West Coast America Road Trip Itinerary

Road trip itinerary West Coast

Planning a perfect vacation can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The US West Coast is a beautiful travel destination, but you need to be prepared in order to fully enjoy this region. In this guide, you will find a two-week road trip itinerary West Coast USA, perfect for exploring the highlights of this stunning region.

👉 Click here to check out the map of the itinerary.

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Practical Information

Location

The American West — covering California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona — is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States. From California’s granite cliffs in Yosemite National Park, to the red-rock canyons of Utah, the desert landscapes of Arizona, and the surreal vastness of Nevada, this region offers endless adventures.

Distances are huge — expect long drives between national parks — but the variety of landscapes makes every hour worth it.

Transportation & Getting Around

✈️ By Plane: Major international airports for this route include:

• Los Angeles (LAX) – a perfect starting point for California’s coast and Yosemite.
• Las Vegas (LAS) – great for reaching Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.
• San Francisco (SFO) – ideal if you want to explore Northern California and drive east toward Yosemite and Death Valley.
• Salt Lake City (SLC) – convenient for Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks.
  

From there, renting a car is essential. Distances between parks can be hundreds of kilometers/miles, and public transportation is very limited.

👉 You can compare and book flights here🔗.

💡I decided to start and finish in Los Angeles, as its airport was well-connected and considerably cheaper compared to the others.

 🚙 By Car: Driving is by far the best way to explore the Western U.S. It gives you total flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints, small towns, and national parks along the way.

⚠️ A couple things to keep in mind:

• Always check park entrance routes and closures — mountain passes like Tioga Pass (Yosemite) often close in winter.
• Fill up your gas tank before entering remote parks (like Death Valley).
• Expect long stretches without services.

 🚌 By Bus or Shuttle: Public transport is very limited, but a few parks offer free internal shuttles to reduce traffic:

• Yosemite Valley Shuttle (California)
• Zion Canyon Shuttle (Utah)
• Grand Canyon Shuttle (Arizona)
  

They connect major sites and trailheads — a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, especially when parking is scarce.

 💸 Entrance Fees & Passes: Most U.S. National Parks charge an entrance fee:

• Private vehicle: $30–$35 (valid for 7 days)
• Motorcycle: $25–$30
• Individual (on foot, bike, or shuttle): $15–$20
  

🎟️ Best Deal: Buy the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80.
It grants access to all U.S. National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands for a full year — absolutely worth it if you plan to visit multiple parks (which you will on a West Coast road trip!).

👉 You can get it online or at the entrance gate of any major park.

⚠️ Some popular parks and hikes — like Half Dome (Yosemite) or Angels Landing (Zion) — require special permits or advance reservations.

For example: 

• Half Dome (Yosemite): lottery system, with preseason and daily lotteries.
• Angels Landing (Zion): permit lottery, often booked months ahead.
  

Weather

☀️ Summer (June–August): Hot and dry in desert areas (35–45°C / 95–113°F), mild in the mountains. Great for hiking early morning or late afternoon.

🍂 Autumn (September–November): Cooler and colorful — perfect for road trips. Temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C (50°F–86°F).

❄️ Winter (December–February): Snow in Yosemite and Bryce Canyon, mild in Death Valley and the desert parks. Some mountain roads may close.

🌸 Spring (March–May): One of the best seasons to visit. Waterfalls are strong, desert flowers bloom, and temperatures are comfortable (15°C–25°C / 59°F–77°F).

Accommodation

You’ll find everything from luxury lodges to basic campsites across the Western U.S.:

🏨 Hotels & Lodges:

• Inside parks: expect higher prices and limited availability.
• Outside parks: more affordable motels and cozy lodges in gateway towns like Springdale (Zion), Tusayan (Grand Canyon), Moab (Arches & Canyonlands), Mariposa (Yosemite), or Beatty (Death Valley).
  

⛺ Camping: If you love the outdoors, camping is an amazing way to experience the national parks.

⚠️ Reserve sites well in advance — especially for Yosemite, Zion, and Arches.
Check facilities: some have only basic amenities.

👉 Personally, I stayed outside the parks — for example, in Oakhurst (near Yosemite) to save money. Whether it’s worth it depends on your budget and how much driving you want to do.

West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is a large and diverse city with a mix of culture, entertainment, and coastal scenery. Each neighborhood has its own atmosphere, from the movie landmarks in Hollywood to the relaxed beaches of Santa Monica and Venice. To make the most of your time in the city, here are some of the main attractions worth visiting:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame – Spot your favorite celebrities’ stars along Hollywood Boulevard.
• Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park – Enjoy panoramic city views and a close-up look at the Hollywood Sign.
• Hollywood Sign Viewpoints – Hike up or visit popular viewpoints like Lake Hollywood Park.
• Santa Monica Pier – Ride the Ferris wheel, enjoy ocean views, and experience the classic SoCal beach vibe.
• Venice Beach & Boardwalk – Watch street performers, skaters, and the famous Muscle Beach gym.
• Malibu Beaches – Relax on Zuma Beach or El Matador Beach for stunning coastal scenery.
• Downtown LA (DTLA) – Visit The Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Arts District.
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – See the iconic Urban Light installation and world-class art exhibits.
• Beverly Hills – Window-shop luxury boutiques or stroll through palm-lined streets.
• Grand Central Market – Sample diverse local food in a vibrant historic setting.

⚠️ Be aware that this city is huge, and there are some neighborhoods where you shouldn't step in (such as Skid Row),  as crime rates are high and the homeless issue is very real. Here you find my full guide to the West Coast Ultimate Travel Guide. 

👉 Where I stayed during my trip: Wilshire Motel and Good Nite Inn Calabasas

Big Sur Coastal Road

The coastal road (Highway 1) between Los Angeles and San Francisco is one of the most scenic drives in the United States and definitely worth including in your itinerary. The route passes through the beautiful Big Sur area and takes about seven hours without stops, but plan extra time to enjoy the viewpoints and coastal towns along the way.

💡 A great place to pause for a night or a few hours is Monterey, a charming seaside town known for its historic Cannery Row, ocean views, and relaxed atmosphere.

🍽️ A nice spot to eat out is Zab Zab Thai Cuisine.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the must-see cities in the USA. To explore it in depth, you could easily spend five days, but if you prefer nature and outdoor experiences, two days can still give you a good overview. Here are some attractions I recommend:

• Haight-Ashbury district – The historic neighborhood that was a hub for hippies, artists, and musicians in the 1960s.
• Union Square and Civic Center – The heart of downtown, with shops, theaters, and cultural landmarks.
• Chinatown – One of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in the U.S., full of shops and restaurants.
• Castro district – San Francisco’s famous LGBT neighborhood with a lively atmosphere.
• Coit Tower – Offers panoramic views of the city and the bay.
• Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 – A bustling waterfront area where you can see the sea lions.
• Golden Gate Bridge at sunset – A classic experience for stunning views and photos.

• The "Painted Ladies" in Alamo Square

• Point Reyes Lighthouse – This remote lighthouse is highly recommended for its stunning coastal scenery. It’s about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from San Francisco. There are also two great photography spots nearby. The first, South Beach Overlook,  is just a few minutes’ walk from the lighthouse and offers incredible views of the cliffs and ocean. The second, Cypress Spot, is famous for its striking cypress trees, making it a great place for nature photography.

Where I stayed during my trip in San Francisco: Lombard Plaza Motel

Yosemite Park, California

Yosemite Park is a must-see destination in California. What to see in this park:

• Taft point: Taft Point is one of Yosemite’s most famous viewpoints, known for its dramatic cliffs and jaw-dropping views of the valley below.

👉 To reach this viewpoint you'll have to hike 2.2 miles (round-trip). The trail starts here🔗, passing through Glacier Point Road.

⚠️ This hike is only accessible when Glacier Point Road is open, which is in the summer. During this season, you must take the shuttle between 10 AM to 4:30 PM, but you can usually drive yourself if you go before or after. 

• Glacier Point: Glacier Point is another great viewpoint and is a must-see spot in the Yosemite National Park.

👉 It is reachable by car via Glacier Point Road (like Taft Point), and you can park here🔗. 

• Tunnel view: Don’t miss Tunnel View, one of Yosemite’s most iconic viewpoints. Located just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41, it’s easily accessible with zero hiking required — perfect for a quick stop and breathtaking photos.
• Bridalveil Falls Viewpoint: I highly recommend visiting the Bridalveil Fall viewpoint, home to one of Yosemite’s iconic waterfalls. It’s very easy to reach — just a short 10-minute walk from the parking area.
• El Capitan Viewpoint and Meadow: For a truly iconic view of El Capitan, head to the El Capitan viewpoint. From here, you can admire the sheer granite monolith up close, making it a favorite spot for photographers and anyone wanting that classic Yosemite shot. The viewpoint is easily accessible, so even a short visit lets you soak in the scale and beauty of this legendary cliff. 
• Sentinel Meadow Cook's Meadow Loop Trail: This short, easy walk offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock.

👉 It's 3,2 km (2 miles) long, and it takes an average of 40 minutes to complete. You find the map here🔗.

✨ I enjoyed this short walk, as it doesn't take too much time and can easily be squeezed into the tour. 

• Yosemite Valley View: Another viewpoint that is worth a stop is the Yosemite Valley view🔗, which is reachable by car.
•  Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias: If you want to see the Sequoia trees, there is a possibility to see them in Yosemite Park.

👉 A free shuttle provides service from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, near the South Entrance, to the Mariposa Grove.

• Tioga Road: Tioga Road (Highway 120) spans Yosemite National Park from the west to the east gates.

⚠️ The seasonal road is normally open to vehicles from late May or June until sometime in November, depending on snow levels.

✨ This road is absolutely stunning during the summertime, as at every turn, there is a unique outlook over the mountains. I suggest stopping by:

• Olmsted Point🔗
• Tenaya Lake🔗
• Tuolumne Meadows (we did a short walk to the Soda Springs🔗 to enjoy a bit of the place).

✨ To find out how to enter the park and get all the practical tips for your visit, take a look at my Yosemite Travel Guide.

👉 Where I stayed during my trip: The Oakhurst Inn at Yosemite and Bristlecone Motel

Death Valley, California

Following 190 Rd, you enter in the Death Valley. The scenery is stunning and unique, but keep in mind that you can't stay outside too much, as the temperatures are very high.

Below some must-see stops: 

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: only in this spot the desert has dunes

• Zabriskie Point: beautiful panoramic point

• Artists Palette: here there is secondary road that goes through small colored mountains.

• Badwater Basin: lowest point of the Death Valley
• Dante’s View: panoramic view

Las Vegas, nevada

Las Vegas is a very famous city, and I believe is worth stopping by. To be completely honest I didn't like much the city, simply because there isn't much to see besides the main road (especially if you don't play at casinos). Also I found this city the worst in terms of homeless people (I went in 2022), at night if we were to step out from the crowded areas it didn't feel safe. In any case I still believe that is worth stopping (1 day maximum, better half a day). 

Where I stayed during my trip: Ellis Island Hotel Casino & Brewery

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion Park is a bit different compared with the other parks. Once you enter you are forced to park the car at the gates and you have to take the buses provided by the park to go around. I'd say that Zion Park is best experienced if you explore it on foot, because this system limits what you can reach independently. I wanted to do the famous Angels Landing trail, but I wasn't aware that a separate ticket was required only to access this particular trail. Be careful about this, since there aren't many spots available per day. Another famous trail is the Narrows, which is a trail inside a canyon with running water (double check if it's feasible to do depending on the water levels). 

Where I stayed during my trip: Parry Lodge

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce national park did really surprised me, as it's stunning and not so advertised. I wished I planned a hike, because this park is best enjoyed on foot. The entrance is located here, and you can explore the park by car. Some famous spots (reachable by car) are the Sunrise and Sunset points. One easy hike that many people were doing is Bryce Canyon Navajo Loop Trail (lasts around 1h and 15 minutes), you find the details here. 

Where I stayed during my trip: Parry Lodge

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Antelope Canyon has become very popular over the years, for good reasons. To explore this site you have to book in advance your place, since you can't visit independently, but only with guides. The tour lasts around 1h and half. The downside of this place is that is not included in the usual park pass, as it belongs to the Navajo Nation Parks, meaning that there is a separate ticket to be purchased. There are three canyons to choose from:

• Upper Antelope Canyon
• Lower Antelope Canyon
• Antelope Canyon X

The most popular one is the upper one, which has an entrance fee of 100$. The lower one costs less (depending on the tour and the season), around 60$. The Antelope X is the least popular, because is not as spectacular as the others. The main difference between the three is how the sunlight enters the canyon from above. The upper canyon is wider at the bottom compared to the top, which is what produces such beautiful light beams inside the canyon. Lower Antelope is much smaller at the bottom, and a bit wider at the top. The Antelope X has the least interesting light beams. I decided to go to the Lower Canyon, simply because for me the Upper isn't worth 100$. I really enjoyed the lower one, but the upper one is a bit better. Keep in mind: the best time to visit this canyon is around 12 AM, because is the high-point of the sun's path across the sky, and the light beams are the brightest.

Close from here, I suggest visiting the Horseshoe Bend spot at sunset, you park here and reach the spot in 10 minutes on foot.

Where I stayed during my trip: Rodeway Inn & Suites Big Water - Antelope Canyon

Monument Valley, Arizona

The Monument Valley is an iconic site, a must-see in this area. This park is managed by the Navajos, therefore is not included in the park pass, you need to purchase a separate ticket. For exploring this park you need a vehicle, as it's very hot and sandy (not a hike destination). The big question is if you need to book a tour, since the road inside the site isn't paved, and is a sandy road (unless you rent an off-road vehicle). We decided to take our chances with our regular vehicle, and we didn't have any issues. However please check the road conditions, because if the ground is wet, then is not possible to visit the valley with your own regular vehicle (the sand turns into mud and the car gets stuck).

Where I stayed during my trip: Mokee Motel

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon is huge and offers so much to do. The most famous and tourist part is North Rim side, the main entrance is located here. You leave the car parked, and take the buses to go around. At the entrance the staff will provide a map, to navigate through the many viewpoints. I suggest Pima Point, a beautiful spot for sunset/sunrise. The bus system is very efficient, scheduled until sunset. 

Where I stayed during my trip: Canyon Country Inn

Planning a perfect day trip doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and considering your preferences, you can create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, choose your destination, and get ready for an adventure!