course had to stop in the gift shop for some fun souvenirs!

Once entering Death Valley National Park, we drove towards Badwater Basin , the lowest point in North America. There are also very interesting salt formations here, so make sure to get out and look around (but bring water!)!

On the way out, we got stuck behind some odd wagon train. I still have no idea what was happening, but lots of people dressed in traditional clothing were driving Conestoga wagons.

Next, we wanted to visit some ghost towns! For this, we headed into the state of Nevada. The first town on the list would be Rhyolite , a town founded around 1904 due to the gold rush. At it’s peak, Rhyolite was home to three train lines, three newspapers, three hospitals and 53 saloons! Now only vacant buildings and remnants of a booming town still stand.

One of the main interest points in Rhyolite is the glass bottle house, built in 1906 by a man with limited building supplies and quite the imagination.

Our next ghost town would be Gold Point , a mining town founded in 1868 with a population today of 27 people. This town was a lot more in tact than Rhyolite had been, and significantly more creepy. It was probably my favorite of the 3 ghost towns we visited.

After exploring the town and nearby mine (be careful – there ARE mine shafts that are not completely closed off), we headed to the “downtown” of nearby “ghost town” (although more populated than the others) Goldfield . This town is known for the Goldfield Hotel , which is supposedly one of the most haunted hotels in the country.

We grabbed dinner nearby at the Hoist House , which was delicious but equally creepy. To be honest, the entire town just gave off a creepy vibe. So to all those ghost hunters out there, head to Goldfield!

After dinner, we drove back to Las Vegas. It took about 3 hours and by that time, my mom and aunt went directly to the airport to fly home. I was staying in Vegas for another night, so I went back to Hostel Cat and got ready for a night on the town! I met some friends at the hostel and we had a great night out!

Day 9: Las Vegas

What better way to spend my last day in Vegas than with some gambling, a show, and some In-N-Out ! I explored the different casinos, won big playing craps (enough to pay for my trip!) and treated myself to Animal Style burger and fries.

That night I had booked a show with Penn and Teller ! I always enjoyed watching them on TV and their live performance was not a disappointment! They even stayed afterwards to take pictures with everyone.

After a great day, it was time to head to the airport and head home.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us here !

About Caroline

Caroline is a lover of all adventures! Whether it's a weekend backpacking in the wilderness, or a night club-hopping in Paris, Caroline is always down for a good time. She is happily married and plays mother to two sassy cats - Pickles and Einstein!

@twogirlsgetaway

16 Best Midwest Road Trips – Scenic Routes You Can’t Miss

Posted on Published: May 25, 2020  - Last updated: February 9, 2024

Ahhh, the Midwest. Vast landscapes with beautiful scenery, the ability to connect with nature and fun attractions. One of the best ways to explore the middle of the USA is with a Midwest road trip!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

For those of us who live here, we know there’s so much to offer. Our waving grasses with rolling hills make for beautiful, peaceful sunsets. Gorgeous lakes simply begged to be explored.

Our cities each have something unique to offer, and mix that with Midwest charm, it makes for a great place for a road trip!

Midwest road trip ideas

I’ve explored many places across the Midwest, but I haven’t covered it all. So I turned to other experts to help me out to create this list of best Midwest road trips!

Here’s a bunch of Midwest road trip ideas, ranging from 2 days to 10. From outdoorsy to artsy, there’s truly something for everyone in the Midwest!

List of Midwestern States

But before we dive in, let’s clarify the states that cover the Midwest to help you plan your trip:

• Indiana (IN)
• Illinois (IL)
• Missouri (MO)
• Kansas (KS)
• Nebraska (NE)
• South Dakota (SD)
• North Dakota (ND)
• Minnesota (MN)
• Wisconsin (WI)
• Michigan (MI)

Looking for more Midwest adventures? Check out these 16 trails – the best hiking in the Midwest !

Ready to hit the road? Here’s the best Midwest road trips

Black hills, south dakota (a classic).

Recommended trip: 7-10 days

The Black Hills in South Dakota is one of the best places for a road trip in the Midwest.  There is so much to see and do, you could easily spend months here, but for a shorter trip, 7-10 days would be great.

Rapid City is probably the best place to fly in and out of for a Black Hills trip. I would start with a couple of days in Badlands National Park .  Spend the night in Wall, visit Wall Drug and the Badlands from here, then head over to Wind Cave National Park.

Spend a night or 2 in Hot Springs to easily access the park where you can do some hiking, look for bison, and do a cave tour. Make a stop at the Mammoth site while you’re here, too.

Finally, head to Keystone for a few days. This is the perfect base for exploring the Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park area. 

Some of the must-do activities here are visiting Mount Rushmore (of course), driving Iron Mountain Road , driving the Needles Highway, driving the Custer Wildlife Loop Road, hiking Cathedral Spires Trail, and relaxing at Sylvan Lake. If you want a little side trip, you can easily visit Devils Tower in Wyoming, too.  

Recommended by Megan of Red Around the World

Chicago to St. Louis road trip

Recommended trip: 4-6 days

Driving from Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri should be on any midwest road trip. This journey is part of Route 66, one of the original highways in the United States. Route 66 was the primary route for people wishing to move west. Opt to spend one day driving this four and a half-hour drive, or break it up and spend the night in Springfield, Illinois.  

For this journey, start in Chicago. Make sure to spend at least 3 days in Chicago. Stay in the centrally located Downtown/River North area. Do not miss the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum.

Grab some pictures at “The Bean” in Millenium Park. Daredevils can opt for “The Edge” experience at the Skydeck or the Tilt Experience at the John Hancock Building. 

In the morning depart Chicago to drive south towards Springfield, the capital of Illinois . Stop by the capitol building and take a free tour of the building.

Visit Abraham Lincoln’s grave at Oak Ridge Cemetery and then visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Grab a custard at Krekel’s before heading onward to St. Louis, Missouri. 

Plan to spend at least 2 days in St. Louis to explore the main sites. Plan to stay in the Downtown area. Ride to the top of the St. Louis Arch at Gateway Arch National Park.

Take a peek into history at the Old Courthouse, where the Dread Scott decision was made. Make sure to eat some delicious BBQ before departing St. Louis.

Recommended by Francesca of Home Room Travel

You might also like: 101 Road Trip Food Ideas: Best Fun and Healthy Snacks You’ll Love

Indianapolis, IN to Boyne City, MI

Recommended trip: 2-3 days

Ready for a fantastic Midwest road trip? Regardless of the time of year, driving from Indianapolis, Indiana to Boyne City, MI is a perfect way to enjoy a long weekend.

Day one, you’ll want to get up early and head to Lansing, MI. It’s about 3.5 hours from Indy, so if you time it right, be sure to stop for lunch at Soup Spoon Cafe – a flight of soup is a fun way to start your mini-vacation. Next, if you have younger kids, head over to the Impression 5 Science Center – they’ll love the full sensory experiences. 

After the museum, finish your drive north and check-in at Boyne Mountain for the night. Enjoy a full day of exploring Boyne Mountain and nearby Boyne City the next day. If it’s winter, hit the slopes for a little skiing or even tubing.

If it’s summertime, enjoy hiking, ziplining, or swimming. Downtown Boyne City is situated right on Lake Charlevoix and the town is full of delicious restaurants such as Cafe Sante and Red Mesa as well as unique local boutiques.

Leave Boyne Mountain, and head over to Petoskey for your final day. Start it off right with amazing bagels and donuts at Johann’s Bakery and then hurry over to the main Kilwins location for a factory tour. Kilwin’s offers free tours Monday – Friday every half-hour from 10 – 4:30, and each one ends with a decadent chocolate treat.

After the tour, spend a little time poking around downtown Petoskey for lunch and to pick up a few Michigan souvenirs before heading back to Indianapolis.

Recommended by Pam of Our Adventure is Everywhere

You might also like: Road Trip with Kids: 15 Essentials to Pack

Central Iowa road trip

We highly recommend taking a road trip through Central Iowa. You’ll pass through  Des Moines , Iowa’s capital and other smaller towns that have some fun and interesting attractions.

Heading east along I-80, your first stop should be the town of Winterset. It’s famous for having the  actual  bridges of Madison County. Six of the original 19 covered bridges in Madison County have been preserved just outside of town. Winterset is also the birthplace of John Wayne. There is a museum dedicated to him, with lots of personal and movie memorabilia.

Continuing east, you reach Des Moines. We love this artsy city! It’s easy to find street art there and downtown has a 4.4-acre sculpture park that is free to the public. There’s also a really lovely botanical garden in Des Moines.

Of course, visiting the Capitol Building is a must. You can do a free self-guided tour and marvel at the building’s incredible architecture.

The next stop on your road trip should be the town of Grinnell. Home to Grinnell College, they have a small but impressive art museum on campus.

Grinnell is also the home of one of eight “jewel-box” banks built by legendary architect Louis Sullivan. He is considered the father of modern American architecture and mentored Frank Lloyd Wright. The bank is beautiful, with large stained-glass windows and pink Tennessee marble floors.

Recommended by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey

More road trip destinations in the Midwest

St. louis to kansas city.

Recommended trip: 3-5 days

While many people think of Missouri as a fly-over state, it’s full of not-to-be-missed gems, from St. Louis to Kansas City. So why not see some of them in one fell swoop with a 5-day road trip?

Start in St. Louis, a city bursting with historic architecture and a thriving food and cocktail scene. Spend 2 days here, exploring the City Museum, an adult playground/art installation of interactive salvaged architectural objects. Visit Forest Park, one of the country’s largest urban parks and its world-class museums, all boasting free admission. And, of course, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, consistently ranked one of the best in the nation.

At night, eat your way through the exploding culinary landscape, with one of the many restaurants helmed by James Beard nominated chefs, like Vicia or Lona’s Lil’ Eats.

Once you’ve gotten your fill, drive west to Hermann, a tiny town that has several wineries, breweries, and distilleries nestled in its idyllic grassy hills. For just $20, the Hermann Trolley will shuttle you between these establishments all day, so you can responsibly imbibe in as many craft beverages as you please.

After a day here, finish your trip with 2 days in Kansas City, famous for its jazz scene. To get a taste of it yourself, head to the American Jazz Museum during the day and the Green Lady Lounge at night to see some of the world’s best musicians in action. By the end of the trip, you’ll be ecstatic to have discovered some of the Show Me State’s abundant treasures! 

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

Oh, and if you’re planning to rent a car for one of these Midwest road trip routes, be sure to check out the cheap rates on Discover Cars . I usually save 10-30%, which can really add up! Discover Cars searches the top carriers to find the best deal, at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win! Search cheap rental cars now .

Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells

One of the best Midwest road trips you can take is exploring the highlights of Wisconsin. The ideal road trip itinerary takes you from Milwaukee to Green Bay and ends in Wisconsin Dells.

Start your road trip in Milwaukee , but you can’t leave without spending at least 2 days in this vibrant city. As a matter of fact, people flood from all over the United States to visit Milwaukee for its food, attractions and history.

Must do’s are the Harley Davidson Museum and the historic Third Ward.  Stay in the iconic Pfister Hotel in downtown.

From here you finally head out to the beautiful North of Wisconsin. Along the Michigan river you’ll cross scenic towns such as Port Washington. When you arrive in Green Bay, get ready to explore this vibrant town located in Door County. 

Some of the best things to do here are visiting the Heritage Hill State Park and watch a game by the legendary Green Bay Packers. Plan at least 1 day to visit the city and all the best things to do in Door County .

From Green Bay you’ll drive to Wisconsin Dells which is famous for its waterparks. However, there is so much more to do here. From shopping to hiking in the Dells or staying overnight in one of the  most romantic cabins in Wisconsin , there will be plenty of options to spend at least 2 days in Wisconsin Dells.

Recommended by Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Southern Minnesota road trip

Eat, relax and have fun in Southern Minnesota! Enjoy a food lovers paradise in Austin, Minnesota. Known for having some of the best Mexican food in the state of Minnesota, Austin is also known for award-winning BBQ sauces, french onion soup and stuffed raspberry french toast.

Want to have a food challenge, then be sure to stop by the Tendermaid. Also, don’t forget to visit the one and only SPAM Museum ! Yes – it’s real and there are nearly 20 restaurants with SPAM on the menu.

Then sit back, relax and enjoy the view in Fairmont, Minnesota . Home to a chain of 5 lakes and 29 parks in city limits, Fairmont provides you that opportunity to become one with nature. Explore lakeside dining, outdoor recreation and an arts and culture scene that is sure to impress .

Next discover how  Germans Have More Fun  in New Ulm! Enjoy a road trip through the MN River Valley National Scenic Byway to the most German city in America.

In New Ulm you can climb 102’ to the top of the ‘Herman the German’ monument. Enjoy a tour/tasting at Schell’s Brewery, MN’s oldest brewery. Shop the unique boutiques in the historic downtown. Hear bells chime at our Glockenspiel. See the 1873 murals in the rathskeller at Turner Hall. 

With so much to do in Southern Minnesota, there’s something for everyone!

Read next: How to Save Money for Travel: Your Vacation Savings Plan

Richmond, IN to Butler County, OH

If you’re looking for a cool trip, head to Indiana and Ohio! Starting off in Richmond, Indiana, visit the Wayne County Historical Museum and the Levi Coffin House. Be sure to hear their amazing story of the Underground Railroad!

Stay at the Starr Loft in Richmond before heading to Ohio. On your way to Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands, take a diversion into Bremen at the Bicycle Museum of America. Then onto the Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio where this historic lighthouse guided sailors safely since 1822.

That night stay at Port Clinton’s Fairfield Inn & Suites. The next morning, head over to Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands. Take Miller Boat Line’s Ferry to Put-in-Bay where you can ferry your car over to the island.

Visit Perry’s Peace Memorial which honors the War of 1812. Check out the view up the 352-foot tower! The memorial honors those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie. The next day, on Kellys Island, take a tour in a golf cart to check out natural phenomenons like the Glacial Grooves.

Be sure to hang out for an afternoon in Downtown Sandusky, Ohio . Take a Segway tour, visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum or go parasailing.

Last stop on this road trip is Butler County, Ohio! Enjoy the Donut Trail and tour outdoor art at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Recommended by Cindy of Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl

Related read: Best Midwest Camping Spots

Loess Hills Scenic Byway (Missouri to Iowa)

The Loess Hills Scenic Byway takes its travelers through the most extensive loess (essentially, ancient wind-blown silt deposits) outside a remote region of China! While the byway officially starts at the Iowa state border, the hills themselves run north-south a bit east of the Missouri River, from St. Joseph, Missouri to the Sioux City, Iowa area, passing near Omaha, Nebraska in the middle of the journey.

Each of these cities are destinations in their own right, and combined, they make a road trip full of scenic views and ample entertaining places to stop along the way.  

In St. Joe, Missouri, local museums provide fascinating looks at the history of the Pony Express, the art of Thomas Hart Benton (often depicting loess hills!) and the life of the nefarious Jesse James. Near Mound City, Missouri, visit the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge to see waterfowl and bald eagles.

The Hitchcock Nature Center near Omaha and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City provide more information about the unique geology, flora, and fauna of the Loess Hills along with opportunities for hiking, boating, and more!

For ideal cruising food, try Billy Boy Drive-through just a few miles from the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Soiux City for a burger and a shake! 

Recommended by Lindsay of Siouxland Families

More ideas: Midwest road trips

Minneapolis to omaha.

Recommended trip: 4-5 days

Get a nice mix of cities and wide open spaces on a Midwest road trip from Minneapolis to Omaha. Starting in Minneapolis, you’ll want to spend 1-2 days visiting the lakes, restaurants and of course, checking out the Mall of America .

Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in downtown and grab an ice cream cone at Izzy’s Ice Cream . The largest mall in North America (Mall of America) is a whole lot more than shopping, too. With an indoor amusement park, it’s the perfect activity for any weather.

Then hit the road! Next stop: Northwestern Iowa. Stop in Estherville, Iowa for a rustic winery , experience an 80-year old swinging bridge or to visit the site of the largest known meteorite seen crashing into North America.

You could stay in Esterville for the night, or head about half an hour west to Lake Okoboji. In Okoboji, Iowa you’ll find shopping, dining and a bunch of water activities , of course! Try the Arnold’s Park Amusement Park or live music after a day on the water.

Next on this Midwest road trip is Sioux City, Iowa. Grab lunch or dinner at the Fourth Street Historic District in downtown Sioux City , catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre or visit Palmer’s Old Tyme Candy Shoppe for a sweet treat before leaving town.

Omaha, Nebraska is the final destination on this Midwest road trip itinerary. You’ll want to spend 1-2 days visiting this fun city. Omaha is known as the silicone prarie, a tech hub that’s family-friendly, yet trendy enough to support a vibrant art scene and plenty of outdoor space.

One of the best things to do in Omaha is to visit the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium , It’s the largest tourist attraction in the state, and regularly competes with the San Diego Zoo as the #1 zoo in the country! It really is that fantastic!

Check out North America’s largest indoor rain forest, feed the giraffes, walk under sharks in the aquarium and watch the animals in the world’s largest indoor desert dome. Tip: be sure to buy your tickets in advance online and arrive early to avoid the crowds as best as you can.

Get a good tour of the city while taking fun photos at the most Instagrammable places in Omaha . Spend some time wandering the Lauritzen Gardens or check out the Fun-Plex Waterpark.

For some mystery check out the Joslyn Castle , and for some history visit the Lewis and Clark Landing. The Old Market in downtown is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after a long day touring the city.

Recommended by me! Nikki of She Saves She Travels

Duluth to Grand Marais, Minnesota

Recommended trip: 1-2 days

A Minnesota road trip on Highway 61 between Duluth and Grand Marais will offer you amazing views of Lake Superior, numerous options for a delicious bite to eat, and some can’t miss attractions .

As you leave Duluth, choose the 24-mile scenic route to Two Harbors, and take in the view of Lake Superior along the way. In Two Harbors you can walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse, and watch the ore ships coming and going. Enjoy a local brew at Castle Danger Brewery after doing some shopping in Agate Bay.

Just north of Two Harbors is Betty’s Pies and you don’t want to miss stopping here ! This is a full service restaurant, but they also have a walk up counter where you can order their famous pie. The pie flavors change every day, but you definitely want to try the Great Lakes Fruit Pie . This pie is filled with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples, and rhubarb and it is one of a kind.

It is 11 miles to the next stop, in Castle Danger, but get your camera ready because you’ll be driving through 2 large tunnels, and the exits of both perfectly frame Lake Superior. 

Castle Danger is home to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks. You can learn a little history of the area while touring the lighthouse and take a hike down the hillside to dip your toes in the cool Lake Superior water.

Gooseberry Falls State Park has 5 waterfalls that you can hike to, and a very nice visitor center to buy some souvenirs at.

Along the remaining 72 miles to Grand Marais, take the time to stop at a beach or two to hunt for agates. The beaches along the North Shore are loaded with agates and it’s fun to find a few to bring home.  

The city of Grand Marais has a main street full of local shops that ends on the shore of Lake Superior.  The beach is a popular spot to watch the water, and to eat a delicious donut from World’s Best Donuts or maybe you’ll want a slice of thin crust pizza from Sven and Ole’s.  

Grand Marais is also the start of the Gunflint Trail. This is a 57-mile paved roadway that ends in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near the border of Ontario.

This 110 mile road trip between Duluth and Grand Marais can be made in one day, but why not take your time and really discover the beauty of Lake Superior and the North Shore.

Recommended by Vicki of That Was a First

I-70 Kansas road trip: Abilene to Kansas City

Recommended trip: 2-4 days

Enjoy a wealth of historic, cultural, and recreational activities along Interstate 70 in northern Kansas. Start in Abilene, Kansas with visiting the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. Head over to pet Ginger, the greeter at the Greyhound Hall of Fame. Enjoy award-winning fried chicken at the Brookville Hotel.

Next stop along I-70 in Kansas is Junction City, home to Milford Lake and the Fishing Capital of Kansas. Tour Fort Riley’s museums, but prepare for security. Eat Munson-raised, dry-aged beef at Munson’s Prime restaurant, a local favorite. A perfect spot to call it a night is by the lake at Acorns Resort.

Then you’ll hit Manhattan, Kansas. For high adventure, fly zip lines at Wildwood Adventure Park. Afterwards, relax and eat and drink at Liquid Art Winery & Estate!

Slide into Topeka, Kansas where you can dive into history and visit the state capitol and the national historic site where the Supreme Court reversed segregation in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka . A great way to end the day is with elegance at the Cyrus Hotel.

As you head east on I-70, you’ll get to Lecompton, Kansas. Learn more about where slavery began to die at Constitution Hall State Historic Site and the Territorial Capitol. Then lighten things back up by grabbing a slice of gourmet pie at Aunt Netter’s Cafe. Delicious!

Next up is Lawrence, Kansas and downtown is the place to be! Experience downtown Lawrence during the day or night. See basketball’s original rules at The Cradle of Basketball. And if you’re looking for a brewery, Free State Brewing Co. is Kansas’ first post-prohibition brewery. Stay at in the heart of Lawrence at The Oread.

The final stop on this Northern Kansas road trip before arriving at Kansas City is Leavenworth, Kansas. Visit Fort Leavenworth, or ride antique carousels at C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. A must-try in Leavenworth is the steak house tenderloin at Metropolitan Steakhouse.

Wrapping up the I-70 Kansas road trip is of course, Kansas City! Enjoy the major leagues: sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park and NASCAR at Kansas Speedway. Eat top-notch barbecue at SLAP’s BBQ. After a great road trip in Kansas, stay in the Chateau Avalon.    

Recommended by Roxie of Roxie on the Road

Midwest road trip: Missouri Route 66

While most people think of a  Route 66  Road Trip as starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, you don’t need to take two weeks and traverse half the country to get in a taste of the Mother Road. Instead, you can pick a portion and explore it in-depth.

Missouri has a great stretch of Route 66 right here in the Midwest. It starts in the northeast crossing over from Illinois into St. Louis and ends at the Oklahoma border after passing through Joplin.

Obviously the most iconic site on Missouri’s portion of Route 66 is the Gateway Arch, which practically welcomes you onto the road. Make sure to tour Meramec Caverns , see the one-room jail in Cuba, and explore the interesting history of Carthage. 

Take advantage of the fun roadside kitsch of the route and get out at as many stops as you can. A real Route 66 road trip means you need to spend a few nights in the state’s retro motels and enjoy some diners and dive bars.

Recommended by Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

Driftless Area Scenic Byway (Iowa)

Recommended trip: 1-3 days

Allamakee County is the home to the most scenic byway in the state of Iowa, Driftless Area Scenic Byway. This beautiful scenic byway zigzags its way on hard-surfaced and gravel roads through the high relief, pre-glacial landscape in extreme northeastern Iowa in Allamakee County. 

This byway has been voted most scenic byway in the state of Iowa . It’s 100 miles of amazing! Along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway you will find…

Effigy Mounds National Monument , the 2,526-acre park by the Yellow River has walking trails with modest to extended routes, allowing you to select your route and view a variety of mounds. An accessible boardwalk trail into the wetlands near the visitor center is available for persons of all walking abilities.

Yellow River State Forest was first acquired as a state forest in 1935, the Yellow River State Forest has grown to encompass nearly 9,000 acres of natural beauty.

Great River Road , where you can enjoy 36.2 miles of the Great River Road in Allamakee County. You will discover the best of the Great River Road right here!

Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center , where you’ll see live animals, interpretative displays, 2 viewing decks of the Mississippi River, and a great group educational experience.  Located just south of Lansing.

This Midwest road trip takes your scenic adventure to another level with:

• Wine Tasting – Madigan Winery, Lansing & Empty Nest Winery, Waukon
• Bird Watching
• Beer Tasting – Safe House Saloon in Lansing
• Trout Fishing
• Cheese Curd Tour – WW Homestead Dairy in Waukon
• Shopping – Horsfall’s in Lansing, Paint Creek Gifts in Waterville and City Meat Market inNew Albin

Recommended by Val of Allamakee County

Take these tips with you! Download the free road trip checklist!

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Triple Nickel Byway (Ohio)

Winding through the southern part of Ohio is the  Triple Nickel  which encompasses parts of State Route 555. If you’ve never been on this scenic, twisting by-way through the hills of Ohio, you need to put it on your bucket list! This is a perfect day trip that takes you from the picturesque town of Zanesville to the history-rich city of Marrietta.  

The Triple Nickel is one of the more challenging roads in Ohio, but you can take in some of the amazing historical sites when you’re in the area. While touring through Morgan County you can see the Big Muskie bucket part of the world’s largest earth-moving machine in Miner’s Memorial Park and Barkhurst Mill Covered Bridge.  

No trip on the Triple Nickel is complete without stopping to eat at the Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill. Pro-tip: Make sure to check their website for the hours of operation because they vary with the seasons.  

If you’re looking for a great place to stay while on the route, take a small detour to the  Stockport Mill Inn located in Stockport, Ohio . You’ll be treated to stunning views of the Muskingum River and the operating locks. Dotty, the owner, will treat you like family and feed you amazing comfort foods only found at the Inn.

The Triple Nickel doesn’t disappoint the road tripper looking for a challenge in the Midwest.

Recommended by Brandy of Gleason Family Adventure

Madison to Spring Green, Wisconsin

One of the most exciting small cities in the Midwest is  Madison, Wisconsin . It has a wonderful dining scene and miles of shoreline and bike trails.

A culmination of a college-town and a bustling city, Madison is also home one of America’s most beloved architects: Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright used Madison and its neighborhoods as a canvas, where visitors can see his many designs come to life. Although several of Madison’s Wright-designed houses are private residences, designs like the First Unitarian Meeting Houses and Monona Terrace are must-see spots for any architectural buffs! Both buildings are just a short 10-minute drive away.

If you want to see more of the city’s art scene , visit either the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art or the Chazen Museum of Art! Both museums boast both Wisconsin-based artists, as well as international artists too. Furthermore, admission is free for adults, making this the perfect stop for anyone that loves to travel on a budget. 

While you’re in Madison we also highly recommend grabbing tacos from Matthew Danky and his exciting outpost El Grito Tacqueria.  

From Madison, drive about 40 minutes to the quaint town of New Glarus , Wisconsin. The main attraction here is New Glarus Brewing, one of the most highly regarded breweries by beer snobs across the country so make sure to spend a few hours there. 

New Glarus also has rich Swiss heritage. Explore and find an authentic Swiss bakery or locally made raclette and cheese fondue.

Our last stop is very enjoyable Spring Green, an hour away down winding country roads.  Frank Lloyd Wright spent the better part of his life living and working in Spring Green and maintained a school at Taliesin. Wright’s students designed many unique buildings in and around Spring Green.

Recommended by Nick of Road Goat

16 best Midwest road trips

Well there you have it! I hope you’ve found some inspiration on which route you’ll take on your upcoming Midwest road trip! Midwest states have a lot to offer for any type of road trip you’re looking for!

Comment below on which you’re considering – or which route surprised you most!

You might also like: Best Hiking in the Midwest – 16 Cool Hikes You’ll Love Denver to Moab Road Trip: 16 Scenic Stops You Gotta See to Believe 27 Awesome Things to Do in Sandusky, Ohio You Can’t Miss Perfect Colorado Itinerary: 22 Road Trip Stops You Need to See Miami to Key West Road Trip: 22 Stops Along the Way 26 Best Places to Visit in October in the US

Planning to rent a car for one of these scenic routes? Check out the cheap rental car rates on my favorite site. I save up to 30%, which is awesome!

Find this article helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media!

Saturday 25th of September 2021

Awesome. I'm wanting to take a scenic drive from Kansas to Ohio, off the beaten path. What are your recommendations?

Sunday 26th of September 2021

Where in Kansas and Ohio? I've spent time in Kansas City and St. Louis which may be along the way, but aren't necessarily off the beaten path. Perhaps a bit more southern, I've heard the Mark Twain National Forest and Shawnee National Forest are both gorgeous! Otherwise I've recently spent time in Sandusky Ohio, Put-in-Bay Ohio and the Lake Erie area. I'm sorry, I'm not sure I have a whole lot of suggestions for that specific route since I haven't personally done it. Best of luck on your road trip!

Alice Peace

Wednesday 27th of January 2021

Thank you for this! A road-trip in the States is definitely on the cards in the future.

Yay! How fun, Alice. I'm crossing my fingers it's soon!

Pamela Foester

Tuesday 12th of January 2021

I love exploring the Midwest, thanks for sharing.

You're so welcome, Pamela!

Tuesday 25th of August 2020

You missed a Gem of the Midwest. Part of the Driftless region on NE Iowa you need to check out the town of Decorah and the area around it. River bluffs, water falls, bike trails, 3 award winning breweries, big Scandinavian culture and museum.

Wednesday 26th of August 2020

Great suggestion! I've heard of Decorah but have never been!

Christa Ellis

Tuesday 9th of June 2020

I love that you included the Levi Coffin House. I have a post about it on my blog. Levi Coffin was a distant cousin to me through his grandmother Prudence Beals/Bales.

Friday 12th of June 2020

Oh very cool! What a small world, Christa! My pleasure to feature it. :)

25 Best Road Trips in the USA (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)

If there’s one travel bucket list experience that our home country of the United States is best for, it’s road trips.

From small towns to big cities, from mountain ranges to deserts, from forests to plains, and from sea to shining sea, there is no shortage of epic destinations for road trips in the USA.

We’ve taken USA road trips in about 30 of the 50 states ourselves (and hope to finish them all off one day!).

To help fill in the gaps, we asked fellow travel bloggers to share some of their favorites for this Great American road trips blog post.

They delivered an enormous variety of USA road trip itinerary ideas, from weekend trip options to weeks-long excursions!

Dreaming of taking a road trip in the United States and not sure where you want to go?

This list of exciting USA road trip itinerary ideas will help you decide where to hit the open road next! 

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your USA Road Trip

Cross-country usa road trip ideas, southern road trips in the usa, united states road trip ideas in the west, east coast road trips in the usa, central usa road trip routes, non-continental usa road trips.

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Before we dive into exploring the best USA road trips, there are a few tips to be aware of–especially if you’re visiting as an international tourist and haven’t explored the United States before!

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your United States road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits.

Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your USA road trip.

Browse rental cars for your American road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

On the off chance that you’re planning on continuing your road trip into Canada or Mexico , be sure to check any requirements for crossing the border as well.

Book travel insurance.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen on the road, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Check prices and inclusions with Safety Wing for road trips in the USA!

Don’t underestimate how sparsely populated parts of the USA are.

If this is your first time visiting the USA, you may be surprised to see just how long you can drive in the United States without coming across a town or even a gas station–especially out west.

Be sure to keep an eye on your directions, and fill up your gas tank before heading into any particularly unpopulated areas!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a big USA road trip requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, diving into van life , or somewhere in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions in our road trip packing list before you go!

Consider bringing your sleeping arrangements along with you.

It’s not right for everyone, but there’s a reason that using an RV or campervan is such a classic American road trip experience!

And, you don’t need to dive into the RV lifestyle and buy one for your next trip in order to try it out: you can try out the experience by renting RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy .

Browse RVs available to rent with Outdoorsy today!

If possible, stop in at least one national park!

Our home country is filled with an enormous number of interesting and beautiful places, but perhaps none shine quite as brightly as our national park system.

Want to climb sand dunes? We have that.

Marvel at glaciers? Check.

Hike across mountains? Take your pick.

Go scuba diving? Definitely.

Admire the power of incredible geysers? Got that, too.

Whatever kind of outdoor wonder you have in mind, you can find it at one of the most beautiful national parks in America !

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip, inspiring songs, movies, and novels.

Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, Route 66 passes through nine states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California.

Some of the best things to do on the route are enjoying the kitschy 1950s motels, gas stations, and restaurants that harken back to the days of the Great American Road Trip.

You’ll also find tons of quirky roadside attractions like the Catoosa Whale, Cadillac Ranch , and the Twin Arrows that are must-sees.

If you want to enjoy some nature along the way, you can visit the Grand Canyon or Petrified Forrest National Park.

The most typical way to explore Route 66 is to start in Chicago and drive all the way to Santa Monica, but there are many who drive smaller portions of it or go from west-to-east instead of east-to-west.

There’s no single “right” way to make the drive. Just make sure you enjoy yourself as you go!

Recommended Road Trip Length

Because the route is so long and there’s so much to see, it’s recommended you spend two weeks exploring it one way.

New York to Los Angeles

Driving across the United States from New York to Los Angeles is one of those classic American road trip routes that, quite honestly, is not suited to most USA vacations–you’ll be looking at a lot  of cornfields and open plains along the way and spend many days on the road.

… But that being said, the legend and myth of this USA road trip route endure because it does make for quite the adventure!

With nearly 3,000 miles of driving to do between NYC and LA, you have extreme flexibility to create your own USA road trip itinerary!

However, the most direct route (a mere 44 hours of drive time, not including stops and traffic!) will take you to Chicago, across the open fields of Iowa and Nebraska, through some stunning nature in Colorado and Utah, and right through Las Vegas before delivering you to the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re open to detours, plenty of national parks will be within your reach on this USA road trip, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, and even the Grand Canyon!

If you’d like to enjoy a coast-to-coast road trip in the USA, we recommend setting aside at least two weeks to ensure you have enough time to experience the route along the way (and avoid spending too many days at a time looking at nothing but highways)!

Blue Ridge Parkway

From Carl of NC Tripping

If you’re exploring the western parts of North Carolina or Virginia , the Blue Ridge Parkway is always lingering somewhere nearby.

It’s the most popular road trip between the two states and connects two of the United States’ most-visited national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park.

At 469 miles in length, this road will take some time to explore !

Narrowing things down to a few places you must visit is tough, but here are some “musts.” 

Moving north to south, highlights on the Virginia side include Humpback Rocks (Milepost 5), Mabry Mill (MP 176), Peaks of Otter (MP 85), and the Blue Ridge Music Center (MP 213).

Across the border in North Carolina, you at least need to see Linville Falls (316), Craggy Gardens (MP 364), Graveyard Fields (418), and Oconoluftee (MP 469) at the end of the line.

Of course, there are more spots scattered throughout that are within a short drive of the Parkway , such as the ever-popular Asheville, NC , the Biltmore Estate , and more charming mountain towns than you can count.

That, along with its length, is why this is one USA road trip that will take some time, if ever, for you to complete. 

Please note that some areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway close during winter through parts of spring. The NPS is pretty good about keeping information up to date on their website .

While you can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in less time, ideally, if you want to hike and explore along the route, a week is a great starting point for this USA road trip route.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

From Katie-Beth of Her Life in Ruins

Who doesn’t love a nice glass of bourbon?

On the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you tour 18 different distilleries, try multiple bourbons (and other treats) at each, and take in tons of bottled-up history throughout the gorgeous Bluegrass State. 

While there is no official route for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, stay in either Lexington or Louisville as a “home base” for the experience, as all of the distilleries are within a few hours’ drive of these cities (some are mere minutes!).

Each day, pick 4-5 distilleries to visit, starting when they open in the morning and touring until they close.

Try to do the distilleries that are closest together on the same days (less driving and easier to get from one place to another).

If you’re a serious drinker, there are some bus tours that will chauffeur you throughout the Trail!

You’re never given more than about 2 ounces of alcohol at each distillery, but you may want a designated driver just in case.

On the drive between distilleries, you’ll see the rolling hills of Kentucky, some of our famous horse farms, and, of course, rick houses holding millions of gallons of the delicious spirit. 

In order to visit all of the distilleries, I recommend spending 4-6 days on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Southeast Coastal Road Trip

The stretch of coastline running from St. Augustine, Florida to the Outer Banks of North Carolina is packed with beautiful sights, historic cities, and laid-back beach towns.

We consider this area one of our personal favorites for road trips in the USA, and we’ve taken dozens of road trips in the region!

Start in St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers and one of the most historic cities in the USA.

Explore its beautiful Castillo de San Marcos, check out the Fountain of Youth, relax on the beach, and explore the Colonial Quarter.

From there, head north to Savannah , where you can enjoy its incredible architecture and town squares, and then move on to Charleston , where you’ll find compelling American history and the lovely Folley Beach.

As you move up the coast, consider detouring for brief stops in Beaufort, South Carolina and/or Hilton Head Island, before heading into North Carolina.

Historic Wilmington and New Bern are always worth a look as you pass by, and while you’ll need to head all the way up to Kitty Hawk and Nag’s Head to experience the classic Outer Banks destinations, the Crystal Coast ( Emerald Isle , Morehead City, Beaufort , Atlantic Beach , etc.) has been my family’s haunt for generations and is also well worth experiencing.

And, the Crystal Coast also happens to be closer geographically to the rest of the stops on this United States road trip itinerary!

Want to continue north to the Outer Banks?

Ocracoke Island, Nags Head, Duck, Kitty Hawk (famously home to the Wright Brothers’ first-ever flight!) and more are all ready to welcome you.

We recommend spending about 10 days enjoying this USA road trip route.

Orlando to New Orleans Road Trip

From Christine of Live Love Run Travel

Driving from Orlando to New Orleans  gives you plenty of options for stops along the way as well as enough to fill up an entire vacation at the starting point and ending point of the road trip.

From natural springs to beaches to caverns, there is plenty to see along this route to break up the trip.

Orlando is of course known for its iconic theme parks including Disney and Universal Studios.

However, Orlando and Florida also offer plenty of natural highlights including the natural springs.

On the way from Orlando to New Orleans , stop at Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, or Ginnie Springs along I-75.

Once you get onto I-10, make sure to stop at Florida Caverns State Park for a unique Florida experience.

Plus, if you are taking this trip in the summer, you’ll appreciate the cooler air in the caverns!

Along I-10, there are also plenty of opportunities to stop for some time at the beach.

Consider Pensacola, Florida, or the Gulf Shores, Alabama, or any of Mississippi’s beaches to avoid a long drive off the main road.

From there you are in New Orleans where you can enjoy the bayou, lots of amazing food and live music, and plenty of history and beautiful architecture in the various districts within the city.

The length of this road trip depends on a few factors including how long you want to spend in Orlando and New Orleans.

The drive itself only takes about 9 hours, but if you want to spend time at the springs, beaches, and caverns, stretch it out to a 2 or 3 day drive, with a few days on either end to explore Orlando and New Orleans.

Washington State

From Katie of Two Wandering Soles

With rugged driftwood-strewn beaches, snowcapped peaks, small towns, and major cities, Washington State is a true gem.

Home to incredibly diverse landscapes and endless adventures to be had, this Pacific Northwest destination is one of the best places to take a road trip in the United States. 

Start by  exploring Seattle (if you have the time) because there is plenty to do in this PNW hub. But when you’re ready to get out of the city, head straight to the Olympic Peninsula .

With temperate rainforests, waterfalls, remote beaches, and a towering mountain range, Olympic National Park is arguably the most diverse swath of land in the state, if not one of the most unique places in the country, and is the perfect place to try out some hikes in Washington .

Another drive well worth your while is to head northeast toward the iconic Mount Baker.

If you have the time, continue north to Highway 20 which brings you into the breathtaking North Cascades National Park.

Make photo stops along the way (like at the spectacularly beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Diablo), set off on epic hikes, and refuel at the small towns along the way.

Eventually, you’ll reach Lake Chelan , which is a perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.

From Lake Chelan, you have a stunning drive on Highway 2 back to Seattle with many more opportunities for exploring small towns and hiking along the way, if time allows. 

If you want to cover this whole route, you should allow 1.5 – 2 weeks. If you have less time, shorten your USA road trip itinerary accordingly.

Southwest Colorado Road Trip

From Tanya of Rad Family Travel

Exploring Southwest Colorado on a memorable summer road trip through the mountains offers adventure in every direction.

Sand-sled through Great Sand Dunes National Park, drive breath-taking mountain passes, soak and swim in hot springs, and climb ladders to ancient Puebloan dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

From there, imagine taking a jeep ride to old mining towns, biking along scenic trails, and hiking among wildflowers.

Arrive in Telluride in style via a free gondola, go whitewater rafting or alpine sliding, sleep under the stars, and top it all off with local burgers and cold brews.

In other words: whatever kind of outdoor adventure you’re looking for, southwest Colorado has you covered.

A Southwest Colorado road trip highlights diverse outdoor fun in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crested Butte, and Buena Vista.

Choose from tent camping, cabins, or hotels, or a mixture thereof, for lodging along the way.

Allow at least nine to ten days for this epic southwest Colorado Road Trip , starting from Colorado Springs.

If you prefer slower travel and lots of outdoor adventure, consider making it a fourteen-day loop by staying longer in Ouray, Crested Butte, and Buena Vista — and really delve into these sweet mountain towns . 

Utah’s Mighty Five

From Ali of Travel Made Simple

Utah is home to five amazing national parks, all close enough to each other to visit on one iconic national parks road trip .

These national parks are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Since they’re all in the southern half of the state, you can drive in a loop to get to them all.

This also works well as part of a bigger  southwestern US road trip .

If you’re short on time or not in great shape, you can see a lot by driving or taking park shuttles, where available.

Hop out at designated parking lots, lookout points, or shuttle stops, take pictures, and go for a short walk.

For more activity, each park has hiking trails for beginners to expert-level hikers.

You can see the highlights of each park in about a day, but allow more time at any park where you want to experience more hiking.

Start and end in Las Vegas and drive counterclockwise.

Since driving from Las Vegas to Moab , where Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are located, is quite long, consider stopping in Page, AZ (home of the famous Horseshoe Bend ), or Monument Valley on the AZ/UT border. Or both!

From Moab, drive to Capitol Reef National Park, then Bryce Canyon National Park , and lastly Zion National Park before heading back to Vegas.

If you prefer, you can also do this route in reverse!

Give yourself at least a week to do this road trip, or longer if you’re stopping in Page and/or Monument Valley.

South Dakota

If you’re craving wide open spaces, plenty of buffalo and prairie dog sightings, gorgeous caves, and a quirky roadside stop or two, then South Dakota is the American road trip for you!

Driving from east to west (though you can easily reverse it), pay a quick visit to Sioux Falls and then The World’s Only Corn Palace (their words, not mine) before diving into Badlands National Park.

Drive the Badlands National Park scenic loop, do some hiking (the Notch Trail is not to be missed), and when you’re ready for a break, detour to Wall Drug for a heavy dose of kitsch.

Head north to visit the Wild West town of Deadwood, and if you’re up for it, detour into Wyoming for a quick visit to Devil’s Tower, the first US national monument!

Back in South Dakota, base yourself in or around Keystone to explore Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and–if you have time–Spearfish Canyon.

Going inside Wind Cave National Park requires a guided tour, so be sure to book in advance!

Determined road-trippers can do justice to this South Dakota road trip route in about 5 days, though 7 allows for a bit more hiking and a chance to add on places like Rapid City.

South Dakota is also perfectly located for combining with road trips in Wyoming and beyond, so you can easily use this route as a building block for a bigger US road trip itinerary!

Scenic I-90 from Portland to Yellowstone

From Catherine of Passports and Adventures

Visiting Yellowstone National Park from Portland, Oregon is easy and there is no better route to take than the scenic I-90.

This 812-mile trip starts from Portland and takes the I-84 along the very beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

As you get started, stop at Multnomah Falls to photograph the famous waterfall!

Continue to Richland where you could rest overnight before jumping onto the I-90, the longest interstate in the United States.

This interstate highway passes Spokane before trailing alongside the lake of Coeur d’Alene, a beautiful part of the country, and then snakes through the Nez Pearce-Clearwater National Forests.

Imagine a highway surrounded by forests on either side, and you have an idea of what this part of I-90 is like.

A great town to stop along the I-90 is Missoula, which sits along the Clark Fork River and has plenty on offer including a great park, Caras Park where families and visitors can unwind.

After Missoula, continue along the I-90 and join Highway 287 which will take you to West Yellowstone to start your visit to the first national park.

This route from Portland to Yellowstone is 812 miles via these interstates and highways and could be done in two days but is best enjoyed over a few days before your  Yellowstone vacation .

As you get close to the national park, you can also find some great camping near Yellowstone along this route.

Northern New Mexico

From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Northern New Mexico is one of the most beautiful places in the United States to have a road trip.

The weather is gorgeous and sunny at almost any time of year, and many of the state’s most interesting places are just an hour’s drive away from each other!

Start the road trip in the state’s largest city, Albuquerque. Almost all people arriving in New Mexico start here because this is where the major airport is located.

Tourism in Albuquerque has really taken off since the show  Breaking Bad  was filmed here, but those who are not  Breaking Bad  fans will still love seeing Albuquerque’s charming Old Town.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to plan your trip around the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , you won’t be sorry you did!

After a couple of days in Albuquerque, drive an hour up to Santa Fe and spend a couple of days here. This is New Mexico’s capital and its most beautiful city.

You can stop for a bath in the hot springs at Ten Thousand Waves and see the historic Spanish Colonial Palace of the Governors. 

Finally, check out some smaller towns like Los Alamos, where the atomic bomb was developed, Chimayo, which is a popular pilgrimage site, and Taos, where you can visit a Native American pueblo that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll be amazed at how much Northern New Mexico has to offer!

I recommend spending about a week on this USA road trip route.

Denver to Yellowstone Loop

Starting from Denver, you can easily craft a fantastic road trip plan.

USA national parks are in abundance in the west, but from Denver, you can hit three of the most legendary in short order: Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park.

For your first stop, base yourself in the beautiful mountain town of Estes Park , where you can access some of the best hikes in RMNP while also enjoying this idyllic mountain town.

From there, head up to Yellowstone to enjoy a few days of geysers, geothermal pools, wildlife spotting, and utterly unique views.

On your way back to Denver, head to Grand Teton National Park to visit highlights like Jenny Lake, enjoy some hiking, and soak in iconic views like those along Mormon Row.

Don’t miss the chance to spend a bit of time in Jackson Hole, one of the USA’s most iconic mountain towns, while you’re there!

We recommend setting aside at least a week for this all-American road trip–if you’d like to spend some time in Denver, a full two weeks is best.

San Francisco to Yosemite Loop

From Julie of More Than Main Street

Typically, you think of the Pacific Coast Highway when you think of the best California road trips, right? Well…consider something a little different!

This 10 day California road trip , forming a loop from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park and back, is one of the best road trips in the USA.

You’ll get the best of big-city excitement, some time by the ocean, beautiful scenic vistas, and outdoor fun galore!

After spending a few days in San Francisco , hit up Monterey, Carmel, and part of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Can’t-miss destinations include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz, Big Sur, and the world-class Monterey Aquarium.

Next head east over to Yosemite National Park for some incredible hiking, followed by a little wine tasting in Sonoma or Napa Valley, a stop in Muir Woods to see the giant redwoods, then finally back to San Francisco.

This road trip is perfect for families, couples, or even solo travelers and is guaranteed to be one you won’t forget!

You’ll need at least 10 days to do justice to this epic California road trip.

The American Southwest from Las Vegas

Thanks to inexpensive flights, a convenient location in southern Nevada, and its widespread appeal, Las Vegas is a fantastic place to kick off a road trip through the southwest!

With Las Vegas as a starting point, head off to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada before making your way to the ultimate USA road trip destination: the Grand Canyon.

From there, loop up to Moab to explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, head west to visit Bryce Canyon National Park , and then move onto Zion before circling back to Vegas.

With extra time, you can add on more exciting stops in Arizona and Utah like Monument Valley, Page (home of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend ), Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, and more.

Ten days is a good starting place for this American road trip, but you can do an abridged version in one week, and the sky is the limit as far as how long you can take to explore every nook, cranny, and slot canyon in the region!

New York State Road Trip

From Melissa of Navigation Junkie

The route from Buffalo, NY to New York City is full of great attractions and small towns to explore, and the variety of stops along the way will be sure to entertain every member of the family!

To begin the journey, start at Niagara Falls in Buffalo, NY.

See the roaring power of the American and Canadian falls, and if you are up for it, take a ride on the Maid of the Mist to get up close and personal with the falls.

After visiting the falls continue on to Letchworth State Park, the Grand Canyon of the East, for a day of hiking and enjoying nature.

Continue on to   Rochester, NY , where you will find a variety of fun attractions, history, and nature experiences.

The next stop along the route is the Finger Lakes region, where you can enjoy the lakes, waterfalls, and some wine tasting.

From there, head to Saratoga Springs, known for horse racing and mineral baths.

After visiting Saratoga Springs, continue on to the Catskills Region, where you will find plenty of scenic views and hiking trails for hikers of all abilities.

Finish up your road trip in New York City, where you can visit the Statue of Liberty, The World Trade Center Memorial, Central Park, and Times Square, among many other iconic attractions!

We recommend taking a minimum of one week to fully experience all stops along this USA road trip route.

Miami to Key West Road Trip

From Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz of Getting Stamped

If you’re looking for a tropical road trip, consider making the drive from Miami to Key West .

On this US road trip, you’ll travel through the islands that make up the Florida Keys on the “Overseas Highway.”

It’s said to be one of the best road trips in the country!

While the drive to Key West isn’t too far (165 miles), the stops and the scenic beauty along the way are what make it worthwhile. The road trip is full of fun and quirky things to do and see!

The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Spiegel Grove Shipwreck are two great spots for exploring under the surface, where you’ll find coral reefs, sea life, and a sunken Navy ship.

For above the water, consider taking a cruise on The Africa Queen through the canals of Key Largo. 

There are great restaurants and bars along the way too.

Some popular stops include Plantation Key’s Mile Marker 88 Beach & Bar for all the tiki vibes, Islamorada Beer Company, and Robbie’s Restaurant, where you can feed tarpons from the dock. 

This road trip is best for a weekend (2-3 days).

New England

Made up of some of the USA’s smallest states, the northeast region of New England is one of the best places for a road trip in the USA.

Featuring historic cities (hello Boston !), adorable small towns, a rugged coastline, gorgeous harbors, and plenty of lighthouses, New England spots a charm and culture all its own.

Consider starting and ending your New England road trip in Boston, the region’s largest city and airport hub, where you can walk the Freedom Trail, stroll cobblestone lanes, and visit some of the most impressive universities and museums in the country.

From there, make your way to beautiful Acadia National Park in Maine, stopping at charming coastal villages like Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kennebunkport, Maine along the way–plus of course, a stop in the charming city of Portland.

On your way back south, drop by the White Mountain National Forest, and beautiful towns like Stowe, Vermont (legendary for its fall foliage) and Woodstock.

If you have time, head south of Massachusetts before heading back to Boston, visiting the Gilded Age mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, and the idyllic small town of Mystic, Connecticut.

To take a USA road trip through all six New England states, two weeks or more is best. 

However, with less time you can easily pick and choose a couple of states to visit and still have an amazing road trip experience!

Texas Hill Country

Tucked into the central part of the Lone Star State, west of both Austin and San Antonio, lies an oasis of beauty.

Visit the Texas Hill Country for sparkling rivers, charming small towns, incredible hiking, beautiful waterfalls, excellent Texas barbecue , magnificent wildflowers, and more wineries and distilleries than you can count.

Some of the best things to do in the Texas Hill Country include visiting the town of Fredericksburg, which is known for its German heritage, enjoying a wine tasting, exploring beautiful Wimberley, climbing Enchanted Rock, exploring dramatic limestone caves, sampling barbecue, and visiting some of the best swimming holes near Austin , including the legendary Hamilton Pool and Jacob’s Well.

Be sure to save time for a couple of state parks, as well!

In addition to Enchanted Rock, popular state parks in the Hill Country include Garner State Park, Guadalupe River State Park, and Colorado Bend State Park (home to 70-foot Gorman Falls).

The lakes are also unforgettable: don’t miss a chance to admire the beauty of Canyon Lake or Lake Travis during this incredible US road trip!

Even if you only have one day, it’s worth taking a quick Texas Hill Country road trip–but ideally, we recommend setting aside a week to explore.

While you can visit year-round, bluebonnet season (roughly late March-April) is undoubtedly the most scenic time to visit!

Northwest Arkansas

Packed with beautiful forests, idyllic hot springs, historic towns, and a lesser-known but beautiful national park, Northwest Arkansas is the perfect option for travelers looking for an interesting but off-the-beaten path US road trip destination.

Start your road trip at Hot Springs National Park, one of the only US national parks to be set in an urban (really, more like small-town) setting.

Nine historic bathhouses in the national park line Bathhouse Row, where visitors flocked to enjoy the local hot springs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

You can still soak in two of them today!

From there, head north all the way to Eureka Springs, which is known for its historic architecture, beautiful setting in the Ozark Mountains, and even more hot springs.

Along the way, consider detouring slightly to visit Hawksbill Crag (pictured below), one of the best viewpoints in Arkansas.

Whether you want to hike, soak, shop, or simply relax and enjoy the views, Northwest Arkansas is a delightful getaway.

This trip can be completed over a long weekend, but 5 days would be ideal.

From Carole of Travels With Carole

For one of the best road trips in Texas , begin in El Paso and head southeast. 

West Texas is filled with art, much of it BIG Texas art.

Before reaching the iconic West Texas art hub of Marfa , you’ll encounter some roadside art stops that include the “Giant” movie set installation featuring huge cutouts of stars Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson.

This is followed by stops at the Prada Marfa store that never opens, and at the railroad-side World’s Smallest Target Store that is complete with a shopping cart. 

The tiny town of Marfa itself is home to the Chinati Foundation’s series of huge indoor and outdoor installations located on a former military base, as well as a plethora of art galleries–one of which displays Andy Warhol’s “The Last Supper.” 

In addition to art, Marfa has a viewing center where locals and visitors alike congregate at night hoping to see the area’s legendary and unexplained bouncing light orbs.

And if that’s not enough, you can also dine at the Stripes convenience store where Anthony Bourdain ate a fried burrito while filming what turned out to be his last episode of “Parts Unknown.” 

This is just the tip of the iceberg of a fascinating visit to this area. 

Allow 3 nights to visit this area and another night or two for an excursion to Big Bend National Park.

Northern Michigan

When considering the best road trips in America, the Great Lakes are often overlooked in favor of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts–but for a magnificent summer road trip through one of the USA’s hidden gems, head to northern Michigan.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior are located a mere five hours or so apart if you drive directly.

And, if you’ve never set eyes on the Great Lakes, this road trip will defy your expectations of what lakeshores look like!

Between them, be sure to take a step back in time at Mackinac Island, one of the best places to visit in Michigan.

Here’s the twist, though: no cars are allowed on the island, so you’ll need to leave yours on the mainland during your island escape!

Plan for about a week to make the most of this USA itinerary.

From Zach & Julie of Ruhls of the Road

Kauai is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations on earth.

However, when most people visit, they experience the inside of their resort and maybe a few beautiful places on day trips.

In truth, the best way to experience this incredible island is on a road trip to all of the best places on the island!

To start your Kauai road trip, go to the number one destination on the island: the Na Pali Coast.

The Na Pali Coast defies description, it is a place you have to see to believe.

The best way to see the area is on the Awa’awapuhi Trail, but make sure you hike the trail on a clear day for the best views!

From here, check out the Alakai Swamp, a boardwalk that also boasts incredible views.

As you leave the Na Pali Coast area, head down towards Waimea and see the Waimea Black Sand Beach.

Moving along the coast, stop at the Poipu area and see one of Kauai’s famous Hula shows.

Continue this coastal route and head into Wailua State Park. In this beautiful area, you’ll want to see Wailua Falls, Opaeka’a Falls, and hike the Kuilau Ridge.

The Kuilau Ridge Hike offers a 360-degree view of the Kauai landscape that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Finish your road trip by heading up to the Princeville area and checking out Queen’s Bath.

This is a beautiful tide pool that will make for the perfect ending to your Kauai road trip.

Make sure to check tides and go at low tide, as this area isn’t safe at high tide.

We recommend completing this Kauai road trip in 3 days.

Road to Hana, Maui

From Jess of I’m Jess Traveling

When you think of Hawaii you may not think of a road trip but prepare to have your mind altered.

When traveling on the island of Maui driving the Road to Hana is a must!

The scenic drive takes you from Kahului to the east side of the island to the town of Hana. 

The Road to Hana is 52 miles of one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and curves.

This drive will take up an entire day so make sure you pack lots of snacks and fill up for gas beforehand.

The winding road takes you past jaw-dropping seascape views, roaring waterfalls, and exotic flora.

Some highlights of this drive include Ho’okipa, Twin Falls, the Painted Forest, Honomanu Bay, Wailua Falls, and the awe-inspiring Wai’anapanapa State Park.

Don’t forget to wear your bathing suit and pack a towel because pulling off the side of the road to take a dip in the ocean or swim under a waterfall is the name of the game.

Buckle up, enjoy the ride, and prepare for a trip of a lifetime.

You can drive the Road to Hana in a day, but if you’d like to savor the experience, consider camping or staying in Hana town for a few days to make sure you see all the best sights along this road trip in the USA.

Alaska Road Trip (Anchorage to Valdez)

From Wendy of Adventurous Retirement

Alaska is filled with excellent American road trip opportunities, especially in the summer.  

Start in Anchorage, when the museums are open.

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the indigenous people of the ‘last frontier’, and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center to learn about the history and culture of Alaska for free.

Take the Trolley tour for a fun overview of Anchorage, its history, and the earthquake of ‘64.

Ride the free shuttle to the Ulu factory, and check out the salmon runs at Ship Creek.

On day 2, head to Palmer and visit the Iditarod Museum before driving to Hatcher Pass.

Go to the high point for incredible views, hike the trails, and admire blue mountain lakes. 

Continue on this road to loop back to town.

From there, head to Matanuska Glacier, located one hour from Palmer. Spend day 4 hiking to and on the glacier. 

After that, drive toward Valdez Alaska on the Scenic Richardson Highway. It’s about 3 hours to Valdez.

Stop at Worthington Glacier Recreation Area to see the glacier or hike it. Stop at the various pullouts to view the waterfalls along Thompson Pass and the Highway.

If the salmon are spawning, visit Crooked Creek and see if you can spot a bear fishing for dinner.

While in and around Valdez, also consider taking an all-day wildlife glacier cruise, visiting the Valdez Museum and Annex, and visiting the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum.

This is a 5-day, 6-night road trip that keeps visitors busy every day. 

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “25 Best Road Trips in the USA (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)”

Love all these ideas and inspiration for my next trip!

Thanks Jess! So hard to choose.

So many fantastic ideas – I can vouch for the awesomeness of WA, my home state! I am itching to get driving!

We are too! Hopefully we’ll all be able to soon. 🙂 We’d love to get back out west this year!

Everybody skips over Arkansas and Missouri when they suggest road trips, big mistake. Some of the best driving roads and scenery are located in the Ozarks and Quachita National Forests. Start in Springfield, Mo to the north. Stops could include Branson, Mo, Buffalo National River, Little Rock, Ar, Hot Springs, Ar, Talimena Scenic Drive from Mena, Ar then back north through the river valley of Fort Smith, Ar,, up Hwy 23 (Pig Trail) to Historic Victorian Eureka Springs, Ar. Then back to Springfield, Mo. You could easily spend 10-14 days on this road trip and see very diverse entertainment, scenery, hiking and waterfalls, mineral and hot springs, mountain and valley vistas. Best time to travel would be spring and/or fall. Scenery rivals anywhere in the country.

It is a beautiful part of the country! We actually visited Eureka Springs the weekend we got engaged, stayed at the Crescent. 🙂 We had someone signed up to contribute the Ozarks to this post but we haven’t heard back from them yet–maybe we’ll add it ourselves during a post update!

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Reader's Digest

Your Guide to a Florida Keys Road Trip: Key Largo to Key West

Posted: June 25, 2024 | Last updated: June 25, 2024

Mile marker: 108–90

The first of the Florida Keys you'll hit after driving about an hour south from Miami en route from Key Largo to Key West is, well, Key Largo. Often referred to as the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo includes one must-see stop: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5), the first underwater preserve in the United States.

Experienced and novice snorkelers and SCUBA divers will be enthralled by the teeming marine life that lives just below the water's surface, like parrot fish, barracudas and sea turtles. More experienced divers enjoy exploring the USS Spiegel Grove, one of the largest ships ever intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef where pretty fish can thrive.

Back on dry land, travelers can wander nearly six miles of trails at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, home to more than 80 species of plants and animals. You can also peruse the work of local artists at myriad galleries.

Best beach: Cannon Beach, found within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, has shallow waters that are perfect for wading. You may even spot cannons and anchors on the beach that remain from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck.

Where to eat: Dig into the catch of the day at The Fish House, Key Largo Conch House or Snook's Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar, some of the best traditional restaurants in the area. If you'd rather turf than surf, check out Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill.

Where to stay: If you can't get enough of the underwater world, stay at Jules' Undersea Lodge , the world's first underwater hotel. If you'd rather keep dry, try the adults-only Bungalows Key Largo .

Book on Tripadvisor

Mile marker: 90–63

Next up en route from Key Largo to Key West is the fisherman's paradise known as Islamorada. Considered the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, it's where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing got their start. Countless seasoned boat captains are ready for hire to take you out to catch the wahoo, marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna that swim in these waters.

There's an even quirkier way to interact with fish here: hand-feeding the tarpon off the docks of Robbie's Marina (MM 77.5). Since 1976, countless Keys visitors have stopped to feed them, and more than 100 kinds of fish gather at the docks for their daily snacks. Feeding the fishies there is so popular, it's been named the No. 1 activity in all the Florida Keys.

Islamorada is also a terrific spot to kitesurf, stand-up paddleboard, go for a hike or take a bicycle ride. Stop by the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, where injured or displaced birdies now make their homes. Or visit the History of Diving Museum, which boasts one of the world's largest collections of diving helmets.

Best beach: Anne's Beach is popular with families (and dogs) because of its shallow waters and lack of waves. Take a walk along the boardwalk or enjoy a picnic at one of the covered tables.

Where to eat: For a quintessential casual Florida Keys meal, go to the Hungry Tarpon. If you want more elegant fare, make reservations at Chef Michael's for creatively inspired local dishes.

Where to stay: When it's time to lay your head for the night, check in to one of the new oceanfront suites at Cheeca Lodge & Spa , or your own cottage at The Moorings Village & Spa .

Mile marker: 63–40

Marathon is the island chain's top boating destination—and for good reason. The area boasts nearly 2,400 boat slips and plenty of facilities to accommodate sailors passing through. But you don't need your own boat to enjoy Marathon and its waters.

For a truly different experience, hop on over to Cruisin' Tikis and have a floating tiki bar adventure. Sunset, mangrove and harbor cruises are all available, as is a swim-stop cruise for a chance to jump into the water.

While you're here, you should also visit Pigeon Key, an island that is accessible by boat, trolley or walking the 2.2-mile Old Seven Mile Bridge. It has a museum to explore, either on a guided tour or on your own. The Bridge is open for walking, running, bicycling, rollerblading and, of course, watching the killer sunrises and sunsets.

Best beach: Sombrero Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in the Florida Keys—not to mention one of the best beaches in Florida . And it's not just popular with humans; sea turtles nest here between April and October.

Where to eat: For any meal, stop by Castaway, which has been serving guests for more than 70 years. Or make a night of it at Hide Away Café, which has an extensive wine list.

Where to stay: The Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club is set on the waterfront and gives you a taste of marina life. Lime Tree Bay Resort on Long Key has spacious townhomes for rent.

The Lower Keys

Mile marker: 40–4

After crossing the Old Seven Mile Bridge out of Marathon, you'll find yourself in the Lower Keys, where natural habitats and wildlife refuges thrive. It's no wonder this part of the Florida Keys is known as the Natural Keys. You might even want to consider taking an electric vehicle on this road trip so you don't disturb the animals.

Your best chance to spot a native Key deer, a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer that somehow made its way south, may be in the National Key Deer Refuge, comprised of 9,200 acres stretching from Bahia Honda Key to Sugarloaf Key on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. More than 20 endangered and threatened plant and animal species can be found within the refuge. Take a quiet walk at dusk or dawn for your best chance to glimpse a Key deer, or join a ranger-led tour to learn more about the area.

Aside from all the eco-friendly fun, Stock Island is well worth a stop. Their maritime history goes back generations, and the marina is filled with shrimping and fishing boats. Artists have been flocking to Stock Island, too, and share their works in galleries dotted across the small island.

Best beach: The shallow, clear water and white sand at Calusa Beach make it a locals' favorite. The beach is a perfect spot for snorkeling too.

Where to eat: In addition to the freshest of seafood, Big Pine Rooster serves up ribs and a special-recipe meatloaf. Or sip like the locals at No Name Pub, located on Big Pine Key.

Where to stay: Consider the waterfront Sugarloaf Lodge , stay in an Airstream at Big Pine Key Resort  or pop a tent on one of the reserved campsites at Bahia Honda State Park.

Mile marker: 4–0

You've made it to the end! Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is known for its nightly sunset celebrations, party atmosphere and laissez-faire vibe, but it's really so much more.

If you're a writer or bookworm, you'll certainly want to make plans to visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where you should keep an eye out for the famous six-toed cats. Then wander through Key West's Bahama Village, a 12-block area of historic homes and restaurants.

Consider a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, where you'll find some hidden gems . The island, accessible by boat or seaplane, is popular for snorkeling and feeling like you're on your own private island, not to mention touring the Civil War–era fort.

Best beach: Fort Zachary Taylor Beach—or Fort Zach, as locals call it—predates the Civil War and boasts the island's very best sandy stretch.

Where to eat: No visit to Key West is complete without a meal at Blue Heaven, where you can dine with wandering roosters for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or snag a spot on the tiny balcony at Santiago's Bodega for tapas and flowing wine.

Where to stay: The boutique Gardens Hotel , the adults-only Kimpton Hotels Ridley House  or the new Capitana Key West , to name a few. Wherever you stay, you're sure to find your place in Key West, and it's likely you'll follow so many others' lead and start planning your return visit before you even leave.

Art and history in the Florida Keys

Road-tripping from Key Largo to Key West, it's easy to appreciate all the natural beauty. That said, the Keys aren't just a terrific destination for eco-travelers, but artists and history buffs too.

It's easy for artists to find inspiration throughout the Florida Keys. Fortunately for road-trippers, there are many spots to stop and admire their work. One of the largest artists' communities in the Florida Keys is Stock Island in the Lower Keys, just about three miles from the commercial area of Key West. What was once a shrimping boat marina is now a blend of fishermen and painters, sculptors and other artisans who have created an energetic and supportive community.

For history buffs, in addition to Pigeon Key in Marathon and the Civil War–era Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park, other must-stops in Key West include the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Southernmost Point in the continental United States.

Planning your Florida Keys road trip

Now that you're inspired to hit the road, it's time to start planning. After budgeting for a road trip , your next step is to decide whether you will travel south from Key Largo to Key West, or north from Key West to Key Largo. Or maybe you'll opt for a roundtrip.

If you're starting off in Key Largo, it's important to note that the Florida Keys Overseas Highway begins at the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line. So if you're flying to Florida, Miami International Airport (MIA) is the way to go. If you begin in Key West, the airport (EYW) is on the island.

If you're already driving one of the best road trip cars to get to Florida, you're all set. But if you need a loaner, choose one of the best cars to rent for a road trip . Consider packing these road trip essentials and download some of the best podcasts for road trips to make the miles fly by.

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