what is the best way to travel out west

How To Plan A Trip Out West in 2024: Your Complete Guide

Oh, the wild west! Whether you want to road trip along the Kenai Peninsula, spot wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, or stroll through the vibrant Grand Canyon, there's much to explore. But with so much scattered around, is it possible to see it all? Let's break down the steps and start planning your next adventure out west.

From navigating the national parks and diving into history-rich museums to feeling the city buzz and dipping into the rugged coastline, you're spoilt for choice. Whether it's a peaceful retreat or an adrenaline-fueled vacation, there's no doubt you'll find it here. 

But with a hefty handful of things to do in the west, how can you squeeze it all in? Maybe you're heading out on a 7-day trip out west, or perhaps you're thinking about a 3-week road trip… This in-depth guide will take you through everything you need to know. Here's how to plan a trip out west! 

Step 1. Decide when you want to head out west 

How many days do you need for a road trip out west? The answer you're looking for depends highly on you. It's about your preferences, travel style, the attractions you want to see, and the activities you want to do. The best time of year to road trip out west can vary greatly depending on these factors. 

Planning a trip out west any time of the year can offer many pros and cons. Each season hosts unique experiences, like shredding on snowy slopes in winter or hiking in spring.  

The west is well-known for its sublime scenery, and an ideal time to explore is during the shoulder seasons. The springtime showcases a wealth of wildflowers as they surge across the snow-melted mountains. In contrast, the fall brings colorful foliage with a few raindrops. The low season offers backpackers more affordable prices on accommodation and flights too! 

The wintertime offers action-packed events and activities for both snow and sports lovers. If you're interested in skiing or snowboarding, now's the time to shine! Prices can soar around Christmas, so it's not ideal for budget travelers. 

The west's summertime boasts hot and dry weather, making it a stellar time for outdoor activities. Tourism is usually at its height this season, so it may not be ideal for those bound to a strict budget. 

Step 2. Create your ideal travel budget 

If you're planning a trip out west, you're probably left thinking, how much will this cost? Now's the time to construct your very own travel budget. It sounds simple and not so appealing, but it's a crucial step to get more bang for your buck. 

When creating your ideal budget, remember to factor in accommodation, transport, flights, rental car hire, food, etc. Every last detail counts! 

The standard daily budget for travelers out west can differ greatly, depending on your travel style. If you're looking to keep it low cost, stay just outside the popular tourist areas and find budget accommodation in advance. If you're planning to hire a car, remember the money for fuel and tollways!  

Traveling has become more affordable in recent years. You can make the most out of your adventures by using these comprehensive  budget travel tips .  

Step 3. Figure out the must-see destinations 

All right! The United States West is home to an inundating inventory of dazzling destinations. Whether you want to lay low in a coastal town or sweat it out in a national park, a lot goes on on this side of the country. If you're heading out on a road trip out west, here are some top destinations you could add to your itinerary: 

• Yosemite National Park 
• Museum of American West in Denver 
• San Francisco city 
• Rocky Mountain National Park 
• Jackson Hole 
• Getty Center in Los Angeles 
• Yellowstone National Park
• Space Needle in Seattle 
• Beaches in California 
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon 

Step 4. Establish your route  

How do you plan on getting around? Are you thinking about a 2-week road trip out west, or would you prefer a 5-day visit? Are you driving a car, campervan, or participating in a group trip? 

Whatever your preference is, there really is no right or wrong way to do it. Plan your route out west, and remember to calculate time, cost, and distance. 

Step 5. Figure out your accommodation 

Out west, there is a huge range of accommodation. Depending on your travel tastes, what you choose can vary greatly. When planning a trip out west, you'll encounter everything from budget hostels to luxury resorts. You can also choose between  Airbnb ,  Couchsurfing,  hostels , sharehouses, and hotels. 

Save yourself time by comparing different hotel options on websites like  Hotels.com . You can even sign up to score hotel deals alerts to save extra money.  

 Step 6. Research some activities and attractions 

Now's the time to ask yourself, what are some of the best things to do out west? Maybe you've seen a photo of a canyon you'd like to conquer, a beach you'd like to bathe on, or a desert spa that's calling your name… 

Whatever you're feeling, get it down on paper! Here are some activities to add to your itinerary out west: 

• Kayak through the Emerald Cove
• Hit the dunes of Las Vegas on an ATV tour
• See Palm Springs from above on the aerial tramway  
• Hike through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park on a day tour  
• Tour the Grand Canyon 
• Hit the heights of Temecula on a hot-air balloon ride   
• Go on a Napa and Sonoma Wine Country full-day tour  

Step 7. Get down to the nitty gritty  

Now that you know how to plan a trip out west, it's time to get down to business. Get your travel visa and documents organized, and make sure you've got travel insurance too. Being prepared in case things go wrong can bring you great peace of mind. If you need help figuring out what's right for you, take a peek at this insider's guide on the  best travel insurance for 2023 .

Step 8. Start packing  

Packing doesn't have to involve running around your room, frantically fumbling through drawers, throwing clothes everywhere, and screaming, "I can't find anything"… In fact, packing can be quite the opposite. All you need to do is stay organized and pack ahead of time. 

Scan over all the items in this  complete vacation packing list  to ensure you've all the necessities. Keep your clothing organized with  packing cubes  and utilize all the room you have. Heck, even stuff socks and underwear into your shoes! 

When planning a trip out west, there are going to be some long hours spent on the road. To help make your life easier and not break the bank, don't forget these travel essentials: 

• Universal Travel Adapter
• Power Bank  
• Water Bottle  
• Travel Wallet  
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones  
• Hiking Shoes  

Why visit the west? 

This part of the United States is home to some of the most unique landscapes on earth. With rolling hilltops, sandy deserts, vibrant cities, and a whole lot more, there is something to satisfy every type of traveler. 

Rural escapes, stunning scenery, crashing coastlines, and more! 

Now that you know how to plan a trip out west, it's time to take off your serious shoes and slip into something a little more comfortable. Pilot can help you plan the most epic trip, so what are you waiting for? Start the countdown now! 

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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The Perfect Road Trip Out West Itinerary (2024)

Want to know the perfect road trip out west itinerary? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!

The perfect road trip out west itinerary takes you to popular sites like Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park , Devil’s Tower , and more.

The beauty of this road trip is that you can start and end this itinerary at any point since it essentially makes a loop.

If you’re driving out from the midwest area, we have several road trip itineraries from Ohio to California and several road trip itineraries highlighting various cross country driving routes .

Planning A Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources Below!

??  Accommodations ??  Tours/Experiences ??  Flights ??  Car Rentals

Short On Time? Here’s A Day By Day Summary

• Drive from LA to Zion National Park
• Hike the Narrows at Zion + Drive the Scenic Byway to Bryce Canyon
• Hike Bryce Canyon + Drive the Scenic Byway to Capitol Reef
• Dinosaur National Monument
• Casper, Wyoming + Drive to the Black Hills
• Mt Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, + Other Black Hills Spots
• Badlands National Park + Deadwood
• Devils Tower + Little Bighorn
• Yellowstone National Park

Grand Teton National Park

• Craters of the Moon
• Shoshone Falls + Great Basin National Park + Las Vegas

The Perfect Road Trip Out West Itinerary

Since we live in Orange County, this itinerary starts in LA, but the first major stop is in Zion National Park.

You can watch this video on our YouTube Channel highlighting our drive from LA to Zion.

Day 1: Driving From Los Angeles To Zion National Park

You want to try get on the road by about 9 am to make the most of your day.

Depending on the time of year you’re taking the road trip, your daylight hours might differ greatly.

I recommend doing this road trip in the Summer, late Spring, or early Fall.

Breakfast From Paul’s Place

To save time, getting breakfast on the go is highly recommended.

Our favorite breakfast spot is Paul’s Place, which is a small chain in Southern California.

We love their bacon breakfast burrito and it’s the perfect size for 2 people to share.

Your car may be able to drive as far as Las Vegas before filling up, which is about a 4 hour drive without traffic.

However, if you need to make some stops along the way, there are only a couple places.

Stop For Gas + The Original Del Taco In Barstow

Barstow is about the half way point when driving to Vegas and it has the most options for food and gas.

The original Del Taco is here in Barstow and I highly recommend trying the Barstow Del Taco when you’re here.

This location in particular loads up their tacos way more than others, so you really get your money’s worth.

Stop At Eddie’s World For A Sweet Treat

Another option, if you can make a little further past Barstow is Eddie’s World.

It’s a large gas station that also has an ice cream shop and a huge convenience store with every type of novelty snack and drink possible.

It’s not a bad idea to get a few snacks here that you can enjoy at your camp sites throughout your trip.

Stop In Primm, Nevada

Primm is a little town you’ll come across when you cross the state line into Nevada.

There’s a couple casinos, a mall, and some fast food.

If you need to stop for anything, it’s your last stop before getting to Las Vegas.

Visit Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains is a cool art installation in the middle of desert outside of Las Vegas.

It’s just off the highway and free to visit.

Have Some Fun In Las Vegas

If you’ve never been to Las Vegas, the best way to see it is at the end of this road trip because that is where it circles back to.

On this day, you’ll just want to be out of the car for a couple hours to get some fresh air and walk around.

On this trip, we stopped at the Taco Bell Cantina because it was new at the time, but really any place in Vegas that interests you is fine to stop at.

Continue On To Utah

After leaving Las Vegas, you’ll continue on I-15 North toward Utah.

A short section of this highway actually dips into Arizona briefly and you’ll drive straight through some mountains.

Where To Stay: Hurricane KOA

Hurricane, Utah is a city just before you reach Zion National Park.

If you don’t plan in advance, the Zion campsites can be completely booked out for months in advance, so this is a great alternative that also has more amenities.

Also, if you’re doing this road trip in the Summer like we did, it could be 100+ degrees outside when you get here.

So what we did was park our car at our campsite and hang out in the pool until the sun started to set and the weather cooled off.

Our favorite part of this trip was cooking at our campsite each night.

We didn’t want to deal with having to keep anything on ice or refrigerated, so we went with super basic pre-packaged foods.

I don’t recommend this as a long term diet, but on a trip like this, it’s good enough.

We cooked the Knorr Rice and Pasta Sides a few times on this trip and enjoyed a few bottles of wine while we went.

Day 2: Hike The Narrows At Zion National Park + Drive The Scenic Byway To Bryce Canyon National Park

The drive from the Hurricane KOA to Zion National Park is about 30 minutes .

With visiting Zion in the Summer , you want to arrive early, before 9 am because the parking lot can fill up and there can be long lines to get into the park.

From there, you’ll have to take a shuttle to The Narrows.

If you don’t already have hiking sticks , you’ll want to get off the shuttle at the lodge to buy one for each person.

I can pretty much guarantee you will fall at least once, if not way more if you don’t have a walking stick for balance.

There are a lot of uneven rocks and sometimes with the glare of the sun on the water you can’t really see where you’re stepping.

Some other things you’ll want to bring with you on this hike are an extra pair of socks and shoes, plenty of water, and food or snacks.

To get an idea of how to hike the narrows, you can check out this video on our YouTube Channel of our experience.

Prepare For Hiking The Narrows At Zion National Park

We didn’t have a set distance that we wanted to hike, we just brought 5 water bottles, chips, and a tuna salad and crackers kit for lunch if we stayed long enough to be hungry.

This worked out perfectly because once we reached the farthest point we wanted to walk we took a break and had lunch before heading back.

You don’t really need the special socks and shoes that are recommended on a lot of blogs.

But if you can afford them, then I say go for it.

Our shoes and socks dried out easily.

Once we finished the hike we changed into sandals.

It wasn’t as hot as we thought it would be even though it was over 100 degrees outside.

The water was nice and cold and we never had any direct sunlight on us because of how high the rocks are on both sides.

It can be a little strenuous walking against the current, which is what made us thirsty more than anything else.

Wear compression shorts or anything to keep your thighs from rubbing together because you spend most of the day in water and you’ll get a huge rash if you don’t.

When we went there was a deadly bacteria or something in the water so there were many signs saying not to swim in it, not to put your head in the water, and not to let it get into your eyes, nose, or ears.

This was fairly easy to do, though sometimes a little bit of water did splash up.

So when you go, make sure you’re aware of any advisories.

Lastly, this hike can only be done seasonally, so check before you plan your trip because it’s pretty much inaccessible in the winter. 

Hike The Narrows At Zion National Park

We got there around 9:30 am and it was about a 20-30 minute walk to the river.

Once in the water, our hike officially started around 10 am and we didn’t make it back out until about 1:30 pm.

You can see in the photos how high up the water got in some spots.

It went above my belly button and almost up to my ribs.

It took a little bit of getting used to at first, but after that it was fun to see how deep the water would get each time.

Drive The Scenic Byway From Zion To Bryce Canyon

The Scenic Byway from Zion to Bryce Canyon is a 122 mile long state route.

It winds through a beautiful area that connects Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park and beyond.

Stop For Lunch At Thunderbird Restaurant In Orderville/Mt. Carmel

Thunderbird Restaurant is the “Home of the Ho-Made Pies”.

The backstory of this is that back around WWII they were creating this sign and didn’t have enough space to write out “homemade” so they shortened it to “ho-made”,.

When you say it out loud it kind of sounds the same, especially depending on the accent, so it was a reasonable compromise for them.

It wasn’t until recent years that the sign started getting a lot of attention, so they decided to just go with it.

It’s a very cute old-school kind of restaurant and there was so much on the menu that it took awhile to decide what we would do.

We decided to share an appetizer, entree, and dessert, which even still ended up being too much food and we ended up not even cooking dinner at our campsite that night because we were too full.

I highly recommend the Cowboy Corn Bites as an appetizer, though they’re a little bit spicy.

For dinner, a big plate of Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is amazing after a long day hiking.

Lastly, you deserve a dessert after a long strenuous day, so I recommend one of their “ho-made pies”.

Our favorite is the Hot Apple Pie with Buttered Rum Sauce.

Where To Stay: Panguitch KOA

The closest KOA campground to Bryce Canyon National Park is the Panguitch KOA.

It backs up to a field, so it’s in a nice, quiet area.

They have all the same amenities as the Hurricane KOA, but it was definitely full of more families than the other one.

We set up this nice campsite under a tree and played card games in the tent all evening while resting up from our hike.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef National Parks

The drive into Bryce Canyon from Panguitch KOA is about 30 minutes and it becomes increasingly scenic as you go.

Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef are also close enough where you can see both in the same day.

You can see our full itinerary from this day in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Hiking At Bryce Canyon National Park

Plan to arrive between 8 am and 9 am so that you get a parking spot before it fills up and you can do your hike before the hottest part of the day.

Park at Sunset Point because this is where your hike will end and walk along the rim over to Sunrise Point.

You can also do this trail in reverse.

Queen’s Garden Trail

Once you reach Sunrise Point, take Queen’s Garden Trail down into the canyon.

Navajo Loop Trail

Eventually the Queen’s Garden Trail will intersect the Navajo Loop Trail and you’ll take that trail the rest of the way out of the canyon.

As you make your way back up to the top of the canyon, you’ll come across Thor’s Hammer.

Take A Lunch Break

If it’s after noon, you can eat at the lodge.

If it’s before noon, you can eat a picnic lunch.

We had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and some snacks before moving on to the next place.

Continue On The Highway 12 Scenic Byway To Capitol Reef

Just like how we took the Scenic Byway from Zion to Bryce Canyon, we also continued on this road from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef.

This stretch of the drive is a little less than 3 hours.

Capitol Reef National Park

We arrived at Capitol Reef around 2:30 pm and stopped at the visitor’s center for maps and a souvenir.

This park in particular has virtually no cell service anywhere, except for a little bit at the visitor’s center.

Take “Scenic Drive” Through Capitol Reef

This is an 8 mile loop road through Capitol Reef.

It took us about 30 minutes, but no other cars were on the road when we were there, so it may take longer if there are more visitors.

Where To Stay: Fruita Campground At Capitol Reef

Fruita Campground is right in the middle of Capitol Reef National Park.

If you’re visiting between March 1st and October 31st you can make a reservation in advance for only $20.

There’s no electric or water at the site like KOA campsites tend to have, but there is a shower house and sinks.

We made dinner early since we had a small lunch and decided to make tuna and noodles.

This was a perfect camping meal because none of the ingredients need to be refrigerated and it can all be cooked in one pot.

All you need is egg noodles (half a bag), a can of cream of celery, and a can or bag of tuna.

You just have to boil water and cook the egg noodles until they’re as soft as you want them.

Then drain the water and add in the cream of celery and tuna.

Mix it all together and add as much salt and pepper as you need and that’s it!

Petroglyphs At Capitol Reef National Park

This is about a quarter mile boardwalk trail along the side of some rocks where some ancient petroglyphs still remain.

Depending on where the sun is shining, you’ll be able to see some petroglyphs easier than others.

Hickman Bridge Trail

You want to do this trail before the sun sets, because it sets perfectly through the Hickman Bridge.

You also don’t want to be on the trail too late after this because there could be some danger with the wildlife.

See The Deer In The Apple Orchards

After about 8 pm in the summer time, the deer will be all over.

Don’t approach them or bother them, but you can watch from a distance.

You will probably even see them from your own campsite.

Day 4: Dinosaur National Monument + Flaming Gorge Dam

You’ll want to have your campsite packed up and be ready to go by about 9 am to get to Gifford House before they sell out of their famous home made pies and cinnamon rolls.

Gifford House

Gifford House sells out of their homemade treats every single day.

You always want to do this first thing in the morning because if you wait until the afternoon there will be nothing left.

For breakfast we shared a homemade cinnamon roll and then got an apple pie to take for later.

Just after 9 am we were on the road.

We stopped at a gas station at the first town we came across so we could have a minute to check our messages and emails since we didn’t have phone service for close to 24 hours.

Even though our families knew our itinerary and what we were doing, they were still concerned when we were unable to be reached for so long.

We also got some more ice to keep our water cold and filled up the gas tank so we wouldn’t have to stop again on our drive.

Drive To Dinosaur National Monument

It took us about 4 1/2 hours to get to Dinosaur National Monument.

We had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches again for lunch while we were driving and shared a protein bar.

JP just can’t get by without fast food though, so we eventually went through a Burger King drive thru when we passed through a town.

Be sure to set your GPS to the right place, because originally our map told us it would be a 6 hour drive because it was taking us deep into the park, but the visitor center we were actually going to was only a 4 1/2 hour drive.

We ended up arriving at Dinosaur National Monument at 2 pm.

While we waited for our boarding time, we roamed the visitor center and picked out our souvenir ornament.

Quarry Hall Exhibit At Dinosaur National Monument

The main purpose of visiting Dinosaur National Monument is to visit the Quarry Hall Exhibit, which requires a 5 minute or so tram ride from the visitor center.

The Quarry Hall is really cool because it is built around where a ton of dinosaur fossils were found.

They didn’t full excavate the area, so all of the fossils are in the exact same spot they were originally found.

Once we got to the Quarry, we were able to explore it for as long as we wanted.

The trams run continuously all day, so you can spend 5 minutes or 2 hours if you want.

We ended up spending about 45 minutes looking at all of the fossils and we were back out on the road by 3:30 pm.

You can see our full experience at Dinosaur National Monument in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Flaming Gorge Dam National Recreation Area

Since we were only a few hours away from our campsite for the night, we decided to take a short detour to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.

Their website said the visitor center would be open, but when we got there it was closed.

There was still an area to get out and look around, so it definitely wasn’t a wasted trip.

It took about an hour to get there.

We ended up staying in the area for about 30 minutes and also stopped to make some phone calls before getting back out on the road.

Drive To Wyoming

About 45 minutes into the last portion of our drive we finally crossed the state line into Wyoming for the first time!

Neither of us had ever been.

Wyoming looked as we expected.

At least this portion of it.

Where To Stay: Lyman KOA

I think it was only about an hour or so until we made it to the Lyman KOA.

There was hardly anything around it and there were only a couple other tent campers.

Everyone else had RV’s, but it was still mostly empty.

We got an awesome spot all the way in the back away from everybody.

The wind was blocked too which made it much easier to set up the tent and not worry about any noises outside overnight.

We were still kind of full from stopping at Burger King in the afternoon, so for dinner we shared one Ramen packet and shared the pie we got from the Gifford House.

It was only about 7 pm when we got to the campsite, so we also charged our laptops and phones before going to bed and we took some time to get some work done.

Day 5: Casper, Wyoming + Mammoth Site

Today is a 500 mile drive, taking about 7-8 hours depending on how long you stop along the way and how many times you stop along the way.

You can see this day’s sites in this video on our YouTube Channel .

Lunch In Casper, Wyoming At Johnny J’s Diner

Johnny J’s Diner was the CUTEST retro diner. It was completely decked out and had lots of great menu options. 

There are dozens of burger options on this menu and I prefer the more traditional toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and ketchup, so this burger is more on the plain side.

But they have nearly limitless burger topping options all named after icons of the 50s and 60s.

They also had a burrito special the day we were there, so JP was in heaven.

It was huge and we didn’t finish everything, but we still took a dessert to go because we couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a diner dessert.

Continue Driving To South Dakota

As we drove into South Dakota, it began to storm and at one point we were able to see both ends of a rainbow.

The Mammoth Site

We were there for the last couple hours that it was open and only a couple other families were there.

It started with a video about how the mammoth site formed and then opens up into the dig site.

Basically that site was a sinkhole that the mammoths couldn’t tell was a sinkhole until they got stuck and by then it was too late.

Because of this, there is a large concentration of fossils in a small area and the mammoth site building is just built all around it, just like with the Dinosaur Monument we visited yesterday.

It is still an active dig site today and visitors can join in on special tours, which I highly recommend.

We arrived too late to do it, but I’m sure it’s awesome.

Where To Stay: Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA

After visiting the Mammoth Site, we finally drove to our campsite for the night which was at the Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA.

It was a pretty big KOA compared to most that we’ve stayed at, but it was very woodsy and cozy. 

We didn’t cook a dinner at this site since our lunch was on the later side, but they had a quick service window for meals and we got a little bit of pizza before going to bed.

Day 6: The Black Hills – Wind Cave + Custer State Park + Needles Highway + Mt. Rushmore + Crazy Horse

Today is one of the best days of the entire road trip because there are so many cool things to do in such a small area.

You can see every place we went this day in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Wind Cave National Park

I recommend leaving the campground around 8 am to start your day to make sure you fit everything in.

We drove through the cutest old downtown district as we passed through Hot Springs, South Dakota.

It only took about 20 minutes to get to Wind Cave from the campground.

We saw lots of little prairie dogs on the side of the road on our way and they are the cutest!

They’re so hard to get good photos of though while moving because they are so little.

To go into the cave, you have to go on a guided tour.

I recommend the Garden Of Eden Tour if you have smaller kids or older adults in your group because it’s the less strenuous tour.

It’s a 1 hour tour that goes about a quarter mile into the cave.

For all other visitors, I recommend the Natural Entrance Tour.

This tour is about an hour and 15 minutes, goes about 2/3 of a mile into the cave and takes you to see the natural entrance to the cave pictured above.

Whichever tour you choose, you’ll want to book it in advance because they do sell out.

Custer State Park

After we left Wind Cave National Park, we made our way toward Custer State Park.

It was about a 15 or 20 minute drive and we saw LOTS of bison along the way.

They weren’t too active in this area but this was our first real bison sighting so we were excited.

Since this is a State Park and not a National Park there was a fee of $15 to get a vehicle pass for the day. 

Custer State Park has a great scenic loop that takes about 45 minutes or so to drive through.

But you can always take as much time as you want.

It wasn’t too crowded when we went, but on a normal Summer day there is probably more traffic.

It was about 9:30 am when we arrived and probably became busier throughout the day.

Needles Highway

After the scenic drive, we made our way to Needles Highway.

We had heard SO many good things about this drive which still didn’t prepare us for how amazing it was!

It is part of Custer State Park, so even if you don’t do the scenic loop, you’ll still need the park pass for Needles Highway.

The YouTube video above at the beginning of today’s itinerary has some great video footage of the drive through Needles Highway.

We started the Needles Highway drive at around 10:30 am and we drove it toward Crazy Horse Memorial first.

It took almost exactly an hour.

It was a little slow at some points because there were a lot of bikers.

We happened to be there the weekend before Sturgis.

Also the narrow tunnels get backed up, but we never had to stop for too long.

Overall it was an amazing drive and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Crazy Horse Memorial

By 11:30 am we had arrived at Crazy Horse Memorial. 

They have a Native American museum with tons of artifacts and a great gift shop when you first enter.

Outside they have a small outdoor theater where they have some performances from local Sioux Indians.

Admission here is $12 per person.

You can also take home a rock from the Crazy Horse Memorial for free on your way out.

Where To Eat Lunch: Crazy Horse Restaurant

I recommend sharing an Indian Taco and the “official” dessert of South Dakota called “kuchen”.

It’s a German pastry with a custard filling.

We had such a pleasantly surprising lunch here and I HIGHLY recommend it.

Iron Mountain Road

We didn’t leave Crazy Horse until about 1:15 pm, so we were there for almost 2 hours.

Our next stop was driving back into Custer State Park to take Iron Mountain Road to Mt Rushmore.

It’s another scenic drive in the same area, but what is cool about this one is that when you pass through one of the tunnels, you can see Mt Rushmore perfectly framed through the other side.

This drive also had parts of the road where it split into narrow one way winding roads which was super fun too.

I forgot to mention earlier that on Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road that the tunnels are so narrow that any sort of oversized vehicle or RV cannot drive these roads.

We were driving a Ford Escape and it BARELY fit through some of these tunnels.

Mount Rushmore

We finally arrived at Mt Rushmore around 2:30 pm, so this drive took us about an hour and 15 minutes.

A side note about Mt Rushmore – even if you have the National Park pass, you are required to pay $10 for parking.

BUT the good news is that the parking pass is good for an entire year.

So you can go in an out of the lot without having to pay for parking again. 

Mt Rushmore was super exciting to visit.

It was pretty crowded, but I think part of it was because the main walkway in was under construction so half of it was blocked off.

They have a nice museum, theater, cafeteria, and gift shop, so you could spend quite a bit of time here if you wanted.

Here in the gallery they show some of the models that were used to build Mt Rushmore.

The theater had a nice short video about how it came to be and how it was built.

It runs continuously so you can check it out any time during your visit.

We stayed for about an hour and 45 minutes, leaving at 4:15 pm.

Grab A Bite Of Thomas Jefferson’s Original Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

We noticed that a ton of people were eating ice cream and we have a really hard time saying no to novelty treats.

Once we found out they were serving Thomas Jefferson’s original vanilla ice cream recipe we just had to get it!

They also had cool wines for each of the presidents represented at Mt Rushmore.

We were tempted to get each one, but we decided to save a little money and just buy one wine that sounded like it would taste the best.

Where To Stay: Mt. Rushmore KOA At Palmer Gulch

This was one of the biggest KOA resorts we have ever stayed at and it’s only about a 15 minute drive from Mt. Rushmore.

Most of the KOAs we visit are pretty small and aren’t really resorts.

They just have the basic amenities.

But this place had to have had hundreds of RVs there.

It has a waterpark and mini golf and restaurants.

It’s not really our “scene” but it was super convenient and we got a pretty good spot.

We arrived at the KOA around 4:30 pm and we were completely set up and ready to go by 5:30 pm.

Since we didn’t need to leave to head back to Mt Rushmore until about 7:45 pm, we decided to have a glass of wine and play UNO while we waited.

We also charged up our phones and laptops, checked emails, and checked in with family.

JP also knew he would be hungry by the end of the night so he fixed himself some Ramen noodles on our little Coleman stove.

Evening Lighting Ceremony At Mt. Rushmore

I recommend arriving about 45 minutes to an hour early for the lighting ceremony to make sure you get a spot.

It is at different times depending on when sunset is and we were just on the cusp of it moving to an earlier time.

It started at 9 pm for the Summer months, then moved up to 8 pm for the Fall.

The ceremony lasts for about 45 minutes and when it’s over the exhibits are closed for the night.

We were back at our campsite around 10:30 pm that night, so it was the latest night of the trip so far.

Day 7: Badlands National Park + Deadwood

Today has a little bit more driving than yesterday, but you still get to see a ton of places in a somewhat close proximity.

You can see our experience at Badlands and Deadwood in this video on our YouTube Channel .

Badlands National Park

We left our campsite around 8:30 am and arrived at Badlands National Park around 10:15 am.

There are a couple different options when driving to Badlands and we opted to take the southern route and end with Notch trail, then take the main highway on the north side back out as opposed to the reverse route.

Either way is fine, there were plenty of cars doing both.

We started by taking Sage Creek Road in, which is a scenic route with lots of wildlife.

This eventually merges with Badlands Loop Road which leads to the visitor center, and eventually Notch Trail.

We saw lots of prairie dogs again and they were super active!

We got lots of pictures and videos of them playing around.

There was a little bit of traffic toward the end of the scenic drive because of construction, but it didn’t really slow us down too much.

The drive was only about 30 minutes.

We stopped at the visitor center before going out to Notch Trail. 

Notch Trail

I’m not sure exactly how long this stop took, but I know we didn’t make it to Notch Trail until about noon.

By then there were a good amount of people there, but the parking lot still had plenty of space.

Going out to the trail we didn’t really come across too many people and the ladder was empty, but when we headed back down there was a bit of a wait. 

A note about this trail – it is much easier going up the ladder than going down.

The notches on the ladder are pretty spaced out, so anyone short like me will have a little bit of a harder time getting up and down the ladder just because you’ll have to reach pretty far sometimes.

Kids were able to do it though, so it’s not impossible.

To get to this part of the trail does not take long at all.

It’s less than 5 minutes each way and we spent about 5-10 minutes up at the top, so this can be a quick stop if you’d like.

There were a lot of people walking further once they got up top, but we picked this trail specifically because of its iconic ladder and didn’t feel the need to explore further.

We also had plenty of other places to get to that day, so we didn’t want to spend all day on this trail.

We left Notch Trail at around 12:20 pm and started our drive to our next destination.

If you haven’t heard of Wall Drug, don’t worry.

We hadn’t until we were planning our trip.

You will see billboards all over for this place when you’re in the area.

It started as a road side convenience store.

They became a popular stop by offering free ice water to travelers that stopped in.

Since then it was expanded to a whole district of shops and dining.

It was very busy when we stopped in, so we didn’t stay long and explore.

We stopped for lunch though and had a yummy roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy.

They are also well known for their 5 cent coffee.

Wall Drug was only about a 30 minute drive from the Notch Trail.

We arrived around 1 pm and were back out on the road around 1:30 pm.

Our next stop is Deadwood.

It’s a famous old western town and it’s where we originally planned to have lunch, which is why we just shared a small meal in Wall Drug.

We got there around 3 pm, so it was about an hour and a half drive.

Again, this was the weekend before Sturgis so it was PACKED with bikers.

Every inch of the main street had parked bikes and it was so busy.

Where To Eat Lunch: Deadwood Social Club

There were lots of cool restaurants to choose from and we decided on the Deadwood Social Club.

The saloon downstairs opened in 1876.

It is famous for being the site where Wild Bill Hickok was assassinated during a game of poker in August of that year.

We started with a soup, salad, and bruschetta.

The bruschetta was kind of weird, but everything else was good.

For entrees, we shared a steak with country sides like potato salad and watermelon and buffalo ravioli.

There were issues in the kitchen and staffing the day we visited so we were given a complimentary cookies and cream cheesecake for dessert.

Where To Stay: Devil’s Tower/Black Hills KOA

We were back out on the road at 5 pm and our last stop of the day was Devil’s Tower.

We camped at the KOA at the foot of the monument and it was awesome!

This was easily one of my favorite camping sites and tourist attractions on the whole trip!

The KOA wasn’t too big or crowded.

There was a pretty good sized Trading Post across the street and there was nothing else in the area.

We made it to the KOA shortly after 6 pm, so it was barely an hour’s drive from Deadwood which was nice.

We got THE BEST camp site in the whole KOA because our tent had an unobstructed view of Devil’s Tower.

Every other site had trees in the way.

Our KOA was having a movie night, which I assume they do every night and it is probably always the same movie – Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Day 8: Devil’s Tower + Little Bighorn + Beartooth Pass

Since our KOA was right at the foot of Devil’s Tower, we didn’t have to drive far to start our day.

We took down our campsite and had everything packed and ready to go at 8 am. 

You can see our full experience from this day in this video on our YouTube Channel .

Devil’s Tower

When visiting Devil’s Tower, you just take a loop trail around the base.

You can start in either direction, but we chose to go left.

I think by going to the right you don’t have to go uphill as much.

It took us about 45 minutes to do the entire loop.

But we stopped for lots of pictures and to read various plaques.

During our hike we saw a few deer, including some babies.

It was nice and cool this early in the morning and the trail was very shaded.

We also had our coffee and tea that we made at our campsite before leaving.

There were also a few rock climbers which was cool.

This was the only place we visited on our road trip where they had us verify our National Park Pass with an ID and they checked for the signature on the pass.

Trading Post

Right outside of Devil’s Tower is the Trading Post.

It’s a great place for souvenirs and ice cream.

Continue Driving To Montana

After this short stop, we were on the road by 10:15 am.

About 30 minutes later we finally crossed the state line into Montana.

Little Bighorn Battlefield

The next stop is the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

We didn’t stay for more than 30 minutes, but we saw the main highlights.

It was a good bathroom stop and a good chance to get out of the car for a bit and get some fresh air.

Where To Eat Lunch: Taco John’s

If you’ve never been here before, it’s a regional chain in a handful of places around the US.

It’s fast food, so you can eat it in the car as you continue your road trip or stop and eat in the restaurant to get out of the car for a bit.

My favorite thing on the menu is easily the Potato Oles.

I could probably eat a hundred of them.

We ended up sharing a Boss Burrito, Quesadilla Taco, and a Crispy Taco.

At this point in the day it was about 2:30 pm when we stopped to eat.

From here, we continued on to Red Lodge, Montana where we stopped for gas, more ice for our cooler, and a bathroom break.

It’s about 2 hours from where Taco John’s was located near Little Bighorn Battlefield.

Beartooth Pass Highway

We started back out on the road at 4:30 pm and didn’t make it to the Yellowstone National Park entrance until 6:30 pm.

So this part of the drive takes about 2 hours.

The drive is SO scenic, but also very windy and steep.

The altitude change is thousands of feet and you go all the way up into an Alpine climate which is one of my favorites.

This drive is amazing and is a must-do!

Make sure you check the weather and go during the Summer because any sign of snowfall will make this drive impossible.

Yellowstone National Park + Hot Springs

Shortly after making it to the Yellowstone National Park entrance at 6:30 pm, we were stuck in a very long traffic jam caused by bison.

We were in a hurry to get to our campsite before dark, so we were not thrilled about it, but we got some really cool footage of the bison. 

As we made our way into the park, we drove to the Hot Springs.

It was about 8 pm by the time we reached this part of Yellowstone.

Where To Stay: Yellowstone Park/West Gate KOA

By 9 pm we were finally on our way to our KOA.

The sunset was nice and we still ended up having to put our tent up in the dark, but we were able to use our headlights and a lantern to help.

This KOA was pretty big and had tons of extra amenities.

We prefer smaller, quieter places but this was the most convenient KOA to Yellowstone, so it was worth it. 

We stayed in this KOA for 2 nights, which is the only time we stayed in the same place for more than 1 night the entire trip.

Road Trip Out West Itinerary Day 9: Yellowstone National Park

 Today the highlights of visiting Yellowstone National Park include Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Old Faithful.

Be forewarned, Yellowstone is very busy everywhere you go.

It takes a long time to get from point a to point b and the parking lots are pretty much always going to be full and you may need to park on the side of the road and walk to your destination.

You can check out our full Yellowstone experience in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

There was quite a line to get into the park, which we knew would happen.

Our first stop was Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

We decided to go here first because it was the furthest point and we could work our way back from there.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone has a North Rim Drive and a South Rim Drive.

We did the North Rim Drive with the intention of doing both, but decided to move on to our next stop instead of also completing the South Rim Drive.

This drive was nice because there were several places to stop along the way where there was actually parking and you just have to walk out to the lookout.

It didn’t require any hiking which makes it a very accessible area.

I think we stopped at 3 different spots along the way.

It took us about 30 minutes total to do the whole drive.

Grand Prismatic Spring

At 10:30 am we were on our way to Grand Prismatic Spring.

We arrived just before 11:30 am and noticed there was no parking up ahead.

All of the cars were just parking on the side of the road.

We drove until we saw an empty spot and took about a 10 minute walk on the side of the road until we reached the actual Grand Prismatic Spring parking lot.

The traffic in this area was crazy because of this and I’m so glad I was not the one driving.

This place was super awesome though.

I didn’t know that there would be other springs there.

The Blue Spring was so pretty and I swear had every shade of blue humanly possible.

We didn’t get back to our car until about 12:15 pm.

Where To Eat Lunch: Lodge At Old Faithful

This is the perfect place to get lunch or eat a picnic lunch.

You can sit outside while you wait for the next time the Old Faithful Geyser erupts.

Old Faithful Geyser

When you get here, there will be a ranger that will tell you the next predicted time that Old Faithful will erupt.

For us, just after 1:30 pm Old Faithful started to erupt and it was really cool to watch.

It was kinda funny that once it started to die down everyone just left.

They didn’t even wait for it to stop completely, they just left after it peaked.

We decided to wait it out for awhile after, but be forewarned, the traffic to get out of here after an eruption is horrendous.

It took us over 30 minutes to get out of the parking lot.

Once again, we stayed at the same KOA.

There was so much traffic this day that we decided to go back to the KOA early because we had seen all the highlights.

It took us almost 3 hours to get back to the campground with the traffic.

Around 5:30 pm we started cooking dinner on our one burner stove and we played card games until it got dark.

Another great one pot non-perishable dinner to take on a road trip is Velveeta shells and cheese.

The KOA had a small gift shop that had cookies, so we picked up some for dessert.

We went to bed early because we decided to get up early and try to see a bear in Yellowstone before moving on to our next destination.

Day 10: Grand Teton National Park

Today, get up early to try to see some bears if you didn’t see any yesterday.

Some of the most common places to see bears are in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.

Lamar Valley was the area we drove into from the Beartooth Pass Highway, so I recommend driving to Hayden Valley instead.

Sunrise at Yellowstone National Park

We spent 6 am – 8 am looking for bears in Hayden Valley and never saw any.

But we did get to enjoy a peaceful and beautiful sunrise.

A tip for looking for bears or enjoying the sunrise is to go where you see other people.

You can see our full experience at Grand Teton National Park in this video on our YouTube Channel.

We made it to the entrance of Grand Teton National Park at exactly 8:30 am.

We needed to stop for a bathroom break so we pulled in to the first visitor center area we found which was Colter Bay.

Cell service is pretty spotty and non-existent in some areas, so I recommend picking up a park map here to help you navigate if needed.

We were also able to stop by the marina and get a nice view of the lake.

There is a restaurant here where you can get a quick breakfast like croissant sandwiches and breakfast burritos.

After breakfast, we started driving around 9:45 am, arrived at the lookout just before 10:15 am, and we were back out on the road by 10:30 am.

I’m not certain what the lookout trail was called but it was on the way to Jenny Lake from Colter Bay and went along a lake.

Jenny Lake was our next stop and we arrived around 11 am.

The parking lot was pretty full, so it may take some time to find parking.

We used this time to lather up our sunscreen, grab our hats and sunglasses, and stock up on water and snacks.

From there, follow the crowd to the marina to get tickets for the boat across Jenny Lake.

The boat runs back and forth across Jenny Lake continuously and goes from the marina to the Inspiration Point hike.

A boat leaves about every 15 minutes or so.

Shuttle tickets are $18 round trip for adults and it saves you a 2 mile walk each way, so I highly recommend it.

The breeze on the water is great and it’s a short trip across the lake.

A fun fact we learned there was that you can’t even see the Grand Teton peak from the most popular park view points.

Though it is taller, it is farther back, so it is blocked by the peaks that are closer to the main areas of the park.

Once you start driving farther South in the park you can actually see it though.

Hidden Falls Hike

We were on the boat by 11:15 am and off by 11:30 am.

The first part of the hike is to Hidden Falls.

It’s about a half mile each way, but if you continue, the trail will lead you to Inspiration Point which is about a mile each way.

I’ve heard from so many others that it is worth it to go all the way up to Inspiration Point.

The trail up to Hidden Falls is scenic enough (and uphill enough) if you can’t make the walk all the way up to Inspiration Point.

We started the Hidden Falls hike at 11:30 am and finished just after noon.

There was a bit of a line to take the boat back, so we had to wait for a couple boats, but we were back at the boat dock at 12:30 pm.

It took us about 45 minutes to get to Mormon Row after we got off the boat from Jenny Lake.

When we got there only a couple cars were there and they were leaving.

By the time we left, a handful of cars were there and more were coming.

It seems like we got there at the perfect time.

Where To Stay: Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA

By the time we were finished at Mormon Row it was about 1:30 pm.

It took about an hour to get to the Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA we were staying at and this was by far one of my favorites we’ve ever stayed at.

Our campsite was right on the corner where a creek flows into the Snake River and we were able to hear the water all night.

It was so secluded and scenic.

I highly recommend this place.

We had a couple hours to kill before heading to dinner so we set up our tent, had a glass of wine by the river and decided to shower and dress up a little more for dinner.

Where To Eat Dinner: Bar T5 Chuckwagon Dinner

I highly recommend this one whether you’re just going as a couple or a family.

This experience is $49 per person.

They do 2 dinners a night and we chose the later one just because we weren’t sure how much time we would need at Grand Teton.

They had a 4:45 pm and a 6:00 pm check in option in the Summer.

The experience lasts for about 3 hours from check in time to the time the wagon returns to check in.

To start the Bar T5 Chuckwagon Dinner, there were a row of benches near the check in where they shared the back story of the Jackson Hole area and the people who started and maintained the Bar T5 Chuckwagon Dinner.

After hearing the back story, they explained how the rest of the night was going to go and then we all got into our chuckwagons.

Once we made it up to our dinner spot, we were all seated at our own picnic tables.

Dinner is buffet style.

There was salad with ranch dressing, secret recipe baked beans, slow roasted bbq chicken, roast beef smothered in homemade gravy, corn on the rob, a dinner roll, and for dessert a blondie.

For drinks you can choose from lemonade, water, coffee, and hot chocolate.

At the gift shop before hopping on the chuckwagon, you can get a cold sarsaparilla to have with your dinner if you prefer a different drink.

Once everyone was settled with their meals, the show started.

After dinner we rode the chuckwagons back to the parking lot.

We got back just after 9 pm.

It was completely dark by the time we were done.

We made it back to our KOA around 9:45 pm and went straight to bed.

Day 11: White Water Rafting + Craters Of The Moon

When we booked our KOA in Jackson Hole we were told that if we wanted to book it more than 2 weeks in advance we had to also book white water rafting.

We had time in our trip and had never been before, so we thought why not!

We were picked up from the KOA around 8:30 am and we were out at the river around 9 am.

You can see our full experience from this day in this video on our YouTube Channel.

White Water Rafting On The Snake River

We spent about 2 hours on the river and we were mostly in the sun which felt great, but the water was still pretty cold and my fingers and toes were numb majority of the time.

They had a couple professional photography businesses take photos since we had no way of taking them, but the photos were crazy expensive (as to be expected), so we just downloaded them with the watermarks.

After we were done rafting, we had maybe a quarter or half mile uphill walk back to the busses.

By about 11:30 am we were dropped back off at the KOA.

Drive To Idaho

From here, we stopped in Jackson Hole for lunch and to top off our gas.

Around 1:30 pm is when we crossed the state line into Idaho.

Idaho Falls is a great spot to stop for gas again and to get another snack if you’re still hungry.

From here, we continued on to Craters of the Moon.

Overall, from Jackson Hole to Craters of the Moon is a little over a 3 hour drive.

Craters Of The Moon

This place was so cool and is so under-rated.

It was about 5:45 pm by the time we arrived, so this itinerary is best done in the Summer when the sun sets much later.

The best way to see the whole park is to take the scenic loop drive.

Along the loop are several pull out spots with short trails.

Devil’s Orchard Trail

Along the way we stopped at Devil’s Orchard Trail and Inferno Cone.

In total there are 7 stops along the loop.

We stopped at Devil’s Orchard Trail first which was a super cool paved loop.

They have a small campground that I wish we would’ve had the time to camp in.

I highly recommend checking this place out.

Inferno Cone

Inferno Cone was our next stop on the loop.

It was basically like hiking up the side of a volcano.

The rocks looked so cool.

They were very light and practically hollow, but very porous and shiny.

They didn’t even look real.

I wish I could’ve taken one home, but that is super illegal.

So don’t do it!

Overall, it took about an hour to finish this loop.

Where To Eat Dinner: Canyon Crest In Twin Falls

We didn’t get to dinner until about 8:30 pm and it was still light outside.

It ended up being perfect timing because by the time we were seated we were able to watch the sunset over the canyon while we had dinner.

We were also there long enough for all of the string lights to be turned on on the patio.

Their dinner rolls come with a huge slab of flavored butter and they have several good appetizer choices.

For dinner, we enjoyed the mac n cheese, a burger, and some sweet potato fries.

Where To Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Twin Falls

Since there weren’t any KOA campgrounds in this area and it was the last full day of the trip, we decided to book a hotel for the night.

We enjoy Hilton brand hotels on road trips, especially Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn because they’re affordable and always conveniently located.

Day 12: Shoshone Falls + Great Basin National Park

Today is the final day of the road trip.

By the end of the day we will have circled back to Las Vegas.

You can check out our full experience this day in this video on our YouTube Channel.

Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls has been referred to as the “Niagara Falls of the West”.

It is significantly smaller and depending on when you go the water flow may be at different levels, but it is still cool to see if you’re in the area.

We arrived just after 9 am and stayed for about 15 minutes to get pictures and video.

It costs $5 to park since it’s located inside of a state park.

Drive To Nevada

After Shoshone Falls, we set out for the last stop on our road trip.

We crossed the Nevada state line around 10:15 am. 

Great Basin National Park

It takes about 4 1/2 hours to get to Great Basin National Park from Shoshone Falls.

There are a couple different things to do once you get here.

They are known for their caves, but they also have a scenic loop drive that goes up into the mountains.

If you have time for both, I definitely recommend both.

We were only able to do the scenic loop drive on our trip because the caves were temporarily closed.

The scenic loop drive takes about an hour round trip.

As you gain elevation, the temperature cools and there is a campground up at the top that is perfect for camping in the Summer because it’s 70+ degrees there, whereas it’s 100+ degrees in the basin.

I recommend taking your time while you’re here because it’s another 4 hour drive to Las Vegas after leaving Great Basin National Park.

We left around 3:45 pm to continue our drive to Las Vegas.

Where To Stay In Las Vegas

There are a ton of great places to stay in Las Vegas for all interests.

We’ve covered a ton of properties on and off the strip that you can check out and find the best option for you.

Check out our favorite Las Vegas hotels and resorts .

How Much Does This Road Trip Out West Itinerary Cost?

We want to be completely transparent and show how inexpensive this kind of trip can be.

I wasn’t too strict with our budget and we did splurge on a few meals and activities like the Chuckwagon Dinner and the River Rafting.

We also picked up an ornament as our souvenir from each place we visited, which added up after awhile.

My point is that this trip can easily be done even cheaper.

Spending less than $100 a day per person is simple.

For this entire trip for 2 adults, we spent $2,679.49 over 12 days.

Here’s the breakdown of the biggest expenses:

Road Trip Out West Food Costs

Food: $692.35

About $60 of this was breakfast, snacks, and dinner groceries we brought with us for the campsite.

About $170 of this was for the Chuckwagon Dinner and the rest was lunches and some ice cream.

So we ended up spending $28.84 per person per day on food.

Which isn’t bad, considering we also tipped 20% on any table service meals.

If we had stuck with regular quick service and casual dining for our meals it would have easily been less than $20 a day per person.

Road Trip Out West Lodging Costs

Lodging: $631.28

This doesn’t include the 12th night which is when we arrived in Vegas and used a timeshare stay for another week after our road trip.

This is just the 11 nights we were camping.

If we stayed in hotels, this number would be at least $1200, most likely more.

We averaged $57.38 a night for each campsite.

If you break it down per person, we averaged $28.69 a night per person.

Almost all of them had electric, though we rarely used it since we were able to charge our phones in the car during the day.

The camping prices were all over the place though.

The KOA near Yellowstone was $80 a night, Mt Rushmore was $70, Devil’s Tower was $50, but camping inside Capitol Reef was only $20 and our first 4 campsites were only about $35 a night.

Road Trip Out West Gas Costs

Gas: $236.91

The road trip was almost 4,000 miles and we started with a full tank of gas, which isn’t factored into this price because I don’t know how much it was and it was full before we even started our trip.

My car usually says I can go about 330 miles between fill ups, but once we get out on the road it is much closer to about 400 miles.

Gas prices were generally lower than in California, so under $3.00 a gallon almost everywhere we went.

I think majority of the time it was always under $1.50 a gallon.

Road Trip Out West Souvenir Costs

Souvenirs: $263.81

Most of this was for our ornaments from each place we visited, but we did pick up a few souvenirs for family.

Not getting souvenirs can really help bring down the price of the trip.

This would have saved us $20 a day if we didn’t buy souvenirs.

But we budgeted for it, so we were okay spending this much.

Road Trip Out West Activity Costs

Activities: $144.09

We already owned the National Park annual pass, so that price isn’t incorporated into this one, which is $80.

The activity costs in our calculations consists of Zion National Park Shuttle tickets, Mammoth Site, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, the Jenny Lake boat, and Shoshone Falls.

So basically we were able to entertain ourselves for $12 a day, or $6 per person per day.

This is also why we like to visit National Parks and more outdoorsy destinations.

It is way more affordable than a trip like 12 days at Disney World.

Road Trip Out West Miscellaneous Expenses

Miscellaneous: $711.05

This seems like a high number for “miscellaneous” type spending, but about $200 of it was for an oil change and to fix the air conditioning in the car while we were on the road.

The other $500 was extra tent stakes and a mallet, parking at a few different places, hyrdocortisone, a birthday gift JP bought me, and some charges that I don’t remember exactly what they were for, so I decided to put them here.

Conclusion: The Perfect Road Trip Out West Itinerary

The perfect road trip out West itinerary takes you to some of America’s most iconic National Parks and monuments all in just a couple of weeks.

Eva is the founder and writer behind Discovering Hidden Gems. She spent a decade working in and studying the hospitality and tourism industry with experience in theme parks, hotels, guided vacation sales, and special events. In addition to sharing her expertise about traveling in the US, she offers mini courses on saving money on travel and traveling more for less.

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How to Plan a Road Trip Out West

Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Bonnie

Despite the fact that Grant and I live just outside Atlanta, GA, we have done MANY road trips out West. Some of those have been relatively short (1-2 weeks), while others have been a month or longer. So, let’s talk about how we plan a road trip out West (or anywhere else) and give you tips on how you can plan a similar adventure of your own.

We’ve done road trips both with and without our RV. Many aspects of planning an RV road trip are the same as a road trip with just a normal passenger vehicle. But there are some logistics that you should consider if road-tripping with an RV.

I’ll use our 2017 RV road trip that took us all the way to California as my example. This particular trip was about seven weeks long. Yours may be longer or shorter, but the planning stages are the same, regardless of the amount of time spent on the road.

Planning any trip can feel overwhelming, at least in the beginning. Even I get nervous when I start thinking about planning a trip and I’ve planned many trips and generally enjoy doing it.

The key to planning your road trip is to take it one step at a time. Do what you can, when you can and don’t stress about the details until the time comes to think about the details. You can’t figure out what hotel or campground you’re staying at if you don’t know where you’re going. Start with big ideas and then narrow things down from there.

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Choosing Your Road Trip Itinerary

When choosing your itinerary, choose a few big stops that really fuel your passion and get you excited. Then add additional stops in nearby places along the way.

This 2017 itinerary had us on the road for 50 days. That beat our previous “longest road trip to date” by a whopping 12 days. Since then, we’ve typically spent about 6-7 weeks on the road most every summer. Yes, both of us being teachers has its advantages when it comes to travel!

We chose this itinerary for several different reasons. Traveling west is truly one of our favorite directions to go. Almost all of our long-term trips have taken us west of the Mississippi River.

In 2016, we forced ourselves to New England for a new adventure. While we loved it, we quickly realized it had been three years since we explored the western frontier in the summer. Quite simply, we were ready to return to our “happy place.”

In planning our itinerary, we considered just about all destinations “out West,” focusing on the West Coast. We considered California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah… You get the idea. Ultimately, we had to narrow things down so that we wouldn’t be moving too much! We decided our main two stops would be Yosemite and Yellowstone National Parks.

We chose Yosemite because we had not traveled to California together. Not only did we get to add another state to our list, but we got to add one of the most amazing national parks as well. Who wouldn’t be excited about that?

We chose to return to Yellowstone because it is truly one of our favorite destinations in the world. This was our fourth trip there together and we were still very excited. We always love seeing geysers, canyons, wildlife and so much more! It truly never gets old.

Wherever you decide to go, make sure it is something that you are really excited about!

Determining Your Road Trip Route & Details

Once we made the decision on the big stops, it was time to fill in the details and find additional sites to visit. National Park sites fuel many of our road trip routes. We try to string together several sites to make an interesting route, both on the way out and on the way back.

Suggestions for planning your route:

• Use Pinterest to search for interesting ideas.
• Ask coworkers and friends for suggestions.
• Visit family or friends in the area.
• Retrace the steps of a memorable childhood vacation.

Our first real stop after leaving our home in Woodstock, GA was in the Flagstaff, AZ area (after three days of driving). A work colleague told us about Meteor Crater and, with a few Google searches, we were sold!

There are several National Park sites nearby as well, which is always a plus for us. We, of course, also spent some time “standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona” while we were in the area.

Another big stop, after Yosemite , was Great Basin National Park . We had considered Great Basin for a few years. Since it is more-or-less between Yosemite and Yellowstone, this worked out perfectly for this trip!

After a trip I took with my dad and sister many years ago, I knew driving the Extraterrestrial Highway across Nevada would be interesting. My research with Google and Pinterest searches also brought up information about Cathedral Gorge State Park. And, just like that, we had an interesting route across Nevada from Yosemite to Great Basin!

Another big stop was western Colorado. It was “on the way back” and allowed us to visit several National Park sites we hadn’t seen and see some family.

• Hardcover Book
• National Geographic (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 560 Pages – 10/18/2022 (Publication Date) – National Geographic (Publisher)

Campground or Hotel Reservations

Once you have the route mapped out, it is time to start making reservations. We sometimes struggle with how detailed we should plan things out. When we were tent camping, we could be a bit more spontaneous and wait until the last minute for campgrounds or hotels. We have found we are not comfortable doing that with the trailer and, especially when our cat, Alee, traveled with us.

First, we simply had to find a place with hookups so we could leave Alee during the day. Second, when pulling a trailer, hotels are pretty much off-limits unless they have ample parking. Even if we could park, many hotels do not accept pets, much less cats.

Sadly, we lost Alee, our camping kitty to a tumor in 2019. We miss having her with us at home and on the road.

So, we find ourselves planning the details a bit more rigidly than we might really want to. Now that we are traveling without a cat, we do have a little more flexibility, though. Still, with the rise in popularity of RVing and camping, we often find ourselves making reservations fairly far in advance.

I typically use campground reviews on RV Life , along with Tripadvisor and Campendium to research campgrounds and find us the best place to stay. I also created this document to help me compare campgrounds and pick the right one .

For hotels, we prefer the Hilton chain, where we love earning and redeeming Hilton Honors points . We’ve also recently added the IHG Premier Business card to our wallet. Additionally, we’ve found some great hotel partners using Citi ThankYou points and Chase Ulitmate Rewards points.

Read more about choosing the best travel rewards credit cards .

Of course, you can also find and research hotels with Tripadvisor or a general web search.

Once I start making campground reservations, I keep a record of everything using my Campground Reservation sheet . This allows me to know exactly what I booked and all the pertinent information of the reservation. This is especially useful for campgrounds, which are less likely to send an email confirmation than a hotel.

We also typically keep a spreadsheet itinerary that lists our driving times, activities, campgrounds or hotels and any other important information. That definitely comes in handy on longer road trips!

National Park or Other Attraction Reservations

Even when visiting national parks these days, you do have to think about timed-entry reservations. There are a few parks, like Arches NP, Rocky Mountain NP and Glacier NP that require reservations to enter some or all areas of the park. Many other sites require reservations for house tours, cave tours or other types of guided tours.

Even some museums and other attractions have begun requiring timed-entry reservations.

As you begin planning your road trip, be sure to check the website of each park or attraction to find out if you need to make advance reservations. Finding out early on that you missed your opportunity to get tickets for a specific park or tour could affect your entire trip.

When it comes to national park reservations, it is important to note that many times only a fraction of tickets are released initially, which is often several months in advance. Additional tickets are often released 1-2 days prior. We had to rely on these “last minute tickets” when visiting Arches National Park in 2022 after the historic flooding forced us to completely cancel our entire summer trip to Yellowstone.

Read my full guide on national parks trip planning here.

When to Make Reservations

If you have more flexibility, you could certainly wait and make at least some of these decisions on the road. How much you plan in advance is totally up to you, your travel style and where you are visiting.

On that note, some places fill up quickly. Do your research and know if you need to book in advance. Yosemite is very popular in the summer, so I made those reservations in December. Others weren’t made until April. You’ll also generally want to make reservations far in advance of holiday weekends, such as Fourth of July.

Every destination is different, so do your homework early and know what to expect. And, if you aren’t making reservations in advance, be ready to not have as many choices or possibly even miss a desired stop because there is no availability.

That actually happened to us on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago when we were tent camping. We didn’t have a reservation. We visited several campgrounds and hotels and found no vacancies. Cell phone coverage was basically non-existent, so we couldn’t call or do much research.

We ended up driving all the way to the other side of Denver and skipping Rocky Mountain altogether. That is always a risk when you don’t have a reservation.

On the flip side, we once had a three-night reservation at a state park in southwest Montana. Bad conditions, along with the remoteness of the campground, led us to leave early. We ended up moving on after just one night and forfeiting our payment for the other two nights.

That’s one of the fun things about travel: you never know what will happen!

A big consideration for any road trip is the budget. Your budget will often dictate, or at least influence, where you go, how long you are gone, where you stay and much more.

Hopefully, you think about your budget before you start planning. Grant wrote an in-depth article on travel finance, which covers many aspects of budgeting for travel. If you have questions on budgeting, start at Travel Finance 101 .

Budgeting for a long road trip can seem overwhelming. But there is one benefit to a long trip that is sometimes easier to deal with than on a shorter trip: You are able to use your “normal” monthly budget.

Of course, you have fixed bills at home which have to be paid even when you’re away.  Mortgage, car insurance, and electric bills are still due, even when traveling. Sure, you could turn off your cable or internet if you’re gone for a while, but that may not be worth it if you’re just gone a few weeks.

What you can use is your food, gas and entertainment budgets. Those are costs you don’t have to worry about too much (assuming your income is still consistent) since you would be spending money on them anyway. You may even find food or gas costs are lower on the road.

Traveling in a trailer allows us to keep food in a refrigerator and cook meals “at home” even when on the road. This allows us to save money by not having to eat out every meal.

If you want to compare costs on different travel styles, check out this article: Road Trip Styles – A Cost Breakdown . In this article, Grant compares the costs of staying in hotels, tent camping and RV camping.

Read more about how we save money on the road.

Leaving Your House

Of course, leaving your house for several weeks can be nerve-wracking. That is one reason we now live in an apartment (and, previously, a condo). We feel much more at ease when we are traveling knowing there are other people living in the building. If anything goes wrong, they can notify us easily.

If you don’t live in a condo or apartment, you just need to make sure you have a neighbor or friend set up to come by once or twice a week to check on things. How often will depend on what you might need to be done at home and if you are leaving behind any pets.

Even in an apartment with no pets at home, we still need someone to check the mail and just make sure nothing crazy happens. As a thank you, we generally pick up a bottle or two of a local spirit for whoever helped us out.

Complications on the Road

Of course, complications can always happen when you are traveling. That is especially true during a road trip. We’ve had several instances when our truck or camper needed service on the road. We also had to delay a trip because our truck needed service the day before our scheduled departure.

When we visited the Great Lakes region in 2019, we had to cut our trip short because the camper needed substantial repairs. Unfortunately, the same issue caused us problems again in 2021 when in Salt Lake City. Both of those were frustrating, but we handled it.

As mentioned previously, we also had to replan an entire summer trip on the road in 2022. We had made it halfway to Yellowstone when the historic flood of 2022 happened. The park was still closed to all visitors the day we were supposed to arrive for our month-long stay at Fishing Bridge RV Park. Sadly, we had to scrap the entire trip and come up with a new itinerary.

More recently, our engine had difficulty as we approached Shreveport, LA while returning from a road trip to New Mexico. The good news is that we did not have the camper with us and found a service center to squeeze us in for diagnostics the next morning. The bad news is that we had to leave the truck in Shreveport and rent a car to get us home. On top of that, we had to reschedule a planned trip to Chicago so that we could drive back to pick up the truck.

Complications while road-tripping can always happen. It’s all part of the adventure. You just have to roll with it and make the best of a difficult situation.

Need Help Planning Your RV Road Trip?

If this sounds overwhelming, consider purchasing our book: Moon USA RV Adventures . That’s right! We wrote our first book and it will help simplify this entire planning process!

Moon USA RV Adventures includes 25 RV routes all over the country. The itineraries range from less than a week to more than a month and include stops at many of our country’s best national parks, landmarks and other attractions.

Each route includes step-by-step driving directions along with what you should see and do along the way. We provide campground suggestions and reviews, restaurants, grocery stores and more!

• Sinclair, Bonnie (Author)
• 560 Pages – 02/28/2023 (Publication Date) – Moon Travel (Publisher)

Final Thoughts on Planning a Road Trip

We always love a good road trip. But there’s truly something special about a road trip out west. The wide open spaces that you find when you get west of the Mississippi River just aren’t the same on the East Coast.

Yes, planning a road trip can be difficult. But it is absolutely worth it.

Not only can you see and do a lot on a road trip, but the drive itself is a huge part of the adventure. We never tire of watching the scenery change as we make our way across the country.

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

11 thoughts on “How to Plan a Road Trip Out West”

Great article! I have now done 13 big cross-country summer road trips with my family and you covered the planning process very well.

Did you like Great Basin? We stopped there a couple years ago and loved it. The pure silence away from the usual sounds of civilization was simply amazing.

Thanks so much! To say we loved Great Basin NP is an understatement. Baker is a neat town to visit and hiking the trails was something to behold. We went out to the nearby archeological site one night to watch the stars come out. WOW! That’s something we just don’t see in the east.

Hi! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Terrific blog and fantastic style and design.

Wow! Thanks so much! We are glad you are enjoying the blog Please let us know if you have any questions… We love talking about travels and helping folks out!

Great article.

I actually had some complications of earlier cars and trucks from Enterprise rent an automobile provider, however lately, together with James assisting me with my own reservation I’ve received everything I desired. Amicable and prepared to support. That’s exactly what I can say regarding their employees. Many thanks and keep on being successful!

Thanks so much, Myrah! I have used Enterprise and Hertz in the past for rental cars. In the past, at least, Enterprise has had a restriction on crossing too many state borders, which would not work for our longer trips. That said, both companies are great in terms of service from my experience.

WOW just what I was looking for.

Excited finding your blog on long road-trips! My husband and I will leave for our first 35 day trip next week and are planning a possible 3 mo trip next summer. We’ve motorhomed for 12 day and less trips but just curious what you’re experience has been moving often. Our upcoming trip has several 3 night stops mixed in but also many harvest host one nighters and lots of 2 nighters. Concerned about how it will feel moving that much. Any thoughts from your experience?

From our experience, the longer we stay in one location, the more we enjoy it. That said, crossing the country means one night stays. We would just say to make sure you build in rest time after long driving days and overnight stops.

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Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

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Traveling along the West Coast of the United States  had been in my head since the day I found out I’d be moving there for work. Who hasn’t dreamed about a road trip across the Western US? For me, the landscapes that automatically come to mind are the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Death Valley among others, as we have seen again and again in a bunch of movies.

Grand Canyon

In addition to nature, the American West Coast also offers you visits to symbolic cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

My favorite part of this trip was definitely the National Parks where natural wonders of this incredible country are concentrated within. I had been taking note of them on a  Western US  map   for a long time so that I could visit them as soon as I had the chance.

That’s how I started planning the 10-day West Coast USA road trip that we took in August.

THIS WAS OUR 10-DAY WEST COAST USA ITINERARY:

Our 10-day West Coast USA road trip itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas.  Beginning of our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip.
• Day 2: Monument Valley + Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend.  The most popular places in the Western USA.
• Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park. One of the less touristic national park in the West Coast USA.
• Day 4: Zion Canyon National Park. One of the places we like the most during our 10-day West Coast USA trip.
• Day 5: Grand Canyon,  a must-visit place on the West Coast.
• Day 6: Mojave National Preserve + Death Valley,  the best of our 10-day West Coast Itinerary.
• Day 7: Yosemite Valley, the best attraction in the Western USA.
• Day 8: Upper Yosemite Falls,  the best hike of our West Coast America road trip.
• Day 9: Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. You cannot skip this highlight of West Coast USA:
• Day 10: Return flight from San Francisco.  En of our 10-day Western US trip.

If a Western US road trip is also one of your dreams, you will find everything you need to prepare your trip here:

• 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip

Best places to visit in West Coast America

• Our West Coast USA 10-day itinerary
• How to plan a self-drive trip to the Western US

How much does it cost a West Coast USA trip?

• Map of Western US

10-day west coast USA road trip

One of the first things I am sure you will be wondering about is how long a West Coast trip could take. My opinion is that you could be discovering the American West Coast for months and would still have things to do.

Death Valley – Zabriskie Point

When looking at a West Coast USA map, it may initially seem that the best tourist destinations are close to each other. However, distances in this country are huge, and you will spend a lot of time on the road during your trip.

Keep in mind that the US public transportation system is very scarce outside of the big cities, so the only practical option is to rent a car and prepare for a West Coast USA driving holiday.

On our West Coast USA road trip, more than ¼ of the trip was spent driving and still, along with the Canadian Rockies trip , it was one of the best trips of our life.

Another highly recommended option is to take a West Coast RV trip , as this country offers all kind of facilities for those who like to travel with their motorhome. You can check the best RV rental companies in the USA here.

Although it takes a long time to travel across the West Coast in depth, if you don’t have too many days or prefer to combine them, I encourage you to spend in West Coast America at least 10 days.

Grand Canyon – Plateau Point

There are thousands of West Coast USA tours you can take, so the first thing you have to choose is a few must-see places. It may seem complicated to plan this trip at first, especially when you do not have much time.

To help you choose your perfect West Coast America itinerary, you will discover the main tourist attractions in this section. Then, you can design the West Coast USA holiday itinerary that best suits your needs.

I suggest that as you read through this article, write down  the things to do in West Coast America  that interest you most on a map to help determine the best itinerary.

SAN FRANCISCO

If you like to visit cities, one of the places you cannot miss on the West Coast America is San Francisco. This popular city of California, is characterized by the steep slopes and the well-known Lombard street.

The most popular thing to do in San Francisco is visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the US and a classic in many American films, as seen in Godzilla and Superman.

In addition, another interesting activity to do is visiting the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary whose best-known prisoner was Al Capone. It was said that nobody could escape from this maximum-security prison island since the only way was by swimming almost two kilometers in cold and treacherous waters.

If you are visiting this city, stay in one of the best hotels in San Francisco.

Las Vegas,  also known as “Sin City”, is one of the American classics famous for its countless casinos, open container laws (aka public drinking), and legalized prostitution in nearby counties.

The largest city in the state of Nevada welcomes both domestic and global tourism, where vice is a right. It is not surprising to hear the old saying: What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.

Welcome Las Vegas

Whether you like gambling or not, it is a must-see Western American city. It is also a good place to celebrate your (fake) wedding if being married by Elvis is also one of your dreams. Here you can find the ultimate list of things to do in Las Vegas.

If you are visiting this city make sure you know where to stay in Las Vegas , since its hotels are some of the most amazing in the World.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS to do in las vegas

• Los Angeles

Los Angeles , also known as LA, is the most populous city on the West Coast of USA. The City of Broken Dreams and Hollywood stars is located in California.

The Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign are probably the main tourist attractions in Los Angeles , although a visit to Santa Monica , the beach where Baywatch was filmed, is also recommended.

Another place of interest is the Warner Bros. studios , where you can visit the film sets of a lot of movies, as well as Venice , where the canals remind you of those from the Italian city with the same name.

LA is a stop that you cannot miss on your 10-day West Coast US trip if you happen to enjoy both cities and film. You can find where to stay in Los Angeles here.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES

Grand canyon.

If we had to choose just a single place to start, visiting the Grand Canyon  would probably be the first that we recommend to do in West Coast USA.

The Grand Canyon is in Arizona and was shaped by the Colorado River over millions of years. In some points, the Canyon reaches a depth of more than 5250 feet.

Grand Canyon – Helicopter Tour

If you don’t have much time, taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is a good option, as we told you in that article about our experience. However, if you have several days, I advise going down the canyon  through one of the many different hikes to discover the Colorado River.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO DO IN GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK and best places to stay in Grand canyon

Havasu falls.

If you like adventure, visiting the Havasu Falls is an essential of West Coast USA.

The Havasu Falls, along with others in the area, belong to the Havasupai Indian Reservation and are guarded by a tribe of Native Americans. They are inaccessible by car, so you must be in excellent physical condition to visit as you will be hiking in and out.

Plan well in advance for your visit, since you will need a permit that usually runs out shortly after the beginning of the  reservation  period which starts in February of each year. In addition to the permit, you will have to book a camping spot, as it is mandatory to stay there when visiting the falls.

SANTA BARBARA

Back at the coastal area, Santa Bárbara, located 150 kilometers north of Los Angeles, can be another interesting stop.

The main beach largely resembles Santa Mónica, except Santa Bárbara is not as popular.

However, Santa Bárbara is not just a beach: its architecture with Hispanic colonial roots is an important tourist attraction.

MONUMENT VALLEY

Between Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is another one of the supernatural landscapes in the American West. It is a huge valley where very interesting geological formations rose with reddish colors. This was also a scene featured in many classic western films.

Monument Valley

This desert valley is located within the Navajo Nation, a territory that belongs to the Navajo natives who are responsible for both maintenance of the reserve and collection of entrance fees, which is not included in the US National Parks pass.

The best time to photograph the valley is during sunrise when the sun is behind the monuments, or during sunset when the monuments are illuminated by the last rays of the sun. In addition, there are different hiking trails that bring you closer to the main monuments of the valley, or you can even take a Jeep tour with one of the Navajo guides.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO Do IN Monument Valley and WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

Page: antelope canyon and horseshoe bend.

Page is a town inside the Navajo Indian Reservation, located in Arizona.

The most interesting attraction here is the Antelope Canyon , a geological feature formed by consecutive floods throughout history, which eroded narrow labyrinths of sandy rock into its terrain.

Antelope Canyon

Do not miss our Guide to antelope canyon TOURS

In addition, if you visit Page, you cannot miss a sunset in  Horseshoe Bend, which is named after its shape. It is probably the most famous bend of the Colorado River.

Horseshoe Bend

Do not miss our Guide to VISIT horseshoe bend

Here we leave you the best guide to know where to stay in Page.

The Wave in Arizona is another attraction to see in Western America.

To see this solidified wave-shaped dune, you must have a permit issued  four months in advance and by lottery (only 20 visitors per day are allowed).

It is one of the few virgin wonders that remain in the United States, so if you missed the date of the draw, it is always a good idea to check if someone has canceled his or her tour on the calendar. Visit this booking website both to participate in the lottery and to check the calendar.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Bryce Canyon National Park is a reserve located in Utah and is popular for the peculiar rock formations also known as “Hoodoos”. This park should be included in any Western US National Parks itinerary.

Due to the reddish color of the terrain, the best time to contemplate the main amphitheater viewpoint is at sunrise and sunset.

Bryce Canyon

There are also several hiking trails that will take you through the formations, where you can discover some with very interesting forms and names like Thor’s Hammer or Queen Victoria.

Do not miss THE BEST HIKES IN bryce canyon and the BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRYCE

Close to the Mexican border, we will find San Diego, the second largest city in the state south of Los Angeles

This city is a good stop on your 10-day West Coast US road trip if you are more interested in beach areas. La Jolla Cove is the most popular beach and you can find all kinds of wildlife including sea lions there.

In addition to the beach, there are other places of interest, such as Old Town San Diego, where you can find original buildings of the first Spaniards that arrived here, and Balboa Park, where many museums are concentrated, or the Coronado Island , where you can find the best views of the city.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

In Utah, one of the most important landmarks of the state is  Zion National Park, where the main interest here is an 800-meter-deep canyon carved into the reddish terrain for 24 kilometers by the Virgin River.

There are different hikes that you can take in this park. One of the most popular is Angels Landing, where you can get a full view of the canyon after three hours of hiking and up the Via Ferrata section.

Zion Canyon

Another longer route is The Narrows , which can be completed in 8 hours or done over several days. The route goes through the narrow gorges carved in by the virgin river, so you always need to check river flow the day before at the visitor’s center, and also to get water shoes.

Do not miss THE THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO IN zion national park and WHERE TO STAY IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

Joshua tree national park.

Located in a desert area in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park stands out for its unique rocks and mountain shapes.

Although its name comes from the unique Joshua Tree , what makes this park really interesting are the infinite rock-climbing possibilities .

Whether or not you are a climber, if you decide to visit Joshua Tree National Park on your West Coast USA trip over 10 days, you will experience the feeling of finding yourself on another planet.

DEATH VALLEY

On your 10-day West Coast America self-driving tour, you cannot miss the Death Valley that is located in California.

Death Valley

This immense desert is famous for Badwater, a dry area with the highest negative elevation within North America, situated at 262 feet below sea level. In addition, it is one of the hottest places on earth during summer, with a maximum recorded temperature of 58ºC.

Zabriskie Point

If you are going to cross it, be sure to fill the fuel tank and bring plenty of water to survive the extreme desert temperatures during the day.

Do not miss tHE bEST tHINGS TO DO IN Death Valley and where to stay in Death Valley

Mojave national preserve.

The Mojave Desert  spreads across Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley, Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) and the Mojave National Preserve.

While you will find Joshua trees all over in this vast extension of land, the world’s highest concentration is located within the Mojave National Preserve .

Mojave Desert

In addition to the flora, the fauna is abundant and diverse, from reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles to mammals like bobcats or hares.

Do not miss WHAT TO DO IN mojave desert

Arches national park.

Arches National Park , located in Utah, has the highest concentration of stone arches in the world, however, there is no record of how many arches there are in this extension. This is the reason why it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Utah.

In addition, we can find another type of geological formations that defy gravity here, such as the Balanced Rock, a rock that seems to be falling at any time, yet has been standing for thousands of years in the same position.

The best way to go across Arches National Park is through a park ranger-guided tour that takes you to the purest and most virgin area of the park, where you cannot access on your own. You can book it here.

This park is one of the most acclaimed by photographers since the impossible shapes of the arches are very easy to use in any composition.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

An essential stop in West Coast USA is Yosemite National Park , located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

This park is remarkable for two of the most important climbing sites in the United States and the world: the big granite walls of El Capitan and the Half Dome. In addition, we can find the American Giant Sequoia, one of the largest trees in the world, as well as extensive fauna that includes raccoons and black bears in this park.

Yosemite Valley

If you are a lover of nature, outdoor activities, and camping , this is surely going to be one of your favorite places near West Coast of the United States.

Do not miss all you have to do in Yosemite and WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE

Sequoia national park.

In Sequoia National Park, you can find the largest concentration of giant sequoias in the world. These are grouped within what is known as the Giant Forest.

The park is located about 10000 feet above sea level, a critical altitude for this type of trees to grow. However, it may be closed during the winter because of the snow.

In addition, here we can find the giant sequoia known as General Sherman standing at 275 feet. While it is the largest single-stem tree, the Hyperion , located in Redwood National Park, California, stands taller at 379 feet as the tallest living tree known in the world.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is the oldest national park in the United States. It stands out for the incredible volcanic activity in the area and for the abundant fauna that inhabits the park: buffalo, grizzly bears, black bears, moose… If you want to enjoy the authentic American wildlife and landscapes with a smell of sulfur taken from another world, Yellowstone is an essential place to visit on the American West Coast.

I didn’t visit it during my first trip to the West Coast in the United States in 10 days, but during my next trip in which I toured Yellowstone and Grand Teton for 10 days, a great plan if you are looking for an alternative itinerary.

Check WHAT TO DO IN YELLOWSTONE and WHERE TO STAY IN YELLOWSTONE

Grand teton national park.

The mountains of Grand Teton National Park are one of the most haunted landscapes by photographers on the West Coast. If you like wildlife, hiking, and want to flee the typical 10-day US West Coast itineraries , I recommend visiting this national park that promises a quiet vacation away from the masses even in peak tourist season.

Grand Teton adjoins Yellowstone National Park, so taking a 10-day tour of the US West Coast combining these two parks is quite popular.

Check what to do in grand teton and WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND TETON

Our 10-day west coast usa itinerary.

As we stated above, our West Coast USA trip was focused on national parks and all the natural wonders of this area in North America.

Cities in the west coast are for sure some interesting destinations, but, without a doubt, if we had had more than 10 days to travel the American West Coast, we would have kept exploring the natural places that this country offers, each one so different and full of contrasts.

DAY 1 – West Coast America Trip: FLIGHT TO LAS VEGAS

We arrived in Las Vegas at noon, picked up the rental car and made a quick route to see the highlights of the city.

After a mandatory stop to make the classic photo with the Welcome Las Vegas sign, we headed to Monument Valley (6 hours driving) where we spent our first night.

DAY 2 – West Coast America Trip: DAWN IN MONUMENT VALLEY + ANTELOPE CANYON + HORSESHOE BEND

We photographed the sunrise in Monument Valley to see the incredible geological formations of the Navajo Reservation tinted in beautiful reddish colors.

Monument Valley (Our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip)

In the morning we went to Antelope Canyon , in Page (2 hours driving) to take both the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours.

Antelope Canyon (Our 10-day West Coast USA Trip)

In the afternoon we had a rest at  Lake Powell. Then we went to Horseshoe Bend from where we watched and photographed an unforgettable sunset.

Horseshoe Bend (Our 10-day Western US Road Trip)

We drove 2.5 hours until our next stop on our 10-day route along the West Coast.

DAY 3 – West Coast America Trip: BRYCE canyon NATIONAL PARK

We woke up in Bryce Canyon National Park , where we took pictures of the twilight from Sunrise Point overlooking the amphitheater.

We hiked the Rim Trail, seeing different Hoodoos as Thor’s Hammer.

Bryce Canyon (Our 10-day WesternUSA Road Trip)

At night, we returned to photograph the amphitheater under the Perseid Meteor Shower, and camped inside the park.

Bryce Canyon – Sunrise Overlook

DAY 4 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: ZION NATIONAL PARK

We arrived in Springdale (2 hours driving), parked our car and took the shuttle to Zion National Park.

We did the Angels Landing trail to get the best views of the valley.

Zion National Park (Our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip)

In the afternoon, we drove 4 hours to the next stop on our 10-day Western US trip.

DAY 5 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: GRAND CANYON

We watched the sunrise at the Grand Canyon from Mather Point in probably the most epic light display we have ever seen during a sunrise.

Grand Canyon (Our trip to West Coast USA for 10 days)

In the morning we take this tour , as we tell you in this article about Grand Canyon helicopter rides . Without a doubt, I enjoyed my visit the most.

In the afternoon, we descended the first section of the Bright Angel Trailhead trail.

In the evening we drove to the next stop of our 10-day Western US trip, Mojave National Preserve (4 hours driving), where we spent one of the best nights of our life camping in the wild desert.

Mojave National Preserve

DAY 6 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: MOJAVE DESERT + DEATH VALLEY

We photographed the first sun rays of the day through the branches of the Joshua trees in the Mojave National Preserve.

We filled the tank to cross the Death Valley and made stops at the main viewpoints.

Death Valley (Our 10-day West Coast USA Self-drive Trip)

We arrived at Yosemite National Park where we set up a bivouac to spend the night in order to get accommodation the next morning at the historic Camp 4.

This day we drove a total of 10 hours, more driving hours than any other day of the entire trip.

DAY 7 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Once settled in Yosemite National Park valley we went to discover the main viewpoints of the valley, from which we would photograph the last sunrises and sunsets of our 10-day trip to the West Coast USA.

Yosemite (Our 10-day West Coast USA holidays)

We took the opportunity to enjoy the real camp life,  cooked on the bonfire at night and raccoon watched with our campmates so they didn’t eat our food.

DAY 8 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

On the eighth day, we did the most strenuous hike of our 10-day West Coast USA trip. We climbed to the Upper Yosemite Falls, where we had a bath in one of its natural pools.

Yosemite Falls (Our 10-day West Coast USA vacations)

In the afternoon we took refuge in the tent as a hail storm fell – remember that weather in Yosemite, like any high mountains, is quite unpredictable even during summer season.

DAY 9 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

On our 9th day, we decided to try one of the small hiking trails in Yosemite National Park, such as the hike that takes you to Bridal Veil Falls or the Taft Point viewpoint.

In the afternoon we visited Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, where we could see these giant trees.

Tuolumne Grove (Our 10-day West Coast USA self-drive holidays)

DAY 10 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: FLIGHT BACK FROM SAN FRANCISCO

We left Yosemite National Park to head to San Francisco , where we took our return flight home.

Our initial idea was to have the last day to discover the city. However, we liked Yosemite so much that we ended up leaving just enough time to catch the flight back. It took us 4 hours to get to the airport.

How to plan an self-drive trip to the Western US

Although many travel agencies offer West Coast USA holiday packages, this destination seems more appropriate to be planned on your own (unless you are interested in photography and decide to take a photo tour to the West Coast America ).

In any case, we will explain step by step how you can plan a trip to the West Coast USA on your own in this section:

• Choose your best West Coast USA itinerary
• Plan how to get to West Coast USA
• Get your US tourist visa
• Hire the best travel insurance for traveling to the United States
• Book a rental car
• Buy America the Beautiful Pass to enter the US National Parks for free
• Book the best accommodation  on the West Coast

HOW TO CHOOSE THE best West Coast USA itinerary

From the previous section where we highlighted the best places to visit in Western US, choose 8 (if taking a 10-day West Coast road trip) or 15 places (if taking a 20-day trip) that interest you most.

Jot them down on a map of  West Coast USA (I suggest using  Google MyMaps ).

Connect the different points and check on our map below to see if there is any tourist attraction that is on your way or that you can easily reach.

Finally, check that the driving hours are compatible with the itinerary or else leave them out of your list.

Driving in the West Coast USA

Do not be frustrated, no matter how long you stay on the West Coast, you will always leave something to explore for the next trip 😉

how to get to the West Coast of USA

In order to define our itinerary, we must know how to get to the Western US.

The best way is by flying to one of the following three airports:

• San Francisco

If you want to find cheap flights to the West Coast , the best time to book them is 3 months in advance. You can find here the best cheap flights hacks . My favorite search engine is Kiwi.com.

Also, if you want to visit too many places in the West and do not have much time, I suggest that you do a one-way trip , starting at a different airport from where you will return home through. This will increase the travel budget a bit, but you don’t get to travel to the Western US every day, do you?

VISA FOR THE UNITED STATES

There are two ways to travel as a tourist to the United States. If you belong to one of these countries you can travel to the US without a visa, but must obtain a travel authorization called “ESTA”.

HOW TO PROCESS THE ESTA

The ESTA is very easy to obtain. Simply fill out the application form on iVisa and you will receive the approval in about 6 hours by email.

We have a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the ESTA to the USA.

HOW TO PROCESS TOURIST VISA B2

If you do not have a passport from one of the countries mentioned above, you need a B2 visa to travel as a tourist to the United States.

This type of visa is more difficult to obtain. In addition to preparing the required documentation which proves that you are not going to travel to the United States with the intention of living or working, you will have to go through an interview at the embassy.

A more extensive explanation of how to process this visa can be found on the US Department of State website.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE UNITED STATES

Living in the USA, I know how important is to have good travel insurance for the USA. Since health care cost in this country is very high, hospitalization without insurance can easily make your bill rise above $100,000.

So when we moved here, we bought long-stay travel insurance , although we are currently using annual multi-trip insurance.

Death Valley dunes

Although I always recommend buying the best travel insurance wherever you go, you must have extraordinary coverage for the US (never consider hiring anything that covers below $30,000 if you travel to the United States).

You can get the best quality-price insurance with Heymondo .

15% OFF your travel insurance

western USA car rental

As we have said, the only practical way to travel the Western United States is by renting a car.

Driving in Death Valley

If you do not have too much time, consider taking a  one-way instead of a round-trip  along the West. We picked up the car in Vegas and left it in San Francisco. Although this meant an increase in the budget because of the drop off-fee, we were able to visit more places during our 10-day West Coast trip.

The cheapest way to rent a car is using DiscoverCars , where we hired the rental car in Las Vegas.

FIND CHEAP RENTAL CARS IN THE US

ANNUAL NATIONAL PARKS PASS – AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

If you are planning a Western US National Parks itinerary, I recommend that you buy an annual America the Beautiful pass.

This pass allows access to all US National Parks, as well as other state parks.

The pass is valid for one year from when it is purchased and covers entry for one vehicle with up to 5 passengers. Display pass by hanging it over the rear-view mirror).

In addition, the pass is issued for two owners who must sign behind the card to use. A very good option is to buy the annual pass, leave one signature blank, and resell it to a second owner at the end of your Western USA tour.

Even if you don’t resell the pass, you will get your money’s worth just by visiting 3 or 4 National Parks (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yosemite …).

The pass can be purchased online from here or directly at the ticket office of the first national park you visit.

ACCOMMODATION ON THE WEST COAST US

It is difficult to find cheap and very good quality hotels at the same time on West Coast America. Therefore we will try to help you by listing the best places to stay, considering different budgets, tastes, and needs.

Best accommodation in West Coast USA

Keep in mind that accommodation will be one of the major expenses of your trip to  West Coast America. On the other hand, sometimes a good hotel can even be one of the best attractions you can enjoy during your trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO

• HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel: Hostel in the heart of San Francisco that has both shared and private rooms at a very low price. Free WIFI. Includes breakfast and a kitchen for those who want to cook.
• Buena Vista Motor Inn: Hotel with complimentary parking in the middle of Lombard street. Wi-Fi and breakfast included. Totally safe area to walk at night. Just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Guide on where to stay in San Francisco

WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS

• Venetian:  Venice-themed casino resort with gondoliers included.
• Circus Circus: Casino hotel with circus theme, with its own indoor amusement park that runs throughout the year.
• Stratosphere:  Casino hotel that includes vertigo attractions at 350 meters high.
• Bellagio: Inspired by Italy, it is one of the most luxurious resort and casinos in Las Vegas.
• New York – New York:   Resort casino inspired by the big city where we can find a miniature statue of liberty.
• Paris Las Vegas:   Perfect casino hotel for honeymoon or couple trips with miniature Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
• Excalibur:  You will find yourself in the Middle Ages in this casino resort within its castles.
• Planet Hollywood:  Modern hotel and casino where you will feel the essence of the West Coast.

Guide on where to stay in Las Vegas

WHERE TO STAY IN LOS ANGELES

• Hollywood Travelodge:  Located very close to the walk of fame. Includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and free parking.
• Samesun Venice Beach:  The best option if you want to enjoy the Venice boardwalk and its beach. They have bicycle rental service.
• Cal Mar Hotel Suites:  If you prefer to be close to Santa Monica beach this option is very well priced.

Guide on where to stay in Los Angeles

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND CANYON

If we visit the South Rim, the most touristic edge of the Grand Canyon, it is quite important to stay in the Grand Canyon Village, since two of the main attractions of this jewel of Western US is their sunrise and sunset. So, the closer we are to the edge, the easier it will be for us.

We camped in the Grand Canyon, at the  Mather Campground on the South Rim.

If you prefer to stay at a hotel, all accommodations at Grand Canyon Village are run by the company   Xanterra ,  and you can make reservations on whose website.

Guide on where to stay in Grand Canyon

WHERE TO STAY IN PAGE

• Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell: This hotel is located in the center of Page. As it is highly valued, you will have to book it well in advance, since rooms tend to run out being such a small and tourist place at the same time.
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: Without a doubt the best hotel in Page, both the price and the charm of its rooms. It is not in the center but is closer to Horseshoe Bend.

Guide on where to stay in Page

WHERE TO STAY IN BRYCE

Bryce is one of the best places to camp in the Western US. In addition to two conventional campsites ( North Campground and Sunset Campground ), there are 12 backcountry campsites.

If camping is not your thing and you prefer to stay in one of the best hotels in the West, then I recommend the Best Western Ruby’s Inn , a historic hotel at the gates of the national park that also has a camping area.

Guide on where to stay in Bryce

WHERE TO STAY IN ZION

• Bumbleberry Inn:  One of the few hotels near Zion whose price is below $200 a night and with a great value.
• La Quinta Inn and Suites : Another hotel that also has good prices and is highly rated near Zion, known for its buffet breakfast that includes delicious homemade waffles.

Guide on where to stay in Zion

WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

If you want to enjoy dawn with the best views of the valley, I recommend that you camp in the Monument Valley. The campground is called The View Campground and the only way to reserve it is by calling +1 435-727-5802.

This campsite belongs to  The View Hotel , a hotel run by the Navajo Indians with equally amazing views.

Guide on where to stay in Monument Valley

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA BARBARA

• Hotel Santa Barbara: One of the best hotels in Santa Barbara with a great location in the city center and very close to the beach. Includes Wi-Fi, breakfast and free parking.
• The Eagle Inn:   On the beach of Santa Barbara and in a beautiful historic building. The price is a bit higher but it includes a jacuzzi in the room.

WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE

We decided to camp at Camp 4 during our visit to Yosemite. Here, the hippy movement was born in the 60s and spread throughout the United States.

However, if you don’t want to camp, don’t worry. There are very good hotels in Yosemite. Some of the best are:

• The Ahwahnee
• Yosemite Valley Lodge
• Curry Village

Guide on where to stay in Yosemite

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO

• Staypineapple at Hotel Z: One of the best hotels in downtown San Diego. Modern design and quite affordable. It offers free bicycles to its customers.
• HI-San Diego Point Loma Hostel: Hostel with shared rooms, very good price and located next to the beach. Ideal if you visit San Diego with the intention of meeting other travelers.

WHERE TO STAY IN JOSHUA TREE

The best place to stay in Joshua Tree is in one of its campsites. There are 4 campsites throughout the national park that can be reserved, and another 4 first-come, first-served campground. All the information regarding the Joshua Tree campgrounds can be found on the National Parks Service website.

WHERE TO STAY IN DEATH VALLEY

• The Inn at Death Valley: This Oasis in the middle of the desert is the most luxurious resort you’ll find here. Refresh between your palm garden and its spring water pool and relax in your spa area.
• The Ranch at Death Valley: Run by the same company as The Inn at Death Valley, it is the familiar and informal complement of the previous one. If you want to relax in a unique environment but without too many pretensions, this accommodation is for you.
• Panamint Springs Resort:  This resort offers both tourist resorts and lodging in tents. It’s close to the west entrance of the national park, from where you’ll have stunning views of the sand dunes.

Guide on where to stay in Death Valley

WHERE TO STAY IN MOJAVE DESERT

There are no motels inside Mojave National Preserve. The only way to stay is camping. There are two family campsites, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground and Mid Hills Campground. Both are first-come, first-served campgrounds.

There is also the possibility of doing backcountry camping. If you want more information, check the US National Parks Service website.

WHERE TO STAY IN ARCHES

There are no campsites or hotels within Arches National Park. The best thing to do is to stay somewhere close to the entrance:

• Red Cliffs Lodge:  All rooms have views of the Colorado River. In addition, you have access to a private living room with a fridge and microwave. This accommodation is the best you’ll find if you visit Arches National Park from the west. Do not miss its western cinema museum.
• Under Canvas Moab:  This accommodation is located east of Arches National Park and offers already pitched tents, some with private bathrooms. If you are not a fan of the camps, but you would like to try, this is your place. In addition to the bed linen, the hotel will lend you towels and a flashlight. A very comfortable way to learn a little about the American camper culture.

WHERE TO STAY IN SEQUOIA

• Montecito Sequoia Lodge: This rustic mountain accommodation offers a place to relax, surrounded by lakes, forests and rugged peaks. It has a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet.
• Bearpaw High Sierra Camp: This established camp has 6 canvas tents with wooden floors. The views of the surroundings are amazing. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the accommodation.
• Wuksachi Lodge:  It is the emblematic hotel of Sequoia, an amazing mountain hut made of stone and cedar located in the heart of the park, surrounded by a powerful sequoia forest and towering peaks of the sierra.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAVASU FALLS

As we commented, if you visit Havasu Falls, it is compulsory to spend at least one night in one of its campsites, since you cannot make excursions exclusively for one day. Book both the tour and the camping permit from the official website of the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

WHERE TO STAY IN YELLOWSTONE

There are only  9 hotels within Yellowstone National Park , so in peak tourist season, most travelers only find accommodation outside the park.

You can find the best options on our guide on where to stay in Yellowstone National Park, but my favorite hotels are:

• Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
• Yellowstone Gateway Inn
• Stage Coach Inn
• Al’s Westward Ho Motel
• Travelodge by Wyndham
• Absaroka Lodge

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND TETON

There are many places to stay in Grand Teton National Park but my favorite ones are:

• Colter Bay Village 
• Jackson Lake Lodge  
• Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch 
• Jenny Lake Lodge

To calculate  how much a road trip along the West Coast cost, keep in mind that gasoline in the United States is quite cheap compared most European countries, so even though you will drive many kilometers, this is not something you have to worry too much about when planning your itinerary.

Regarding the food , going to restaurants or going out to have a drink is very expensive; especially when you are looking for somewhere that serve healthy and quality food. If you’re willing to eat fast food, your West Cost travel budget will decrease since the United States is the paradise for junk food.

Regarding accommodation , while it is more expensive in the US than other countries, there are ways to make it cheaper .

Consider camping during your West Coast America tour. In addition to being cheaper, it is very fun and do not forget that there is no country in the world with such an active camping culture as in the United States. You will enjoy watching all the American accessories that make camping more comfortable, and the amazing motorhomes that are better than many houses. You can check some tips for traveling by rv in the USA here.

If you want to know how much we spent during out trip, you can check our West Coast travel budget for 10 days.

West Coast USA combinations ideas

In case you have more time, you can combine the West Coast of the USA with other destinations. Some of the most popular combinations are the following.

West Coast America and Hawaii holidays

If you love nature, combine  West Coast USA and Hawaii to enjoy the most active volcanoes in the United States. These wild islands in the middle of the Pacific, offer a native culture totally different from any other place in the world, in addition to beautiful beaches. The Western US and Hawaii landscapes are an excellent combination for the more adventurous.

RIVIERA MAYA and WEST COAST USA honeymoon

Riviera Maya and West Coast America honeymoon trips are very popular.  With this travel itinerary, we can enjoy a mix of the natural American West Coast landscapes with turquoise water beaches and the history of ancient civilizations. This is the best combination for honeymoons or for travelers interested in a mix of all-inclusive vacation packages.

WEST COAST AND ROUTE 66 road trip

If you want to travel the most famous road in the United States, plan a Route 66 – Western US road trip. With this tour, you will have a chance to visit my favorite city in the US: Chicago. I don’t recommend this combination if you do not like driving since much time of this trip will be spent inside the car.

West Coast USA tours from New york

Another very popular combination, especially if you are traveling from Europe. A New York & West Coast America fly-drive itinerary mixes the Western US National Parks with the busiest city of the East Coast. This option is perfect for those who also enjoy visiting big cities, since there are plenty of things to do in New York City.

With any of these combinations, I recommend spending at least 10 days in West Coast America .

However, if you only plan to travel to the West Coast and can afford it, I would recommend spending 2 or even  3 weeks.

map of West Coast USA

Finally, it is very useful to plan your trip using a map of Western US , marked with your places of interest. Then check the following map to see if there is any other attraction on the way.

SEE you ON THE WEST COAST and do not hesitate to ask if you need help preparing your itinerary!

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and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

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80 replies on “ Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary ”

We are from Singapore and planning a 20 days trip in June to West Coast of US and would be our first drive trip to the US. We wanted to cover Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yosemite, route 66, UTAH but not sure if we are able to (or worth to) cover up till Seattle. We love your advise as it will be our first trip to West Coast of US and accommodation recommendations will be helpful plus itinerary. regards Melvin

Hi Melvin, Wow, that sounds amazing! There is so much to see the western United States. I think you’ll find our road trip itineraries from Las Vegas to be super helpful. As for accommodation, it depends on whether you’re renting a car or RV since an RV will take care of accommodation for you. Otherwise, the hotel recommendations above in this article are a great place to start. 🙂

Hi! Wow, relieved i came accross this blog. Thank you for sharing this.

I made an almost similar itinerary and posted it in trip advisor.

we are arriving early morning in Vegas on March 10 and flying out late night from San Francisco March 20. For the 10 day trip, we’d like to see Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Most of the comments says most of the time will be spent driving hence the trip might not be an enjoyable one. Some even suggested dropping Yosemite as this is too far from the rest of the places we’re hoping to see.

With all the driving you did on this trip, do you think you still spent a good time exploring the parks?

Thanks heaps!

Yes, it was a lot of hours driving but it was a trip of a lifetime. I won’t change any of the stops I did so I highly recommend it specially if you don’t mind driving at night and you don’t have more time to spend on the West Coast USA.

Hi, very informative post there ! May I know what route did u take to travel to yosemite from death valley ? I supposed you travelled when the tiogo road was closed ?

We traveled in August when the Tioga Road was open. So we just drove Nort through the Eastern Sierra and enter from the Northeastern part of the park 😉

i am planning to go to a trip with my friends but iam confused where should i go.

It’s difficult to choose when there are so many great options! My recommendation is to check the places and pictures and just pick the 4/5 places that you find more interesting 😉

Hi Martin from Australia here. I am busy planning an 8 day self drive tour in April starting in, and returning to Las Vegas. I stumbled on your website and found it to be a fantastic resource, full of very helpful information. One thing that is puzzling me with your route. Why did you go to Monument Valley first and then criss-cross south to Antelope Canyon, north to Bryce Canyon and then south again to the Grand Canyon. This appears to add an additional 400 miles (appx). I had originally been planning a circuit through Bryce Canyon, Monument Park, Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon. Then Back to Las Vegas via Mojave Desert and Death Valley. Thank you

We did that itinerary because we were traveling in August (high season) and wanted to camp in Monument Valley and Grand Canyon, so we book the only days available hehehe

Your itinerary sounds great. Let me know how you do it finally.

Hi! I would love your help in planning my itinerary for my West Coast Roadtrip Honeymoon. We would love to check as many of the same locations off our list as you have in this post. Would love to get your thoughts on cost efficiency, glamping/camping vs. RV rentals and what we HAVE to see, and what we could skip. We definitely don’t want to spend the majority of our trip in the car. Thinking of flying into Vegas and then going from there. We would be going from June 12-20th. This is by far the most helpful article I have found online so far! Thanks for writing!

We will be happy to help. Let me know any questions you may have and we will help.

we are a couple, 60 years+ but able to drive and planning a trip next Sep. 2020. However we note that at some places you had to camp. I don’t think we are up to camping and wonder how to achieve the trip you made without camping.

You don’t need to camp if you don’t want to. There are many hotels where you can stay 🙂 Let me know your itinerary and I will give you some hotel ideas.

I wish more people would post valuable content like this. This is the first time I’ve been on your website, but after this, I doubt it will be the last time.

Thanks Robert!! You are always welcome 😉

Planning a trip in mid December. Is your 10 day trip feasible at this time of year ? Thanks.

Yes, it’s perfectly fine. Just bear in mind that you might find snow in some places like Bryce and Yosemite and the main roads to Yosemite from the east (Tioga road) is gonna be closed.

Hope you have a beautiful trip!

Have you ever thought of planning a trip of the Four Corners States of the Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado & Utah). There are so many sites that would be a tough decision. New Mexico has the Gila National Forest, City of Rocks in the southwest, Carlsbad Caverns to name just a few, Colorado, Arizona, Utah you could go on and on. This would also the sunrises and sunsets, rivers canyons. It is so vast that each state could provide what every photographer would want to see and shoot. Just think about it. if you more information, please contact me.

Sure! We still have a bunch of places we want to visit!

Thank you It was very useful

Thanks Isabel!

Great post, thanks for the info I’m considering doing this trip with my dad, how fit do you have to be to do this trip? He can’t really walk a whole lot at a time.

Hi Emiliano,

You don’t need to walk if you don’t want to. Just visit the main lookouts accessible by car.

Let me know if you have any other question.

Well, that was a pretty fascinating read, not going to lie. I really hope you continue to write. Probably one of the more informative pieces I’ve read on this subject. Thanks!

Thanks Justin! Glad to see our USA West Coast article was useful and you enjoyed it reading!

You know if you are not on Instagram, you should be. I know you can’t put text up, but just throw in a few pics and build an audience there. I think you’d find a ton of people who would be super interested in your blog here.

Thanks for the advice. We already use Instagram, our account is: @Capturetheatlas

Well… consider yourself added to my blogroll. I have like six other blogs I read on a weekly basis, guess that number just increased to seven! Keep writing!

Thanks Chris! and Welcome to Capture the Atlas! 😉

Way to go on this post man. Really killer stuff. I’ll be back to read your other posts.

Thanks Travis! Glad you found the information helpful!

Wow! What a scenery. I hope I can visit those place in the future too! People on your newsletter must love you. This content is pure 100% gold

Thanks Matthew for your kind words! I am sure you will be fascinated by the West Coast USA landscapes when you visit them.

Feel free to join our community and receive our newsletter 😉

Hi, My family of 3 will be travelling to West of USA for about 12 to 14 days this coming September month 2019. Can you help us to plan the trip visiting all the interesting places and also advise us the cost.

We give a lot of piece of advice on our blog. Please read it and let us know if you have any question.

I am flying from Toronto, Canada and am unsure which airport to arrive and leave in. I am planning on visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, Cathedral Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Grand Canyon (South Rim). I am unsure whether to fly to Las Vegas and leave from Arizona, or vice versa, or do a loop. Any suggestions?

Amazing blog by the way!

Which airport in Arizona are you considering? Las Vegas in quite close to those places you want to visit and usually there is cheap flights to go there.

Let me know if you have any question

Thank you for your reply! I was thinking Phoenix airport. Just not sure the best route and will be renting a car!

Also, do you know if its possible to rent a car at one airport and return it to another?

Hi, i am traveling with 6 adults. Planning to arrive in New York, then fly to LA and hoping to have a glimpse of the city and its surrounding and fly to vancouver . We will fly back home from Vancouver.

How many days do you think is good for us? I am travelling with my parents aged 60yo.

Can you give me any recommendations

Hi Felicia,

I would say to book at least 10 – 15 days. As recommendations I would suggest hiring good travel insurance for the USA and check the different articles we have at the blog.

Let me know if you need something else,

Hello there,

We have about 8-9 days along the West Coast after a conference in Vegas. Looking at the following itinerary/places we want to visit. Do you think this is something workable/have any comments? Thanks so much!

Day 1: (From Vegas) Antelope Valley/Horseshoe Bend (Find somewhere to stay for the night – is there a recommendation where we can stay in that area?) Day 2: Grand Canyon Day 3: Travel back to Vegas, fly to San Francisco. Day 4: San Francisco Day 5: San Francisco -> Monterey, Big Sur (Find somewhere to stay?) Day 6: Travel to LA Day 7: LA Day 8: LA

Thanks very much for your message and for reading us!

Until day 4 your itinerary is gonna be very intense but definitely doable, as we made a very similar itinerary at the beginning of our trip. You can find recommendations for the night near horseshoe bend/Antelope Canyon in this section of our article.

As for the second part of your trip, We didn’t travel from SF towards the south so don’t know if that would be something possible.

Please let me know if we can help with any other questions.

Best regards,

Hi I am trying to plan a trip with my son for September 2019 have i left enough time to do this? And could you help us with an itinerary Also if we choose to camp do we purchase this in the USA as we are travelling from the UK Thanks

Hi Richard,

Thank you very much for your message.

You are still in time for planning the trip, so I ‘d definitely try to do it!

You can see different itineraries in our US articles depending on your days and preferences. Hope that helps.

As for the campings it depends on the campsite, some accept online reservations like the one in Monument Valley while others are filled in a first-come first-served basis like Camp 4 in Yosemite.

Please let us know if we can help with any other questions.

Hi everyone! Could you help me to make a itinerary with the time and 10 destinations?

We will need some more information to help you. When and where are you starting your trip, days, preferences and so on.

Hi guys, Love your work. I’m a photographer and looking to do a road trip through the west cost of the USA, covering as much of the national parks as possible (Yellowstone a must). We only have a 2 week gap during July to do this. Do you have any tours available for July 2019 for 2 super fun people?

Me, along with spouse and 13 year old son, are planning for a 10 day trip to LA, LV & SFO from India during June last week.

Request if you could help build us an itinerary for First Timers to US. It would be with a driver if we have to hire a car.

Do you deal in hotel accommodations too – 4 star?

Could you please let me know a rough expenditure on all this.

Kindly do mention your charges too for helping us out with a good itinerary and any help on ground that you could provide during our stay.

Thanking You, MOHAN

I have sent you an email with our service rates.

Have a nice day!

I am planing with my boyfriend our trip in June to California for 10 days. We are landing in LA and we would like to visit Yosemite, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and San Diego. Could you please give us some tips? We are afraid that Tioga Pass might not be opened at the beginning of June..

Thanks a lot!

Hi Anabel, I think you have enough time in 10 days to visit the cities and NP you mentioned. You can do 2 days for LA, 3 days for Yosemite, 1 day for Death Valley, 1 day for Las Vegas, 2 days for Grand Canyon and 1 day for San Diego.

As you said, Tioga Pass maybe is still close in June, so I recommend you booking a hotel around Fresno (in case Tigoa Road is close) and other around Mammonth Lakes (in case it is open). And cancel the one you are not going to use once you know the Tioga Road status?

Let me know if you need anything else.

Hello, Thanks for the detailed analysis of west coast. We are planning to visit west coast from Philadelphia and would like to cover California/LA/SFO/Las Vegas. We would however fly to Seattle from PHL and take our trip to west coast from Seattle.

Please provide us with an itinerary.

We are planning 10 days for this trip and would like to over not just national parks but also Golden gate bridge/Hollywood/Alcatraz etc. We don’t want to do the theme parks.

Sure, I have sent you an email with our planner services rates.

Hi, Thanks for itinerary! We are going on a trip from LA in September for 16 days, and this helped a lot! If you could give some tips on showering…it’s not available in a lot of camp sites. Also, if you have some experience with laundry service, I would appreciate some info. Thanks!

Hi Soma! Thanks for your message and words!

You can check beforehand which campsites offer shower utilities and plan according to your needs. We booked camping with showers in Grand Canyon and Yosemite, taking a shower at least every 2 days. As for laundry service, I would suggest doing the same. We went just for a week and didn’t really need to do any washing but if you are staying 16 days some campings have some sort of place for washing. As an example again, you can find those utilities in Grand Canyon and Yosemite, and I am sure there will be more in other important campgrounds.

Hope that helps and have a wonderful US West Coast trip!

Hi we are planning a 15 day stay flying into LA hiring a car can you recommened a route then we fly back out from LA.Thanks

The US West Coast is huge and there are endless possibilities doing a round trip from L.A.

Depending on your personal taste and the number of miles that you are willing to drive, there are many itineraries.

I recommend that you check all the main attractions explained throughout the article and once you know your preferences, you can design your own route.

Hope it helps and you make the most of your trip!

Planning on driving to monument valley and staying at View hotel I need driving directions from Salt Lake City

Take I-15 S, US-6 E, US-191 S and US-163 S to Main Monument Valley Rd/Monument Valley Rd in Oljato-Monument Valley

Hi my husband and I are planning a trip to tour the west coast next June/July next year for 4 weeks starting in San Francisco driving down the coast then across to Vegas by car then possibly hiring a camper van to visit the national parks, would you be able to advise us of some places to stop and stay and give some advice as to how long we should stay at certain places, we would also like to spend a week in Washington and New York at the end of our stay but we will fly to the east coast, thanks Tracey

Sure, I have sent you an email more information about our trip planner services. I can also help you to plan your visits to NYC and Washington. I live in Philadelphia, that is 2hours from NYC and two hours from Washington, so I know these cities very well and I can help you too.

Hello Jaz, thank you for the useful information. I am planning for the west coast trip but could you confirm will it be too much to digest if I cover all/most of the destinations mentioned in your article above in just one trip?

Or shall I split the trip in multiple trips to enjoy and assimilate the delightful view which each destination has to offer?

That is up to you. How much time do you have? Where are you coming from? If I could, I would do it in one trip (3-4 months).

Let me know if you need something else, Ascen.

We are planning a tour of West Coast starting and ending at LA. Can you suggest a good travel itinerary for family of 3 or 6 pxs. for 8-12 days sometime in June or July 2019. Thanks Jaz

Hi Jasmine, I have sent you an email with our rates. Ascen.

Planning to gravel to west coast of USA Visiting friends & also travelling (self drive) . I have 14 days from Sep15 to Sep30 Would like to visit Yosomite, Death Valley Coastal Drive & Las Vegas and Grand canyon. Thanks for your help with an itinerary.

Sure! I will help you to plan your West America trip. I have sent you an email.

Hi, I am planning for west coast tour for 10 days in July. I would like to start from San Francisco . Could you please suggest road trip plan

Hi Rajan, I will be happy for helping you to plan your west coast USA itinerary.

I have sent you an email regarding our travel planner services.

Hi, I am planning a 15 days trip to USA with my family of 5 (2 sons aged 24, 25, Daughter 18). What route would you recommend us to take? We are looking to rent a car and drive around ourselves. Thank you.

Hi Sharon, I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Thanks, Ascen.

Hi.. myself and 2 friends are planning a trip up the west coast from San Francisco in April.. We are renting an RV ..we would like to try and go as north to Portland maybe Seattle.. could you advise of the best route and places we should try to see.

Hi we are planning to Visit West coast in the month of June 19 . Not sure about self drive option but could u please suggest some best places to explore in 10 days . We are landing at San Francisco & leaving to New York from LA .

Would appreciate if u could help us to arrange our trip .

Thanks Sunil

I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Hi Loved reading your information on USA! My husband and I want to travel the west coast in September this year. We have booked so far return flights from Sydney to San Francisco. We would like to see Yosemite Bryce Zion Death Valley Redlands Lake Tahoe Sequoia and Grand Canyon. Not interested in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. We thought we would return via The big Sur to San Francisco. Do you think we can do this in a month? What would be the best driving route to do all this. Can we also purchase driving maps? Any help you could give I would be most grateful! Thanking you

Hi Cath, I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Hi, thanks a lot for your details itinerary which is very much appreciated. I’m planning my self-drive trip to west coast USA for about 12 days, in May 2019. Just wondering any tips on what to wear? Will it be cold in the Yosemite national park? I’m planning for Grand Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon + Horseshoes band, Yosemite, is it still worth to get the annnual pass? There are total 6 of us.

Hi Joey, If you are only visiting two national parks (Yosemite and Grand Canyon ) it is not worth getting the annual pass. Pay just for the standard fee in each of them. Horseshoe Bend is free and Antelope Canyon is private, so you will have to pay the Navajo fee.

In 12 days you have enough time to visit Death Valley, Bryce and Zion too.

Regarding what to carry in the backpack, please check the camping and cold weather section of this post.

P.S: Next sunday we will be posting our Guide to Yosemite and I am sure you are going to find it interested!!

Best, Ascen

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The Complete 2 Week Road Trip Guide To The Western United States

Want to see the most beautiful landscapes in the US? Keep reading for the best Western road trip itinerary. While Highway 1 in California , also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, takes the cake as America’s best coastal road trip, The Grand Circle road trip is the ultimate National Park road trip. For everyone who enjoy road trips and there is no better place to visit in the United States than the West Coast, home to a majority of the National Parks. The Western United States is full of amazing landscapes ranging from deserts, mountains, amazing rock formations, coastal views and dense forests.

➳ Read More: The Ultimate Road Trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco

In this guide of how to plan a trip out west we include our favorite state parks, national parks and the best cities in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Some of the highlight destinations include the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon , Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Las Vegas , Death Valley, and the Valley of Fire .

There is no better way to explore the Western US than in a car or RV, so you can visit every destination at your own pace and stop at any hidden gem between. While you can honestly spend months exploring this region of the US, we have created the ultimate two week road trip itinerary to the Western United States.

USA Road Trip Travel Video

Important travel information to plan your west coast road trip.

The best way to explore the southwest and west coast of the United States is with an epic road trip. We recommend renting a campervan or RV instead of a car so you can have more freedom on planning your trip as you can sleep anywhere where it is allowed. If you already own a van make sure to have the perfect van accessories to make your trip even more fun and easy.

For this trip we rented a campervan from Travellers Autobarn and had a fantastic experience! We were able to sleep in gas station parking lots, camping areas and BLM land. Even though the upfront cost of renting a campervan is more expensive than renting a small car, you will save more money in hotels and being able to cook your own food. We spent around $500 USD in gas and $1,000 USD in the van.

Travellers Autobarn has three locations in the USA: Los Angeles , San Francisco, and Las Vegas , which are perfect starting points for your epic road trip to the Western United States. The campervan comes with free unlimited miles on all rentals, which is very convenient as road trips are full of fun detours and unexpected destinations.

If renting a campervan is not your road trip style can always rent a small car that consumes less gas, but requires additional camping gear or more hotel stays.

14 Days US Western Road Trip  Itinerary :

Day 1: arrive to las vegas, nevada.

Depending on where you are flying from traveling to Las Vegas Airport is often the cheapest option. It has been the best choice for us when flying from Europe, South America and even domestically.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to explore the city that never sleeps, check out our complete guide to the Las Vegas .

Use the first day of your western road trip itinerary to pick up the van, go grocery shopping and rest! If you prefer staying in a hotel in Las Vegas instead of sleeping in the van the first day look for hotels that offer free parking and that have free outside parking. If you want to start the road trip immediately you can sleep at the Pilot Gas Station, which is half way to Valley of Fire State Park and it is free!

Day 2: Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park

Wake up early in the morning and head to Valley of Fire State Park, which is located about 50 miles northeast from Las Vegas. 

Valley of Fire is one of the most beautiful state parks in the United States and the oldest and biggest state park in Nevada. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and the entrance fee is $10 USD per vehicle per day.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park

We recommend to spend a full day at the Valley of Fire State Park to complete the Fire Wave Trail and see Elephant Rock. If you book in advance you can even camp at the Valley of Fire that night or drive two hours to the campground near Vermillion Cliff. 

Day 3: Valley of Fire State Park to Vermillion 

The next morning wake up super early to head to the Vermillion to apply for the lottery to visit the Wave. Only 10 people will get the chance to go to this amazing natural spot and get their number drawn. 

The Wave is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and to protect this natural monument, only 20 people are able to do the hike per day. To hike the Wave you must have a permit and be on the list. Otherwise, if caught you face fines up to $10,000 per person. 

You can get the hiking permit by applying to the lottery online or by showing up to the visitor center office the day before you would like to hike. If you choose to apply online you do so through the BLM’s official website but to be honest you have lower chance to get the permit as thousands of people apply from around the globe for a handful of permits. The online lottery cost $5 per person and you can apply up to 4 months in advance for your desired date.

If you choose to apply in person it is free to enter the lottery and you will have higher chances of winning as there are normally at most 200 people applying. Keep in mind that the permits are dispensed for the next morning, not for the same day hiking! To apply in person you have to been in the office between 8:30 to 9:00 AM. 

Also apply to visit the South Coyote Buttes. It is as fantastic as the Wave but less popular, so you have a higher chance to win the permit lottery. Keep in mind that you will need to have a 4WD car to reach this hike as it is really sandy the way there. This is not possible in our campervan, but we made friends with other lottery winners who offered us a ride.

After the lottery, whether you were chosen or not to visit the Wave, we recommending spend the rest of the day hiking. We hiked the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch and loved it! You go through so many canyons and with so few visitors you have the opportunity to get fantastic photos.

Another great option is to visit White Pocket. It is a fantastic area with deep red and orange rock formations but can be hard to reach as you need a 4WD car. 

Day 3: The Wave or Coyote Buttes South

We unfortunately did not win the lottery to visit the Wave, but were picked for a permit to the South Coyote Buttes. If you have an extra day, you can always show up again to the permit lottery and test your luck.

Otherwise, spend the day hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of Coyote Buttes South or the Wave, if you won permits, or there is more time to visit White Pockets if your previous day was full.

Day 4: Coyote Buttes South to Grand Canyon 

A full day at the Grand Canyon is never enough to enjoy the majestic views of one of the most popular National Parks. Make sure to take the free shuttle bus to see some of the best viewpoints in Grand Canyon as well as drive along the Desert View Drive. In one day you will only have time to enjoy the views from the rim along with some short walks down into the canyon itself.

There is only so much time to spend at each destination during a complete two week road trip out West to the four corners states. While you do get a good view from each stop, this road trip itinerary can easily be extended to a full month if you have the time!

Day 5: Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Make sure to reserve a spot for Antelope Canyon as the tours are generally fully booked year round. Antelope Canyon has two spots you can visit the lower and upper slot canyons. Both sides are amazing, each with its unique features. The Lower Canyon is more tight and you cannot bring a tripod with you while the Upper Canyon is wider and they offer photography tours.

Either Canyon can only be visited with a tour guide. The best time to visit Antelope Canyon is during the summer the and it is recommend to get a tour between noon and 1PM to see the light rays shine through the canyons. The entrance fee for Antelope Canyon costs between $55 to $75 USD depending on the tour you choose. Antelope Canyon is a must on your western road trip itinerary.

For us, the best time to visit Horseshoe Bend is right before sunset to enjoy the rich colors of the sky. Please take a lot of water as it can get super hot! Parking costs $10 per vehicle per day but does not allow for re-entry as you will have to pay again.

As evening rolled in we kept on driving and slept in a Burger King parking lot, with permission, right before arriving to Monument Valley. 

Day 6: Monument Valley

Wake up early and head towards Forrest Gump Point to get the iconic photos from Monument Valley and avoid the crowds. It is spectacular to see the sunrise there! The entrance fee for Monument Valley is $20 USD per vehicle.

Spend the day exploring Monument Valley enjoying the vast red sandstone landscapes and dramatic viewpoints.

Day 7: Monument Valley to Arches National Park

Valley of Fire State Park is is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park located about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. This is a popular place to witness the bright red-orange sandstone formations, the iconic Fire Wave hike and thousands of years of human history.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Arches National Park

Day 8: Arches National Park to Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah and it is a short drive from Moab, where you should refill your car and stock up on supplies. This remote national park has three main sections: Island in the Sky, the easiest section to reach, the Needles and the Maze.

The Island of Sky  visitor center  is your last stop for water, as there are no services further into the park. The park offers many hiking trail from less than a mile to up to 17 miles and plenty of spots to just relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Canyonlands National Park

Day 9: Canyonlands National Park to Capitol Reef National Park

A two hour drive west is Capitol Reef National Park in southern Utah, encompassing the Fruita Historic District and the Capitol Reef scenic drive. Capitol Reef offers sweeping sandstone landscapes with iconic features including the Capitol Dome, Navajo Formation and Chimney Rock, a 400 foot tall sandstone pillar. Capitol Reef National park is definitely a stop you must include on your Western road trip itinerary.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Capitol Reef National Park

Day 10: Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most beautiful parks we have visited in the United States. It features an 18-mile scenic route to access 13 different viewpoints from the rim of the canyon over the bright red sandstone hoodoo formations. All of the viewpoints are on the left side of the road, making them easier to to reach by first driving all the way to the end of the scenic road and pulling off on the way back.

➳ Read More: The Complete Guide To Bryce Canyon

Day 11: Bryce Canyon to Las Vegas

Las Vegas is best known for the Las Vegas Strip, lined with iconic casinos for gambling and home to extravagant shows. Do not miss out on the historic center of Las Vegas at the Fremont Street Experience.

➳ Read More: The best things to do in Las Vegas

Day 12: Las Vegas to Death Valley

Death Valley is the lowest point in elevation in the United States and the holds the record for the hottest temperature on record. It might sound extreme environment, but this National Park offers beautiful and unique landscapes. With vast salt flats and colorful mineral rich mountain ranges, there is so much to enjoy. Just make sure to stay hydrated and cover up in the bright sun!

Camping within Death Valley is not for everyone as nighttime lows in the summer can remain over 100 F, but it does make for a beautiful night.

Day 13: Death Valley to Las Vegas

Unfortunately the end of your two week road trip to the Western United States is coming to an end. Drive back to Las Vegas and enjoy the last few hours of adventure.

Depending on the time of your departing flight, spend the last few hours of your road trip exploring the Las Vegas Strip. If you rented a campervan from Travellers Autobarn make sure to return it with enough time to get yourself to the airport. I hope this guide helped you plan your next Western road trip itinerary.

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How to Plan a Trip Out West (Itinerary Included)

If you’ve ever wanted to plan a trip out West, but feel overwhelmed by the amount of places to go and see, I’m here to (hopefully) ease your anxiety!

When my husband and I started planning our trip out West we were completely frazzled by the amount of information available to us online. While it was all helpful, it almost made it more challenging. It felt like we had to jump back and forth between multiple websites to get all of the details we needed.

I’m here to share our full itinerary from the trip, including hotels, places to eat, hikes and more. I’m hoping you can use this posts as a starting point to plan your trip.

* Please keep in mind we planned far in advance and were able to watch prices to ensure we found the cheapest deals. We booked (almost) everything in May for an October trip!

Basic Overview

Dates: Oct. 19 – Oct. 28, 2017

Transportation: Flights from Cleveland -> Las Vegas, Las Vegas -> Cleveland nonstop via Spirit Airlines. It cost $170 per person, roundtrip. We rented a car via Dollar Car Rental, which is a part of the McCarren Rental Car Center. It cost roughly $25/day to rent the car.

Locations in order: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park (UT), Page, Grand Canyon National Park (AZ), Las Vegas (NV)

First Stop: Zion National Park [Hotel: Bumbleberry Inn ]

We flew into the Last Vegas airport, rented the car and drove straight to our hotel in Zion. The drive took about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The drive is easy and scenic (if you’re driving during the day). We arrived to the hotel after midnight.

We stayed at the Bumbleberry Inn, which was $90/night. It was one of the cheapest places we could find in the area. We stayed here for three nights. It’s located in Springdale’s downtown area, where you will find almost all of the hotels and places to eat.

The good and bad.  The room was cheap, so as you can imagine it was subpar. We didn’t mind, though, since we only needed it for sleeping and showering. As long as we had a bed, decent WiFi and running water, we didn’t care. The major good: the hotel has it’s own restaurant called Wildcat Willies, where you get a free breakfast every morning as part of your stay. The food was incredible. It is not what you picture when you think of hotel food. This was great for us since we needed a hearty meal to start each day before hiking. The hotel is in walking distance of a market, a lot of other restaurants and a shuttle stop, which you’ll need to take to get in to the park.

Where to eat.  As mentioned above, we ate at Wildcat Willies every morning for breakfast since it was free for us. We also enjoyed a dinner there the first night. It’s relatively cheap and again, delicious! Our second dinner we went across the street to Oscar’s Cafe, a Mexican restaurant. It was cheap but we had giant servings, so we were pretty happy. Just try and get there early – it seems to be one of the more popular places to eat!

Second stop: Bryce Canyon National Park [Hotel:  Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn ]

After we wrapped up our hiking in Zion for the day, we hopped in the car and made the drive to Bryce Canyon, which is about 1 hour and 50 minutes, and we gained an hour driving into Arizona. We arrived a little after 7pm.

Keep in mind while you’re planning that Utah and Arizona are in different time zones. So throughout the trip you may gain or lose an hour, depending on where you’re headed. 

We stayed at the Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn, which was $95/night. There are only two or three hotel options in Bryce Canyon, so I’m guessing you’d end up staying here. Our room was fairly nice and close to the restaurant. We stayed here for two nights.

The good and bad.  The room was nicer than the one in Zion, but this time we did not have complimentary breakfast. The hotel is broken up into several buildings, so if you get the second floor you won’t have to deal with noisy upstairs neighbors. The hotel had a pool and hot tub, which we took advantage of. There’s also a decent market, where we purchased all of our snacks for hiking.

Where to eat.  There is literally two restaurants in the entire area, so getting dinner the first night was a bit challenging and frustrating. The restaurant connected to the hotel, Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room, is big and has a buffet option, but since there are limited places to go it was packed. Try and grab food at an odd time to avoid the crowds.

Third stop: Page, AZ [Hotel:  Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel ]

We woke up early in Bryce to catch the sunrise and complete our last hike, then left to make our way to Page, AZ where we planned to visit the famous Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The drive was about 2 hours and 30 minutes. We arrived a little after 4pm.

We stayed at the Best Western View of Lake Powell hotel, which was $100/night. This was the nicest hotel room we stayed in. It had a nice little pool and a decent complimentary continental breakfast buffet. We stayed here for one night.

The good and the bad.  As I mentioned, this hotel was very nice. It had an excellent view of Lake Powell and a clean, welcoming lobby. The room was easily the nicest one we stayed in on the entire trip. We had no complaints!

Where to eat. Since we only stayed one night, I can only offer one suggestion to you: El Tapatio (can you tell we love Mexican?!). Our server was friendly and fun, the margaritas were so good, and the food was great.

Fourth (and last) stop: Grand Canyon National Park [Hotel:  Yavapai Lodge ]

After a long day spent in Page, we hit the road for the Grand Canyon. The drive was about 2 hours and 30 minutes. We arrived around 6:30pm.

We stayed at one of the well-known hotels within the park, Yavapai Lodge, which was $120/night. The room was similar to the one in Bryce Canyon, and it was broken up into buildings the same way. We stayed here for two nights.

The good and the bad.  The cell service in the Grand Canyon is not great, so we were pretty disappointed when we discovered we had no WiFi in our room. The only place you could access it was in the main lobby where the restaurant is, which was about 5 minutes from where we were staying. We were right by a shuttle stop, which was really nice when we were ready to begin hiking.

Where to eat. Restaurants are pretty limited once you’re inside the park and at this point in the trip we were getting lazy, so we ate in the main lodge both nights. It’s set up like a Sheetz, where you go up to a screen and order your food and drinks, then wait for your number to be called. They also had a pasta buffet option if you didn’t feel like waiting. The food was so so.

I hope you found this information useful as you begin to think about or plan your trip. There are plenty of other great places to visit in the area like the Arches, but this was the route we wanted to take in order to see the most with the time we had. We definitely want to take another trip out there! It’s hard to see everything if you don’t have a lot of paid time off (which we don’t).

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Eat*Drink*Cleveland

Wildcat Willy’s is amazing! We are there every day we were there. We stayed at a B&B though.

juliabszabo

You travel like we do, making sure we catch the deals and trying to find cheap hotels. This is a great guide!

Gordon Naruta

Nice guide! Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

som eof those photos are incredible

This is very helpful, thank you. Do you remember some of the names of hikes you did at each place? We are planning a trip and will have three little kids so trying to find some manageable hikes for them. We will have a 5yo, 3yo, and 8mo

madalynstoner

Zion – Emerald Pool, Weeping Rock, Pa’rus would all be great options with kids! Bryce – I would say the rim trail would be your best bet.. it’s the flattest area. Navajo Loop would be fun too but there is some elevation! Grand Canyon – honestly I think you could really only do the rim trail area. Any other trails take you down the canyon which can become very steep and challenging.

I hope you have a great time!

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Home » North America » USA » West Coast

Ultimate West Coast Road Trip Guide for 2024

Going on a West Coast road trip has to be one of the most magnificent experiences in the USA. This region, comprising of California, Oregon, Washington, is one of the most beautiful parts of the world and offers countless things to do and places to see. Sorry East Coast – these routes have gotcha’ beat.

While traveling on the West Coast, you’ll have the option of taking many road trip routes. You can take a road trip on Highway 101 along the iconic coastlines of the Pacific Ocean, or you can navigate through the epic Cascades and the Sierra Nevada mountains inland.

Being raised in Oregon, and having taken several road trips on the West Coast, I have a lot to share with you, my fellow broke backpackers.

In this USA West Coast road trip planner, I’ll cover several topics, including how to stick to a budget, the best places to visit on the West Coast, and plenty of ideas and itineraries to easily organize your entire trip.

So come with me as we go on a road trip of the West Coast, USA!

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Renting a Car or Campervan in West Coast

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Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around while backpacking the USA and that sure does include the West Coast. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices of individual companies. I personally like using Rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give me a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan, which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various waste and water tanks to live the van life though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of the West Coast’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades will you need to be concerned about having 4-wheel drive.

If you’re on a West Coast road trip during the winter and conditions are poor, you will definitely need all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

A of my personal favorite tips on how to save money on your West Coast USA road trip …

• I mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

The most and best parties are usually in the larger cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. These cities have the most bars, clubs, and just a greater selection of places to drink. The larger cities also host a greater amount of shows and touring musicia

While there are TONS of epic places to stay along the West Coast, here are three that are absolutely worth reserving in advance!

Best West Coast Mountain Getaway: Earthlight Washington Villa

This mountain villa in Waterville, Washington just might be the most incredible Airbnb on the West Coast. Built on the edge of a ridge that overlooks the Columbia River and some stunning mountains. Enjoy it all from a truly legendary deck that features a jacuzzi and panoramic views. Only one hour from Leavenworth and 15 minutes from the nearest town, you’ll get to be as secluded as possible while still having 21st-century amenities in reach.

Best West Coast Beach Cottage: Oregon Coast Beach Getaway

This Oregon Coast beach cottage is mere steps from one of the West Coast’s most legendary beaches. Multiple comfy beds, a large kitchen, and a wood-burning stove all add to the homey feel–just 100 yards from the ocean. You’ll also have easy access to local breweries and some hiking trails if you’ve had enough beach time!

Best Airbnb in Los Angeles: Downtown LA Condo

Where you stay in LA matters a LOT, so why not choose this iconic condo located right near the City of Angels’ main attractions? The 1 bedroom condo features glass windows, 20 ft ceilings, and a rooftop pool that you’ll be thankful for if you visit in the summer! You can also count on a super comfy bed, a TV, fast Wifi, and EPIC views of LA.

Best Places to Stay on Your West Coast Road Trip

Here are some of the best places to stay all along the West Coast.

Below is a list of sample road trips up (and down) the West Coast. Varying from 10 days to 30 days in length, they cover many of the West Coast’s top attractions. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some awesome West Coast road trip ideas and maximize the natural beauty you’ll get to experience.

Since the West Coast is massive and I can’t go into every single detail for each location, I’ve created more specific road trips to help you out a bit. Get ready for a heavy dose of driving in the USA inspo!

• California Road Trip
• Oregon Road Trip

A road trip on Highway 101 is one of the most popular and desirable adventures in the United States. This route features an amazing coastline that shifts every step of the way. While you’ll see other states too, this is the California trip of your dreams!

Starting in Southern California, you’ll see palm trees and surf-worthy swells slowly turn to dramatic cliffs. By the time you reach the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by lush, temperate rainforest, the likes of which you can see nowhere else in America.

On the road trip from San Diego to Seattle, you will pass by several of the most interesting cities in the region, Must-do’s include visiting Los Angeles , Santa Barbara, and Seattle. Between these many places, you will have your pick of bars, restaurants, and local markets.

Ultimately, a road trip on the Pacific Coast Highway is a no-fail and I wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to spend more time on this itinerary.

Highlights: San Diego, Los Angeles, Big Sur, San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore, Redwoods, Oregon Coast, Olympic National Park

Notable bars and restaurants: Zeitgeist (San Francisco), A.O.C. (LA), Lost Abbey (San Diego), Annie’s Cambodian Cuisine (Eureka), Pelican Brewery (Cape Kiwanda), The Schooner (Netarts), Local Ocean Seafoods (Newport), Chestnut Cottage (Port Angeles), Granny’s Cafe (Port Angeles)

Where to Sleep:

• Freehand Hostel Los Angeles
• Green Tortoise Hostel San Francisco
• Ecola Creek Lodge (Cannon Beach)

You’ve only got 10 days on this West Coast Road Trip and it’s definitely not a lot of time for such a massive creation. Don’t expect to see each and every highlight on the way, especially when visiting LA where traffic can get hectic, to say the least.

You’ll have to plan your activities ahead to enjoy a stress-free adventure. The best activities are surfing around SoCal, camping in Big Sur, and whale watching. If you’re more of an active person, you should check out the hiking trails on the Olympic Peninsula. Exploring San Francisco and the Redwoods is a great experience too. As popular as it is, you can’t miss out on the Golden Gate Bridge, especially at sunrise or sunset.

If you’re into scenic drives, check out the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101) and Highway 1 – both offer incredible views!

Depending on when you’re visiting, you’ll be able to attend some cool festivals. Here are the coolest:

• Festival of the Dark Arts in Astoria (February)
• Goonies Day in Astoria (June)
• SF Outside Lands (August)
• Desert Daze (October)
• Redwood Coast Music Fest (October)

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

This is quite literally the opposite of a road on Highway 101 – this route primarily covers the eastern portion of California, Oregon, and Washington, areas that are defined by arid landscapes and rugged mountains.

Starting this road trip in California, you’ll begin in the hottest official place in the USA before escaping to the Sierra Nevada. You’ll pass by Yosemite , Lake Mono, and Lake Tahoe before reaching Oregon. Here, you’ll get a break from the desert by visiting Crater Lake before heading to the deserts around John Day again. By the time, you reach Washington, you’ll be in the rolling hills of the Palouse.

Given the harshness of the landscape, I advise that you undertake this road trip in late-spring or early-fall. Although it’s the desert, there is still a high probability of snow in the passes.

Highlights: Death Valley, Sierras, Lake Tahoe, Lassen Volcanic NP, Crater Lake, Bend, Wallowas, Palouse

Notable bars and restaurants: Holy Smokes Texas Style BBQ (Bishop), The Stove (Mammoth Lakes), Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (Reno), Crux Fermentation Project (Bend), McKay Cottage (Bend), Roosters Country Kitchen (Pendleton)

• Villa D’billa Airbnb (Reno)
• Moderne Hostel (Mammoth Lakes)
• Mellow Mountain Hostel (Tahoe)
• Bunk + Brews Historic Lucas House (Bend)

The best activities on this road trip are definitely climbing in Yosemite and canoeing at Lake Tahoe. For everyone who’s into adventures and adrenaline, you can ski and then stay at a cabin on Mammoth Lakes and hike the John Muir Wilderness. Biking around Crater Lake and taking epic photos in the Palouse is a bit more relaxing.

For scenic drives on this road trip, I’d recommend the Tioga Pass, Lassen Scenic Byway, and Highway 395. There are more drives that you can find online, but these ones are my personal favorites.

The best events you can attend are:

• Bishop Manzanar Pilgrimage (April)
• Burning Man (August),
• Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza (August)
• Bend Brew Festival (October)

One look at the map for this itinerary and you will probably exclaim how random it looks. Given that you will be visiting every national park between California and Washington, it’s pretty clear that there will be a great deal of driving.

But there’s going to be equal if not a greater amount of majesty. The national parks of the Western USA are famous and arguably form the finest collection in all of North America. You’re going to see deserts, valleys, giant redwoods, lakes, and mountains; if you can think of a landscape, it’s going to be featured here.

Luckily, there will be plenty of breaks on this best national parks edition of a West Coast road trip. You’ll also see many of the West Coast’s major cities, including Portland and Bellingham, and have the chance to take a brief road trip on Highway 101. So even if you are itching to go camping and get a little dirty, there will still be some showers along the way.

Highlights : Joshua Tree National Park , Kings Canyon, Channel Islands, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Olympic, Mt Rainier, North Cascades

Notable bars and restaurants: Stonefly Restaurant (Markleeville), Austin’s Restaurant (Tahoe), Aaron Schat’s Roadhouse (Bishop), John’s Pizza Works (Mammoth Lakes), Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (Reno),

• Emerald Forest Cabins (Eureka)
• Maverick Inn (Klamath Falls)
• Bavarian Bungalow Getaway (Leavenworth)

On this road trip, you’ll come across the absolute best hiking trails in the US . You can do a separate road trip in Redwoods, bike around Crater Lake, or check out the awesome beaches of the Olympic Peninsula if hiking is not your thing. For the more creative ones, you’ll love taking pictures at Death Valley National Park, hell, you might as well stay in Death Valley.

All scenic drives that I mentioned above can be visited on this road trip too, but I’d recommend checking out the Cascade Loop and Lassen Volcanic Scenic Byway .

This is it – the most complete road trip from California to Washington that you can do in 30 days. Just about every destination that has been covered so far in previous road trips is included here. This includes a road trip on the California Coast, a road trip from San Francisco to the Sierra Nevada, the Oregon Coast, the Washington Cascades, the Olympic Peninsula, and much, much more.

All of the major cities on the West Coast are included as well. There will be plenty of places to visit while staying in Los Angeles -do check out the Santa Monica pier for some prime people watching- San Francisco, Seattle, and every other city for that matter. Regardless of where you choose to spend your time – be it in the cities or in nature – it will be time well spent.

This itinerary also has the added benefit of featuring the amazing San Juan Islands, located at the end of a Highway 101 road trip. These are among the most beautiful places to stay in Washington and a mandatory given the amount of time you have.

Highlights : Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Big Sur, San Francisco, Sierras, Lake Tahoe, Redwoods, Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Bend, Portland, North Cascades, Seattle, Olympic Peninsula

Notable bars and restaurants: A.O.C. (LA), Lost Abbey (San Diego), Zeitgeist (San Francisco), Annie’s Cambodian Cuisine (Eureka), Crux Fermentation Project (Bend), Cartopia (Portland), Dick’s Drive-In (Seattle)

• Otter’s Pond Bed & Breakfast (Orcas)

Well, you’ve got a whole month on your hands! So you better do everything the West Coast has to offer, right? Whether it’s surfing while staying in Santa Cruz , exploring LA’s nightlife, or hiking trails in the Sierra Nevada – you’ll never get bored.

A couple of things I’d definitely recommend though are sailing in the San Juans, alpine climbing in North Cascades, and taking the delicious beer in Bend. What you end up doing during the 4-week road trip is completely up to you, but you can be sure to have a blast!

Hit up the road and check out the most beautiful scenic drives in the West Coast. They include Highway 101, US-26, and Crater Lake Rim . If you’ve got a nice car and love driving around, add these to your list as well.

Below is a list of the best road trip stops on the West Coast. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most for your road trip.

Southern California Road Trip

Southern California or SoCal is the drier, sunnier part of California, known for its desert landscapes, Latin-influences, beach culture, and urban sprawl. It is distinct from Northern California in many ways and should definitely be discussed in its own section.

Southern California is by no means small – it hosts millions of residents, leagues of land, amazing national parks, and a lot of coastlines – but for the sake of brevity, we must condense all of Southern California into a single section.

The region is best known for its easy-going and Epicurean culture. Metropolises, like Los Angeles and San Diego, host huge populations of people who just want to have fun in the sun, do business, and maybe get famous. The parties in Southern California are often extravagant and it goes without saying that places like Hollywood or Santa Barbara  get really crazy.

Southern California is also well-known for its desert landscapes and climate. Sunshine is plentiful, temperatures are warm, and rain is infrequent.

Superlative national parks, like Death Valley and the magical Joshua Tree , exhibit the arid beauty of Southern California. Add in some of the best beaches on the West Coast and you can why the surfer and beach culture is strong here.

In the end, Southern California is a paradisiacal place, both in mind and reality. People flock here in pursuit of dreams, warmer climates, and sometimes for no reason at all. I can think of no better place to start a fantastic road trip up the West Coast than Southern California.

Northern California Road Trip

Northern California or NorCal is a bit more temperate than SoCal, both in climate and attitude. The weather is moodier, people are slightly more cosmopolitan, and the food is far more eclectic.

You won’t find the desert beaches and vast deserts of SoCal; NorCal has grander forests, more alpine areas, and a rougher coastline. Its home to many of the best hikes in California .

Nothing illustrates the difference between NorCal and SoCal better than comparing Los Angeles and San Francisco. Whereas LA is more defined by its entertainment and pleasure industries, San Francisco is a technological utopia that hosts some of the most influential industries in the world i.e. Google.

As a city, San Francisco is far denser, better planned, and all-in-all more modern than Los Angeles. Staying in San Francisco can be refreshing and recharging, especially after spending a long time on the road. It has superior public transport, more public works, and a greater amount of accommodation options.

San Francisco also benefits from being a part of the greater Bay Area , which offers West Coast roadtrippers a huge array of activities.

There’s the increasingly affluent but always gritty Oakland in the East Bay as well as the gorgeous if not opulent Marin County in the North Bay. The stunning Napa Valley has some of the best wineries in California and the coastline around SF is spectacular.

Along the coast, Big Sur, Monterrey, John Muir Woods, and Point Reyes are all worth visiting.

Finally, Northern California offers some of the best landscapes in California. Legendary areas like Yosemite National Park , Tahoe , and the Redwood Forest are all worth visiting as are the lesser-known ones like Lassen , the John Muir Wilderness , and the Lost Coast .

Northern California is definitely one of the best places that you’ll visit on your West Coast road trip route. Like Southern California, I had to, unfortunately, be very brief with this region.

• Best Hostels in San Francisco
• Is San Francisco safe?
• Incredible San Francisco Airbnbs
• Things to Do in Santa Rosa

Oregon Coastal Road Trip

Whimsical Oregon – home to hipsters, endlessly flowing beers, and some of the most enchanting beaches and hikes on the West Coast .

Over the years, Oregon has been the recipient of many titles and stereotypes, some of which are spot-on. Though not the enclave for the weird that it used to be, Oregon is still one of the most endearing and charming states in the entire country and is still utterly unique.

Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states on the West Coast. It has deserts, mountains, rainforests, beaches, gorges, and volcanoes; you name it, and Oregon has got it. Because of this, there is an immense amount of things to do in Oregon, from relaxing to finding the best hikes you’ve ever seen.

The largest and most well-known city in Oregon is Portland. Famed for its craft beer scene, amazing food, and uncanny residents, backpacking Portland is definitely one of the best experiences you can have on your West Coast road trip. Grab a bike, grab a brew, grab a friend, and go for a joy ride in the city.

If you’re looking for a good hike, there are several trails near Portland in Forest Park , the Columbia River Gorge , and at every Portlandians favorite landmark, the elegant Mt Hood .

Almost as famous as Portland is the Oregon Coast . The Oregon Coast is far more rugged, moody, and, arguably, more beautiful than the California Coast – people love to visit here in order to get away.

The Oregon and California Coasts are, thankfully, connected via the amazing Highway 101, which runs further up to Washington. Taking a road trip on Highway 101 up the West Coast is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the region.

Oregon’s Highway 101 attractions include Cannon Beach , the Oregon Dunes , and Cape Perpetua .

• Iconic cottages in Oregon
• Epic treehouses and lodging in Oregon
• Where to stay in Portland
• Best hostels in Portland

Eastern Oregon Road Trip

Many imagine Oregon to be a dreary, rainy wonderland full of trees and hippies. While this is true for the Western portion of Oregon, few realize that this is not the case for nearly two-thirds of the state.

Eastern Oregon is situated in a mostly high desert. Here, the people are more conservative, the landscape is harsher, and the sagebrush rolls on endlessly. It’s an ideal place to grab a quality Oregon cabin and really get acquainted with this unique class of nature.

Eastern Oregon is separated from the rest of the state by the Cascade Mountain Range . These mountains extend north through Washington and south to Northern California.

The Cascades have a profound effect on the climate. Eastern Oregon receives far less rain than the West and is much more arid. The Oregon Cascades are beautiful as well, and many of the top places to visit on a West Coast road trip are located in this range.

The aforementioned Mt Hood , superlative Crater Lake , and countless waterfalls throughout the state can be found in the Oregon Cascades.

The desert dominates Eastern Oregon. Locations like the Painted Hills, Alvord Desert, Smith Rock , and Owyhee Canyonlands are all wonderful representatives of Eastern Oregon’s stark beauty.

Those looking for more than just desert though will be happy to hear that places like the Wallowa Mountains and the Blue Mountains offer more alpine experiences.

There are lots of things to do in Eastern Oregon. Aside from seeking solitude, people often visit Eastern Oregon for adventurous activities. Whitewater rafting, skiing, and hiking are all excellent here.

Staying in Bend , the largest city in Eastern Oregon, is an excellent place idea as it offers lots of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Road Trip to Seattle

Visiting Seattle is a must while road-tripping the West Coast. It’s one of the most prosperous and dynamic cities in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a culturally rich place that has helped gestate the careers of some of the greatest icons in American history including Ray Charles, Nirvana, and Jimi Hendrix.

Economically, it is one of the fastest-growing American cities and hosts several important companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks. Lying on the banks of the Puget Sound and in the shadow of the massive Mt Rainier , Seattle may also be the most beautiful city on the West Coast.

Seattle is best explored at a leisurely pace. Allocate lots of time to walk around and visit the many cafes in the city. Drink coffee and beer in copious amounts and be sure to eat the local seafood, which is bountiful in the city. Basically, try not to rush through Seattle’s many places to visit .

Though there are several restaurants to visit around Seattle, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to the iconic Pikes Place Market .

Seattle is a very outdoorsy city. Lots of backpackers love Seattle because of its laid-back, hipster vibe . There are tons of parks around the city that offer amazing views of the surrounding cityscape/landscape and display quintessential PNW lushness, including evergreens and maples.

From parks like Jose Rizal, Kerry Park, Discovery , and Seaword , you’ll have astounding views of the city and Cascade Range. Seriously, these viewpoints are some of the best I’ve ever visited.

There are several notable museums in Seattle. The ultra-modern Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle Art Museum, and the Chihuly Garden are all gorgeous museums and are among the best places to visit in Seattle.

Consider sailing on  Elliot Bay  as well. You can charter a larger, more luxurious sailboat, which will obviously cost more, or choose a more affordable option. You can rent a kayak for good rates and even sail for free every Sunday with the Center for Wooden Boats , the latter of which is one of the best free things to do in Seattle!

• Best hostels in Seattle
• Where to stay in Seattle?
• Epic Seattle itinerary
• Things to do in Seattle

Olympic Peninsula Road Trip

The Olympic Peninsula hosts Washington’s best national parks , beaches, rugged mountains, and some of the densest and wettest rainforests in North America. It is an Arcadian destination where you could get lost for days (or weeks); it is, without a doubt, one of the top West Coast road trip destinations.

The Olympic Peninsula is located west of Seattle across the Puget Sound . You can reach the peninsula from Seattle by road via Tacoma and Olympia or by ferry.

Our favorite West Coast road trip route, Highway 101 , actually starts/ends at the Tumwater/I-5 junction, just south of Olympia, and circles the entire Olympic Peninsula too. (As if this road couldn’t get any better?)

The vast majority of the Olympic Peninsula is a part of the Olympic National Park . Within the park, you’ll find all sorts of natural attractions. Here you can go hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and rafting all within the course of a day, maybe.

Near Port Angeles is the Hurricane Ridge Road, which grants access to the Hurricane Ridge . Aside from hosting a ski resort, Hurricane Ridge has one of the most jaw-dropping vistas in the state, as you’ll see huge swathes of peaks and forests.

Continuing west and then south around the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll reach the furthest shores of Washington state. Along the western portion of the Olympic Peninsula are a series of ultra-rugged and remote beaches among the most beautiful places on the West Coast.

Most of these require either a 4×4 car or a hike on foot to reach. Some of the best beaches of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula are Rialto Beach , Shi Shi Beach , and Ruby Beach .

Finally, the Hoh Rainforest is accessed via a series of dirt roads on the western edge of the peninsula. The Hoh is one of the most incredible rainforests in the world. Overrun by mammoth trees and covered nearly head to toe in lush moss, the Hoh seemingly offers nearly every shade of green imaginable.

Road Trip to Bellingham and the San Juan Islands

North of Seattle is the Salish Sea, which, apart from linking Seattle to the Pacific Ocean, hosts a number of idyllic islands and communities.

Most notable are the San Juan Islands – a gorgeous archipelago that offers some of the most bucolic and relaxing settings in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the perfect place to grab a quirky Washington treehouse and just bask in the awesomeness of nature. These in addition to Bellingham on the mainland are some of the best places in Washington.

Driving north from Seattle, you’ll first pass by Anacortes , which is the primary docking area for ferries to the San Juans as well as Vancouver Island .

South of Anacortes is Whidbey Island . Though not as gorgeous as the San Juans, Whidbey is still very nice and actually offers one of the most scenic drives in Washington. Whidbey Island is connected by bridge to the mainland at Deception Pass .

Bellingham is one of the coolest towns on the West Coast, thanks to its awesome brewery scene, young population, and outdoorsy culture. It’s primarily a college town, inhabited mostly by students, but lots of people end up falling in love with Bellingham and settling here permanently. Like any good student town, the nightlife is usually ramped up, and the beer, in particular, is quite good in Bellingham.

Bellingham is very close to Canada, Mt Baker, and the San Juan Islands, which makes it a great base for exploring the Pacific Northwest.

The San Juan Islands are one of the best places to visit on a West Coast road trip. Here is a Pacific paradise with untouched woods, calm waters, and gorgeous scenery. Small towns like Friday Harbor make for amazing places to stay for a rest stop.

People love to visit the San Juans to unwind and escape from civilization. Migrating orcas are frequently seen in the San Juans as well, which makes them popular with whale watchers.

You can reach the San Juans via ferry back to Anacortes. The ferry runs all year though less frequently in the winter.

Cascades Road Trip

Though the Cascade Range extends all the way into Oregon and California, the portion in Washington is arguably the best. The Washington Cascades are home to two of the West Coast’s best national parks – Rainier and North Cascades – in addition to several superlative wildernesses.

For mountaineers, hikers, and anyone interested in the outdoors, the Washington Cascades are among the most beautiful places .

The Washington Cascades can be roughly broken into 4 sections: the Gifford-Pinchot, Mt. Rainier, the Okanogan-Wenatchee, and North Cascades .

The Gifford-Pinchot section of the Cascades is the most southerly part of the range and is a part of the eponymous national forest. Here you’ll find Mt Adams – the second highest peak in the Cascades – and Mt St Helens – the famous active volcano. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest are also in the Gifford-Pinchot.

Mt Rainier is the largest mountain in the Cascades and hosts a national park. Mt Rainier National Park offers some of the best hikes and camping opportunities in Washington. The Summerland , Wonderland, and Tolmie Lookout trails are some of the most popular. Mt Rainier is also famous for its wildflowers, which bloom around July.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee area is home to many of Washington’s premier ski resorts. Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie, and Leavenworth are all notable locations.

Leavenworth is a very charming town in its own right and was designed to resemble a Bavarian village. Nearby to Leavenworth are the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and superlative Enchantment Basin , both of which offer amazing hiking opportunities.

Finally, the North Cascades – near the border of Canada – has some of the most rugged and remote peaks in the country. There are lots more hiking opportunities to be had around the North Cascades. Popular trails include Hidden Lake Lookout, Lake Anne, Sahalie Arm , and Copper Ridge . There is excellent skiing at Mt Baker as well, which is the highest mountain in the area.

Eastern Washington Road Trip

Eastern Washington is very different from the Western portion of the state. Lying on the other side of the Cascade Range, Eastern Washington is arider and desert-like, much in the same way as Eastern Oregon.

This part of Washington is distinctly more agrarian as well, and people tend to lean towards of the conservative side of the political spectrum. Regardless of its differences, Eastern Washington is a gorgeous place to visit and offers some of the most unique places to visit in Washington.

Though I’ll be frank when I say there is not a whole lot to do in Eastern Washington. Aside from a few very notable and beautiful attractions, 80% of Eastern Washington is either boring farmland or shrubbery. Definitely consider visiting this region but don’t allocate too many days to it.

Spokane is the largest city in Eastern Washington. It’s a peaceful city that doesn’t see much in the way of tourism. There are a few notable landmarks in the city like Spokane Falls, Davenport Arts District, and Manito Park .

Architecture fans may enjoy wandering around the city to see the works of Kirtland Cutter , who was one of the most influential architects in the PNW.

Most people just use Spokane as a base to explore the surrounding landscape. Spokane benefits from the excellent road trips nearby. The ever-charming Coeur d’Alene, and Sandpoint, Idaho are both very close to Spokane as is the Canadian border. Mountain lovers will love having the Northern Rockies right at their fingertips in Spokane.

South of Spokane is the Palouse , a very pastoral region that could easily rival Tuscany in terms of beauty. With rolling hills and endless fields, many photographers love Palouse. Consider a visit if you are looking to escape to the countryside. Steptoe Butte offers one of the best views of the hills.

Palouse also has one of the best waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest: Palouse Falls . This mighty waterfall drops into a gorgeous canyon and makes for excellent photographs. Hikers can walk to the base of the waterfall through the canyon itself as well.

Looking for some more unique West Coast road trip ideas? Then check out these off-the-beaten-path locations for a chance to see something different!

Nevada Road Trip

Nevada is a state directly east of California, best known for debaucherous Las Vegas. Because of its proximity to Los Angeles (a 4-hour drive), Las Vegas and Nevada are frequently visited on a California road trip.

Visit Las Vegas for a chance to party big and win bigger at the casinos, and consider visiting the rest of the state. There are several excellent attractions in Nevada that have nothing to do with LV like the Valley of Fire, Great Basin National Park, and Reno. 

Lake Tahoe is probably the biggest draw in the area. There are many cool things to do in Lake Tahoe , and it’s an ideal place to have your own vehicle.

Idaho Road Trip

Idaho is a relatively neglected state that doesn’t get much attention from the rest of the country. While some of it is admittedly unimpressive – the south is an endless expanse of ugly agriculture and weird towns – there are still a lot of cool things in Idaho.

Boise is quickly becoming one of the most charming cities in the Western USA and has a great culinary scene. The mountains of Idaho, being a part of the northernmost section of the American Rockies , are also very beautiful. The Sawtooth Range, Nez-Perce Woods , and the lake town of Sandpoint are all very attractive places worth visiting.

One of the best ways to see these mountains is to stay in a cabin in Idaho , as they offer unrivaled views of the mountains and the best scenic spots in the state.

Vancouver Road Trip

If you’ve finished your West Coast road trip route and want more, then why not continue your trip into Canada? While Vancouver isn’t exactly off the beaten path, it is just across the Washington-Canada border and one of the most gorgeous cities in the entire world.

Backpacking Vancouver offers many adventurous opportunities including skiing, hiking, sailing, and ferries to Vancouver Island. Granted, there aren’t many coastal roadways in British Columbia but the mountains are superlative and only a few hours drive away from Vancouver!

The US national parks are among the most beautiful places on the West Coast! Visit any one of the following areas for a glimpse of the best of the West Coast’s splendor and get ready to take lots of pictures.

California National Parks

• Kings Canyon/Sequoia (SoCal) – Home to the giant sequoias, which are one of the tallest trees in the world. Framed by quintessential-Sierra Nevada craggy peaks, Sequoia National Park is incredibly unique.
• Channel Islands (SoCal) – Islands that have huge ecological diversity. Good for whale watching, scuba diving, and hiking.
• Yosemite (NorCal) – Granite wonderland full of some of the sheerest and most dramatic rock walls in the world. A Mecca for rock climbers and hikers. Plan your visit to Yosemite ahead of time!
• Death Valley (SoCal) – One of the hottest and most inhospitable places in the world. Defined by surreal geology, mountains, and enormous sand dunes, Death Valley National Park just can’t be missed.
• Joshua Tree (SoCal) – A desert national park close to Los Angeles. Home to unique flora and fauna. Popular with hikers , climbers, and weekend warriors.
• Redwood (NorCal) – Park dedicated to some of the oldest and greatest trees on the planet. One of the California Coast’s best attractions.
• Lassen Volcanic (NorCal) – A highly volcanic area defined by bubbling thermal pools and active volcanoes, and one of the best camping spots in California .
• Pinnacles (NorCal) – Set-up to preserve unique rock formations and local bat populations.

Oregon National Parks

• Crater Lake (Oregon) – The only national park in Oregon and one of the best places in Oregon. Insanely deep and clear lake sitting in a collapsed caldera.

Washington National Parks

• Mt Rainier (Washington) – The highest mountain in the Cascades and home to the largest glaciers in the lower 48. An alpine paradise.
• Olympic (Washington) – One of the most geographically diverse regions on the West Coast. Mountains, glaciers, rugged coastline, and rainforest all in one place.
• North Cascades (Washington) – “The Alps of the USA.” Vast and wild national park that protects some of the most beautiful mountains in America.

Americans have a weird affinity to the strange landmarks that are usually found out in the middle of nowhere. The roadside attractions on the West Coast have become so admired that many people go on a trip just to see them! Below is a list of some of the most interesting West Coast roadside attractions.

• Forestiere Underground Gardens (Fresno) – An impressive and intricate series of underground passageways with gardens everywhere. Very pretty place.
• Trees of Mystery (Klamath) – An amusement park of sorts with, most notably, two giants statues of Paul Bunyon and his ox Babe .
• Salvation Mountain (Niland) – A pretty famous attraction on the edge of San Diego. Surreal and Gaudi-like shrine in the desert. Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Southern California.
• Cabazon Dinosaurs (Cabazon) – One of the OG California roadside attractions! A favorite for many.
• Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health (Salem) – A real mental institution that was used for filming One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Now displays important artifacts from the movie as well as archaic therapeutic techniques.
• Octopus Tree (Tillamook) – An old spruce tree that came to be shaped like an octopus by unknown means.
• The Oregon Vortex (Gold Hill) – A place where the laws of physics are purportedly non-existent due to paranormal activity.
• Rosie (Sekiu) – An anthropomorphic fish statue complete with a pink skirt, bra, and tennis shoes. Doesn’t get much weirder than this.
• Codger Pole (Colfax) – Local totem pole built to commemorate a local football game. Depicts the players as they appeared in the 1930s during their first match. Dedicated in 1988 during their final rematch.
• Wild Horses Monument (Vantage) – Dedicated to Washington state’s centennial. A collection of iron horses galloping on a ridgeline over the Columbia River Gorge.

You have endless options for gorgeous roads on the West Coast. Choose any one of these scenic routes listed below to gain more West Coast road trip ideas!

Each drive features some of the best places to visit on a USA West Coast road trip and several other scenic byways detours as well.

1. Highway 101/1 (California/Oregon/Washington)

One of the finest drives in the entire USA. Road trip from San Diego to Seattle via Highway 1 and 101, which hugs the near entirety of the West Coast.

Watch the coastline change from desert-like to temperate and see some of the finest scenery of all. Highway 101 attractions include the California Redwoods, camping at Big Sur , the rugged Oregon Coast, and the lush Olympic Peninsula in Washington.

2. Highway 395/97 (California/Oregon/Washington)

A great alternative to a road trip on Highway 101 – this route takes you through Eastern California and the Cascades of Oregon and Washington. See epic mountain vistas and visit some of the best national parks in the West.

Highlights include Death Valley, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Bend, the Columbia River Gorge, and Leavenworth. This California-to-Washington state road trip begins in Los Angeles and ends in Seattle, and requires a transfer between Hwy 395 and 97 near Lassen NP.

3. Highway 26 (Oregon)

Travel from sea to sky and get a taste of Oregon’s geographic diversity. Start at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast and travel eastbound on 26. Pass by Portland and stop at the mighty Mt. Hood.

Continue down 26 to reach the Oregon High Desert and be sure to stop by Bend, Smith Rock, and the Painted Hills along the way.

4. Cascade Loop (Washington)

Hands-down the most scenic drive in Washington state. This enormous loop starts and ends in Everett – north of Seattle – and offers a little bit of everything. Begin by taking the Stevens Pass Greenway deep into the Cascade Mountains.

From there, head north and loop back around back west via the superlative North Cascades Highway. Finally, end your Washington state road trip in the Puget Sound via the Whidbey Isle Scenic Byway.

Even if you’re unable to travel on $10/day like in some of my favorite countries, this West Coast road trip guide will at least help you minimize expenses.

Each West Coast state will cost different amounts of money. California will be the most expensive state, followed by Washington, and then Oregon.

Generally speaking, the average daily budget for a road trip on the West Coast will be between $175 – $250 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and activities.

Gas is very expensive on the West Coast and will lead you to an early bankruptcy if you’re not careful. Do everything you can to limit the costs of gas by planning/sticking to routes, using a fuel-efficient car, and carpooling.

Going on a road trip in the USA with a group is fun, more environmentally friendly, and cheaper. Traveling with other people is the best way to save money, but we understand this isn’t always possible!

No fear! You can also save money on a solo trip by camping and staying at hostels, grocery shopping, and taking your time (i.e. not driving 500 miles a day).

Food and lodging will cost as much as you’re willing to invest. Staying in fancy digs and eating out for every meal will obviously drain your funds. Camping out and cooking for yourself will save you much more money in the long run.

You will probably visit several national parks as well and each has a fee. Pick 1-2 parks, or invest in an America the Beautiful Pass .

While these costs might seem steep, always remember you can always save a TON by camping. But even if you don’t spend any nights under the stars, you can rest assured that your money is allowing you to see some of the very best places to visit in the US .

Average Costs of a USA West Coast Road Trip

Below is a breakdown of the average costs of a USA West Coast road trip:

Rental car : $30-$100

RV rental:  $100-$300

Gallon of gas: $4.50 – $5.50

Average AirBnB:  $120

Hotel room: $200

Hostel dorm bed: $50

Campground:  $5-$20 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich:  $6-$9

Beer at a bar: $7-$10

Coffee: $4-

Bottle of Whiskey from market:  $20

Dinner for two:  $35-$75

Here are some things you should definitely know before hitting the roads of the West Coast!

Best Time to Visit West Coast

Depending on what you want to do on your road trip and what kind of climate you like, the West Coast can be visited at any time of the year . With temperate winters, sunny summers, and few extreme weather patterns, the West Coast is relatively pleasant no matter what time of the year it is.

The West Coast of the United States is a huge region with many distinct climates. The northern areas (Oregon and Washington) are well-known for being wet, dreary, and grey while California is famous for being warm, sunny, arid, and smokey.

Note that these are generalizations and that individual climates are, in reality, far more complex (but we’ll get into that soon).

Summers on the West Coast are usually bright, warm, and dry, and depending on the latitude and proximity to the sea, summers can be more or less very long and very dry.

While this means that you can be guaranteed good weather, it also means higher prices. Wildfires also start in the dry summers, which have become an enormous problem in recent years.

Winters on the West Coast are very mild and most of the yearly precipitation falls during this time. Snow is not very common for West Coast cities located near the sea.

Portland and Seattle may see a few snowy days in the winter while San Francisco and Los Angeles may only see snow once in a lifetime. Both the Cascades and the Sierra Nevadas receive plentiful snow and skiing is a very popular activity in these mountains.

Autumn is a usually lovely time to go on a road trip down the West Coast. Temperatures are still pleasant and nights are crisp. November is a transition month and when the rainy season usually starts – the Pacific Northwest can receive bucket loads of rain and, hopefully, California is no longer on fire.

Spring is also a good time to go on a USA West Coast road trip. The rain is slowly subsiding, temperatures are rising, and the hordes of tourists haven’t arrived yet. This is the greenest time in California, though Oregon and Washington (the Evergreen State) are pretty much always green (aside from the very eastern parts).

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of West Coast road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Rent an economy car : Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel-efficient. Use apps like ViaMichelin to find cheap gas, which, seriously, always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.
• Use vehicle relocation services : These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot : Though not technically legal, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Camp : Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. With a solid backpacking tent , campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free activities on the West Coast! From epic hiking trails to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in the West.If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Pack a filtered water bottle : It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

West Coast Road Trip Travel Insurance

Traveling in the USA is generally safe , but you never know what can happen while on the road! Do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Camping while traveling is absolutely one of the best ways to experience the majesty of the West Coast. This region has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country and some truly awesome campgrounds. For those on a West Coast road trip, camping is an absolute must.

There are all kinds of campgrounds on the West Coast that offer a wide range of amenities and rates. Generally speaking, there are four types: private, public, dispersed , and backcountry . Below is a brief explanation of each.

Private – Larger campgrounds that offer the most amenities including communal kitchens, showers, and maybe onsite restaurants. Most appropriate for demanding campers. Most expensive as well. Payment is made through the office of the owners.

Public – More basic campgrounds that offer limited but crucial amenities. Running water, electricity, and bathrooms should be but are not always present. Good prices. Payment is made to a public organization either online or via a dropbox at the camp.

Dispersed – aka wild camping and primitive camping . Camping in an area that is not an official campground but is still legal. Little to no amenities. Almost always free.

Backcountry – Camps located in the wilderness areas. Almost always require a hike to reach. Often no facilities so campers must bring food, cooking gear, camp supplies, etc. Permits are usually required and can be arranged at a nearby ranger station.

A lot of campgrounds, especially those at the national parks, can fill up very quickly. Consider booking a campground ahead of time to ensure that you have a spot. If you plan on sleeping at more unique sites – like yurt camps or a fire lookout – you will definitely have to book ahead.

Lots of campgrounds have walk-up sites available, which you’ll need to arrive early to claim. If you strike-out on the walk-up sites as well, there may be overflow camping nearby.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

West Coast Camping – Gear Checklist

The West Coast has some of the finest camping in the whole country. This means a proper road trip packing list is essential .

You could sleep in your car or an RV while traveling on the West Coast but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other things that I recommend adding to your RV packing list if you plan on camping out…

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Free West Coast Camping

Those on a road trip down the West Coast should totally take advantage of the many free campgrounds spread throughout the state. Keep on reading for a list of some of my favorite free West Coast camping spots .

Note that some campgrounds listed in this guide may require a 4×4 vehicle to access.

By now, you should know everything there is to know about the West Coast and possible road trip hotspots. I know, it’s a lot to take in, and you’ve still got numerous options to choose from – which is why it’s important to plan ahead properly instead of just hitting the road.

Sort your packing list, your car, or stylish RV and your insurance first, come up with a rough itinerary and then you can be almost 100% sure that you’ll have a successful trip.

Of course, all road trips are flexible and you can always make spontaneous decisions (which is the best thing about them), but if you’ve got the time and your budget allows it, take a month and follow my complete 30-day west coast road trip. That way, you won’t miss out on anything! And if you don’t like it, just skip one stopover and go to the next one.

Now, enough talking! Let’s hit the road… the West Coast awaits!

Updated April 2024 by Samantha Shea

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19 Exciting West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

Stretching from the glaciers of Alaska to the deserts of southern California, there’s no doubt that the west coast of the United States is home to some of the most stunning (and diverse) nature on the planet. Add in iconic cities, quirky small towns, a great food scene, plenty of historic highlights, and several wine regions, and the possibilities for putting together a west coast USA road trip itinerary are nearly endless.

We teamed up with several travel writers to share their favorite west coast road trip routes, and the results are worthy of any bucket list.

Here are the best US west coast road trip ideas!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your West Coast USA Road Trip

Best west coast usa road trips in california, oregon + washington road trip itinerary ideas, west coast usa road trip ideas in alaska.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Before we dive into exploring the best west coast road trips, there are a few tips to be aware of–especially if you’re visiting as an international tourist and haven’t explored the United States before!

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your west coast USA road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling. Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your USA road trip.

Browse rental cars for your US west coast road trip today!

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

On the off chance that you’re planning on continuing your road trip into Canada or Mexico, be sure to check requirements for crossing the border as well.

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a big USA road trip requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between. We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on our road trip packing list  before you go!

Book travel insurance.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen on the road, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for road trips in the USA.

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the US west coast is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop in just one more park or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your west coast US road trip driving from one spot to the next.

The Iconic Pacific Coast Highway

From Allison of California Crossroads

Driving Distance

Recommended road trip length.

San Diego to Los Angeles

From Chris of Explore Now or Never

Los Angeles to Yosemite

From Eden of Rock a Little Travel 

A Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip makes an excellent choice for those who love the big city, but also appreciate some quality time outdoors. 

During your time in Los Angeles, I recommend getting an early start to hike the city’s famous Runyon Canyon trail in Hollywood. After your hike, make your way towards Melrose Avenue to grab brunch and maybe do a little vintage shopping. Spend your afternoon in Santa Monica enjoying the beach before heading into downtown LA for dinner and drinks in the Arts District. 

From Los Angeles, you’ll head north to Paso Robles, one of California’s favorite wine regions. The wineries here are fun and affordable, and most are family-owned. Paso Robles is known for being down to earth and friendly, so even if you don’t know a lot about wine, you’re guaranteed to feel welcome and have a good time. 

After enjoying the wineries of Paso Robles, it’s time to head to Yosemite. Once inside the park make your way towards the Tunnel View lookout. This lookout offers some of the best views in the park with Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome off in the distance.

From Tunnel View, you’ll make your way down into Yosemite Valley. From here you can ditch the car and begin exploring this beautiful park on foot or bicycle. You’ll find trails and waterfalls all around you, so take your time and see it all. 

Three to five days is perfect for this Los Angeles to Yosemite road trip. This will give you at least one full day in each destination with the option to add on more time where you like. 

You’ll have lots of time in the car, so consider bringing some California books like Wild along!

Los Angeles to Eastern Sierra

The first place you can explore is off of the 14 freeway, the Red Rock Canyon State Park. In the summer, this area does get very hot, but if you’re doing this trip in the fall, spring, or winter months, it’s a great place to stop and soak in the desert views.

From there, head to Lone Pine, a cute town where several Western movies were filmed. From here, explore the Alamaba Hills. You can spend the day driving up and down dirt roads, viewing the rock formations, and gazing upon the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You can also disperse camp here.

From Alabama Hills you get a stellar view of Mt. Whitney , standing at 14,505 feet, it’s the highest point in the lower 48 states. Mt. Whitney is not an easy hike, but it’s a must-do for any avid hiker or backpacker. Permits are required for both day hikes and backpacking trips, and it’s a 22-mile round trip hike from Whitney Portal out of Lone Pine, so make sure to train if you want this hike to be part of your west coast road trip itinerary. 

Lone Pine is the start of the Eastern Sierra. From here, as you drive further North, you’ll encounter Independence, Big Pine, Bishop, and then Mammoth. There are so many hiking trails just outside of each of these towns with views that will make you not believe you’re in California.

You can make this trip as short or as long as you’d like. If you’re new to the area, give yourself a week to do several hikes, soak in hot springs and take in different elements of what this area has to offer.

California Gold Country

Highway 49 links many historical gold rush towns through the foothills of the Sierra Mountains in California. Start your journey in the adventure-filled town of Angels Camp, then drive north through Placerville, Coloma, Auburn, Grass Valley, and ending in Nevada City.

Each of these gold rush towns is full of interesting museums, quaint stores, great dining options, and adventures like panning for gold or watch a real blacksmith at work.

Placerville, also known as Hangtown, has the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi. Half the store is filled with gold mining equipment (like gold mining pans) and hard to find hardware, the other half is packed with housewares and fabulous gifts. There is something for everyone.

If looking for a shorter trip, start in Auburn, the easiest of the towns to get to from Sacramento, then head up to the sister cities Grass Valley and Nevada City. There are old gold mines to explore, the best chocolate candy store (Grass Valley), shopping until you drop, and then top it all off with an ice cream cone from one of many locations.

Highway 49 winds through beautiful pine trees and at times it passes along the South Fork American River making this a peaceful road trip with unlimited potential. Each of these gold rush towns along this highway has something unique and “oldest” that they can claim.

Driving this route directly would only take about 2.5 hours, but with so much to see and do, it could easily take you four to five days to complete this west coast USA road trip route. Much of the drive is through small towns along windy roads with a continuous supply of mining and gold rush history and activities for all ages.

San Diego to Palm Springs Loop

California’s Lost Coast

From Julia of Well Planned Journey

California’s Lost Coast  is the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States. For 75 miles, the famed Pacific Coast Highway cuts inland, unable to pass through the rough terrain. This road trip from Eureka to Mendocino is perfect for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path. 

Start your Lost Coast road trip in Eureka, California, an old town famous for its Victorian houses. Leave the Pacific Coast Highway behind as you head for the small town of Ferndale, where you can explore the Victorian homes and the Golden Gait Mercantile.

Mattole Road winds through rolling hills and backcountry before running parallel to the Pacific Ocean. Stop along Mattole Road to enjoy the solitude and coastal views. As Mattole Road turns back inland, you trade the rugged Lost Coast for a redwood forest.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park is the largest old-growth redwood forest in the world. End your first day in Humboldt Redwoods State Park exploring the Avenue of the Giants, a famous 31-mile scenic drive through the redwoods. Stay the night in one of Humboldt Redwoods State Park’s many campgrounds or if you prefer a hotel, stay at The Tides Inn in Shelter Cove. 

The next morning, make your way to Shelter Cove. Explore Black Sands Beach and grab lunch and a beer at Gyppo. After lunch, stop to explore Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, searching for sea glass, and watching for seals and whales. End your Lost Cost journey in Mendocino where you can hike the coast on the Mendocino Headlands trail or go on a kayaking tour with Kayak Mendocino.

Recommended Trip Length

While this route could be driven in a day, 2-3 days gives you the perfect amount of time to explore the Lost Coast and the Mendocino area. 

National Parks in Southern California

From Dhara of Roadtripping California

Road trips are a wonderful way to experience California’s stunning natural wonders. And one of the very  best California road trips with a nature focus is a route that covers southern California’s great desert parks.

Start in Los Angeles and make your way to Palm Springs, a fun desert city with many resorts and spas to enjoy. Palm Springs is home to mid-century modern architecture and desert canyon hikes, as well as an aerial tramway that takes you to the top of Mount San Jacinto.

From Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is just about an hour’s drive. The park is known for its magnificent boulder masses and the strange-looking, unique Joshua trees that aren’t really trees but a type of succulent. Whether you enjoy hiking or early settler history replete with relics of ranches and mines, you will have fun exploring Joshua Tree National Park.

Next, drive through the Mojave National Preserve, with more stands of Joshua trees and mighty sand dunes, before arriving at Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley National Park is home to the lowest point in North America. It is cool to take a photo by the sign saying “282 feet below sea level” at Badwater Basin! Explore the massive salt flats and take in the views from iconic viewpoints such as Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View. Death Valley National Park is huge but easily explored if you have a car.

From Death Valley National Park, make your way back to Los Angeles, stopping, if you like at more desert places along the way, such as Alabama Hills.

This trip is best enjoyed over a time frame of 5-7 days. Each of the parks is large and deserves a day or two to see the major sights and get in a couple of hikes.

Mammoth Lakes to Bridgeport

From Jeanine of Le Wild Explorer

One of the most incredible places in California is the Eastern Sierras. It’s full of natural beauty and a great place for outdoor adventures. A road trip from  Mammoth Lakes to Bridgeport  will take you amazing hot springs with killer views, pristine lakes, scenic hiking trails, and more. 

You’ll begin your trip to Mammoth Lakes which is extremely busy in the winter and summer. The famous Mammoth Mountain is an all-season resort that is popular for snow sports in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. Mammoth Lakes also has incredible hot springs and loads of hiking trails.

From Mammoth Lakes, you’ll head north where you can drive the June Lake Loop. The Loop is made up of four different lakes where you can go fishing, kayak, swim (in the summer), and more. There are also hiking trails that lead you to postcard-worthy vistas. 

Continue your drive north to Lee Vining where you’ll find Mono Lake. The lake is one of the oldest in North America and a true gem. The tufa towers are made of mineral deposits and give it an out-of-this-world look. The best time to visit is for sunrise or sunset but you can enjoy day-time activities such as kayaking and birdwatching.

Last, you’ll reach Bridgeport where you can soak in more hot springs and even visit a ghost town. Hiking and horseback riding are also popular. And if you love fishing check out their annual fishing events and go fly fishing in one of the creeks. 

This Mammoth Lakes to Bridgeport road trip can be done in a weekend but at least three days is recommended if you hope to enjoy a few hikes.

Portland to Seattle 

Recommended by Lotte from  Beste voor Kids  

Start your road trip in the delightfully weird city of Portland (Keep Portland Weird is actually the city’s slogan) and stock up on food, snacks, and gas. If you’ve never been to Portland, be sure to allow for a day in your itinerary to explore the city before hitting the road.  

From Portland, head north on the I-5 S and drive to the Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center (about an hour). Here you can learn more about the major eruption on March 27 in 1980. This eruption took the lives of 57 people and drastically changed the shape of Mount St. Helens and the surrounding ecosystem.   

Drive to Randle on the 12 and continue to Windy Ridge via the NF-99. Often cited as one of the most scenic drives in Washington State, be sure to take plenty of time to admire the views here. Note that the NF-99 closes around late October/early November (depending on the first serious snowfall). At the end of the road, you can hike up Windy Ridge for a beautiful view of Mount Saint Helens and Spirit Lake.  

Next up on your west coast road trip itinerary is Mount Rainier National Park. Drive here via the 123 and Steven’s Canyon Road (also closed in winter) and spend a day or two exploring this amazing National Park. Nice hiking trails are the Skyline Trail (8.4 miles round trip) and the short but beautiful Alta Vista trail (1.8 mile). Both start at the Paradise parking lot.   

End your trip in Seattle, the birthplace of Starbucks, home to famous Pike Place Market, and of course the 605-ft.-tall Space Needle.  

You could drive the 175 miles from Portland to Seattle in just under 3 hours via the I-5 S, however, for this road trip, I’d recommend 3 days if you don’t plan on exploring Portland or Seattle. If you want to visit these cities as well, add at least two extra days so you can spend an entire day in both of these great west coast cities.  

Willamette Valley

From Sarah & Nathan of Discover the PNW

Just south of the popular Oregon city of Portland sits the gorgeous Willamette Valley, known for the state’s wine production. A west coast USA road trip between Portland and Eugene will take you right through one of the most beautiful places in Oregon with plenty of opportunities to stop for great wine, food, and scenery.

There are nearly 600 wineries in the Willamette Valley and many of them are open year-round for tastings and tours. The region is known for producing premier Pinot-Noir but you will also find many other varietals to taste. 

Another plus to this road trip is the cute towns along the way offering fabulous dining and charming accommodations. McMinnville is a favorite with its historic center, boutique shops, foodie-focused restaurants, and dozens of tasting rooms. 

Oregon’s pretty capital city of Salem is also worth a visit with its gardens, cultural, arts, and food scene. Pay a visit to the Willamette Valley Cheese Company, enjoy a brunch cruise on the Willamette Queen Riverboat, or partake in a glass of wine at Oregon’s oldest producing winery.

The Willamette Valley is also a top choice of nature lovers. With miles of farmland, orchards, and vineyards plus views of the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains, the drive is nothing short of stunning. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure be sure to spend some time around Eugene which is surrounded by hiking and cycling trails, waterfalls, and rivers. 

120 miles one way or 240 miles as a loop.

It only takes about 5 hours to drive this west coast USA road trip loop but with so many places to stop along the way we recommend at least 1 night and 2 full days.

Portland to Bend

From Amanda of A Dangerous Business

Oregon is a great place for a road trip, and an easy route that includes everything from waterfalls to mountains to rainbow-hued hills is from Portland to Bend.

Once you’ve had your fill of weird in Portland, hit the road to the Columbia River Gorge. This river-carved canyon along the Oregon-Washington border is known for its great hiking trails and incredible waterfalls. Don’t miss Multnomah Falls, or hikes to spots like Latourell Falls, the Oneonta Gorge, and Elowah Falls.

From here, you can head south towards Bend on OR-35, which takes you past Mount Hood, Oregon’s most famous volcano. You could stop to hit the ski slopes or the mountain bike trails on Mt. Hood, or simply ride the Magic Mile Chair Lift up to 7000 feet for great views.

Continue your drive to an otherworldly spot in eastern Oregon: the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument near Mitchell. Enjoy the scenic drive through the park, and take a short trail or two to get up close to these orange, yellow, and green hills.

You’ll have to retrace your route on your way back towards Bend, so you may as well also stop Smith Rock State Park. Famous for its rock climbing, this stunning park also has some good hikes for all skill levels. If you’re up for a challenge, try the Misery Ridge Trail.

From Smith Rock, it’s only about 40 miles to Bend, the outdoor recreation mecca of Oregon. Bend is a great jumping-off point when you decide to continue your Oregon road trip .

If you drive straight through, this route takes 8 hours. But of course, you don’t want to drive it straight through! I’d recommend at least 3-4 days for the driving portion of this trip, not counting the time you spend in Portland. 

Seattle to the San Juan Islands

From Adria of The Emerald Palate

The San Juan Islands are an incredibly scenic chain of 170 islands about 3 hours north of Seattle that offer a ton of outdoor adventures. San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island are the 3 most popular ones to visit, and all of them are a perfect final stop on a road trip from Seattle.

Starting from Seattle, take I-5 north toward the Skagit Valley. Pronounced “skaaa-jit”, this area spans about 100 miles and is made up of a bunch of quaint towns and farms worth visiting on your road trip.

Start your trip off with a beer tasting flight in Mt. Vernon. If you love shopping, Mt. Vernon has some great antique shops and boutiques worth poking your head into. 

Next head to the nearby Chuckanut Drive. This is one of my favorite things to do in Skagit County, WA . It’s a 20-mile scenic drive that takes you along the coast through dense trees that open up to offer incredible views of the San Juan Islands. Hikers will love the Oyster Dome trail for incredible, uninterrupted views of your final destination. Those looking for more low-key hikes should head to Larrabee State Park.

Before heading to the San Juan Islands, make a stop at Deception Pass State Park. There are a bunch of easy walking trails overlooking some of the bluest water in Washington. It makes for a beautiful photo when you get the mint-colored Deception Pass Bridge in the shot.

Lastly, make your way to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal about an hour before your reserved your ferry ticket (reservations are a must in the summer).

If you chose the quieter and least-visited Lopez Island as your final destination, you can expect the ride to be about an hour on a direct ferry. Orcas Island, the largest and most food-focused of the islands, will take about an hour and 20 minutes. San Juan Island, the most popular and known for art and wildlife, will take about 1.5 hours.

No matter which island you chose, make sure you plan a whale watching tour because this is one of the best places in the world to see orcas and other types of whales.

About 155 miles one way. Here’s a map of the route .

Five days would make for a solid US west coast road trip, spending about 2 days in the Skagit Valley and 3 days on whichever island you choose.

Northeast Oregon

From Erika of Erika’s Travels

Northeast Oregon is an underrated USA west coast road trip destination that will take you to some of the most remote and awe-inspiring wilderness areas in the Pacific Northwest. It is an off-the-beaten-path corner of the state that is home to character-filled Western towns, lonely scenic byways, soaring granite peaks, and the deepest canyon in North America. 

The road trip begins and ends in Baker City—a historic town that was once the largest settlement between Portland and Salt Lake. The picturesque town has over 100 historic houses, a phenomenal Oregon Trail interpretive center, and its very own Carnegie Library. 

From Baker City, the road follows the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to the artsy town of Joseph, on the shores of Lake Wallowa State Park. 

Lake Wallowa is one of the premier recreation areas in Eastern Oregon. The shimmering cobalt lake is a paradise for boaters, swimmers, and fishing enthusiasts. It is also a primary gateway to the towering granite peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. 

If you have a few days to spare on your road trip, hiking the Wallowas is an unforgettable Pacific Northwest experience. The sprawling area boasts alpine lakes, wildflower-laced meadows, and 18 peaks that eclipse 9,000 feet.  

From the Wallowa Mountains near Joseph, the road trip traverses barn-dotted farmlands and winds through a rugged river canyon to the minuscule community of Imnaha. The tiny town is the starting point of an epic adventure along a narrow and treacherous gravel road, to the Hat Point Overlook.

At Hat Point, a fire tower showcases stunning views of canyon walls that rise nearly 8,000 feet above the waters of the Snake River.

After taking some time to soak in the views of  Hells Canyon  from Hat Point, the scenic loop continues toward Baker City. Along the way, it traverses the eastern flank of the Wallowas and winds through golden hills of cow-speckled farmlands. 

A northeast Oregon road trip should ideally take at least 3-4 days. However, If you enjoy camping and hiking, consider adding a few extra days to enjoy the vast Eagle Cap Wilderness in Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains. 

Oregon Coast

From Kay of The Awkward Traveller

Because of its simple route and beautiful coastal scenery, the Oregon Coast is the most popular west coast road trip in the state.

If you start at the north end, closer to Portland, you will pass the iconic bridges of Astoria, and also a major artistic hub for film and movies.

Once you reach the city of Seaside, where Lewis and Clark (and Sacagewea and York!) famously completed their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. While you stop to relax on the beachfront, be sure to head to Cannon Beach for a look at Haystack Rock.

Driving south, stop in the city of Tillamook  to visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a taste of their globally recognized cheese and farm-fresh ice cream.

Stay overnight in Yachats, a town that prides itself on sourcing local and sustainable products, as well as amazing attractions such as Oregon’s Sea Lion Caves and Cape Perpetua.

Next, wake up and drive to Florence, the sand dune capital of Oregon, and rent ATVs for the day. Or, continue south and spend your time exploring the dramatic views of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. However long you decide to drive the coast, the best lodging options to fully experience the location would be to rent a cabin on the beach.

About 338 miles.

It is not a far distance in total,  so 3-4 days is recommended to explore the Oregon Coast at a more relaxed pace. However, if you are an avid photographer or love to immerse yourself in nature by hiking and camping, spending a week in the area might be more fulfilling. 

Beaches of Olympic National Park

From Michelle of The Wandering Queen

One of the best US west coast road trips to take in the PNW is to the Olympic National Park Beaches. The Olympic Peninsula beaches are so different than any beaches you have ever seen before! These beaches are filled with sea stacks, tide pools, wildlife, and driftwood. If you are lucky, you will spot a bald eagle while having a nice walk down the beach. 

The first stop should be the Kalaloch Beach. There are many campgrounds here if you want to stay a night. After that, make sure to stop by Ruby Beach, which has an enormous sea stack. It is a perfect place for sunset with the family, and you don’t need to hike too far to get great views.

Next, try out a great hike at Second Beach (4-mile round trip). Many people love backpacking and staying the night at this beautiful spot. The trailhead is located close to River’s Edge Restaurant, which had yummy food and large windows to watch the bald eagles hunt outside. 

The next beach on the list is  Rialto Beach . This beach has a popular hike called The Hole In The Wall hike, and it is around 4 miles round trip. The best time to experience this hike is during low tide. 

The last spot on this trip is a special place called Cape Flattery. This is the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States and is also part of the Makah Reservation. 

This is a great weekend destination. The first day you should experience Kalaloch, Ruby, and Second Beach, then Stay in Forks. The next day, drive to Rialto Beach and Cape Flattery.

Portland to Cannon Beach

From Daris of The Discovery Nut

The picturesque Cannon Beach is one of the shortest and most popular road trips from Portland.

The most distinct feature of the area is the iconic Haystack Rock, a 235-feet rock formation jutting out of the Pacific Ocean. Not far from it, visitors can explore the scenic Ecola State Park with stunning nature and hikes that can be entered from the north end of Cannon Beach.

Cannon Beach stretches for nine miles and provides plenty of space for walking, running, and strolling. Some of the top activities are wildlife watching, hiking, and relaxing. If you look closely, you might spot colonies of puffins on Haystack Rock and spot large mammals such as elk and deer more in the area more inland.

And while the town has become a tourist magnet for travelers taking a west coast USA road trip, it has retained a small-town charm thanks to stringent regulations that limit the number of big-name chains such as stores and restaurants allowing small businesses to dominate the downtown.

You can easily road trip to Cannon Beach from Portland on a day trip, but to enjoy a quieter side to this beautiful spot, consider spending the night.

Anchorage to Kenai Fjords National Park

From Rachel of Rachel Off Duty

When visiting Anchorage, Alaska, one thing you absolutely must do is rent a car and drive down to the Kenai Peninsula. Just 2.5 – 3 hours away from Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula is a natural wonderland where the ice age mixes with the present day. Lush, dense forests, teal glacial water, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife make this destination one that truly can’t be missed. 

Driving from Anchorage, within minutes you’ll find yourself tracing the side of Chugach State Park and Turnagain Arm, a massive waterway famous for bore tides that happen on a near-daily basis. Pullover at Beluga Point for a great viewing point of Turnagain Arm and, you guessed it, belugas! 

Back on the road, continue until you hit Girdwood, a resort town that’s bustling with things to do for adventure-lovers. You can stay here for the night, or simply make a pit stop for a bite to eat. Jack Sprat Restaurant is a popular choice, or for something more upscale with unbeatable views, go to Seven Glaciers Restaurant (which you can access by tram!). 

From Girdwood, it’s just another hour and 45 minutes to Seward, the entry point for Kenai Fjords National Park. Once you’re here, you can explore the national park on foot, by kayak, or by boat tour. On Resurrection Bay, you might spot whales, sea lions, otters, kittiwakes, and more! Be sure to also check out Exit Glacier, which is the only glacier you can pretty much drive right up to, park, and enjoy without hiking. 

While a trip to Kenai Fjords National Park and a quick boat tour of Resurrection Bay can easily be done in one day with minimal stops, we recommend dedicating at least 2 days to exploring the park and the surrounding areas in south-central Alaska .

Anchorage, Seward + Denali Loop

From Jenifer of The Evolista

What’s better than an Alaskan cruise? An Alaskan road trip!

On a road trip in Alaska, you’ll see breathtaking views of mountains, wildlife, and ocean critters along with thrilling active pursuits along the way. 

Starting in Anchorage, take one of the most scenic roads in America, Seward Highway to visit Kenai Fjords National Park. Once in Seward, you can hike a glacier, take a whale-watching cruise, go iceberg kayaking, fishing, or one of sample some of these exciting things to do in Seward .

The next stop is Girdwood, Alaska’s ski resort town. Stay in the luxurious Alyeska Resort where you’ll have access to multiple hiking trails and the Alyeska Aerial Tram for breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach Mountain Range.

Talkeetna, Alaska, 3 hours north, is a quirky, fun town that some say was the inspiration for the TV show Northern Exposure. Around May 1st, Talkeetna is overflowing with climbers preparing for a Denali summit. Not planning to climb a 20,320-foot mountain? You can still have the experience of a lifetime with a flightseeing tour complete with a glacier landing.

If you have an extra few days to spare, the entrance to Denali National Park is 2 hours north. The 6 million-acre national park is one of the best places in the world to spend time up close with wildlife but it’s too large for a day trip to be worth it. Plan accordingly and head back to Anchorage to complete the trip.

488 miles without Denali, 767 with Denali.

One week trip for Seward, Girdwood, Talkeetna, and Anchorage.

If you want to include Denali National Park, add a few days to this west coast USA road trip itinerary. There are additional activities near Denali like ATV trips or going to see the Into the Wild bus in Healy, Alaska.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

3 thoughts on “19 Exciting West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary Ideas”

Vielen Dank für die Tollen Anregungen. kann es kaum erwarten loszufahren. Grüße,Noeppes

Bitte schön!

Thanks a lot! I’m from Europe and planning a road trip for next year on the West Coast, focusing on Oregon and Washington. This was really helpful and interesting to read! I can’t wait to discover this fantastic country.

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Nomadic Neen

Travel Blog

13 Amazing Days Out West: US Road Trip Itinerary

In May 2021, I took a road trip with my travel buddy, Doug, and one of his friends. We explored SIX different states and saw SIX different national parks in just 13 days. It was an exhausting but ever so rewarding trip.

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To save you the time in creating a road trip itinerary for yourself, check out ours to use or use as a starting point to plan your own version of this road trip!

Day 1: Las Vegas, Nevada

Fly into Las Vegas, Nevada. Enjoy the Las Vegas Strip and nightlife for a fun and exciting start to the road trip!

Day 2: Las Vegas, Nevada

You’ll probably need a recovery day after your flight/nightlife adventures. Hang by the pool at your hotel and get that tan started.

To save yourself some time tomorrow when the road trip officially starts, go pick up your rental car. The LV Strip is extremely close to the LV airport, so you can take a cheap taxi or Uber there to pick up your car.

Day 3: Las Vegas, Nevada to Flagstaff, Arizona

Today is a jam-packed sightseeing day on the road trip! We’re going to make a few stops along our journey from Las Vegas to our final destination in Flagstaff.

When you’re leaving Las Vegas, make a quick stop at the infamous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign .

About a half hour from Las Vegas, you’ll be able to make a tiny detour and see the Hoover Dam ! Park your car, and take a quick walk over the pathway to take in the full sight. It’s quite marvelous.

Drive two more hours and welcome to Arizona. First stop in Arizona is Oatman . This town is something straight out of a movie. It is your typical old west town and there are donkeys roaming around the streets. Yup. Donkeys. This is one of the many stops along the famous Route 66.

About one hour further down Route 66 there is a cute rest stop called Hackberry General Store . They’ve got souvenirs and snacks and super clean bathrooms , which is a must while on a long road trip.

Three more hours in the car and you’ve arrived in Winslow, Arizona . Another town along Route 66. This one made famous from The Eagles’ song “Take it Easy”. This is the place to stop for some lunch. There is a 50s style restaurant called the Sipp Shoppe right across the street from the Eagles’ corner that has some great and affordable options.

Also in Winslow, there is the Meteor Crater , which is essentially just a giant hole in the ground, but still a pretty neat spot if you’re willing to spend $22pp on this giant hole.

Last stop for the day is Flagstaff, Arizona. There’s plenty to do here, but a must stop is the Lowell Observatory . This is a late night activity, so get a good nap in before, but it is a relaxing way to end your evening in Flagstaff.

Day 4: Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Village

Rise and shine! Hop in the car and drive two hours to the Grand Canyon Village. Grand Canyon Village is about 10 minutes from the South Rim Entrance of the Grand Canyon . This one is pretty self-explanatory. You can hike, eat, or just admire the beauty of the Grand Canyon for the rest of the day.

Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Another day in the Grand Canyon… Again, self-explanatory…

Bring Arizona to your home with these adorable succulents!

Day 6: Grand Canyon Village, Arizona to Albuquerque, New Mexico

A decent amount of driving is on the schedule today, so plan to get up on the early side. We’re back on Route 66 now, and three hours of driving will bring you to Holbrook, Arizona , which is known for their dinosaurs. Basically there are dinosaur statues everywhere. Spoiler alert: they’re underwhelming.

Right outside of Holbrook is Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Dessert . Driving through and making stops throughout the park will leave you speechless.

Once you’re done staring at the colors of the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest, hop in the car and drive three hours east to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the night.

I recommend staying at Hotel Albuquerque Old Town. There is a Mexican restaurant right in the hotel that is to die for. You’ll thank me later.

Day 7: Albuquerque, New Mexico to Alamosa, Colorado

A fun morning in Albuquerque ahead, so fill your bellies with a delicious breakfast at Frontier Restaurant . Get anything with a tortilla. They’re made in house, and are perfect. Me and Doug still talk about them.

After breakfast indulge in a self-guided Breaking Bad tour . Starting at the Breaking Bad Store. Check out sites such as Dog House Drive In and Walter & Skylar’s house, but beware of the homeowners here. There is a woman who sits on a lawn chair on the front lawn with signs and threatening to call the cops at everyone taking pictures of her house.  

After the tour, drive approximately 4 hours to Alamosa, Colorado. Alamosa is the closest city to Great Sand Dunes National Park . This is the perfect late afternoon activity since the sun isn’t as strong. Pack your goggles and tie up your hair, because it can get WINDY.

Back in Alamosa, there is a delicious Thai restaurant called Siam Cuisine to end the evening at.  

Day 8: Alamosa, Colorado to Denver, Colorado

Alamosa has a bunch of chain restaurants to indulge in as well. One of my personal favorites, IHOP was our choice for breakfast before the four-hour drive to Denver, Colorado.

Spend the day enjoying the city. There is plenty to do. For lunch, enjoy a half-yard of beer at The Yard House with a delicious Bavarian pretzel too.

For dinner, head to Avanti , which is a pretty unique place in my opinion! It’s open seating, so first-come first-serve. There are waiters and waitresses wandering around to take your drink orders, but the food is all different stations/restaurants that you can order from by just walking over to whichever one you’re in the mood for! Pretty neat.

Day 9: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Another day another national park! Today is Rocky Mountain National Park , which is about 1.5 hours away from Denver, Colorado. It’s actually much closer to Boulder if you’re looking to stay in a closer city.

Take in the mountain views and hike around the trails and lakes. It’s one of the most beautiful, serene places out there. That’s coming from someone who doesn’t like snow and the mountains were covered in it.

Day 10: Denver, CO to Moran, Wyoming

Today is a road trip day. Pack the car with lots of snacks and make a good playlist. We have eight hours ahead from Denver to Moran, Wyoming, where we’ll be staying for our next few national parks.

The drive from Denver to Wyoming may be long but it is absolutely beautiful, so don’t dread it!

Once you arrive, settle into the Hatchet Resort , where you’ll feel nothing but comfortable. It’s a really homey little place, and I cannot recommend it enough. Hatchet is about 30 minutes from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. To get there you have to drive through Grand Teton National Park (don’t worry you’re not charged for this section), so the drive is unbelievably gorgeous and will leave you speechless.

Jackson Hole has some amazing restaurants to choose from and some great shopping. It’s a wonderful down to relax and wind down in after that long day in the car.

Day 11: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is a bit of a drive from Moran, but Moran is the closest place to the Wyoming entrance. It takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to arrive at the Yellowstone National Park entrance .

Heads up!!!! You HAVE to drive through and PAY for Grand Teton National Park if you are entering Yellowstone through Wyoming. This isn’t a problem for the annual pass holders of course, but if you are paying per park, each one is $35 to enter, so that’ll be a $70 day just to enter the park. Plan wisely.

Visit the famous Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring ! Take in all of the colors and smells of the springs. That’s right, did you know sulfur smells terrible because if not, you’ll learn really quick.

There’s an abundance to see in Yellowstone, so ensure you pick your spots and plan it out well to not waste anytime.

Day 12: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming to Salt Lake City, UT

Grand Teton National Park is an absolutely majestic place to see, and even though you drove through it to get to Yellowstone and drove by it each trip into Jackson Hole, I recommend taking a few hours to drive around the park itself.

You can see some more bison wandering around, an adorable family of grizzlies , and even a fox or two!

Make a stop at Jenny Lake and admire the glacier-blue, crystal-clear waters. Your whole world will stand still when you see the beauty here.

Once you’re done in Grand Teton, hop in the car and start your 5-hour journey to Salt Lake City, Utah.

This part can be adjusted, and I honestly recommend it to be. Flights out of Jackson Hole were not doable for us this time around so we went to SLC for better flight options, but you don’t have to.

Day 13: Salt Lake City, UT

Before heading to the airport, make a stop at Red Butte Gardens . The colors and aroma of the flowers is the perfect relaxing activity before boarding that plane. There are plenty of different flowers and plants to see. You might even see a bunny hopping around!

Grab some lunch and head to the airport. It’s time to go home and tell all of your family and friends about your amazing road trip out west!! 

Build your own adventure with this A-Frame Cabin!

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So glad you,re back!! You did something that I always wanted to do but didn,t. To this day I still regret it. however,you are keeping my dream alive with all your blogs and I sincerely want to thank you and say to you keep them coming!!

I am so happy that I can keep your dream alive for you! I promise to keep the content coming and interesting!! xoxo

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Ultimate West Coast USA road trip itinerary

Planning a West Coast USA road trip? Then this guide to the best places we saw on our West Coast road trips should help.

There were a lot of highlights from our 3 month east to west coast road trip of the USA and many of them are from our time spent on the west coast road trip segment.

Full of beautiful beaches, National Parks, cool relaxed cities, and super tall trees, a road trip on the west coast of America is a must-do.

We also ended up living on the West Coast of Canada for 6 years following our big USA trip and so visited places up and down the coast of America over that time too. Returning to our favorite haunts, and visiting new places.

All that to say, if you need some ideas for a road trip on the West Coast, I can help you gather some ideas for your American road trip.

In this post, I’ll cover some of my favorite places from our USA west coast road trip that you should add to your US west coast road trip itinerary!

Itinerary for a road trip USA West Coast

We spent around a month working our way up the west coast from San Francisco and Big Sur to Seattle and eventually Vancouver, BC where we’ve been living.

Get the lowdown on Seattle vs Vancouver and which one you should visit !

You could start your West Coast USA itinerary from lower down the West Coast such as in Los Angeles or Palm Springs, or from higher up such as Portland. That’s the best part about road trips, the itinerary is yours to decide as you plan your West Coast American tour.

Use this post as inspiration for your USA West Coast itinerary! You can mix and match destinations and add to them to make your own west coast road trips.

Preparing for your USA Road Trip & Travelling the West Coast of America

Prepping for a road trip is a bit different from packing for a standard vacation. You’ll have to make sure your car is running well, and you probably don’t want to book hotels too far in advance as you might drive further or shorter distances than you’d expected.

We’ve done a lot of road trips across the world and have put together some posts that’ll help you have a fun and safe trip.

• Road Trip Packing List
• Best Road Trip Apps
• How to find places to sleep for free in the USA – great if you’re camping!

Get a USA National Parks Pass for just $80 and save a tonne of money if you’re planning on visiting multiple National Parks in a year, or visiting the same one more than once!

We did our US west coast trip in our self-converted campervan but if you’re just visiting America you can rent a car or rent an RV for your road trip.

For car rentals, I like to use Discover Cars and Rental Cars . These give you an overview of various different rental companies, their options, and prices so it’s good for getting comparisons.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

When it comes to renting an RV for your road trip on the West Coast, you can use a site like Outdoorsy which is similar to the car rental companies above. Or, Escape Campervans which has a couple of locations up and down the Coast.

Outdoorsy typically has more options and different styles of campervans, whereas Escape Campervans are vans converted into campers so are smaller.

What to know before doing US West Coast trips

Here is a list of things to consider before you head off on your West Coast USA road trip:

• Planning and Route : Research and plan your route in advance, taking into account the distance between stops and your interests. This guide can help give you plenty of ideas. Decide whether you want a loop (starting and ending at the same city) or a one-way trip.
• Budgeting : Set a daily budget for expenses like fuel, food, accommodations, and activities. The West Coast can be expensive, particularly in major cities.
• Accommodations : Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider various options, including hotels, motels, Airbnb, and campgrounds.
• Vehicle Preparation : Ensure your vehicle is road trip ready with a thorough check (oil, tires, brakes, etc.). Rent a car if necessary, and make sure rental insurance is covered.
• Travel Insurance : Purchase travel insurance that covers health, car issues, and potential trip cancellations or delays.
• Packing : Pack light but include essentials like clothes for various weather conditions, toiletries, and a first aid kit. Bring a cooler for snacks and drinks, and camping gear if you plan to camp.
• Navigation : Have a reliable GPS or map, as some areas may have limited cell service. Familiarize yourself with the main highways and alternative routes.
• Weather and Season : Research the weather for your planned destinations, as the West Coast has diverse climates. Summer is the peak tourist season; spring and fall usually have milder weather and fewer crowds.
• Activities and Attractions : Make a list of must-see attractions and activities, but allow for spontaneity and changes in plans. National Parks often require entrance fees, so consider an annual National Park Pass if visiting multiple parks.
• Safety and Emergency : Always have spare tire, jack, and jumper cables in your car. Keep emergency contacts and know the location of the nearest hospitals along your route.
• Legal Regulations : Be aware of different traffic and parking laws in each state. Make sure you have valid identification, driver’s license, and car insurance handy while driving.
• Fuel and Charging Stations : Keep an eye on your fuel gauge and know where gas stations are along your route. If driving an electric vehicle, map out charging stations along your route.

San Francisco

Despite not being one of my favorite cities on our USA west coast road trip, San Francisco is still a must-visit. The city is known, of course, for the Golden Gate Bridge but there’s a whole lot more to see.

Since we were traveling on a budget, we prioritized finding cheap and free activities in San Francisco and had a great time exploring the city’s distinct neighborhoods.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a must on a West Coast USA road trip itinerary due to its breathtaking natural beauty.

As one of America’s most famous national parks, its full of granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees.

Whether you’re looking to do some of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park like the Yosemite Falls trail , or simply someone means to drive through and admire the views and other best things to do in Yosemite , you’ll be wowed by this beautiful National Park.

The park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and is fairly accessible from several major cities, including San Francisco, so it’s a logical addition to any West Coast journey.

San Diego California, is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, and laid-back vibe.

With a vibrant cultural scene, it boasts a world-renowned zoo, extensive parks, and a rich maritime heritage.

Its close proximity to Mexico means it’s got some absolutely delicious food!

San Diego is a sunny, friendly destination that’s perfect for family fun, outdoor adventures, and relaxing on the beach. I highly recommend making some time to go surfing while you’re visiting.

Big Sur & Monterey

Before heading north up the coast, we did a Big Sur road trip .

The year of our west coast road trip the road was washed out from heavy rains and flooding so we didn’t get to see all the best sites but the views were still incredibly impressive and I highly recommend this for any California road trip.

Now that the road is reopened, you’ll get to do the full drive, taking in the coastal views, beaches, waterfalls, and artsy scenes in Monterey.

This drive on its own is a complete road trip on the west coast and one that many people want to experience. It’d be perfect for a west coast road trip itinerary of 7 days.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California is a blend of two distinct desert ecosystems.

Famous for its otherworldly Joshua Trees and dramatic rock formations, this park is a haven for climbers, hikers, and stargazers.

It’s a perfect escape to experience unique landscapes that seem almost alien, offering peaceful vistas and a clear, starry night sky – a quiet, stark contrast to the nearby bustling cities of Los Angeles and San Diego.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles or LA, is the entertainment capital of the world.

This massive sprawling Southern California city teeming with celebrity culture, iconic landmarks like Hollywood and Venice Beach, and extensive art and history museums.

It’s a vibrant melting pot of cultures, with diverse neighborhoods each offering a unique flavor and experience.

Whether you’re into film, fashion, art, or food, LA is a dynamic, bustling city that’s quintessential to any West Coast road trip experience.

Highway 101 California

Take the coastal route out of the city and drive Highway 101. It’s more peaceful and waaay more picturesque! The route also has some super fun places to stop at.

Ever wanted to drive through a tree? Find corn bigger than you? Or explore a big ship? There’s all that and more along Highway 101 with its weird roadside attractions .

Napa Valley

Napa Valley in Northern California, is synonymous with world-class wineries and luxury dining.

It’s a picturesque valley with rolling vine-covered hills and quaint towns that feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass of wine, Napa offers a chance to explore vineyards, enjoy wine-tasting tours, and indulge in gourmet meals, making it an elegant and delightful stop on a West Coast road trip.

Redwood National Park

Heading north out of San Francisco we were keen to stop at Redwood National Park . We’d stopped off at Muir Woods just outside of San Francisco but it was super busy and quite small. The same can not be said of Redwood National Park!

This National Park is actually made up of several areas and it’s huge!

There are plenty of Redwood forest trails to explore as you wander among the giant redwood trees.

We explored the part of the park around Klamath which is a bit out of the way for most people exploring the west coast USA. However, if you’re road-tripping the USA’s west coast it’s the perfect stop!

Oregon Coast

Arguably one of the most beautiful USA road trips on the West Coast is an Oregon Coastline road trip. I was absolutely blown away by the Oregon Coast.

I had zero expectations going into it as I hadn’t heard much about Oregon besides a bit here and there about Portland.

I feel like more people know about its beauty nowadays and if you’re doing a West Coast USA road trip you simply have to drive this stunning stretch of coastline.

We went crabbing, watched an incredible sunset, and visited cute towns and breweries. It was a great few days!

If you’re looking for cool places to stay in Oregon, be sure to check out these Oregon treehouse rentals.

Portland, OR

Portland is known as a cool city and also a weird one: as the city’s slogan goes “Keep Portland Weird”.

We ate great food and enjoyed chilling out in some of the city’s cool coffee shops while visiting Portland as part of our west coast itinerary.

Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge

Mount Hood is Oregon’s tallest mountain and the area where it meets the Columbia River is beautiful. You can enjoy paddleboarding and floating or swimming at the river, then go hiking around Mt Hood and taking in the view.

A few months after we drove through, there was a huge wildfire, the Eagle Creek fire of 2017, so some areas of the forest aren’t quite as lush as they once were. It’s recommended to check with the USFS for more information on trail closures as this area recovers.

Mount St Helens

From Mt Hood, we drove north into Washington and over to Mount St. Helens. This active volcano not only offers great hiking trails. There’s a great museum with information about eruptions and the geology of the area. I’d definitely recommend checking it out during your visit.

Another fun thing to do near Mount St Helens is to visit the Ape Caves. You can reserve your ticket in advance and then wander into the lava caves over 2 miles long!

To make it to the furthest point you’ll have to be prepared to climb up a rock wall and scramble over rock piles, but you can turn around before that point if that’s not up your street!

Crater Lake National Park

In southern Oregon lies Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest and purest lake in the United States, created by a collapsed volcano.

The stunning blue waters and the surrounding cliffs and forests make this a breathtaking stop and addition to a West Coast trip.

It’s a paradise for lovers of outdoor activities, with excellent hiking, boat tours, and scenic drives, making it a must-visit on any West Coast itinerary.

Mt Rainier National Park

Mt Rainier National Park was one of my favorites – mostly because it was the first time I saw a bear! We were also in the park for sunset and watched as some beautiful light beams crossed over the valley.

Mt Rainier has some incredible hiking trails including the Wonderland Trail which goes around the base of the mountain. At over 86 miles long it takes most people 10-14 days to complete and you’ll need to secure a permit through their lottery system if interested.

There are other shorter trails that would be more fitting for your American west coast road trip too!

Seattle was another place I was looking forward to exploring on our West Coast road trip and it didn’t disappoint. The whole city has a kind of relaxed feel to it and there are tonnes to do whatever your interests are.

We enjoyed ticking off all the touristy things like Pike Place Market, the Gum Wall, and a trip out to one of the islands.

Portland – Oregon Coastline – Mt Rainier – Seattle

A trip from Portland to Seattle including some of the National Parks would also be a fun road trip on the USA West Coast. If you’re looking for a 2-week west coast USA road trip this could be the one!

North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is a place I’ve been meaning to go back to. We visited it the day before we crossed over the border into Canada and it was still snowy in early June with some of the scenic drives and a lot of hiking closed.

What we did see, however, was Diablo Lake, and did the short and easy Thunder Knob trail for an outlook over the park.

There are loads of awesome hikes in the North Cascades to check out! Perfect if you’re looking for an adventurous USA road trip west coast route.

Knowing where to stay when visiting North Cascade s can be hard since it’s fairly remote. That’s why I’ve put together a list of my top picks.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park in northwestern Washington State is a diverse and stunning wilderness park that is pretty much the Pacific North West personified. Think of misty forests and a lot of rain!

With its mountains, rainforests, and rugged coastline, it’s like three parks in one.

You can explore the glacier-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains, wander through the moss-draped trees of the Hoh Rainforest, and wander along the pristine shores of the Pacific Ocean.

It’s a perfect stop for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking solitude and natural beauty on a West Coast road trip.

If you plan on going to Vancouver Island in Canada, you can easily take a ferry from here towards Victoria BC which would be another great way to extend your west coast USA trip by heading up to Canda.

Bellingham is somewhere we drove straight through on the way to Vancouver at the end of our West Coast itinerary but, honestly, this little town has so much to offer and should be included on your west coast US road trip itinerary.

From super cool cafes to awesome breweries, mountain biking, trail-running, and more!

We spent a day in Bellingham when activating our Candian permanent residency and had so much fun. I’ve been desperate to go back and hope to soon now that borders are open again!

Vancouver, BC

And yes, I may be biased, but I think I’ve totally saved the best until the last.

Sure, it’s not in the US, but if you’re doing a West Coast road trip and have some additional time, head over the border and into Vancouver.

Vancouver is my favorite city – you just can’t beat its’ location between the mountains and the ocean. It’s beautiful even when it rains (which it does a lot) and there’s an outdoor adventure to be had at every turn.

I’ve written a lot about Vancouver having lived here for over 5 years so you can check out my Vancouver travel guides.

USA West Coast itinerary 2 weeks

Here’s a suggested two-week West Coast USA road trip itinerary. This itinerary starts in Seattle, Washington, and ends in San Diego, California, but you can also do it in reverse.

I’ve planned it with 14 stops over 14 days, but feel free to spend more or less time in each location based on your interests. For example, you may prefer to spend less time in cities and more in National Parks during your west coast road trip USA.

This itinerary runs north to south, but you could do it the other way around too.

• Day 1: Seattle, Washington : Explore Pike Place Market and visit the iconic Space Needle for panoramic views of the city.
• Day 2: Olympic National Park : Hike in the lush Hoh Rainforest and explore the rugged coastal beaches.
• Day 3: Portland, Oregon : Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and wander through the artistic Pearl District.
• Day 4: Crater Lake National Park : Take a drive around the rim for breathtaking views of the deep blue lake.
• Day 5: Redwood National Park : Walk among the towering redwoods and feel the serenity of these ancient forests.
• Day 6: Mendocino “ , California : Enjoy coastal views and explore the charming, artsy seaside village.
• Day 7: Napa Valley, California : Go on a wine tasting tour at some of the world-renowned vineyards in the valley.
• Day 8: San Francisco, California : Visit the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Day 9: Monterey & Big Sur : Drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and visit the impressive Monterey Bay Aquarium.
• Day 10: Santa Barbara: Relax on the beach and stroll along State Street for shopping and dining.
• Day 11: Los Angeles, California: Explore Hollywood, visit the Getty Center, and take a stroll on the beaches of Santa Monica.
• Day 12: Joshua Tree National Park, California : Hike among the iconic Joshua Trees and enjoy the unique desert landscapes.
• Day 13 + 14: San Diego, California : Visit the world-renowned San Diego Zoo and relax at the picturesque La Jolla Cove. Or enjoy a relaxing beach day, explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or visit more of the city’s attractions.

Please note that each day involves different levels of activity and travel, so starting early and pacing yourself is key to fully enjoying each location on this itinerary.

West Coast trip itinerary 1 week

Here’s a condensed one-week West Coast USA road trip itinerary with specific activities for each day:

• Day 1: San Francisco : Explore Golden Gate Park and visit Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Day 2: Monterey & Big Sur: Drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and spot sea otters at Monterey Bay.
• Day 3: Santa Barbara : Wander through the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and enjoy local dining on State Street.
• Day 4: Los Angeles: Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Griffith Observatory for city views.
• Day 5: Joshua Tree National Park: Hike the Hidden Valley Trail and star-gaze in this Dark Sky Park.
• Day 6: San Diego, California : Spend a day at the San Diego Zoo or enjoy the beaches of La Jolla.
• Day 7: Return to Los Angeles: Shop at The Grove, explore the Getty Center, and depart from LAX (if needed).

This west coast road trip itinerary 7 days, provides a mix of city exploration and natural beauty, all while making the most of a shorter road trip timeframe for a road trip west coast USA. These days will be jam-packed, so it’s key to start early and prioritize activities based on your own interests.

FAQs about a West Coast America Road Trip

How to travel the west coast of america.

To travel the West Coast of America, consider a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1 in California and Highway 101 in Oregon and Washington), which offers stunning coastal views. Start from San Diego, California, and head north through Los Angeles and San Francisco, continuing through Oregon to Seattle, Washington. Alternatively, you can travel by Amtrak trains, which offer routes along the coast or opt for domestic flights between major cities.

How many days do you need for a West Coast road trip?

A West Coast road trip can vary in length, but a minimum of one week is recommended to see a few key highlights. Ideally, two to three weeks allow for a more relaxed and comprehensive exploration of the various cities, national parks, and scenic routes along the way

What is the famous road on the West Coast?

The famous road on the West Coast of the United States is the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1 in California. It is renowned for its breathtaking coastal views, winding turns, and dramatic cliffs, making it one of the most scenic drives in the United States.

What not to miss on the West Coast USA?

Don’t miss the iconic cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle, the stunning national parks like Yosemite, Olympic, and Joshua Tree, the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, and the unique coastal towns like Monterey and Santa Barbara. These are all worthy of a visit during an America west coast road trip.

How long do you need to travel the West Coast of America?

To travel the West Coast of America comfortably, plan for at least two to three weeks. This allows time to explore major cities, national parks, and coastal scenery, while also having some downtime to relax and enjoy each destination without feeling overly rushed during your West Coast trip USA.

Final thoughts on this West Coast of America Road Trip Guide

A West Coast USA road trip is a rewarding adventure that mixes cities, stunning national parks, and scenic coastal drives.

Remember to embrace spontaneity along the way, allowing for unexpected detours and discoveries – as they’re often some of the best parts of any American road trip!

Hopefully, you’ve now got some road trip ideas for the west coast US. Of course, there are lots of other places you could add but these are some of my picks from our time traveling West Coast America. Many. of these destinations are worthy of being on anyone’s USA bucket list and I think planning a west coast America trip is the best way to see them.

After you’ve explored the West Coast, you might want to do an East Coast road trip. If so, here are several places you should visit on the East Coast as well as this guide to a Florida road trip, or plan a New England fall color road trip.

Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by Hannah

Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe , a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada , you’ll find posts on all of this.

Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.

Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.

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The Best Road Trips in the American West

04/24/2022 by Kristin Addis 9 Comments

The more I travel the world, the more I have come to appreciate and fall in love with the American West. There’s nowhere in the world like it in terms of sheer beauty and diversity — both of landscapes and people.

Where else can you experience one of the hottest deserts on Earth, the tallest trees, the most famous coastline, world-class skiing, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and the sweeping canyons and rock arches of Utah — all in one region? It would take a lifetime to explore it all, and then some, but the following road trips can help you get a taste of each of these incredible places.

The following are some of the best road trips in the western USA, from state to state. These trips follow a somewhat logical loop, beginning in California.

Table of Contents

The Golden State is one of the most diverse in the nation, with a world-famous coastal drive, a wealth of national parks, and deserts that cover 25% of the state. There’s so much to see, but a few road trips cover the highlights:

➵ Rent a car in California here

Pacific Coast Highway

This might be the most famous road trip in the entire country. The Pacific Coast Highway takes you down the California coast, making for a wonderful road trip full of picturesque spots. You’ll cover nearly 800 miles, so spend about a week on this trip, minimum.

• San Diego:  Start your road trip in one of California’s southernmost cities, where surfers and great Mexican food abound.
• Los Angeles:  Cruise 120 miles north to LA, where you’ll find everything from skyscrapers to colorful sunsets over the Hollywood sign. Stop in  Orange County  on the way for spectacular beaches and Disneyland.
• Santa Barbara : Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean on the 95-mile drive up to sunny  Santa Barbara , where you’ll camp overnight.
• San Luis Obispo:  Continue on another 95 miles to stop for lunch in San Luis Obispo or another destination in SLO County, like Pismo Beach.
• Big Sur:  Drive 110 miles to Big Sur, where you’ll admire seaside cliffs and waterfalls, and camp among the tall redwood trees.
• Carmel/Monterey:  Upon leaving Big Sur, drive 30 miles north to Carmel, where you can cruise the famous 17-Mile Drive through the Monterey Peninsula on the way to San Francisco, another 125 miles up the coast. If you don’t want to rent a car, consider this tour of the area , which leaves from San Francisco.
• San Francisco:  Spend a day in  San Francisco , where you can explore the funky Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, shop on Fisherman’s Wharf, walk around the Presidio, and much more.
• Humboldt County: Drive the last 280 miles of the trip up to Arcata in Humboldt County, often called “ the Lost Coast ” for its complete lack of tourism. Walk along empty stretches of beach and enjoy the peace and quiet. Stop in  Fort Bragg  if you have the time!

Check out the  full PCH itinerary  here!

California Deserts

Most people don’t go on a trip just to see deserts, but they’re missing out! This 430-mile, six-day trip is as varied as it is beautiful.

• Alabama Hills : This is the place of old Western movie sets and incredible stargazing. Mobius Arch, Boot Arch, and Movie Road are  must-sees .
• Death Valley : The Badwater Basin,  Golden Canyon , and sunrise at Zabriskie Point make Death Valley, 110 miles to the east, a stunning stop. You can take  a full-day tour  to see all of the (literal) hot spots.
• Mojave National Preserve and Mojave Trails National Monument : 150 miles southeast of Death Valley is the third largest unit of the National Park System in the contiguous US; highlights include Kelso Dunes; Amboy Crater, including a ghost town with the iconic Roy’s Motel Café; and the lava tubes. Find out what to do at Mojave here .
• Joshua Tree : Drive 90 miles south to see the famous (but dying) Joshua trees, Barker Dam, the Cholla Cactus Garden, and an incredible, starry sky. Find more ideas for what to do in Joshua Tree here.
• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park : Finally, drive 80 miles southwest to explore natural wind caves and take in amazing views stretching on as far as the eye can see at Font’s Point. Get more ideas on how to spend your time at Anza-Borrego here .

Read more about this California deserts itinerary here!

Nevada might just be one of the American Southwest’s most underrated states, simply because people don’t know much about it besides Vegas and Tahoe. While those are both awesome places, there is much more to explore. A road trip like this one is the best way to discover the Silver State for yourself. With every stop mentioned below, it covers nearly 900 miles and takes about five days:

➵ Rent a car in Nevada here

• Seven Magic Mountains:   Check out this art installation  of painted and stacked rocks lying between the mountains and Interstate 15, 25 miles out of Vegas.
• Las Vegas :  Vegas  makes a great  girlfriends’ getaway , so it would be a perfect stop for a day or two if you’re road-tripping with friends! You can also venture to the Nevada side of Death Valley on this day tour .
• Grand Canyon : The Grand Canyon is a no-brainer. You can even take a  helicopter tour from Vegas  like I did!
• Valley of Fire : Camp at this state park, 50 miles from Vegas, and check out Seven Sisters, Elephant Rock, Beehives, and Fire Wave Trail if time allows.  Join a hiking tour  for some scrambling fun.
• Historical ghost towns:  Nevada is home to countless  historical ghost towns , which make for cool stops. Be sure to check out Belmont Mill (north of Valley of Fire) and Gold Point (northwest of Vegas).
• Hot springs : Nevada has more hot springs than any other state, so be sure to incorporate a few of them into your road trip. Soldier Meadows and Black Rock (in the northwest), Spencer (dead center), and Gold Strike (down south) look especially cool.
• Tahoe : From the northwest hot springs, drive south 170 miles to go stand-up paddleboarding on the crystal-clear water of Lake Tahoe or hiking in the hills surrounding it.

Reno to Las Vegas

If you can’t do the entire 900-mile trip outlined above, consider traversing Nevada between Reno and Las Vegas instead. This is about half that length and features some exciting stops along the way:

• Fish Lake Valley Hot Well : This hot spring has some gorgeous scenery around it. You can swim and even camp nearby if you fancy.
• Tonopah : Halfway between Reno and Las Vegas, this historic town is a great spot to spend a night or two. You can even stay in the so-called haunted Mizpah Hotel , if you dare.
• Goldfield : This quirky town is definitely worth a stop to check out the wacky art installations at the International Car Forest of the Last Church.
• Rhyolite and the Goldwell Open Air Museum : This is another artsy stop, where you’ll find large statues and other head-scratching installations.
• Charleston Peak and Red Rock Canyon : Although it’s a bit off Highway 95, the detour is worth it if you want to get out and stretch your legs with a hike before arriving in Las Vegas.

Utah is one of the best destinations in the US for seeing the great outdoors. Here is a ten-stop itinerary for the lesser-known sights of southern Utah, spanning 550 miles and taking about five days:

➵ Rent a car in Utah here

• Dead Horse Point State Park : A unique road trip through Utah begins at Moab’s Dead Horse Point State Park, which is just as geographically impressive as the Grand Canyon, minus all the tourists.
• Canyonlands National Park : A short drive away, Needles Overlook at Canyonlands provides a scenic drive up to a 360-degree viewpoint of southern Utah.
• Bears Ears National Monument : Drive 115 miles south from Moab to just past and west of Blanding, where you’ll be able to check out the ancient cave drawings at Bears Ears.
• Valley of the Gods : Camp on the free public land at Valley of the Gods and wake up to awesome views of red-rock formations. It’s  gorgeous at sunset .
• Goosenecks State Park : Only ten miles away, Goosenecks State Park offers a panorama of the Colorado River winding through the canyon below.
• Natural Bridges National Monument : For your last stop near Blanding, hike the three major bridges at Natural Bridges National Monument.
• Goblin Valley State Park : You can stroll through the mushroom-like red rock formations 130 miles away at  Goblin Valley State Park .
• Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon:  These two slot canyons, right next to Goblin Valley, resemble the more popular Antelope Canyon.
• Mystic Hot Springs: This beautiful and relaxing hot spring is just northwest of Capitol Reef and is the ideal place to rest for a night or two to soothe your sore muscles after all that hiking. Find out more about Mystic Hot Springs here .
• Capitol Reef National Park : Seventy more miles gets you to Teasdale’s Capitol Reef National Park, where you’ll see massive rock formations rising out of the ground.
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument : Your last destination is Big Water, where you can spend a day hiking  Coyote Gulch  in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Get  a self-guided driving tour  to discover some of the hidden gems in the area.

For more tips and tricks, check out the full itinerary for  Utah’s best secret places !

The destinations covered in this section, as well as some of the Nevada suggestions and the following Arizona ones, are included in my more in-depth  American Southwest road trip itinerary  as well.

Arizona’s abundance of natural sights means that you’ll see everything from waterfalls to massive rock structures on this week-long road trip, which covers almost a thousand miles.

➵ Rent a car in Arizona here

• Sedona : Artsy Sedona is famous for  energy vortexes , and with great hikes like Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, you could easily  spend a day or two here .
• Havasu Falls : 205 miles southeast lies the beautiful blue Havasu Falls, which is worth the permit and ten-mile hike required to reach it.  Here’s all you need to know  about making it happen.
• Grand Canyon : It’s a 200-mile drive to the  South Rim of the Grand Canyon , where you can enjoy the views along Desert View Drive, watch the sunset at Yavapai Point, and check out the lesser-known Lipan Point, spending the night in either Flagstaff or Cameron.
• Horseshoe Bend : Continue the sightseeing at  picturesque Horseshoe Bend , another 120 miles north towards Page, where you can get some stunning sunset photos.
• Antelope Canyon : A bit east is Antelope Canyon, the world’s most famous slot canyon. Check out  more info about Antelope Canyon here!
• The Wave/White Pocket : Sixty miles away, the Wave sits at the Arizona-Utah border and requires a permit, but its neighbor White Pocket is much easier to see. ( Read more about White Pocket here .)
• Monument Valley : Drive a couple hours east to  Monument Valley , where the rock structures seem to rise up out of nowhere.
• Canyon de Chelly : A hundred miles back down south lies Canyon de Chelly, a frequently overlooked destination, where you can take a guided hike through the canyon or head up to Spider Rock Overlook on your own for great views.
• Petrified Forest National Park : 110 more miles south toward Phoenix, the multicolored buttes full of fossils and wildflowers at Painted Desert are certainly a sight to see.

For more details on hikes, national parks and monuments, tours, and routes, check out this  full guide to an Arizona road trip !

New Mexico is perhaps the best destination to see both Spanish influence and Native American heritage, as well as incredible natural attractions like volcanic craters. This northern New Mexico road trip, which will allow you to enjoy a bit of everything this unique state has to offer, covers 475 miles and takes about five days:

➵ Rent a car in New Mexico here

Northern New Mexico

• Albuquerque :  Take a hot-air balloon ride  over Albuquerque with  Rainbow Ryders , explore the  ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden , see a show at the historic Kimo Theatre , or visit the  San Felipe de Neri Parish  to see the authentic Spanish influence still present in Albuquerque.
• Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument : Drive 55 miles northeast to spend the morning exploring  Kasha-Katuwe , a national monument protecting unique rock formations created by volcanic eruptions several million years ago.
• Santa Fe : Drive 40 more miles to New Mexico’s capital, nicknamed, “The City Different,” to see the  Georgia O’Keeffe Museum ,  Museum Hill , the Santa Fe Plaza at the heart of downtown, and plenty of art markets.
• Valles Caldera National Preserve: Drive 50 miles west to  Valles Caldera  to spend the morning hiking or biking the million-year-old volcanic crater. After you’ve explored, spend another day back in Santa Fe.
• Taos : Seventy miles northeast is Taos, and artsy adobe town with the best  whitewater rapids  in the state,  nearby hot springs , and cool shopping at the  Bent Street Shops .
• Aztec : 210 miles west is the Aztec Ruins National Monument, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains thousand-year-old  Aztec ruins , as well as hundreds of natural stone arches.
• White Sands National Monument: Head south toward Las Cruces to see the incredible White Sands National Monument . It’s not a particularly logical part of the rest of this road trip, but it sure is worth it to me! Finish off in Las Cruces and head west into Arizona or south into Texas.

If you want a longer trip to see more of New Mexico, this road trip will take about 2-3 weeks and covers more ground:

Full New Mexico

• Las Cruces: This is the southernmost large city in New Mexico, making it the perfect starting point to go from south to north.
• White Sands National Monument: For the same reason why this stop is mentioned on the previous New Mexico road-trip itinerary, definitely add this one to your list.
• Carlsbad National Park: Featuring over 119 caves, this is an interesting place to explore an underground natural wonder.
• Truth or Consequences: A small town with a gorgeous hot spring, this is the perfect place to relax and even see some wildlife.
• Albuquerque: If you’re not into stopping in a city, leave this one out. Albuquerque does have some interesting sights to check out though (see above), especially if you’re a Breaking Bad fan.
• Turquoise Trail, ttop in Madrid : Stopping in Madrid is a must on the scenic drive between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It’s a quirky former ghost town that is now the home of many artists who gave it new life. There are some excellent art galleries and neat shops here.
• Santa Fe: Known for its artsy scene, Santa Fe is an incredible destination all on its own (see above).
• Jemez Springs: Whether for hiking, bathing in hot springs, and taking a scenic drive, Jemez Springs is the ideal spot to stretch your legs and spend some time in nature.
• Bandelier National Monument : Head here to check out some historic cave dwellings that date back over 11,000 years.
• Taos – Earthship Biotecture : This resourceful biotecture community includes over 70 earth houses that exist completely off grid. You can even stay overnight in one of these earthships !
• Bisti Badlands : This might be a bit of a detour, but definitely still worth visiting. This is one of the most epic places in the country to see unique rock formations.

Find out more about this full New Mexico road trip itinerary here.

-READ NEXT-

38 Unique Things to do in New Mexico

While winter isn’t typically road trip season, it certainly can be in Idaho when it means hopping between hot springs! This itinerary leads you to some of Idaho’s best springs over nearly 250 miles and five days:

➵ Rent a car in Idaho here

• The Springs:  From Boise, drive 40 miles to Idaho City, where The Springs, one of the more spa-like hot springs, offers a private jacuzzi with a server to bring you snacks and drinks.
• Kirkham Hot Springs : Continue 40 more miles to Lowman, where the Kirkham Hot Springs on the Payette River offers steaming waterfalls and incredible mountain views.
• Mountain Village Resort:  The rustic Mountain Village Resort in Stanley feels like a winter wonderland when it snows. Staying at the hotel gets you free access to the spring-fed spa pools.
• Boat Box Hot Springs : A few miles outside Stanley, Boat Box — which isn’t a pool in the ground but a small metal tub that looks like a witch’s cauldron — sits right on the river.
• Sunbeam Hot Springs : Only ten minutes beyond Boat Box is a single pool with the potential for some peaceful solitude.
• Goldbug Hot Springs: Another 55 miles gets you to the famous Goldbug Hot Springs, different pools of varying temperatures, which all have incredible views.
• Sun Valley:  Back up toward Stanley, Sun Valley is a fun and friendly town with a few nearby hot springs.

Check out the  whole guide to Idaho hot springs here !

For a more summer-oriented road trip from Boise to Stanley, including Craters of the Moon, check out my  five-day Idaho itinerary ! This is the perfect segue into the next stop: Montana, or east to Wyoming!

There is a reason why Montana is called “Big Sky Country.” See it for yourself with this 530-mile, weeklong road trip:

➵ Rent a car in Montana here

• Big Sky : Big Sky boasts  scenic hikes ,  biking ,  zip-lining ,  whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River ,  horseback riding , a  variety of spas , and two gorgeous drives ( the scenic road through Gallatin Canyon  and the Lone Mountain Trail scenic drive).
• Butte & Boulder : Drive 120 miles north to Butte, once nicknamed “the Richest Hill on Earth,” to see the old mansions and Victorian business district, then head northeast 40 miles to Boulder to visit a  natural hot spring .
• Helena : Thirty miles past Boulder is the state capital, where you’ll see historic sites like  Reeder’s Alley , the ornate  Cathedral of St. Helena , and the  Women’s Mural . Then follow a  walking tour of the Mansion District  or hike to the top of  Mount Helena City Park  for a panoramic view of the city.
• Hamilton : Go west 160 miles to Hamilton, which maintains that small-town feel but is set apart by a  buzzing downtown  and bustling arts and music scene.
• Missoula : Drive north to the “Garden City” of Montana, where you can  raft Alberton Gorge , stroll along the riverfront walking trail,  hit up a food truck  or  Big Dipper Ice Cream ,  go shopping , or even  check out another hot spring .
• Libby : Libby’s main attraction is the nearby  Kootenai Falls , a waterfall under a long swinging bridge. Other adventures in Libby, 175 miles northwest of Missoula, include riding OHVs (off-highway vehicles) on miles of trails and cross-country skiing in the winter.
• Optional addition: Glacier National Park : If you’re feeling up to it, head to Glacier National Park to spend a few extra days taking in the incredible natural beauty of Montana.  Read more about Glacier here .

Wyoming is the least populated state in the US, leaving a lot of room for things like skiing and snowboarding in Jackson Hole, exploring the Teton Range, and visiting Yellowstone National Park . The perfect Wyoming road trip hits all three. This adventure spans about a hundred miles and takes six days (reverse the route if coming in from Idaho):

➵ Rent a car in Wyoming here

• Yellowstone National Park:  Spend two days here to catch an eruption from  Old Faithful , see Steamboat Geyser (the tallest in the world), check out the travertine terraces of  Mammoth Hot Springs , and visit two of Yellowstone’s best waterfalls:  Lower Falls  (which is nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls) and  Tower Fall . You can see them all on  a full-day tour .
• Grand Teton National Park:  Drive 60 miles south and spend three days in Grand Teton National Park . Visit  Mormon Row  (home to the widely photographed Moulton Barns) and the  Menor’s Ferry Historic District , take a few  picturesque drives ,  canoe  on Jenny Lake, follow a  scenic hike , and float or raft the Snake River. Be sure to enjoy a seasonal activity: swim at String Lake in the summer, take a horseback ride through autumn foliage, follow a ranger-led snowshoe walk in the winter, or watch elk, bison, deer, and moose migrate in the spring on  a safari adventure .
• Jackson Hole: Twenty-five miles past Grand Teton is Jackson Hole, where you can ski in the winter or take the  Jackson Hole Aerial Tram  up the mountain in the summer, as well as visit the  National Museum of Wildlife Art , which houses works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe.

Oregon is special for its unique array of forests, rivers, coastline, mountains,  and  cool cities. It is home to some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and the best way to see it is on a road trip .

➵ Rent a car in Oregon here

Oregon coast

The beautiful Oregon coastline is dotted with countless charming seaside towns, making a perfect road trip. See a handful of them by starting at the top and working your way down, traveling 230 miles over a week:

• Astoria:  Spend a day in Astoria by strolling its  Sunday Market  (one of the largest in Oregon), following the  Astoria Riverwalk , riding around town in the  “Old 300”  trolley, and climbing up the  Astoria Column  for 360-degree views of the city.
• Cannon Beach: Twenty-five miles south lies Cannon Beach, known for colorful sunsets and towering rocks rising out of the ocean, where you’ll want to spend two days exploring the  four state parks , walking along the beach, and taking a scenic hike to watch the diverse wildlife.
• Newport:  Head to the friendly fishing city of Newport to go whale watching, grab a bowl of  famous clam chowder,  visit  Oregon’s tallest lighthouse , and stroll through the underwater walkways at the  Oregon Coast Aquarium .
• Coos Bay:  A hundred miles south of Newport, Coos Bay is a great base to explore Oregon’s diverse nature, as it is home to three state parks ( Shore Acres State Park ,  Cape Arago State Park,  and  Sunset Bay State Park ) and the Oregon Dunes!

Inland Oregon

Some of Oregon’s best cities are situated inland, also a great option. Start to finish, this road trip is sure to provide a balance of arts and culture, great food, and outdoor adventure! For this itinerary, you’ll be covering about 260 miles, and you’ll need about seven days to do it:

• Portland : Spend a day or two in Portland (the epitome of Pacific Northwest hipster cool) following a few of the amazing hikes , wandering through  Powell’s Books (which claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world), and hanging out in the gorgeous rose garden in Washington Park. (Oh, and eat lots of delicious food!)
• Salem : Head 50 miles south to Salem, the state capital, to stroll through the shops housed in the old Reed Opera House , take a  riverboat brunch cruise  on the Willamette River, or picnic in Riverfront Park.
• Corvallis : Thirty miles south is the college town adjacent to Oregon State University, where you can follow the  Corvallis Mural Map  to see the cool street art, or rent a bike to cruise some of the 60+ miles of trails.
• Eugene : A second college town sits 50 miles further south. Here, catch a  Ducks football game  at the U of Oregon, wander through the  Eugene Saturday Market , or swing by the  Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art  to see artwork from China, Japan, and Korea.
• Bend : Drive east to wrap up your trip in  Bend , a great mountain town with a fantastic food and drink scene; you can also try anything from  kayaking to  whitewater rafting  to a  helicopter aerial tour .

Typically, when Washington State comes to mind, people think of rain and the Space Needle, but from western cities on the water like Port Townsend to eastern ones like Spokane, its landscape and attractions are diverse. See all Washington has to offer with this 500-mile, weeklong road trip:

➵ Rent a car in Washington here

• Olympia:  Start in the state capital, at the bottom of the Puget Sound, by hanging out in West Bay Park and checking out the city’s unique food scene, which is quirky and progressive but not pretentious.
• Port Townsend:  Drive 100 miles north to one of the coolest small towns in the US. Check out the  Port Townsend Farmers Market  (one of the best in Washington), take a free boat tour with the Northwest Maritime Center , and finish out the day by browsing the independent stores housed in old Victorian buildings on Water Street.
• Seattle:  Drive 60 more miles to  Seattle , where you’ll want to check out  Pike Place Market ,  take a harbor cruise  to see the city from Elliott Bay, visit a unique museum like the  Museum of Pop Culture , and eat fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
• Bellevue:  Across Lake Washington, visit the  Bellevue Arts Museum  (where you can sometimes chat with the artists themselves), hang out in Downtown Park, and zip-line through Eastgate Park with  Bellevue Zip Tour .
• Leavenworth:  In this charming town modeled after a traditional Bavarian village, eat your way through the German sweet shops, hike the river trail at  Icicle Gorge , stroll along the Wenatchee River at Waterfront Park, or visit the town’s quirky  Nutcracker Museum .
• Spokane:  Drive the last 180 miles to the eastern side of Washington to the capital of “the Inland Empire,” where you can follow the  Spokane City Drive , a self-guided tour of the best spots in town, or the  Spokane Sculpture Walk  for an experience you won’t find in any other city.

Washington Hikes Road Trip

Looking to get outside as much as possible on your Washington road trip? Consider this quick itinerary to all of the state’s best hikes, where you can park your car and head out into the wilderness to see gorgeous mountain peaks, lush forests, and more:

• Seattle: Start your trip here, where you can rent a car for your journey.
• Maple Pass in North Cascades National Park: This leg of the trip is the longest stretch at over 5 hours along Interstate 90 East and Highway 97, but the scenery is on point the whole way. Stay the night near the national park and hike Maple Pass first thing in the morning.
• Lake Ingalls: Another long stretch back down south along Highway 97 will take you to Lake Ingalls where you can enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous alpine lake.
• Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park: This trail gives incredible views of Mount Rainier, plus plenty of waterfalls along the way. It’s easily one of the best trails in Washington. Get there from Lake Ingalls by taking I-90 towards Tacoma (option to stay there for the night) and then Highway 161 down to the park.
• Pinnacle Peak in Mount Rainier National Park: While you’re near Rainier National Park, don’t miss out on this epic trail that leads to the Pinnacle Peak Saddle where you’ll have the most incredible view.
• Rialto Beach: Another long stretch will bring you to Washington’s rocky coast where you can hike from Rialto Beach to Hole-In-The-Wall which is a rugged and exciting affair.
• Hurricane Ridge: Before heading back to Seattle, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park plus the breathtaking Sunrise Viewpoint right next to it are the perfect ending to a perfect trip.

The Perfect Washington National Parks Itinerary

From skiing in the mountains to hiking through hills and meadows, Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. This itinerary can be cut in half, between Breckenridge and Rocky Mountain National Park , if 12 stops is too long of a trip. (Each leg consists of half natural sights and half cities, so you’ll still get a full taste of Colorado with six stops.) All in all, this road trip covers more than 800 miles and takes about ten days.

• Mesa Verde National Park : See the mesa-top villages and cliffside dwellings of the Pueblo people from hundreds of years ago by driving the Mesa Top Loop Road and Cliff Palace driving loop, or head to Park Point (elevation: 8,500 feet).
• Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park : Highlights of this park, located 160 miles northeast of Mesa Verde, include Gunnison Point, Chasm View, Painted Wall, and Sunset View.
• Aspen : After you’ve driven 115 miles from Black Canyon to Aspen, hike Red Butte Trail for 360-degree views of the Aspen Valley, ride the  Silver Queen Gondola  to the summit of the mountain, stand-up paddleboard at  North Star Nature Preserve , and explore the waterfalls and ice caves along  Grottos Trail .
• Hanging Lake : Stop 50 miles down the road to follow one of Colorado’s most popular hikes to this magical  cliffside lake .
• Vail :  Raft the river ,  drive an ATV , catch a cool  seasonal event , check out a  farmers’ market , or hike to a waterfall in this fun mountain town 60 miles northeast of Hanging Lake.
• Breckenridge : One of Colorado’s friendliest small towns, Breckenridge offers  great hikes , tons of  biking trails , cool events like the  International Festival of Arts , and lots of sunny restaurant patios where you can grab a bite.
• Rocky Mountain National Park:  Take a scenic drive (especially on  Trail Ridge Road , the highest continuous paved road in the US), hike to one of the park’s  eleven waterfalls  and two cascades, go  four-wheeling , or take a horseback ride through Rocky Mountain National Park, located 100 miles north of Breckenridge. Click here for a complete list of things to do in the park.
• Boulder : Spend a day or two in Boulder by ordering beignets at  Lucile’s , exploring  Pearl Street  and the  Boulder Creek Path , hiking to the famous  sandstone Flatirons , and attending a show at the historic Boulder Theater.
• Denver : Drive 30 miles to the state capital, which has  plenty to explore , including the  Lower Downtown (LoDo)  neighborhood, Capitol Building, outdoor 16th Street Mall,  Larimer Square ,  Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre , and  Denver Art Museum .
• Garden of the Gods : Seventy miles from Denver is another national park, where you can take a tour on foot, electric bike, or Segway, as well as go rock climbing and check out  Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site .
• Colorado Springs : The last city of the road trip sits next to Garden of the Gods. Spend a day exploring  Seven Falls , hiking in  Ute Valley Park , and driving the Gold Belt Scenic Byway.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve:  At your last destination, plan on camping for a night so that you’ll have the chance to stargaze with no city lights to obscure the view. But until the sun sets, sled down the sand dunes (some of which are hundreds of feet high) and (if your car permits) drive the adventurous  Medano Pass .

The perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary

While an area as vast as the American West is tough to cover in a single road trip, or even a single lifetime, I hope this post helps you to pick a trip you’ll love. The best news is, you really can’t go wrong, as all of these places are gorgeous, though some are better suited to certain weather and seasons than others.

Choose the best adventure for you!

*Some links in this post are affiliate links for products and services we personally use and love. Any purchase you make through them supports us at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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09/20/2019 at 7:38 am

Bravo! This is the most comprehensive post yet for a region. Literally a lifetime of things to see and all doable on a road trip! There is even more like Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Flaming Gorge, Devil’s Tower, grassland parks, and Bighorn in Wyoming for instance. Great job, your hard work has paid off with this amazing post. I will add this to the now long list of travel ideas you have provided me!!!

Hena Tayeb says

09/22/2019 at 6:53 pm

So much great information! We were in Washington and Oregon just last summer and loved it. We are trying to decide between Arizona and New Mexico for this coming spring.. you post will come in very handy.

Kristin says

09/22/2019 at 8:30 pm

why not both? 😉

10/28/2019 at 6:31 am

Thanks for the super write up! So many things to do in each of the locations. I visited Estes and the the RMNP in July and it was such a great experience. We did some river rafting and a fair bit of hiking in the park. Didn’t see any bears unfortunately was apparently still a bit early in the season for them. Not sure if you enjoy more Adrenalin fueled activities – have you ever tried doing a tandem jump? It’s actually a great way to experience the scenery of an area. And you’d be surprised just how many drop zones there are now in the US. It’s a great experience and totally worth spending half a day doing 😉

01/15/2020 at 11:21 pm

thank you so much for your helpful trips! one of the best sites around

Eileen Chu says

05/06/2022 at 11:01 am

Love the recommendations. I’m planning a road trip myself and I’m struggling to decide which month of the year to do this loop. Which month did you do it so that you didn’t encounter the snowy roads in the north and the blazing sun in the south.? April?

05/07/2022 at 8:28 pm

Which loop exactly? If you’re wanting to avoid winter, May is often a good month as is June.

Karla Smith says

07/04/2023 at 11:55 am

I like your site. Great info. Thank you. I’m taking a month long solo trip from Missouri out west. I’m 70 years young and bringing just my dog, Lovebug. Last road trip for this lady! Any thoughts about “the dog”? She a trained school therapy dog. National or state parks allow on leash? Dog friendly places? Thanks to you I’m going to Mystic Hot Springs. Tent camping some. Any advice is websites to read? Thank you so much! Karla

07/05/2023 at 8:44 am

Some national park trails allow dogs on a leash. I’ve got lots of solo camping advice on here! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/outdoors-101/

The Ultimate 2 Week West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

The American West Coast is undoubtedly one of the most incredible road trip destinations in the United States , if not the world.

It really has a distinct identity all on its own, picture gorgeous red rock formations as tall as the sky, colorful sweeping canyons, long dusty roads lined with cacti, and vast native American culture.

It’s easy to understand why people fall in love with this place as it is like no other.

To truly explore this place in depth you really need an entire month. I only had two weeks to explore this incredible area and was determined to hit all the best places possible.

Ready to feel the wind in your hair? Buckle in, as I’m here to share with you my West Coast adventures and how you can also explore this fantastic part of the world with my complete 2-week West Coast USA itinerary.

Ready to hit the open road? From Monument Valley to sunny Palm Springs this unforgettable 2-week West Coast USA itinerary has it all. 

Geographically the West Coast includes states such as Washington, Oregon & California however, I decided to throw Utah into the mix and make this a West Coast/South West kinda road trip.

The trip begins in Los Angeles , travels through Utah and Arizona, and ends in Los Angeles, California.

You can easily explore this west coast itinerary in reverse as it is just one big loop. That said you can modify this road trip to add more cities or national parks if you have more time to explore.

2 Week West Coast USA Itinerary Outline

Stop 1: los angeles.

Stop 2: Palm Springs

Stop 3: Las Vegas

Stop 4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Stop 5: Moab, Utah

Stop 6: Monument Valley

Stop 7: Page, Arizona

Stop 8: Zion National Park

Stop 9: Las Vegas

Stop 10: Los Angeles

One thing I do recommend doing before exploring any of the national parks is to get yourself an Annual Parks Pass.

This $80 park pass will grant you entry to many of the national parks in the United States and will save you a ton on entry fees.

Some popular parks, trails, and attractions may require a reservation or permit. Check out Travel in the USA’s article for parks that require a reservation for 2023.

Car, Camper, or RV?

For this 2-week West Coast USA itinerary, you will most likely need a car or RV-style camper. The west is very accustomed to this style of travel. We traveled in our converted campervan, and it was so much fun.

Websites like Cruise America and RVshare are great if you’re looking to book an RV for your road trip.

Not a big fan of camping? You can always rent a car and stay in hotels along the way. Kayak has some great deals on car rentals, I also like to use rentalcars.com as well.

Best time of year for a 2-week USA West Coast Road Trip?

You can follow this 2 week West Coast USA itinerary at any time however, there are definitely better times of the year to visit than others.

In my opinion, the best time to visit out west is in the early Fall and Spring seasons.

The temperatures are milder, which makes hiking and other outdoor activities more enjoyable. We visited during the tail end of the summer, and the temperatures were still very high 100°F (38°C). With this in mind, I wouldn’t recommend this time as it’s just too hot for comfort.

Accommodation: Hotel Ziggy West Hollywood

I personally recommend starting and ending your trip in Los Angeles, California. This is for a few reasons, you won’t have to deal with one-way costs of car rentals, and there are always cheaper and more affordable flights from LAX Airport.

Los Angeles is a major city with a direct international airport making it the perfect hub for many international tourists visiting the United States.

If you decide to use a rental car service kayak is a great place to start and compare prices and if you are feeling extra adventurous consider hiring a camper van , true road trip style!

Los Angeles is a HUGE city with a lot to offer, you will want to spend at least 1-2 days exploring the highlights such as Venice Beach, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica.

West Hollywood

Known to the locals as “WeHo” this fun and vibrant Los Angeles suburb is right in the middle of everything making it the perfect starting point for exploring LA. Check out below my top things to see and do in West Hollywood.

Hollywood Bowl

Nestled in the Hollywood Hills is LA’s Hollywood Bowl an amphitheater used for live concerts. Since its opening in 1922, the bowl has been the epicenter for live music in Southern California. Check here for tickets and showings.

Griffith Park

Home to the Griffith Observatory , Los Angeles Zoo , Autry Museum , and of course the iconic Hollywood Sign. Griffith Park is the best way to see Los Angeles from above. The observatory is a great spot to discover outer-space exhibits and the surrounding hiking trails offer stellar views of the entire Los Angeles valley below.

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Nothing screams more iconic than hiking to the famous Hollywood Sign. Choose from 3 hiking routes the Mt. Hollywood Trail, Canyon Boulevard Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. The hike is roughly 2-3 hrs roundtrip including the walk to the trailhead.

I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the great outdoors, it’s my favorite hike in all of Los Angeles, and it’s certainly worth adding to your Los Angeles bucket list.

Read more 

The ultimate 3-day itinerary for los angeles , lacma and academy museum of motion pictures.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art aka “LACMA” is located on Museum Row, adjacent to the La Brea Tar Pits. The museum features great art displays from ancient periods right up to the present day.

Don’t miss taking a photo at the popular Urban Light display out front of the museum.

Just a short walk from the LACMA is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures another excellent museum filled with Hollywood movie props, cultural exhibits, and more.

This a great place if you are into the art of movie making and film, there is always something fun and exciting happening at the Academy Museum.

Santa Monica & Venice Beach

Exploring LA wouldn’t be complete without a quick visit to Santa Monica and Venice. Don’t miss exploring the Santa Monica Pier and its famous Pacific Park, it’s also worth waiting to watch the sunset from the beach.

Lastly, to end your day in Venice, I highly recommend hiring a bike and leisurely riding along the boardwalk to Venice Beach from the Santa Monica Pier. Be sure to check out the highlights such as the famous Venice Beach Sign, Abbott Kinny Boulevard, and Venice Canals.

Los Angeles’s beaches are not to be missed. If you have extra time I also recommend visiting Malibu, it’s about 45 mins from West Hollywood and is known for its beautiful beaches and celebrity homes.

Stop 2: Los Angeles to Palm Springs

Drive time: 1hr 46mins

Accommodation: Outdoor Resort Palm Springs

The next stop on this West Coast road trip itinerary is Plam Springs. This gorgeous town is filled with beautiful palm trees, and boutique restaurants and not to mention has a stellar collection of mid-century modern homes.

It’s the quintessential oasis for relaxing and outdoor adventures.

Spend a full day exploring the town and its top highlights. You can wander downtown and explore the many boutique cafes and restaurants or rent a bike and leisurely ride around the neighborhoods admiring the stunning mid-century modern architecture.

The Best Summer Weekend Getaways In The USA

Palm Springs located in the Coachella Valley has so much to offer. Check out below my top things to do in Plam Springs.

Palm Springs Visitor Centre

Albert Frey’s Ariel Tramway is a Palm Springs landmark and is also home to the Palm Springs Infomation Centre. The center is touristy but totally worth checking out, here you can find souvenirs, maps, and apparel for sale.

Moorten Botanical Gardens

This place is cacti heaven! The garden showcases over 3000 different species of desert cacti and plants. Enjoy strolling through the garden and learning about all the different succulents and desert plants and the areas in which they grow.

Joshua Tree National Park

If you get enough time, I highly recommend exploring the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree displays a fascinating variety of plants and rock formations which are native to the Mojave Desert.

Be sure to check out the many hiking trails within the park, my favorite spot is the beautiful Cholla Cactus Garden, but be careful walking through you don’t want these prickly guys to touch you.

Stop 3: Palm Springs to Las Vegas

Drive time: 3hrs 56mins

Accommodation: Wynn Las Vegas  

On day three you will want to get up for an early morning start, as the drive from Palm Springs to Las Vegas is roughly 4hrs.

Since Vegas is so iconic I could not put it on my list of places to see, it wouldn’t be a West Coast road trip without it am I right?

You’ll want to spend the whole day exploring the area, and if it’s your first time in Las Vegas, then I highly recommend staying on the strip amongst all the glitz and glamor.

The list of top things to see and do in Vegas is endless, and there is always something for everyone.

Vegas is known for its live shows, gambling, fine dining, and glamorous nightlife. Be sure to check out the many strip hotels, each with its own unique theming.

Don’t miss popular attractions such as the Bellagio Fountain Display and of course, snap a selfie at the famous Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas sign.

Regarding restaurants, Vegas is well known for its Michelin-star dining and of course buffets. If you’re looking for the best all-you-can-eat, hit up the buffet at the Wynn Hotel, It’s absolutely incredible.

Stop 4: Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon

Drive time: 4hrs 

Accommodation: Bryce Canyon National Park Campground

Utah is home to many incredible national parks with Bryce Canyon being one of them. This impressive national park is full of unique rock formations, fantastic hiking trails, and the most spectacular views you will ever see.

Bryce Canyon is so underrated, and like no other park, I have visited. The best thing about Bryce Canyon National Park is that you only need a day or two to explore its surroundings fully.

Bryce Canyon is one of those parks that can be explored in just one day, however, you will want to spend at least two, so you can really make the most of the park. Allowing two days will let you see a sunset when you arrive and a sunrise the next morning.

When it comes to choosing a hiking trail, honestly they are all pretty amazing so you really can’t go wrong. See below my Bryce Canyon itinerary and how to make the most of your two days at the park.

Visitors Center

Start your day off at the Visitors Center. Here you can get some trail maps, check the weather conditions of the park, and any souvenirs you wish to buy. The rangers here can help you if you have any questions.

The Visitors Center is also the central hub for the park shuttle, it’s free to catch and commutes guests to the most popular overlooks, amenities, and trailheads.

Hike the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail

The best hike in the park and also my favorite is the Navajo Loop paired with the Queens Garden Trail. Starting at Sunset Point, begin your hike on the Navajo Loop Trail, connect with the Queens Garden Trail, and finish at Sunrise Point.

Walk back to your car via the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail. The total length of the hike is 2.9 miles (4.6 km) and has an elevation gain of 515 feet (157 m). The hike should take around 1-2 hrs to complete, depending on your fitness level.

Drive to Bryce Point

Hop in the car for a short drive to the Bryce Point Parking Lot. Spend some time taking in the incredible views and surroundings.

Watch the Sunset at Sunrise Point

Your last stop of the day! Head back towards the Vistors Center stopping at Sunrise Point. Weirdly enough, I personally think the best spot for viewing the sunset is Sunrise Point. It’s a definite must-see from here, and the views won’t disappoint.

Watch the Sunrise at Sunset Point

Kick off your last day at Sunset Point to watch the sunrise. If you’re not a morning person I totally get it I’m not an early bird either however, I do like to make exceptions at places I feel I may only ever get to see once and it’s always 100% worth it once you’re there.

Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive

It’s time to cruise along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. The drive starts at the Visitors Center and ends at Rainbow Point. The route is a 38-mile round-trip scenic drive with 13 viewpoints, each offering slightly different views.

I recommend driving all the way to Rainbow Point and then stopping at the viewpoints on your way back down. My favorite overlooks were Natural Bridge, Black Birch Canyon & Agua Canyon.

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Stop for lunch at the Bryce Canyon Lodge. The dining at The Lodge offers a wide variety of food options. We actually ate here twice when we visited the park it was that good.

Breakfast is served from 7.30 am to 10 am, lunch is from 11.30 to 3 pm, and dinner is from 5 pm to 9 pm. Seating in on a first come first serve basis.

Hike Mossy Cave Trail

This is your last stop in Bryce Canyon before heading to your next location, this stop is also optional depending on how much time you have. Mossy Cave Trail is located just outside the main park entrance in the northern section of the park on Highway 12.

This beautiful hiking trail follows a stream to a mossy cave (hence the trail name). With only a 300 ft elevation gain this trail is considered easy according to the National Park Service.

Stop 5: Bryce Canyon to Moab

Drive time: 4hrs 20mins

Accommodation: Free Dispersed Camping and Willow Flat Campground

Moab, Utah is the ultimate hub for adventure seekers, campers, and photographers. It’s home to two of the most famous national parks in the United States Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

When I first arrived at this place, I remember feeling so at home as it felt similar to my hometown in Australia (minus the amazing rocks & canyons). The vibes were very chill here, and all the locals were super friendly and welcoming.

If this is your first time visiting the area, well you’re in for a treat. Explore the many parks, rivers, and hiking trails that boast Moab’s dramatic scenery.

The one great thing about Moab is just how close the two national parks are, Arches is roughly 5 miles (8 km) from the center of town, and Canyonlands is 30.2 miles (48 km) from town.

You could easily spend a whole week here and not see everything however, you can cover many of the park’s highlights without even leaving your car.

Arches National Park

Arches is a relatively small national park, the downside to this is that the park can become very busy during the high seasons.

I recommend starting your hikes super early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This is also good for high-heat conditions if you visit during summer.

Double Arch

Hiking to Double Arch is one of the many popular hiking trails within Arches, visitors love this trail, and for a good reason. Double Arch is a short, primarily flat hiking trail that leads hikers to a double-arch rock formation.

This arch may look small from the car park however, the sheer size of the arch becomes super clear the closer you get to it. It’s absolutely massive! It’s also considered the third-largest arch opening in the entire park.

The hike is a 0.8-mile (1.2 km) round trip and is considered an easy trail.

Delicate Arch

The arch with the most attention goes to Delicate Arch. It’s the arch you see all over social media and is undoubtedly one of North America’s most famous rock arches .

It certainly wouldn’t be a 2-week west coast USA itinerary without a visit to this spot. For the best views go at sunset and watch the stars come out making the arch glow in the afternoon light.

Be careful on your way back down as you will be hiking in the dark, be sure to have your hiking essentials with you like a headlamp and compass.

Gift Ideas for the Adventurous Backpacker

Sand dune arch.

Another must-do hiking trail is Sand Dune Arch. It’s considered easy and takes literally 15 mins to complete.

This popular trail leads hikers to a secluded arch between tall sandstone walls. While the trail is mostly level, you do have to walk on soft sand and hike between narrow openings.

The roundtrip distance for this trail is 0.4 miles (0.6 km) with zero elevation gain.

The Windows Primitive Loop

Last up we have The Windows. This trail consists of three arches along a short 1-mile scenic loop. This hike is best viewed at sunrise or during the afternoon at sunset.

The trail starts at the North Window and then heads to the South Window. On the way to the North Window, you can also take a side detour to the south to view Turret Arch.

Canyonlands National Park

Located 30 mins from Moab, Canyonlands National Park is known for its impressive desert landscape carved out by the Colorado River. Canyonlands consists of three major land districts the Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.

If your coming from Moab, your best option is to visit the Island in the Sky portion. This is the most visited section of the park and the most accessible from the north.

If you have more time on your hands, you can definitely check out the other two areas, these are sometimes overlooked and have unique hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons.

My recommendations below are for the Island of the Sky as that’s where I visited on my west coast trip and what I suggest if you are short on time.

Drive the Scenic Route

Starting at the Visitors Center drive the entire 34-mile (54.7 km) Grand View Scenic Route stopping at all the amazing overlooks on the way. Starting at Shafer Canyon Overlook and ending at Grand View Point Overlook.

My all-time favorite overlook is Green River Overlook, featured above, especially at sunset. The overlook is located just past the Willows Flat Campground and showcases some of the best views of the two mighty rivers.

A great short trail to check out is Mesa Arch. Mesa is the perfect trail for families and beginner hikers. It’s a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) loop and ends at a stunning 500 ft (152.4 m) cliff with a view of White Rim through the rock arch.

This arch is best viewed at Sunrise as the sun glows directly through the arch in the early morning. If you plan to hike at sunrise, be very careful as the trailhead can become very busy during this time.

Please note that there are no railings at the arch to prevent fatal falls and always remember not to climb on the arches themselves.

Grand View Point Overlook

Another short trail worth checking out is at the Grand View Point Overlook. The trail displays spectacular panoramic views as you follow the canyon’s edge. The elevation of this hike is 73 ft (22 m) and takes around 1.5 hrs to complete.

Dead Horse State Park

Roughly 10 mins from the main entrance to Canyonlands you will see Hwy 313 which will lead to Dead Horse State Park. I highly recommend visiting if you have some spare time.

Dead Horse Point Overlook is absolutely incredible and totally worth checking out.

Stop 6: Moab to Monument Valley

Drive time: 2hrs 40mins

Accommodation: Goosenecks State Park

Next, we have Monument Valley, one of America’s most famous and magnificent landscapes. Much of its natural beauty can be experienced by driving its scenic routes which pass by many notable landmarks and features.

I couldn’t be more amazed by its natural wonders, Monument Valley has been on my list of must-visit places for a long time, and I can honestly say it did not disappoint.

Monument Valley is a 17-mile (27.3 km) road that starts at the Vistors Center and weaves its way through the valley.

Highlights of the valley include the Mitten Buttes, the Three Sisters, the Totem Pole, and the famous Forrest Gump Hill.

Spend the day enjoying a long drive through Monument Valley on Valley Drive soaking in the stunning vistas in all directions. The drive is roughly 3-4 hours and costs about $20.00 to enter.

Driving through the valley truly feels like your driving through an old classic Hollywood western. Fun Fact: It wasn’t until John Ford featured Monument Valley in his films that it started to gain major popularity in the movie industry.

It’s now been shown in many iconic films such as Forrest Gump, National Lampoons Vacation, Back to the Future Part 3, and Mission Impossible 2.

The perfect place to catch the sunrise in Monument Valley is at Forrest Gump Hill, this spot makes for the best photos as it’s the main viewpoint of the road leading up to the rock formations that makes up the valley itself.

Goosenecks State Park

Another excellent place to check out is Goosenecks State Park, it’s located just north of Mexcian Hat and is roughly 20 mins from Monument Valley’s Forrest Gump Point.

The state park overlooks an impressive deep meander (a meander being a series of strenuous curves in a river channel).

Look down the San Juan River 1,000 ft (304.8 m) below you and see the results of millions of years of geological erosion.

Stop 7: Monument Valley to Page, Arizona

Drive time: 2hrs 

Accommodation: Beehive Campground

Hello Arizona! The perfect thing about Page, Arizona is that it’s the main hub for the best things to do in the great American South West.

Page is a small northern Arizona town home to many unique attractions including Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, and Lake Powell.

With so many fun activities to choose from it can be hard to pick just a few when exploring the town of Page. With plenty of adventure opportunities, check out my top recommendations on what to see and do.

Horseshoe Bend

Definitely, the most popular attraction at Page is Horseshoe Bend. The overlook at Horseshoe is an iconic landmark and displays an impressive view of the Colorado River below.

The hike to the overlook is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip, costing $20.00 to enter.

This beautiful meander was a lot bigger than I expected and super busy. Regardless of the season, Horseshoe becomes extremely busy during sunset.

I highly suggest visiting super early in the morning, to avoid the crowds. Aim to get there at 8 am when the car park opens. Another reason for going early is to beat the heat, during the summer months the heat can become intense.

Horseshoe Bend is very exposed, and the trail there and back provides little to no shade. So be prepared.

Antelope Canyon

Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon that has been shaped by millions of years of water and erosion. It was named after the herds of pronghorn antelope that once roamed the nearby area.

Certain areas of Antelope Canyon can only be accessed via a guided tour. You can visit two areas of the slot canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

When people refer to Antelope Canyon in general, they usually refer to the Upper Canyon.

Which is better to explore, lower or upper? The Upper Canyon is a lot smaller, and darker and takes on more tours however it is the most photogenic of the two.

The Lower Canyon is a lot brighter with more light shining in, it has stairways, and it is more fun to visit.

If Antelope Canyon is on your bucket list, I recommend booking your tour well in advance, so you don’t miss out. Antelope Canyon is becoming more popular than ever, because of this it’s super important to book your tickets ASAP.

Stop 8: Page to Zion National Park

Drive time: 1hr 44mins

Accommodation: Free Dispersed Camping , or Zion NP Campgrounds

Zion National Park is one of the most incredible and unique places on planet earth. The highlight of Zion is of course its 2000 ft (609.6 m) sandstone cliffs which are considered a climbers paradise.

Located on State Route 9 in Springdale, Utah Zion National Park is a bucket list destination for many outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s ranked the second most visited park in the United States reaching an average of 5 million visitors per year.

The park’s dramatic landscape features many slot canyons, natural arches, and hiking trails that people from all over the world come to experience.

Its top highlights include The Narrows, Angels Landing, Observation Point, and of course its crown jewel Zion Canyon.

Ideally, you will want to spend 2-3 days exploring Zion National Park. This will give you enough time to see the top highlights and hike some of the longer trails within the park.

See below my ideal 2-day itinerary at Zion National Park.

Head down to the Visitors Center to plan out your activities. Here you can collect maps, check hiking trail conditions, and stock up on souvenirs.

With only 2 days to explore the park, getting an early start for the best experience is critical.

Plan to have at least one big activity per day and end with a few smaller ones. For most this is either hiking The Narrows or Angels Landing two of the most popular hikes in the park.

The Narrows

The narrowest section of Zion Canyon is The Narrows (hence the name). It’s a beautiful hike through the Virgin River passing by enormous canyon walls that have eroded into beautiful rock forms.

This is a wet hike! Expect to be in wading through water for 90% of the time. Be ready for slippery cobbles in water that may be waist-deep and quite cold.

Bring river shoes that you’re okay with getting wet. Alternatively, you can rent neoprene river shoes at the Zion Outfitters

Depending on how far you go, the hike is 5 to 9.4 miles (8 to 15.1 km) roundtrip and can take hikers anywhere between 3 to 7+ hours to complete.

The trailhead starts at the Temple of Sinawava Parking Lot. Please note there are potential hazards when hiking this trail, see here for more information.

Stop for lunch at the Zion Brewery, before heading out for a few smaller hikes to end your first day in Zion.

The Pa’rus Trail

A very short and easy hike! This beautiful paved trail starts at the park’s southern entrance and heads to Canyon Junction, showcasing stunning views of The Watchman along the way.

The Pa’rus Trail is considered an easy route 3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip and takes an average of 1-2 hours to complete.

The Emerald Pools Trail Head

The lower, middle, and upper Emerald Pools are relatively easy to moderate trails that consist of 3 main sections. The trail follows a small lush stream that collects in a series of “pools.”

Hikers can choose to visit the Lower Pool Trail, the Middle & Upper Pool Trail, or combine all three trails. It takes 2.5 miles (4 km) roundtrip to hike all three. The hike time for the Emeralds is roughly 1 hour.

End your day at Canyon Junction or hike the Watchman Trail. Both spots have incredible views and are best seen at sunset.

The Canyon Overlook Trail

This great little trail leads up to a viewpoint overlooking the entire Zion Canyon below. Located just past the Zion Carmel Tunnel you will find a small car park, this is the start of the Canyon Overlook Trail.

It’s easy to reach and relatively flat, making it quite popular for many hikers. It’s about 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip and takes about 1 hour to complete.

Be sure to reach the overlook before sunset the mountain will capture the sun well before it sets. For this, you will want to ensure you’re not walking back in the dark if you do remember to bring a headlamp with you.

Angels Landing

End your last day in Zion with a bang and hike to Angels Landing. It’s the most popular and well-known hike in all of Zion. Yet it’s one of the most strenuous and dangerous hikes you can do in the park.

With 1630 ft (496.8 m) of elevation gain, this hike is not for the faint-hearted. This 5-mile (8 km) hike will take you along a daring ridgeline of a monolith that overlooks the entire Zion Canyon.

At its peak, there are no guard rails which can be quite daunting for some as hikers are already 1,000 ft (304.8 m) above ground at this point. However, the hike to Angels Landing is truly rewarding and offers some of the most spectacular views.

Please note, you do need a permit to hike this trail. The trail is 5.4 miles (8.6 km) roundtrip and is considered difficult. Depending on your hiking level, the trail can take 2-4 hours to complete.

End your afternoon with a scenic drive through Zion before heading to your next destination.

Hwy 9 to Mt. Carmel Junction

This gorgeous scenic byway runs directly through Zion National Park. It winds past the Visitors Center and many famous landmarks.

If hiking isn’t your thing, this is one of the best ways to see and enjoy the park. Take the time to stop at all the overlooks and be sure to have your camera ready. Zion is a photographer’s dream.

Stop 9: Zion National Park to Las Vegas

Drive time: 2hrs 42mins

Accommodation: The Bellagio Hotel

To end your 2-week West Coast USA itinerary, head back to LA via Las Vegas, exploring new areas of the city and surrounding landmarks.

Spend your day exploring Downtown Las Vegas, and visiting the Hover Dam and Grand Canyon.

Downtown Las Vegas

Vegas has more to see than just the strip! Head to downtown Las Vegas and explore the historic heart of the city. Downtown Las Vegas is known for its bustling casinos, museums, and glitzy cocktail bars.

Be sure to check out places like the Mob Museum , Seven Magic Mountains, The Neon Museum , Fremont Street, and Las Vegas’s oldest casino the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino.

Grand Canyon National Park

A 2-week road trip out west isn’t complete without visiting this iconic park. Grand Canyon National Park is the most recognizable and popular landscape in the United States if not the world.

The Grand Canyon is a whooping 1,904 square miles in total and is 18 miles (28.9 km) at its widest.

The Canyon is divided into 4 sections the South Rim, North Rim, West Rim, and East Rim. Coming from Las Vegas the closest entry to the park is via the West Rim.

This is where the famous skywalk is located. A glass horseshoe-shaped skywalk that dramatically extends over the canyon ledge.

There are endless things to see and do at the Gand Canyon including hiking, river rafting, walking the historic district, guided tours , and more.

The Hoover Dam

Another great attraction worth checking out is the famous Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam is a gigantic concrete dam located at the Arizona/Nevada border near the Colorado River.

Named in honor of President Herbert Hoover, the dam controls the flooding of the Colorado River and provides water to over 16,000,000 people.

Power generated by the dam also provides energy to over 500,000 homes in the states of California, Nevada & Arizona. The Hoover Dam is a short 30 min drive from the Las Vegas strip and is a fun activity to add to your USA road trip itinerary.

The Hoover Dam’s massive size is without compression, be sure to  book a tour of this incredible man-made wonder.

Stop 10: Las Vegas to Los Angeles

Drive time: 4hrs 7mins

Accommodation: Level Los Angeles Hotel

Los Angeles is the perfect place to end your road trip! Now is the time to explore other fun attractions of LA that you may have missed on your first two days.

From theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios to Hollywood Boulevard and Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is a city that keeps on giving.

Coming up with the perfect 2 week West Coast USA itinerary is almost impossible. There is so much to see and do that you can make this road trip as eventful or relaxing as you like.

I hope my 2-week West Coast itinerary has given you some major inspiration and made things a lot easier for you to create your own incredible road trip! I had a trip of a lifetime doing this, and I’m sure you will as well.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, what tips do you have for crafting your own 2 week West Coast USA itinerary?

Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission that helps support this blog.

You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.

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Day trip to savannah georgia the perfect 24hr itinerary, charleston to savannah itinerary the perfect lowcountry roadtrip.

I’ve never been much of a traveler, but this itinerary is so detailed and looks like so much fun I want to pack my bags right now!

Ashlea Paige

Thank you! It’s definitely one of those bucket list road trips for sure

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It had taken a lot of time to prepare this post. It’s really great. So much useful info. There is nothing more needed, just free time to go for this advantage.

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Best of the West: Top Tourist Destinations

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From celebrity-filled Los Angeles and neon-lit Las Vegas to the abundant natural wonders of the Grand Canyon , Yosemite , and Canyonlands, the western United States has something to satisfy the interests of virtually every traveler. But it is a huge area and not one that can be easily visited in a few days, weeks, or even years.

The West of the continental United States is made up of two regions. The Mountain states include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The Pacific states are California, Oregon, and Washington. Adrenaline lovers can get their kicks by heading to the Rockies to hit the famed slopes, while the traveler looking for the perfect spot to relax can go to sunny California for wine-tasting in Sonoma. The spectacular Pacific, from San Diego to Seattle, is a favorite destination, along with California's coastal cities. The West is bursting with gems that are too numerous to list.

People go to Las Vegas to get lucky. From the buzz of the casinos to the glitz of the hotels, bars, and nightlife , Las Vegas provides ample opportunities to press your luck with money, love, or getting into a blockbuster show, thereby making it a sure shot with tons of risk-taking travelers. If the excitement of the city gets to be too much, the spectacular canyons of Red Rock are just 30 minutes away from the city’s main strip and perfect for a day trip.

San Francisco

San Francisco  is the place where many people have left their heart. And there's a good reason for that. From Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge to the Embarcadero, the Ferry Building Marketplace, the Mission District, and Lombard Street, it's charm with a capital "C." It's also foodie heaven, no matter what your taste preferences.

Pacific Coast Highway

The ​ Pacific Coast Highway,  aka California Route 1, is renowned as one of the best road trips in the world. It snakes along the California coast for 656 miles from Leggett in the north to Dana Point in the south. The most traveled part of the route is between Monterey and Carmel along California's Central Coast and Big Sur to San Luis Obisbo. The view from the highway across the steep cliffs down to the Pacific is the stuff of legend. Stay a couple of days in Monterey or Carmel, check out the famous Pebble Beach road, and then start off on this unforgettable journey.

Route 66 , the Mother Road, has been immortalized in song, on a TV show, and in legend. It was one of the first highways in the U.S. highway system and dates to 1926. The entire route was eventually replaced by interstate highways, and it's now strictly for tourists and is called Historic Route 66. It starts in Chicago, bends toward the southwest, and ends in Los Angeles. You can pick it up anywhere along the route, which takes you through Illinois and St. Louis, down into Oklahoma, across the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico, and into Arizona before its final leg crosses southern California and ends in LA.

California Wine Country

The two most famous parts of California Wine Country, Sonoma, and ​ Napa  counties, are less than 50 miles north of San Francisco. They are a perfect day trip or a longer peaceful getaway. You're in a land of mountains, valleys, rivers, forests, and, of course, vineyards. Wander along two-lane roads and enjoy the scenery as you search out wineries. Allow some time to discover Wine Country towns like Sonoma, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, and Calistoga. All have interesting boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, along with great restaurants, which make for a memorable stay.

Santa Barbara

The Santa Inez Mountains form the backbone of ​ Santa Barbara 's spectacular setting, stretching west to the Pacific. Its downtown is noted for its white stucco buildings with red tile roofs, and if you didn't know better you'd think you were in Spain. Its Mission-style train station and Mission Santa Barbara (1786) are not to be missed, along with its many boutiques and appealing places to grab a bite.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, has so many attractions that it takes a long stay to even scratch the surface. At the top of everyone's list are Disneyland  (in Anaheim) and legendary  Hollywood , which both are about fantasy of different kinds. Dig deeper and discover the San Gabriel Mission District, the birthplace of Los Angeles; Santa Monica; two world-class museums, the Getty and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the Channel Islands just offshore. Drive south down the coast to Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, reminiscent of the French Riviera, to get a real Pacific Ocean experience.

San Diego is just 120 miles south of Los Angeles, and the drive takes you to this city known for its parks, beautiful coastline, and enviable climate. Check out Balboa Park, Coronado Island, and La Jolla Cove.

Yosemite National Park

California's Yosemite National Park is a natural wonderland of waterfalls, granite peaks, meadows, valleys, and an ancient stand of sequoias knows as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Much of the park is inaccessible in the winter; check the website for park conditions and answers to questions about your visit before you go to this wondrous place.

Lake Tahoe sits atop the California-Nevada state line high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In the winter, it's a big ski destination, and in the summertime, it draws visitors who want to indulge water recreation at an elevation of 6,225 feet, surrounded by the quiet of the High Sierras. When you're not skiing or boating, check out Lake Tahoe's many restaurants and shops or play a few rounds of golf on one of Tahoe's world-class courses.

Santa Fe is a sparkling gem in the Sangre de Christo Mountains of northern New Mexico. It was founded by the Spanish in 1610, and its adobe architecture exudes this history around the Plaza and along its old, curving residential streets. It was named Destination of the Year by Travel + Leisure magazine for 2018, and its vibrant arts and culinary scene, along with its setting and history, are the reasons why.

Grand Canyon

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The  Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is just simply overwhelming. Breathtaking in scope and grandeur, it follows the Colorado River for 277 miles, is a mile deep, and in some places 18 miles wide. The spectacular colors and eroded rock formations of this canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, defy description. You just have to see it for yourself once in your life. The South Rim stays open all year, but the North Rim closes during the winter.

Canyonlands, Bryce, and Zion National Parks

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

The Colorado River is also the creator of the carved canyon landscape of the desert of southwestern Utah that is preserved in Canyonlands National Park . While you're in Utah, check out its unbelievable slot canyons that are some of the best photo ops in the United States. If you still want more of Utah's magnificent scenery, make stops at Bryce and Zion national parks.

For a full-on Colorado Rockies experience that's off-the-beaten-path, make a trip to Telluride, set in a box canyon in the southwestern corner of the state. In the winter, it's about all skiing all the time, along with cozy restaurants after a long and cold day on the mountain. In the summertime, it turns into a golf resort with an authentic Old West setting.

Gorgeous  Seattle,  on Puget Sound in the midst of evergreen forests and with views of the mountains, has a setting that's hard to beat. So go for the scenery and stay for the bookstores, coffeehouses, vibrant restaurant scene, Pike Place Market, and stunning views of Elliott Bay from downtown.

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Destinations | NORTH America

How to plan the perfect road trip western usa edition.

30 Jan 2020 | California , Destinations , North America

Dreaming of a USA West Coast road trip ? You are at the right place. In this detailed guide to how to plan the perfect road trip western USA edition – we will share all of our travel secrets on road trip planning from choosing the destinations or stops, car rental, and travel documents – for those traveling to the United States from Europe (like us!)

** Disclaimer: This post contains affiliated links which means that purchases made through these links reward Bey of Travel a small commission without any additional charge for the purchaser.** 

Western United States is every traveler’s dream and my man and I are certainly no exception. Cruising in an American SUV on the most iconic roads through the world’s most beautiful national parks…… Let’s just say my husband didn’t really have to convince me to book those plane tickets. 

Although I have to admit that the preparations for this trip have caused me some stress, I would like to share some tips with you so that you can hopefully enjoy a carefree and unforgettable road trip.

Passport & Visa Requirements for international travelers

Belgian and EU citizens will need an ESTA to visit the US. This is for a maximum stay of 90 days. You can apply for the ESTA online . 

Also, remember that your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your entire stay. 

If you are in the US, you are lucky, you don’t need any travel documents to embark on this USA western road trip. Citizens from Canada don’t require any visas.

International travelers from the rest of the world will need to apply for a tourist visa from their country of residence to enter the USA for a specified duration. Tourist visas do take time, so ensure you are checking the visa/VFS offices to prepare accordingly.

Plan a rough road trip itinerary with your preferred route and stops

The western coast of the USA comprises 13 states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. 

Many travelers focus on California predominantly and then add Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and then Oregon (PNW), Washington (PNW) to their route – as long as time permits. 

California is a great state to kick start your USA west road trip. This state has stunning cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego to name a few. You can plan to arrive/fly to San Francisco if traveling from overseas. 

Pick up a car rental and then embark on your road trip. These are the top places to include on your itinerary in the state of California

• Parks : Include stunning views of Half Dome, falls, and more at Yosemite National Park, admire the Cholla Cactus Garden, Barker Dam, and camp under the starry skies at Joshua Tree National Park. Do check out giant trees at the Sequoia National Park, followed by Death Valley National Park for its epic sand dunes 
• Coast towns and lakes: Along your Pacific Coast Highway road trip you can also visit small beach towns, wine valleys, and lakes such as Lake Tahoe (south) for a more immersive experience of the west coast’ variety!
• Cities: And don’t miss out on the urban jungles and cultural hubs like San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, Malibu on your road trip!

Find how to spend 3 days in San Francisco

From California make your way to Nevada and Arizona , and explore

• Las Vegas and spend a few days there
• Drive to Red Rock State Park, and then cross over to the state of Arizona and check out the stunning Grand Canyon National Park. It is easy to explore the south or the west rim from Las Vegas 

If time permits, stop at the Monument Valley at the Utah-Arizona border to soak in some stunning landscapes in the world!

In Utah you can check the famed national parks

• Bryce Canyon National Park 
• Arches National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Zion National Park
• Canyonlands National Park

In Wyoming , spend a couple of days at the Yellowstone National Park and explore the prime highlights of the oldest national park in the world – Old Faithful, Steamboat Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, and various waterfalls. 

Here is our 3-week road trip itinerary

• Day 1-3 : San Francisco
• Day 4-5 : Yosemite National Park
• Day 6 : Sequoia National Park 
• Day 7-8: Death Valley National Park
• Day 9-12 : Las Vegas
• Day 13-14 : Zion National Park
• Day 15-17 : Palm Springs
• Day 18 : Day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
• Day 19-20 : Los Angeles
• Day 21 : Flyout

Book your hotels or campsites in advance 

Once you narrow down on the destinations and have drafted a rough itinerary you need to decide where you will spend the most of your time, and how your accommodation will look at each stop.

If you are not into cities and prefer to camp then consider renting a camper or tent essentials. Many of the national and state parks will have small towns near the entrance of the park boundaries where you can stay in a lodge or an Airbnb. This way you will be closer to the parks. 

In California and Nevada many of the parks, lakes and attractions can be explored on a day trip as well – so consider booking hotels/lodges for an extended stay to save on accommodation 

So, when I looked at hotels for the first time in March for our trip in September, my heart rate went up immediately: more than 70% of hotels all over California were already sold out and those still available were priceless.

Therefore book your hotels well in advance because the earlier you book the cheaper. If you want to camp in the national parks during the summer months, I advise you to book your camping spots a year in advance so you can be sure that you can sleep under the most beautiful starry skies and enjoy carefree sunrise from your tent.

Pro tip: Ensure there’s a high enough limit on your credit card(s) as most hotels will ask for a deposit.

Plan to book your return flights from different airports

Plan to book one-way tickets for your west coast USA road trip – this will save you so much time and energy and allow you to enjoy the vacation better. 

When you book a car rental you can drop it off at any US airport – so choose one of the popular rental companies that have service locations in various states. That way you can drop off the car and fly without having to worry about driving back to the point of entry – for drop off or boarding your return flight. 

For example, try flying up to San Francisco and flying back home from Los Angeles is the itinerary suggested above, this saves you many unnecessary kilometers.

Buy a US National Parks Pass – America The Beautiful Pass

Because you will visit so many national parks in the states, you can save money by purchasing an Annual Pass in advance or at the entrance of the first park you visit. 

America the Beautiful Pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase, and this pass covers admission to all U.S. National Parks and costs $80 USD. 

Buy a backcountry permit if it applies to you

If you are planning to camp overnight in any of the national parks a backcountry permit is required. Do check individual parks and apply for a permit before you arrive. 

Try to get a permit for the Wave in the Coyote Buttes North area

The wave, located in the Coyote Buttes North area of the Utah Arizona border. Areas with this designation are considered ecologically sensitive and vulnerable to irreparable damage if access to them is not strictly controlled.

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, only 20 lucky people per day are allowed to visit Coyote Buttes North and The Wave in Arizona. In order to be included on that list, you must obtain a permit .

This is how it can be done:

• Apply in advance for the online Paria Canyon permit lottery through the BLM’s official website.  
• Ten spots per day are given out in this manner. You can – and should – apply up to four months in advance for your desired date.
• There is a $5.00 non-refundable fee to apply for the online lottery. 
• You may choose three different dates to hike

Take required vaccinations prior to your trip

Vaccinations are not required for California. Although I strongly recommend that you always foresee all basic vaccinations if you travel far regularly:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow fever

Check for medical and weather advisory before traveling

As always, check for any weather warnings (including wildfires, park access, route closures that may happen) prior to your trip. Equally important to check for medical or public safety-related restrictions that may be in place in any of the west coast states you may be visiting. 

Getting around in the city – car, tour, or public transportation

In cities such as San Francisco and LA, traffic is a disaster. Therefore, avoid driving in these cities yourself. This way you will also avoid excessive parking costs. 

We only picked up our rental car after 3 days in San Francisco and immediately brought our rental car back when we arrived in LA. In the cities themselves, we traveled with Uber & Lyft.

If you are planning day trips use public transportation or day tours such as the Napa Valley Wine tour from San Francisco or Muir Redwoods .

Places like the Antelope Canyon are protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation, located in Arizona. And once you get there you have to use a tour to enter the canyons. 

Car rental is essential for your road trip as you drive through scenic landscapes, parks, and highways. Try to select a good size car for you and your traveling members. You will find cars within your budget, but on average expect to spend at least $50 USD per day. 

You will love the road trips as you drive on the road for hours on end without coming across another living soul, let alone a train or bus station. Also note that you must fill up the fuel tank wherever you can, as sometimes you may not come across a gas station for miles!

Here are some important car rental tips

• The minimum age to drive in the US is different in different states. But many rental agencies may require the driver to be 25 years of age and to have possessed their license for at least one year
• An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is not required for drivers from most countries, but many foreign visitors might be required. We had to show our universal driver’s license in the US, so definitely check!
• US distances are measured in miles and roads are well maintained 
• Do take car insurance 

Here are some other packing tips for your road trip

• Don’t forget your universal adapter if traveling from overseas like Europe or Asia
• There are water fountains in the National Parks, so be sure to bring your reusable water bottle
• Carry your hiking boots, and clothing for your trip
• Instead of bringing camp gear just rent them or just stay in a glamping tent where everything is taken care of

So that’s a wrap! I hope you found this guide on planning your road trip to the west coast useful. Do you have any further questions about this article? Feel free to leave a comment below.

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How to Road Trip Across the United States on a Budget

The Great American Road Trip is a rite of passage in the United States . We Americans have a unique fascination with the open road. It’s built into our cultural DNA. In Jazz Age America, the car was a symbol of freedom — a chance to escape your small town and the watchful eyes of parents.

As the highway system was developed in the 1950s, a wave of kids set out on the road to explore the country, giving new life to America’s car and road trip culture. Today, many still dream of getting in a car and driving into wide open spaces for months on end.

I’ve had the privilege of taking several multi-week and multi-month road trips around the country over the years. From traveling the Deep South to criss-crossing the country coast to coast , I’ve visited almost every state, exploring the myriad nooks and crannies of Uncle Sam’s backyard.

One thing is for certain, in diversity and scale, the United States is virtually unrivaled.

But this isn’t a post about fawning over America and its landscapes ( this post is ). This article is about how you can travel around the US on a budget.

Because, as it turns out, this country is surprisingly easy to travel on the cheap.

While rising gas prices and rental car price gouging post-COVID put a damper on things, it’s still easier than you think to have a budget-friendly road trip adventure around the USA.

In this post, I’ll explain how much I spent on one of my trips, how much you should expect to spend, and how you can save money on your next road trip.

Table of Contents

How Much Did My Cross-Country Road Trip Cost?

How to save money on your road trip, how to save on accommodation, how to save on food, how to save on sightseeing, how to save on transportation.

After 116 days traveling around the United States on this trip, I spent $6,262.67 USD, or $53.98 USD per day. While that is slightly higher than $50 USD a day, there were many parts of my budget I splurged on (see breakdown below) which skewed the number up. I definitely could have visited the country even cheaper if I didn’t have an addiction to Starbucks and sushi.

Here is how the numbers from my road trip break down:

• Accommodations: $1,036.36
• Food: $3,258.23
• Drinks: $438.94
• Gas: $696.98
• Parking: $253.00
• Starbucks: $75.26
• Miscellaneous (movies, toiletries, etc.): $170.00
• Attractions: $269.40
• Taxis: $41.00
• Bus: $17.50
• Subway: $6.00

Let’s break this down. First, my Starbucks addiction was unnecessary and added to my costs. Second, as a lover of sushi, trying various restaurants throughout my road trip drastically raised my food costs. Sushi, after all, is not cheap.

Moreover, I ate as if I wasn’t on a budget and rarely cooked, which is why my food expenses were so high relative to everything else. I would have definitely gone below $50 USD per day if I followed my own advice and cooked more often.

But, while I splurged in some places, three other things really helped me to keep expenses down: First, gas prices were low, averaging around $2.35 USD a gallon over the duration of my trip. (We’re going to discuss how to still do a road trip on a budget with high gas prices in the next section.)

Second, once you leave the big cities, prices for everything drop by nearly half so I spent a lot of time out of cities.

Third, I used Couchsurfing and cashed in hotel points to keep accommodation costs down. That helped a lot.

Overall, I didn’t do too bad and am happy with how much I spent. But is this how much you’ll spend, especially in the face of inflation and high gas prices? Let’s discuss that below.  

It’s no secret travel costs a lot lately and inflation and high gas prices have really made super cheap road trips hard if you’re not staying places for free but that doesn’t mean the road trip has to be super expensive.

With that in mind, here’s how to cut your accommodation, sightseeing, food, and transportation costs — all without cutting into your experience!  

1. Couchsurf — Couchsurfing is a service that allows you to stay with locals for free. Using this website (or similar ones) is the best way to lower accommodation costs, as you can’t get cheaper than free!

More than that, it’s a wonderful way to meet locals, get insider tips, and find off-the-beaten-track stuff to do in the area you’re visiting. While you’re generally expected to reciprocate your host’s kindness (cooking them a meal, taking them out for drinks or coffee, etc.), it’s still far cheaper than paying for a hotel or motel.

While the app has seen its community shrink in recent years, there are still plenty of hosts across the United States so you’ll rarely find problems finding someone to put you up.

Additionally, if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger, you can use the app to meet people for drinks, coffee, activities, or anything else you want to do. That way, you can still meet a local and get their insider tips without having to stay with them. The app has all kinds of meet-ups and events too so be sure to check it out.

2. Airbnb — I only recommend using Airbnb in rural, out of the way places where hotels are limited. Avoid them as much as possible in other circumstances. Here is why we don’t really recommend them.

3. Budget hotels — There are a plethora of cheap roadside hotels such as Motel 6 and Super 8 that will help you stay cheap. Rooms start around $50 USD per night and are super basic and always look well worn. You’ll get a bed, bathroom, TV, tiny closet, and maybe a desk. They are nothing to write home about, but for a quiet place to sleep for a night, they do the trick.

And if you’re traveling with someone you should always say the room is for one person as these hotels charge you more for two people.

Also, make sure you sign up for Booking.com and Hotels.com loyalty programs. Hotels.com gives you a free room after 10 bookings, and Booking.com offers members 10% off bookings, as well as free upgrades and perks if you book multiple times after signing up. They definitely helped a lot.

Pro tip : Book through websites like Mr.Rebates or Rakuten . By using their links before going to Hotels.com or Booking, you’ll get 2-4% cash back in addition to the loyalty program deals.

4. Hotel points — Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. You can get upwards of 70,000 points as a sign-up bonus, which can translate into a week’s worth of accommodations.

The points came in handy in places where I couldn’t find an Airbnb, hostel, or Couchsurfing host. This saved my butt in big cities around the country. I was glad I had accrued so many hotel points before my trip.

To learn more about, check out these posts:

• The Best Hotel Credit Cards
• The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card
• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• The Best Travel Credit Cards

5. Hostels — There aren’t many hostels in the United States, and most of them are overpriced. A dorm room typically costs around $30 a night, which means you can obtain a similar private room on Airbnb at the same price. If you are traveling with others, it’s often more economical to get a budget hotel than a bunch of dorm beds.

However, if you are traveling solo and want to meet others, the social benefits may outweigh the lack of value. There were just some times I didn’t want to be alone – I wanted to be around other travelers.

Some of the hostels I loved are:

• Samesun Venice Beach (LA)
• South Beach Hostel (Miami)
• India House (New Orleans)
• Jazz Hostels (NYC)
• ITH Adventure Hostel (San Diego)
• The Green Tortoise (San Francisco and Seattle).

For more hostel suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in the USA.

6. Camping — Dotted around the country — including around all the national parks — are inexpensive campsites. If you have a tent and camping gear, this is by far the cheapest way to travel. Campsites cost between $10-30 USD per night, which makes seeing the country incredibly affordable. Most campsites have basic amenities like running water, bathrooms, and the ability to upgrade to get electricity.

In addition to your standard campgrounds, check out the sharing economy website Campspace . It lets you pitch a tent on private properties all around the country for a small fee. Much like Airbnb, some plots are super basic and barebones while others are more luxurious, so be sure to poke around for a cheap place to stay as there are plots available all around the country.

It’s also legal to wild camp in national forests and on BLM land unless otherwise marked.

7. Sleep in your car — I know this isn’t glamorous but sleeping in your vehicle brings your accommodation costs down to zero. I know lots of travelers who did this to make their trip more affordable, some sleeping in their car just occasionally and others doing it every night. Chances are you won’t sleep well but you will save money, and that’s a fair trade to some people!

For those traveling in an RV, there are tons of free places to park and camp all around the country. Use iOverlander to find the best spots.  

To help you keep your food costs in check, here are a few quick tips:

1. Cook your own meals as often as possible – If you can bring a cooler in your vehicle, you can pack groceries instead of eating out all the time. And if you bring some containers, you can store leftovers in the car too, allowing you to cook larger meals at dinner that you can eat the next day for lunch.

2. Stay in accommodation with a kitchen – If you want to cook, you’ll need a kitchen. Prioritize accommodation like Couchsurfing, Airbnb, and hostels as those will typically provide kitchen access so you can cook your meals.

3. Shop cheap – Avoid the pricier grocery stores like Whole Foods when it comes to getting groceries and stick to budget places like Walmart. It’s not glamorous, but it will be cheap!

4. Find cheap restaurants – When you want to eat out but don’t want to break the bank, use Yelp, ask people on websites like Couchsurfing, or inquire at the desks at hostels for suggestions. Locals have the best tips and insights when it comes to where to eat so they can point you in the right direction. Simply cook, limit your eating out, and be happy!

1. Get a National Parks pass — For $80, you can purchase an annual National Parks and Federal Lands ‘America the Beautiful’ pass that provides access to all 63 national parks (as well as any other recreation areas administered by the National Park Service). In total, you can visit more than 2,000 federal recreation sites with the same pass. At $20-35 USD per visit, seeing five during your trip makes the pass a money saver. When you visit your first park, simply buy the pass and you’re good to go. There’s no need to order it in advance.

The U.S. national park system is amazing and really highlights the diversity of landscapes in the country. You can’t travel across the country without stopping at many of the national parks, especially as you get out west.

2. City tourism cards — City tourism cards allow you to see a large number of attractions (and often include free public transportation) for one price, usually $75-100 USD. They provide free access to museums, reduced access to attractions, and restaurant discounts. Be sure to look into them if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, as they generally will save you money. They can be purchased at tourism information centers or online before you go.

3. Free museums and events — Inquire at tourism centers, use Google, or ask hotel or hostel staff for information about free events and museums. Many museums offer occasional free or discounted admission throughout the week. There are always tons of free activities in any city in the United States.

4. Free walking tours and city greeter programs — Many cities in the US have free walking tours or city greeter programs that pair you with a local guide who can give you a brief tour. Whenever I visit a new city, I start my trip off with one of these tours. They show you the lay of the land, introduce you to the main sights, and give you access to an expert local guide that can answer all your questions.

Check in with the local tourism office when you arrive to see what programs and tours are available.

For greeter programs, you’ll need to sign-up in advance before your visit. It’s good to give about 2 weeks’ notice as they have to find someone to take you around. Google “(city name) greeter program” to find them as some are run independently of the city tourism board so might not be listed on their website.

Here are your options when it comes to traveling across the country:

1. Hitchhike — This isn’t something I did on my trip, as I had a car, but it’s very doable (and relatively safe). Here’s a post by my friend Matt who hitchhiked across the United States explaining how to do so and come out alive (don’t worry, it’s safer than you think)..

For more hitchhiking tips, use Hitchwiki .

2. Rideshare — Taking on riders can be a way to lower your costs. On my first trip across the U.S., I offered rides to people I met in hostels. On this trip, I had friends and readers join me along the way. You can post ads on Craigslist and Gumtree and at hostels to find riders. This not only makes the trip more enjoyable but lowers your gas costs. Or if you are a rider, you can use the same services to find rides to get you places.

3. Buy a car — If you don’t have a car or don’t want to rent one, you can buy cheap used cars from car dealers or owners on Craigslist. There are lots of listings, and you can resell the car at the end of your trip to recoup some of your initial purchase cost. While this is easy in other countries, it’s hard to do in the United States, so remember a couple of key points:

• You’ll need a US address for registration documents to get sent to. I would use a hostel or hotel address and then set up a forwarding address with the Post Office.
• You’ll have to buy car insurance, which can greatly add to the costs of your trip.

Another option is to use a car relocation service. This is when you take someone’s car and drive it across the country. You are usually paid, and gas is covered. The downside is you don’t often have a lot of leeway on timing, so you might not have much time to stop and sightsee along the way. Car relocation options are also usually limited. Two companies worth checking out are Transfercar and Hit the Road .

If you just want to rent a car, use Discover Cars .

4. Use gas apps & membership programs – Install GasBuddy , an app that finds the cheapest gas prices near you. It is a must. If you’re going on a longer road trip, sign up for the monthly program; it costs $9.99 but will save you up to 40 cents a gallon.

Also, sign up for every gas loyalty program you can, so as to maximize points and discounts. Moreover, if you get a brand’s credit card, your first 50 gallons usually come with 30 cents off per gallon.

You should also consider getting a Costco membership for cheap gas. They have around 574 stores around the US so you’ll be able to earn the cost of a membership back by saving money on both gas and food.

5. Download parking apps – Parking costs add up — especially in cities. Use apps like BestParking and Parker to find spots and compare prices.

6. Take the bus – If driving is entirely out of the question, you can find bus tickets for as little as $1 USD from Megabus. Greyhound and Flixbus also have cheap rides all around the US. Rides under five hours are usually around $20 USD if you book early, and overnight rides usually cost $50-100. You can save big if you book in advance (often upwards of 75%!).

Don’t let the United States fool you! A road trip across the United States is a fun way to see a lot of diverse landscapes, experience different cultures, and meet interesting people. Traveling America isn’t very expensive once you are outside the big cities and you can easily travel the country on a budget by using the advice in this article.

Book Your Trip to the USA: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the US for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Arizona , california , nevada , north america , travel stories , united states, 11 spots to hit on your great western u.s. road trip.

• Published April 27, 2021

Inspired by films and iconic images, photographer Thibaut Buccellato took to the open road on a trip across the wonderful and wild western portion of the United States. Along the way, he experienced much of what California and the nearby states have to offer.

Here are 11 of the best spots in the western part of the U.S. — and why each should be added to your road trip itinerary.

Check out the very best of California’s national parks while you’re out west, and use our national park trip planner to make sure you’re prepared to have the best experience possible wherever you go! And because everyone should be able to experience all this natural beauty, have a look at wheelchair-accessible trails out west . 

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

This coastal city is known for the fog, steep streets, eclectic architecture, Golden Gate Bridge, and one former island penitentiary. The famous cable cars are the only National Historic Monument that can move (albeit, at only nine miles an hour). San Francisco is also home to the “Ellis Island of the West,” Angel Island, and the city features more than 200 historic landmark buildings.

Why you should go: For the beauty of the streets and the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge

LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA/NEVADA

Freshwater Lake Tahoe straddles the border of California and Nevada, and is the second deepest lake in the U.S. Formed about two million years ago, the lake is known for the clarity of its water and the beautiful surrounding mountains. Tahoe experiences sun 75% of the year, making it the perfect photographic pit stop.

Why you should go: For the relaxing blue of the water

MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA

The Mono people have lived in this area for thousands of years. The site is both geologically active and geographically diverse. Thibault couldn’t help but notice the shift from city to desert to fields to forest. Only four square miles in size, the town is actually located within Inyo National Forest, and is home to one of the most well-known ski resorts in the western United States.

Why you should go: For the tranquility

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Why you should go: For the sunsets and skaters at Venice Beach

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

This southern California city sits right on the border of Mexico, and was the first site visited by Europeans when they first came to the West Coast. Originally claimed by Spain in 1542, San Diego became part of the U.S. after the Mexican-American war in 1850. Though it’s a major U.S. city, San Diego is also home to the largest number of farms in an urban environment and produces more avocados than any other place in the country.

Why you should go: For the beaches

SLAB CITY, CALIFORNIA

Snowbirds flock to this city in the winter … and no, not the kind with wings. Slab City, which takes its name from the concrete slabs found at an abandoned WWII Marine Corps barracks, is a popular choice for those seeking a retreat from the cold weather up north. “The Slabs” offers free parking, but has no electricity or running water, so most residents (both permanent and temporary) use their own generators.

Why you should go: Because it was featured in the film adaptation of “Into the Wild”

DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Thibaut was only able to bear the heat of Death Valley for a few minutes, and rightly so, since it is one of the hottest places on Earth. Gold seekers named it when they had to cross the desolate expanse to reach the gold fields in the mid-1800s. Death Valley is the largest national park in the contiguous United States, was featured many times in the “Star Wars” franchise, and is home to mysterious stones that seemingly move of their own accord.

Why you should go: To experience the unique desert landscape

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Now famous for its casinos and exorbitant nightlife, Las Vegas only legalized casino gambling 86 years ago. Thanks to the influx of people due to construction of the nearby Hoover Dam and the city’s increased tolerance for gambling and entertainment, the city has boomed ever since. Now, there are so many hotel rooms that it would take one person 288 years to spend a night in each one.

Why you should go: For the mesmerizing neon signs that light up the night

MARBLE CANYON, ARIZONA

This section of the Colorado River technically marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon. It’s a popular place for river runners to start their journey through the magnificent crater, and is known for the Navajo Bridge, a pair of steel arch bridges that cross the chasm. Despite its name, there is actually no marble here at all.

Why you should go: For the colorful landscapes

GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA

This massive hole in the ground is arguably the most well-known canyon in the world. It is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep at some points. The Grand Canyon has exposed nearly two billion years of Earth’s history, and has been inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years. Explorer John Wesley Powell once said, “The wonders of the Grand Canyon cannot be adequately represented in symbols of speech, nor by speech itself.” Upon seeing the canyon, Thibaut agreed wholeheartedly.

Why you should go: Because no photos can truly show the scale of the landscape

MONUMENT VALLEY, ARIZONA/UTAH

The “Valley of the Rocks” is a cluster of sandstone buttes near the border of Arizona and Utah within the Navajo Reservation. It may look familiar, as it’s a well-known visual symbol of the Western U.S. due to its presence in many of director John Ford’s movies. Critic Keith Phillips said, “Its five square miles have defined what decades of moviegoers think of when they imagine the American West.” Thibaut remembers it as the place where he saw one of the best sunrises of his life.

Why you should go: For the sunrises and feelings of being in the Wild West

See more of Thibaut’s work on Instagram .

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Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, amtrak trips out west: 7 amazing train vacations.

For an adventure with Wild West towns, Spanish missions, national parks and historic landmarks, book a trip on Amtrak for an epic experience. Multiple long-distance trains travel across the Western United States, so you can choose the route based on your sightseeing interests.

To start planning your Amtrak vacation, here are seven must-do train trips out West.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page .

1. Glacier National Park

Take a trip on the Empire Builder from cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Portland and Seattle to experience Glacier National Park and Great Northern Railway history.

Founded in 1889, the Great Northern Railway connected Saint Paul, Minnesota with Seattle, Washington. To increase ridership, the railroad company petitioned the US government to create Glacier National Park, which was near their railroad tracks.

The effort paid off. Glacier National Park was established in 1910, and the railroad company built lodges and chalets that you can still stay in today:

• 1910 Belton Chalet (next to the West Glacier Station)
• 1913 Glacier Park Lodge (next to East Glacier Park Station)
• 1939 Izaak Walton Inn (former railroad employee lodging next to the Essex Station)

The Great Northern Railway also built several lodges inside Glacier National Park (Granite Park Chalet, Lake McDonald Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel and Sperry Chalet), but you’ll need a car to get there. Exit at the Whitefish Amtrak Station for rental cars or to reach an airport .

2. Route 66

Amtrak’s Southwest Chief travels near Route 66, the first all-weather road that connected Chicago with Los Angeles. Board the train in Chicago to officially kick of the journey from the start of the highway, but once you are outside of Chicago, the train doesn’t connect with Route 66 again until Las Vegas, New Mexico.

For a trip that’s all along the historic road, start in Albuquerque and travel to Los Angeles. You can also get off the train for one night or more at one of the below Amtrak stations to see Route 66 up close:

• Las Vegas, New Mexico
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Gallup, New Mexico
• Winslow, Arizona
• Flagstaff, Arizona
• Kingman, Arizona ( Historic Route 66 Museum )
• Needles, California*
• Barstow, California*
• Victorville, California*
• San Bernardino, California
• Los Angeles, California

*Westbound trains arrive in these cities after midnight

3. Colorado Rocky Mountains

The majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains straddle the Continental Divide and separate the Western US from the Great Plains. The California Zephyr will take you there from cities including Emeryville (near San Francisco), Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Omaha and Denver. It’s one of the most scenic Amtrak routes with beautiful views all year long.

If you start the trip in Chicago, you’ll spend a night on the train before reaching the Rockies, but you’ll get to see the massive mountains rise in the distance on the approach.

To experience just the mountain journey, we recommend starting in Denver. From there, you can take a day trip to Salt Lake City, or travel to one of the Amtrak stations in the mountains so you can hike, ski and visit local attractions. See Colorado train trip ideas to learn more.

4. Donner Pass and Lake Tahoe

If you recall from history class, the Donner Party was a group of pioneers that traveled out west in a wagon train in 1846. They got caught in a blizzard and almost half of them died after spending months next to what is now Donner Lake (pictured above).

Amtrak’s California Zephyr train travels through this area today from cities including Chicago, Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, Sacramento and Emeryville. You can view Donner Lake out the windows along with the Sierra Nevada mountains, which made the last leg of the journey west difficult for many settlers.

To visit Donner Memorial State Park and enjoy outdoor activities at nearby North Lake Tahoe , you’ll need to rent a car. Exit the train in Truckee, California, which is a historic town that was originally built along a wagon road. You can arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to take you to the nearby Enterprise Rent-A-Car office .

With the car, you can choose from many different lodging options in the mountains or near the water. Plan to say at least one night in the area.

5. Old West Towns

Dodge City, Kansas and Las Vegas, New Mexico (pictured above) are two great places to experience the Wild West on the Southwest Chief route.

In Dodge City, Boot Hill Museum is one of the top attractions to visit, with interactive displays, artifacts and activities that recreate the town’s past. You can also check out the Gunfighers Wax Museum and walk the Dodge City Trail of Fame .

Las Vegas, New Mexico is eight hours away from Dodge City via train and has over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. It hasn’t changed much since Billy the Kid, Doc Holliday, Jesse James and other outlaws walked the streets. Be sure to check out the Plaza Hotel that opened in 1882. Former President Theodore Roosevelt visited here in 1899 as part of a Rough Riders reunion.

Both cities have hotels and downtown districts in walking distance of Amtrak stations. Holiday Inn Express & Suites is closest to the Dodge City Amtrak Station and the Castaneda Hotel , which was formerly a Harvey House for railroad passengers, is closest to the Las Vegas, New Mexico Amtrak Station.

If you’re looking for a flight for the return trip, Albuquerque and Kansas City are the closest Amtrak stops with major airports. To start the trip, you can begin in and near Los Angeles or cities including Chicago and Kansas City.

6. Spanish Missions

San Antonio, Texas is just one of many places where you can view historic Spanish missions in the United States. The Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited Amtrak routes stop here, with departures from cities in Texas, as well as Chicago, St. Louis, Little Rock, New Orleans, Tucson and Los Angeles.

The must-visit destinations include The Alamo (also known as Mission San Antonio de Valero ), Mission Concepción , Mission San José  (pictured above), Mission San Juan  and Mission Espada . View the missions trip guide to learn more or plan to go on a guided tour .

After you’ve seen all the sights, you can return home on Amtrak or book a flight out of San Antonio or another major city on the Texas Eagle or Sunset Limited routes. Note that The Alamo is in walking distance of the San Antonio Amtrak Station along with the San Antonio River Walk and several hotels ( Staybridge Suites is closest to the station).

7. Grand Canyon and Flagstaff

For views of an amazing natural wonder, plan a trip to the Grand Canyon via Amtrak’s Southwest Chief . The closest station is Flagstaff, and you’ll need to rent a car (pick up service available during office hours), book a shuttle or go on a tour to reach the Grand Canyon from there.

Perks of renting a car include being able to visit other top area attractions including Walnut Canyon National Monument , Lowell Observatory , Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort .

Even if you don’t rent a car, you can explore Historic Downtown Flagstaff and Route 66 , check out the many art galleries , visit the Clara M. Lovett Art Museum and go on an electric bike tour . Lyft and Uber services are also options for getting around, although all the above activities are walkable if you stay at a hotel or vacation rental downtown.

Tip : Train arrival time in Flagstaff is better if you are traveling west vs east. To travel west, you can start the trip in Chicago, Kansas City or Albuquerque, which all have major airports.

More Information

• 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
• 5 best Amtrak sleeper car routes
• Amtrak roomettes vs bedrooms
• 7 things to pack for an Amtrak trip
• 10 attractions on the Sunset Limited route to plan a trip around
• 10 attractions on the Southwest Chief route to plan a trip around

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HIKING , NORTH AMERICA , UNITED STATES · May 28, 2018 Last Updated on March 13, 2024

12 PLACES YOU NEED TO SEE OUT WEST THAT AREN’T THE GRAND CANYON

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After spending several weeks wandering around the Wild West, I’ve come to the conclusion that most people come to see the Grand Canyon and some people ONLY see the Grand Canyon. While it is iconic, grand and spectacular in its own right, it is actually not my favorite park. Nor is it the only place that should garner your attention.

The west is full of geological wonders and stunning landscapes. Skipping these places would be a disservice to your travel-loving soul. Here are 12 places out west that you simply can’t miss:

1) SHAFER CANYON, CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

To be honest, out of all the National Parks I visited out west, Canyonlands was the one I knew the least about and was therefore the least excited about. We (my husband and I) arrived in the park just after  5pm  and to our surprise, the park was almost completely empty! I really didn’t expect to have a jaw-dropping moment, but when I stepped up to the Shafer Canyon Overlook, I was so caught off guard by how vast it was! It also has a large, circular rock formation you can walk out on that extends into the canyon and offers gorgeous sweeping views of the formations and the tiny, winding, dirt road (for those brave enough to drive on it!).

2) BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, NW UTAH

Just west of the Great Salt Lake, is a unique area called the Bonneville Salt Flats . The landscape could be easily mistaken for snow, as it is an entirely white, salty surface that extends over a flat area of 30,000 acres. A fun fact for excessive salt users: the crusty surface is made up of about 90% common table salt! 

Visiting tip: If you are driving west, stop at the rest stop!! This is the best spot for photos and there are not many places to take a U-turn, so if you have to turn around, you might be adding on quite a bit of mileage to do so. If you follow the map on your phone, it will take you past the rest stop to a road that leads to the water logged part of the sand flats, which is not as photogenic. 

3) ANTELOPE CANYON, PAGE, ARIZONA

Antelope Canyon is probably the most famous slot canyon and it is easy to see why. The canyon walls are steep and swirling, with beautiful colors when the light hits just right. You can do an upper or lower canyon tour (I used Ken’s Tours ), but if you want to be a little more adventurous, try hiking up the backside from Lake Powell. The canyon walls aren’t as grand here, but you still get the swirling walls and most likely, the place to yourself!

4) THE NARROWS, ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

When you get worn out of the typical hikes, a nice reprieve is The Narrows : a refreshing hike through a gorge in Zion National Park. Instead of dangling off the cliffs at Angel’s Landing, this hike is a somewhat leisurely walk through the Virgin River. That’s right, you actually walk IN the water with steep canyon walls looming over you and potentially ice cold water coming up to your waist at times! 

5) GOBLIN VALLEY, UTAH

If you want to visit a place that looks out of this world, head to Goblin Valley , a state park where sandstone has eroded away to form shapes that resemble goblins. The strange formations and otherworldly appearance are probably the reason why the movie Galaxy Quest was filmed here. Another fun thing about this park is that you are allowed to climb on the rocks, which makes exploring that much more fun!

6) BADWATER BASIN, DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Badwater Basin in Death Valley might be the coolest landscape I have ever seen. Like Goblin Valley, this place literally feels like you are on another planet. The unique salt flats are formed when the salt crystals expand and push through the mud cracks and therefore, are ever changing. Badwater Basin also happens to be the lowest point in North America sitting at 282ft below sea level. 

Photography Tip: Go at sunset but also wait until the sun has disappeared behind the mountains to get a softer glow across the salt flats.

7) GRANDVIEW POINT, CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

Another favorite overlook in Canyonlands is the Grandview Point, a canyon that looks like a ginormous T-rex stomped through the earth. The fascinating thing about this overlook is how open it is and how you can hardly see the other side of the canyon. It’s almost like a mind game. How many layers can you see? If I’m on the ‘ground floor’, how deep does it go? Do people go down there? Is that a road? So many questions it feels like Inception.

8) HORSESHOE BEND, PAGE, ARIZONA

Horseshoe Bend is a can’t-miss spot in Arizona where the Colorado River has carved an incredible curve that forms this horseshoe-shaped canyon. The view is stunning and it is only a short walk from the parking lot, making it easily accessible for lots of people. There’s no entrance fee or hassle to visit here, which makes it easy to walk right up to the edge…if you dare. 

9) THE DEVIL’S GOLD COURSE, DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

I can’t really grasp why someone would compare this landscape to a golf course but in the 30’s, a guidebook stated that this place was ‘only something the devil could play golf on’, and the name stuck! This phenomenon is made up of jagged salt formations that extend as far as the eye can see. Also located in Death Valley, The Devil’s Golf Course is a few feet higher in elevation than Badwater Basin.

10) LAKE POWELL, UTAH/ARIZONA

After visiting the nearby National Parks, a stop at Lake Powell is a must. Here you can relax, swim, hike, boat, you name it. The lake has winding tributaries and towering canyon walls that make it unlike any other lake you have seen. You can camp on the beach or paddleboard to Antelope Island for a more secluded experience. And get on the lake early for calmer waters and peaceful paddling.

11) KELSO SAND DUNES, MOHAVE DESERT, CALIFORNIA

There are actually a lot more sand dunes in the United States than I realized, but the ones that stood out were the Kelso Sand Dunes in the Mohave Desert . Why? Because at some points, the dunes can reach up to 650 ft high! The Kelso Dunes also have a type of sand grass that grows on the side of the dunes and ‘singing sand’, a low rumbling sound that can be heard if you slide down the sand.

12) MESA ARCH, CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

If you can spare waking up early one morning, I would highly recommend doing so in order to see the Mesa Arch at sunrise. Once the sun comes up, the light casts an orange glow underneath the arch and it’s a beautiful photo-op. The problem is that the secret is out and most people cram right up to the arch blocking any decent view and any shot of the arch in its entirety. I was a little panicky, thinking I was going to miss this shot, but if you wait a few minutes after the sun comes up, a few people start to filter out. I managed to get a pretty awesome shot while shooting between bodies and elbows! 

This list of favorites is only the beginning. There are so many other incredible places and landscapes to see out west—just make sure you don’t only visit the Grand Canyon!

Have you ever been to any American National Parks ? If you have any additional tips for our readers or questions please leave these in the comments below.

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R ead More  Hiking USA

• Exploring Olympic National Park, Seattle
• A Guide To Seattle, Washington
• 12 Day Itinerary For Hiking Montana & Wyoming’s National Park
• Why You Should Travel To Colorado

We Are Travel Girls Contributor Ashley Jansen of Jetset Jansen.com Connect With Ashley on  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest

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How We Took a Trip Out West for $1500

Have you always wanted to take a cross country trip, but the cost of the trip is holding you back? I’m so excited to be sharing how we took a 3 week trip out west for less than $1500! That includes gas, food, lodging, things we did, everything! Here are the exact things we did to save money, and tips on how you can too!

1. We slept in our car.

So you’re probably thinking that in sleeping in our car, I mean that we somehow managed to get sleep in the front seats of our Prius.

Nope! We actually were able to sleep in the back, very comfortably might I add. And my hubby is 6 foot 2, so if he can do it, pretty much anyone can! If you don’t have a Prius, I’ve heard of people camping in their SUV’s or similar cars to that. Basically, you just want to have a trunk that lays down flat so you can make a bed in the back.

So now you’re probably thinking, well how in the world did you make the back of a car comfortable? And where did all of your stuff go?

Let me break it down for you:

For the bed, we got a mattress pad and sleeping bag from Walmart, which cost around $50, and we modified it to make sure the whole area was padded.

To make it flat, we folded the back seats down. Then we spread out the mattress pad and sleeping bag. We wanted to make sure that if we were going to be sleeping in it every night for 3 weeks, that we didn’t wake up every morning with aching backs. And we didn’t!

Like I said, it was surprisingly comfortable. We would scoot the front seats up as far as they would go, and then in the space between the front seats and back seats (where your feet would normally go) we would put our backpacks of clothes, and stack bins full of dry food for our pillows to lay on. 

As far as where the rest of our stuff would go when we were sleeping, we would put everything in the front seats. We even brought Timothy’s Red Camera along! We also had a cooler, more dry food, dirty clothes, and our travel toilet (more on this later haha!) in the front. It took us about 15 minutes to set everything up every night, but it honestly just became a part of our nightly routine!

For the windows, we bought black out curtains from Walmart for $10 and put them up in all the windows. I would definitely recommend doing this, because not only does it create some privacy, it keeps the street lights in the Walmart parking lots from shining in your eyes while you’re trying to sleep! We even put up a curtain in between the front and back seats to cut out light, and it worked great. No matter what time of day it was, it was dark in the back so if we needed to go to bed early or sleep in late, we could do either without being woken up with the sun shining in our eyes.

2. We camped in National Forests.

If you didn’t know, you can camp in any National Forest for FREE! Basically, we just looked for little side roads in each National Forest, and once we found one we liked, there were usually primitive camping spots set up, basically just cleared land. We saw a few other people, but most of the time we were alone, which was awesome! We found some of the most amazing little camping spots! We even had camp fires at several of the spots, but if you’re wanting to do that, just make sure to check local/state laws on fire burning, you might need a permit in some states!

3. We Showered at Truck Stops.

You might be thinking, well that sounds great and all, but did you just not shower for 3 weeks? Trust me when I say that I wouldn’t have put up with that! Of course we showered! Last time we did a trip like this, we would stop at campgrounds every few nights and use their showers which worked okay, except for we were basically just paying upwards of $25 for a shower.

Recently, when we were coming back from NYC, we discovered the phenomenon that are showers at gas stations. Which sounds a little sketch and I was super skeptical at first, but it turned out to be super clean! We literally haven’t have one negative experience. You can take as long of a shower as you want for only $12! So instead of getting a hotel or camp site every few days, all you need to do is find a gas station with a shower. 

Here’s a few things we learned about using gas station showers:

If you can, try to shower at odd times of day, not in the morning or at night. Most gas stations only have a few showers, so since most truckers want their showers in the evening, you’ll end up having to wait a really long time in line. We had this happen to us a few times and it really sucked.

Make sure to check in the areas you’re traveling to that they even have gas stations with showers! Canada didn’t have any, and we were hard pressed to find ones with showers even when we got back into the US.

If you need to charge anything like camera batteries or toothbrushes, doing that while taking your shower is a great option!

4. We cooked most of our own meals. 

Okay, now moving onto food! Even if you don’t want to sleep in your car, cooking and eating your own food saves SO MUCH MONEY. We brought about a week’s worth of food with us to start, and then as we were gone longer, we went shopping and cooked!

Here are some meal ideas if you’re interested in making your own food for a trip:

Rotisserie Chicken + Brown Rice:

Buy a rotisserie chicken the day that you want to eat it, and then either buy frozen brown rice that you could microwave at a gas station, make it before you leave, or cook some over a single burner propane stove. Then use the leftover chicken for another meal or sandwiches!

Veggie + Sausage Bake:

I made a big batch of this right before we left, and we were able to eat it for 2 dinners! It’s basically a package of Chicken Sausage (I love the Italian kind), butternut squash, onion, Brussel sprouts, and tons of Italian spices. You could also have it with a side of sweet potatoes and grass fed butter for some carbs and healthy fat.

Burrito Fixings:

Pre cook rice and beans, or bring microwavable rice and cans of beans. Pre cook chicken and shred or ground beef. You could make a taco salad, a burrito, or even nachos!

I made a big pot of chili with noodles before we left, and we were easily able to heat it up at gas stations. 

Side dishes/Snacks:

• Protein bars
• Sweet potatoes with butter/cinnamon that you can just heat up
• Dried fruit with no added sugar

• Greek Yogurt or Coconut Yogurt with blueberries and granola
• Muffins (make before you leave)
• Pancakes using Kodiak Cakes mix (a healthier version of Bisquick) and cooking them using a single burner propane stove

We also brought everything to make coffee, because buying coffee every day would’ve cost upwards of $100 for the whole trip! We brought a small French press and ground coffee. We would go into Starbucks or a gas station and ask for a cup of hot water (free!) and a cup of ice (if you want it iced like me!). Then we had milk in the cooler and voila! Delicious iced coffee on the road!

• Sandwiches with different kinds of meats/toppings
• Egg Salad Sandwich with Avocado
• Quesadillas
• Salads with chicken, peppers, tomatoes, boiled egg, and a simple dressing

Those are some of the meals that we really enjoyed while on the road! We tried to save most of our eating out for the end of our trip, because we knew that the longer we were away, the harder it would be to prep and cook meals.

As far as storing food goes, we brought our cooler and to keep everything cold, we would buy ice and then put it inside non leak bags that we got off of Amazon. These were lifesavers! Last time we did a trip like this, the ice would melt and we were left with a puddle of water in the cooler, and it spoiled a lot of our food. Here’s the link to the bags, they also have a spout so that you can re use the melted water for washing dishes!

Here’s the link to the bags:

We stored all of our dry food in bins behind the passenger seat. It was somewhat tricky to get to all the time, so we put snacks and things that we needed for every meal like utensils and bowls in a bag that was easily accessible.

5. We bought a National Park Pass.

For $80, you can get into any of the National Parks for free for one year! There are so many beautiful parks to visit, so we would definitely recommend getting a park pass if you plan to go to enough parks to make it worth it, because then you’ll have it for a whole year after that.

If you want to get your park pass online, here’s the link:

https://store.usgs.gov/pass

Otherwise, you can get them at pretty much any park at the fee station.

I hope these tips were helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments!

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Our 10 favorite travel hacks

Want to travel better? The Upgrade has your back.

The Upgrade is By The Way’s series offering guest writers a place to share their travel hacks and hot takes. For every edition, illustrator extraordinaire Min Heo animates the advice. Below are some of our most popular entries. Some may look basic, but ask yourself: Are you optimizing your travel routine?

Want to write your own Upgrade? See how to submit here .

Dress up for your flight

David Coggins longs for the Cary Grant era of aviation, wishing more passengers would step up their game to bring some dignity and glamour to the experience. The author of “ Men and Style ” argues that making a sartorial effort shows respect to gate agents and flight attendants in uniforms — and your fellow passengers.

“I realize this is a losing battle, but it’s still a good fight,” Coggins writes. “If a sweatsuit is your truth, then there’s nothing else I can say, other than nobody has looked good in a sweatsuit in the history of the world.”

He’s not sure if wearing that checked blazer will really get you upgraded to first class , but it couldn’t hurt.

Visit ‘second cities’ in Europe

Rick Steves is our favorite pétanque-playing philanthropist . He’s a respected travel expert, too. In his beloved Europe, Rick recommends you break up every visit to a capital with a final day in a “ second city .” Think Porto vs. Lisbon , Glasgow vs. Edinburgh and Marseille vs. Paris .

“While lacking the popularity and the bucket-list sights,” Steves writes, “Europe’s second cities tend to enjoy a creative edge, a strong civic spirit, a Rust Belt toughness, fun-loving eateries with cutting-edge menus, entertaining street art … and far fewer tourists, which also means lower prices, a more authentic welcome and arguably a more honest cultural experience.”

Pick your travel uniform

Like Steve Jobs and many practitioners of quiet luxury , travel writer Jessica Poitevien is all about eliminating decision fatigue. Standardizing a set of clothes only for flying doesn’t just help you streamline your packing routine. Poitevien “doesn’t worry about leaving anything important behind, because I have two of everything: one that’s for home and one that sits in my backpack waiting for the next trip. All I add is my passport, laptop and current reading material, and I’m good to go.”

What’s her uniform look like?

“My top is always a long, loosefitting T-shirt or sweater, so I’m covered through all the bending and lifting that happens with luggage and going through security,” Poitevien writes. “I add a jean jacket to stay warm on those freezing planes and use its inner pockets to keep my phone, passport and boarding pass within easy reach.”

Cut your airport arrival dangerously close

It’s not for the faint of heart, but travel writer Brad Japhe wants to waste as little of his life in airports as possible.

“I live about five miles from Los Angeles International Airport,” Japhe writes, “and if my scheduled domestic flight is at, say, 9 a.m., I’m comfortable entering an Uber up until 8:32 a.m.”

Besides some serious bravado, pulling this off requires the use of PreCheck or Clear, among other conditions:

• Traveling solo .
• Express security lanes .
• A familiar airport.
• No checked bags .

Order the Hindu meal

Food and travel writer David Farley thinks we should reject the binary of chicken or pasta in favor of a plant-based meal that exudes spice . By reserving a Hindu meal on your next long-haul flight, you could be treating yourself to dal makhani and naan, or bhindi masala and raita. As long as you reserve your meal at least 24 hours ahead of your flight, airlines told us, you won’t be taking a special one away from anyone else.

Get up early on vacation

Life is short. So take a cue from the dad playbook, and seize the vacation day with an early wake-up call . For Deputy Features Editor Amanda Finnegan , rising with the sun means hours of calm before your travel partners join you. And by 10 a.m., you’re ready for your first nap.

Make a fashion statement in black and blue

Rachel Tashjian ’s job is cooler than your job. As a fashion writer, she flies to Europe three or four times a year for work, watching extravagant clothes appear in fashion shows for weeks at a time . It’s a dream, but there’s an understandable amount of pressure to look amazing every single day. Enter the black-and-blue hack . By mixing a pop of navy in with a collection of dark pieces, you’re making the daring choice to break one of the primary rules of fashion.

Her packing list:

• Two skirts: something that flows and something that hugs.
• Three jackets: a classic blazer, something weird and an open-front wool jacket.
• One pair of trousers.
• One black dress.
• Three T-shirts.
• Black shoes.

Stop eating airport food

Noah Galuten is a hero hubby. By the simple act of making his wife a sandwich to take to the airport, the Los Angeles-based chef and author had the epiphany that we should all swear off precooked egg patties forever .

Sure, you could settle for upcharged coffee, a Dunkin’ wrap or a sad Caesar from “Weirdly Branded Bar & Grill You Have Never Heard Of.” Or, you could be the game-changer for your household, whipping up breakfast burritos or English muffin sandwiches — or just buying a better sandwich in advance in the real world (see: Emily’s Pork Store , Brooklyn).

Take a solo trip

The secret to a happy relationship is compromise. And giving your partner time to travel solo — especially if you’ve got a kid at home.

That’s the philosophy preached by writer Austin Graff , an extrovert who has learned to appreciate the benefits of going it alone: It’s easier to get into top-rated restaurants, there’s time to wander, and you return to your family more thoughtful and present.

Take a buffer day

The weekend-warrior routine is for people in their 20s. Once you’re in your 30s, Rachel Orr writes, you know well enough to quit pushing so hard and to give yourself an extra day to chill before rushing back to work . “Think of it as a mini staycation at the end of your vacation,” she suggests.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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Southwest Airlines Celebrates 53rd Birthday by Offering $53 One-Way Flights

The birthday sale is slated to end on Thursday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m. PST

Southwest Airlines is celebrating its birthday with cheap fares!

The airline announced on its website on Tuesday, June 18, that it will offer airline tickets for as low as $53 one-way during certain travel periods for continental and international travel to celebrate the airline’s 53rd birthday.

Those wanting to book flights within the continental U.S. will be able to book these low fares for flights between Aug. 6 and Dec. 18, 2024. The continental U.S low fares are only valid for flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Some flights and destinations for sale include a one-way nonstop flight from Atlanta to Tampa, Austin to Dallas, Las Vegas to San Diego and from Los Angeles to Phoenix, according to the website. “Orange County (SNA) travel isn’t valid,” the airline also noted.

Never miss a story — sign up for  PEOPLE's free daily newsletter  to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Those looking to travel internationally or to Hawaii, San Juan and Puerto Rico will have a shorter traveling window to score the lower fares. Customers from the airlines will be able to book low fares for flights between Aug. 20 and Nov. 20, 2024. These fares are applicable for flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

However, the airline noted that “restrictions, exclusions and blackout dates will apply” when booking, and that there was a “21-day advance purchase required.” It also said that the $53 airfare also doesn’t include “government taxes and fees,” and that the fares are “non-refundable,” but “may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines.”

Southwest Airlines said that  “seats, markets and days” are also limited and any change in a person’s flight itinerary may result in a higher fare.

The sale is slated to end on Thursday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

The announcement comes a few months after the airline unveiled its new seat design for 2025 in a TikTok video. The video featured the new, streamlined seats equipped with a small heart detail at the bottom corner of every headrest and an additional tray to prop iPads and phones.

Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP/Getty

“New fit check! 💯Introducing our updated cabin design and new seats! You can catch this interior on new aircraft deliveries beginning next year. Not to mention our ongoing rollout of adding bigger bins and in-seat power ports to our current planes!,” the airline captioned the video. 

However, the new design prompted mixed reviews on social media, with some criticizing the slimmer seats. One person joked that they were “Ozempic seats ✨😭," while another said, “So we get thinner, more uncomfortable seats with a heart on it. Why not just put in wooden benches? They'd be just as comfortable!"

The airline said that the updated interior will be featured on “new aircraft deliveries” beginning in early 2025 and that the airline spent “18 months” researching and testing the comfort of the seats.

“It will include new functionality, including in-seat power, a personal electronic device holder, and dual cup holders on the seatback tray with left-handed Customers in mind,” they add.

Reader's Digest

Your Guide to a Florida Keys Road Trip: Key Largo to Key West

Posted: June 25, 2024 | Last updated: June 25, 2024

Mile marker: 108–90

The first of the Florida Keys you'll hit after driving about an hour south from Miami en route from Key Largo to Key West is, well, Key Largo. Often referred to as the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo includes one must-see stop: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5), the first underwater preserve in the United States.

Experienced and novice snorkelers and SCUBA divers will be enthralled by the teeming marine life that lives just below the water's surface, like parrot fish, barracudas and sea turtles. More experienced divers enjoy exploring the USS Spiegel Grove, one of the largest ships ever intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef where pretty fish can thrive.

Back on dry land, travelers can wander nearly six miles of trails at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, home to more than 80 species of plants and animals. You can also peruse the work of local artists at myriad galleries.

Best beach: Cannon Beach, found within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, has shallow waters that are perfect for wading. You may even spot cannons and anchors on the beach that remain from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck.

Where to eat: Dig into the catch of the day at The Fish House, Key Largo Conch House or Snook's Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar, some of the best traditional restaurants in the area. If you'd rather turf than surf, check out Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill.

Where to stay: If you can't get enough of the underwater world, stay at Jules' Undersea Lodge , the world's first underwater hotel. If you'd rather keep dry, try the adults-only Bungalows Key Largo .

Book on Tripadvisor

Mile marker: 90–63

Next up en route from Key Largo to Key West is the fisherman's paradise known as Islamorada. Considered the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, it's where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing got their start. Countless seasoned boat captains are ready for hire to take you out to catch the wahoo, marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna that swim in these waters.

There's an even quirkier way to interact with fish here: hand-feeding the tarpon off the docks of Robbie's Marina (MM 77.5). Since 1976, countless Keys visitors have stopped to feed them, and more than 100 kinds of fish gather at the docks for their daily snacks. Feeding the fishies there is so popular, it's been named the No. 1 activity in all the Florida Keys.

Islamorada is also a terrific spot to kitesurf, stand-up paddleboard, go for a hike or take a bicycle ride. Stop by the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, where injured or displaced birdies now make their homes. Or visit the History of Diving Museum, which boasts one of the world's largest collections of diving helmets.

Best beach: Anne's Beach is popular with families (and dogs) because of its shallow waters and lack of waves. Take a walk along the boardwalk or enjoy a picnic at one of the covered tables.

Where to eat: For a quintessential casual Florida Keys meal, go to the Hungry Tarpon. If you want more elegant fare, make reservations at Chef Michael's for creatively inspired local dishes.

Where to stay: When it's time to lay your head for the night, check in to one of the new oceanfront suites at Cheeca Lodge & Spa , or your own cottage at The Moorings Village & Spa .

Mile marker: 63–40

Marathon is the island chain's top boating destination—and for good reason. The area boasts nearly 2,400 boat slips and plenty of facilities to accommodate sailors passing through. But you don't need your own boat to enjoy Marathon and its waters.

For a truly different experience, hop on over to Cruisin' Tikis and have a floating tiki bar adventure. Sunset, mangrove and harbor cruises are all available, as is a swim-stop cruise for a chance to jump into the water.

While you're here, you should also visit Pigeon Key, an island that is accessible by boat, trolley or walking the 2.2-mile Old Seven Mile Bridge. It has a museum to explore, either on a guided tour or on your own. The Bridge is open for walking, running, bicycling, rollerblading and, of course, watching the killer sunrises and sunsets.

Best beach: Sombrero Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in the Florida Keys—not to mention one of the best beaches in Florida . And it's not just popular with humans; sea turtles nest here between April and October.

Where to eat: For any meal, stop by Castaway, which has been serving guests for more than 70 years. Or make a night of it at Hide Away Café, which has an extensive wine list.

Where to stay: The Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club is set on the waterfront and gives you a taste of marina life. Lime Tree Bay Resort on Long Key has spacious townhomes for rent.

The Lower Keys

Mile marker: 40–4

After crossing the Old Seven Mile Bridge out of Marathon, you'll find yourself in the Lower Keys, where natural habitats and wildlife refuges thrive. It's no wonder this part of the Florida Keys is known as the Natural Keys. You might even want to consider taking an electric vehicle on this road trip so you don't disturb the animals.

Your best chance to spot a native Key deer, a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer that somehow made its way south, may be in the National Key Deer Refuge, comprised of 9,200 acres stretching from Bahia Honda Key to Sugarloaf Key on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. More than 20 endangered and threatened plant and animal species can be found within the refuge. Take a quiet walk at dusk or dawn for your best chance to glimpse a Key deer, or join a ranger-led tour to learn more about the area.

Aside from all the eco-friendly fun, Stock Island is well worth a stop. Their maritime history goes back generations, and the marina is filled with shrimping and fishing boats. Artists have been flocking to Stock Island, too, and share their works in galleries dotted across the small island.

Best beach: The shallow, clear water and white sand at Calusa Beach make it a locals' favorite. The beach is a perfect spot for snorkeling too.

Where to eat: In addition to the freshest of seafood, Big Pine Rooster serves up ribs and a special-recipe meatloaf. Or sip like the locals at No Name Pub, located on Big Pine Key.

Where to stay: Consider the waterfront Sugarloaf Lodge , stay in an Airstream at Big Pine Key Resort  or pop a tent on one of the reserved campsites at Bahia Honda State Park.

Mile marker: 4–0

You've made it to the end! Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is known for its nightly sunset celebrations, party atmosphere and laissez-faire vibe, but it's really so much more.

If you're a writer or bookworm, you'll certainly want to make plans to visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where you should keep an eye out for the famous six-toed cats. Then wander through Key West's Bahama Village, a 12-block area of historic homes and restaurants.

Consider a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, where you'll find some hidden gems . The island, accessible by boat or seaplane, is popular for snorkeling and feeling like you're on your own private island, not to mention touring the Civil War–era fort.

Best beach: Fort Zachary Taylor Beach—or Fort Zach, as locals call it—predates the Civil War and boasts the island's very best sandy stretch.

Where to eat: No visit to Key West is complete without a meal at Blue Heaven, where you can dine with wandering roosters for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or snag a spot on the tiny balcony at Santiago's Bodega for tapas and flowing wine.

Where to stay: The boutique Gardens Hotel , the adults-only Kimpton Hotels Ridley House  or the new Capitana Key West , to name a few. Wherever you stay, you're sure to find your place in Key West, and it's likely you'll follow so many others' lead and start planning your return visit before you even leave.

Art and history in the Florida Keys

Road-tripping from Key Largo to Key West, it's easy to appreciate all the natural beauty. That said, the Keys aren't just a terrific destination for eco-travelers, but artists and history buffs too.

It's easy for artists to find inspiration throughout the Florida Keys. Fortunately for road-trippers, there are many spots to stop and admire their work. One of the largest artists' communities in the Florida Keys is Stock Island in the Lower Keys, just about three miles from the commercial area of Key West. What was once a shrimping boat marina is now a blend of fishermen and painters, sculptors and other artisans who have created an energetic and supportive community.

For history buffs, in addition to Pigeon Key in Marathon and the Civil War–era Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park, other must-stops in Key West include the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Southernmost Point in the continental United States.

Planning your Florida Keys road trip

Now that you're inspired to hit the road, it's time to start planning. After budgeting for a road trip , your next step is to decide whether you will travel south from Key Largo to Key West, or north from Key West to Key Largo. Or maybe you'll opt for a roundtrip.

If you're starting off in Key Largo, it's important to note that the Florida Keys Overseas Highway begins at the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line. So if you're flying to Florida, Miami International Airport (MIA) is the way to go. If you begin in Key West, the airport (EYW) is on the island.

If you're already driving one of the best road trip cars to get to Florida, you're all set. But if you need a loaner, choose one of the best cars to rent for a road trip . Consider packing these road trip essentials and download some of the best podcasts for road trips to make the miles fly by.

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Money blog: HSBC, Nationwide and Virgin Money hit by glitches; how to stop your car being stolen - or even 'cannibalised'

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and advice. Let us know your thoughts on any of the topics we're covering using the comments box below.

Friday 28 June 2024 13:22, UK

• Trio of banks hit by pay day delays
• Fuel shock could be on the way - as sports shop hit by Nike downgrade
• UK's economic growth better than thought
• 10 million homes have days to check energy meter reading to avoid paying too much

Essential reads

• Save 105 teaspoons of sugar (and money) by switching to classic ice cream
• How to stop your car from being stolen - or even 'cannibalised'
• A week when probable future of mortgage rates became clearer
• Savings Guide: What to look for with 5% rates still available on easy access accounts
• Women in Business : How accident in cafe and £400 turned into a genius business idea that's about to go global
• Money Problem : 'I bought a new car but it's been back six times with same fault - what can I do?'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

By Emily Mee, news reporter

A car was stolen roughly every eight minutes in the UK last year, according to DVLA figures. 

Some 64,087 vehicles were reported stolen - an increase of 5% on the previous year. 

While car thefts are on the rise, reports have also highlighted a growing trend of "car cannibalism" - when criminals rip parts off cars to order. 

Bonnets, bumpers and headlights are among the parts often nicked by thieves. 

It might sound like a familiar refrain at this point, but consumer rights expert Scott Dixon says the cost of living crisis is largely to blame. 

Scott, who runs The Complaints Resolver , told us the costs of spare parts and insurance have "rocketed" post-COVID - driving opportunists to turn to crime. 

He also pointed to a scarcity of decent second-hand cars on the market currently, saying people are "holding onto their cars for longer because they can't afford to change them". 

How can you protect your car? 

Scott says there are numerous ways you can prevent your car from becoming a target - and many of them are cheap and simple. 

Get your keys recoded

If you're buying second hand, getting your keys recoded can give you additional security. 

Scott says it's possible the person you bought from could have copies of the keys, allowing them to steal your car or break in. 

Fit a tracking device

This should be fitted professionally, and while it won't stop your vehicle from being stolen, it will increase the chances of police being able to track it down and return it. 

You should be aware, though, that you'll need to pay a fairly costly annual subscription fee. 

Secure your number plate

Some thieves will take number plates so they can steal petrol from forecourts - and Scott says some are now doing this to escape ULEZ fines. 

He recommends getting anti-theft screws to secure your number plate. 

Keep your car tidy

Handbags, phone leads, sat-nav holders and paperwork can all attract the attention of opportunist car thieves. 

Scott says many people are "too careless and complacent" with this - and it's completely free to fix. 

Fit a steering or handbrake lock

You can get these on Amazon for less than £20 each - and because they're visible, they can also act as a deterrent. 

A pedal box, which encases the pedals in a highly visible metal box, is another option. 

A good wheel clamp - Scott recommends this one  - can be bought on Amazon for about £30. 

Another visible deterrent is a sticker to say the vehicle is alarmed or has a tracker fitted. 

Think about where you park

Thieves are more likely to target quiet and dimly lit areas, as well as quiet side streets, Scott says. 

If you can, try to park in a well-lit and busy area - preferably with CCTV. 

Install cameras 

You could keep your dashcam recording through the night (which could capture anyone walking in front of the car) and put up signs stating you have cameras around. 

Fit a car alarm or immobiliser

Although most modern cars have these fitted, older cars often don't. 

Plus, having a professionally fitted alarm or immobiliser could lower your insurance premium. 

Etch your car windows 

You can buy a car window etching kit for less than £15, including warning stickers to show the identification number is traceable. 

If you have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto the doorframe, windows and steering wheel, it can deter thieves from stealing the vehicle or its parts as it will be harder to sell stolen parts if they're personalised. 

Window tinting

Of course, you'll only be able to do this to a certain extent as the law states the front windscreen has to let in at least 75% of light through. For front side windows, you need 70%. 

But there are no rules around the rear windscreen or rear passenger windows, and having a tint can deter criminals from looking into the car. 

Take steps to prevent relay theft

An increasingly popular way to steal cars is through relay theft - when criminals use devices to relay signals from the car key to the car. 

One person will get near enough to the key inside the house to pick up the signal, while a second person will hold another device next to the vehicle. 

All keyless cars are vulnerable to relay theft - but in particular, Audi, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Land Rover, Mercedes and Volkswagen cars are the most popular targets.

You can help prevent it by keeping your keys in a "Faraday pouch" - which has a lining preventing the keys inside from receiving or transmitting radio frequency signals.

A pack of two is available online for roughly £8. 

Another option is to use a metal container, as the relay device cannot pass through metal. 

You should also avoid storing your keys near doors or windows. 

Another bank has been affected by technical issues with payments today.

In a reply to a customer on X, Barclays said the glitch was "happening across all banks".

The Barclays reply said: "So sorry to hear you've been caught up in the issue with regards to the payments being made and received. This is an issue with the faster payment system and it's happening across all banks."

More now on the IT issues affecting people who bank with Nationwide, HSBC and Virgin Money.

Customers of all three have been hit with problems affecting their banking services today.

On what is pay day for many across the country, some customers have been unable to receive their salaries or pension payments.

According to the website DownDetector, more than 7,000 problems were reported at about 8.45am this morning.

The site also shows a spike in reports of outages for high street bank Virgin Money and building society Nationwide.

Customers of the banks are particularly upset by the timing of the glitches, with many people needing to pay their bills.

"I'm waiting on money coming into my bank which is still not received even though it's been sent. I can't pay any bills. Even though I have the money for bills," said one customer on X.

"My bills are bouncing and I can’t pay for a train ticket I need in the next hour," said another.

Bank responses

Nationwide  customers complained on X they had not received their wages into their accounts.

The building society said it is "aware there is a delay with some customers receiving their salary or pension payments today".

"These payments are being processed, and will be paid into your account today," it added. "Sorry for any inconvenience this is causing."

Virgin Money  addressed its issues on X this morning, warning customers not to attempt to process payments a second time if they had already tried once,

The bank issued an update on X later, adding - as of 11.08am - it is "aware of intermittent issues with accessing online banking and our app, which we're working to resolve as quickly as possible".

HSBC apologised to its customers and said its IT teams were working on the issue.

In a second update at 12.22pm, the bank said customers could now log into personal online and mobile banking but could still not view recent transactions.

Earlier, we brought you the news that HSBC customers have reported IT issues with mobile banking and the bank's app (see 9.37am post).

Now Nationwide has also said there was a "delay with some customers receiving their salary or pension payments today".

Read more in our breaking news story...

Forget the bank of mum and dad, the bank of gran and grandad is coming into play as parents struggle to afford school trips.

Some 23% of parents say they have had to make cutbacks - even to essentials - to fund them, while 10% said grandparents had paid for the trip and 8% said an aunt or uncle had chipped in.

The research, undertaken by public sector insurer Zurich Municipal, found one in five financially pinched parents felt embarrassed about struggling to pay for trips.

"School trips bring a plethora of benefits to young lives, it's heartbreaking to see so many could miss out due to cost," said Tilden Watson, head of education at Zurich Municipal.

"These trips can also expose some children to new places and experiences that they wouldn't necessarily get to enjoy with their families so they really do offer a window to the world they otherwise wouldn't see."

OnePoll surveyed 1,000 parents of children aged five to 16 across the UK in May.

More than a third (35%) of parents believed school trips are critical to their child's education.

A major bank has apologised to its customers for IT issues.

In a post on X just before 9.30am, HSBC said: "We’re really sorry that some customers are having issues accessing personal online and mobile banking. 

"Our IT teams are working hard to get these services back to normal. 

"You can still authorise online card purchases via SMS."

By  James Sillars , business reporter

The FTSE 100 is on course to end the week on a positive note, opening 0.4% up at 8,211.

Energy stocks are leading a march north following a rough few days for shares generally.

The reason, however, is not great news for us consumers.

Resurgent oil prices are driving the performance, with Shell and BP among the early winners.

The Brent crude contract for August delivery is currently trading just below $87 a barrel, leaving oil costs on track for a third week of gains in a row.

There are a wealth of reasons for the surge but analysts are crediting hopes of a US interest rate cut for the latest lift.

Meanwhile, on the high street, shares in JD Sports are among those dragging.

Its stock opened more than 4% lower after Nike flagged yesterday a downgrade in its own revenue expectations for the current year.

That saw 12% wiped from Nike's price on Wall Street.

Almost 10 million households need to read their energy meters this week to make the most of the energy price cap change on 1 July.

Missing the first week's worth of cheaper energy would cost them £30m collectively, according to Uswitch.

From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the annual energy price cap will be set at £1,568 for the average household - £122 lower than it is at present.

"Households should be adding 'read my energy meter' to their to-do-list this weekend if they want to take full advantage of lower energy prices from July," said Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.

MoneySavingExpert's Martin Lewis has issued a similar warning.

Without an accurate meter reading, households on standard variable tariffs without a smart meter will be charged estimated ones.

The difference between a week's worth of energy at June's rates compared to July's is £2.78 for the typical household.

Mr Gallizzi said now is also the time to check if you can get a better energy tariff before expected price hikes in October.

Industry analysts suggest energy rates will rise again by 12% to £1,761.

The UK's economy grew slightly more than expected between January and March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has just announced.

It was previously estimated that it grew by 0.6% during this three-month period.

But the ONS has revised that figure up - ever so slightly - to 0.7%.

Chances are, that won't change how most people feel about their personal finances.

The change could be a talking point in the ongoing election campaign, though.

Follow the latest on the race for Number 10 in our politics blog:

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot.

In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of  Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices. We also speak to dieticians each week.

It's important to note from the outset that in this series, we don't try to find the outright healthiest option, but help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

With the weather finally getting warmer, this week we're looking at ice cream. 

"With so many options out there, how do you fancy a 63% reduction in your sugar consumption and some savings for your wallet too?" says Sunna. 

What's in our ice creams? 

"Technically speaking, ice cream is just frozen milk and cream with a bit of added sweetness," Sunna says. 

But as time has gone on, we've progressed to less and less cream and more and more sugar.

"To give you an example, Mars Bar Ice Cream is only 31% milk and cream, while the traditional Mackie's ice cream is 81% milk and cream," Sunna says. 

"When you remove the cream, quite clearly you lose a lot of the creaminess and smooth texture, so manufacturers have turned to gums (like guar gum, locust bean gum, tara gum) to give the creaminess while lowering cost," he adds.

"The problem is some of these gums have demonstrated to be gut disruptive and hard to digest."

How much sugar can we eat?

The NHS recommends adults have 30g of sugar a day, with that decreasing to 24g for seven to 10-year-olds and 19g a day for four to six-year-olds. 

"A cut in sugar is not just good news for our waistlines, but also for our overall health, contributing to a balanced diet without the same spikes in blood sugar levels," Sunna says.

Those spikes can cause sudden drops in energy, spates of hunger and potentially lead to type two diabetes. 

How much sugar is in ice cream?

Let's look at some popular examples to compare the sugar content and the impact on your wallet... 

• Cadbury Flake 99: £4.25 for 4x125ml and 22.9g sugar per ice cream (5.5 teaspoons)
• Magnum: £3.25 for 3x100ml - 20g of sugar per ice cream (five teaspoons)
• Solero Exotic: £2.75 for 3x90ml - 12g of sugar per ice cream (three teaspoons)
• Mars Ice Cream Bars: £2.75 for 4 x 49.5ml - 12g of sugar per ice cream (three teaspoons)
• Cornetto Classic: £3.50 for 6x90ml - 10g of sugar per ice cream (2.5 teaspoons)
• Milk Choc Ices: £1.60 for 6x70ml - 7.3g of sugar per ice cream (under two teaspoons)

"Assuming you have one ice cream a day across, hopefully, 30 days of sunny weather this summer, and you'll find yourself saving over 105 teaspoons of sugar from your diet this summer if you choose a Choc Ice over a Cadbury Flake 99," Sunna says. 

That's a decent saving for your health - but what about your wallet? 

"Choc Ice is firmly in the category of win-win, as it's 65% cheaper than a standard Magnum," he adds.

That's a considerable £24.30 saving over 30 ice creams.

The nutritionist's view - from Nichola Ludlam-Raine, dietitian at  nicsnutrition.com ...

"Shop-bought ice cream isn't a product that I recommend having daily, and luckily for the UK population this isn't something that is too hard to stick to, given the distinct lack of sunny, warm weather.

"I recently had a Mars ice cream and although I really enjoyed it. I needed two to feel satisfied, as they were so small - which doubled my sugar intake (to 24g). 

"The good news, though, is not all the sugar quoted on the label is free or added sugar (and under 30g a day of this is acceptable within the context of a healthy balanced diet), as some sugar will be naturally occurring in the milk.

"Choosing ice creams where milk is the first ingredient is always preferable - or plant-based/fruit-based alternatives if you have a milk intolerance or allergy.

"The evidence regarding thickeners and emulsifiers on gut health is still in its infancy, and most of the studies are small and have been done on rodents, with relatively large amounts of the additives being used. 

"Some emulsifiers may also confer benefits due to their prebiotic effects - but with gut health, the key is to add in more fibre, natural colour and plants."

Read more from this series... 

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• Best for customer satisfaction
• Best for older adults
• Best for long-term care
• Best for high returns
• Best for agent support
• Best for term life
• Why you should trust us

Best Life Insurance Companies of July 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Life insurance is as complicated as the policyholders and beneficiaries who use it. That means there's no single "best" life insurance company. Instead, you can find the best option based on what you want or what you prioritize.

Best Life Insurance of 2024 Summary

• Best for customer satisfaction: State Farm Life Insurance
• Best for older adults: Prudential Life Insurance
• Best for agent support: New York Life Insurance
• Best for long-term care: Columbus Life
• Best for high returns: Allianz Life
• Best for term life: North American Company

Top Life Insurance Companies of 2024

While there is no such thing as the objective best life insurance policy, you will be able to find the best insurance policy for your specific needs. Here are our picks for the best life insurance companies, whether you want to use your life insurance policy to build wealth through cash value or you're just looking for a term life insurance policy .

Best Life Insurance for Customer Satisfaction

State farm life insurance.

State Farm Life Insurance gets the best life insurance ranking in J.D Power's Individual Life Insurance Study, with a score of 843/1,000. The company is also ranked A++ with AM Best for its financial stability with term, universal, and whole life insurance options. 

All State Farm policies have to be purchased through a State Farm agent. Your agent can help you bundle and save or buy one policy. State Farm is also among the companies offering "survivorship universal life insurance ," which means the policy covers two people, and it kicks in after the second person dies. Couples looking to maximize their death benefit for beneficiaries with one premium payment each month may enjoy lower overall costs.

State Farm agents can run quotes and compare options to find the right plans for each applicant. The range of options, discounts, and familiar name all contribute to the popularity of State Farm's life insurance.

Read our State Farm Life Insurance review .

Best Life Insurance for Older Adults

Prudential life insurance.

Prudential Life Insurance is available in all states except New York. New York residents can buy the Pruco Life of New Jersey VUL Protector plan. This plan allows buyers to pull money out of their plan to pay for nursing home expenses. Cash value policy premiums are fixed, so you won't have to worry about extra costs later on. Internal costs are low, which minimizes risk. Due to age, many older adults want a safe investment option for their money. Prudential VUL Protector invests to avoid loss. That also means you're not as likely to see big increases in your available funds outside of what you deposit.

Read our Prudential Life Insurance review .

Best Life Insurance for Long-Term Care

Columbus life.

Columbus Life offers a wide range of riders to customize your policy with affordable premiums. The company also allows you to convert term policies to whole life insurance policies until the end of your term (generally around age 70). For this and many other reasons, customer satisfaction is high.

When using living health benefits (otherwise known as accelerated death benefits), buyers are allowed to pull money from policies early to pay for medical bills, living costs, etc. under certain circumstances. Most companies use a discounted death benefit, which reduces your final payout using two models. Columbus uses the lien method, which makes it easier to calculate the financial impact of pulling money out early.

Best Life Insurance for High Returns on Income

Allianz life.

Allianz Life plans are geared towards high-income adults looking for more tax-free income. Allianz offers a 40% multiplier bonus with a 1% annual assets charge. In short, the professionals managing your investments take 10%. Overall, your investments would pull in an extra 14%-1% asset charge. This means you end up with 3% more than what you deposit every year your life policy is active. This plan offers strong returns when using a life policy to supplement your retirement savings. Allianz also offers specialized plans to grow your income by as much as 20% according to some estimates.

Of note: Allianz also offers plans for foreign nationals, including those with H-1B visas.

Best Life Insurance for Agent Support

New york life insurance.

New York Life Insurance agents go through extensive training before they ever hit the sales floor. What does this get you? Policies vary widely, and New York Life offers both large and small payouts. Some policies have significant penalties for early withdrawal, but taking a loan offers more options. Whatever your questions, New York Life agents are trained to offer comprehensive support giving you accurate information about its policies every time. The company comes in at position eight in J.D. Power's latest life insurance customer satisfaction study.

Read our New York Life Insurance review here.

Best Life Insurance for Term Life

North american company.

North American Company offers term policies alongside accelerated death benefits for critical, chronic, and terminal illnesses and more. The company allows one conversion on a 20-year policy at 15 years or 70 years old (whichever is earlier). The conversion cannot happen later than the five-year marker regardless of which policy you choose or the length. North American Company also offers a term policy with a lower premium renewable up to the age of 95 for qualifying insureds.

Types of Life Insurance

While there's many different types of life insurance policies , broadly speaking, there are two types of life insurance: temporary and permanent. Let's go over each in detail.

Temporary life insurance

Temporary life insurance is often called term life insurance. This type of policy covers you for a set amount of time before expiring, usually between 10-30 years. If you pass away after your policy expires, your family won't receive any benefits. Additionally, your policy won't accrue cash value like a permanent policy. That said, some term life insurance policies offer a conversion from term to whole life insurance, so you can extend your coverage. 

Because its benefits aren't guaranteed, term life policies are generally cheaper than permanent life insurance. That said, the vast majority of term life insurance policies never pay out. on

Permanent life insurance

Permanent life insurance is an umbrella term for a variety of life insurance policies that will insure you indefinitely and guarantee a payout as long as you maintain your policy. Policy types that fall under permanent life insurance includes:

• Whole life insurance
• Universal life insurance
• Variable life insurance
• Variable universal life insurance
• Simplified life insurance
• Guaranteed issue life insurance

These policies vary widely in purpose and intended buyers, but all guarantee death benefits to your loved ones. Some permanent life insurance policies, like whole, universal, and variable have a cash value component , which you can use as a savings tool or to leave your heirs a larger death benefit.

How to Pick the Best Life Insurance Policy for You

Finding the right fit in life insurance starts with finding a trusted insurance agent. Because there are so many state regulations, shopping for homeowners or auto insurance can be easily done online. Life insurance is not required. So it's a voluntary purchase. Many buyers don't know what they need or when they need it. Before making your selection, consider a few things:

Some companies will sell you a policy for your child as soon as they're born. While this may seem morbid, early sign-up means lower rates for a policy your child could enjoy in the future. Regardless, early sign-up equates to more policy for lower premiums and a higher likelihood of acceptance. At 20, you may be healthier and be able to pay into the policy for a longer period compared to when you're 50 with more age-related conditions.

As a general rule, never agree to more than you can afford. For the average life insurance agent, their job is to sell you a large policy with a large commission. Consider not only how much you make now, but how likely your current income is to continue. If you work on a project basis and your project is scheduled to end in 12 months, you may want to reconsider a policy premium outside your monthly savings.

How much are you prepared to buy? Some people only want a small policy to cover funerals and other end-of-life expenses. Others build a life policy into their retirement plan. Whatever direction you're going, involving a financial planner could help you make the right decisions. Depending on the carrier, customers can also compare set limits with index universal life policies, which set no limit. These policies never expire, and the value builds over the entirety of your life.

Living Benefits

Life happens unexpectedly. You could be healthy one day and in the hospital the next. Many life policies offer living benefits. These allow you to draw a limited amount out of your policy to cover medical and other bills you cannot pay while sick.

Much like a 401(k), many life insurance policies have penalties for early withdrawal. No matter what policy you want, this question is critical to an informed decision. It's a question of how early you can withdraw and how much you'll lose from the total to have the money in 10 years instead of 30 or after death.

Some policies require insured parties to pay premiums for at least one year before any significant payout would be available. Suicide exclusions are common. Even with no medical exam policies, the company may still do a check for known conditions. An insurance company has to mitigate its risk.

Flexibility

Once you've been denied a life insurance policy, a mark goes on your record. No matter the reasons, other insurance companies may deny you coverage based on the first denial. So consider your whole situation and choose your policy carefully before you submit any applications. Some policies have greater flexibility if you lose your job or otherwise can't make payments. Others will lapse if you miss even one payment.

Payment Type

Even within whole life or term life insurance policies, customers have the option to choose guaranteed fixed or variable rates. Some have guaranteed payouts, but you'll need to ask your agent for details.

What is your intended use? Why are you shopping for a life insurance policy in the first place, and what are your goals? Many successful financial planners also have a background in life insurance. So while they may not be able to find you a specific life insurance policy, financial planners can help you set out a blueprint for your purchase.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Best Life Insurance Companies

In life insurance, it's easy to get "sold a bill of goods." Many life insurance agents pass a state test to be thrown into the deep end. Agents sell the company product, but not all know the products. In this vein, we look at the products each company offers. We also look at agent training.

A good life insurance agent may not volunteer all facts upfront. But a company's agents should answer questions about its products accurately and in a way the average consumer can digest. Agents should be able to inform you about the long-term benefits and limitations. This will help customers find the right policy for their long-term plan.

We consider affordability, policy sizes available, and performance for a comprehensive assessment in our life insurance rating methodology . If you can, we recommend also working with a financial advisor to make a plan for your future with life insurance.

Our Expert Panel for The Best Life Insurance Companies

To inform our choices for the best life insurance companies, we spoke with the following experts:

• Paul LaPiana , head of product at MassMutual
• Barbara Pietrangelo , CFP, CLU, and chair of the nonprofit Life Happens
• Wykeeta Peel , Corporate Vice President and Market Manager, African American Market Unit at New York Life

The Experts' Advice on Choosing The Best Life Insurance for You

How much life insurance coverage do you believe the average buyer should have.

Paul LaPiana, Head of Product at MassMutual

"There are different approaches to determining how much life insurance you need. One is the 'human life' approach, which estimates the current value of your future earning potential. Another is securing specific coverage to pay off debts such as a mortgage or provide for the education of children. A comprehensive protection plan should provide the right amount of coverage over the course of your working life and into retirement."

Barbara A. Pietrangelo, Chair of Life Happens

"There is no one-size-fits-all life insurance policy because everyone is different. One way to get a rough estimate is to multiply your income by 10 to 15; another is adding $100,00 to that amount, should you have a child and anticipate college education expenses.

Your best bet is to talk to a financial professional or use the Life Insurance Needs Calculator on LifeHappens.org to analyze what's right for you."

Wykeeta Peel, Corporate Vice President & Market Manager African American Market Unit at New York Life

"As you consider what policy best meets your needs, it can help to answer four key questions: First, how much death benefit do you need? Second, how long will you need that coverage? Third, what is your budget (or how much monthly premium can you afford to pay?), and finally, what is your investment risk tolerance?

To determine how much death benefit makes sense, it's helpful to think beyond using life insurance to cover funeral expenses and consider whether anyone is relying on the policy owner's income to maintain a lifestyle, pay rent or a mortgage, or fund a child's education and for how long.

There are various rules of thumb regarding the right amount of Life insurance coverage. Some tips can be found online, but they only provide an estimate and don't necessarily factor in an individual's specific needs. In my opinion, human guidance, powered by technology, is required. Basically, it comes down to how much money your loved ones would need to remain on firm financial ground if your earnings were no longer in the picture and that is different for everyone."

What is the biggest opportunity you see for improvement in the life insurance industry?

"Increased accessibility through digital and other channels as well as through underwriting enhancements. Increased tailoring of products and features. And an increased emphasis on health and wellness programs."

"Having enough qualified insurance professionals to walk potential buyers through the multiple benefits of life insurance will be pivotal to the growth of the industry. Education is a key factor here, as professional agents also need to be able to explain life insurance and its benefits in an easy, digestible way, especially when there are so many misconceptions about life insurance."

"The need for life insurance is greater than ever. In fact, a recent New York Life Wealth Watch survey found that 37% of adults have been thinking about life insurance more often these days – and half of adults report that financial products that provide protection (50%) and reliability (50%) are more important now compared to last year. This may be especially true for middle-market and Cultural Market families.

Our organizational structure of having Cultural Market agents embedded in the communities where we live and work allows us to understand the needs of diverse communities and develop solutions that resonate with them."

What advice would you give to buyers who are debating whether or not to buy life insurance?

"It is difficult to say with any certainty how healthy you will be years from now. That's why securing life insurance, and insuring your insurability, today, when you are the youngest you'll ever be again, and perhaps your healthiest is a wise decision."

"Do you love someone? If the answer is yes, then life insurance is certainly something you should consider. Many buy gifts and experiences to express their love, but haven't considered that life insurance is just another way to say I love you. Nothing says support like ensuring your family's financial security and peace of mind."

"If you have someone depending on your income, you should consider purchasing life insurance. A death benefit from a life insurance policy can replace income from the loss of a breadwinner, ensure a family can stay in their home, fund educational or retirement expenses, address debt and so much more.

A life insurance policy can also help you grow your family's wealth over time. Once the risk of an unexpected loss has been managed, you can begin to think more broadly about your family's financial future. Life insurance can enable your mindset to shift from death to growth."

What's the most important thing buyers should look for when choosing a life insurance agent/company to buy from?

"With life insurance, you are securing a future commitment that may be decades away. Research the company behind the policy to ensure it has high financial strength ratings, longevity, and an excellent track record of paying claims."

"When looking for an insurance agent or company, be sure to do your research. When comparing companies, be sure to remember that the policy features that fit you and your loved ones best is the most important factor. Don't automatically assume you should buy from the higher-rated company.

If the policy from the other company has more of what you're looking for, it might be the better choice. If you're unsure where to start, try the Life Happens Agent Locator to find an insurance professional in your area."

• "The insurers' track record: At its core, life insurance is protection - a hedge against the unexpected - and you are paying premiums in exchange for the promise that the insurer will be there when you need them, so the financial strength and track record of the company backing your policy is critical.
• Customer service: Are service professionals available by phone and digital channels? Is there is an online dashboard where you can manage your policy? Beyond ensuring assistance is available after you purchase a policy, it's also critical to ensure you have access to trusted advice and guidance before you buy.
• Flexibility in conversion: How easy is it to change? Life can be unpredictable and while term insurance can cover your loved ones through a critical period of time, you may decide that access to cash value is an important piece of your strategy.
• Accelerated online applications : Online applications are convenient but don't replace human guidance. Keep in mind that accelerated online applications may have a maximum coverage amount, meaning that you may not be able to get all the coverage you may need exclusively through an online process.
• A range of payment options: It's important to understand how often you're required to make premium payments and whether and how often you can change the frequency of payments."

Best Life Insurance FAQs

A whole life insurance policy has a schedule of payments to earn the total death benefit. Past a certain waiting period, you'll get the full payout if something happens. However, you can also pay it off entirely if you live longer or make larger payments early. In either of these situations, you are no longer required to make further payments to keep the policy active.

There isn't one best life insurance company, because the best option for you will depend on the type of policy you're looking for. It's best to work with a qualified insurance agent to help you find the best coverage. If you're deciding between multiple similar options, it's also worth consulting J.D. Power's life insurance customer satisfaction study . The latest study ranks State Farm as the top pick for individual life insurance, outpacing Nationwide by three points.

Each situation is different and requires a knowledgeable life insurance agent to assess your best options. Bring all your questions and the coverage you're looking for to an insurance agent near you to explore your options.

No, medical exams aren't necessarily required for life insurance. Some life insurance policies are advertised as "no medical exam." This doesn't mean the insurer won't ask you about known conditions or look at medical records. You can find our guide on the best no exam life insurance here.

The most popular type of life insurance is term life insurance . Term policies are only good for a specified term that you select when opening the policy — the fact that they don't last forever also makes these policies the most affordable. That said, a very slim minority of term life insurance ever pays out. 

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