14-day road trip through the American West

Route

You begin in San Francisco and drive south along Highway 1, passing through Carmel, Monterey and Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. You then head inland through the desert towards Las Vegas, where the journey concludes.

Pace

The first part focuses on coastlines and nature with daily drives. Afterwards, you spend more time in Los Angeles and Las Vegas for targeted visits and pre-booked experiences.

Highlights

Alcatraz and Muir Woods near San Francisco, the coastal drive along Big Sur, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and wine tastings in Santa Ynez. In Los Angeles, you visit film studios and neighbourhoods such as Beverly Hills, followed by Las Vegas and a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon.

Accommodation

Centrally located city hotels and carefully selected coastal addresses, each well positioned for exploration by car.

Profile

For travellers who want to explore California and Nevada by rental car, with a focus on landscapes, film culture and iconic locations.

Important information:

A valid international passport is required, with at least 6 months of validity after your return date.
Belgian travellers visiting the United States by air, land or sea must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a visa. ESTA is an electronic travel authorisation system for nationals of certain countries, including Belgium.

Day 1: Arrival in San Francisco

Upon arrival at the airport, you collect your rental car and head towards the heart of San Francisco. After checking in at your hotel, you still have plenty of time to explore the city. Stroll through Chinatown, the oldest in North America, where lanterns and colourful alleys transport you to another world. Or discover San Francisco’s artistic staircases, such as the Lincoln Park Steps and the 16th Avenue Tiled Staircase, each a hidden gem with panoramic views.

Day 2: Alcatraz and exploring the city

Today you visit Alcatraz, the former prison perched on an island in the bay. The ferry crossing offers spectacular views of the skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Leave your car behind and hop on a classic cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, where sea lions bask in the summer sun. In the afternoon, take a boat trip under the Golden Gate Bridge or join a guided cycling tour along the water. Prefer something more comfortable? A private driver-guide can take you to the city's highlights and the charming artist town of Sausalito, known for its boutiques, galleries and waterfront dining.

Day 3: Muir Woods National Monument

Today you head north, driving via the famous twists of Lombard Street and across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. You reach Muir Woods, a protected natural area where ancient redwoods soar up to 75 metres high. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in picturesque Sausalito or visit the Walt Disney Family Museum in the historic Presidio. End your day with a drive past Alamo Square and the colourful Painted Ladies, and take in the sunset from Twin Peaks, the highest viewpoint in the city.

Day 4: San Francisco – Carmel

After breakfast, you leave the city and head south. You can travel via Palo Alto and Santa Cruz or opt for an alternative route through Silicon Valley, the beating heart of the tech world. Visit the Stanford University campus or stop by the headquarters of Google or Meta. Then follow the coastline of Monterey Bay towards Carmel, driving the legendary 17-Mile Drive with its dramatic cliffs, ancient cypress trees and Pebble Beach golf course.

Day 5: Carmel – Monterey

Start the day at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, where jellyfish, sea otters and thousands of marine species glide past. Then wander through Cannery Row, once the heart of the sardine industry and immortalised by author John Steinbeck. On Old Fisherman’s Wharf, savour fresh seafood with views over the bay. For nature lovers, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a must: a coastal park of turquoise coves, rugged cliffs and trails where sea lions and otters often appear. In the evening, return to Carmel-by-the-Sea – a fairytale village of white beaches, art galleries and cosy restaurants. Local tradition? A sunset picnic on the beach.

Day 6: Carmel – Santa Barbara

Today you follow the scenic Pacific Coast Highway southwards to Santa Barbara, a coastal town with Mediterranean flair, Spanish architecture and golden beaches. Stop in elegant Montecito, home to many celebrities, or have lunch overlooking the ocean. Once in Santa Barbara, stroll along the promenade or relax on Butterfly Beach or Leadbetter Beach. Looking for something livelier? Head to the Funk Zone, a creative neighbourhood filled with murals, artist studios, wine bars and microbreweries.

Day 7: Santa Barbara

Explore Santa Barbara at your own pace. Visit the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, a beautiful complex with a church, museum and lush gardens. Or set off on a kayak tour to the Channel Islands, paddling past sea caves and cliffs where seals, dolphins and even whales can appear. Wine lovers can opt for a relaxed day in the Santa Ynez Valley. With your private driver, you’ll visit two vineyards and enjoy tastings in a picturesque setting of orchards, rolling hills and ranches, a perfect glimpse of rural California.

Day 8: Santa Barbara – Los Angeles

You trade the serenity of Santa Barbara for the buzz of Los Angeles. Follow the spectacular Pacific Coast Highway via Malibu and Santa Monica, with options to lunch seaside or cycle the coastal path to Venice. With its colourful beach houses and laidback energy, Venice makes for a smooth transition into the City of Angels.

Day 9: Los Angeles highlights

Today a private driver-guide picks you up for a full day of exploration. From Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive to Sunset Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, you’ll visit iconic sights and hear behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood’s golden age. Stop for a photo at the Hollywood Sign and enjoy lunch at the legendary The Ivy, where fine dining and star-spotting go hand in hand.

Day 10: Huntington Beach and surroundings

Looking for a relaxed day by the ocean? Huntington Beach is the place to be, with its surf culture, iconic pier and beachside cafés. On the way, stop in Long Beach to visit the historic Queen Mary. Other ideas include a private tour of the Getty Museum, a food tour through LA’s trendiest districts, the Petersen Automotive Museum, a bike ride through the colourful murals of the Art District or even a visit to Disneyland Anaheim.

Day 11: Universal Studios

Step into the world of cinema at Universal Studios. Upgrade to the VIP Experience for skip-the-line access, an exclusive lunch and a private backstage tour through real film sets still in use. Guided by an expert with insider experience, your visit becomes personal, immersive and unforgettable.

Day 12: Los Angeles – Las Vegas

Today you leave the coast behind and cross the desert to Las Vegas, a drive of about five hours. Along the way, make photo stops at the quirky Cabazon Dinosaurs, Calico Ghost Town and the retro Peggy Sue’s Diner. Las Vegas rises out of the desert like a glowing mirage. Check into a stylish hotel right on the Strip.

Day 13: Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon

A highlight of your journey: a helicopter flight into the Grand Canyon. You land at the bottom of the canyon for drinks and panoramic views, and fly back over the glittering Strip. In the evening, visit The Sphere, the world’s largest spherical building, for an immersive 4D show. End the day with a Cirque du Soleil performance, the perfect finale to an electrifying Las Vegas experience.

Day 14: Return home

You return your rental car and head to Las Vegas airport for your flight home, your suitcase packed with unforgettable memories of the American West.

What is the indicative price of this journey?

Dreaming of this trip? Expect an indicative price starting from €10,000 per person, including flights. The final cost depends on your personal preferences and travel period, ensuring every detail matches your ideal experience.