Home Family Holidays USA Ready-made Itineraries From Californian Coast to Desert Canyons
From Californian Coast to Desert Canyons
2-Week Year Round Highlights Itinerary - California & Western USA
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Prices from £2,025 pp
All prices exclude international flights at the start/end of your trip. Let us book flights for you.
15 days / 14 nights
Los Angeles - Pismo Beach - Monterey - San Francisco - Yosemite - Sequoia - Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Palm Springs/Joshua Tree - Los Angeles
Suitable for families
Overview
Take a two-week road trip through Western USA. Taking in the bright lights of the sprawling cities, dramatic landscapes of National Parks and stretches of golden coastline. This itinerary starts and ends in Los Angeles, home to Hollywood and the gateway to California and beyond. You’ll start with a drive northwards, hugging the coast all the way up to San Francisco before heading inland to explore the likes of Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. Las Vegas offers an exhilarating stay before you head back towards the Pacific through desert landscapes. This itinerary is suitable at any time of year.
What's included
- Accommodation – price based on a family sharing
- Excursions as described
- Car hire and insurance – prices may vary depending on departure dates
Our ready-made itineraries 1. Add your favourite itinerary to your travel plan 2. Send it our way 3.Our travel specialists will get planning and send you a quote
Location map
Your day-by-day itinerary
LA: Hollywood Hills & Beaches
Los Angeles, an iconic city with lots on offer which is sure to keep the whole family entertained. You’ll stay in Marina del Rey, a port with a bohemian vibe, that’s only a stone’s thrown from Venice beach. During your time here you can hop on bikes and cycle along Venice Beach to Santa Monica. Afterwards, you’ll have plenty of time to explore so strap on your hiking boots to navigate the trails dotted along the coast or get a taste of Tinseltown on Hollywood Boulevard.
Onward transfers
Today you’ll collect your hire car from LAX airport, as you set off on your all-American road trip! You will be driving from Los Angeles to Pismo Beach today, which takes around 3.5 hours without stops but there will be plenty of stunning seaside views during the journey.
Coasting Down Highway 1
First up you’ll visit the quaint coastal town of Pismo Beach, known for its many seafood spots and stunning sea views! From here, you’ll wind along the famous Pacific coast road, Highway 1, ending in Monterey for an unforgettable whale watching adventure for all the family. Watch the little one’s eyes light up as you spot these gentle giants from your boat, at one of the best locations in the whole of North America.
Onward transfers
Today you’ll continue your journey up the coast to the bustling city of San Francisco, this section of the coast takes around 2.5 hours to drive.
Sights & Seals of San Francisco
San Francisco is one of the must-visits for any family heading to the West Coast. The city boasts a huge array of highlights to enjoy and is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge! You’ll stay in a European-style hotel in the heart of Downtown and embark on an interactive treasure hunt that is not only lots of fun but a great way to get your bearings and learn more about life in The City by the Bay.
Onward transfers
After your time exploring San Francisco, it is time to head to Yosemite National Park. The drive today takes approx. 3.5 hours with no stops.
Pine Forests & Peaks of Yosemite
One of America’s greatest national parks, Yosemite will spark the imagination of young and old and makes for a wonderful wilderness adventure for the whole family. Rugged landscape, roaring waterfalls, soaring trees and panoramic vistas will welcome you and by the time you’ve been, you won’t want to leave. You’ll stay in a lodge close to the entrance of the park and during your visit, have the freedom to roam at your own pace. Just make sure the camera is charged and the picnic is packed!
Onward transfers
Next is the drive from one National Park to another. Sequoia is just over 3 hours away.
Towering Trees of Sequoia
From giant trees to ghost towns, the route from Yosemite to Vegas is an incredible journey through the desert and one which shouldn’t be too rushed. The next few days will see you walk amongst the soaring trees of Sequoia National Park, pan for gold in an abandoned mining town, and soak up the Old Western lifestyle still in place across the Sierra Nevada.
Onward transfers
Today you’ll drive from Sequoia to the bright lights of Las Vegas. If you avoid Death Valley, it takes around 7 hours without stops so you’ll want to leave early.
Viva Las Vegas
Viva, Las Vegas! Take a rest from the long car drives and national park adventures to spend a few days enjoying the crazy, wacky world of America’s entertainment capital. From endlessly entertaining theme parks to flashing lights, Elvis doubles and pyramid-shaped hotels, Vegas offers a great opportunity to break for some carefree family fun before disappearing in to the desert. You’ll stay in a family-friendly hotel on the famous Strip itself.
Onward transfers
As your time in the iconic city of Las Vegas comes to an end, you’ll head to another iconic American site, the Grand Canyon! Today’s journey will take 4.5 hours.
Journey through the Grand Canyon
Up to 18 miles wide, 277 river miles long and over a mile deep – the Grand Canyon is one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders. Spend a whole day exploring the South Rim, easily accessed and great for families, with easy trails to hike and mesmeric views of the vast gorge. If you fancy taking to the sky, helicopter rides are also available – giving you a bird’s eye view of this truly magical place.
Onward transfers
The next journey you’ll embark on is from the Grand Canyon to Palm Springs. This takes between 6-7 hours depending on the route you choose.
From Joshua Tree to Palm Springs
This alien landscape, home to skull-shaped rock formations, fan-palm oases and, of course, the bizarrely shaped Joshua Trees, makes the ideal location for the next stop on your family road-trip. Based in the nearby town of Palm Springs, you’ll explore this fascinating area from the comfort of your modern hotel with a swimming pool where you can cool off from the desert heat.
Onward transfers
Your last long drive is from Palm Springs to Los Angeles which takes a couple of hours.
Final night in Los Angeles
You’ll spend one final night in L.A, taking in the sights of Hollywood and Beverly Hills or strolling along the epic coastline.
Onward transfers
Today you’ll drop your hire car at the airport as your family adventure comes to an end and you board your flight back to the UK.
If you’d prefer to end your stay in San Diego, just let your Travel Specialist know and we can change this for you.
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