12-Day Epic Road Trip: San Francisco to Los Angeles via National Parks

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Start your day enjoying delicious French toast at this local favorite.
Head towards Fisherman's Wharf after breakfast.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry to this historic prison and enjoy an audio tour.
Board the ferry from Pier 33.
USD40, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Boudin Bakery

Savor a sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder.
Walk back to Fisherman’s Wharf.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Golden Gate Park

Wander through the tranquil gardens and visit the de Young Museum.
Drive or take a rideshare to the park (15 min drive).
USD15, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Enjoy spectacular ocean views and fresh seafood.
Make a reservation and drive (20 min drive).
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More of San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Indulge in artisanal pastries and coffee at this renowned bakery.
Head to Mission District (15 min drive).
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stroll through Painted Ladies

Admire these picturesque Victorian houses that adorn Alamo Square.
Drive to Alamo Square (10 min drive).
USD0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Exploratorium

Engage with interactive science exhibits perfect for all ages.
Drive to Pier 15 (10 min drive).
USD30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Ferry Building Marketplace

Sample foods from local artisan vendors in this bustling market.
Walk along the Embarcadero.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk across Golden Gate Bridge

Take in scenic views while walking this iconic bridge.
Drive to the bridge entrance (20 min drive).
USD0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at House of Prime Rib

Enjoy a hearty prime rib dinner, perfectly cooked and served.
Drive back to the restaurant (15 min drive).
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Drive to Yosemite

Yosemite, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before the journey.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Hit the road and enjoy scenic views on your 4-hour drive.
Take CA-120 E directly to Yosemite.
USD0, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Village Grill

Grab a quick bite in Yosemite Village before your explorations.
Located in the heart of Yosemite Park.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sightseeing at Yosemite Falls

Witness the towering beauty of one of North America's tallest waterfalls.
Drive to the falls area (10 min drive).
USD0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Hike to Mirror Lake

Enjoy a leisurely hike with stunning reflections of the mountains.
Take the shuttle to the trailhead.
USD0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Mountain Room

Indulge in a delicious meal with views of the falls.
Located in Yosemite Lodge.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Explore Yosemite

Yosemite, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Wawona Hotel

Enjoy a homemade breakfast in this charming location.
Located inside Yosemite National Park.
USD15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Glacier Point

Drive to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Yosemite.
Drive on Southside Drive toward Glacier Point.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Take a Scenic Hike

Choose hiking trails like the 4-Mile Trail for stunning views.
Begin hike from Glacier Point area.
USD0, 3-4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at the Glacier Point Snack Stand

Grab a quick and light snack after your hike.
Located at Glacier Point.
USD15, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Mariposa Grove

Marvel at giant sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant.
Drive to Mariposa Grove entrance (45 min drive).
USD10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tenaya Lodge

Relax with a comforting meal at this inviting lodge.
Drive to Tenaya Lodge (1 hour drive).
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Las Vegas

Las Vegas, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before heading out.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Las Vegas

Descend from the mountains to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.
Take CA-41 S and I-5 S.
USD0, 6 hours

3:00PM

Check into your hotel

Settle in and relax before exploring the Strip.
Choose a hotel along Las Vegas Strip.
USD150, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Bellagio Fountains

Watch the mesmerizing water show at the iconic Bellagio.
Walk along the Strip to the Bellagio.
USD0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen

Dine on exquisite dishes inspired by the famous chef.
Across the street from the Bellagio.
USD75, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

See a Vegas Show

Catch an entertaining Cirque du Soleil performance or any exciting show.
Check showtimes and book tickets in advance.
USD100, 2 hours
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Day 6: Enjoy Las Vegas

Las Vegas, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The 24/7 Cafe

Enjoy an all-day breakfast available in the hotel.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Neon Museum

Explore the history of Las Vegas through its iconic neon signs.
Take a short taxi ride to the museum.
USD20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Savor the classic California-style burgers at this fast-food favorite.
Drive or rideshare to the nearest location.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping at the Forum Shops

Shop at high-end stores and see the beautiful decor.
Walk or take the monorail to The Forum Shops.
USD0, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bacchanal Buffet

Indulge in one of the best buffets in town offering variety.
Located in Caesars Palace.
USD50, 2 hours

8:00PM

Visit the High Roller

Ride the largest observation wheel for stunning night views of the Strip.
Located at The LINQ Promenade.
USD25, 1 hour
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Day 7: Travel to Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the drive ahead.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Grand Canyon National Park

Embark on a scenic route to one of the world's natural wonders.
Take AZ-93 N and I-40 E to the entrance.
USD0, 4.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Grand Canyon Village

Dine at one of the village eateries with canyon views.
Visit various cafes and restaurants around the Village.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Mather Point

Take in panoramic views of the Grand Canyon from this famous viewpoint.
Drive to the viewpoint (10 min drive).
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Canyon Rim Trail

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the canyon's edge.
Follow the trails starting from Mather Point.
USD0, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room

Relax with dinner at this historic hotel dining room.
Located in the Grand Canyon Village.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Discover Page, Arizona

Page, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Page, AZ

Travel to Page, just 2 hours from the Grand Canyon.
Take US-89 N.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Antelope Canyon

Tour through this stunning slot canyon with waves of rich colors.
Join a guided tour from Page.
USD60, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Big John's Texas BBQ

Savor the smoky barbecued meats in a laid-back environment.
Drive to the restaurant in Page (10 min drive).
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Horseshoe Bend

Marvel at the iconic bend in the Colorado River from the overlook.
Take a short drive from Page (15 min drive).
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Slot Canyon Cafe

Enjoy a casual meal with local ingredients.
Head back to Page (15 min drive).
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Explore Monument Valley

Monument Valley, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty meal to start your day.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Monument Valley

Make your way to the breathtaking landscape that defines the American West.
Take US-89 S and then US-163 N.
USD0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Guided Tour of Monument Valley

Experience this iconic landscape with a guided jeep tour.
Pre-book your tour ahead of time.
USD60, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The View Hotel

Enjoy dining with stunning views of the valley.
Located at Monument Valley.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore more of Monument Valley

Continue to take in the majestic formations and photography opportunities.
Drive through the valley after lunch.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive to Page, AZ

Head back to Page for the night.
Follow the same route back.
USD0, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Olive Garden

End the day with a comforting Italian meal.
Located in Page.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Travel to Phoenix

Phoenix, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the day ahead.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Phoenix

Enjoy the scenery as you drive to Arizona's capital.
Take US-89 S and I-17 S.
USD0, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Bianco

Indulge in artisanal pizzas at this famous pizzeria.
Located in Downtown Phoenix.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Desert Botanical Garden

Explore the beauty of desert flora in this stunning garden.
Drive to the garden (15 min drive).
USD25, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Papago Park

Enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking and stunning views.
Located right next to the garden.
USD0, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Gladly

Enjoy inventive American dishes in a modern setting.
Take a short drive to the restaurant.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Explore Tucson

Tucson, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Prep & Pastry

Experience a cozy breakfast spot with pastries and brunch dishes.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Tucson

Travel to Tucson, a picturesque desert city.
Take I-10 E (approx. 2 hours).
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Saguaro National Park

Marvel at the iconic saguaro cacti in this national park.
Drive through the park to see the scenery.
USD10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at El Charro Café

Taste authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic cafe.
Drive to downtown Tucson (20 min drive).
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Learn about desert wildlife and culture in this unique museum.
Drive to the museum (30 min drive).
USD20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Grill at Hacienda del Sol

End your day with a sunset dinner in a beautiful setting.
Drive to the restaurant (30 min drive).
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 12: Final Leg to Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before the drive.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Conclude your unforgettable journey as you drive to LA.
Take I-10 W for the scenic route.
USD0, 6 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Revisit this classic favorite for a satisfying meal.
Stop at a location on the way in LA.
USD10, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Hollywood Boulevard

Stroll along the Walk of Fame and see TCL Chinese Theatre.
Head towards Hollywood District.
USD0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill

Dine at LA's oldest restaurant, famous for its steaks.
Located on Hollywood Boulevard.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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