The ultimate guide to a road trip along the U.S. West Coast
If ever there was a country made for road trips, it's the USA. From snow-capped mountain peaks to scorching deserts, from grand and energetic city life to tranquil beaches: nowhere else will you find such versatility in a short distance. Add to this the sense of freedom you'll experience throughout your trip, and you'll understand why the USA is the place to be. The West Coast combines everything in one itinerary: iconic natural parks, vibrant cities and landscapes you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Yosemite National Park
Granite walls that rise vertically into the sky, pine-filled valleys and waterfalls that cascade spectacularly in spring: Yosemite is iconic. One of the most beautiful hikes is The Mist Trail, a challenging hike with a few altimeters. You pass waterfalls that literally envelop you in mist along the way, eventually reaching the summit of the 181-meter-high Nevada Fall. The view before you, a wide valley surrounded by mountains, is one of the most impressive in the entire park. In May and June, the falls are at their most powerful and, if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a bear.
San Francisco
San Francisco captivates with its diversity and energy. Stroll through colorful Chinatown, discover street art in the Mission District and stroll past quaint boutiques and seals at Fisherman's Wharf. Hop on your bike and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, a seaside town where you'll enjoy lunch facing the water, while the city skyline shimmers behind you.
Highway 1, Big Sur and Monterey
Route 1 is arguably the most beautiful coastal road in the United States. The high cliffs, waves and vistas make you want to stop again and again. In Big Sur, nature seems to have the upper hand, with rugged coastlines and forests that slope down to the ocean. A little further afield is Monterey, known for its atmospheric streets, fishing history and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Be sure to stop at the iconic Bixby Bridge along the way and take time to visit Point Lobos State Nature Reserve, where sea otters and sea lions play among the rocks and the views are phenomenal.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara looks like a slice of the Mediterranean in California. Whitewashed buildings with red tiles betray Spanish influences, giving the city a very distinct character compared to other American cities. Along State Street, stroll between boutiques and wine bars, while the beach is always nearby. The surrounding wine region completes the picture: in the Funk Zone, you can taste local Santa Barbara County Wine Country wines, from crisp Chardonnay to elegant Pinot Noir, in modern wine bars just steps from the ocean.
Grand Canyon
No photograph can capture the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. It's only when you stand at the rim and look into the depths that you realize the immensity of this natural wonder. Experience sunrise and sunset: the play of light that turns the rocks from orange to purple is different every time, and impressive every time. And if you want the ultimate perspective, opt for a helicopter flight: an experience that shows the canyon in all its dimensions.
Las Vegas
After days spent in the countryside, Las Vegas feels like a completely different world. During the day, you'll seek coolness by the pool as the heat is intense, but as soon as night falls, the city comes alive with thousands of lights, shows and an energy found nowhere else. Step inside some of the most iconic hotels: at New York-New York, a roller coaster passes in front of the skyscrapers, and at the Venetian, you can imagine yourself in Venice for a moment, with its gondolas and canals. Play in a casino and soak up the unique atmosphere that makes this city so irresistible.
Zion National Park
Zion is a hiker's paradise, where the reddish-brown and yellow-ochre hues of the rocks constantly change color with the light. The Narrows is a highly recommended hike, where you literally walk in the river, sometimes up to your hips, between impressive cliffs. For a shorter but spectacular hike, choose Observation Point: in less than half an hour, you'll be at a viewpoint offering a grandiose panorama. Angels Landing is perhaps the park's most famous hike, but only for those who are not afraid of heights and have a permit.
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon
In Page, Arizona, you'll find two of the most photogenic spots on the West Coast. Horseshoe Bend shows how the Colorado River cuts through the landscape in a perfect curve, a view you only really understand when you're there. It's at its most beautiful just before sunset, when the colors become even more intense. Antelope Canyon surprises with its narrow passages and undulating walls in shades of red and orange. Visit the canyon in summer around midday, when the sun falls directly down and spectacular rays of light illuminate the rocks.
A road trip full of contrasts
A trip to the West Coast is a succession of contrasts. The orange rock formations of Arizona and Utah, the green forests and waterfalls of Yosemite, the palm trees of Santa Barbara, the colorful neighborhoods of San Francisco and the sea of lights of Las Vegas: nowhere else will you find such variety within a single itinerary. Add to this the warm welcome of Americans, proud that you've come to discover their country, and you'll understand why this trip is unforgettable.