I’ve done this west coast USA road trip three times now and I’d do it again in a heartbeat — the American West is that one place where reality actually looks better than those over-filtered Instagram photos. If you can, give yourself at least 3 weeks, especially if you’re flying from the UK. It’ll be the trip of a lifetime. Driving through Utah’s red canyons, nights under the stars in Death Valley, giant sequoias that make you feel like ants, and to cap it all off, fog rolling over the Golden Gate Bridge. Basically a road movie, except you’re the main character.
In this article, you’ll find a complete day-by-day itinerary for a 14–21 day west coast USA road trip — with specific stops, restaurants, accommodation tips and prices. I’ll tell you when to go, what car to rent, how much the whole thing costs, and what to watch out for. Whether you have two weeks or three, you can tailor the route to suit you.
TL;DR
- Route: Los Angeles → Joshua Tree → Las Vegas → Zion → Bryce Canyon → Page (Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend) → Grand Canyon → Monument Valley → Arches → Canyonlands → Death Valley → Sequoia → Yosemite → San Francisco
- Total distance: approx. 2,800 miles (4,500 km) — allow 14–21 days, ideally 18+
- Best time to go: April–May and September–October (pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds)
- Budget for two: approx. €5,000–8,000 per person including flights, depending on travel style
- Car: SUV or crossover with high ground clearance (Monument Valley, Death Valley) — we use RentalCars
- Accommodation: mix of camping, motels and Airbnb — book national park accommodation 3–6 months ahead
- National parks: get the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 (valid for one year, entry to all parks)
- Must-see: Zion (Angels Landing or Observation Point), Grand Canyon at sunrise, Arches at sunset, Yosemite Valley
- Trip surprise: Monument Valley and Bryce Canyon blew us away more than we expected
When to go and how to get to the west coast USA
The American West is enormous and the weather varies dramatically depending on elevation and location. In summer, Death Valley can hit 50 °C (122 °F), while Yosemite sits at a pleasant 25 °C (77 °F). On the other hand, Sierra Nevada passes can be closed by snow in winter. So timing is everything.
Best time for a road trip
April–May and September–October are hands down the best months. Desert temperatures are bearable (around 25–35 °C / 77–95 °F), the mountains are beautiful, and there are far fewer tourists than in summer. We went at the end of September into October and it was perfect — golden light, empty trails, and temperatures around 28 °C (82 °F) in Utah.
Summer (June–August) is the most popular season, but the desert is genuinely unbearable. In Death Valley, Joshua Tree and the Grand Canyon, you’ll feel like you’re standing inside an oven. On top of that, the national parks are so packed that some trails require advance reservations (Zion, Yosemite). If you have no other option, at least get up early — around 6 am is the best time for everything.
Winter (November–March) is tricky because of snow in the mountains. Tioga Pass into Yosemite is usually closed from November to May, Bryce Canyon can be blanketed in snow (though it looks stunning!). On the flip side, Las Vegas and southern Arizona are perfectly pleasant in winter.
How to get to Los Angeles
From the UK, there are plenty of direct flights to LA. British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow, and you can also find good deals with Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian. Budget-friendly connecting flights are available too — look for deals on comparison sites. One-way tickets from London to LA can start from around £300–500, depending on the season and how far in advance you book.
💡 TIP: If you fly one-way into LA and back from San Francisco (or vice versa), it’s often cheaper than a return ticket to the same city. Compare both options.
For mobile data in the USA, we recommend an eSIM from Holafly — read our review. Signal in national parks is often weak or non-existent, but it works great in cities and on main highways.
Car and rental
You simply can’t do the west coast USA without a car. And not just any car — we recommend an SUV or crossover with high ground clearance. Monument Valley has unpaved roads, there are places in Death Valley you can’t reach with a saloon car, and overall you’ll feel much more comfortable on those long distances.
Lukáš and I have had consistently good experiences with RentalCars, which we use all over the world. For this route, expect to pay $40–80/day (roughly €37–75) for an SUV, depending on the season. A 21-day rental works out to around $1,000–1,500 (€930–1,400).
Important:
- If you book insurance through RentalCars, you won’t need to buy the expensive cover at the counter
- Fill up whenever you see a petrol station — in the desert there can be dozens of miles between them
- Petrol currently costs around $4–5.50/gallon (approx. €0.90–1.20/litre), with California being the most expensive
- If you’re dropping the car off at a different location (one-way rental), expect a surcharge of $100–300
How much does a west coast USA road trip cost + where to stay
Your budget mainly depends on whether you camp or sleep in hotels, and how often you eat out. The west coast USA isn’t cheap, but you can absolutely travel smart.
Estimated budget for 21 days for two
| Item | Budget option | Mid-range option | Comfort option |
| Flights (return/pp) | €550 | €700 | €1,000 |
| Car (21 days) | €930 | €1,170 | €1,560 |
| Petrol | €470 | €470 | €580 |
| Accommodation (21 nights, for both) | €970 | €2,150 | €3,900 |
| Food (for both) | €780 | €1,370 | €2,150 |
| Parks + activities | €195 | €390 | €780 |
| TOTAL for both | €3,900 | €6,250 | €10,000 |
| Per person | €1,950 | €3,125 | €5,000 |
We fell somewhere between mid-range and comfort — alternating between campsites, motels and Airbnb, treating ourselves to meals out but occasionally cooking at camp. It came to roughly €3,700 per person including flights.
America the Beautiful Pass
This is an absolute must-have. For $80 (around €75) you get a full year’s entry to all US national parks. On our route that covers: Joshua Tree, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Death Valley, Sequoia, Yosemite — entry to each park is $30–35, so the pass pays for itself by the third park. Buy it online in advance or at the first national park you visit.
Where to stay — overview
In the national parks you have three options: 1. Park campgrounds — the cheapest ($15–35/night), but you need to book months ahead on recreation.gov 2. Park lodges — beautiful but expensive ($150–400/night) and booked up a year in advance 3. Motels/hotels in nearby towns — the most flexible option, $60–150/night
💡 TIP: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come-first-served basis. If you arrive early in the morning (before 10 am), you’ve got a good chance of grabbing a spot without a reservation.
Before we dive into the day-by-day breakdown, here’s an overview of the entire route — where you’re driving and where to sleep each night:
| Day | Route and transfer | Where to sleep |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Arrive in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory | Los Angeles |
| 3 | Los Angeles → Joshua Tree NP (~2.5 hrs) | Joshua Tree |
| 4 | Joshua Tree → Las Vegas (~3 hrs) | Las Vegas |
| 5–6 | Las Vegas → Zion NP (~2.5 hrs) | Springdale near Zion |
| 7 | Zion → Bryce Canyon NP (~1.5 hrs) | Bryce Canyon |
| 8 | Bryce Canyon → Page — Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend (~2.5 hrs) | Page |
| 9–10 | Page → Grand Canyon NP (~2.5 hrs) | Grand Canyon (Tusayan) |
| 11 | Grand Canyon → Monument Valley (~3 hrs) | Monument Valley |
| 12–13 | Monument Valley → Arches & Canyonlands NP (~2.5 hrs) | Moab |
| 14–15 | Moab → Death Valley NP (~9 hrs, with overnight stop en route) | Death Valley |
| 16–17 | Death Valley → Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP (~5 hrs) | Sequoia NP |
| 18–19 | Sequoia → Yosemite NP (~3.5 hrs) | Yosemite |
| 20–21 | Yosemite → San Francisco (~3.5 hrs), fly home | San Francisco |
Day 1–2. Los Angeles
We landed in LA late afternoon, completely jetlagged, and the first thing that hit us was the sunshine. Sharp, Californian, relentless. LA is a city you either love or hate — we hated it for roughly the first six hours, until we found parking. 😅 But then it won us over.
Day 1 — dedicate it to acclimatising and resting. Drive down to Santa Monica, stroll along the pier (yes, it’s touristy, but that sunset!), then head to Venice Beach for an evening walk along the boardwalk. It’s weird, colourful, noisy — and absolutely brilliant.
Day 2 — head to Griffith Observatory — the best view over all of LA and the Hollywood sign. It’s free and barely anyone’s there in the morning. From there you can walk down through Griffith Park. In the afternoon, check out Hollywood Boulevard (half an hour is plenty, it’s mostly a laugh), and if you have time, swing by the Getty Center — a fantastic gallery with stunning architecture, free entry.
Where to eat: Grand Central Market in DTLA is a foodie paradise — Mexican tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tumbar, Thai noodles at Sticky Rice, and if you love breakfast, Eggslut does legendary egg sandwiches (the queue is worth it). For dinner, try In-N-Out Burger — a classic Californian fast food chain that genuinely surprised us with its quality. Order the “Animal Style”.
Where to stay in Los Angeles
In LA, stay in the Santa Monica or Venice Beach area — you’re close to the sea and well positioned for the onward journey. Freehand Los Angeles in downtown is a great pick if you want to be in the heart of the city at a reasonable price ($80–130/night).
Day 3. Joshua Tree National Park
It’s about 2.5 hours from LA to Joshua Tree and you step into a completely different world. Bizarre little trees (they’re actually yuccas, not trees, but nobody cares 😁), massive granite boulders, and a silence you wouldn’t expect in California.
Arrive ideally in the morning and hit the Arch Rock Trail (short, easy, photogenic), then Skull Rock (exactly what you think — a rock shaped like a skull) and Keys View with panoramas over Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. If you’ve got the energy, Ryan Mountain Trail (3 miles return) offers the best 360° views in the entire park.
Sunset in Joshua Tree is unforgettable — those strange tree silhouettes against the orange sky look like something from another planet.
Where to eat: The little town of Joshua Tree Village (right by the park) has a surprisingly good food scene. Crossroads Café does excellent breakfasts and coffee, and Joshua Tree Saloon is a classic American saloon with great burgers.
💡 TIP: Bring plenty of water — there’s no source of drinking water in Joshua Tree. Count on at least 3 litres per person per day.
Where to stay near Joshua Tree
In Joshua Tree Village you’ll find a range of unique Airbnbs — from retro Airstream caravans to dome houses. If you want to camp, Jumbo Rocks Campground is the most atmospheric site right inside the park ($15/night, first-come-first-served, arrive early).
Day 4. Las Vegas
It’s about 3 hours from Joshua Tree to Vegas. And then — out of absolutely nowhere — a blinking city appears on the horizon. It’s surreal.
Vegas is either your dream or your nightmare. We treated it as a fun one-night stop — and that’s exactly what we’d recommend. Walk along the Strip in the evening (the Bellagio Fountains are free and genuinely stunning), peek inside the casinos (even if you don’t gamble, the interiors are wild), and if you want a view, the High Roller (the giant observation wheel, $25–37) is a better bet than the overpriced Stratosphere.
Where to eat: Vegas has some of the best restaurants in the USA, but also some of the priciest. For a reasonable budget: Tacos El Gordo on the Strip (authentic Mexican tacos for $3–5), In-N-Out Burger (if you haven’t tried it yet), or Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace if you fancy treating yourself to all-you-can-eat for $75 per person — honestly, it’s worth every penny.
💡 TIP: Resort fees in Las Vegas are notorious — $30–50/night on top of the room price. Always factor in this hidden surcharge.
Where to stay in Las Vegas
Paradoxically, accommodation on the Strip can be surprisingly cheap — big hotels offer rooms from $40–80/night (but watch out for resort fees!). The LINQ Hotel & Experience is a good balance of price and location, while The Venetian is a more luxurious choice with gorgeous suites.
Day 5–6. Zion National Park
It’s just 2.5 hours from Vegas to Zion and it’s one of the most beautiful transitions you’ll experience on the whole road trip — from desert, you suddenly drive into red canyons and green valleys. Zion absolutely blew us away. It’s probably our favourite park in the entire USA. ☺️
Day 5: Arrive early in the morning and tackle Angels Landing — one of the most iconic trails in America. It’s 5.4 miles return with 450 m (1,500 ft) of elevation gain, and the final section follows a narrow ridge with chains above the canyon. It’s not for anyone with a fear of heights, but if you manage it, the view from the top is out of this world. Since 2022 you need a permit for Angels Landing — it’s a lottery on recreation.gov, so apply months in advance!
If you don’t have a permit (or don’t fancy the heights), Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail is equally beautiful and far less nerve-wracking — it’s 6.5 miles, but without any exposed sections.
Day 6: The Narrows — a hike through the riverbed of the Virgin River. You wade through the water between towering rock walls hundreds of metres high. It’s magical. Hire neoprene socks and walking poles from one of the shops in Springdale ($25–30) — you’ll need them. In the afternoon, walk the Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile, easy, fantastic views) and drive through the tunnel along the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.
Where to eat: Springdale (the little town at the park entrance) has surprisingly good restaurants. Oscar’s Café — huge portions, Mexican food, brilliant breakfasts. Bit & Spur — creative southwestern cuisine, great for an evening meal with a beer.
Where to stay near Zion National Park
Stay in Springdale — it’s right at the park entrance and you take the shuttle bus from here (you can’t drive into the canyon). Cable Mountain Lodge has lovely views and a pool, or try La Quinta Inn. For camping in the park: Watchman Campground ($20/night, reservation required).
Day 7. Bryce Canyon National Park
It’s about 1.5 hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon and honestly — Bryce surprised us more than anything else on the trip. Those thousands of orange hoodoos (rock pillars) look like a frozen army of sentinels. At sunrise, when the entire amphitheatre lights up in shades of orange and pink, we both stood there absolutely gobsmacked.
Arrive at Sunrise Point while it’s still dark (yes, that means a 5 am wake-up, but it’s SO worth it). Then walk down the Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden Trail (2.9 miles, moderately challenging, but doable for anyone). You walk right among the hoodoos and it’s a completely different experience than looking from above.
In the afternoon, drive the Scenic Drive with stops at the viewpoints — Inspiration Point, Bryce Point and Natural Bridge are must-sees.
Where to eat: Options in Bryce Canyon are limited. Bryce Canyon Pines (on the road from Tropic) has surprisingly good homemade pies, otherwise you’re better off packing a picnic — the park has beautiful spots to sit and eat.
💡 TIP: Bryce Canyon sits at 2,400 m (8,000 ft) elevation — even in summer, mornings can be around 5 °C (41 °F). Bring a warm layer! For help choosing the right hiking boots, check out our guide.
Where to stay near Bryce Canyon
The little town of Tropic (15 min from the park) is more affordable than staying right at the park entrance. Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel is a solid choice. If you want to camp, North Campground right inside the park is fantastic ($20/night).
Day 8. Page — Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
It’s about 2.5 hours from Bryce to Page through gorgeous scenery. Page is a small town, but the concentration of jaw-dropping views per square mile here is unbeatable.
In the morning, head to Upper Antelope Canyon — that famous slot canyon where shafts of light stream down from above and paint the sandstone walls in surreal colours. Entry is by guided tour only and you MUST book in advance (tours cost $50–90/person). Alternatively, Lower Antelope Canyon is less crowded and in our opinion just as beautiful.
In the afternoon (ideally an hour before sunset), make your way to Horseshoe Bend — the iconic horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River, 300 metres (1,000 ft) below you. It’s a 0.75-mile walk from the car park. Entry $10.
If you have time, drive out to Lake Powell — a huge turquoise lake in the middle of the desert. You can hire a kayak or simply go for a swim.
Where to eat: El Tapatio — surprisingly authentic Mexican restaurant. Big John’s Texas BBQ — if you love American BBQ, this is the place.
Where to stay in Page
Page has a range of motels and hotels in the $70–150/night bracket. Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell is newer and comfortable. For a budget option, try Rodeway Inn.
Day 9–10. Grand Canyon National Park
It’s about 2.5 hours from Page to the Grand Canyon (South Rim) and this is the stop that drives so many people to do a west coast USA road trip in the first place. And I get it. The Grand Canyon is simply… grand. 😅 No photo, no video can prepare you for how it feels to stand on the edge and stare into a chasm 1.6 km (a mile) deep, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Day 9: Arrive at the South Rim ideally for sunrise — Mather Point or Yavapai Point are the best viewpoints. In the morning, walk the Rim Trail (flat, along the edge, walk as much or as little as you like). In the afternoon, head down the Bright Angel Trail — you don’t have to go all the way to the river (that’s a full day effort), but even 2–3 miles down and back gives you a sense of the canyon’s scale. Be warned — going down is easy, coming back up is another story!
Day 10: Desert View Drive — a 25-mile drive along the canyon rim with plenty of viewpoints. Stop at Grandview Point, Moran Point and Desert View Watchtower (a historic stone tower with 360° views). In the afternoon, you have time to set off towards Monument Valley.
Where to eat: Options in the park are limited. El Tovar Dining Room in the historic El Tovar Hotel is the best restaurant in the park — book ahead! For a budget option, try Bright Angel Lodge or pack a picnic.
💡 TIP: For more on the Grand Canyon, check out our article about American national parks — you’ll find tips that apply to all parks.
Where to stay near the Grand Canyon
Accommodation inside the park (El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge) is the most convenient, but expensive ($150–400/night) and sells out months in advance. The little town of Tusayan (10 min from the entrance) has motels for $80–150/night. Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn is a decent choice.
Day 11. Monument Valley
It’s about 3 hours from the Grand Canyon to Monument Valley and when you see those red buttes rising from the flat desert, you’ll feel like you’ve driven straight into a Western. Because this is exactly where those Westerns were filmed.
Monument Valley is on Navajo Nation land and entry is $8/person (no, the America the Beautiful Pass doesn’t work here). You can drive the Valley Drive — a 17-mile unpaved loop between the monuments. The road is bumpy, but manageable in an SUV (I wouldn’t recommend it in a saloon car).
For a deeper experience, we highly recommend a tour with a Navajo guide — you’ll get access to places you can’t visit on your own, and hear stories about this sacred land. Tours cost $50–80/person.
Sunset from the The View Hotel terrace is probably the most photogenic moment of the entire road trip. Those red buttes against the orange sky — it’s a classic, but it just works.
Where to eat: The View Restaurant at the hotel serves Navajo cuisine with a view. Try the Navajo Taco (frybread with beans, meat and cheese) — it’s a local speciality and we absolutely loved it.
Where to stay in Monument Valley
The View Hotel is the only accommodation with a direct view of the buttes and it’s worth every penny ($150–250/night). Budget alternative: Goulding’s Lodge across the road ($100–160/night) or camping right in Monument Valley ($20/night).
Day 12–13. Arches and Canyonlands National Park
It’s about 2.5 hours from Monument Valley to Moab (the gateway to both parks). Moab is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise — two national parks, red rock everywhere, and a vibrant little town packed with cafés and outfitters.
Day 12 — Arches National Park: Since 2022 you need a timed entry reservation (recreation.gov, $2). Arrive in the morning and tick off: Delicate Arch Trail (3 miles return, moderately challenging) — the iconic arch you know from Utah licence plates. At sunset it’s pure magic. Then Windows Section (easy, photogenic), Double Arch and Landscape Arch (the longest natural arch in the world).
Day 13 — Canyonlands National Park: The lesser-visited sibling of Arches, but in our opinion even more impressive. Head to the Island in the Sky district — Grand View Point offers a vista that rivals the Grand Canyon (but without the crowds!). Mesa Arch at sunrise is a photographer’s dream — the sun shines through the arch and bathes the canyon below in orange light.
In the afternoon, you could tackle White Rim Road (4WD and permit required) or simply enjoy the viewpoints at Upheaval Dome and Shafer Canyon.
Where to eat: Moab has a brilliant food scene. Milt’s Stop & Eat — legendary burgers and milkshakes (cash only!). Antica Forma — the best pizza in Utah, no exaggeration. Love Muffin Cafe — fantastic breakfasts.
Where to stay in Moab
Moab has everything from campsites to boutique hotels. Under Canvas Moab is a luxury glamping site outside town ($200+/night), while Hoodoo Moab is a stylish hotel ($120–180/night). For budget travellers: Lazy Lizard Hostel or BLM campsites outside town (free or $5–10).
Day 14–15. Transfer and Death Valley National Park
It’s a long haul from Moab to Death Valley — roughly 8–9 hours. We’d recommend splitting it over two days with an overnight stop in Las Vegas (again, just for the night this time) or in the little town of Beatty on the edge of Death Valley.
Day 14: Transfer day from Moab. If you go via Vegas, just sleep there and head off early next morning. If you go via Beatty, you’ll arrive in the afternoon and can head straight into Death Valley for sunset.
Day 15 — Death Valley: This is the most extreme stop on our route. The lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin, 86 m / 282 ft below sea level), the hottest place on Earth, and — surprisingly — one of the most beautiful. Start the morning at Zabriskie Point (sunrise here is incredible), then Badwater Basin (walk across the salt flats), Artist’s Drive (colourful rock formations), Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and Dante’s View (overlooking the entire valley).
IMPORTANT: In summer it can exceed 50 °C (122 °F) here — don’t take that lightly. Keep a full tank, carry 8+ litres of water per person and check your car’s condition. In cooler months (October–April) it’s absolutely perfect.
Where to eat: Options in Death Valley are extremely limited. The Inn at Death Valley has the only decent restaurant in the park. We recommend stocking up on supplies in Vegas.
Where to stay in Death Valley
The Ranch at Death Valley ($150–250/night) is the more affordable option inside the park. Stovepipe Wells Village is simpler but does the job ($120–180/night). Camping: Furnace Creek Campground ($22/night, October–April), and in summer opt for the higher-altitude Mesquite Spring ($14/night).
Day 16–17. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
It’s about 4–5 hours from Death Valley to Sequoia and it feels like driving from Mars into Middle-earth. From the parched desert, you suddenly find yourself in dense forests filled with ancient trees that have been growing for thousands of years.
Day 16: Arrive in the afternoon and explore Giant Forest — the area with the greatest concentration of giant sequoias on the planet. General Sherman Tree is the largest tree on Earth (by volume) and standing next to it makes you feel incredibly small. The Congress Trail (2 miles, easy) takes you past more of these gigantic trees.
Day 17: In the morning, tackle Moro Rock — a short but steep climb up steps carved into the rock with views over the Great Western Divide. Then drive into Kings Canyon (the neighbouring park, same ticket) — Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful mountain roads in California. Stop at Grizzly Falls and walk the Zumwalt Meadow Trail (1.6 miles, flat, stunning).
Where to eat: The parks only have basic refreshment stands. In the little town of Three Rivers (at the entrance to Sequoia), try Ol’ Buckaroo or Antoinette’s Coffee & Goodies for breakfast.
💡 TIP: Generals Highway (the road through the park) is narrow and winding — vehicles over 22 feet can’t make it through. A regular SUV is fine, though.
Where to stay near Sequoia
Wuksachi Lodge is the only hotel inside the park ($150–250/night). In Three Rivers you’ll find motels for $80–130/night — Buckeye Tree Lodge is a popular choice. Camping: Lodgepole Campground ($22/night, reservation on recreation.gov).
Day 18–19. Yosemite National Park
It’s about 3–4 hours from Sequoia to Yosemite (via Fresno) and this is a fitting grand finale for the entire road trip. Yosemite Valley is simply iconic — enormous granite walls, waterfalls plunging hundreds of metres, and meadows where deer graze. Like a computer desktop wallpaper, except it’s real life.
Day 18: Arrive in Yosemite Valley and tick off the essentials — Yosemite Falls (one of the tallest waterfalls in North America), El Capitan (that monstrous granite wall — if you’ve got binoculars, you’ll spot climbers!), and Bridalveil Fall. In the afternoon, hike the Mirror Lake Trail (5 miles, flat) or the easier Valley View Loop. Sunset from Tunnel View is a must — it overlooks the entire valley with El Capitan and Half Dome framing the scene.
Day 19: If you’re feeling fit, the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall (5.5 miles, strenuous, lots of steps) is probably the best hike in Yosemite. You walk right through the waterfall mist — you’ll get soaked, but you’ll be grinning. In the afternoon, drive along Tioga Road (open roughly June–October) — stops at Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake are gorgeous.
For the ambitious: Half Dome is a legendary full-day ascent (14 miles, 1,500 m / 4,800 ft elevation gain, cable section) — you need a permit and excellent fitness.
Where to eat: The Ahwahnee Dining Room (now Majestic Yosemite Hotel) — a historic dining hall with high ceilings and views of the falls. Expensive, but unforgettable. Degnan’s Kitchen in Yosemite Village does solid sandwiches and salads at reasonable prices. In Mariposa (the town near the park): 1850 Brewing Company — craft beer and great burgers.
Where to stay in Yosemite
Accommodation in Yosemite Valley needs to be booked 6–12 months in advance. Yosemite Valley Lodge ($200–350/night) and Curry Village (canvas tent cabins, $100–150/night) are the most popular. Outside the park: Mariposa or El Portal have motels for $100–180/night. Camping: Upper Pines ($26/night, recreation.gov, lottery system).
Day 20–21. San Francisco
It’s about 3.5–4 hours from Yosemite to San Francisco and it’s a beautiful way to end the road trip. You arrive from the wilderness into one of the most beautiful cities in America — and you’ll be surprised how much you’ve missed civilisation (and how much you’ve been looking forward to it at the same time). 😄
Day 20: Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge — ideally in the morning, before the fog lifts (or right as it rolls over the bridge, which is even more magical). From there, head to Sausalito — a charming little town on the other side of the bay with views back towards SF. In the afternoon, visit Fisherman’s Wharf (touristy, but you have to see it once) and Pier 39 (sea lions!). For Chinese food, head to Chinatown — the oldest in North America.
Day 21: In the morning, drive down the famously winding Lombard Street (that iconic zigzag road), check out the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square (the colourful Victorian houses from Full House), and in the afternoon, explore the Mission District — the best street art, Mexican food and hipster coffee shops in the whole city.
If you have extra time, Alcatraz Island is a fantastic day out — the audio tour of the former prison is absolutely gripping. But you MUST buy tickets in advance, it sells out weeks ahead ($41/person, approx. €38).
Where to eat: SF is the number one foodie city. Tartine Bakery in the Mission (best bakery, queues to match), Swan Oyster Depot — legendary oyster bar (arrive before opening, there’s always a queue!), La Taqueria — the best burrito in San Francisco (many say in all of America). For dinner: Foreign Cinema in the Mission — great food with films projected on the courtyard wall.
Where to stay in San Francisco
San Francisco is an expensive city — expect $120–250/night for a standard hotel. HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf is a great hostel at a reasonable price. Hotel Bohème in North Beach is a boutique classic. For better value, try staying in Oakland across the bay — it’s 15 minutes on BART and significantly cheaper.
Practical tips to wrap up
What to pack
The American West means extreme temperature swings — 40 °C (104 °F) in the desert during the day, 5 °C (41 °F) in the mountains at night. Layering is key. Check out our detailed guide on packing into carry-on luggage — yes, even for 3 weeks it can be done.
Flights
Search for cheap flights on comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. One-way tickets (LA → SF or vice versa) are often cheaper than a return to the same city. From London, direct flights to LA are available with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, while budget options with a stop can often be found on Norwegian or through Icelandair via Reykjavik.
Car rental
Lukáš and I have had consistently good experiences with RentalCars, which we use all over the world. For the west coast USA, we recommend an SUV with full coverage insurance.
Insurance
For a three-week trip to the USA, don’t skimp on travel insurance — healthcare in America is astronomically expensive. For longer trips, we go with SafetyWing — read our review.
Mobile data
An eSIM from Holafly works brilliantly in the USA — our review. Signal in national parks is limited, but for navigation, download offline Google Maps before you go!
Read next: more articles about the west coast USA
Want a deeper dive into some of the parks on this route? Here are our detailed guides to individual national parks:
- Zion National Park — 8 tips for one of Utah’s most beautiful parks
- Grand Canyon, Arizona — 15 tips for exploring the canyon rim
- Yosemite National Park — 15 tips on waterfalls, granite walls and sequoias
- Death Valley National Park — 15 tips for the hottest place in America
- Arches National Park — 15 tips for the park with over 2,000 arches
- What to see in the USA: 10 most beautiful places — ideas for where to go next in America
Frequently asked questions about a west coast USA road trip
Before you set off, here are answers to the questions our readers ask most often about a west coast USA road trip.
How much does a west coast USA road trip cost?
It depends on your travel style. For two people over 21 days, expect to spend €3,900–10,000 total (€1,950–5,000 per person) including flights, car, accommodation, food and activities. A mid-range option mixing camping and motels works out at around €3,125 per person.
How many days do you need for a west coast USA road trip?
The absolute minimum is 14 days, but you’ll be rushing. Ideally allow 18–21 days — you’ll have time for hikes, rest and spontaneous detours. With 14 days, we’d suggest skipping 1–2 parks (e.g. Sequoia or Canyonlands).
What car should you rent?
An SUV or crossover with high ground clearance. Some roads (Monument Valley, Death Valley) are unpaved or sandy. You can manage with a compact car, but you’ll be nervous and won’t be able to access everywhere.
Do I need an ESTA or a visa for the USA?
British citizens need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) — fill in the online form at least 72 hours before departure. It costs $21 (approx. £17) and is valid for two years. Only apply through the official website esta.cbp.dhs.gov — there are plenty of scam sites that charge much more.
Is the west coast USA safe?
Yes, the west coast USA is very safe for tourists. The biggest “dangers” come from nature — dehydration in the desert, storms in the canyons, wildlife. Always carry plenty of water, check the weather forecast and follow park rules. In the cities (LA, SF, Vegas), use normal urban common sense — don’t leave valuables in the car.
When should I book accommodation and activities?
As early as possible. Accommodation in national parks (especially Yosemite and Grand Canyon) sells out 6–12 months in advance. Book your Angels Landing permit and Antelope Canyon tour 3–4 months ahead. Motels outside the parks can be booked last-minute, but during peak season (June–August) it’s better to book ahead too.
Can I do a west coast USA road trip in winter?
Partly, yes, but with limitations. Tioga Road in Yosemite is usually closed from November to May, Bryce Canyon can be under snow (though it looks stunning!), and some campgrounds are shut. On the other hand, desert parks (Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Grand Canyon) are pleasant temperature-wise in winter and blissfully crowd-free. If you go in winter, skip Sequoia and Yosemite (or just visit Yosemite Valley, which is accessible year-round).
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
