West Coast USA Road Trip: The Perfect 4-Week Itinerary
The USA is an amazing destination for road tripping, with enough hotels, good roads, and incredible stops along the way. There are a few main 'loops' you can do in America, but we went with the 8-loop in the Southwest. This trip brings you to sights like the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Death Valley, Yosemite (we didn't visit due to the drought of the falls and the summer crowds), San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
I did this trip myself with my family on my first visit to the USA. A road trip was the perfect way to see loads of amazing places on our first trip.
Day 1 | Rest day & Exploring Vegas
Start the first day of your West-Coast USA road trip in Las Vegas. This city is one of the most bizarre I've recently visited. Not because of all the extravagant buildings and shows, but simply because of its location. It almost 'randomly' decided to be there, surrounded by a vast desert on all sides, and a little amount of cities and villages nearby. It is the 24th most populated city in the United States, and about 367,4 km2 (141.85 sq mi).
Now, for exploring Vegas, there are loads of things to do and see. But what I recommend for your first time is simply wandering from hotel to hotel. Specifically stop at the Bellagio, their indoor garden changes themes every year, from exotic animals to flowers and music themed. Do remember to stay hydrated.
Day 2 | Exploring Vegas
On your second day, head off to the pool, watch a show, and explore the rest of the hotels. End the day by watching the famous Bellagio fountain show on the Strip. Don't forget to stock up on enough drinks and snacks for the upcoming days. Drive over to the outskirts of Vegas, better parking, and just bigger shops.
Day 3 | Hoover Dam, Route 66
Start the day by driving to Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam is a concrete dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. It is a massive structure; you can walk along the rim towards the Visitor Centre and marvel 'down' at the massive dam.
Next up is Route 66, one of the first highways in the United States, also known as 'the Mother Road'. There are many amazing stops along this iconic road, like Kingman, Seligman, and many old gas stations and restaurants. (wanna know more about Route 66, read more about it in my Route 66: the Best Stops in California and Arizona article). Finish your Route 66 road trip in the Grand Canyon Village, which is the perfect base to explore the Grand Canyon.
Day 4 | Driving Day & Grand Canyon Stargazing
Finish your Route 66 road trip in the Grand Canyon Village, which is the perfect base to explore the Grand Canyon.
After dinner, head back into the park to Mather Point. Get here about half an hour before sunset; it will be packed regardless of when you arrive. And enjoy the sunset, bring some snacks and water to stay a bit longer, until the stars arrive. The Grand Canyon is one of the best places to see the Milky Way and the stars. It is part of the Dark Sky organization, specifically Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. (Other dark sky locations can be found here https://darksky.org/)
Day 5 | Grand Canyon
...
Day 6 | Monument Valley
...
Day 7 | canyon X (antilope Canyon)
...
Day 8 | Bryce Canyon
...
Day 9 | Bryce Canyon
...
Day 10 | zion
...
Day 11 | zion Morning Trail & Driving Day
...
Day 12 | Death Valley
...
Day 13 | Driving Day & Yosemite
...
Day 14 | Yosemite
...
Day 15 | Yosemite
...
Day 16 | Yosemite
...
Day 17 | Driving Day & San Francisco
...
Day 18 | San Francisco
...
Day 19 | San Francisco
...
Day 20 | San Francisco
...
Day 21 | Driving Day (Pacific Coast Highway) & Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
...
Day 22 | Driving day & Los Angeles
...
Day 23 | Los Angeles
...
Day 24 | Los Angeles
...
Camper or Car?
...
Best time to Visit
...
Renting a Car
...
Planning Tips
...
Other Tips
...
Why I Loved This Place
The main reason I love collecting stamps is that it gives an extra bit of joy. It gives so much satisfaction, getting a pretty stamp and seeing the collection grow. I love collecting things, and this is such an accessible collection, seeing as I also stamp the cancellations and extra stamps in my personal journal. It just becomes part of the routine when visiting a national park.
About Me
I’m Amber, a female traveler from the Netherlands with a deep curiosity for the world and a camera to capture it. For me, travel isn’t just about the destination, but more about the journey and the beauty of the place. I’m always drawn to beautifully designed buildings, long train rides, cozy mornings, and an inspiring hike.
Fine Art
Prints
Wander & Wild
Recent Posts
Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Tibidabo): A Guide to Barcelona’s Best Viewpoint
The Ultimate Sagrada Familia Guide: Everything you need to know before you visit
Everything you can’t miss on your first trip to Yellowstone National Park
The Complete Guide to Collecting National Park Passport Stamps
The ultimate guide to Schloss Schönbrunn
The Ultimate Sagrada Família Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit
Categories
Related Travel Guides
