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Southwest & California Loop

This 18-day loop hits the desert icons, the SoCal coast, and the Sierra peaks. It's a lot of driving, but totally doable with two drivers and a £6k budget.

18days
41stops
DAY01

Harry Reid International Airp… → Springdale

Overnight in Springdale
  1. 10:00
    Harry Reid International Airport· start
  3. 15:00
    Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
  5. 19:00
    Springdale· overnight
Fuel Up
  • Oscar's Cafe · Massive burgers and Mexican plates. Perfect after a travel day.
Daily Spend
SUV Rental (Daily)
$120
DAY02

Angels Landing → The Narrows

Overnight in The Narrows
  1. 07:00
    Angels Landing· start
  3. 13:00
    The Narrows· overnight
Post-Hike Eats
  • Zion Canyon Brew Pub · Local beers with a view of the Watchman peak.
Fees
Park Entry
$35
DAY03

Horseshoe Bend → Grand Canyon Village

Overnight in Grand Canyon Village
  1. 11:00
    Horseshoe Bend· start
  3. 15:30
    Desert View Watchtower
  5. 18:00
    Grand Canyon Village· overnight
Dinner with a View
  • El Tovar Dining Room · Historic, upscale dining. Book weeks in advance.
Budget Tip
National Park Pass
$80
DAY04

Bright Angel Trail → The Las Vegas Strip

Overnight in The Las Vegas Strip
  1. 08:00
    Bright Angel Trail· start
  3. 13:00
    Seligman
  5. 19:00
    The Las Vegas Strip· overnight
Vegas Eats
  • Delmonico Steakhouse · Treat yourself to a high-end Vegas steak dinner.
Splurge
Luxury Hotel
$350
DAY05

Bellagio Fountains → Omega Mart

Overnight in Omega Mart
  1. 14:00
    Bellagio Fountains· start
  3. 17:00
    Omega Mart· overnight
Local Secret
  • Lotus of Siam · Legendary Thai food off the strip. Best in the city.
Entertainment
Show Tickets
$150
DAY06

Pioneertown → Joshua Tree Airbnb

Overnight in Joshua Tree Airbnb
  1. 14:00
    Pioneertown· start
  3. 16:30
    Hidden Valley Nature Trail
  5. 19:00
    Joshua Tree Airbnb· overnight
Morning Fuel
  • Joshua Tree Coffee Co · Best beans in the high desert. Great morning vibe.
Stay
Rustic Airbnb
$250
DAY07

Salvation Mountain → La Jolla Cove

Overnight in La Jolla Cove
  1. 10:00
    Salvation Mountain· start
  3. 16:00
    La Jolla Cove· overnight
Taco Time
  • The Taco Stand · Authentic Al Pastor. There will be a line, but it's worth it.
Transit
Gas
$60
DAY08

Balboa Park → Pacific Beach

Overnight in Pacific Beach
  1. 10:00
    Balboa Park· start
  3. 15:00
    Pacific Beach· overnight
Local Eats
  • Lucha Libre Taco Shop · Wrestling-themed taco spot. Get the Surfin' California burrito.
DAY09

Del Mar Dog Beach → Encinitas

Overnight in Encinitas
  1. 11:00
    Del Mar Dog Beach· start
  3. 14:00
    Encinitas· overnight
Coastal Bites
  • VG Donut & Bakery · Old school donuts. The glazed is a game-changer.
  • Fish 101 · Fresh poke bowls and grilled fish. Very local.
Stay
Boutique Hotel
$280
DAY10

Santa Monica Pier → Venice Canals

Overnight in Venice Canals
  1. 14:00
    Santa Monica Pier· start
  3. 17:00
    Venice Canals· overnight
Venice Dining
  • Gjelina · Abbot Kinney's finest. Incredible veggie dishes and pizza.
City Budget
LA Hotel
$400
DAY11

Griffith Observatory → The Getty Center

Overnight in The Getty Center
  1. 10:00
    Griffith Observatory· start
  3. 14:00
    The Getty Center· overnight
Foodie Hub
  • Grand Central Market · Dozens of vendors. Try Eggslut or Tacos Tumbras a Tomas.
DAY12

Santa Barbara → Morro Bay

Overnight in Morro Bay
  1. 12:00
    Santa Barbara· start
  3. 17:00
    Morro Bay· overnight
Sweet Treats
  • McConnell's Ice Cream · Santa Barbara legend. The salted caramel is elite.
Stay
Coastal Inn
$220
DAY13

McWay Falls → Carmel-by-the-Sea

Overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea
  1. 11:00
    McWay Falls· start
  3. 14:00
    Bixby Creek Bridge
  5. 17:00
    Carmel-by-the-Sea· overnight
Views & Vines
  • Nepenthe · Famous terrace with views of the Big Sur coast. Iconic.
Fuel
Gas
$70
DAY14

Tunnel View → Yosemite Valley Lodge

Overnight in Yosemite Valley Lodge
  1. 15:00
    Tunnel View· start
  3. 17:00
    Yosemite Valley Lodge· overnight
Historic Eats
  • The Ahwahnee Dining Room · Grand, historic, and pricey. Worth it for one drink at the bar.
Stay
Yosemite Lodging
$300
DAY15

Glacier Point → Mist Trail

Overnight in Mist Trail
  1. 09:00
    Glacier Point· start
  3. 13:00
    Mist Trail· overnight
Picnic Spots
  • Degnan's Kitchen · Good deli sandwiches for a picnic lunch.
DAY16

Sausalito → Union Square

Overnight in Union Square
  1. 15:00
    Sausalito· start
  3. 18:00
    Union Square· overnight
SF Classics
  • Sotto Mare · Best Cioppino in North Beach. Authentic Italian-Seafood.
City Stay
SF Hotel
$350
DAY17

Alcatraz Island → Painted Ladies

Overnight in Painted Ladies
  1. 09:00
    Alcatraz Island· start
  3. 15:00
    Painted Ladies· overnight
Tourist Musts
  • Boudin Bakery · Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at the Wharf.
DAY18

Ferry Building → San Francisco International A…

  1. 10:00
    Ferry Building· start
  3. 13:00
    San Francisco International Airport
Last Meal
  • Gott's Roadside · Modern take on the classic burger stand. Great airport fuel.
Final Fees
One-way Car Drop Fee
$250
Heads Up
  • Book National Park entries early
  • Expect one-way car rental fees
  • Pack for both desert heat and coastal fog