14 Day USA West Coast Road Trip: California, Nevada & Arizona Itinerary
I’ll be honest, I was nervous this trip was too ambitious. 2 weeks, four national parks, three states and the entire Pacific Coast Highway. But every single day exceeded our expectations. If you’re planning a West Coast road trip through California, Nevada and Arizona, this is the itinerary I wish I’d had before we left.

This USA road trip was definitely fast paced with some long days on the road. But the variety of landscapes is what makes this route so special.
This guide gives you the exact day-by-day breakdown we followed. It includes every stop, the main activities, where we stayed and what we’d do differently.
14-Day West Coast Road Trip: At a Glance
USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Before I go into more details, let’s have a look at the entire 14 day USA West Coast road trip itinerary from start to finish. Our USA West Coast road trip started and finished in San Francisco, allowing for a seamless round trip journey through three states and four national parks in the USA.

Day 1: San Francisco
Day 2: San Francisco to Napa
Day 3: Yosemite National Park
Day 4: Yosemite National Park
Day 5: Yosemite to Las Vegas (via Death Valley)
Day 6: Las Vegas
Day 7: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon
Day 8: Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree NP
Day 9: Joshua Tree National Park to Los Angeles
Day 10: Los Angeles
Day 11: Los Angeles
Day 12: Los Angeles to Morro Bay
Day 13: Morro Bay to Monterey (Pacific Coast)
Day 14: Monterey to San Francisco
Good to Know on this USA West Coast Road Trip
- The best time to drive this route is July to September. This is especially important for Tioga Pass in Yosemite, which typically closes from November through May due to snow. Driving through it is one of the highlights of the trip and not something you want to miss.
- This is a relatively fast-paced itinerary. If you do all the activities listed below, your days will be pretty full. Need more downtime? Add some extra days in each location and stretch this itinerary over three weeks instead.
- This USA West Coast road trip is best for those that enjoy national parks and short city breaks, while being active on their holidays.
- We used a mix of Booking and Airbnb stays. During the summer months and especially at national parks accommodation availability can be limited.
- You’ll need a national park pass for all four parks on this route. The America the Beautiful Pass ($80 for US residents or $250 for non-US residents) covers unlimited entry for a full year. If you’re visiting two or more parks, it pays for itself immediately. Buy it online before you go or at any park entrance.
Renting a Car in San Francisco

Renting a car in San Francisco is straightforward, but summer availability is limited. Book at least 2–3 months ahead. We compared prices on Kayak and Expedia and found Costco Travel consistently cheapest, often including a free additional driver (~$15/day with other rental companies).
We picked up our car in Union Square so we could explore San Francisco before starting our California, Nevada, Arizona road trip.
For this route, a standard sedan or an SUV works fine. You don’t need 4×4 for any of the roads we drove. That said, if you’re visiting in summer, make sure the car’s AC is reliable. In Death Valley at 49°C, it’s not optional.
Popular rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz and Alamo are reliable for USA West Coast and Southwest road trips. But always read the rental terms and inspect the car for damage before driving off. A good rental is essential for long drives, such as the Yosemite to Death Valley drive, Pacific Coast Highway road trip or the Yosemite to Grand Canyon drive.
Where to Stay on a 14 Day USA West Coast Road Trip
When planning a 14 day USA West Coast road trip, choosing the right accommodation can make a big difference. It affects your budget, comfort and how much you can see each day.
Here are 5 practical tips on how to plan a USA road trip and where to stay along your USA West Coast and Southwest road trip route.
- Plan Ahead: book accommodations at least 3-4 months in advance, especially at popular stops. At national parks, bookings can open as early as the beginning of the year for the entire season. Check the official national park websites and mark that date in your calendar, as it can fill up quickly.
- Mix It Up: Consider a variety of accommodation options to enrich your experience. Combine hotels, motels, charming bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals for different segments of your trip.
- Stay Near Attractions: Look for places close to major attractions to save time and make the most of your days. This is especially beneficial in national parks and major cities, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- Budget Wisely: Determine your accommodation budget ahead of time. There are plenty of budget-friendly options, such as campgrounds, motels and hostels, as well as mid-range hotels and luxury resorts.
- Check Amenities: Look for accommodations that offer amenities, such as free breakfast and parking, especially if you’re traveling with family.
Recommended Areas to Stay

San Francisco: Stay in neighborhoods, such as Union Square for easy access to shopping and dining. Alternatively, opt for Fisherman’s Wharf for stunning waterfront views.
Las Vegas: The Strip is the heart of the action, but also the loudest part of Las Vegas. There are extravagant hotels and numerous accommodation options to choose from. We decided to stay at a 5 minute driving distance from the Strip, for a quieter experience.
Los Angeles: we stayed near Beverly Hills and it was the right call, as it’s close Hollywood, Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory. Mid-range hotels and Airbnbs here typically run $150–$250/night.
National Parks: If you want to stay within the national parks, look for lodges or campgrounds. In case there is no availability left, check some nearby towns (e.g. Mariposa) that are close to one of the entrance gates.
1. From San Francisco to Napa
DAY 1: San Francisco
Accommodation: Hotel at Union Square
Driving time: none, we relied on public transportation
We landed in San Francisco and went straight for the cable cars. This is the best way to orient yourself on day one without worrying about parking. Grab the Powell-Hyde line from Powell and Market and let the city reveal itself on the way up to Fisherman’s Wharf.

We took the Powell-Hyde cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf, grabbed lunch and spent some time at Pier 39. Here, the sea lions will be hard to miss.

Best Cable Car Stops in San Francisco
Riding a San Francisco cable car should be a must on your trip. Below I’ve summarized the best stops on the Powell-Hyde cable car in San Francisco.
- Chinatown: stop to experience one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside Asia, with Victoria‘s Chinatown in Canada being the second oldest in North America.
- Lombard Street: one of the most photographed spots in San Francisco, which is famous for its steep, crooked street and picturesque views.
- California Street: Offers beautiful views of the bay and a chance to view San Francisco from above.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: a lively waterfront area with fresh seafood, souvenir shops and attractions, such as Pier 39.
DAY 2: Morning in San Francisco and Drive to Napa
Accommodation: Airbnb, between San Francisco and Napa Valley
Driving time: ~ 1 hour
Driving distance: 70 km (48 mi)
We kicked off the morning with a great breakfast before walking to the Painted Ladies.
Honest take: the Painted Ladies are worth a quick stop for the photo, but don’t rearrange your morning around them. The real view is from Alamo Square Park looking back toward the skyline. That said, if you’re looking for a classic San Francisco photo op on your USA West Coast road trip itinerary, it’s worth a quick stop.
Later that afternoon, we picked up our rental car and headed to the Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to watch for fog. It can sometimes completely obscure this iconic USA West Coast landmark.

Then, we drove to the Presidio park, where I bought the America the Beautiful pass, to access the national parks.
We stayed overnight in Napa Valley but were too wiped from the travel day to hit a winery. Instead we grabbed a bottle of local Cabernet Sauvignon and called it an early night. If you have the energy, Oxbow Public Market is a great low-key option for your first evening.
Best Things to do in San Francisco
- Walk or Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge for amazing views of the bay and the city skyline.
- Explore Alcatraz Island and take a tour of the famous former prison.
- Visit Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 to watch the sea lions and enjoy fresh seafood.
- Ride a Historic Cable Car to see San Francisco’s hilly streets.
- See Lombard Street and walk down the famously crooked street lined with flowers.
- Discover Chinatown and the authentic cuisine.
- Walk up to Coit Tower and get panoramic city views.
2. Visit Yosemite National Park
DAY 3: Drive to Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Mariposa
Driving time: 3-4 hours to Mariposa, 2-3 hours around Yosemite National Park
Driving distance: 350 km (200 mi)
Mariposa is the best base if you can’t get accommodation inside Yosemite national park. It’s about an hour from the El Portal entrance and much easier to book. We checked in, grabbed maps from the visitor centre and headed straight into Yosemite for the afternoon.
The drive from Mariposa to the El Portal entrance takes about an hour, though traffic can make it longer. Note that parks, such as Yosemite require an additional peak-hour reservation during peak season to help manage traffic. Without one, you can still enter the park before 5 am or after 4 pm.
With just the afternoon on our first day in Yosemite, we made the most of it by visiting Bridalveil Fall, one of the park’s most iconic and accessible waterfalls.

Then, we continued to Tunnel View, one of the best views in Yosemite. This iconic lookout offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley, with clear views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome.

Then, we drove up to Glacier Point, one of the most breathtaking overlooks in Yosemite National Park. I highly recommend visiting at sunset or sunrise for fewer crowds and even more dramatic light.

After sunset, we drove back to Mariposa. If you’re planning to spend a few days in Yosemite National Park, it’s worth trying to book campgrounds or lodges inside the park well in advance as they fill up fast. Since we couldn’t secure a reservation, we stayed in a nearby town instead, which worked well for our 2-week USA road trip itinerary.
DAY 4: Go on a Hike in Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Mariposa
Driving time: ~2-3 hours in/out/around Yosemite National Park
Driving distance: 150 km (90 mi)
We got an early start and drove into Yosemite National Park, grabbing breakfast at one of the lodges. To make up for the previous day’s downtime, we took on one of the best hikes in Yosemite: the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. This challenging route leads to the top of North America’s highest waterfall, offering incredible views along the way.

Distance: 10.6 km / 6.6 miles | Elevation: 992m / 3,254 ft | Time: 5-6 hours
Start before 8am on hot days. The trail is steep, largely unshaded and temperatures rise fast. Bring at least 2 litres of water per person. The pool at the top of the falls is one of the best rewards on any hike I’ve done.
The path to Oh my Gosh Viewpoint is steadily uphill but in my opinion not too difficult. The remainder of the trail offers fantastic views of Yosemite Valley and the rocky mountains around.
Keep in mind though that it’s quite a steep trail and can take some endurance. Once you reach the top, I highly recommend heading for the water. There is a pool in a safe area at the top of the waterfall where you can soak in the cold refreshing water.
🌺 If you enjoy hikes like this, you might also love a sunrise hike at Haleakala National Park in Maui!


After the hike we explored Yosemite Valley a bit longer and on our way out we were given farewell by an adorable bear cub.

Things to Do in Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park
- Drive to Tunnel View for incredible views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and El Capitan.
- Visit Glacier Point either by car or hike from Yosemite Valley.
- Take a hike to Upper Yosemite Falls (highest waterfall in North America, or
- Do an easier hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls or the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail.
- Hike to Half Dome if you’re an experienced hiker and have permits secured.
- Visit Bridalveil Fall for an easy accessible hike.
- Take a rock climbing guided tour in Yosemite.
- Drive on Tioga Road for less crowds and incredible hiking trails in the backcountry.
3. From Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas
DAY 5: Driving from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas
Accommodation: Airbnb in Las Vegas, outside the Strip
Driving time: ~3 hours in Yosemite, 6 hours to Las Vegas through the Death Valley
Driving distance: 700 km (430 mi)
The drive from Yosemite to Las Vegas via Death Valley is the longest day on this itinerary but it’s also the most scenic. You go from alpine meadows at Tuolumne to sand dunes to salt flats below sea level, all before hitting the Nevada desert by nightfall.
Driving from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas means a long drive ahead. If you’re driving during summer, the best route is via Tioga Pass. This area is also less touristy, so you get to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the national park on your own.
This scenic drive is a highlight of any USA West Coast road trip, letting you experience Yosemite’s beauty before heading into the Nevada desert.

Before leaving Yosemite National Park, we made one last stop at Tuolumne Meadows. Here, we went on a short hike to Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge.

Distance: 2.4km / 1.5 miles | Elevation: 16m / 52 ft | Time: 1 hour
This easy hike in Yosemite takes you to the Soda Springs, where carbonated, cold water bubble out of the ground. Nearby you can also find the historic Parsons Memorial Lodge, which offers several exhibits of the surrounding area.

After leaving Yosemite National Park, the landscape opens into a vast plateau framed by towering mountain ranges. The straight, endless roads offer some of the most breathtaking views on a USA West Coast road trip.
Our first stop in Death Valley was at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Then we reached the lowest point in North America, the Badwater Basin.

On the way back, we took the loop around Artists Palette, which are a must-see natural colorful rock formations.

Then, we made a stop at the iconic viewpoint of Zabriskie Point overlooking badlands and salt flats.

What an epic day, which concluded with us getting to Las Vegas.
Best Stops in Death Valley National Park
- Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at 282 ft below sea level.
- Dante’s View is a viewpoint over 5,000 ft above the valley floor and offers stunning views.
- Zabriskie Point is an easy walk to beautiful views of sand dunes.
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is a great spot near the main road if you’re coming from Yosemite.
- Artist’s Drive and Artist’s Palette is a scenic 9 mile one-way drive with colorful rock formations.
Things to Know Before Driving Through Death Valley
- Death Valley is the hottest, driest and lowest national park in North America. That’s some record!
- Check tires, brakes fluid and battery of your car before entering Death Valley National Park.
- Carry extra water and emergency supplies.
- Stay on the main paved road and turn the AC down to avoid your engine from overheating. When we visited the temperature in Death Valley was 49°C / 120°F. I’ve never felt this HOT!
- If visiting in summer, limit the time spent outside the car and drink plenty of water.
4. Las Vegas to Grand Canyon
DAY 6: Spend a Day in Las Vegas
Accommodation: Airbnb in Las Vegas
Driving time: ~30 minutes
After driving for almost 10 hours the day before, we started the morning very slowly. First, we went to Blueberry Hill to have pancakes for breakfast. Be warned, portions here are massive!

Then, we headed to the Las Vegas Strip to check out its famous attractions and extravagant resorts. Our first stop was the iconic Las Vegas sign, which is a bit of a walk from the main Strip. So if you have a car, I recommend driving.
Las Vegas wasn’t really my scene. I’m more mountains than slot machines, but there’s no denying it earns its place on this itinerary. The Sphere alone is worth the stop and the Strip is genuinely unlike anything else on earth.


We then went for a show at the Sphere and the immersive experience brought us on a tour around the Earth. Although a bit pricey (we paid ~$100 per person), it’s worth a visit if you haven’t already done anything similar.
In the evening we stopped at the Bellagio Fountain to admire the dancing water.
Best Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Watch the Bellagio Fountains show in the evening.
- Visit the High Roller Observation Wheel for Strip views.
- Take a tour of the Neon Museum to see vintage Vegas signs.
- Try your luck at casinos, such as Caesars Palace or the Venetian.
- Check out the Las Vegas sign, one of the best photography ops in Las Vegas.
- Go on a show at the Sphere or any future concerts.
DAY 7: Drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Airbnb at Ash Fork
Driving time: ~5 hours
Driving distance: 550 km (340 mi)
The Grand Canyon South Rim is about 4 hours from Las Vegas. This was a detour from the most direct route, but one that’s completely non-negotiable in my opinion. Nothing prepares you for standing on the rim for the first time.

To explore Grand Canyon, we decided to park the car at one of the main parking lots and use the free shuttle bus for the rest of the day. Some sections of the national park can in fact only be reached by bike or shuttle bus. So this made most sense for us.

We took the village route and spent some time walking the Trail of Time enjoying the views.
We descended a portion of the Bright Angel Trail, enough to feel the scale of the canyon from inside it rather than just above. If you only have one day, hike down to the 1.5-mile resthouse and turn back before 10am to avoid the worst heat.
In fact, it is recommended to complete this hiking trail as an overnight backpacking trip instead of attempting it in one day. Not only is it quite long but it can also get very hot during the day.Â

On our way down, we even came across a family of goats that were blocking the path.

The Grand Canyon left us completely speechless and I say that as someone who’d just come from Yosemite. If you can extend this stop to two days, do it. The Rim Trail at sunset is something I still think about.
To finish up the day, we hoped on the next shuttle bus on Hermit Road. This road is closed to vehicles, so your only way of visiting this area of the Grand Canyon is either by bus or bike.

At sunset then, the red rocks turned the color of fire and highlighted the amazing work of mother nature.
Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park
- Visit for sunrise or sunset and head to Mather Point, Yavapai Point or Desert View Watchtower for the best views in Grand Canyon.
- Go on a multi-day hike to the Grand Canyon floor via Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail.
- Take the easy paved Rim Trail along the South Rim for incredible views of the canyon.
- For an adventure, go rafting on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
5. From Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree National Park
DAY 8: Drive to Joshua Tree National Park
Accommodation: Airbnb at Joshua Tree
Driving time: ~4-5 hours
Driving distance: 500 km (320 mi)
Firstly, on the drive to Joshua Tree, we stopped at the historic town of Kingman.

We arrived at Joshua Tree National Park around midday and drove through the desert landscapes. Firstly, we stopped at the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Then, we drove through Joshua Tree National Park until we reached the Keys View.

Of the four parks on this route, Joshua Tree was our least favourite. While the landscapes are fascinating it doesn’t have the wow factor of Yosemite or the Grand Canyon. That said, it’s a perfect half-day stop on the drive to LA and the stargazing here is genuinely world-class if you stay overnight.
Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park
- Walk among dense clusters of cactus at Cholla Cactus Garden.
- Visit Keys View and enjoy the drive up to see Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault.
- Check out Skull Rock, which is a rock shaped like a skull.
- Explore Hidden Valley to see more Joshua trees and wildlife.
- Camp overnight and go stargazing in Joshua Tree for some of the best sky views.
6. From Joshua Tree National Park to Los Angeles
DAY 9: One Day in Los Angeles
Accommodation: Airbnb in Beverly Hills
Driving time: ~2-3 hours
Driving distance: 230 km (140 mi)
We spent three days in Los Angeles and we based ourselves near Beverly Hills. We started the first day by visiting LACMA.


Then, we drove to Griffith Observatory for the best views of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles from above. Here, we parked at the Greek Theatre where parking is free.

Later, we decided to go on a hike to the Hollywood sign. But, we decided to stop a bit before and enjoyed the sunset from afar.
On our way down, we even spotted a coyote crossing the path. We’ve been told by locals that it’s not advised to walk alone in this area, especially at night.

DAY 10: Two Days in Los Angeles
Accommodation: Airbnb near Beverly Hills
Driving time: ~1-2 hours
Driving distance: 50 km ( 30 mi)
Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood in Los Angeles is a must-visit on your California, Nevada, Arizona road trip. Begin your exploration with the Hollywood Walk of Fame and don’t miss landmarks such as the Dolby Theater and TCL Chinese Theater.

Then it was time to visit Beverly Hills and the famous Rodeo Drive. This area can be quite expensive so I recommend not stopping here for food. Instead you can visit Beverly Hills in a few hours before leaving this busy shopping area.
To finish up the day, we then drove to the sun-kissed beaches of Santa Monica, which also marks the end of Route 66.

Here we walked on the pier and continued along the beach to reach Venice Beach.

DAY 11: Three Days in Los Angeles
Accommodation: Airbnb near Beverly Hills
Driving time: ~2-3 hours
Driving distance: 65 km (41 mi)
We skipped most of Downtown LA. It felt run-down compared to other parts of the city and isn’t worth your limited time here. Manhattan Beach and The Grove are much better uses of an afternoon.

On our way back to the city, we stopped at The Grove, a shopping mall that has small village vibes. We spent most of the time at the market on its grounds, sipping on fresh juice and savoring baked goods.
Best Things to Do in Los Angeles in 3 Days
- Visit Griffith Observatory and hike to the Hollywood Sign.
- Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the stars, TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre (Oscars venue).
- Visit Santa Monica Pier which also marks the end of Route 66.
- Walk to Venice Beach which is famous for its murals, unique shops as well as Muscle Beach.
- Visit LACMA Museum of Art for amazing art collections and great architecture.
- Head to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills for luxury shopping and celeb-spotting.
7. From Los Angeles to San Francisco
DAY 12: Drive from Los Angeles to Morro Bay
Accommodation: Morro Bay
Driving time: ~4-5 hours
Driving distance: 315 km (200 km)
The Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to San Francisco is the best way to end this road trip. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the world, so don’t rush it. The pull-offs and viewpoints are where the magic happens.
We drove along the California coastline through Malibu, Santa Barbara and Big Sur before returning north to San Francisco.

Continuing the drive to Morro Bay, we stopped in Santa Barbara and walked its famous pier. There are many shops you can stop at for either food or shopping.

Later in the day we arrived in Morro Bay just on time for an unforgettable sunset.

Best Stops Between Los Angeles and Morro Bay
- Stop at Point Dume in Malibu for stunning coastal cliffs and sea views.
- Walk the Santa Barbara Pier and stop at some of the local shops.
- Visit the town of Solvang which is famous for its Danish bakeries and windmills.
- Spot sea otters in Morro Bay Harbor.
- View Morro Rock at sunset at the end of your day of a great California road trip.
DAY 13: Scenic Route on the Pacific Coast Highway
Accommodation: Monterrey
Driving time: ~4-5 hours
Driving distance: 360 km (230 mi)
The best Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops between Morro Bay and Monterey include Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach.

We skipped attractions such as Hearst Castle to spend more time exploring the northern half of the route. We instead continued to Monterey. This charming coastal town is a great overnight stop on any USA West Coast road trip or Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
Note: Sections of the Pacific Coast Highway can close due to landslides or storm damage. Always check road conditions before you go. When we visited, part of the route was closed so changed slightly our itinerary.
Our plan was to drive down to McWay Falls and then return to Monterey. Along the way, we stopped at the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, which is one of the most photographed spots on the Pacific Coast Highway road trip.

The scenic Pacific Coast drive through Big Sur has multiple viewpoints to stop at and admire the ocean.

Finally, we arrived at McWay waterfall, where a brief walk of 10-15 minutes leads you to the viewpoint. Although there is no path down to the beach, there’s a great spot to admire the waterfall from above. I personally find McWay waterfall the most beautiful place on the west coast.

To end the day, we drove to Pfeiffer Beach, a hidden gem along the Pacific Coast Highway. To access it, take the narrow turnoff from the main road. In fact I recommend to drive carefully, as it’s easy to miss.

There’s a daily parking fee, but it’s worth it to enjoy the dramatic coastline and unique rock formations. It can get windy, but you’ll find shelter tucked up against the rocks.
Best Stops on the Pacific Coast Highway between Morro Bay and Monterey
- Visit Hearst Castle which was built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst.
- Spot elephant seals at Elephant Seal Vista Point.
- Stop at McWay Falls where the waterfall drops into the Pacific ocean.
- Enjoy the Big Sur Coastline while driving the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.
- Stop for a photo of Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in California.
- Go on a hike at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to spot seals, sea lions as well as sea otters.
- Make a stop at Carmel-by-the-Sea and visit some of the local art galleries and boutique shops.
DAY 14: From Monterrey to San Francisco
Accommodation: Back to Vancouver
Driving time: ~2 hours
Driving distance: 170 km (100 mi)
In the morning, we went to the Monterey pier for a coffee, before heading to Santa Cruz and later on to the airport.

We didn’t see much of Santa Cruz as we only stopped here for lunch. But, this is a good stopover to stretch your legs before driving to the airport.
FAQ: USA West Coast Road Trip
How many days should I plan for a USA West Coast road trip?
If you’re planning the same route as on this blog post, then I recommend 3 weeks. We did it in 2 weeks only because we were time constraint.
Is 14 days enough for a West Coast road trip?
We did this West Coast road trip in 14 days and although it’s doable, it’s also definitely fast-paced, especially if you’re covering California, Nevada and Arizona. You’ll need to be comfortable with long driving days and packed schedules. If you have the flexibility, 3 weeks is preferred. It gives you more time at the national parks and lets you enjoy the Pacific Coast Highway.
Do I need to book Yosemite in advance?
Yes, Yosemite requires a peak-hour reservation during summer (typically May to September). Also, campgrounds and lodges inside the park fill up months in advance. Therefore, I recommend booking accommodation at least 3-4 months ahead. If you can’t secure a spot inside the park, nearby towns such as Mariposa are a great alternative and only about an hour from the main entrance.
Campground or alternative accommodation in Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite has a total of 13 campgrounds you must reserve between April and October. This being said, it’s quite difficult to obtain a spot. Some other alternatives are lodges or looking at accommodations outside the national park, such as in Mariposa.
Is it better to start a USA West Coast road trip from Los Angeles or another city?
If you’re flying internationally, you can start your trip from San Francisco, Los Angeles or Las Vegas. In fact, we chose to avoid arriving at Yosemite on a weekend, so we made it one of our first stops. But, feel free to begin your itinerary from other cities if you find cheaper flights!
What should I know before traveling to California?
California has several microclimates, creating distinct differences between regions. For example, San Francisco is rather temperate and cool while Los Angeles is warmer. This is due to the influence of ocean and wind currents, mountain ranges, elevation, as well as the proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, make sure you pack a jacket with you at any time of the year.
What is the best time of year for a Pacific Coast Highway drive?
Spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October) are ideal. If you do a Pacific Coast Highway road trip in summer, you’ll most likely come across heavy fog. This is common along the California coast due to ocean upwelling, especially between Morro Bay and Monterey.
Final Thoughts: 14 Day USA West Coast Road Trip
Although this trip felt rather rushed we had an amazing holiday. In fact, I strongly believe that a USA West Coast road trip should be on anyone’s bucket list. During this 14 day USA road trip itinerary, we explored iconic attractions, admired breathtaking views and stopped at the natural wonders of Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Park.
I hope my day-to-day route will help you plan an unforgettable USA West Coast road trip!
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Molto interessante,bellissimo e tanto in 14giorni,
Great itinerary! Yosemite is one of my favourites. Still haven’t been to Joshua Tree. It’s on the list 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 Yosemite is amazing, I just wish I had some more time to explore it. Joshua Tree can be visited on a day trip as well, if you’re short on time 😉