The Ultimate 2 Week West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary
The American West Coast is undoubtedly one of the most incredible road trip destinations in the United States, if not the world.
It really has a distinct identity all on its own, picture gorgeous red rock formations as tall as the sky, colorful sweeping canyons, long dusty roads lined with cacti, and vast native American culture.
It’s easy to understand why people fall in love with this place as it is like no other.
To truly explore this place in depth you really need an entire month. I only had two weeks to explore this incredible area and was determined to hit all the best places possible.
Ready to feel the wind in your hair? Buckle in, as I’m here to share with you my West Coast adventures and how you can also explore this fantastic part of the world with my complete 2-week West Coast USA itinerary.
Ready to hit the open road? From Monument Valley to sunny Palm Springs this unforgettable 2-week West Coast USA itinerary has it all.
Geographically the West Coast includes states such as Washington, Oregon & California however, I decided to throw Utah into the mix and make this a West Coast/South West kinda road trip.
The trip begins in Los Angeles, travels through Utah and Arizona, and ends in Los Angeles, California.
You can easily explore this west coast itinerary in reverse as it is just one big loop. That said you can modify this road trip to add more cities or national parks if you have more time to explore.
2 Week West Coast USA Itinerary Outline
Stop 1: Los Angeles
Stop 2: Palm Springs
Stop 3: Las Vegas
Stop 4: Bryce Canyon National Park
Stop 5: Moab, Utah
Stop 6: Monument Valley
Stop 7: Page, Arizona
Stop 8: Zion National Park
Stop 9: Las Vegas
Stop 10: Los Angeles
Hot Tip!
One thing I do recommend doing before exploring any of the national parks is to get yourself an Annual Parks Pass.
This $80 park pass will grant you entry to many of the national parks in the United States and will save you a ton on entry fees.
Some popular parks, trails, and attractions may require a reservation or permit. Check out Travel in the USA’s article for parks that require a reservation.
Car, Camper, or RV?
For this 2-week West Coast USA itinerary, you will most likely need a car or RV-style camper. The west is very accustomed to this style of travel. We traveled in our converted campervan, and it was so much fun.
Websites like Cruise America and RVshare are great if you’re looking to book an RV for your road trip.
Not a big fan of camping? You can always rent a car and stay in hotels along the way. Kayak has some great deals on car rentals, I also like to use rentalcars.com as well.
Best time of year for a 2-week USA West Coast Road Trip?
You can follow this 2 week West Coast USA itinerary at any time however, there are definitely better times of the year to visit than others.
In my opinion, the best time to visit out west is in the early Fall and Spring seasons.
The temperatures are milder, which makes hiking and other outdoor activities more enjoyable. We visited during the tail end of the summer, and the temperatures were still very high 100°F (38°C). With this in mind, I wouldn’t recommend this time as it’s just too hot for comfort.
Stop 1: Los Angeles
2 days
Accommodation: Hotel Ziggy West Hollywood
I personally recommend starting and ending your trip in Los Angeles, California. This is for a few reasons, you won’t have to deal with one-way costs of car rentals, and there are always cheaper and more affordable flights from LAX Airport.
Los Angeles is a major city with a direct international airport making it the perfect hub for many international tourists visiting the United States.
If you decide to use a rental car service kayak is a great place to start and compare prices and if you are feeling extra adventurous consider hiring a camper van, true road trip style!
Los Angeles is a HUGE city with a lot to offer, you will want to spend at least 1-2 days exploring the highlights such as Venice Beach, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica.
Day One
West Hollywood
Known to the locals as “WeHo” this fun and vibrant Los Angeles suburb is right in the middle of everything making it the perfect starting point for exploring LA. Check out below my top things to see and do in West Hollywood.
Hollywood Bowl
Nestled in the Hollywood Hills is LA’s Hollywood Bowl an amphitheater used for live concerts. Since its opening in 1922, the bowl has been the epicenter for live music in Southern California. Check here for tickets and showings.
Griffith Park
Home to the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, Autry Museum, and of course the iconic Hollywood Sign. Griffith Park is the best way to see Los Angeles from above. The observatory is a great spot to discover outer-space exhibits and the surrounding hiking trails offer stellar views of the entire Los Angeles valley below.
Hike to the Hollywood Sign
Nothing screams more iconic than hiking to the famous Hollywood Sign. Choose from 3 hiking routes the Mt. Hollywood Trail, Canyon Boulevard Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. The hike is roughly 2-3 hrs roundtrip including the walk to the trailhead.
I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the great outdoors, it’s my favorite hike in all of Los Angeles, and it’s certainly worth adding to your Los Angeles bucket list.
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Day Two
LACMA and Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Los Angeles County Museum of Art aka “LACMA” is located on Museum Row, adjacent to the La Brea Tar Pits. The museum features great art displays from ancient periods right up to the present day.
Don’t miss taking a photo at the popular Urban Light display out front of the museum.
Just a short walk from the LACMA is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures another excellent museum filled with Hollywood movie props, cultural exhibits, and more.
This a great place if you are into the art of movie making and film, there is always something fun and exciting happening at the Academy Museum.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Exploring LA wouldn’t be complete without a quick visit to Santa Monica and Venice. Don’t miss exploring the Santa Monica Pier and its famous Pacific Park, it’s also worth waiting to watch the sunset from the beach.
Lastly, to end your day in Venice, I highly recommend hiring a bike and leisurely riding along the boardwalk to Venice Beach from the Santa Monica Pier. Be sure to check out the highlights such as the famous Venice Beach Sign, Abbott Kinny Boulevard, and Venice Canals.
Los Angeles’s beaches are not to be missed. If you have extra time I also recommend visiting Malibu, it’s about 45 mins from West Hollywood and is known for its beautiful beaches and celebrity homes.
Stop 2: Los Angeles to Palm Springs
1 day
Drive time: 1hr 46mins
Accommodation: Outdoor Resort Palm Springs
The next stop on this West Coast road trip itinerary is Plam Springs. This gorgeous town is filled with beautiful palm trees, and boutique restaurants and not to mention has a stellar collection of mid-century modern homes.
It’s the quintessential oasis for relaxing and outdoor adventures.
Spend a full day exploring the town and its top highlights. You can wander downtown and explore the many boutique cafes and restaurants or rent a bike and leisurely ride around the neighborhoods admiring the stunning mid-century modern architecture.
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Palm Springs located in the Coachella Valley has so much to offer. Check out below my top things to do in Plam Springs.
Palm Springs Visitor Centre
Albert Frey’s Ariel Tramway is a Palm Springs landmark and is also home to the Palm Springs Infomation Centre. The center is touristy but totally worth checking out, here you can find souvenirs, maps, and apparel for sale.
Moorten Botanical Gardens
This place is cacti heaven! The garden showcases over 3000 different species of desert cacti and plants. Enjoy strolling through the garden and learning about all the different succulents and desert plants and the areas in which they grow.
Joshua Tree National Park
If you get enough time, I highly recommend exploring the natural beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree displays a fascinating variety of plants and rock formations which are native to the Mojave Desert.
Be sure to check out the many hiking trails within the park, my favorite spot is the beautiful Cholla Cactus Garden, but be careful walking through you don’t want these prickly guys to touch you.
On day three you will want to get up for an early morning start, as the drive from Palm Springs to Las Vegas is roughly 4hrs.
Since Vegas is so iconic I could not put it on my list of places to see, it wouldn’t be a West Coast road trip without it am I right?
You’ll want to spend the whole day exploring the area, and if it’s your first time in Las Vegas, then I highly recommend staying on the strip amongst all the glitz and glamor.
The list of top things to see and do in Vegas is endless, and there is always something for everyone.
Vegas is known for its live shows, gambling, fine dining, and glamorous nightlife. Be sure to check out the many strip hotels, each with its own unique theming.
Don’t miss popular attractions such as the Bellagio Fountain Display and of course, snap a selfie at the famous Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas sign.
Regarding restaurants, Vegas is well known for its Michelin-star dining and of course buffets. If you’re looking for the best all-you-can-eat, hit up the buffet at the Wynn Hotel, It’s absolutely incredible.
Stop 4: Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon
2 days
Drive time: 4hrs
Accommodation: Bryce Canyon National Park Campground
Utah is home to many incredible national parks with Bryce Canyon being one of them. This impressive national park is full of unique rock formations, fantastic hiking trails, and the most spectacular views you will ever see.
Bryce Canyon is so underrated and like no other park I have visited. The best thing about Bryce Canyon National Park is that you only need a day or two to explore its surroundings fully.
Bryce Canyon is one of those parks that can be explored in just one day, however, you will want to spend at least two, so you can really make the most of the park. Allowing two days will let you see a sunset when you arrive and a sunrise the next morning.
When it comes to choosing a hiking trail, honestly they are all pretty amazing so you really can’t go wrong. See below my Bryce Canyon itinerary and how to make the most of your two days at the park.
Day One
Visitors Center
Start your day off at the Visitors Center. Here you can get some trail maps, check the weather conditions of the park, and any souvenirs you wish to buy. The rangers here can help you if you have any questions.
The Visitors Center is also the central hub for the park shuttle, it’s free to catch and commutes guests to the most popular overlooks, amenities, and trailheads.
Hike the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail
The best hike in the park and also my favorite is the Navajo Loop paired with the Queens Garden Trail. Starting at Sunset Point, begin your hike on the Navajo Loop Trail, connect with the Queens Garden Trail, and finish at Sunrise Point.
Walk back to your car via the Bryce Canyon Rim Trail. The total length of the hike is 2.9 miles (4.6 km) and has an elevation gain of 515 feet (157 m). The hike should take around 1-2 hrs to complete, depending on your fitness level.
Drive to Bryce Point
Hop in the car for a short drive to the Bryce Point Parking Lot. Spend some time taking in the incredible views and surroundings.
Watch the Sunset at Sunrise Point
Your last stop of the day! Head back towards the Vistors Center, stopping at Sunrise Point. Weirdly enough, I personally think the best spot for viewing the sunset is Sunrise Point. It’s a definite must-see from here, and the views won’t disappoint.
Day Two
Watch the Sunrise at Sunset Point
Kick off your last day at Sunset Point to watch the sunrise. If you’re not a morning person I totally get it I’m not an early bird either however, I do like to make exceptions at places I feel I may only ever get to see once and it’s always 100% worth it once you’re there.
Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
It’s time to cruise along the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive. The drive starts at the Visitors Center and ends at Rainbow Point. The route is a 38-mile round-trip scenic drive with 13 viewpoints, each offering slightly different views.
I recommend driving all the way to Rainbow Point and then stopping at the viewpoints on your way back down. My favorite overlooks were Natural Bridge, Black Birch Canyon & Agua Canyon.
Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge
Stop for lunch at the Bryce Canyon Lodge. The dining at The Lodge offers a wide variety of food options. We actually ate here twice when we visited the park it was that good.
Breakfast is served from 7.30 am to 10 am, lunch is from 11.30 to 3 pm, and dinner is from 5 pm to 9 pm. Seating in on a first come first serve basis.
Hike Mossy Cave Trail
This is your last stop in Bryce Canyon before heading to your next location, this stop is also optional depending on how much time you have. Mossy Cave Trail is located just outside the main park entrance in the northern section of the park on Highway 12.
This beautiful hiking trail follows a stream to a mossy cave (hence the trail name). With only a 300 ft elevation gain this trail is considered easy according to the National Park Service.
Stop 5: Bryce Canyon to Moab
2 days
Drive time: 4hrs 20mins
Accommodation: Free Dispersed Camping and Willow Flat Campground
Moab, Utah, is the ultimate hub for adventure seekers, campers, and photographers. It’s home to two of the most famous national parks in the United States Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
When I first arrived at this place, I remember feeling so at home as it felt similar to my hometown in Australia (minus the amazing rocks & canyons). The vibes were very chill here, and all the locals were super friendly and welcoming.
If this is your first time visiting the area, well you’re in for a treat. Explore the many parks, rivers, and hiking trails that boast Moab’s dramatic scenery.
The one great thing about Moab is just how close the two national parks are, Arches is roughly 5 miles (8 km) from the center of town, and Canyonlands is 30.2 miles (48 km) from town.
You could easily spend a whole week here and not see everything however, you can cover many of the park’s highlights without even leaving your car.
Day One
Arches National Park
Arches is a relatively small national park, the downside to this is that the park can become very busy during the high seasons.
I recommend starting your hikes super early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This is also good for high-heat conditions if you visit during summer.
Double Arch
Hiking to Double Arch is one of the many popular hiking trails within Arches, visitors love this trail, and for a good reason. Double Arch is a short, primarily flat hiking trail that leads hikers to a double-arch rock formation.
This arch may look small from the car park however, the sheer size of the arch becomes super clear the closer you get to it. It’s absolutely massive! It’s also considered the third-largest arch opening in the entire park.
The hike is a 0.8-mile (1.2 km) round trip and is considered an easy trail.
Delicate Arch
The arch with the most attention goes to Delicate Arch. It’s the arch you see all over social media and is undoubtedly one of North America’s most famous rock arches.
It certainly wouldn’t be a 2-week west coast USA itinerary without a visit to this spot. For the best views go at sunset and watch the stars come out making the arch glow in the afternoon light.
Be careful on your way back down as you will be hiking in the dark, be sure to have your hiking essentials with you like a headlamp and compass.
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Sand Dune Arch
Another must-do hiking trail is Sand Dune Arch. It’s considered easy and takes literally 15 mins to complete.
This popular trail leads hikers to a secluded arch between tall sandstone walls. While the trail is mostly level, you do have to walk on soft sand and hike between narrow openings.
The roundtrip distance for this trail is 0.4 miles (0.6 km) with zero elevation gain.
The Windows Primitive Loop
Last up we have The Windows. This trail consists of three arches along a short 1-mile scenic loop. This hike is best viewed at sunrise or during the afternoon at sunset.
The trail starts at the North Window and then heads to the South Window. On the way to the North Window, you can also take a side detour to the south to view Turret Arch.
Day Two
Canyonlands National Park
Located 30 mins from Moab, Canyonlands National Park is known for its impressive desert landscape carved out by the Colorado River. Canyonlands consists of three major land districts the Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze.
If your coming from Moab, your best option is to visit the Island in the Sky portion. This is the most visited section of the park and the most accessible from the north.
If you have more time on your hands, you can definitely check out the other two areas, these are sometimes overlooked and have unique hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons.
My recommendations below are for the Island of the Sky as that’s where I visited on my west coast trip and what I suggest if you are short on time.
Drive the Scenic Route
Starting at the Visitors Center drive the entire 34-mile (54.7 km) Grand View Scenic Route stopping at all the amazing overlooks on the way. Starting at Shafer Canyon Overlook and ending at Grand View Point Overlook.
My all-time favorite overlook is Green River Overlook, featured above, especially at sunset. The overlook is located just past the Willows Flat Campground and showcases some of the best views of the two mighty rivers.
Mesa Arch
A great short trail to check out is Mesa Arch. Mesa is the perfect trail for families and beginner hikers. It’s a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) loop and ends at a stunning 500 ft (152.4 m) cliff with a view of White Rim through the rock arch.
This arch is best viewed at Sunrise as the sun glows directly through the arch in the early morning. If you plan to hike at sunrise, be very careful as the trailhead can become very busy during this time.
Please note that there are no railings at the arch to prevent fatal falls and always remember not to climb on the arches themselves.
Grand View Point Overlook
Another short trail worth checking out is at the Grand View Point Overlook. The trail displays spectacular panoramic views as you follow the canyon’s edge. The elevation of this hike is 73 ft (22 m) and takes around 1.5 hrs to complete.
Dead Horse State Park
Roughly 10 mins from the main entrance to Canyonlands you will see Hwy 313 which will lead to Dead Horse State Park. I highly recommend visiting if you have some spare time.
Dead Horse Point Overlook is absolutely incredible and totally worth checking out.
Stop 6: Moab to Monument Valley
Next, we have Monument Valley, one of America’s most famous and magnificent landscapes. Much of its natural beauty can be experienced by driving its scenic routes which pass by many notable landmarks and features.
I couldn’t be more amazed by its natural wonders, Monument Valley has been on my list of must-visit places for a long time, and I can honestly say it did not disappoint.
Monument Valley is a 17-mile (27.3 km) road that starts at the Vistors Center and weaves its way through the valley.
Highlights of the valley include the Mitten Buttes, the Three Sisters, the Totem Pole, and the famous Forrest Gump Hill.
Spend the day enjoying a long drive through Monument Valley on Valley Drive soaking in the stunning vistas in all directions. The drive is roughly 3-4 hours and costs about $20.00 to enter.
Driving through the valley truly feels like your driving through an old classic Hollywood western. Fun Fact: It wasn’t until John Ford featured Monument Valley in his films that it started to gain major popularity in the movie industry.
It’s now been shown in many iconic films such as Forrest Gump, National Lampoons Vacation, Back to the Future Part 3, and Mission Impossible 2.
The perfect place to catch the sunrise in Monument Valley is at Forrest Gump Hill, this spot makes for the best photos as it’s the main viewpoint of the road leading up to the rock formations that makes up the valley itself.
Goosenecks State Park
Another excellent place to check out is Goosenecks State Park, it’s located just north of Mexcian Hat and is roughly 20 mins from Monument Valley’s Forrest Gump Point.
The state park overlooks an impressive deep meander (a meander being a series of strenuous curves in a river channel).
Look down the San Juan River 1,000 ft (304.8 m) below you and see the results of millions of years of geological erosion.
Stop 7: Monument Valley to Page, Arizona
1 day
Drive time: 2hrs
Accommodation: Beehive Campground
Hello Arizona! The perfect thing about Page, Arizona is that it’s the main hub for the best things to do in the great American South West.
Page is a small northern Arizona town home to many unique attractions including Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, and Lake Powell.
With so many fun activities to choose from it can be hard to pick just a few when exploring the town of Page. With plenty of adventure opportunities, check out my top recommendations on what to see and do.
Horseshoe Bend
Definitely, the most popular attraction at Page is Horseshoe Bend. The overlook at Horseshoe is an iconic landmark and displays an impressive view of the Colorado River below.
The hike to the overlook is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip, costing $20.00 to enter.
This beautiful meander was a lot bigger than I expected and super busy. Regardless of the season, Horseshoe becomes extremely busy during sunset.
I highly suggest visiting super early in the morning, to avoid the crowds. Aim to get there at 8 am when the car park opens. Another reason for going early is to beat the heat, during the summer months the heat can become intense.
Horseshoe Bend is very exposed, and the trail there and back provides little to no shade. So be prepared.
Antelope Canyon
Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon that has been shaped by millions of years of water and erosion. It was named after the herds of pronghorn antelope that once roamed the nearby area.
Certain areas of Antelope Canyon can only be accessed via a guided tour. You can visit two areas of the slot canyon: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.
When people refer to Antelope Canyon in general, they usually refer to the Upper Canyon.
Which is better to explore, lower or upper? The Upper Canyon is a lot smaller, and darker and takes on more tours however it is the most photogenic of the two.
The Lower Canyon is a lot brighter with more light shining in, it has stairways, and it is more fun to visit.
If Antelope Canyon is on your bucket list, I recommend booking your tour well in advance, so you don’t miss out. Antelope Canyon is becoming more popular than ever, because of this it’s super important to book your tickets ASAP.
Stop 8: Page to Zion National Park
2 days
Drive time: 1hr 44mins
Accommodation: Free Dispersed Camping, or Zion NP Campgrounds
Zion National Park is one of the most incredible and unique places on planet earth. The highlight of Zion is of course its 2000 ft (609.6 m) sandstone cliffs which are considered a climbers paradise.
Located on State Route 9 in Springdale, Utah Zion National Park is a bucket list destination for many outdoor enthusiasts.
It’s ranked the second most visited park in the United States reaching an average of 5 million visitors per year.
The park’s dramatic landscape features many slot canyons, natural arches, and hiking trails that people from all over the world come to experience.
Its top highlights include The Narrows, Angels Landing, Observation Point, and of course its crown jewel Zion Canyon.
Day One
Ideally, you will want to spend 2-3 days exploring Zion National Park. This will give you enough time to see the top highlights and hike some of the longer trails within the park.
See below my ideal 2-day itinerary at Zion National Park.
Visitors Center
Head down to the Visitors Center to plan out your activities. Here you can collect maps, check hiking trail conditions, and stock up on souvenirs.
With only 2 days to explore the park, getting an early start for the best experience is critical.
Plan to have at least one big activity per day and end with a few smaller ones. For most this is either hiking The Narrows or Angels Landing two of the most popular hikes in the park.
The Narrows
The narrowest section of Zion Canyon is The Narrows (hence the name). It’s a beautiful hike through the Virgin River passing by enormous canyon walls that have eroded into beautiful rock forms.
This is a wet hike! Expect to be in wading through water for 90% of the time. Be ready for slippery cobbles in water that may be waist-deep and quite cold.
Bring river shoes that you’re okay with getting wet. Alternatively, you can rent neoprene river shoes at the Zion Outfitters
Depending on how far you go, the hike is 5 to 9.4 miles (8 to 15.1 km) roundtrip and can take hikers anywhere between 3 to 7+ hours to complete.
The trailhead starts at the Temple of Sinawava Parking Lot. Please note there are potential hazards when hiking this trail, see here for more information.
Stop for lunch at the Zion Brewery, before heading out for a few smaller hikes to end your first day in Zion.
The Pa’rus Trail
A very short and easy hike! This beautiful paved trail starts at the park’s southern entrance and heads to Canyon Junction, showcasing stunning views of The Watchman along the way.
The Pa’rus Trail is considered an easy route 3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip and takes an average of 1-2 hours to complete.
The Emerald Pools Trail Head
The lower, middle, and upper Emerald Pools are relatively easy to moderate trails that consist of 3 main sections. The trail follows a small lush stream that collects in a series of “pools.”
Hikers can choose to visit the Lower Pool Trail, the Middle & Upper Pool Trail, or combine all three trails. It takes 2.5 miles (4 km) roundtrip to hike all three. The hike time for the Emeralds is roughly 1 hour.
End your day at Canyon Junction or hike the Watchman Trail. Both spots have incredible views and are best seen at sunset.
The Canyon Overlook Trail
This great little trail leads up to a viewpoint overlooking the entire Zion Canyon below. Located just past the Zion Carmel Tunnel you will find a small car park, this is the start of the Canyon Overlook Trail.
It’s easy to reach and relatively flat, making it quite popular for many hikers. It’s about 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip and takes about 1 hour to complete.
Be sure to reach the overlook before sunset the mountain will capture the sun well before it sets. For this, you will want to ensure you’re not walking back in the dark if you do remember to bring a headlamp with you.
Day Two
Angels Landing
End your last day in Zion with a bang and hike to Angels Landing. It’s the most popular and well-known hike in all of Zion. Yet it’s one of the most strenuous and dangerous hikes you can do in the park.
With 1630 ft (496.8 m) of elevation gain, this hike is not for the faint-hearted. This 5-mile (8 km) hike will take you along a daring ridgeline of a monolith that overlooks the entire Zion Canyon.
At its peak, there are no guard rails which can be quite daunting for some as hikers are already 1,000 ft (304.8 m) above ground at this point. However, the hike to Angels Landing is truly rewarding and offers some of the most spectacular views.
Please note, you do need a permit to hike this trail. The trail is 5.4 miles (8.6 km) roundtrip and is considered difficult. Depending on your hiking level, the trail can take 2-4 hours to complete.
End your afternoon with a scenic drive through Zion before heading to your next destination.
Hwy 9 to Mt. Carmel Junction
This gorgeous scenic byway runs directly through Zion National Park. It winds past the Visitors Center and many famous landmarks.
If hiking isn’t your thing, this is one of the best ways to see and enjoy the park. Take the time to stop at all the overlooks and be sure to have your camera ready. Zion is a photographer’s dream.
Stop 9: Zion National Park to Las Vegas
1 day
Drive time: 2hrs 42mins
Accommodation: The Bellagio Hotel
To end your 2-week West Coast USA itinerary, head back to LA via Las Vegas, exploring new areas of the city and surrounding landmarks.
Spend your day exploring Downtown Las Vegas, and visiting the Hover Dam and Grand Canyon.
Downtown Las Vegas
Vegas has more to see than just the strip! Head to downtown Las Vegas and explore the historic heart of the city. Downtown Las Vegas is known for its bustling casinos, museums, and glitzy cocktail bars.
Be sure to check out places like the Mob Museum, Seven Magic Mountains, The Neon Museum, Fremont Street, and Las Vegas’s oldest casino the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino.
Grand Canyon National Park
A 2-week road trip out west isn’t complete without visiting this iconic park. Grand Canyon National Park is the most recognizable and popular landscape in the United States if not the world.
The Grand Canyon is a whooping 1,904 square miles in total and is 18 miles (28.9 km) at its widest.
The Canyon is divided into 4 sections the South Rim, North Rim, West Rim, and East Rim. Coming from Las Vegas the closest entry to the park is via the West Rim.
This is where the famous skywalk is located. A glass horseshoe-shaped skywalk that dramatically extends over the canyon ledge.
There are endless things to see and do at the Gand Canyon including hiking, river rafting, walking the historic district, guided tours, and more.
The Hoover Dam
Another great attraction worth checking out is the famous Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam is a gigantic concrete dam located at the Arizona/Nevada border near the Colorado River.
Named in honor of President Herbert Hoover, the dam controls the flooding of the Colorado River and provides water to over 16,000,000 people.
Power generated by the dam also provides energy to over 500,000 homes in the states of California, Nevada & Arizona. The Hoover Dam is a short 30 min drive from the Las Vegas strip and is a fun activity to add to your USA road trip itinerary.
The Hoover Dam’s massive size is without compression, be sure to book a tour of this incredible man-made wonder.
Stop 10: Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Drive time: 4hrs 7mins
Accommodation: Level Los Angeles Hotel
Los Angeles is the perfect place to end your road trip! Now is the time to explore other fun attractions of LA that you may have missed on your first two days.
From theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios to Hollywood Boulevard and Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is a city that keeps on giving.
Overall
Coming up with the perfect 2 week West Coast USA itinerary is almost impossible. There is so much to see and do that you can make this road trip as eventful or relaxing as you like.
I hope my 2-week West Coast itinerary has given you some major inspiration and made things a lot easier for you to create your own incredible road trip! I had a trip of a lifetime doing this, and I’m sure you will as well.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, what tips do you have for crafting your own 2 week West Coast USA itinerary?
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission that helps support this blog.
You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own, and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
Sandra
I’ve never been much of a traveler, but this itinerary is so detailed and looks like so much fun I want to pack my bags right now!
Ashlea Paige
Thank you! It’s definitely one of those bucket list road trips for sure
Simplitty - Lifestyle Blog
It had taken a lot of time to prepare this post. It’s really great. So much useful info. There is nothing more needed, just free time to go for this advantage.
Ashlea Paige
Thank you for your kind words