The Ultimate Road Trip to the West Coast

Embarking from our hometown of Springfield, IL, our epic road trip spanned 18 days, from late May to early June, offering optimal weather conditions for our adventure. Our journey took us through a diverse array of destinations, including Arizona, Las Vegas, both northern and southern California, Utah, and Colorado. The key to making the most of such a varied itinerary? Flexibility is key. While there’s an abundance of amazing sights and experiences along the way, knowing your must-see highlights ensures you don’t miss out on any unforgettable moments amidst the plethora of options available.

Day 1

Travel day! We departed from Illinois, driving through the scenic landscapes of Missouri and Oklahoma before reaching our initial destination in Amarillo, Texas. Our journey was punctuated by a delightful dinner experience at the charming southern eatery, Coyote Bluff.

Recommendation: You may decide to add a few days (even a week) to drive deeper down into Texas and explore cities such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and/or Houston.

There is a lot to see on Route 66. Depending on how much time you have, consider some road side attractions such as Galena, Kansas, where you can meet all of the characters from the movie “Cars,” and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

Day 2

We set out early from Amarillo, embarking on a picturesque drive through New Mexico en route to our first sightseeing destination in Arizona. Our adventure led us to the awe-inspiring Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona, where we marveled at the ancient beauty of the petrified wood and explored the vibrant hues of the Painted Desert. Both locations left us spellbound with their breathtaking scenery and natural wonders.

Day 3

The Grand Canyon undoubtedly deserves a prime spot at the top of your travel bucket list! Its majestic scenery is nothing short of awe-inspiring, and no photograph can truly capture its glory. Our own journey to the Grand Canyon took an unexpected turn when we got “lost” en route, leading us to stumble upon one of Arizona’s most iconic sights: Horseshoe Bend. This breathtaking horseshoe-shaped loop of the Colorado River, located just 5 miles from the entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park, left us utterly captivated. Eventually finding our way to the Grand Canyon itself, we were greeted by unparalleled views that exceeded all expectations.

Recommendation: There are many adventurous activities you can take part in at the Grand Canyon, including hiking, kayaking, rafting, and camping!

You also should consider adding a stop at Antelope Canyon and The Wave! Antelope Canyon is at the northern border of the state, near Page, Arizona. I visited this amazing wonder on a separate trip, but it is only 10 minutes from Horseshoe Bend, making it the perfect stop to add to your road trip! The Wave is a little further, 2 hours from Horseshoe Bend. However, if you have the time, The Wave is a mesmerizing sandstone formation renowned for its vibrant, undulating patterns and wave-like appearance.

Tip: If you plan to add either of these two to your road trip itinerary, book your tour as SOON as possible! You are not allowed to visit these sites without a local tour guide.

Day 4

On your journey through Nevada, make sure to stop at the iconic Hoover Dam before heading to the bustling city of Las Vegas. We secured a discounted room at Caesars Palace, offering a luxurious experience complete with lavish gold decor and an amazing pool. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at the Luxor or Excalibur, both of which offer reasonably priced rooms and are conveniently located on the strip.

Prepare for a lot of walking on the Las Vegas Strip, so comfortable shoes are a must. With so much to see and do, from world-class shows and casinos to fine dining and unique attractions, you might want to consider adding an extra day to fully explore and enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer. My sister and I were under 21 during this visit, so we limited our stay to one day. However, there is still a lot you can do as a family with kids!

Check out my Google Map for more things to do in Las Vegas:

Recommendation: Consider traveling off of the main strip to Freemont Street (old Vegas), the Seven Magic Mountains, Lake Mead, or Red Rock Canyon

Day 5

Wake up for breakfast in Las Vegas and check off any final must-see attractions before setting off for California. Highlights from our trip included visiting the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and stopping by the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, famous from the show Pawn Stars. Although the stars of the show rarely work there anymore, you can still grab a fun photo with their cardboard cutouts. I have since visited Las Vegas a few more times and have pinned some of my favorite things to do on my pin map linked above!

On the way to California, there is a unique roadside art attraction called the Bottle Tree Ranch. It was created using old bottles and vintage finds, by a sweet man named Elmer. You can read about the history of the Bottle Tree Ranch on their website

Day 6

Day 1 in California: Exploring Los Angeles

On your first day in California, you can cover all the iconic Los Angeles sights in one day. Start by walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the stars dedicated to your favorite celebrities. Find a great spot for a picture with the Hollywood sign, then head to the TCL Chinese Theatre to marvel at the hand and footprints of some of the biggest stars.

Add a visit to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum to your itinerary for a fun and interactive experience, and enjoy some window shopping (or actual shopping) along the luxurious Rodeo Drive. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along Santa Monica Beach, exploring the old historic Muscle Beach (which has been moved to Venice Beach), strolling along the boardwalk, and savoring a delightful dinner with an ocean view.

If you’re not from the west coast, you may have never tried In-N-Out Burger. This iconic fast food chain is a perfect low budget meal for the family… and be sure to check out their ~secret~ menu (my favorite: the animal style burger)!

Day 7

Beach day! After having a few busy walking days, enjoy a relaxing day in the sun at one of the nearby beaches. We decided to enjoy the day at Newport beach. The bustling Newport Pier provides a hub of activity with its picturesque views, lively restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere. For those seeking a bit of adventure, the nearby Balboa Peninsula offers opportunities for whale watching, boating, and exploring the historic Balboa Fun Zone. The upscale shops and dining options at Fashion Island cater to those looking for a more refined experience. Be sure to pack your sunscreen and stay hydrated, so your relaxing beach day doesn’t turn into a beach nightmare!

Day 8

Enjoy the day sun bathing and exploring Venice beach. Venice Beach offers a unique mix of artists, performers, and street vendors along its iconic boardwalk. The beach itself is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the Pacific Ocean waves. Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym, adds to the area’s charm with bodybuilders showcasing their strength, and skate parks with graffiti walls contribute to the vibrant street art scene. The array of funky shops, diverse eateries, and laid-back cafes provide endless entertainment and delights.

Day 9

On beach day number three, we spent time at Santa Monica Beach and rented some bikes to ride the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Stretching for miles along the Pacific Ocean, this is another perfect beach for sunbathing, swimming, bike riding, and beach volleyball. The famous Santa Monica Pier is a hub of activity, featuring the historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel, the Pacific Park amusement park, and an array of lively restaurants and shops.

After another long day in the sun, we enjoyed an evening exploring Downtown Disney! Downtown Disney is filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a great spot for all ages. Located just outside Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, this district combines the magic of Disney with a bustling atmosphere, perfect for a fun and memorable night or day out.

Day 10

Take the scenic Route 1 up the California coast all the way to San Francisco for an unforgettable road trip (you can make this into a trip of it’s own). The breathtaking views along the way are complemented by some fantastic stops. Enjoy a unique lunch experience at the Rock and Roll Diner in Oceano, CA, housed in vintage train cars. In San Simeon, don’t miss the chance to observe the elephant seals at the viewing spot. As you approach Big Sur, make sure to visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, a perfect final stop to soak in the natural beauty before reaching your hotel in San Francisco.

Day 11

Spend a day in San Francisco exploring its iconic attractions. Start at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, where you’ll find an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as sea lions lounging on the docks. Hop on a trolley to experience the city’s famous steep streets, and don’t miss the chance to drive across the famous Golden Gate Bridge. This itinerary captures the essence of San Francisco, offering a perfect blend of sights, sounds, and unforgettable experiences.

Recommendation: Other popular attractions include: Alcatraz Island (book well in advance), Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, touring the Ghirardelli Factory and more.

Day 12

Discover Lombard Street, famously known as the “crookedest” street in the world, with its sharp and winding turns that offer a unique driving or viewing experience. Don’t miss the chance to capture stunning photos with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, as there are numerous vantage points along the city’s hillsides and waterfront. Additionally, if you are a fan of the television sitcom, Full House, make a stop to see the “Full House” house, although it has undergone some changes over the years by it’s new owners. San Francisco is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, with countless other captivating spots waiting to be discovered and captured.

Next, drive up north to the Redwood National Forest, one of my favorite stops on the trip. Stopping on the way at the glass beach in Fort Bragg. The glass was created from broken bottles and trash that have been broken down by the waves over many years and turned into smooth glass rocks.

Day 13

Spend the day hiking in the Giant Redwood tree forest. These ancient giants make you feel very small and connected to nature. The peacefulness of the forest, broken only by birds chirping, is a wonderful and unforgettable place to visit… and WOW, they are huge!

Day 14

Head to Lake Tahoe and and immerse yourself in its breathtaking beauty. During the winter months, Tahoe transforms into a haven for snow enthusiasts! Extend your stay by an extra day and experience the thrill of skiing or snowboarding down its pristine slopes.

Day 15

Salt Lake City, Utah offers a range of natural wonders. We stumbled upon Antelope Island State Park. If this park is on your list however, timing is key when planning your visit, as we discovered firsthand. During our trip, swarms of gnats made the experience less enjoyable, and wildlife sightings were sparse. Nonetheless, the breathtaking views made it worth the visit. As you continue your journey toward Colorado, consider exploring other picturesque destinations the state has to offer. We stayed in Denver, Colorado, which offers numerous gems waiting to be explored. There are many beautiful locations in Colorado, so follow your heart and venture where your curiosity leads you.

Day 16

I strongly recommend stopping at the Maroon Peak in Aspen, Colorado. From it’s pristine mountains to the clear but beautiful water, it is a beautiful place to hike or just relax and take in the view.

Day 17

A Hiking adventure in the Rockies is an exhilarating experience with Colorado’s rugged terrain and stunning views. However, if hiking isn’t your preferred activity, no problem! Colorado has a diverse array of attractions and activities to suit every interest. Whether it’s exploring charming mountain towns, indulging in outdoor adventures like biking or rafting, or simply relaxing amongst the stunning natural scenery, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Centennial State.

Day 18

The home stretch! We left from Colorado to head back home to Illinois, making minimal stops along the way (we were tired, okay)! This was truly a trip for the books.