It's now time to plan the day-to-day activities and the accommodations for each stop of your road trip!
Before starting, you may have a look at the FAQ ( Part 1) and Itinerary and planning tips (Part 2):
15-Days Road Trip exploring Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, and California - Part 1: FAQ
Day 1, Las Vegas
Welcome to Las Vegas! The first day is always exciting, but remember to take some time to rest after your flight and adjust to the jet lag!
What to do in Las Vegas?
If, like me, you embarked on this adventure in summer, you might find walking outside during the day challenging due to the high temperatures. Use this time to relax at your hotel's pool and recharge!
In the evening, take a leisurely walk along The Strip, the main street of Vegas where all the action takes place! Explore the iconic hotels such as Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and New York-New York. Be sure not to miss the fountain show at the Bellagio, where over a thousand fountains dance to music and lights in front of the hotel. The show is completely free and occurs every half hour or fifteen minutes, depending on the day and time.
If you’ve been following my itinerary, tonight is the first night of your road trip, making it the perfect occasion to celebrate. Try your luck at one of the city's famous casinos or enjoy a spectacular Cirque du Soleil show! Here is the list of all the shows that take place in Vegas.
If you have extra time in Vegas, don't forget to visit Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. This historic area was home to the city's first casino and first telephone line. Also, make sure to check out the iconic Fabulous Las Vegas Sign and the top of the Stratosphere Tower.
If you haven't already picked up your rental car, you might want to consider using Uber to get around. Taxis are another viable option, however I always prefer knowing the cost upfront, which makes Uber a more appealing choice for me. Traveling from the airport to The Strip cost me around $20 with Uber.
Where to stay in Las Vegas?
I strongly recommend booking an hotel on The Strip for your stay in Las Vegas. Here few excellent and affordable options that I personally recommend:
Las Vegas Hilton At Resorts World
I spent the first night of my road trip at New York-New York, and the last night at the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World. Both stays were incredible! New York-New York is centrally located on The Strip and is very lively, offering numerous dining options. On the other hand, Hilton at Resorts World features a spectacular pool and plenty of shops nearby. If you need more insights about these two hotels, feel free to contact me!
You should also consider staying at one of these iconic hotels:
Whichever hotel you choose, be sure to subscribe to the hotel's loyalty program, especially if you plan to play in the casino or dine at one of the hotel's restaurants. This will enable you to enjoy discounts and promotions!
Day 2 & 3, Grand Canyon
It's time to pick up your car, if you haven't done so already, and head towards the Grand Canyon. I recommend leaving Las Vegas in the morning, as you have about a 5-hour drive ahead if you take the Route 66 path. Drive towards Kingman, then Peach Springs and Seligman, where you'll join the I-40 towards the Grand Canyon. Consider a quick stop at the Hackberry General Store, a Route 66 gas station in Truxton. Alternatively, you can follow the I-40 from Kingman directly to the Grand Canyon. This route will save you some time but you’ll miss out on the iconic drive along Route 66.
You should arrive at the park in the afternoon, giving you a day and a half to explore the canyon. While you won't be able to visit the entire canyon in that time frame, you can choose one side to focus on. I suggest the South Rim rather than the North Rim, as it's the best option for first-time visitors.
The entrance fee including a vehicle is $35. However, if you plan to visit other parks, you might consider purchasing the "America The Beautiful Annual Pass," which grants access to various Federal recreational sites across the US, including national parks, for a one-time fee of $80. As I visited Yosemite National Park and the Death Valley in addition to the Grand Canyon, the annual pass was a more economical option for me. You will have the option to buy the annual pass at the entrance gate of the Grand Canyon.
It is now time to do the check-in at the hotel and start discovering the park!
What to do in the Grand Canyon?
I suggest beginning your visit at the Grand Canyon Visitor Centre in Grand Canyon Village, where you can gather information and learn about the park's history. Some activities, such as stargazing, are organized by the rangers during the day and during the evening as well, so feel free to ask for more information about these as well. To move around the park, free shuttles are available to all the main points of the canyon, so there is no need to move your car from the parking lot.
If you enjoy hiking, there are plenty of options available! I decided to hike the Bright Angel Trail, one of the most popular trails in the canyon. Keep in mind that hiking the entire trail in one day is not recommended due to high temperatures, long distance, and significant elevation change. Therefore, plan ahead and decide at which stop you want to turn back.
Another option if you don’t like hiking is to walk along Hermit Road. This was the highlight of my visit, as there are dozens of spectacular viewpoints along this road! The shuttle bus makes several stops on Hermit Road, so if you get tired of walking, you can simply hop on the bus and get off at the next stop. However, you definitely don’t want to miss Hopi Point, which in my opinion offers the best view of the canyon!
If you still have time after hiking and exploring Hermit Road, you may want to visit other viewpoints such as Mather Point and Yavapai Point, which are not far from the Grand Canyon Visitor Centre and are easily reachable by shuttle.
Where to stay in the Grand Canyon?
I strongly recommend staying inside the park to fully enjoy the atmosphere. However, lodgings inside the park are often sold out and expensive, so don’t forget to book at least three months in advance! I personally stayed at the Bright Angel Lodge and loved it! The lodging is very rustic, yet clean and comfortable. Here you can get an overview of all the available lodgings, which are all operated by Grand Canyon Lodges.
Day 4, Twentynine Palm / Joshua Tree National Park
On your fourth day, you'll be spending quite a bit of time in the car (around 6.5 hours through Route 66, or 5.5 hours through a more direct route), but several stops along the way will make the journey enjoyable.
Joshua Tree National Park serves as a convenient stop between the Grand Canyon and San Diego. Whether or not you choose to explore the park extensively, I suggest spending the night in this area. Alternatively, you could drive directly from the Grand Canyon to San Diego, but keep in mind that this will take around 9 hours depending on the traffic.
Start your day by leaving the Grand Canyon in the morning and taking the I-40 to Kingman followed by the iconic Route 66 until you reach Oatman. This segment of Route 66 is very scenic, so be sure to stop at one or more viewpoints along the way to enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Oatman, a former mining town, is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the Wild West. It's best known for its friendly burros, small donkeys descended from miners' beasts of burden, that freely roam the streets. Both sides of the main road are lined with saloons, museums, restaurants, and shops stocked with a wide variety of local items. Take a stroll around the town, visit the shops, and if you’re hungry, stop for lunch at the historic Oatman Hotel. Inside the hotel, you'll find hundreds of one-dollar bills signed by its many visitors hanging on the walls.
From Oatman, it will take you about 3 hours to reach Joshua Tree National Park. Before arriving at your destination, you might want to take a short detour to see the famous Roy’s sign in Amboy, a ghost town along Route 66, and try the famous Route 66 beer at Roy’s Motel. Roy Crowl opened this place in 1938 as a gas station, and in 1940 expanded it to include a café, motel, and auto repair shop. In 1959, they erected the iconic neon boomerang sign, which became their crowning glory. However, with the opening of I-40 in 1972, the town collapsed, leaving only Roy's business standing. The motel no longer operates.
By the time you reach your hotel, it will likely be late afternoon. You can choose to visit Joshua Tree National Park or, as I personally did, simply relax at your hotel. Joshua Tree National Park is included in the list of national parks accessible through the "America The Beautiful Annual Pass," so you won’t need to purchase an additional ticket.
Where to stay in Twentynine Palm?
I personally stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and I highly recommend it. The rooms are clean and spacious, with complimentary parking and breakfast. Additionally, you can enjoy the amenities such as a pool and a gym. Here is the link:
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Twentynine Palms
Here another very good option:
Day 5, San Diego
Your next stop is San Diego! Leave Twentynine Palms in the morning, and you'll arrive in San Diego in about 3 hours.
What to do in San Diego?
Known as “America's Finest City,” San Diego is renowned for its perfect climate and stunning beaches. There are plenty of options to choose from to make the most of your day in this beautiful city!
If you want to enjoy the sun, I highly recommend spending your day in La Jolla, a charming beach town not far from the city, famous for its stunning beaches, coastal lifestyle, and sunny weather. You can relax on its various beaches, such as La Jolla Shores Beach, stroll around La Jolla Village for shopping, dining, and art galleries, and admire the sea lions at La Jolla Cove.
In the evening, take a walk along Mission Beach Boardwalk, a vibrant area buzzing with shops, bars, and restaurants. Due to its proximity to the Mexican border, be sure to dine at one of the many Mexican restaurants in San Diego, you won’t regret it! I had tacos at “Sara’s Mexican Food” and they were delicious!
I personally took a brief walk in Downtown San Diego as well, but I don’t particularly recommend it as I didn't find it as special or unique compared to its beach towns.
If you do not want to spend your day at the beach, some very good alternative activities are the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park.
Where to stay in San Diego?
My personal advice is to stay along the coast, and La Jolla is my top recommendation.
I stayed at Sands of La Jolla, and it was probably my favorite accommodation of my entire road trip! The price is very affordable considering the location, plus the parking is complementary, which is not easy to have in San Diego. Here is the link:
Here other excellent options, always at La Jolla:
The Shoal Hotel La Jolla Beach
If you prefer to stay in the city, here some good options which covers all budgets:
Day 6 & 7, Los Angeles
It’s time to say goodbye to sunny San Diego and set your sights on Los Angeles.
I recommend taking the scenic Pacific Coastal Highway route starting from La Jolla and passing through Torrey Pines, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. After Newport Beach, merge back onto Highway 5 to continue your journey to LA. Each of these charming beach towns is worth a visit, so take your time and make a few stops along the way.
Personally, I chose to stop at Laguna Beach, renowned for its art galleries and some of the finest beaches in California, and Newport Beach. If you’re a millennial like me, you might have spent part of your youth watching “The O.C.” In that case, a quick stop at Newport Beach is a must!
What to do in Los Angeles?
You will probably arrive in the afternoon, which means you have one day and half to discover the city. Considering how big the city is, I suggest you to think before about the areas that you want to explore and the activities that you don’t want to miss. For example, I decided not to spend one day in the famous Universal Studios Hollywood, and spend more time visiting LA instead, but of course this is totally up to you!
Some recommendations on where and how to spend your time in LA includes:
- Hollywood Boulevard: Take a stroll down one of the most iconic streets in the world, renowned for the Hollywood Walk of Fame! There are numerous activities to enjoy in this street: visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, explore the Hollywood Museum or check out Madame Tussauds.
- Griffith Observatory: Situated on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, it offers stunning views of LA. The observatory is completely free and you can explore various exhibits that explain different aspects of astronomy and space science. Keep in mind that the parking next to the building can be full sometimes. However, there is free parking available at the bottom of the hill, and from there, a 20-minute hike will easily bring you to the observatory!
- Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive: Experience the luxury and glamour of Beverly Hills by strolling down Rodeo Drive.
- Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach: Visit the Santa Monica Pier, with its iconic Ferris wheel, amusement park, and vibrant street performers. You will also find the sign of the end of the Route 66! After this, you may want to rent a bike and ride along the scenic beach path connecting Santa Monica to Venice Beach. In Venice Beach, explore the lively boardwalk, watch the skateboarders at the skate park, and admire the colorful murals.
- The Original Farmers Market & The Grove: opened in 1934, this historic market features a diverse array of food stalls, gourmet grocers, and specialty shops! After dining, consider spending some time at The Grove, a world-renowned shopping and entertainment destination located nearby.
- West Hollywood: for restaurants, bars and nightlife!
Where to stay in Los Angeles?
There are several areas you can opt for! I would suggest West Hollywood or The Grove area. These areas are very central, allowing you to easily reach all your destinations. However, keep in mind that, regardless of the area you choose, it is very complicated and time consuming moving around LA without a car.
I personally stayed at Park Plaza Lodge, not far from The Grove, and I highly recommend it! The parking is complimentary, and it has been recently renovated:
Here other very good options:
Day 8, Pacific coast / Morro Bay
Driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most scenic routes you can take in California. Since the drive takes roughly 10-11 hours, I recommend breaking it up by spending two night along the coast and making several stops along the route. Good options for the first overnight stop include Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and Cambria. I opted to stay in Morro Bay.
As you travel from Los Angeles to Morro Bay, you'll pass through Malibu and Santa Barbara. Consider spending a couple of hours at one of Malibu’s famous beaches and exploring Santa Barbara’s charming downtown. A slight detour from Santa Barbara will take you to Solvang, a town known for its Danish-style architecture and wineries.
You’ll arrive at your destination by evening. If you choose to stay in Morro Bay, like I did, you can stroll along the port and dine at one of the many seafood restaurants. Note that the portside restaurants generally close early, around 8 PM.
Where to stay in Morro Bay?
Below three very good options which are not far from the port and that have complimentary parking:
Day 9, Pacific Coast / Pacific Grove
On the second day of your drive along the Pacific Coast, you'll be close to the Hearst Castle, a must-see spot along the California's coastline. This destination boasts a world-class art collection, over 100 lavish rooms, extravagant pools, manicured gardens, sunny terraces, and sparkling pools. If you intend to visit, it's advisable to book your tickets in advance here, as many tours can sell out quickly.
Continuing along the coast, you will reach Big Sur, probably the most famous and scenic section of the Pacific Coast. Make several stops along this stretch to take in the stunning views and natural beauty! Among the highlights, I suggest stopping at McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, Calla Lily Valley, and Point Lobos. Before heading to Big Sur, it’s crucial to check for any highway closures and traffic restrictions, which are sometimes enforced due to severe storms and landslides.
After Point Lobos, you’ll arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the most charming town I've ever seen! Stroll around the town and beach, and enjoy its unique boutiques and fairytale cottages.
You might choose to stay here for the night or continue to nearby towns such as Pacific Grove, where I personally stayed, or Monterey.
Where to stay in Pacific Grove or nearby?
I found the accommodations quite expensive in this area, so if you're looking for something more affordable, I recommend reserving your stay in advance. I stayed at Sea Breeze Inn, mainly due to its affordable price compared to others in the area and the complimentary parking. While the room wasn't modern or fully equipped, it was a good option for a quick stay.
Sea Breeze Inn - Pacific Grove
Other good options in Pacific Grove are:
Gosby House Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
If you stay in Monterey, you can have a look at the below accommodations:
Day 10 & 11, San Francisco
The journey to San Francisco will take approximately 2 and a half hours. However, consider making a brief stop in Monterey and Santa Cruz on your way. In Monterey, a stroll along the Old Fisherman’s Wharf is a must. Additionally, a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the most famous aquarium in the United States, is highly recommended.
What to do in San Francisco?
You will likely arrive in the afternoon, giving you a day and a half to explore the city. After checking in at your hotel, you can start discovering one of the most cosmopolitan and vibrant cities in the world. Among the many activities and attractions the city has to offer, I recommend:
- A visit to Alcatraz: This was one of the highlights of my road trip, and I strongly recommend it! Keep in mind that ferry tickets need to be booked well in advance, as they often sell out. At the beginning of your visit, you will be provided with an audio guide, allowing you to explore and learn about the history of Alcatraz.
- A walk at Pier 39: Enjoy the sea lions, seafood restaurants, top-notch shopping, attractions, and bay views.
- Exploring Chinatown and Union Square, the commercial hub of the city.
- Driving through the famous Golden Gate Bridge: for the perfect view of the bridge, head to Battery Spencer! Don't forget there's a toll of around $10 to cross the bridge by car, so plan your payment method ahead of time. Please be aware that your rental car may include an e-Toll service. If so, there is no need for you to pay the toll fees upfront, as your rental company will charge them to your credit card afterwards. For further details, please contact your rental company.
- Relaxing in Golden Gate Park: a lovely place to unwind and explore.
Driving in San Francisco can be challenging if you're not familiar with the city, as you may inadvertently drive on restricted roads. Therefore, I suggest enjoying the city on foot or by public transport. Additionally, you might want to take a ride on the iconic cable cars!
Where to stay in San Francisco?
There are several excellent areas you can choose from: Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill, and Marina District are all good, central, and safe locations. Personally, I stayed at Buena Vista Motor Inn in Marina Hill, primarily due to its very good location and the complimentary parking. Finding hotels with complimentary parking is quite difficult in San Francisco, and they tend to be expensive, so keep this in mind when booking your accommodation.
You can also have a look at the below accommodation which are well located:
Day 12 & 13, Yosemite National Park
It will take you around 4 hours to reach Yosemite National Park from San Francisco. I suggest again to leave in the morning so you will have one day an half to discover the park.
What to do in Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders and exciting activities! My suggestion is to first check in at your lodge. Since it will likely be the afternoon, enjoy a short hike before the sun goes down. I personally chose to visit Mariposa Grove, where you can hike among the Giant Sequoias.
At the check-in, you will receive a map with all the information about the trails, ranger programs, and shuttle routes throughout the park. This should be sufficient to help you choose which hikes and activities are best suited for you.
The next day, head to Yosemite Village in the morning. There are several parking areas throughout the village where you can leave your car for the day. You can then use the free Yosemite Valley shuttle bus to reach various trailheads.
You might want to start your day with a nice hike! I personally took the shuttle to Happy Isles and followed the Mist Trail to Nevada Falls. It’s considered a moderately challenging route. If you prefer something shorter and more relaxing, I suggest checking out the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. A good alternative to hiking could be driving to some viewpoints. Glacier Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra!
For dining, there are many restaurants available inside the park, and there's also a supermarket, Village Store, next to the visitor centre. I chose to buy some food at the supermarket, as it's commonly believed that the restaurants inside the park are quite expensive and the food is pretty average.
You have now two options: spend another night in the park, or take the Tioga Pass in the afternoon to reach Mammoth Lakes by evening. Staying one night in Mammoth Lakes helps to shorten the drive for the following day.
The Tioga Pass is a sensational drive, offering breathtaking views and pristine lakes. Keep in mind that it is usually closed from November through late May or early June. It will take you around 2 and a half hours to reach Mammoth Lakes via the Tioga Pass, but I suggest making one or more stops along the way. For instance, you will pass by Mono Lake, a saline soda lake with stunning views!
Depending on when you are travelling, there could be a reservation system in place for the entry in the park. Make sure to check in advance in the official site if a reservation is needed!
Where to stay in Yosemite National Park?
As for the Grand Canyon, lodgings inside the park are often sold out, so be sure to book well in advance. The accommodations can be quite expensive, so if you're on a budget, you might want to consider staying outside the park.
I personally stayed at the Wanona Hotel, but I wouldn't particularly recommend it considering its price. The rooms are quite old, the Wi-fi doesn’t work in most of the rooms, and it's very easy to hear your neighbours talking through the walls.
Here you will find all the lodging options available inside the park and they can be reserved up to a year in advance.
If you decide to spend the second night at Mammoth lakes, I can definitely recommend The Mammoth Creek Inn hotel! The parking is complementary, the guests can enjoy the on-site sauna and there is also a billiards room.
Day 14 & 15, Death Valley / Las Vegas
It’s now time to head back to Las Vegas. Whether you spent the previous night in Yosemite National Valley or Mammoth Lakes, you have roughly a 5-hour drive ahead of you. There is one more place you might want to visit on your way back: the Death Valley.
The Death Valley is the hottest place on Earth, with summer temperatures often exceeding 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, you need to prepare yourself before entering the valley. Make sure you have enough water, that your car's AC is working perfectly, and that the gas tank is filled up. While you may find some gas stations inside, the price of fuel is extremely high. In the valley, many areas don’t have connectivity. Therefore, make sure to download a map of the roads ahead of time. I personally used Google Maps for this.
If you stay in your car and take short walks to discover the most famous viewpoints, visiting Death Valley is perfectly doable even in summer.
Here are some viewpoints you may want to stop at: Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat and dunes, Zabrieskie Point and Artist Palette.
You will likely reach Las Vegas late afternoon. You may consider staying one more day in Vegas to relax and play your luck in the casino one last time before flying back home, as I did.
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Comments
The itinerary looks amazing 👌 I am planning my road trip for next year and I will follow your suggestions!!
Amazing ! You made me feel the US vibes through your journey.
Time to plan my reservations and follow your path.
Thank you for making our work easier!