The Best West Coast Road Trip Itinerary

The Ultimate Guide for a two weeks road trip in the west USA

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 country. In this guide, you will find a two-week itinerary in the west USA. Click here to check out the map of the itinerary.

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1 - Land in Los Angeles, California

We decided to start and finish our road trip in Los Angeles. We also visited the city, but I wouldn't stay too much here (maximum two days), as there isn't much to see. I suggest visiting Venice Beach and Malibu, and some iconic neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills. 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

2 - Big Sur Coastal road

The coastal road (Highway 1) between Los Angeles and San Francisco is iconic and lives up to its reputation. It goes through the Big Sur area, and it takes more or less 7 h from Los Angeles to San Francisco. I also suggest to stop Monterey, a little charming town. A nice spot to eat out is Zab Zab Thai Cuisine.

3 - San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a must-see city in the USA. If you want to visit it in dephth, you would need five days to explore it. However I believe two days are enough, as someone that prefers the nature. Below are some attractions that I suggest:

• Haight-Ashbury district: the neighborhood that was a hub for hippies, artists, and musicians in the 60s
• Union Square and Civic Center
• Chinatown district
• Castro district: the LGBT district
• Coit Tower: to enjoy a view of the city
• Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier39 (where you can see the sea lions) 
• Golden Gate Bridge at sunset

• The "Painted Ladies" in Alamo Square

• Point Reyes Lighthouse: this is a remote lighthouse that I highly suggest as the scenery is beautiful. It takes 1 h and 45 minutes drive from San Francisco. There are also two photography spots, the first is called South Beach Overlook, a couple minutes on foot from the lighthouse:

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

4 - Yosemite Park, California

Yosemite Park is a must-see destination in California. To enter you either purchase the single entrance ticket for your car, or it's included in the park pass. It's a vast area, that can be divided in three sections:

• Yosemite Valley: the most famous part (and the most crowded), where there are all the most famous spots. You can enter by car explore it. In Yosemite there a many hikes that can be done, here my full guide on what to do in Yosemite Park.

• Mariposa: in this park there is the possibility to see the Sequoia trees, without needing to reach the Sequoia National Park. You arrive by car at this point, and wait for the first bus that takes you to the sequoia trees. It's a very easy walk, it takes 2h to see the main ones. 
• Upper Yosemite Park: you can cross the Yosemite park by taking Tioga Road and exit the park to the other side. There are a lot of stunning paths in this part of the park, but the route itself is already worth it. It goes up 3000 meters above the sea level (9,943 feet). This road (and also the part at the end of the park, when you enter the desert towards Bishop) I believe is the most beautiful out all of the roads I saw in this trip. This route is closed in winter, and usually also in fall/spring depeding on the snow conditions. 

Keep in mind: you have to book your spot in advance otherwise you can't enter in the park. You find all the practical information in my article Yosemite National Park Guide

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

5 - 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

7 - 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

8 - 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

9 - 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

10 - 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

11 - 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

12 - 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!