San Diego to Vegas

Question

I’m in the San Diego area for 7 nights then heading to Las Vegas in May. Looking to create an itinerary for the 7 nights heading towards Vegas, so far I’ve got

San Diego 2 nights/ 1 whole day

drive to Palm Spring mid morning

Palm Spring 1 night/day

Drive to 29 Palm evening stay 1 night

Joshua tree quick visit then up to Death Valley (maybe stopping on the western edge for 1 night maybe do star gazing

Drive to furnace creek for Badwater etc stay night around furnace creek or Death Valley junction

Drive to Vegas

Is this do-able or should I amend

Many thanks

Answer

Your proposed itinerary from San Diego to Las Vegas is ambitious but generally doable, especially with careful planning of driving times and stops. Here’s a breakdown and some suggestions for each leg of your trip.

San Diego – 2 Nights / 1 Full Day

Spending two nights in San Diego allows you to enjoy one full day exploring the city. Consider balancing sightseeing with relaxation, perhaps visiting the Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, or the USS Midway Museum. This pace is comfortable for a family or group, especially before a road trip.

Drive to Palm Springs – Mid-Morning Departure

The drive from San Diego to Palm Springs is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours without traffic. Leaving mid-morning gives you time to stop for lunch and settle into your Palm Springs accommodation. One night in Palm Springs is sufficient to enjoy a few key attractions, such as the aerial tramway, downtown strolls, or a relaxing poolside break.

Palm Springs – 1 Night / Day

With only one day, focus on a few highlights:

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Downtown shopping and dining
Optional short hike in Indian Canyons

Drive to 29 Palms – Evening Arrival, 1 Night Stay

The drive from Palm Springs to Twentynine Palms is around 1.5 to 2 hours. Arriving in the evening works well for an overnight stop before exploring Joshua Tree National Park the next day. This also allows flexibility for stargazing at night, as this area is great for dark skies.

Joshua Tree Quick Visit then up to Death Valley

A morning or early afternoon visit to Joshua Tree National Park is feasible before driving toward Death Valley. Key points to consider:

Focus on highlights such as Hidden Valley, Barker Dam, or Keys View if time is limited.
Driving to Death Valley from Joshua Tree can take 4–5 hours depending on your route and stops.
Stopping on the western edge for a night for stargazing is a good idea, perhaps near Pahrump or Beatty, depending on accommodations.

Furnace Creek / Death Valley Stay

Staying in or near Furnace Creek allows you to explore iconic locations like Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and Artist’s Drive. It’s advisable to limit driving inside the park to avoid fatigue, especially in the heat. You could also consider Death Valley Junction if you prefer quieter accommodations.

Drive to Las Vegas

From Furnace Creek to Las Vegas, plan for approximately 2.5–3 hours of driving. This leg is straightforward and can be done mid-morning or afternoon depending on your departure time from Death Valley.

Suggestions / Adjustments

Consider one less night in Twentynine Palms if you want a more relaxed pace in Joshua Tree.
Keep travel times under 5 hours per day to avoid long drives, especially through desert areas where services are limited.
Book accommodations in advance for Death Valley and nearby towns, as options are limited.
Factor in flexibility for unexpected road conditions, park closures, or weather.

Overall, your itinerary is doable, but you should expect full days with some long driving segments. Prioritizing key highlights and staying flexible will help you make the most of your trip from San Diego to Las Vegas while enjoying Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley along the way.

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