15-Day Highlights of the West Self Drive Tour

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Leave Los Angeles this morning and drive up the Pacific Coast to Santa Barbara. Explore the Botanic Gardens or hike in Los Padres National Forest. Relax on East Beach or go whale watching at Arroyo Burro. Visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or the historic Mission. Grab fresh seafood at Stearn’s Wharf before heading to Santa Maria for the night.

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Leave Santa Maria this morning and drive up the stunning Pacific Coast to Monterey. Spend the afternoon exploring this historic city, known for its preserved colonial buildings and rich sardine-packing past. Wander Cannery Row, now home to restaurants and boutique shops, and made famous by John Steinbeck. Go whale watching in Monterey Bay or take the scenic 17-Mile Drive. Stop at Pebble Beach to admire ocean views and coastal mansions. Then head to San Francisco for a two-night stay.

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Enjoy a full day exploring San Francisco at your own pace. Ride a cable car from Fisherman’s Wharf or take a guided tour of Alcatraz Island, rich in history and legend. Spend time in Golden Gate Park—visit the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, and spot the resident buffalo herd. In the evening, dine in one of the city’s unique neighborhoods—whether it’s dim sum in Chinatown or pasta in North Beach.

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Leave the bustle of San Francisco and drive to Yosemite National Park. Marvel at the dramatic Yosemite Valley, where sheer granite cliffs like El Capitan, Glacier Point, and Half Dome rise above thundering waterfalls. Explore the high-country wilderness, rivers, meadows, and giant sequoia groves. Visit the Valley Visitor Center for exhibits, films, and maps. Walk nearby trails, see Mirror Lake, and don’t miss the iconic “Tunnel View.” Stay overnight in the Yosemite area.

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Today, visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks—home to massive trees, deep canyons, and towering peaks. See the world’s largest tree, the 275-foot-tall General Sherman, and take in panoramic views from Moro Rock. Explore rugged trails, or join a guided cavern tour. Stop by the visitor center for park info and seasonal highlights. After a full day, return to the Yosemite area for your second night.

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Get an early start as you leave the Yosemite area and head toward Nevada. If time allows, detour through Death Valley National Park to see its dramatic, sun-scorched landscapes—start at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Then continue on to Las Vegas. Walk the iconic Strip, explore themed hotels and casinos, catch a show, or head up the Stratosphere Tower for unbeatable views. End the day with dinner or drinks at the top.

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Explore top hotels like Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and Paris for luxury shopping. For deals, head to one of Las Vegas' outlet malls packed with designer brands at discounted prices. Dining is world-class, with top chefs running restaurants across the city—there's something for every taste. Don’t miss the Bellagio’s nightly fountain show, a stunning mix of music, water, and lights. For a classic Vegas vibe, visit Fremont Street, where a massive canopy of 12 million lights puts on an unforgettable overhead show.

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Leave Vegas and drive to Zion National Park, where towering sandstone cliffs and the Virgin River await. Explore the famous Narrows slot canyons—nature’s colorful, narrow stone corridors perfect for hiking. Trails and paved paths suit all skill levels, and a free shuttle connects you to highlights like Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, and Angels Landing. Visit the Visitor Center for tours and park info. Then continue to Bryce for an overnight stay.

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This morning, explore Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its colorful hoodoos—unique spire-shaped rock formations. Watch how the light changes their colors throughout the day. Drive to Rainbow Point for stunning overlooks with views up to 100 miles on clear days. Choose from various walking trails or go horseback riding to see the park’s highlights. Then stop at Lake Powell, surrounded by red cliffs, and consider visiting Rainbow Bridge—the world’s largest natural bridge carved by water erosion.

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Head to the Grand Canyon today and be amazed by its vast size and stunning colors—one of the world’s natural wonders. Explore the South Rim’s many viewpoints by shuttle or car. Walk the paved and unpaved trails along the rim, and stop at Bright Angel Lodge, a historic spot with great views, a gallery, restaurant, and exhibits. Join a guided hike or ranger talk if you like. Afterward, continue to Flagstaff for an overnight stay.

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Drive from Flagstaff through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, surrounded by towering red rock formations. Stop for photos at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. Explore Sedona’s vibrant arts scene, galleries, and great dining. Stop in Phoenix for lunch, then continue to the upscale resort town of Palm Springs. Known for its golf, luxury lifestyle, and natural springs, Palm Springs offers trendy shops, restaurants, and festivals. Overnight stay arranged here.

Leave Palm Springs and head to Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the U.S. Explore the Walk of Fame with its iconic pink stars and visit Grauman’s Chinese Theater to see celebrity handprints. Cruise through Beverly Hills for a peek at exclusive homes. Experience the vibrant culture and energy of this iconic city.

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Spend the day exploring Los Angeles. Start with the glitz of Hollywood, then shop luxury boutiques on Rodeo Drive. Grab lunch at Venice Beach and take in the lively boardwalk scene. Head to Santa Monica Pier to see the end of Route 66, complete with an amusement park, aquarium, and the historic Hippodrome building.

If theme parks are calling, visit Disneyland in Anaheim for classic characters and rides, or head to Universal Studios for a behind-the-scenes look at movie making. End your day at Universal CityWalk, packed with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.