11-Week Work and Travel in Vail with a 2-Week West Coast Adventure from Colorado to California

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Vail, Colorado on June 12, 2025

12:00pm

Check-in at accommodation

Settle into your lodging in Vail and familiarize yourself with the local area for your upcoming work and travel program.
N/A, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Alpenrose Restaurant

Enjoy locally inspired American cuisine in a casual, rustic setting that's open from 11am to 9pm.
USD25-40, 1h

2:30pm

Vail Village Exploration

Take a leisurely walk around Vail Village to explore shops, galleries, and scenic areas, perfect for orientation and light sightseeing.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Sweet Basil

Dine at this celebrated restaurant known for its modern American fare and vibrant atmosphere. Open 5pm–10pm.
USD50+, 1.5h
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Day 2: Local Adventure

Vail, Colorado on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Little Diner

A popular spot open from 7am serving classic American breakfasts to fuel your day of adventure.
USD15-20, 1h

9:00am

Hiking Booth Falls Trail

Enjoy a moderate 3-mile hike to scenic waterfalls and mountain views, best visited in the morning to avoid crowds. Accessible from 8am to sunset.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mountain Standard

Savour wood-fired, locally sourced dishes in a rustic-chic venue, open from 11:30am to 10pm.
USD30-45, 1h

2:00pm

Work schedule or rest

Engage in your work commitments or take time to relax and prepare for the days ahead.
N/A, 4h

6:30pm

Dinner at Vintage

Enjoy elevated New American cuisine in a warm setting with local wines, open from 5pm to 10pm.
USD40-60, 1.5h
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Day 77: Final Workday and Preparation

Vail, Colorado on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Loaded Joe's

Grab a quick coffee and tasty breakfast burrito before your final workday starts. Open from 6:30am onwards.
USD10-15, 30m

8:00am

Work and close out tasks

Complete any remaining work and prepare for your upcoming West Coast trip.
N/A, 8h

5:30pm

Dinner at La Tour Restaurant

Celebrate the conclusion of your program with fine French cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. Open 5pm–9pm.
USD60+, 2h
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Day 78: Travel to Las Vegas

Vail, Colorado to Las Vegas, Nevada on August 28, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Vail Prepare

Start your day with a healthy breakfast grab from this local market, open from 6am.
USD15-20, 30m

7:30am

Drive from Vail to Las Vegas

Begin your drive westward to Las Vegas, approximately 11 hours of driving; consider stopping midway.
Fuel and tolls approx USD100, 11h

7:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Lotus of Siam

Famous for exceptional Thai cuisine, open until 10pm, ideal for your first evening in Vegas.
USD30-50, 1.5h
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Day 79: Las Vegas Exploration

Las Vegas, Nevada on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Henry, Cosmopolitan

Enjoy classic American breakfast with a modern twist, open from 6am–11am.
USD20-30, 1h

9:30am

Explore The Strip

Walk along Las Vegas Strip to see iconic landmarks, casinos, and city sights. Start early to avoid heat and crowds.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Giada - Cromwell

Enjoy Italian cuisine with a view on The Strip. Open 11:30am to 10pm.
USD30-50, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Neon Museum

Discover historic Las Vegas neon signs in this unique outdoor museum, open from 10am to 8pm.
USD22, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel or casino

Recharge before dinner by enjoying hotel amenities or a casual stroll.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at é by José Andrés

Indulge in an exclusive tasting menu experience (reservations essential). Open 5pm–10pm.
USD250+, 2h
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Day 80: Travel to Los Angeles

Las Vegas, Nevada to Los Angeles, California on August 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Eggslut, Cosmopolitan

Grab a popular breakfast sandwich at this trendy spot, open from 7am.
USD15-20, 30m

9:00am

Drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles

Travel approximately 4-5 hours west towards Los Angeles, prepare for some traffic near LA.
Fuel approx USD40, 5h

3:00pm

Check-in and relax

Settle into your accommodation in Los Angeles and rest after the drive.
N/A, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Bestia

Enjoy Italian dishes in a vibrant atmosphere at one of LA’s top restaurants, open from 5pm to 11pm.
USD40-70, 1.5h
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Day 81: Los Angeles Highlights

Los Angeles, California on August 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sqirl

Eat creative and fresh breakfast dishes at this popular cafe, open from 8am.
USD15-25, 1h

9:00am

Visit Griffith Observatory

Explore exhibits and enjoy city views and the Hollywood sign. Open 12pm–10pm (closed Mondays). Plan for midday or evening visit.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Walk through Hollywood Walk of Fame

See the famous stars on the sidewalk and visit TCL Chinese Theatre.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Taste classic West Coast fast food open 10:30am to midnight.
USD10-15, 45m

2:00pm

Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Walk along the pier, enjoy rides, and relax on the beach. Open all day.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

Enjoy American comfort food in a fun setting near Santa Monica, open until 11pm.
USD35-50, 1.5h
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Day 82: Travel to San Diego

Los Angeles to San Diego, California on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Original Pantry Café

Classic hearty breakfast open 24 hours, perfect before your road trip.
USD15-20, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Los Angeles to San Diego

Travel approximately 2-3 hours south along I-5 to San Diego.
Fuel USD20-30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Point Loma Seafoods

Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the marina, open 10:30am to 7pm.
USD20-40, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Balboa Park

Explore gardens, museums and open spaces in this iconic park, open until 5pm or later depending on museum.
Free entry to park, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Born and Raised

Upscale steakhouse with a vintage feel, open 5pm to 10pm.
USD50-80, 1.5h
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Day 83: Explore San Diego

San Diego, California on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla

Charming spot with great breakfast menu, open 7:30am to 2pm.
USD15-25, 1h

9:30am

La Jolla Cove visit

Scenic coastline famous for sea lions and snorkeling, open all day.
Free, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Brockton Villa

Breakfast and lunch spot with ocean views, open 7am to 2:30pm.
USD20-35, 1h

1:30pm

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Step back into Californian history with shops, museums, and culture; open 10am to 5pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax or optional activities

Consider a harbour cruise or beach walk to end the day.
Varies, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Juniper & Ivy

Creative American cuisine in a hip space, bookings recommended. Open 5pm to 10pm.
USD50-70, 1.5h
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Day 84: Travel to San Francisco

San Diego to San Francisco, California on September 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hash House A Go Go

Famous for large portions of creative comfort food, open at 7am.
USD15-25, 1h

8:00am

Fly or drive to San Francisco

Opt for a flight (~2.5 hours) or drive (~8-9 hours) north to San Francisco. Flight recommended to save time.
Flight approx USD100-150, 3h

11:00am

Arrive and check-in

Settle into your accommodation and rest or start exploring.
N/A, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Try clam chowder in sourdough bread bowl; many eateries open 11am to 9pm.
USD20-35, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Pier 39 and sea lions

Watch sea lions and visit shops and street performances in this vibrant area.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Walk or bike across Golden Gate Bridge

Iconic experience with stunning views, open daylight hours.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tartine Manufactory

Artisan bakery and restaurant offering delicious meals, open til 9pm.
USD30-50, 1.5h
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Day 85: San Francisco Highlights

San Francisco, California on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mama's on Washington Square

Popular brunch spot famous for fresh baked goods, open 8am to 3pm.
USD20-30, 1h

9:30am

Alcatraz Island Tour

Explore the historic prison on a ferry tour; book tickets early, ferries run from 9am to 6pm.
USD45, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Slanted Door

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine in Ferry Building Market, open 11:30am–2:30pm.
USD40-60, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through Chinatown and North Beach

Discover vibrant streets, markets, and cafes in these lively neighbourhoods.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Cable car ride and Union Square shopping

Experience the classic San Francisco cable car and do some shopping till early evening.
USD9 per ride, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zuni Café

Known for wood oven roasted chicken and charming atmosphere, open from 5pm to 10pm.
USD50+, 1.5h
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