Want the ultimate West Coast road trip? You’ve just found it. Over 13 unforgettable days, you’ll cross four states, explore six of America’s most iconic national parks, and cruise a legendary stretch of Route 66. From the sun-drenched beaches of Santa Monica to the towering granite walls of Yosemite, every day brings a new landscape that feels straight out of a movie.
Stand in awe of the otherworldly deserts of Death Valley and Joshua Tree, hike through dramatic canyons and mountain passes, and watch the Pacific Ocean roll by as you travel one of the most scenic coastlines in the world. This is the kind of trip made for long days, big views, and even bigger memories — all packed into just under two weeks.
So, are you ready to hit the open road?
Welcome to sun-soaked Southern California! Your day begins early as you explore the essential sights of the City of Angels before heading out along the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway. On your morning tour of Los Angeles, you’ll tick off some of its most recognisable landmarks seen on screen and beyond – from the designer stores of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills to the iconic Hollywood Sign and the legendary Sunset Boulevard.
Leaving the buzz of the city behind, you’ll journey up the coast with a relaxing stop in Santa Barbara for lunch. This afternoon, continue on to the laid-back surroundings of Santa Margarita where you’ll set up camp, before making your way to San Luis Obispo for an evening at leisure and dinner at your own pace.
Accommodation: Camping: Margarita KOA (or similar)
Today is all about the iconic Highway 1 – a drive defined by sweeping ocean views on one side and dramatic cliffs rising on the other. Along this legendary stretch of California coastline, you’ll stop in San Simeon to watch the local elephant seals lounging along the shore, soaking up the sun. Continue north to Ragged Point, where you can stretch your legs on a scenic hike down to the beach and enjoy a relaxed picnic surrounded by incredible coastal scenery. The afternoon is yours to unwind – take time on the beach, explore the area by bike, or simply find the perfect viewpoint to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
Accommodation: Camping: Margarita KOA (or similar)
Leave the coast behind after breakfast and head inland to iconic Yosemite National Park. Travel through changing landscapes to El Portal, where you’ll set up camp and enter via Arch Rock, following the scenic Merced River.
Yosemite is world-famous for its valleys, waterfalls, sequoias, and granite peaks. Over the next few days, explore trails, take in panoramic views, and spot wildlife like black bears, deer, and coyotes in one of America’s most spectacular natural settings.
Accommodation: Camping: Indian Flats Campground (or similar)
Another day in Yosemite offers endless photo-worthy views. See waterfalls, granite cliffs, sequoias, and climbers on El Capitan. Spend the day exploring at your own pace with hikes like the Mist Trail, Yosemite Falls, or Nevada Falls.
Or rent a bike and ride the valley floor for a different perspective. However you choose to explore, it’s a full immersion in one of America’s most iconic landscapes.
Accommodation: Camping: Indian Flats Campground (or similar)
Pack up camp in Yosemite and hit the road toward Bishop, with some of the region’s most dramatic scenery along the way. Travel via El Portal and Tuolumne Grove for a hike among giant sequoias, including a chance to walk through ancient trees.
After lunch, tackle the Lembert Dome Trail for sweeping views over Tuolumne Meadows, then cross Tioga Pass before arriving in Bishop in the evening to camp under the stars.
Accommodation: Camping: Brownstown Campground (or similar)
Today starts in Death Valley, North America’s hottest, driest, and lowest national park. Explore Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point before crossing the desert to Las Vegas, arriving in the evening.
Spend the night on the Strip – walk the lights, catch a show, enjoy dinner, or simply take in the atmosphere. A striking contrast after a day in the desert.
Accommodation: Golden Nugget Hotel (or similar)
Leave Las Vegas early and head with your Roamies toward Bryce Canyon. Stop in Cedar City around midday for a break and lunch, noting the Utah time change (+1 hour), then continue into the park, arriving in the afternoon.
Explore Bryce’s unique hoodoo-filled amphitheatre, with a hike on the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail from Sunrise to Sunset Point, passing iconic formations like Queen Victoria. Afterward, head to camp, settle in, and enjoy dinner surrounded by the canyon’s dramatic scenery.
Accommodation: Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground (or similar)
Wake to birdsong, have breakfast at camp, pack lunch, and head to Zion National Park. Take the shuttle into the canyon for a full day of exploring trails like Emerald Pools, The Narrows, Scouts Lookout, and the Watchman Trail.
In the afternoon, return to East Zion for a relaxed evening. Gather around the campfire, roast marshmallows, and enjoy stargazing under clear desert skies.
Accommodation: Camping: Zion Ponderosa Ranch (or similar)
If you stayed up late with your new friends, you can sleep in the van. Today we wake up early to drive to Grand Canyon National Park, with a couple awesome pit stops along the way. The first stop is at Horseshoe Bend. This geological masterpiece was sculpted by the Colorado River. Go on and walk to the overlook, hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Continue onwards to our next national park of the trip. En route, stop for lunch at a Navajo-inspired restaurant and trading post. Arrive at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon—one of the world’s Natural Wonders – and set up camp for the next two nights just in time for a spectacular sunset.
After breakfast, pack a lunch for the day and make sure your water bottles are filled, as today is dedicated to exploring the Grand Canyon. Beginning at the South Rim, you’ll have a variety of hiking options that allow you to venture deeper into the canyon and fully appreciate its immense scale and depth. You may choose a single trail or combine shorter hikes throughout the day, taking your time to enjoy the experience at your own pace. Pause for a picnic lunch within the park before continuing your exploration, with the option to rent a bike or, for a more unforgettable perspective, take a scenic helicopter flight over the canyon.
In the evening, enjoy a well-earned pizza dinner along the rim, watching as the setting sun casts warm light across the vast canyon landscape.
Accommodation: Mather Campground (or similar)
Today is a Route 66 road trip to Joshua Tree. After breakfast, head southwest with a stop in Seligman for classic Route 66 charm, then Kingman for lunch, before crossing the Mojave Desert and its iconic Joshua Trees.
Arrive at camp in the early evening, with time to explore Pioneer Town. Watch sunset over the desert, then enjoy clear night skies perfect for stargazing.
Accommodation: Mather Campground (or similar)
After a night under the stars, pack up camp and head to Santa Monica on LA’s famous coastline. Spend the afternoon at your own pace—relax on the beach, walk the pier, grab ice cream, or enjoy an open-air bar.
Check into a Santa Monica hostel in the evening and enjoy your final night in the city.
Accommodation: HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel (or similar)
It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and group leader and begin your next adventure, wherever that may be. Whether that be extending your trip in LA, or maybe even heading on your next adventure with Ultimate!
The West Coast USA Group Tour includes 12 nights accommodation.
To make your booking, choose your departure date and any optional extras you'd like. Not sure about extras, or need extra accommodation before or after your tour? No worries, just let us know later by email.
How the price works: the tour price is shown in the booking panel, then a 1.75% online booking fee is added at checkout — that's the price you see on the tour page. You'll see both lines before you pay. No card surcharges, and nothing is added after that.
Once you've booked, we'll send your booking confirmation along with important information about your tour.
Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on tour will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!
Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled tour date.
Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Your West Coast USA group tour begins in Los Angeles. You’ll need to fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) if flying internationally, or get a bus into the central bus station. The tour finishes in Santa Monica, LA, so if you’re flying out at the end of the trip, you’ll want to book your departure from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as well. We recommend booking flights that arrive into Los Angeles before 6am on Day 1, or better still, the day before. You can depart from LAX at any time on the final day (Day 13) or anytime after this.
Who will I be travelling with?
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a mate, you’ll meet like-minded travellers from all over the world on this trip. You’ll also sometimes have a local guide with you along the way!
Do I need vaccinations?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for the US, however it’s always recommended to get your routine jabs, such as Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR), Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis, Influenza and the COVID-19 vaccine. Ideally, you should organise all this plus a trip to your GP 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Some vaccinations need 2 or more shots.
Can you help me organise flights & insurance?
Sure! We recommend searching and comparing flight prices using Skyscanner.com – get a flight quote. Find the best insurance policy for your Ultimate adventure with the help of our recommended travel insurance provider.
Do I need a visa?
If you are looking into our West Coast USA trip then this should point you into the right direction on how to get a visa for travel in the USA. It is your responsibility to obtain the correct visa to enter the country. You will either need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) if your home country is elegible. This applies to UK, Australian and New Zealand and most EU citizens. You can apply for your ESTA on the US Customs and Border Protection website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
Where do I meet on day 1?
You can meet your group leader and the rest of your crew on Day 1 at the HI Santa Monica Hotel Lobby at 8am. You will then get straight on the road and into the adventure by 9am.
What time should I arrive?
We strongly recommend arriving in Los Angeles the day before. This allows plenty of time to reach your accommodation, settle in, and join the welcome meeting at 8am on Day 1, which is an important first group meet-up where we also collect some key trip information.
Should I bring hiking shoes?
Yes, we would recommend bringing hiking shoes as there is plenty of hiking to be done in and around the National Parks.
What time can I fly out on day 13?
On the last day, you are free to depart at any time. You will checkout of the hostel in Santa Monica, and are free to go on to your next adventure!
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