2-Week Family Easter & Summer Holidays Highlights Itinerary - Western USA

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.

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!

You’ll have one night in Mammoth Lakes, a town nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Known for its walking trails, it is a great place to stop en route through this mountainous region. Take a stroll through the forest amongst the giant sequoia trees and enjoy the quaint feel of this mountain resort.

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.

A few hours on from Vegas, you’ll reach Springdale – the gateway town to the wondrous Zion National Park.  The setting for your stay couldn’t be any more picturesque, with your lodge accommodation, complete with outdoor pool, surrounded by soaring red rock formations. With a relaxed atmosphere and car-free roads, the park lends itself very nicely to visiting families and bicycles will be at your disposal during your stay so you can explore with ease on two wheels.

Bewildering and otherworldly. The geological wonder that is Bryce Canyon simply needs to be seen to be believed. You’ll discover vast natural amphitheatres filled with mystical “hoodoos” of brown, yellow and red rock and there are many spectacular viewpoints from which you can enjoy in the vast views. There is some great hiking to be had, kid’s programs and night-time astronomy talks regularly held.

Visit one of the most photographed places in the country as it should be visited, on horse. This 2-3 hour guided adventure takes you past awe-inspiring rock formations through the Wild West. Guided by your local Navajo Indian guide, you’ll learn more about the traditional way of life and culture too, as you head deep into the valley. It’s a special trip, perfect for active teens, and an ideal break from your road trip as you truly get back to nature in such an iconic place.

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.

Route 66 is one of the most legendary roads in the world, and a trip along this famous highway is a must for any family trip to the United States. It’s the perfect stopover for your family adventure too, as you move across this vast land from the Grand Canyon westwards. On this part of your family road trip, you’ll drift across dusty desert roads, past abandoned gas stations and ghost towns!

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.