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West Coast Family Road‑Trip: Las Vegas to Los Angeles via Death Valley, Yosemite, Big Sur & San Francisco (23 Jun–11 Jul 2026)

Viewed by 161 travelers

Day 1: Fly & Arrive

Las Vegas, USA on June 23, 2026

5:20pm

Depart London

BA flight from London Heathrow (booked) to Las Vegas; overnight flight. Make sure passports and ESTA are ready.
USD0, 11h00m

8:30pm

Arrive Las Vegas & Hotel check-in

Arrive Harry Reid Intl (LAS) and transfer to MGM Grand (ideal choice). Book two rooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin. MGM Grand link: https://www.mgmgrand.com. Alternatives: Bellagio (https://www.bellagio.com) or ARIA (https://www.aria.com).
USD0, 1h30m

9:30pm

Late dinner — options

Try the MGM Grand buffet (vegetarian-friendly) for variety, or head to VegeNation (off-Strip, plant-forward) for a city-favourite vegetarian menu. Both open late; check specific hours.
USD25, 1h00m
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Day 2: Strip & Pool

Las Vegas, USA on June 24, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast — options

Breakfast at Mon Ami Gabi (Paris Las Vegas) — great eggs, pancakes and vegetarian options; or try Eggslut at The Cosmopolitan for modern breakfast sandwiches. Typical opening 7–10:30am.
USD20, 1h00m

10:30am

Pool & Relax

Leisurely pool morning at MGM Grand; family time and jet‑lag recovery. Pool hours typically 9am–6pm; reserve daybed if needed.
USD0, 3h00m

1:30pm

Lunch — options

Lunch at Shake Shack (vegetarian burger available) or Pepper Owens (Tex‑Mex with vegetarian fajitas). Open midday onwards.
USD18, 1h00m

3:30pm

Explore the Strip: attractions & sports books

Walk the Strip: Bellagio fountains, The Venetian canals, visit sports books at MGM/Westgate to experience World Cup and UFC buzz. Fountains run every 15–30 minutes; sports books open all day.
USD0, 2h00m

7:30pm

Evening show or UFC event

If UFC International Fight Week events are on, consider attending UFC Fan Expo or a fight night at T‑Mobile Arena; otherwise book a Cirque show (e.g., O by Cirque). Check schedules and book in advance.
USD75, 2h30m

10:30pm

Dinner — options

Dinner at Lotus of Siam (famous Thai with veg options; reservations essential) or Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars for familiar American food with vegetarian options.
USD35, 1h15m
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Day 3: Grand Canyon Day

Las Vegas, USA on June 25, 2026

6:00am

Grand Canyon day trip (West or South Rim)

Full‑day tour from Las Vegas. Recommended: helicopter or plane + rim tour for time efficiency and epic views (West Rim Skywalk or South Rim fly-in). Tours depart early; total day 8–12 hours. Book with Papillon or Maverick. Check confirmed pick-up times when booking.
USD300, 8h00m

2:00pm

Lunch during tour

Tour usually includes a boxed lunch; if independent, eat at Grand Canyon airport café or head back for late lunch in Vegas.
USD15, 30m

8:30pm

Dinner — options back in Vegas

Dinner at Nacho Daddy (vegetarian Tex‑Mex options) or vegan-friendly Veggie House. Open late on the Strip.
USD25, 1h00m
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Day 4: Hoover Dam & Explore

Las Vegas, USA on June 26, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast — options

Breakfast at The Henry (Cosmopolitan) or Panera Bread for quick, reliable vegetarian choices. Open early.
USD18, 45m

9:30am

Half‑day Hoover Dam visit

Drive 40 minutes to Hoover Dam; visitor centre tours and short walk across the dam provide engineering history and great views of Lake Mead. Visitor centre open ~9am–5pm; allow 2–3 hours.
USD30, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — options

Back in Vegas, try Eataly (Park MGM) for excellent vegetarian pizzas and pasta, or Tacos El Gordo for quick Tex‑Mex with veg options.
USD20, 1h00m

3:00pm

Free time / Shopping

Browse Fashion Show Mall or outlet stores; alternatively enjoy hotel spa treatments (book ahead) to keep pace leisurely.
USD50, 2h00m

7:30pm

Evening — World Cup / Fan events

Visit an on‑Strip sports bar or the MGM sports book to watch World Cup fan screens; Vegas often hosts fan zones during big tournaments—check event listings closer to travel.
USD0, 2h00m

9:30pm

Dinner — options

Try SW Steakhouse (vegetarian options available by request) or Vegan/vegetarian pop-ups—Vegas has growing vegetarian scenes; reserve if possible.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Free Day Vegas

Las Vegas, USA on June 27, 2026

9:00am

Late breakfast / pool

Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Bardot Brasserie (Delicious vegetarian options) or the MGM buffet; have a long pool session to relax before the drive.
USD30, 2h00m

12:30pm

Optional activities — shopping or museums

Visit Neon Museum (book timed entry) or Mob Museum (both educational and short visits). Neon Museum typically open 10am–8pm; Mob Museum ~10am–6pm.
USD25, 2h00m

3:30pm

Early dinner & UFC/World Cup planning

Dine early at Jaleo (Spanish tapas, great veg choices) or Blue Ribbon for American cuisine; confirm UFC ticket pick‑ups or World Cup match plans for San Francisco/LA evenings.
USD40, 1h15m

7:00pm

Show/Evening walk

Evening stroll down the Strip; optional Cirque show or nightclub depending on energy. Check show times and book ahead.
USD75, 2h00m
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Day 6: Drive to Death Valley

Death Valley, USA on June 28, 2026

8:30am

Car hire pickup (Las Vegas)

Collect rental car at LAS (suggest major brands: Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, Alamo). Book SUV or comfortable sedan for long drives. Pickup approx 8:30am; ensure insurance covers multi‑state travel.
USD70, 1h00m

10:30am

Drive to Death Valley (via NV‑373 / CA‑190)

Scenic drive ~2.5–3 hours; bring water and check vehicle and weather. Stops possible at Zabriskie Point for panoramic views.
USD0, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch

Light lunch at Furnace Creek area café or packed picnic; few options inside the park so plan ahead.
USD15, 45m

3:00pm

Check in at The Inn at Death Valley

Stay at The Inn at Death Valley (official: https://www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/inn/). Alternative: The Ranch at Death Valley. Book rooms early (limited inventory). Enjoy historic desert style and evening stargazing.
USD250, 30m

4:00pm

Sunset viewpoint visit

Visit Dante's View or Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near sunset for dramatic desert colours. Park open 24/7; plan arrival for golden hour.
USD0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Dinner at The Inn's dining room which offers vegetarian options; early seating recommended (hotel dining usually opens around 6pm but check seasonal hours).
USD40, 1h15m
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Day 7: Drive to Yosemite

Yosemite / Fish Camp, USA on June 29, 2026

7:30am

Early breakfast & depart

Early breakfast at the Inn; then depart across US‑395 and Tioga Pass region (check seasonal road openings—Tioga Pass may be closed early season). Alternative route via CA‑190 and 395; total drive ~5–6 hours depending on route and road conditions.
USD0, 6h00m

2:30pm

Arrive Tenaya at Yosemite (Fish Camp)

Check into Tenaya (https://www.tenaya.com) located just outside South Entrance of Yosemite National Park. Book two rooms as requested. Relax and use lodge facilities.
USD280, 30m

3:30pm

Short Yosemite valley visit

Drive into Yosemite Valley for short scenic stops at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls and El Capitan viewpoints (park open 24/7; trail access depends on time and season). Allow 2–3 hours and ensure park entry reservation if required (check NPS updates).
USD35, 3h00m

8:00pm

Dinner — Tenaya dining

Dinner at Tenaya's on‑site restaurant offering vegetarian options and a cosy evening. Book ahead for family seating.
USD40, 1h00m
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Day 8: To San Francisco

San Francisco, USA on June 30, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Tenaya & depart

Leisurely breakfast at the hotel; then drive northwest to San Francisco (approx 4–5 hours depending on traffic).
USD0, 1h00m

1:30pm

Arrive San Francisco & check-in

Check in at Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf (https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-fishermans-wharf/sfowh). Alternatives: Argonaut Hotel (https://www.argonauthotel.com) or Hotel Zephyr. Request two rooms: 1 double, 1 twin.
USD350, 1h00m

3:00pm

Cable Car / Fisherman’s Wharf

Ride the Powell‑Hyde cable car for scenic views (runs roughly 6am–midnight). Explore Pier 39, sea lions and Ghirardelli Square (shops open mid‑morning to evening).
USD8, 2h00m

7:30pm

Dinner — options

Dine at Fog Harbor Fish House (vegetarian chowder, good seafood alternatives) or The Plant Cafe (good vegetarian options at Embarcadero). Ferry Building Marketplace has many stalls too.
USD35, 1h15m
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Day 9: Golden Gate & Presidio

San Francisco, USA on July 1, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast — options

Breakfast at Boudin Bakery (sourdough and vegetarian soups) or Mama’s on Washington Square (classic breakfast; get there early for queue). Open from ~7–8am.
USD20, 1h00m

10:00am

Golden Gate Bridge & Presidio

Walk/view Golden Gate from Fort Point or Crissy Field for postcard photos; visit the Presidio and Palace of Fine Arts. Presidio is open daily; plan 2–3 hours including viewpoints and short walks.
USD0, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — options

Lunch at Buena Vista Cafe (famous Irish coffee and brunch items; try their veg breakfasts) or at the Presidio Social Club (vegetarian mains available). Buena Vista usually opens mid‑morning.
USD25, 1h00m

3:00pm

Exploring the Marina & Palace

Stroll through Marina District, Chestnut Street shops and return to Fisherman’s Wharf for ice cream at Ghirardelli Square.
USD10, 2h00m

7:00pm

Evening — World Cup fan zone / dinner

Look for official FIFA Fan Fest locations or big‑screen venues near Embarcadero or Union Square to watch matches. Dinner options: Yank Sing (Chinese dim sum) or Asian Box for quick Asian flavours.
USD30, 2h00m
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Day 10: Alcatraz & City

San Francisco, USA on July 2, 2026

9:00am

Alcatraz Island tour

Pre‑book first‑thing Alcatraz tickets (Ferry departs from Pier 33). Audio tour is excellent and lasts ~2–3 hours including ferries. Boat boarding times start around 9am; book well in advance.
USDD40, 3h00m

1:00pm

Lunch — options

Ferry Building Marketplace (lots of artisanal options) or The Slanted Door for Vietnamese (reservations advised). Ferry Building shops typically open 10am–6pm.
USD25, 1h00m

3:00pm

Painted Ladies & Haight‑Ashbury

Visit Alamo Square (Painted Ladies, great photo stop) and drive or tram to Haight‑Ashbury for counter‑culture history and vintage shops. Spend an easy afternoon wandering.
USD0, 2h00m

7:30pm

Dinner — options

Dinner in North Beach: Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (vegetarian pizzas) or Ristorante Il Casaro for pasta; North Beach open late.
USD30, 1h15m
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Day 11: Leisure Day SF

San Francisco, USA on July 3, 2026

9:30am

Late breakfast & Ferry Building shopping

Return to Ferry Building Marketplace for artisan breakfasts and local produce; great place for picnic supplies if you plan a later drive.
USD20, 1h00m

11:30am

Cable car / Lombard Street

Take postcard cable car ride and walk down Lombard Street (the ‘crooked’ street). Cable car fares apply (~USD8) and lines can be long—go mid‑morning.
USD8, 1h30m

2:00pm

Afternoon — shopping / spa

Free afternoon — optional spa at hotel, shopping in Union Square, or visit San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Check museum opening times (usually 10am–5pm).
USD35, 3h00m

7:30pm

Dinner & World Cup fan activities

Dine at Asian Box (fast) or Nopa (top local bistro with veg options). If a World Cup match is scheduled, many bars and fan zones in SoMa/Embarcadero will host big screens.
USD40, 2h00m
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Day 12: Coastal Drive to Big Sur

Big Sur, USA on July 4, 2026

8:00am

Depart San Francisco for Highway 1

Drive south on scenic Highway 1 via Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea; expect 3.5–5 hours depending on stops. Leave early to enjoy the coast and avoid holiday traffic (4 Jul).
USD0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Carmel or Monterey

Lunch in Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea: La Bicyclette or vegetarian‑friendly cafés; Monterey’s Cannery Row also has many options. Both areas open midday.
USD25, 1h00m

3:00pm

Bixby Creek & Big Sur

Drive the iconic Big Sur coast, stop at Bixby Creek Bridge and Pfeiffer Beach (note parking and seasonal closures). Enjoy dramatic coastline views and photography.
USD0, 2h00m

6:00pm

Check in — Big Sur lodging

Stay in Big Sur: options include Ventana (luxury) or Big Sur River Inn (more family friendly). Book early; Big Sur fills fast. Ventana: https://www.ventanabigsur.com, River Inn: https://bigsurriverinn.com.
USD250, 30m

8:00pm

Dinner at lodging

Dinner at your lodge—many Big Sur properties have farm‑to‑table vegetarian choices. Enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars.
USD45, 1h15m
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Day 13: Big Sur → Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, USA on July 5, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast & depart south

Leisurely morning with breakfast in Big Sur then continue the coastal drive south toward Santa Barbara. Expect a long driving day (~5–6 hours of driving plus stops).
USD0, 1h00m

1:30pm

Lunch in San Simeon / Pismo Beach

Stop for lunch near San Simeon (Elephant Seal viewing at Piedras Blancas) or Pismo Beach for a relaxed coastal lunch with vegetarian options.
USD20, 1h00m

4:30pm

Arrive Santa Barbara & check-in

Check in at The Canary or Hotel Californian (central and beach access). Alternatives: Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara. Request two rooms with bed configuration as required.
USD220, 30m

6:00pm

Evening walk & dinner

Stroll State Street and the waterfront; dinner at Mesa Burger (veg options) or Natural Cafe for fresh vegetarian food.
USD30, 1h15m
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Day 14: Drive to LA

West Hollywood (Los Angeles), USA on July 6, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast & depart for West Hollywood

Breakfast in Santa Barbara then drive ~2 hours to West Hollywood/Los Angeles. Take scenic Pacific Coast Highway for parts of the route or US‑101 for faster travel.
USD0, 2h00m

12:00pm

Check in at Andaz West Hollywood

Check in at Andaz West Hollywood (https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/andaz-west-hollywood/wehaw). Alternatives: Loews Hollywood or The London West Hollywood. Reserve two rooms with required bed types.
USD320, 1h00m

2:00pm

Griffith Observatory & Hollywood sign

Drive to Griffith Observatory for panoramic LA views and a close look at the Hollywood Sign. Observatory opening hours often 12pm–10pm (check ahead).
USD0, 2h00m

5:30pm

Hollywood Boulevard & Walk of Fame

Stroll Hollywood Boulevard — TCL Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre; souvenir shopping and celeb‑spotting. Area open late but watch evening traffic.
USD0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — options

Dinner at Gracias Madre (plant‑forward Mexican in West Hollywood) or Carney’s (classic American) if you want something informal and family friendly.
USD35, 1h15m
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Day 15: Universal Studios

Los Angeles, USA on July 7, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & depart for Universal Studios

Quick breakfast at the hotel or Urth Caffé before heading to Universal Studios Hollywood. Arrive at park open time to maximize rides and Studio Tour.
USD20, 30m

9:00am

Universal Studios — full day

Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood (recommended for older teens). Book Express Pass if you want to reduce queue times. Park typically opens 9am–10pm depending on season.
USD160, 8h00m

6:30pm

Dinner nearby — options

Dinner at CityWalk: Blaze Pizza (good veg pizzas) or Voodoo Doughnut for a fun treat. CityWalk is open late and convenient after the park.
USD25, 1h00m

8:30pm

Evening: Relax at hotel

Return to Andaz for pool time or lounge in your room. Consider spa bookings if desired for the next day.
USD0, 1h30m
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Day 16: Beverly Hills & Melrose

Los Angeles, USA on July 8, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast — options

Breakfast at Joan’s on Third (casual café with veg options) or The Griddle Café (if you want a brunch experience).
USD22, 1h00m

10:30am

Rodeo Drive & Beverly Hills

Window‑shop designer stores at Rodeo Drive and explore Beverly Canon Gardens. Perfect for a leisurely walk and souvenir photos.
USD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — options

Lunch at Gracias Madre (if you didn’t on Day 14) or True Food Kitchen for healthy vegetarian options near The Grove.
USD28, 1h00m

2:00pm

Melrose Avenue shopping & street art

Explore Melrose Avenue boutiques, street art and vintage shops; a relaxed afternoon of spotting unique finds and photo opportunities.
USD0, 2h00m

5:00pm

Premium Outlets shopping option

If you want designer bargains, consider a late afternoon/evening trip to Camarillo Premium Outlets (approx 1 hour from West Hollywood) or schedule this for another day. Join Premium Outlets VIP Shopper Club for coupons and extra savings before visiting.
USD0, 3h00m

8:00pm

Dinner — options

Dinner at Gracias Madre (if you prefer plant‑based Mexican) or Cafeteria in West Hollywood for a casual family meal. Reserve if peak times expected.
USD35, 1h15m
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Day 17: Santa Monica & Venice

Los Angeles, USA on July 9, 2026

9:30am

Breakfast near hotel

Breakfast at nearby cafés (e.g., Sweet Butter Kitchen) then head west to Santa Monica and Venice Beach for a relaxed day at the sea.
USD18, 45m

11:00am

Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade

Enjoy the pier, amusement rides and shopping at Third Street Promenade. Great casual lunch venues and beach vibe; pier open all day.
USD0, 2h00m

2:00pm

Venice Boardwalk

Stroll Venice Boardwalk, Muscle Beach and Abbot Kinney for boutique shopping and street food. Good for people‑watching and informal food stops.
USD0, 2h00m

6:00pm

Dinner — options

Dinner at True Food Kitchen (Santa Monica) or Plant Power Fast Food for a fun veg alternative. Both family friendly.
USD30, 1h15m

8:30pm

Optional evening — LA Live fan zones

If a World Cup match is on, LA Live/Staples Center area or Grand Park often host fan events (subject to FIFA planning). Check official listings closer to match dates.
USD0, 2h00m
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Day 18: Studios & Final Shopping

Los Angeles, USA on July 10, 2026

9:00am

Warner Bros Studio Tour

Book Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood for a morning visit (themes, sets, Harry Potter/DC locations depending on sets). Tours usually start from 9am and last ~2–3 hours; book tickets in advance.
USD70, 3h00m

1:00pm

Lunch — options

Lunch at The Ivy (vegetarian choices) for a celebrity‑spotting vibe or head to a local mall for quick eats. Reservations recommended for The Ivy.
USD40, 1h15m

3:00pm

Outlet shopping (if not done)

Opt for Camarillo Premium Outlets (great designer bargains) or Citadel Outlets closer to LAX for last‑minute deals. Join Premium Outlets VIP list and sign up for store newsletters (Coach, Michael Kors etc.) to get extra coupons.
USD0, 3h00m

7:30pm

Farewell dinner

Final family dinner in West Hollywood at Sur or Catch LA (vegetarian dishes available) to cap the trip. Book a table ahead.
USD60, 1h30m
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Day 19: Depart

Los Angeles / Fly home on July 11, 2026

9:00am

Leisurely breakfast & pack

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or nearby café; final packing and check‑out preparation. Consider late checkout if your flight is evening and hotel offers it.
USD0, 1h00m

11:00am

Last‑minute sightseeing or shopping

Optional last quick stop at The Grove or Melrose for any last buys; keep an eye on traffic and airport drop‑off time (allow 1–1.5 hours to LAX).
USD0, 2h00m

4:00pm

Return rental car at LAX

Return car at LAX rental centre (allow 45–60 minutes). Recommended drop at LAX to avoid extra drop fees in West Hollywood. Confirm drop‑off times with rental company.
USD0, 1h00m

6:00pm

Airport check‑in & relax

Check in for BA flight and go through security; relax at the lounge or family meal at LAX restaurants (many vegetarian options).
USD0, 2h00m

8:05pm

Depart LAX → London (BA)

Evening BA flight home from LAX (booked).
USD0, 11h30m
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Book This Trip
Garden Safaris

Tour Operator Urban nature & discovery walking tours

Garden Safaris offers immersive, guided walking tours that reveal the hidden natural beauty of Santa Monica. We specialize in urban “safaris” that blend gardens, architecture, secret stairways, canyon paths, and ocean views into unforgettable local adventures. Led by knowledgeable guides, our tours go beyond typical sightseeing, inviting travelers to explore peaceful, lesser-known landscapes and discover the stories, design, and nature woven into the city. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing garden stroll or an active scenic hike, Garden Safaris turns the city into a living outdoor escape.

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