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

Viewed by 96 travelers

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
Find Hotels in San Francisco

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
Find Hotels in Yosemite

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
Find Hotels in Las Vegas

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
Find Hotels in Grand Canyon

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
Find Hotels in Page

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
Find Hotels in Monument Valley

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
Find Hotels in Phoenix

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
Find Hotels in Tucson

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
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
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