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Epic 12-Day Road Trip from San Jose to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Arches National Park, and Yellowstone

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Day 1: San Jose to Los Angeles

San Jose to Los Angeles, USA on April 25, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Bill's Cafe

Start your trip with a hearty American breakfast at Bill's Cafe in San Jose, serving classic dishes to fuel your long drive.
USD20, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Los Angeles

Embark on the approximately 6-hour drive south along I-5 with scenic stops possible at Kettleman City or Bakersfield for stretches.
USD0, 6h

3:00PM

Check-in and Rest

Check into your hotel in Los Angeles and relax before evening activities.
Varies, 2h

5:00PM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. The observatory is open until 10 PM on Fridays.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Bestia

Dine at Bestia, a trendy Italian restaurant in the Arts District, known for its rustic dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Original Pantry Cafe

Enjoy a classic American breakfast at this historic 24/7 diner, famous for generous portions and no-nonsense atmosphere.
USD15, 1h

9:30AM

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to see stars dedicated to celebrities and visit TCL Chinese Theatre to view famous handprints.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Try a California classic burger combo at In-N-Out Burger, famous for fresh ingredients and secret menu.
USD10, 1h

1:30PM

The Getty Center

Explore the art collections, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens at The Getty Center, open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
Free (parking approx. USD20), 3h

5:00PM

Drive to Las Vegas

Begin the 4-hour drive northeast to Las Vegas, arriving in the evening.
USD0, 4h

9:00PM

Dinner at Lotus of Siam

Enjoy award-winning Northern Thai cuisine at Lotus of Siam, a popular restaurant in Las Vegas.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Las Vegas Highlights

Las Vegas, USA on April 27, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Eat.

Start your day with fresh and creative breakfast options at Eat., a popular local café.
USD20, 1h

10:00AM

Visit The Neon Museum

Explore iconic Las Vegas neon signs and learn about the city's history. Open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
USD22, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Giordano's

Savour deep-dish Chicago-style pizza at Giordano's, a Vegas favorite.
USD25, 1h

1:30PM

Afternoon at The Strip

Stroll along the Las Vegas Strip, visiting casinos, shops, and attractions like the Bellagio Fountains (show every 30 mins, 3 PM - 8 PM).
Free, 3h

5:00PM

Drive to Arches National Park

Start the approximately 7-hour drive towards Moab, Utah, near Arches National Park. Consider overnight stay en route if preferred.
USD0, 7h
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Day 4: Arches National Park

Moab, Utah, USA on April 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Moab Garage Co.

Enjoy a casual breakfast in Moab with classic American dishes to energize your day.
USD15, 1h

9:30AM

Explore Arches National Park

Visit iconic landmarks such as Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch; park open 24 hours, Visitor Center open 9 AM - 5 PM.
USD30 per vehicle, 5h

3:00PM

Lunch Picnic in Park

Pack or grab takeaway lunch in Moab to enjoy a picnic surrounded by stunning red rock formations.
USD15, 1h

4:00PM

Visit Downtown Moab

Explore shops, galleries, and cafés in Moab’s charming downtown area.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Desert Bistro

Savor upscale American cuisine with southwestern influences at Desert Bistro in Moab.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Drive to Yellowstone

Moab to Yellowstone, USA on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast

Have an early breakfast at your hotel or nearby café to prepare for the long drive.
USD12, 30m

7:30AM

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Begin the approx. 10-hour drive north to Yellowstone National Park; plan fuel and rest stops en route.
USD0, 10h

5:30PM

Check-in at Yellowstone

Arrive and check into your accommodation near or inside Yellowstone National Park.
Varies, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at local lodge

Enjoy dinner at your accommodation’s restaurant offering hearty meals perfect after a long drive.
USD35, 1h
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Day 6: Yellowstone Tour

Yellowstone National Park, USA on April 30, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at your lodge

Start the day with a filling breakfast at your lodge to prepare for exploring the park’s wonders.
USD20, 1h

8:30AM

Explore Old Faithful and Geysers

Visit the iconic Old Faithful geyser and surrounding geothermal features; ranger programs often available in the morning.
Park entrance included in pass, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn

Enjoy lunch at the historic Old Faithful Inn with views of the geyser.
USD25, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Yellowstone Lake

Relax by Yellowstone Lake and explore nearby walking trails; park is open year-round.
Free, 2h

3:30PM

Wildlife Watching at Hayden Valley

Spend late afternoon spotting wildlife like bison, elk, and possibly bears in Hayden Valley.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at your lodge

Return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner and rest.
USD30, 1h
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Day 7: More Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, USA on May 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at lodge

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before more exploration.
USD20, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Mammoth Hot Springs

Explore the unique terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, a must-see geothermal site open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

11:30AM

Drive to Norris Geyser Basin

Short drive to Norris, the hottest and most dynamic thermal area in Yellowstone.
Free, 30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Norris

Pack snacks or eat at a nearby picnic area as facilities are limited.
USD15, 1h

1:00PM

Explore Norris Geyser Basin

Walk the boardwalks around boiling springs and fumaroles in this fascinating area.
Free, 2h

3:30PM

Return to Lodge

Head back to your accommodation to rest.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at lodge

Relax with a comforting meal at your lodge restaurant.
USD30, 1h
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Day 8: Yellowstone to San Jose

Yellowstone to San Jose, USA on May 2, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast

Grab an early breakfast before a long day of travel.
USD15, 30m

7:30AM

Drive back to San Jose

Begin the approx. 14-hour drive back to San Jose. Consider breaking the journey with a stopover if preferred.
USD0, 14h
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Day 9: Drive Rest / Arrival

Arrival in San Jose, USA on May 3, 2025

8:00AM

Arrival in San Jose

Reach San Jose and check into your home or hotel, relax after your epic journey.
Free, Rest day
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