The 10-day trip to the US West Coast was a unique experience that I would repeat with great pleasure.
There are plenty of places undiscovered by me yet, but I tried to enjoy as much as possible the time spent there and to cover the travel route that I carefully planned.
So, here it is my wonderful ten days journey on the West Coast of the United States:
Period of time:
13 October, Tuesday – 22 October, Thursday
3 states: Arizona, Nevada, and California
Plane tickets: around $500/ roundtrip American Airlines, Norfolk, VA- Las Vegas
Route by plane:
Norfolk, VA – Charlotte, NC – Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV- Philadelphia, PA – Norfolk, VA
What I use every time I travel:
- To book hotels: Booking.com
- To book tours: GetYourGuide.com
PIT IT FOR LATER
Route by car:
It was a long journey, but there were also many destinations. So, I didn’t manage to stay in one place for too long.
But I have visited enough, and I think it is worth all the fatigue. This is what my route looks like for the 9 days itinerary on the West Coast:
Las Vegas (McCarran Airport) – Hoover Dam – Grand Canyon, AZ – Las Vegas, NV- Death Valley, CA – Yosemite National Park, CA – Hayward, CA – San Francisco, CA – Santa Cruz, CA – Monterey, CA – Big Sur, CA – Santa Barbara, CA – Malibu, CA – Los Angeles, CA – Santa Monica, CA – San Diego, CA, Coronado Island, CA – Las Vegas, NV
Transportation
In my opinion, is an absolute must to rent a car in order to make the most of your trip. That is, of course, if you came by plane.
You can rent a car at a reasonable price for the whole journey. We rented from Hertz (Las Vegas, McCarran Airport) a Toyota Corolla.
Price: $380/ 9 days
Itinerary for a 10 Day West Coast road trip
DAY 1 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
In Las Vegas, I spent only two days, and I think it is enough to taste a little of everything the city has to offer.
I liked The Strip and would always come back to experiment more.
We visited some of the famous 5-star hotels, each with its specifics. We also went to casinos, admired the fountain show, and had a great time.
Las Vegas: The Strip, Bellagio, The Venetian Hotel, Paris Las Vegas, Miracle Mile Shops
Where to stay in Las Vegas:
- budget: Desert Paradise Resort By Diamond Resorts– pool, free parking, free Wifi
- mid-range: Deluxe Studio Vdara Suite– pool, free parking, restaurant, great location
- luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas– pool, bar, restaurant, room service
DAY 2 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
On day 2 of my 10-day itinerary on the West Coast, I went to the spectacular Grand Canyon.
The view took my breath away, and I can say that I did not have enough time to enjoy the beauties of nature.
And I would spend a few more days there next time.
Road trip to Hoover Dam & Grand Canyon
Las Vegas – Hoover Dam: 45 min by car, 34 miles / 55 km
Hoover Dam – Grand Canyon (South Rim): 4 h by car, 243 miles/ 392 km
Grand Canyon – Las Vegas: 4h 30 min by car, 270 miles/ 435 km
Grand Canyon entrance fee: $30/h – 7 days
Read: Grand Canyon in 24 spectacular photos
Where to stay close to Grand Canyon:
- budget: Peaks Wildernest House Bed and Breakfast – pet friendly, free parking, good breakfast
- mid-range: Parry Lodge – swimming pool, free Wifi
- luxury: Sheridan House Inn – free parking, free Wifi
DAY 3 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
On day 3 I returned to explore a little more of Las Vegas. As I mentioned above, 2 days seems enough for a first impression. However, I would return to have even more fun in Sin City.
Las Vegas: Luxor Hotel, Fremont Street, Caesars Palace, Circus Hotel
Read: What you must see & do on your first visit to Las Vegas
DAY 4 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
The road between Las Vegas and San Francisco is the stage I regret the most from this trip. But that’s only because I didn’t get to see much of Yosemite National Park.
It seems to me that it looks sensational and that it is worth spending even a week there. It’s a dream!
Road trip Las Vegas- Hayward, through Death Valley and Yosemite National Park
Las Vegas- Death Valley: 2h 14 min by car, 142 miles/ 229 km
Death Valley – Hayward: 8h 10 min by car, 432 miles/ 695 km
Route: US-95 N/ CA-190 W/ CA-136 W/ US-395/ CA-120 W/ I-580
Where to stay in San Francisco:
- budget: Hotel 32One – private parking, Wifi, good location
- mid-range: Club Donatello – fitness center, private parking, bar, good breakfast, central location
- luxury: Hotel Triton– fitness center, room service, Wifi, excellent location
Read: 10 must-see places in California
DAY 5 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
Day 5 came with the first part of the trip on the most beautiful road in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway. I loved every stop I made, and I admired with all my heart the landscapes on the road.
Hayward- San Francisco 45 min by car, 35 miles/ 56 km
San Francisco: downtown, Transamerica Pyramid, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Heights
San Francisco – Santa Cruz on Pacific Coast Highway/ California 1
1h 40 min by car, 77 miles/ 125 km
Santa Cruz – Monterey on Pacific Coast Highway/ California 1
50 min, 43 miles/ 70 km
⇒ Find the best hotels in San Francisco.
DAY 6 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
The most beautiful day of the trip was day 6. When we had the opportunity to admire the most beautiful landscapes on the California Coast.
I saw Bixby Bridge, Mc Way Falls, and a few small but chic towns. The Pacific Coast Highway is definitely one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
Monterey – Bixby Bridge: 30 min by car, 18 miles/ 30 km
Bixby Bridge – Big Sur (McWay Falls): 24 min by car, 24 miles/ 39 km
McWay Falls – Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery: 1h 15 min by car, 48 miles/ 77 km
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery – Santa Barbara: 2h 30 min by car, 140 miles/ 225 km
Santa Barbara – Malibu: 1h 10 min by car, 67 miles/ 108 km
Malibu – Los Angeles: 1h by car, 42 miles/ 68 km
Read: 10 things to consider before road tripping the Pacific Coast Highway, USA
DAY 7 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
On the day with no. 7, I saw some of the main attractions of Los Angeles. I liked the view from the Griffith Park Observatory.
I have long wanted to get to the Hollywood Sign and especially to walk among the houses of celebrities in Beverly Hills.
Los Angeles: Griffith Park Observatory, Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Universal Studios, Walk of Fame
Where to stay in Los Angeles:
- low-budget: American Hotel – downtown, clean, free wifi
- mid-budget: Best Western Plus Hollywood Hills Hotel – great location, pool
- luxury: Dream Hollywood – great location, pool, bar, fitness center, private parking
DAY 8 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
On the 8th we ate the best eclairs, with a view of the beautiful Santa Monica. But that’s not all.
Day 8 also came with the fulfillment of a childhood dream. That of seeing the filming location of a series that marked my first years of life, Sunset Beach.
Los Angeles: Seal Beach, Sunset Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Downtown LA
Read: 3 Days in Los Angeles – what to do and see
DAY 9 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
On the 9th I went to San Diego. Although I spent a short time there, I quickly realized that it is a destination that deserves all the attention.
It is a beautiful city, maybe even more beautiful than Los Angeles, and has some sensational beaches.
Los Angeles: Rodeo Drive, Laguna Beach
Road trip Los Angeles – San Diego: 2h 30 min by car, 124 miles/ 200 km
San Diego: downtown, Coronado Island
Read: A taste of San Diego, California
DAY 10 | 10 Day West Coast road trip
Day 10 was less special. We returned to Las Vegas, from where we had to fly back to Norfolk.
San Diego – Las Vegas: 5h 10 min by car, 330 miles/ 531 km
Las Vegas: Mirage, The Strip
Read: What you must see & do on your first visit to Las Vegas
Best tips for a 10 Day West Coast Road Trip:
1. Car rental problems
We had a slight problem with the car we rented. We found a small crack in the glass (probably from a pebble) and had to go back to the airport and change it.
We had another problem with the next car after we got to LA.
The car needed to have its oil changed, so we had to go to the nearest airport and change the car again. They gave us a Hyundai Elantra.
If you experience such things, you may ask for compensation. They gave us a $50 off coupon for next time when/if we will rent from Hertz company.
2. Car rental price
To get a slightly better price for the rental car, I recommend you to book in advance on the website Priceline.com, where you have the option to bet on the price.
The difference will not be very noticeable, but you will save some dollars.
3. Refueling
On the Pacific Coast Highway, fuel prices are pretty high. Therefore, you might want to fill inside the cities.
4. Road trips between the cities
Do not follow the shortest or fastest route imposed by GPS. For example, we made our personalized itinerary between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
If there is a long-distance anyway, I recommend you to go for the scenic drive.
Between Las Vegas and San Francisco, we chose Death Valley and Yosemite National Park.
Between SF and LA, we chose Pacific Coast Highway, and I can say it was the most enjoyable experience of the whole trip.
California 1 is one of the most spectacular coastlines drives in the US.
5. Accommodation in SF
In San Francisco, hotels are pretty expensive and, therefore, I advise you to check on the airbnb.com website. We found a reasonable price for a room in Hayward, a neighboring city of SF.
6. North to South on Pacific Coast Highway
Why? Because it will be much easier to stop along the way for pictures and, as a bonus, you will have the ocean view on your side while driving.
7. Bring layers
West Coast weather is quite changeable and varied. In Las Vegas and Southern California was hot and sunny, but in SF, we had to add some extra layers.
8. Hit the road early in the morning
Especially on the Pacific Coast. It could be quite a mood setter to start your morning on such an iconic road, and of course, there is no better light than the morning light for taking the best pictures.
9. Cell phone service
Don’t count on it because it will ultimately be off in some places, so make sure you memorize the route or get a map to help you.
10. Pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge
I didn’t get the most admirable aspects of the bridge in my photos. Later on, I found out about Baker Beach. Go for it!
11. Food
Make sure you take some food with you on the road because you may not find many places to stop and buy something to eat.
12. Big Sur
This stunning place has so much to offer that you should allow yourself to spend here at least 2-3 days to enjoy it fully.
Therefore, I made up my mind to come back and camp above the McWay Falls someday.
13. McWay Falls
Be careful not to miss it! I thought we did because we couldn’t spot any sign indicating where the falls were situated.
Once we passed the Pfeiffer State Park sign, we started looking very carefully until we reached a place with many cars parked on the roadside. There it was…
14. Pictures
I am aware that every stop on Pacific Coast Highway leads you to catch dozens-hundreds of frames with the ocean and the hills, but time passes so quickly that you won’t even notice how fast it will get dark, and you will miss other important places.
Each stop will cost you at least 10 minutes, do not forget to consider this!
The trip in numbers:
Flight: 12 h roundtrip
By car: 2069 miles/ 3330 km
This is a great itinerary! I did a similar route about three years ago. I just remember it was SO much driving but worth it because of all the great stop offs.
Hi, Kate! I agree, it is totally worth it 😀
Such a detailed itinerary. You have mentioned everything that could be needed to plan this trip. Too much of driving but you get to see some great places as well. 🙂
Hi, Nisha! I’m glad you consider it helpful 🙂
Loved the photo journey and your valuable tips. Eventhough there is flight connectivity, a roadtrip takes more time but it shows you sights you can only imagine and makes you experience unique things.Pinning it for my future reference for sure.
Thank you, Arnav, for your words and for pinning it! 😀
Your trip looks so beautiful and it seems that you managed to see some spectacular places. I have never been to America but I have a friend who flew to San Antonio and then rented a car and drove all the way to Las Vegas, visiting Hoover Dam and the Gran Canyon on the way. I remember how amazed I was when I’ve seen his photos.
Thank you, Joanna! I will post an article about Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, soon. I hope you will visit the US someday; I’m sure you will love it.
Love all the pictures – they are so colorful! I would love to plan a trip to LA and follow the same itinerary soon. Thanks for sharing such a detailed one! 😉
I’m so glad you like the pictures, Harsh! I would love to hear about your future trip and let me know if you need some help or advice in planning it. 🙂
wow! i love this itinerary posts, they take away so much of the planning stress before a trip and I’m surely adding the west coast to my plan! Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome, Sabrina!
What an itinerary, bravo! Love the choices and the pics, I’ve never considered a West Coast trip, but I might in the future! Thanks for the information, you gave me new points for travel list!
You’re welcome, Iris! I’m glad the post is helpful.
Oh my gosh those photos are just stunning. It’s amazing that we have such beautiful things to see in the States and just all over. The list is just endless of all of the beautiful sights. Great itinerary. I definitely want to do this.
Thank you so much, Hallie!
Yes! I Love the west coast. I think yu planned it exactly how I would <3
Vegas has been one of m favorite american cities for about 5 years – I don't knnow what keeps drawing me back but I can't stay away.
Vegas is one of my favorites, too, Nicki.
I am a big fan of road trips! Great itinerary! Lovely photos.
Thank you!
This itinerary looks incredible, thank you so much for sharing. My friend and I are looking to do this road trip in June. We are travelling from London, so are quite unsure of prices when out in the US. Did you have a particular budget you stuck to?
Hi Bella, we are planning a week trip to west coast from NC next month, Could you please provide itenerary to cover best places in vegas, grand canyon, California in a week ? We would be flying from to and fro, after reaching there we would rent a car for a week.
I recommend you spend 2 days in Las Vegas, one day in Grand Canyon and then head to Los Angeles because a week is not enough time to include San Francisco in your itinerary. For specific recommendations on this places, you can read my articles. I’ve written my best tips and advice for all of them. I would also recommend driving on Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Santa Barbara, at least.
https://www.whisperwanderlust.com/grand-canyon-24-spectacular-photos/
https://www.whisperwanderlust.com/must-do-first-visit-to-las-vegas/
https://www.whisperwanderlust.com/3-days-los-angeles-what-to-do-and-see/
https://www.whisperwanderlust.com/best-15-places-stop-along-pacific-coast-highway-americas-scenic-road/
Hi Bella,
I am flying into Vegas and spending 4 nights then want to do a 6 day road trip visiting Death Valley, onto San Francisco, Los Angeles and fly home from San Diego. Do you think this will give me time to visit the sights or should I leave something out.
Your trip seemed perfect, but I’m wondering if it is to much in 6 days.
Hi, Val and sorry for the late reply. I would say is enough to see most of the important sights, but it depends on what type of traveler you are. If I were you, I would only spend 2 nights in Las Vegas and have more time for Pacific Coast Highway instead, if possible. Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll have a great time 🙂
That is exactly what I was thinking. Thank you so much.
My husband is wanting to travel from sydney, Australia. We would be focusing on los angeles and surrounds and driving to las vegas and doing that area including a helicopter flight over grand canyon. We would have a 10 day time frame from arrival to departure. As you have done something similar. Would you think that this time frame would be too short for this sort of holiday.
thanks
Hi, how much did your trip cost you? Thanks
Thanks very much for such a detailed itinerary. We’re planning to do this in May.
If we decide to include Disneyland and Sea World into this itinerary, would we need to cut short some other attractions?
Hey, thank you for your itinerary. Do you have any recomendations ragarding where to eat at different areas?
Hellooooo!!!! We are planning a trip to the West Coast this August and I am so glad I stumbled upon your page! It’s two years later but Oh my god!! I WANT TO FOLLOW YOUR ROUTE!!! Hope you don’t mind 🙂
Sorry for the late reply, Misha! Of course, I don’t mind!!! On the contrary, I’m glad you found it useful, and I hope you had/will have an amazing time on the West Coast 😀
Hello Bella! Firstly, thanks for an amazing article, it’s really helpful and enjoyable to read. I’m planning similar trip with my friends and I wondering about accommodation. We want it to be as cheap as possible. How do you recommend to find it? What do you think about sleeping in a tent for some nights?