Set the tone for your adventure by roaming Golden Gate Park. This 1,000+ acre park oozes natural beauty, with trails, gardens, lakes, museums and even a Japanese tea garden. Start with a bike ride, visit the California Academy of Sciences, then recharge in the park's secluded meadows or open spaces.
Big Sur is a 70-mile stretch of prime California coast. Drive the winding cliff side roads of the Pacific Coast Highway to make the most of the breathtaking views. Highlights include the renowned Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, and McWay Falls, as well as beachfront parks and hiking trails along the way.
Take a tour through Hearst Castle, wealthy media magnate William Randolph Hearst's stunning residence. Here, opulent architecture meets manicured gardens and million-dollar art pieces. Afterward, drive 15 minutes north to the northern elephant seal viewing area. Visitors get a chance to see these fascinating creatures up close in their natural habitat.
An untouched world of natural beauty awaits at the Channel Islands, five unique islands off the California coast. Options range from hiking, scuba diving, sea cave expeditions, kayaking, wildflower walks, photography and whale watching. Be sure to pre-book your activities to make the most of your time.
Just off Southern California lies Santa Catalina Island, a paradise of vast coastline, rugged terrain, and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. The island is also home to a variety of sea and land animals, including the iconic bison that roam Catalina's highlands.
Named after the park's most iconic species, Joshua Tree National Park is a desert dreamscape of unique flora and fauna. Highlights are numerous, including rock climbing, stargazing, hiking, and panoramic vistas. The park is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the desert's heat.
Use your seventh day to see one of the world's greatest natural wonders - Grand Canyon National Park. Consider a guided tour to help you make the most of the incredible views and understand the geological history of the gorge known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
If you're looking for a change of pace, take a drive through the Mojave Desert to experience one of America's liveliest cities-Las Vegas. Inside the fun and flashy resorts, visitors are entertained with musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and magicians. It's easy to spend an entire day simply wandering the Strip or shopping at high-end stores.
Relax in style in the chic desert oasis known as Palm Springs. Cozy restaurants, independent art galleries, boutique stores, and outdoor spas are peppered throughout the city. You can also enjoy a round of golf at one of the city's challenging courses or take a ride on the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
End your trip with a splash at Santa Monica and Venice Beach. It's the perfect place for reminders of the Cultural Revolution of the 60s as well as a modern shopping and dining paradise. Take a stroll along the bustling Venice Boardwalk or rent bikes to tour Santa Monica's iconic pier.
Total Estimated Costs: $191 per person
It can be frustrating not to have personal transportation when exploring the natural beauty of America's west coast. Consider renting a car to enhance the freedom of your travels. The cost will be roughly $70 per day ($700 total for 10 days). Parking costs are not negligible, but cheap public transportations will be possible.
If you have extra time, consider extending your stay at one of several popular destinations, such as San Francisco and Las Vegas, to further explore. Conversely, If you have less time than the itinerary suggests, consider skipping one or more destinations while making time for rest and relaxation instead.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the hub airport for this itinerary, located 16 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. Other nearby airports include San Francisco International (SFO) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS).