When is the best time to travel to the U.S. West Coast?

Late spring and early fall are the best times, as all access roads are usually open and the weather is pleasant.

Is a family-friendly destination?

Absolutely yes; it’s an ideal destination for traveling with kids.

15-day USA West Coast Road Trip | Itinerary + Map |

Q: Is 15 days enough time?

Although ideally you should spend three weeks in this area, in 15 days you can visit several of the West Coast’s most iconic destinations, including both cities and national parks.

Q: How many miles can you cover on a 15-day trip along the West Coast?

Although it will depend on the route you take, you’ll typically cover between 1,900 and 2,500 miles (3,000 and 4,000 km).

Q: Is it necessary to rent a car?

It’s practically essential for total freedom and flexibility, though public transportation is also available to take you to the main attractions.

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California

Touring the West Coast of the United States is one of the most complete trips you can take: major cities, spectacular national parks, and iconic roads that turn every stage into a memorable experience. From iconic cities like San Francisco or Las Vegas to unique landscapes such as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite.

In this post, you’ll find a 15-day West Coast USA itinerary, optimized to cover the must-see highlights while also including a few places we personally love, so you can go a bit off the beaten path. You’ll also find several alternatives to tailor your route to your preferences, along with detailed maps and plenty of practical tips to help you design the perfect itinerary for you.

Post contents

2-Week USA West Coast Itinerary

Although there are plenty of places to visit on the USA West Coast and you could plan dozens of different itineraries, we’re going to suggest the best one, keeping in mind that this is your first time visiting the area and that you won’t want to miss any of the must-see sights.

💡Recommended: Tips for Traveling to the USA West Coast

Everything we suggest is based on our experience traveling along the USA West Coast on several occasions, visiting the top attractions and combining nature with city life. We’ve chosen the route that passes through more national parks (8 in total), since we think that’s the most interesting part of this area, but at the end of this post we’ll suggest some alternatives in case there’s a stop you’re not interested in or you’d prefer to end your trip in Los Angeles.

This itinerary is designed so that you fly into one airport (San Francisco) and fly out of another (Las Vegas), allowing you to make the most of your time. In this case, it’s worth paying a little extra to rent your car on the West Coast and drop it off at a different location rather than wasting more than a day getting back to the starting point. Still, you should be aware that this is a fast-paced trip, with many miles ahead and plenty of stops along the way—but you’re going to love it!

👉🏼 Short on time? Don't miss this 10-day USA West Coast Itinerary

Here’s a visual map showing the 15-day itinerary we’ve put together to give you a general idea, but we’ll go over the day-to-day details later. As you can see, you’ll be visiting four states: California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.

Day 1 and 2: San Francisco

Ideally, you should arrive in San Francisco the afternoon or evening before, either at San Francisco International Airport or Oakland Airport, so you can enjoy the city for two full days. We love San Francisco (it’s our favorite of the three major cities on the West Coast), and by following the itinerary we suggest in our post on things to do in San Francisco in 2 days, we hope you’ll leave just as enchanted as we are.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when visiting San Francisco:

🏨 Where to Stay in San Francisco

Check out our post on the best areas to stay in San Francisco and pick one of the 5 we recommend. You’ll find lodging options for every budget, and some even offer free parking if you’ve decided to pick up your rental car (or rental RV) at the airport. The Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio (breakfast included) and the Cow Hollow Inn and Suites are both great choices.

🚍 How to get around San Francisco

You can get around the city in your own car if you picked it up at the airport, although San Francisco has some steep hills and parking is paid in many areas. For this reason, it’s best to use public transportation, so here’s our guide to get around San Francisco, where we’ll tell you about all the different types of transportation, costs, and passes.

🛳️ Best Tours in San Francisco

If there’s one tour you should book in advance in San Francisco, it’s the one that takes you to Alcatraz. In our guide on how to visit Alcatraz, you’ll find all the information you need, and we’ll tell you which tour is the cheapest (so you don’t get scammed).

Day 3: Yosemite National Park

Distance: 310 km (193 mi)
Trip duration: 4 hrs
Where to stay: in the area surrounding the park, such as at the Cedar Lodge or the Yosemite View Lodge. In our post on where to stay in Yosemite, we list all the options both inside and outside the park.

First day of your road trip along the West Coast! If you didn't pick up your rental car on the day of your arrival, you can do so today in the city center. If this is your case, pick it up as soon as possible so you don't waste too much time, since you have a 4-hour drive to Yosemite ahead of you.

We’re sure Yosemite will become one of your favorite places, as it’s one of the most breathtaking national parks in the United States: towering granite mountains, waterfalls at their most spectacular in the spring, giant sequoias, incredible viewpoints, and the chance to spot wildlife (including black bears). That said, it’s a very popular destination, so during peak season, you’ll need to be patient during your visit.

💡Recommended: How to Visit Yosemite | Guide + Tips + Map |

🚶‍♀️What to Do in Yosemite in One Day

In our article on things to do in Yosemite, we give you a detailed guide to what to visit in the park in a single day. If you only have one day, it’s best to focus on Yosemite Valley (stopping at its various overlooks and taking short hikes), and if you have time left, head to Glacier Point in the late afternoon—a spot offering breathtaking views of the valley, with Half Dome standing out against the landscape.

Yosemite, West Coast USA — Yosemite National Park, West Coast Itinerary

Día 4: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Distance: 275 km (171 mi)
Travel time: 3 hrs 20 min
Where to stay: near the park’s south entrance, such as in Three Rivers (the most charming town) or Exeter. In our article on where to stay in Sequoia, we list all the options and recommended accommodations, such as the Lazy J Ranch Motel and The Parks Inn.

🌳It's time to discover the largest trees on the planet! To do so, head to the Big Stump Entrance and take the first turn toward Kings Canyon National Park, where you can explore Grant Grove and see the General Grant Tree, one of the park's largest sequoias.

Next, head to Sequoia National Park to explore the Giant Forest area and see the famous General Sherman Tree in person. If you have time, you can climb Moro Rock to enjoy the best views of the park and end the day by exiting through the south entrance.

ℹ️ Our guide to visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon is packed with lot of information about both parks (what to see, how to get there, how to get around, etc.).

Sequoia National Park, West Coast of the United States

Día 5: Death Valley National Park

Distance: 450 km (280 mi) from Three Rivers; 420 km (261) from Exeter.
Travel time: 4 hrs 40 min from Three Rivers; 4 hrs 20 min from Exeter.
Where to stay: You can stay inside Death Valley (such as at The Ranch at Death Valley) or just outside the park, heading toward Las Vegas (the Longstreet Inn & Casino or the Holiday Inn Express Pahrump would be our top picks). For more info, check out our post on where to stay in Death Valley.

🔥Start the day driving around the southern part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range to reach the hottest place on Earth: Death Valley National Park. Don’t rush it, though it’s best to arrive in the afternoon so you don’t melt away. Death Valley is a marvel and a one-of-a-kind park, mixing salt flats with sand dunes and colorful mountains.

ℹ️ In our guide to visiting Death Valley, you’ll find plenty of information about the park, but we recommend entering through the Panamint Springs entrance and stopping at the highlights, such as the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette, and Zabriskie Point—a viewpoint from which to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

🌟If you're staying overnight in Death Valley, step outside at night and look up to enjoy one of the most incredible starry skies in the world.

Death Valley, West Coast of the United States

Day 6: Las Vegas

Distance: 230 km (131 mi)
Travel time: 2 hrs 15 min
Where to stay: Read our post on where to stay in Las Vegas to choose your favorite area, find out about themed hotels, and explore other options. Among the themed hotels, we’d recommend Paris Las Vegas or New York-New York, though the Sahara Las Vegas is also a great choice.

This 15-day West Coast road trip continues to a city unlike any other in the world, with its array of themed hotels, 24-hour casinos, shows, attractions, and neon lights. Yes, Las Vegas is one of those places you either love or hate, and now is the time to find out which side you’re on.

👉🏼 We’ve been to Sin City several times, so don’t miss our post on the must-see spots in Las Vegas to help you plan your visit—we’ve also included a detailed itinerary if you only have one day, as is the case here.

Las Vegas, West Coast, USA — Las Vegas, United States

Day 7: Zion National Park

Distance: 260 km (162 mi)
Travel time: 2 hrs 15 min
Where to stay: in Hurricane (for example, in My Place Hotel) or in Bryce Canyon City if you want to be closer to your destination the next day (such as the Best Western Ruby Inn or the Quality Inn Bryce Canyon).
To keep in mind: there is a time difference between Nevada, Arizona, and Utah (between the latter two, only during the summer). Starting in June 2026, large vehicles will not be permitted to travel on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway between Canyon Junction and the East Entrance. ➡️ More information on these measures here.

In about 2 hours from Las Vegas (and passing through three states), you’ll find yourself at Zion, the second most visited national park in the U.S. A place that captivates with its canyons and spectacular red rock walls, with the Virgin River running through it. The scenery is breathtaking, and it’s very easy to get around using the free electric shuttle system (during peak season, private vehicles are prohibited).

Zion is the perfect place if you love hiking, with amazing trails like the challenging Angel's Landing (you have to win a lottery to hike it) or The Narrows (which winds through a canyon, taking you right along the river). If that's not your thing, you can also take it easy and simply enjoy the scenic overlooks and views.

Zion National Park, West Coast of the United States

Día 8: Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance: 210 km (131 mi) from Hurricane; 5 km (3 mi) from Bryce Canyon City.
Travel time: 2 hrs from Hurricane; 10 min from Bryce Canyon City.
Where to stay: in Bryce Canyon City or, ideally, in Page—for example, at the Wingate Page or the Sleep Inn Suites.
To keep in mind: there is a time difference between Utah and Arizona during the summer.

This itinerary continues to take you in another national park (and there are still more to come!). It’s time to explore one of the most unique landscapes in the American West at Bryce Canyon, a place renowned for its hoodoos sculpted by water, wind, and ice, creating a natural amphitheater that seems almost unreal.

Unlike other parks, a visit to Bryce is very laid-back and consists mainly of hopping from one overlook to another and walking among these iconic reddish-and orange-colored rock formations. Plus, thanks to its high elevation, you’ll enjoy much more pleasant temperatures if you visit in the summer (it even snowed here in our visit during April!).

Since it doesn't take long to visit Bryce, it's best to spend the night in Page so you can make the most of the next day (which is packed with activities). On the way, you can stop at the Toadstool Hoodoos—it's a very short hike with some unique scenery.

Day 9: Page

Distance: 240 km (150 mi) if you spent the previous night in Bryce Canyon City.
Travel time: 2 hrs 30 min from Bryce Canyon City if you stayed there.
Where to stay: in Page (Sleep Inn Suites or Wingate Page).
To keep in mind: book your Antelope Canyon tour well in advance.

Page is a must-see destination on any trip along the U.S. West Coast. This small town, which never fails to surprise us with its many churches, is nestled among several natural wonders that you simply must visit.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Page, but the two main ones are visiting Horseshoe Bend (the famous horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River) and taking a tour of one of its slot canyons (narrow sandstone canyons carved out by water).

The most famous slot canyon here is Antelope Canyon, with its iconic undulating walls and the stunning light effects created as sunlight streams through it. It is located on Navajo Territory, and a guided tour is required to explore any of its sections (Upper, Lower, or X). You can take this Upper Antelope Canyon tour or this Lower Antelope Canyon tour, which are the most popular sections. If you prefer a lesser-known option, you can take this Antelope X tour. All of them include the cost of admission to the canyon!

If you have some extra time in Page, you can stop by the Carl Hayden Visitor Center to see Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell. You can also opt for this tour that combines Horseshoe Bend + Upper Antelope + Glen Dam.

🍴In Page, we recommend the Ranch House Grille, a family-run Navajo restaurant where the portions are huge and the food is delicious.

Día 10: Mexican Hat, Goosenecks and Valley of Gods

Distance: 430 km (267 mi)
Travel time: 4 hrs 20 min
Where to stay: in Moab, the Apache Motel has a really cool vibe.
To keep in mind: Utah applies daylight saving time, but not Arizona (except Navajo Territory), so there is a time difference during summer.

It’s time to cross back into Utah, this time via the Monument Valley border crossing (but don’t get too excited about this spot just yet—you'll be visiting it in a few days). At the state border, be sure to stop at the “Welcome to Utah” sign; it’s one of our favorites because of its design and the views behind it.

On your way to Moab, your final destination, we have plenty of recommendations to make your trip much more enjoyable. The first one is Mexican Hat Rock, a sandstone rock formation that, from above, looks like an upside-down Mexican hat.

Just a short distance away is Goosenecks State Park, a little-known gem that will amaze you with its views of the San Juan River winding through a 300-meter-deep canyon (984 feet), creating a triple meander. It’s a short but spectacular stop.

If you find you have some time to spare, we suggest another spot very close to the previous ones that’s still relatively undiscovered. Driving through the Valley of Gods is like stepping into a tourist-free version of Monument Valley—it’s free to visit and features sandstone formations and pinnacles that are just as impressive.

The road that runs through it is a 27-kilometer unpaved loop (17 mi), but you can drive it in a regular car as long as you go slowly and carefully, since there may be some potholes. We think this place is absolutely stunning; in fact, we spent a night there (camping is free) and we still remember the colors at sunset and the starry sky.

It's about a 2-hour drive from here to Moab, so you'll arrive in time for dinner. 🍔 We ate at the Moab Diner, a restaurant that serves hearty meals, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in town.

Día 11: Canyonlands National Park

Distance: 50 km (31 mi) one way.
Travel time: 40 min one way.
Where to stay: in Moab, the Apache Motel is a good option.

Moab is the perfect base from which to visit a couple of nearby national parks in Utah. One of them is Canyonlands, located about a 40-minute drive away—one of the largest national parks in the American West, where the Colorado River has carved out an endless landscape of canyons and plateaus.

It’s divided into several areas, but Island in the Sky is the most accessible and the one we recommend if you only have one day to spend there. You won’t need to go on long hikes here; instead, it’s a very enjoyable visit where you can stop at various lookouts and take in the panoramic views. And of course, don’t miss Mesa Arch—the park’s iconic landmark!

Día 12: Arches National Park

Distance: 10 km (6 mi) one way.
Travel time: 10 min one way.
Where to stay: in Moab, the Apache Motel is a good option.

Just when you think nature can't possibly create any more wonders, Arches National Park comes along and blows you away. A place home to more than 2,000 natural arches is a must-see on your trip along the U.S. West Coast, right? The contrast here is striking, with these rock formations and the La Sal Mountains in the background, which may be snow-capped depending on the time of year.

This is an accessible park with plenty of overlooks and trails of varying lengths, so you can choose the ones that suit you best. That said, there’s one spot you can’t miss: Delicate Arch. It’s the largest freestanding arch in the park, shaped like an inverted U with a 14-meter-high (46 feet) opening through which you can gaze upon the La Sal Mountains. It’s an incredible place that requires a 2.6-kilometer (1.6 mi) hike one way to reach, but it’s 100% worth it.

Day 13: Monument Valley

Distance: 240 km (150 mi)
Trip duration: 2 hrs 30 min
Where to stay: in Monument Valley, Page, Kayenta, or Tuba City (we’ve listed some lodging options below).
To keep in mind: Monument Valley follows Utah time, not Arizona time. Motorcycles and RVs (but not campers) are prohibited.

It’s time to head back to Arizona to feel like a star of an American Western. John Ford and Tom Hanks immortalized the landscapes of Monument Valley in their films, and today you’ll be the main character! We’ve been to Monument Valley several times and never get tired of going back—it’s definitely one of our favorite places in the country.

First, stop at Forrest Gump Point, the spot where Tom Hanks stopped running in the movie and where you can snap a perfect photo of the highway with the rock formations of Monument Valley in the background. Just be careful when taking pictures, since cars are constantly passing by—you don’t want to risk your life!

Keep in mind that Monument Valley is located within Navajo territory, and there is an entrance fee. The full tour of its viewpoints will take you about 3–4 hours (including stops for photos), and a 4x4 isn’t necessary even though the road is unpaved. That said, the first section is quite steep and bumpy, so you can also book this Monument Valley tour with a Navajo guide.

🏨 When it comes to spending the night, you have several options:

Staying in Monument Valley: if your budget allows, choose a hotel with views of the imposing monoliths, such as Goulding's Lodge, so you can enjoy a magical sunset from the terrace.
Staying in Page: you can choose to stay in Page again, as it has the widest range of accommodations in the area, but it does mean driving a few extra miles. We recommend the Sleep Inn Suites or the Wingate Page.
Staying somewhere in between: the Wetherill Inn (Kayenta) and the NavajoLand Hotel (Tuba City) are conveniently located on your way to the next day’s destination.

Monument Valley, 15-Day USA West Coast Road Trip

Día 14: Grand Canyon National Park

Distance: 90 km (65 mi) from Tuba City, 170 km (106 mi) from Page, or 260 km (162 mi) from Monument Valley.
Travel time: 1 hr from Tuba City, 1 hr 45 min from Page, or 2 hrs 45 min from Monument Valley.
Where to stay: in Williams (for example, at La Quinta Williams or Americas Best Value Williams) or at The Grand Hotel, which is closer to the park entrance.

We’ve saved one of the most iconic places on the USA West Coast for last 😊, so you can wrap up your trip in style. The Grand Canyon needs little introduction, as this canyon—carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years—is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.

A visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon involves stopping at its various overlooks (using the free shuttle buses during peak season), each offering a different view of the canyon. There are also hiking trails if you’d like to venture a little further into it, although this isn’t recommended during the hot summer months.

We recommend visiting the Desert View area and climbing the Desert View Watchtower, a replica of a prehistoric Indian tower built in 1932, which offers some great and unique views of the Grand Canyon. And if you really want to go all out on this trip, taking a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon is something you’ll surely never forget.

🏨 For spending the night, we recommend staying in Williams, a town on Route 66 located about an hour from the southern entrance. It’s quite charming and very photogenic, and there are plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Day 15: Route 66 and Hoover Dam

Distance: 350 km (218 mi)
Trip duration: 3 hrs
Where to stay: near Las Vegas airport (Holiday Inn Express at the Tropicana or Best Western McCarran Inn). Check out our post on the 10 best hotels near Las Vegas airport for more options.

It’s the last day of your 15-day USA West Coast road trip! What better way to wrap things up than by driving along a stretch of the legendary Route 66? There are several stops along Route 66 in Arizona, such as the previously mentioned Williams, Seligman, and Hackberry, where you can say hi to Charlie—a very affectionate cat—for us! 😻

If you stop in Kingman, don't forget to drive under the Route 66 arch and grab a bite at Mr. D'z, a diner with a very photogenic interior that serves up some hearty portions 🍟.

If you have time, take a detour to Oatman, a Wild West town where donkeys take center stage—plus, the road leading there offers some stunning views. Otherwise, before you reach Las Vegas, you can stop at Hoover Dam to admire one of the most impressive engineering feats in the United States. In our guide to visiting Hoover Dam, you'll find all the information about the best free viewpoints to see it!

End your trip at Las Vegas airport and stay at a nearby hotel if necessary—it all depends on when your return flight is. The international airport is very close to the southern end of the Strip, so you can stay at a hotel in that area, such as the ones we recommended above.

15-Day USA West Coast Road Trip Map

On this map, you'll find the entire itinerary and all the stops we've recommended for each stage:

Variations on the 15-day USA West Coast road trip

Although the itinerary we’ve suggested is perfect for us if national parks are your thing, not everyone has the same needs, so we’re going to suggest a few variations:

15-day itinerary visiting fewer national parks

If you think that this is a packed trip—visiting a different place every day—you’re absolutely right. It’s designed for those who want to see as many places as possible, driving quite a bit practically every day.

If you’re someone who prioritizes quality over quantity, we also have an itinerary for you. In this case, we’d remove Sequoia from the equation (visiting instead the sequoias in Yosemite) and the parks in the Moab area (Canyonlands and Arches).

The itinerary would look like this:

Days 1 and 2: San Francisco
Days 3 and 4: Yosemite (visiting Mariposa Grove area to see the giant sequoias)
Day 5: Tioga Road, Mono Lake, and arrival in Death Valley to spend the night. ⚠️Note that Tioga Road opens between late May and early June
Day 6: Death Valley and arrival in Las Vegas in the afternoon/evening
Days 7 and 8: Las Vegas (with the option to visit Valley of Fire State Park)
Days 9 and 10: Zion (on one of these days, hike The Narrows or Angels Landing by entering the lottery)
Day 11: Bryce and drive to Page
Day 12: Page
Day 13: Monument Valley
Day 14: Grand Canyon
Day 15: Route 66 and Hoover Dam

15-day itinerary with Los Angeles and the Southern Pacific Coast

If you’d like to include Los Angeles in your trip and explore the Southern Pacific Coast —including the legendary Big Sur—then you’ll have to skip several national parks, such as Death Valley, Canyonlands, and Arches. You’ll also have to choose between Zion and Bryce (or visit both in a single day, which isn’t recommended) and end up back in San Francisco.

The itinerary would look like this:

Days 1 and 2: San Francisco
Day 3: Yosemite
Day 4: Kings Canyon & Sequoia
Day 5: Drive through Las Vegas with stops along the way (Peggy Sue's 50 Diner, Calico, the World's Tallest Thermometer, or the Mojave Desert)
Day 6: Las Vegas
Day 7: Zion and/or Bryce
Day 8: Page
Day 9: Monument Valley
Day 10: Grand Canyon
Day 11: Route 66 to Barstow
Days 12 and 13: Los Angeles and the surrounding area (Santa Monica and Venice Beach). You can also visit Warner Bros Studios or go to Universal Studios
Days 14 and 15: Southern Pacific Coast to San Francisco. For overnight stops along the way, Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo are the best options

15-day itinerary ending in Los Angeles

If you love both city life and nature and are determined to visit the three main cities on the West Coast—but don't want to travel along the coast—then you can plan a road trip that starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles.

In this case, we suggest skipping Sequoia National Park (since you’ll see the sequoias in Yosemite), Canyonlands, and Arches, and adding Valley of Fire State Park (near Las Vegas) and Joshua Tree National Park to your itinerary.

The itinerary would be as follows:

Days 1 and 2: San Francisco
Day 3: Yosemite
Day 4: Yosemite (Mariposa Grove and Tioga Road), Mono Lake, and Death Valley to spend the night. ⚠️ Note that Tioga Road opens between late May and early June
Day 5: Death Valley and arrival in Las Vegas in the late afternoon / early evening
Día 6: Las Vegas
Day 7: Zion
Day 8: Bryce
Day 9: Page
Day 10: Monument Valley
Day 11: Grand Canyon
Day 12: Route 66 to Topock or Needles
Day 13: Joshua Tree (you can add Mojave if you have enough time). 👉🏼 Check out our guide to visiting Joshua Tree National Park
Days 14 and 15: Los Angeles and the surrounding area (Santa Monica and Venice Beach). You can also visit Warner Bros Studios or go to Universal Studios

15-day itinerary featuring the best of Arizona

If you've already been to the West Coast or would like to discover some of Arizona's hidden gems that lie off the beaten path, then you might want to consider this alternative road trip, which also takes in the must-see attractions. It starts in San Francisco and ends at Las Vegas airport.

The itinerary would look like this:

Days 1 and 2: San Francisco
Day 3: Yosemite
Day 4: Kings Canyon & Sequoia
Día 5: Death Valley
Day 6: Las Vegas
Day 7: Zion
Day 8: Bryce
Day 9: Page
Day 10: Monument Valley
Day 11: Canyon de Chelly and Petrified Forest, staying overnight in Holbrook
Days 12 and 13: Sedona, spending 2 nights in the town of Sedona
Day 14: Grand Canyon
Day 15: Route 66 and Hoover Dam

FAQs about a 15-day USA West Coast road trip

Is 15 days enough time to explore the U.S. West Coast?

Although ideally you should spend three weeks in this region, in just 15 days you can visit several of the West Coast’s most iconic destinations, including both cities and national parks.

How many miles can you cover on a 15-day trip?

Although it depends on the route you take, you’ll typically cover between 1,900 and 2,500 miles (3,000 and 4,000 km).

Is it better to take the loop route or the out-and-back route?

It’s best to fly to one airport and return from another to avoid unnecessary driving time, since the distances are very long. If you’re planning a round-trip route, we’d recommend the option that follows the South Pacific Coast.

Is it necessary to rent a car?

It's practically essential if you want complete freedom and flexibility, although there are also public transportation options that can take you to some of the main attractions—but you'd need more time.

When is the best time to visit the West Coast of the United States?

Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit, as all the trails are usually open and the weather is pleasant.

Is this trip family-friendly?

Absolutely yes, it's an ideal destination for families with children.

We hope you enjoy this amazing road trip along the West Coast of the United States!

Update date: 4 May 2026

Irene García

Co-founder and writer

I’m a pharmacist, but I discovered that traveling is my true passion in life. I spent 6 months backpacking through Southeast Asia and Australia, and more than 2 years traveling across the American continent in my camper, driving from Ushuaia to Alaska. As you can see, adventure is my thing!

I’m also addicted to dark chocolate, hiking, watching TV series, and I love all the animals on the planet. I’m the kind of person who rescues spiders that get into home!

United States is one of my favorite destinations—it seems to me like one of the most complete and diverse countries in the world! I hope you enjoy my USA travel guides, and if you feel like writing to me once you’re back from your trip, I’d love to hear how it went.