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Family Road Trip: Las Vegas to Los Angeles via Grand Canyon West Rim, Death Valley, Sequoia, Coastal Drive & LA Day Trips

Viewed by 166 travelers

Day 1: Grand Canyon West Rim

Grand Canyon West Rim, Arizona on August 17, 2025

7:30am

Drive Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim

Leave early Las Vegas for a 2.5-hour drive to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, known for its Skywalk and breathtaking views managed by the Hualapai Tribe.
USD0, 2h30m

10:00am

Visit Grand Canyon West Rim & Skywalk

Experience spectacular canyon views and the glass-bottom Skywalk bridge; park opens at 7am and closes at 7pm in August.
USD60 per person (includes Skywalk and shuttle), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Guano Point Café

Enjoy Southwestern cuisine with amazing panoramic canyon views at this casual venue inside the park.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore other viewpoints and short hikes

Walk trails like Eagle Point and Guano Point for incredible photo ops and less crowded spots.
Included in admission, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Kingman, AZ for overnight stay

Drive about 1.5 hours to Kingman, a convenient stop for the night with budget-friendly hotels.
USD0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner Kingman

Dine in a classic 50’s style diner offering burgers, shakes, and family-friendly meals.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

8:00pm

Hotel check-in

Stay at Best Western Plus King's Inn & Suites or similar offering good family value and comfort.
USD110-150, Overnight
Find Hotels in Grand Canyon West Rim

Day 2: Death Valley National Park

Kingman, AZ to Death Valley, CA on August 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to Death Valley National Park for a day of desert wonders.
USD10 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Travel approximately 4.5-5 hours crossing into California, enter through Furnace Creek area.
USD35 per vehicle (park entrance fee), 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Oasis at Death Valley – Wrangler Steakhouse

Relax with southwestern-style meals to refuel for afternoon explorations.
USD15-30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Furnace Creek Visitor Center and short walks

Gather park info and enjoy easy trails like Harmony Borax Works and Salt Creek Walk to experience desert ecosystems.
Included in park fee, 2h

5:30pm

Check into Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel

Stay inside or near the park for convenience and desert ambiance while keeping budget in mind.
USD160-210, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Casual dining with a focus on comfort food after a hot day in the desert.
USD20-35 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Kingman

Day 3: Sequoia National Park

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

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before embarking on a 5-hour drive to the cooler mountain environment of Sequoia National Park.
USD10 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Enjoy scenic mountain roads as you approach the giant sequoias and fresh forest air.
USD35 per vehicle (park entrance fee), 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Wuksachi Lodge Restaurant

Refuel with family-friendly American fare inside the park lodge, close to major attractions.
USD20-40 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Visit General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail

See the largest tree on earth and enjoy a relatively easy hike amid ancient giants.
Included in park fee, 2h

5:30pm

Check into Wuksachi Lodge or nearby budget lodging

Spend the night nestled in the park at a comfortable and convenient base for exploration.
USD150-250, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed evening meal with scenic views and family-friendly dishes.
USD25-45 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Death Valley

Day 4: Sequoia to Lone Pine

Sequoia National Park to Lone Pine, California on August 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Have a wholesome breakfast before the scenic drive to Lone Pine.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Lone Pine

Travel 3.5 to 4 hours through the Sierra Nevada foothills to Lone Pine, gateway to Mount Whitney and the Alabama Hills.
USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch in Lone Pine at Alabama Hills Cafe

Enjoy hearty meals in a cozy local spot with western decor, perfect for families after a morning drive.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Alabama Hills

Discover scenic rock formations and movie filming locations with easy hikes and stunning backdrops ideal for teens.
USD0, 3h

5:30pm

Check into Dow Villa Motel or similar budget hotel

Affordable family stay in town with friendly service and comfortable rooms.
USD100-140, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Seasons Restaurant

Family-friendly spot with American comfort food and pleasant atmosphere.
USD20-30 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Sequoia National Park to Lone Pine

Day 5: Lone Pine to Monterey & Coastal Drive

Lone Pine to Monterey, California on August 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at motel

Start early with breakfast before the drive toward the coast.
USD10 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Monterey

Long drive of about 5.5 hours descending from the mountains to reach Monterey on the Pacific Coast.
USD0, 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Old Fisherman's Wharf

Sample local seafood dishes and enjoy the lively boardwalk atmosphere popular with families and teens.
USD20-35 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore one of the world’s best aquariums, perfect for teens interested in marine life; open 10am - 5pm.
USD60 adults, USD40 teens, 2h

5:00pm

Begin southbound drive on Pacific Coast Highway

Drive approximately 2 hours south toward Morro Bay for overnight stay, enjoying coastal views and sunset along the way.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Overnight stay in Morro Bay

Book Motel 6 Morro Bay or similar budget-friendly option near the beach for relaxing family accommodation.
USD120-170, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at local diner

Enjoy classic diner meals or fresh seafood in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
USD15-25 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Lone Pine to Monterey

Day 6: Coastal Drive & Santa Barbara

Morro Bay to Santa Barbara, California on August 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at motel

Enjoy an easy breakfast before continuing down the coast.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive south along Highway 1

Travel 4 hours enjoying scenic stops at Pismo Beach and other coastal towns en route to Santa Barbara.
USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Santa Barbara Public Market

Explore fresh, local food stalls offering variety to please all family members.
USD15-30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Santa Barbara beach and Stearns Wharf

Enjoy the sun, local shops, and casual atmosphere at this picturesque coastal town.
USD0, 2h

4:30pm

Check into Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Comfortable, affordable family-friendly hotel with pool and good amenities.
USD150-200, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Habit Burger Grill

Casual, popular burger spot perfect for teens and families.
USD10-20 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Morro Bay to Santa Barbara

Day 7: Arrive Los Angeles

Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, California on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start with a relaxed breakfast before heading to LA.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Los Angeles

Approximate 2-hour drive bringing you into the city for an extended stay and local adventures.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Hotel check-in in Los Angeles

Stay at Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles Downtown or Hotel Normandie, both family-friendly with good access to attractions.
USD150-220, Overnight

1:30pm

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Discover diverse international cuisines and vibrant atmosphere ideal for families.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Griffith Observatory and Park

Enjoy free exhibits and panoramic views of LA and the Hollywood sign; park open until 10pm.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Original Farmers Market

Sample a variety of dishes from multiple vendors in a lively family-friendly setting.
USD15-25 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Day 8: Universal Studios Day

Los Angeles, California on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare early with breakfast to maximize your day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Open 9am-7pm this season, enjoy rides, shows, and studio tours with thrilling attractions for teens and adults.
USD140 adults, USD135 teens, 9h

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Casual dining at local spots like In-N-Out Burger or a pizza place to wrap up the day easily.
USD10-20 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 9: Santa Monica & Whale Watching

Los Angeles, California on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or Santa Monica cafe

Start relaxed with breakfast before heading to the coast.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Explore Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Spend a fun morning at the iconic pier with aquarium, rides, shops and popular beach activities.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at The Albright

Enjoy fresh seafood and casual dining right on the pier.
USD20-35 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Whale Watching Boat Tour from Marina del Rey

Take a 3-hour guided boat tour to observe whales and marine wildlife; tours operate in afternoon, typically 1:30pm-4:30pm.
USD45-60 per person, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at waterfront restaurant

Dine at Killer Shrimp or similar for fresh seafood and relaxed family atmosphere.
USD25-40 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 10: Hollywood & Departure Prep

Los Angeles, California on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the morning with a good breakfast.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Walk Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre

Explore the celebrity stars and iconic theaters; fun photo ops and souvenir shopping with no entry fee.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill

Experience a historic Hollywood dining spot serving classic American meals with family-friendly options.
USD20-40 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Free afternoon to pack, relax or visit any missed spots

Prepare for evening departure or last-minute sightseeing based on flight or drive schedule.
USD0, Rest of day

Evening

Travel to airport or begin drive home

Head to LAX or start drive back to Las Vegas depending on your travel plans.
USD0, Varies
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Please make an itinerary for a road trip for a family of 4, with two teens of 15 and 17, driving from Las vegas to Los angeles area. the trip should be focused on nature & parksand should follow the shortest route containing as of a minimum gtrnad canyon, Death vally, Sequoia national park, yosemite park, coastal highway (partially) between monterey and LA. we further would like to do Daytrips from somewhre Safe around LA, going to santa monica, Hollywood, Universal studios, and whale watching by boat. PLease plan this trip between August 17 morning, and August 27 evening 2025. we would like to be advised finally on when to stop for the night, and a choice of available budget hotels along the way, Trip

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