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Budget-Friendly 7-Day Road Trip: Las Vegas, San Diego, and Los Angeles

Viewed by 235 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Las Vegas, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The 24-hour Café

Kick off your adventure with an affordable breakfast at The 24-hour Café, enjoying eggs and toast at budget-friendly prices.
Located in the heart of the Strip.
USD10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Walk the Las Vegas Strip

Take a scenic stroll down the iconic Las Vegas Strip, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere without spending a dime.
Walking distance along Las Vegas Blvd.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Enjoy a classic budget meal at In-N-Out Burger, well-loved for their value and fresh ingredients.
A short ride from the Strip.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Check-in to the Excalibur Hotel Casino

Check into the Excalibur, an affordable hotel located on the Strip with themed accommodations.
Walking distance to the attractions.
Approximately USD80 per night for 5 people., 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Bellagio Conservatory

Admire the stunning seasonal displays at the Bellagio Conservatory, which is free to enter.
A short walk from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Dine at The Cheesecake Factory where you can split meals or enjoy their portioned options without breaking the bank.
Another walking distance to the Forum Shops.
USD30, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Watch the Fountains at Bellagio

Conclude your day with a delightful view of the Bellagio Fountains, a spectacular show that is entirely free.
Located right in front of the Bellagio.
Free, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Las Vegas

Day 2: Adventure Day

Las Vegas, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at McDonald’s

Grab a quick and budget-friendly breakfast at McDonald’s with their value menu.
Walking distance from your hotel.
USD5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Red Rock Canyon

Enjoy a budget-friendly ride out to Red Rock Canyon to experience the beautiful desert landscape.
About 30 minutes from the Strip.
USD15 (National Conservation Area fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Pack a lunch or get sandwiches to enjoy at one of the picturesque picnic spots within Red Rock Canyon.
Bring sandwiches from a local deli before heading out.
USD10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hiking Adventure

Explore various hiking trails of Red Rock Canyon at minimal cost while enjoying breathtaking views.
Choose from several trails based on your group’s preference.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Enjoy affordable sandwiches and soups at Potbelly, perfect for refueling after your day of exploring.
Return to the Strip in Las Vegas.
USD20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Visit Fremont Street Experience

Check out the vibrant and free entertainment at Fremont Street, from live music to the light shows above.
A quick ride from your dinner location.
Free, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Las Vegas

Day 3: Into the Sun!

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Experience a classic diner breakfast at Denny's with affordable options for everyone.
Walking distance from your hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to San Diego

Embark on a budget-friendly road trip to San Diego, with a scenic route taking around 5 hours.
Take I-15 S towards San Diego.
Gas: USD30, 5 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Taco Shop

Relish some budget-friendly tacos at a local Taco Shop, popular for their fresh ingredients.
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter.
USD10, 1 hour

4:30PM

Check-in at America's Best Value Inn

Stay at America's Best Value Inn, one of the budget options in San Diego, providing essential comforts.
Located conveniently for your group’s needs.
Approximately USD100 per night for 5 people., 1 hour

6:00PM

Explore Balboa Park

Wander through Balboa Park, free to enter, where you can absorb the local culture and scenery.
A quick ride or walk from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Brown’s Chicken

Enjoy an informal dinner at Brown’s Chicken, where you can enjoy good portions at a wallet-friendly price.
Within walking distance from Balboa Park.
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Visit the Beach

End your day relaxing by Mission Beach, taking in the calming sounds of the ocean.
A quick ride from dinner.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 4: Sun-Kissed Adventures

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Huddle House

Start your day with a hearty and budget-friendly breakfast at Huddle House.
Short ride from the hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit La Jolla Cove

Spend the morning exploring La Jolla Cove to see sea lions without any entry fee.
A short ride from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Cottage La Jolla

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch with sandwiches and salads at The Cottage.
A short ride from La Jolla Cove.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Beach Day at La Jolla Shores

Spend an afternoon lounging at La Jolla Shores, soaking in the sun without spending a cent.
Just a short walk from your lunch spot.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Early Dinner at El Pescador Fish Market

Savor fresh fish tacos and more at El Pescador, famous for its reasonable prices.
A short ride back toward downtown.
USD20, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Visit Sunset Cliffs

Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a breathtaking experience that won’t cost you anything.
A quick ride toward the cliffs.
Free, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening Stroll

Take a relaxing evening stroll along the cliffs, enjoying the coastal breeze.
Walk easily along the paths.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 5: Explore LA

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Norms

Enjoy a homestyle breakfast at Norm's that offers a budget-friendly menu suited for all.
Located in LA.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to the Hollywood Sign

Carpool to Griffith Park for fantastic views of the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Approximately 30 minutes from Norm's.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Explore the Griffith Observatory where you can see exhibits and public telescopes at no entry cost.
Located near the Hollywood Sign.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pink’s Hot Dogs

Stop by Pink’s Hot Dogs for a delicious and inexpensive hot dog experience.
A short ride from Griffith.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Hollywood Boulevard

Walk along the famous Hollywood Boulevard, checking out the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre at no cost.
Quick ride from Pink’s.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in to Super 8 Motel

Stay at Super 8 Motel for budget accommodations during your LA trip.
Located conveniently on Sunset Boulevard.
Approximately USD120 per night for 5 people., 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Denny’s

Enjoy a late casual dinner at Denny’s, a budget-friendly choice with ample options.
Short ride from the hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Night Stroll at Venice Beach

Wrap up your day with a pleasant evening at Venice Beach, taking in the vibrant nightlife.
A short ride from dinner.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 6: Exploration Continues

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Original Pancake House

Indulge in an affordable breakfast at The Original Pancake House, known for delicious pancakes.
Located in LA.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Getty Center

Enjoy the art and beautiful gardens of The Getty Center where entry is free.
A 30-minute scenic ride from breakfast.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Original Farmers Market

Savor various budget-friendly cuisines at The Original Farmers Market, ideal for sampling.
A short ride from The Getty.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Santa Monica Beach

Spend time at Santa Monica Beach, enjoying the sun and beach atmosphere at no cost.
A quick ride from the market.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ben & Jerry’s

Grab some delicious ice cream at Ben & Jerry's for a casual and tasty dinner treat.
Located at the Santa Monica Pier.
USD10, 1 hour

7:30PM

Stroll at Santa Monica Pier

Wrap up your LA adventure with a stroll along Santa Monica Pier, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Right next to the beach.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return Journey and Departure

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wildflower Café

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast at Wildflower Café, which offers wholesome dishes.
Located in Santa Monica.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Return Car to Enterprise

Conveniently head to the nearest Enterprise location to return your rental car before your flight.
Various locations available in LA.
Free, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Final Lunch at The Peppermill

Enjoy a nostalgic lunch at The Peppermill known for their hearty portions and retro vibes at reasonable prices.
Return to the original Enterprise location for lunch nearby.
USD30, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend the remaining time shopping for souvenirs or visiting nearby attractions before departure.
Locate shops near your lunch spot.
Variable based on purchases., 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Arrival at Airport for Flight Back to NYC

Make your way to the airport in good time for your departure.
Allow ample time for check-in.
Variable based on travel arrangements., 1 hour
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
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