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Epic 7-Day Cultural Road Trip from Shenandoah, Iowa to Hollywood, CA

Viewed by 96 travelers

Day 1: Shenandoah to Denver

Shenandoah, IA to Denver, CO

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the local favorite spot before you hit the road, fueling up for your long drive ahead.
Start your journey from Shenandoah.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Denver

Hit the road to Denver, a picturesque 8-hour drive through lush farms and rolling hills.
Follow US-34 W and I-70 W.
USD0, 8 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel in Denver

Relax and refresh at your hotel before heading out to explore the local scene.
Book in advance to find a suitable hotel.
USD120, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Linger

Enjoy eclectic dishes inspired by global street food at Linger, a trendy restaurant in a former mortuary.
Located in the LoHi neighborhood.
USD50, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening Stroll at Union Station

End your day by taking a leisurely walk through Union Station, a stunning landmark with shops and nightlife.
Short drive or a 10-minute walk from Linger.
USD0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Shenandoah

Day 2: Denver to Moab

Denver, CO to Moab, UT

8:00AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Snooze, famous for their creative pancakes.
Conveniently located in Denver.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Moab

Set out for Moab on the scenic US-191 S route, about a 5-hour journey through beautiful landscapes.
Take US-40 W and then US-191 S.
USD0, 5 hours

3:00PM

Check-in at Hotel in Moab

Unwind at your hotel before heading out to explore this outdoor adventure hub.
Book ahead for hotels in Moab.
USD100, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Arches National Park

Explore the stunning natural arches and rock formations of Arches National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Only a short drive from your hotel.
USD30 (Entrance fee), 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Spoke on Center

Enjoy a delicious dinner with options from classic American burgers to more adventurous entrees.
Back in Moab, near your hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Relax at Moab Backyard Campground

End the day surrounded by nature at your campsite, perfect for stargazing.
A short drive to his popular campsite.
USD35, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Denver

Day 3: Moab to Las Vegas

Moab, UT to Las Vegas, NV

7:00AM

Breakfast at Love Muffin Café

Grab a delightful muffin and coffee at Love Muffin before hitting the road.
Located in downtown Moab.
USD10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Las Vegas

Make the approximately 6-hour drive to Las Vegas, exploring the scenic Utah landscapes along the way.
Follow US-191 S and I-15 S.
USD0, 6 hours

2:00PM

Check-in at Hotel in Las Vegas

Get your bags settled and refresh at your hotel to prepare for an evening of fun.
Choose a strip hotel with convenience.
USD150, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Neon Museum

Wander through the Neon Museum, a vital part of Las Vegas's history and an artistic wonder.
Quick drive or rideshare from your hotel.
USD20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Buffet at Wynn

Experience a culinary adventure at Wynn's luxurious buffet, featuring global flavors.
Return to The Strip for dinner.
USD50, 2 hours

7:30PM

See a Las Vegas Show

End your night with a spectacular show, such as Cirque du Soleil or a big name concert.
Check and book in advance.
Varying ticket prices, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Moab

Day 4: Las Vegas to Los Angeles

Las Vegas, NV to Los Angeles, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Egg & I

Start your day with a classic breakfast at this beloved chain renowned for its egg dishes.
Located on the Strip.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Travel approximately 4 hours to Los Angeles, taking I-15 S.
Follow I-15 S directly to LA.
USD0, 4 hours

1:30PM

Check-in at Hotel in LA

Refresh at your hotel in Los Angeles before exploring the city.
Select a hotel in the West Hollywood area.
USD130, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit The Getty Center

Explore The Getty Center’s impressive art collection set in beautiful gardens with stunning views.
Drive approximately 20 minutes to The Getty.
USD0 (Parking fee may apply), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bestia

Savor multi-regional Italian cuisine in a buzzing atmosphere at one of LA's most famous restaurants.
A quick drive or rideshare from The Getty.
USD70, 2 hours

8:00PM

Explore Sunset Boulevard

Conclude your day with some shopping or entertainment along legendary Sunset Boulevard.
Return to West Hollywood area.
USD0, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Las Vegas

Day 5: Los Angeles to Santa Monica

Los Angeles, CA to Santa Monica, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 101

Enjoy a brunch-style breakfast at this casual café known for its tasty options.
Drive from your hotel to Cafe 101 in LA.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Santa Monica Beach

Make the short 30-minute drive to Santa Monica Beach for a relaxing beach day.
Take I-10 W directly to Santa Monica.
USD0, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Relax at Santa Monica Beach

Soak up the sun, go swimming, or take a walk along the beach to rejuvenate.
Park at the beach.
USD15 for parking, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Albright

Relish fresh Santa Monica seafood at The Albright while enjoying ocean views.
Located on Santa Monica Pier.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Third Street Promenade

Discover various shops, eateries, and street performers at this lively shopping district.
Short walk from The Albright.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cassia

Dine at this trendy restaurant featuring a creative mix of Southeast Asian and French cuisines.
Less than 10-minute drive from the Promenade.
USD50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Sunset at the Santa Monica Pier

Take in the beautiful sunset while enjoying a Ferris wheel ride at the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
Located at the beach.
USD10 for rides, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 6: Hollywood Exploration

Hollywood, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Musso & Frank Grill

Start your day with a traditional American breakfast at this Hollywood icon since 1919.
Drive from Santa Monica to Hollywood.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and search for your favorite stars' plaques.
Short drive from the restaurant.
USD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Tour the TCL Chinese Theatre

Admire the famous TCL Chinese Theatre and its rich cinematic history.
Just a few minutes' walk from the Walk of Fame.
USD15, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pink's Hot Dogs

Grab a classic LA hot dog at Pink's, a charming food truck well-loved by locals.
Short drive from the theatre.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike to Griffith Observatory

Hike up to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Drive to Griffith Park parking lot.
USD0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Delve into stunning art exhibits at LACMA, the largest art museum in the west.
Drive from Griffith Park for about 15 minutes.
USD20, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Bazaar by José Andrés

Indulge in innovative tapas that artfully blend Spanish and Californian cuisine.
Drive to the SLS Hotel for dinner.
USD70, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening at the Hollywood Bowl

Wrap up your day enjoying live music or performances at this iconic venue, with tickets reserved in advance.
Very close to where you had dinner.
Varying ticket prices, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Hollywood

Day 7: Relax in Malibu

Malibu, CA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Malibu Farm Café

Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast with ocean views at this popular spot on Malibu Pier.
Drive early morning to Malibu from Hollywood.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Zuma Beach

Spend the morning at Zuma Beach, known for soft sands and perfect waves.
A short drive from Malibu Café.
USD0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Hike at Point Dume State Beach

Take a scenic hike with breathtaking views, it’s the perfect way to connect with nature.
Drive from Zuma Beach.
USD0 (Parking fees may apply), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Geoffrey's Malibu

Savor an upscale seafood lunch while overlooking the stunning shoreline.
Short drive from Point Dume.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit The Getty Villa

Explore this museum dedicated to ancient Greek and Roman arts in a stunning villa setting.
Approx. 15-minute drive from Geoffrey's.
USD0 (advance booking required), 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at El Matador Beach

End your trip with a breathtaking sunset at El Matador Beach, renowned for its striking rock formations.
Drive approximately 15 minutes.
USD0, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Moonshadows Malibu

Conclude your road trip with a beachfront dining experience while listening to the waves crash.
Close to El Matador Beach.
USD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Malibu
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