NYC → Las Vegas → Palm Springs → Los Angeles: 7‑Day Holiday Itinerary (Last Week of December)

Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas

Morning: Depart from NYC on an early morning flight and arrive at McCarran International Airport. Transfer to your hotel on the Strip and settle in.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along The Strip, marveling at the dazzling lights and iconic resorts. Stop for a quick lunch at a classic buffet.

Evening: Enjoy the spectacular Bellagio Fountains show, followed by a welcome dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views.

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Day 2: Exploring Las Vegas

Morning: Visit the historic Fremont Street Experience for vintage neon and street performances.

Afternoon: Head to Red Rock Canyon for a scenic drive and short hikes, soaking in desert vistas.

Evening: Catch a world‑class show (e.g., Cirque du Soleil) and explore the vibrant nightlife on the Strip.

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Day 3: Las Vegas → Palm Springs

Morning: Check out and drive or take a short flight to Palm Springs; enjoy desert scenery along the route.

Afternoon: Arrive in Palm Springs, check into a boutique hotel, and stroll the downtown promenade, spotting mid‑century modern architecture.

Evening: Dine at a trendy restaurant and watch the sunset from Joshua Tree National Park’s sunset viewpoint (optional short drive).

Find Hotels **Correction**: The itinerary should stay within Palm Springs for the evening; the sunset viewpoint will be at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a spectacular mountain view.

Day 4: Palm Springs Highlights

Morning: Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the San Jacinto Mountains for panoramic vistas and a short nature walk.

Afternoon: Explore the Palm Springs Art Museum and then visit the historic Sunnylands Estate for a guided tour.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local bistro and perhaps a night‑time stroll along Palm Canyon Drive.

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Day 5: Palm Springs → Los Angeles

Morning: Depart for Los Angeles; the drive along I‑10 offers glimpses of the coastal mountains.

Afternoon: Arrive in LA, check into your hotel in Hollywood, and visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre.

Evening: Dine at a classic LA eatery on Sunset Boulevard and enjoy a rooftop view of the city lights.

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Day 6: Los Angeles Exploration

Morning: Hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sunrise and city panoramas.

Afternoon: Tour the impressive collections at The Getty Center, then stroll through the gardens.

Evening: Head to Santa Monica Pier for dinner, rides, and a sunset walk along the beach.

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Day 7: Departure

Morning: Relax with a leisurely brunch in Venice Beach and browse the local boutiques.

Afternoon: Return to your hotel, pack, and head to LAX for your flight home.

Evening: Fly back to NYC, reflecting on a memorable West Coast holiday.

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Time and Cost Estimates

• Bellagio Fountains – 30 min – Free
• Fremont Street Experience – 2 hr – Free (optional street performer tips)
• Red Rock Canyon – 3 hr – $15 entrance
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – 2 hr – $45 round‑trip
• Palm Springs Art Museum – 1.5 hr – $12 admission
• Sunnylands Estate – 2 hr – $25 tour
• Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL – 2 hr – Free
• Griffith Observatory – 2 hr – Free (parking $10)
• The Getty Center – 3 hr – Free (parking $20)
• Santa Monica Pier – 2 hr – Free (rides $10‑$20)
• Flights NYC‑LV & LV‑LA – 6 hr total – $350
• Car rental & gas (LV‑PS‑LA) – 4 days – $300
• Accommodation (6 nights) – $250/night – $1,500
• Meals – $70/day – $490
• Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs) – $200
Total estimated cost: $3,317

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day in Palm Springs for a full excursion to Joshua Tree National Park, or spend an extra day in Los Angeles exploring Beverly Hills and the Museum of Contemporary Art. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 3 and Day 4 by skipping the Aerial Tramway and focusing on downtown Palm Springs, and reduce Los Angeles activities to just the Hollywood area and Santa Monica.