Itinerary
- Day 1
Los Angeles
This morning you'll start in downtown Los Angeles and work your way through the city's main attractions. Head to Hollywood to walk along the Walk of Fame, then check out Beverly Hills to see where the stars live. After that, drive out to the beaches. You'll have time to spend at Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu along the Pacific Ocean. There's a lot of ground to cover today, so you'll want to start early and plan your route depending on traffic and what interests you most.
Optional Activities
- Visit Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Explore Beverly Hills
- Visit star homes in Hollywood Hills
- Visit Santa Monica
- Visit Venice
- Visit Malibu beaches
Landmarks Hollywood Walk of Fame Beverly Hills Santa Monica Venice Beach Malibu 
- Day 2
Los Angeles
You have the whole day to move through Los Angeles at whatever pace feels right. Whether you want to sleep in, grab breakfast somewhere nice, or spend extra time at a particular spot you missed yesterday, it's up to you. This is a good day to wander around neighborhoods, try local restaurants, or revisit any areas that caught your interest. No schedules, no rush.
Optional Activities
- Explore Los Angeles
- Day 3
Los Angeles to Palm Springs
Head out from Los Angeles toward Palm Springs, about a 2-hour drive covering roughly 125 miles. Once there, you'll see why people love this desert town for golf and weekend getaways. Take the gondola ride up to Mt. San Jacinto for some great views of the desert and surrounding mountains. The ride takes about 10 minutes each way and gives you a real sense of the landscape from above.
Optional Activities
- Gondola ride to Mt. San Jacinto
Landmarks Mt. San Jacinto - Day 4
Palm Springs to Williams
This is a long driving day, about 6 to 7 hours covering around 406 miles. You'll pass through the Hualapai Indian reservation on your way to Williams, a small town. Break up the drive with lunch stops and take time to look at the landscape as it changes. Williams sits at higher elevation, so you'll notice the temperature and vegetation shifting from the desert heat you just left.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 5
Williams to Page
Drive about 150 miles to reach the Grand Canyon area and explore its massive landscape. Lake Powell is a highlight with its striking contrast between red rock walls and blue water. You can take boat tours, check out the houseboats if interested, or try some water sports if that appeals to you. The views here are on a different scale than what you've seen so far on this trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Helicopter tour of Grand Canyon
- Boat tours on Lake Powell
- Water sports at Lake Powell
Landmarks Grand Canyon Lake Powell - Day 6
Page to Bryce Canyon
Travel roughly 162 miles to reach this park known for its colorful sandstone formations. Erosion has shaped the rocks into columns and unusual shapes that feel almost otherworldly. Walk through the area during sunset if you can, as the light hits these stones differently and really shows off their colors and textures. It's worth timing your visit around golden hour for the best photography and experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Sunset walk through Bryce Canyon
Landmarks Bryce Canyon National Park 
- Day 7
Bryce Canyon to Saint George
Head to Zion National Park, about 134 miles away, and spend time hiking through the desert terrain. You'll see interesting rock formations alongside hanging gardens, which is unusual in a desert setting. Angels Landing is the most famous viewpoint and worth the hike if you're up for it. The contrast between the red and white sandstone layers makes the geology here really interesting. There are trails for different fitness levels, so pick what works for you.
Optional Activities
- Hiking in Zion National Park
- View Angels Landing
Landmarks Zion National Park Angels Landing - Day 8
Saint George to Las Vegas
Drive about 125 miles to Las Vegas in the middle of the desert. The city is unlike anywhere else you've been on this trip. Spend time walking through the major hotels and casinos along the Strip, check out some of the shows if you want to spend an evening out, or just take in the sheer scale and spectacle of it all. The architecture and design alone are worth seeing, whether or not you gamble.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- See a show in Las Vegas
- Visit casinos in Las Vegas
Landmarks Las Vegas Strip - Day 9
Las Vegas to Bakersfield
This is a very long drive day, roughly 442 miles, but the landscapes make it worthwhile. Pass through Death Valley, the lowest point in the western hemisphere at almost 300 feet below sea level. Stop at Zabriskie Point for its views and check out Badwater to see the contrasting terrain. After Death Valley, you'll move into fertile farmland as you approach Bakersfield. You'll need most of the day for this drive, so plan to start early and take breaks as needed.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Zabriskie Point
- Visit Badwater
Landmarks Death Valley National Park Zabriskie Point Badwater 
- Day 10
Bakersfield to Yosemite
Drive about 256 miles to reach Yosemite Valley, a roughly 8-mile-long area surrounded by steep granite cliffs. You'll see Half Dome, El Capitan, and waterfalls depending on the season. Mountain lakes and meadows fill out the landscape. Plan to spend time actually walking around rather than just driving through. The valley offers parking at various spots where you can get out and appreciate the rock formations and water features up close.
Optional Activities
- Explore Yosemite Valley
- View Half Dome
- View El Capitan
Landmarks Yosemite National Park Half Dome El Capitan 
- Day 11
Yosemite to San Francisco
This morning, explore San Francisco using the historic streetcars or just walking. Start at Fisherman's Wharf and make your way toward Union Square, hitting the main spots along the way. The streetcars are part of the experience here and a fun way to move around without worrying about parking. You'll see neighborhoods, shops, and sea views as you travel through the city. It's compact enough that you can cover a good amount of ground on foot if you prefer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Fisherman's Wharf
- Explore Union Square
- Streetcar tour of San Francisco
Landmarks Fisherman's Wharf Union Square 
- Day 12
San Francisco
You have a full day in the San Francisco area with options. One choice is to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head to Sausalito to check out art galleries, then visit Muir Woods to see the giant sequoia trees. Alternatively, spend the day in Napa Valley tasting California wines at various vineyards and tasting rooms. Both are about an hour from the city, so pick whichever interests you more and plan accordingly.
Optional Activities
- Cross Golden Gate Bridge
- Visit Sausalito art galleries
- Visit Muir Woods
- Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Landmarks Golden Gate Bridge Sausalito Muir Woods National Monument Napa Valley - Day 13
San Francisco to Pismo Beach
Travel about 262 miles south to Monterey and Carmel. Explore the historic Monterey waterfront, then head to Carmel with its galleries, restaurants, and shops. Drive the famous 17-mile route along the coast between Monterey and Carmel for free. If you have time, swing by Hearst Castle near San Simeon further south. This coastal drive is one of the most scenic in California, so take your time and stop at pullouts to see the views.
Included Activities
- 17-mile scenic drive along the coast
Optional Activities
- Visit Monterey Cannery Road
- Explore Carmel art galleries and boutiques
- Visit Hearst Castle
Landmarks Monterey Carmel Hearst Castle 
- Day 14
Pismo Beach to Los Angeles
Head south roughly 231 miles toward Los Angeles, stopping in Solvang, a Danish-style town, for lunch or a quick look around. Continue to Santa Barbara, a coastal town with Spanish colonial history. Walk through the mission, visit the courthouse, and check out State Street for shopping and dining. After exploring Santa Barbara, drive the remaining distance back to Los Angeles to finish your route down the California coast.
Optional Activities
- Explore Solvang
- Visit Santa Barbara mission station
- Visit Santa Barbara courthouse
- Explore Santa Barbara State Street
Landmarks Solvang Santa Barbara - Day 15
Los Angeles
This is your final day. Return your rental car and head to the airport for your flight home. Depending on your flight time, you might have a few hours to grab breakfast or do last-minute shopping. Make sure to leave enough time to reach the airport comfortably, return the car without rushing, and get through check-in and security.
