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Epic 12-Day USA Road Trip Adventure

Viewed by 81 travelers

Day 1: Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Kickstart your journey with a delicious breakfast at Mama's, known for their French toast and fresh ingredients.
Head to Mama's located in North Beach neighborhood.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Stroll through the beautiful gardens and scenic paths of Golden Gate Park, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Drive to the park entrance.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a lunch of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery.
Head to Fisherman's Wharf (10-minute drive).
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Alcatraz Island

Take the ferry to Alcatraz and learn about its storied history on a guided audio tour.
Ferry located at Pier 33.
USD40, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cliff House

Enjoy spectacular ocean views while dining at the iconic Cliff House.
Drive to the restaurant (20-minute drive).
USD60, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Sunset at Lands End

Wrap up your day with a peaceful sunset walk along the coastal trail at Lands End.
A short drive from Cliff House.
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Monterey

Monterey, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel before hitting the road.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Monterey via Highway 1

Take the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, enjoying stunning coastal views along the way.
Drive down Highway 1; this will take approximately 2.5 hours.
Free (gas cost varies), 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the fascinating exhibits and marine life at the renowned aquarium.
Drive to the aquarium.
USD50, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cannery Row

Dine at Seafood Grotto and savor the local seafood.
Walk to Cannery Row from the aquarium.
USD35, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Cannery Row

Wander through Cannery Row, filled with shops and oceanfront views.
Stroll through this scenic area.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Fish Hopper

Enjoy waterfront dining with fresh seafood and a beautiful view of the bay.
Short drive or walk to The Fish Hopper.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Monterey

Day 3: Journey to San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe

Start your day with healthy breakfast options at this cozy café.
Short drive to Sally Loo's.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to San Luis Obispo

Continue along Highway 1 with gorgeous coastal views as you make your way to San Luis Obispo.
Drive south for about 1.5 hours.
Free (gas cost varies), 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the famous Bubblegum Alley

Check out the quirky and colorful Bubblegum Alley, a popular local attraction.
Drive a short distance to downtown SLO.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Firestone Grill

Relish a hearty lunch with mouth-watering sandwiches and BBQ at this local favorite.
Walk or drive to Firestone Grill.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore SLO Historic Mission

Discover the rich history of the area by visiting the beautifully restored Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
Take a short walk to the mission.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Dinner at Novo Restaurant

End the day with a delightful dinner at this riverside restaurant featuring an eclectic menu.
Short stroll from the mission.
USD40, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Luis Obispo

Day 4: Beach Bliss in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast with fresh local ingredients at this beloved eatery.
Short drive to Santa Barbara.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Enjoy Santa Barbara Beach

Spend the morning relaxing at the beautiful Santa Barbara Beach, soaking in the sun.
Drive to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Stearns Wharf

Stroll along the historic wharf and enjoy shopping and stunning ocean views.
Walk along the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Harbor Restaurant

Savor seasonal Californian cuisine with harbor views for lunch.
Short drive to the restaurant.
USD35, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Santa Barbara Mission

Discover the rich history and beautiful architecture of the Mission Santa Barbara.
Drive to the mission.
USD12, 1 hour

4:00PM

Sunset Dinner at The Boathouse

Conclude the day with seafood and stunning sunset views at The Boathouse.
Short drive to The Boathouse.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara

Day 5: Adventure in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at a hotel café

Fuel up for the day at your hotel café before hitting the LA sights.
N/A
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Explore the iconic Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the city and the Hollywood sign.
Drive to Griffith Park.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame

Walk along this famous sidewalk to see the stars of your favorite celebrities.
Drive to Hollywood Boulevard.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Experience California's fast-food favorite with fresh burgers and fries.
Short drive to the nearest In-N-Out.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Getty Center

Explore an extensive art collection and beautiful gardens at the Getty Center.
Drive to the Getty Center.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Bestia

Enjoy authentic Italian dishes at this popular dining spot in the Arts District.
Drive to Bestia.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Los Angeles

Day 6: Relaxing in San Diego

San Diego, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Great Maple

Delight in hearty breakfast options including maple bacon doughnuts.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Balboa Park

Spend the morning exploring the various museums and gardens in Balboa Park.
Drive to Balboa Park.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cottage

Enjoy a light and fresh lunch in this charming La Jolla eatery.
Drive to La Jolla.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at La Jolla Cove

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at the stunning La Jolla Cove.
Short drive to the cove.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Water Grill

End the day with exceptional seafood dishes at the Water Grill in downtown San Diego.
Drive to Water Grill.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Diego

Day 7: Desert Adventures in Phoenix

Phoenix, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Indulge in classic breakfast favorites in a lively atmosphere.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Phoenix

Travel east towards the desert landscapes of Phoenix.
Drive for around 5 hours.
Free (gas cost varies), 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Bianco

Savor award-winning pizzas that are a true taste of Phoenix.
Drive to Pizzeria Bianco.
USD30, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Desert Botanical Garden

Explore stunning desert flora and fauna at this unique botanical garden.
Drive to Desert Botanical Garden.
USD25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Mission

Enjoy delicious modern Latin cuisine at this popular Phoenix restaurant.
Short drive to The Mission.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Phoenix

Day 8: Scenic Sedona

Sedona, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Pot

Start your morning with hearty breakfast choices and fresh coffee.
Drive to Sedona.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Red Rock State Park

Experience stunning vistas and hiking trails in the magnificent Red Rock State Park.
Drive to the park.
USD7, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cowboy Club

Indulge in a unique blend of southwestern cuisine and ambiance.
Drive to The Cowboy Club.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross

Marvel at the striking architecture and panoramic views from this iconic chapel.
Short drive to the chapel.
USD5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Mariposa

Conclude your day with exquisite dining and views at Mariposa.
Drive to the restaurant.
USD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Sedona

Day 9: Spectacular Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at local diner

Have a hearty breakfast at a local diner in Sedona before heading out.
N/A
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Grand Canyon National Park

Embark on your journey to one of the natural wonders of the world.
Drive to Grand Canyon (approximately 2 hours).
Free (gas cost varies), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the South Rim

Wander around the South Rim, taking in breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Drive to visitor center and parking area.
USD35 (vehicle entry fee), 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at The Arizona Room

Enjoy a meal with stunning views at The Arizona Room within the park.
Located within the park.
USD30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Additional exploration or sunset viewing

Take your time to explore more trails or find a perfect spot for sunset.
Explore the park’s numerous trails.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at El Tovar Dining Room

Wrap up your Grand Canyon experience with a delightful dinner in a historic lodge.
Dine at El Tovar located on the canyon rim.
USD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Grand Canyon

Day 10: Vibrant Las Vegas

Las Vegas, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at El Tovar

Enjoy a hearty breakfast overlooking the Grand Canyon before your trip.
N/A
USD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Las Vegas

Travel to the vibrant lights and excitement of Las Vegas.
Drivet to Las Vegas (approximately 4.5 hours).
Free (gas cost varies), 4.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Wicked Spoon

Enjoy an upscale buffet experience at The Wicked Spoon in The Cosmopolitan.
Drive to The Cosmopolitan.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore The Strip

Walk along Las Vegas Boulevard and take in the sights of world-famous casinos.
Walking along The Strip.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen

Enjoy a memorable dining experience at this celebrity chef's restaurant.
Short drive to Hell's Kitchen.
USD75, 2 hours

8:30PM

See a Las Vegas show

Wrap up your day with a spectacular show on The Strip, from Cirque du Soleil to top artists.
Various venues along The Strip.
USD100+, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Las Vegas

Day 11: Exploring Death Valley

Death Valley, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of exploring.
N/A
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Death Valley National Park

Head to the stunning, otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley.
Approximately 2 hours drive.
Free (gas cost varies), 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Badwater Basin

Stand at the lowest point in North America and experience the unique salt flats.
Drive to Badwater Basin.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Inn at Furnace Creek

Dine at this historic inn for a unique, desert-inspired meal.
Drive to Furnace Creek.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Zabriskie Point

Take in incredible views of the colorful badlands and natural sculptures.
Drive to Zabriskie Point.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Celebrate sunset at Dante's View

Catch a breathtaking view of the valley as the sun sets.
Drive to Dante's View.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Inn at Furnace Creek

Enjoy another wonderful dining experience at Furnace Creek.
Short drive to the inn.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Death Valley

Day 12: Return to Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Inn

Grab a hearty breakfast before departing from Death Valley.
N/A
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Los Angeles

Make your way back to LA, reflecting on your incredible journey.
Drive for about 4.5 hours.
Free (gas cost varies), 4.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Grand Central Market

Enjoy a vibrant lunch experience in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
Drive to Grand Central Market.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Last-minute sightseeing in LA

Take some time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping in LA.
Explore various areas in Los Angeles.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Bestia

Celebrate the end of your epic road trip with a final meal at one of LA's most popular restaurants.
Drive to Bestia.
USD50, 2 hours

7:00PM

End of Trip

Reflect on your 12-day adventure through some of the USA's most iconic landscapes and cities.
N/A
Free, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Los Angeles
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