Summary
Come and explore the Golden West on this affordable vacation through California, Arizona, and Nevada. You’ll begin in Los Angeles with guided sightseeing in the “City of Angels.” Take a drive through Hollywood and see the legendary TCL Chinese Theater, the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, and the Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard. Stroll through the historic Farmers Market, with more than 80 shops and eateries followed by a visit to Santa Monica Pier. Travel through the California desert to Palm Springs and spend the night in this desert oasis. Continue to Scottsdale in the arid Arizona climate and visit Old Town where Western storefronts create an aura of the past. Visit the red-rock town of Sedona and pass through scenic Oak Creek Canyon and the San Francisco Mountains before arriving at the glorious Grand Canyon, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Cross the Mojave Desert for two nights in the bright lights of Las Vegas. Try your hand at the blackjack table, play the slot machines, do some shopping, or perhaps see a show. Continue to majestic Yosemite National Park to explore its giant granite domes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests.
Then on to the “City by the Bay” San Francisco, where sightseeing includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Take in the spectacular seaside settings of Monterey and Carmel. Keep an eye out for sea lions and otters off the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and visit Cannery Row—made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel. Drive along legendary 17-Mile Drive to the storybook setting of Carmel by the Sea.
Take in the spectacular coastal scenery along the rugged stretch of Big Sur to visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in the cathedral-like beauty of the California Redwoods. Visit the charming Danish village of Solvang with its Dutch windmills, bakeries, and restaurants. Travel further down the Pacific coastline to Santa Barbara for a photo stop at the historic mission and pier before returning to LA to conclude your memory-filled vacation in the American West!
Short Itinerary / Route
- Day 1
- Los Angeles
- Day 2
- Los Angeles
- Day 3
- Los Angeles–Palm Springs
- Day 4
- Palm Springs–Scottsdale Area
- Day 5
- Scottsdale Area–Sedona–Grand Canyon National Park–...
- Day 6
- Williams–Las Vegas
- Day 7
- Las Vegas
- Day 8
- Las Vegas–Selma
- Day 9
- Selma–Yosemite National Park–Sonora
- Day 10
- Sonora–San Francisco
- Day 11
- San Francisco
- Day 12
- San Francisco–17 Mile Drive–Carmel–Monterey
- Day 13
- Monterey–Big Sur Highway–Pfeiffer Big Sur State Pa...
- Day 14
- Solvang–Santa Barbara–Los Angeles
Travel Cities (6): Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Scottsdale, Yosemite National Park