2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary for 2026: California, Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon

We’ve driven tens of thousands of miles across the United States, from Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway to the Deep South. Of all the countries we’ve road tripped, the USA remains our favourite. The combination of huge open spaces, well maintained roads, and the sheer variety of landscapes you can cover in a single trip is hard to beat.

This two week itinerary is one we keep coming back to. It’s based on our own trips through the western USA, and it combines the best of California with two of the country’s most iconic stops: Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. We’ve driven this route (and variations of it) multiple times, and every trip has thrown up something new.

If you’ve seen our two week California road trip itinerary, think of this as the expanded version. You still get the Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco, Yosemite, and Los Angeles, but you also get the neon of Vegas, stretches of Route 66, and one of the most jaw-dropping natural sights on the planet.

The route takes you through three states (California, Nevada, and Arizona) and covers a real mix of experiences: national parks, cities, coastline, and desert. It’s based on the popular “Golden Triangle” loop between Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with the Grand Canyon and Death Valley thrown in for good measure.

I won’t pretend this is a relaxing two weeks on the beach. There’s a lot of driving, and you won’t see everything. But if you want variety, if you want to wake up in a desert one morning and fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific the next, this is the trip.

We’d recommend a minimum of two weeks. Three weeks would be even better, and would let you slow down at the stops that interest you most. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to suit your interests.

 

USA Road Trip Itinerary for 2026

I’ve designed this itinerary as a circular route, starting and finishing in Las Vegas. This keeps car hire simple, as you avoid one-way drop-off fees (though we’ve rented in Vegas and dropped off in San Francisco before without being charged extra).

A circular route also means you can start anywhere on the loop. If you’re flying in, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles all have major international airports. We’ll start in Vegas because it’s a fun place to begin a road trip, and the hire car pickup at McCarran is easy.

If you’d rather not drive at all, there are guided tours that cover a similar route. TourRadar has a good selection of west coast USA tours that you can browse and compare. I’ve listed more tour options later in the post.

 

Days 1 & 2: Las Vegas

We recommend starting your road trip with two days in Las Vegas. If you’re arriving from overseas, you’ll appreciate the time to adjust to the time zone before hitting the road. Vegas is one of those cities that’s worth experiencing at least once, even if gambling isn’t your thing.

The city is exactly as over-the-top as you’d expect. Walking the Strip at night is an experience in itself: the Bellagio fountains, the replica Eiffel Tower, the sheer scale of everything. We’ve been several times now and still find something new each visit.

Things to do in Las Vegas

With two days, you’ll have time to see a good amount. Some of our personal highlights include the views from the top of The STRAT (formerly the Stratosphere Tower), visiting the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign for a photo, watching the Bellagio fountains display, and spending an afternoon at the Mob Museum, which is far more interesting than we expected.

Vegas is a city of shows, and catching one of the evening performances is part of the experience. There’s everything from Cirque du Soleil to comedy to magic. You can see the options and book shows online in advance here.

The dining scene is worth a mention too. Vegas has attracted some of the world’s best chefs, so you can eat extremely well here. The buffets are also legendary, though they’re not as cheap as they once were.

We’d also suggest building in some pool time. There’s a lot of driving ahead, and starting the trip with a few hours by the pool, beer in hand, is a good way to ease into things. If you’re more of a thrill seeker, several of the casinos have rides, including a rollercoaster at New York, New York.

Even if you don’t gamble, it’s worth wandering through a few of the casinos. The buildings are so wildly over-designed that they’re attractions in their own right.

For getting around, we’d advise against driving in Vegas itself. Parking fees are high, and the traffic on the Strip moves at a crawl. The monorail connects many of the key hotels, and rideshare services work well here. Walking is fine for shorter distances, but be warned: the Strip is much longer than it looks on a map, and summer temperatures regularly exceed 40C/105F.

If you’d prefer to get out of the city for part of a day, we’d recommend the Hoover Dam, the Valley of Fire State Park, or Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Red Rock Canyon is only about 20 minutes from the Strip and has a scenic one-way loop drive through dramatic red sandstone formations. If you leave early and have your own vehicle, you can combine Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam in a single day trip, or pair the Hoover Dam with the Valley of Fire.

The Hoover Dam is an incredible piece of engineering and one of the seven wonders of the industrial world. Different tour options are available, some bookable online and others in person only. Arrive early for in-person tickets as slots are limited. Check the official website for prices and tour types.

The Valley of Fire is home to some of the most dramatic red rock landscapes we’ve seen anywhere. Entry is charged per vehicle; you can see current fees here. There are several short hikes, or you can just drive between viewpoints. Avoid hiking here in summer, as temperatures can easily exceed 100F/37C.

If you don’t want to pick up your rental car yet, tours are a good option:

• A three hour mini tour of the Hoover Dam covering the main exterior highlights
• A 4-6 hour guided hiking tour of the Valley of Fire, with difficulty levels to match your fitness

For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in Las Vegas, which includes tips on saving money in the city.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Try to stay on or near the Strip if you can, as it makes getting around much easier. Staying in one of the casino hotels is part of the Vegas experience. Here are some options across a range of budgets.

• Days Inn by Wyndham Las Vegas Airport – a budget option away from the Strip with free parking and breakfast. No casino on site, but the price is right.
• The D Las Vegas – on Fremont Street in old Vegas, this hotel offers good value with an on-site casino and the famous neon light show right outside.
• Luxor – if you’ve ever wanted to sleep inside a pyramid without the associated hassle of becoming an Egyptian pharaoh and dying, the Luxor is for you. It’s near the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, has a casino, and the rooms are decent for the price.
• New York, New York – built to resemble the New York skyline, complete with a 150-foot Statue of Liberty and an on-site rollercoaster. Casino, restaurants, live shows.
• Flamingo Las Vegas – the oldest resort hotel on the Strip, refurbished many times over. Colourful rooms, huge casino, and good prices for the central location. One of our favourites in Vegas.
• Bellagio – behind the famous fountains, this is one of the most iconic five-star hotels in Las Vegas. Many rooms have spectacular Strip views, and we loved our stay here. A great option if you want to start the trip in style.

 

Day 3: Grand Canyon

Time to start the real road trip. Pick up your rental car if you haven’t already, and head east. You’ve got around 300 miles and just under five hours of driving ahead, but what’s waiting at the end is one of the most spectacular natural sights on the planet.

You have two route options. The faster route drops south to Kingman, Arizona, then takes the I-40 east to Williams before turning north to the Grand Canyon. The scenic option follows a stretch of Route 66 from Kingman up to Peach Springs and back to Seligman. It adds about 20 minutes to the drive but gives you 80 miles of the Mother Road.

We always take the scenic route. Highlights include Hackberry General Store (a wonderfully photogenic Route 66 era gas station), and the Grand Canyon Caverns. See this section of our 2 week Route 66 guide for more stops along this stretch.

The Grand Canyon is a National Park with entry fees charged per vehicle. See current prices and opening times here.

A note for international visitors on National Park fees: As of January 2026, the US National Park Service charges an additional $100 per person surcharge for non-US residents at eleven of the most popular parks, including both the Grand Canyon and Yosemite (both of which feature on this itinerary). There’s also a non-resident annual pass available for $250 per person, which may be better value if you’re visiting multiple parks. US residents can still purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass for $80 per vehicle, which covers all national parks. Death Valley is not currently one of the eleven parks with the surcharge.

You’ll have most of the afternoon, the evening, and the following morning at the Grand Canyon. More time would be ideal, but this itinerary has to keep moving. If you want to do longer hikes, add an extra day here.

Things to do at the Grand Canyon

Start at the Grand Canyon Visitor Centre in Grand Canyon Village. There are exhibits on the park’s geology and wildlife, a 20-minute film, and rangers who can advise on everything from sunset viewpoints to short hikes matched to your fitness level.

From the visitor centre it’s a short walk to Mather Point, which gives you your first proper look at the canyon. I still remember my first time standing at the rim, and it’s one of those sights that no photo really prepares you for. The scale of it is almost impossible to process.

Walk along the rim trail in either direction for more views and fewer crowds. For sunset, I’d recommend getting a good spot at Hopi Point. I have a guide to the best places to watch the sunset and sunrise at the Grand Canyon, which also has tips for photographers. I got up at 4am for the sunrise on one visit, and it was nearly a washout, but the light that finally broke through was one of the most spectacular things I’ve ever photographed.

On the morning of Day 4, take another short hike or drive to viewpoints along the rim as you exit the park.

Optional extension: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. If you have an extra day to spare, consider driving east from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona (about 2.5 hours each way). Page is the gateway to both Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, two of the most photographed spots in the American Southwest. We’ve visited both and they’re well worth the detour, though do be aware that Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour (book in advance) and Horseshoe Bend has become extremely popular. If time is tight, this is one to save for a future trip.

Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon

My recommendation is to stay on-site at the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village. There are five hotels and two campgrounds, and they all book well in advance, so don’t leave this to the last minute.

The hotels are operated by Grand Canyon Lodges and can be booked online. You’ll pay a premium for the location, but being inside the park means you can watch the sunset and sunrise without a long drive.

Mather Campground (no RV hookups) can be booked through Recreation.gov. We’ve camped here and waking up to the sound of ravens in the pine forest is a great way to start a Grand Canyon morning. Trailer Village (full hookups) can be booked here.

Thinking about Utah? If you’re looking at the map and noticing how close you are to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands, you’re not wrong. Utah’s national parks are spectacular, and if your main interest is national parks, you could build a trip around them. But this itinerary is deliberately designed for variety: parks, cities, coast, and desert. If we tried to fit Utah’s parks in too, the two weeks would be nothing but parks and driving. Save Utah for its own dedicated trip (it deserves one).

 

Day 4: Route 66 to Joshua Tree National Park

Today you’re heading to California, and the destination is Joshua Tree National Park. The scenic route via Route 66 is about 375 miles and 6.5 hours of driving. The direct route is about 5.5 hours. We always take the scenic option.

From the Grand Canyon, you’ll follow I-40 to Kingman, then take the road out to Oatman. This old frontier town still has burros wandering the streets and staged “gunfights” for tourists. The traffic can be slow around the daily shows, and the road up to Oatman is curvy, so take your time.

From Oatman, head to Needles (one of the hottest places in the USA), then rejoin Route 66 through Amboy. A stop at Roy’s Motel in Amboy for a photo and a Route 66 root beer is basically compulsory.

From Amboy, head south to Twentynine Palms, the gateway to Joshua Tree. By now you’ll have used most of your daylight, so check into your accommodation and save the park for tomorrow. If you’re into astrophotography, Joshua Tree has some excellent dark skies for star photography.

Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park

There are no hotels inside the park, but there are nine campgrounds. You can book campgrounds through Recreation.gov. I’ve camped at the Jumbo Rocks campground and it was brilliant, especially under the desert stars.

Otherwise, stay in Twentynine Palms. Here are some options:

• 9 Palms Inn – budget 2-star property with good reviews, coffee machine, microwave, fridge, and free parking.
• El Rancho Dolores – great value 3-star motel with a seasonal pool, microwave, fridge, and free parking.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – reliable 3-star chain hotel with heated pool, fitness centre, BBQ facilities, and free parking.
• Flying Point Homestead – something different: a holiday home property where one option is a beautiful silver streak trailer.

For a higher-end experience, head to Palm Springs where you’ll find spa resorts and 4-star hotels like The Palm Springs Hotel or the Alcazar Palm Springs.

 

Day 5: San Diego or Joshua Tree

You have a choice today: spend the day exploring Joshua Tree National Park, or press on to San Diego. Both are good options, and it depends on whether you prefer nature or cities.

If you choose Joshua Tree, start at the Oasis Visitor Centre in Twentynine Palms for up-to-date park information. There’s an entry fee per vehicle, valid for a week. Spend the day hiking and exploring, stay another night near the park, then head to Los Angeles the next morning (about 3 hours).

If you choose San Diego, it’s about 3 hours from Twentynine Palms. You could do a few hours at Joshua Tree in the morning and still reach San Diego by mid-afternoon. Spend the afternoon of Day 5 and the morning of Day 6 in the city.

Things to do in San Diego for a Day

The USS Midway Museum is a highlight. This aircraft carrier served from just after WWII through to the first Gulf War, and you can easily spend a full afternoon exploring the flight deck and below-decks areas. Lovers of military or aviation history will want to come here. The nearby San Diego Air and Space Museum is also worth a visit.

Don’t miss a wander through the historic Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego Zoo is popular with families, and Coronado Beach is one of the best urban beaches in California. See our guide to things to do in San Diego for more ideas.

Where to Stay in San Diego

• HI San Diego Downtown Hostel – centrally located with private and shared rooms and an on-site kitchen. Parking is paid.
• Berkshire Motor Hotel – budget 3-star motel with free parking, a bit north of the city centre.
• Coronado Inn – well-priced 3-star inn on Coronado Island with free parking, breakfast, and bicycle hire.
• Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter – well-reviewed 4-star hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. Parking in this area is expensive.
• The Westgate Hotel – centrally located 4-star hotel with rooftop pool, spa, gym, and restaurant.
• 1906 Lodge – we loved our stay at this historic B&B near Coronado Beach. Comfortable, uniquely decorated rooms, excellent breakfast included, and free parking.
• Pendry San Diego – five-star city centre luxury with an outdoor pool. On-site parking for a fee.

 

Days 6 & 7: Los Angeles

From San Diego, turn north for the two-hour drive to Los Angeles. LA sprawls across a huge area and the traffic is legendary, so two days is about right for hitting the highlights without losing your mind on the freeway.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Most visitors will want to see the Hollywood area: the Walk of Fame, a view of the Hollywood Sign (there’s a good vantage point from the north-east corner of Ovation Hollywood, the shopping complex formerly known as Hollywood & Highland), and maybe Madame Tussauds or The Hollywood Museum.

Studio tours are popular: the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour takes you behind the scenes at a working studio, and Universal Studios combines a studio tour with theme park rides.

Art lovers should visit the Getty Center. The museum is free (parking is not), and the views across LA from the hilltop location are almost as good as the art collection. The Griffith Observatory is also free and well worth a visit for its views across the city and the Hollywood Sign. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pacific.

If you love the beach, head to Venice Beach and Santa Monica. A walk along Santa Monica Pier is a must, and the people-watching on Venice Beach is endlessly entertaining.

For getting around, we’ve found the Hop on Hop off bus works well for sightseeing, as it covers the main areas including the beach. LA also has a metro and bus network, and rideshare services are popular.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Pick a hotel near the attractions you want to see. We tend to stay either in Santa Monica or the Hollywood area.

• Santa Monica Motel – basic 2-star motel about 10 minutes walk from Santa Monica Pier. Free parking and morning coffee. No A/C, but we visited in summer and the fan was fine. We’ve stayed here and it’s good value.
• Banana Bungalow – hostel with shared and private rooms, about a mile from downtown Hollywood. Free parking.
• Orange Drive Hostel – short walk from the Walk of Fame, with shared and private rooms, kitchen, laundry. Breakfast included.
• Magic Castle Hotel – 3-star hotel near the Walk of Fame with pool, unlimited free snacks, continental breakfast, and reasonably priced parking. We really enjoyed staying here, and it’s popular with families.
• The Hollywood Franklin Hotel – well-rated 3-star hotel a few minutes walk from the Walk of Fame with spacious rooms, microwaves, coffee makers, and on-site parking.
• JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE – we’ve stayed at this 4-star hotel in the LA Live area. Luxurious rooms, rooftop pool, six restaurants. Great if you’re catching a show nearby.
• The Georgian Hotel – a 1933 Art Deco hotel a short walk from Santa Monica Pier. Ocean views, on-site dining, parking available.

 

Days 8 & 9: Pacific Coast Highway

Now comes one of the world’s most beautiful road trips: the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The total distance is around 450 miles, roughly 9 hours of straight driving, but you’re not going to do it in one go.

Take two days and two nights. We suggest stopping in San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, or Cambria for your first night, and Monterey, Carmel, or Pacific Grove for your second. You’ll arrive into San Francisco on the morning of Day 10.

We have a complete guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway with detailed stop-by-stop suggestions. Here are the highlights.

Highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway

Leaving LA, you’ll pass through Malibu with its famous beach and pier. Further along, Santa Barbara is worth a stop for the Mission (founded 1786) and the general Mediterranean feel of the town.

Detour inland to Solvang, a town built to resemble a Danish village, complete with windmills, bakeries selling aebleskiver (Danish pancakes), and a motorcycle museum. It’s charming and a fun stop for lunch. Pea Soup Andersen’s in nearby Buellton is famous for, yes, their pea soup.

Continue to San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, or Cambria for your first night. We have a complete guide to things to do in Cambria.

On Day 9, your first major stop should be Hearst Castle, the hilltop estate of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Visits are by guided tour only; book in advance.

A little further north is the Elephant Seal vista point. Between November and March, thousands of elephant seals haul out on the beach to mate and give birth. Outside those months there are still seals around, just fewer of them.

Then comes Big Sur. This is one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the world. There are plenty of pull-outs for photos. Don’t miss McWay Cove, where a waterfall drops directly onto the beach. The Highway 1 section through Big Sur was fully reopened in January 2026 after the Regent’s Slide closure, so the full route is currently accessible.

Finish the day at Carmel-by-the-Sea or Monterey. If you have time, the 17 Mile Drive through Pebble Beach is a beautiful detour.

Where to Stay Along the Pacific Coast Highway

We love the smaller B&B and inn-style accommodation along this stretch. Listed south to north.

First night options:

• Apple Farm Inn, San Luis Obispo – we’ve stayed here and loved it. Spacious rooms, fantastic breakfast, on-site bakery, two pools, free parking.
• Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo – a wildly quirky landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being the theme. We didn’t stay but we had dinner at the Gold Rush Steak House on-site, which was fantastic.
• Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites, Morro Bay – well-reviewed 3-star inn near the aquarium. Rooms have fireplaces, hot breakfast included, free parking.
• Estero Inn, Morro Bay – beachfront property with excellent reviews. Breakfast included.
• Cambria Palms Motel, Cambria – good-value 2-star motel a couple of blocks from downtown. Free parking.
• Bluebird Inn, Cambria – well-rated 2-star inn on the main street with microwaves, fridges, coffee makers, and free parking.
• El Colibri Hotel & Spa, Cambria – we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. Lovely rooms with fireplaces, on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, breakfast available. Free parking.
• J Patrick Inn, Cambria – five-star Irish-themed inn, Cambria’s first B&B. Free wine hour, evening cookies, full breakfast, individually designed rooms, free parking.

Second night options:

• For camping, the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground is set among massive redwoods. I’ve camped here and loved it. Book well in advance through Reserve California.
• Sandpiper Inn, Carmel – we stayed here when visiting Carmel. Comfortable rooms, breakfast included, close to the beach. Free parking.
• Coachman’s Inn, Carmel – a Four Sisters Inn property right in Carmel Village. Wine with hors d’oeuvres in the evenings, breakfast included.
• Monterey Hostel, Monterey – centrally located hostel minutes from Cannery Row. Free parking and dormitory rooms available.
• The Inn at 1252, Monterey – good value inn with heated year-round pool, fitness room, free parking, and free coffee.
• The Jabberwock B&B, Monterey – just blocks from Cannery Row. Seven guest rooms, some with fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, breakfast included.

 

Days 10 & 11: San Francisco

From Monterey it’s about 2.5 hours up the coast to San Francisco. If you have time, stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on the way out. It’s one of the best aquariums we’ve visited, but allow at least a few hours as it’s large and (quite rightly) expensive.

Santa Cruz is also worth a stop en route. There’s a lovely pier and beach, legendary surf, and nearby redwood forests. See our guide to things to do in Santa Cruz.

Things to do in San Francisco

On the afternoon you arrive, we recommend visiting Alcatraz. The former prison is open for tours and they’re very popular, so book well in advance. Make sure you book through the official City Experiences website (the operator formerly known as Alcatraz Cruises), as these are the only tours that land on the island. Other boat tours just circle it. See our guide to visiting Alcatraz for more details.

For your full day, start with the Golden Gate Bridge. Joining a bike tour or hiring a bicycle to ride across the bridge is a popular option.

Fisherman’s Wharf is spectacularly tacky, in a way that only seems to work in the USA. The clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery is a San Francisco institution. You can watch the bakers making bread and learn about the sourdough process at their free museum. Don’t miss the sea lions lazing on the floats by the pier.

Other highlights: the curvy Lombard Street, riding the cable cars, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, and the Transamerica Pyramid.

A word of caution: car break-ins are a persistent problem in San Francisco. Never leave anything visible in your car, and don’t leave bags in the boot/trunk either, as thieves watch for people putting things there. We’d recommend using your hotel parking and exploring by public transport, bike, or on foot.

See our guide to photo spots in San Francisco for more inspiration.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the more expensive cities for accommodation in the USA. Parking is also at a premium, and free parking is rare.

• HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – budget hostel right on Fisherman’s Wharf with dormitory and private rooms. Free breakfast and free parking. Excellent value for the location.
• Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – great-value 3-star hotel in Union Square with rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Breakfast included.
• Parker Guest House – well-reviewed guesthouse in the Mission district. Free breakfast. Parking on site for a reasonable (by SF standards) fee.
• Columbus Inn – in the North Beach district, a few hundred yards from Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf. Free parking on site.
• Golden Gate Hotel – well-reviewed 3-star hotel near Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea included. Rooms are on the cosy side.
• Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored 1913 hotel on a recent trip and loved the mix of the old and new. Colourful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple-flavoured cupcakes were a nice touch.
• Four Seasons Hotel – five-star luxury in Union Square. Huge rooms, on-site restaurant, fitness centre, city views.

 

Days 12 & 13: Yosemite National Park

From San Francisco it’s about four hours to Yosemite National Park. Plan to arrive in the early afternoon, check into your accommodation for two nights, and head straight for the park.

Yosemite is one of those places that hits you physically the first time you see it. The scale of the valley, the waterfalls, the granite walls: it’s overwhelming in the best way. We’ve visited multiple times and it still gets us every time.

On the afternoon you arrive, visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Falls. Talk to the rangers, who can suggest hikes matched to your fitness and interests.

For your full day, take the free Yosemite shuttle around the valley highlights. Drive up to Tunnel View and then on to Glacier Point for incredible views (these can also be done as a guided bus tour). In the afternoon, consider the hike to Vernal Falls.

If you’re a serious hiker, the Yosemite Falls hike is a full-day option. The Half Dome hike requires an advance-purchase permit allocated by lottery, so plan well ahead if that’s on your list.

For more ideas, see our guides to what to do in Yosemite for a day and photography locations in Yosemite.

Important: As of 2026, Yosemite does not require a reservation for park entry. This has changed year to year, so check the NPS website for the latest policy before your trip. The park does get extremely crowded in summer, especially at weekends. Arrive early (before 9am) to find parking at popular trailheads.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Staying inside the park is ideal but competitive. There are 13 campgrounds (book well in advance through Recreation.gov) and nine lodging options through Yosemite Hospitality, from canvas tent cabins to a luxury hotel. All can be booked up to a year ahead.

If you can’t get in-park accommodation, here are options outside:

• Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort – about 26 miles out, but the price reflects that. Glamping-style accommodation with spa, restaurant, and kitchen. Dormitory rooms also available.
• Narrow Gauge Inn – just four miles from Yosemite. Good-value 3-star motel with coffee machines, seasonal restaurant and pool, hot tub.
• Yosemite View Lodge – nine miles out, with four pools, hot tub, restaurant, and free parking. Lovely views.
• Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite – 4-star lodge just two miles from the park. Spa, fitness centre, two pools, free parking.

 

Day 14: Death Valley & Las Vegas

Your last day on the road. It’s about 6 hours of driving in total, but you’ll break it up with some spectacular scenery.

This route exits Yosemite on the east side via Highway 120, the Tioga Road. This road is closed over winter, usually from November through late May. Check current road conditions here. If it’s closed, you’d need to exit south or west and loop around via Bakersfield, which is a significant detour. In that case, you might prefer to skip Death Valley and return directly to San Francisco (or visit Death Valley as a day trip from Las Vegas earlier in your trip).

Assuming the Tioga Road is open, you’ll exit Yosemite and hit Highway 395, California’s backbone. Turn left and stop at the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, where limestone columns rise from a saline lake. It’s well worth a photo stop.

Continue south on the 395, parallel to the Sierra Nevada. You’ll pass through Mammoth Lakes and the views are extraordinary. From Lone Pine, take Highway 136 into Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley covers over 3 million acres of desert and mountains. The name comes from the California Gold Rush, when a group of wagons became lost here. They eventually found their way out, but not before abandoning their wagons and eating their oxen.

Stop at the visitor centre and visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the USA at 279 feet below sea level. If you’re visiting between late June and early September, it can be incredibly hot (the park has recorded some of the highest temperatures on earth), so stay hydrated and don’t hike.

From Death Valley, it’s a straight drive back to Las Vegas to complete the circuit. We hope you had as good a time as we always do on this route.

 

2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of the route. You can also see it on Google Maps here.

 

When Is the Best Time to Take This Road Trip?

The best months for this itinerary are May and June, or September and October. The weather is warm but manageable, the parks are less crowded than in peak summer, and most roads (including the Tioga Road through Yosemite) should be open.

Here’s a rough month-by-month guide:

January to March: Cool to cold, especially at elevation. The Tioga Road through Yosemite will very likely be closed, ruling out the Death Valley connection on this route. The coast is pleasant in winter, and Vegas is mild. Prices and crowds are low. Good for the PCH and cities, less practical for the full circuit.

April: Things start warming up. The desert is lovely before the heat kicks in, and wildflower season in Death Valley and Joshua Tree can be spectacular. The Tioga Road is still likely closed. Some coastal fog is possible.

May to June: Our top pick. Warm across the board, the Tioga Road typically opens between May and early June, waterfalls in Yosemite are at their best from spring snowmelt, and summer crowds haven’t peaked yet. Las Vegas gets hot (35C+ in June) but it’s manageable.

July to August: Peak season. Expect crowds everywhere, especially the national parks. Temperatures in Las Vegas, Death Valley, and the desert areas can be extreme (45C+/113F in Death Valley). Not recommended for hiking in desert areas. The coast is pleasant and a good place to spend extra time. Book accommodation well in advance.

September to October: Our other favourite window. Summer crowds thin out, temperatures drop to comfortable levels, and the light for photography is gorgeous. Late October can bring early snow at higher elevations, and the Tioga Road may close by early November.

November to December: Cold at elevation, the Tioga Road closes for winter. Cities and coast are pleasant, and you’ll find holiday markets and decorations in the cities. Good for a modified version of this route, but you’ll need to skip the Yosemite-to-Death Valley connection.

 

Western USA Tour Options

If you’d rather not drive, there are guided tours covering a similar route. The advantage is someone else handles the logistics, from hotel bookings to transport, and you can just enjoy the experience.

• This 11-day tour from Las Vegas to San Francisco covers Death Valley, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and Bryce Canyon, plus Monument Valley and San Francisco.
• There’s also a good selection of tours on TourRadar, which searches across multiple tour operators to help you find something that matches your budget and travel style. We’ve used TourRadar for bookings around the world.

 

Practicalities for Planning a USA Road Trip

Some practical tips, especially for visitors coming from overseas.

Driving in the USA

You drive on the right, most vehicles are automatic, and fuel is cheap compared to Europe. You’ll need a valid driving licence, and some visitors may also need an International Driving Permit (arrange this in your home country before you travel). Rental companies typically require drivers to be at least 21, with some requiring 25.

We have a complete guide to driving in the USA that covers everything from speed limits to gas station etiquette.

 

Renting a Car or Motorhome

For this itinerary, we’d recommend a car rather than a motorhome, as there are several city stops where an RV would be impractical. If you skip the cities and focus on parks and nature, a motorhome could work well.

For car rental, we use Discover Cars or Enterprise. For one-way trips, Enterprise often has the lowest drop-off fees, but it’s always worth comparing.

For RV rental, check Motorhome Republic, which compares prices across all the major suppliers.

 

Money in the USA

The USA uses the US dollar. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for tips. Tipping is expected for most service roles: 15-20% at restaurants, a dollar or two for bar service and valet parking. If you’re from a country where tipping isn’t standard, this can feel like a shock, but it’s how wages work in the US service industry.

Keep some quarters (25 cent coins) handy for parking metres.

 

Electricity in the USA

The USA uses 110v. Most small electronics (laptops, phone chargers) are dual voltage (check the label on your charger), but higher-powered items like hair dryers and kettles typically won’t work without a voltage converter.

If you’re visiting from outside the USA, you’ll need a travel adaptor. We recommend this one for a standard option, or this GaN USB-C version if you want something more compact. See our comprehensive guide to travel adaptors for more recommendations.

 

Accommodation in the USA

There’s a huge range, from budget motels to five-star hotels to campsites and apartment rentals. For a road trip, free parking is a big plus (and something we’ve highlighted in our recommendations above).

We’d recommend booking in advance, especially for national parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, where even campsites sell out months ahead.

We generally use Booking.com for accommodation. They have a big range and most properties offer free cancellation.

 

Safety in the USA

The USA is generally a safe destination for travellers, and we’ve never had any problems. The most common issues are opportunistic crimes like theft, pickpocketing, and car break-ins (especially in San Francisco, as mentioned above). Keep valuables out of sight, don’t leave anything visible in your car, and use common sense.

 

Internet Access in the USA

WiFi is widely available at hotels, cafes, bars, and restaurants. For mobile data, the easiest option for international visitors is an eSIM. Providers like Airalo offer USA data plans that you can set up on your phone before you even arrive. This is much simpler than buying a physical SIM card, and means you’ll have data from the moment you land.

For more options, see our guide to getting online when travelling.

 

Water

Tap water across the USA is safe to drink. There are drinking fountains in most public locations. We’d recommend travelling with a reusable water bottle (we use Klean Kanteen) so you can fill up as you go. One thing we always appreciate about the USA: drinking water is brought to your table at restaurants as standard.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 2 week USA road trip cost?

Budget varies enormously depending on your travel style. Car rental for two weeks typically runs $400-800. National park entry fees are around $35 per park per vehicle (plus the $100/person nonresident surcharge at some parks). Budget accommodation averages $80-120/night, mid-range $150-250/night. Fuel is relatively cheap compared to Europe. For a rough estimate, a couple travelling mid-range should budget $4,000-6,000 for two weeks including car, accommodation, park fees, food, and activities. See our guide to the cost of travelling in the USA for a more detailed breakdown.

Can you do this road trip in one week?

You could do a condensed version, but you’d need to cut several stops. A one-week version might cover Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, and either San Francisco or the Pacific Coast Highway, skipping San Diego and Yosemite. We’d recommend at least two weeks for the full route.

Is this road trip suitable for families?

Yes. The national parks are great for kids, and cities like San Diego (the zoo), Los Angeles (Universal Studios), and San Francisco (Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz for older kids) all have family-friendly attractions. Just be mindful of the driving distances and build in enough breaks.

What’s the best car for this road trip?

A standard mid-size car or compact SUV is fine for this route. All the roads are paved and well-maintained. You don’t need a 4×4 unless you plan to go off-road in the desert (which most of this itinerary doesn’t). An automatic is standard in the USA. Make sure the A/C works well, as you’ll be driving through desert.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

For national parks (especially Grand Canyon and Yosemite), yes, definitely. In-park accommodation books up months ahead, and even gateway town hotels fill quickly in summer. For cities, booking a week or two ahead is usually fine, though prices are better the further ahead you book. Along the PCH, midweek is easier than weekends.

Can I camp on this road trip?

Yes, and we’d encourage it. We’ve camped at the Grand Canyon, along Route 66, in Joshua Tree, on the Big Sur coast, and in Yosemite. Campgrounds in national parks need to be booked through Recreation.gov, often months in advance for popular sites. We recommend the America the Beautiful annual pass ($80 for US residents, $250 for nonresidents) which covers entry to all national parks.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

It depends on your home country. Some countries’ licences are accepted as-is, while others require an IDP. Check with your car rental company and your home country’s motoring authority before you travel. IDPs must be obtained in your home country; you can’t get one in the USA.

What about the Tioga Road closure in winter?

The Tioga Road (Highway 120) through Yosemite is closed from approximately November to late May due to snow. If it’s closed, you can’t drive from Yosemite to Death Valley on this route. You’d need to exit Yosemite to the south or west and loop around via Bakersfield, adding several hours. In that case, you might prefer to skip Death Valley or visit it as a day trip from Las Vegas. Always check current road conditions before planning your route.

 

Further Reading

Here are some more resources to help you plan your trip.

• Our two week California road trip itinerary, if you want to focus just on California
• Our guide to driving in the USA, with practical tips for first-time drivers
• Guides to things to do in Las Vegas and things to do in San Diego
• Our guide to the cost of travelling in the USA
• The beautiful Havasu Falls hike guide, if you want to add a multi-day hike near the Grand Canyon
• Jess’s guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway
• Our guide to Napa Valley, if you want to add wine country
• Our guide to planning a Route 66 trip, plus our 2 week Route 66 itinerary and 1 week Route 66 itinerary
• Fodor’s Guide to California (current edition)
• The Lonely Planet California Guide (current edition)
• A US road atlas, because GPS does lose signal in remote areas
• The official Visit California website
• Our guide to things to do in Redding, California, if you head north
• Our guide to getting online when travelling
• Our USA section, including a Deep South itinerary and tips for New Orleans during Mardi Gras

We hope you found this itinerary useful for your trip planning. As always, if you have any questions, pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you.