California & the Southwest in 10 Days
United States
Overview
A rental-car loop covering some of America's biggest hitters: Los Angeles's beaches and studios, the neon spectacle of the Las Vegas Strip, a detour out to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, and a flight up to San Francisco to close things out with the Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars. Long driving days between LA, Vegas and the Grand Canyon are the trade-off for covering this much ground.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Pace
- Fast-paced
- Transport
- Rental car
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- US$2,600–US$3,300
Route
Highlights
- Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach boardwalk
- The Las Vegas Strip at night
- Sunrise over the Grand Canyon's South Rim
- Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge
Worth knowing
- This is a lot of driving in a short window — not a relaxed trip
- Summer desert heat between Vegas and the Grand Canyon is extreme
- Requires a one-way flight or rental drop-off between LA/Vegas and San Francisco
Day by day
Day 1
Los AngelesMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Santa Monica Pier and beach
Day 2
Los AngelesMain activities
- Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign view
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
Optional additions
- Universal Studios
Day 3
Los Angeles → Las VegasMain activities
- Drive (~4.5h)
- Evening on the Strip
Day 4
Las VegasMain activities
- Strip casinos and fountain shows
- Fremont Street
Optional additions
- Day trip to Hoover Dam
Day 5
Las Vegas → Grand CanyonMain activities
- Drive (~4.5h)
- South Rim viewpoints at sunset
Day 6
Grand CanyonMain activities
- Sunrise viewpoint
- Rim Trail hike
Optional additions
- Helicopter tour
Day 7
Grand Canyon → Las VegasMain activities
- Drive back to Las Vegas (~4.5h)
- Fly to San Francisco
Day 8
San FranciscoMain activities
- Golden Gate Bridge walk
- Fisherman's Wharf
Optional additions
- Alcatraz tour (book ahead)
Day 9
San FranciscoMain activities
- Cable car ride
- Chinatown and North Beach
Optional additions
- Day trip to Muir Woods
Day 10
San FranciscoMain activities
- Final morning in the city
- Departure
Alternatives
Drop San Francisco and fly home from Las Vegas after the Grand Canyon.
Add Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks between Vegas and the Grand Canyon.