Itinerary
- Day 1
Las Vegas
You'll arrive in Las Vegas and pick up your rental car, then head to your hotel to cool off with a swim. As evening comes on, the Strip is the place to explore. The iconic 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign is right there for photos, and you can catch free shows like the Bellagio fountains or watch the Mirage volcano erupt. If you want to spend more, the Stratosphere Tower or High Roller observation wheel offer great city views from up high.
Optional Activities
- Visit Stratosphere Tower for views (payable on site)
- Visit High Roller for views (payable on site)
- Watch Bellagio fountain show
- Watch Mirage volcano eruption
- Photo at Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
Landmarks/POIs Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign Stratosphere Tower High Roller Bellagio Fountains Mirage Volcano The Venetian Luxor Paris Las Vegas - Day 2
Las Vegas
This day focuses on checking out the themed hotels that make Vegas distinctive. The Venetian has actual Venice canals to walk through, while the Luxor takes you back to ancient Egypt with its pyramid design. Over at Paris Las Vegas, there's an Eiffel Tower replica if you want that vibe. For something different, head to the Neon Museum where over 200 original neon signs from the Strip's glory days are on display. Some glow from their original power while others get lit up by spotlights in the evening.
Optional Activities
- Explore The Venetian's canal and gondola rides
- Explore Luxor's Egypt-themed areas
- Explore Paris Las Vegas's Eiffel Tower replica
- Visit Neon Museum with over 200 OG neon signs (admission extra)
Landmarks/POIs The Venetian Luxor Paris Las Vegas Neon Museum - Day 3
Las Vegas
You have options here. Spend the day lounging at your hotel pool if that suits you, or head downtown to Fremont Street where the neon lights and live DJs create a different Vegas energy. Free light shows run from 6 pm, and the old casinos like Golden Gate and Golden Nugget have that classic Vegas feel. If you want something completely different, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is doable by car, though it's a drive. Seeing that natural wonder in person is worth the time.
Optional Activities
- Relax by the hotel pool
- Explore Fremont Street light shows (free from 6 pm)
- Visit Golden Gate Casino
- Visit Golden Nugget Casino
- Day trip to Grand Canyon
Landmarks/POIs Fremont Street Golden Gate Casino Golden Nugget Grand Canyon - Day 4
Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Drive north to Los Angeles in your rental car, taking roughly 4-5 hours. Once there, check out Beverly Hills to see how the wealthy live, then drive Mulholland Drive through the hills for great city views. Walk along Hollywood Boulevard to see the Walk of Fame with its 2,800 pink stars embedded in the sidewalk. For the best view of the Hollywood Sign itself, head to Griffith Observatory. You'll get both that landmark in your sights and a beautiful sunset over the city.
Optional Activities
- Explore Beverly Hills
- Drive Mulholland Drive
- Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Visit Griffith Observatory for Hollywood Sign views
Landmarks/POIs Beverly Hills Mulholland Drive Hollywood Walk of Fame Hollywood Sign Griffith Observatory - Day 5
Los Angeles
Head to Santa Monica Pier in the morning or early afternoon. The colorful Ferris wheel and old roller coaster give it that classic amusement park vibe. From there, walk over to Venice Beach and stroll the Ocean Front Walk where you'll see muscle builders on Muscle Beach, street artists performing, and plenty of spots to grab food. The whole area has that laid-back California feel with musicians playing and cold drinks available everywhere.
Optional Activities
- Visit Santa Monica Pier
- Explore Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk
- Watch muscle builders on Muscle Beach
- Browse street art and vendor galleries
Landmarks/POIs Santa Monica Pier Venice Beach Muscle Beach - Day 6
Los Angeles
Today you can go either direction. Head to Venice Beach or Malibu Beach for endless sand and that relaxed ocean atmosphere, or explore downtown LA instead. If you go downtown, the Disney Concert Hall is a striking building with modern architecture and great photo opportunities surrounded by skyscrapers. Union Station is another good stop, a historic building that's been used as a movie location multiple times and appeals to film buffs.
Optional Activities
- Visit Venice Beach
- Visit Malibu Beach
- Explore Disney Concert Hall
- Visit Union Station
Landmarks/POIs Venice Beach Malibu Beach Walt Disney Concert Hall Union Station - Day 7
Los Angeles
Start your morning hiking Runyon Canyon for views over the city and the possibility of spotting celebrities since it's popular with both locals and famous people. After working up an appetite, shop along Rodeo Drive with its high-end designer stores, or wander the side streets for more affordable options. The restaurants in the area serve everything from American classics to international food, so you'll have no trouble finding lunch or an early dinner.
Optional Activities
- Hike Runyon Canyon
- Shop on Rodeo Drive
- Browse side street shops with affordable prices
- Dine at area restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Runyon Canyon Rodeo Drive - Day 8
Los Angeles to San Diego
Spend one last morning at Venice Beach watching the bodybuilders and skateboarders do their thing, then drive south to Malibu Beach for a bit before heading out. The drive to San Diego takes about 2-3 hours and you'll arrive as the sun sets, with palm trees lining the streets and the skyline shimmering. Once there, choose between exploring the Gaslamp Quarter with its neon signs and rooftop bars for drinks and views, or relax at Seaport Village where you can grab a burrito and watch the sunset over the water.
Optional Activities
- Final visit to Venice Beach
- Visit Malibu Beach
- Explore Gaslamp Quarter with rooftop bars
- Relax at Seaport Village with sunset views
Landmarks/POIs Venice Beach Malibu Beach Gaslamp Quarter Seaport Village 
- Day 9
San Diego
Drive to La Jolla where the water is that bright turquoise color and sea lions hang out on the rocks. You can walk barefoot down to La Jolla Cove where waves crash against the cliffs. If you want more action, kayaking through the hidden sea caves is an option and you might see rays in the water. Grab tacos and cold brew at Shore Rider to refuel, then head to nearby Torrey Pines for a short hike with views of the Pacific Ocean stretching out endlessly.
Optional Activities
- Walk to La Jolla Cove
- Kayak through hidden sea caves (optional, payable on site)
- Dine at Shore Rider
- Hike at Torrey Pines
Landmarks/POIs La Jolla Cove Torrey Pines - Day 10
San Diego
Spend the day in Balboa Park checking out the Spanish architecture, colorful tile work, and giant cacti scattered around. Live guitar music and dancers often perform there. Walk through the tropical gardens and take in all the different scents and plants. Head to Liberty Public Market to try the freshly baked empanadas, dumplings, fluffy donuts, and burgers. Eat outside and enjoy the street music and sound of palm trees rustling in the breeze.
Optional Activities
- Explore Balboa Park gardens and architecture
- Watch live performers in Balboa Park
- Visit Liberty Public Market
- Dine at Liberty Public Market
Landmarks/POIs Balboa Park Liberty Public Market - Day 11
San Diego to Home
Use your last few hours to collect final memories and take any last photos you want. Maybe grab one more coffee with a view before returning the rental car at the airport. As your flight climbs, watch the USA shrink into a miniature landscape below. Think back on all the sunsets, the road trip feeling, beach days, and exciting moments from the past week.
Optional Activities
- Enjoy final coffee with a view
- Take final souvenir photos
- Day 12
Arrival Home
You'll land back home and collect your luggage at baggage claim. After clearing customs if needed, head out into normal life again. Over the next few days, you'll be sharing all those unforgettable experiences with friends and family, probably looking through photos and remembering the highlights from your trip.
