Ultimate 3-Week Western USA Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Seattle

Seattle, WA on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tilikum Place Café

Start your day with Dutch baby pancakes or their famous eggs Benedict in a cozy setting. Open from 7am to 3pm.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Pike Place Market

Explore this iconic public market known for fresh seafood, flowers, and crafts. Don’t miss the famous fish toss. Open daily 9am-6pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Pink Door

Enjoy Italian cuisine with views of Elliott Bay. Reservations recommended. Open 11:30am-10pm.
USD35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Chihuly Garden and Glass

Marvel at stunning glass art installations just next to the Space Needle. Open 10am-7pm.
USD32, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Space Needle

Take in panoramic views of Seattle and beyond from the iconic observation tower. Open 10am-8pm.
USD40, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Canlis

Dine in an elegant setting known for Pacific Northwest cuisine and exceptional service. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD85, 2h
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Day 2: Portland Highlights

Portland, OR on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mother’s Bistro & Bar

Classic American comfort food in a charming environment. Open 7am-2:30pm.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Walk through Washington Park

Visit the Portland Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden inside the park. Gardens open 10am-5pm.
USD19 for Japanese Garden; Rose Garden free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lardo

Enjoy modern sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients. Open 11am-9pm.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Powell’s City of Books

Explore the world’s largest independent bookstore with over a million new and used books. Open 10am-10pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll along the Waterfront Park

Relax and enjoy views of the Willamette River.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Andina Restaurant

Peruvian dishes with vibrant flavors in a stylish ambiance. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD40, 2h
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Day 3: Nature at Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park, OR on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café

Fuel up early for the drive to Crater Lake — try the nearby Klamath Basin for some pastries and coffee.
USD12, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Crater Lake National Park

Scenic 4-hour drive from Portland with beautiful views en route, arriving around midday.
USD0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Crater Lake Lodge

Enjoy stunning views and fresh meals overlooking the lake. Open 11am-5pm.
USD30, 1h

2:30pm

Rim Drive Scenic Tour

Drive the 33-mile rim road with viewpoints and short hikes. Park open 24/7, best during daylight hours.
USD30 park entrance fee per vehicle, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Crater Lake Lodge Dining Room

Relax with a classic dinner inside the historic lodge overlooking the lake. Open until 8pm in summer.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Redwoods Adventure

Redwood National and State Parks, CA on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Crater Lake Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the trek south to the Redwoods. Open from 7am.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Redwood National and State Parks

Approximate 4-hour drive south crossing into California with coastal views.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Jedediah Smith Redwoods

Pack a lunch or pick up supplies before the drive for a scenic picnic among giant redwoods.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Hike the Lady Bird Johnson Trail

Short and accessible trail showcasing towering redwoods in a lush forest.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Crescent City

Short 30-minute drive to Crescent City for overnight stay.
Free, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at SeaQuake Brewing

Casual spot with craft beers and a diverse menu including seafood. Open 11:30am-9pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: San Francisco Arrival

San Francisco, CA on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lighthouse Coffee

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and pastries before driving south.
USD12, 1h

8:00am

Drive to San Francisco

Approx 6-hour scenic drive along US-101 and CA-1, passing coastal towns.
Free, 6h

2:30pm

Check-In and Rest

Check into hotel and unwind before evening explorations.
USD0, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

Experience lively seafood markets, street performers, and sea lions sunbathing. Attractions open until 9pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fog Harbor Fish House

Fresh local seafood with views of the bay. Open until 9pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 6: San Francisco Classic

San Francisco, CA on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tartine Bakery

Famous bakery known for fresh bread and pastries. Opens at 7:30am.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Golden Gate Park

Visit the California Academy of Sciences (9:30am-5pm) and Japanese Tea Garden (10am-4:45pm).
USD40 combined, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant

Enjoy coastal views, beers, and fresh foods at the west edge of the park. Open 11am-9pm.
USD30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk or Bike Across Golden Gate Bridge

Iconic bridge walk with stunning views of the bay, 24/7 access.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Slanted Door

Upscale modern Vietnamese cuisine in the Ferry Building. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD60, 2h
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Day 7: Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, CA on July 7, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Early breakfast to prepare for the trip to Yosemite.
USD15, 1h

7:30am

Drive to Yosemite National Park

Approximately 4-hour drive from San Francisco to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance.
USD35 park entrance per vehicle, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court

Casual dining with views of Yosemite Falls.
USD20, 1h

1:00pm

Yosemite Valley Hikes

Explore short hikes including Lower Yosemite Fall Trail and Mirror Lake. Parks open 24/7, daytime recommended.
Free with park entrance, 3h

5:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Yosemite Lodge or nearby accommodation

Rest after a day exploring the park.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at the Mountain Room Restaurant

Fine dining with views of Yosemite Falls, open 5pm-9pm.
USD50, 2h
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Day 8: Yosemite Full Day

Yosemite National Park, CA on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Yosemite Lodge

Provide energy for a full day of hiking.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Hiking to Glacier Point

Drive or shuttle to Glacier Point and hike trails with breathtaking views of Half Dome and the valley.
Free with park entrance, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch Picnic at Glacier Point

Bring packed lunch or purchase from park stores.
USD15, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Mariposa Grove to see giant sequoias

Access large sequoias, open 8am-sunset. About a 1.5-hour visit.
Free with park entrance, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Luxury dining in a historic hotel with beautiful decor. Open 5:30pm-9pm.
USD65, 2h
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Day 9: Drive to Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite

Early breakfast for the drive out.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Las Vegas

Approximate 7-hour drive through desert landscapes, plan rest stops.
Free, 7h

3:30pm

Check-In at Hotel on the Strip

Rest and freshen up for evening activities.
USD0, 1h

5:00pm

Explore the Las Vegas Strip

Walk iconic resorts, see fountains at Bellagio, open 24/7.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen

Upscale dining with inventive cuisine on Las Vegas Strip. Open 5pm-10pm.
USD70, 2h
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Day 10: Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ on July 10, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat early for the morning drive.
USD20, 1h

7:00am

Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim

Approx 4.5-hour drive with scenic stops along the way.
USD35 park entrance, 4h30m

11:30am

Lunch at El Tovar Dining Room

Historic lodge dining with canyon views. Open 11:30am-9pm.
USD40, 1h30m

1:30pm

Walk Rim Trail and Visitor Center

Easy stroll along the rim with interpretive displays and viewpoints.
Free with park entrance, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Arizona Room

Southwestern cuisine with views of the canyon. Open 4pm-9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Monument Valley

Monument Valley, UT on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Simple breakfast before traveling.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Monument Valley

Approx 3-hour drive northeast. Plan stops for photos.
USD20 park fee, 3h

11:30am

Guided tour of Monument Valley

Book a Navajo-guided jeep tour to explore iconic landscapes not accessible by car.
USD75, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The View Restaurant

Offers spectacular views of the valley with Southwestern dishes. Open 11am-3pm.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to nearby Goulding’s Lodge

Check-in and relax or explore local gift shops.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Goulding’s Stagecoach Dining Room

Comfort food in a rustic setting, open 5pm-8pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 12: Explore Moab

Moab, UT on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Fuel up for a day of outdoor adventures.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Moab

Approx 2.5-hour drive from Monument Valley to Moab for Arches National Park access.
USD30 park fee, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Arches National Park

Explore iconic rock formations including Delicate Arch and Windows Section. Park open 24/7.
Included in park fee, 4h

3:00pm

Lunch at Moab Brewery

Popular local spot with craft beer and American fare. Open 11am-10pm.
USD25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)

Short hikes and viewpoints overlooking vast canyons. Open 24/7.
Included in park fee, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Desert Bistro

Upscale dining with local ingredients. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD50, 2h
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Day 13: Salt Lake City End

Salt Lake City, UT on July 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy a local breakfast before heading north.
USD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Salt Lake City

Approximate 4-hour drive north from Moab.
Free, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Red Iguana

Famous for authentic Mexican food with a lively atmosphere. Open till 10pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Temple Square

Explore the grounds, visitor centers, and gardens. Tours run daily 9am-9pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Liberty Park

Enjoy a peaceful stroll or paddleboat on the lake.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Valter’s Osteria

Upscale Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients and excellent service. Open 5pm-10pm.
USD55, 2h
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