THE ULTIMATE WEST COAST ROAD TRIP
“My favourite thing to do, is to go where I have never been”
That’s the thing about road trips isn’t it - that feeling you get. The spark of curiosity of the adventures that may lay ahead of you. The concept of time disappearing with each passing mile and everyday responsibilities drifting away behind you. You’re ready to be inspired, learn something new about the world, about yourself even. So you throw your bags in the car, press play on your favourite wanderlust inducing playlist, and hit the open road, driving off into the sun.
I would argue that a road trip on The West Coast of America is the creme de la crème of all road trips. I’m not really sure I have the words to describe just how incredible it was, but I’ll give it my best shot.
When I embarked upon this adventure, I had a feeling it would be good, but WOAH! I fell head over heels in love with this beautiful country, more than I ever imagined was possible.
Are you ready for 3000 miles worth of incredible experiences, scenery and wildlife that will leave you speechless? Then here it is; The Ultimate West Coast Road Trip
2 Nights in San Francisco, California
I’m not sure what it is about San Francisco. Maybe it’s the rolling hills, or iconic landmarks like The Golden Gate Bridge, or the Sea lions at Pier 39. Maybe it’s that it feels like a small town, but each neighbourhood has something unique to offer. Or possibly it’s the fascination around Alcatraz and the unanswered questions about the escaped prisoners. Did they make it? All I do know is, San Francisco makes me feel enough that it’s made it to my top 5 favourite cities in the world. It’s character wows me, and I hope you love it too.
Top Tips
My favourite way to sightsee in a city is to follow your feet and get lost! We walked 13 miles in one day, but it was so worth it, as you get to see so much more that you’d otherwise miss!
It can get quite breezy in San Fran, so maybe pack a jumper!
Be sure to book your Alcatraz tickets well in advance. You can only book tickets to tour Alcatraz island with Alcatraz Cruises. Do not be fooled by unauthorised sellers.
3 Nights in Yosemite National Park, California
(Pick up your hire car and set off on a 3-hour drive from San Francisco)
It had been a hot minute since I last saw some really good mountains, but oh my lord, Yosemite is something else!! The mountains are magnificent, epic, iconic and beautiful all rolled up into one. El Capitan is mind blowing, and the Valley is stunning, filled with gorgeous meadows, the tallest trees I have ever seen and gentle streams. The waterfalls were magical, and the wildlife was plentiful. We even met a (thankfully) very peaceful bear munching on berries on one of our trails. I teared up multiple times from being overwhelmed at how beautiful this National Park was. I’ll be writing more about Yosemite in the future, but for now, add it to your itinerary - you’d be crazy not to.
Top Tips
Use the App All Trails to discover the best hikes. Be sure to download the maps to prevent getting lost!
Stay in the Park itself if you can - camping in the Valley would be amazing! Camp sites are on high demand so book well in advance!
Always be prepared when hiking. Know the weather forecast, pack food, water, sensible clothes and be considerate of wildlife.
2 nights in Lake Tahoe, California / Nevada
(3-hour drive from Yosemite, although it took us more like 6 as we kept parking up to admire the views!)
I didn’t think anything could get any better than what we had experienced in Yosemite, but Lake Tahoe is absolutely perfect and offers it’s own kind of magic. I will be making it my mission to go back there at some point. It’s probably my most favourite Lake I have ever visited in the world. Click here to read more about why that is. I will also be writing a more detailed post about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat soon.
Top Tips
Stay at Incline Village or South Lake Tahoe.
Stand Up Paddle Boards are an amazing way to see the lake
Follow trails around the lake to find the most beautiful coves!
Always be prepared when hiking. know the weather forecast, pack food, water and sensible clothes. It’s normally the smaller trails that catch me off guard!
1 Night in Ely, Nevada
(Ely is a 6-hour drive from Lake Tahoe)
Follow Highway 50, also known as the loneliest highway. I anticipated a boring drive, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It stayed true to it’s name, we barely saw another car on the road, but the scenery was beautiful, everything you’d expect an American road trip to be. Look forward to desert like mountains, dust devils and majestic sunsets.
Ely was a stop off destination for us on the way to Zion, and it was a very interesting little town. It is situated remotely in the mountains and is full of history and quirky hotels (beware of brothels, unless that’s your scene!)
You can read more about Ely here.
2 Nights in Zion National Park, Utah
(Zion is roughly a 4-hour drive from Ely. We set off early to make the most of the day)
Welcome to planet Zion.
Seriously, it feels like you have touched down on a different planet. With beautiful red rock mountains that will inspire your inner artist, and home to what is said to be one of America’s scariest hikes; ‘Angels Landing’.
Zion is the place for scenery and adventure.
Top Tips
Park your car at the visitor centre, it’s free! Then use the buses to explore the park!
Get up early to avoid the heat, busy buses and to make the most of your day!
Take hiking poles with you to explore the Narrows, and walking shoes that you are happy to get wet. Or, you can always rent from Zion Outfitters located just outside the entrance to the National Park.
Always be prepared when hiking. Know the weather forecast, pack food, water and sensible clothes.
Not far from our next location, we made a stop at the wonder that is horseshoe bend.
After an uncomfortably hot 3/4 of a mile walk, we rested on the red rocks, admiring one of the most photographed natural splendors of the world, whilst scanning for boats in the river below.
I’d recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Another quick 10 mile drive and we arrived at a scheduled tour of Upper Antelope Canyon.
The enchanting world of slot canyons, made from sandstone carved over millions of years by wind and water, will awaken your inner photographer.
It is said that the worlds most expensive photograph was taken in these canyons, and later sold for a record $6.5 million.
The tours are popular, and it is recommended you book in advance, but on that note, I do feel that the tours were a little too overcrowded, and it would be better if the numbers were reduced slightly. I wouldn’t let this put you off though, they are definitely worth seeing.
1 Night in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
(2 hours and 35 minutes from Antelope Canyon is Tusayan, gateway to the South Rim on the Grand Canyon
I’m sure the Grand Canyon needs no introduction. It is so vast and mind-blowingly beautiful that it literally doesn’t look real. I wish we had more time at the Grand Canyon, I would have loved to have gotten off the beaten path and hiked down into the Canyon to explore. Instead, we took advantage of the free shuttle bus to admire the epic views from the South Rim.
Before our next stop we took a detour to Hoover Dam. A historic landmark that sits 725 feet above the Colorado River, making it the highest concrete dam in the Western hemisphere, and a magnificent piece of engineering to witness
1 Night in Las Vegas, Nevada
(Las Vegas is a 4-hour drive from Tusayan)
If you want to see Vegas properly, one night is nowhere near enough. I’m more of an outdoors kind of gal, so 1 night in Vegas on this trip was enough to get a taster of what it is all about. However, let me tell you from experience, Vegas is wild.
1 Night in Joshua Tree National Park, California
(Joshua Tree is a 3.5-hour drive from Las Vegas)
Surprisingly, Joshua Tree was the quietest national park I have visited in the USA so far. Maybe because I visited in September when the temperature can reach 34 degrees celsius (94 degrees Fahrenheit) , and it’s likely that more sensible people were avoiding the desert the heat. . . Anyhow, welcome to yet another new world. The variety in environments you will experience on this adventure is unbelievable. The landscape in Joshua Tree is so unique, and the star gazing is like nothing I have ever seen before!
Top Tips
You can find some really quirky accommodation in Joshua tree, it’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the views.
Always be prepared when hiking. Pack food, water and sensible clothes.
1 Night Los Angeles, California
(Los Angeles is a 2-hour drive from Joshua Tree National Park)
I hadn’t heard raving reviews about Los Angeles to be honest. Whilst it doesn’t yet sit highly on my list of favourite cities, I can’t really say a bad word about it.
After a 1 night stay, I cannot claim to be an expert, however, we did enjoy our first US ice hockey game (which is great fun!) and climbed up to the Hollywood sign to go celebrity spotting.
Oh, and we also had our first ever hostel and shared dormitory experience in LA which was eventful, and something that I will write about at a later date!
20 minutes from the city, and you will find yourself in the gorgeous seaside town of Santa Monica! It is such an iconic location with lovely shops, restaurants and of course the gorgeous beach complete with the famous pier. If you have time, I would suggest Santa Monica is a lovely place to stay.
2 Nights on the Pacific Highway, California (Big Sur)
Oh California. How special you are. The pacific highway is absolutely incredible, and cruising down the 101 must be added to your bucket list right this second. It is clear to see why this place is home to the the rich and famous as the coastline features gorgeous beaches, dramatic cliffs, the most beautiful waterfalls and stunning wildlife. Take your time, park up at every look out point that you can and really absorb the world and it’s magic.
Top Tips
I would book accommodation at one or two different locations along the pacific highway, to allow you to really take your time exploring the coast. Carmel by the sea was my absolute favourite little town with quaint restaurants and gorgeous houses.
An early drive on the highway will allow you to beat the crowds.
Most people would recommend driving South down the pacific highway, to be on the right side of the road for the views. I would argue that whilst that is the most ideal scenario, it is not really necessary, so don’t let that dictate your trip.
1 Night San Francisco, California
(2-hour drive from Pebble Beach)
This is where our trip sadly came to an end and we decided to spend our final evening in china town! We found a great restaurant with delicious Chinese food that we have found difficult to come by in America - followed by an early night ready for our morning flight back to Boston, dreaming about the most marvellous, unforgettable American road trip.
If you’ve made it this far in to the adventure, I want to say thank you! Before you go, here are some key take away messages for an American Road trip.
We allowed 17 nights for this trip, but you could easily add to or reduce the duration to suit your own needs
The USA is not the cheapest country and so travelling on a budget here is a challenge. I would recommend booking accommodation and hire cars well in advance to secure the best deals. You could also book an air bnb with a kitchen to take advantage of being able to cook!
I love being spontaneous, but I think on a trip like this, planning pays off.
To enter the nationals parks, you have to pay an entrance fee of around $35 per vehicle. However, I would instead recommend purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass for $80. The pass covers the owner of the card, and up to 3 accompanying adults. On this trip alone you will visit at least 4 national parks, and so you easily get better value for your money. You can purchase your pass here or in person at a federal recreation site.
I’d love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments, have you been on a west coast road trip? Where else would you recommend? Or maybe you’re planning one? Submit your questions below!