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14-Day Nature Road Trip Adventure in the United States from San Diego

Viewed by 63 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Cottage

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Cottage, known for its amazing French toast and fresh fruit.
Close to your hotel in La Jolla.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Balboa Park

Explore the beautiful gardens and museums at Balboa Park, the cultural hub of San Diego.
Drive 15 minutes to Balboa Park.
USD 0 (entry is free for the gardens), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Fish Market

Enjoy a waterfront lunch with fresh seafood at The Fish Market.
Short drive from Balboa Park.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit La Jolla Cove

Spend your afternoon at La Jolla Cove, taking in stunning ocean views and watching sea lions.
Drive 20 minutes to La Jolla Cove.
USD 0, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at George's at the Cove

Dine overlooking the ocean at George's, famous for its California cuisine.
Located in La Jolla.
USD 70, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Rest at your hotel

Prepare for the road trip ahead as you rest for the night.
Head back to your hotel in La Jolla.
USD 0, N/A
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Crossroads Café

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Crossroads Café, known for its vibrant atmosphere and great coffee.
Drive 2 hours to Joshua Tree.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

9:00 AM

Explore Joshua Tree National Park

Spend the day hiking around the unique rock formations and Joshua trees in the park.
Entrance is near the park's main road.
USD 30 (entrance fee), 5 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at Pappy & Harriet's

Enjoy a casual lunch filled with Southern BBQ at this local favorite.
Head to Pioneertown, a short drive from the park.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Sunset at Keys View

Capture breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley as the sun sets over the horizon.
Drive back into Joshua Tree National Park.
USD 0 (included in park fee), 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at La Copine

Indulge in earthy cuisine at La Copine, known for its seasonal dishes.
Drive to nearby Flamingo Heights.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

9:00 PM

Camp at Joshua Tree

Set up camp at one of the park's campgrounds, enhancing your adventure as you spend the night under the stars.
Choose from various campgrounds within the park.
USD 20 (for camping fee), N/A
Find Hotels in Joshua Tree

Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Camp

Prepare breakfast at your campsite and enjoy the stunning views around you.
At campsite.
USD 10 (for groceries), 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Grand Canyon National Park

Hit the road towards the Grand Canyon, enjoying the scenic drive.
Drive 4.5 hours, with scenic stops possible.
USD 0, 4.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at El Tovar Dining Room

Savor a meal at the historic El Tovar Hotel’s dining room with canyon views.
Located within Grand Canyon Village.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Hike the Rim Trail

Take a leisurely hike along the Rim Trail to experience the grandeur of the canyon up close.
Access to the trail is nearby.
USD 0, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Sunset at Mather Point

Enjoy stunning sunset views over the Grand Canyon from Mather Point.
Short walk from the visitor center.
USD 0, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Bright Angel Lodge

Unwind with dinner at the Bright Angel Lodge, known for its rustic charm.
Located at Grand Canyon Village.
USD 45, 1.5 hours

9:00 PM

Stay at a Lodge

Retire to your lodge for the night, resting for the adventures ahead.
Located within Grand Canyon Village.
USD 180, N/A
Find Hotels in Grand Canyon

Day 4: Monument Valley

Monument Valley, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge with magnificent views of the canyon.
At the lodge.
USD 20, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Monument Valley

Set off for Monument Valley, embracing the stunning desert landscapes along the way.
Drive 3 hours.
USD 0, 3 hours

11:30 AM

Guided Tour of Monument Valley

Take a guided tour with a local Navajo guide to truly appreciate the cultural significance and beauty of the valley.
Meet at the visitor center.
USD 70, 3 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at The View Restaurant

Enjoy lunch while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.
Located at The View Hotel.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Photography at John Ford Point

Capture stunning photographs at the iconic John Ford Point.
Short drive from The View.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The View Restaurant

Dine again at The View Restaurant and witness the setting sun over Monument Valley.
No need to travel.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Stay at The View Hotel

Retire to your room and marvel at the stars in the night sky.
At The View Hotel.
USD 150, N/A
Find Hotels in Monument Valley

Day 5: Moab Adventures

Moab, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at The View Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with stunning views of Monument Valley.
At the hotel.
USD 20, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Moab

Travel towards Moab, enjoying the scenic desert landscape along the way.
Drive 2.5 hours.
USD 0, 2.5 hours

11:00 AM

Lunch at Moab Brewery

Refuel with a delicious lunch at Moab Brewery.
Located in downtown Moab.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Explore Arches National Park

Embark on an afternoon adventure in Arches National Park, marveling at its iconic rock formations.
Entrance is a short drive from Moab.
USD 30 (entrance fee), 4 hours

5:00 PM

Visit the Delicate Arch

Hike to the breathtaking Delicate Arch, perhaps the most famous landmark in the park.
Follow the marked signs to Delicate Arch.
USD 0 (included in park fee), 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Quesadilla Mobilla

Wrap up your day with tasty quesadillas from this popular food truck.
Located in Moab.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:00 PM

Stay in Moab

Relax at your chosen accommodation before resting.
At your hotel in Moab.
USD 100, N/A
Find Hotels in Moab

Day 6: More of Moab

Moab, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Brownies

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at The Brownies and enjoy the morning sun.
Located downtown Moab.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Canyonlands National Park

Venture into Canyonlands for a day of breathtaking views and exploration of the various canyons.
Drive 30 minutes from Moab.
USD 30 (entrance fee), 5 hours

2:30 PM

Lunch at Island in the Sky

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks.
Located in Canyonlands.
USD 15, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Dead Horse Point State Park

Visit this stunning state park with fantastic views over the Colorado River.
Short drive from Canyonlands.
USD 20, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Desert Bistro

Indulge in gourmet dishes at Desert Bistro, known for their seasonal menu.
Located in downtown Moab.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Stay in Moab

Rest at your hotel in Moab after a thrilling day.
At your hotel in Moab.
USD 100, N/A
Find Hotels in Moab

Day 7: Salt Lake City Exploration

Salt Lake City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a comforting breakfast at your hotel.
At your hotel in Moab.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Salt Lake City

Travel to Salt Lake City, enjoying the scenic drive through Utah's beauty.
Drive 4 hours.
USD 0, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Red Iguana

Savor acclaimed Mexican dishes at the famous Red Iguana.
Located in downtown Salt Lake City.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Temple Square

Explore Temple Square, the heart of Salt Lake City’s culture and history.
Short walk from lunch.
USD 0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Stroll Liberty Park

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through Liberty Park, one of the oldest and largest parks in the city.
10-minute drive from Temple Square.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Copper Onion

Dine at The Copper Onion, popular for its contemporary American fare.
Located in downtown Salt Lake City.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

9:00 PM

Stay in Salt Lake City

Rest at your hotel before continuing your adventure tomorrow.
At your hotel in Salt Lake City.
USD 120, N/A
Find Hotels in Salt Lake City

Day 8: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with breakfast at your hotel.
At the hotel in Salt Lake City.
USD 20, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Depart for Yellowstone, enjoying an impressive scenic drive.
Drive 5 hours.
USD 0, 5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn

Enjoy a meal at the historic Old Faithful Inn, surrounded by stunning nature.
Located inside Yellowstone National Park.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Witness the magnificent Old Faithful geyser erupting, a must-see in Yellowstone.
Short walk from the inn.
USD 0, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Explore the Grand Prismatic Spring

Marvel at the stunning colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone's most iconic sights.
Drive to the site within the park.
USD 0 (included in park fee), 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner in Canyon Village

Experience a cozy dinner at the Canyon Village restaurant.
Drive to Canyon Village.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Camp in Yellowstone

Set up camp for the night amidst beautiful nature in Yellowstone.
Select a campground within the park.
USD 20 (for camping fee), N/A
Find Hotels in Yellowstone

Day 9: Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Camp

Enjoy breakfast at your campsite surrounded by nature.
At your campsite.
USD 10 (for groceries), 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Grand Teton National Park

Head out to Grand Teton National Park, taking in stunning views along the way.
Drive 1.5 hours.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Hike Jenny Lake

Hike around beautiful Jenny Lake for breathtaking views of the Teton Range.
Follow signs to Jenny Lake.
USD 0 (included in park fee), 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Jenny Lake Lodge

Have a relaxed lunch with stunning lake views at Jenny Lake Lodge.
Located at Jenny Lake.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Cascade Canyon

Explore fabulous Cascade Canyon and marvel at the spectacular landscapes.
Hike from Jenny Lake to Cascade Canyon.
USD 0 (included in park fee), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Mural Room

Indulge in dinner at The Mural Room, known for local cuisine.
Located at Jackson Lake Lodge.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Stay in Jackson

Retire for the night at your chosen accommodation in Jackson.
At your hotel in Jackson.
USD 120, N/A
Find Hotels in Grand Teton

Day 10: Explore Jackson Hole

Jackson, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Persephone Bakery

Start your day deliciously with pastries and coffee from Persephone Bakery.
Located in downtown Jackson.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art

Explore fascinating exhibits at the National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooking the National Elk Refuge.
A short drive from downtown Jackson.
USD 15, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Sightseeing Teton Village

Spend time exploring Teton Village and taking in the stunning mountain views.
Drive to Teton Village.
USD 0, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Bird

Delight in hearty comfort food at The Bird, a favorite local eatery.
Located in Teton Village.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a thrilling hot air balloon ride offering stunning views of the Teton Range.
Book in advance for this experience.
USD 250, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Snake River Grill

Finish your day with a meal featuring locally sourced ingredients at Snake River Grill.
Head back to downtown Jackson.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Stay in Jackson

Relax and unwind at your hotel in Jackson.
At your hotel in Jackson.
USD 120, N/A
Find Hotels in Jackson

Day 11: Mount Rushmore

Keystone, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing for a day of adventure.
At your hotel in Jackson.
USD 20, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Mount Rushmore

Take in the beautiful scenery on your way to Mount Rushmore.
Drive 5.5 hours.
USD 0, 5.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Carver's Café

Enjoy classic American fare at Carver's Café near Mount Rushmore.
Located at the park.
USD 30, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Mount Rushmore

Marvel at the iconic Mount Rushmore during your visit.
Entrance is part of the park.
USD 10 (entrance fee), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Keystone

Spend time exploring the charming town of Keystone, nearby Mount Rushmore.
Short drive from Mount Rushmore.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Ruby House

Enjoy a comforting dinner at Ruby House, serving classic dishes.
Located in Keystone.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

9:00 PM

Stay in Keystone

Retire for the night at your hotel in Keystone.
At your hotel in Keystone.
USD 100, N/A
Find Hotels in Keystone

Day 12: Badlands National Park

Badlands, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Ruby House

Savor breakfast at Ruby House before heading to Badlands.
Located in Keystone.
USD 20, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Badlands National Park

Travel to Badlands National Park for unique geological formations.
Drive 1.5 hours.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Explore Badlands Loop Road

Take a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road, stopping at overlooks.
Drive within the park.
USD 0 (included in park fee), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge

Enjoy lunch with views of the rugged landscape at Cedar Pass Lodge.
Located inside Badlands National Park.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Hike the Notch Trail

Experience stunning views from the Notch Trail, popular for its scenic overlooks.
Starting point is accessible from loop road.
USD 0 (included in park fee), 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Wall Drug Store

Stop by the famous Wall Drug Store for unique souvenirs.
Drive 30 minutes from Badlands.
USD 0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner in Wall

Savor dinner at a local diner in Wall, known for its charm.
Close to Wall Drug Store.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Stay in Wall

Retire at your hotel in Wall for a restful night.
At your hotel in Wall.
USD 100, N/A
Find Hotels in Badlands

Day 13: Return to Denver

Denver, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Wall before the journey back to Denver.
At your hotel.
USD 20, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Denver

Travel back to Denver, enjoying the scenic drive through the rolling hills.
Drive 5.5 hours.
USD 0, 5.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Cherry Cricket

Taste locally-sourced burgers at the popular Cherry Cricket.
Located in Denver.
USD 25, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens

Wander through the tranquil and beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens.
Located in Denver.
USD 15, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Rioja

Enjoy an exquisite dinner at Rioja, known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Located in the LoDo district.
USD 80, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Stay in Denver

Relax and recharge at your hotel in Denver.
At your hotel in Denver.
USD 120, N/A
Find Hotels in Denver

Day 14: Return to San Diego

San Diego, USA

7:00 AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your Denver hotel before embarking on your journey back home.
At your hotel.
USD 20, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Fly from Denver to San Diego

Catch a flight back to San Diego, concluding your nature-filled adventure.
Head to Denver International Airport.
USD 150 (approximate flight cost), 2 hours flight time

10:00 AM

Arrive in San Diego

Welcome back to beautiful San Diego, reflecting on your incredible adventure.
Arrive at San Diego International Airport.
USD 0, N/A
Find Hotels in San Diego
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