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 of 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) and Angels Landing (Zion).

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.

👉 Where I stayed:

• Los Angeles: Wilshire Motel🔗 and Good Nite Inn Calabasas🔗
• San Francisco: Lombard Plaza Motel🔗
• Oakhurst (Yosemite National Park): The Oakhurst Inn at Yosemite🔗 
• Death Valley: Bristlecone Motel🔗
• Las Vegas: Ellis Island Hotel Casino & Brewery🔗
• Big Water (Antelope Canyon): Rodeway Inn & Suites Big Water🔗
• Kanab (Zion & Bryce National Parks): Parry Lodge🔗
• Bluff (Monument Valley): Mokee Motel🔗
• Williams (Grand Canyon): Canyon Country Inn🔗

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

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

As you follow Route 190, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Death Valley. The landscape here is surreal and unforgettable.

 ⚠️ Be cautious — the heat can be extreme, so limit your time outside.

Below are some must-see stops: 

• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes🔗: the only place in Death Valley where the desert forms real sand dunes, creating a stunning sea of golden waves.

• Zabriskie Point🔗: one of Death Valley’s most iconic viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the golden badlands.

• Artists Palette🔗: take the short scenic drive that winds among hills painted in shades of pink, green, and purple — one of Death Valley’s most colorful spots.

• Badwater Basin🔗: the lowest point in Death Valley — and in all of North America — sitting 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level.

• Dante’s View🔗: one of the best viewpoints in Death Valley, with sweeping panoramic views over the valley floor and distant mountains.

Las Vegas, nevada

Las Vegas is a city of contrasts, known for its bright lights and bustling Strip, but also surrounded by striking desert landscapes. While it’s famous for casinos, shows, and nightlife, there’s more to the city than just entertainment — from quirky museums and art districts to nearby natural attractions, it offers a mix of urban energy and desert calm.

⚠️ Las Vegas is a very famous city, and I think it’s worth a short stop. To be honest, I didn’t enjoy it much, mainly because most attractions are concentrated along the Strip, and there isn’t much to see beyond it—especially if you’re not into casinos. I also noticed a significant homeless population (I visited in 2022), and stepping away from the busy areas at night didn’t feel very safe. That said, it can still be worth a visit—one day at most, or even just half a day to see the highlights.

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

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, in southwestern Utah, is famous for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and vibrant desert landscapes. From scenic drives and easy viewpoints to challenging hikes like Angels Landing, the park offers something for every type of visitor. Its unique combination of towering rock formations, winding trails, and lush spots along the Virgin River makes it one of the most iconic national parks in the United States.

⚠️ Zion National Park is a bit different from other parks. Once you enter, you have to park at the entrance and use the park’s shuttle buses to get around. I’d say the park is best experienced on foot, since the shuttle system limits independent access to some areas. I had planned to hike the famous Angels Landing trail, but I didn’t realize a separate permit was required just to access it—be aware, as daily spots are limited. Another well-known hike is the Narrows, a trail through a canyon with running water, but make sure to check current water levels before attempting it.

👉 Where I stayed during my trip: Parry Lodge🔗

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, in southern Utah, is famous for its unique rock formations called hoodoos—tall, thin spires of red, orange, and white rock that create a surreal landscape. Unlike many other parks, Bryce is more about viewpoints and short hikes than long trails, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day visit. Sunrise and sunset are especially magical here, when the colors of the canyon seem to glow.

✨ Bryce National Park really surprised me, as it's stunning and not so advertised. I wish I had 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, near Page, Arizona, is a stunning slot canyon famous for its narrow passageways and swirling sandstone walls. Sunlight filtering through the canyon’s openings creates striking patterns and vibrant colors, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Antelope Canyon has become very popular over the years, for good reasons.

💡To explore Antelope Canyon, you must book a guided tour in advance, as independent visits are not allowed. Tours typically last around 1.5 hours.

⚠️ One downside is that the canyon isn’t included in the standard park pass—it’s part of the Navajo Nation Parks, so a separate ticket is required.

There are three canyons to choose from:

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

💸 Upper Antelope Canyon is the most expensive, with tickets around $100

💸 Lower Canyon is cheaper than the Upper, usually about $60, depending on the season

💸 Antelope X is the cheapest among the three

💡 The key difference is how sunlight enters the canyon: Upper is wider at the bottom, creating those iconic light beams; Lower is narrower but still beautiful, and Antelope X has the least striking beams.

✨ I chose Lower Canyon—it’s fantastic, and for me, the Upper wasn’t worth $100. The best time to visit any of them is around noon, when the sun is highest and the light beams are at their brightest.

Nearby, I recommend visiting Horseshoe Bend🔗, especially around sunset for stunning views. The parking area🔗 is right at the trailhead, and it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the viewpoint, where the Colorado River curves dramatically below—a perfect spot for photos and taking in the scenery.

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

Monument Valley, Arizona

Monument Valley, straddling the border between Utah and Arizona, is one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. Its towering red sandstone buttes and vast desert plains have appeared in countless movies and photographs, symbolizing the beauty of the American Southwest. The area lies within the Navajo Nation and offers both scenic drives and guided tours that reveal its cultural and natural significance. Monument Valley’s dramatic scenery makes it a must-see stop on any Southwest road trip.

⚠️ Monument Valley is managed by the Navajo Nation, so it isn’t included in the standard park pass—you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket.

💡 Exploring the park requires a vehicle, as it’s very hot and sandy, and it’s not really a hiking destination. The main question is whether you need a guided tour: the roads inside the valley are mostly unpaved and sandy, which can be tricky unless you have an off-road vehicle.

⚠️ We decided to try it with our regular car and had no problems, but it’s important to check road conditions beforehand. If the ground is wet, the sand can turn to mud, making it impossible to navigate with a regular vehicle.

👉 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!