Best of the West USA
SELF-DRIVE TOUR
Palm Springs | Phoenix/Scottsdale | Las Vegas | Grand Canyon | Death Valley | Yosemite National Park | San Francisco | Monterey/Carmel | Morro Bay | Santa Barbara | Los Angeles
Discover the highlights of California and dip your toes into Arizona and Nevada as you take a memorable road trip that includes the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and Yosemite National Park as well as the legendary Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 5
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Day 7
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Day 8-9
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Day 10
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
Day 1 : Arrive Los Angeles
Arrive at Los Angeles Airport and make your way to your hotel.
Day 2 : Los Angeles - Palm Springs (122 miles)
Today pick up your rental car and make your way south to Anaheim, Orange Country's headquarters for fun. Spend the day surrounded by icons and classic characters at the original Disneyland Park. Visit the nation's oldest theme park, Knott's Berry Farm, filled with old west history, or one of Anaheim's many other fun-filled attractions before continuing eat to Palm Springs. This ultimate desert playground nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains offers the perfected blend of outdoors entertainment and casual relaxation. Take time this evening to dine in one of the many excellent restaurants in downtown Palm Springs or escape the heat and ride the aerial tramway high up above the desert floor for panoramic views of the Coachella Valley.
Day 3 : Palm Springs - Phoenix/Scottsdale (269 miles)
Spend a few hours this morning exploring before continuing east, through the Coachella Valley to Phoenix and Scottsdale in central Arizona.
Day 4 : Phoenix/Scottsdale - Grand Canyon (222 miles)
Today, head north to Grand Canyon National Park, a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe. Spend the day discovering the distinct South Rim of the Canyon. Stop at one of the numerous overlooks, walk part of the Rim Trail or along the historic Hermit Road, visit a Photo Hot Spot, or climb to the top of a stone Watchtower for panoramic views that extend over 100 miles on clear days.
Day 5 : Grand Canyon - Las Vegas (273 miles)
From the incredible landscape of the Grand Canyon to an equally astonishing manmade destination. Today the bright lights of Las Vegas await. The drive takes you along historic Route 66, to the Hoover Dam, which straddles the Colorado River and is a remarkable feat of engineering, to Las Vegas
Day 6 : Las Vegas
A full day to absorb this pulsating desert city. Walk the world-famous Strip lined with hotels so impressive they are sightseeing attractions in their own right. Try your luck in a casino, take in a show or relax by the pool before dinner at superb restaurants.
Day 7 : Las Vegas - Death Valley (144 miles)
As you leave Las Vegas behind, stop for a moment to take a photo at the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign before heading west to the lowest point in North America. The Death Valley National Park is unlike anywhere else on earth and is the Mojave Desert at its most impressive. Zabriskie Point offers magnificent views of the vibrantly coloured Badlands. The stargazing here is also sensational with no light pollution.
Day 8-9 : Death Valley - Yosemite National Park (300 miles)
Travel north into the High Sierra where Tioga Road, the highest drivable pass in California, leads you into Yosemite National Park. Best known for its impressive waterfalls and spectacular rock formations, Yosemite was one of the first wilderness parks in the United States. Delve into the depths of the park with a walk to a waterfall or learn about its wonders with a ranger-guided stroll. Explore a giant sequoia grove and see the most massive trees on earth. **From early November to late May, Tioga Pass may be closed due to weather or road conditions, in which case you will need to follow the southern route.
Day 10 : San Francisco (175 miles)
Spend time exploring Yosemite before leaving for San Francisco. The route is filled with gold-rush era attractions and the state capital of Sacramento. San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures and there is plenty to explore here.
Day 11 : San Francisco
Today is completely free for you to do as much or as little as you choose. Hop on a cable car as it trundles up and down the hilly streets, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill, Union Square and the Golden Gate Park. Head across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito or embark on a journey through the Napa Valley, one of the finest wine regions in the world.
Day 12 : San Francisco - Monterey/Carmel (120 miles)
Discover one the highlights of your Californian adventure as you leave San Francisco behind and head south on Highway 1, often regarded as one of the most scenic drives on earth due to its breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. Your destination is Monterey, take in Cannery Row’s historic waterfront, which so inspired John Steinbeck, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the charming area of Carmel.
Day 13 : Morro Bay (171 miles)
Continue south along the Pacific Coast Highway and beautiful stretches of California coastline. Arrive in the quaint seaside town of Morro Bay for the night, and stroll the vibrant Embarcadero lined with seafood restaurants and boutiques.
Day 14 : Santa Barbara (106 miles)
Depart for Santa Barbara today, as you pass coastal vistas and vineyards before returning to the ocean. Tonight you’ll stay in America’s Riviera – Santa Barbara, where the mountains meet the Pacific with Mediterranean charm.
Day 15 : Los Angeles (95 miles)
Time to drop off your rental car before taking your onward flight.
Day 16 : Depart Los Angeles
Return your rental car to the airport in time for your onward flight.
