Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Ultimate Family Nature Road Trip: Las Vegas to Los Angeles via Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Sequoia, Yosemite & Coastal Highlights

Viewed by 257 travelers

Day 1: Grand Canyon Arrival

Grand Canyon, Arizona on August 17, 2025

7:30am

Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim

Start early from Las Vegas and drive approximately 4.5 hours to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, enjoying scenic views along the way.
USD0, 4h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at El Tovar Dining Room

Enjoy a classic lunch with views of the canyon at this historic lodge restaurant, known for its rustic charm and elevated menu.
USD20-35 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Grand Canyon South Rim viewpoints

Visit iconic viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Hopi Point to soak in breathtaking vistas of the canyon’s vastness.
USD35 per vehicle (park entrance fee), 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at Arizona Room

Savor southwestern cuisine with a family-friendly atmosphere close to the canyon rim.
USD20-40 per person, 1h

7:00pm

Hotel check-in

Stay overnight at Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon or best available budget hotel nearby, convenient and comfortable for families.
USD150-200, Overnight
Find Hotels in Grand Canyon

Day 2: Death Valley Drive

Grand Canyon to Death Valley, California on August 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel or a nearby cafe like Canyon Coffee House.
USD10 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Drive approx. 5 hours through desert landscapes en route to Death Valley, preparing for hot daytime temperatures and bringing water.
USD35 per vehicle (park entrance fee), 5h

1:00pm

Lunch in Furnace Creek area

Eat at The Oasis at Death Valley’s Wrangler Steakhouse, featuring American and southwestern dishes.
USD15-30 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Furnace Creek Visitor Center and Nature Walks

Explore informative exhibits and take easy nature walks like the Salt Creek Trail to learn about desert flora and fauna.
Included in park fee, 2h

5:00pm

Check into hotel near Death Valley

Stay at The Inn at Death Valley or budget-friendly nearby accommodations such as the Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel for a restful night.
USD160-220, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant or local spot

Relax with dinner at hotel or try local fare known for hearty meals and southwestern flavors.
USD20-40 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Grand Canyon to Death Valley

Day 3: Sequoia National Park

Death Valley to Sequoia National Park, California on August 19, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and prep

Have a solid breakfast before heading out to the mountains; it’s a long 5-6 hour drive with elevation changes and cooler temps.
USD10 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Travel to Sequoia National Park, home to giant sequoias including the famous General Sherman Tree.
USD35 per vehicle (park entrance fee), 6h

2:30pm

Visit General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail

Explore the largest tree on earth and take a family-friendly hike on the Congress Trail to see giant sequoias up close.
Included in park fee, 2h

5:00pm

Check into Wuksachi Lodge or nearby budget hotel

Relax after a day of driving and hiking with accommodations inside the park or nearby for convenience.
USD150-250, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy rustic dining options with family-friendly menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
USD25-45 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Death Valley to Sequoia National Park

Day 4: Sequoia to Yosemite

Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park, California on August 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lodge

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before heading north to Yosemite.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Travel approximately 4 hours to Yosemite National Park, passing scenic Sierra Nevada landscapes.
USD35 per vehicle (park entrance fee), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court

Casual dining with a variety of options and great views of Yosemite Falls.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Yosemite Valley Sightseeing

Visit spots like Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Fall for spectacular nature photography and walks.
Included in park fee, 4h

6:00pm

Check into Yosemite Valley Lodge or budget hotel nearby

Stay inside the park or close by to maximize Yosemite experience and ease of access.
USD200-300, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at The Mountain Room Restaurant

Dine with iconic views of Yosemite Falls serving American cuisine, perfect for families.
USD25-45 per person, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Sequoia National Park to Yosemite National Park

Day 5: Yosemite Exploration

Yosemite National Park, California on August 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Enjoy a filling breakfast before an active day exploring more remote areas of Yosemite.
USD15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Day hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls

Experience famous hikes on the Mist Trail, suitable for teens and adults, with stunning waterfall views.
Included in park fee, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch picnic in Yosemite Valley

Pack a picnic from local markets or grab grab-n-go items from the lodge to eat surrounded by nature.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Take a shuttle or drive to see more giant sequoias and enjoy some gentle trails in this stunning grove.
Included in park fee, 2h

6:30pm

Return to Lodge

Relax and rest after a full day of adventure in Yosemite.
USD0, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Base Camp Eatery

Casual dining with various family-friendly options to wind down the day.
USD15-30 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Day 6: Yosemite to Monterey

Yosemite to Monterey, California on August 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Early breakfast in Yosemite before departure.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Monterey

Approximate 4-hour drive heading west towards the California coast to Monterey, gateway to the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.
USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Old Fisherman's Wharf

Sample fresh seafood and local cuisine at the wharf featuring many family-friendly restaurants with ocean views.
USD20-35 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

One of the top aquariums in the US, ideal for teens interested in marine biology, open 10am–5pm.
USD60 per adult, USD40 per teen, younger children discount, 2h

5:00pm

Drive part of Highway 1 south

Begin a leisurely coastal drive south along the Pacific Coast Highway towards Santa Barbara, enjoying stops at lookout points.
USD0, 2h

7:30pm

Overnight stay in Morro Bay or San Simeon

Book a budget-friendly hotel such as Motel 6 or Comfort Inn, providing easy access to PCH and family amenities.
USD120-170, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at local diner

Relax with friendly atmosphere cuisine featuring burgers, salads, and seafood.
USD15-25 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Yosemite to Monterey

Day 7: Coastal Drive to Santa Barbara

Morro Bay to Santa Barbara, California on August 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at motel or local cafe

Start the day with a healthy breakfast in Morro Bay or San Simeon.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive south along Highway 1

Continue scenic drive with stops at Pismo Beach and other coastal towns en route to Santa Barbara.
USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Santa Barbara Public Market

Family-friendly food court featuring diverse and fresh local foods and snack options.
USD15-30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Santa Barbara beach and pier

Relax by the ocean, visit Stearns Wharf, and enjoy beach activities popular with families and teens.
USD0, 2h

4:30pm

Check into budget hotel in Santa Barbara

Options include the Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn for a comfortable family stay.
USD150-200, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Habit Burger Grill

Casual dining favorite for burgers and shakes, fun for teens and convenient location.
USD10-20 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Morro Bay to Santa Barbara

Day 8: Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, California on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy local pastries or breakfast entrees to fuel up before heading to LA.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Los Angeles

A 2-hour drive brings you to LA, settling into a family-friendly hotel for the next several days of activities.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Check into hotel in LA area

Budget options include the Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles Downtown or Hotel Normandie. Good locations for family and access to attractions.
USD150-220 per night, Overnight

1:30pm

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Explore diverse food stalls with street food and international flavors in the heart of downtown LA.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Afternoon visit to Griffith Observatory and Park

Enjoy panoramic views of LA and the Hollywood sign with fun interactive astronomy exhibits, free entry.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Original Farmers Market

Variety of food vendors and casual dining options ideal for families after a day of sightseeing.
USD15-25 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Day 9: LA Day Trip - Universal Studios

Los Angeles, California on August 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a fun day at Universal Studios with a solid breakfast to start early.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Universal Studios Hollywood Visit

Spend the day enjoying rides, shows, and studio tours at this famous theme park; park opens at 9am and closes 7pm in August.
USD140 per adult, USD135 per teen, 9h

6:30pm

Return to hotel for dinner nearby

Relax with dinner at a nearby family restaurant, such as In-N-Out Burger or a local pizzeria.
USD10-20 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 10: LA Day Trip - Santa Monica & Whale Watching

Los Angeles, California on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Santa Monica café

Have a relaxing breakfast before a day near the coast.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Explore Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Visit the famous pier with its amusement park, aquarium, and beach activities popular with teens and families.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at The Albright on the Pier

Enjoy fresh seafood and family-friendly meals at this iconic spot.
USD20-35 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Afternoon Whale Watching Boat Tour from Marina del Rey

Book a 3-hour guided whale watching trip (seasonal) offering educational experiences of marine life; tours typically run 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
USD45-60 per person, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at nearby marina restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a waterfront restaurant such as Killer Shrimp, known for fresh seafood and lively atmosphere.
USD25-40 per person, 1h

7:30pm

Return to hotel

Rest and prepare for the last day in LA.
USD0, Overnight
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 11: LA Day Trip - Hollywood & Departure

Los Angeles, California on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start last day with breakfast and check out preparations.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Visit Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre

Walk the famous Hollywood Boulevard to see stars of celebrities and iconic theaters, perfect for some fun photos and souvenir shopping.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill

Dine at this historic Hollywood restaurant, known for classic American fare, family-friendly environment, and a cultural experience.
USD20-40 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Drive back towards Las Vegas or to LAX for departure

Depending on plans, begin the drive back or head to the airport in time for evening departures.
USD0, Varies
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed