Why Choose This Itinerary?
If you have 3 weeks and want to explore all the most famous destinations on the West Coast, then this itinerary is for you. In fact, we have selected all the classic attractions of California, Arizona, and Utah, including both the must-see parks (the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, etc…) and the main cities (San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego). This is a winning combination that will result in an unforgettable road trip!
Travel Info
- Best period: Spring and Summer
- Duration: 20 days
- Distance to cover: About 1,990 miles
- Total driving hours: Approximately 32 hours
- Average daily driving time: About 90 minutes
- Start: San Francisco
- End: Los Angeles
How do you book this tour?
This is a “do-it-yourself” road trip, and you can plan it step-by-step by following all the directions and resources entered for each stop.
* Please Note: Some parts of this route are not accessible at certain times of the year due to weather conditions in certain seasons (Tioga Road is usually closed from November to April making it impossible to cross Yosemite in the winter). In such cases, we recommend modifying the route by including Morro Bay (via Big Sur) and Sequoia National Park (and from there return to Death Valley following the original route).
If you’re looking for a shorter “do-it-yourself trip”, you can check out our 2 Week National Park Road Trip, which is suitable for all seasons and passes through cities in California, national parks, Indian reservations, Route 66 and a ghost town.
Index
3 Weeks West Coast USA Road Trip: Map
Here is a list of the individual stops and tips and resources to make the most of them.
How to use this list?
Each place represents a stop on the trip. To better understand the order of the stops, see the list below. For every single destination, there are various links that refer to tips for organizing the visit, resources for booking various activities or hotels, and other recommendations. The overview of days and distances of the entire itinerary can be found under “Travel Calendar”. Have a great trip!
Travel Stops
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San Francisco
Stop in the most fascinating city in California. You will have a few days to visit it and you will soon realize that San Francisco is a city full of surprises and activities.
Our Tips:
- Things to do
- Where to stay
- Where to eat
- San Francisco passes: Which one to choose?
- San Francisco Guided Tours
- Day-Trips
Resources:
- Cheap hotels in San Francisco
- All the activities to do in the city
- All the articles on our website about San Francisco
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Yosemite National Park
The beautiful Yosemite National Park is characterized by imposing monoliths, vertical cliffs, and roaring waterfalls. We will explore it by entering from the west (Arch Rock Entrance) and exiting from the opposite end (Tioga Pass). It’s really worth exploring this natural wonder by driving through the park or perhaps by going on some hikes!
- Points of interest in Yosemite National Park
- Where to stay in Yosemite National Park
- Tours, excursions, and activities at Yosemite Park
- The page on our website dedicated to Yosemite
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Death Valley National Park
Visiting Death Valley’s arid and desert landscape that seems like another planet is a unique experience. There you will see ancient lakes that have evaporated in which there are reflections of iridescent rainbows, as well as undulating mountains with unusual shapes, stunning rock formations, and so much more.
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Las Vegas
Sin City, the city of gambling and unbridled excess. You should stop here at least for one day!
Tips:
- Attractions in Las Vegas
- Where to stay in Las Vegas
- Recommended hotels in town
- Luxury hotels
- Las Vegas City Passes
Excursions and tours:
Resources:
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Bryce Canyon National Park
An impressive natural amphitheater, with unique rocky pinnacles known as hoodoos, that offers breathtaking views.
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Antelope Canyon
The most famous slot canyon in the world. You can enter the winding canyon and see wonderful light effects. It is the ideal place to take unforgettable photos!
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Monument Valley
The three large red sand monoliths that stand out on the horizon have now become one of the most representative symbols of the American Far West. This wonderful valley is one of the must-see destinations for a Southwest road trip!
Tips:
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Grand Canyon
This is the largest and most famous canyon in the world. A vacation in the Southwest is not complete without visiting the Grand Canyon. Here are our tips to make the most of your visit!
Tips:
- How to visit the Grand Canyon in 1 day
- Where to find accommodations in the area
- Excursions and activities at the Grand Canyon
- The page on our website dedicated to the Grand Canyon
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Kingman
A strategic stop between the Grand Canyon and California, located right on the legendary Route 66, America’s most famous road.
Advice:
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Palm Springs
Palm Springs is an oasis in an unlikely place in the desert. It is dotted with palm trees and full of charm and it is the ideal base to visit the nearby Joshua Tree National Park (a 40-minute drive away).
Tips:
- Tips for visiting Joshua Tree National Park
- Tips for visiting Palm Springs
- Where to stay in Palm Springs
- All the activities to do in Palm Springs and in the surrounding area
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San Diego
Welcome to one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in all of California. There are beautiful beaches, charming parks, many events, and elegant neighborhoods … in short, it is a city where it is really hard to get bored!
Tips:
- Things to do in San Diego
- Where to stay in San Diego
- Cheap hotels in San Diego
- All the activities to do in San Diego
- San Diego Pass and Card: Free access to 45 activities or tours:
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Los Angeles
It is one of the great American cities and is known worldwide for Hollywood, beautiful beaches, and events. Below you’ll find some tips to make the most of the time spent in Los Angeles.
Tips:
- Things to do in Los Angeles
- Where to stay
- Where to eat
- Guided Tours
- Los Angeles Passes: The best passes to visit the city
Theme Parks:
Resources:
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Travel Calendar and Resources
- Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco
- Days 2-3: Visit San Francisco
- Day 4: San Francisco – Yosemite Park (Arch Rock Entrance) (3 1/2 hours)
- Day 5: Yosemite (Tioga Pass) – Death Valley (4 hours)
- Day 6: Death Valley – Las Vegas (2 hours 20)
- Days 7-8: Las Vegas – Bryce Canyon (4 hours)
- Day 9: Bryce Canyon – Antelope Canyon (2 1/2 hours)
- Day 10: Antelope Canyon – Monument Valley (2 hours)
- Day 11: Monument Valley – Grand Canyon (3 hours)
- Day 12: Grand Canyon – Kingman (2 hours 40)
- Day 13: Kingman – Palm Springs (3 hours 40)
- Day 14: Palm Springs – San Diego (2 hours)
- Days 15-16: San Diego
- Day 17: San Diego – Los Angeles (2 hours)
- Days 18-20: Visit Los Angeles
Recommended Accommodations
San Francisco
Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, this hotel allows you to experience life at the harbor firsthand and has charming nautical-style decor.
Yosemite Park
Double Eagle Resort & Spa, June Lake
Located in a strategic area, just 35 minutes from the Tioga Pass, you can have a comfortable stay here after crossing the park from West to East, just as it was outlined in the itinerary above. It is a mountain resort set in nature. While it is rustic, it offers guests all amenities, including a spa, a restaurant, a gym, and a conference center.
Death Valley
This is the most beautiful hotel in Death Valley. It is made of adobe and is built in a 1920’s retro style with palm trees, springs, gardens, and much more. The Inn has a truly unique atmosphere.
Las Vegas
There are some unique hotels in Las Vegas, but how about a magnificent structure where you can relive the splendor of the Republic of Venice? Here, in addition to providing all kinds of amenities, you will also find reconstructions of the most important monuments in Venice.
Bryce Canyon
A hotel with a Southwest atmosphere. Excellent for the proximity to the park (about 10 minutes), amenities (with many rooms with Jacuzzi attached), and the many Far West attractions nearby that can be kitsch but still fun.
Antelope Canyon
This hotel is the ideal choice for those who love to be in nature and want to stay at a hotel overlooking one of the most famous lakes in the Southwest. Guests will enjoy the view of the lake from their rooms or from the beautiful restaurant.
Monument Valley
Just like in the case of the Lake Powell Resort, it’s the view that makes all the difference. Have you always wanted to spend the night right in front of the famous red monoliths of Monument Valley? Then this is the hotel you’re looking for.
Grand Canyon
Another hotel where you can enjoy a unique panorama, in this case, that of the Grand Canyon. This lodge has rustic and elegant rooms and is the ideal place to stay in the area.
Kingman
Best Western Plus King’s Inn and Suites
Kingman is best known for being on Route 66 and, in fact, in this beautiful hotel, you will see many references to the legendary road in the main rooms.
Palm Springs
This resort is characterized by a refined interior design, a luxurious spa, and all the services and amenities you may need during  your stay in this quirky oasis.
San Diego
A lively hotel with a sea-inspired theme. Its design is inspired by the 1950s and contemporary influences. At the Pearl Hotel, there are 2 swimming pools, a restaurant, and many other amenities.
Los Angeles
A high-class hotel in Santa Monica. Some suites have ocean views: the best way to rest at the end of an on the road like this!
Recommended Activities
- Disneyland in Los Angeles
- Universal Studios in Los Angeles
- Grand Canyon helicopter tour
- SeaWorld San Diego
