Sights & Road Trip Highlights
The West Coast of the USA offers the perfect mix of vibrant cities, breathtaking nature, and that classic road trip feeling. Here are the top highlights that should be on every itinerary:
➜ San Francisco: Start with the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, explore the colorful houses at Alamo Square, and ride the historic cable car through the city’s steep streets. A visit to the prison island of Alcatraz is a must. More about San Francisco can be found here.
➜ Yosemite National Park: Just a few hours east of San Francisco, you’ll discover dramatic nature with waterfalls, granite cliffs, and giant sequoia trees – perfect for hiking adventures.
➜ Death Valley: One of the hottest places on Earth, full of extreme and fascinating landscapes. Watching the sunrise at Zabriskie Point? Truly unforgettable.
➜ Las Vegas: This dazzling desert city is an experience in itself – casinos, shows, neon lights, and a 24/7 buzz. Great for a night or two. You can find out more about Las Vegas here.
➜ Grand Canyon: Massive, majestic, mind-blowing. Hike along the South Rim or book a helicopter tour for an unforgettable view.
➜ Route 66: Drive a piece of American history – perfect for authentic stops in small desert towns with vintage diners and old-school charm.
➜ Los Angeles: Hollywood, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier – the City of Angels has many faces and a dash of movie magic. You can find out more about Los Angeles here.
➜ Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1): Drive the scenic route between LA and San Francisco along the coastline. Monterey, Big Sur, and the Bixby Bridge are postcard-perfect stops for your camera!
Pro tip: Plan at least 2–3 weeks so you’re not just rushing from place to place, but truly soaking in the laid-back West Coast vibe.
And if you'd rather take a one-way trip from Denver to Las Vegas, you'll find USA road trip in 5 minutes