A West Coast road trip is a classic way to see some of the USA’s most famous cities and landscapes. This 14‑day itinerary focuses on California and Nevada, linking together San Francisco, Yosemite (or nearby mountains), the Pacific Coast Highway, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon.
You can start in San Francisco and end in Las Vegas or return to your starting point, depending on your flights and rental‑car options.
Route Overview
- Days 1–3: San Francisco
- Days 4–5: Yosemite National Park (or alternative: Lake Tahoe / Sierra Nevada)
- Days 6–7: Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles
- Days 8–9: Los Angeles
- Days 10–11: San Diego
- Days 12–14: Las Vegas & Grand Canyon (Arizona, but typically reached via Nevada)
Driving times are approximate and can vary with traffic and road conditions—plan extra time during holidays and weekends.
Days 1–3: San Francisco
Day 1: Arrival and the Waterfront
- Arrive in San Francisco and check in (neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, or near the Embarcadero are convenient for first‑timers).
- Walk along the Embarcadero and visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to see sea lions and waterfront views.
- Grab a casual dinner and rest after your flight.
Day 2: Iconic San Francisco Sights
- Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge (or view it from Crissy Field or Baker Beach).
- Explore neighborhoods like North Beach, Chinatown, and the Mission District.
- Ride a classic cable car for the experience and hilltop views.
Day 3: Alcatraz and Neighborhoods
- Visit Alcatraz Island (book tickets in advance—popular time slots sell out).
- Spend the rest of the day exploring additional areas like Haight‑Ashbury, the Castro, or Golden Gate Park.
- Prepare for your drive to the mountains the next morning.
Days 4–5: Yosemite National Park (or Mountain Alternative)
Day 4: Drive to Yosemite Area
- Pick up your rental car (if you haven’t already).
- Drive from San Francisco toward Yosemite National Park (approx. 4–5 hours, depending on route and traffic).
- Stay either inside the park (book far in advance) or in a nearby gateway town such as Mariposa or Oakhurst.
Day 5: Explore Yosemite Valley
- See classic viewpoints like Tunnel View, Yosemite Valley, and Glacier Point (seasonal access).
- Choose a hike that matches your fitness level—options range from easy valley walks to more strenuous trails.
- In winter or shoulder seasons, parts of the park may be closed—check conditions in advance.
Alternative: If Yosemite is not accessible (for example, due to snow or wildfire closures), consider the Lake Tahoe or another Sierra Nevada destination instead and adjust driving times accordingly.
Days 6–7: Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles
Day 6: Drive to the Coast (Yosemite Area → Monterey / Carmel)
- Drive from the mountains toward the coast (often via the Central Valley, ~4–5 hours).
- Arrive in Monterey or Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea.
- Explore Cannery Row, the waterfront, or the scenic 17‑Mile Drive (fee applies).
Day 7: Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles
Drive the famous coastal stretch toward Los Angeles, ideally taking your time if conditions allow.
- Follow Highway 1 through Big Sur (check for road closures, as this region can be affected by landslides).
- Stop at viewpoints such as Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach (where accessible), and coastal lookouts.
- Continue south, perhaps overnighting in a coastal town (San Simeon, Pismo Beach, or Santa Barbara) or driving all the way to Los Angeles if you prefer fewer hotel changes.
Days 8–9: Los Angeles
Day 8: Hollywood & Griffith Observatory
- Check into your Los Angeles accommodation (areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, or Santa Monica each offer a different vibe).
- Visit Hollywood (Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre). It’s touristy but iconic.
- Head to Griffith Observatory for views of the city and the Hollywood Sign, especially around sunset.
Day 9: Beaches & Neighborhoods
- Spend time at the coast in Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
- Walk or bike along the beach path, visit the Santa Monica Pier, and take in the relaxed atmosphere.
- Optional: explore other neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, or the Arts District if time allows.
Days 10–11: San Diego
Day 10: Drive to San Diego
- Drive from Los Angeles to San Diego (about 2–3 hours, depending on traffic).
- Stop along the way in beach towns like Laguna Beach or La Jolla if you want a more relaxed pace.
- Check into your San Diego hotel (Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown, or near the beach are popular choices).
Day 11: Explore San Diego
- Visit Balboa Park and its gardens and museums.
- Relax at La Jolla Cove or Pacific Beach.
- Enjoy the evening in the Gaslamp Quarter or by the waterfront.
Days 12–14: Las Vegas & Grand Canyon
Day 12: Drive to Las Vegas
- Drive from San Diego to Las Vegas (about 5–6 hours).
- Check into a hotel on or near the Strip.
- Explore the Strip in the evening: themed hotels, fountains, shows, and restaurants.
Day 13: Grand Canyon Day Trip (or Overnight)
For a taste of the Grand Canyon, you can:
- Take a long day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West (home of the Skywalk).
- Or drive to the South Rim (longer drive; consider an overnight stay if you prefer more time there).
Plan fuel, water, and daylight carefully, and always verify driving times and road conditions before you go.
Day 14: Last Moments in Vegas & Departure
- Enjoy a relaxed morning or explore any last‑minute sights in Las Vegas.
- Return your rental car at the airport and depart.
Practical Tips for This Road Trip
Car Rental & Driving
- Compare rental deals and check policies for one‑way rentals if you are dropping the car in a different city.
- Make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for long distances and multiple states.
- Familiarize yourself with local driving rules and parking costs in big cities.
Seasonality and Weather
- Summer can be very hot, especially in inland areas like Las Vegas and the desert.
- Winter can bring snow and road closures in mountain areas like Yosemite—always check conditions in advance.
- Spring and autumn often provide more moderate temperatures, but can still be busy in popular parks.
Booking Accommodation
- Book national park lodges or nearby hotels well in advance.
- In major cities, consider staying near public transport or central areas to reduce driving stress.
- On driving‑heavy days, choose convenient roadside hotels to break up long stretches.
Tip: Keep a flexible mindset. Road trips can involve unexpected detours or changes—leaving some buffer time in your schedule makes the journey more enjoyable.
Once you’re ready to turn this plan into reality, use BookingBe to compare flights into San Francisco or Los Angeles and out of Las Vegas (or vice versa), and to find the best deals along your chosen route.