The Best Of The USA West Coast: 14 Day Road Trip of a Lifetime

Taking a USA West Coast road trip has been a long-time dream of mine. And it truly lived up to the expectation! From coastal drives in California to desert landscapes in Nevada and Arizona, this route is perfect for anyone planning a West Coast and Southwest road trip or a classic California, Nevada, Arizona road trip.

When I started figuring out how to plan a USA road trip, I was overwhelmed by the choices. Do you chase scenic drives in California or explore national parks? I decided to do it all, which made for a packed 14-day itinerary. But if you prefer a slower pace, consider spending some extra days at each location, stretching the itinerary to 3 or 4 weeks.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the full 14 day USA itinerary, including top stops, travel tips, the best time to road trip West Coast USA as well as how to plan efficiently without missing the highlights.

Road Trip Itinerary At a Glance

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.

• Where: California, Nevada and Arizona
• Major Cities Visited: San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles
• National Parks Visited: Yosemite, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree
• How Long: 14 Days ( 2 weeks)
• When: End of July
• Starting and Ending Point: San Francisco
• Total Distance Driven: >3,000km / 1,800 miles
• Transportation: Rental car

Good to Know for this USA West Coast Road Trip

• The best time to drive this route is July to September, when weather conditions are ideal and all major roads are open. This is especially important for crossing Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park that typically closes during the winter and early spring due to snow.
• 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 need a national park pass to visit Yosemite, Death Valley, Grand Canyon and Joshua Tree. If you aim to see more than one national park on your road trip, America the Beautiful Pass is the cheapest option.

Renting a Car in San Francisco

Renting a car for your USA West Coast and desert road trip is one of the first steps in planning your road trip itinerary. If you’re starting in San Francisco, book early (especially in summer) to get the best rates and vehicle options.

We compared prices on Kayak and Expedia, checking both airport and downtown pickups. If you’re in North America, Costco Travel is a great option, often including a free second driver. We picked up our car in Union Square so we could explore San Francisco before starting our California, Nevada, Arizona road trip.

Popular rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz and Alamo are reliable for 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 West Coast and Southwest road trip route.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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: Beverly Hills is in my opinion the best area to stay in Los Angeles. In fact, it is central to many attractions and saves you driving time, especially during the rush hour.

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

Our flight from Vancouver to San Francisco International Airport took around 2.5 hours. For day one of our USA West Coast road trip, we focused on seeing San Francisco’s top attractions using the iconic cable cars. The best place to start is Powell and Market, where two of the three main cable car lines begin.

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. While these colorful Victorian houses are an iconic San Francisco landmark, I found them less impressive in person. 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 West Coast landmark.

Then, we drove to the Presidio park, where I bought the America the Beautiful pass, to access the national parks. 

After leaving San Francisco, we headed to Napa Valley for an overnight stay. Though we planned to visit a winery, we were too tired, so we picked up a bottle of local Napa wine and enjoyed it back at our accommodation.

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)

After about a 4-hour drive to Mariposa, we checked into our room and stopped by the local visitor center to grab maps and info before entering Yosemite National Park. We spent 3 days in Yosemite but could’ve easily stayed longer. In fact, this was one of the top highlights of our USA West Coast road trip.

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

On hot days, be sure to start your hike before 8 am. In fact, the temperatures can rise quickly and the trail is steep and mostly unshaded. So, bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up. In the end, no one enjoys getting cranky on the way up, right?

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)

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 fluids 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.

I have to admit, I felt a bit out of place in Las Vegas. I’d much rather spend time in the mountains than gambling in casinos or at slot machines. Still, Las Vegas is an iconic stop on any USA West Coast road trip that’s hard to miss.

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)

It took us around 4 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim entrance. Although this national park was not exactly on our route, we really wanted to squeeze it in. 

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.

Then, we decided to descend into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail. But, descending to the bottom of the canyon would take an entire day. So, instead we only did a portion of it. 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. 

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

The unparalleled beauty of the Grand Canyon left us speechless. One day, I want to attempt some of the more challenging hiking trails around the area.

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, 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)

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. 

Compared to the other national parks we visited, including North Cascades and Olympic National Park, this one was our least favorite. It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re looking for a day trip from Los Angeles or passing through. But you won’t need more than a day to explore Joshua Tree.

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 where you’ll 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: First Day in Los Angeles

Accommodation: Airbnb in Beverly Hills
Driving time: ~2-3 hours

We decided to start our first day in L.A. with a visit to the LACMA museum. It’s a very modern building with the famous lamp installation outside. 

Then, we drove to the famous Griffith Observatory for iconic views of the Hollywood Sign and L.A. from above. Here, we parked at the Greek Theatre where parking is free.

Later, we decided to go on a hike towards the Hollywood sign. However, we stopped a bit before and enjoyed the sunset from afar.

On our way down, we even saw a coyote crossing the path. According to locals, it’s not advised to walk alone in this area, especially at night.

DAY 10: Second Day in Los Angeles

Accommodation: Airbnb near Beverly Hills
Driving time: ~2-3 hours

Known as the entertainment capital of the world, the glittering streets of Hollywood in L.A. are a must-visit attraction. Start exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, stopping at Dolby Theater and TCL Chinese Theater.

We headed later to Beverly Hills for a stroll on its famous Rodeo Drive. 

To finish up the day, we went to the sun-kissed beaches of Santa Monica, which also marks the iconic end of Route 66.

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

DAY 11: Third Day in Los Angeles

Accommodation: Airbnb near Beverly Hills
Driving time: ~2-3 hours

On our third day in L.A. we decided to head to Downtown. We only spend a short amount of time here, as the area was quite rundown. 

Instead, we headed to Manhattan Beach, which is a less crowded beach than the famous Venice Beach and Santa Monica. On a sunny day it’s the right escape from the city. 

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 delicacies.

7. From Los Angeles to San Francisco

DAY 12: Driving from L.A. to Morro Bay

Accommodation: Motel at Morro Bay
Driving time: ~4-5 hours

On our way out of L.A. we first made a mandatory stop in the famous surf town of Malibu. We stopped at Point Dume for panoramic views over the ocean and went to the beach for a short stroll.

Continuing our 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. 

DAY 13: Scenic Route on the Pacific Coast

Accommodation: Motel in Monterrey
Driving time: ~4-5 hours

We woke up to a foggy horizon, but as we drove along the coast, the sky cleared and greeted us with sunlight. If you’re planning to visit this area, aim for spring or fall to avoid the “fog season.” Summer months are particularly foggy due to upwelling, where cold water rises from the Bay’s depths, creating coastal fog.

We preferred to skip attractions such as Hearst Castle to spend more time on the upper half of the coast. Since parts of scenic sections of the Pacific Coast Highway were closed at the time of our visit, we had to take a detour. Instead, we started the scenic route from the north, in Monterey. This coastal town is a good place to spend the night when visiting this area on an USA West Coast road trip.

Our goal was to first drive down to McWay Waterfall and then back to Monterey. So, we first stopped at Bixby Creek Bridge. 

The scenic coastal drive through Big Sur had 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, it’s a magnificent spot to admire the waterfall from above. 

To finish up the day, we drove to Pfeiffer Beach. If you want to reach the beach, you need to take the narrow road down from the main road. There is a daily parking fee to pay before you can enjoy the beach and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a rather windy area but you can always cuddle next to the rocks for some protection. 

DAY 14: Driving to the Airport in San Francisco

Accommodation: Home
Driving time: ~2 hours

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.

Lastly, we returned the car at the airport and took the flight back home. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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. 
2. Should I book camping or look for an 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.
3. Is it better to start from another city for this USA West Coast itinerary?
   If you’re flying internationally, you can start your trip from San Francisco, L.A., or Las Vegas. In fact, we chose to avoid arriving at Yosemite on a weekend, so we made it one of our first stops. However, feel free to begin your itinerary from other cities if you find cheaper flight options!
4. 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.

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 the USA West Coast should be a top destination to anyone’s bucket list. During this 14 Day 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 your USA West Coast road trip and create unforgettable memories!

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