USA Road Trip: Pacific Coast to Las Vegas

Now's the time to explore the United States on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Take 21 days, 20(ish) new travel mates and a terrific itinerary through the Pacific Coast and you've got your next dream adventure. Do everything from catching a glimpse of San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge, hiking around the idyllic Lake Tahoe region, and spotting wildlife in Yosemite National Park. With all the little details taken care of by us and your CEO (Chief Experience Officer), you can focus on soaking in the best sights and sharing like-worthy snaps.

Day 1 Seattle
Arrive at any time.

Welcome to Seattle! Spend your first night out on the town with your CEO and group as you explore this free-spirited Pacific Northwest city. From mini golf to gum walls, and made-up games there’s plenty to choose from. So grab your fellow adventurers and get ready to make some memories.

Day 2 Seattle/Mount Rainier National Park
No trip to Washington is quite complete without a visit to Mt Rainier National Park. Zoom here with your travel tribe from Seattle and enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. Then it’s time to get some hiking done amidst the snowy mountain peaks. Keep your eyes peeled from some of the diverse wildlife that calls this place home. As the light begins to fade and your feet feel heavier from all of that exploring the group will head just outside the park to camp under the stars.

Day 3 Mount Rainier National Park/Portland
Let’s get weird in Portland! Being one of the most popular cities to visit on the West Coast north of California Portland is artsy, funky, full of great food/drink options and not to mention extremely easy to fall in love with. Between the lush green forest, mountains shrouded in mist, and endless craft breweries sprinkled all over the city, you’ll have no problem finding a creative way to get to know this wacky place.

Day 4 Portland/Bend
It’s time to leave the bizarre behind as you make your way to Bend, Oregon, consistently voted one of the best places to live in the U.S. Arrive just in time to find yourself the perfect place to eat lunch. Then grab your buddies and explore town a bit. Maybe you’ll head to another craft brewery, or maybe you’ll try kayaking and canoeing through the beautiful water of Cascade lake. Or even better? Maybe you’ll do both!

Day 5 Bend/Redwood National Park
Rise and shine and hit the road early to take full advantage of the sights at gorgeous Crater Lake National Park. Grab some selfies or just sit and stare in awe at the crystal blue waters of one of the most pristine lakes on earth. Afterwards, head further south to California and Redwood National Park—home to the tallest trees in the world. Spend the evening gazing up at these gigantic coastal redwoods. To get a true sense of the enormity of these trees, try taking a picture of you hugging one of them.

Day 6 Redwood National Park
Wake up to the sounds of the forest before going on a morning hike through these old mystical trees. Don’t worry, it's not all about the redwoods, even though they are really something. After craning your neck for hours you’ll be excited for a chance to look down as you head to the rocky California coast, to enjoy tide pooling and small beach communities as you continue towards San Francisco.

Day 7 Redwood National Park/San Francisco
Catch yourself daydreaming as you cruise along the coast and then watch as vineyards pass by in California's famous wine region en route to San Francisco. Scoot over to the city on the Golden Gate Bridge and stop for pictures at this iconic site. We’re thinking group selfie?

Day 8 San Francisco
Get ready to explore this city by the bay with your adventure pals! Walk up winding Lombard Street, hop on a historic cable car and see the hills of the city, or get sprayed by the ocean at Lands End.

Day 9 San Francisco/Lake Tahoe
Continue on to idyllic Lake Tahoe, a jewel of the Sierra Nevadas. Known for its crystal clear waters and sweeping mountain views, it is truly a nature-lover's paradise. Enjoy a free afternoon for hiking, lake activities or relaxing. In the evening, hit up the Nevada side of the Lake and try your hand at the Casinos. Who knows, maybe luck will be on your side!

Day 10 Lake Tahoe/Yosemite National Park
Say, "see you later" to Lake Tahoe and travel south through National Forests and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range on the way to Yosemite National Park. Tip your head back and relax or try to spot some wildlife. Once you arrive, hike amongst giant sequoias and past powerful waterfalls before setting up camp. Spend the night telling stories around the fire with your newest travel family.

Day 11 Yosemite National Park
Let your mind wander as you hike through this breathtaking park. Gaze in wonder at Yosemite's magnificent peaks and granite domes before turning your attention to the tranquil nature of the valley floor. Snap photos or simply take in the beauty of one of the country's most beautiful national parks. Keep an eye out for rock climbers and diverse wildlife within the park and consider renting bikes with some friends to better explore Yosemite Valley.

Day 12 Yosemite National Park/Santa Cruz
Leave the mountains behind and head to the coastal paradise of Santa Cruz. Conveniently located between San Francisco and Monterey this beach town is full of great surf, pristine waterfront, redwood-covered mountains, laid-back surfer towns, organic farms, and a growing beer and wine scene. Spend your free afternoon exploring the wharf, vintage shops, and beach coves with a friend or on your own. Either way you’ll be getting a true taste of what the laid back life on the West Coast is all about.

Day 13 Santa Cruz/Morro Bay
Travel down the famous Pacific Coast Highway and marvel at the beautiful coastline and mountain ranges of Big Sur. Have your cameras handy as you will be making multiple stops along the way at places you won't want to miss having a photo of. Take in the crashing waves, rolling fog, and sheer rocky cliffs that make this journey down California's coastal Highway 1 an unforgettable experience. Arrive in time to enjoy sunset on Morro Bay.

Day 14 Morro Bay/Los Angeles
Journey along the stunning Pacific coast to the City of Angels. Stop in Santa Barbara for lunch in this famous coastal city as we make our way to LA (maybe sneak in a volleyball game on the beach if you have time). Your CEO will point out a few famous neighbourhoods and landmarks on the drive. And even though the trip ends upon arrival to Los Angeles you ca certainly book some post accommodation and continue enjoying one of most geographically diverse states in America.

Day 15 Los Angeles
Enjoy a free day in LA. Opt to explore Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and other hot spots around the city.

Day 16 Los Angeles/San Diego
Be on celebrity-watch while passing by a few popular sites on the way out of LA, California's most glamorous city. Cruise through Orange County and along the incredible Pacific coastline to the truly remarkable San Diego. Sun, sand, food, and fun await us in this beautiful beach city.

Once we have arrived you are free to adventure as you please. Soak up the sun on Mission Beach, hike along the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, spend the day at the city’s cultural hub – Balboa Park, or immerse yourself in the military and maritime history of one of the happiest cities in the U.S. In the evening, head to the Gaslamp Quarter District for dinner and live music. As the sun sets, watch the area come alive with numerous pubs and nightclubs and get ready for a night of fun!

Day 17 San Diego/Lake Havasu City
Travel to the desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park – a place that attracts everyone from stargazers to rock climbers. Stop, stare, and enjoy the scenery of the Mojave and Colorado deserts, and of course the famous Joshua trees, with their gnarled branches. The group will take a short hike amongst the boulders of this park before zooming off to cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River at Lake Havasu.

Day 18 Lake Havasu City/Grand Canyon
Hit the road to get some kicks on Route 66. Dive into historic Americana and enjoy lunch at a famous joint and see if you can spot all the movie memorabilia. Afterwards, it’s off to the Grand Canyon to explore the massive gorges, ridges, and rock formations that make even the most skeptical of travellers become awestruck. Dive into a delicious pizza dinner as you sit with your newest adventures buddies and watch the sun dip below the canyon’s south rim.

Day 19 Grand Canyon
Another day, another adventure! Not feeling a hike this morning? That's cool, you have the option to splurge on an unforgettable helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Get ready to feel incredibly small as the world opens up at your feet. For a quieter experience rent a bike to check out the south rim or go see the IMAX Grand Canyon movie. No matter what you decide, the epic views will be there.

Day 20 Grand Canyon/Monument Valley
Wave goodbye to this grand park as we take one last drive along the southern rim of the canyon. Then it’s time to eat some grub at a local Navajo food truck supported by Planeterra.

With a full stomach and a happy attitude drive through the desert to discover one of the most majestic places on earth, Monument Valley. You have the option of getting deep into the valley with a 4x4 excursion with a local Navajo guide, or simply walk around yourself and admire this vast, colourful landscape and cool rock formations.

Day 21 Monument Valley/Las Vegas
Grab your buddies and break a sweat with a quick hike to iconic Horseshoe Bend. Stand overlooking this cool natural shape of the Colorado River and snap a few zen photos. Then, discover ghost towns, funky roadside attractions, and bask in the fading sun as you head into “Sin City”.