self drive tour in usa

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USA Self Drive Tours & Road Trips

A self-drive tour throughout USA is the ultimate road trip. Travel off the beaten path, stop for photo breaks whenever you want and create a custom itinerary tailored to you. Whether you hire a car, a campervan or a motorcycle, these 22 tours are guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable experience.

22 Self drive tours in USA with 6 reviews

5 Days Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park Adventure

We experienced more of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with this tour, than we would have on our own. We enjoyed meeting new people, seeing all the sights, and not having to worry about driving and directions. Be prepared to do a lot of walking/hiking - but it is worth it!

• Christmas & New Year

USA – Hawaii Big Island Volcanoes & Beaches

USA – 5 Days South Florida Highlights Miami to Key West

USA – Alaska Fall Colors with Northern Lights

The tour was amazing, great and tour guides:).

USA – 6 Days Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Adventure

• Festival & Events

USA – New Mexico Balloon Festival & Santa Fe

Experience Southern Florida

Estes Park - 5 Day Hightlights Tour of Rocky Mountain National Park

Experience the West

• Intl. Flights Included
• Sightseeing

New York & California: Airstream Glamping Road Trip

• Flights included
• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

New York & Florida: From the Big Apple to the Sunshine State

Aloha Hawaii: Vanlife & California Dreaming

California Bucketlist: Beach Lovers & Road Trip Summers (11 destinations)

California Bucket List: Road Trip Dreams & National Wonders

USA Road Trip: From the Big Apple to Niagara Falls

Usa road trip reviews.

Had a wonderful time - a lot of hiking, seeing the sites in Alaska and viewing the Northern Lights.

Regions in USA

• Western USA (14)
• Sun Belt (10)
• East Coast USA (9)
• Southwest USA (8)
• West Coast USA (7)
• Eastern USA (6)
• California (6)

Travel Styles

• USA Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Backpacking Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• Best time to visit East Coast USA (Low & High Season)
• Best Time to Visit the West Coast, USA in 2024/2025 (with California)
• Best USA Vacation Spots for Couples: Parks, Cities and more
• 5 Best Guided Backpacking Trips & Tours
• Best 10 Day USA Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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• Tours by Region
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Self Drive Tours

Tour-USA.com can arrange self drive holidays throughout the USA and Canada. With more than 4 million miles of highway , the USA offers more road trips than anyone could tackle in one lifetime. Whether you are into Wild West history or nature’s vistas, you will find them along America’s back roads and byways. Are you ready to plan your road trip? Just remember: the USA covers a continent and more . Texas alone is twice the size of Germany, so you may need to adjust your sense of scale. It’s easy to get overambitious, blow your budget and spend more time getting to sights than actually seeing them. Our best advice? Plan what you want to see in the time that you think you will have, then take out half the stops. Reservations are essential during peak travel seasons, especially during spring and summer and around major holidays. Just to give you an idea, here are some of the USA legendary drives: Route 66  - it’s the U.S. Mother Road, stretching from Chicago to L.A. Pacific Coast Highway  - curve along the ocean on California’s Hwys 1 and 101, past SoCal’s celebrity enclaves and golden beaches, over San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and north into misty coast redwood forests. Blue Ridge Parkway - cruise the Appalachian Mountains on this historic route, with its rustic wooden cabin hideaways and bluegrass-music joints, while soaking up glorious sunsets. Florida’s Highway 1  - fly along breathtaking bridges and causeways across Florida Keys, an archipelago that feels as close to Cuba as it dopes to Miami. Great River Road  - wind alongside the mighty Mississippi, stopping off at 19th-century-author Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, St Louis’ Gateway Arch and Missouri’s pastoral French-colonial countryside. Columbia River Highway  - Oregon’s most scenic byway was the first route in the USA to become a National Historic Landmark. Travel in spring, when waterfalls and wildflowers spread along the dramatic Columbia River Gorge. Natchez Trace Parkway  - after kicking up your heels in country-and-western Nashville, drive into the Deep South and enter Alabama and Mississippi, with their swampy marches and old-fashioned roadhouses dishing up good barbecue, biscuits and beer. US Highway 50  - running through Nevada, the so-called Loneliest Road in America is a winner if you are seeking solitude amid arid deserts, skyscraping peaks, Basque-flavoured cowboy country and Old West mining ghost towns. Shown below are some iconic American itineraries, designed by us, to encompass most of this big country. And if you do decide to plan your own route, please let us know and we'll do our best to tailor-make it for you. We will also be pleased to add any other sightseeing attractions as required. With Tours-USA.com, your itinerary combinations are almost limitless and you can plan an adventure at an unbeatable price.

Self Drive Tours - Discover America

American Heritage

Coast to Coast Adventure

Historic Route 66

Pacific Northwest Wonders

The Great American Road Trip

Self drive tours - nature and landscapes.

American & Canadian Grandeurs

Best of the West

The Grand Canadian West

The Great West

Western Treasures

Self drive tours - american cities.

American Historic Highways

Eastern Canada Explorer

Eastern Values

Golden California

Great North Music

Self drive tours - sun and coasts.

Chicago and the Great Lakes

Fantastic Florida

Pacific Coast Explorer

Sunshine Trails

Self drive tours - national parks.

America’s Canyon Country

Canyon Adventure

Cities and Canyons

Northwest Frontiers & Pacific Shores

The Classic West

Self drive tours - authentic america.

American Grandeurs

American Music & Movie Trails

Musical Roots of The South

Southern Heritage

Self drive tours - culture, heritage and history.

New England Explorer

North by Northwest

Past & Present Cultures

The Grand Canadian East

Self drive tours - wild west and native americans.

Grand Texas Trails

Lone Star Trail

The Wild Wild West

Tours-USA.com

Tours-USA.com is a specialist tour operator providing high quality holidays to the USA and Canada. Explore our tours and contact us for any information.

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10 Great Self Drive Tours in the USA

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Seeing the USA by car is a road-tripper’s dream. Diverse landscapes, national parks, arterial interstates and scenic byways. There is a romance about road trips in America, and the open road stretching out in front of you is intoxicating. These 10 great self drive tours in the USA showcase the extraordinary vistas, cities and states across this great land.

My love affair with road-tripping in North America is long term and far reaching. I love how every state feels and looks different. I love how the old highways still have such a nostalgic vibrance to them. And I adore everything about roadside motels . You could call me a serial road-tripper (and not just in the USA).

The suggested self drive tours are all about 1 week in duration, although you can string some of them together to form larger road trips if you wish.

Savannah > Juliette > Atlanta > Chattanooga > Decatur (one way)

• San Francisco > LA along California's famous coastline (one way)

Las Vegas > Route 66 > Grand Canyon > Monument Valley > Bryce & Zion National Parks Loop

Atlanta > helen > asheville > smokies national park > gatlinburg loop, exploring the section of highway 61 from memphis > vicksburg > natchez > new orleans (one way), road-tripping from deadwood, south dakota > nebraska > denver, colorado, from jackson hole > grand teton > yellowstone > big sky > helena > whitefish, charleston > georgetown > myrtle beach > cape fear loop, boston > salem > new york > philadelphia, from miami > everglades > merritt island > orlando / kissimmee > st petes > big cypress / everglades > miami, 10 self drive tours in america:, barbecue beauty.

Take a trip to explore the wonders of southern barbecue and hospitality:

• Starting with Savannah, Georgia . This city is full of grandeur, but also a wonderfully youthful vibe. There is a fantastic bar scene both in the tourist and student areas.
• Continue inland towards Atlanta, but make a small detour to Juliette, Georgia. This tiny village, little more than a street, was the setting for the movie Fried Green Tomatoes (and yes, you can visit the cafe to have these specialities). Pay a visit to the quaint city of Forsyth, Georgia , too.
• Atlanta is a beast of a city, but it does need a stop on your self drive tour. If for nothing more than to visit the Martin Luther King Jr National Monument, birthplace and Ebenezer Church. Atlanta also serves an amazing barbecue game – try Fox Bros! You’ll need 36 hours in Atlanta at least.
• Chattanooga is a fantastic stop along your southern tour. Not only does this city have amazing attractions like Lookout Mountain and the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel ; the barbecue at Sugar’s Ribs is so tasty. This bbq joint is in hills above Chattanooga and the view is epic.
• Finish your road trip in Decatur, Alabama – home to Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q. Where you will find THE best plates of barbecue ever. Oh, and pie, and bbq sauce, and and and…

This self drive tour can be combined with the Smoky Mountains route easily.

California’s Highway 1

San francisco > la along california’s famous coastline (one way).

One of the most famous highways in the world is the Pacific Coast Highway , or as it’s officially known, ‘California’s Highway 1’. Whether you drive the full length from the Pacific Northwest to San Diego , or just a section – it is some of the most stunning and dramatic coastlines to road trip along.

Start with a few nights in San Francisco first. This city is diverse, vibrant, gruff, touristy, and fantastic – nothing beats a day down at Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf for chowder, and a trip to Alcatraz . We love it because we got married there !

Our favourite section of California’s Highway 1 is from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo – with stops in Pescadero State Beach, Monterey (overnight), Big Sur , Pfeiffer Beach State Park, Post Ranch, Nepenthe, Hearst Castle, San Simeon (overnight), Cambria and Morro Rock.

You can also choose to do this route by train on the Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle. However, we found the route to not be nearly as impressive as the Amtrak Cascades train between Seattle and Vancouver!

Desert Vistas

I am completely in love with the desert landscapes of Arizona and Utah , so this is one of my favourite self drive tours we’ve ever done. This loop starts and ends in Las Vegas (to please the party people in your family), but takes in the wide open landscapes and nature of this area. This road trip takes in some of what the famed ‘Grand Circle’ tour visits, but can be done in a shorter time.

• Make your way to a section of the famous heritage Route 66 between Kingman and Seligman – and enjoy this little slice of the past. After experiencing some classic cars and kitsch along an old section of intact Route 66, head up to the Grand Canyon. Need I say more on why this should be on your itinerary? Book a rim-side cabin, experience sunrise and sunset and the beautiful light, views and hikes.
• Make your way north to the Arizona – Utah border, to the magical Monument Valley . This place deserves an overnight stay, because the sunrise over these buttes will change your life.
• Next up, head west over to the Page or Kanab to use as your base for 3-5 days. From here you can explore Horseshoe Bend, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and the incredible Zion National Park.
• Circle back to Las Vegas via some of the fun ghost towns, such as as Grafton .

Atlanta and the Smokies

This loop can be done either quickly in a matter of days, or slowly with many beautiful stops. This combines well with the Barbecue Beauty tour and the Highway 61 route – and you can do all three in about 3 weeks.

• Make your way up to the gorgeous foothills town of Dahlonega to experience how a prosperous gold mining town in the region has fared. Further into the hills you’ll find the alpine town of Helen, Georgia – where they celebrate Bavarian heritage in all its glory.
• Head up to Asheville for a few days of city fun on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Check out the marvellous Uncorked Asheville for the lowdown on the city.
• Backtrack a little and make the scenic drive through the lush Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Base yourself in Gatlinburg for a couple of days and enjoy the natural beauty around you. For those inclined, a trip to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge is tremendous fun!
• Meander back through Nantahala National Forest and Elijay if you have time.

Highway 61 is such a diverse route. Running parallel to the Mighty Mississippi, Highway 61 runs from Minnesota to Louisana, but this particular self-drive tour will take you from Memphis to New Orleans one-way.

• Enjoy a couple of days in Memphis, Tennessee. This blues capital has a great music scene (especially in Overton Square), but also is rich in Civil Rights and river history. Visiting the Lorraine Motel and The National Civil Rights Museum is a truly moving and educational experience. Don’t miss Central BBQ near the Lorraine Motel – the mustard bbq sauce is divine!
• Your first overnight stop is the incredible town of Clarksdale, Mississippi . The famous Red Bars are a unique night out with unparalleled musical talent.
• Your next stop is the historical city of Vicksburg. Site of the Siege of Vicksburg, there is lots of Civil War history in the area. If civil war history isn’t your jam, then check out the cute shops, craft breweries, Coca Cola Museum or casino.
• Stop by Natchez next, to learn about the colourful history of Natchez-Under-The-Hill.
• End your self drive tour in the spectacular city of New Orleans – where music, delicious food, and lots of folklore await you. Don’t miss a walking tour of one of the NOLA cemeteries !

Dakota Dreaming

If you want to have a great mixed vacation, with fun family activities and natural beauty this route from Deadwood to Denver is for you. You can connect this self drive tour with a Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone itinerary too.

• Enjoy the fables and fun in Deadwood , where the legendary Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane lived and died. During high season, you can catch a faux gun fight in the main street.
• Don’t miss a couple of nights in Keystone, to see Mount Rushmore, and to explore Custer State Park and the Needles Highway . The magnificent rock formations and bison-spotting opportunities around this area are second to none.
• Onwards to Badlands National Park for more natural wonders, before your self-drive tour takes you to another great roadside attraction – Carhenge ! Believe me, it’s worth detouring through Nebraska for!
• Finish in Denver, Colorado. Try to time your visit to catch a show at the Red Rocks Arena. On non show days, you can visit this impressive space.

Bears and Buffalos and Coyotes, Oh my!

I don’t know about you, but I love visiting the National Parks of the USA. This self-guided tour from Jackson Hole to Whitefish will take you through the western wilderness – it’s definitely a road trip for nature and adventure lovers!

• Start in the fun town of Jackson Hole. This place doesn’t take itself too seriously, and really leans into the cowboy tropes. Get yourself a huckleberry gin, watch a gig at one of the saloons, and enjoy the Jackson Hole vibe. It’s an expensive town to stay in, so keep that in mind.
• Grand Teton National Park sits right next to Yellowstone, so you can explore both while you’re in the area. See my Yellowstone itinerary , highlights and fall guide for how to spend your time here.
• On your way north, stop in Big Sky on the way. Have a picnic at the beautifully scenic Ousel Fall for your lunch.
• In Helena, you can learn about the Gold Rush history in the area at the Montana Historical Society Museum.
• Your last stop is Whitefish and Glacier National Park, where you can extend your road trip to include a drive to Canada on the Going-To-The-Sun Road if you want to experience the foothills of the Rocky Mountains .

Atlantic Coast Adventures

• Starting on the South Carolina coast, enjoy the historic city of Georgetown and the madness of Myrtle Beach . These are two cities not far apart, but vastly different in vibe. Georgetown is small-town quaint, and Myrtle Beach is big-town madness. Don’t miss a night at The Bowery !
• Head on up the coast to Cape Fear in North Carolina. From Wilmington to Carolina Beach State Park, this relaxed peninsula moves at its own pace. If you were a fan of Dawson’s Creek, this coastline will be familiar to you.
• Head back south to the classy city of Charleston to finish off this loop. With stunning architecture, parks and lots of history, Charleston has also brings a fantastic barbecue and foodie game!

This road trip combines well with the Barbecue Beauty and the Atlanta & The Smokies trips above.

North East Big Hitters

Who doesn’t want to spend a week (or more) exploring the north east big hitters? And I’m not just talking baseball (although Fenway is a great stadium to visit).

• Start in Boston and fill your cup with Revolutionary War history and Puritan settler history. The Freedom Trail is a fascinating way to navigate around downtown Boston and learn lots as you go. Don’t miss Boston Common, and a trip to Chinatown.
• Salem is an easy day trip from Boston , so you don’t need to relocate accommodations for this stop. Although you can if you want a small town, more historic stay. It’s not all witchy wonders and spooky stories, Salem is a great day trip.
• It’s now on to the Big Apple, New York. Like any big city, New York has its gritty side. But the wonders of this place are endless. Museums like the Met and Moma, the High Line, cycling round Central Park, and iconic vistas greet you like an old friend, whether you’ve been there before or not! I recommend 3-4 days in New York , but you can have a good taster visit in a layover in NYC too.
• End your self-guided tour in Philadelphia. Philly is more than just Cheese Steak (although that is a big draw)! Home to more Revolutionary War history, the Liberty Bell and location of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; it also has lots of great art museums and nightlife.

Everglades Everyday

A mix of city and nature on this coast to coast Florida tour. You will delight in the wild experiences, the endless activities on offer, and the beautiful swamps and glades. If you are planning a trip to Orlando for Disney, I recommend adding a few days on to do this self-drive tour.

• Start in Miami. I recommend basing yourself in Miami Beach, where you can get the best of the beach vibes and nightlife. Revel in the Art Deco architecture, and enjoy the cocktail happy hours.
• Make your way north to Weston, where you can take an airboat tour as an introduction to the Everglades. There are lots of different ways to experience and tour the Everglades , so this is just one of the ways.
• Head north and to the coast once more, to Merritt Island. You can base yourself in Cocoa Beach – don’t miss seeing the sunrise by the pier. Take a drive out to Cape Canaveral and through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
• If you are combining this trip with a visit to Orlando, this will be your next stop.
• Now head over to the Gulf Coast of Florida. St Petes is a fantastic city with a strong art scene as well as all the usual beachside activities like fishing and boating.
• After having your Gulf-side city break, head south to the Everglades and the Big Cypress National Preserve to see the bayou and glades in a different way.

Self Drive Tours in the USA

Self drive tours and road trips are what the USA is made for – the wide open roads and diverse landscapes are endlessly captivating. I hope these trip ideas have given you some inspiration for your upcoming trip!

Love road trips? Why not explore the Canadian Rockies , Icefields Parkway , Banff and Jasper !

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.

Advisory : Please follow the advice from official government sources and local authorities regarding travel restrictions. Read and be inspired, and pin it for later!

Hannah Henderson Travel Writer : Photographer : Foodie : Kiwi in France via Scotland

Loire Valley Itinerary : 2-3 Day Loire Road Trip

The 30 best city breaks in europe, 5 thoughts on “10 great self drive tours in the usa”.

Your drive tips were so helpful as I typically camp when I travel and this helps to take chunks out of places I want to see that could take me across the US. I love road trips too so I can really relate to your suggestions! Thank you for sharing!

What a fantastic set of road trip routes! This would be amazing to try with the family or solo. Each one of these trips is an educational and inspiring adventure across some of the most beautiful places in the USA. Thank you for the great post!

I love a good road trip and all of these look AMAZING! I am definitely saving this post for future travel planning!

Oh, I love road trips and the USA is certainly the best for numerous road trips. I’ve done a couple of these, but not all, so some more ideas for when I return to the States.

Thanks for sharing these incredible routes and practical tips. Reading your post has me excited to go back to the US and do my own self-drive adventure!

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Is Route 66 on your bucket list?

   You’ve come to the right place

Experience nascar .

Chicago – 6 & 7 July!

You’ve come to the right place

Experience nascar & route 66, join us in chicago – july 2024, no highway gets more recognition and praise than america’s mother road; few know it better than gilligans., we’re the experts in delivering world-class, self-drive tours of this journey into america’s heart and soul..

With Gilligans, you get the full Route 66 immersion, following the original route crossing eight states and covering over 2,448 miles from the beginning in downtown Chicago right to Los Angeles and the finish point at Santa Monica pier, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

NASCAR & Route 66:  July 3rd-29th, 2024

NEW TOUR JUST ADDED!

A special, one-off, July 2024 Tour which coincides with the Chicago NASCAR event!    It all starts in Chicago with Independance day celebrations, followed by a weekend of NASCAR in Chicago!   Leaving Chicago – you’ll enjoy the next 20-days driving Route 66 from Chicago to L.A!

Includes return flights, Accomodation with breakfasts, rental car & TWO great nights in fabulous Las Vegas! Visit the Grand Canyon, & the Hoover Dam all with ease – using Gilligans’ exclusive Route Book and navigation APP.

Limited to just 10 cars/couples!

JUST NZ/AUD $13,595pp – twin share!

2025 Route 66 Tours:

April 2025:  sold out.

September 2025: HURRY!  80% SOLD

SELF-DRIVE ROUTE 66

Want to enjoy Route 66 by yourselves? Perhaps our group tour dates don’t fit with your plans?

Check out our 20-day SELF-DRIVE tour across Route 66! You choose the start date from Chicago and we plan the rest!

What to expect

• Drive what was Route 66!
• Start in Chicago & finish on the Santa Monica pier at the ‘End of Route 66’ sign
• We include your rental car* with insurances and one-way fees included                            (*rental car type, make or model are always subject to availability)
• Tours average just 144 miles a day from Chicago to LA – less than any other!
• Guests enjoy Gilligan’s EXCLUSIVE navigation system, our comprehensive Route Book and a US mobile phone
• Drive some of the oldest alignments including some that remain unsealed to this day!
• Stay at superior hotels and enjoy nights at some iconic Route 66 motels along the way!

Gilligan’s doesn’t provide a ‘tour’ in the true sense of the word. We provide you with a personal experience across America’s greatest highway – an immersion into the tapestry of heartland USA and an opportunity to encounter the people who live and breathe Route 66.

A true Route 66 experience starts and finishes with Gilligans.

We look forward to welcoming you to the USA!

Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

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Traveling along the West Coast of the United States  had been in my head since the day I found out I’d be moving there for work. Who hasn’t dreamed about a road trip across the Western US? For me, the landscapes that automatically come to mind are the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Death Valley among others, as we have seen again and again in a bunch of movies.

Grand Canyon

In addition to nature, the American West Coast also offers you visits to symbolic cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

My favorite part of this trip was definitely the National Parks where natural wonders of this incredible country are concentrated within. I had been taking note of them on a  Western US  map   for a long time so that I could visit them as soon as I had the chance.

That’s how I started planning the 10-day West Coast USA road trip that we took in August.

THIS WAS OUR 10-DAY WEST COAST USA ITINERARY:

Our 10-day West Coast USA road trip itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas.  Beginning of our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip.
• Day 2: Monument Valley + Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend.  The most popular places in the Western USA.
• Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park. One of the less touristic national park in the West Coast USA.
• Day 4: Zion Canyon National Park. One of the places we like the most during our 10-day West Coast USA trip.
• Day 5: Grand Canyon,  a must-visit place on the West Coast.
• Day 6: Mojave National Preserve + Death Valley,  the best of our 10-day West Coast Itinerary.
• Day 7: Yosemite Valley, the best attraction in the Western USA.
• Day 8: Upper Yosemite Falls,  the best hike of our West Coast America road trip.
• Day 9: Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. You cannot skip this highlight of West Coast USA:
• Day 10: Return flight from San Francisco.  En of our 10-day Western US trip.

If a Western US road trip is also one of your dreams, you will find everything you need to prepare your trip here:

• 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip

Best places to visit in West Coast America

• Our West Coast USA 10-day itinerary
• How to plan a self-drive trip to the Western US

How much does it cost a West Coast USA trip?

• Map of Western US

10-day west coast USA road trip

One of the first things I am sure you will be wondering about is how long a West Coast trip could take. My opinion is that you could be discovering the American West Coast for months and would still have things to do.

Death Valley – Zabriskie Point

When looking at a West Coast USA map, it may initially seem that the best tourist destinations are close to each other. However, distances in this country are huge, and you will spend a lot of time on the road during your trip.

Keep in mind that the US public transportation system is very scarce outside of the big cities, so the only practical option is to rent a car and prepare for a West Coast USA driving holiday.

On our West Coast USA road trip, more than ¼ of the trip was spent driving and still, along with the Canadian Rockies trip , it was one of the best trips of our life.

Another highly recommended option is to take a West Coast RV trip , as this country offers all kind of facilities for those who like to travel with their motorhome. You can check the best RV rental companies in the USA here.

Although it takes a long time to travel across the West Coast in depth, if you don’t have too many days or prefer to combine them, I encourage you to spend in West Coast America at least 10 days.

Grand Canyon – Plateau Point

There are thousands of West Coast USA tours you can take, so the first thing you have to choose is a few must-see places. It may seem complicated to plan this trip at first, especially when you do not have much time.

To help you choose your perfect West Coast America itinerary, you will discover the main tourist attractions in this section. Then, you can design the West Coast USA holiday itinerary that best suits your needs.

I suggest that as you read through this article, write down  the things to do in West Coast America  that interest you most on a map to help determine the best itinerary.

SAN FRANCISCO

If you like to visit cities, one of the places you cannot miss on the West Coast America is San Francisco. This popular city of California, is characterized by the steep slopes and the well-known Lombard street.

The most popular thing to do in San Francisco is visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the US and a classic in many American films, as seen in Godzilla and Superman.

In addition, another interesting activity to do is visiting the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary whose best-known prisoner was Al Capone. It was said that nobody could escape from this maximum-security prison island since the only way was by swimming almost two kilometers in cold and treacherous waters.

If you are visiting this city, stay in one of the best hotels in San Francisco.

Las Vegas,  also known as “Sin City”, is one of the American classics famous for its countless casinos, open container laws (aka public drinking), and legalized prostitution in nearby counties.

The largest city in the state of Nevada welcomes both domestic and global tourism, where vice is a right. It is not surprising to hear the old saying: What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.

Welcome Las Vegas

Whether you like gambling or not, it is a must-see Western American city. It is also a good place to celebrate your (fake) wedding if being married by Elvis is also one of your dreams. Here you can find the ultimate list of things to do in Las Vegas.

If you are visiting this city make sure you know where to stay in Las Vegas , since its hotels are some of the most amazing in the World.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS to do in las vegas

• Los Angeles

Los Angeles , also known as LA, is the most populous city on the West Coast of USA. The City of Broken Dreams and Hollywood stars is located in California.

The Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign are probably the main tourist attractions in Los Angeles , although a visit to Santa Monica , the beach where Baywatch was filmed, is also recommended.

Another place of interest is the Warner Bros. studios , where you can visit the film sets of a lot of movies, as well as Venice , where the canals remind you of those from the Italian city with the same name.

LA is a stop that you cannot miss on your 10-day West Coast US trip if you happen to enjoy both cities and film. You can find where to stay in Los Angeles here.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES

Grand canyon.

If we had to choose just a single place to start, visiting the Grand Canyon  would probably be the first that we recommend to do in West Coast USA.

The Grand Canyon is in Arizona and was shaped by the Colorado River over millions of years. In some points, the Canyon reaches a depth of more than 5250 feet.

Grand Canyon – Helicopter Tour

If you don’t have much time, taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is a good option, as we told you in that article about our experience. However, if you have several days, I advise going down the canyon  through one of the many different hikes to discover the Colorado River.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO DO IN GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK and best places to stay in Grand canyon

Havasu falls.

If you like adventure, visiting the Havasu Falls is an essential of West Coast USA.

The Havasu Falls, along with others in the area, belong to the Havasupai Indian Reservation and are guarded by a tribe of Native Americans. They are inaccessible by car, so you must be in excellent physical condition to visit as you will be hiking in and out.

Plan well in advance for your visit, since you will need a permit that usually runs out shortly after the beginning of the  reservation  period which starts in February of each year. In addition to the permit, you will have to book a camping spot, as it is mandatory to stay there when visiting the falls.

SANTA BARBARA

Back at the coastal area, Santa Bárbara, located 150 kilometers north of Los Angeles, can be another interesting stop.

The main beach largely resembles Santa Mónica, except Santa Bárbara is not as popular.

However, Santa Bárbara is not just a beach: its architecture with Hispanic colonial roots is an important tourist attraction.

MONUMENT VALLEY

Between Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is another one of the supernatural landscapes in the American West. It is a huge valley where very interesting geological formations rose with reddish colors. This was also a scene featured in many classic western films.

Monument Valley

This desert valley is located within the Navajo Nation, a territory that belongs to the Navajo natives who are responsible for both maintenance of the reserve and collection of entrance fees, which is not included in the US National Parks pass.

The best time to photograph the valley is during sunrise when the sun is behind the monuments, or during sunset when the monuments are illuminated by the last rays of the sun. In addition, there are different hiking trails that bring you closer to the main monuments of the valley, or you can even take a Jeep tour with one of the Navajo guides.

Do not miss our Guide TO THINGS TO Do IN Monument Valley and WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

Page: antelope canyon and horseshoe bend.

Page is a town inside the Navajo Indian Reservation, located in Arizona.

The most interesting attraction here is the Antelope Canyon , a geological feature formed by consecutive floods throughout history, which eroded narrow labyrinths of sandy rock into its terrain.

Antelope Canyon

Do not miss our Guide to antelope canyon TOURS

In addition, if you visit Page, you cannot miss a sunset in  Horseshoe Bend, which is named after its shape. It is probably the most famous bend of the Colorado River.

Horseshoe Bend

Do not miss our Guide to VISIT horseshoe bend

Here we leave you the best guide to know where to stay in Page.

The Wave in Arizona is another attraction to see in Western America.

To see this solidified wave-shaped dune, you must have a permit issued  four months in advance and by lottery (only 20 visitors per day are allowed).

It is one of the few virgin wonders that remain in the United States, so if you missed the date of the draw, it is always a good idea to check if someone has canceled his or her tour on the calendar. Visit this booking website both to participate in the lottery and to check the calendar.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Bryce Canyon National Park is a reserve located in Utah and is popular for the peculiar rock formations also known as “Hoodoos”. This park should be included in any Western US National Parks itinerary.

Due to the reddish color of the terrain, the best time to contemplate the main amphitheater viewpoint is at sunrise and sunset.

Bryce Canyon

There are also several hiking trails that will take you through the formations, where you can discover some with very interesting forms and names like Thor’s Hammer or Queen Victoria.

Do not miss THE BEST HIKES IN bryce canyon and the BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BRYCE

Close to the Mexican border, we will find San Diego, the second largest city in the state south of Los Angeles

This city is a good stop on your 10-day West Coast US road trip if you are more interested in beach areas. La Jolla Cove is the most popular beach and you can find all kinds of wildlife including sea lions there.

In addition to the beach, there are other places of interest, such as Old Town San Diego, where you can find original buildings of the first Spaniards that arrived here, and Balboa Park, where many museums are concentrated, or the Coronado Island , where you can find the best views of the city.

ZION NATIONAL PARK

In Utah, one of the most important landmarks of the state is  Zion National Park, where the main interest here is an 800-meter-deep canyon carved into the reddish terrain for 24 kilometers by the Virgin River.

There are different hikes that you can take in this park. One of the most popular is Angels Landing, where you can get a full view of the canyon after three hours of hiking and up the Via Ferrata section.

Zion Canyon

Another longer route is The Narrows , which can be completed in 8 hours or done over several days. The route goes through the narrow gorges carved in by the virgin river, so you always need to check river flow the day before at the visitor’s center, and also to get water shoes.

Do not miss THE THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO IN zion national park and WHERE TO STAY IN ZION NATIONAL PARK

Joshua tree national park.

Located in a desert area in southern California, Joshua Tree National Park stands out for its unique rocks and mountain shapes.

Although its name comes from the unique Joshua Tree , what makes this park really interesting are the infinite rock-climbing possibilities .

Whether or not you are a climber, if you decide to visit Joshua Tree National Park on your West Coast USA trip over 10 days, you will experience the feeling of finding yourself on another planet.

DEATH VALLEY

On your 10-day West Coast America self-driving tour, you cannot miss the Death Valley that is located in California.

Death Valley

This immense desert is famous for Badwater, a dry area with the highest negative elevation within North America, situated at 262 feet below sea level. In addition, it is one of the hottest places on earth during summer, with a maximum recorded temperature of 58ºC.

Zabriskie Point

If you are going to cross it, be sure to fill the fuel tank and bring plenty of water to survive the extreme desert temperatures during the day.

Do not miss tHE bEST tHINGS TO DO IN Death Valley and where to stay in Death Valley

Mojave national preserve.

The Mojave Desert  spreads across Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley, Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) and the Mojave National Preserve.

While you will find Joshua trees all over in this vast extension of land, the world’s highest concentration is located within the Mojave National Preserve .

Mojave Desert

In addition to the flora, the fauna is abundant and diverse, from reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles to mammals like bobcats or hares.

Do not miss WHAT TO DO IN mojave desert

Arches national park.

Arches National Park , located in Utah, has the highest concentration of stone arches in the world, however, there is no record of how many arches there are in this extension. This is the reason why it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Utah.

In addition, we can find another type of geological formations that defy gravity here, such as the Balanced Rock, a rock that seems to be falling at any time, yet has been standing for thousands of years in the same position.

The best way to go across Arches National Park is through a park ranger-guided tour that takes you to the purest and most virgin area of the park, where you cannot access on your own. You can book it here.

This park is one of the most acclaimed by photographers since the impossible shapes of the arches are very easy to use in any composition.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

An essential stop in West Coast USA is Yosemite National Park , located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

This park is remarkable for two of the most important climbing sites in the United States and the world: the big granite walls of El Capitan and the Half Dome. In addition, we can find the American Giant Sequoia, one of the largest trees in the world, as well as extensive fauna that includes raccoons and black bears in this park.

Yosemite Valley

If you are a lover of nature, outdoor activities, and camping , this is surely going to be one of your favorite places near West Coast of the United States.

Do not miss all you have to do in Yosemite and WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE

Sequoia national park.

In Sequoia National Park, you can find the largest concentration of giant sequoias in the world. These are grouped within what is known as the Giant Forest.

The park is located about 10000 feet above sea level, a critical altitude for this type of trees to grow. However, it may be closed during the winter because of the snow.

In addition, here we can find the giant sequoia known as General Sherman standing at 275 feet. While it is the largest single-stem tree, the Hyperion , located in Redwood National Park, California, stands taller at 379 feet as the tallest living tree known in the world.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is the oldest national park in the United States. It stands out for the incredible volcanic activity in the area and for the abundant fauna that inhabits the park: buffalo, grizzly bears, black bears, moose… If you want to enjoy the authentic American wildlife and landscapes with a smell of sulfur taken from another world, Yellowstone is an essential place to visit on the American West Coast.

I didn’t visit it during my first trip to the West Coast in the United States in 10 days, but during my next trip in which I toured Yellowstone and Grand Teton for 10 days, a great plan if you are looking for an alternative itinerary.

Check WHAT TO DO IN YELLOWSTONE and WHERE TO STAY IN YELLOWSTONE

Grand teton national park.

The mountains of Grand Teton National Park are one of the most haunted landscapes by photographers on the West Coast. If you like wildlife, hiking, and want to flee the typical 10-day US West Coast itineraries , I recommend visiting this national park that promises a quiet vacation away from the masses even in peak tourist season.

Grand Teton adjoins Yellowstone National Park, so taking a 10-day tour of the US West Coast combining these two parks is quite popular.

Check what to do in grand teton and WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND TETON

Our 10-day west coast usa itinerary.

As we stated above, our West Coast USA trip was focused on national parks and all the natural wonders of this area in North America.

Cities in the west coast are for sure some interesting destinations, but, without a doubt, if we had had more than 10 days to travel the American West Coast, we would have kept exploring the natural places that this country offers, each one so different and full of contrasts.

DAY 1 – West Coast America Trip: FLIGHT TO LAS VEGAS

We arrived in Las Vegas at noon, picked up the rental car and made a quick route to see the highlights of the city.

After a mandatory stop to make the classic photo with the Welcome Las Vegas sign, we headed to Monument Valley (6 hours driving) where we spent our first night.

DAY 2 – West Coast America Trip: DAWN IN MONUMENT VALLEY + ANTELOPE CANYON + HORSESHOE BEND

We photographed the sunrise in Monument Valley to see the incredible geological formations of the Navajo Reservation tinted in beautiful reddish colors.

Monument Valley (Our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip)

In the morning we went to Antelope Canyon , in Page (2 hours driving) to take both the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours.

Antelope Canyon (Our 10-day West Coast USA Trip)

In the afternoon we had a rest at  Lake Powell. Then we went to Horseshoe Bend from where we watched and photographed an unforgettable sunset.

Horseshoe Bend (Our 10-day Western US Road Trip)

We drove 2.5 hours until our next stop on our 10-day route along the West Coast.

DAY 3 – West Coast America Trip: BRYCE canyon NATIONAL PARK

We woke up in Bryce Canyon National Park , where we took pictures of the twilight from Sunrise Point overlooking the amphitheater.

We hiked the Rim Trail, seeing different Hoodoos as Thor’s Hammer.

Bryce Canyon (Our 10-day WesternUSA Road Trip)

At night, we returned to photograph the amphitheater under the Perseid Meteor Shower, and camped inside the park.

Bryce Canyon – Sunrise Overlook

DAY 4 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: ZION NATIONAL PARK

We arrived in Springdale (2 hours driving), parked our car and took the shuttle to Zion National Park.

We did the Angels Landing trail to get the best views of the valley.

Zion National Park (Our 10-day West Coast USA Road Trip)

In the afternoon, we drove 4 hours to the next stop on our 10-day Western US trip.

DAY 5 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: GRAND CANYON

We watched the sunrise at the Grand Canyon from Mather Point in probably the most epic light display we have ever seen during a sunrise.

Grand Canyon (Our trip to West Coast USA for 10 days)

In the morning we take this tour , as we tell you in this article about Grand Canyon helicopter rides . Without a doubt, I enjoyed my visit the most.

In the afternoon, we descended the first section of the Bright Angel Trailhead trail.

In the evening we drove to the next stop of our 10-day Western US trip, Mojave National Preserve (4 hours driving), where we spent one of the best nights of our life camping in the wild desert.

Mojave National Preserve

DAY 6 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: MOJAVE DESERT + DEATH VALLEY

We photographed the first sun rays of the day through the branches of the Joshua trees in the Mojave National Preserve.

We filled the tank to cross the Death Valley and made stops at the main viewpoints.

Death Valley (Our 10-day West Coast USA Self-drive Trip)

We arrived at Yosemite National Park where we set up a bivouac to spend the night in order to get accommodation the next morning at the historic Camp 4.

This day we drove a total of 10 hours, more driving hours than any other day of the entire trip.

DAY 7 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Once settled in Yosemite National Park valley we went to discover the main viewpoints of the valley, from which we would photograph the last sunrises and sunsets of our 10-day trip to the West Coast USA.

Yosemite (Our 10-day West Coast USA holidays)

We took the opportunity to enjoy the real camp life,  cooked on the bonfire at night and raccoon watched with our campmates so they didn’t eat our food.

DAY 8 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

On the eighth day, we did the most strenuous hike of our 10-day West Coast USA trip. We climbed to the Upper Yosemite Falls, where we had a bath in one of its natural pools.

Yosemite Falls (Our 10-day West Coast USA vacations)

In the afternoon we took refuge in the tent as a hail storm fell – remember that weather in Yosemite, like any high mountains, is quite unpredictable even during summer season.

DAY 9 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

On our 9th day, we decided to try one of the small hiking trails in Yosemite National Park, such as the hike that takes you to Bridal Veil Falls or the Taft Point viewpoint.

In the afternoon we visited Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, where we could see these giant trees.

Tuolumne Grove (Our 10-day West Coast USA self-drive holidays)

DAY 10 – WEST COAST AMERICA TRIP: FLIGHT BACK FROM SAN FRANCISCO

We left Yosemite National Park to head to San Francisco , where we took our return flight home.

Our initial idea was to have the last day to discover the city. However, we liked Yosemite so much that we ended up leaving just enough time to catch the flight back. It took us 4 hours to get to the airport.

How to plan an self-drive trip to the Western US

Although many travel agencies offer West Coast USA holiday packages, this destination seems more appropriate to be planned on your own (unless you are interested in photography and decide to take a photo tour to the West Coast America ).

In any case, we will explain step by step how you can plan a trip to the West Coast USA on your own in this section:

• Choose your best West Coast USA itinerary
• Plan how to get to West Coast USA
• Get your US tourist visa
• Hire the best travel insurance for traveling to the United States
• Book a rental car
• Buy America the Beautiful Pass to enter the US National Parks for free
• Book the best accommodation  on the West Coast

HOW TO CHOOSE THE best West Coast USA itinerary

From the previous section where we highlighted the best places to visit in Western US, choose 8 (if taking a 10-day West Coast road trip) or 15 places (if taking a 20-day trip) that interest you most.

Jot them down on a map of  West Coast USA (I suggest using  Google MyMaps ).

Connect the different points and check on our map below to see if there is any tourist attraction that is on your way or that you can easily reach.

Finally, check that the driving hours are compatible with the itinerary or else leave them out of your list.

Driving in the West Coast USA

Do not be frustrated, no matter how long you stay on the West Coast, you will always leave something to explore for the next trip 😉

how to get to the West Coast of USA

In order to define our itinerary, we must know how to get to the Western US.

The best way is by flying to one of the following three airports:

• San Francisco

If you want to find cheap flights to the West Coast , the best time to book them is 3 months in advance. You can find here the best cheap flights hacks . My favorite search engine is Kiwi.com.

Also, if you want to visit too many places in the West and do not have much time, I suggest that you do a one-way trip , starting at a different airport from where you will return home through. This will increase the travel budget a bit, but you don’t get to travel to the Western US every day, do you?

VISA FOR THE UNITED STATES

There are two ways to travel as a tourist to the United States. If you belong to one of these countries you can travel to the US without a visa, but must obtain a travel authorization called “ESTA”.

HOW TO PROCESS THE ESTA

The ESTA is very easy to obtain. Simply fill out the application form on iVisa and you will receive the approval in about 6 hours by email.

We have a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the ESTA to the USA.

HOW TO PROCESS TOURIST VISA B2

If you do not have a passport from one of the countries mentioned above, you need a B2 visa to travel as a tourist to the United States.

This type of visa is more difficult to obtain. In addition to preparing the required documentation which proves that you are not going to travel to the United States with the intention of living or working, you will have to go through an interview at the embassy.

A more extensive explanation of how to process this visa can be found on the US Department of State website.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE UNITED STATES

Living in the USA, I know how important is to have good travel insurance for the USA. Since health care cost in this country is very high, hospitalization without insurance can easily make your bill rise above $100,000.

So when we moved here, we bought long-stay travel insurance , although we are currently using annual multi-trip insurance.

Death Valley dunes

Although I always recommend buying the best travel insurance wherever you go, you must have extraordinary coverage for the US (never consider hiring anything that covers below $30,000 if you travel to the United States).

You can get the best quality-price insurance with Heymondo .

5% OFF your travel insurance

western USA car rental

As we have said, the only practical way to travel the Western United States is by renting a car.

Driving in Death Valley

If you do not have too much time, consider taking a  one-way instead of a round-trip  along the West. We picked up the car in Vegas and left it in San Francisco. Although this meant an increase in the budget because of the drop off-fee, we were able to visit more places during our 10-day West Coast trip.

The cheapest way to rent a car is using DiscoverCars , where we hired the rental car in Las Vegas.

FIND CHEAP RENTAL CARS IN THE US

ANNUAL NATIONAL PARKS PASS – AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

If you are planning a Western US National Parks itinerary, I recommend that you buy an annual America the Beautiful pass.

This pass allows access to all US National Parks, as well as other state parks.

The pass is valid for one year from when it is purchased and covers entry for one vehicle with up to 5 passengers. Display pass by hanging it over the rear-view mirror).

In addition, the pass is issued for two owners who must sign behind the card to use. A very good option is to buy the annual pass, leave one signature blank, and resell it to a second owner at the end of your Western USA tour.

Even if you don’t resell the pass, you will get your money’s worth just by visiting 3 or 4 National Parks (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yosemite …).

The pass can be purchased online from here or directly at the ticket office of the first national park you visit.

ACCOMMODATION ON THE WEST COAST US

It is difficult to find cheap and very good quality hotels at the same time on West Coast America. Therefore we will try to help you by listing the best places to stay, considering different budgets, tastes, and needs.

Best accommodation in West Coast USA

Keep in mind that accommodation will be one of the major expenses of your trip to  West Coast America. On the other hand, sometimes a good hotel can even be one of the best attractions you can enjoy during your trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN FRANCISCO

• HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel: Hostel in the heart of San Francisco that has both shared and private rooms at a very low price. Free WIFI. Includes breakfast and a kitchen for those who want to cook.
• Buena Vista Motor Inn: Hotel with complimentary parking in the middle of Lombard street. Wi-Fi and breakfast included. Totally safe area to walk at night. Just a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Guide on where to stay in San Francisco

WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS

• Venetian:  Venice-themed casino resort with gondoliers included.
• Circus Circus: Casino hotel with circus theme, with its own indoor amusement park that runs throughout the year.
• Stratosphere:  Casino hotel that includes vertigo attractions at 350 meters high.
• Bellagio: Inspired by Italy, it is one of the most luxurious resort and casinos in Las Vegas.
• New York – New York:   Resort casino inspired by the big city where we can find a miniature statue of liberty.
• Paris Las Vegas:   Perfect casino hotel for honeymoon or couple trips with miniature Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
• Excalibur:  You will find yourself in the Middle Ages in this casino resort within its castles.
• Planet Hollywood:  Modern hotel and casino where you will feel the essence of the West Coast.

Guide on where to stay in Las Vegas

WHERE TO STAY IN LOS ANGELES

• Hollywood Travelodge:  Located very close to the walk of fame. Includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and free parking.
• Samesun Venice Beach:  The best option if you want to enjoy the Venice boardwalk and its beach. They have bicycle rental service.
• Cal Mar Hotel Suites:  If you prefer to be close to Santa Monica beach this option is very well priced.

Guide on where to stay in Los Angeles

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND CANYON

If we visit the South Rim, the most touristic edge of the Grand Canyon, it is quite important to stay in the Grand Canyon Village, since two of the main attractions of this jewel of Western US is their sunrise and sunset. So, the closer we are to the edge, the easier it will be for us.

We camped in the Grand Canyon, at the  Mather Campground on the South Rim.

If you prefer to stay at a hotel, all accommodations at Grand Canyon Village are run by the company   Xanterra ,  and you can make reservations on whose website.

Guide on where to stay in Grand Canyon

WHERE TO STAY IN PAGE

• Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell: This hotel is located in the center of Page. As it is highly valued, you will have to book it well in advance, since rooms tend to run out being such a small and tourist place at the same time.
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: Without a doubt the best hotel in Page, both the price and the charm of its rooms. It is not in the center but is closer to Horseshoe Bend.

Guide on where to stay in Page

WHERE TO STAY IN BRYCE

Bryce is one of the best places to camp in the Western US. In addition to two conventional campsites ( North Campground and Sunset Campground ), there are 12 backcountry campsites.

If camping is not your thing and you prefer to stay in one of the best hotels in the West, then I recommend the Best Western Ruby’s Inn , a historic hotel at the gates of the national park that also has a camping area.

Guide on where to stay in Bryce

WHERE TO STAY IN ZION

• Bumbleberry Inn:  One of the few hotels near Zion whose price is below $200 a night and with a great value.
• La Quinta Inn and Suites : Another hotel that also has good prices and is highly rated near Zion, known for its buffet breakfast that includes delicious homemade waffles.

Guide on where to stay in Zion

WHERE TO STAY IN MONUMENT VALLEY

If you want to enjoy dawn with the best views of the valley, I recommend that you camp in the Monument Valley. The campground is called The View Campground and the only way to reserve it is by calling +1 435-727-5802.

This campsite belongs to  The View Hotel , a hotel run by the Navajo Indians with equally amazing views.

Guide on where to stay in Monument Valley

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA BARBARA

• Hotel Santa Barbara: One of the best hotels in Santa Barbara with a great location in the city center and very close to the beach. Includes Wi-Fi, breakfast and free parking.
• The Eagle Inn:   On the beach of Santa Barbara and in a beautiful historic building. The price is a bit higher but it includes a jacuzzi in the room.

WHERE TO STAY IN YOSEMITE

We decided to camp at Camp 4 during our visit to Yosemite. Here, the hippy movement was born in the 60s and spread throughout the United States.

However, if you don’t want to camp, don’t worry. There are very good hotels in Yosemite. Some of the best are:

• The Ahwahnee
• Yosemite Valley Lodge
• Curry Village

Guide on where to stay in Yosemite

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO

• Staypineapple at Hotel Z: One of the best hotels in downtown San Diego. Modern design and quite affordable. It offers free bicycles to its customers.
• HI-San Diego Point Loma Hostel: Hostel with shared rooms, very good price and located next to the beach. Ideal if you visit San Diego with the intention of meeting other travelers.

WHERE TO STAY IN JOSHUA TREE

The best place to stay in Joshua Tree is in one of its campsites. There are 4 campsites throughout the national park that can be reserved, and another 4 first-come, first-served campground. All the information regarding the Joshua Tree campgrounds can be found on the National Parks Service website.

WHERE TO STAY IN DEATH VALLEY

• The Inn at Death Valley: This Oasis in the middle of the desert is the most luxurious resort you’ll find here. Refresh between your palm garden and its spring water pool and relax in your spa area.
• The Ranch at Death Valley: Run by the same company as The Inn at Death Valley, it is the familiar and informal complement of the previous one. If you want to relax in a unique environment but without too many pretensions, this accommodation is for you.
• Panamint Springs Resort:  This resort offers both tourist resorts and lodging in tents. It’s close to the west entrance of the national park, from where you’ll have stunning views of the sand dunes.

Guide on where to stay in Death Valley

WHERE TO STAY IN MOJAVE DESERT

There are no motels inside Mojave National Preserve. The only way to stay is camping. There are two family campsites, Hole-in-the-Wall Campground and Mid Hills Campground. Both are first-come, first-served campgrounds.

There is also the possibility of doing backcountry camping. If you want more information, check the US National Parks Service website.

WHERE TO STAY IN ARCHES

There are no campsites or hotels within Arches National Park. The best thing to do is to stay somewhere close to the entrance:

• Red Cliffs Lodge:  All rooms have views of the Colorado River. In addition, you have access to a private living room with a fridge and microwave. This accommodation is the best you’ll find if you visit Arches National Park from the west. Do not miss its western cinema museum.
• Under Canvas Moab:  This accommodation is located east of Arches National Park and offers already pitched tents, some with private bathrooms. If you are not a fan of the camps, but you would like to try, this is your place. In addition to the bed linen, the hotel will lend you towels and a flashlight. A very comfortable way to learn a little about the American camper culture.

WHERE TO STAY IN SEQUOIA

• Montecito Sequoia Lodge: This rustic mountain accommodation offers a place to relax, surrounded by lakes, forests and rugged peaks. It has a restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet.
• Bearpaw High Sierra Camp: This established camp has 6 canvas tents with wooden floors. The views of the surroundings are amazing. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the accommodation.
• Wuksachi Lodge:  It is the emblematic hotel of Sequoia, an amazing mountain hut made of stone and cedar located in the heart of the park, surrounded by a powerful sequoia forest and towering peaks of the sierra.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAVASU FALLS

As we commented, if you visit Havasu Falls, it is compulsory to spend at least one night in one of its campsites, since you cannot make excursions exclusively for one day. Book both the tour and the camping permit from the official website of the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

WHERE TO STAY IN YELLOWSTONE

There are only  9 hotels within Yellowstone National Park , so in peak tourist season, most travelers only find accommodation outside the park.

You can find the best options on our guide on where to stay in Yellowstone National Park, but my favorite hotels are:

• Kelly Inn West Yellowstone
• Yellowstone Gateway Inn
• Stage Coach Inn
• Al’s Westward Ho Motel
• Travelodge by Wyndham
• Absaroka Lodge

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAND TETON

There are many places to stay in Grand Teton National Park but my favorite ones are:

• Colter Bay Village 
• Jackson Lake Lodge  
• Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch 
• Jenny Lake Lodge

To calculate  how much a road trip along the West Coast cost, keep in mind that gasoline in the United States is quite cheap compared most European countries, so even though you will drive many kilometers, this is not something you have to worry too much about when planning your itinerary.

Regarding the food , going to restaurants or going out to have a drink is very expensive; especially when you are looking for somewhere that serve healthy and quality food. If you’re willing to eat fast food, your West Cost travel budget will decrease since the United States is the paradise for junk food.

Regarding accommodation , while it is more expensive in the US than other countries, there are ways to make it cheaper .

Consider camping during your West Coast America tour. In addition to being cheaper, it is very fun and do not forget that there is no country in the world with such an active camping culture as in the United States. You will enjoy watching all the American accessories that make camping more comfortable, and the amazing motorhomes that are better than many houses. You can check some tips for traveling by rv in the USA here.

If you want to know how much we spent during out trip, you can check our West Coast travel budget for 10 days.

West Coast USA combinations ideas

In case you have more time, you can combine the West Coast of the USA with other destinations. Some of the most popular combinations are the following.

West Coast America and Hawaii holidays

If you love nature, combine  West Coast USA and Hawaii to enjoy the most active volcanoes in the United States. These wild islands in the middle of the Pacific, offer a native culture totally different from any other place in the world, in addition to beautiful beaches. The Western US and Hawaii landscapes are an excellent combination for the more adventurous.

RIVIERA MAYA and WEST COAST USA honeymoon

Riviera Maya and West Coast America honeymoon trips are very popular.  With this travel itinerary, we can enjoy a mix of the natural American West Coast landscapes with turquoise water beaches and the history of ancient civilizations. This is the best combination for honeymoons or for travelers interested in a mix of all-inclusive vacation packages.

WEST COAST AND ROUTE 66 road trip

If you want to travel the most famous road in the United States, plan a Route 66 – Western US road trip. With this tour, you will have a chance to visit my favorite city in the US: Chicago. I don’t recommend this combination if you do not like driving since much time of this trip will be spent inside the car.

West Coast USA tours from New york

Another very popular combination, especially if you are traveling from Europe. A New York & West Coast America fly-drive itinerary mixes the Western US National Parks with the busiest city of the East Coast. This option is perfect for those who also enjoy visiting big cities, since there are plenty of things to do in New York City.

With any of these combinations, I recommend spending at least 10 days in West Coast America .

However, if you only plan to travel to the West Coast and can afford it, I would recommend spending 2 or even  3 weeks.

map of West Coast USA

Finally, it is very useful to plan your trip using a map of Western US , marked with your places of interest. Then check the following map to see if there is any other attraction on the way.

SEE you ON THE WEST COAST and do not hesitate to ask if you need help preparing your itinerary!

Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

Ascen Aynat

80 replies on “ Planning a 10-Day West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary ”

We are from Singapore and planning a 20 days trip in June to West Coast of US and would be our first drive trip to the US. We wanted to cover Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Yosemite, route 66, UTAH but not sure if we are able to (or worth to) cover up till Seattle. We love your advise as it will be our first trip to West Coast of US and accommodation recommendations will be helpful plus itinerary. regards Melvin

Hi Melvin, Wow, that sounds amazing! There is so much to see the western United States. I think you’ll find our road trip itineraries from Las Vegas to be super helpful. As for accommodation, it depends on whether you’re renting a car or RV since an RV will take care of accommodation for you. Otherwise, the hotel recommendations above in this article are a great place to start. 🙂

Hi! Wow, relieved i came accross this blog. Thank you for sharing this.

I made an almost similar itinerary and posted it in trip advisor.

we are arriving early morning in Vegas on March 10 and flying out late night from San Francisco March 20. For the 10 day trip, we’d like to see Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Most of the comments says most of the time will be spent driving hence the trip might not be an enjoyable one. Some even suggested dropping Yosemite as this is too far from the rest of the places we’re hoping to see.

With all the driving you did on this trip, do you think you still spent a good time exploring the parks?

Thanks heaps!

Yes, it was a lot of hours driving but it was a trip of a lifetime. I won’t change any of the stops I did so I highly recommend it specially if you don’t mind driving at night and you don’t have more time to spend on the West Coast USA.

Hi, very informative post there ! May I know what route did u take to travel to yosemite from death valley ? I supposed you travelled when the tiogo road was closed ?

We traveled in August when the Tioga Road was open. So we just drove Nort through the Eastern Sierra and enter from the Northeastern part of the park 😉

i am planning to go to a trip with my friends but iam confused where should i go.

It’s difficult to choose when there are so many great options! My recommendation is to check the places and pictures and just pick the 4/5 places that you find more interesting 😉

Hi Martin from Australia here. I am busy planning an 8 day self drive tour in April starting in, and returning to Las Vegas. I stumbled on your website and found it to be a fantastic resource, full of very helpful information. One thing that is puzzling me with your route. Why did you go to Monument Valley first and then criss-cross south to Antelope Canyon, north to Bryce Canyon and then south again to the Grand Canyon. This appears to add an additional 400 miles (appx). I had originally been planning a circuit through Bryce Canyon, Monument Park, Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon. Then Back to Las Vegas via Mojave Desert and Death Valley. Thank you

We did that itinerary because we were traveling in August (high season) and wanted to camp in Monument Valley and Grand Canyon, so we book the only days available hehehe

Your itinerary sounds great. Let me know how you do it finally.

Hi! I would love your help in planning my itinerary for my West Coast Roadtrip Honeymoon. We would love to check as many of the same locations off our list as you have in this post. Would love to get your thoughts on cost efficiency, glamping/camping vs. RV rentals and what we HAVE to see, and what we could skip. We definitely don’t want to spend the majority of our trip in the car. Thinking of flying into Vegas and then going from there. We would be going from June 12-20th. This is by far the most helpful article I have found online so far! Thanks for writing!

We will be happy to help. Let me know any questions you may have and we will help.

we are a couple, 60 years+ but able to drive and planning a trip next Sep. 2020. However we note that at some places you had to camp. I don’t think we are up to camping and wonder how to achieve the trip you made without camping.

You don’t need to camp if you don’t want to. There are many hotels where you can stay 🙂 Let me know your itinerary and I will give you some hotel ideas.

I wish more people would post valuable content like this. This is the first time I’ve been on your website, but after this, I doubt it will be the last time.

Thanks Robert!! You are always welcome 😉

Planning a trip in mid December. Is your 10 day trip feasible at this time of year ? Thanks.

Yes, it’s perfectly fine. Just bear in mind that you might find snow in some places like Bryce and Yosemite and the main roads to Yosemite from the east (Tioga road) is gonna be closed.

Hope you have a beautiful trip!

Have you ever thought of planning a trip of the Four Corners States of the Southwest (New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado & Utah). There are so many sites that would be a tough decision. New Mexico has the Gila National Forest, City of Rocks in the southwest, Carlsbad Caverns to name just a few, Colorado, Arizona, Utah you could go on and on. This would also the sunrises and sunsets, rivers canyons. It is so vast that each state could provide what every photographer would want to see and shoot. Just think about it. if you more information, please contact me.

Sure! We still have a bunch of places we want to visit!

Thank you It was very useful

Thanks Isabel!

Great post, thanks for the info I’m considering doing this trip with my dad, how fit do you have to be to do this trip? He can’t really walk a whole lot at a time.

Hi Emiliano,

You don’t need to walk if you don’t want to. Just visit the main lookouts accessible by car.

Let me know if you have any other question.

Well, that was a pretty fascinating read, not going to lie. I really hope you continue to write. Probably one of the more informative pieces I’ve read on this subject. Thanks!

Thanks Justin! Glad to see our USA West Coast article was useful and you enjoyed it reading!

You know if you are not on Instagram, you should be. I know you can’t put text up, but just throw in a few pics and build an audience there. I think you’d find a ton of people who would be super interested in your blog here.

Thanks for the advice. We already use Instagram, our account is: @Capturetheatlas

Well… consider yourself added to my blogroll. I have like six other blogs I read on a weekly basis, guess that number just increased to seven! Keep writing!

Thanks Chris! and Welcome to Capture the Atlas! 😉

Way to go on this post man. Really killer stuff. I’ll be back to read your other posts.

Thanks Travis! Glad you found the information helpful!

Wow! What a scenery. I hope I can visit those place in the future too! People on your newsletter must love you. This content is pure 100% gold

Thanks Matthew for your kind words! I am sure you will be fascinated by the West Coast USA landscapes when you visit them.

Feel free to join our community and receive our newsletter 😉

Hi, My family of 3 will be travelling to West of USA for about 12 to 14 days this coming September month 2019. Can you help us to plan the trip visiting all the interesting places and also advise us the cost.

We give a lot of piece of advice on our blog. Please read it and let us know if you have any question.

I am flying from Toronto, Canada and am unsure which airport to arrive and leave in. I am planning on visiting Zion, Bryce Canyon, Cathedral Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Grand Canyon (South Rim). I am unsure whether to fly to Las Vegas and leave from Arizona, or vice versa, or do a loop. Any suggestions?

Amazing blog by the way!

Which airport in Arizona are you considering? Las Vegas in quite close to those places you want to visit and usually there is cheap flights to go there.

Let me know if you have any question

Thank you for your reply! I was thinking Phoenix airport. Just not sure the best route and will be renting a car!

Also, do you know if its possible to rent a car at one airport and return it to another?

Hi, i am traveling with 6 adults. Planning to arrive in New York, then fly to LA and hoping to have a glimpse of the city and its surrounding and fly to vancouver . We will fly back home from Vancouver.

How many days do you think is good for us? I am travelling with my parents aged 60yo.

Can you give me any recommendations

Hi Felicia,

I would say to book at least 10 – 15 days. As recommendations I would suggest hiring good travel insurance for the USA and check the different articles we have at the blog.

Let me know if you need something else,

Hello there,

We have about 8-9 days along the West Coast after a conference in Vegas. Looking at the following itinerary/places we want to visit. Do you think this is something workable/have any comments? Thanks so much!

Day 1: (From Vegas) Antelope Valley/Horseshoe Bend (Find somewhere to stay for the night – is there a recommendation where we can stay in that area?) Day 2: Grand Canyon Day 3: Travel back to Vegas, fly to San Francisco. Day 4: San Francisco Day 5: San Francisco -> Monterey, Big Sur (Find somewhere to stay?) Day 6: Travel to LA Day 7: LA Day 8: LA

Thanks very much for your message and for reading us!

Until day 4 your itinerary is gonna be very intense but definitely doable, as we made a very similar itinerary at the beginning of our trip. You can find recommendations for the night near horseshoe bend/Antelope Canyon in this section of our article.

As for the second part of your trip, We didn’t travel from SF towards the south so don’t know if that would be something possible.

Please let me know if we can help with any other questions.

Best regards,

Hi I am trying to plan a trip with my son for September 2019 have i left enough time to do this? And could you help us with an itinerary Also if we choose to camp do we purchase this in the USA as we are travelling from the UK Thanks

Hi Richard,

Thank you very much for your message.

You are still in time for planning the trip, so I ‘d definitely try to do it!

You can see different itineraries in our US articles depending on your days and preferences. Hope that helps.

As for the campings it depends on the campsite, some accept online reservations like the one in Monument Valley while others are filled in a first-come first-served basis like Camp 4 in Yosemite.

Please let us know if we can help with any other questions.

Hi everyone! Could you help me to make a itinerary with the time and 10 destinations?

We will need some more information to help you. When and where are you starting your trip, days, preferences and so on.

Hi guys, Love your work. I’m a photographer and looking to do a road trip through the west cost of the USA, covering as much of the national parks as possible (Yellowstone a must). We only have a 2 week gap during July to do this. Do you have any tours available for July 2019 for 2 super fun people?

Me, along with spouse and 13 year old son, are planning for a 10 day trip to LA, LV & SFO from India during June last week.

Request if you could help build us an itinerary for First Timers to US. It would be with a driver if we have to hire a car.

Do you deal in hotel accommodations too – 4 star?

Could you please let me know a rough expenditure on all this.

Kindly do mention your charges too for helping us out with a good itinerary and any help on ground that you could provide during our stay.

Thanking You, MOHAN

I have sent you an email with our service rates.

Have a nice day!

I am planing with my boyfriend our trip in June to California for 10 days. We are landing in LA and we would like to visit Yosemite, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and San Diego. Could you please give us some tips? We are afraid that Tioga Pass might not be opened at the beginning of June..

Thanks a lot!

Hi Anabel, I think you have enough time in 10 days to visit the cities and NP you mentioned. You can do 2 days for LA, 3 days for Yosemite, 1 day for Death Valley, 1 day for Las Vegas, 2 days for Grand Canyon and 1 day for San Diego.

As you said, Tioga Pass maybe is still close in June, so I recommend you booking a hotel around Fresno (in case Tigoa Road is close) and other around Mammonth Lakes (in case it is open). And cancel the one you are not going to use once you know the Tioga Road status?

Let me know if you need anything else.

Hello, Thanks for the detailed analysis of west coast. We are planning to visit west coast from Philadelphia and would like to cover California/LA/SFO/Las Vegas. We would however fly to Seattle from PHL and take our trip to west coast from Seattle.

Please provide us with an itinerary.

We are planning 10 days for this trip and would like to over not just national parks but also Golden gate bridge/Hollywood/Alcatraz etc. We don’t want to do the theme parks.

Sure, I have sent you an email with our planner services rates.

Hi, Thanks for itinerary! We are going on a trip from LA in September for 16 days, and this helped a lot! If you could give some tips on showering…it’s not available in a lot of camp sites. Also, if you have some experience with laundry service, I would appreciate some info. Thanks!

Hi Soma! Thanks for your message and words!

You can check beforehand which campsites offer shower utilities and plan according to your needs. We booked camping with showers in Grand Canyon and Yosemite, taking a shower at least every 2 days. As for laundry service, I would suggest doing the same. We went just for a week and didn’t really need to do any washing but if you are staying 16 days some campings have some sort of place for washing. As an example again, you can find those utilities in Grand Canyon and Yosemite, and I am sure there will be more in other important campgrounds.

Hope that helps and have a wonderful US West Coast trip!

Hi we are planning a 15 day stay flying into LA hiring a car can you recommened a route then we fly back out from LA.Thanks

The US West Coast is huge and there are endless possibilities doing a round trip from L.A.

Depending on your personal taste and the number of miles that you are willing to drive, there are many itineraries.

I recommend that you check all the main attractions explained throughout the article and once you know your preferences, you can design your own route.

Hope it helps and you make the most of your trip!

Planning on driving to monument valley and staying at View hotel I need driving directions from Salt Lake City

Take I-15 S, US-6 E, US-191 S and US-163 S to Main Monument Valley Rd/Monument Valley Rd in Oljato-Monument Valley

Hi my husband and I are planning a trip to tour the west coast next June/July next year for 4 weeks starting in San Francisco driving down the coast then across to Vegas by car then possibly hiring a camper van to visit the national parks, would you be able to advise us of some places to stop and stay and give some advice as to how long we should stay at certain places, we would also like to spend a week in Washington and New York at the end of our stay but we will fly to the east coast, thanks Tracey

Sure, I have sent you an email more information about our trip planner services. I can also help you to plan your visits to NYC and Washington. I live in Philadelphia, that is 2hours from NYC and two hours from Washington, so I know these cities very well and I can help you too.

Hello Jaz, thank you for the useful information. I am planning for the west coast trip but could you confirm will it be too much to digest if I cover all/most of the destinations mentioned in your article above in just one trip?

Or shall I split the trip in multiple trips to enjoy and assimilate the delightful view which each destination has to offer?

That is up to you. How much time do you have? Where are you coming from? If I could, I would do it in one trip (3-4 months).

Let me know if you need something else, Ascen.

We are planning a tour of West Coast starting and ending at LA. Can you suggest a good travel itinerary for family of 3 or 6 pxs. for 8-12 days sometime in June or July 2019. Thanks Jaz

Hi Jasmine, I have sent you an email with our rates. Ascen.

Planning to gravel to west coast of USA Visiting friends & also travelling (self drive) . I have 14 days from Sep15 to Sep30 Would like to visit Yosomite, Death Valley Coastal Drive & Las Vegas and Grand canyon. Thanks for your help with an itinerary.

Sure! I will help you to plan your West America trip. I have sent you an email.

Hi, I am planning for west coast tour for 10 days in July. I would like to start from San Francisco . Could you please suggest road trip plan

Hi Rajan, I will be happy for helping you to plan your west coast USA itinerary.

I have sent you an email regarding our travel planner services.

Hi, I am planning a 15 days trip to USA with my family of 5 (2 sons aged 24, 25, Daughter 18). What route would you recommend us to take? We are looking to rent a car and drive around ourselves. Thank you.

Hi Sharon, I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Thanks, Ascen.

Hi.. myself and 2 friends are planning a trip up the west coast from San Francisco in April.. We are renting an RV ..we would like to try and go as north to Portland maybe Seattle.. could you advise of the best route and places we should try to see.

Hi we are planning to Visit West coast in the month of June 19 . Not sure about self drive option but could u please suggest some best places to explore in 10 days . We are landing at San Francisco & leaving to New York from LA .

Would appreciate if u could help us to arrange our trip .

Thanks Sunil

I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Hi Loved reading your information on USA! My husband and I want to travel the west coast in September this year. We have booked so far return flights from Sydney to San Francisco. We would like to see Yosemite Bryce Zion Death Valley Redlands Lake Tahoe Sequoia and Grand Canyon. Not interested in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. We thought we would return via The big Sur to San Francisco. Do you think we can do this in a month? What would be the best driving route to do all this. Can we also purchase driving maps? Any help you could give I would be most grateful! Thanking you

Hi Cath, I have sent you an email regarding our travel planning services.

Hi, thanks a lot for your details itinerary which is very much appreciated. I’m planning my self-drive trip to west coast USA for about 12 days, in May 2019. Just wondering any tips on what to wear? Will it be cold in the Yosemite national park? I’m planning for Grand Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon + Horseshoes band, Yosemite, is it still worth to get the annnual pass? There are total 6 of us.

Hi Joey, If you are only visiting two national parks (Yosemite and Grand Canyon ) it is not worth getting the annual pass. Pay just for the standard fee in each of them. Horseshoe Bend is free and Antelope Canyon is private, so you will have to pay the Navajo fee.

In 12 days you have enough time to visit Death Valley, Bryce and Zion too.

Regarding what to carry in the backpack, please check the camping and cold weather section of this post.

P.S: Next sunday we will be posting our Guide to Yosemite and I am sure you are going to find it interested!!

Best, Ascen

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Experience the ultimate in self-drive and fly-drive tours with our carefully planned American road trips. Whether you’re an adventurer exploring the National Parks or embarking on an epic journey along the iconic American highways, our USA driving holidays offer:

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Explore the suggested routes below or let our expert FREEDOM consultants tailor a bespoke American fly-drive or self-drive holiday exclusively for you.

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Music cities, great food and beaches await in the USA’s Southern States.

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America fly drives.

Discover the real USA at your own pace on a wonderfully crafted self drive or fly drive holiday, where we take care of all the planning so that you can hit the road with reassurance and confidence.

Part of the pleasure of a self drive holiday in America is the driving itself, the roads are quiet and the scenery is breathtaking. There really is no better way to see America or to meet the locals than on a self drive. Stop off in small towns that you might not have otherwise visited and enjoy a different way of exploring.

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Our popular self drives and fly drives are designed to give you the maximum level of freedom with the minimum amount of hassle. We’ve included an air-conditioned car, a well planned route and comfortable pre-booked hotels along the way.

For fly drive holidays our Travel Consultants can find the best flights and connections to fit your itinerary, so you can make the most of your time in the USA. It couldn’t be easier to start your journey and discover the America that best suits you.

Designed For You

One of our pre-planned self drives will certainly help you get the most out of your trip to America, but there is always more to see. If you would like to explore further, or maybe just take things at a slower pace, our experts will work with you to create a self drive or fly drive holiday that suits both the time you have and the style of trip you are looking for. Whether you want to add nights on or detour to various other locations, your self drive holiday can be designed especially for you.

Add A City Stay

Most of our self drives start and finish in larger cities, so we highly recommend you stay for a few nights before or after your tour, with or without your car. It’s a great opportunity to explore another location, enjoy the major sights, or even get a feel for the vast differences between urban and rural life in America.

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East Entrance, Zion National Park

"the old road", driving up red canyon near bryce canyon national park, self-drive tours.

If you are wanting to travel and explore the American Southwest, there’s no better way to explore it than in an automobile with you behind the wheel. If you are not interested in utilizing our professional guide service, let us take our years of experience and provide you with an itinerary that you can use while traveling throughout the Southwest. We offer you complete flexibility to add or remove locations, change the length of your stay at each location and upgrade (or downgrade!) your accommodation or car rental. Here are some sample self-drive tours:

• Mighty 5 Self-Drive
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Taking in several of America’s most popular national parks, a trip through the American Southwest is a panorama of unparalleled scenery. It’s where magnificent skylines of sandstone give way to spectacular natural sculptures and towering mountains. As you drive through the Southwest, there are some excellent roads that link vibrant cities with wide-open spaces, spectacular countryside and breathtaking coastlines. Your self-drive experience can include the following:

• Vouchers for all hotel accommodations with breakfast Included
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• Detailed Itinerary
• Recommendations for day activities, hikes, restaurants, scenic lookouts, etc.
• Information packet explaining the geology, geography, human history, plants, and animals of the areas you will travel through
• For families, we can design and create activities that are age-specific to involve children from 3 to 18 years old

All of the documents are sent via e-mail and are electronic. They are sent to you 30 days prior to your trip after the final payment has been made.

See each sample tour listed above. If you don't find one that interests you, or if you want to add on activities or upgrade hotels, please call or email us and we can custom design a tour for you. We look forward to seeing you in the Southwest!

Please fill out the form below with as much information as possible and we'll be in touch.

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Luxury USA Driving Holidays

Explore America’s most beautiful destinations in style with our luxury selection of USA driving holidays. Take an all-inclusive exotic car driving tour through California and drive Ferraris, Lamborghinis and more on Highway 1 to Napa Valley’s country roads, or see the golden tones of fall in Upstate New York, the Catskills, and the Berkshires — you can enjoy our driving holidays on both east and west coasts.

Discover the best of the US at your own pace on a luxurious self-guided driving vacation, or join one of our flagship small-group tours where you can drive our stunning fleet of latest-release exotic cars.

Motorsport lover? Turn things up a notch and head to Austin or Miami for a weekend of luxury hospitality at the F1 Grand Prix. Ultimate Driving Tours experiences also feature unique five-star accommodation and incredible dining experiences at gastronomic restaurants. Start your all-American adventure today.

F1 Miami Grand Prix

Join us for a weekend of glitz and glamour at one of the hottest new races on the F1 calendar — the Miami Grand Prix. Treat yourself to luxurious hospitality at the Paddock Club and more, including exceptional views and gourmet catering, as part of an adrenaline-filled weekend at the brand new Hard Rock Stadium Circuit in Miami Gardens.

California Supercar Tour

Our exotic car tour of California cuts a line along some of the golden state's most scenic routes — the best way to experience a supercar. Start in Santa Barbara and cruise up Highway 1 to Napa via the Carmel Valley across three beautiful drive days. Extend your adventure by opting for the US Grand Prix in Austin with VIP hospitality and a private dinner with an F1 superstar.

F1 Austin Grand Prix

Experience one of the most fan-friendly races in the F1 calendar — the Austin Grand Prix in the USA. Enjoy luxurious hospitality, exceptional views and gourmet catering as part of an all-inclusive, adrenaline-filled weekend. Away from the race track, explore the lively city of Austin and enjoy an exclusive dinner with an F1 driver, for our guests only.

California Self-Guided Drive

Select a luxury car from our fleet and enjoy an unforgettable self-guided driving tour experiencing California’s most renowned roads. Traverse the twists and turns of the striking and arid Los Padres National Forest, the lush vineyards of the central coast wine region, and the azure Highway 1 coastline. Complete your experience with luxury accommodation, gourmet dining, and more.

Upstate New York Self-Guided Drive

Choose your favourite exotic car from our fleet for a self-guided drive through Upstate New York, the verdant Hudson Valley and the stately Pocono Mountains. Spend time in the stunning Catskills and regal Berkshires. Enjoy incredible days cruising on superb roads with exquisite scenery, and evenings filled with fine dining and luxury accommodations. East coast exploring at its best.

Would you like to chat about a custom-made driving experience?

Let our expert team plan the perfect corporate or private luxury event.

We’ll bring our wealth of experience to the fore to curate a completely customised incentive program or private luxury escape, designed to delight even the most discerning client or loved one.

Our team is standing by to ensure you experience your dream luxury motoring holiday. Touch base today and get ready for an extraordinary supercar tour, self-guided drive, motorsport package or track experience.

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• Fly Drive & Self Drive

USA Self Drive & Fly Drive Holidays

It’s simple: fly to your chosen destination, pick up a hire car and hit the open road. America is a vast country with long stretches of highway just begging to be explored – self-drive holidays can be a great way to take in the sights at your own pace.

Our top fly drive locations include California , New England , Florida , San Francisco , Orlando , Los Angeles and New Orleans.

Explore the USA on a self-drive tour

With a range of exciting destinations that will thrill young and old alike, self-drive holidays are perfectly suited to family-friendly getaways you'll never forget.

We are able to offer you unbeatable rates on fly drive holidays if you simply want to explore wherever takes your fancy. With preferred rates agreed with all major airlines and car hire companies, we will be able to find the right route and vehicle for you at exceptional prices. With a wide range of cars and motorhomes we will find just what you need.

If you would rather a little more certainty on where you will be staying or you are very clear on your fly-drive itinerary, then we can arrange for your complete itinerary with car hire and accommodation on every night leaving you to explore day by day between each destination at your leisure. If you're in need of a little inspiration as to where to take your journey, why not have a look at our list of the most scenic roads in America .

There is no better way to explore the delights of America for the independent traveller than self-drive or fly-drive USA holidays. The Americans favourite transport is the trusty vehicle and the whole nation is geared up for travelling by car.

If you would rather a little more certainty on where you will be staying or you are very clear on your fly-drive itinerary, then we can arrange for your complete itinerary with car hire and accommodation on every night leaving you to explore day by day between each destination at your leisure.

Planning a self-drive or fly-drive holiday in the US?

Planning a self-drive or fly-drive holiday in America? American Sky has the experience to help you plan your perfect holiday. Call our specialists today to discuss a tailor made option.

Top 10 family self-drive tours in America

Self-drive tours around America are a spectacular way to give the whole family a holiday to remember.

Road tripping Route 66

Who could resist the iconic Route 66? From kooky roadside museums and old Cadillac cars planted in the ground, to classic American diners and an 80-foot long whale, Route 66 is famous for a reason.

Top 10 motoring experiences in America

What could be better than driving along America’s wide open roads? Check out our favourite motoring experiences in the USA, and find out what makes this country such an awesome place for a road trip.

Top 10 American road trip movies

Full of adventure, drama, friendships and self-discovery, it’s no wonder American road trip movies have become one of the most loved genres. Check out our must-see films to get you in the road trip spirit.

The best way to fly-drive the USA

Experience the All American road trip with our fantastic guide on what to do, what to take, and how to travel on an American fly-drive holiday.

Top 10 most scenic roads in America

Turn on the ignition - it’s just you and the wide open road on these fantastic USA scenic drives. From incredible sceneries and attractions, to unforgettable vistas and quirky towns, here’s our top 10 scenic roads in America.

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• Full IELTS Practice Tests
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Self-drive tours in the USA

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Exam Review

Good morning. World Tours. My name is Jamie. How can I help you?

Good morning. I want some information on self-drive tours in the USA. Could you send me a brochure?

Of course. Could I have your name please?

Andrea Brown.

Thank you. And your address?

24. Ardleigh Road. 

Can you spell that?

A-R-D-L-E-l-G-H Road.

Thanks. And can I have your phone number?

Is a mobile alright?

It's 07786643091.

Thank you. And can I ask you where you heard about World Tours? From a friend? Or did you see an advert somewhere?

No. I read about you in the newspaper . 

OK, I'll get the brochures in the post to you but can I give you some information over the phone. What kinds of things do you want to do on your holiday?

I’m interested in going to California with my family. I’ve got two children and we want to hire a car.

OK. We have a couple of self-drive tours there visiting different places of interest in California. The first one begins in Los Angeles and there's plenty of time to visit some of the theme parks there. 

That’s something on my children’s list so I'd want to include that.

Good. Then you drive to San Francisco. From San Francisco you can drive to Yosemite Park where you spend a couple of nights. You can choose to stay in a lodge or on the campsite.

I don't like the idea of staying in a tent . It'd be too hot. 

Right. And the tour ends in Las Vegas.

The other trip we can arrange is slightly different. It starts in San Francisco. Then you drive south to Cambria.

Someone told me there’s a really nice castle near Cambria. Will we go near that? 

Hearst Castle is on that road so you could stop there.

Good. I'd like to do that. Does this trip also go into the desert?

No, it continues to Santa Monica where most people like to stop and do some shopping.

We have enough of that at home so that doesn’t interest us.

Well you could go straight on to San Diego.

That's good for beaches isn’t it? 

That’s right, that's a good place to relax and your children might like to visit the zoo before flying home.

I don’t think so. We want some time for sunbathing and swimming.

So how many days are the trips and how much do they cost?

The first one I told you about is a self-drive tour through California which lasts twelve days and covers 2.020   kilometres. The shortest journey is 206 km and the longest is 632 kilometres. The cost is £525 per person.

That includes accommodation, car rental and a flight but no meals.     

And the other trip?

That lasts nine days but you spend only three days on the road. You cover about 980 kilometres altogether.

So is that cheaper then?

Yes, it's almost a hundred pounds cheaper. It’s £ 429 per person, which is  a good deal. 

So that covers accommodation and car hire. What about flights?

They aren’t included. But these hotels offer dinner in the price. 

Well, thank you very much. I'll be in touch when I’ve had a chance to look at the brochure.

I’m pleased to help. Goodbye.

Questions 1-6

Complete the notes below.

Write ONE WORD for each answer.

SELF-DRIVE TOURS IN THE USA

Name:    ... Andrea   Brown ......

Address :    24 1 Road Answer: Ardleigh      Locate    Listen from here

Postcode :    BH5 20P

Phone :    (mobile) 077    8664 3091

Heard about company from:     2 Answer: newspaper      Locate    Listen from here

Possible self-drive tours

•    Los Angeles: customer wants to visit some 3 parks with her children Answer: theme      Locate    Listen from here

•    Yosemite Park: customer wants to stay in a lodge, not a 4 Answer: tent      Locate    Listen from here

•    Customer wants to see the 5 on the way to Cambria Answer: castle      Locate    Listen from here

•    At Santa Monica: not interested in shopping

•    At San Diego, wants to spend time on the 6 Answer: beach/beaches      Locate    Listen from here

Questions 7-10

Complete the table below.

Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

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These itineraries are designed to give you some suggestions for what is possible when you travel in the US, and they showcase some of the routes that we’ve found work particularly well.

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Coastal California self-drive tour

Tour Alcatraz and cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Go whale watching in Monterey, looking out for orcas and humpback whales.

Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway with its dramatic views of the rugged coastline and the ocean.

Enjoy the bustling beachside pier at Santa Monica and learn the basics of surfing with a professional instructor.

11 days from $3,495pp

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Cultures & canyons of western USA self-drive tour

Visit four national parks, including the more remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Marvel at the distinct rock formations in Monument Valley and the ancient Pueblo dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park.

Hike the scenic trails in Zion National Park.

Experience the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas.

Learn more about the unique architecture in Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the US.

14 days from $4,375pp

San Diego short break

Stay on Coronado Island, one of the top places to walk to and relax on the beach.

Kayak along the California coastline taking in the natural caves and marine wildlife.

Explore the USS Midway Museum.

Enjoy a variety of small shops and restaurants on Coronado Island.

5 days from $1,355pp

Yosemite National Park and the City by the Bay

Cycle over Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito.

Take a walk with a local guide and learn about different neighborhoods in San Francisco.

Enjoy a full day of privately guided hiking in Yosemite National Park.

Try rock climbing in Yosemite National Park.

6 days from $2,425pp

Southwest break

Explore the desert region by horse or foot during your ranch stay.

Discover the local film history of Sedona.

Hike through the picturesque 'Red Rock Country' of Sedona.

Take in the memorable show of Cirque du Soleil, 'Love'.

8 days from $2,950pp

Best of the southwest

Soak up the electric atmosphere of Las Vegas.

Follow walking trails and see incredible geological formations in Utah and Arizona’s national parks.

Explore the iconic Monument Valley for dramatic views over the other-worldly landscape and a rich history of the Navajo nation.

Relax and unwind in the spas of Sedona, the wellness capital of Arizona.

13 days from $2,965pp

Classic New England self-drive tour

Discover the revolutionary history of Boston on a guided tour of the Freedom Trail.

Explore the rugged coastline of Maine, dotted with lighthouses and quaint seaside towns.

Wander through the picturesque villages and rolling hills of Vermont.

Take in panoramic views from atop Mount Washington in New Hampshire's magnificent White Mountains.

Go whale watching off the waters of Cape Cod.

13 days from $3,315pp

Alaska's northern lights by train

Explore the Alaskan city of Anchorage, trying out ice skating and fat-biking.

Embark on an exhilarating winter activity, choosing between dog-sledding and snowmobiling.

Admire the dramatic Alaskan winter scenery on a rail journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks.

Sleep in a dome in the Alaskan wilderness, keeping watch for the northern lights.

7 days from $3,480pp

Utah National Parks self-drive tour

Hit the rapids and enjoy a small-group rafting excursion on the Colorado River.

Enjoy a thrilling jeep ride in Canyonlands National Park.

Sleep under the stars in a canvas tent in Zion National Park.

9 days from $3,960pp

Hawaiian getaway

Helicopter over the island of Hawaiʻi and see the expansive rainforest.

Hike on the Kīlauea Volcano.

Snorkel with manta rays.

Take a private guided tour around Volcanoes National Park.

8 days from $4,375pp

Yellowstone National Park discovered

Learn about the plethora of wildlife inhabiting Yellowstone National Park on a group tour.

Explore the geothermal activity of Yellowstone National Park.

Admire the mountains in Grand Teton National Park.

Visit the mountain town of Jackson Hole.

10 days from $4,455pp

Maine coast & national park self-drive tour

Taste classic New England dishes on a culinary walking tour.

Take in the serene natural beauty of Acadia National Park.

Learn about the lobster fishing industry of Maine.

Relax on New England beaches.

10 days from $4,530pp

Colorado Rockies explored

Explore the foothills of the Rocky Mountains outside of Denver.

Visit the authentic mountain town of Breckenridge.

Enjoy a white-water rafting adventure on the Roaring Fork River outside of Aspen.

See wildlife such as moose and elk in Rocky Mountain National Park.

14 days from $4,710pp

Northern California self-drive tour

Explore beautiful, cosmopolitan San Francisco.

See the enormous redwood trees in Redwood National Park.

Discover the beauty and tranquility of Lake Tahoe.

Explore a mix of vineyards, rugged coastline and flowing rivers in Sonoma County.

Go hiking at mighty Mount Shasta.

14 days from $5,440pp

Luxury Yellowstone National Park discovered

Learn about the plethora of wildlife inhabiting Yellowstone National Park.

Visit the mountain town of Big Sky.

10 days from $6,960pp

Alaska cruise & Canadian Rockies by train

Learn the history and culture of Jasper from your First Nations guide as you search for wildlife.

Pass through the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies on the Icefields Parkway.

Zoom along the open road to glittering lakes and stunning viewpoints on a traditional Harley-Davidson.

Travel in timeless style on the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver.

Cruise through the Inside Passage to Alaska and experience the rich wildlife, gastronomy and culture.

15 days from $6,995pp

Self-drive journey through California's wine regions

Stay at luxurious hotels throughout, each with their own focus on food or wine.

Wander the urban wine trails of Carmel and Santa Barbara.

Meet local winemakers with an experienced guide on a private tour of Sonoma.

Visit the Santa Ynez wine region on a privately guided bike tour.

9 days from $7,935pp

Luxury Alaska in the winter wilderness

Embark on exciting winter activities, including dog-sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Relax in the outdoor hot tub, admiring the view of the snowy Alaska Range.

Eat superb food created by the lodge's chef owner.

Enjoy yoga and stretching classes, and indulge in a range of spa treatments.

Explore the Alaskan city of Anchorage, trying out ice skating and fat-wheel cycling.

Travel to your wilderness lodge by ski-plane, landing on a frozen lake right in front of the property.

6 days from $8,675pp

Fjords of Alaska: Luxury Inside Passage cruise

Drift among icebergs and breathtaking fjordland on a luxury Seabourn cruise.

Spot seals, whales and sea otters.

Discover First Nations art and culture.

Explore a Klondike frontier town.

See ice calve in Glacier Bay.

11 days from $9,590pp

Winter in Yellowstone and ranch stay

Enjoy wildlife watching in Grand Teton National Park at sunrise with a naturalist guide.

Visit the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson.

Experience Yellowstone National Park as a winter wonderland and without the crowds.

Try your hand at cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Yellowstone National Park.

Take a moon-lit sleigh ride to a remote cabin for dinner and live music at Lone Mountain Ranch.

13 days from $9,685pp

Hawaiian island-hopping adventure

Experience the glorious beaches of Maui.

Visit Pearl Harbor on the island of Oʻahu.

Trek through lush rainforest and past waterfalls on Maui.

Swim and snorkel off the coast of Kauaʻi.

16 days from $9,815pp

Family self-drive tour of Hawaii's highlights

Enjoy some family relaxation on Maui's white-sand beaches.

Greet the local marine life on a snorkel adventure.

Between January and March, experience the majesty of humpback whales at sunrise.

Sample roadside treats and explore the landscape on the Road to Hāna.

Access your family's adventurous side and experience the heat of Hawaii's legendary volcanoes.

12 days from $9,815pp

The Great American West: self-drive through the USA Rockies

Explore South Dakota's amazing Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse national monuments.

Experience the geothermal wonderland of Yellowstone National Park on a tour with a naturalist guide.

Get up close with nature on a privately guided wildlife tour in Northern Yellowstone with a local expert.

Learn all about the native inhabitants of this region, as well as the cowboy way of life in Cody at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Marvel at the majestic mountains in Glacier National Park during a private guided hike through the high mountain passes.

16 days from $10,460pp

Alaska cruise & wilderness lodge with Vancouver

Explore Vancouver's beautiful coastline by seaplane.

Admire spectacular Alaska scenery on a luxury Silversea cruise.

Stay in a remote Alaska wilderness lodge.

Go bear viewing in Katmai National Park.

Take a guided glacier hike.

16 days from $11,450pp

Alaska explorer

Marvel at the grandeur of Wrangell-St Elias National Park while visiting Kennicott and McCarthy.

View the fjords and tidewater glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park by boat.

Look for whales, porpoises, and sea otters while admiring the glaciers of Prince William Sound.

Experience Mount Denali by air with a thrilling glacier landing.

18 days from $11,880pp

Small ship Alaska cruise with Seattle

Discover buzzing Seattle.

Enjoy a thrilling helicopter tour over Mendenhall Glacier.

Take an exciting dog-sledding trip on a glacier.

Explore Alaska on a small ship cruise.

12 days from $12,785pp

Luxury Grand Canyon and Lake Powell

Privately guided hiking excursion along the Bright Angel Trail.

Helicopter flight over Grand Canyon National Park.

Stay at the luxurious Amangiri, an exclusive hideaway in the middle of the desert.

7 days from $13,190pp

Luxury ranch & beach

Spend five nights at a luxury ranch in a pristine valley in Montana.

Try out a variety of activities at the ranch, including horseback riding, fly-fishing for cutthroat trout, and mountain biking.

Unwind by relaxing in a cliff-side resort overlooking Laguna Beach.

9 days from $14,190pp

Alaska by train & self-drive

Cruise among the fjords and tidewater glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Soar over Denali National Park to see the highest peak in North America and enjoy a thrilling glacier landing.

See the mighty Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat during an immersive experience at Lake Clark.

14 days from $14,995pp

Ultimate Alaska wildlife safari

Ride the historic Alaska Railroad over Moose Pass to Seward.

Cruise to the face of a tidewater glacier and stay overnight on a private island.

Look for whales, otters and puffins in Kenai Fjords.

Experience world-class bear viewing in one of the best places to see brown bears.

Spot grizzlies, wolves and caribou roaming the tundra beneath the Alaska Range in Denali National Park.

13 days from $24,695pp

Speak to our US specialists to plan your tailor-made itinerary

Some of our favorite travel guides, hiking in america's southwest national parks, visiting the grand canyon: how to get the best experience, where to go in the us, learning about indigenous peoples & cultures on your southwest usa trip, the rockies: ranches, wolves & wild west towns, self-drive vacations in florida, 5 under-the-radar us destinations to inspire your next trip, self-driving the blue ridge parkway, visit the great lakes, seeing the us’s classic sights without the crowds.

The US's southwest region is home to some of the most iconic national parks in the country. Experience the visceral beauty of waterfalls cascading over the granite cliffs of Yosemite, the sun baked red-earthed canyons of Zion, or the mighty sequoia trees of Redwoods National Park on a walking trip.

Everyone has heard of the Grand Canyon, but how can you get the most out of your visit? US specialist Ross provides advice and answers common questions about exploring the canyon, as well as sharing his own experiences.

The US is so huge that it can be hard to narrow down your options when you’re planning a trip. We’ve drawn up a guide to helping you decide which regions to visit, depending on your individual interests.

Indigenous people have lived in the Southwest for millennia. USA specialist Franki reveals some of the best ways you can learn about and support Native American cultures during your travels, from Navajo-operated tours of swirling slot canyons to souvenir-worthy Native arts markets.

The Rockies is a region of soaring mountains, wide open plains scattered with bison, and historic Gold Rush towns where time has stood still. US specialist Alex shares the best things to do in the Rockies, from Yellowstone tours to ranch stays.

Florida is blessed with both an Atlantic and a Gulf of Mexico coast, and there are a number of self-driving routes throughout the state that combine coastal highlights with some of the region’s most recognizable attractions inland. USA specialist, David, drove across the Florida Keys on his recent trip.

Rainforests in the Pacific Northwest, a history-steeped town in the South, and an art community in the Southwest. Our specialists share five less-visited destinations across the USA, helping you delve deeper into the country’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

A self-drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway will take you from nation's capital, Washington D.C. on a journey of discovery through Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. You'll uncover historic towns and marvel at the splendid scenery of national parks such as Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains.

Relax on a lakeside beach or explore cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee. Go wildlife spotting for moose or take part in a range of outdoor activities, the Great Lakes region has plenty to offer visitors of all ages.

From peaceful beach retreats to windswept walks among the wildflowers, our US specialists share their top spots to explore outside of the busy season to give you a new perspective on the country’s classic sights and experiences.