Trip Memos Logo

2 Weeks In The United States [5 Sample Itineraries]

  • By Site Staff
  • January 19, 2024
  • In USA Travel

We've traveled extensively across the United States, exploring 45 states and gathering many experiences. When planning a trip to the US, the options can seem endless.

That's why we've compiled five sample itineraries to guide you through some of the country's best offers.

These itineraries draw from our travels and in-depth research, including for states like Florida, where we've meticulously planned our upcoming visit.

Whether you're drawn to the West Coast, East Coast, or the majestic Rockies, these plans are designed for road trip enthusiasts.

So, buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and join us on a journey through these exciting routes. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these itineraries, so feel free to leave a comment at the end!

NIagara Falls, Los Angelos City, New York City, and Silver Springs Florida Collage picture

Itinerary #1: The East Coast

Touring the United States' east coast in spring, summer, and fall is best. These months will see the largest coastal cities burst with life and activity.

Come winter, most of the pit stops on any potential road trip will still be busy, but you'll need to take extra precautions to endure the eastern winter. This first road trip will take you over 1,278 miles in two weeks.

That may seem like a lot to cover, but with this itinerary, you won't miss a thing.

Day 1-3: New York City

Starting any United States East Coast tour in New York City is best. The city that never sleeps will keep you more than occupied during the first three days of your trip.

No matter what your interests are, you'll be able to find a unique and appealing attraction in NYC. This includes theater through Broadway or smaller organizations, art and science exhibits at any of the local museums, and shopping for anyone looking to bring souvenirs back home.

Some of the most notable attractions in New York City include:

  • The Statue of Liberty
  • Central Park
  • Fifth Avenue Shopping
  • The Empire State Building
  • Top Of The Rock Observation Deck
  • The American Museum of Natural History
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum

Don't feel you must hit all these attractions over your three-day visit, but do your best to find the spots that interest you the most!

In our experience:

We've spent only four days in New York City, and while it's certainly a bucket list destination, we're in no rush to return. There's a lot to do there, but it's expensive too.

Traveling with young kids, we settled for Central Park (including the zoo!), taking the ferry to view Lady Liberty and walking just about everywhere in Manhattan.

Our favorite spot was the Highline Trail - just a lovely long park in the middle of the city.

Father with his sons walking at Highline Trail Central Park, New York City

Stay charged while exploring the endless attractions of New York City with a reliable Portable Power Bank, a must-have for any urban adventure.

travel around america 2 weeks

View on Amazon

Day 4: Philadelphia

Once you've wrapped up your time in New York City, it's time to head south towards Philadelphia. This trip by car will take you about two hours and is 95 miles in total.

Philadelphia isn't quite as busy as New York City, but it's no less appealing to the inexperienced traveler. Here, you'll find icons from American history alongside modern marvels, including:

  • The Liberty Bell Center
  • Independence Hall
  • Peddler's Village
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Valley Forge National Historical Park
  • Longwood Gardens
  • Please Touch Museum

You can't go to Philadelphia without trying a Philly cheesesteak. Even if you can only visit for the day, make sure to weigh in on the local debate between cheesesteak shops.

You'll be able to determine whether Joe's, Tony Luke's, or another shop makes the best cheesesteak in the city.

For Americans, a tour of Philadelphia could easily take two full days. For us, a single day was enough. We visited the Federal Mint, took a tour of the Independence Hall, viewed the Liberty Bell from outside, and even had lunch at the City Tavern restaurant, part of the historic national park.

Day 5-6: Washington, D.C.

After spending a day in Philadelphia, moving to the nation's capital is time. Washington, D.C., is 139 miles and two and a half hours away from Philadelphia.

Once settled in, you can explore the political center of one of the planet's most expansive and complicated nations.

If you're intrigued by the nation's ongoing political struggles, why not schedule a White House or Capitol Building tour? Alternatively, you can spend your day walking from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument .

Any history buffs you bring on your trip will not want to miss the Smithsonian and its many exhibits on the National Mall . The National Mall is also the best place to score a Washington D.C. hot dog, so plan your visit accordingly!

We spent three days in DC on one of our trips. There is a lot to see and do here. In addition to everything mentioned so far, we booked a Pentagon tour. If you have the time, do that too.

Father holding his son while posing in the Lincoln Memorial Statue

Be prepared for unpredictable weather in Washington, D.C., with a Compact Travel Umbrella, perfect for those sudden rain showers.

travel around america 2 weeks

Day 7: Shenandoah National Park

One hour and 19 minutes away from Washington, D.C., rests Shenandoah National Park, a must-see for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Seventy-five miles outside Washington, D.C., you can tour Skyline Drive free of the urban hustle and bustle.

You can spend your day hiking along the park's many trails or biking past some of the area's most diverse patches of wilderness. You can return to a hotel or spend your night camping under the stars.

The park is open 365 days a year, though it will close if the weather is set to be poor. You'll be able to visit from sunrise to sunset. Entrance fees range as follows:

  • Single Vehicles: $30
  • Single Motorcycles: $25
  • Individual Walk-Ins: $15

This is a great park for hiking and experiencing the Appalachian mountains. If you've already visited some of the parks of the Western US, such as Yellowstone or Yosemite, lower your expectations.

The scenery doesn't compare, though it is gorgeous in its own right. Still, it is a great place for hiking in the woods and taking a break from the big cities.

Mother walking along with sons on the Appalachian mountain trails

Day 8-9: Pennsylvania

Once you've finished your day in Shenandoah National Park, you can spend the next day or two touring through Pennsylvania.

You can drive back to Philadelphia if you like or visit some of the state's other attractions, including Gettysburg , Lancaster , and Amish Villages , including Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand. Other must-sees in Pennsylvania include:

  • Hershey Park - any chocolate lovers on your trip with you can smell Hershey Park before they spot it. Near the Hershey plant, this amusement park embraces its founders' love of chocolate with sweet-themed rides, plays, and attractions.
  • Falling Water - any art buff will recognize Falling Water as one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous architectural feats. Schedule a tour of this renowned home and see how Wright made history with his architectural creativity.
  • Eastern State Penitentiary - are you afraid of ghosts? If so, maybe keep the Eastern State Penitentiary off of your itinerary. Those brave enough to visit will be able to tour this historic prison and learn more about its tragic history and the superstitions that haunt the halls today.

Even though our kids were the right age, we skipped Hershey Park. We did have a lovely time couchsurfing with a local Mennonite family and experiencing the Dutch farm way of life.

We also enjoyed visiting Gettysburg, where the kids got another Jr. Ranger badge.

Kids holding toy guns with the instructor behind them at a Jr. Ranger activity at Gettysburg

Day 10: Niagara Falls

Once you've finished your time in the city, you can spend a day getting back to nature by visiting Niagara Falls . Three hours and 41 minutes (and roughly 228 miles) away from Shenandoah National Park, you can tour the falls at your leisure. Schedule a tour with the Maid Experience to get up close and personal with America's largest waterfall.

This was hands-down the most impressive spot we visited on the East Coast. Yes, it's a bit too touristy and feels commercial, but it's also the most significant natural landmark on this side of the continent.

We didn't spend a lot on the attractions and mostly experienced the falls by walking along the promenade, but we didn't miss taking a boat tour to get closer to the falls.

A happy family wearing water cellophanes near Niagara Falls

Day 11-12: Finger Lakes Area

You'll find the Finger Lakes Area just 2 hours and 15 minutes and 137 miles away from Niagara Falls. Spend a few days decompressing from your trip with time out on the water. You'll be able to fish, hike, bike, and swim in any of the area's larger lakes, including:

Spend an afternoon in Watkins Glen State Park , or head out on the town for some low-pressure souvenir shopping. You can also visit the Corning Glass Museum to taste the local art scene. If you happen to visit during the winter, you may even be able to enjoy a few days of skiing!

We enjoyed our time in the Finger Lakes area. Hiking along Watkins Glen was fantastic!

Beautiful hiking trail at Watkins Glen with a cute kid lying his back at rocky wall

And the glass museum was an unexpected and very pleasant surprise. There were tons of demos and activities, and the kids enjoyed it all. Dan even helped create a glass goldfish, which he got to take home.

A young boy holding a glass goldfish at Glass Museum

Day 13-14: Boston

After a few days out in the Finger Lakes area, you'll want to make your way back to another one of the East Coast's urban hubs. 5 hours and 41 minutes away from the Finger Lakes area, you'll find Boston ready and willing to help you wrap up your trip.

After driving 370 miles, you'll be able to pick up any last-minute souvenirs while hitting some of Boston's most exciting attractions, including:

  • The Freedom Trail
  • Boston Common
  • The Museum of Fine Art
  • The Paul Revere House
  • The Museum of Science

We spent a couple of days touring Boston. The kids loved the Freedom Trail, which we walked from the Boston Common to the USS Constitution at the harbor.

We didn't check out the museum (having seen too many of those that week), but the USS Consitution was a great tour in its own right.

Father happily raising their arms while taking a picture with the USS Constitution

Itinerary #2: The West Coast

I confess we love the American West. The sheer size, distances, places to see, unique things you can find nowhere else, and scenery like no other.

This itinerary will get you the very best of the urban destinations of the southern west coast, with a taste of Vegas.

Days 1-3: San Francisco

There's no better place to start a tour of the West Coast than San Francisco. The city is full of exciting attractions, including:

  • The Golden Gate Bridge
  • Golden Gate Park
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Fisherman's Wharf

You can spend a few nights in San Francisco before moving on to your next spot. To date, we've spent three weeks touring San Francisco and the cities of the Bay Area. There's much to see and do, and we love the atmosphere.

If you're a science geek like us, don't miss out on the California Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park.

A young boy taking picture at a scenic view of San Francisco

Day 4: Monterey

After a few days in California's cultural north, you'll want to head south two hours and 119 miles to Monterey. This resort town is one of the best places to rest, relax, and enjoy the best that California has to offer.

While you're in the area, you can visit:

  • The Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Cannery Row
  • Old Fisherman's Wharf
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • Point Lobos

Monterey is a perfect family destination. We ended up spending over a week there in total and never got bored. You can read more here about things to do in Monterey and about day trips around Monterey .

Days 5-6: Highway 1 to LA

Once you're finished in Monterey, you'll want to take the scenic Highway 1 down to Los Angeles. You'll want to spread this trip over two days, stopping in Morro Bay overnight.

As you go, enjoy the unmatched view of the Pacific Ocean - the highlight of any West Coast road trip.

It's scenic, and we do not regret driving it along this bucket list road. However, it is a very long drive, and the road is pretty curvy in parts, so if you're prone to car sickness or don't have time, this could be a place to save a day.

If you're going on the drive, check out this post about driving Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles for more information on what to see and do along the way.

Mother and son taking picture near a bridge located in Highway 1

Days 7-9: Los Angeles

At the end of your five-hour, 318-mile trip, you'll have made your way to Los Angeles. Take a few days to rest and visit many of the city's hotspots, including:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Disneyland Park
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • The Hollywood Walk-of-Fame
  • Santa Monica Pier

LA can be a lot of fun but very urban, and traffic can be difficult. If you're visiting, try to avoid driving during rush hour. Our favorite and most "LA" thing was to tour the Walk of Fame and then catch a movie at the official Disney El Capitan Theatre . And sure, Disney and Universal Studios!

Young kid standing at one of the stars in Hollywoods Walk of Fame

Days 10-11: San Diego

After a few days in Los Angeles, it'll be time to move on. San Diego is two hours and 120 miles away from Los Angeles and has as many attractions for you to explore as the City of Angels. Whether you're looking to relax or want to keep the high of your road trip going, you can visit any of the following spots:

  • Black's Beach
  • Coronado Beaches
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Balboa Park

San Diego was the first place we ever visited in the United States. We fell in love with the city and spent ten days there. It's an awesome destination for families with young kids, and the long stay allowed us to make the most of the multi-day passes to local theme parks and attractions.

If you want to save, check out our list of free, fun things to do in San Diego .

Days 12-14: Las Vegas

However, California doesn't make up the full extent of the West Coast. After San Diego, Nevada, waits for you. Take the five-hour, 332-mile drive out of California, and you'll find yourself in Las Vegas.

There's more to do in the area than visit casinos. If you're looking to end the last two days of your trip on a high note, you'll want to try and visit the following attractions:

  • Red Rock Canyon National Park
  • Fremont Street Experience
  • The Neon Museum
  • Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
  • Adventuredome Theme Park

I have to say we're not huge fans of Sin City, especially not with kids. However, there's plenty to do; if you're not traveling with kids, this is a bucket-list destination.

You may love or hate Las Vegas, but it's unlikely to leave you indifferent. And if things get too hectic, there are plenty of cool things to do in the area. Check out this list of awesome day trips around Las Vegas for more ideas.

One place that many people don't want to miss out on is the Grand Canyon - you can take an organized tour from any Las Vegas hotel or even book a helicopter ride above the greatest canyon on earth.

Zion National Park and Bryce National Park are also not far away, and you can switch a couple of days in Vegas and add them to your plans.

Itinerary #3: California & Las Vegas

What if you want to add a bit of wilderness to your tour of the west coast? You can diversify the previous itinerary with  a trip to Yosemite , so long as Tioga Pass is open. We recommend traveling in the spring, summer, and fall when the weather will be most agreeable and the wildlife most active.

Be prepared for a long trip over two weeks, and you'll be traveling 945 miles! Let's highlight some of the stops you'll come across along the way.

Days 1-3: Los Angeles

We've already touched on Los Angeles' many appealing hotspots. You'll start this modified road trip in the City of Angels. For your first three days, you'll have ample opportunity to explore the area's many theme parks, beaches, and other attractions.

Days 4-5: Highway 1

After that initial taster, you'll want to take the road via Highway 1 and follow the coast of California up to Monterey. You can break this five-hour trip up into two days, stopping at Morro Bay for rest after your first day.

Be sure to have your camera ready - nothing beats the view off Highway 1.

Day 6: Monterey

Once you've pulled off the highway, you can spend a day exploring the nooks and crannies that make up Monterey. A solid 318 miles away from Los Angeles, you'll enjoy a bit of urban energy without the stand-still traffic.

Days 7-9: San Francisco

After Monterey, driving to San Francisco is two hours and 119 miles. You can spend two days in this sprawling city, traveling via cable car and enjoying the local food scene. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge or sun yourself on the beach before hitting the road again.

Days 10-11: Yosemite

After your trip north through California, it'll be time to head east. You'll drive for just over three hours and 167 miles to reach the outskirts of Yosemite. Over the next day and a half, you can explore the national park while staying in Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Entry fees break down as follows:

  • Motorcycle: $30
  • A non-commercial vehicle with 15 or fewer passengers: $35
  • Bicycle, horse, or foot entry: $20

You can camp in the park if you've made a reservation.

Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places we've ever visited. If your trip happens anytime between April and early July, you must visit to see the waterfalls in all their glory. We visited the park three times already, and I know we'll be back!

A family taking a picture at Mirror Lake Yosemite National Park, Trip Memos

Check out this post for even more gorgeous photos of Yosemite National Park .

Day 12: Drive from Yosemite to Las Vegas

After you've spent a few days hiking, biking, canoeing, and enjoying one of the United State's best known-natural attractions, you can pack up your bags and head south down into Nevada.

After a six-hour and 341-mile drive, you'll find yourself in the Entertainment Capital of the World. There's more than one way to cover the distance and plenty to see en route. Read this guide to learn more about driving from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park .

Days 13-14: Las Vegas

You can spend the last two days of your trip enjoying all of the wonders Las Vegas has to offer. This could mean visiting one of the many casinos on the Las Vegas strip or touring the local theme parks and other attractions.

Once you've reached the end of your visit, you can head home via car or flight through McCarran International Airport.

Itinerary #4: The Rocky Mountains

Probably our favorite area in the entire continent. For summer-specific road trips, you can always take to the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. By far the longest of the road trips noted here, this itinerary will take you over 1,107 miles in two weeks.

Pack your bags carefully, and research gasoline prices ahead of time! This trip may be long, but it's well worth the time.

Day 1: Salt Lake City

You'll start on your Rocky Mountain adventure when you land in Salt Lake City, Utah. Get comfortable for your first day by taking a leisurely tour around town. Salt Lake City is full of exciting places to eat and visit, including:

  • Temple Square, for Mormon architecture
  • Red Butte Garden

Be sure to book a hotel for the night - you'll need all the rest you can get for the days ahead.

Salt Lake City is a great base for starting and ending a tour of the Rockies. Half a day to a day exploring the city itself is probably enough unless you are very interested in the local history.

Day 2: Drive to Jackson, WY

After your day in Salt Lake City, it'll be time to pack up and head towards Wyoming. You'll spend roughly four and a half hours on the road as you drive toward Jackson , covering 277 miles. Be sure to stop for food and photos along the way!

Day 3-4: Jackson and Grand Tetons National Park

After spending a relaxing night in Jackson, you'll have two days to explore the town and the nearby Grand Teton National Park . Grand Teton is a mere eight minutes from the center of Jackson, making it a quick and easy trip for anyone looking to stretch their legs or spot some of the state's iconic wildlife.

Grand Tetons National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You'll ideally want to visit in the summertime to avoid the worst weather. Entry fees break down as follows:

  • Private vehicles: $35
  • Motorcycles: $30
  • Foot or bicycle entry: $20

Register for an annual pass on the national park's website.

We spent a total of a week here, and that wasn't nearly enough! This is a gorgeous park, and Jackson is a fantastic Western-style town. The only downside to visiting Jackson is that it's also incredibly expensive.

Here's a tip: Look for accommodation at least half a year before your trip and search for vacation rentals and condos. You should spend at least a few hours in Jackson and at least a day and a half hiking in the Grand Tetons.

Father with his sons at Grand Tentos

Days 5-8: Yellowstone National Park

Once you've finished exploring the Grand Tetons, it's time to head towards the west's other iconic state park: Yellowstone. Drive just over two hours and 100 miles from Jackson, and you can explore Yellowstone National Park at your leisure.

We recommend staying overnight in the park - camping or at one of the local resorts - to get the full Yellowstone experience.

Yellowstone National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Entry fees break down as follows:

  • Single vehicles: $35
  • Bikers or foot traffic: $20

In a nutshell, Yellowstone is awesome. A unique combination of out-of-this-world scenery, wildlife, and a unique backstory. We spent three weeks in this park, and I'm sure we'll be back. Here's our top 10 list for visiting Yellowstone .

Hot spring caused by a hot surging lava beneath at Yellowstone National Park

Day 9: Drive to the Denver area

After a few days in Yellowstone, you can head towards Colorado and the broader Denver area. This leg of your journey will take just under ten hours and will have you crossing 587 miles.

Read our 37 road-tripping tips to ensure these long drives are easy and fun!

Day 10: Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park to Granby via Trail Ridge Road

Once settled in the Estes Parks area , you can visit Rocky Mountain National Park. Take Trail Ridge Road into the park to enjoy truly unbelievable views. The drive down Trail Ridge Road will take an hour and a half for 74 miles.

Once you arrive at Rocky Mountain National Park, you can stretch your legs on many hiking and biking trails.

Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week - though do be careful if you're visiting during the colder months of the year, as snowfall can block off some of the roads. The park's entry fees break down as follows:

  • Hikers or walkers: $20

You can spend the night after you visit Breckenridge for a smoother morning drive or head straight to Independence Pass.

Rocky Mountain is a gorgeous national park that many people ignore. Spectacular scenery and lots of hiking trails. Remember that the mountains are tall here, so you must be prepared for mountain conditions even in the summertime. 

This picture was taken along the Trail Ridge road in the middle of June.

Family wearing snow gear at Trail Ridge road

The weather was much better on lower elevations that day:

Man standing at the top of a huge rock between two trees

Day 11: Drive along the Independence Pass & hike the Maroon Bells

You'll want to leave Rocky Mountain National Park via Independence Pass the next day- or that same evening. Take some time out of your 45-minute drive to hike the Maroon Bell.

Once you're satisfied with the local views and exercise, you can follow the pass out to I-70. Alternatively, you can spend the night in local Aspen to enjoy local cuisine and relaxation.

Driving the Independence Pass and hiking the Maroon Bells were highlights of visiting Colorado. So much so that we have a post dedicated to driving the Independence Pass. Aspen is an interesting little ski town; it's quite fancy. Possibly too fancy for our taste.

Family standing at the Maroon Bells, Colorado taking a picture

Day 12-14: Drive via I-70 to Denver Area

As your trip ends, you'll want to take the I-70 back into the Denver area. You can use these last two days of your trip to visit the places you didn't see in Denver previously. Ski, shop, eat, and make the most of your time.

Once satisfied with your stay, you can head to the Denver International Airport to return home.

Itinerary #5: Florida

This trip through Florida will take you over 909 miles in two weeks. Tour Florida between winter and early spring, and you'll be able to enjoy some of the state's biggest attractions without worrying about traffic or crowds.  Here's more about the best time to visit Florida .

Day 1: Miami

Aerial shot of the beautiful Miami, Florida

Where better to start on a trip through Florida than in Miami ? As one of the largest urban centers in the state, you'll find plenty to do in the city alone. You're also free to use Miami as a base of operations, going back and forth as you explore the rest of the state.

Some of the best attractions in Miami include:

  • The Bayside Marketplace
  • Jungle Island
  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
  • Miami Seaquarium
  • Perez Art Museum Miami

Be sure to try a Cuban while you're in town! There's nothing quite like the Miami good scene.

Day 2: Everglades NP Flamingo area

48 minutes and 41 miles from Miami, you'll find one of Florida's largest natural wonders: the Everglades. On the second day of your trip through the Sunshine State, you'll want to make your way down to the NP Flamingo area.

Open between 8 AM and 4:30 PM between November and April, the NP Flamingo area is the perfect spot to canoe, hike, bike, and get a closer look at some of Florida's native wildlife.

Make sure you read our detailed guide about visiting the Everglades National Park .

Days 3-4: The Florida Keys

You'll want to head further south once you've spent the day in the Everglades. You'll find the Florida Keys 48 minutes and 36 miles away from the Everglades. The Florida Keys are the perfect marriage of bustling and relaxed.

You can spend two days exploring the island's nooks and crannies or sunning yourself on the beaches.

Some of the Keys' best attractions include:

  • Molasses Reef
  • Dolphins Plus Bayside
  • The Overseas Heritage Trail
  • Island Dolphin Care
  • Key West Sunset Sail

At the end of your days, you can return to Key West and Key Largo to rest and recharge for the day. Here's our list of the best things to do in the Florida Keys .

Day 5: Fort Lauderdale and the Treasure Coast area

Fort Lauderdale and the Treasure Coast are just north of Palm Beach. The city is only 91 miles and an hour and a half away from the Florida Keys. While you're in the city, you'll be able to visit:

  • The Historic Stranahan House Museum
  • The Museum of Discovery and Science
  • Butterfly World
  • Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Day 6: Kennedy Space Center & Ocala

The Kennedy Space Center is 170 miles from Fort Lauderdale and is Florida's hub for space activity. Daily admission for adults costs $57 and $47 for children.

There are applicable discounts for active military representatives and seniors. Once you've paid your way in, you'll be able to tour the on-site attractions like:

  • Heroes & Legends
  • Behind the Gates
  • Race to the Moon
  • Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other
  • NASA: Now + Next
  • Plan Your Mission

While you can make the 3-hour road trip back to the city, spending the evening after your tour in Ocala will be much easier.

Day 7: Silver Springs State Park or Homosassa State Park

Big trees with dense vegetation reflecting the waters of SIlver Springs State Park

If you're looking for a day away from Florida's urban centers, you can drive twelve miles to one of the local state parks. Silver Springs State Park and Homosassa State Park are nearby and will offer you a full day of relaxation and exploration.

  • Silver Springs State Park is open from 8 AM until sunset all year round, and it only costs $2 per person to enter.
  • Homosassa State Park is open weekly between 9 AM and 5:30 PM. Children can enter for $5, and adults can enter for $13.

You can hike, canoe, and bike at both parks.

Days 8-10: Orlando

After a day of relaxation, why not head to one of the most magical places on earth? Orlando is only an hour and a half and 76 miles from Ocala. While there are other attractions besides Universal and Disney, visiting Orlando without dropping by one of the two amusement parks is almost impossible. Read more about the cost of a trip to Orlando .

  • The Disney Parks are open between 7 AM and 11 PM daily. A one-day ticket costs $109 for adult visitors.
  • Universal Orlando opens at 9 AM, and its closing time varies. A one-day ticket costs $110 for adult visitors.

Day 11-12: Tampa Bay area

Tall buildings and skyline photograph at dusk

After exploring Orlando's theme parks for a few days, you can drive an hour and a half to the Tampa Bay area. After your 85-mile drive, you'll be able to spend a few days coming down from your theme park visit while exploring some of the local attractions, including:

  • Anna Maria Island
  • Fort De Soto Park
  • The Florida Aquarium
  • The Salvador Dali Museum
  • The Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge

Day 13: Sarasota and Naples

On your way out of the Tampa Bay area, you'll want to pass through Sarasota and Naples via the Tamiami Trail and Shark Valley. On your way, you can stop by the Everglades National Park and take one last airboat tour. Here's our post about things to do in Naples, FL .

Day 14: Miami

Beaches and tall buildings in Miami with clear blue oceans

At the end of your trip, you'll want to drive back to Miami to wrap up your tour. After a two-hour and 126-mile drive, you can continue exploring Miami or go to the airport, where you can head back home.

Explore the USA!

There is much to see and do; two weeks is just the beginning! If you can, take more time to explore or plan on returning soon (we usually do both!)

We hope these itineraries inspire you to go out and explore these amazing destinations! Please use the comment form below if you have any questions or comments. We love sharing our experiences and helping others make the most of their traveling!

Fort Lauderdale beach at high noon with tall buildings at background

Hi… Do you have a blog on using public transpo in going around different states or within a state? 🙂

Hi Chariza, I haven’t don’t that myself, but I know people who have traveled across the US using public transport. The best way to get a sense of what’s available for your itinerary would be to use Google maps, set your course and see what comes up under public transport. Good luck!

Comments are closed.

  • Work With Us

CURRENTLY IN:    Argentina

Drink Tea & Travel

The Ultimate Guide to USA Road Trip

Although it’s tempting to head overseas every time you get a bit of vacation time, taking a road trip around America can be just as eye-opening and exciting! A USA road trip can help you see parts of the country you may not have considered visiting before and will give you a better understanding and appreciation of the beauty of landscapes within the United States. 

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

Renting a vehicle for a drive across America (or using your own) and heading out to discover what many consider to be their own backyard can be just as fun as heading to exotic locations. 

A cross country road trip is the perfect holiday option when flights are expensive or if you are looking for a more eco-conscious way to explore the country. Whether you only have a few days or want to take a 2-week road trip, USA destinations can really surprise you! There are plenty of road trip ideas and itineraries to explore.

Don’t leave your home without Travel Insurance! From the US?  We recommend  Allianz Travel Insurance,  a world leader in travel protection and  our trusted Travel Insurance partner  for the last 5 years. Allianz offers  Single Trip and Annual Travel Insurance Policies  that include medical coverage, trip cancellation, rental car insurance and more! (Benefits vary by state and by plan, so read your policy carefully!)  Not a US resident?  Consider  Safety Wing ,  a  budget friendly travel insurance provider  with travel insurance plans for Digital Nomads and travelers from all around the world  

Check out our latest Road Trip

USA Colorado road trip car RV campervan 6104 1

Traveling Soon?  Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip! Book Your Accommodation HERE Search for Great Tours HERE Get a Car Rental HERE Buy Travel Insurance HERE See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE Order an eSim HERE

Best 2 Week Road Trip – USA Routes

You don’t need to cram a whole 48-state road trip into 2 weeks. These 2 week road trip ideas highlight the best of different parts of the USA.   

West Coast America Road Trip: California, Highway 101

This west coast USA road trip is definitely a classic road trip option as the Californian highway is peppered with lovely towns with views of the Pacific Coast. Typically planning a California 2 week road trip, USA, along Highway 101 calls for driving from San Francisco to San Diego (or the reverse) and has several stops along the way.

Top eco-friendly destinations: san-francisco-fishermans-wharf

Of course, it’s your 2 week US road trip so hit whatever stops interest you, but here are a few destinations suggestions for your west coast of USA road trip.

  • Start your road trip adventures in San Francisco and take a tour of the city highlights along with a stop at Alcatraz . 
  • Head to Santa Cruz and stop at the amusement park, Beach Boardwalk . 
  • Don’t miss Monterey , which has boutiques, bars, and restaurants in converted factories. The area also has Monterey Bay Aquarium , which is actively involved in conservation efforts. 
  • Next, the coast highway will take you to Big Sur a mountainous area, national park, and one of the most famed places on a 2 week road trip across America. Slightly below is San Simeon , where you can view migrating elephant seals. 
  • Pismo Beach is known for its wineries and beaches, and Monarchs migrate south to this area in the cooler weather. 
  • See the architecture in Santa Barbara , California.
  • Include Malibu in your USA road trip planner to see the beach.
  • Experience Hollywood in Los Angeles
  • Finish your trip at the galleries and museums in San Diego.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA road trip

A California Highway 1 USA road trip, west coast, offers a huge variety of experiences . There really is a little something for everyone along this route. If you like Pacific coast scenes, this is the best US road trip for you.

READ NEXT: ULTIMATE WEST COAST ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Chicago to Los Angeles Road Trip, Route 66

This stretch is a historic route and one of the most famous trips around America. Route 66 deserves a try if you want to drive part way across the country on a 2 week cross country RV trip.

Chicago, IL, USA road trip. Photo by Bert Kaufmann via Flickr CC

  • Start your USA road trip planning in Chicago (or you could end here if you choose). It allows you to visit one of the many museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago . 
  • Next on your US trip head to see the arch in St. Louis
  • Drive through the heartlands of Oklahoma with stops in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City, both of which are known for their architecture. 
  • Route 66 also passes through the upper tip of Texas , which takes you through Amarillo and also through Jericho Gap , where many cars once got stranded in the mud on old Route 66 on their road trips of America. 
  • The beautiful views and varied landscapes of the Midwest continue through New Mexico (be sure to stop in Albuquerque and Santa Fe , New Mexico).
  • Travel America via Route 66 to Arizona, with Flagstaff and Sedona taking center stage as points along the two week road trip, USA.
  • Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard are good points to visit while you are in Los Angeles, California. 

Route 66 is one of the most iconic road trips in the US and often listed as one of the best US road trips. If you have more time then consider extending your trip into a 3 week road trip across America. However, if you do extend ensure you consider the additional cost to drive across country.

East Coast Road Trip: New York City to Miami, Route 95

An east coast USA road trip has a lot to do, and being able to take it at your own pace is a good way to go . Add the following places to your US road trip planner to make the most of your America trip.

Cityscape of New York city with Empire State Building

  • Start your America road trips in New York City, where you can visit the Statue of Liberty , attend a Broadway show, or hit all the major sites in New York with a guided tour . 
  • From there, head south through Baltimore (which is worth a stop!) 
  • Continue down to the nation’s capital of Washington, DC, where you can view many of the sites on a “hop on hop off” bus tour . 
  • This route will also take you through the beautiful states of Virginia (possibly stop in Richmond ) and North Carolina before you hit Savannah on your roadtrip. America is full of history and lovely architecture in this area.
  • Once you hit Florida , you will head through Jacksonville , West Palm Beach , and Fort Lauderdale.
  • If you want to veer off of Route 95 just a bit, you can visit the oldest town in the US, which is St. Augustine. It’s filled with museums, lovely buildings, and a Spanish fort from the 1500s.
  • Once you end your journey in Miami , you can head to South Beach, visit the Art Deco district, or take an airboat ride to view alligators in their natural habitat.

If you are an American road trip planner who wants a taste of a little bit of everything or if you are history buff then you might consider Route 95 one of the best road trips in USA.

: Road trip around America stop: Miami Beach, Florida

This 2 week road trip across America takes you between two of the nation’s biggest cities , gives you a chance to explore the past, and will win you over with the charm of the people you meet along the way. However, if you are going to be indulging in the big cities ensure you include that in your road trip USA budget.

Colorado Road Trip

If you want to experience the beauty of inland United States, Colorado definitely delivers. For this route, consider starting your road trip USA planning in Denver

  • Visit the Lookout Mountain and take a tour of the Rocky Mountains . 
  • S pend a day in Boulder and take a tour of Rocky Mountain National Park and experience the trails. 
  • The Glenwood Springs area offers some of the most gorgeous views of any American road trips, so have your camera ready! 
  • Grand Junction is next, which is home to parks, trails, and the Colorado National Monument . 
  • You can also stop in Ouray , which has lots of hiking options and then be sure to stop for a day in Mesa Verde National Park , which is full of history from the Ancestral Pueblo people.
  • Other stops along the way include Buena Vista – home of the Rio Grande National Park Forest – and Colorado Springs – where you can take a segway tour of the Garden of the Gods .

We think this is one of the USA best road trips for getting close to natural destinations and exploring national parks. If you are self-contained and stay in free camping spots along the way you can really reduce your road trip across America cost too.

READ NEXT: OUR ULTIMATE COLORADO ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Southern USA Road Trip: Savannah to San Diego

Heading from coast to coast can be one of the USA best road trips as you get a glimpse of what each state offers.

Sunny day in Atlanta in the winter. USA

  • Start your road trip routes in Savannah , Georgia, a quintessential southern town with beautiful architecture and trees dripping with Spanish moss. 
  • Then stop Atlanta for a 1.5-hour highlight tour of this capital city .
  • The route also passes through popular US towns such as Birmingham , Alabama ; Jackson , Mississippi ; and Shreveport , Louisiana . These towns all showcase America’s southern history and sites that were significant in the civil rights movement. 
  • Then you will arrive in Dallas , Texas , where you can take a tour to learn about this historic city .
  • Continue on to El, Paso, Texas on your road trip USA before you get to beautiful Tuscon, Arizona , where you can add a bit of adventure to your trip by exploring history on a scavenger hunt .
  • End your trip in San Diego by exploring the historic old town on a narrated trolley tour .

Downtown Atlanta. USA

Road trip routes through the Southern United States will give you a taste of Southern charm and will give you a chance to learn about the civil rights movement – exactly where it took place. However, keep in mind that big-city travel can really cut into your cross country road trip cost so be wary of your spending there if you are trying to keep your road trip America cost low. 

Road Trip Across America: Cost Considerations

If you have ever considered a road trip across America, you’ll have asked yourself “how much does it cost to drive cross country?” and considered the cross country road trip cost .

If you don’t have a vehicle at your disposal, you’ll need to rent one. It’s practically impossible to rent a car in the US for less than $40/day and it’s really hard to find a deal for an RV for under $100/night. So this will affect your road trip America cost – but it is a necessary expense.

Beautiful road ahead. Colorado. US

Add in spending on gas, accommodation, food, etc and your cost of cross country road trip will quickly add up , making what seemed like a great vacation idea seem like a rather expensive getaway.

We’re always crunching numbers and asking ourselves, “how much does it cost to travel around the world?” But we really had no idea of the road trip across America cost!

Planning for our trip, we knew that sticking to a small daily budget was going to be tough, but we wanted to see if we could keep our road trip across America cost to $125/day for two people (Spoiler: we almost did!).

How Long Does it Take to Drive Across America?

It is totally up to you to decide how long does it take to drive across the US. Each of the road trip routes we have suggested can be completed comfortably in two weeks . However, there are innumerable things to do along the way and the States is a big country so you can take as long as you like.

Road trip america cost

We met people who had been on the road for years, making their way slowly across the country. So, as you can imagine, there are no hard and fast rules to answering how long does it take to drive across America – the decision is up to you!

But how long does it take to drive across America non-stop anyway? If you weren’t in it for the journey and were just trying to zoom from coast to coast as quickly as possible, you could do it in 35-45 hours. Some people even take it a step further and take on the 48 states in 10 days route . This is a surefire way to check off tons of states on your list but we much prefer to enjoy the journey as much as the end destination.

Is it Safe to Drive Across America?

Of course! Always be sure to educate yourself on state driving laws while following the speed limit and being aware of your surroundings. There are A LOT of large transport trucks on American highways so be mindful of passing etiquette and you’ll be good to go.

Cross-Country Road Trip Cost

Here is a detailed breakdown of our cross-country road trip cost to help you answer the question of “how much does it cost to drive across the country?” It is based on our 16 days 3,000 mile/4,500kms road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles .

If you are wondering “How much does it cost to drive across the country?” the first thing to consider is the cost of driving itself. 

The cost of driving from Chicago to Los Angeles was by far the biggest percentage of our overall USA road trip budget . We knew that we had to find a cheap way to get around or this USA road trip ideas would quickly be thrown out the window.

Beautiful roadside views! Roadtrip USA

RV Rental – $610 ($38/day)

Luckily, we were able to use some of the tips and tricks we learned while traveling around Australia to determine how much it would cost to travel across America. Then apply them to help our 2 week cross country RV trip cost in the US.  

We were lucky to have been able to find a GREAT DEAL for a campervan rental at just $39/night.

While it wasn’t as good as $1/day, the deal offered us a longer rental, giving us more time on the road , and a brand new (hence the factory relocation) massive RV for our cross-country road trip. It was big enough for 7 people, so having all the space for just 2 of us felt like absolute luxury. 

The total for 16 days/15 nights added up to $610 of our cross country road trip cost.

The interior of our Cruise America RV. Road trip planner

READ NEXT: 12 Best Van Conversion Companies That Will Build Your Van for You

Fuel – $682 ($42/day)

Gas ended up costing a bit more than we would’ve liked on our 2 week road trip across America, adding up to almost 30% of our total travel budget . With 3,000 miles (around 4,500 km) ahead of us on our 2-week road trip, we knew that we’d need around 6 tanks of gas to get us from Chicago to Los Angeles , but we underestimated the cost of gas across the country and our RV’s efficiency on the road. How much does a cross country road trip cost? More than we thought as far as fuel was concerned.

Cruise America RV on the road in Iowa. 2 week cross country rv trip

Propane = $60 ($4/day)

When budgeting for our trip, we completely forgot to account for the cost of propane . It didn’t add up to a lot, which was surprising considering that the stove, fridge, furnace, and water heater in our RV were all powered by propane. All things considered, it was a small drop in a big bucket but should be accounted for if you’re the designated road trip USA planner.

Accommodation Costs = $179 ($12/day)

Despite the fact that our RV was completely self-sustainable (it was equipped with a shower, toilet, and a full-size kitchen), we weren’t able to spend more than 2-3 days away from an RV park during our trip.

America RV road trip

To our greatest surprise, RV parks in the US weren’t as cheap as we expected. We planned on spending $10-15/night for a powered site, but in reality, we never found anything for less than $30/night. It was yet another thing that added more than we thought to our United States road trip cost.

On nights when we didn’t need to be plugged in, we followed seasoned RV’ers advice and parked in Walmart parking lots or enjoyed being away from it all by finding an isolated spot in the middle of a forest road just off of our trip routes.

Road trip USA

Food Costs = $339 ($21/day)

To keep our cross country road trip cost down, we choose not to eat out on this trip and cooked most of our meals in the RV . But we didn’t deprive ourselves.

We stocked up on fresh fruits and veggies, good quality meats, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Let’s face it, American groceries tend to be a bit more expensive than what we had been used to in Costa Rica so we had to keep our food expenses in check. Since our American road trip budget didn’t allow for daily meals out, we made sure to cook up a storm and make a big deal out of our meals.

We drank wine, enjoyed some beers, and even splurged on desserts! Needless to say, we weren’t starving throughout our trip and our food and drinks expenses reflected that.

Road trip USA On our long-term travel

Cost of Supplies

Rv supplies – $292 ($18/day).

It cost us a few hundred dollars to stock up on various supplies for the RV . There were a few road trip accessories that we can’t believe we didn’t think of before our trip and some bedding and kitchen supplies.  

Cruise America offers to rent bedding and crockery to guests for their USA road trips but we figured that we could find much better quality stuff if we were to buy it ourselves for our 2 week cross country RV trip. And we did!

Cruise America RV inside bedroom. Road trip USA

At the end of the trip, we took all the supplies up to Oksana’s parent’s house in Canada. One day, we’ll dig them up from storage in the basement and use them for another drive across America! 

How much does a road trip cost? A lot less when you already have the supplies from a previous trip!

READ NEXT: 12 ROAD TRIP ACCESSORIES THAT WILL TAKE YOUR TRIP FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Mobile Phone – $60 ($4/day)

To stay connected on the road we purchased a 30-day 10GB mobile data plan from T-Mobile for $60 . It was a pricey investment and one that we completely forgot to account for at the beginning of planning a road trip across the States, but being able to stay connected and keep up with our work while on the road warranted the expense. 

Oksana working in the Cruise America RV. Road Trip USA

A great alternative, which we didn’t know about it at the time, would have been a Solis Hotspot . Solis Hotspot offers flexible data plans , including Unlimited Data plans for heavy users or a Pay Per Use plan at just $9/1GB ideal for someone who just wants to stay connected and keep up with emails/messages or spends hours on social media while on this trip.

Cost of Activities – $160 ($10/day)

We didn’t spend a ton of money on activities throughout our road trip across America . Cost was factored into many of the things we did. 

We splurged on a Cog Railway ticket to the top of Pikes Peak, because hiking up the mountain wasn’t an option in my condition , and our 30 foot RV wouldn’t have made it up the winding roads either. Luckily, it was a great journey and money well spent.

Road trip USA: Max & Oksana peaking out of Cog Railway en route to the top of Pikes Peak. Rocky Mountains. Colorado. USA Road trip

National Parks Pass – $80

Another expense that we incurred on the trip was the cost of a yearly National Parks Pass ($80) . We got lucky with our timing as the first week of our trip coincided with the Annual National Parks Week , which gave us access to all National Parks across the country for free.

But by the time we got down to Arizona and California, the deal was off and the steep price at the Grand Canyon and at the Joshua Tree National Park made the $80 we paid for the pass completely worth it.

Under the stars in Joshua Tree National Park, California. Road Trip USA

We think that $80 for an annual park’s pass was very reasonable. Especially considering they were some of the highlights of our American road trip. You can pre-purchase your National Park’s Pass here .

2 Week Road Trip USA – Total Cost – $2,382 ($149/day)

Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road trip across the US. 

It’s more than the $125/day that we planned on for our USA road trip budget, but we’re not kicking ourselves for it. Our estimate for how much would it cost to travel across America was a bit off, but we had a great experience despite a bit of increased road trip cost.

RV Camp site, part of the road trip USA budget

Looking back on our spending patterns, we realized that the biggest cost drivers were RV rental and gas . And while it might be possible to reduce the daily gas costs by staying on the road for longer and spreading the cost of gas over more days, the increase in daily RV rental would probably offset that.

READ NEXT: WE ARE GOING ON A ROAD TRIP ACROSS THE U.S.

How to Save on USA Road Trips

Looking ahead, we are not giving up on our mission to find more cost-effective ways to enjoy USA road trips . Next time, we plan USA road trips we will cover shorter distances (and save on gas in the process), look for even better relocation deals, and use some of our existing supplies to help us save on USA road trips costs. 

Road trip USA: Beautiful views on our American road trip

We are confident that we can make it happen on future road trips, USA! Of course, having now put together this handy cross country road trip cost calculator it will be helpful in estimating all travel costs ahead of the trip. 

We hope that this info can also aid you in determining how much your road trips USA may cost.

Road Trips USA – Eco-Friendly Tips

American road trips USA can take its toll on the environment but there are ways to minimize its effects. Not to mention, we tend to find that the more eco-friendly a trip is the more cost-effective trip too!

  • Choose a hybrid model or energy-efficient vehicle whenever possible.
  • If you’re driving your own car or an RV get it serviced prior to your USA road trip. Your RV or car rental agency will do this for you but you can still check your oil and tire pressure regularly while you’re on the road for better fuel efficiency.

Road trip USA: A road in Colorado

  • When it’s hot out roll down the windows instead of using A/C for better fuel economy.
  • Choose eco-friendly accommodation options , and restaurants while on the road. Try camping or staying in national parks like we did, and shopping for food at local farmers markets.  
  • Avoid single-use plastics and minimize packaging by using reusable grocery bags and collapsible containers when you need to restock food and refreshments. 
  • Don’t forget to invest in a good reusable water bottle.
  • Bring your friends! It’s always better to travel with a full car or RV. A five-person vehicle is so much more eco-friendly and cost-effective than traveling with a couple of two-seaters.

Your USA Best Road Trips Await

No matter what USA road trip routes you take, one thing reigns true – the United States is filled with variety! From mountainous regions and oceans to historic cities and untouched land, there are so many things to do on a two-week road trip for a variety of tastes.

Hanging Lake, Colorado. road trip USA

We hope this article will give you the USA road trip ideas and tools you need to plan your trip. See you on the road

Do you have any questions about an American road trip? Itinerary planning? Road trip suggestions are always welcome!

Read Next: Road Trip Essentials: 50 Things To Bring On A Road Trip

About The Author

' src=

Oksana & Max St John

34 thoughts on “the ultimate guide to usa road trip”.

' src=

Excellent article. I was wondering what it was costing you to travel around. I know in New Zealand I got a great deal on Toyota Space Wagon and it was very cheap. Obviously your RV was much larger and better equipped but it’s still fairly expensive it would seem.

We never paid for RV parks or stuff either, we used to sneak into hostels and use their showers (I was young and on a budget so forgive me)!

But I remember the freedom of travelling around in the car and the complete freedom was an amazing feeling. I have been wondering how a road trip across America would compare to my recent trips to Uzbekistan and other more average priced destinations. It seems that the price is comparable if there are two people travelling.

Thanks for information.

' src=

We know we didn’t get the best deal on the campervan itself, so that’s a cost we can improve on, but the rest of it really just comes down to the price of gas and groceries. That’s really where the bulk of the costs comes from. Also, if you don’t have a large RV with a toilet and/or shower and don’t need to dump gray/black water, then there is really no need to stay in RV parks in the US either. There are tons of truck stops along the highways where you can actually shower and use the toilet for free or for next to nothing. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option for us. At least not with this RV.

' src=

Your pictures are beautiful! 🙂 My dad always wanted to take RV trips, but they can definitely be more expensive than you would expect.

Julia http://www.thephillyphotoblog.com/

' src=

Thanks for sharing! I would love to do a road trip across the US in the next few years, and may look at doing an RV. My husband and I are doing a short RV trip from Darwin, Australia in a few weeks, and we learnt that it’s definitely not cheap – especially when we didn’t want to use Wicked, plus needed a guaranteed Auto. (Luckily as a travel blogger I managed to get a good discount!)

We found Apollo to be great in that part of Australia. They had some great $1/day deals from Darwin to Perth when we looked into it. If you end up doing more road trips in US or in Australia, look into Imoova – great rates on relocations in both Australia and the US.

' src=

My friend told me about how RV’ing is a huge culture down in the United States, and that it is quite common to park at Walmart parking lots overnight to reduce costs. I thought he was just kidding about that, but you have confirmed that it is not the case. I would have assumed you would get ticketed or towed if you did that.

' src=

Also, you can overnight at some large truck stops, some casinos, and our state parks and national parks are very reasonably priced, but some of the more popular ones are reserved up to a year ahead. For self-contained (no hook up)/boondock/’dispersed’ camp sites, there are many free places in the western part of the country–BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and COE (Corps of Engineers). Campendium is a good resource to find these.There are also apps where you can find pump outs and potable water to refill your tanks, without staying in an expensive RV park.

' src=

Nice post. So its cost you close to 2400US dollars for the travel. You guys really have a huge budget for the journey.

We usually travel on a budget of $100/day between both of us, which isn’t that high at all! On this trip, we went a bit over budget, which sometimes happens. Luckily, we are able to offset more expensive trips like this one with cheaper destinations and make sure that we stick to our $100/day budget on average for the year!

' src=

Sounds wonderful! We have recently retired and are really wanting to travel west, being from Illinois, but we always thought the RV would be way out of our budget. But, when you consider hotel rooms and restaurants in a car(even a fuel efficient one like ours), the RV rental makes a lot of sense. I always see them parked at Wal-Mart’s and truck stops. One question? Can we make it to Los Angeles, up the Pacific Coast Highway, Yosemite and back to Illinois on Hwy 80 in 2 weeks?

' src=

@SALLY Miller : I don’t see why not ,but here’s the thing , why would you want to put yourself in time constraints ? Taking you on that trip is about 5300 miles dividing that into 14 days is about 350 miles a day, taking you to Portland Or. and back. I’d try to take more time if it were me .

' src=

Did you ever drive and stay in the cities at that RV? Is that possible to go through Chicago by the way?

' src=

We mostly stayed in National Parks or in designated RV sites. There were some in the cities, but we did not stay in Chicago. We started our trip just outside of Chicago, so we did not need to drive through the city. But, there is no reason why you would not be able to go on the highway with your RV.

' src=

I am amazed and excited to read about your journey. It would help me a lot in planning my trips. You missed my country Pakistan. I suggest that you should explore the cultural city of Lahore and Northern Pakistan. Let me know if I can be on any help.

' src=

Thank you soooo much for posting all this detail! Our family of 4 (maybe 5 if the niece comes along) is going to do about a 3k R/T Eastern Canada trip and I can actually apply so much of your budget to our trip. And your resources. You’re legends – the both of you!

You seriously don’t know how much I appreciate this!!!

Happy to hear that you have found the post helpful. Enjoy your adventure 🙂

' src=

Thanks for all the great information, sounds like you had a wonderful time. My family and friends are planning a USA trip from Australia next September 2020. I was wondering who you went with for the hire of the RV? Thanks Tracey

We hired our RV through Cruise America. They had a great relocation deal that helped us save tons on the rental.

' src=

How did you rent your camper so cheap? Cruise America is quoting me over $5,000 for a two weeks. Thanks Nathan

We scored a great relocator deal! You have to be flexible with your dates and your route and you can find some great budget-friendly options.

For those who don’t know, a “relocator deal” is when they need the rig moved to where you are going. You are actually transporting the vehicle for them, and using it along the way.

Thanks for all the tips!

' src=

I enjoyed visiting your webiste. I rarely leave comments, but you definately deserve a thumbs up!

' src=

Just read your post on your drive across America from Chicago to LA. I have been wanting to take my family on a cross country trip for along time. I was just looking at RV rentals and chose Cruise America like the one you used. What am I missing? A standard RV rental for cross country trip both ways from GA to CA is over $4000 even with a 50% off promo code. You don’t just have to pay for the rental, you have to pay for mileage also. I was expecting a cross country budget for my family of 6 (me, my wife, and 4 daughters all under 9 years) to be around $5K-6K . The cost of RV rental would almost double that budget estimate and puts this trip out of reach. How did you rent an RV for 16 days for $600+?

Hi Will, we mention our “trick” in the article a bit. We found a great relocation deal for our road trip. These are quite common and are offered by many RV providers, but they do require you to be somewhat flexible with your dates and sometimes even destinations. A relocation deal is a special discount offered on one-way rentals when the rental company really needs to get an RV from one destination to another. Instead of hiring a worker to drive the RV to the desired destination, they put the vehicle up for rent, specifying the dates and route that needs to be taken. It’s worth looking through the deals if you have flexibility. Good luck with your search!

' src=

I just checked RV price on Cruiseamerica.com and the price is far more expensive from what You presented.

Estimate (All Prices USD $) 15 Nights $1270.05 1500 Estimated miles: $525.00 Supplemental Liability Insurance: No Charge Environment Fee: $7.00 Subtotal: $1802.05 State Tax: $108.12 Damage Deposit: $500.00 Total Charge: $2410.17

Hi Dario, yes regular price for an RV will be much higher. We got ours through a relocation deal. It was a one-way rental deal with a particular route and for specific dates. Check their relocation deals and see what they might have on offer right now. Keep in mind that you will need to stay flexible with dates and route if you want to score a deal like we did.

' src=

I have an interesting situation. Our leased car has 7000 miles left over due to lock down. So only gas cost is there. It is a suv large size very comfortable but gas consumption will be high. Your suggestion of national park tickets in membership is a good one.. thanks for your tips. If you had included Things not to miss would have been great.

Glad you found the tips useful. Hope you find a fun way to use up those extra miles on your car. Sounds like a road trip is a must!

' src=

I’m planning a cross country road trip from NY to California and need suggestions on itinerary and best sightseeing routes, places to stay etc. I found your article very informative, thanks

' src=

Such a fascinating read. It’s amazing to see a full break down of what you paid for your road trip! Thank you for the amazing tips, and info, this really helps!

' src=

Hi dear Oksana&Max I’m Dariush from Iran. I enjoyed this text.thanks for excellent description about your trip. I hope could make program to travel to the us in close future. I invite you to come Iran. I can be your free host. Hope to see you

' src=

Thank you for sharing your incredible travel journal. Amazing Mind Blowing Video.

' src=

Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help. Thanks for sharing the Useful and Informative Blog. Wonderful travel blog along with beautiful pics. This is the amazing Travel Plan.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Travel With Us

Join us on a 9-day Safari in Tanzania through the country's top National Parks! Search for the Big Five, and immerse yourself in cultural experiences and meaningful connections.

or join our Pre-Sale List to be the first to learn about other Drink Tea & Travel Group Trips!

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Valley of Fire State Park

2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary: California, Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon

Last updated: March 6, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 11 Comments

We’ve taken a lot of road trips in the USA, and it is our favorite country for taking road trips. From Route 66 to the Oregon Trail to the Pacific Coast Highway to the Deep South , we’ve had some amazing adventures by road across the states.

One of our most popular road trip itineraries for the USA is our two week California road trip itinerary . However, I’m often asked by readers how to adapt it to include some other popular destinations in the USA, specifically Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon .

In response to this request, I’ve put together this detailed two week USA road trip itinerary through parts of the southwest and western USA.

This itinerary includes highlights of California, such as Yosemite and Death Valley national parks, as well as the Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It also has you driving some iconic stretches of Route 66, spending time in Las Vegas, and taking a visit to the incredible Grand Canyon.

This is an extension to the popular “Golden Triangle” road trip, which usually features Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Our road trip itinerary takes you across three states – California, Arizona and Nevada, and would suit trips of two to three weeks.

travel around america 2 weeks

Obviously, as you are trying to see a fair bit in this itinerary, it does require quite a bit of driving, and you won’t be able to see absolutely everything on offer. We’d suggest a minimum of two weeks for this trip, but if you have a little longer, then you could easily stretch it out to three weeks or more, and have a few more stops along the way.

For now though, let’s take a look at this itinerary on a day by day basis to see what it looks like. As always, please just use this itinerary as a guide, and feel free to adjust it to your particular interests!

USA Road Trip Itinerary

I’ve designed this itinerary to be circular, so you start and finish at the same place. This makes things like car hire easier, as often there’s a one-way fee if you rent a car in one place and leave it somewhere else. However, this isn’t always the case, for example, we’ve rented in Las Vegas and dropped off in San Francisco and not been charged a fee.

Of course, if you are wanting to avoid driving in the USA, then you can also take tours that follow a very similar route to this one, such as this one . You can check out a list of tour options later in the post.

A circular route also means that you can start and finish at any point on the route, and you can do it in either direction. If you’re flying to the start, cities with major airports include Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For now, we’ll assume you’re going to start in Las Vegas.

Days 1 & 2 – Las Vegas

We recommend starting your US road trip in Las Vegas. The city is world famous as basically an adults playground, with gambling, shows, restaurants and bars aplenty. It’s an easy place to spend a lot of money very quickly!

However, there is definitely a lot more to Las Vegas than the famous Las Vegas Strip, both in town, and in the nearby area. The stunning Valley of Fire state park is a short drive away, and you can also visit the impressive Hoover Dam very easily. So whether you are into natural wonders or man-made delights, you should find something to do.

Our recommendation would be to spend your two days in Las Vegas. There is a lot to do in the city, and if you arriving from a different time zone, these two days will give you time to adjust and acclimatize. However, if you do want to head out of the city, we have included a couple of suggested trips to popular nearby attractions as well.

Things to do in Las Vegas

With around two days to explore, depending on when you arrive in the city, you should be able to see a good amount in Las Vegas.

Some of our personal highlights we recommend include the views from the top of the Stratosphere Tower, visiting the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign for a photo opportunity, walking the Strip at night, watching the famous Bellagio fountains display and taking in the Mob Museum.

You will also likely want to take in one of the shows that are hosted every evening at venues across the city. There’s a huge number of shows to choose from, you can see the options and book them online in advance here . Other popular activities in Vegas include dining. The city is home to a number of truly world class restaurants, as well as quite spectacular buffets.

There’s also no shortage of shopping if you want to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. We’d also suggest taking a bit of down time and relaxing by your hotel pool as part of your acclimatization strategy. There’s going to be a lot of driving and sight-seeing in the days ahead, so a bit time relaxing by the pool with a beer or cocktail will start your trip off on the right foot. Alternatively, there are also a number of fun rides you can take in the city, if you’re more of a thrill seeker.

Finally, you will probably want to take part in the pastime that Vegas is most well-known for – gambling. There’s a huge number of casinos to choose from, with many of the hotels also running huge casino operations. Even if you don’t wish to gamble, it is worth visiting a few of the casinos as the buildings themselves are so iconic.

In terms of getting around Las Vegas, the city has a lot of options. It’s also relatively spread out, so whilst you can walk, it will likely take you longer than you think to get around on foot. The temperatures in summer also make walking very uncomfortable.

Instead, you might consider one of the popular rideshare services, taxis, or the monorail, which connects many of the key points of the city together. We would advise against driving in the Las Vegas – parking fees are high, and the roads are busy.

Las Vegas Sign

If you’d prefer to head out of the city for either part of all of one of your days in the city, we’d recommend visiting either the Hoover Dam and taking the tour there or heading out to the Valley of Fire State Park . If you head out early and have your own vehicle you can fit both into one day out.

The Hoover Dam is an incredible feat of modern engineering and is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the industrial world .

The Valley of Fire State Park is home to spectacular landscapes, made up from wonderfully colored rocks which give the park its name

The Hoover Dam is a ticketed attraction, with different tours available. Some of these tours can be purchased in advance online, whilst others are only available in person. If you choose to take a tour that requires an in person ticket purchase you will want to arrive early as slots are limited and this is a popular attraction. See more on ticket types and prices on the official website here .

hoover dam

The Valley of Fire State Park also has a fee, which is charged per vehicle rather than per person, and you can see details of that here . There are a number of short hikes you can take to explore the park, or you can just drive to observation points and enjoy the views.

Note that if you are doing this road trip in the summer, hiking is generally not recommended as it gets very hot, often in excess of 100F / 37C. Visiting the Valley of Fire at this time of year is not as pleasant an experience as in the cooler months.

You can either take a tour to reach our suggested sites or you can drive yourself. If you don’t want to pick up your rental car yet, or would just prefer the convenience of a tour, here are some options to consider:

  • A three hour mini tour of the Hoover Dam, where you will see the main exterior highlights but not the interior parts
  • A 4-6 hour guided hiking tour of the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas, with varying levels of hike available depending on your fitness

Whether you decide to spend all your time in Las Vegas or take in some of the surrounding attractions, we’re sure you won’t run out of things to do here.

For more inspiration, see our guide to things to do in Las Vegas which has lots more ideas as well as tips on saving money.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Las Vegas. Our suggestion would be to try and stay on or near the Strip if possible, as this will make it easier to get to many of the sights. We’d also suggest staying in one of the casinos because that’s part of the Vegas experience! Here are some suggested options to get you started across a range of budgets.

  • Travelodge by Wyndham Las Vegas Airport – if you’re looking for a budget hotel and don’t mind not being on the strip or having an on-site casino, this 2* Travelodge offers comfortable rooms, free parking and a breakfast bag.
  • The D Las Vegas – found in the older part of Las Vegas, amongst the famous neon of Fremont Street, this hotel offers good value accommodation as well as on-site casino.
  • Luxor – if you ever wanted to sleep in a pyramid, without the associated hassle of becoming an Egyptian pharaoh and dying, the Luxor is for you. This 3* hotel is famous for its iconic pyramid shape, and is handily located near the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Naturally there’s a casino, range of dining options and usually some kind of show or entertainment to enjoy.
  • New York, New York – another well known Vegas hotel, this property was constructed to resemble the New York skyline, complete with a 150 feet Statue of Liberty. There’s an on-site rollercoaster, casino, range of restaurants, and live shows.
  • Flamingo Las Vegas – this is the oldest resort hotel on the Strip, although don’t let that put you off as it’s been refurbished a number of times. It offers colourful rooms, a huge on-site casino, and good prices for the central location. Another of our favourites in Vegas.
  • Bellagio – found behind the famous fountains, this is one of the most iconic five star hotels in Las Vegas. Many rooms offer spectacular strip views, and there’s an on site casino, multiple dining options, and on site entertainment. A great option for those with a larger budget, or just looking to start the trip in style. We loved our stay here.

Bellagio Hotel

Day 3 – Grand Canyon

It’s time to start the real road trip part of your adventure! If you’re picking up your rental car, now is the time to do that if you haven’t already.

For your third day you’ll want to get an early start as you’ve got around 300 miles to go, or just under a five hour drive.

It’s worth it though, for what is arguably one of mother nature’s most spectacular sights in the world – the Grand Canyon.

You have a couple of options for your drive. First, you can drop down to Kingman, Arizona, and then take the I-40 all the way to Williams, Arizona, before turning north.

However, you might prefer to take the more scenic route along a stretch of the legendary Route 66 driving route . This runs from Kingman, Arizona, up to Peach Springs and back down to Seligman, where you join the I-40. This won’t add much to your journey (around 20 minutes extra driving time), but will give you the opportunity to follow just over 80 miles of Route 66.

Hackberry General Store Route 66 Arizona

There are a few notable highlights along this stretch of the route which are worth stopping at, even if just for a quick photo opportunity. These include Hackberry General Store, a Route 66 era gas station in Truxton, and the Grand Canyon Caverns . You can see more options for this stretch of the route in this part of our 2 week Route 66 guide .

Now, onto the main attraction of the day – the Grand Canyon! This is a National Park with entry fees, which are charged per vehicle. You can see information on prices, opening times and concessions here .

You are basically going to have most of the afternoon, the evening, and the following morning to visit the park. Obviously, more time would be best, but we’re on a schedule for this itinerary. If you do want to do more activities here though, including lengthier hikes, you will definitely want to extend your stay here.

Let’s assume you are following this itinerary though, and have around 1.5 days at the Grand Canyon. I would recommend spending this as follows.

Things to do at the Grand Canyon

First, I suggest visiting the main Grand Canyon Visitor Centre in Grand Canyon Village. This has detailed information on the park, with exhibits on a range of subjects including the geology, geography, and wildlife of the park. There’s also a 20 minute video you can watch to get acquainted with the park.

You can also talk to the rangers based here who can give you advice for everything related to your visit, from shuttle timetables through to great spots to watch the sunset and sunrise, and suggested short hikes that you can take to match your specific fitness.

From the visitor centre, it’s a short walk to Mather Point which offers incredible views across the Canyon. You can also walk along the trail which follows the rim in both directions, for more views (and fewer crowds).

Sunset252520from252520Hopi252520Point252520Grand252520Canyon_by_Laurence252520Norah25255B1125255D

At this point you’ll probably want to head to your accommodation and check-in, after which, depending on how much time you have, you may want to take the shuttle bus to one of the viewpoints along the rim. I’d definitely recommend ensuring you have a good spot to watch the sunset – I have a guide to the best places to watch the sunset and sunrise at the Grand Canyon here .

Finally, after a long day it’s time to turn in. On the morning of your fourth day I suggest taking another short hike if that interests you, or driving to some of the many viewpoints along the rim as you exit the park.

Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon

You have a few options for staying at the Grand Canyon. My recommendation is to stay on-site at the south rim in Grand Canyon Village. There are five hotels to choose from, plus two campgrounds. They cover a range of budgets, but be aware you do pay a bit of a premium for the location. You can see all the options available here .

If you want to stay at any of these, you will definitely need to book online in advance as they are all very popular and do sell out.

The hotels are all operated by Grand Canyon Lodges, and can be booked online here .

The two campgrounds are Mather Campground (no RV hookups) and Trailer Village (full hook-ups available).

Mather Campground is operated by the National Parks Service, and can be booked online here . Trailer Village is a concession, which can be booked online here .

Grand252520canyon252520sunrise_by_Laurence252520Norah25255B925255D

Day 4 – Route 66 to Joshua Tree National Park

Your fourth day of this itinerary has you heading to California, with your destination being the Joshua Tree National Park .

You have a decent amount of driving today, and again we’re going to suggest you take the opportunity to take in stretches of iconic Route 66. Doing so will result in around a 6.5 hour drive, or around 375 miles of driving. If you would prefer a more direct route, it’s around 5.5 hours / 361 miles.

We think the scenic route is worth it though, as this drive across the wild and rugged back country of California and parts of Arizona Is truly spectacular, and one we always enjoy. Specifically, you will follow I-40 to Kingman, then take the 10 out to Oatman. This town maintains the feel of a former wild west frontier town, and burros still roam the streets. There are even regular “gunfights” here, staged for the benefit of visiting tourists.

Just note, the traffic around Oatman can be quite slow (and even stop sometimes) as a result of the daily shows. In addition, the road up to Oatman is quite curvy, so you will want to take your time.

travel around america 2 weeks

From Oatman, you’ll head on to Needles, one of the hottest places in the USA, follow the I-40 for a short while longer, and then rejoin Route 66 to pass through Amboy. A photo stop and a purchase of Route 66 Route beer is essential at Roy’s Motel in Amboy!

From Amboy, it’s due south until you reach Twentynine Palms. This is where you can access the Joshua Tree National Park, which we suggest you leave until the following day.

Once you consider various stops for photo opportunities, dining and so on, you will likely have used up all your useful daylight by now, so we suggest stopping overnight in Twentynine Palms, and continuing your adventures tomorrow. Of course, if you’re a fan of astrophotography , you might want to pop into the park, which has some excellent star gazing and astrophotography opportunities. But it’s up to you.

Joshua Tree

Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park

There are no hotels within the park grounds, although there are nine campgrounds to choose from if you plan on camping. You can book these campgrounds online here . I’ve camped at the Jumbo Rocks campground and it was an amazing experience.

Otherwise, we would suggest staying in a property in Twentynine Palms. There is a good choice of 2 and 3 star properties to choose from, such as:

  • 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2* property gets good reviews, and rooms come with a coffee machine, microwave and refrigerator. There’s also free parking on site.
  • El Rancho Dolores – this is a great value 3* property with a seasonal pool. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerator, and free parking is included.
  • Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a very well rated 2* hotel offering a range of suites, each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a full kitchen. There’s a hot tub and gym on site, and free parking is available.
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – this 3* chain hotel offers comfortable and well reviewed accommodation, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. Rooms have coffee making facilities, microwave and small fridge, and there are BBQ facilities available for guest use.
  • Flying Point Homestead – if you want something a little bit different, check out this property. It’s actually a holiday home rather than a hotel, but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer!

If you want a higher end experience, you would need to head on to Palm Springs, where there are a number of spa resorts and high end 4* hotels to choose from, such as The Palm Springs Hotel or the Alcazar Palm Springs .

Day 5 – San Diego or Joshua Tree

You have a couple of options for your fifth day, depending on whether you prefer nature or cities. You can spend the day exploring the Joshua Tree National Park , where there are plentiful hiking and wilderness activities. Or, you can press on to San Diego, where there are plentiful city and cultural attractions to choose from.

If you choose to spend the day exploring and hiking at Joshua Tree National park, we’d suggest visiting the Oasis Visitor Centre in Twentynine Palms, where you can learn about the park and get advice and information on your visit. Conditions can vary in the park depending on the weather and time of year, so obtaining up to date information is useful.

There’s also an entry fee for the park, which covers one vehicle for a week.

If you decide to spend the day exploring Joshua tree, then we recommend spending another night near the park, and then heading to Los Angeles the next morning after breakfast, just under 3 hours drive away.

If you choose to spend the day exploring San Diego, it is about a 3 hour drive to San Diego from Twentynine Palms. If you wanted to, you could spend a few hours in the morning at Joshua Tree and then head into the city. We’d suggest you spend the afternoon of Day 5 and morning of Day 6 in San Diego, and you won’t run out of things to do.

Here are some ideas:

Things to do in San Diego for a Day

We can recommend visiting the excellent USS Midway Museum , which is a fantastic museum ship found on what was, for a long time, the largest ship in the world. Built just as the second world war ended, this aircraft carrier saw service in the Vietnam War as well as the first Gulf War.

USS Midway Musem

You can easily spend your whole afternoon here, and lovers of military or aviation history will definitely want to come here. There’s also the nearby  San Diego Air and Space Museum .

There are lots of other sights to choose from in San Diego. Don’t miss a wander through the historical gaslamp district, and a visit to San Diego Zoo is a popular option especially with families. If you would prefer to visit the beach, Coronado Beach is well worth visiting.

See our complete guide to things to do in San Diego for more ideas!

Where to Stay in San Diego

San Diego is a major city and as such there is no shortage of excellent accommodation options to choose from. Of course, the flip side being that budget accommodations are a little harder to come by, although there are still some options. Here are our picks for your time in San Diego.

  • HI San Diego Downtown Hostel – this is a great value centrally located hostel, although be aware you’ll have to pay for parking. Private and shared accommodation is available and guests can use an on-site kitchen.
  • Berkshire Motor Hotel  – this budget 3* motel offers free parking, a little way north of the city centre. Rooms are en-suite and have a refrigerator. A good budget option.
  • Coronado Inn – a well priced 3* inn on Coronado Island with free parking and breakfast included. All rooms are en-suite, and free bicycle hire is available.
  • Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter – a great value and very well reviewed 4* hotel in the Gaslamp quarter. All rooms are en-suite and breakfast is available. Note that parking in this area is expensive.
  • The Westgate Hotel – another well reviewed and centrally located 4* San Diego hotel. There’s a rooftop pool, full spa, on-site gym and a full service restaurant. Paid parking is possible on site.
  • 1906 Lodge – We loved our stay at this historic bed and breakfast just near Coronado Beach. Rooms are very comfortable and uniquely decorated, and each features a microwave and fridge.The included breakfast was excellent, and the free parking was appreciated.
  • Pendry San Diego – if you want five star city centre luxury, this is a great option. You get an outdoor pool, beautiful rooms, and breakfast is available. On-site parking is also possible for a fee.

1906 lodge breakfast

Days 6 & 7 – Los Angeles

From San Diego, it’s time to turn north, and visit the sprawling city of Los Angeles, the largest city in California and the second most populous city in the USA. From San Diego, it’s around a 2 hour drive up the coast to LA.

There is a huge amount to see and do in Los Angeles, and the city is quite spread out, so we feel you will want to spend a couple of days here to do it justice. Of course, if you aren’t a city person, you can adjust this itinerary to spend more time at the outdoor attractions along the route instead.

Based on our itinerary though, you’ll have one full day in Los Angeles (Day 7) and then half a day on Day 6, depending on what time you leave San Diego. Here are some ideas of how to fill that time.

Things to do in Los Angeles

There is a huge amount to do in Los Angeles, so you will need to pick and choose depending on your particular interests.

We think most visitors will enjoy visiting the Hollywood part of town, where you can see the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There’s also a good view of the famous Hollywood Sign from the north-east corner of the Hollywood & Highland retail centre. Other attractions in this area include Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and The Hollywood Museum.

Hollywood sign

Another popular activity is to get a behind the scenes tour of a movie studio. A couple of popular options are the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour , and Universal Studios . Both are active movie studios where you can take tours of the working movie lots, with Universal Studios also home to a number of rides and other attractions.

Art lovers will want to take the time to visit the Getty Center . This free art museum is famous for its spectacular views, lovely gardens, architecture, and of course, art collection! The latter focuses primarily on pre 20th century European art, as well as photographs and sculpture. Note that whilst the Getty Center is free, there is a fee to park here if you visit by car.

If you are planning on seeing a sporting event or concert, or for the famous LA nightlife, you might want to stay in the LA Live area, where there are many venues for entertainment.

If you love the beach, then you’ll want to head out to the coast and visit Venice Beach and Santa Monica, where a stroll along the pier is a must. Naturally there’s plenty more to see and do in Los Angeles, and we’re sure you won’t run out of things to do. Just be aware the city is vast, and sprawls across a large area, so you will want to carefully plan your time so as to see everything you want.

In terms of getting around LA, the most popular option is to drive, although the traffic is legendary. If you would prefer not to drive, you have other options. We’ve use the ridesharing options, but also found the Hop on Hop off bus was a great option, as it took us all around the main sights we wanted to see, and even went all the way out to the beach.

There are also public transport options in LA, including an extensive bus network and a metro.

Santa Monica Pier

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

As the second largest city in the USA, there are a lot of places to stay in Los Angeles. One thing to bear in mind though is that the city sprawls across a vast area and is known for its heavy traffic. It can take a long time to get from one end of the city to the other, so do keep this in mind.

We’d suggest picking a hotel near the attractions you are most interested in. We tend to stay either in Santa Monica or the Hollywood area, both of which made for a good base for local exploration of those areas. Here are some of our recommended hotels in the city.

  • Santa Monica Motel – this basic 2* motel offers a good location for Santa Monica and is around a 10 minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. There’s free morning coffee and free parking, and rooms come with coffee makers and in-room refrigerators. It’s definitely a good value location and we’ve stayed here. Just be aware there is no A/C, although we visited in the summer and the provided fan unit worked fine.
  • Banana Bungalow – this hostel offers shared and private accommodation, around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area. There’s free parking on-site, and reviews are positive.
  • Orange Drive Hostel – a short walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this is a well-reviewed hostel offering shared and private rooms, with on-site kitchen and laundry facilities. Breakfast is included, and parking is available for a good price.
  • Magic Castle Hotel – this 3* hotel is a short walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and you get a pool, unlimited free snacks, free continental breakfast and reasonably priced parking. It’s also a short walk to the Hollywood Bowl, and only three miles from Universal Studios. We really enjoyed staying here, and it is particularly popular with families
  • Best Western Plus Hollywood Hills – this 3* well rated hotel just a few minutes walk from the Hollywood walk of fame offers spacious rooms with microwaves and coffee makers, as well as on on-site diner. On-site parking is also available
  • Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent reviews and will make you feel like a celebrity. Each suite is designed after a specific old Hollywood Celebrity, and guests can avail of celebrity style services such as in-room massages, private chefs and a personal trainer. Free parking is also included.
  • JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE – we’ve stayed at this 4* hotel in the LA Live area, which is perfect if you plan to take in a show in the nearby area. Rooms are luxurious and feature mini-fridges and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also a rooftop pool and six restaurants to choose from. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
  • The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4* Art Deco hotel is a short walk from Santa Monica pier, and offers ocean views and on-site dining. Breakfast is available, and parking is available on-site for a fee.

Santa Monica Motel

Days 8 & 9 – Pacific Coast Highway

Now it’s time to head north on one of the world’s most beautiful road trips – the Pacific Coast Highway . You’ll follow this coastal route from Los Angeles all the way to San Francisco. The total drive is around 450 miles, which would take you about 9 hours if you drove it straight in one go.

Of course, we’re not going to recommend you do it all in one go. We suggest you take two days and two nights to drive the route. We’d suggest stopping somewhere like San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay or Cambria for your first night on the route, and then in Monterey, Carmel, or Pacific Grove for your second night. You will then arrive into San Francisco in the morning of your 10th day.

Pacific Coast HIghway

There is a huge amount to see and do along the route, as well as just taking in the spectacular vistas as you do so. We have a complete guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which should give you lots of ideas. However, some suggested stops along the route would be as follows, in order from south to north.

Highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway

Soon after you leave Los Angeles you’ll drive through Malibu, which is famous for its beach, and the home of many celebrities. There’s also a pier you can walk along. As you continue along the coast you’ll pass through numerous towns, many of which also have lovely beaches.

We can recommend visiting Santa Barbara and the Mission here. Founded in 1786, there’s a museum for those interested.

Onwards again, you may want to detour off the 101 and heading to Solvang. This town is famous for its Danish-style architecture, and there are numerous sights and attractions here, including a motorcycle museum, Christmas store, and early 19th century Franciscan church.

It’s also a lovely town to just wander around, and there are plenty of eateries here as well. You’ll also find Pea Soup Andersen’s in nearby Buellton, famous (as the name suggests) for their pea soup.

From Solvang, continue north to San Luis Obispo. You can choose to spend the night here, or you can head a little further along to Morro Bay or Cambria . All three make good stopping points.

On your second day on the Pacific Coast Highway, we’d suggest spending a little time exploring Cambria – we have a complete guide to things to do in Cambria for tips.

From Cambria, we suggest your next stop should be Hearst Castle . This sprawling hilltop castle estate was the home of William Randolph Hearst, an early 20th century media tycoon. The castle has an incredible location, offers amazing views up and down the coast, and is well worth a few hours of your time to visit.

Hearst Castle

Just be aware that visits are by guided tour only, and it’s best to book in advance to guarantee a time. See more on visiting in our complete guide to visiting Hearst Castle .

A little further north from Hearst Castle is the Elephant Seal vista point . Here, if you visit between November and March, you will see thousands of elephants seals on the beach, as they come to mate and give birth. If you visit outside these months, there will still likely be seals on the beach, but not in quite the same volumes.

Elephant Seals Pacific Coast Highway

You’ll now start to drive along some of the most rugged and beautiful parts of the route, as you drive through the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park . The views along this stretch of the route are really lovely, and there are plenty of pull outs so you can stop and enjoy the view.

Don’t miss stopping at McWay Cove, where you can see a waterfall plunging onto the beach below. Finally, you’ll finish your day at Carmel By the Sea or Monterey, where you can spend the night. If you have time, you might enjoy taking a drive along the famous 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach .

Pacific Coast HIghway

Where to Stay Along the Pacific Coast Highway

These recommendations are listed from south to north along your route, covering a number of locations we suggest you consider stopping. We love the smaller B&B style accommodation on this stretch of the route, and there are some really nice guesthouse style properties to choose from.

For your first night, we recommend one of the following:

  • Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really enjoyed our stay here on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trips. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast was fantastic, and the on-site bakery has some delicious food. There are also two pools on site, and free parking.
  • Madonna Inn , San Luis Obispo – this four star family-owned motel just to the south of SLO is a truly quirky destination, and a landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being a key theme throughout. We didn’t stay here, but we did have dinner at the Gold Rush steak house on-site, which was fantastic.
  • Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2* budget inn is one block from the waterfront. Rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s free on site parking and coffee.
  • Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites , Morro Bay – five minutes walk from the aquarium, this three star inn is very well reviewed. Comfortable rooms have fireplaces, refrigerators and coffee machines, and a hot breakfast is included as is parking.
  • Estero Inn , Morro Bay – this exceptionally well reviewed property is found on the beachfront. Rooms all have microwaves, and breakfast is included. A popular option in Morro Bay.
  • Cambria Palms Motel , Cambria – this 2* motel is a couple of blocks from downtown, and offers comfortable rooms at a good price. Rooms have refrigerator and coffee machine, and free parking is available on site.
  • Bluebird Inn , Cambria -this well rated 2* inn is found on Cambria’s main street. Rooms have microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers, and there’s free on-site parking
  • El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visit to Cambria we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. The rooms are lovely, with fireplaces, and some have spa tubs. There’s an on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, and breakfast is available. Free parking on-site.
  • J Patrick House B&B , Cambria – this five star Irish themed inn was Cambria’s first B&B. There’s a a free wine hour, evening cookies and a full breakfast included with your stay. Each room is individually designed, and there’s free parking on site. A great pick in Cambria.

For your second night, we recommend one of the following:

  • If you like to camp, then there are camping options in the national parks along the route here, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I’ve camped here and it’s lovely to be surrounded by the massive redwoods. Just be aware that it is popular, and booking in advance is a must.
  • Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stayed here when we visited Carmel. We enjoyed the comfortable rooms, inclusive breakfast, and proximity to the beach. Free parking is available.
  • Sea View Inn , Carmel – a quiet, 3* inn just moments from Carmel Beach. Rooms are individually decorated and free parking is available.
  • Coachman’s Inn , Carmel – we’ve stayed at a number of the boutique hotels which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection, and they’ve all been excellent. This inn, found in the heart of Carmel Village, gets good reviews. Rooms include coffee makers and free popcorn, wine with hors d’oeuvres is served in the evenings, and breakfast is included.
  • HI Monterey Hostel , Monterey – for budget travellers, or those who just prefer a hostel, this is a very centrally located option just minutes from Cannery Row. There’s free parking on site, and a selection of dormitory rooms to choose from.
  • The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a good value inn on the way into Monterey. Rooms feature coffee makers, and a heated pool is available year round. There’s also a fitness room, free parking and free coffee.
  • The Jabberwock B&B , Monterey – just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this very well reviewed B&B offers seven lovely guest rooms, some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, and breakfast is included.

Apple Farm Inn

Days 10 & 11 – San Francisco

On your 10th and 11th days you’re going to head to San Francisco, where you will have one full day, and one partial day, depending on what time you arrive.

From Monterey it’s around a 2.5 hour drive along the coast to San Francisco. If you are not in a hurry, there are few sights to take in along the way. First, Monterey itself is home to the fantastic Monterey Bay Aquarium . This is an amazing attraction, but it is quite large and relatively expensive, so you will probably want to spend at least a few hours here to get value for money.

Next, Santa Cruz is well worth a stop. There’s a lovely pier and beach, the surf here is legendary, and there are nearby redwood forests for a nice hike. See our guide to things to do in Santa Cruz for some ideas.

Ok, let’s move on, and assume you’re going to arrive into San Francisco in the early afternoon. There’s a huge amount to see and do in the city, but here are some suggestions to fill your 1.5 days.

Things to do in San Francisco

First, on the afternoon you arrive we can recommend visiting Alcatraz. This island was home to one of the world’s most famous prisons, commonly referred to “The Rock”. For almost thirty years this was home to some of the most notorious criminals in the USA.

Today, Alcatraz is open for tours. These are very popular so you will want to be sure to book in advance as they often sell out. Make sure you only book from the official Alcatraz Cruises website , as these are the only ones that land on the island and let you tour the prison. Other sightseeing tours just take you around the island. For more on visiting Alcatraz, see our guide to visiting Alcatraz .

Alcatraz

For your full day in San Francisco, we suggest starting off by taking in a view of one of the cities most iconic landmarks – the Golden Gate Bridge. Joining a bike tour  or hiring a bicycle to cycle out to and over the bridge is a popular option. Although you can get also good views of the bridge from the city, particularly around the Maritime Museum area.

You’ll also want to visit Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s spectacularly tacky, in a way that only seems to work in the USA.

Fishermans wharf san francisco

You’ll find no shortage of dining options here – we can recommend the famous Clam Chowder filled sourdough bread bowls at the Boudin Bakery . You can also learn about their bread making process at the free museum, and watch the bakers making bread.

While you are at Fisherman’s Wharf, don’t forget to say hello to the sea lions who pass the time lazing in the sun on floats just by the pier.

Other unmissable highlights of the city include the famous curvy Lombard Street , said to be the most crooked street in the world. You should also try to ride the famous street cars, visit the Chinatown and Union Square area, wander around Golden Gate Park , and peer up at the Transamerica Pyramid.

There’s loads more to do in San Francisco of course, from museums to art exhibits to cultural attractions, but hopefully we’ve given you some ideas to get you started. We have a guide to some great photo spots in San Francisco if you are looking for inspiration.

travel around america 2 weeks

Where to Stay in San Francisco

San Francisco is another large city with a lot of accommodation options, however in our experience it’s also one of the more expensive cities for accommodation in the USA. Parking is also at a premium, and hotels with free parking are fairly rare.

We’ve stayed at a number of hotels in the city, and here are our recommendation for your time in San Francisco.

  • HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private accommodation options. There’s free breakfast and free parking, making this an excellent option for the location.
  • Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district, this great value 3-star hotel has a rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee makers, and breakfast is included. A paid parking garage is available nearby.
  • Parker Guest House – found in the old Mission district just behind the San Francisco mission building, this is a well reviewed and good value guesthouse offering private rooms. Free breakfast is available, and parking is available on site for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) fee.
  • Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yards from Lombardy Street and Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach district,  this 3* inn offers great value for the location. Private rooms offer en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also free parking on site.
  • Golden Gate Hotel – a very well reviewed 3* hotel just minutes from Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Rooms are definitely on the cosy side, and some have shared bathrooms, but the price is great for the location. Paid parking available nearby.
  • Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored historic 4* 1913 hotel on a recent trip to San Francisco, and loved the mix of the old and the new. We loved the rooms, the colorful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped! Parking is available nearby for a fee.
  • Four Seasons Hotel – if you are after five star luxury, then consider the Four Seasons hotel. Also found in Union Square, rooms are huge, there’s an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and many rooms have city views.

StayPineapple room San Francisco

Days 12 & 13 – Yosemite National Park

You’re into the final few days of your US road trip now, and it’s time to visit some more of the spectacular scenery that the state is so well known for.

The plan is to spend your next couple of days visiting Yosemite National Park , which is home to some gorgeous natural scenery, including epic waterfalls and towering mountains.

From San Francisco it’s around a four hour drive to Yosemite. We’d suggest planning to arrive in the early afternoon, checking into your accommodation where you’ll stay for two nights, and then going sightseeing.

With a full afternoon on day 12, and all of day 13 to visit the park, you should be able to visit many of the highlights. On the afternoon you arrive, we would suggest visiting some of the highlights near the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre to start with, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls.

travel around america 2 weeks

A visit to the visitor centre itself is also recommended, as here you’ll be able to get up to date information on the park, as well as talk to the rangers about suggested walking routes.

For your full day in the park, you have a few options. First, you might want to take advantage of the free Yosemite shuttle , and visit the highlights that it goes to.

I would also consider a drive up to Tunnel View and then on to Glacier Point, where you’ll be able to get amazing views across the park. These can also be done as part of a tour offered by the park if you’d rather not drive.You then might consider a shorter afternoon hike, such as that up to Vernal Falls.

Alternatively, if you love hiking, you might consider tackling one of the longer or more strenuous day hikes. There are plenty of these, such as the Yosemite Falls hike .

Just note that some hikes, like the popular Half Dome Hike , do require an advance purchase permit. These are distributed via a lottery system as they are so popular so are difficult to obtain. If you plan to explore the backcountry areas of the park, you will also need a permit.

For more inspiration for your visit to Yosemite, see our guides to what to do in Yosemite for a day , as well as our guide to photography locations in Yosemite .

Important –  As of 2022, Yosemite has introduced a reservation system for park entry. If you are visiting between late May and the end of September and planning on driving into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will need to have a reservation. You can find out more and make your reservations online here .

travel around america 2 weeks

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

There are a range of accommodation options in Yosemite National Park, ranging from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabins, through to luxury hotels.

There are 13 campsites available in the park , with a number of these available for reservation, and the rest operated on a first come first serve basis. If you want to camp, we highly recommend booking well in advance, which you can do here .

There are also nine lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park, which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself. These can be reserved up to a year in advance, and range from simple canvas cabins through to a high-end luxury hotel. These can all be reserved online in advance here .

We would definitely recommend staying in the park if possible, as this will put you close to the sights. However, if you struggle to find an option that works for you, some recommended lodging just outside the park is as follows. As a general rule, the closer to the park, the more expensive the property is likely to be.

  • Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort – At just over 26 miles outside Yosemite, this property is quite far out compared to others, but the price reflects that. So if you are on a tighter budget this is a good option to consider. Think glamping and rustic style accommodation, with an on-site spa, restaurant, and kitchen for use. Dormitory accommodation is also available.
  • Narrow Gauge Inn – found just four miles from Yosemite, this is a great value 3* motel offering comfortable en-suite rooms. All rooms feature coffe machines, and there’s a seasonal restaurant, a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub
  • Yosemite View Lodge – Just under nine miles from Yosemite National Park, this 3* lodge has 4 pools, a hot tub and a restaurant. It has lovely views, gets positive reviews, and there’s free parking on-site. Breakfast is available.
  • Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite – this 4* lodge is found just two miles from Yosemite National Park, and offers comfortable and well-reviewed lodging. There’s a on-site fitness centre and spa as well as two pools. Free parking is available, and breakfast is an option.

Day 14 – Death Valley & Las Vegas

It’s the final day of your road trip! Today you have a fair old drive ahead of you – around 6 hours in total. However, we’re going to break it up a bit with some sights.

Before we begin, it’s worth mentioning that this route has you exiting Yosemite on the east side of the park, which requires you to take Highway 120, also known as the Tioga Road. Due to its elevation and exposure to snow, this road is closed over winter, usually from November to late May. You can see the latest road conditions here .

If this road is closed, then you are looking at a significant detour to get to Death Valley, requiring you to exit the park to the south or west, and then to loop a long way south via Bakersfield to get around the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As such, you may prefer instead to skip Death Valley, or to visit it earlier in your trip as a day trip from Las Vegas (it’s a 4 hour round trip). In this case, instead of driving all the way back to Las Vegas, you might prefer just to return to San Francisco.

Assuming you visit when the Tioga Road is open though, you will leave Yosemite and come to California’s Highway 395, often referred to as California’s backbone. We suggest taking a left onto the 395, and driving to the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, a couple of miles up the road.

Mono Lake is a saline soda lake is home to many limestone columns, known as tufa towers, which are a popular visitor attraction. Definitely worth a photo stop.

You’ll now head south on Highway 395, driving parallel to the incredible Sierra Nevada mountain range. You’ll pass through lovely towns like Mammoth Lakes, and the views will definitely require you to stop for a few photos as you drive.

travel around america 2 weeks

We suggest following Highway 395 until Lone Pine, and then heading on Highway 136 into the last National Park of the trip – the infamous Death Valley National Park .

This is home to over 3 million acres of desert and mountains, and was named during the California Gold Rush. During this time, a group of 100 wagons became lost in the valley, and though they eventually found their way out, it was only after they gave up their wagons and ate their oxen.

Today, Death Valley is a popular place for visitors to experience an extreme desert environment. There’s plenty to see and do here as you pass through. We’d suggest stopping at the visitor centre and visiting Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in the USA, at 279 feet below sea level.

One thing to note – if you visit California in the summer months, particularly late June to early September, it can be incredibly hot in Death Valley. Hiking is not recommended in these months due to the temperature, and you’ll want to be sure the A/C in your car is working well!

Finally, you’re going to arrive back in Las Vegas, complete the circuit, and finish your US road trip. We hope you had a great time! Now you can either fly home, or spend some more time in Vegas. Now, onto some practicalities for your trip.

2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of the route to help you visualise it. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

2 week usa road trip itinerary map

When Is The Best Time of Year to Road Trip the USA?

We would suggest that for this itinerary, the best time of year would be May through June, or September and October. At these times of year the weather will be warm but not too hot (although Las Vegas will definitely be hot in late May and June), and it won’t be as busy as the summer months.

You could also do this trip in winter of course, but it will be a lot cooler. In addition, some of the national parks, and especially Yosemite, can have restricted access in winter if there is a lot of snow. In particular, the east exit from Yosemite, the Tioga road, is usually closed from November through May. In this scenario you would be looking at a lengthy detour to travel to Death Valley, and might instead prefer to return to San Francisco.

If you choose to visit in the hotter summer months, such as July and August, then you’d definitely want to avoid any sort of longer hikes in places like the Valley of Fire and Death Valley. Instead, maybe plan more time along the coast, at higher altitudes, and exploring city attractions.

Roys Route 66 Amboy

Western USA Tour Options

This is a road trip itinerary, and as such there’s quite a lot of driving involved. However, I appreciate not everyone will want to drive. The good news is that there are a number of tours which follow a fairly similar route to our itinerary. The advantage of a tour is that you can let someone else handle all the logistics, from booking hotels to handling the transport, and you can just relax and enjoy the experience.

Here are some tours which follow a fairly similar route to our itinerary for your consideration.

  • This 11 day budget tour includes the Pacific Coast Highway, as well as Los Angeles, San Diego, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley and Yosemite. A good value option, aimed at the budget travellers wanting to see a lot in a fairly short amount of time
  • If you’re on a tighter timescale, consider this 8 day express tour with G Adventures. It goes from LA to San Francisco, calling at Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley and Yosemite. You don’t get to see San Diego or the Pacific Coast Highway, but otherwise you will cover a lot and see plenty!
  • If you would prefer to see more national parks, consider this 15 day G Adventures tour in partnership with National Geographic. As well as most of the national parks on our list, you will also visit such spectacular locations as Bryce Canyon and Zion. One for those of you who prefer nature to cities.
  • This 11 day tour from Las Vegas to San Francisco includes Death Valley, Yosemite the Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands and Bryce National Parks, as well as Monument Valley and time in San Francisco.

Practicalities for Planning a USA Road Trip

If you are visiting from outside the USA, we wanted to share some tips that should help make planning and preparing for you US road trip a little easier.

Driving in the USA

In the USA , you drive on the right hand side of the road, and the majority of vehicles are automatic. Compared to Europe, fuel prices are low.

If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll likely be renting a car. To do so, you will need a valid drivers license, and many rental car companies also have a minimum age for renters, which can start as high as 25. Some visitors may also need an International Drivers Permit from to drive in the USA, which needs to be arranged in advance from your home country.

We have a complete guide to driving in the USA , which you might want to read if this is your first time driving in the United States.

Renting a Car or Motorhome for your Trip

If you are coming from overseas, then you’ll need a vehicle in which to do this road trip. You have two main options – you can rent a car, or you can rent an RV/motorhome.

For this itinerary specifically we’d generally recommend a car as there are quite a few city stops which wouldn’t be practical for a motorhome. However, if you decide to skip the cities and focus on the great outdoors, then a motorhome might be more practical.

For car rental in the US, we usually use either Discover Cars or Enterprise . For one-way trips, we’ve found Enterprise often has the lowest one-way fees, but it is always worth comparing on a site like Discover Cars.

For RV rental, we recommend checking out Motorhome Republic . They compare prices across all the major suppliers so you can find the right rental for you. You can see their USA listings here .

We can also recommend checking out  RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a bit like the AirBnB of RV rental! Similar options include Outdoorsy and RVEzy .

Money in the USA

The USA uses the US dollar, with notes available in denominations ranging from 1 up to 100. Coins are also widely used, which range from a cent to a dollar. There are ATM machines available throughout the country.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, however it is worth keeping some bills to hand for tipping. In addition, the 25 cent coin, known as a quarter, is widely used for short stay parking meters, so you will want to have some of these handy as well.

If you’ve not visited the USA before, and in particular if you are from a country where tipping is not normal, you might find the tipping culture a bit of a shock. Tips are expected for a great many service based roles, from restaurant service through to valet parking.

The percentage you tip will obviously depend on your personal preference, but tips in the region of 10 – 20% for restaurant service is common, whilst one to three dollars for bar service or valet parking is also expected.

Electricity in the USA

The USA uses a 110v electrical system. If you are coming from a country that uses a 220v to 240v system, this means that some of your electrical items might not work.

In our experience, the majority of smaller electronics, like laptops and cell phone chargers, are compatible with 110v – 240v and will work in the USA. You can check on the charger, it should tell you.

However, higher powered devices like hair dryers, flat irons, and electric kettles are unlikely to work, unless you have a dual voltage model specifically designed for international travel or have a voltage converter.

In addition, if you are visiting from outside the USA, you will likely need a travel adaptor like this . See our comprehensive guide to travel adaptors for recommendations.

Accommodation in the USA

There is a huge range of accommodation options in the USA across a wide range of budgets. From budget motels near highway intersections to five star luxury hotels, to campsites and apartment rentals – we’re sure you’ll find something to suit.

For this itinerary we’ve suggested a few options for each stopping point, across a range of budgets. As this is a road trip, we can recommend trying to find places which include free parking where possible, although in the major cities you are likely going to have to pay for a parking service.

In terms of whether or not you need to book in advance, we’d suggest that this is a good idea for the most part to ensure you get your choice of accommodation. This is definitely the case in and around popular national parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, where even campsites can book out months in advance.

We generally use booking.com for our travel booking needs, they have a huge range of options, and most properties offer free cancellation in case your plans change.

Safety in the USA

For the most part, the USA is a safe destination to travel in, and we have never had any problems travelling here.

Violent crime against tourists is quite unusual, and the most common types of crime are opportunistic ones like pickpocketing, theft, and auto break-ins.

Of course, every country has crime, and areas where you would be wiser to avoid, however if you practice basic safety precautions, keep your valuables out of sight, and behave with some caution, you should be fine!

Internet Access in the USA

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi, which can be found for free at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also a number of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list.

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a pay as you go SIM in the USA. One of the better options is from  Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our  guide to getting online when travelling  to help you figure out the best options.

Water across the USA is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated. There are drinking fountains in the majority of public locations, and we recommend you travel with a  re-usable water bottle  so you can just fill it up as you go.

One thing we always love about travelling in the USA is how drinking water is typically brought to your table at a restaurant – something we wish was standard around the world!

travel around america 2 weeks

Further Reading

That’s it for our two week USA road trip itinerary, which features some of our favourite destinations in this part of the USA. Before you head off though, I just wanted to share some more resources we’ve put together to help you plan your trip.

  • We have a two week California road trip itinerary , in case you wanted to cover a little less ground on your trip
  • I’ve written a guide featuring some of my  top tips for driving in the USA  to help get you going on the road!
  • We have a guide to things to do in Las Vegas to give you some ideas for your time in the city, as well as a guied to things to do in San Diego
  • Wondering how much a California road trip will cost? Check out our  guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA  to help you plan your trip budget.
  • Jess has a guide to  driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you lots of ideas for that section of the road
  • If you’re interested in California’s wine country, see our  guide to visiting Napa Valley
  • Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our  guide to planning a route 66 trip , as well as our detailed  2 week Route 66 itinerary  and  1 week Route 66 itinerary
  • Fodor’s  Guide to California , which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips
  • The  Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding things to do, places to eat and places to stay
  • A  US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS!
  • If you’re planning on hiring an RV or camping, this  guide to free and super cheap campgrounds  will quickly pay for itself
  • The official  Visit California  page, which will give you more advice on what to see and when to visit
  • My guide to  things to do in Redding California , if you decide to head to northern California
  • Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our  guide to getting online when travelling  to help you figure out the best options for your trip
  • And if you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of the USA, check out our  USA section , which includes a  Deep south itinerary , tips for  New Orleans during Mardi Gras  – and lots more!

We hope you found this itinerary useful for your trip planning. As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have, just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

A USA road trip itinerary that covers California, Nevada and Arizona, Includes Route 66, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yosemite, Los Angeles + San Francisco!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 11 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Joanna Madej says

10th May 2023 at 7:41 pm

I am a mum from Poland planning a trip this August with 3 kids (16,13 and 10- just girls) starting/ending from LA for appr 3 weeks. I really like your plan and if there was a digital version I could paly with it would be great!

do you have any tips not to rush and also find time to spend in the beach?

Laurence Norah says

11th May 2023 at 3:35 pm

So you can get a printable version of the post from the print button on the bottom of the page. Then you can edit it to suit you own needs 🙂 If you’d rather not rush then my recommendation is to have fewer stops and spend longer in each stop. For beaches, along the coast around Los Angeles will be your best bet, there are a lot of beaches in that area!

Have an amazing time and let me know if I can offer any more advice!

19th April 2023 at 9:07 am

Thank you for writing this itinerary. We are coming from Australia and will be spending close to 3 weeks following this itinerary give and take. We are planning to arrive on mid-Jan 2024. Do you know whether some parks will be closed during that time ?

19th April 2023 at 10:14 am

It’s my pleasure. So the main park that will likely pose difficulties in January is going to be Yosemite. It can occasionally close in Winter if there is a lot of snow which can block access road. Additionally, the road that links the east side of the valley to the road to Death Valley is normally closed in winter so you would have to backtrack and drive around. The other stretch of road to always check before setting out is the Pacific Coast Highway around Big Sur especially, as this can be affected by landslips.

Other than that I think you would be fine! Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions.

Norine says

3rd March 2022 at 1:51 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica!

Thank you for such a detailed itinerary! Most of the places you’ve listed are exactly where I’d like to visit during my trip in end May’22 – early Jun’22 (Total of 15 full days). But instead of Las Vegas, I’ll be flying to San Francisco and starting from there instead. Was thinking of doing this circular road trip in the other direction, meaning from SF > Pacific Coast > LA > LV > Grand Canyon > LV > Death Valley > Yosemite > SF. I’m pushing Yosemite to the end, hoping that Tioga pass will be open by early Jun.

Would you recommend this itinerary? Or do you have any other tips/suggestions?

Thanks a lot in advance! 🙂

4th March 2022 at 10:13 am

It’s our pleasure! Sounds like you have a great trip planned. Your trip is definitely do-able and it sounds like a good itinerary to me! The main thing is of course whether or not Tioga pass will be open. It should be open by early June but that’s not guaranteed. Other than that, it sounds like an awesome road trip! Let me know how it goes and do let me know if you have any specific questions we can help with 🙂

23rd March 2022 at 4:25 pm

I just wanted to quickly add to this that this year Yosemite are requiring visitors to make a reservation for park entry. The system is going online today. You can find out more and reserve online here:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

I’ve updated the post but as you indicated you were visiting this year I wanted to be sure you were aware of this new requirement so you don’t miss out!

Have a great trip,

Janice says

8th February 2022 at 1:49 pm

I want to thank both of you for this awesome road trip circuit. I have a question, I would love to go to Sequoia National & Kings Canyon after Yosemite. Would you recommend that? Which route will be the best from Yosemite and how many extra days that will add to my trip? After that, I will go to Death Valley and then back to Vegas. Any suggestions?

10th February 2022 at 12:27 pm

Glad you found this guide useful! So you can definitely do this trip and add in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon to your trip. From Yosemite it’s around a 3 hour drive down, and then it’s another 5-6 hours after that on to Death Valley. How long you want to spend here will definitely depend on you, but personally I’d allocate at least two full days in the parks and a day for the driving, so three extra days onto the trip as a minimum. But there is always more to see and do!

I hope this was helpful, let me know if I can offer any more advice 🙂

Have a great trip!

7th May 2020 at 6:10 pm

Your pictures are always great, but the the one of the Grand Canyon with the sunlight streaming is spectacular!

7th May 2020 at 6:19 pm

Thanks so much Toni! That was quite a morning – I got up at 4am for the sunrise, which seemed like it was going to be a total washout. I persevered though, and it was all worth it. Truly a spectacular experience 😀

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

Wanderlust & Life

A 2 week West Coast USA Itinerary (with map) – everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip

If you have ever been to, or wanted to plan a trip to the USA, you will understand just how big the country is. And it can be so hard trying to just narrow down what you want to see and where you want to go. Put a time cap on top of it and it can be a bit overwhelming. That is exactly why we have put together this 2 week West Coast USA itinerary.

If you only have a limited time to visit, you are best off trying to focus on one section such as the East Coast or the West Coast. In this article we explore some of the must see places along the West Coast including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Big Bear, and Las Vegas, in order to help you come up with a 2 week West Coast USA itinerary. We explore the best things to do in each of the places, as well as providing you with tips on where to stay, how to get around and what to eat and drink. So let’s start.

Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Before you leave on your 2 week West Coast USA itinerary

Why should i visit the west coast in america, what to expect in this west coast usa itinerary for 2 weeks, usa west coast itinerary 2 weeks, tips for planning a 2 week usa west coast itinerary, 2 week west coast usa itinerary- day by day, highlights on this west coast usa itinerary for 2 weeks, 2 week west coast usa itinerary day 1-3 seattle, 2 week west coast usa itinerary days 4-6 san francisco, 2 week west coast usa itinerary days 7-9 los angeles, 2 week west coast usa itinerary day 10 big bear lake, 2 week west coast usa itinerary days 11-14 las vegas, 2 week west coast usa itinerary – map, is a 2 week west coast usa itinerary enough time, getting around during your 2 week west coast usa trip, usa 2 week west coast itinerary – money matters, 2 week west coast usa itinerary in summer, 2 week west coast usa itinerary in winter, 2 week west coast usa itinerary the rest of the year, so should i plan a 2 week west coast usa itinerary.

Before you leave on your 2 week West Coast USA itinerary you need to make sure you  apply for your ESTA . That is of course if you aren’t a US Citizen. If you are then you can skip this bit.

The ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation which allows entry to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme. But this is only for certain countries such as Australia, UK and, Ireland. You will need to fill in a few questions online including your contact details, employment details, and passport information.

You also need to pay the $14 (approx) fee. Most often you will get a quick response as to whether this has been approved but sometimes it can take a few days. Mine took longer because I am a dual national so had to input two lots of passport details that needed to be checked. The ESTA is then valid for a series of multiple trips over a 2 year period. It also only allows you to stay in the USA for 90 days or less.

When you arrive in the USA for your 2 week West Coast trip, you will probably get asked questions in the airport such as ‘purpose of your visit’ and ‘where are you staying’. You might also get asked about budget and things like that. The USA has a strict immigration policy so these questions are normal when entering the country.

Ok before we get into the nitty gritty of an itinerary, you might be wondering why you should visit the West Coast in America?

The West Coast of America is known for its gorgeous stretch of beaches, particularly in California. So if you love spending time in the great outdoors then a 2 week west coast USA itinerary might just be for you. On top of that you have iconic cities like LA on the West Coast, so if you are a film lover this is a must.

The weather is slightly milder on the West Coast compared to the East Coast. LA for example has decent weather all year round, unlike NYC and Boston that experience super hot summers and icy cold winters. Because of the warmer weather you will find that people are a little bit more laid back on the West Coast as well.

Here is what you can expect to find in this west coast USA itinerary for 2 weeks:

  • Day by day west coast USA itinerary
  • Tried and tested tips for booking your west coast USA trip
  • Car rental tips
  • Accommodation suggestions
  • Budget recommendations

The more time you have to spend on the West Coast the better, but for the purposes of this article we have come up with a 2 week West Coast USA itinerary. This gives you a decent amount of time to get a taste for life on the West Coast. We have also included Las Vegas which technically isn’t West Coast but a quick trip to Vegas is a great way to blow off some steam so we have added it anyway.

A detailed guide to planning a 2 week West Coast USA itinerary. Including the best cities to visit, where to stay, and getting from the airport. So read on for a comprehensive USA West Coast itinerary. #wanderlustandlife #usa

When planning you USA west coast itinerary here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • Check for any major events happening in a city before you visit. You don’t want to arrive somewhere and realise that a marathon is on for example (Chicago I’m looking at you!), which means road closures and expensive hotels.
  • This guide is based on flying, so if you are driving you might need more time to get between cities. The USA is huge!
  • If you are arriving from a different country make sure you look at visa requirements before you get to the USA and apply for your ESTA.
  • Get to grips with tipping in the US. For those arriving from places like the UK or Australia we don’t tend to tip as much because servers are paid really well (Australia especially), but in the US tips are required to prop up low wages.
  • Also get used to tax, just because something is advertised as being a certain price this more than likely won’t include tax.
  • Laws tend to differ state by state so just be aware when travelling between them.
  • Make sure that you have travel insurance as a hospital visit will cost you a lot!
  • The USA is quite divided when it comes to politics, so it might be best to think or gauge your audience before you start rubbishing politicians.
  • Really do your research on the cities you are visiting, and know which areas are good and which are best avoided. LA I’m looking at you in particular.
  • Also, each US state can often feel like a different country, for instance California and New York State are not only geographically different but can often feel worlds apart in terms of culture and lifestyle.

Day 1- Seattle

Day 2- Seattle

Day 3- Seattle

Day 4- San Francisco

Day 5- San Francisco

Day 6- San Francisco

Day 7- Los Angeles

Day 8- Los Angeles

Day 9- Los Angeles

Day 10- Big Bear Lake

Day 11- Las Vegas

Day 12-Las Vegas

Day 13- Grand Canyon

Day 14- Las Vegas

  • In this west coast USA 2 week itinerary we cover 4 states and 4 cities
  • You will get to experience coffee shops, and all things quirky in Seattle
  • You can visit historical sights like Alcatraz
  • Experience the beaches of LA
  • Relax in the beautiful mountain surrounds of Big Bear
  • Party in Las Vegas
  • And enjoy one of the 7 natural wonders of the world at the Grand Canyon.

Where to begin on your 2 week West Coast USA Itinerary

When planning where to start on your 2 week West Coast USA itinerary you are either going to want to start in the North (Seattle) or the South (LA/Vegas). That way you can travel in a straight line making it easier to plan.

We recommend starting your 2 week West Coast USA itinerary in Seattle. It is an incredible city surrounded by mountains, water, and forests. It’s also incredibly quirky so a must on any west coast itinerary.

Things to do in Seattle

For more information on things to do in Seattle here is a comprehensive guide. But for an overview read on.

☞ Space Needle

To get a view of the expansive terrain surrounding the city you should head up the Space Needle. From the observation deck you get 360 degree views of Seattle from 520 ft in the air. You can purchase your tickets on the day or online in advance .

The view from the Space needle

☞ Museum of Pop Culture

Just a short walk from the Space Needle is the Museum of Pop Culture. It is an immersive museum that contains some rare artefacts including lyrics written by Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, both prominent acts born in Seattle.

One of the quirkier areas of Seattle, Freemont is a fun place to explore with lots of vintage shops and supercool cafes. It is also home to the famous Freemont Troll located under the George Washington Memorial Bridge.

☞ Harbour Cruise

Another must do in Seattle is to do a harbour cruise . You get to enjoy an impressive view of the skyline, as well as visiting one of the world’s busiest shipping harbours.

Only a city as quirky as Seattle can get away with having a wall literally filled with gum as a tourist attraction.

☞ Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour

One of our favourite things to do in a new city is to do a Hop on Hop off bus tour . It’s great when you only have a limited time in a city because it gets you oriented with it very quickly.

☞ Pike Place Market

This is one of the best markets we have been to. The seafood here is incredible and it is a great place to get all your Seattle souvenirs too. If you want to do a food tour we highly recommend it. We have included some of the best food tours you can book onto.

For more information on the best Pike Place food tours you can read this post.

travel around america 2 weeks

Why visit Seattle

While Seattle is definitely an underrated city, it is an eclectic city and with so much natural beauty too, it is certainly worth a visit. It is also the place the first Starbucks opened and the birthplace of grunge music.

Getting from the Airport

The cheapest and easiest way to get from the airport in Seattle is by Light Link Rail. It takes approximately 40 minutes to get from the airport to downtown Seattle, and will set you back a little over $3. You could also get a shuttle bus which will cost a bit more but takes you straight to your hotel door.

Where to stay in Seattle

The most convenient place to stay in Seattle is the downtown core and whilst it may be a little more expensive it makes it so much easier to visit all the must see tourist spots. It also means you are close to public transport and close to a lot of the action.

Eating and drinking in Seattle

We highly recommend visiting the original Starbucks located at Pike Place Market. It is interesting to see the first store, particularly as you practically get them on every street corner now. Coffee is a pretty big deal in the city, so we also recommend a coffee culture walking tour .

Stop 2 on our West Coast USA itinerary is non other than San Francisco. It is a city filled with laid back vibes, great food, and even better weather.

The flight time from Seattle to San Francisco is just over 2 hours. There are regular flights everyday with a variety of airlines. For a more comprehensive guide of things to do in San Francisco checkout our post, otherwise read on for a brief guide of things to do.

And if you are tossing up between Los Angeles and San Francisco for your next trip you should read this post.

Things to do in San Francisco

☞Postcard Row

To get those postcard perfect shots of San Francisco you have to checkout Postcard Row. It is famous for the row of houses referred to as the ‘Painted Ladies’ with the city skyline in the background. You will probably recognise these houses from TV shows. And if TV is your thing,  there is a tour  you can do that takes you to all the famous San Francisco filming locations including Postcard Row.

travel around america 2 weeks

☞Golden Gate Park

If you want to explore some of California’s natural beauty, then the Golden Gate Park is the perfect place to go. One of the highlights of the park has to be the Japanese Tea Garden which is a great place to sit and reflect if you have the time.

☞ Golden Gate Bridge

One of the must do’s in San Francisco is walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic structures.

☞ Haight Ashbury

Haight Ashbury is a great place to go if you are a fan of the unusual. There are a number of quirky shops and cafes, and it is an area synonymous with the hippie movement in the 1960’s.

Probably one of the most touristy places in San Francisco has to be Pier 39. But don’t let that put you off. It is a great place to explore, and you get some amazing views of Alcatraz from here. The sea lions are also pretty amazing to see and have been drawing tourists in for years.

☞  Historic Cable Cars

You can’t say you have been to San Francisco if you haven’t hung off the edge of a cable car as it whizzes down one of the city’s incredibly steep hills. There are two lines; one that takes you from near Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square, and one that goes past Lombard Street.

☞ Lombard Street

One of the steepest and most beautiful streets in San Francisco is Lombard Street. It is mostly tourists who drive down, although you do see the occasional resident too.

☞  Alcatraz

One of the most notorious prisons in US history has to be Alcatraz. If you choose to do a tour make sure you book your tickets in advance as if you don’t, there is a high chance you will miss out! You can read our top tips for visiting Alcatraz here. And below are some bundle tours that include Alcatraz that you can book onto in advance.

travel around america 2 weeks

The easiest and cheapest way to get to downtown San Francisco is via the BART. Although you are limited in the stops you can get off within the city. If you are staying near Union Square then this option is perfect, but if you are staying near Fisherman’s Wharf for example you will need to disembark and change onto another form of public transport. You can also get the airport shuttle which will usually drop you straight off at your hotel.

Where to stay in San Francisco

We stayed pretty close to Union Square which was really handy. It was a short walk to Chinatown and a number of restaurants and bars. It was also close to the BART station as well as the MUNI metro.

Eating and drinking in San Francisco

Our top tip in terms of food has to be Chinatown. You have so much choice and the food is really good including Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese food.  It is also relatively cheap. If you are a fan of seafood we recommend heading down to Fisherman’s Wharf. They do some pretty good clam chowder bowls and quick bites.

LA is one of those places you either love or hate. But you definitely need to see it for yourself and make up your own mind about it. A lot of people brush LA off but if you plan ahead and stay in the right areas then it really is a fun place to visit.

There are regular flights between San Francisco and Los Angeles and the total flight time is under an hour. For more information on LA you can read our guide .

Things to do in Los Angeles

☞ Griffith Observatory

For some great views of the Hollywood sign and LA in general, the Griffith Observatory is a must. You can also learn all about the cosmos and look through some powerful telescopes.

travel around america 2 weeks

☞ Hollywood

You cannot go to LA without visiting Hollywood. Contrary to popular belief it is not swarming with celebrities, instead you will find your typical tourist activities and wax museums. Some must see parts are the walk of fame as well as the handprints at the TLC Chinese theatre.

You can also book onto one of those celebrity homes tours, and most of these originate from the Hollywood area.

☞ Hike the Hollywood Hills

If you want to get a bit closer to the Hollywood Sign you can  do a guided tour . You will learn all about Hollywood and the surrounding areas, and the views are incredible too.

☞ Beverly Hills

Full of fancy shops, fancy cars, and fancy people, Beverly Hills is where you come to be seen. It isn’t everybody’s cup of tea though!

☞ Universal Studios

You cannot visit LA without a  trip to Universal Studios . It’s not only rides and gimmicks, here you can tour a real working studio, and learn more about filmmaking. You do need a good day here, especially if you are into rides so give yourself a good amount of time.

☞ Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Another studio you can visit is  Warner Brothers , which includes getting your picture taken at a replica Central Perk set.

Because LA is so big a Hop on Hop Off Bus tour is a good way to cover quite a bit of ground in the city and see some of the key attractions. There are different routes you can book onto and this can all be done online in advance.

☞ Santa Monica

A great place to go shopping or ride some rollercoasters by the sea, Santa Monica is always a fun day out. It is also very different to Downtown LA or Hollywood so do venture out if you get the chance.

☞ Venice Beach

One of the true gems in LA is Venice Beach. It is one of the best places for people watching and is about as far removed from the Hollywood glitz and glamour as possible. If you do get the time we highly recommend visiting. Here are our suggestions on the best things to do in Venice Beach .

Also a top tip, Venice has some of the best sunsets we have ever seen, so if you get the chance to visit during sunset take it.  Here is a walking tour you can do at sunset for good measure .

travel around america 2 weeks

LA is absolutely huge and so the best way to get to your hotel is via the airport shuttle. It is actually relatively cheap compared to airport shuttles in other cities, and you get dropped off right at your hotel door. You can book the shuttle at the designated booth in the arrivals section of LAX.

Where to stay in Los Angeles

There are so many different parts of LA to explore but one of the best areas to stay has to be Hollywood. There is a lot going on in terms of nightlife and it is much nicer than say Downtown LA. We actually ended up staying in Downtown LA at a nice hotel. The only issue was we didn’t really feel comfortable exploring at night.

Eating and drinking in Los Angeles

Hollywood is a great place to go for a mix of food. Our favourite place though was Mel’s Drive In . It is a great place to go for milkshakes and apple pie, which is pretty much all I wanted since we landed in the US.

This is the part of our 2 week West Coast USA itinerary that is perfect if you want to relax. So if you are wanting a break from the hustle and bustle of cities, and want to be at one with nature we recommend a trip to Big Bear Lake . It’s better to rent a car in order to get there, and if you are looking for tips you can checkout this post .

travel around america 2 weeks

Things to do in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is great all year round. In the winter it is popular amongst skiers and snowboarders, and in the summer months it is an ideal place for boat trips and hikes.

Getting here from LA

We hired a car in LA and did the drive to Big Bear Lake. It takes around 2-3 hours depending on traffic and the views along the way are absolutely stunning.

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

We highly recommend booking lakeside accommodation. We stayed in a resort right on the lake where the rooms had a cabin feel. It was perfect especially in the evening as we had a fireplace which made everything feel that much cosier.

travel around america 2 weeks

Eating and drinking in Big Bear Lake

If you make your way into the village there are a number of places to eat and drink. Our favourite though had to be the Peppercorn Grille . They serve food including staples such as pizzas, burgers, and steak. They also rustle up a pretty decent cocktail.

I know that technically it isn’t on the West Coast per se but nothing beats that incredible feeling of driving through the desert into Las Vegas . The drive from Big Bear Lake is about 3-4 hours depending on traffic and whether you stop off anywhere. And as you see Vegas in the distance growing ever larger, the excitement hits you.

travel around america 2 weeks

Things to do in Las Vegas

These are some of the top things to do in Las Vegas, but if you want more info and our Las Vegas bucket list suggestions checkout this post.

☞ Hotel Hopping & Gambling

Let’s face it, the number one thing to do in Vegas is to hotel/casino hop. The hotels are incredible here and walking into each one is like walking into a different world.

Highlights include:

Floating around on a gondola at the Venetian and/or visiting Madame Tussauds.

Riding a rollercoaster at New York New York.

 Gazing out from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris.

Riding the High Roller at the LINQ.

☞ Vegas Sign

No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a selfie in front of the Vegas sign. Located at the top of the strip near Mandalay Bay, you will find queues of people lining up to get a picture of the famous sign.

☞ Freemont Street/ Old Las Vegas

Old Las Vegas comes alive around Freemont Street. There are a number of things to do here from the zip line that whizzes you across Freemont Street at speed, to the Neon Sign Museum. Also worth a visit is the Mob Museum which shows you the fascinating history of the mob in Las Vegas.

travel around america 2 weeks

Grand Canyon Day Trip

There are a number of day trips you can do from Vegas, including the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon .  You can book these tours through your hotel concierge and if you have the time they are a nice break away from the craziness that is Las Vegas. If you plan on visiting the Grand Canyon, just be aware that it is a full day trip leaving early morning back late at night (unless you have struck it lucky and can treat yourself to the helicopter tour), but if you do have the time it really is worth it!

Here are a couple of tours that you can do to give you a bit of inspiration.

travel around america 2 weeks

The easiest and quickest way to get from the airport to the Vegas Strip is via shuttle bus. You may have to wait a while depending on what time you fly in, but the service is great and you get driven straight to your hotel door.

Where to stay in Las Vegas

Ideally you want to stay on the Vegas Strip as this is where most of the action is. We stayed at Paris, and it was centrally located and in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. Hotels in Vegas range in price and also standard so whatever your budget, there is a lot of choice.

Eating and drinking in Las Vegas

You will be spoilt for choice for food and drink in Vegas, from the elaborate hotel buffets to the restaurants owned by celebrity chefs. There are way too many places to choose from and something to cater for all tastes.

Wondering is Las Vegas worth visiting read this post. 

Here is our map of all the places mentioned in our 2 week West Coast USA itinerary. Most of our recommendations cover flying (with a small section of driving in the middle), but as you can see it is also pretty drivable, with the largest stint being from Seattle to San Francisco. If you do drive though you might want to add a couple of extra days to your West Coast itinerary as there are so many more stops that you will want to make.

One of the questions you might be wondering is, is a 2 week West Coast USA itinerary enough? Well, yes and no. For starters 2 weeks on the West Coast gives you ample time to explore a few major cities, enjoy a bit of nature, and get to grips with the culture and way of life.

But you have to remember that the USA is big. Really big. Travelling between cities and states can take quite a bit of time. Whether you choose to fly or drive, you have to factor travel time into your itinerary. In an ideal world we felt like we could have spent a good 3-4 weeks alone just exploring the West Coast USA. There are so many places we felt we missed out on, which I guess just means we will have to plan another trip!

With this itinerary we wanted to focus on flying predominately. Unlike other parts of the world flying is really affordable in the US. Apart from your standard airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United, you also have a large range of budget carries such as Spirit, Frontier, Southwest and JetBlue. Flights between major cities are frequent, and there are often several flights a day.

Also for my European friends, if you are used to flying RyanAir or Easyjet then the US budget Airlines are similar if not slightly more spacious. To get the best deals book your flights in advance.

In this itinerary there is also a small section that involves driving. So if you intend to rent a car in the USA here are some key points to remember.

  • You have to be 25 or over to rent a car.
  • If you are from the UK or Australia remember that you need to drive on the opposite side in the USA.
  • The roads and therefore the cars tend to be much bigger than in the UK for example, so be prepared to drive on multilane highways.
  • Get a SatNav especially if you are driving out of LA.
  • Always get the full insurance when renting a car.
  • Buy a phone charger for the car.

One thing that we get asked quite a bit is how much will this trip cost. It is hard to give you a definitive answer because it all depends on what kind of hotel you want to stay in, where you want to eat, and what you want to see.

For example, hotels are quite pricey in the US (compared to Europe) and ideally you will want to stay in the city centre, so you need to factor this in. It also depends on the time of year you visit, as hotels are more expensive in peak season. We probably spent around $1800 on accommodation alone on our trip, which was mid range accommodation, but always in a central location. We also had about $2000 spending money between the two of us for this time, as we did pay for a lot of tours and attractions.

While hotels are expensive, food tends to be quite a bit cheaper than in Australia or the UK. Portion sizes are also a lot bigger so you do get more bang for your buck. Overall the US isn’t massively expensive, but again it depends on where you are going and what you are doing.

When is the best time to plan your 2 week West Coast USA trip?

A trip to the West Coast USA is doable at any time of the year, but there are probably some factors that you need to consider. Also keep in mind it will be a completely different style trip depending what time of year you visit.

Summer will obviously be peak in terms of accommodation and tourism, so things will be a bit more expensive. Also, if you are planning to visit California, but LA more specifically you are looking at temperatures in the 30’s (Celsius) or 87 (Fahrenheit).

Las Vegas is also pretty warm in the summer months. And when I say pretty warm, I mean hot and humid. Even days spent by the pool can be a little unbearable.

If you are planning your 2 week west coast USA itinerary for the summer months make sure you book accommodation and tours well in advance. And pack weather appropriate clothes, and suncream!

Winter tends to be more of the off season on the west coast. In my opinion the cities, particularly LA, Vegas, and San Fran are made for warmer weather, so they can feel slightly disappointing in the winter months. Seattle tends to get colder, whilst LA and Las Vegas are slightly more mild.

If you can we would recommend visiting during the shoulder season. For example in September and October temperatures are more mild. April and are also good times to visit because things are warming up slightly and the spring time is exceptionally beautiful in places like Big Bear.

There are less tourists at these times of year, and accommodation is much cheaper than the summer.

If you are on the fence about whether you should plan a 2 week West Coast USA itinerary, then hopefully this will persuade you to go. The West Coast is a truly amazing part of the USA especially if you like sunshine, beaches, and much more.

Hopefully this 2 week West Coast USA itinerary will help you plan your next trip. Please do pin this post for later if you found it useful.

A detailed guide to planning a 2 week West Coast USA itinerary. Including the best cities to visit, where to stay, and getting from the airport. So read on for a comprehensive USA West Coast itinerary. #wanderlustandlife #usa

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

Similar Posts

The most Instagrammable places in San Francisco

The most Instagrammable places in San Francisco

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco you might be wondering where the best Instagram spots are. And let’s face it, we are huge fans of the Instagram friendly posts. If you didn’t already know this, then checkout some of our most recent posts like our Instagram guide to Hamburg, or Venice. Otherwise stick…

A guide to the best photo spots in Chicago

A guide to the best photo spots in Chicago

Chicago is by far one of our favourite cities in the USA and probably one of the most underrated too. With its incredible architecture, distinctive skyline and some delicious food places, Chicago is an absolute must. We have put together this guide to the best photo spots in Chicago, to help you fall in love…

Willis Tower vs John Hancock Centre- (360 Chicago vs Skydeck) which one should I visit?

Willis Tower vs John Hancock Centre- (360 Chicago vs Skydeck) which one should I visit?

Chicago is an amazing city with some incredible skyscrapers to boot. So chances are if you are visiting Chicago you are going to want to get some height and see the city from above. We pit the two main observation towers in the city the Willis Tower vs the John Hancock Observation deck. You might…

Tips for renting a car and driving in the USA

Tips for renting a car and driving in the USA

If you aren’t used to it renting and driving in the USA can be pretty stressful. Especially if you rent your car from a downtown LA location and you are thrown into traffic and multi-lane highways within minutes of leaving the car hire place. There is also the little issue of driving on the right…

19 of the best things to do in Venice Beach California that you won’t want to miss

19 of the best things to do in Venice Beach California that you won’t want to miss

This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. We’ve been to Los Angeles a few times now. And every time we visit we get super excited about all the things to do in Venice…

Is New York worth visiting? Is New York expensive? And everything else you need to know

Is New York worth visiting? Is New York expensive? And everything else you need to know

Are you thinking about visiting the Big Apple but are asking yourself the question ‘is New York worth visiting’? Well this article is for you. We go through all the important questions like ‘is New York expensive’ and ‘how long do I need in New York’ to help you decide if you should go. Disclaimer: This…

One Comment

  • Pingback: Fun cheap and FREE things to do in San Francisco · Boarding Call

Comments are closed.

The perfect 2 week USA West Coast road trip itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable USA West Coast road trip, a must for every bucket list! Imagine driving through amazing landscapes, exploring stunning national parks, and wandering around lively cities with the sun on your face.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through my own 2-week USA West Coast road trip itinerary, featuring the best things to do, the accomodations where I stayed, and tips for your journey. This road trip will take you to incredible places like San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, and Los Angeles.

Pack your bags, hit the road, and make the most of your USA West Coast road trip adventure!

Read also:  10 awesome tips to plan a road trip in West Coast USA

The ultimate 2 week USA West Coast road trip itinerary

START San Francisco |   END Los Angeles

DURATION 14-18 days

METHOD OF TRANSPORT  Rental car

BEST TIME OF YEAR  March-May  (Spring) & June-September  (Summer)

WHEN DID I GO  September

HIGHLIGHTS  San Fransisco , Las Vegas , Los Angeles , Yosemite National Park , Monument Valley , Death Valley , Bryce Canyon , Zion National Park , Grand Canyon , Palm Springs

2 weeks West coast USA itinerary Road trip in America Map

San Francisco

Kicking off my USA West Coast road trip in San Francisco was absolutely amazing! This city has this incredible vibe—super cool, diverse cultures, and endless fun stuff to do. I decided to stay for 3 nights, and let me tell you, it was the right call. Every day brought something new and exciting.

Walking around San Francisco was a treat in itself. And, of course, I couldn’t miss the chance to explore the famous Alcatraz prison. Pro tip: grab your tickets early and catch the first ferry to beat the crowds—it’s totally worth it.

Another highlight was definitely hopping on the Hop-on Hop-off bus, which takes you to all the must-see spots in no time. Perfect if you’re like me, trying to soak up as much as possible in a short period. The views and the lively atmosphere are something you won’t want to miss.

Read also: 5 best things to do in San Francisco

RECOMMENDED HOTEL Galleria Park, a Joie de Vivre Hotel

Yosemite National Park

My next adventure on the USA West Coast road trip took me to Yosemite National Park, an absolute gem and one of the most popular parks in America. Trust me, it’s popular for a reason – it left me just speechless!

Yosemite is a haven of breathtaking sceneries, most beautiful mountains, refreshing waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and it’s a paradise for hikers.

My advice? Plan to spend at least 2 days in Yosemite, and try to stay as close as possible, maybe even inside the park. I stayed at The Monarch in Mariposa, a budget-friendly choice about a 45-minute drive from the park. It worked out well, but next time, I’m aiming to stay inside the park. Why? Because it saves so much time, allowing you to explore everything without any rush.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL The Monarch

Death Valley National Park

No USA West Coast road trip is complete without a stop at Death Valley – it’s hands down the most awe-inspiring place you can’t afford to miss. Picture this: one of the hottest and driest spots on Earth, and yet, it’s incredibly beautiful! You’ll find the lowest point in North America here, Badwater Basin, a whopping 85 meters below sea level.

For the best place to stay, I recommend The Ranch at Death Valley. It’s perfectly situated in the heart of the park, offering a refreshing swimming pool (a true lifesaver in the heat!), a cozy restaurant, and a local shop. Trust me, after exploring Death Valley, having a comfortable place to unwind is a game-changer!

RECOMMENDED HOTEL The Ranch at Death Valley

Zion National Park

My next stop on the 2-week USA West Coast road trip itinerary was Zion National Park. Located in Utah, it’s worth noting the 1-hour time difference from Arizona and California when planning tours. Zion is surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains, offering a haven for hiking enthusiasts and a paradise for photographers.

Staying just one day wasn’t enough—way too short! I only got to do two short hikes and wanted more. If you can, stay longer; it’s really worth it!

I chose to stay at Zion Mountain Ranch , and let me tell you, it exceeded expectations! Positioned at the east entrance of Zion National Park, the ranch offers breathtaking landscape views. The icing on the cake was their outstanding restaurant, Buffalo Grill—a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration. I’m already counting down the days until my return to Zion Mountain Ranch!

RECOMMENDED HOTEL Zion Mountain Ranch

Bryce Canyon National Park

I spent one night at Bryce Canyon which was just the right amount. (though you can extend if time allows). With numerous beautiful hiking trails to explore in a day, it’s a treat for nature lovers.

Entering the park felt like stepping into a colossal amphitheater, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations. Bryce Canyon National Park, a highlight on my USA West Coast road trip, is a photographer’s dream with its iconic “hoodoos” and magical spots for mesmerising sunrises and sunsets.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn

My fifth stop on the USA West Coast road trip was Page. I only stayed for one night, which felt a bit short. There are so many cool places around, like Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and Antelope Canyon. If you have time and want to take it easy, I suggest staying for at least 2 nights.

My top things in Page? Watching the sunset at Horseshoe Bend, exploring the famous Antelope Canyon, and chilling at ‘Big John’s Texas BBQ.’ It’s this cool place, used to be a gas station, now turned into a restaurant with live music. Gives you that real American feel!

RECOMMENDED HOTEL Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell

Monument Valley

My next stop was Monument Valley, just a 2-hour drive from Page. I was super excited to see this famous place during my USA West Coast road trip, and let me tell you, it was even cooler than I imagined! Monument Valley has these big red rocks in the desert, making it one of the most coolest places ever.

I joined a tour to go around Monument Valley and learn about the Navajo people’s history and culture. But hey, you can also drive around yourself for $20 per car. No matter how many times you go there, it feels like you’re in an old Wild West movie. So cool!

Quick tip: If you book an organised tour, remember there’s a 1-hour time difference because Monument Valley is right on the border of Arizona and Utah.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL Goulding’s Lodge

Grand Canyon National Park

After Monument Valley, I headed to Grand Canyon National Park—one of the most famous spots on the USA West Coast. Over a million years, the Colorado River carved the canyon into two parts: the North Rim and the South Rim.

I checked out the South Rim, which is more developed with hotels, restaurants, and a visitor center. If it’s your first time, I suggest starting here. Leave your car at a nearby parking spot, and hop on a free shuttle bus to reach different viewpoints. No ticket needed, and they run from 4 am to 9 pm, depending on the month.

If you’re into hiking, there are trails to explore, but honestly, the viewpoints are stunning enough. My favorites on the South Rim were Hopi Point, Yavapai Point, and Mather Point, especially at sunset. The Grand Canyon transforms from orange to pink to purple in just a few minutes—breathtaking! Bring a rug, a bottle of wine, some snacks, and set up your camera for unforgettable photos.

Tip: For the North Rim, consider a helicopter tour. I did a sunrise flight with Papillon Grand Helicopters, totally worth it!

RECOMMENDED HOTEL Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon

Las Vegas has so much to offer! It’s a lively city in the middle of the desert, full of energy, great restaurants, nightclubs, fancy hotels, and cool things to do. Many people come for the famous casinos, to party, shop, or even tie the knot in the Little White Chapel.

I stayed for 2 nights, taking a break at the pool after exploring national parks. Walking along The Las Vegas Strip, I loved the bright neon signs, and the Bellagio fountain show at night was amazing. The Venetian Hotel is also awesome, you can stroll around and grab dinner at one of the Italian restaurants.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL Tropicana Las Vegas a DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Casino

Palm Springs

Driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, I made one more stop at Palm Springs which is an absolute must on any USA West Coast road trip. This Instagram-worthy town sits in the middle of the desert and is a hotspot for celebrities who own properties here.

Palm Springs has more than 360 days of sunshine yearly, beautiful restaurants and charming outdoor vintage markets. It’s a place you’ll adore! I stayed at the gorgeous The Saguaro Hotel, which I highly recommend to anyone.

Feeling active in Palm Springs? Consider exploring Joshua Tree National Park or taking the Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto!

RECOMMENDED HOTEL   The Saguaro

Los Angeles

Wrapping up my 2-week USA West Coast road trip brought me to the vibrant city of Los Angeles! I stayed in a charming beachfront hotel at Venice Beach, and trust me, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the LA vibes.

Plan for at least 3 amazing days in Los Angeles because, oh boy, there’s so much to do! Dive into the magic of theme parks like Universal Studios and Disney World, stroll the iconic Santa Monica Pier marking the end of Route 66, and maybe catch a glimpse of celebrity homes in glamorous Beverly Hills. Los Angeles is the dreamy finale for your West Coast road trip!

TIP Rent a bike or some roller skates and go from the Venice Beach Boardwalk to Santa Monica Pier. Such a beautiful path to ride on!

RECOMMENDED HOTEL Venice V Hotel

Plan your 2 weeks USA West Coast road trip itinerary with these valuable travel resources

Explore my free online travel guides packed with the best tips and favourite places. If you find this article helpful, consider making a purchase through one of my affiliate links. You’ll receive a great deal, and I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—keeping my travel blog alive and thriving.

Your support means the world!

  • Kiwi.com – to book cheap flights other sites simply can’t find
  • Booking.com   – for big savings on homes, hotels, flights, car rentals, taxis, and attractions
  • Agoda.com – to book the best deals on any kind of accommodation or flights
  • Go City or Get Your Guide – to enjoy the best attractions, tours and experiences
  • Rental Cars or Discover Cars – to find the right car in over 60,000 locations across 160 countries
  • Hostelworld – the #1 booking platform for hostels worldwide
  • Hotellook – to find and compare prices for hotels around the world provided by leading search engines such as Agoda, Booking.com, Expedia and many more
  • 12Go – to book public transport across Asia
  • Trip.com – to find flights, hotels, trains, car rentals, airport transfers, tours and attraction tickets
  • Compensair – to help you receive compensation for flight delays, cancellations or denied boarding

 TourRadar Online Travel Expo 728x90 | Up To 60% Off Travel Deals!

You may also like

From perth to esperance: the perfect south western australia itinerary, from perth to broome: the best road trip in western australia, the perfect 14-day self-drive in namibia, the best 3 weeks in south africa itinerary: from johannesburg to cape town, the perfect 2 weeks in costa rica itinerary, renting a camper in iceland with happy campers.

Thanks for sharing this type of information about the Coast Road trip. After coming back from bus tour to niagara falls from new york . I will enjoy this trip.

Interesting one

Wow, I get a idea through redaing this article baout the stay in West Coast. Now I will try to take west coast bus tours for two weeks.

Hello, Do you have an estimate of how many miles the trip is? or recommend any van companies this looks amazing. Thank you for sharing.

We used this itinerary as a guideline for our West coast trip and can’t thank you enough for all the wonderful ideas and recommendations you made! Our fave spots were definitely Yosemite and Monument Valley – such stunning sights. Keep up the amazing work and happy travels 🙂

Thank you so much for your valuable feedback on our article, it means a lot and we are happy to inspire people to visit all these beautiful places.

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Deals of the Week   St. Patrick's Day   Up to 50% OFF

2 Week USA Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 2 week USA tour with TourRadar. Choose from 140 trips with 356 customer reviews, that range from 11 up to 14 days.

140 USA 14 Days tour packages with 356 reviews

U.S. Small Group Tour - The Best of the West Tour

  • Coach / Bus

U.S. Small Group Tour - The Best of the West

Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans Tour

  • Sightseeing

Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans

New York to Miami Tour

New York to Miami

Excellent coordination. Proper time management. Very good accommodation.. Very good transport. All over it was a nice trip.

Parks & Canyons Spectacular Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Active Adventure

Parks & Canyons Spectacular

Golden West Adventure Tour

Golden West Adventure

For a 14 day trip this just flew by. Our guide, Craig, was funny and extremely knowledgeable about the area. He kept everything well organized and on track. The places we visited were amazingly beautiful and have me already planning places I want to revisit and spend more time. The tour bus driver, Jason, was excellent and did a great job navigating a bus through tight city streets. We felt very safe with him driving. California is a truly beautiful state and with this tour you get to see a large portion of it as well as a little Arizona and Las Vegas. This tour is a great value for the money because you get to see so many amazing places.

Zion to San Francisco Adventure Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking

Zion to San Francisco Adventure

14-day West Coast Adventure Tour

14-day West Coast Adventure

I just returned from the 14-days West Coast Tour. It was a great trip!! I had such a good time, saw so many breathtaking, beautiful places and met so many kind people. Our guides were amazing too! They are so caring and will definitely make you feel good during your trip! I can only recommend this tour! :)

Utah, Nevada & California Tour

Utah, Nevada & California

This is an awesome camping trip through some of the best National Parks in the USA. Campsites were great, with wifi and shower facilities, some were in the parks, others a short drive to the parks. We pretty much had free hiking days at each of the parks we visited, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands and Yosemite! We had a meal kitty so lunches on the road were salads and sandwiches, and awesome camp dinners like pasta, fajitas and s'mores! The leader had been trekking these parks his whole life, so gave advice on the best routes. Definitely a fun camping/hiking trip!

Southwest Adventure. Legends Awaken: Native Trails & Mystical Ruins! Tour

Southwest Adventure. Legends Awaken: Native Trails & Mystical Ruins!

Ultimate Active Alaska Tour

Ultimate Active Alaska

National Park Discovery - Starting in Las Vegas Tour

National Park Discovery - Starting in Las Vegas

  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

CMA Festival, Dollywood & Muscle Shoals Tour

CMA Festival, Dollywood & Muscle Shoals

Southern Explorer Tour

Southern Explorer

  • €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains Tour

Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains

The American South Tour

The American South

Loved our bus driver and our tour guide they were awesome!!!!!! We had slot of Germans onboard and got tired of having to listen to German

Reviews of 2 Week USA Tours

It was a great experience.

Regions in USA

  • Western USA (83)
  • Sun Belt (60)
  • Southwest USA (43)
  • Eastern USA (30)
  • Southeast USA (22)
  • Southern USA (21)
  • Four Corners (18)
  • East Coast USA (12)
  • West Coast USA (12)
  • Central USA (5)
  • Death Valley (4)
  • Alaska (17)
  • Hawaii (11)
  • California (9)
  • Rocky Mountains (16)
  • Appalachian Mountains (5)

Other Regions in USA

  • Western USA 7 day Tours (291)
  • Southwest USA 7 day Tours (178)
  • Sun Belt 7 day Tours (143)
  • Rocky Mountains 7 day Tours (137)
  • Western USA 10 day Tours (127)
  • Four Corners 7 day Tours (104)
  • Western USA 2 week Tours (83)
  • Sun Belt 10 day Tours (78)
  • Southwest USA 10 day Tours (73)
  • West Coast USA 7 day Tours (67)
  • Pacific Coast USA 7 day Tours (64)
  • California 7 day Tours (64)
  • Sun Belt 2 week Tours (60)
  • Eastern USA 10 day Tours (54)
  • Northern California 7 day Tours (46)
  • East Coast USA 7 day Tours (43)
  • USA Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
  • 10 Best Backpacking Tours & Trips 2024/2025
  • Best time to visit East Coast USA (Low & High Season)
  • Best Time to Visit the West Coast, USA in 2024/2025 (with California)
  • Best USA Vacation Spots for Couples: Parks, Cities and more
  • 5 Best Guided Backpacking Trips & Tours
  • Best 10 Day USA Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

International Versions

  • Deutsch: USA Rundreisen 14 Tage
  • Français: Circuits États-Unis de 2 Semaines
  • Español: Circuitos por Estados Unidos (EUA) de 2 Semanas
  • Nederlands: 2-Weekse rondreis USA

USA itineraries

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

  • roughguides.com
  • North America
  • itineraries
  • Travel guide
  • Itineraries
  • Travel Advice
  • Accommodation

The following itineraries span the entire length of this incredibly diverse country, from the historic cities of the east, to the deserts of the Southwest and the jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains. Given the vast distances involved, you may not be able to cover everything, but even picking a few highlights will give you a deeper insight into America’s natural and historic wonders.

Recommended USA itineraries

If you are planning your travel to the USA yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

USA_Itineraries-01

USA Itinerary 1 - The National Parks Loop

Only when you traverse the American West will you begin to grasp just how big – and rich in natural beauty – this nation is. Come in summer to enjoy the sunshine and take three to four weeks to complete this trip, making a loop from San Francisco by car.

  • Yosemite National Park, CA - Just a 3hr 30min drive from San Francisco, you won’t forget your first tantalizing glimpse of the rocky domes, peaks and waterfalls of Yosemite Valley.
  • Death Valley, CA - Leave the snowy Sierras for the lowest, hottest and driest area in North America, with vast dunes and flaming red rocks.
  • Zion National Park, UT - Cross over into Utah to explore this spectacular park, with a fifteen-mile canyon hemmed in by reddish walls of sandstone.
  • Grand Canyon, AZ - Dip south into Arizona to take in the less crowded northern rim of the Grand Canyon, America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonder.
  • Monument Valley, AZ/UT - The iconic Western landscape, with giant fingers of rock soaring up from the dusty desert floor like ancient cathedrals on the Arizona–Utah state line.
  • Arches/Canyonlands national parks, UT - Back in Utah, make time for the delicate sandstone arches and myriads canyons, mesas and buttes of these two neighbouring parks.
  • Grand Teton National Park, WY - It’s a winding 500 miles north to Jackson and Grand Teton in Wyoming from Arches; from the desert to high alpine Rockies, with the jaw-dropping, jagged Teton ridge at the forefront.
  • Yellowstone National Park, WY - Grand Teton merges into Yellowstone, the granddaddy of the national parks, crammed with wildlife, bubbling geysers, lakes and wild, untrammelled scenery.
  • Craters of the Moon, ID - Break the long journey back to the West Coast with a stop at Idaho’s Craters of the Moon, a stark landscape of lava fields and sagebrush steppe grasslands.

USA Itinerary 2 - The Deep South and Florida

Hot, sultry, rich in history, culture and some of the greatest music made in America, the Deep South is perhaps the most beguiling part of the USA. Take two or three weeks to see the highlights, travelling by car or by bus, and end up on the beaches of south Florida.

  • New Orleans, LA - It’s impossible not to fall in love with this gorgeous city, with its romantic French Quarter, indulgent food, jazz heritage and famously ebullient citizens.
  • Mississippi Delta - Soak up the blues heritage in Clarksdale, Mississippi, a five-hour drive north of New Orleans, before leaving the state via Tupelo, the home of Elvis.
  • Montgomery, AL - Continue east to the fascinating capital of Alabama, laced with monuments to Martin Luther King, Civil Rights and Hank Williams.
  • Atlanta, GA - Make the short journey northeast to the buzzing capital of the South, birthplace of Martin Luther King and home to US icons CNN and Coca-Cola.
  • Charleston, SC - Over in South Carolina, this is perhaps the finest old town in all America, enriched by the culture of the nearby Sea Islands.
  • Savannah, GA - Cut back into Georgia to absorb the charms of Charleston’s raffish but equally ravishing cousin, a city of moss-tangled squares and historic homes.
  • St Augustine, FL - Drop south into Florida to see the oldest town in America, founded by the Spanish in 1565.
  • Miami, FL - The Florida coast is studded with great beaches and attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center, but it’s hard to top Miami and fabulous, Art Deco South Beach.
  • Key West, FL - End up travelling spectacular US-1 across the Keys to America’s party-hard Caribbean outpost.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

USA Itinerary 3 - Classic coast-to-coast

This three-week tour gives a taster of the USA’s iconic landscapes and cities from the East to West coasts, travelling from New York to Los Angeles along sections of historic Rte-66.

  • New York, NY - America’s biggest city is home to Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Madison Square Garden, the Empire State, Harlem, Brooklyn Bridge and Jay-Z.
  • Chicago, IL - America’s third city boasts some serious skyscrapers, top museums, live blues, the Cubs and the Bears, and those deep-dish pizzas.
  • Springfield, IL - Immerse yourself in all things Abraham Lincoln at the Illinois state capital, now a virtual shrine to the great American president.
  • St Louis, MO - Head south to this old city on the Mississippi, and take the train to the top of the Gateway Arch, a momentous feat of engineering.
  • Route 66 - Travelling southwest from St Louis to Oklahoma City be sure to take the Americana-rich remaining stretches of the most iconic US highway.
  • Santa Fe, NM - As you continue west on I-40 across New Mexico, detour to the state capital, a glorious ensemble of Spanish adobe and baroque.
  • Grand Canyon - I-40 cuts across Arizona via Flagstaff, gateway to one of the grandest, most mind-blowing natural wonders in the world.
  • Las Vegas, NV - Around four hours’ drive west of the Grand Canyon lies America’s playground, a confection of mega-casinos and pool parties in the middle of the desert.
  • Los Angeles, CA - You’ve made it: watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica Pier or wacky Venice Beach before soaking up the sights in Hollywood.

USA Itinerary 4 - The Northeast

The northeast and especially New England is rich in history, stunning scenery and invariably empty roads the further north you get. This two- to three-week tour is best experienced by car, but buses are a possible alternative.

  • Washington DC - The nation’s capital is crammed with world-class museums and monuments, from the Capitol to the White House.
  • Philadelphia, PA - The city of Benjamin Franklin is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the cheesesteak and Rocky.
  • New York, NY - The largest city in the USA drips with global icons, from the Empire State and Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty and Broadway theatres.
  • Hartford, CT - Visit the Connecticut capital to pay homage to Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe and the astonishing art at Wadsworth Atheneum.
  • Nantucket, MA - Take the ferry to the “Little Gray Lady”, a once great whaling community still redolent of the era of Moby-Dick.
  • Provincetown and Cape Cod, MA - Take a day or two to explore the historic towns, tranquil beaches and fish shacks of this hook-shaped peninsula.
  • Boston, MA - New England’s lively capital drips with colonial history, but also boasts enticing restaurants, top art museums and some of the USA’s best sports teams.
  • White Mountains, NH - Across into New Hampshire the mountains become bigger and wilder, perfect for hiking and biking, and culminating in mighty Mount Washington.
  • Acadia National Park, ME - Maine’s coastline of wooded bays and small villages snakes northeast to this pristine section of rolling, mist-shrouded hills, fir forests and lobster pounds.

Sunrise on Half Dome in the Forest, Yosemite National Park, California ©  Stephen Moehle/Shutterstock

Sunrise on Half Dome in the Forest, Yosemite National Park, California - Stephen Moehle

USA Itinerary 5 - The West Coast

The north–south journey along the Pacific starts in the rainy, forested northwest and ends at the southern deserts of California (with extensions to Tijuana and Vancouver at either end). You could travel by trains and buses as well as by car.

  • Seattle, WA - The home of grunge, Microsoft and Starbucks is now a booming city, with Pike Place Market, the stunning Chihuly Garden, huge salmon and gourmet coffee.
  • The Cascades, WA & OR - Travel inland through the Cascade Mountains, where the giant, snow-capped volcanic cones of Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens and Mount Hood loom over the horizon.
  • Portland, OR - Rent a bike and cycle Oregon’s hippest city, soaking up the art, organic food, microbrews and kooky shows.
  • Crater Lake, OR - Achingly beautiful national park, a vast, waterlogged crater surrounded by a spectacular snowy rim.
  • Redwood National Park, CA - Travel south along the Californian coastline, taking in these giant natural beauties.
  • San Francisco, CA - One of America’s most appealing cities: historic, progressive, beautifully sited and home to the Golden Gate and Alcatraz.
  • Big Sur and Hwy-1, CA - The coastal road between San Francisco and Los Angeles is a scenic, surprisingly wild route of misty cliffs and untouched beaches.
  • Los Angeles, CA - Take your pick of iconic ’hoods: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica and Venice Beach – or just hit Disneyland and Magic Mountain.
  • San Diego, CA - Visit the zoo, SeaWorld or simply hang out at the beach at California’s laidback southern capital, the gateway to Baja.

USA Itinerary 6 - The Great Northern Crossing

Cross the country on the lesser travelled – but blissfully untouched – northern route, taking at least two weeks to drive between Chicago and Seattle.

  • Madison, WI - The capital of Wisconsin also happens to be the most attractive college town in the USA, just 2hr 30min drive northwest of Chicago.
  • Badlands National Park, SD - It’s a long day of driving across the Great Plains to the Badlands, a truly desolate, magical place, especially at sunrise.
  • Black Hills, SD - Forested mountain plateau rising above the plains, home to Mount Rushmore and the equally monumental Crazy Horse Mountain.
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND - Drive into North Dakota to explore the wild, untouched and multicoloured badlands created by the Little Missouri.
  • Little Bighorn, MT - Cross into Montana to visit one of America’s most poignant battlefields, where Custer’s 7th Cavalry were trounced by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
  • Butte, MT - This shabby old mining town in central Montana is a treasure trove of once grand architecture, old diners and even Cornish pasties.
  • Glacier National Park, MT - Northern Montana is dominated by this sensational preserve of glaciers, snowy peaks, alpine lakes and historic lodges.
  • Idaho Panhandle - I-90 cuts across this narrow section of Idaho, laced with inviting hiking and biking trails and home to the genuine Western town of Wallace.
  • Cascade Loop, WA - End up in Washington, touring the peaks and valleys of the mighty Cascade Mountains before arriving at Seattle and the Pacific Ocean.

With 52 states to explore, you can easily visit the USA for a two-week holiday or spend a few months travelling the country at length. Whatever your timescale or budget, here are some sample itineraries to whet your appetite for travel. Find one you like? Speak to a local USA expert to book your trip today.

The Rough Guides to USA and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

The Rough Guide to New York City

Travel advice for USA

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to USA

  • Eating and drinking in USA
  • How to get to USA
  • Getting around USA: Transportation Tips
  • Travel Tips USA for planning and on the go
  • Best time to visit USA

Find even more inspiration here

downtown-miami-shutterstock_350452394

written by Andy Turner

updated 28.04.2021

facebook

Ready to travel and discover USA?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

  • Where to stay
  • Travel advice

Dotted Globe

Ultimate USA Itinerary Planner & Travel Guide

travel around america 2 weeks

Planning a trip to the United States of America and looking for USA itinerary Ideas? Whether you are planning a 2-week long US trip or a 3-week long trip, we have got you covered. Use our USA Itinerary planner to see the country from coast to coast. See epic attractions along the East Coast including Niagara Falls and New York City then head to the West Coast to enjoy beach life in California. Read now for great itinerary ideas to explore America. You might also like our post on Best Places to Visit in the USA .

Welcome to our ultimate USA trip planner! 

We created this USA Itinerary Planner to help you plan the ultimate American trip. It contains all essential information including which places to visit, how to travel around the USA, sample itineraries, where to stay, what to eat, budgets and costs, etc.

Here you will find recommendations for a variety of USA trips whether you plan to fly, take a bus, or road trip around the country. Whether you are a first-time visitor or planning a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th trip to the country we have ideas for most well-known destinations to the hidden gems in the country.

Dotted Globe contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full  Disclosure  here. Thank you!

“This is America … a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.” — George H.W. Bush

Here is our guide to planning the perfect USA Itinerary around your favorite attractions. 

Where to Visit in the USA

The USA is vast and diverse. You really need to know where you want to go to plan the perfect trip. Otherwise, a lot of your time will be spent traveling from one destination to another with very little time to actually explore the cities and natural areas. To read the most popular destinations to visit in the USA, read our post on USA Travel Bucket List .

Most people usually start planning a USA trip with their favorite cities on the East Coast or the West Coast. The USA is home to many vibrant cities including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle. You can read more about the best cities in the country in our post 22 Best City Breaks in the USA . 

The USA also has stunning natural beauty. We recommend visiting at least one of the country’s most popular national parks to experience wildlife, hiking, and outdoor activities in the country. Some of the USA National Parks that are frequently visited by international visitors include Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . 

How to Travel around the USA

If you are planning a trip around the major cities in the country, then you can either fly or take a bus during your USA trip. Amtrak Trains are also a good option while visiting certain areas. However, if you are planning to visit national parks and outdoor areas, then consider a road trip across the USA. 

If flying domestically in the US, then consider budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier. The tickets are usually cheapest if you book in advance and fly on weekdays, especially Tuesdays or Wednesdays. 

The US also has great bus service in certain regions like the Northeast, Midwest, and California. Bus operators like Greyhound and Megabus operate buses between popular cities. The journeys are often overnight which means you can save on hotels if traveling via an overnight bus. 

Amtrak operates the trains in the USA. Traveling within the USA by train is neither cheap nor fast. However, it is definitely a scenic option especially along routes like the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago. Amtrak has Rail Passes which you can use to get down and explore attractions for multiple days before reboarding the train.

However, one of our favorite ways to get around the country is via road trips. The USA is made for road tripping. Americans love taking road trips and you can rent cars, SUVs, and even RVs for your road trip. Read our post on Best Road Trips in the USA to learn about iconic road trips in the country.

1 Week in USA Itinerary Ideas

While a week is a very short time to explore the country, there are many small trips that you can take in a week. We have divided these trips mostly by region – you can definitely cover the highlights of a US region in 7 days. Here are a couple of different 1 week USA Itinerary Ideas – click the names of the destinations to read in-depth articles on the best things to do in the cities and national parks:

Itinerary 1: Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco

This itinerary may be just a week-long but it covers 4 major highlights of the country: Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. You can complete this as a road trip or as a flying itinerary.

Las Vegas – 2 Days

Las Vegas or Sin City is famous for its casinos and gambling. Besides gambling, Las Vegas also has many free attractions including the Bellagio Fountains, the Mirage Volcano, Eiffel Tower, etc. With two days in the city, you have enough time to explore Vegas nightlife and see a show or two. You can also explore outdoor Las Vegas: there are many natural areas close to Las Vegas including Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Recreation Area, and Seven Magic Mountains. 

Grand Canyon – 1 Day

The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world. This beautiful landscape is the result of years of erosion carried out by the Colorado River. You can easily see the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas. While you won’t have time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park, you can see the Grand Canyon Skywalk at the West Rim. Book day tours to the Grand Canyon here. 

Los Angeles – 2 Days

Next head to Los Angeles in California. Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, America’s film industry and there are a lot of things to do in the city for movie buffs. See the stars on the sidewalk on Hollywood Blvd, take a photo with the Hollywood sign, take a behind the scenes tour at Warner Bros Inc, and take thrilling movie-inspired rides at Universal Studios. Los Angeles also has many museums and is a great place for foodies. 

San Francisco – 2 Days

After seeing Los Angeles, visit the northern California city of San Francisco . See America’s icon – the Golden Gate Bridge . Spend time at Fisherman’s Wharf, see the twisting Lombard Street, and visit the notorious island of Alcatraz. Take a day trip to Napa Valley to tour wineries and go wine tasting or visit Muir Woods National Monument to see the coastal redwoods. 

Itinerary 2: Chicago NYC Philadelphia

In this Midwest & East Coast itinerary, you will be visiting some of our favorite cities in the USA. You will be seeing beautiful architecture, visit impressive museums, spend time in grand urban parks, and eat delicious food. You will also be squeezing in a day trip to Niagara Falls, one of the best attractions in the USA. 

Chicago – 2 Days

Chicago is the jewel of the Midwest. Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is home to famous architects and impressive architecture. To see the most beautiful buildings in the city, take the Chicago River Architectural Cruise. Spend some time at Millenium Park and enjoy its attractions including the Cloud Gate sculpture and the Crown Fountain. Go shopping at Magnificent Mile and eat Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza.  

Niagara Falls – 1 Day

From Chicago, fly to Niagara Falls, located on the border of the US and Canada. Niagara Falls are actually a group of 3 falls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The stunning falls are a year-round travel destination and they look beautiful even when frozen in winter. In summer, take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to see the falls from up close. The falls also look beautiful when they are illuminated at night. 

New York City – 2 Days

After seeing Niagara Falls, visit New York City – one of the best cities in the world. New York is the capital of fashion, finance, culture, art, and food. Spend a couple of days exploring the city. Visit the touristy Times Square and eat at the cafes in Greenwich Village. See the city from above at the Empire State Building and take a stroll in Central Park. See the city’s famous museums including the Met, American Museum of History, and MoMa. On your second day, see the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island.

Philadelphia – 2 Days

Last, visit the historic city of Philadelphia. Begin your visit at the Independence National Historic Park. This is where the country came into being and where the most important monuments to liberty and democracy are located. See the iconic Liberty Bell and tour Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the must-visit attractions in the US. Other things to do in Philadelphia include the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the ‘Rocky’ movie steps, the Love sculpture, City Hall, and the Reading Terminal Market which is famous for its many eateries.

Itinerary 3: Southwest road trip

This road trip will take you through the best attractions of the American Southwest. Expect to see stunning natural landscapes of gorges, canyons, and deserts on this amazing trip. Camp to lower your budget and to stay closer to nature. At every turn, you will be treated to photogenic vistas and unique indigenous cultures. Read our post on Vegas Zion Bryce Grand Canyon road trip to plan a trip along these attractions.

Las Vegas is the ultimate starting point for an American Southwest road trip. Fly into Sin City and explore the attractions of the Las Vegas strip. Enjoy the unique attractions of Vegas like the roller coaster at New York New York, musical fountains of Bellagio, the volcano at Mirage, nightlife, gambling, and more at night. By day, explore the desert of Nevada. Hike at Red Rock Canyon State Park and drive the scenic route around Lake Mead. Tour the Hoover Dam and check out the museums in Las Vegas. 

Zion National Park – 1 Day

Then drive to Zion National Park in southwest Utah. Zion is located just 2 hours away from Las Vegas and can be easily seen during one day. The best way to see Zion is to take the park shuttle, which goes along the Zion Scenic Drive. You will be able to see breathtaking views of Zion’s deep red canyon walls and the Virgin River that flows through the canyon. Zion has many hiking trails but to hike the most popular trails of Angel’s Landing and the Narrows you will need more than a day. 

Bryce Canyon National Park – 1 Day

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in the country. Bryce is famous for its deep red – crimson hoodoo rock formations. These spire-shaped narrow rock formations are formed due to weathering action by wind, snow, and water. You can easily see the hoodoos in the area known as the Bryce Amphitheatre. Take a walk along the Rim Trail to see the hoodoos from above or descend down into the depression along the Navajo Loop Trail to see the most famous hoodoos.

Bryce-Canyon-National-Park_Thors-Hammer

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend – 1 Day

After seeing Bryce Canyon National Park, head over to Page, Arizona to see the famous Antelope Canyons . The two slot canyons of Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons are famous the world over for their striking beauty and vivid colors. You can see them both on guided tours. The tour through Lower Antelope Canyon is more strenuous than the one through Upper and requires some climbing. Pick the Upper Canyon if you have small kids or are not physically fit. After seeing Antelope Canyon, see another Page attraction – Horseshoe Bend. From the observation area, you can see a panoramic view of the Horseshoe shaped bend in the Colorado River. 

Monument Valley – 1 Day

From Page, drive further east towards Monument Valley. This landscape of red sand desert and weathered rock formations located along the Arizona Utah border is one of the highlights of this road trip. Drive along the 17 mile Valley Drive to see the towering sandstone buttes and take iconic photographs. 

Grand Canyon National Park – 1 Day

Finally, make your way to the Grand Canyon National Park. Drive to the South Rim and Grand Canyon Village to see the best views of the Grand Canyon. If it is too crowded, take the park shuttle. Visit the Visitor Center for exhibits, souvenirs, and movies about the Grand Canyon. Take the scenic Desert View Drive to the Desert View Watchtower for iconic views. Hike into the Grand Canyon to enjoy its beauty from different vantage points. 

Itinerary 4 – Pacific Coast Highway, California

This stunning road trip will take you along the highlights of California. See the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco and drive through the stunning natural area of Big Sur. This drive is said to be the best road trip in the world. Finish your trip with a visit to the famous Yosemite National Park. Check our post on Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary to plan this trip.

Los Angeles – 2 Day

Start your visit by flying into Los Angeles . Movie buffs can take a stroll along Hollywood Walk of Fame or take a movie studio tour or tour celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. Culture enthusiasts can visit LA’s top museums including the Broad, La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA, Petersen Automotive Museum, and the Getty Center. If you have kids, spend a day in Anaheim at the Disney parks. 

Big Sur – 2 Day

Take the Pacific Coast Highway up north to Big Sur . Along the way, you will pass California’s iconic coastal cities of Malibu and Santa Barbara and drive alongside small beachside communities of Pismo Beach and Morro Bay. In Big Sur, visit the highlights of McWay Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge, San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery, Pfeiffer Beach, and Big Sur Village. Then drive north along Monterey and Half Moon Bay to San Francisco. 

San Francisco – 2 Day

Enjoy Northern California’s mild climates and foggy coastline in San Francisco , the city by the bay. See the iconic Golden Gate Bridge from Vista Point and ride a cable car to Chinatown. Eat some dim sums and egg tarts in Chinatown. Walk down twisting Lombard Street and buy chocolates in Ghirardelli Square. Admire the view from Twin Peaks and take a cruise to the former federal prison on Alcatraz Island. 

Yosemite – 1 Day

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, Yosemite has stunning mountain beauty. Visiting Yosemite is a must while visiting California. While one day is not enough to explore all of Yosemite’s attractions, you can see the highlights and tour the Yosemite Valley in that time frame. A ranger-led 2 hours tour of the Valley is your best option to see Yosemite in a day. On the tour, you can see Yosemite Falls and the granite rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome. If you have time, hike in the Yosemite Valley and take photos of the national park. 

Itinerary 5: Best of Florida

If you want to spend your 1 week in the USA exploring Florida, then use this itinerary. Start your trip in Orlando and visit a theme park. Then visit Miami and relax at South Beach. See the architecture on Ocean Drive and visit Little Havana. Then make the trip down to Key West via Overseas Highway. Finally, visit Everglades National Park and take an airboat tour. See our post on Miami to Key West Drive: 25 Awesome Stops along the way to plan this trip.

Orlando – 2 Days

Orlando is one of the best places to start your USA trip. The city has over a dozen theme parks. Our favorite is ’The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ at Universal Studios. There are also 5 Disney Parks in Orlando including the popular Walt Disney World. There are also many other things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks. You can take a stroll through the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens and admire the wildlife at Central Florida Zoo. Explore the many different neighborhoods and sample a variety of cuisines. 

Miami – 2 Days

After exploring Orlando, head down to spend 2 days in Miami . Start your visit at the iconic attraction of Miami Beach. Get some Florida sun and swim in the water. Wander around the Arts Deco district and see the murals at Wynwood Mall. Shop and eat by the waterfront at Bayside Marketplace. For a unique attraction, stroll through the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. End your visit in Little Havana where you can try Cuban cuisine and understand the Cuban culture. 

Key West – 2 Days

Then take Florida’s Overseas Highway to Key West. The drive is about 4 hours but there are many attractions along the way. Stop in communities like Islamorada and Key Largo. Eat fresh seafood and go snorkeling and scuba diving on the coral reefs. Then make way for Key West. Key West is the southernmost point in the Continental US. The city has a chilled Caribbean vibe. Tour Old Town Key West, visit Hemingway House Museum and take a picture at the southernmost point Buoy. Attend the sunset celebrations in Mallory Square and party on Duval Street. If you have more time, visit Dry Tortugas National Park . 

Everglades National Park – 1 Day

On your way back to Miami or Orlando, visit Everglades National Park. Homestead, which is located just an hour south of Miami, is the gateway to Everglades National Park. In Everglades, you will find a wetland of swamps, marshes, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies. The best way to experience Everglades National Park is on an airboat tour. During the tour, you can see manatees, alligators, deer, fox, bobcats, and birds like ospreys and cranes. 

Itinerary 6 – Chicago Mt. Rushmore Road Trip

While most of the trips above could be done without driving, a road trip is the only way to experience these Midwestern attractions. This trip is definitely one of the hidden gems in the US and not many visitors come here on a first visit. However, to experience the heart of the country – the Midwest bread bowl – go on this road trip in the Black Hills of South Dakota . We assure you, you will have the time of your life! 

Start on this road trip in Chicago . Experience iconic attractions of the Windy City including the Bean at Millennium Park, the Museum Campus, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Navy Pier. See Chicago from top of the Willis Tower and experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture in Oak Park. Eat Chicago style hotdog and deep-dish pizza before hitting the open roads to South Dakota. 

Sioux Falls – 1 Day

First, stop at Sioux Falls. Visit the Falls Park where you can see the Big Sioux River cascade over limestone bluffs. The park also has a historic mill and an observation tower. See the murals in downtown Sioux Falls before visiting the Corn Palace in Mitchell . This stunning palace is made of corn murals and is created anew every year. Inside the corn palace, you can see photos of previous corn palaces and tributes to corn farmers. This unique roadside attraction is definitely worth a visit while in South Dakota. 

Badlands National Park – 2 Days

Next, visit the bizarre and dramatic landscape of Badlands National Park . Formed as a result of erosion, the national park is filled with unique rock formations consisting of buttes, spires, and canyons. To explore Badlands, drive along the scenic Badlands Loop Road and go hiking in the park. Badlands also has a lot of wildlife. On a visit to the park, you can view bison, coyotes, mountain goats, prairie dogs, deer, and more. You can also see fossils of animals that lived in the area long ago including mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and more. 

Custer State Park – 1 Day

Custer State Park is the largest state park in the country and one of our favorites. You can do hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in the park . Custer has 4 mountain lakes which are perfect for lakeside strolls and activities on the water. Custer State Park is also famous for its scenic drives. The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is located in the park and includes 3 smaller drives. On the Custer Wildlife Loop Road, you will find lots of bison, burros, and deer. Needles Highway has the stunning needle formations on both sides while Iron Mountain Road has three tunnels and an iconic view of Mt. Rushmore. 

Mt. Rushmore National Memorial – 1 Day

For the last part of your trip, visit Mt. Rushmore National Memorial . Here you can see the faces of 4 US presidents – Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln – carved in stone. The monument is lit at night and looks impressive. Hike the Presidential Trail to go closer to the sculptures and spot wildlife including mountain goat and deer. Visit the on-site museum to learn more about the sculptures and their sculptor Gutzon Borglum.  Do not forget to see nearby Crazy Horse Memorial to know more about the Lakota warrior Crazy Horse while visiting the Black Hills. Read our post on Ultimate South Dakota road trip to plan this route.

We hope you liked our epic USA Itinerary Planner. Let us know if you have any questions.

travel around america 2 weeks

2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary.

Photo of Ragini Mehra

National parks to man-made wonders, quiet cities with the old world charm to the busiest and most bustling cities in the world, the East Coast with a rich history to the West Coast endowed with immense natural beauty – USA is one place in the world with such diversity, one place where you can have the best of both worlds. The country is so vast that it spans across not just thousands of kilometres but also different time zones. Incredible, isn’t it?

You need to come back to the United States of America time and again to be able to experience everything this wonderful land has to offer. However, if you’re planning a 2-week trip off from work, here’s a handy itinerary with the top things to do in USA.

Spend a day getting over the tiredness from your flight and getting used to the time difference before you begin exploration.

Photo of New York, NY, USA by Ragini Mehra

New York City, the financial capital of US, is the first and one of the most happening cities on your itinerary. Home to the iconic Empire State Building, newly built One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge and countless other skyscrapers, New York can never fail to impress the traveller.

An incredible experience awaits you at the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, coupled with panoramic views of the entire city from One World Observatory.

Photo of New York, NY, USA by Ragini Mehra

We booked in advance to avoid last minute disappointment. When you book your tickets, try to opt for a morning slot so that you have the rest of the day to yourself.

Once you’re done, grab a quick bite (read New York’s famous bagel!) from any of the local street food corners. You’ll thank us later for this recommendation! I can’t still can’t stop thinking about the hand rolled bagel we had at Black Seed at World Financial Centre.

Photo of 2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary. by Ragini Mehra

Take a leisurely walk down, if you will, to Times Square, taking in the many sights and sounds of New York. 3.6 miles away, it takes you from downtown to midtown, and gives you a wonderful opportunity to explore the many nooks and alleys of the city. Take stops to indulge in retail therapy, try out local bites and get tons of fun photos.

Reserve the night for the very touristy yet fun Times Square, a one-of-its-kind entertainment hub in the world.

Photo of 2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary. by Ragini Mehra

This is also your go-to place for lots of shopping, memorable moments at Hershey’s Building and M&M's World and for some of the finest restaurants in the world. You can dine at the ever-bustling Hard Rock Café, the posh Carmine’s or the creative Sushi of Gari 46.

Here are some pictures from our memorable visit to Carmine's.

Photo of 2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary. by Ragini Mehra

Central Park is where you should begin your next day in New York. You can spend hours doing absolutely nothing here (and admiring nature) or hire a cycle to go around the park’s many attractions. While you are here, don’t forget to visit the lake and the pond, Alice in Wonderful park, Chess & Checkers House, Belvedere Castle, Shakespeare Garden, Sheep Meadow, Strawberry Fields…the list is endless!

If you’re into art or history, take out at least a couple of hours to visit the Museum of Modern Art. Here is a glimpse of some of the exhibits here:

Photo of New York, NY, USA by Ragini Mehra

A short 8-min walk, crossing the insta-worthy St. Patrick’s Cathedral, will take you to the cultural hub of New York. Say hello to Rockefeller Center! Depending on how much time you have, shop, head to the Top of the Rock or walk through the Channel Gardens to the oh-so-popular Rink at Rockefeller Center.

Photo of 2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary. by Ragini Mehra

While it is the best-in-the-city skiing place during winter, it transforms completely during summers when the outdoor cafes come live.

Photo of 2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary. by Ragini Mehra

Don’t forget to visit the Lego Store right across the Rink to bring back your favourite childhood memories. We definitely loved our time here!

No trip to New York is ever complete without catching a Broadway Show. Because we had the luxury of time, we got a chance to witness both Mary Poppins and Lion King and always have a tough time deciding which one was better!

Photo of 2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary. by Ragini Mehra

Mama Mia, Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera are also highly recommended. No matter which one you pick, book for the show at least a month in advance to get good seats.

Live it up like the local as you cycle or walk down the length of the legendary Brooklyn Bridge. We got superb shots of the New York skyline, the Statue of Liberty and other iconic landmarks of the city from atop the bridge.

If you have time, take a ferry to Ellis Island to see the wonder that is the Statue of Liberty. If you wish to climb up and visit the crown, make reservations at least 2 month in advance.

Later in the evening, fly down to Orlando (2.5 hours away) for yet another fulfilling experience!

Day 5, 6, 7:

Movie-themed rides, exciting games, life-size fantastical and Disney characters, adventurous slides, water rides, adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters and more – Orlando has enough and more for the holidaymaker. Pick from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and its many amusement parks. For water rides and encounters with marine life, visit Discovery Cove, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Countless shopping and food kiosks further add to your experience.

Credit: www.universalorlando.com

Photo of Orlando, FL, USA by Ragini Mehra

The icing on the cake is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which was added to the list of theme parks in Orlando recently. While you are here, get your very own wand, board the Hogwarts Express, visit Hagrid’s hut and explore the hidden corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

At the end of your sixth day, prepare for your flight to San Francisco, your gateway to the great American West Coast.

San Francisco

From watching incredible bay landings in San Francisco to crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, there is no dearth of unique travel experiences in this colourful West Coast city.

Photo of San Francisco, CA, USA by Ragini Mehra

Among the seven wonders of the modern world, the Golden Gate Bridge has become synonymous with San Francisco. Like many other trails in the US, you can walk or cycle along on the Golden Gate sidewalks. The massive Golden Gate Park is home to facilities for over 20 sports, the de Young Museum, San Francisco Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers and many more attractions.

Next up in the list of unique things to do in San Francisco is a visit to the most crooked street in the world, Lombard Street. It is known for being extremely steep with eight hairpin bends and offers stunning bay views.

Credit: Allie_Caulfield/flickr

Photo of 2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary. by Ragini Mehra

2 miles from Lombard Street is the Union Square, great to spend an evening with your loves ones. It hosts many events and festivals through the year, boasts of countless fast food and fine dining restaurants, is the nightlife hub of SFO and also offers unlimited opportunities to shop.

Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast at one of the local American style cafes and head straight to catch a ferry to Alcatraz Island. Take a tour of the federal prison, which housed America’s most notorious prisoners from 1934 to 1963.

Once you’re back, hop on to San Francisco’s iconic cable car for a ride to Fisherman’s Wharf or Pier 39 to soak in the vibe of the city.

Photo of San Francisco, CA, USA by Ragini Mehra

For dinner, visit The Cheesecake Factory at Geary Boulevard for the most flavourful American cuisine and amazing cheesecake flavours.

Get set for an early morning trek to the famous Twin Peaks for the best city and Bay Area views.

Photo of San Francisco, CA, USA by Ragini Mehra

If you’re a fan of panoramic views, you can also visit Coit Tower, the most recognizable building in the San Francisco skyline. Enjoy your lunch at Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory located in Ghirardelli Square, an important landmark of San Francisco.

Get set for your flight to Las Vegas (1.5 hours) during the second half of the day. As soon as you reach, set out to explore the many luxurious hotels and casinos here. Walk through Bellagio, MGM Grand, Wynn Las Vegas, Venetian, Aria and Caesars Palace, and make a mental note to come back to your favourite at night for some gaming and casino adventures.

Photo of 2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary. by Ragini Mehra

Grand Canyon Village

Reserve Day 10 of your US holiday for a day-long excursion to Grand Canyon. A 4.5-hour road trip will take you to this natural wonder that will leave you awestruck. If you miss the sunrise, fret not! The sunset at the Grand Canyon is equally beautiful, as the orange pink skies over the massive canyon take your breath away. Plan hikes through the various sections of the canyon or visit popular attractions like Horseshoe Bend and the Hoover Dam.

Spend a relaxed day at one of the most popular party hubs of the world, Las Vegas. Drink, dance and make new friends as you go for a pool party today, catch the fountain show at Bellagio, try your luck at the slot machines or shop for cool merchandise at the hotel stores.

Los Angeles

Drive down to Los Angeles from Las Vegas for a few more days of glitz, glamour and lots of fun. Make a beeline for Universal Studios Hollywood on your very first day and you will find that you can spend countless hours here without getting bored. Would recommend that you get a VIP pass for yourself since most rides have hour-long queues, which can be avoided with this pass. Some attractions you must try here include Transformers – The Ride-3D, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Fast & Furious – Supercharged, King Kong 360 3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Jurassic Park – The Ride and The Simpsons Ride, among others.

Photo of Los Angeles, CA, USA by Ragini Mehra

Begin your day with visit to Griffith Observatory for uninterrupted views of the city. Next, head for a stroll through the Hollywood Walk of Frame and get the mandatory picture clicked with the massive Hollywood sign in the backdrop. Celebrity And Movie Stars Homes Tours are very popular in Los Angeles so if time permits opt for one of those too. If time permits, visits to Dolby Theatre and Walt Disney Concert Hall are recommended too.

Photo of Los Angeles, CA, USA by Ragini Mehra

Head to Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, in the evening to shop (or window shop!) at some of the most luxurious showrooms ever. Some designer brands you will find here are Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, Jimmy Choo and more.

Relax at one of the happening nightlife jaunts in Sunset Boulevard and party the night away (read pub hopping) in the dazzling city of Los Angeles.

Santa Monica

As you approach the end of your trip, a day at the beach is something you wouldn’t want to say no to! 25 minutes by road from LA, Santa Monica awaits you with colourful beach umbrellas, beachside cafes, a wide range of water sports and lots of fun moments with your loved ones. Head back to LA in the evening and get to your hotel early to prepare for the long flight home the next day.

Frequent searches leading to this page:-

Usa itinerary 2 weeks, usa itinerary 4 weeks family, east coast usa itinerary, usa things to do and see a brown bear,   what to do when you see a brown bear.

FB Pixel

The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

You are currently viewing The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

  • Post author: Andrew D'Amours
  • Post published: December 28, 2022
  • Post category: Travel inspiration / Trip itineraries & destination discoveries
  • Post comments: 23 Comments

Do you like roadtrips? They happen to be a very American tradition and we found the perfect itinerary to visit every state in the continental USA during 1 epic roadtrip. A great trip idea for those who have a lot of time but want to stay closer to home .

Personally, I love roadtrips and I hit the road as much as I can, despite also being an aviation geek: you can like both, right? What matters is traveling and seeing new places , no matter how.

So here are the maps and details of the 2 itineraries that allow you to see all the lower 48 states at once, depending on your travel preference.

Basics of the 2 epic USA roadtrip itineraries

The USA is a huge country, almost as big as Europe (it’s even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).

So the USA has a lot of variety in terms of landscapes, but even in terms of culture too (even if many who aren’t from the country don’t realize that).

If you aim to eventually visit every state, any 1 of these 2 itineraries is a great way to almost all of them at once. The only 2 states you’ll have left to visit after this roadtrip will be Hawaii and Alaska.

There’s a version for national parks and points of interest and a version for cities.

travel around america 2 weeks

I’m on the quest to visit all 50 states myself (in addition to also visiting every country obviously), and I’m not doing too bad with 47 already.

But let’s just say it would’ve been much quicker to get to 48 at once with this roadtrip instead of having to do it over dozens of trips.

Here are the details.

48-state roadtrip – national parks/points of interest version

Here’s a map of the 1st itinerary.

travel around america 2 weeks

It was conceived by American Ph.D. student Randy Olson, on  his blog , and it was done scientifically to optimize the routing: each stop represents a national park or a point of interest.

So you’re not just seeing every state, you’re seeing cool parts of every state (which sadly wasn’t our case in North Dakota during our very random 1200-miles-nonstop-in-2-days Flytrippers roadtrip across the Midwest just for fun).

Good times. Roadtrips always make for great stories.

Anyway, the itinerary has also been optimized to be as efficient a route as possible to see all 48 states, so you can rest assured you won’t be wasting any time.

If you only stop to sleep, you can complete this roadtrip in only 9 days, but we recommend taking at least a couple of weeks to explore all these places obviously.

And gas is significantly cheaper in the US in case you were wondering. You can start anywhere, it’s a continuous loop, and it passes through many spots near the Canadian border.

You can even take a shortcut from Michigan to Vermont through Canada, as the stop in Cleveland is only to keep Americans without a passport from crossing into the Great White North.

Here is the complete list of all 50 landmarks (48 states + Washington, DC + a bonus stop in California):

1. Grand Canyon, AZ 2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 3. Craters of the Moon, ID 4. Yellowstone National Park, WY 5. Pikes Peak, CO 6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 7. The Alamo, TX 8. The Platt Historic District, OK 9. Toltec Mounds, AR 10. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, TN 11. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS 12. French Quarter, LA 13. USS Alabama, AL 14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL 15. Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA 16. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC 17. Lost World Caverns, WV 18. Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC 19. Mount Vernon, VA 20. White House, Washington, D.C. 21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD 22. New Castle Historic District, DE 23. Cape May Historic District, NJ 24. Liberty Bell, PA 25. Statue of Liberty, NY 26. The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT 27. The Breakers, RI 28. USS Constitution, MA 29. Acadia National Park, ME 30. Mount Washington Hotel, NH 31. Shelburne Farms, VT 32. Fox Theater, MI 33. Spring Grove Cemetery, OH 34. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 35. West Baden Springs Hotel, IN 36. Abraham Lincoln’s Home, IL 37. Gateway Arch, MO 38. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS 39. Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, IA 40. Taliesin, WI 41. Fort Snelling, MN 42. Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE 43. Mount Rushmore, SD 44. Fort Union Trading Post, ND 45. Glacier National Park, MT 46. Hanford Site, WA 47. Columbia River Highway, OR 48. San Francisco Cable Cars, CA 49. San Andreas Fault, CA 50. Hoover Dam, NV

These are all very enticing attractions, for the most part. It seems I’ve only seen 14 of those, so maybe I should hit the road again after all.

How about you? Tempted?

48-state roadtrip – city version

Here’s a map of the 2nd itinerary.

travel around america 2 weeks

If you’re more of a city slicker, the map’s author has created a 2nd version that routes you through amazing cities instead.

It is slightly shorter but quite as impressive: it makes you go through the “Best City to Visit” in each state, according to TripAdvisor .

But you won’t have all the lower 48 states, unlike the other itinerary. That’s because no city in Vermont, West Virginia, or North Dakota made the top 400 cities to visit ranking, unfortunately. So plan on making a few extra detours if you want to hit all states at once with this version of the itinerary.

Here is the complete list of all cities:

  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Wichita, Kansas
  • Denver, Colorado
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Las Vegas, Nevada
  • San Francisco, California
  • Portland, Oregon
  • Seattle, Washington
  • Boise, Idaho
  • Park City, Utah
  • Jackson, Wyoming
  • Billings, Montana
  • Sioux Falls, South Dakota
  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Des Moines, Iowa
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Louisville, Kentucky
  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Detroit, Michigan
  • Cleveland, Ohio
  • Manchester, New Hampshire
  • Portland, Maine
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Providence, Rhode Island
  • New Haven, Connecticut
  • New York City, New York
  • Ocean City, New Jersey
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Wilmington, Delaware
  • Baltimore, Maryland
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
  • Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Charleston, South Carolina
  • Orlando, Florida
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • Birmingham, Alabama
  • Jackson, Mississippi
  • New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Houston, Texas
  • Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Branson, Missouri

I do a little better on this list, with 31 already visited. You can see I love cities. How about you?

Want to get more content to discover awesome destinations?

Sign up for our free newsletter.

If you were looking for an excuse to go on a roadtrip, this is it. And since we always enjoy giving you more for your money, we think 48 states instead of only 1 or 2 is something you’ll enjoy!

What’s the coolest roadtrip you’ve ever been on? Tell us in the comments below.

See the deals we spot: Cheap flights

Explore awesome destinations : Travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks : Travel tips

Discover free travel: Travel rewards

Featured image: The itinerary (image credit: Randy Olson)

Original publication date: May 29, 2018

Share this post to help us help more people travel more for less:

Post author avatar

Andrew D'Amours

You might also like.

Read more about the article An Interactive Map of 11,000 Unique Sights All over the World

An Interactive Map of 11,000 Unique Sights All over the World

Read more about the article Every Country’s Most Popular Attraction On One Cool Map

Every Country’s Most Popular Attraction On One Cool Map

Read more about the article A Map Of The World’s Population Divided Into 10 Equal Sections

A Map Of The World’s Population Divided Into 10 Equal Sections

This post has 23 comments.

' src=

Hello Andrew, the PHD student suggests in the 1st Itinnerary that the one stop to make in Washington State is the Hanford Nuclear Reservation?! Flat out, that is a terrible idea. It is in the middle of nowhere, I am just shocked it’s mentioned. Out of all the beautiful and amazing places to see in such a diverse state as Washington, a Nuclear Site was chosen? Surely this student could have done so much better. Thank you for allowing comments.

' src=

Having been all around the Olympic Peninsula, I agree that’s there are better stops. But my understanding is that he really optimized for the quickest way to do all 48 and had to choose a point of interest that wasn’t too far off that optimal path, hence that choice (I think).

' src=

thanks for sharing this information with us.

' src=

I have taken a road trip from California to the the most northeastern part of theUS. west Quaby light house. it was my 1st trip across the us. .I seen so many amazing places.

Quite the drive for sure! Must have been epic.

' src=

Why do Americans always think the Statue of Liberty is in NY? it is in NJ. I’ve done road trips now that have taken in 39 states. Here’s a quiz to see how well you know the USA: Which state has only one syllable? Only one city has been name-checked on the moon. In which state is it? Which is the most Northerly of the contiguous states? In which state were Tennessee Williams and Elvis Presley born? Which was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted into the USA? Which four states all share a border with each other? Which state has the lowest population? Twelve cities are name-checked in “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” but only three states. Which? Which state has the longest name? Which two states have the most borders with other states? In which state is the geographical centre of the USA – and which one if you exclude Hawaii and Alaska? Which of the states of the USA has respectively the most Northerly, Southerly, Easterly and Westerly points?

' src=

The official Statue of Liberty address is Liberty Island, New York, NY, 10004.

' src=

Wow, these comments are very rude for no reason. Thanks for the article, maybe when I graduate from college I’ll consider hitting part of one of these itineraries.

' src=

“it’s a huge country (even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).”

Canada – 3.855 million mi² USA – 3.532 million mi² Where does this math fail you?

Where did reading fail you :P? It explicitly says “ when considering LAND area alone ” The quote you copied literally has a link provided under “even larger than Canada” and if you read that, it explains how Canada is only larger than the US due to water area being counted 🙂

' src=

There is no stop in North Dakota on the city version. You should stop in Fargo after Billings and before Sioux Falls

' src=

I’m 46 years old .. I have been to all 50 states and I’m 17 away from all 50 twice .. I have driven to 47 .. flown to Alaska, Hawaii and Washington..

Wow! That’s impressive :O

' src=

This is awesome

' src=

This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

' src=

“this roadtrip in only 9 days“ is extremely false statement. It is only 9 days if you are driving non stop, no breaks to even get out of your car, get gas, or actually see these places. From start to finish drive time it is 225 hours, 16 minutes = 9 days. Wow. Take some time to enjoy the view.

Yes, that’s what we said too 😛

' src=

Thanks for the tip 😊

' src=

Do you know the total distance of this itinerary? At what moment of the year doing this trip would be the best? Thanks!

Hi! It is 13,699 miles (22,046 km) for the landmarks itinerary and 12,290 miles (19,780 km) for the city version. You can even have the Google Maps links on the creator’s original post (I’ve reposted the link below). As for the timing, I guess it depends on your preferences, but I’d want to avoid that top half of the country (so half the itinerary) in the winter for sure! http://www.randalolson.com/2015/03/08/computing-the-optimal-road-trip-across-the-u-s/

' src=

Crappy itinerary! Does not even include Zion National Park… and so many stops in the North Eastern states?? Nobody cares about those places except maybe a couple of places.

As explained, the PhD student who built the itinerary wanted to have one stop per state, and there are many states in the North-East so that’s why there are many stops there. I agree that Zion is an iconic spot, but his goal was also to optimize a routing that was as short as possible so that’s why it’s billed as an itinerary to see all lower 48 states at once and not an itinerary to see *the best spots*. But those interested in doing this can definitely adapt it and add many interesting stops for sure 🙂

' src=

Curtis, you are crappy. Obviously this is meant as a guide that can be adapted to add spots. I think it’s awesome.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

HH Lifestyle Travel

Six Fun 2-Week Road Trip Ideas in the USA

This article may contain affiliate links. Read my ABOUT page for more disclosure information.

Road trips are a part of the fabric of the USA. The diverse landscapes, open roads, and roadside attractions make the USA a premier destination for road-tripping. I’ve collated six fun 2-week road trip ideas in the USA for your delectation.

We have travelled extensively throughout North America and road trip planning is a huge part of the enjoyment for me. I hope these 2-week road trip ideas through the USA help you plan your dream adventure!

eBookers UK

2-Week Road Trip Ideas USA

1. west coast : seattle to san diego.

California’s Highway 1 is probably one of the most famous road trips in the world. Following the Pacific coast down from Seattle to San Diego will take you along wild rocky coastline, beautiful white sand beaches; and through ancient redwood forests.

Part of this journey takes you along the Pacific Coast Highway, and to many wonderful cities such as San Francisco . If you visit in the right season, you can follow the whale migration up the coastline too!

During your 2-week road trip down (or up) the west coast be sure to visit these highlights:

  • Seattle for a day or two – take in the highlights like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market
  • Olympic National Park & Cape Disappointment for natural beauty and hiking
  • Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock in Oregon for great views and beach fun
  • Drink wine at the Anderson Valley wineries (stay overnight, so you don’t drink and drive!)
  • Visit the Redwood forest at Muir Woods
  • Spend a few days in San Francisco – this sassy city will keep you busy!
  • Visit Monterey, the aquarium, go whale watching and partake in some craft beer at the Monterey Brewing Company
  • Drive the Pacific Coast Highway via Big Sur, admire the bridges, views and wild coastline. Visit Hearst Castle and see the Seals at San Simeon too! This is my favourite section of the coast – there’s a raw beauty about it.
  • Head south and enjoy the cool as a cucumber Santa Monica
  • Finish your trip with a stop at Laguna Beach to rest after your amazing coastal adventure!

If you want to add some especially gorgeous scenery, I recommend the train ride between Vancouver and Seattle on the Amtrak Cascades train .

Shipwreck at Mukilteo Harbour on Puget Sound - Pacific Cascades : Amtrak from Vancouver to Seattle - HH Lifestyle Travel

2. Desert Dreams : Las Vegas Loop

Las Vegas makes a fantastic base from which to start your desert dream loop. From Vegas you will east towards to the Grand Canyon, and then onto some of the most incredible desert landscapes you will ever see. Up through Arizona and onto Utah, where the red earth and rock formations will capture your heart.

Stops for your two-week road trip from Las Vegas include:

  • Las Vegas for 1-2 days – after a couple of days in the city that never sleeps you’ll need the wide open spaces of the desert
  • Attractions between Vegas and Grand Canyon include the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and part of Historic Route 66 (but more on that later)
  • Stay a night in the hotel or cabins at the edge of Grand Canyon – watching the sunset and sunrise is magnificent
  • Take a detour to explore the spiritual haven of Sedona. Take the road over Mount Mingus and the mining town of Jerome (if you’re not afraid of heights that is!)
  • Spend a night in Flagstaff – this mountain town is cooler than the surrounding deserts, and the wildlife is out of this world
  • Head north to Monument Valley – categorically the most incredible place I have ever seen. Like some kind of alien landscape, it is beyond your wildest imagination
  • Make a stop at Antelope Canyon – you will need a guide, so book in advance
  • Eat at Big John’s Texas BBQ in Page
  • Use Kanab as your base for a few days while you explore Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park

If you are able, add in an extra week and head further north to Moab (after Monument Valley), to see the rest of Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ National Parks – Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands. I wouldn’t try to jam these into a 2-week road trip, as you just simply won’t get the full value of each.

OR you could add Moab and the northern Utah National Parks into the below ‘Wild West’ Itinerary. Or if you’re looking for an amazing extended adventure, spend 1 month+ combining the two itineraries and Utah, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Colorado!

The Strip - Las Vegas for Beginners - HH Lifestyle Travel

3. Wild West : Wildlife Wanderings

This loop takes you on a magnificent road trip through some of the areas out west, which are rich in wildlife and history. From the very first US National Park – Yellowstone, to fun wild west towns like Deadwood. Bring your long lens and prepare to see some incredible wildlife!

  • Begin in either Salt Lake City or Denver (depending on what is convenient for you. We started in Denver, as it was significantly cheaper to fly into Denver internationally. Although the drive from Denver is much further.
  • Your first stop is a few days in Grand Teton National Park. Jackson Hole is a fun place to base yourself for this, although be sure to book in advance, it can get expensive
  • Now head north to Yellowstone. My 4-day Yellowstone guide will ensure you get the very best out of your visit. Yellowstone lives up to its reputation as one of the most spectacular national parks in the world
  • Drive the Beartooth Highway between Cooke City Silver Gate and Red Lodge – this scenic highway is wild, full of switchbacks, and quite extraordinary
  • Chill in Billings, Montana, for a night or two. Visit the Red Oxx Luggage Factory and their historic downtown
  • Onwards to more natural wonders now – take the scenic route via Devil’s Tower to Deadwood South Dakota. Enjoy an evening in the town where Wild Bill Kickok died
  • The road trips around the scenic Black Hills are awesome – use Keystone or Rapid City as a base
  • Spend a few days exploring Custer State Park, Needles Highway, Mount Rushmore, and Wind Cave National Park
  • Head east to Badlands National Park if you have time – this other-worldly landscape is captivating.
  • If you’re flying out of Denver, be sure to stop at Carhenge in Alliance , Nebraska on the way home – this scale replica of Stonehenge in England is made out of old cars!

Grand Teton National Park

4. Route 66 Lite : Highlights or Bust

To drive the whole of Route 66 and to really get the most out of it, you need a month at least. I know some folks who have taken 6+ months to drive it, taking in every twist and turn, every oddity, and every side road. But I’ve dubbed this 2-week road trip ‘Route 66 Lite’ – taking in the highlights!

Highlights for your itinerary:

  • Start with 2-3 days in the fabulous city of Chicago ! Blues music, unparalleled pizza, and architectural highlights will keep you busy
  • First stop, St. Louis – home of the Gateway Arch, fabulous barbecue, and interesting westward pioneer history. In fact, all the way along your Route 66 journey you will find stories of westward migrants; including those who left the “dustbowl” and pushed west during the Great Depression.
  • There is a good intact section of original Route 66 highway between Springfield, MO, and Tulsa, OK
  • In Texas, fun stops include Cadillac Ranch, the U-drop Inn and the restored Magnolia gas station in Shamrock. Stop at the Mid-Point Cafe in Adrian Texas and celebrate reaching halfway!
  • Try to coordinate reaching Albuquerque for their annual hot air balloon festival in October
  • One of the well preserved and still well-visited sections of Route 66 is between Seligman and Kingman in Arizona. Probably due to the fact that this was one of the last sections to be bypassed
  • Don’t miss the dramatic mountain roads and a visit to Oatman. Left almost abandoned in the 1950s after a new route was installed between Kingman and Needles. Oatman is home to the wild burros (donkey descendants of pack animals abandoned there). They swagger into town and take advantage of thrilled tourists
  • As you wind down towards Santa Monica, there are lots of stops off Route 66 to visit. Such as Joshua Tree, in case you fancy taking longer than 2 weeks.

A Route 66 road trip is very much about enjoying the road and the roadside culture along the way, rather than stopping for long breaks in cities. It’s all about the journey, not the destinations on this occasion.

View north towards Oak Street Beach, Chicago

5. Southern USA Road Trip : The Classics

You could spend months exploring the southern states of the USA. An area rich in tumultuous history, it is also home of the blues, barbecue and incredible natural beauty. While the mosquitos might be the size of birds, and the humidity will make your hair curl, The South is one of the friendliest and fantastic areas to discover on a US road trip.

  • Start your trip in Miami Beach. Get a dose of Art Deco architecture, nightlife and beach life. The juxtaposition between the buzz of Miami and the quiet of the Everglades will make you appreciate both more
  • You must take a tour of the Everglades while in Florida – seeing alligators in the wild, herons, turtles and more is such a thrill
  • Seeing the sunrise from Cocoa Beach and exploring the Cape Canaveral National Seashore is a great pitstop along the Florida coast
  • Head on up to Georgia and take a trip out to Cumberland Island from St Marys to see the Dungeness Mansion ruins + lots of wild horses. Followed by a day or two in Savannah . A city with an awesome vibe, great food; it also happens to be one of the few US cities where you can drink alcohol on the street! If you’re looking for a beach break, take a day trip out to Tybee Island .

On a 2-week road trip, you can either keep heading north to the Carolinas, or you can veer inland to the mountains. Here are some suggested ideas for your second week of road tripping in the south.

  • Head north from Savannah and enjoy Hilton Head Island and the historic town of Beaufort
  • Spend some time in the opulent city of Charleston. With it’s beautiful townhouses and southern charm, Charleston is a must if you are road-tripping the east coast
  • Other fun spots along the South Carolina coast include historic Georgetown and the buzzing Myrtle Beach !
  • End your 2-week road-trip in Wilmington, North Carolina (keep an eye out for Dawson’s Creek filming locations)

The Mountains

  • Head inland from Savannah, via the cute town of Forsyth, Georgia ; and eat Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
  • Take a quick stopover in Atlanta before heading into the mountains. Be sure to visit the Martin Luther King Jr National Monument
  • Now it is time to enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountains for a few days. The scenic drives around Gatlinburg are just spectacular – AAAND RELAX!

Art Deco architecture on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach

6. Mississippi River : Great River Road and Beyond

There is something special about the Mighty Mississippi river. Whether it is the history of this important trade route, or the natural beauty as it cuts through the landscape from Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota; a road trip down the Mississippi River is an enriching one.

The Great River Road runs 3000 miles through 10 states, and would take you more than 2-weeks ideally. But here are the highlights for a two-week trip.

You can combine parts of this road trip with the Route 66 itinerary above. Or add it to the Southern USA trip and create a loop after visiting the Smoky Mountains.

Itinerary Ideas

  • Start in St Louis or Memphis, depending on how much time you have and how fast you want to travel. If you want to have a decent couple of days in each place, start from Memphis. Got a bit more time? Plan to hop to a new place each day, start from St Louis or even Minnesota!
  • If you’re starting from Minnesota, check out my friend Michele’s write up of Hannibal MO , home of Huck Finn.
  • Check out the cute river towns of Grafton and Alton. It’s the little places with big heart that show what the Mississippi River has to offer
  • St Louis features in my highlights of Route 66 above – so you can take in a little bit of motoring history + enjoy some barbecue
  • Next stop is the Shawnee National Forest – take a hike in the Garden of the Gods
  • Onwards to Memphis, whose history is inextricably linked to the river. I absolutely recommend you visit Sun Studios and Graceland if you can. And while Beale Street is a gas to see, it’s pretty rough and rowdy… so I suggest you head out to Overton Square for some live music and great restaurants
  • Take the 61 highway out of Memphis and head to Clarksdale Mississippi for a couple of days. Why Clarksdale? Because blues music is in it’s water, and you won’t get anything more authentic
  • Next on the itinerary is Vicksburg. Home to a key Civil War battle, you can learn about the military history while you are there
  • Natchez is your next port of call. Full of antebellum architecture and southern charm, Natchez was a pivotal city for European settlers. Be sure to check out Natchez-Under-the-Hill, this cute historic part of town used to be a stop-off for traders, and was known for its brothels! Nowadays, the establishments of ill-repute are just saloons and craft shops
  • Finish your 2-week USA road trip down the Mississippi in the sassy city of New Orleans . I adore the vibe here, the bottomless brunches, the music, and the food. Taking a cemetery or walking tour is a must.

Almost all of these stops along the Mississippi have opportunities for riverboat cruises, and I suggest you do at least one!

Mighty Mississippi at Natchez - Six Fun 2-Week Road Trip Ideas in the USA - HH Lifestyle Travel

I hope this guide helps you to fulfil your 2 week USA road trip dreams – don’t forget the road trip snacks !

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.

Six Fun 2-Week Road Trip Ideas in the USA - HH Lifestyle Travel

Advisory : Please follow the advice from official government sources and local authorities regarding travel restrictions. Read and be inspired, and pin it for later!

travel around america 2 weeks

Hannah Henderson Travel Writer : Photographer : Foodie : Kiwi in France via Scotland

5 Scotland Road Trips That Aren’t the NC500

A weekend in the alsace, france, 5 thoughts on “six fun 2-week road trip ideas in the usa”.

Love this! I’m taking a road trip this weekend to Colorado and couldn’t be more excited. They’re truly the best!

I love your lists! I haven’t been on any of them, but they do sound like a lot of fun. Living in the South, I really should embark on the Southern USA Road Trip : The Classics.

I love road trips! You have given so many details and I am so appreciative! Will be saving this post for when I go on my next road trip:)

What great trip suggestions!!!! They are all awesome., don’t know which I would pick first. The desert trip and the Pacific Highway trip sound amazing!!

We love to road trip this is great and so helpful!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Six Fun 2-Week Road Trip Ideas in the USA - HH Lifestyle Travel

  • Volcanoes National Park
  • South Africa
  • Sary-Chelek
  • Pamir Highway
  • Turkmenistan
  • Kashgar Old City
  • Dali Old Town
  • Gobi Desert
  • Lake Khövsgöl
  • Orkhon Valley
  • Ulaan Baatar
  • Flores Island
  • Philippines
  • Hunza Valley
  • Phander Valley
  • Kalash Valley
  • Wilpattu National Park
  • Kakadu National Park
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Kangaroo Island
  • Sepik River
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • St Vincent & Grenadines
  • Katmai National Park
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Everglades National Park
  • Big Island of Hawaii
  • New York City
  • Washington State
  • Provence & French Riviera
  • Hormuz Island
  • Jericoacoara
  • Galapagos Islands
  • Heli, Air & Balloon
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Horseback-Riding
  • Tropical Forests
  • National Parks
  • Off-Road Adventures
  • Kiteboarding
  • Scuba-Diving
  • Rafting & Kayaking
  • Cruising & Sailing
  • Winter & Snow
  • Packing List
  • Travel Safety
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Stock Photos
  • Photo Books
  • Photo Calendars

Destinations » North America » USA

Ze Wandering Frogs

Hike, kite, dive – adventure travel with a french twist, west coast usa road trip itinerary: 2 weeks.

travel around america 2 weeks

Defining what makes the best California road trips depends on expectations. Some will want to eat their way through the famous culinary spots California is famous. Others will want to sip local wine. Or maybe want to explore theme parks. So much to do and see in California! For this West Coast USA road trip itinerary, we will focus on adventurous things to do, outdoor activities, US national parks, and water sports.

You can start your road trip from either San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas. The below itinerary starts from San Francisco, but you can jump at any time if you start from any of the other two cities.

West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary // San Francisco Sightseeing by Trolley

San Francisco Sightseeing by Trolley

The itinerary can be done either as a loop returning to the city of origin, or rent a car from one and leave it at another. This would certainly be an easy option with San Francisco to/from Los Angeles as this is the same state of California.

  • Day 1: Fly into San Francisco airport
  • Day 2: San Francisco Alcatraz and city sightseeing
  • Day 3: Yosemite National
  • Day 4: Death Valley
  • Day 5: Las Vegas
  • Day 6: Bryce National Park
  • Day 7: Zion National Park
  • Day 8: Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon
  • Day 9: Joshua Tree National Park
  • Day 10: San Diego
  • Day 11: Los Angeles
  • Day 12: Santa Monica & La Jolla
  • Day 13: San Luis Obispo & Monterey
  • Day 14: San Francisco

West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary // Biking over the Golden Gate Bridge

Biking over the Golden Gate Bridge

Top Places to Visit in California

Among the best places to visit in California, here are some of the must-see California attractions:

  • San Francisco
  • Los Angeles
  • Santa Monica
  • Yosemite National Park
  • Sequoia National Park
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Mojave National Preserve

West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary // Trekking in the Sierra Nevada mountains: Desolation Wilderness

Trekking in the Sierra Nevada mountains: Desolation Wilderness

Adventurous Things to Do In California

For those looking into thrilling experiences, check one of these top California activities:

  • Trek in Bryce Canyon National Park or Yosemite National Park
  • Kayak in La Jolla or at the Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe
  • Kitesurf in San Francisco Bay Area
  • Take a flightseeing helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon
  • Surf in Los Angeles
  • Bike over the Golden Gate Bridge or through the Napa Valley
  • Take a boat to the Channel Islands
  • Go whale-watching from San Diego or Monterey Bay
  • Horseback ride in the Sierra Nevada mountains

West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary // Kiteboarding San Francisco Bay Area: Sherman Island Sunset

Kiteboarding San Francisco Bay Area: Sherman Island Sunset

More details will come shortly to provide complete information about our trip, including travel tips and how to organize your West Coast Road Trip itinerary.

For now, here are some West Coast photos that will make you want to pack and go right away!

Stay tuned for more from our  travel around the world ! Follow us on  Facebook  and  Instagram  for more recent photos, and  YouTube  for our latest videos.  

More travel news? Sign-up for our newsletter!

Related Posts

travel around america 2 weeks

Patricia - Ze Wandering Frogs

Bonjour! I am Patricia Pagenel, the founder with Bruno Chartier of this adventure travel blog - Ze Wandering Frogs, where we share our travel tips and personal experiences from traveling in 50+ countries. We have been on a world trip since 2016, looking for exciting new adventures. Our work has been featured on Viator, National Geographic, Huffington Post, and ASEAN Tourism. Find out more about Ze Wandering Frogs in our About Us, our Portfolio, and Partners that worked with us. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to explore the world with us and start planning your own itineraries.

April 12, 2016

California , Things to Do & See , USA

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

Subscribe to our mailing list

Latest tweets, text widget.

These widgets are displayed because you haven't added any widgets of your own yet. You can do so at Appearance > Widgets in the WordPress settings.

© 2024 Ze Wandering Frogs - Privacy & Cookies

  • North America Tours
  • USA 2-Week Itinerary And Tours

USA 2-Week Tours and Itineraries

Discover the best 2-Week multi-day tours in USA with Bookmundi. We offer a total of 20 USA 2-Week tours and itineraries with 17 customer reviews.

  • USA Travel Guide
  • 12 Things to do in the USA

20 Trips in USA with 17 Reviews

Southern Explorer Tour

  • Starts New York, USA
  • Ends Miami, USA

Southern Explorer

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Tour Type Group Tour
  • Activities Explorer
  • Accommodation Hotel
  • Transport Bus, Coach & Boat
  • Age Range 18-39 yrs
  • Operated in English
  • Brochure Price: US$ 4,055
  • Special Deal (40%): - US$ 1,622
  • Total Price from: US$ 2,433
  • Apr 26 10+ seats left
  • May 24 10+ seats left
  • View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

New York To Miami Tour

New York to Miami

  • Trip customizable
  • Activities City sightseeing & Chill out
  • Transport Coach & Boat
  • Age Range 13-99 yrs
  • Apr 26 Only 10 seats left
  • May 24 Only 10 seats left

Deserts And Canyons Of The Southwest Tour

  • Starts Las Vegas, USA
  • Ends Las Vegas, USA

Deserts and Canyons of the Southwest

  • Tour Type Small Group Tour
  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Walking tours Trekking and Hiking , Walking tours & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='16256'>+1 more
  • Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
  • Transport Helicopter & 4WD Jeep
  • Age Range 18-99 yrs
  • Apr 14 10+ seats left
  • May 04 Only 6 seats left

Route 66: New York To Los Angeles

  • Ends Los Angeles, USA

Route 66: New York To Los Angeles

  • Tour Type Independent Tour
  • Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture
  • Accommodation Hotel & Resort
  • Transport Flight, Private Vehicle, Ferry & Boat
  • Mar 14 Only 10 seats left
  • Mar 19 Only 10 seats left

Grand Canyon, Yellowstone And Rocky Mountain Trails

  • Starts Salt Lake City, USA

Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Trails

  • Activities Trekking and Hiking & Walking tours Trekking and Hiking , Walking tours & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='16277'>+1 more
  • Transport Train, Jeep & Ferry
  • May 12 10+ seats left
  • May 26 10+ seats left

Essential East Coast, Niagara And Chicago Tour

  • Ends Chicago, USA

Essential East Coast, Niagara and Chicago

  • Transport Bus, Boat & Train
  • Age Range 15-99 yrs
  • Apr 28 10+ seats left
  • May 05 10+ seats left

Utah, Nevada & California Tour

  • Ends San Francisco, USA

Utah, Nevada & California

  • Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & National parks
  • Accommodation Hotel, Camping & Hut
  • Transport Private Vehicle & Jeep
  • Brochure Price: US$ 3,805
  • Special Deal (5%): - US$ 190
  • Total Price from: US$ 3,615
  • Jun 15 Only 5 seats left
  • Jul 20 Only 8 seats left

East Coast USA And Canada Tour

  • Ends New York, USA

East Coast USA and Canada

  • Activities Explorer & Cultural, religious and historic sites
  • Age Range 5-99 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 5,347
  • Special Deal (15%): - US$ 802
  • Total Price from: US$ 4,545
  • Apr 26 Only 7 seats left
  • May 10 Only 5 seats left

Zion To San Francisco Adventure Tour

Zion to San Francisco Adventure

  • Transport Jeep & Private Vehicle
  • Age Range 12-95 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 4,649
  • Special Deal (10%): - US$ 465
  • Total Price from: US$ 4,184
  • May 27 Only 4 seats left
  • Jun 03 Only 6 seats left

Best Of The American West Tour

  • Starts Los Angeles, USA

Best of the American West

  • Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites
  • Accommodation Resort & Hotel
  • Transport Private Vehicle
  • Age Range 8-95 yrs
  • Apr 03 10+ seats left
  • Apr 10 10+ seats left

The American South Tour

  • Starts Atlanta, USA
  • Ends Atlanta, USA

The American South

  • Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing
  • Transport Coach, Boat & Bus
  • Apr 20 10+ seats left
  • May 04 10+ seats left

Best Of The South: Atlanta To New Orleans Tour

  • Ends New Orleans, USA

Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans

  • Jul 04 Only 9 seats left
  • Jul 18 Only 10 seats left

Hawaii Hiking The Aloha Isles Tour

  • Starts Join Kona, USA
  • Ends Maui, USA

Hawaii Hiking the Aloha Isles

  • Activities Adventure & Walking tours Adventure , Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking 'data-more-tripid='37384'>+1 more
  • Transport Flight, 4WD Jeep & Boat
  • Mar 31 Only 10 seats left

U.S. Small Group Tour - The Best Of The West

  • Starts California, USA
  • Ends California, USA

U.S. Small Group Tour - The Best of the West

  • Accommodation Hotel, Lodge & Resort
  • Transport Coach, Private Vehicle, Ferry & Helicopter
  • Jun 14 Only 10 seats left

USA 2-Weeks Tour Reviews

  • USA budget tours
  • Eco tours in USA
  • USA guided tours
  • USA family tour packages
  • USA luxury tours
  • USA private tours
  • USA self-guided tours
  • USA small group tours
  • USA solo trips
  • USA tailor-made vacation packages
  • USA tours for senior citizens
  • USA tours for young adults
  • USA group tours
  • USA last minute deals
  • USA travel deals

travel around america 2 weeks

Best price guaranteed - No booking fees

Free cancellation on most trips

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Guided by Destiny

The Perfect 2-Week Southeast USA Road Trip Itinerary

This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.

Maybe you can relate, but road trips totally made a comeback for me when COVID hit. I knew that travel could still be done, it just was going to look different. This two-week southern USA road trip that we ended up taking actually was in place of our two-week Hawaii trip we had to postpone.

This ended up being such a special trip full of so many amazing places! That’s why I’m here to spill the PERFECT southeast USA road trip itinerary!

One thing that made this road trip so amazing was that we had such a variety. Each city was so different from the one before it. We did small mountain towns, big cities, little beach towns, and cities that exuded southern charm. I mean really, you won’t get bored with the scenery on this road trip . 

Table of Contents

2-week Southeast USA road trip itinerary

Day 1: st. simons and jekyll island.

If you’re coming from Tampa, St. Simons Island is about a 4 ½ hour drive. It was the perfect distance for a pit stop and a great way to break up the drive . 

St. Simons and Jekyll Islands are both part of the Golden Isles, which make up Georgia’s coast between Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah, Georgia. They’re known for their marshes and beaches, and a must-stop. For a full itinerary for the islands check out this post !

TIP: You can start with whichever island you want to first, but we felt St. Simons was more of a daytime spot, while we wanted to enjoy Driftwood Beach and some of the restaurants on Jekyll Island around sunset. You will drive right past Jekyll Island to go to St. Simons Island, so the choice is up to you in which order you want to visit them!

Enjoying a pulled pork sandwich in front of Southern Soul Smokehouse mural

Day 1- 4: Savannah, Georgia

After you’ve enjoyed your nice little day trip to the two islands, make your way to Savannah, Georgia. Just an hour and a half drive and you’re there and ready to call it a night! Or maybe you’re ready to rage.

We got settled in and went to bed so we could wake up refreshed and get off to an early start in one of my favorite cities.

Serving you southern food and charm, you won’t be able to get over how picturesque and interesting Savannah is. We visited when many restaurants and activities weren’t quite up and running yet, but we still found PLENTY to do.

Check out my guide on how to spend a weekend in Savannah !

Olde Pink House in Savannah Georgia

Day 4-5: Charleston, South Carolina 

Cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and more of that Southern charm can be expected as you make your way to Charleston. It’s a 3 ½ hour drive from Savannah and a beautiful drive at that. 

I found Charleston to be beautiful, charming, and rich with history, but to be honest it wasn’t our favorite place. We initially planned on spending two days here but decided to move on early.

That being said, Charleston is some people’s favorite city! The beautiful thing about road trips is they are flexible! So, if you prefer, you can always do 2 days here and do fewer days in one of the cities later mentioned!

Check out my Charleston highlights here !

Fall foliage in Charleston on cobblestone streets

Days 5-7: Charlotte, North Carolina 

Once you’re ready to hit the road from Charleston, you’ll be embarking on a 3-hour drive over to Charlotte. Charlotte reminded me a lot of Tampa. Charlotte has this high-energy cosmopolitan vibe. It’s known as a university town, but also a huge business and financial hub. Think rooftops , food halls, breweries , and speakeasies (see, just like Tampa !).

Views from rooftop in Charlotte, North Carolina

Day 7-8 Boone, North Carolina

Boone is a stop that we added last minute since we left Charleston early, but wow am I glad we did! This small, charming mountain town will be one of your trip highlights! It sits right atop the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and is 20 minutes from Grandfather Mountain.

Sitting atop a mountain at Blowing Rock

I recommend waking up early on day 8 so you can get to Grandfather Mountain when it opens. The swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain is so epic! The hours vary depending on the season— check here for hours and rates for your visit. They are requiring tickets to be purchased online, so make sure to reserve your time slot.

Foggy morning on Mile High swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain

Day 8-11 Asheville, North Carolina

The drives just keep getting easier and easier— in a short 1 ½ hour drive from Grandfather Mountain, you’ll be in gorgeous Asheville! Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this gorgeous spot is known for housing the Biltmore Estate.

Along with that, it also has an amazing art scene, fun breweries, and coffee shops, as well as exciting outdoor activities. For my Florida people, Asheville is like our St. Pete !

Here’s a full Asheville guide if you want more!

Walking up to Biltmore Estate in Asheville

Day 11-12 Helen, Georgia

Leave Asheville at a decent time so you can make it to Helen by lunch! It’s just a 2 ½ hour drive, so as long as you hit the road by 10 am you should be good. If you can spend an extra day here, I recommend it.

Helen was one of our FAVORITE stops on the trip! You are going to fall in LOVE with this adorable Bavarian town! It will have you convinced you’ve left the country.

For where to stay, what to do, and even what not to do, read my posts on the absolute best things to do in Helen , a full guide to Helen, Georgia attractions , and a list of must-visit waterfalls in Helen !

Helen Georgia, Bavarian style town. perfect stop on two week road trip

Day 12-14 Chattanooga, Tennessee

Once you leave Helen, you’re off to your last stop on the road trip! After a 2 ½ hour drive, you’ll be in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chattanooga isn’t named the scenic city for nothing.

You are going to be surrounded by beautiful natural attractions and amazing hiking trails. But, don’t worry, if you’re a little beat after your previous road trip stops you’ll also be able to find plenty of leisure activities and lots of great food!

Want to know where to stay, eat, and play in Chattanooga? Check out this post for your perfect weekend in Chattanooga !

Foster falls hike in Tennessee

When is the best time to go on a Southeast USA road trip

If you go between March and May you will be able to get nice weather as well as avoid the crowds. We went in the fall, and I would highly recommend going then. August-September the weather is starting to cool off, and kids are back in school so you can still potentially avoid some of the crowds you may experience if you visit in the summer.

We also did a lot of water activities like the Blue Hole (in Chattanooga), and tubing the Chattahoochee River (in Helen), and I feel like the water and weather temps were perfect for those activities to be enjoyable. 

Helen also has a pretty big Okto berfest annually that they celebrate in September if you want to plan your trip around that!

If you’re looking for another fall road trip suggestion, check out my New England fall road trip itinerary !

drinking a beer at King Ludwigs in Helen Georgia

Have you ever done a big Southeast USA road trip like this? Let me know in the comments! 

Not sure what to pack up the car with on your 2-week road trip? Check out my ultimate road trip packing list and road trip Amazon suggestions ! And be sure to check out my Insta @guidedbydestiny for more road trip adventures and Florida content!

Perfect two week southeast US round-trip itinerary

11 Comments

What a beautiful road trip! I live in the UK but dream of doing a US road trip one day! This itinerary looks incredible! I especially like the look of Helen, what a beautiful place! I hope I get a chance to visit. Thanks for the great guide!

Helen was such an amazing addition to the road trip! I hope you do get to experience this trip someday 🙂

Such a great guide! I’ve never really thought of doing this drive until now! Asheville has been on my list for a while too!

I’m telling ya, road trips are my new favorite! Love how much you can see in such a short period of time!

This Southeast USA road trip guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

This sounds like an epic road trip! Would love to check out all these great places in the southeast!

I haven’t been on a Southeast road trip since I was a kid. It looks like it’s time to see the Southeast again!

We hit North Carolina last fall in October and loved the Fall foliage. Yet, now that I have seen your post, I need to go back to visit Helen and then plan to spend time in South Carolina. Beautiful pictures.

Yes!! Helen was so amazing!

As someone from NC I highly recommend visiting grandfather mountain! Also check out cherokee, nc and maggie valley, nc! For beaches Wilmington is very popular and the best but I am being bias since i was born there.

Yes! I love Wilmington so much! It was just too far out of the way for us for this trip, definitely going to look into the other spots you mentioned for next time, I appreciate the recs!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

travel around america 2 weeks

Français

2 weeks road trip in USA West Coast: the ultimate itinerary

Usa west coast itinerary 2 weeks: the perfect 14-15 days road trip.

You’re planning to spend 2 weeks in the American West  for your next trip?

Excellent idea!

In order to help you plan your trip, I have prepared for you a 2 weeks road trip itinerary in USA West Coast . During your trip, you will discover all the best places to visit on this part of the United States!

In this travel guide, in addition to the must-see attractions, I will also give you all my best tips as well as my list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do during your 14-15 day trip to USA West Coast?

Let’s discover Los Angeles , Las Vegas , the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco and a lot more!

Renting a car for your 2 weeks road trip in the USA (West Coast)

Where to stay in los angeles, where to stay in las vegas, where to stay around the grand canyon, day 5 – grand canyon, where to stay in monument valley, where to stay around lake powell, where to stay in bryce canyon, where to stay in zion national park, where to stay around death valley, where to stay in mammoth lakes, where to stay in the yosemite, where to stay in san francisco, day 14 – san francisco, day 15 – san francisco, 14 or 16 days west coast itinerary, get your esta (electronic system for travel authorization), travel insurance, driving in the us, map of your 2 weeks itinerary in usa west coast, you’re traveling in the us these articles will help you.

To visit the west coast of the United States for 2 weeks, you’ll need a car. Don’t even think about doing this road trip by public transport, it’s impossible!

To rent a car , you should use Rentalcars.com website.

It’s the one I use for all my trips, as it’s super convenient: it allows you to compare all the rental companies’ rates in just one click and to book your car rental at the best price!

And if you don’t have an insurance with your credit card, you can opt for the  “Full Protection Insurance” , to be fully refunded in case of accident or theft.  Tested and approved! (They refunded me more than 1200€ to date!)

For this itinerary, you will need to rent a car in Los Angeles and return it in San Francisco.

If you already know your travel dates to the American West, symply click on the button below to compare prices and rent your car: 

To rent a car in the United States, you need to:

  • Be over 21 years old
  • Have a valid license from your country of residence (you must have your driver’s license for at least 12 months)
  • Have an international license: it’s not mandatory but more and more rental companies require it, so it’s better to have it (especially if your driver’s licence is not in English)
  • Provide a credit card in the name of the main driver
  • Present your passport.

Day 1 and day 2 – Los Angeles

So, pick-up your car in Los Angeles’ airport and let’s start your 2 weeks road trip across the USA West Coast  by visiting LA!

Begin your journey with the iconic Hollywood Sign .

Located atop Mount Lee, this global emblem of the entertainment industry offers an excellent photo-op, especially if you go to Lake Hollywood Park’s viewpoint .

But don’t just stop at the bottom!

There are various hiking trails leading up to the sign that offer panoramic views of the city .

You can also opt for a walk with a guide, who will help you take superb photos. Click here for information and to book!

Your next stop should be the Griffith Observatory .

Not only does it offer breathtaking views of the city and the Hollywood sign, but the observatory itself is a very interesting visit if you’re interested in everything space related.

And if you’re traveling with kids, it’s a great educational spot and the entrance is free!

Then, head down to the Walk of Fame .

Stretching for more than a mile on Hollywood Boulevard, this famed sidewalk is home to over 2,600 brass stars embedded in the sidewalks. You can spot your favorite celebrities’ stars and take a picture of them.

And you know what? You can even have your own star with your name on it! It will be a great souvenir of your 2-week USA West Coast road trip itinerary.

You need to book the “Get your own Star” activity in advance by clicking here.

Hollywood sign sunset

During your first day in Los Angeles, you should also take a drive through Sunset Boulevard. This legendary boulevard boasts historic landmarks and is soaked in Hollywood history.

For some upscale sights, drive to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills . Even if high-end shopping isn’t on your agenda, the luxurious ambiance and the chance of a celebrity sighting make it worth a visit.

If celebrity spotting is high on your list, you should opt for a guide tour of celebrities homes in Beverly Hills.

Simply click on the green button below for more info and to book:

In the afternoon, make your way to Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park . The cool ocean breeze, the sunset, and the bustling activities make it the perfect spot to relax at the end of the day.

You can enjoy the rides, try local delicacies, or simply spend some time on the beach.

To conlude the first day of your USA West Coast trip itinerary, with a visit to Venice Beach . Known for its bohemian spirit, Muscle Beach, and vibrant boardwalk, it’s a lively place to people-watch.

There are also a lot of shops and restaurants.

Spend your first night in Los Angeles.

If you don’t want to bother with transport, I recommend booking this guided bus tour , which includes all the stops of my itinerary . It’s super convenient!

Click here to book your full-day guided tour of LA!

Santa Monica Pier

For the 2nd day of  your 14, 15 or 16 days USA West Coast itinerary, you should spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

This theme park is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood studios in use.

Given the popularity of Universal Studios, you really need to book your skip the line ticket in advance . This way, you can make the most of your time at the park without spending hours in queues.

You need to book your ticket by clicking on the green button below. You can choose between the “Normal” or “Express” (the best choice if you want to do as many rides as possible!) ticket upon booking.

Inside the park, you’ll find a combination of thrilling rides, shows, and real working movie studios.

Some must-visit attractions include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter , Despicable Me Minion Mayhem , and the Studio Tour that offers a behind-the-scenes look at famous movie sets. And let’s not forget the all-new open world: Super Nintendo World!

This is really a must-visit during your west coast road trip, but if you’re not a fan of theme parks , you can also continue your visit to the city.

For more information about Los Angeles , you should read my detailed article: The best things to do in LA .

Spend another night in Los Angeles.

As you probably know, hotels are quite expensive in Los Angeles, and the hotels offering the best value for money are fully booked very quickly.

To get the best rate, you should really book your accommodation in L.A as soon as you have your travel dates!

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in Los Angeles:

  • HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel: Located 200 meters from Santa Monica beach. Dormitory beds from €50. Strong points: cleanliness, location next to the ocean. The perfect hostel if you’re looking for a cheap accommodation in Los Angeles.
  • El Royale Hotel – Near Universal Studios Hollywood: Located close to Universal Studios, comfortable and spacious double room from €190, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, free parking, comfortable beds.
  • Park Plaza Lodge: Located close to LACMA and Farmers market. Modern and comfortable double room from €190. Benefits: swimming pool, parking, convenient location for sightseeing.
  • citizenM Los Angeles Downtown: Located in Downtown Los Angeles, 400 metres from City Hall. Brightly decorated contemporary double room with large window overlooking the city, from €260, breakfast €19. Strong points: design, friendly staff, panoramic view of LA.
  • Loews Hollywood Hotel: Located next to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Beautiful double rooms, some with views of the Hollywood sign, from €255, breakfast €33. Strong points: heated swimming pool, geographical location, direct access to the shopping centre with lots of restaurants and a casino. My favorite hotel in LA for its excellent value for money!
  • Pendry West Hollywood: This 5-star hotel on Sunset Boulevard offers sublime, elegantly decorated rooms with large picture windows. From €620 per night, breakfast €56. Strong points: the rooftop pool, the view over Los Angeles, the design of the hotel.
  • Shutters On The Beach: Magnificent 5-star hotel located directly on Santa Monica beach. Rooms with balcony and some with ocean views from €880, breakfast €46. Strong points: the view, the good restaurant, the style of the hotel, the swimming pool, the attentive staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Los Angeles!

Shutters on the Beach Where to stay in Los Angeles

Day 3 – Las Vegas

Next stop on your 2-week USA West Coast trip itinerary is Las Vegas , nestled in the heart of the Nevada desert.

It takes just over 4 hours to drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

I will give a typical itinerary for one day in Las Vegas, but don’t worry if you can’t do everything on day 3, you will have a bit more time to visit the city on the next morning. 

Let’s start with a quick visit to the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign . Snap a picture here; it’s a rite of passage for any Las Vegas visitor and a fitting start to your day in Sin City.

Then, get your adrenaline pumping next at New York – New York with the Big Apple Roller coaster . The twists, turns, and loops, combined with the fantastic views of the Vegas Strip, make this a must-do activity for thrill-seekers.

Your next stop should be the MGM Grand . Known for its casino and top-notch restaurants , you can easily spend a few hours exploring this huge iconic hotel.

A little bit further, don’t miss the Bellagio Hotel and its world-renowned fountain show . This water performance, set to light and music, is a visual treat and a hallmark of Las Vegas luxury.

Continue your journey down the strip to the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. While it’s only half the size of the real thing, the views from the top are spectacular, offering a panoramic view over the bustling strip below.

High Roller Observation Wheel

It’s now time to go to the grand Caesars Palace. With high-end shops, top-tier entertainment, and bustling casinos , it encapsulates the essence of Las Vegas luxury.

Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth walking through to admire its grand interior!

For an adrenaline rush, you can also try the Fly Linq Zipline Las Vegas (book it here!) .

Next, head to the Venetian , which features many architectural details directly inspired by the Italian city of Venice. You’ll even find canals and gondolas!

To end you day in style, you can head to Downtown Las Vegas and the Freemont Street Experience . This five-block entertainment district offers free nightly shows and live concerts, encapsulating the spirit of old-school Vegas.

Spend the night in Las Vegas in one of the hotels I selected for you.

For more details on the places you shouldn’t miss in Las Vegas, you should read my dedicated article here: The 30 best things to do in Las Vegas.

When the sun sets, Las Vegas truly comes alive. Here are some nighttime activities you should consider:

  • Ascend the STRAT observation platform (book your tickets here!) at sunset for breathtaking views of the city.
  • Experience the city’s from the Ferris wheel (click here to book!) .
  • Attend a show! Whether it’s a magic act , a comedy show , or a grand performance like Cirque du Soleil , Las Vegas’s offers some of the best shows in the world.
  • Embark on an helicopter tour to fly over the iconic Las Vegas strip!

New York – New York hotel and casino Vegas

There are a lot of hotels in Las Vegas, and choosing the best for your stay can be a bit complicated.

In order to help you out, I have selected for you  the best hotels in Las Vegas depending on your budget.

As always, to get the best prices, you should  book your hotel as early as possible*!

*And a little clarification: in Las Vegas prices can explode for weekends or if there is a special event during a the day of the week. For example, you can have a night at Caesars Palace for €140 and the next day it will be €1,600.

Please note that prices “start from”, they can vary greatly (and I’ve got nothing to do with that 😅).

In any case, I can always help you find a hotel within your budget if you ask me in the comments.

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay at on the Strip:

  • Excalibur: With its castle-themed structure, it’s a hit among families and offers affordable rates starting at 70€ per night. Strong points: comfortable beds, size of rooms, price. An excellent choice for cheap accommodation on the Las Vegas Strip!
  • Luxor: Have you ever dreamt of sleeping in a pyramid? Well, in Las Vegas you can! Double room from €80. Strong points: helpful staff, big bedroom, connected to Excalibur and Mandalay hotels.
  • Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino: This famous 5-star hotel on the Strip offers rooms from €140. Strong points: its architecture, beautiful pools, nice and clean rooms.
  • Treasure Island Hotel & Casino: Double room from 170€. Plus points: spacious room, fridge in the room, great location on the strip, self check-in so you don’t have to wait, self parking.
  • Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino: Hotel located opposite the Eiffel Tower. Double room from 225€. Strong points: good restaurants, room and hotel decor, very comfortable.
  • Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World : Double room from 290€. Strong points: room and facilities are new, great pool area, super comfy bed, super clean. This is my recommendation for a top-of-the-range stay in Las Vegas!
  • Bellagio: I can’t forget to mention the Bellagio in my selection of the most beautiful hotels in Las Vegas! The hotel offers sumptuous rooms from €480. Strong points: very luxurious, perfect location for exploring the Strip, fountain view. This is my recommendation for a deluxe stay in Las Vegas!

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay in Downtown Las Vegas / Fremont Street:

  • The D Las Vegas: Double room from 75€. Strong points: the price, friendly staff, clean, free parking.
  • Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino: Nice and clean double room from 85€. Strong points: pool terrace, comfortable bed, great location, big room.
  • Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Las Vegas: Double room from 110€. Strong points: free parking, huge room.
  • Circa Resort & Casino – Adults only: Double room from 180€. Strong points: rooftop bar, swimming pool area, new and modern.

Bellagio Where to stay in Las Vegas

Day 4 – From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon – Route 66

On Day 4 of your 2-week USA West Coast itinerary , let’s go for a scenic drive from Vegas to  the Grand Canyon.

But first, if there were attractions in Las Vegas you didn’t manage to squeeze into Day 3, now is your chance. Whether it’s another round at the casinos or more shopping , take the morning to enjoy Vegas a bit more.

By midday , get ready for the road ahead. It will take you about 4.5 hour to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

Here are the iconic places you shouldn’t miss along the way:

1. Hoover Dam: Just about 40 minutes from Las Vegas, this engineering marvel stands tall on the Colorado River. It’s worth making a quick stop to snap a few pictures!

2. Historic Route 66: During your 2 weeks road trip on the west coast , take the opporunity to drive a stretch of the iconic Route 66. This historic highway, also known as the Main Street of America , offers a slice of classic America with its vintage shops, old-school diners, and picturesque landscapes.

3. Seligman: This picturesque town on Route 66 is a throwback to simpler times. With its charming retro vibe, diners, and vintage cars, it’s a delightful place for a short break.

As you approach the Grand Canyon, you can see vast desert vistas, red rock formations, and eventually, the first glimpses of the Grand Canyon’s majestic rim.

On arrival, check into your accommodation , rest a bit, and prepare for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

The Grand Canyon’s vastness and beauty deserve an entire day of your USA West Coast 2-week itinerary.

Mr D'z Route 66 Diner

You have 3 different options for sleeping near the Grand Canyon:

  • Grand Canyon Village, right on the edge of the Canyon
  • The town of Tusayan , 15 minutes from the Grand Canyon
  • The town of Williams , an hour from the Grand Canyon

At the Grand Canyon Village, you could sleep at:

  • Yavapai Lodge: Double room from €265. Strong points: free parking, the setting, close to the shops.
  • Maswick Lodge: Double room from 320€. Strong points: free parking, very big bedroom, close to the best sites and shuttles.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in Tusayan:

  • Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon, BW Signature Collection : Double room from 250€. Strong points: indoor and outdoor swimming pool, arcade, friendly staff, perfect location.
  • Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel : Double room from 260€. Strong points: free parking, very clean, swimming pool, proximity to the Grand Canyon.
  • The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon: Double room from 290€. Strong points: the friendliness of the staff, the decoration of the hotel, very comfortable, the peace and quiet.
  • Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel : Double room from 300€. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, close to restaurants, clean, spacious.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in Williams:

  • Travelodge by Wyndham Williams Grand Canyon : Double room from 80€, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, free parking, close to shops, fridge and coffee maker in room.
  • Ramada by Wyndham Williams/Grand Canyon Area : Double room from 100€. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, clean.
  • Comfort Inn near Grand Canyon: Double room from 130€, breakfast included. Strong points: indoor swimming pool, comfort of beds, size of rooms, good breakfast. This is my favorite hotel for its excellent value for money!
  • Quality Inn Near Grand Canyon : Double room from 135€, breakfast included. Strong points: spacious, clean and comfortable room.
  • La Quinta by Wyndham Williams-Grand Canyon Area : Double room from 175€, breakfast included. Strong points: new, modern hotel, lovely pool, free parking.

Route 66

For the 5th day of your west coast road trip in 2 weeks , you will have the chance to see the Grand Canyon , one of the most famous landscape in the world, carved over millions of years by the Colorado River.

On this day, you’ll explore South Rim, the most accessible and popular part of the Grand Canyon where you’ll find numerous viewpoints, each offering a different perspective of the canyon.

Here’s a quick list of the best activity to do:

  • Take the shuttle which runs alongside Hermit Road and stop at the different viewpoints: Mather Point / Trail View Overlook / Powell Point / Hopi Point / Mohave Point / Pima Point.
  • Desert View Drive: A scenic route with various viewpoints, including Grandview Point and the Desert View Watchtower , offering panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River. You will need to take your car for this road as there is no shuttle service.
  • Bright Angel Trail: For those looking to hike, this is one of the most popular trails, leading you down into the heart of the canyon. But this is a very difficult hike with a steep gradient, which has to be descended and then climbed! As the signs along the trail say “Down is optional / Up is mandatory”.  Allow between 9 and 12 hours for the hike.
  • Yavapai Point and Museum: Offers one of the best panoramic views of the canyon’s depth and breadth.
  • Go on an guided Hummer tour at sunset and stop at the best viewpoints. Book it here!

As the sun begins to set, take a moment to sit by the canyon’s edge, soak in its beauty, and bring back a few beautiful pictures home!

Grand Canyon Mather Point

And of course, if you want to take in the most splendid views , there’s one activity you absolutely must do: a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon! 

From the sky, the Grand Canyon is particularly impressive. It will for sure remain one of the best memories of your 2 week trip to the American West!

You need to book your helicopter flight by clicking on the button below:

If there is no more availability , you can also book with this other company (click here!) , it’s exactly the same thing.

Spend another night near the Grand Canyon.

There’s an entrance fee for all the national park in USA, which is approximately $30 / 35$ per park.

To save money, I’d recommend buying the “America the Beautiful Pass” , which costs $80 and gives you unlimited access to all the US national parks for 1 year. As long as you visit 3 parks during your stay, you’ll get your money’s worth!

The pass is valid for all occupants of the same vehicle.

You can buy the pass at the ticket booths at the park entrances or at the Visitor Center. 

Grand Canyon

Day 6 – Monument Valley

Moving forward in your 2 weeks in USA West Coast itinerary , Day 6 takes you to an iconic landscape that’s been the backdrop for countless movies and commercials: Monument Valley.

From Grand Canyon Village to Monument Valley Welcome center, it takes about 3 hours by car.

Located on the Arizona-Utah border , Monument Valley is famous for its red mesas and vast sandstone buttes, some reaching heights of more than 300m.

As Monument Valley is on Navajo Nation Land, the entrance isn’t included with the “America the Beautiful Pass”. It costs around 20$ per vehicle. 

You have 2 options to cover the 27-kilometer Monument Valley Scenic drive, which takes you around some of the most famous landmarks:

1) Make the journey in your own vehicle but the road can be a bit rough and bumpy, so a SUV or 4×4 is recommended, especially if it has rained in the days preceding your visit . You will also have to purchase a permit at the Visitor Center.

2) Taking a guided tour, one of the best ways to explore Monument Valley  and clearly the easiest solution!

Navajo guides offer unique insights into the history, legends, and the significance of the formations you see around. And they’ll be able to take you to places that are only accessible with them.

The tour I recommend takes in all the iconic sites of Monument Valley: West and East Mitten, 3 Sisters, John Ford Point, Moccasin Arch, Big Hogan, Sun’s Eye, North Window and Sleeping Dragon.

You will also visit the Navajo Tribal Park where you can learn more about the Navajo way of life and their deep connection to the land. You can also enjoy a traditional music show .

You need to book this guided tour in advance by clicking here:

This excursion is also available in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset. You need to book it here!

Spend the night around Monument Valley. Tomorrow, on Day 7 of your 2-week west coast USA road trip , you will have many more of beautiful places to discover.

  • Wetherill Inn : Located in the city of Kayenta. Double room from 140€. Strong points: clean, spacious bedroom, good breakfast.
  • Goulding’s Lodge : Located in Monument Valley. Double room from 190€. Strong points: the view over Monument Valley, comfortable room, good restaurant, location.
  • Hampton Inn Kayenta Monument Valley : Located in Kayenta. Double room from 230€, breakfast included. Strong points: swimming pool, typical Navajo cuisine, excellent breakfast, peace and quiet.

Monument Valley

Day 7 – Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend / Lake Powell

On Day 7 of your 2-week road trip in the USA , your itinerary takes you from the iconic mesas of Monument Valley to the twisted corridors of Antelope Canyon , and finally, to the tranquil waters of Lake Powell .

Start your day by heading towards Antelope Canyon, 1.5 hours by car from the town of Kayenta .

This slot canyon , shaped by erosion, is a photographer’s paradise. The way sunlight filters down the narrow, wave-like walls of the canyon creates a surreal environment.

There are two parts to Antelope Canyon: Upper and Lower. Both sections offer unique perspectives, so choose according to your interest (If you ask me, I would recommend the Upper Canyon!)

No matter which you choose, Guided tours are mandatory, and you need to book in advance by clicking on the green buttons below.

  • The Upper Canyon is more accessible and famous for its splendid shades of orange and red:
  • The Lower Canyon is deeper and narrower:

Antelope Canyon

After the mesmerizing experience at Antelope Canyon, head over to the famous Horseshoe Bend, only 15 minutes by car from Antelope.

A short hike from the parking lot will bring you to this must-see site during your 2-week stay in the American West. The spectacle of the Colorado River winding around this massive rock formation is breathtaking.

After taking as many photos as you like, your next stop is Lake Powell .

This man-made reservoir offers a stark contrast to the desert landscapes you’ve been traversing. Here, the Colorado River has carved out canyons that are now submerged, creating the perfect place for water-based activities.

You can choose to relax on its shores or or set off on a boat or kayak tour. Tours often cover the main attractions like Rainbow Bridge , one of the world’s largest natural bridges.

To end the day in style, admire the sunset over Lake Powell, and get back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep, as there is a lot more to explore on the next day of your USA West Coast trip itinerary in 2 weeks .

All the hotels I’ve selected are in the town of Page, close to Lake Powell:

  • Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell : Double room from 100€, breakfast included. Strong points: spacious room, clean, comfortable bedding. The perfect choice if you’re on a budget.
  • Baymont by Wyndham Page Lake Powell : Double room from 100€, breakfast included. Strong points: free parking, good breakfast, swimming pool and jacuzzi.
  • Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell : Double room from 140€, breakfast included. Strong points: nice outdoor area with the swimming pool and jacuzzi, bedroom with sitting area and kitchenette, close to bars and restaurants.
  • Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel : Double room from 160€, breakfast included. Strong points: superb views from the terrace, ideal location, comfortable and spacious room.
  • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Page, AZ : Double room from 170€, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly staff, modern rooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym. It’s the best option for a more high end stay!

Horseshoe Bend Colorado River

Day 8 – Bryce Canyon

Today, you will discover the unique landscapes of Bryce Canyon.

Bryce Canyon is a 2h40-minute drive from Lake Powell.

Bryce is renowned for its unique geology. It’s not a canyon in the traditional sense, but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters. Here you can discover hundreds of fairy chimneys, known as “Hoodos”. 

To get to the best viewpoints of the park , you should take the 29 kilometers scenic drive . The most famous viewpoints along the way Fairyland Point, Sunrise Point , Inspiration Point, Bryce Point Sunset Point, Natural Bridge and Agua Canyon.

They all offer unique perspectives of Bryce’s canyon impressive landscapes!

And if you are up for a hike, you should opt for the Navajo Loop Trail and Queen’s Garden Trail combination (around 2h30 total) , in my opinion the best option. It will take you right into the heart of the main amphitheater. 

And if you’re looking for a more extensive hike, the Peek-A-Boo Loop (3h30) offers a close encounter with the park’s main attractions.

If you don’t fancy taking your car to explore the park or if you want to add a fun activity during the day, there are several other ways to discover Bryce Canyon:

  • Free shuttle buses
  • A minivan tour with a local guide
  • A quad bike tour (Awesome!)
  • Hiking with a guide
  • Horse riding
  • Guided E-bike tour
  • A horse-drawn wagon ride.

All the hotels are located in Bryce Canyon City, just before the entrance to the national park.

  • Bryce Canyon Pines : Double room from 160€. Strong points: clean, good restaurant, swimming pool.
  • Bryce View Lodge Part of the Ruby’s Inn Resort : Double room from 185€, breakfast included. Strong points: big parking, quiet, indoor swimming pool.
  • Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn : Double room from 200€, breakfast included. Strong points: good breakfast and restaurant, big indoor swimming pool, spacious and comfortable bedroom.
  • Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel : Double room from 300€, breakfast included. Strong points: pleasant staff, heated swimming pool, free parking. The best choice for a more upscale stay!

Bryce Canyon

Day 9 – Zion National Park

On Day 9, head to one of the most iconic national parks in the US., Zion National Park, 1h45 drive from Bryce Canyon. 

Zion National Park , a part of the Greater Zion area , is renowned for its massive sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and a range of unique biodiversity.

To get a deeper understanding of the park’s geology and history, you should visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Zion Human History Museum.

After that you can take the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

It’s the best way to discover some of the most picturesque landscapes in the park. While private vehicles have limited access during peak seasons , the park shuttle service operates frequently.

In Zion, you will also find trails for every skill level:

  • The Narrows, one of the park’s most renowned hikes, takes you through the narrowest sections of Zion Canyon.
  • For adrenalin-seekers , Angel’s Landing offers incomparable views. But beware if you are afraid of heights : this hike is very difficult , especially in the final section where the path is barely a metre wide and bordered by a 300 metre drop…

The park also offers several great activities (click on the orange links fore more info and to book):

  • Horseback riding in Zion
  • Sunset jeep tour
  • Star-gazing with a guide
  • Helicopter flight

With Zion’s imposing cliffs behind you, you’d have experienced some of the best that a west coast road trip in 2 weeks can offer.

All the hotels are located in Springdale, the best place to stay close the entrance to the national park.

  • Zion Park Motel : Double room from 130€. Strong points: free parking, heated swimming pool, fridge and microwave in the room, shuttle bus to the park stops right outside.
  • La Quinta by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale : Double room from 190€,breakfast included. Strong points: nice area with swimming pool, clean and spacious room, view over the mountain
  • Holiday Inn Express Springdale – Zion National Park Area, an IHG Hotel : Double room from 270€. Strong points: hearty breakfast, nice swimming pool with view, great welcome. It’s my favorite hotel for its excellent value for money in the area.
  • Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites : Double room from 350€. Strong points: well-maintained, clean and well-tended complex, top-notch breakfast, beautiful swimming pool.
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park : Double room from 400€, breakfast included. Strong points: magnificent hotel decorated with great taste, beautiful room and large bathroom, magnificent setting, excellent breakfast. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay near Zion National park!

Zion National Park

Day 10 – Death Valley

Your 2 weeks USA West Coast road trip itinerary will now take you to the Death Valley , no less than 5 hours from Zion by car.

Death Valley is known as the hottest and driest national park in the U.S.

Contrary to its ominous name, Death Valley bursts with life and beauty, and is renowned for its remarkable geological features.

First, drop by Furnace Creek Visitor Center to get essential information, and watch a short film about the park to learn more about its geology and history.

Then, to see the main attractions, you have to take the Badwater Road (Highway 178): 

1. Badwater Basin: Starting off, you should head to the lowest point in North America, sitting at 86m below sea level. The salt flats here are a surreal sight, especially during sunrise or sunset when they shimmer in the golden hue.

2. Dante’s View: For a panoramic view of the valley. On a clear day, you can even see the highest point of the U.S. (except in Alaska), Mount Whitney.

3. Devil’s Golf Course:  An expansive salt pan dotted with jagged spires, this terrain is so rough that it’s humorously said, “only the devil could play golf here.”

4. Artist’s Palette:  A kaleidoscope of colors on the Black Mountains, this area showcases mineral deposits causing a blend of blues, purples, and greens, resembling an artist’s color palette.

5. Zabriskie Point: This viewpoint is famous for its eroded landscape. It’s also the perfect place to watch sunrise or sunset.

In the North of Death Valley, you can also go to Ubehebe Crater.  Resulting from a volcanic explosion, this massive crater is another testament to the geological diversity of the valley.

  • El Portal Motel : Located in Beatty. Double room from 90€. Strong points: free parking, outdoor swimming pool, clean.
  • The Ranch At Death Valley : Located in Furnace Creek. Double room from 150€. Strong points: comfortable, nice swimming pool and outdoor area, ideal location.
  • The Inn at Death Valley : Located in Death Valley. Double room from 320€. Strong points: the garden, the setting, the pool, provision of buggies to get around. For sure the best hotel in the area!

Death Valley

Day 11 – Mammoth Lakes

From the arid landscapes of Death Valley, you will now go to the green mountainous region of Mammoth Lakes , about 4 hour drive away.

Known for its ski slopes, mountain biking trails, and lakes, Mammoth Lakes is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, no matter the season!

If you’re visiting during winter, the slopes of Mammoth Mountain await you. In summer, you can take the gondola to the summit for panoramic views or go mountain biking.

At the Hot Creek Geological Site, you can see the boiling water bubbles up from the creek bed , a stark contrast to the snowy peaks in the backdrop during winter.

You should also pass by the Devils Postpile National Monument to witness the unique basalt rock formations . Don’t miss the Rainbow Falls waterfall, a short hike away.

Mammoth Lakes is a also hiker’s paradise with many trails. For the full list, you should head to the official website.

  • Alpenhof Lodge : Double room from 145€. Strong points: close to the lakes and the town centre, quiet, very comfortable. If you’re on a budget, this hotel is the best choice!
  • Cinnamon Bear Inn : Double room from 170€, breakfast included. Strong points: very warm welcome, good breakfast.
  • Empeiria High Sierra Hotel : Double room from 190€. Strong points: modern, pleasant, very clean, laundry and swimming pool.
  • Juniper Springs Resort : Flat for up to 6 people from €250. Strong points: real kitchen well equipped for cooking, spacious, friendly staff, barbecue.
  • The Village Lodge : Studios and flats from 260€. Strong points: facilities, swimming pool, Netflix, size of accommodation, terrace with views, free parking. Perfect for a luxury stay!

Mammoth Lakes

Day 12 – Yosemite

Let’s continue your 2-week itinerary on the West Coast and explore one of the most iconic national parks in the U.S.: Yosemite!

From Mammoth Lakes, it will take you around 2h30 to get there.

The Yosemite National Park is famous for its granite cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, and ancient sequoias. 

If it’s open (usually during the warmer months), you will drive the Tioga Pass, a scenic route which offers some of the most splendid views in the entire park. Don’t forget to stop at Olmsted Point for a unique view of Half Dome and the surrounding peaks.

And if you’re up for a bit of hiking, you should opt for one of the many trails starting from Tuolumne Meadows.

If you don’t want to go hiking, continue along the road to the the heart of the park in Yosemite Valley and go to the iconic viewpoint of Tunnel View.

Here, you can marvel at landmarks like El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome .

For a panoramic view of the entire Yosemite Valley, you should head to Glacier Point . This overlook offers clear views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country.

If you’re up for a walk, I would suggest you to do the Valley Loop Trail . It offers up-close views of some of the valley’s most famous sights. 

  • Yosemite View Lodge : Double room from 300€. Strong points: nice view, quiet, 4 pools, room with kitchenette.

Yosemite National Park

Day 13 – From Yosemite to San Francisco

Today, you will head to the final leg of your road trip: the iconic city of San Francisco.

But before immersing yourself in the city vibes, there are a couple of scenic spots you can enjoy along the way!

1) Muir Woods National Monument

Renowned for its towering old-growth redwood trees , the park offers a peaceful escape. The shaded trails are perfect for a hike in the woods.

You can find information about entrance fees and parking reservations (which are required) on the official website.  

2) Sausalito: this picturesque waterfront town offers a Mediterranean-like ambiance.

Stroll around its boutique shops , enjoy a coffee by the harbor, or try the delicious fresh seafood.

3) Golden Gate Bridge

The grand finale of the day is the crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge, the iconic red suspension bridge, during the late afternoon.

But before that, you should stop at Vista Point and Battery Spencer viewpoint to take a photo of the Golden Gate!

Spend the night in San Francisco.

Muir Woods National Monument

There are a lot of hotels in San Francisco, and choosing the best for your stay can be a bit complicated.

In order to help you out, I have selected for you  the best hotels in San Francisco, depending on your budget.

As always, to get the best prices, you should  book your hotel as early as possible!

  • HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel: Youth hostel located in Union Square. Beds in dormitories from €50. Strong points: location, warm welcome, friendly atmosphere. An excellent choice for cheap accomodation in San Francisco!
  • Grant Hotel: Located 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square. Rooms are decorated in a slightly old-fashioned style but are spacious and clean from €105 per night. Strong points: location, free coffee and biscuits, friendly staff.
  • Greenwich Inn: Located between Presidio Park and Fisherman’s Wharf. Double room from €150 per night. Strong points: free parking, warm welcome, spacious room, plenty of restaurants in the area.
  • Handlery Union Square Hotel: Located in Union Square. Very spacious and comfortable double room with large windows from €210. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool, perfect for visiting San Francisco, comfortable beds.
  • Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf: Located in Fisherman’s wharf. Modern, comfortable double room from €270, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool, location, good breakfast, very helpful staff.
  • Hotel Nikko San Francisco: Located in Union Square, this 5-star hotel offers tastefully decorated rooms from €500. Strong points: indoor pool, spa, attentive staff, design, valet parking.

Golden Gate Bridge

On the 14th day of your 2-week road trip in the USA , you’re going to visit San Francisco.

Here is the itinerary you should follow to see the major highlights of the city.

You should start your day at the Presidio , to enjoy the beautiful viewpoints over the Golden Gate Bridge. The best ones are Fort Point, Golden Gate Overlook, and Crissy Field.

Optionally , if you’re a fan of Disney animated, you can visit the Walt Disney Family Museum (tickets here!) located nearby. Dive into the magical world of Disney and understand the genius behind it all.

Next, make a quick stop at the Palace of Fine Arts . This neo-classical monument is surrounded by a small lake and offers a perfect backdrop for photos.

Of course, while in San Francisco, you should go see the Alcatraz island!

Take the ferry, explore the infamous prison island and learn more about its captivating history.

To visit Alcatraz, you need to book your ticket in advance by clicking on the green button below:

Alcatraz Island

If you’re not interested in visiting Alcatraz, you can for example opt for a San Francisco Bay Cruise instead. Experience the bay, the islands, and of course, the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate from the sea.

You need to book your boat trip by clicking here:

Around lunch time, you can go to the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 .

Try the fresh seafood or the famous clam chowder in a sourdough bowl (a San Francisco classic), watch the sea lions , and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Once you’ve rested a bit, you can start your afternoon by visiting Madame Tussauds museum or the Aquarium of the Bay .

Then, stroll up and down the famous winding Lombard Street , dubbed as the crookedest street in the world.

Next, you can go to the top of Coit Tower . The panoramic view of the city from up there is really beautiful.

In the late afternoon , you should immerse yourself in the culture of Chinatown. Dive into its alleyways, shops, and eateries.

For dinner , you can eat there or go the Ferry Building Marketplace: It’s the ideal place if you want to sample a whole host of delicacies.

Spend another night in San Francisco.

You can find more details about visiting San Francisco in my other article: The 27 best things to do in San Francisco.

To visit San Francisco and save money ,you should buy the San Francisco All-inclusive pass by Go City. 

The pass is valid for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days and give access to more than 30 tourist attractions .

Here are some of the activities included:

  • San Francisco Bay Cruise
  • Aquarium of the Bay
  • Fisherman’s wharf walking tour
  • Entrance to all the museums
  • Chinatown walking tour
  • Mission district tour.

For more information about this pass and the activities included, click on the button below :

Golden Gate bridge from Presidio of San Francisco

This is the final day of your west coast America road trip in 2 weeks itinerary, and you will have some time to discover a bit more of San Francisco.

Begin with Golden Gate Park , a vast urban oasis. Wander its paths, gardens, and landmarks.

If you want to visit a museum, you can opt for de Young Museum (art museum) or the California Academy of Sciences (the perfect choice if you’re traveling with kids).

Take a nostalgic journey through the Haight-Ashbury district , the birthplace of America’s counterculture. The colorful streets and vintage stores evoke memories of the 1960s hippie movement.

No visit is complete without seeing the iconic Painted Ladies near Alamo Square. These Victorian houses are the most famous in the city!

Painted Ladies of Alamo Square

You can then head to the vibrant Mission District . Admire its murals , and perhaps, grab a burrito, as you will find great Mexican food in the neighborhood.

Next, explore the historic Castro District , the epicenter of the LGBTQ+ community. Its colorful streets, historic theaters, and lively ambiance are not to be missed.

And if you like Modern art, you can visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

To end your trip in style, why not go for a bit of shopping and dining at Union Square, the city’s maincommercial hub.

That’s it, you now know how to plan your 2 weeks road trip across the west coast!

If you have only 14 days to visit the West coast , you should remove a day in San Francisco or Los Angeles.

On the contrary, if you’ve got 16 days for your West coast road trip , you have 2 options:

  • If you enjoy hiking, add a day in one of the National parks
  • You can also add 1 day in Los Angeles , to have the time to explore Malibu or Newport Beach.

Tips before starting your road trip on the USA West Coast

Here are some tips to consider before embarking on a road trip in the USA.

If you’re not living in the USA, it’s mandatory. You can’t enter the United States without it. 

  • What is it? It’s an online application system introduced by the U.S. government to pre-screen travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries.
  • Before You Apply: Ensure your country is a member of the VWP.
  • Duration: It’s typically valid for 2 years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

Apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before your trip.

Of course, use only the official website to avoid scams.

  • Why is it Important? Medical care in the U.S. is extremely expensive. Having insurance is the only way to avoid unexpected medical bills and other travel-related mishaps.
  • Coverage: The basic insurances cover medical emergencies, and more expensive ones also cover trip cancellations and lost luggage.

On my side, I always opt for ACS: it’s a great deal and they are very reliable. You can check their price and purchase your travel insurance by clicking here.

I already talked about that at the beginning at this article but here is a quick reminder. To drive in the US, here are the important things to know:

  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If your driver’s license is not in English, or if you’re planning to rent a car, it’s a good idea to get an IDP from your home country.
  • American cars are usually automatic. If you’re not used to it, learn the basic functions and controls before hitting the road.
  • Stay Updated: Download navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates.

To help you visualize your itinerary a bit better, I’ve created a map of all the best places to visit during your 2 weeks in the USA.

You can display the map legend by clicking the button with a small arrow located in the top left corner.

And if you need any help to plan your 2-week road trip on the West coast, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below!

Discover all my articles about USA : All my articles to help you plan your trip to USA are listed there.

  • Las Vegas: Top 30 Best things to do and must-see attractions
  • Los Angeles: The 45 best places to visit
  • New York: The 57 best things to do
  • San Francisco: The 27 best things to do and must-see attractions
  • 2 Days in New York – The best itinerary to visit the Big Apple in 48h
  • 3 Days in New York – All the best places to visit + Detailed itinerary
  • 4 Days in New York – The perfect itinerary for your visit
  • One Week in New York – The perfect 7-day itinerary

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

west coast road trip 2 weeks

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

4 days in Los Angeles

4 Days in Los Angeles: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

5 days in Los Angeles

5 Days in Los Angeles: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

one week in Los Angeles

One week in Los Angeles: the best 7 days itinerary

Discussion 2 comments.

Simon

How much does it cost, to do the trip like you explained?

Vincent

As I often explain, it’s not possible to give you an overall budget for this 2-week itinerary in the Western USA. It depends on the season you go, how far in advance you book, the type of hotel, the activities you do or don’t do and the cost of car hire. It can range from one to four times.

You’ll find all the price information in the article, so don’t hesitate to click on the orange links or green button for the prices of the activities. For hotels, just click on any hotel name in orange in the article to see the rates for your travel dates. For car hire, it’s the same: just click on the green button in the article “I checked the rental car prices in USA”. So you can calculate quite easily depending on what you want to do.

Enjoy your 2-week road trip in the USA!

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Website (optional)

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Middle East
  • North America
  • Cheap car rentals: my best advice
  • Back to Homepage

Bucket-List: Two Weeks Road-Tripping The Southeastern US

Pack an empty stomach and get ready to take in some of the most iconic landmarks in the Southeastern U.S. on this ultimate road trip.

The Southeastern US is stunning with warm weather and delicious food . Why not take two weeks and drive your way through it.

Follow this guide for a two-week journey through the South East US. Bring an appetite and your desire for adventure.

Day 1: Raleigh NC

Make sure to stop by The Pit for some BBQ. Located in the center of Raleigh, It's a great way to start this trip off right. The Pit serves authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue, and is a staple of the local cuisine.

  • Address - 328 West Davie St Raleigh, NC 27601

Day 2: Wilmington NC

Willmington Offers its parks and its beautiful historic district, Wilmington is worth a visit. Trails End Park is right beside a protected stretch of docks.

  • Driving Distance - 129 miles, 1hr and 54 minutes from Ralegh.

For something good to eat, check out the Rooster & the Crow for some delicious traditional southern food. It opened in 2019 in the historic Chandlers Wharf Building.

  • Address - 225 S Water St Suite G & H, Wilmington, NC 28401
  • Contact - 910-399-4780

Day 3: Congaree National Park in South Carolina

Lush with biodiversity, the Congaree National Park is the largest intact piece of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern US. There are hiking, camping, and canoeing options available as well as much sightseeing.

  • Driving Distance - 205 miles, 3 hours and 14 minutes from Wilmington NC

For food, If you aren’t planning on staying the night at the campsites then you will probably head over to Columbia. Check out Johnson's Restaurant, it's a perfect hole-in-the-wall burger joint for this journey.

  • Address - 5200 Monticello Rd, Columbia, SC 29203, United States
  • Contact - 803-735-1622
  • Cost - $-$$

Day 4: Savannah GA

You can explore the City Market, relax in a cafe at Forsyth Park, or perhaps look around the American Prohibition Museum. There is much to do in Savannah Georgia.

  • Driving Distance - 164 Miles, 2 hours and 24 minutes from Columbus

For Dinner try the Olde Pink House. They do a delicious mix of southern food and American Seafood.

  • Address - 23 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31401
  • Contact - 912-232-4286
  • Cost - $$-$$$

If you have time to grab lunch in Savannah, then go check out Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. It's 30$ per person and you are sat at a table of ten. A full southern meal will then be served to your table, so bring an appetite and prepare to eat.

  • Address - 107 West Jones Street Savannah GA 31401

Related: Charleston Vs. Savannah: Which Summer Destination?

Day 5: Tallahassee FL

Tallahassee has a plethora of outdoor activities available. You can go mountain biking or cycling, you can rent kayaks, go hiking, fishing, or even golfing. You could even visit the Florida Highwaymen to view the art collection.

  • Driving Distance - 240 miles, 4 hours and 35 minutes from Savannah

Take some time to grab some breakfast in Tallahassee, visit The Bada Bean. It's an American-style cafe and brunch place. Wendy took ownership of a little coffee shop in 2007 and has greatly expanded on the dining options

  • Address - 2500-B Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301
  • Contact - (850) 562- 2326, [email protected]

Day 6: Mobile AL

Mobile Alabama has multiple parks worth exploring including Mobile’s Battleship Memorial Park where you can walk the decks of battleships. There are also GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mobile Carnival Museum.

  • Driving Distance - 243 miles, 3 hours 32 minutes

For dinner go and check out Wintzell’s Oyster House. Part of a three-hundred-year-old historic landmark on Dauphin Street in Mobile, Wintzell’s has been serving the area for 75 years.

  • Address - 605 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36602
  • Contact - (251) 432-4605

Day 7: New Orleans day 1

When you arrive in New Orleans make sure and stretch your legs a bit with a walk down Garden Street or perhaps by Jackson square. Take in the sights of the city but then it will be time for food.

  • Driving Distance - 144 miles, 2 hours 8 minutes

For your first night, check out Olde Nola Cookery for some good creole cooking. There will likely be a line here but it will be worth the wait.

  • Address - 205 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA, 70130
  • Contact - (504)525-4577

Day 8: New Orleans day 2

During your full day in New Orleans you will want to fuel up with a breakfast of coffee & beignets at Cafe du Monde, stroll around Jackson Square, shop along Decatur Street and in the French Marke, explore the French Quarter, and if you have the time shop along Magazine Street in the Garden District

  • Driving Distance - None

You will want to enjoy dinner at Cafe Amelie on Royal Street to enjoy some classic food in a beautiful atmosphere. After this wander over and enjoy the nightlife of Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street.

  • Address - 912 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116-2702
  • Contact - (504)412-8965
  • Cost - $$-$$$$

Related: What We Know Of The Fate Of New Orleans’ Six Flags Park

Day 9: Jackson MS

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Eudora Welty House, and Garden are all worth a visit. You are looking for something a little bit out of the city then LeFleur's Bluff State Park might be the destination for you.

  • Driving Distance - 188 miles, 2 hours 50 minutes from New Orleans

For food go to The Pig & Pint. The name describes the restaurant quite well. Stop by for some BBQ pork and a nice cold pint.

  • Address - 3139 North State Street Jackson, MS 39216
  • Contact - (601)326-6070

Day 10: Birmingham AL

In Birmingham, you can spend your time in the city at the Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham Zoo, Oak, or even the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. You can also venture a little out of the city to Mountain State Park to enjoy a bit of nature.

  • Driving Distance - 237 miles, 3 hours and 30 minutes from Jackson

Give Chez Fonfon a shot for a French-style dinner. They do everything well but make sure to give their oysters a shot.

  • Address - 2007 11th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205
  • Contact - (205)939-3221, [email protected]

Day 11: Atlanta GA

In Atlanta you can find 90-minute trolley tours, but if you’re not feeling that after all the driving then maybe you would want to check out the Botanical gardens or Georgia Aquarium. Martin Luther King Memorial History Site and Piedmont park are good options too.

  • Driving Distance - 147 miles, 2 hours ad 13 minutes from Birmingham

To mix things up foodwise, go try Bangkok Station. They are a high-class Thai restaurant that prepares the food using Thai heirloom methods and recipes.

Day 12: Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

You can enjoy a bike ride through the trail system here or paddle and fish your way through the Chattooga River. You can also ride horses through certain trails and even ride an ATV or dirtbike.

  • Driving Distance - 202 miles, 3 hours and 6 minutes from Atlanta

If you are looking to eat outside the park, then little ways south is the town of Newberry. I place to try there is Zesto Drive-In. It is a place with some great burgers and shakes.

  • Address - 2720 College St, Newberry, SC 29108-2138
  • Contact - (803)321-2466

Day 13: Charlotte NC

With places as varied as the Billy Graham Library and the Nascar Hall of Fame, there’s something for everyone. You can visit the BB&T Ball Park, or even visit the Levine Museum of the New South.

  • Driving Distance - 84.3 miles, 1 hour and 31 minutes from Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

For dining, check out the Midwood Smokehouse. This is a good way to wrap up our southern drive with just a little bit more BBQ.

  • Address - 540 Brandywine Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
  • Contact - (980)237-7929

Day 14: Return to Raleigh NC

  • Driving Distance - 166 miles, 2 hours and 35 minutes from Charlotte
  • Total Distance - 2,149
  • Total Time Driving - 33 hours and 32 minutes

Next: Best Must-Do Activities In New Orleans Only Known By Locals

When is daylight saving time 2024? Millions have sunsets after 6 pm as time change approaches

travel around america 2 weeks

Do you feel it in the air? Spring is coming, and the start of longer daylight hours is well underway.

And with daylight saving time starting in March, most Americans will soon have even more hours in the sun. Even ahead of of the time change, there are already cities in every continental U.S. time zone that are reporting sunset times after 6 p.m. as the Earth and the Northern Hemisphere begins its tilt toward the sun.

The time adjustment affects the daily lives of hundreds of millions of Americans, prompting clock changes, contributing to  less sleep  in the days following and, of course, later sunsets.

Here's what to know about the start of daylight saving time in 2024.

When is daylight saving time in 2024?

Daylight saving time will begin for 2024 on Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m. local time, when our clocks will go ahead one hour, part of the twice-annual time change that affects millions, but not all , Americans.

Have the days been getting longer?

The winter solstice, which occurs annually on Dec. 21, is the day with the shortest daylight hours each year. Since then, the days have been gradually getting longer.

Because the sun rises in the east and sets in the west , cities that are located eastward experience sunrise before more more westward cities.

Ahead of daylight saving time, which starts this month, some areas are already experiencing later sunset times. On the East Coast, parts of states like Maine , New Hampshire , Vermont , New York and Connecticut are already recording sunsets after 5:30 p.m. ET, according to TimeandDate.com .

Sunset times get later as you move westward though time zones, and cities on the western edge of Eastern Standard Time like Detroit and Indianapolis have sunsets around 6:30 p.m. ET.

The same concept plays out in each of the continental United States' four time zones, with cities on the easternmost edge of each time zone recording sunset times roughly between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. local time.

What is daylight saving time?

Daylight saving time  is the time between March and November when most Americans adjust their clocks by one hour.

We lose an hour in March (as opposed to gaining an hour in the fall) to accommodate for more daylight in the summer evenings. When we "fall back" in November, it's to add more daylight in the mornings. 

When is the spring equinox?

In the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal, or spring equinox is March 19, marking the start of the spring season. 

When does daylight saving time end in 2024?

In 2024, daylight saving time will end for the year at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 3. It will pick up again next year on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Is daylight saving time ending permanently?

The push to stop changing clocks was put before Congress in the last couple of years, when the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the  Sunshine Protection Act  in 2022, a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent. However, it did not pass in the  U.S. House of Representatives  and, therefore, was not signed into law by President Joe Biden.

A  2023 version of the act  remained idle in Congress as well.

Does every state observe daylight saving time?

Not all states and U.S. territories  participate  in daylight saving time.

Hawaii and Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation) do not observe daylight saving time, and neither do the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Because of its desert climate,  Arizona  doesn't follow daylight saving time. After most of the U.S. adopted the Uniform Time Act, the state figured that there wasn't a good reason to adjust clocks to make sunset occur an hour later during the hottest months of the year.

The Navajo Nation, which spans Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, does follow daylight saving time.

Hawaii is the other state that does not observe daylight saving time. Because of its proximity to the equator, there is not a lot of variance between hours of daylight during the year.

Sailor Cole Brauer makes history as the first American woman to race solo around the world

Aboard her 40-foot racing boat First Light ,  29-year-old Cole Brauer just became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself.

The New York native pulled into A Coruña, Spain, on Thursday after a treacherous 30,000-mile journey that took 130 days.

She thanked a cheering crowd of family and fans who had been waiting for her on shore.

“This is really cool and so overwhelming in every sense of the word,” she exclaimed, before drinking Champagne from her trophy.

The 5-foot-2 powerhouse placed second out of 16 avid sailors who competed in the Global Solo Challenge, a circumnavigation race that started in A Coruña with participants from 10 countries. The first-of-its-kind event   allowed a wide range of boats to set off in successive departures based on performance characteristics. Brauer started on Oct. 29, sailing down the west coast of Africa, over to Australia, and around the tip of South America before returning to Spain.

Brauer is the only woman and the youngest competitor in the event — something she hopes young girls in and out of the sport can draw inspiration from.

“It would be amazing if there was just one girl that saw me and said, ‘Oh, I can do that too,’” Brauer said of her history-making sail.

It’s a grueling race, and more than half of the competitors have dropped out so far. One struck something that caused his boat to flood, and another sailor had to abandon his ship after a mast broke as a severe storm was moving in.

The four-month journey is fraught with danger, including navigating the three “Great Capes” of Africa, Australia and South America. Rounding South America’s Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, is often likened to climbing Mount Everest because of its perfect storm of hazards — a sharp rise in the ocean floor and whipping westerly winds push up massive waves. Combined with the frigid waters and stray icebergs, the area is known as a graveyard for ships, according to NASA. Brauer  said  she was “so unbelievably stoked” when she sailed past Cape Horn in January.

Marco Nannini, organizer of the Global Solo Challenge, said the comparison to scaling Mount Everest doesn’t capture the difficulty of the race. Sailing solo means not just being a skipper but a project manager — steering the boat, fixing equipment, understanding the weather and maintaining one’s physical health.

Nannini cited the relatively minuscule number of people who have sailed around the world solo — 186, according to the International Association of Cape Horners — as evidence of the challenges that competitors face. More than 6,000 people have climbed Mount Everest, according to  High Adventure Expeditions .

Brauer stared down 30-foot waves that had enough force to throw her across the boat. In a scare caught on camera, she badly injured her rib   near the halfway point of the event. At another point, her team in the U.S. directed Brauer to insert an IV into her own arm due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

She was able to stay in constant communication with members of her team, most of whom are based in New England,   and keep herself entertained with Netflix and video calls with family through Starlink satellites.   That’s also how Brauer was able to use Zoom to connect with NBC News for an interview, while she was sailing about 1,000 miles west of the Canary Islands.

While Brauer was technically alone on First Light, she had the company of 450,000 followers on Instagram, where she frequently got candid about life on an unforgiving sea while reflecting on her journey.

“It all makes it worth it when you come out here, you sit on the bow, and you see how beautiful it is,” she said in an Instagram video, before panning the camera to reveal the radiant sunrise.

Brauer grew up on Long Island but didn’t learn to sail until she went to college in Hawaii. She traded in her goal of becoming a doctor for life on the water. But she quickly learned making a career as a sailor is extremely difficult, with professional racers often hesitant to welcome a 100-pound young woman on their team.

Even when she was trying to find sponsors for the Global Solo Challenge, she said a lot of people “wouldn’t touch her with a 10-foot pole” because they saw her as a “liability.”

Brauer’s message to the skeptics and naysayers? “Watch me.”

“I push so much harder when someone’s like, ‘No, you can’t do that,’ or ‘You’re too small,’” Brauer explained.

“The biggest asset is your mental strength, not the physical one,” Nannini said. “Cole is showing everyone that.”

Brauer hopes to continue competing professionally and is already eyeing another around-the-world competition, but not before she gets her hands on a croissant and cappuccino.

“My mouth is watering just thinking about that.”

Emilie Ikeda is an NBC News correspondent.

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Cyberattack Paralyzes the Largest U.S. Health Care Payment System

The hacking shut down the nation’s biggest health care payment system, causing financial chaos that affected a broad spectrum ranging from large hospitals to single-doctor practices.

A portrait of Molly Fulton, who sits in the waiting room of one of the urgent care centers she runs. She wears a blazer over a black blouse with her hands folded in her lap.

By Reed Abelson and Julie Creswell

An urgent care chain in Ohio may be forced to stop paying rent and other bills to cover salaries. In Florida, a cancer center is racing to find money for chemotherapy drugs to avoid delaying critical treatments for its patients. And in Pennsylvania, a primary care doctor is slashing expenses and pooling all of her cash — including her personal bank stash — in the hopes of staying afloat for the next two months.

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

Open this article in the New York Times Audio app on iOS.

These are just a few examples of the severe cash squeeze facing medical care providers — from large hospital networks to the smallest of clinics — in the aftermath of a cyberattack two weeks ago that paralyzed the largest U.S. billing and payment system in the country. The attack forced the shutdown of parts of the electronic system operated by Change Healthcare, a sizable unit of UnitedHealth Group, leaving hundreds, if not thousands, of providers without the ability to obtain insurance approval for services ranging from a drug prescription to a mastectomy — or to be paid for those services.

In recent days, the chaotic nature of this sprawling breakdown in daily, often invisible transactions led top lawmakers, powerful hospital industry executives and patient groups to pressure the U.S. government for relief. On Tuesday, the Health and Human Services Department announced that it would take steps to try to alleviate the financial pressures on some of those affected: Hospitals and doctors who receive Medicare reimbursements would mainly benefit from the new measures.

U.S. health officials said they would allow providers to apply to Medicare for accelerated payments, similar to the advanced funding made available during the pandemic, to tide them over. They also urged health insurers to waive or relax the much-criticized rules imposing prior authorization that have become impediments to receiving care. And they recommended that insurers offering private Medicare plans also supply advanced funding.

H.H.S. said it was trying to coordinate efforts to avoid disruptions, but it remained unclear whether these initial government efforts would bridge the gaps left by the still-offline mega-operations of Change Healthcare, which acts as a digital clearinghouse linking doctors, hospitals and pharmacies to insurers. It handles as many as one of every three patient records in the country.

The hospital industry was critical of the response, describing the measures as inadequate.

Beyond the news of the damage caused by another health care cyberattack, the shutdown of parts of Change Healthcare cast renewed attention on the consolidation of medical companies, doctors’ groups and other entities under UnitedHealth Group. The acquisition of Change by United in a $13 billion deal in 2022 was initially challenged by federal prosecutors but went through after the government lost its case.

So far, United has not provided any timetable for reconnecting this critical network. “Patient care is our top priority, and we have multiple workarounds to ensure people have access to the medications and the care they need,” United said in an update on its website .

But on March 1, a bitcoin address connected to the alleged hackers, a group known as AlphV or BlackCat, received a $22 million transaction that some security firms say was probably a ransom payment made by United to the group, according to a news article in Wired . United declined to comment, as did the security firm that initially spotted the payment.

Still, the prolonged effects of the attack have once again exposed the vast interconnected webs of electronic health information and the vulnerability of patient data. Change handles some 15 billion transactions a year.

The shutdown of some of Change’s operations has severed its digital role connecting providers with insurers in submitting bills and receiving payments. That has delayed tens of millions of dollars in insurance payments to providers. Pharmacies were initially unable to fill many patients’ medications because they could not verify their insurance, and providers have amassed large sums of unpaid claims in the two weeks since the cyberattack occurred.

“It absolutely highlights the fragility of our health care system,” said Ryan S. Higgins, a lawyer for McDermott Will & Emery who advises health care organizations on cybersecurity. The same entity that was said to be responsible for the cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline, a pipeline from Texas to New York that carried 45 percent of the East Coast’s fuel supplies, in 2021 is thought to be behind the Change assault. “They have historically targeted critical infrastructure,” he said.

In the initial days after the attack on Feb. 21, pharmacies were the first to struggle with filling prescriptions when they could not verify a person’s insurance coverage. In some cases, patients could not get medicine or vaccinations unless they paid in cash. But they have apparently resolved these snags by turning to other companies or developing workarounds.

“Almost two weeks in now, the operational crisis is done and is pretty much over,” said Patrick Berryman, a senior vice president for the National Community Pharmacists Association.

But with the shutdown growing longer, doctors, hospitals and other providers are wrestling with paying expenses because the steady revenue streams from private insurers, Medicare and Medicaid are simply not flowing in.

Arlington Urgent Care, a chain of five urgent care centers around Columbus, Ohio, has about $650,000 in unpaid insurance reimbursements. Worried about cash, the chain’s owners are weighing how to pay bills — including rent and other expenses. They’ve taken lines of credit from banks and used their personal savings to set aside enough money to pay employees for about two months, said Molly Fulton, the chief operating officer.

“This is worse than when Covid hit because even though we didn’t get paid for a while then either, at least we knew there was going to be a fix,” Ms. Fulton said. “Here, there is just no end in sight. I have no idea when Change is going to come back up.”

The hospital industry has labeled the infiltration of Change “the most significant cyberattack on the U.S. health care system in American history,” and urged the federal government and United to provide emergency funding. The American Hospital Association, a trade group, has been sharply critical of United’s efforts so far and the latest initiative that offered a loan program.

“It falls far short of plugging the gaping holes in funding,” Richard J. Pollack, the trade group’s president, said on Monday in a letter to Dirk McMahon, the president of United.

“We need real solutions — not programs that sound good when they are announced but are fundamentally inadequate when you read the fine print,” Mr. Pollack said.

The loan program has not been well received out in the country.

Diana Holmes, a therapist in Attleboro, Mass., received an offer from Optum to lend her $20 a week when she says she has been unable to submit roughly $4,000 in claims for her work since Feb. 21. “It’s not like we have reserves,” she said.

She says there has been virtually no communication from Change or the main insurer for her patients, Blue Cross of Massachusetts. “It’s just been maddening,” she said. She has been forced to find a new payment clearinghouse with an upfront fee and a year’s contract. “You’ve had to pivot quickly with no information,” she said.

Blue Cross said it was working with providers to find different workarounds.

Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute in Gainesville resorted to new contracts with two competing clearinghouses because it spends $300 million a month on chemotherapy and other drugs for patients whose treatments cannot be delayed.

“We don’t have that sort of money sitting around in a bank,” said Dr. Lucio Gordan, the institute’s president. “We’re not sure how we’re going to retrieve or collect the double expenses we’re going to have by having multiple clearinghouses.”

Dr. Christine Meyer, who owns and operates a primary care practice with 20 clinicians in Exton, Pa., west of Philadelphia, has piled “hundreds and hundreds” of pages of Medicare claims in a FedEx box and sent them to the agency. Dr. Meyer said she was weighing how to conserve cash by cutting expenses, such as possibly reducing the supply of vaccines the clinic has on hand. She said if she pulled together all of her cash and her line of credit, her practice could survive for about two and a half months.

Through Optum’s temporary funding assistance program, Dr. Meyer said she received a loan of $4,000, compared with the roughly half-million dollars she typically submits through Change. “That is less than 1 percent of my monthly claims and, adding insult to injury, the notice came with this big red font that said, you have to pay all of this back when this is resolved,” Dr. Meyer said. “It is all a joke.”

The hospital industry has been pushing Medicare officials and lawmakers to address the situation by freeing up cash to hospitals. Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the chamber’s majority leader, wrote a letter on Friday, urging federal health officials to make accelerated payments available. “The longer this disruption persists, the more difficult it will be for hospitals to continue to provide comprehensive health care services to patients,” he said.

In a statement, Senator Schumer said he was pleased by the H.H.S. announcement because it “will get cash flowing to providers as our health care system continues to reel from this cyberattack.” He added, “The work cannot stop until all affected providers have sufficient financial stability to weather this storm and continue serving their patients.”

Audio produced by Jack D’Isidoro .

Reed Abelson covers the business of health care, focusing on how financial incentives are affecting the delivery of care, from the costs to consumers to the profits to providers. More about Reed Abelson

Julie Creswell is a business reporter covering the food industry for The TImes, writing about all aspects of food, including farming, food inflation, supply-chain disruptions and climate change. More about Julie Creswell

  • Election 2024
  • Entertainment
  • Newsletters
  • Photography
  • Press Releases
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Russia-Ukraine War
  • Global elections
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East
  • AP Top 25 College Football Poll
  • Movie reviews
  • Book reviews
  • Financial Markets
  • Business Highlights
  • Financial wellness
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Social Media

From watch parties to music festivals, choose your April 8 total solar eclipse adventure

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. It will be the last one visible from the contiguous United States until 2044. Here’s what viewers should expect to see during each stage of the eclipse. (Feb. 16) (AP video: Christine Nguyen)

travel around america 2 weeks

A total solar eclipse will cross North America in April. This animated map shows the path of totality across parts of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. (Feb. 29) (AP Animation: Panagiotis Mouzakis and Marshall Ritzel)

FILE - Blake Davis, 10, of Coral Springs, Fla., looks through solar glasses as he watches the eclipse, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla. After April 8, 2024, there won’t be another U.S. eclipse, spanning coast to coast, until 2045. That one will stretch from Northern California all the way to Cape Canaveral, Florida. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Sunglasses won’t cut it during the April 8 eclipse. Special eclipse glasses are crucial for safely observing the sun as the moon marches across the late morning and afternoon sky on April 8, covering more and more and then less and less of our star. (AP Video/Shelby Lum)

FILE - People gather near Redmond, Ore., to view the sun as it nears a total eclipse by the moon, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse in North America first hits land at Mexico’s Pacific coast, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

FILE - People gather near Redmond, Ore., to view the sun as it nears a total eclipse by the moon, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse in North America first hits land at Mexico’s Pacific coast, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

  • Copy Link copied

FILE - Heavy traffic moves slowly along Interstate 80 in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. Wyoming was one of the states in the path of the total eclipse, and thousands of people poured into the state for the view, causing massive traffic jams that are normally seen in major metropolitan areas. (Blaine McCartney/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP, File)

FILE - Tyler Hanson, of Fort Rucker, Ala., watches the sun moments before the total eclipse, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse in North America first hits land at Mexico’s Pacific coast, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

FILE - A model of the planet Saturn stands near Route 1 in Westfield, Maine, Friday, May 9, 2003. The nation’s largest three-dimensional scale model of the solar system is positioned along a 40-mile stretch of highway between Presque Isle, Maine, and Houlton, Maine. The April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse in North America first hits land at Mexico’s Pacific coast, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Where will you be watching the April 8 total solar eclipse ? There are just a few weeks left to pick your spot to see the skies darken along a strip of North America, whether by land, sea or air.

For those who live inside the 115-mile-wide (185-kilometer-wide) path of total darkness , it may be a matter of just stepping outside and donning special eclipse glasses to watch the spectacle unfold. For the millions outside the path, or those who just want to improve their chances of clear skies, it could mean hitting the road with a game plan.

The eclipse reaches Mexico’s Pacific coast in the morning, cuts diagonally across the U.S. from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada by late afternoon. Most of the rest of the continent will see a partial eclipse.

FILE - The moon covers the sun during a total solar eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, in Cerulean, Ky. On April 8, 2024, the sun will pull another disappearing act across parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada, turning day into night for as much as 4 minutes, 28 seconds. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

Where to watch the total solar eclipse

The weather will be key, and spring weather along the path can be dicey. Mexico and Texas offer the best odds of sunny skies, said retired Canadian meteorologist Jay Anderson .

“There’s no guarantee of sunshine anywhere — just better chances,” he said.

Anderson studies satellite data for the previous 20 years to calculate how often a location has cloudy weather on any eclipse day. Besides Mexico and Texas, he said there are other promising spots on the path of totality, particularly along the Great Lakes.

The advice: If you’re flexible, start paying attention to local weather about 10 days out, and make your plans on the three-day forecast. Die-hard eclipse chasers often line up more than one location and make last-minute decisions based on the best forecast, he said.

How to prepare like an eclipse chaser

One veteran eclipse chaser recommends picking a location and make it a vacation so that the eclipse is “the cherry on top” and not the only highlight — just in case things don’t work out.

Tom Schultz will be traveling from his retirement home in Costa Rica to watch the eclipse from his mother-in-law’s house in Rochester, New York, along with other relatives.

“If we get rained out, we’ll get this great family reunion,” said Schultz.

Veteran Anne Marie Adkins could drive across town in San Antonio to see the total eclipse, but opted to join an astronomer-led tour to Mazatlán, Mexico, betting on clear skies there. She’s been thwarted by clouds on other trips. For the 2017 U.S. eclipse, she went to Nebraska and had to scramble that day to find better skies.

“It’s a gamble. You never know what you are going to get,” said Adkins.

Post-eclipse traffic is a particular worry, especially in more rural areas like the Texas Hill Country. Patricia Moore, of the Bandera visitors center , said last year’s “ring of fire” eclipse provided a dress rehearsal for police and other first responders. Tiny Bandera — the “Cowboy Capital of the World” — expects crowds from nearby weekend music festivals.

“After the eclipse will be a challenge,” she said.

Where are the eclipse watch parties?

With the eclipse falling on a Monday, cities and towns along the path have lined up a weekend full of activities and watch parties to attract visitors. There are a multitude of music festivals and gatherings planned at museums, parks, wineries and other businesses hoping to capitalize on the buzz.

Niagara Falls has a slate of events for days and is expecting July Fourth-sized crowds for the eclipse, said Sara Harvey, spokeswoman for Destination Niagara USA.

There are multiple vantage points to watch the show from Niagara Falls State Park, and the famous Maid of the Mist tourist boats may be running, weather permitting, she said. Even if it’s cloudy, visitors will get “a beautiful view of the falls,” Harvey said.

FILE - A telescope projects an image of a partial solar eclipse onto a piece of paper, at the Astronomy Institute on the campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, in Mexico City, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. On April 8, 2024, the sun will pull another disappearing act across parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada, turning day into night for as much as 4 minutes, 28 seconds. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

In Waco, Texas, festivities will culminate on eclipse day with science-themed activities outside Baylor’s McLane stadium , along what’s called Touchdown Alley.

It may be too late to snag a cabin on a cruise ship positioned off the Mexico coast for the eclipse, but there are other watery options including a ride on the paddle-wheeler Victorian Princess on Lake Erie from Erie, Pennsylvania.

If the sky beckons, Southwest and Delta have identified flights that will fly along or near the eclipse path. A special Delta flight from Austin to Detroit quickly sold out, prompting the airline to add another from Dallas.

Looking for an different kind of place to watch the sun, moon and Earth align? The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host NASA astronauts and other guests. Cedar Point amusement park on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, is opening for the day. And the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas is throwing a tailgate fundraising party and inviting visitors to watch the zoo’s residents react to the midday darkness.

You can also spend the day visiting the planets. In northern Maine, a scale model of the solar system is displayed along nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) of U.S. Route 1. Retired geology professor Kevin McCartney expects to unveil a new 23- foot-tall (7-meters-tall) roadside sun at the University of Maine at Presque Isle on eclipse day. “You won’t be able to miss it,” he said.

Anderson, the weather expert, said it’s well worth the travel to see the “special magical moment” of a total eclipse: “It’s the Taylor Swift of natural events.”

FILE - People view a total solar eclipse from La Higuera, Chile, Tuesday, July 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix, File)

People view a total solar eclipse from La Higuera, Chile, Tuesday, July 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix, File)

This story was first published on March 2 and was updated on March 4 to fix the spelling of McLane stadium.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

travel around america 2 weeks

Two Week Traveller

2 Weeks In South America: 3 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

South America is a must-visit because of its jungles, mountainscapes, beaches, history, food, and activities, among other things. It is a massive continent with many sights and things to discover. That’s why I narrowed the itineraries to one to two countries each so you could maximise your stay here.

There are 12 countries that makeup South America. This includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guayana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, and a French colony of French Guiana.

On my first trip to South America, I only managed to see Brazil, Colombia , and Peru. So, in my second 2 weeks in South America trip, I visited new places such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile. It was tight, but it was possible. I have more places to see in this region in the future.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SOUTH AMERICA

4 images - Uyuni salt flat, sugarloaf of Rio de Janeiro, Machu Picchu Citadel, and glacier lake in Patagonia - 2 Weeks In South America Itinerary

Before booking or finalising your travel arrangements, the information below will help you visualise the trip’s look. You can decide when is the most suitable time for you to go, which countries to combine, and cost of a 14-day trip in South America.

You should also check out our packing list for a 2-week trip .

When is the best time to travel to South America

It’s hard to tell the specific perfect time since South America is such a massive region, and many countries sit on the Andes mountain range. But to give you an idea, here are some information:

  • Andean Countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia) : May to September offers clear skies and milder temperatures, ideal for trekking and exploring the Andes.
  • Brazil and the Amazon : June to October is the dry season, providing excellent wildlife spotting opportunities and less humidity.
  • Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay) : December to March is summer in the Southern Hemisphere, making it ideal for Patagonia and other southern destinations.
  • Beach Destinations : December to February is the peak season for beaches across the continent.

Are 2 weeks enough for South America

Not really, because this continent is really big and many countries sit on top or hillside of the Andes Mountain. This means that land travel takes a long time.

However, if you plan well and choose to correct countries to combine (if you want to see more than one country), you can make enjoyable travel itinerary and make the most out of your time there.

For example, I once spent two weeks in South America and visited northern Brazil and Colombia. It was ideal because the flight between the cities I chose are around 6 hours.

How to get around

Buses are the most affordable way to get around South Africa, but they could also be the slowest since many roads go through the mountainside. The flights are pretty affordable, and many airports in major cities or popular destinations exist. This is an excellent choice for speed and comfort.

Uber is a popular ride-hailing app throughout South America, but in some parts, such as Colombia, it can be sketchy. Other apps include inDriver, Cabify, and Beat.

Language and currency

There are various currencies throughout South America; most countries have their own local currency. But you should be able to exchange or even pay with major currencies such as USD, Euro, and GBP in tourist services such as hotel and tour agencies.

You must carry cash at all times. ATMs are available almost anywhere, but paying at a restaurant or store, usually in cash, is preferred.

When it comes to language, Spanish is the main language, except in Brazil, where Portuguese is the primary language. Communicating in English can be a hit-and-miss. In countries such as Peru and Chile, but in Colombia, Spanish is quite handy.

Visa and Yellow Fever/COVID-19Card

Each country has different visa policies. However, if your passport is from first-world countries such as US, Canada, EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, you can receive a visa for free in South America or apply for an evisa or visa on arrival.

The duration also varies between 30 days to 180 days. Please do your research about visas for each country that you’re visiting to make sure you can enter and travel in those places with no hassle.

Many countries in Latin America will lask for a yellow fever card. Make sure you have been vaccinated at least 10 days before you arrive and get your vaccination card. The same applies to the COVID-19 vaccination card. Some countries will ask for it, others won’t – best to have it ready.

What is the average cost for 2 weeks in South America

This can vary a lot, especially if you plan to travel by air from one country to another. Domestic flights cost in South America are pretty decent. But once you fly internationally, the ticket price can spike up.

Plus, each country has massive differences when it comes to cost. For example, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil are pretty affordable. But then Chile and Argentina are on the pricey side.

On average, though, 2 weeks in South America should cost you around $1,400 . You can make it a bit more affordable if you’re a backpacker and plan to sleep in the dorm rooms. For that shoestring budget, you can bring it down to $900 .

For luxury trip in this region, it’s best to plan to spend $2,500 and up to $4,000 where you can stay in luxury hotels and dine at premium restaurants. These budgets are for a single person. You can save a bit in accommodation if you share it with a travel partner.

Other basic travel tips

When you’re sure of the dates and destinations, book your hotel in advance to enjoy plenty of options and grab the best deals. Domestic flights and buses can be book last minute, unless you’re visiting during peak season which is between November to February, secure your tickets in advance.

PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTH AMERICA

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN SOUTH AMERICA ITINERARY

I created three itineraries for 2 weeks in South America. There are travel plans for first-time visitors to South America, a country full of adventures, and an itinerary for those who want to travel slower. You can also mix and match these countries depending on your trip preference.

The activities each country offers and the best sights to see are mentioned here to decide which ones you want to go to. You can definitely create your own travel itinerary once you have some ideas about which places are near one another and the type of activities you want to d.o

Gringo Trail

The Gringo Trail is a popular travel route in South America frequented by backpackers and tourists, primarily from Western countries. It generally includes must-see destinations such as Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru, La Paz in Bolivia, and Quito in Ecuador, often extending to Colombia, Chile, and Argentina, encompassing attractions like the Amazon Rainforest, the Salt Flats, and historical Inca sites.

Covering the entirety of the Gringo Trail in two weeks is unrealistic due to its vastness and rich experiences. However, you can choose a section of the trail to explore more thoroughly within this timeframe. For example, focusing on Peru and Bolivia would allow you to experience the Andes, Machu Picchu, and the Salt Flats without being too rushed.

Itinerary #1: First-time (Peru and Brazil)

The first itinerary for your 2 weeks in South America consists of the countries with the most popular tourist attractions in this region; Peru and Brazil.

Peru is a megadiverse country with various habitats, including arid plains, mountain peaks, and rainforests. Because of its rich biodiversity, Peru has many amazing animal species, such as alpacas and llamas.

Conversely, Brazil is the largest country in South America and Latin America and the seventh most populous globally. There are many world-famous landmarks in Brazil, including Christ the Redeemer, located among the most popular destinations in South America, Rio de Janeiro. Aside from that, Brazil is also well-known for its diverse cities, beaches, rainforests, and of course, football, with both Pele and Neymar being born there.

Both of these countries are perfect for people who love nature and history as both of these countries are filled with well-preserved historical structures. They also have tons of activities for adrenaline junkies, which will be tackled in later paragraphs.

If you want to spend time only in Peru or only in Brazil, you can do that too. We have 2 weeks in Peru and 2 weeks in Brazil itineraries.

2 images -Machu Picchu and Sugarloaf mountain

Lima and Huaraz for 3 days

Lima is the capital and the largest city in Peru. Lima has tons of museums, galleries, and buzzing nightlife. It also has an extensive gastronomy, so there will be something to eat for everyone.

Huaraz is the capital of Peru’s Ancash region and is monikered as the “Switzerland of the South”. Due to the visible mountain peaks, even from the city’s centre. The distance between Lima and Huaraz is 251 miles and must be travelled by land. The most common transportation modes to Huaraz are by bus or driving.

Cusco and Machu Picchu for 4 days

Cusco is a city in Southeastern Peru near the Andes Mountains range. It is the capital of the Inca Empire and is declared a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a must to stay at Cusco first, as there are so many sights to see, and you must acclimate.

Depending on your time, you can either do the Inca Trail hike, which takes 2-4 days, or a day trip to Machu Picchu by train.

Machu Pichu is an Inca citadel in Southern Peru and is often called the Lost City of Incas. It was voted one of the World’s New Seven Wonders in 2007. Unfortunately, there is no direct route from Lima to Machu Pichu. You need to go to Cusco first; you can have multiple options.

From Lima, you can either take a bus to Cusco or board a flight. The bus will take nearly 30 hours, so it’s best to fly. There are non-stop flights between these two cities. It will take 1 hr and 30 minutes, and there are nearly 20 flights a day.

Rio de Janeiro for 4 days

Rio de Janeiro is among the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Part of the city was also declared a world heritage site. It is well-known for its natural scenic views, biodiversity, samba, bossa nova, beaches, and carnival, perfect for those fond of music, dancing, and festivals.

There are tons of other world-famous tourist spots here aside from Christ the Redeemer, including Sugarloaf, Tijuca National Park, and Jardim Botanico. You’ll find Copacabana, Ipanema, and Prainha Beach for those fond of the beach.

You must fly from Cusco to Rio de Janeiro. The travel time is around 12 hours and usually has two stops.

Sao Paulo for 2 days

Another famous city and the most populous in Brazil is Sao Paolo. It is renowned for its gastronomy, architecture, parks, museums, and skyscrapers. If you stay for two weeks in South America, it would be advisable to stay in Sao Paolo for at least 2 days.

Some tourist attractions here are Museu de Arte, Football Museum, Ibirapuera Park, Avenida Paulista, Teatro Municipal, Museo de Arte Contemporanea, and more.

You can fly between Rio de Janeiro, which will take 1 hr and 15 mins. Flights leave at least 15 times a day between these two cities. You can save some money by taking a 6-hour bus ride.

You can take a flight home or to your net destination from here since Sao Paulo has an international airport.

Itinerary #2: Patagonia Adventure (Argentina)

I first learned about Patagonia when I watched a Korean travel show entitled Traveler, and I was very much elated by what I saw. Picturesque fields and mountains capped with snow that very much look like they are shot straight out of a movie. That’s what interested me in including this place on my bucket list, and you should too when spending 2 weeks in South America.

Patagonia is a geographical region located at the southern end of South America, governed by Chile and Argentina.

Now, we’re going to focus on the part that is located in Argentina. Patagonia is an escape from modern society, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, and way finders alike.

The cities listed below are the most famous ones, as they have abundant wildlife and numerous hiking trails that vary in difficulty level. You can also camp here and watch the night sky full of stars with your family, friends, or loved ones.

2 images - El Calafate ice sheet and Patagonia snowcapped mountain

Buenos Aires for 2 days

Buenos Aires is well-known for its rich cultural life and eclectic architecture. Your stay here could be used in preparation for your trip, but there are still a couple of sights to see here, so we’ll never stray far for you to have your needed rest before the challenging hikes.

Some of the city’s tourist attractions include Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Caminito Street Museum, Recoleta Cemetery and Museums, The Colon Theater, and more.

El Chaltén for 4 days

To start off your adventurous journey during your 2 weeks in South America, you can head straight to the quaint backpacking town of El Chalten. It is actually the trekking capital of Argentina, meaning multiple hikes can be done here in various durations.

One of the most famous hiking trails can be found at Cerro Fitz Roy and Laguna dos Tres. Believe it or not, you can also hike to glaciers here, one of which is Glacier Huemul. Those not fond of trekking also offer river rafting, boat trips, and horseback riding, among others.

Perito Moreno Glacier for 4 days

One of the most famous glaciers here is the Perito Moreno Glacier. I still remember on the show that I watched that there are times when some parts of the glacier fall off, and it’s one of the natural events that the tourists wait for. Aside from that, there are also multiple trails here, and they offer mini trekking sessions that require advanced reservations.

A bus ride to reach Perito Moreno from El Chalten is the most recommended option. The travel duration is more than five hours. You can also drive or ride a taxi.

Itinerary #3: Peru and Bolivia

Peru is home to several cultures from medieval and ancient periods. It has one of the longest histories of civilisation in any country, so it is filled to the brim with historical artefacts and establishments. Aside from that, it is also famous for dune hiking, the Rainbow Mountains, Nazca Lines, and Amazon Jungle.

On the other hand, Bolivia is well-known for its many mountains, alpacas, salt flats, frilly dresses, and bowler hats. These countries are perfect for explorers with an appetite for the historical journey, nature, and adventure.

Check our 2 weeks in Bolivia itinerary if you prefer to only explore that area.

2 images - Huaraz glacial lake and flamingoes in Uyuni

If you stay for 14 days in South America, planning to spend at least three days in Lima and Huaraz is advisable. Aside from the Nazca lines, some of the most exciting things to do in Lima include visiting its historical centre, the Peruvian Catacombs, Huaca Pucllana, and Parque del Amor. They also have tons of surfing spots and offer Mirabus tours.l

A couple of must-visit locations in Huaraz are Laguna 69, Pastouri Glacier, and Nevado Mateo Summit. You can also hike the Santa Cruz trail, but it takes 4 days to do so, and the Huayhuash trail takes 10 days to do so.

Cusco is the oldest consistently inhabited city in the Americas, and the old Inca City’s ruins became the foundation of Spanish architecture. Some must-see places include Sacsayhuaman, Plaza de Amras, and Museo Inca.

Machu Picchu, also known as the sacred valley, is well-known for the House of the High Priest, the Central Gate, Intihuatana, the Inca Drawbridge, Principal Temple, and the Royal Tomb, among others. There are a couple of ways to get to Machu Picchu from Lima, including by plane, by Peru hop bus, or trekking via Ollantaytambo.

Arequipa 2 days

Arequipa has one of the world’s deepest canyons and is dominated by volcanoes. That’s why there are numerous thermal pools here. Aside from that, its cuisine and historical sights are something that you wouldn’t want to leave. Some tourist attractions here include Colca Canyon, Santa Catalina Convent, Arequipa Museums, and Historical Center. They also offer many activities, such as horseback riding, trekking, mountain biking, and walking tours.

Personally, I flew to reach Arequipa from Cusco as it is the fastest and only takes more than two hours. Other options include driving, riding the train and bus, which has a travel time of 10 hours and covers a distance of 501 km.

La Paz for 3 days

La Paz is Bolivia’s capital and the world’s highest capital city, as it sits in a valley in the Andes mountains. This place is filled with museums, churches, and artefacts from the pre-conquest era. Some places to visit here are Urban Rush Bolivia, Mi Teleferico, Valley of the Moon, WMDR Yungas Road, National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, and more.

They also offer city walking tours, death road biking tours, food, wine, and beer tours. The most recommended option to reach La Paz from Arequipa is by bus, which takes 13 hours. Other options include driving and flying.

Uyuni for 2 days

Uyuni is a town in Southwest Bolivia well-known worldwide for its salt flats and the Incahuasi Island. On its salt flat alone, you could ride a bicycle, make barbecues, stargaze, or wait for the sunrise or sunset, which is a thing that I also always wanted to do. Aside from the activities on the salt flat, you could also climb the Tunupa Volcano.

The most recommended option to reach Uyuni from La Paz is flying, which takes almost three hours. Other options include driving or riding a bus which is the cheapest option and lasts for 9 hours. It covers a distance of 540 km.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • Christ the Redeemer
  • Sugarloaf Mountain
  • Tijuca National Park
  • Jardim Botanico

Sao Paulo, Brazil

  • Museo de Arte
  • Parque do Ibirapuera
  • Museo de Futbol
  • Avenida Paulista
  • Beco do Batman
  • Mosterio de Sao Bento

La Paz, Bolivia

Uyuni, bolivia, buenos aires, argentina, el chalten, argentina, perito moreno glacier, argentina, must-try south american dishes, drinks, and snacks.

Love to try out different cuisines? South America might share a few things, but when it comes to food, as you travel around you’ll see various versions of empanadas. Here’s a list to of dishes, desserts, and drinks to try while you are exploring South America for two weeks.

  • Empanadas – pastry filled with meat, cheese, vegetables
  • Humitas – traditional dish from the Andean region made with fresh corn dough
  • Churrasco – grilled steak dish that is popular throughout South America
  • Arepas – staple food in Colombia and Venezuela
  • Lomo saltado – popular Peruvian dish made with stir-fried beef
  • Feijoada – hearty stew from Brazil
  • Asado – type of barbecue that is popular in Argentina and Uruguay
  • Ceviche – popular seafood dish
  • Brigadeiro – popular chocolate truffle dessert from Brazil
  • Alfajores – traditional dessert from Argentina and Peru made with two shortbread
  • Tres leches cake – sponge cake
  • Churros – fried pastry dough
  • Dulce de leche – caramel-like sauce
  • Quesillo – creamy custard
  • Cocadas – traditional coconut candy
  • Mazamorra morada – sweet purple corn pudding
  • Arroz con leche – sweet rice pudding
  • Mate – traditional drink from Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay steeped from mate leaves
  • Caipirinha – cocktail from Brazil
  • Pisco sour – cocktail from Peru and Chile
  • Chicha – fermented corn drink
  • Horchata – sweet, milky drink made with ground nuts
  • Canelazo – warm, spiced drink
  • Açai juice – popular antioxidant-rich juice
  • Guaraná – carbonated soft drink from Brazil
  • Limonada de coco coconut water drink with lime from Colombia

3 images - empanaad, arepas, and asado

Machu Picchu, Peru

  • Affordable: Eco-Art Hostel or Hospedaje La Posada de Olger
  • Mid-range: Jaya Suite or Andino Hotel
  • Luxury: Tierra Viva or Inti Punku Hotel & Suites
  • Affordable: La Posada Del Misti or Hostal Las Begonias
  • Mid-range: Los Andes Bed & Breakfast or Ayenda Casa Consuelo
  • Luxury: Palla Boutique Hotel or La Hosteria Boutique Hotel

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN SOUTH AMERICA

14 days in South America isn’t exactly enough to explore everything that it has to offer. You can, however, see the best among the best in each country, and that’s why our itineraries are focused on two countries so that you’ll have a week to explore each country.

In these itineraries, you could explore Machu Picchu, some parts of Patagonia, the remnants of the Incan Empire, and the world-famous salt flats, and even have an Amazon adventure. Two weeks of going through these places will surely be an adventure of a lifetime.

TO SAVE THIS ITINERARY, PIN THIS IMAGE BELOW:

A trip to South America promises diverse experiences: from the Amazon rainforest and Andean peaks to vibrant cities and ancient ruins. Embrace diverse cultures, stunning natural wonders, and a rich tapestry of history and tradition. via @twoweektraveller

CNBC TV18

  • Personal Finance
  • New AI Alliance Pune
  • New Election Exchange
  • New SME Champion Awards
  • New Latest News
  • Live Market Live

CNBC-TV18 Specials

  • Young Turks
  • Mind Matters
  • Climate Clock
  • Marquee Nights
  • Future Female Forward
  • 11:11 Newsletter

CNBC-TV18 Binge

  • Global Markets
  • Cryptocurrency

Terms and Conditions

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

British American Tobacco planning to launch ITC selldown as soon as this week

London-listed bat has been speaking with bank of america corp. and citigroup inc. about a potential divestment of around $2 billion to $3 billion in itc stock through block trades, the people said..

Profile image

By Bloomberg   Mar 12, 2024 12:10:37 AM IST (Published)

British American Tobacco planning to launch ITC selldown as soon as this week

Share Market Live

Google News Feeds

Lok Sabha poll: Congress to finalise candidates in 2nd CEC meeting today, all eyes on Rahul Gandhi

Cpi parts ways with india bloc in jharkhand, to go solo in lok sabha polls, election commissioner of india arun goel resigns just weeks ahead of lok sabha elections, tdp and jsp join the nda for lok sabha, andhra pradesh assembly elections.

Ramadan 2024: Fasting hours and iftar times around the world

The dawn-to-dusk fast lasts anywhere from 12 to 17 hours, depending on where in the world you are.

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - poster-1709713753

Following the  sighting  of the crescent by the moon-sighting committee, Saudi Arabia has announced that the first day of fasting will be Monday, March 11.

The dawn-to-dusk fast lasts anywhere from 12 to 17 hours, depending on which part of the world you are in.

Keep reading

Russia, nato at odds over pope’s call for ukraine to show ‘white flag’, ‘no empty words’: muslim canadians use ramadan to urge gaza action, the take: observing ramadan against the backdrop of war, muslims offer ramadan prayers in new york’s times square.

Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the holy book Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.

The fast entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations during daylight hours to achieve greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.

Why does Ramadan start on different dates every year?

Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar Hijri calendar with months that are 29 or 30 days long.

Because the lunar year is shorter than the solar year by 11 days, Ramadan will be observed twice in the year 2030 – first beginning on January 5 and then starting on December 26.

The next time Ramadan will start after March 12 will be 33 years from now – in the year 2057.

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - 33 year calendar-1709713728

Fasting hours around the world

The number of daylight hours varies across the world.

Muslims living in the world’s southernmost countries, such as Chile or New Zealand, will fast for about 12 hours, while those living in northernmost countries, such as Iceland or Greenland, will have 17-plus hours fasts.

For Muslims living in the Northern Hemisphere, the number of fasting hours will be a bit shorter this year and will continue to decrease until 2031, which is the year Ramadan will encompass the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. After that, fasting hours will increase until the summer solstice – the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

For fasting Muslims living south of the equator, the opposite will happen.

In extreme northernmost cities, such as Longyearbyen in Norway, where the sun does not set from April 20 to August 22, religious rulings have been issued to follow timings in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, or the nearest Muslim country.

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - Fasting hours around the world-1709713740

Cities that share the same iftar times

The predawn meal to start the daily fast is called suhoor, while the breaking of one’s fast after sunset is called iftar.

Cities situated roughly along the same longitude will have similar iftar times, while those on the opposite side of the globe will be preparing to start their fast with suhoor.

The infographic below shows which cities are having suhoor while others are having their iftar.

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - Cities that share the same iftar times-1709713734

Fasting times around the world

The table below shows the suhoor and iftar times on the first and last days of Ramadan 2024. Use the arrows or search box to find your city.

Which cities have the longest and shortest fasting hours?

Below are the average number of fasting hours in cities around the world. Actual fasting hours and times will vary by day, as well as calculation methods:

– Nuuk, Greenland: 16 hours – Reykjavik, Iceland: 16 hours – Helsinki, Finland: 15 hours – Oslo, Norway: 15 hours – Glasgow, Scotland: 15 hours – Berlin, Germany: 15 hours – Dublin, Ireland: 15 hours – Moscow, Russia: 15 hours – Amsterdam, the Netherlands: 15 hours – Warsaw, Poland: 15 hours – Astana, Kazakhstan: 15 hours

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - Longest fasting hours-1709809689

– Brussels, Belgium: 14 hours – London, UK: 14 hours – Zurich, Switzerland: 14 hours – Stockholm, Sweden: 14 hours – Bucharest, Romania: 14 hours – Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: 14 hours – Sofia, Bulgaria: 14 hours – Rome, Italy: 14 hours – Madrid, Spain: 14 hours – Paris, France: 14 hours – Lisbon, Portugal: 14 hours – Ankara, Turkey: 14 hours – Ottawa, Canada: 14 hours – Tokyo, Japan: 14 hours – Beijing, China: 14 hours – Athens, Greece: 14 hours – New York City, US: 14 hours – Washington, DC, US: 14 hours – Los Angeles, US: 14 hours – Tunis, Tunisia: 14 hours – Algiers, Algeria: 14 hours – Tehran, Iran: 14 hours – Kabul, Afghanistan: 14 hours – New Delhi, India: 14 hours – Dhaka, Bangladesh: 14 hours – Rabat, Morocco: 14 hours – Damascus, Syria: 14 hours – Islamabad, Pakistan: 14 hours – Baghdad, Iraq: 14 hours – Beirut, Lebanon: 14 hours – Amman, Jordan: 14 hours – Gaza City, Palestine: 14 hours – Cairo, Egypt: 14 hours – Doha, Qatar: 13 hours – Dubai, UAE: 13 hours – Khartoum, Sudan: 13 hours – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: 13 hours – Abuja, Nigeria: 13 hours – Aden, Yemen: 13 hours – Dakar, Senegal: 13 hours – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 13 hours – Buenos Aires, Argentina: 13 hours – Colombo, Sri Lanka: 13 hours – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 13 hours – Mogadishu, Somalia: 13 hours – Ciudad del Este, Paraguay: 13 hours – Nairobi, Kenya: 13 hours

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - Shortest fasting hours-1709809696

– Harare, Zimbabwe: 13 hours – Jakarta, Indonesia: 13 hours – Luanda, Angola: 13 hours – Bangkok, Thailand: 13 hours – Brasilia, Brazil: 13 hours – Johannesburg, South Africa: 13 hours – Montevideo, Uruguay: 13 hours – Canberra, Australia: 13 hours – Puerto Montt, Chile: 13 hours – Christchurch, New Zealand: 13 hours

Ramadan greetings in different languages

Various Muslim-majority nations have a personalised greeting in their native languages.

“Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are the most common greetings exchanged in this period, wishing the recipient a blessed and generous month, respectively.

Interactive_Ramadan_2024_Ramadan greetings

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

TSA is prepared for a busy spring break travel season, expects travel volumes at nearly 6% above 2023

WASHINGTON – As spring break travelers prepare for their vacation getaways, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is up for the challenge and is offering practical tips to help them plan for a smooth journey as they go through the security checkpoint and take to the skies. The busy peak spring break travel season begins around March 7 and continues through March 25.

“TSA screened a record number of passengers in 2023, and we expect that trend to continue this year,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “So far in 2024, travel volumes are trending at nearly 6% above the same period in 2023. We always work closely with our airline and airport partners to plan for and meet the increasing travel demand while doing our best to maintain our wait times of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck ® lanes.”

TSA knows travelers put a lot of time and effort into planning the perfect spring break getaway, so we are providing the following tips and tricks to help make sure your special trip gets off to a great start:

Pack smart and remember the 3-1-1 rule. Make sure to start with an empty bag to avoid packing any prohibited items. If you’re heading to the beach, you may wonder how to pack your sunscreen. Any liquids, sunscreen containers and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.

Unloaded firearms must be packed in a locked, hard-sided case in checked baggage only and must be declared to the airline. Travelers who bring firearms or other weapons to the security checkpoint face consequences . To avoid delays, passengers should search TSA’s “ What Can I Bring? ” webpage.

Be checkpoint ready and bring a valid ID. Arrive at the checkpoint with a mobile or printed boarding pass and readily available valid ID . Listen closely to and follow instructions from TSA officers for guidance through the screening process. At many checkpoints, you may be asked to insert your physical ID into one of our Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units, where a boarding pass is not needed. Nearly 30 airports have a second generation of CAT, called CAT-2, which adds a camera with optional facial recognition technology and smartphone reader. This technology better detects fraudulent IDs. Passengers who do not want their photos taken may ask the TSA officer for a manual ID check without losing their place in line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology, see our TSA Facial Recognition Technology Fact Sheet . Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID -compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. 2024 is a good time to get your REAL ID. Contact your state DMV for more information.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck ® . Enjoy the benefits of faster checkpoint screening with a TSA PreCheck membership. Traveling with kids? Teenagers aged 17 and under may accompany TSA PreCheck-enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening lanes when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may still accompany an enrolled parent or guardian through the TSA PreCheck lanes any time, without restriction. Most new enrollees receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) within five days, and membership lasts for five years. TSA PreCheck starts at $78 for a five-year membership. That’s about $15.60 per year. Online renewals are $70. Don’t delay. Enroll in TSA PreCheck today.

Arrive early and please be patient. Spring break travelers should give themselves plenty of time to account for traffic, parking, rental car returns, airline check-in, security screening and making any airport purchases before boarding a flight. The airport environment can be stressful. Remain patient, and remember everyone around you is also on their own journey. Passengers who engage in unruly behavior at the checkpoint, the gate area or inflight may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges.

Call ahead to request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll-free at 855-787-2227 with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. If you call at least 72 hours prior to travel, TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs. For more information, visit the TSA Cares website .

Ask TSA before you travel. Contact TSA over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. Passengers may also send a text directly to 275-872 (“AskTSA”) on any mobile device. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer commonly asked questions, and AskTSA staff are available 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekends/holidays. An automated service is available 24/7.

TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something ® . Those traveling abroad for spring break should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation.

For more information on airport security screening, visit tsa.gov .

IMAGES

  1. Epic 2 Weeks in USA: 7 Itineraries To Choose From (with map)

    travel around america 2 weeks

  2. 2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary: California, Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon

    travel around america 2 weeks

  3. This Map Shows the Quickest (and Ultimate) Road Trip Across America

    travel around america 2 weeks

  4. Planning the perfect 2 week USA itinerary for first time visitors

    travel around america 2 weeks

  5. My Road Trip Across America (2 Weeks)

    travel around america 2 weeks

  6. 10-day west coast usa road trip itinerary infography map capture the atlas

    travel around america 2 weeks

VIDEO

  1. TOP 10 USA TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

  2. Washing my car in America

  3. AMERICA 2 WEEKS OF DARKNESS YOU READY🤯

  4. Better Than Bali? Living 2 Months In Thailand

  5. American Road Trip through Canola Farmlands with beautiful soft Piano music in 4K UHD

COMMENTS

  1. Planning the perfect 2 week USA itinerary for first time visitors

    2 weeks in the USA itinerary recap. Hopefully this 2 week USA itinerary has you all excited about booking your trip to the USA. There are so many other cities to visit though and you can check out our East Coast and West Coast itinerary to cover more places you should visit. If you have found this article don't forget to Pin it for later.

  2. 2 Weeks In The United States [5 Sample Itineraries]

    Itinerary #5: Florida. This trip through Florida will take you over 909 miles in two weeks. Tour Florida between winter and early spring, and you'll be able to enjoy some of the state's biggest attractions without worrying about traffic or crowds. Here's more about the best time to visit Florida.

  3. 2 Weeks in USA: 6 Itineraries

    The fourth option for your 2 weeks itinerary for USA contains the cities of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. For this itinerary, you must take domestic flights to each city, East Coast, Mid-America, and West Coast. New York has 5 boroughs where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean.

  4. 2 Weeks on the East Coast USA: 3 Itineraries, Road trip, fly

    Itinerary #1: First-time visitor (Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Miami) This itinerary for 2 weeks on the East Coast USA is designed for those visiting the East Coast for the first time and looking to experience some of the most iconic cities. It includes New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., and Miami stops.

  5. The Ultimate USA Road Trip: Costs, Itineraries & More

    Gas ended up costing a bit more than we would've liked on our 2 week road trip across America, adding up to almost 30% of our total travel budget. With 3,000 miles (around 4,500 km) ahead of us on our 2-week road trip, we knew that we'd need around 6 tanks of gas to get us from Chicago to Los Angeles , but we underestimated the cost of gas ...

  6. How to plan the perfect 2 week USA East Coast Itinerary

    Honest answer No. But that might also be because it feels like no amount of time is enough to see the USA. As we only had 2 weeks, we did have to limit the number of places we visited on our trip. But all is not lost. A 2 week East Coast USA itinerary will give you enough time to explore a good 4 or 5 cities.

  7. 2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary: California, Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon

    This is an extension to the popular "Golden Triangle" road trip, which usually features Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Our road trip itinerary takes you across three states - California, Arizona and Nevada, and would suit trips of two to three weeks. Obviously, as you are trying to see a fair bit in this itinerary, it does ...

  8. 2 Weeks West Coast USA Itinerary: 3 itineraries with map

    Cost of 2 weeks in West Coast USA. Costs for a 2-week West Coast USA trip can vary significantly depending on your travel style, choices, and season. Here's a bit of an estimate cost to give you some ideas: Affordable: Budget around $1,500-$2,000 per person.

  9. A 2 week West Coast USA Itinerary (with map)

    When planning where to start on your 2 week West Coast USA itinerary you are either going to want to start in the North (Seattle) or the South (LA/Vegas). That way you can travel in a straight line making it easier to plan. 2 week West Coast USA itinerary Day 1-3 Seattle. We recommend starting your 2 week West Coast USA itinerary in Seattle.

  10. The perfect 2 week USA West Coast road trip itinerary

    The ultimate 2 week USA West Coast road trip itinerary. START San Francisco | END Los Angeles. DURATION 14-18 days. METHOD OF TRANSPORT Rental car. BEST TIME OF YEAR March-May (Spring) & June-September (Summer) WHEN DID I GO September. HIGHLIGHTS San Fransisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Yosemite National Park, Monument Valley, Death Valley, Bryce ...

  11. 10 Best 14 Days USA Tours & Trips

    2 Week USA Tours & Trips. Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 2 week USA tour with TourRadar. Choose from 141 trips with 356 customer reviews, that range from 11 up to 14 days.

  12. USA Itineraries

    USA Itinerary 2 - The Deep South and Florida. Hot, sultry, rich in history, culture and some of the greatest music made in America, the Deep South is perhaps the most beguiling part of the USA. Take two or three weeks to see the highlights, travelling by car or by bus, and end up on the beaches of south Florida.

  13. Ultimate USA Itinerary Planner & Travel Guide

    Planning a trip to the United States of America and looking for USA itinerary Ideas? Whether you are planning a 2-week long US trip or a 3-week long trip, we have got you covered. Use our USA Itinerary planner to see epic attractions like Niagara Falls, New York City, California, Las Vegas & Grand Canyon.

  14. 2 Weeks in the US? We've Got You Covered with This Itinerary

    New York City, the financial capital of US, is the first and one of the most happening cities on your itinerary. Home to the iconic Empire State Building, newly built One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge and countless other skyscrapers, New York can never fail to impress the traveller. An incredible experience awaits you at the tallest ...

  15. Visit The USA: Guide To USA Holidays & Travel Around America

    Quiet Adventuring Across the USA. 5 Cities to Visit for an Active Vacation. Design Your Perfect Getaway. VisitTheUSA is the USA official guide for traveling the United States of America. Discover here all the information you need for your American holidays.

  16. The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

    Here is the complete list of all 50 landmarks (48 states + Washington, DC + a bonus stop in California): 1. Grand Canyon, AZ. 2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT. 3. Craters of the Moon, ID. 4. Yellowstone National Park, WY.

  17. Six Fun 2-Week Road Trip Ideas in the USA

    2-Week Road Trip Ideas USA. 1. West Coast : Seattle to San Diego. California's Highway 1 is probably one of the most famous road trips in the world. Following the Pacific coast down from Seattle to San Diego will take you along wild rocky coastline, beautiful white sand beaches; and through ancient redwood forests.

  18. West Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary: 2 Weeks

    Day 1: Fly into San Francisco airport. Day 2: San Francisco Alcatraz and city sightseeing. Day 3: Yosemite National. Day 4: Death Valley. Day 5: Las Vegas. Day 6: Bryce National Park. Day 7: Zion National Park. Day 8: Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon. Day 9: Joshua Tree National Park.

  19. Best 2-Week USA Tours and Itineraries

    14 day explorer trip to New York, Montreal and 9 other destinations traveling through USA and Canada. Read More. Tour Type Group Tour. Activities Explorer & Cultural, religious and historic sites. Accommodation Hotel. Transport Coach & Boat. Age Range 5-99 yrs. Operated in English. days14 From US$ 5,343 US$ 4,542.

  20. The Perfect 2-Week Southeast USA Road Trip Itinerary

    2-week Southeast USA road trip itinerary Day 1: St. Simons and Jekyll Island. If you're coming from Tampa, St. Simons Island is about a 4 ½ hour drive. It was the perfect distance for a pit stop and a great way to break up the drive.. St. Simons and Jekyll Islands are both part of the Golden Isles, which make up Georgia's coast between Jacksonville, Florida and Savannah, Georgia.

  21. USA West Coast Itinerary 2 Weeks: The EPIC Road Trip

    Day 1 and day 2 - Los Angeles. So, pick-up your car in Los Angeles' airport and let's start your 2 weeks road trip across the USA West Coast by visiting LA! Begin your journey with the iconic Hollywood Sign.. Located atop Mount Lee, this global emblem of the entertainment industry offers an excellent photo-op, especially if you go to Lake Hollywood Park's viewpoint.

  22. Bucket-List: Two Weeks Road-Tripping The Southeastern US

    Driving Distance - 129 miles, 1hr and 54 minutes from Ralegh. For something good to eat, check out the Rooster & the Crow for some delicious traditional southern food. It opened in 2019 in the historic Chandlers Wharf Building. Address - 225 S Water St Suite G & H, Wilmington, NC 28401. Contact - 910-399-4780.

  23. Daylight saving time 2024: Time change details; when to 'spring ahead'

    Daylight saving time will begin for 2024 on Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m. local time, when our clocks will go ahead one hour, part of the twice-annual time change that affects millions, but not all ...

  24. Sailor Cole Brauer makes history as the first American woman to race

    March 7, 2024, 5:27 AM PST. By Emilie Ikeda. Aboard her 40-foot racing boat First Light , 29-year-old Cole Brauer just became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself ...

  25. Cyberattack Paralyzes the Largest US Health Care Payment System

    The hacking shut down the nation's biggest health care payment system, causing financial chaos that affected a broad spectrum ranging from large hospitals to single-doctor practices. 580 ...

  26. Find an April 8 total solar eclipse watch party near you

    There are just a few weeks left to pick your spot to see the skies darken along a strip of North America, whether by land, sea or air. For those who live inside the 115-mile-wide (185-kilometer-wide) path of total darkness, it may be a matter of just stepping outside and donning special eclipse glasses to watch the spectacle unfold. For the ...

  27. Fun 2 Weeks In South America: 3 Itineraries

    Itinerary #1: First-time (Peru and Brazil) The first itinerary for your 2 weeks in South America consists of the countries with the most popular tourist attractions in this region; Peru and Brazil. Peru is a megadiverse country with various habitats, including arid plains, mountain peaks, and rainforests.

  28. British American Tobacco planning to launch ITC selldown as ...

    London-listed BAT has been speaking with Bank of America Corp. and Citigroup Inc. about a potential divestment of around $2 billion to $3 billion in ITC stock through block trades, the people said. Such deals are usually done at a discount to the market price. Details of the transaction could still change, and the launch of the offering may ...

  29. Ramadan 2024: Fasting hours and iftar times around the world

    7 Mar 2024. Save articles to read later and create your own reading list. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin on Monday, March 11 or Tuesday, March 12, depending on the sighting of the new ...

  30. TSA is prepared for a busy spring break travel season, expects travel

    The busy peak spring break travel season begins around March 7 and continues through March 25. "TSA screened a record number of passengers in 2023, and we expect that trend to continue this year," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "So far in 2024, travel volumes are trending at nearly 6% above the same period in 2023.