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12-Day Scenic Road Trip from San Jose to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Arches, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Tahoe and Back

Viewed by 422 travelers

Day 1: San Jose to Los Angeles

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

7:30am

Breakfast at Bill’s Cafe San Jose

Enjoy a hearty American breakfast with fresh coffee and omelets to fuel your drive down the California coast.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive from San Jose to Los Angeles

Embark on a roughly 6-hour scenic road trip along Interstate 5 south, enjoying views of California’s varied landscapes.
USD0, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at Grand Central Market, LA

Sample diverse cuisines including authentic Mexican and gourmet burgers in LA’s iconic downtown market.
USD25, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Santa Monica Pier

Stroll the Santa Monica Pier, enjoy the ocean views, and take in the sunset with rides and street performances.
USD10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

Savor a stylish dinner with cocktails in this popular LA spot known for American comfort food.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 2: LA to Las Vegas

Los Angeles, USA to Las Vegas, USA on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Republique, LA

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and French-inspired breakfast dishes at this stylish LA bakery.
USD25, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas

Take I-15 north for approximately 4.5 hours through desert landscapes to the thrilling entertainment capital.
USD0, 4.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mon Ami Gabi, Las Vegas

Dine French bistro-style on the Strip with views of the Bellagio fountains.
USD40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore The Strip and Fountains of Bellagio

Walk along Las Vegas Boulevard, visit famous casinos, and watch the free fountain shows.
USD0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lotus of Siam

Enjoy acclaimed Northern Thai cuisine renowned among locals and visitors.
USD50, 2h
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Day 3: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Las Vegas, USA to Grand Canyon National Park, USA on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Eat, Las Vegas

Start your day with classic American breakfast options in a cozy diner atmosphere.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim

A scenic 4.5-hour drive east will take you to one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders.
USD35 (Park Entry Fee), 4.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Tovar Dining Room

Dine inside the historic El Tovar Hotel with spectacular rim views and an upscale menu.
USD45, 1.5h

3:00pm

Grand Canyon Rim Trail Walk

Enjoy an easy walk along the Rim Trail to experience breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
USD0, 2h

5:30pm

Watch Sunset at Hopi Point

Hop to this prime viewpoint to witness the dramatic hues of sunset over the canyon.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Arizona Room

Finish the day with Southwestern dishes and steaks served with canyon views.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 4: Grand Canyon to Arches National Park

Grand Canyon, USA to Moab, USA on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Canyon Coffee House

Quick light breakfast and coffee at this cozy spot by the Grand Canyon.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Grand Canyon to Arches National Park

A longer drive of approximately 6.5 hours through scenic highways leads to Moab, gateway to the Arches.
USD30 (Park Entry Fee), 6.5h

3:00pm

Light Lunch in Moab at Quesadilla Mobilla

Enjoy fresh and tasty quesadillas perfect for a quick midday meal.
USD15, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Arches National Park Visitor Center

Get maps, tips, and learn about the geology before exploring the park.
USD0, 1h

6:00pm

Early Evening Hike to Delicate Arch Viewpoint

An easy walk to see the iconic Delicate Arch from a distance, catching the afternoon light.
USD0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner in Moab at Desert Bistro

Fine dining featuring local ingredients with an elegant southwestern flair.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 5: Arches National Park Exploration

Moab, USA on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Moab Diner

Classic hearty breakfast with a local vibe to prepare for a full day of hiking.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Devils Garden Trail Hike

Explore one of Arches’ longest trails visiting multiple arches; allow 3-4 hours for a moderate hike.
USD0, 4h

1:00pm

Packed Picnic Lunch at Devils Garden

Relax and refuel amidst stunning red rock formations. Pack snacks/buffet lunch from local Moab store.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Balanced Rock and Park Scenic Drive

Drive through the park’s highlights with stops at Balanced Rock and other iconic formations easily accessible by car.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Rest and Refresh at Hotel

Return to your Moab accommodation to freshen up.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Spoke on Center

Enjoy a relaxed dinner specializing in American classics and craft cocktails.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Arches to Grand Teton

Moab, USA to Grand Teton National Park, USA on April 30, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Grab a quick breakfast early to start a long drive north to Grand Teton National Park.
USD15, 1h

7:00am

Drive from Arches to Grand Teton National Park

A long 8-hour drive heading north on scenic highways, passing through Wyoming's picturesque landscapes.
USD35 (Park Entry Fee), 8h

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Jackson Hole Lodging

Arrive at your accommodation near Grand Teton for relaxation after the drive.
USD0, 1h

4:30pm

Evening Walk at Jenny Lake

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along Jenny Lake with views of the Teton Range and possible wildlife sightings.
USD0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Blue Lion, Jackson Hole

Savour fine dining with local game and fresh ingredients in a cozy setting.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 7: Grand Teton Exploration

Grand Teton National Park, USA on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Persephone Bakery

Start your day with fresh artisan pastries and coffee in Jackson Hole.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Hiking Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

Take a moderate hike starting from the boat dock at Jenny Lake to these beautiful viewpoints (allow 3-4 hours).
USD0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dornan's Pizza & Pasta Company

Enjoy casual dining near the park entrance with mountain views and hearty meals.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Scenic Drive and Wildlife Spotting

Drive through the park and look for moose, elk, and eagles in the prime viewing areas.
USD0, 3h

6:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest and prepare for the next day’s journey.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jackson Lake Lodge Mural Room

Experience fine dining with panoramic views of the Tetons.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 8: Grand Teton to Yellowstone

Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone National Park, USA on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Local Cafe in Jackson Hole

Grab a quick hearty breakfast before heading to Yellowstone.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

A short one to two-hour drive north to Yellowstone’s south entrance, exploring the world’s first national park.
USD35 (Park Entry Fee), 2h

10:00am

Visit Old Faithful Geyser

Watch this famous geyser erupt, which happens approximately every 90 minutes.
USD0, 1h

11:30am

Explore Upper Geyser Basin Trail

Take a boardwalk walk around the geyser basins with multiple erupting features and colorful springs.
USD0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Old Faithful Inn Dining Room

Dine in historic surroundings with classic American fare near the geysers.
USD40, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook

See the park’s largest hot spring with vivid colors from a nearby overlook.
USD0, 1h

4:30pm

Check-in at Yellowstone Lodging

Rest and refresh before evening activities.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yellowstone Lake Restaurant

Enjoy lakeside dining with views over Yellowstone Lake.
USD45, 1.5h
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Day 9: Yellowstone Exploration

Yellowstone National Park, USA on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lodge Cafeteria

Fuel up with a quick breakfast provided by lodging cafeteria to start exploring early.
USD20, 1h

8:00am

Visit Mammoth Hot Springs

Explore terraces formed from hot spring mineral deposits, one of Yellowstone’s most unique landscapes.
USD0, 2h

10:30am

Lamar Valley Wildlife Watching

Known as the Serengeti of North America, spot bison, wolves and bears during a morning drive.
USD0, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Roosevelt Lodge Corral

Enjoy rustic, casual fare inside the park with views of the surrounding forest.
USD30, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Yellowstone Canyon and Lower Falls

See breathtaking views of the Yellowstone River and iconic waterfalls from multiple viewpoints.
USD0, 2h

6:00pm

Return to Lodging and Rest

Relax after a day filled with nature and wildlife discovery.
USD0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Canyon Village Dining Room

Finish your day with hearty American cuisine in a comfortable setting.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 10: Yellowstone to Tahoe

Yellowstone National Park to Lake Tahoe, USA on May 4, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Check-out

Grab breakfast and prepare for a long drive to Lake Tahoe.
USD15, 1h

7:00am

Drive from Yellowstone to Lake Tahoe

Approximate 9 hours scenic drive southwest through mountain passes and forests.
USD0, 9h

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Lake Tahoe

Arrive and unwind at your accommodation lakeside after the day’s drive.
USD0, 1h

5:30pm

Evening Walk along Tahoe Beaches

Relax and enjoy stunning lake views during sunset along the shore.
USD0, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Lake House

Fine dining with lakeside ambiance offering fresh seafood and steaks.
USD50, 1.5h
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Day 11: Lake Tahoe Leisure

Lake Tahoe, USA on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fire Sign Cafe

Enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring local ingredients and coffee favorites.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Tahoe East Shore Trail Hike

Scenic lakeside hike ideal for all fitness levels, great for morning exploration along the shoreline.
USD0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Base Camp Pizza

Enjoy casual dining with a variety of pizza and craft beers near the lake.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Kayaking on Lake Tahoe

Rent kayak equipment and paddle on the calm clear waters of the lake.
USD40, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Accommodation

Freshen up and rest after an active day.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Edgewood Restaurant

Dine lakeside with stunning views, offering excellent seafood and seasonal menus.
USD60, 1.5h
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Day 12: Tahoe to San Jose

Lake Tahoe, USA to San Jose, USA on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to prepare for your drive back to San Jose.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Lake Tahoe to San Jose

Approximately 4-hour drive west through the Sierra Nevada to complete your scenic loop.
USD0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch stop at Sacramento

Quick lunch break at a local café, such as Tower Café, known for eclectic and fresh menu options.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Arrive back in San Jose

Complete your memorable 12-day road trip, concluding back in San Jose refreshed and filled with great memories.
USD0, 0h
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