Itinerary
- Day 1
San Francisco
Start your San Francisco adventure on Market Street in downtown, where there's plenty to see and do. You can grab a cable car ride through the city if you want (payment is at the location), then head to Union Square to check out the shops and grab a meal. From there, drive over to Lombard Street with its famous eight curves and snap some photos. Your day finishes at Hyde Street with views of the Golden Gate Bridge spreading out in front of you.
Optional Activities
- Cable car ride on Powell-Hyde line (payable on site)
- Explore Union Square shopping and dining
- Visit Lombard Street
- View Golden Gate Bridge from Hyde
Landmarks Market Street Cable Cars Union Square Lombard Street Golden Gate Bridge 
- Day 2
San Francisco
This morning you'll start at Aquatic Park Pier where you can see Alcatraz across the water. Walk along the coast and pass by the Maritime National Historical Park (there's an optional entrance fee if you want to go inside). Keep going to Pier 39 to watch the sea lions hanging out on the docks. Later, stop by the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory to learn about their history and try some of their chocolate creations.
Optional Activities
- Maritime National Historical Park visit (entrance fee payable on site)
- Pier 39 sea lion viewing
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory tour and tasting
Landmarks Fisherman's Wharf Aquatic Park Pier Alcatraz Maritime National Historical Park Pier 39 Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory - Day 3
San Francisco
Head into San Francisco's Chinatown, which is the largest Chinese area outside Asia and the oldest one in North America. You'll walk through the iconic Dragon Gate and explore the narrow streets lined with shops, lanterns, and authentic Chinese merchandise. Stop at the legendary Good Mong Kok Bakery to try their dim sum, bao buns, and egg tarts while taking in the skyline views.
Optional Activities
- Dragon Gate visit
- Chinatown street exploration
- Good Mong Kok Bakery snacks
Landmarks Chinatown Dragon Gate San Francisco Chinatown Good Mong Kok Bakery - Day 4
San Francisco to Los Angeles
Fly into Los Angeles and pick up your rental car at the airport. Drive to Beverly Hills and spend time exploring the area and its upscale streets. Then take the scenic drive along Mulholland Drive through the Hollywood Hills. You'll visit the Walk of Fame with its 2800 stars and see the famous Hollywood Sign. End your day at Griffith Observatory where you can catch the sunset and enjoy views across the city.
Optional Activities
- Beverly Hills exploration
- Mulholland Drive scenic drive
- Walk of Fame visit
- Hollywood Sign viewing
- Griffith Observatory visit
Landmarks Beverly Hills Mulholland Drive Walk of Fame Hollywood Sign Griffith Observatory 
- Day 5
Los Angeles
Drive to Santa Monica and check out the famous pier with its colorful Ferris wheel and roller coaster, taking time to photograph the coastal scenery. After that, head to Venice Beach to see the California lifestyle up close at Ocean Front Walk. You can watch street performers and the muscle beach athletes while browsing through restaurants and cafes along the way.
Optional Activities
- Santa Monica Pier visit and attractions
- Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk exploration
- Muscle Beach viewing
- Street performance viewing
Landmarks Santa Monica Pier Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk Muscle Beach - Day 6
Los Angeles to Las Vegas
Drive to Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert to see the unique Joshua Trees and the surreal landscape filled with cacti and rock formations. Hike along Nature Valley Trail to really experience the desert environment and maybe spot some wildlife like iguanas, coyotes, or birds. Later in the evening, head toward Las Vegas to see the glowing neon casino signs lighting up the Strip.
Optional Activities
- Joshua Tree National Park exploration
- Nature Valley Trail hike
- Wildlife spotting in Mojave Desert
- Las Vegas Strip evening exploration
Landmarks Joshua Tree National Park Nature Valley Trail Mojave Desert Las Vegas Strip 
- Day 7
Las Vegas
Spend your day exploring Las Vegas's themed hotels like the Venetian with its Venice canals, the Luxor designed after ancient Egypt, and Paris Las Vegas with its Eiffel Tower replica. Each resort has its own unique attractions to check out. If you want to dive deeper, the Neon Museum is nearby with an entrance fee and features over 200 original vintage neon signs from the Strip era, with many still illuminated.
Optional Activities
- Venetian Hotel exploration
- Luxor Hotel exploration
- Paris Las Vegas Hotel exploration
- Neon Museum visit (entrance fee extra)
Landmarks The Venetian Las Vegas Luxor Las Vegas Paris Las Vegas Neon Museum 
- Day 8
Las Vegas
Take a day trip from Las Vegas to either the Grand Canyon to see the natural landscape with its vast views and scenic beauty, or go to Death Valley with its surreal terrain, bizarre rock formations, and unique spots like Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. Either option gives you a striking contrast to the glitter and energy of the Strip.
Optional Activities
- Grand Canyon day trip
- Death Valley day trip with Badwater Basin visit
- Death Valley Zabriskie Point visit
Landmarks Grand Canyon Death Valley Badwater Basin Zabriskie Point - Day 9
Las Vegas to Departure
Spend your final hours in Las Vegas having one last coffee and taking any final photos. Return your rental car to the airport and head to check in for your flight home. Take a moment to reflect on everything you've experienced during this road trip, from the sunset moments to the beach days and all those unforgettable experiences in between.
Optional Activities
- Final Las Vegas exploration and photography
- Day 10
Arrival Home
Your plane lands and you're back to everyday life. Collect your luggage and head home, ready to share all the memories and stories from your American road trip adventure with your friends and family.
