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

Visiting the USA West Coast on a 14 Day Road Trip has been a long time dream of mines. The USA West Coast is claimed to be one of the greatest road trip destinations on earth and a bucket list item for any road trip enthusiast.

When I first started planning this USA West Coast trip itinerary, I was overwhelmed by all the activities and places to visit. In fact, how do you choose between stunning coastline road trips and hiking in some of the best national parks in the United States? So, instead of choosing, I decided to add all of these must-see destinations to the itinerary. Needless to say that this was a rather packed holiday. But, if you prefer a more relaxing experience, I suggest extending the trip to 3 or 4 weeks.

Table of Contents

14 Day USA West Coast Road Trip: Itinerary & Highlights

We decided to start and finish our USA West Coast Road Trip in San Francisco. This allowed for a seamless round trip journey through some of the best landscapes in the United States.
Our 14 Day USA West Coast Road Trip highlights are summarized below:

Where: California, Nevada and Arizona
Major cities visited: San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles
National parks visited: Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park
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

Renting a Car in San Francisco

When renting a car in San Francisco, it’s essential to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability. If you’re traveling during the peak season, such as summer, this is especially important.

We began our search of a car rental by initially comparing the prices on Kayak and Expedia at both airport and downtown rental locations. If you live in North America, I recommend booking through Costco as it adds a second driver to your booking at no additional costs. In the end, we booked from Union Square as we wanted to visit San Francisco first, before leaving on our USA West Coast Road Trip.

Some popular rental companies include Enterprise, Hertz and Alamo. Make sure you read their rental policies carefully before driving off and always inspect the vehicle for preexisting damages.

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 accommodations can enhance your trip significantly. Here are my 5 tips for how to plan and where to stay along your journey.

1. Plan Ahead: we booked our accommodations around 3-4 months in advance, especially in popular tourist destinations. In some cases, like national parks, bookings can open at 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 cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
4. Budget Wisely: Determine your accommodation budget ahead of time. There are plenty of budget-friendly options like campgrounds, motels and hostels, as well as mid-range hotels and luxury resorts.
5. Check Amenities: Look for accommodations that offer amenities like free breakfast and parking, especially if you’re traveling with family.

Recommended Areas to Stay

San Francisco: Stay in neighborhoods like 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 L.A. 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 park, 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.

DAY 1: Visit Main Attractions in San Francisco

Accommodation: Hotel at Union Square
Driving time: none, we relied on public transportation

The flight from Vancouver to San Francisco airport took about 2.5 hours. Our goal for the first day was to visit the main attractions in San Francisco by using the cable cars. The main station to start from is Powell and Market, where two of the three main cable car lines depart.

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. Their distinctive sound and their flapping capture every tourist’s attention. 

Some of the main attractions to stop at while on the Powell-Hyde cable car line are:

• California Street: Offers beautiful views of the bay and a chance to view San Francisco from above.
• Lombard Street: Famous for its steep, crooked street and picturesque views.
• Fisherman’s Wharf: Perfect for seafood, shops, and attractions like Pier 39.

DAY 2: Last Day in San Francisco

Accommodation: Airbnb, between San Francisco and Napa Valley
Driving time: ~1 hour

We started the morning with a great breakfast and walked to the Painted Ladies. Personally, I didn’t find the buildings that impressive. While these buildings are undoubtedly an iconic landmark of San Francisco, the vibrant colors didn’t quite resonate with me. This being said, if you have the time and see this as an Instagram-worthy spot, you can add it to your itinerary!

Later in the afternoon, we picked up the rental car to drive to the Golden Gate Bridge. Look out for the fog as it can sometimes cover the entire sight of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

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

Afterwards, we made our way out of San Francisco towards the Napa Valley, where we stopped for a night. Initially, we wanted to visit a winery but as we were already quite tired, we decided to skip it. Instead, we bought a bottle of wine from the Napa Valley region and sipped on it in our backyard. If you ask me, absolutely no regrets!

DAY 3: Driving to Yosemite National Park

Accommodation: Motel in Mariposa
Driving time: ~3-4 hours to Mariposa, 2-3 hours in/out/around Yosemite National Park

After about 4 hours drive to Mariposa, we checked in our room and went straight to the local visitor center. Here, we grabbed some maps and information before entering the iconic Yosemite National Park. We ended up exploring Yosemite in 3 days but could have easily spend some extra time there.

The drive to the entrance point of El Portal takes around 1 hour but with traffic it might be a bit longer. It can initially be a bit confusing but some national parks, like Yosemite, require an additional reservation during peak hours for better traffic management. Without making a reservation you are still allowed to enter the park, but only before 5 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

On the first day in Yosemite National Park, we only had the afternoon available to explore some of its iconic attractions. First, we headed to Bridalveil Fall, a breathtaking waterfall that is easily accessible from the parking area.

Then, we continued to Tunnel View, which offers expansive views of the unforgettable Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome.

Next, we drove up to Glacier Point overlook, where we were captivated by the unimaginable beauty of the surrounding mountains and Yosemite Valley beneath us. I highly recommend visiting at sunset or at sunrise for fewer crowds. 

After sunset, we headed back to Mariposa. If you’re planning to spend a few days in Yosemite, look up campgrounds or lodges within the national park. Since we were not lucky enough to secure a reservation, we booked accommodation in the nearby town.

DAY 4: Go on a Hike in Yosemite National Park

Accommodation: Same as Day 3, Motel in Mariposa
Driving time: ~2-3 hours in/out/around Yosemite National Park

We woke up very early to drive to Yosemite National Park and grabbed breakfast at one of the lodges. To balance out the lack of movement of the day before, we decided to tackle one of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park: Upper Yosemite Falls. This waterfall also happens to be the highest waterfall in North America.

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. The temperatures can rise quickly, and the trail is steep and mostly unshaded. 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 surrounding it.

Keep in mind though that the trail is quite steep 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.  

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

DAY 5: Driving from Yosemite National Park to Las Vegas

Accommodation: Airbnb in Las Vegas, outside the Strip
Driving time: ~3 hours Yosemite National Park, 6 hours to Las Vegas through the Death Valley

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.

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

The gravel road hike takes you to the Soda Springs, where carbonated, cold water bubble out of the ground. Nearby you can find the historic Parsons Memorial Lodge, which offers several exhibits of the surrounding area.

Driving through the Death Valley National Park

After exiting Yosemite National Park, the landscape opens up in a flat plateau framed by tall mountain ranges. The roads are straight and endless. You drive through the world’s greatest natural desert landscape and enjoy some of the best views of the USA west coast.

The Death Valley is the hottest, driest and lowest national park in North America. That’s some record!

We were initially quite scared of driving through the Death Valley in the peak of summer. But, for as long as you stay on the main road and turn the AC down to avoid your engine from overheating, you should be just fine. Just to give you an idea, the temperature when we visited the Death Valley was 49°C / 120°F. I’ve never felt this HOT! 

We limited our time spent outside the car to a minimum and made sure to drink plenty of water. Our first stop was at the 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 reaching Las Vegas.  

DAY 6: How to Spend a Day in Las Vegas

Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Driving time: ~30 minutes

After driving for almost 10 hours the day before, we started the morning very slowly. First, we went to a diner to have pancakes for breakfast and left with full bellies and happy souls.

Then we headed to the Las Vegas Strip to experience its awesome attractions and extravagant resorts. We decided to head first to the Las Vegas sign. It is a bit of a walk from the main Strip area so if you have a car, I recommend driving there. 

I need to admit that I felt out of place is Las Vegas. In fact, I prefer spending time in the mountains rather than gambling in casinos and playing at the slot machines. Nevertheless, Las Vegas was an iconic stopover on our USA west coast road trip that couldn’t be missed.

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.

DAY 7: Driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

Accommodation: Airbnb at Ash Fork
Driving time: ~ 4 hours

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 the park, we opted for a car-less option. In fact, we decided to park the car at one of the first parking lots we came across and use the shuttle bus for the rest of the day.

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 our way.

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 national park is either by bus or bike. 

At sunset, the red rocks turned the color of fire and highlighted the amazing work of mother nature.

DAY 8: Exploring Joshua Tree National Park

Accommodation: Airbnb at Joshua Tree
Driving time: ~4-5 hours

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 magnificent desert landscapes. The first stop was at the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Later, we continued driving through the 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 in L.A. or passing through, but you won’t need more than a day to explore it fully.

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. 

Next, 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.

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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