10-Day West Coast Loop: San Francisco → Los Angeles → Las Vegas → San Francisco (Oct 17–26, 2025) for 3 Travelers — Universal, Griffith, LACMA & Grand Canyon
Start at the Ferry Building for artisanal coffee and pastries (Blue Bottle) and a quick look at local vendors; great for sampling local foods and walking views of the Bay. Ferry Building shops generally open 8:00am–6:00pm (hours vary by vendor).
Stroll the Embarcadero to see the Bay Bridge, piers and public art — a relaxed orientation to the waterfront and easy photos. Outdoor activity, open all day.
Exploratorium (science museum on Pier 15; typically 10:00am–5:00pm) is interactive and fun; if you prefer Alcatraz, take the ferry from Pier 33 (tours run most of the day but sell out — book weeks ahead).
Classic San Francisco sourdough clam chowder or seafood sandwiches at Boudin — tourist-y but convenient, with views of the bay and quick service (open daily).
Drive or take transit to Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints (Battery Spencer or Fort Point) for iconic photos and a short walk on the bridge; viewpoints open all day.
Head to North Beach for excellent Italian or fresh seafood; Tony’s is prized for Neapolitan pizza, Sotto Mare for classic cioppino — both typically open evenings (check reservations).
Try Tartine’s baked goods for a light meal or La Taqueria for an acclaimed Mission burrito; both open late morning. La Taqueria usually open 11:00am–9:00pm.
Dinner at a popular SF spot: Foreign Cinema for an atmospheric courtyard meal (reservations recommended) or Nopa for seasonal Californian fare (both open evenings).
If you didn’t do Alcatraz, take the morning ferry (book ahead); otherwise ride the cable car and explore Union Square shops and galleries — cable car turnaround near Powell usually busy mid-morning.
If you want nature, drive/transfer to Muir Woods (reservations often required for parking/shuttle; park open early morning–evening) for redwoods and easy hikes; otherwise relax with a Bay stroll.
Fly SFO to LAX (approx 1h20m flight). Book an early flight to maximize your L.A. afternoon; allow time for airport transfer and baggage (arrive to SFO 90–120 minutes pre-flight).
Arrive, check into hotel, then head to Grand Central Market for diverse stalls (open roughly 8:00am–9:00pm) with many quick options and a lively atmosphere.
Visit Griffith Park for views of the Hollywood Sign and the Observatory grounds; the Griffith Observatory building often opens around noon (hours commonly 12:00pm–10:00pm but verify day-of).
Have a quick breakfast near your hotel or at Universal CityWalk so you’re at the gates when Universal Studios opens (park typically opens 9:00am; early entry varies).
Spend a full day at Universal Studios Hollywood to enjoy rides, shows, and the Studio Tour — book tickets in advance; park hours often 9:00am–8:00pm (varies by season).
After the park, head to Hollywood for dinner: Musso & Frank for historic Hollywood dining or Gracias Madre for plant-based Mexican (both open evenings; reservations helpful).
Fly from LAX to LAS (~1h15m) early to maximize Vegas time; driving is ~4–5 hours each way. Book morning flights for efficient arrival in Vegas by midday.
Walk major hotels (Bellagio, Caesars, Venetian) and catch the Bellagio fountain shows (typically every 30 minutes 3:00pm–8:00pm; every 15 minutes 8:00pm–midnight).
Choose the Neon Museum (book timed entry; typically open 9:00am–9:00pm) for retro Vegas signs or the High Roller for skyline views (day/evening rotations).
Dine at a lively Strip restaurant such as Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen (reservations recommended) or a quieter spot depending on mood; many restaurants open until late.
Take a guided full-day tour from Las Vegas — South Rim coach tours typically leave ~5:00–6:00am and are ~12–14 hour round trips, West Rim is shorter (~9–11 hours). Book a reputable operator; check exact departure time on your ticket.
Most full-day tours include coffee/snacks and have a lunch stop; if flying independently, pack breakfast and water for the long day (tour specifics vary).
Arrive at rim viewpoints for guided stops, short hikes and photo ops; South Rim offers expansive views and visitor centers, West Rim features the Skywalk (extra fee) — check opening hours with tour operator (visitor centers ~9:00am–5:00pm).
Relaxed breakfast at Bouchon (French bakery) or Eggslut for a quick, famous sandwich; opens morning hours typically 8:00am–11:00am or longer depending on venue.
If you want scenery, drive 30–40 minutes to Red Rock Canyon for a scenic loop and short hikes (visitor center hours ~7:00am–6:00pm). Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed pool day at your hotel.
Visit the Neon Museum with a timed-entry tour (book online) or shop at Fashion Show Mall on the Strip; museum hours generally 9:00am–9:00pm but vary seasonally.
See a headline show (book tickets in advance) and enjoy a pre- or post-show dinner at a Strip restaurant — show start times typically 7:30pm or 8:00pm.
Drive to Twin Peaks for panoramic city views (best in late afternoon) or stroll Alamo Square to see the Painted Ladies; both are outdoor sites open all day.
Choose a relaxed dinner near the airport — Millbrae and Burlingame have many good options; keep it casual to prepare for an international flight next day.
Depart hotel early to arrive at SFO 3 hours before your international flight to Indonesia; confirm airline check-in and any COVID/visa requirements ahead of time.
Have a quick airport breakfast or grab items curbside before check-in if time is tight; airport cafes open early but check specific hours for your terminal.