Western Express Northbound

From Joshua trees and the Grand Canyon to roadside burger joints and the cosmopolitan streets of San Francisco, this region is loaded with the intriguing and the incredible. Best of all, this Los Angeles to San Francisco itinerary is structured so that those short on time can experience the region’s best. At any of the sights you’ll get great pictures and a greater appreciation of what you’re seeing. Best of all, national park entrances are included, so you can explore Yosemite and still try your luck in Las Vegas.

Day 1 Los Angeles

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Los Angeles/Lake Havasu City

Look for celebs while heading out of town. Hike among the boulders and famous Joshua trees in Joshua Tree National Park, then end the day next to the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River at Lake Havasu.

Day 3 Lake Havasu City/Grand Canyon National Park (1D)

Travel to the Grand Canyon. Take a short hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon. Enjoy sunset at the rim.

Day 4 Grand Canyon National Park/Las Vegas

Spend the morning at the Grand Canyon. After, get your kicks on Route 66 and stop at one of the wackiest, roadside burger joints around. Continue towards Sin City to enjoy exploring the Vegas Strip.

Day 5 Las Vegas/Sierra Nevadas

Head to desolate Death Valley — the hottest, driest, and lowest spot in North America.

Day 6 Sierra Nevadas/Yosemite National Park

Travel to Yosemite for some trekking (weather permitting) among the giant sequoias.

Day 7 Yosemite National Park/San Francisco

Leave the Sierra Nevadas and stop to try some of the region’s best produce en route to the coast. On the way through San Francisco, take in some first sights. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, where on a clear day you can see the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge to one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Opt to take a cable car ride over the steep hills.

Day 8 San Francisco

Depart at any time.