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 in the pool. Later this evening, walk the Strip to catch some free attractions. The iconic 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign is worth a photo, and you can watch the Bellagio fountains light up and see the volcanic eruption show at the Mirage. If you want paid options, the Stratosphere Tower or High Roller observation wheel both offer great views of the city.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Explore the Las Vegas Strip
- View Bellagio Fountain Show
- View Mirage Volcanic Eruption
- Visit Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign
Optional Activities
- Stratosphere Tower visit
- High Roller observation wheel ride
Landmarks Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign Bellagio Fountains Mirage Volcano Stratosphere Tower High Roller The Venetian Luxor Paris Las Vegas - Day 2
Las Vegas to St. George
Start by checking out the themed hotels on the Strip like the Venetian, Luxor, and Paris Las Vegas. After that, head to the Neon Museum to see over 200 historic neon signs from Vegas history. Then you'll drive out of the city toward St. George, leaving the casinos behind for red rocks and desert landscapes. Bryce Canyon sits further ahead with its distinctive rock formations waiting for tomorrow.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Neon Museum visit and admission
Landmarks The Venetian Luxor Paris Las Vegas Neon Museum Bryce Canyon National Park - Day 3
Zion National Park
Drive along the scenic Carmel Highway toward Zion National Park, where colorful sandstone cliffs tower overhead. You'll have two main options here. The challenging Angels Landing trail gives you canyon views if you're up for a real hike, or go with the easier Kolob Canyons route and wander their peaceful canyon trails. Either way, you'll see some really beautiful natural scenery.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Angels Landing hiking trail
- Kolob Canyons visit
Landmarks Zion National Park Angels Landing Kolob Canyons Carmel Highway - Day 4
Page and Horseshoe Bend
Head toward Page with a stop at Lake Powell, the USA's second largest reservoir set between red rocks. Stop at Wahweap Overlook for photos and views. By evening you'll reach Page and head straight to Horseshoe Bend where the Colorado River curves dramatically through red rocks in a 270-degree turn. Stick around for sunset when the rocks glow red and orange.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Lake Powell viewing
- Wahweap Overlook stop
Optional Activities
- Horseshoe Bend visit and admission
Landmarks Lake Powell Wahweap Overlook Horseshoe Bend - Day 5
Monument Valley to Santa Fe
Drive through the desert into Monument Valley where massive boulders rise from flat earth in classic Wild West landscape. Travel the Scenic Drive to see rock formations you've probably seen in old Western films. From there, head toward Santa Fe, America's oldest state capital. You'll explore adobe houses, colorful streets, the Plaza for a break, and Canyon Road packed with art galleries.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Scenic Drive in Monument Valley
Optional Activities
- Monument Valley admission
Landmarks Monument Valley Santa Fe Plaza Canyon Road - Day 6
Santa Fe
Start your morning with coffee at a local café surrounded by terracotta walls and cactus plants. Walk through boho streets filled with art and creative energy. Then drive to Bandelier National Monument to explore ancient cliff dwellings and soak in the Wild West atmosphere. Back in Santa Fe for evening, head to the Railyard District where you'll find street food, live music, and sunset views among vintage trains decorated with fairy lights.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Explore Santa Fe streets and Plaza
- Railyard District evening exploration
Optional Activities
- Bandelier National Monument visit and entrance fee
Landmarks Santa Fe Plaza Bandelier National Monument Railyard District - Day 7
Santa Fe to Albuquerque via Madrid
Drive toward Albuquerque through New Mexico desert. Stop in Madrid, a former mining town now filled with colorful houses, galleries, and an artsy vibe. Continue to Albuquerque and walk through Old Town with its adobe buildings, shops, and street musicians. Step onto legendary Route 66 itself. If time allows, the Sandia Peak Tramway ride gives you nice desert views from above.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Route 66 exploration
Optional Activities
- Sandia Peak Tramway ride
Landmarks Madrid Albuquerque Old Town Route 66 Sandia Peak Tramway - Day 8
Albuquerque
Start with fluffy pancakes and a milkshake at an actual Route 66 diner. Spend the day exploring the Mother Road with its neon signs, old motels, colorful murals, and vintage character. Check out Nob Hill where retro charm meets modern boutiques and cool cafés with street art. Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn about New Mexico's indigenous communities. Keep an eye out for hot air balloons on the horizon since Albuquerque is the Balloon Capital of the World.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Route 66 diner breakfast
- Nob Hill exploration
Optional Activities
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center visit
Landmarks Route 66 Nob Hill Indian Pueblo Cultural Center - Day 9
Albuquerque to Williams via Petrified Forest and Red Rock Country
Drive toward Williams along Route 66. Stop at Petrified Forest National Park to walk easy trails like Blue Mesa and Crystal Forest, seeing petrified trees and colorful desert landscapes. In Winslow, take the famous photo at the 'Standin' on the Corner' spot. Then enter Red Rock Country and explore Red Rock Canyon Park with its trails and views. Drive the Red Rock Loop Road and see Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge. If time works out, check Fay Canyon for its natural arch. You'll arrive in Williams for the evening to experience Route 66 nostalgia with neon signs, classic diners, and vintage shops.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Blue Mesa trail hike
- Crystal Forest trail hike
- Red Rock Loop Road drive
- Cathedral Rock viewing
- Devil's Bridge viewing
Optional Activities
- Petrified Forest National Park admission
- Fay Canyon visit
Landmarks Petrified Forest National Park Blue Mesa Trail Crystal Forest Trail Standin' on the Corner Park Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Cathedral Rock Devil's Bridge Fay Canyon Williams - Day 10
Grand Canyon
Today you'll see the Grand Canyon, one of the world's natural wonders. Your first view of this vast, colorful canyon will be something you don't forget. Walk multiple viewpoints on the South Rim using your car or free shuttles. For a more involved experience, lace up your hiking boots and do the Bright Angel Trail. Afternoon into evening, head to Hopi Point to watch the sun transform the rocks into glowing red and orange tones.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- South Rim viewpoint exploration
- Free shuttle service
Optional Activities
- Bright Angel Trail hiking
Landmarks Grand Canyon National Park Bright Angel Trail Hopi Point - Day 11
Williams to Palm Springs
You'll drive toward Palm Springs with the California sun beating down on the desert. Palm Springs appears like an oasis with green palms and pools everywhere. This resort town gets 350 days of sunshine annually and attracts celebrities looking to relax. Park your rental car and settle in for the evening. Cool off in the pool or grab dinner and cocktails at one of the city's good restaurants.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Landmarks Palm Springs - Day 12
Joshua Tree National Park to Los Angeles
Head to nearby Joshua Tree National Park to see the Joshua Trees, a type of yucca tree, standing against the bright Mojave Desert sky. Watch for wildlife like iguanas, coyotes, and unusual birds among giant boulders and rock formations. Hike the Nature Valley Trail with massive rocks and famous Joshua Trees all around. From there, continue on Route 66 toward Los Angeles with the music up and wind in your hair for the full road trip experience.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Nature Valley Trail hiking
Optional Activities
- Joshua Tree National Park entrance fee
Landmarks Joshua Tree National Park Nature Valley Trail - Day 13
Los Angeles
Hike Runyon Canyon for views of the entire LA skyline and the chance to spot celebrities. At the top, you'll have a complete view over the city. After that, explore Rodeo Drive with its designer stores, or check out nearby side streets with more affordable boutiques. The neighborhood has excellent restaurants serving both American and international food.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Runyon Canyon hike
Optional Activities
- Rodeo Drive shopping
Landmarks Runyon Canyon Park Rodeo Drive - Day 14
Los Angeles Beaches and Downtown
Spend the day discovering LA's beaches and downtown. Choose between Venice Beach for its iconic character or Malibu Beach for endless sand and laid-back atmosphere. For city exploring, head downtown to see the futuristic Disney Concert Hall and historic Union Station, a popular filming location. You'll experience both LA's coastal charm and urban culture in one day.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Venice Beach visit
- Malibu Beach visit
- Disney Concert Hall visit
- Union Station visit
Landmarks Venice Beach Malibu Beach Walt Disney Concert Hall Union Station - Day 15
Los Angeles Departure
Enjoy your final hours in Los Angeles with one more coffee with a view or last photos for your album. Reflect on your road trip through Vegas, national parks, Route 66, and LA beaches. Then head to the airport, return your rental car that's been your road trip companion, and fly home with memories of the entire adventure.
