California Dreaming: Yosemite, Death Valley & Coastal Camping

From bright lights and big cities to dark skies and wide open spaces, see the best of the Southwest on this seven-day roadtrip, traveling from the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, up the Pacific Coast Highway, and into the desert for a camping experience under the stars. From Yosemite National Park's jaw-dropping waterfalls and sky-high sequoia trees to Death Valley's out-of-this-world vistas, don't be surprised if you think you're still dreaming when you wake up each morning. But don't get too comfortable in the Great Outdoors — your trip wraps up in Las Vegas and its own special kind of magic.

Day 1 Los Angeles/Avila
Welcome to sunny Southern California! Your day starts early, taking in all the must-see sites of The City of Angels, before driving along the Pacific Coast Highway to Avila Beach. On your morning tour of Los Angeles, you'll check-off all the places you've seen in the movies: Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, the famous Hollywood sign, and of course Sunset Boulevard. You'll leave the sprawling metropolis to drive up the coast, with a stop in Santa Barbara for lunch. Set up camp in Avila before zipping over to San Luis Obispo for dinner on your own.

Day 2 Avila
On the road again....okay, so technically its only Day 2, but we wanted to get you singing along. Explore the coast of California today on a drive up Highway 1 to San Simeon to watch the Elephant Seals sunbathe on the beach. Oh, to be an elephant seal lounging on the Cali beach all day, every day. Alas, you are not an elephant seal, so head just a bit further north to Ragged Point for an epic view and killer hike to the beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Avila Beach, taking a soak in the public hot springs or renting a bike to find the perfect spot to watch a sunset over the Pacific. Life is your oyster.

Day 3 Avila/Yosemite National Park
We hate to drag you away from the beach, but it's time to strap on a bum bag and the sun cream, it's hiking time. Yosemite is waiting for you, so pack up camp after breakfast and hit the road. Road trip inland towards one of the most popular National Parks in the USA. Once you arrive in El Portal to set up camp, you'll get your first introduction to the park through Yosemite's Arch Rock entrance and along the Merced River.

Day 4 Yosemite National Park
Ready for more? Of course you are. Everywhere you look in Yosemite National Park is picture perfect. Snap shots of it's famous waterfalls and giant sequoia trees, and catch a glimpse of climbers scaling El Capitan. Explore its landscapes however you want, with several hikes to choose from: The Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls, or Nevada Falls just to name a few. What will you find as you explore the trails of one of the U.S.'s most famous parks? Want to cover more ground? Opt to rent a bike and cruise the valley floor.

Day 5 Yosemite National Park/Bishop
Another day, another epic adventure in the U S of A. Pack up your campsite in Yosemite and hit the road. Today you'll get glimpses of some of the most stunning natural views in the Southeastern US. The drive from Yosemite National Park to Bishop is full of insta-perfect shots. Today you'll drive across Yosemite, through El Portal to Tuolumne Grove, with a hike to see the famous giant Sequoia trees. After lunch, you'll hike the Lembert Dome Trail then travel over Tioga Pass landing in Bishop in the early evening to prep your camp site for a night under the stars.

Day 6 Bishop/Las Vegas
Get low before you roll high! Drive through the infamous Death Valley, the hottest, driest, and lowest park in North America, before making your way to Las Vegas for the evening. Death Valley is a bucket-list place to visit when you're in the Southeastern United States. Known for it's salt flats, colorful rocks, and high temps, you'll spend a morning seeing these spots (plus Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point) then head off to Las Vegas. Walk The Strip, take in a show, or roll the dice — or do it all! Just remember: what happens on a Roamies trip, stays on a Roamies trip.

Day 7 Las Vegas
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Say farewell to your fellow Roamies after what would have been an epic final night. Depart at any time, but be sure to stay in touch with your new friends.