In a nutshell
- We’ve put together a complete guide to help you plan your entire USA West Coast road trip from start to finish.
- To begin, we’ll walk you through our own 3-week US West Coast itinerary, including a clear map and an easy-to-follow schedule.
- You’ll also find our take on the best way to travel on a road trip along the West Coast of the USA, whether you go with a rental car, campervan, or bus.
- For every day and every stop, you’ll get detailed tips on how to get there, the top sights to check out, and our favorite hotel recommendations.
- As a bonus, we’ve added an alternative 2-week US west coast travel itinerary along with practical advice to help make your trip even smoother.
Map of our USA West Coast Road Trip
A picture is worth a thousand words, so let’s start with a map of our travel itinerary for 3 weeks on the west coast of the USA.
Travel Itinerary for 3 Weeks USA West Coast
Before we present our route for the west coast of the USA in detail, we will first give you a brief overview of all the stops.
- Day 1 to 2: San Francisco
- Day 3: Highway One
- Day 4 to 6: Los Angeles
- Day 7 to 8: San Diego
- Day 9: Palm Springs and Joshua Tree
- Day 10 to 12: Grand Canyon
- Day 13: Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
- Day 14 to 15: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
- Day 16: Las Vegas
- Day 17 to 18: Death Valley
- Day 19 to 20: Yosemite National Park
- Day 21: San Francisco
Important: Don’t underestimate the distances! With our route, you have to reckon with a good four to five hours’ drive in some places. If that’s too much for you, you can also skip individual stops. You’ll see a little less, but your road trip will be a little more relaxed.
How to Get Around on Your West Coast of USA Road Trip
Just as important as your route is figuring out how you’ll get from A to B. For a road trip along the West Coast of the USA, there are three popular ways to travel. Below, we lay them out and share our personal favorite.
#1 The classic: By rental car
Most people on a USA West Coast road trip go for a rental car and stay in hotels. We actually travelled in a motorhome back then, but if we were planning the trip today, this is exactly what we’d choose.
When you book your car, be sure to check insurance coverage, mileage limits, and deductible. We always use Discover Cars — it gives a clear overview of all the deals.
Find a rental car on Discover Cars
#2 For adventurers: With a motorhome
A motorhome gives you freedom. Living and driving merge into one — super practical for a US West Coast road trip, especially if you love being close to nature.
That said, you can’t camp just anywhere — wild camping is restricted in a lot of places. You’ll need to go slower, and manoeuvring a large vehicle in cities can be tough.
Also, don’t forget to budget for a night or two at campsites — staying in a motorhome isn’t entirely free.
#3 For budget travelers: By bus
If you’re travelling on a tighter budget, you can absolutely do a trip through the USA by bus. Greyhound buses are the go-to option. You can ride, for example, from San Francisco to Los Angeles for around $50, and reach most major cities this way.
And when it comes to exploring national parks and day-trip destinations, there are loads of guided tours from the cities — which is really handy, since you have a guide and don’t need to worry about driving.
Here are some top tours to consider on your USA West Coast road trip:
From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon West Rim & Hoover Dam Day Trip
From Las Vegas: Death Valley Day Tour
From San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite National Park
Day 1 to 2: San Francisco
Your journey kicks off in California. After landing at the airport in San Francisco, you’ll pick up your rental car and head to your first hotel.
You’ll spend two nights here, so it’s worth making the most of your arrival day and jumping right into exploring San Francisco – a perfect start to any US West Coast road trip.
If you want to plan your time in the city in more detail, you’ll find plenty of helpful guides in these articles.
Where to stay in San Francisco?
San Francisco is known for being expensive when it comes to accommodation. A standard mid-range hotel will usually cost around 200 dollars per night.
Still, we recommend not saving money in the wrong place. Staying too far from the center means losing precious time for sightseeing – especially on a road trip along the West Coast of the USA.
These are our 3 hotel tips for San Francisco:
CitizenM San Francisco – a stylish stay right in the heart of the city
The Grove Inn – a charming guesthouse in the classic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood
The Clancy – a cool boutique hotel surrounded by great places to eat
Our program for San Francisco
San Francisco is our favorite city on the west coast. Here’s what a relaxed two-day program could look like — a great start to any US west coast travel itinerary.
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Boat tour to the former prison island of Alcatraz
- A stroll through the iconic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood
- A ride on the historic cable car
- Chinatown
- Lombard Street
- Cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge
- Sunset views from the Marin Headlands
Day 3: Highway One
On the third day, the road becomes the highlight, because Highway One is one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. It begins just south of San Francisco and follows the Pacific shoreline — a dream stretch on any USA West Coast road trip.
Make sure you allow enough time for the many viewpoints along the way, and leave San Francisco early to enjoy the drive to the fullest.
Our tip: Between May and December, you often have the chance to spot whales from the coast.
Spend the night in Santa Barbara. The town sits right on Highway One and is known for its beautiful beaches and great surf spots — a perfect stop on a us west coast travel itinerary.
Travel time San Francisco to Santa Barbara: 6.5 hours
Our hotel tips for Santa Barbara
If you’re staying in Santa Barbara, we recommend choosing a place close to the water. You’ll only find similar beachfront options in L.A. or San Diego, and they’re usually much pricier there.
Brisas del Mar Inn – beachside hotel with pool and bike rental
La Playa Inn – stylish stay with sea views
Santa Barbara Inn – a luxury hotel right on the beach
Sights along Highway One
There are endless beautiful stops along Highway One. These are our favorites:
- Monterey – great place to grab lunch or dinner
- 17 Mile Drive – scenic coastal route between Monterey and Carmel
- Carmel by the Sea – a charming little town perfect for a walk
- Point Lobos – nature reserve where you can often see seals
- Big Sur – one of the most stunning stretches of Highway One
- Bixby Creek Bridge – iconic bridge with incredible views
- Partington Cove – a short walk to a hidden cove
- McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer State Park – a waterfall that drops right onto the beach
- Ragged Point – viewpoint overlooking Big Sur
- Morro Bay – relaxed coastal town known for Morro Rock
- Pismo Beach – classic beach town with a long sandy shore
Please note: Until at least summer 2025, a section of Highway One between Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Lucia will be closed for about 11 kilometers. During this time, you’ll need to take a detour via Highway 101.
Day 4 to 6: Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the city of the rich and famous, home to Hollywood, and surrounded by some of California’s most iconic beaches. That’s why L.A. absolutely belongs on your USA West Coast road trip.
We’ve planned three days here, with your route continuing to San Diego on day three. That’s enough time to see the essential sights without feeling rushed.
Getting to Los Angeles
The drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles couldn’t be easier. You follow the last stretch of Highway One, which takes you right along the coast.
On the way, you’ll pass Malibu and Santa Monica. To avoid the hassle of driving through L.A. traffic twice, it’s best to stop at both on your way into the city.
Travel time Santa Barbara to Los Angeles: 2.5 hours
Our hotel tips for Los Angeles
Hotel prices in Los Angeles are similar to San Francisco. Since your time is limited, we recommend staying in Hollywood or Downtown — you’ll be close to most of the major sights. Venice Beach is also a great choice if you want to go out in the evenings.
Palihotel Hollywood – great value for money, plus a pool
CitizenM Los Angeles – central location in the heart of Downtown
The Kinney – stylish, fun, and close to the beach
Our program for Los Angeles
How much you can see in Los Angeles depends a lot on whether you visit Universal Studios. Since the ticket is quite pricey, you should plan at least half a day there.
- Explore Hollywood
- Walk the Walk of Fame
- Drive along Mulholland Drive to the Hollywood Sign
- Watch the sunset from the Griffith Observatory
- Go out in Venice Beach
- Universal Studios Hollywood (to the ticket)
- Watch surfers in Malibu
- Visit Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
Day 7 to 9: San Diego
Beaches, surfing and great Mexican food – that’s pretty much San Diego in a nutshell. The vibe is much more relaxed than in Los Angeles, which makes it a perfect stop on any USA West Coast road trip.
We’ve planned two nights in San Diego. There aren’t many “must-see” landmarks here, but it’s an ideal place to slow down after the busier parts of your US West Coast road trip itinerary and enjoy the coast.
Arrival in San Diego
Once you’ve made it out of Los Angeles, just follow Interstate 5 south. The road hugs the ocean for long stretches, giving you some really beautiful views along the way.
Travel time from Los Angeles to San Diego: 2.5 hours
Our hotel tips for San Diego
The nicest places to stay in San Diego are definitely in La Jolla. If you’d rather be close to lots of cafés and restaurants, the Gaslamp Quarter is a great alternative.
The Shoal Hotel – stylish, modern and perfectly located in La Jolla
Scripps Inn – charming, small guesthouse right by the water
Staypineapple – super central spot in the Gaslamp Quarter
Our program for San Diego
You don’t need a strict sightseeing schedule in San Diego. Just wander through the city and hop from beach to beach.
- A relaxed beach day in La Jolla
- Sunset at the Sunset Cliffs
- Going out in the Gaslamp Quarter
- Visit Old Town
- Walk through Balboa Park
- Enjoy the view from Cabrillo National Monument
- Stroll along the beach in Coronado
Day 10: Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park
The next highlight on your travel itinerary is the Grand Canyon. Since the distance is a bit much for one day, we recommend spending a night in Kingman, which lies about two thirds of the way. To break up the drive, you can make two great stops in Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park.
Our hotel tips for Kingman
Kingman isn’t the prettiest place, but it’s perfect for a simple one night stop on a road trip along the West Coast of the USA. These are our hotel tips for Kingman:
La Quinta – good value for money, plus a pool and gym
Best Western Plus – classic motel vibe with a good breakfast and pool
Palm Springs
Palm Springs has been a favorite escape for Los Angeles’ rich and famous since the 1930s.
There aren’t many big sights, but it’s a great place to stroll, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and admire the beautiful villas and lush golf courses. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a celebrity. There’s also a free shuttle that makes getting around easy—perfect for any us west coast travel itinerary.
Our tip: Grand Central Palm Springs is a great choice for tasty food from morning to evening.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is a small desert style national park, and its standout feature is the Joshua trees scattered throughout the landscape.
Since you still have a long drive ahead on your us west coast road trip itinerary, we wouldn’t stay too long. These sights are ideal quick stops:
- A short walk on the Hidden Valley Trail (just 1.5 kilometers)
- Key Views lookout point
- Arch Rock
- Cholla Cactus Garden
By the way, your America the Beautiful Pass is also valid in Joshua Tree.
Day 11 to 12: Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is the most famous national park in the USA and an absolute highlight on any road trip along the West Coast of the USA.
The Grand Canyon is divided into three areas: South, West, and North Rim. With the time you have on a typical us west coast road trip itinerary, you’ll only be able to visit one, and the South Rim is ideal for a first visit.
If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you won’t need to pay an entrance fee at the South Rim. The South Rim is open all year.
Getting to the Grand Canyon
Getting from Kingman to the Grand Canyon is super simple. Just follow Interstate 40 and turn onto AZ-64 shortly before Flagstaff.
Travel time from Kingman to the Grand Canyon: 3 hours
Our hotel tips for the Grand Canyon
There are several hotels in Grand Canyon Village, right inside the park. It’s very convenient, but with the exception of the Bright Angel Lodge, most places are quite expensive and often booked far in advance.
We recommend staying in Flagstaff. It’s about 90 minutes from the park, but the hotel options are much better and prices are lower.
Best Western – classic motel, great for a few nights and budget friendly
Little America Hotel – a lovely lodge with a pool and beautiful grounds
Sonesta Suites – small bed and breakfast style stay with a pool
Our program for the Grand Canyon
At the Grand Canyon, you’ll move from one viewpoint to the next, but we also recommend taking at least a short hike into the canyon. It gives you a completely different perspective and is a great addition to the best road trip on the West Coast.
- Lunch in Grand Canyon Village
- Ride the shuttle bus along Hermit Road to see the best viewpoints
- Sunset at Mather Point
- Hike the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point (about 2 hours)
- Sunset at Yaki Point
- Drive the Desert View Drive
Our tip: If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take a rafting tour at the Grand Canyon.
Guided rafting tour in Glen Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Day 13: Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
On day 13, you visit two smaller nature parks, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon, and make a photo stop at Horseshoe Bend.
Page is the best place to spend the night, as it’s right next to Horseshoe Bend.
Our hotel tips for Page
Best Western – really great view of Lake Powell
Courtyard Page – large rooms, pool and beautiful view
Sleep Inn and Suites – good value for money
Monument Valley
Many western movies were filmed in Monument Valley. The area is famous for its huge red rock formations rising out of the desert.
There is only one scenic drive through Monument Valley, which takes you past several viewpoints. Because the area lies within a protected Navajo reservation, hiking off the Scenic Drive on your own is not allowed.
You should plan around 2 hours for the drive. If you want to explore more, you can join a jeep tour led by Navajo guides and visit areas that are otherwise off limits. Something many travelers love to include in a us west coast road trip itinerary.
Jeep tour through Monument Valley
Important: The America the Beautiful Pass is not valid in Monument Valley; admission is 8 dollars per person.
To get to Monument Valley, leave the Grand Canyon National Park via Desert View Drive and then take highways 89, 160 and 163.
Travel time Grand Canyon to Monument Valley: 3 hours
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon was one of our personal highlights! You walk through a narrow canyon filled with red and orange polished rocks and feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
Antelope Canyon is also within the Navajo reservation and can only be visited on a guided tour. You can choose between the Upper and Lower Canyon. We recommend the Lower Canyon, where you climb down into the canyon and get a much more immersive experience. Something that fits perfectly into any US west coast travel itinerary.
Tours start at around 100 dollars and it’s best to book online in advance, as the line at the ticket desk is usually long.
Guided tour through the Lower Antelope Canyon
You can reach Antelope Canyon from Monument Valley via highways 163 and 160 as well as AZ-98.
Travel time Monument Valley to Antelope Canyon: 2 hours
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is only about 10 minutes from Antelope Canyon. It’s a very famous bend in the Colorado River.
From the parking lot, you walk just a few steps to the edge of the cliff. The view, with the massive red rock walls and the deep blue river, is truly incredible. One of those moments that makes a USA West Coast road trip unforgettable.
Our tip: Take a cold beer and some snacks and enjoy the sunset at Horseshoe Bend. If you arrive early, you can also make a detour to Lake Powell.
Day 14 to 15: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park
On days 14 and 15 you visit two national parks: Bryce Canyon and Zion. We were absolutely impressed by Bryce Canyon. However, half a day is enough here to get a great first impression of the canyon.
In Zion National Park, on the other hand, there are many beautiful hikes, so we recommend planning more time here.
Our hotel tips for Zion National Park
There are no hotels directly in Zion National Park. The nearest town is Springdale, only a 5 minute drive from the park entrance. The shuttle buses that run in the park also depart from here. Private vehicles are not allowed inside.
You’ll find slightly cheaper hotels in Hurricane, a larger town about 30 minutes away.
Tyler Inn – very nicely furnished, quiet setting in the countryside in Springdale
The Red Cliffs Lodge – larger lodge in Springdale with a pool and great views of Zion
My Place Hotel – guesthouse with pool in Hurricane, good value for money
Bryce Canyon National Park
The main attraction in Bryce Canyon is the canyon filled with hoodoos. These stone pillars in shades of red and pink rise from the ground like tall spires.
We recommend hiking the Navajo Loop, as it’s only 3 kilometers long with a gentle incline and takes you down to the canyon floor. You should also check out the four viewpoints: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.
You can reach Bryce Canyon from Page via highway 89 in around 2.5 hours. The America the Beautiful Pass is also valid in Bryce Canyon and is a great money saver on a USA West Coast road trip.
Zion National Park
Zion is not as famous as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, but it’s just as impressive. The landscape is wonderfully diverse, as the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateaus all meet here.
The towering red rock walls and the Virgin River are typical of Zion, making it a paradise for anyone who loves hiking.
These are the most beautiful hikes in Zion National Park:
- Canyon Overlook Trail – easy hike, about 1 hour with great canyon views
- Emerald Pools – moderately difficult hike to waterfalls, around 2 to 3 hours
- The Narrows – river hike, 2 to 10 hours depending on how far you go
- Angels Landing – very challenging, but with breathtaking views over the park
Important: You now need a permit for Angels Landing. More information can be found on the Zion National Park website.
Your America the Beautiful Pass is valid in Zion. You can reach Zion National Park by simply driving back down state road 89. However, you must leave your car outside the park, as only shuttle buses are allowed inside.
Travel time Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park: 1 hour
Day 16: Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the capital of gambling and, in short, completely crazy. The city really comes alive after sunset, when the neon lights start to glow.
So plan on staying up late in Las Vegas and enjoy a slower morning the next day.
Getting to Las Vegas
From Springdale or Hurricane, you simply follow Interstate 15 straight to Las Vegas.
Travel time Zion National Park to Las Vegas: 2.5 hours
Our hotel tips for Las Vegas
We recommend staying in one of the famous hotels on the Strip — if you’re visiting Las Vegas during your US West Coast road trip itinerary, you might as well enjoy the full experience.
If the Strip feels too loud or too wild, you’ll also find quieter places to stay elsewhere in the city. We explain the different areas in more detail in our Las Vegas guides.
Bellagio – a true Las Vegas icon, known for the Bellagio Fountain
New York New York – a fun take on the New York skyline, complete with a roller coaster
Paris Las Vegas – one of the more affordable options on the Strip, with its own Eiffel Tower
Our program for Las Vegas
Almost everything worth seeing is located right on the Strip, the lively heart of Las Vegas with its iconic hotels and casinos. You don’t need to explore much beyond this to get a feel for the city.
- Bus hopping along the Strip
- Fremont Street Experience
- Las Vegas Sign
- Ride on the High Roller Ferris wheel
- Water show at the Bellagio Fountain
- Enjoy the view from the Stratosphere Tower
- See a show (Cirque du Soleil ticket)
Day 17: Death Valley
A completely different kind of landscape awaits you in Death Valley: it’s the hottest, driest and lowest region on the planet.
You can easily complete our program for Death Valley in one day, but we planned two days so you can enjoy a relaxed morning in Las Vegas before continuing your road trip along the West Coast of the USA.
Getting to Death Valley
From Las Vegas, the east entrance is the quickest to reach. Follow highways 95 and 190 directly into the park.
Travel time Las Vegas to Death Valley: 2.5 hours
Our hotel tips for Death Valley
There are only two hotels inside Death Valley National Park. A good alternative is the town of Lone Pine. It’s a small destination in its own right and lies almost on the way to Sequoia National Park. Accommodation here is much more affordable.
The Inn at Death Valley – luxury five star hotel with a pool, located inside the park
The Ranch at Death Valley – a beautiful hotel with a pool, also inside the park
Longstreet Inn – motel in Lone Pine, great value for money
Our program for Death Valley
Death Valley covers a huge area, and you’ll be driving quite a bit between the different viewpoints. Bring enough snacks and water. These are the places you shouldn’t miss:
- the Badwater Basin salt flats
- the viewpoints at Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View
- the Mesquite Flat sand dunes
- the colorful chalk cliffs along Artists Drive
- the Devil’s Golf Course rock formation
Day 18: Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is optional on our route because it requires quite a long detour to reach.
If you don’t feel like driving that far, you can head straight from Death Valley to Yosemite National Park and simply add an extra night somewhere along the way.
Still, we’ve gathered the most important information about Sequoia National Park for you.
Getting to Sequoia National Park
From Death Valley, follow the CA-190 and CA-58. You have to circle around the entire Sequoia National Forest, which is why the drive is so long.
Travel time Death Valley to Sequoia National Park: 5.5 hours
Our hotel tips for Sequoia National Park
There are several lodges inside the park, all of which you can book through the Sequoia National Park website. As always, you’ll find cheaper places outside the park, though the choices in this region are limited.
Rio Sierra Riverhouse – small bed and breakfast surrounded by nature
Cozy Cottage – a charming inn on the way to Yosemite
Our program for Sequoia National Park
To explore Sequoia National Park, simply follow the General Highway. All the major sights are located along this road.
- General Sherman Tree (the world’s thickest sequoia)
- View from Moro Rock
- Tunnel Log (a tree trunk you can drive through)
- Hike on the Big Trees Trail
Day 19 to 20: Yosemite National Park
Next to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park is one of the absolute must-see destinations on a USA West Coast road trip. Even if you’re familiar with mountain landscapes, Yosemite is still breathtaking.
We planned two nights here so you can enjoy some hiking.
Getting to Yosemite National Park
If you skip Sequoia, start from your hotel in Lone Pine, follow Highway 395 and enter Yosemite National Park from the east. The drive takes a good 4 hours.
If you don’t skip Sequoia, take CA-41 from Fresno to the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. This takes 2.5 hours. It doesn’t sound like much, but remember that you already spent more than 5 hours driving to Sequoia the day before.
Our hotel tips for Yosemite National Park
There are several types of accommodation inside the park. If you prefer not to stay in bunk beds, the Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Ahwahnee are your best choices.
Outside the park, you’ll find more hotels. If a small detour doesn’t bother you, consider staying in Mammoth Lakes. It’s a great mountain resort with a ski area and swimming lake. Mono Lake is also very close by.
Empeiria High Sierra Hotel – beautiful lodge surrounded by nature in Mammoth Lakes
Berkshire Inn – small guesthouse on the west side of Yosemite Park
Rose Bed and Breakfast – cozy B&B with a large garden and mountain views
Our program for Yosemite National Park
Yosemite offers countless beautiful hikes, many of which only take a few hours. Here are the sights and trails that are especially worthwhile during a road trip along the West Coast of the USA.
- Picnic in Yosemite Valley
- Tunnel View and Glacier Point viewpoints
- Tioga Pass Road
- Sequoia trees in Mariposa Grove
- Bridalveil Fall waterfall
- Misttrail half-day hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls
- Hike to Sentinel Dome (3 kilometers)
Day 21: Return to San Francisco
On your final day, you just need to drive back from Yosemite National Park to San Francisco. Follow the CA-120, then take Interstate 580 to Oakland and cross the Oakland Bay Bridge into the city.
The drive takes around 3.5 hours.
If your return flight is the next day, here are our hotel tips for San Francisco in a nutshell.
Alternative Route for a 2-Week Road Trip on the West Coast of the USA
Only have two weeks for your road trip through the west of the USA? No problem. We have also thought of a route for this and created a suitable map for you.
This changes with the route for 2 weeks USA West Coast:
- You’re skipping San Diego. San Diego is a great city, but in our opinion not as essential as San Francisco or Los Angeles. Skipping it saves you a long detour.
- You only spend 1 day each at the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Death Valley. You could easily fill several days at all of these stops, but you can still experience the highlights in a single day.
Of course, there are many other ways to streamline a US west coast travel itinerary to fit two weeks. For example, you could leave out the loop through Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.
However, we found these parks so special that we wouldn’t want to miss them on any road trip.
Practical Tips for Your US West Coast Travel Itinerary
Finally, we want to share 3 genuinely helpful tips for planning your trip. Here we go!
#1 Buy the America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful Pass is the best advice we received for our USA West Coast road trip!
The pass costs 80 dollars and gives you free entry to almost all national parks in the country. After visiting just three parks, you’ve already saved money.
You can buy the America the Beautiful Pass online. You’ll get a voucher that you exchange for the actual pass at the first visitor center. Or simply buy it directly at a visitor center when you arrive.
#2 Book your accommodation well in advance
Hotels in major national parks and popular cities are often booked out months ahead, especially in summer. So it’s definitely worth reserving your places as early as you can.
Only in winter is it possible to stay flexible and book spontaneously. But winter isn’t the ideal season for most parts of the best road trip on the west coast anyway.
#3 Refuel in good time!
A classic mistake on a USA round trip is to underestimate the distances. Things that look close on the map can easily be several hours apart in reality.
And on many stretches—especially through the desert—there are no gas stations for ages. So make sure you fill up in time so you don’t end up stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Also keep the long distances in mind if you’re thinking about driving at night. There are often no places to stop for food or a break if you suddenly get tired.