The perfect 2 week USA West Coast road trip itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable USA West Coast road trip, a must for every bucket list! Imagine driving through breathtaking landscapes, exploring stunning national parks, and wandering around lively cities with the sun on your face.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through my own 2 week USA West Coast road trip itinerary, featuring the best things to do, the accommodations where I stayed, and essential tips for your journey. This road trip will take you to incredible places like San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, and Los Angeles.

Pack your bags, hit the road, and make the most of your 2 week USA West Coast road trip adventure!

Read also: 10 awesome tips to plan a road trip in West Coast USA

The ultimate 2 week USA West Coast road trip itinerary

START San Francisco | END Los Angeles

DURATION 14-18 days

METHOD OF TRANSPORT Rental car

BEST TIME OF YEAR March-May (Spring) & June-September (Summer)

WHEN DID I GO September

HIGHLIGHTS San Fransisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Yosemite National Park, Monument Valley, Death Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon, Palm Springs

Booking your flight to West Coast USA

Embarking on your West Coast USA road trip starts obviously with finding the perfect flight. Based on my experience, I recommend searching for flights between 6-10 months before your trip to secure the best deals. To help you get started, I’ve included a search box below to give you an idea of prices around.

Renting a car for your 2 week USA West Coast road trip

Renting a car is key to exploring the West Coast on your 2-week road trip. To make things easier, I’ve included a search box through Rentalcars to help you find car hire options in the USA. This will ensure you have the freedom to enjoy your adventure to the fullest.

San Francisco

Kicking off my USA West Coast road trip in San Francisco was absolutely amazing! This city has this incredible vibe—super cool, diverse cultures, and endless fun stuff to do. I decided to stay for 3 nights, and let me tell you, it was the right call. Every day brought something new and exciting.

Walking around San Francisco was a treat in itself. And, of course, I couldn’t miss the chance to explore the famous Alcatraz prison. Pro tip: grab your tickets early and catch the first ferry to beat the crowds—it’s totally worth it.

Another highlight was definitely hopping on the Hop-on Hop-off bus, which takes you to all the must-see spots in no time. Perfect if you’re like me, trying to soak up as much as possible in a short period. The views and the lively atmosphere are something you won’t want to miss.

Read also: 5 best things to do in San Francisco

RECOMMENDED HOTEL
Galleria Park Hotel

Yosemite National Park

My next adventure on the USA West Coast road trip took me to Yosemite National Park, an absolute gem and one of the most popular parks in America. Trust me, it’s popular for a reason – it left me just speechless!

Yosemite is a haven of breathtaking sceneries, most beautiful mountains, refreshing waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and it’s a paradise for hikers.

My advice? Plan to spend at least 2 days in Yosemite, and try to stay as close as possible, maybe even inside the park. I stayed at The Monarch in Mariposa, a budget-friendly choice about a 45-minute drive from the park. It worked out well, but next time, I’m aiming to stay inside the park. Why? Because it saves so much time, allowing you to explore everything without any rush.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL
The Monarch

Death Valley National Park

No USA West Coast road trip is complete without a stop at Death Valley – it’s hands down the most awe-inspiring place you can’t afford to miss. Picture this: one of the hottest and driest spots on Earth, and yet, it’s incredibly beautiful! You’ll find the lowest point in North America here, Badwater Basin, a whopping 85 meters below sea level.

For the best place to stay, I recommend The Ranch at Death Valley. It’s perfectly situated in the heart of the park, offering a refreshing swimming pool (a true lifesaver in the heat!), a cozy restaurant, and a local shop. Trust me, after exploring Death Valley, having a comfortable place to unwind is a game-changer!

RECOMMENDED HOTEL
The Ranch at Death Valley

Zion National Park

My next stop on the 2-week USA West Coast road trip itinerary was Zion National Park. Located in Utah, it’s worth noting the 1-hour time difference from Arizona and California when planning tours. Zion is surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains, offering a haven for hiking enthusiasts and a paradise for photographers.

Staying just one day wasn’t enough—way too short! I only got to do two short hikes and wanted more. If you can, stay longer; it’s really worth it!

I chose to stay at Zion Mountain Ranch, and let me tell you, it exceeded expectations! Positioned at the east entrance of Zion National Park, the ranch offers breathtaking landscape views. The icing on the cake was their outstanding restaurant, Buffalo Grill—a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration. I’m already counting down the days until my return to Zion Mountain Ranch!

RECOMMENDED HOTEL
Zion Mountain Ranch

Bryce Canyon National Park

I spent one night at Bryce Canyon which was just the right amount. (though you can extend if time allows). With numerous beautiful hiking trails to explore in a day, it’s a treat for nature lovers.

Entering the park felt like stepping into a colossal amphitheater, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations. Bryce Canyon National Park, a highlight on my USA West Coast road trip, is a photographer’s dream with its iconic “hoodoos” and magical spots for mesmerising sunrises and sunsets.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL
Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn

Page

My fifth stop on the USA West Coast road trip was Page. I only stayed for one night, which felt a bit short. There are so many cool places around, like Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and Antelope Canyon. If you have time and want to take it easy, I suggest staying for at least 2 nights.

My top things in Page? Watching the sunset at Horseshoe Bend, exploring the famous Antelope Canyon, and chilling at ‘Big John’s Texas BBQ.’ It’s this cool place, used to be a gas station, now turned into a restaurant with live music. Gives you that real American feel!

RECOMMENDED HOTEL
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell

Monument Valley

My next stop was Monument Valley, just a 2-hour drive from Page. I was super excited to see this famous place during my USA West Coast road trip, and let me tell you, it was even cooler than I imagined! Monument Valley has these big red rocks in the desert, making it one of the most coolest places ever.

I joined a tour to go around Monument Valley and learn about the Navajo people’s history and culture. But hey, you can also drive around yourself for $20 per car. No matter how many times you go there, it feels like you’re in an old Wild West movie. So cool!

Quick tip: If you book an organised tour, remember there’s a 1-hour time difference because Monument Valley is right on the border of Arizona and Utah.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL
Goulding’s Lodge

Grand Canyon National Park

After Monument Valley, I headed to Grand Canyon National Park—one of the most famous spots on the USA West Coast. Over a million years, the Colorado River carved the canyon into two parts: the North Rim and the South Rim.

I checked out the South Rim, which is more developed with hotels, restaurants, and a visitor center. If it’s your first time, I suggest starting here. Leave your car at a nearby parking spot, and hop on a free shuttle bus to reach different viewpoints. No ticket needed, and they run from 4 am to 9 pm, depending on the month.

If you’re into hiking, there are trails to explore, but honestly, the viewpoints are stunning enough. My favorites on the South Rim were Hopi Point, Yavapai Point, and Mather Point, especially at sunset. The Grand Canyon transforms from orange to pink to purple in just a few minutes—breathtaking! Bring a rug, a bottle of wine, some snacks, and set up your camera for unforgettable photos.

Tip: For the North Rim, consider a helicopter tour. I did a sunrise flight with Papillon Grand Helicopters, totally worth it!

Plan your 2 week USA West Coast road trip itinerary with these valuable travel resources

Explore my free online travel guides packed with the best tips and favourite places. If you find this article helpful, consider making a purchase through one of my affiliate links. You’ll receive a great deal, and I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—keeping my travel blog alive and thriving.

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Valerie xx

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