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Family Nature Road Trip: Las Vegas to Los Angeles via Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Lone Pine, Sequoia, Coastal Highway & LA Highlights

Viewed by 127 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

Depart Las Vegas for the 2.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon West Rim, hosted by the Hualapai Tribe, featuring spectacular views and the thrilling Skywalk glass bridge.
USD0, 2h30m

10:00am

Explore Grand Canyon West Rim & Skywalk

Enjoy multiple viewpoints including Eagle Point and Guano Point and take in breathtaking canyon vistas; park opens 7am-7pm in August.
USD60 per person (including Skywalk admission and shuttle), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Guano Point Café

Relax with southwestern flavors while admiring panoramic vistas within the park.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Short hikes and viewpoint explorations

Stroll trails around Guano and Eagle Points for more secluded photo opportunities and nature experiences.
Included in admission, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Kingman, Arizona

A 1.5-hour drive to Kingman for affordable, comfortable overnight accommodation conveniently located on historic Route 66.
USD0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner

Enjoy traditional diner fare in a fun 50’s Americana setting—great for families with teens.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

8:00pm

Check-in Best Western Plus King's Inn & Suites or similar

Family-friendly budget hotel offering comfort and convenience.
USD110-150, Overnight
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Day 2: Death Valley National Park

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

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for the 4.5-5 hour drive to Death Valley via scenic desert routes.
USD10 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Death Valley National Park, Furnace Creek

Travel across desert landscapes into California; park entry fee applies at Furnace Creek.
USD35 per vehicle, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Oasis Wrangler Steakhouse

Enjoy southwestern-inspired dishes with views and good service inside the park.
USD15-30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Furnace Creek area: Visitor Center and short hikes

Walk easy trails like Salt Creek Walk and visit Harmony Borax Works, learning about desert ecology and history.
Included in park fee, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Lone Pine for overnight

Approximately 2.5 hours drive to the mountain town of Lone Pine, gateway to the Alabama Hills with cooler evening climate.
USD0, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Seasons Restaurant, Lone Pine

Casual, family friendly spot offering American comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere.
USD20-30 per person, 1h

9:00pm

Check into Dow Villa Motel or similar in Lone Pine

Affordable, comfortable accommodations suitable for families with easy access to local amenities.
USD100-140, Overnight
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Day 3: Lone Pine to Sequoia National Park

Lone Pine to Sequoia National Park, CA on August 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at motel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the mountains.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Sequoia National Park

Approximately 3.5 - 4 hour drive through scenic mountain roads to reach the giant sequoias and peaceful forest.
USD35 per vehicle (park entrance fee), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wuksachi Lodge Restaurant

Dine amidst nature with hearty American fare and a relaxed family atmosphere inside the park.
USD20-40 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Visit General Sherman Tree and Congress Trail

Experience the world’s largest tree and easy trails surrounded by ancient sequoias; a perfect nature encounter for teens and adults alike.
Included in park fee, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in Wuksachi Lodge or nearby budget lodging

Stay overnight at the comfortable lodge or similar budget friendly hotel within or near the park.
USD150-250, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing dinner with fresh, seasonal, and family-friendly options.
USD25-45 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Lone Pine to Sequoia National Park

Day 4: Sequoia to Monterey & Coastal Drive

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

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Energize with a wholesome breakfast before the scenic drive toward the Pacific Coast.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Monterey

Approximate 5.5-hour drive descending from the Sierra Nevada to Monterey Bay area.
USD0, 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Old Fisherman's Wharf

Taste fresh seafood and enjoy the vibrant boardwalk atmosphere great for families.
USD20-35 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Monterey Bay Aquarium

Visit the world-renowned aquarium open 10am-5pm, renowned for marine exhibits perfect for teens interested in ocean life.
USD60 adults, USD40 teens, 2h

5:00pm

Drive south on Pacific Coast Highway to Morro Bay

Scenic 2-hour coastal drive to Morro Bay for overnight stay, enjoying ocean views and sunset along the way.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Overnight at Motel 6 Morro Bay or similar

Budget-friendly stay near the beach with family accommodations and amenities.
USD120-170, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at local diner

Enjoy classic comfort food or fresh seafood in a relaxed setting perfect for teens.
USD15-25 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Sequoia National Park to Monterey

Day 5: Coastal Drive & Santa Barbara

Morro Bay to Santa Barbara, California on August 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at motel

Quick breakfast before continuing scenic drive down Highway 1 along California’s coast.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

8:30am

Drive south to Santa Barbara

Drive about 4 hours with optional stops at Pismo Beach and other coastal towns along the way.
USD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Santa Barbara Public Market

Varied and fresh local food in a casual market setting ideal for families with diverse tastes.
USD15-30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Beach

Enjoy the beach, shops, and picturesque views in one of California’s most charming coastal towns.
USD0, 2h

4:30pm

Check-in Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Well-rated family hotel with pool and spacious rooms.
USD150-200, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at The Habit Burger Grill

Casual diner specializing in tasty burgers and sides, teen favorites.
USD10-20 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Morro Bay to Santa Barbara

Day 6: Arrive Los Angeles

Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, California on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café

Enjoy a stress-free breakfast before the shorter drive to LA.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Los Angeles

Approximate 2-hour drive to the heart of LA for an extended stay and exploration.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in at Holiday Inn Express LA Downtown or Hotel Normandie

Family-friendly hotels offering good access to city attractions and comfortable rooms.
USD150-220, Overnight

1:30pm

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Diverse food stalls with vibrant atmosphere and something for every family member.
USD15-25 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Griffith Observatory and Park

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

6:00pm

Dinner at The Original Farmers Market

Multiple food vendors with global cuisines perfect for families seeking variety.
USD15-25 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Day 7: Universal Studios Day

Los Angeles, California on August 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Universal Studios Hollywood

Enjoy rides, shows, and tours with exciting attractions appealing to teens; park open 9am-7pm.
USD140 adults, USD135 teens, 9h

7:30pm

Dinner close to hotel

Casual options like In-N-Out or pizza to unwind after the theme park excitement.
USD10-20 per person, 1h
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Day 8: Santa Monica & Whale Watching

Los Angeles, California on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or cafe

Start with a nourishing breakfast before coastal activities.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Enjoy family-friendly fun at the pier with rides, aquarium, shops, and the beach.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at The Albright

Casual seafood dining right at the pier with fresh and tasty options.
USD20-35 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Whale watching boat tour from Marina del Rey

Three-hour guided tour spotting whales and marine wildlife; operate typically 1:30pm-4:30pm August.
USD45-60 per person, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at Killer Shrimp or similar waterfront restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere to end the day.
USD25-40 per person, 1h
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 9: Hollywood & Departure Prep

Los Angeles, California on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fill up for a morning of some classic Hollywood sightseeing or packing.
USD10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre

Walk the star-studded sidewalks and view celebrity handprints; free, fun for teens for photos and souvenirs.
USD0, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill

Historic Hollywood eatery with classic American dishes and a family welcoming vibe.
USD20-40 per person, 1h

1:00pm

Free afternoon – relax or last-minute sightseeing

Prepare for travel home or any missed attractions at your leisure.
USD0, Rest of day

Evening

Travel to airport or head home

Depart from LAX or begin return drive as per your plan.
USD0, Varies
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